A BRITAIN A ROMAN A SAXON BRITANNIA A DANE A NORMAN THE THEATRE OF THE EMPIRE OF GREAT BRITAIN: Presenting AN EXACT GEOGRAPHY of the Kingdoms of ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, IRELAND, and the ISLES adjoining: With The Shires, Hundreds, Cities and Shire-townes, within the Kingdom of ENGLAND, divided and described By JOHN SPEED. IMPRINTED AT LONDON Anno Cum Privilegio 1611 And are to be sold by john Sudbury & Georg Humble, in Popes-head alley at the sign of the White Horse. THE BRITISH EMPIRE CONTAINETH, AND HATH NOW IN ACTVALL possession, those many, and renowned KINGDOMS, and PRINCIPALITIES DESCRIBED IN THIS OUR THEATRE: THE KINGDOM OF ENGLAND, anciently containing seven famous Kingdoms: 1 The Kingdom of Kent. 2 The Kingdom of South-Saxons. 3 The Kingdom of Westsaxons. 4 The Kingdom of East-Saxons. 5 The Kingdom of Northumbrians 6 The Kingdom of East-Angles. 7 The Kingdom of Mercia. THE KINGDOM OF SCOTLAND, anciently containing these three Kingdoms: 1 The Kingdom of Scots. 2 The Kingdom of Picts. 3 The Kingdom of the Jles. THE PRINCIPALITY OF WALES, anciently containing these three Kingdoms: 1 The Kingdom of North-wales. 2 The Kingdom of Powysland. 3 The Kingdom of South-wales. THE KINGDOM OF IRELAND, anciently containing these five Kingdoms: 1 The Kingdom of Monster. 2 The Kingdom of Leinster. 3 The Kingdom of Meth. 4 The Kingdom of Connaught. 5 The Kingdom of Ulster. THE KINGDOM OF MAN, with the Jles adjoining. Roman Emprours blazon or coat of arms Heathen Britain's blazon or coat of arms Chrishan Britain's blazon or coat of arms Kentish Saxons blazon or coat of arms Heathen west Saxons blazon or coat of arms Chrishan west Saxons blazon or coat of arms First Saxon monarchs blazon or coat of arms Later Saxon monarchs blazon or coat of arms Norman Kings blazon or coat of arms Andegavion Kings blazon or coat of arms Kings of France blazon or coat of arms Kings of Scotland blazon or coat of arms Kings of Ireland blazon or coat of arms Welsh Princes blazon or coat of arms Later Kings of Wales blazon or coat of arms First Kings of Wales blazon or coat of arms Cornish King's blazon or coat of arms King of Man blazon or coat of arms Danish Kings blazon or coat of arms Northumberland blazon or coat of arms Mercian King's blazon or coat of arms East Angel's blazon or coat of arms East Saxons blazon or coat of arms South Saxons blazon or coat of arms HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PEN SE. DIEV ET MON DROIT royal blazon or coat of arms THE ACHIEVEMENT OF OUR SOVEREIGN KING JAMES AS HE NOW BEARS With the ARMS of the Several kings that have anciently reigned within his now Dominions Jodocus Hondius Flander caelavit Anno Domini 1611. TO THE MOST HIGH, AND MOST POTENT MONARCH, JAMES, OF GREAT BRITAIN, FRANCE, AND IRELAND KING; THE MOST CONSTANT AND MOST LEARNED DEFENDER OF THE FAITH; INLARGER AND VNITER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE; RESTORER OF THE BRITISH NAME; ESTABLISHER OF PERPETVALL PEACE, IN CHURCH, AND COMMONWEALTH; PRECEDENT OF ALL PRINCELY virtues AND NOBLE ARTS: JOHN SPEED, HIS majesties MOST lowly and most loyal Subject and Servant, consecrateth these his labours, though unworthy the aspect of so high an Jmperiall Majesty. THE CONTENTS OF THE CHOROGRAPHJCALL PART THE FIRST BOOK. Describing the whole Kingdom in general, with those Shires, Cities, and Shire-townes, which are pro perly accounted for English. Countries and Counties. BArk-shire fol. 27 Bedford-shire 41 Buckingham-shire 43 Cambridg-shire 37 Cheshire 73 Cornwall 21 Cumberland 87 Derbyshire 67 Devon-shire 19 Dorcester-shire 17 Durham-Bishoprick 83 England General 5 Essex 31 Gloucestershire 47 Great Britain 1 Hantshire 13 Hertford-shire 39 Hereford-shire 49 Huntingtonshire 57 Islands 93 Kent 7 Lanca-shire 75 Leicester-shire 61 Lincolne-shire 63 Countries and Counties. Man Island fol. 91 Middlesex 29 Mounmouthshire 107 Northamptonshire 55 Norfolk 35 North & East Ridings 81 Northumberland 89 Nottinghamshire 65 Oxford-shire 45 Rutland-shire 59 Saxons Heptarchy 3 Shrop-shire 71 Somersetshire 23 Stafford-shire 69 Suffolk 33 Surrey 11 Sussex 9 Warwickshire 53 Westmoreland 85 West-Riding 79 Wight Island 15 Wiltshire 25 Worcester▪ shire 51 Yorkshire 77 THE SECOND BOOK. Containing the Counties of Wales. Countries and Counties. Anglesey Island Fol. 125 Brecknockshire 109 Caermardenshire 103 Caernaruon-shire 123 Cardiganshire 113 Denbighshire 119 Flintshire 121 Countries and Counties. Glamorgan-shire Fol. 105 Merioneth-shire 117 Mountgomery-shire 115 Penbrokeshire 101 Radnor-shire 111 Wales general 99 THE THIRD BOOK. Scotland's Kingdom in one General. 131 THE FOURTH BOOK. Containing the Kingdom of IRELAND. Countries and Counties. Ireland General Fol. 137 Monster 139 Leinster 141 Counties. Connaugh Fol. 143 Ulster 145 THE FIFTH BOOK. CONTAINING, Chap. 1 The Site & Circuit of Great Britain Fol. 155 2 The names attributed to Great Britain 157 3 The ancient Inhabitants of Great Britain 161 4 The manners of the ancient Britain's 166 Chap. 5 The Government of Great Britain Fol. 170 6 The Governors of Great Britain 172 7 The pictures & attires of the ancient Britain's; as also of the Picts and their originals. 179 THE SIXTH BOOK. Containing the successions of the Monarches of Great Britain under the Romans. Chap. 1 Caius julius Caesar's first coming into Britain. Fol. 183 2 Caesars second expedition into Great Britain. 185 3 Octavius Cesar Augustus. 188 4 Tiberius Nero 190 5 Caius Caligula 191 6 Claudius Drusus 193 7 Nero Claudius 197 8 Servius Sulpitius Galba 201 9 The Gospels first plantation in Great Britain 202 10 Marcus Saluius Otho 208 11 Aulus Vitellius 209 12 Flavius Vespasian 210 13 Titus Flavius 212 14 Flavius Domitian 213 15 Cocceius Nerua 216 16 Vulpin Traian 217 17 Aelius Hadrian 218 18 Antonius Pius 220 19 Marcus Aurelius 221 20 Commodus Antoninus 224 21 Heluius Pertinax 225 22 Didius julianus 226 23 Septimius Severus 227 24 Bassianus Caracalla Septimius Geta 231 25 Opilius Macrinus 233 26 Antonius Heliogabalus 234 27 Alexander Severus 235 28 Caius Verus Maximinus 236 29 Pupienus Maximus Clodius Balbinus 237 Chap. 30 Antoninus Gordianus Fol. 238 31 julius Philippus 240 32 Traian. Decius 241 33 Trebonianus Gallus Vibius Volusianus 242 34 julius Aemilianus 243 35 Licinius Valerianus 244 36 Licinius Galienus 245 37 Flavius Claudius 247 38 Aur. Quintilius 248 39 Valerius Aurelianus 248 40 Claudius Tacitus 250 41 Annius Florianus 251 42 Valerius probus 251 43 M. Aurelius Carus 253 44 Dioclesian iovius 254 45 Constantius Chlorus Val. Maximianus 257 46 Constantinus Maximus Licinius Licinianus 259 47 Fla. Val. Constantinus Fla. Val. Constantius Fla. julius Constanc. 262 48 Cla. julianus the Apostata 264 49 Fla. jovianus 267 50 Fla. Valentinianus Fla. Valens 269 51 Fla. Gracianus Fla. Valentinianus 272 52 Fla. Theodosius 274 53 Arcadius Honorius 275 54 Theodosius 2. Valentinian 278 THE SEVENTH BOOK. Showing the Saxons Kings, and English monarchs. Chap. 1 The downfall of Britain Fol. 281 2 The Saxons original 284 3 The manners of the ancient Saxons 286 4 The Saxons first arrivage into Britain 289 5 The Kingdom of Kent 293 6 The Kingdom of the South Saxons 295 7 The Kingdom of the West Saxons 296 Chap. 8 The Kingdom of the East-Saxons Fol. 300 9 The Kingdom of Northumberland 302 10 The Kingdom of Mercia 306 11 The Kingdom of the East-Angles 309 12 Britain's withstanders of the Saxons 312 13 Hengist the first Saxon Monarch 324 Chap. 14 Ela Fol. 325 15 Cherdik 326 16 Kenrik 327 17 Cheuline 328 18 Ethelbert the first christian Saxon 329 19 Redwall 332 20 Edwin 333 21 Oswald 336 22 Oswy 337 23 Wlfhere 339 24 Ethelred 340 25 Kenred 341 26 Chelred 342 27 Ethelbald 343 28 Offa 344 29 Egfrid 346 Chap. 30 Kenwolfe Fol. 347 31 Egbert sole Monarch 348 32 Ethelwolfe 350 33 Ethelbald 352 34 Ethelbert 353 35 Ethelred 354 36 Elfred 356 37 Edward the elder 360 38 Ethelstan 363 39 Edmund 365 40 Edred 367 41 Edwy 368 42 Edgar 369 43 Edward the Martyr 373 44 Ethelred 375 45 Edmund Ironside 381 THE EIGHTH BOOK. Chap. 1 The Danes original Fol. 385 2 The Danes first attempts for England 387 3 Canut the first Danish King 390 Chap. 4 Harold Fol. 394 5 Hardicanut 396 6 Edward Confessor 398 7 Harold 402 THE NINTH BOOK. Chap. 1 The Normans original, and Dukes Fol. 411 2 William Conqueror 415 3 William Rufus 427 4 Henry the first 434 5 Stephen 445 6 Henry the second 455 7 Richard the first 472 8 john 483 9 Henry the third 508 10 Edward the first 541 11 Edward the second 554 12 Edward the third 565 Chap. 13 Richard the second Fol. 591 14 Henry the fourth 611 15 Henry the fifth 623 16 Henry the sixth 650 17 Edward the fourth 674 18 Edward the fifth 693 19 Richard the third 710 20 Henry the seventh 727 21 Henry the eight 753 22 Edward the sixt 803 23 Marry Queen 815 24 Elizabeth Queen 831 THE TENTH BOOK. JAMES, our dread Sovereign. 883 A l'honneur de l'autheur et son oewre LEtrespuissant owrier de la ronde machine, Pour son chief d'oeuure teint cest' Isle separèe: Et quoy que des plus grands thresors du cièl parèe Son lustre assuiettit au temps et a ruin. D'un Demidieu owrier d'une fabriq' divine, Par la plume se voided la bresche reparèe, Lafoy ruin dressèe, et laforc e asseurèe Country la mort, que tant de beautès assassine. La policy, le nom, l'inuincible courage, Les Princes, Provinces, et tout qu'est d'avantage Du Breton belliqueux, luisent en son Histoire: Pour un owrage donq' a touts tant admirable, Faisons, faisons, Brettons, d'un burin memorable, Graver le nom de SPEED au temple de Memoire. T. BARKHAM. HENR. SPELMAN Mil. Lectori NOn leave, nec temerè laudo tibi seria, lector Gratum opus & dignum consule (crede) vides. Noster hic Ortelius, sic nostrum hunc exhibet orbem. Vt res emineat, tota Britanna, simul. Ora, sinus, flwij, portus, nemus, oppida, tractus. Regna, duces, populi, foedera, bella, quies. Rich. Saint George Norrey King at arms, in favour of this work. IT is far from my purpose, to commend without cause, or by over curious flourish to make a shadow seem a substance, this work needs no such deceptio visus; The subject is of itself honourable, and able to stand without such weak props. The glory of our nation being almost buried in the pit of obscurity, is herein revived, the continuance of Christianity traced from age to age, the antiquity and situation of our Towns, Castles, Religious Houses, Nobility, and all other memorable matters so lively portrayed, as in a glass we may rightly discern the true shape, quality and condition of each of them in particular. This work therefore being now brought upon the public stage and view of the world, may in my poor censure give satisfaction to the learned Reader, and abide the touch of the malignant opposer; which being effected without hope of gain or vain ostentation with so great care both of body and mind, is the more precious, for, difficilia quae pulchra. Wherein God's power is made known in this his weak, but worthy instrument: and the glory of Great Britain made more famous to the world as well in the Geographical dimension of the Lands situation as in the historical relations of her most famous monarchsand glorious actions; no Kingdom hitherto so particularly described, nor nations History by true record more faithfully penned: In honour whereof I sacrifice these lines of my love upon the Altar of this work, and celebrated the Author's remembrance to future posterities. To my friend Mr. JOHN SPEED, being very sick. Great love, and little skill may 'cause me to missay. But certainly this sickness cannot make thee die: Though cruel symptoms, and these thirteen years assay For thy dear country, doth thy health & strength decay. Yet sith thy toilsome labour, and thy industry. Is for thy Country's sake, her fame on high to raise: She shall thy temples crown with everlasting bays, And in despite of death, shall 'cause thy memory To live in endless fame with all posterity. Now may she see her beauty, and her riches store, What erst she was in every age, and change of state, And present greatness such as never heretofore, Since this great Monarch ruled from North to southern shore, And sith thy life is to thy country dedicated, Let none presume thy laurel from thy bead to reave For this her story, which thy skilful hand did weave: But live, & wearest [Speed] until the world's great fate Shall bring all earthly things unto their utmost date. ALEX. GILL. In exactissimi huius operis Authorem, Eulogium Tho. Barkham. VIncta di●●, rumpat despecta, silentia lingua, Culmina ut immensi memorem superata laboris Speide tui: insuetâ iactor licèt, (optime,) curâ, Quam tibi pro merito possim circundare palmam Qui coeant populi, quaecunque sub orb Britanno Digna refers, uno aspectu, scriptoque, locoque, Sanguineas signas, atavorum bella, palaestras; Nobilitansque aptâ patriam compagine, rerum, Ad nostra exactum deducis tempora filum. Ergô erit haec magni merces non parva laboris, Egregium pariunt haec quòd monumenta decorem Ipsasibi, ventura quòd haec mirabitur aetas, Totaque perpetuas debet Respublica grates. To the right well deserving Mr. JOHN SPEED the Author of this work. IN this BOOK, (Bibliothec, or Book of Books; TIMES Library, PLACES Geography) All that is shown for which the curious looks Touching this LAND, for Place, or History. In which, thou hast with pain, with care, and skill, Surueid this Land more near then ere it was: For which, thy Wit thou strained haste to thy Will, That wils as much as Wit can bring to pass. The fair Hibernia that Western Isle likewise, In every Member, Artery, Nerve, and Vein, Thou by thine Art dost so Anatomize, That all may see each parcel without travel. pain. here Time, and Place, like friendly foes do war Which should show most desired Particulars; But Place gives place, sith Time is greater far; Yet Place, well ranged, gets glory by these wars. Not helps thou hadst, nor no assisting aid In this attempt: but, Virtue gave thee might That well to do, that well thou hast assayed Which shall (in grace) outlive immortal spite. Hadst thou among the Romans lived when they Did signiorize the World; A Signiory Should then (at lest) have guerdoned thy Survey, Thy Maps, Descriptions, and thine History. But, thou dost live when all Arts save the Adulation. eight (Illiberal▪ liberal Art) a begging go; That Art alone, with her true friend Deceit, Gets all; then all seeks but that Art to know. But, by thy Art though naught be purchased But empty Fame (that feeds, but fattens not) Yet shall it feed thy NAME till D●ATH be dead▪ While empty noble Names away shall rot. The Leaves this Book contains, and Maps here graven, Are still as Feathers to thy Fame's fair Wings, To fan fresh Air upon the face of Heaven; And, raise the same above all ending Things: That when Confusion wracks this double FRAME, A Spirit shall move on CHAOS Called thy Fame The unfeigned lover of thy person, IO. DAVIES OF Him that this GREAT Task hath done (Great for the goodness many ways) FAME doth affirm he well hath won ARTS highest Prize, and Palm of praise. In Climes, and Realms remote throughout, His merits merit rare report: For none the like hath brought about; Or equalized in any sort. The Shafts of his endeavours, shot At Gain, and Pleasure; both have hit▪ His Observations have begot On private, public Benefit. Chief Cities, Towns, and Countries many (Which this vast Globe of Earth affords) I often have vie'wd; but, never any So well describd by Maps and Words▪ His traveled Body, toiled Mind (To bring this Work at last to rest In Period which his Plot designed) Should now rest famous with the best. The Romans such Deserts did Crown With Laurel, which their Soil brought forth; But I, of Branches far off grown, Bring Wreaths to this work, more of worth▪ The Palm (wherein rare virtues be, And, for a Conquest, Crowns a King) The Olive, and the Cedar Tree, Fair, fat, and fruitful; these I bring. In Egypt, Syria, and the Land Of Promise, (named by holiest High) I could not see, nor understand, For virtue, any Trees come nigh. As these (worth praise) are profitable, They being of the worthiest kinds: So in best sense, hath Speed been able, To please (worth praise) the worthiest Minds. Inshort, to give him then his due, This Art his better never knew. IO. SANDERSON. ❧ TO THE WELL-AFFECTED AND FAVOURABLE READER. SO great was the attempt to assay the erection of this large and laborious THEATRE, whose only platform might well have expected the readiest hand of the best Artist, that even in the entrance of the first draft as one altogether discouraged, I found myself far unfit and unfurnished both of matter and means, either to build, or to beautify so stately a project. But how the Lord then composed my mind for the work, or rather how his own great power would be seen in my weakness, is now in some measure made manifest by raising the frame thereof to this height; which here from the Press showeth his aspect unto the world. But with what content to thy eye (gentle Reader) I stand in suspense, so many Maister-builders having in this subject go before me, and I the lest, not worthy to hue (much less to lay) the least stone in so beautiful a Building; neither can I for my heedless presumption The principal motives of writing. allege any excuse, unless it be this, that the zeal of my country's glory so transported my senses, as I knew not what I undertook, until I saw the charges thereof (by others bestowed) to amount so high as I held it a conscience to frustrate their designments; wherein albeit, it may be objected that I have put my sickle into other men's corn, and have laid my building upon other men's foundations (as indeed who can do otherwise, especially in a subject of this nature, seeing that the wisest Eccl. 1 ● of Kings witnesseth, that there is nothing new under the Sun) yet let this in part suffice for my defence, that in the work of the Tabernacle there was more Exod. 31. metals used then the orient gold, and more workmen employed then Aholiab & Bezaleel; neither did all the Israelites offer to that most glorious work, Gold, Silver, Onix-stones, Purple, Scarlet, and fine Linen: but some of them, Brass, Wood, Exod. ●5. Goates-haire, Rams-fels, and Badgers skins, as necessary implements in their Mark. 1●. 4●. several services. If then, with the poor widow I cast in my mite, and by my own travel add some what more than hath been already divulged, let me crave thy acceptance, where I have done right, and thine assistance to correct where I miss, which I trust may as well be hoped as requested, thy love with mine being alike obliged unto this our native land. Whose beauty and benefits, not a far off, as Moses saw Canaan from Pisgah, but by my own travels through every province of England Exod. 34. Things described upon a personal suruty of all England and Wales. and Wales mine eyes have beheld: and whose Climate, Temperature, Plenty and Pleasures, make it to be as the very Eden of Europe (pardon me I pray if affection pass limits) for the store of corn in the champain, and of Pasturage in the lower Grounds, presseth the cart under the sheaves to the barn, and filleth the Amos. 2. 13. coffers of their possessors. Neither are the faces of the Mountains and Hills only spread over with infinite herds and sorts of cattle, but their entrails also are in continual travel, and continually delivered of their rich Progenies of Copper, Led▪ and Iron, Marble, Crystal, jet, Alabaster, yea the most wonderworking Loadstone; to say nothing either of Cannol and Sea-coal as rich for profit and as needful for use, or of the goodly Quarries of choicest stone, as necessary for strength, as estimable for beauty. Her Seas and Rivers so stored with Fish, and her Fels and Fens so replenished with wild foul, that they even present themselves for ready prey to their takers; briefly, every soil is so enriched with plenty and pleasures, as the inhabitants think there is no other Paradise in the earth but where What is performed in this work. themselves devil. The true plot of the whole land, & that again into parts in several Cards are here described, as likewise the cities and shire towns are inserted, whereof some have been performed by others, without Scale annexed, the rest by mine own travels, and unto them for distinctions sake, the Scale of Paces, accounted according to the Geometrical measure, five foot to a pace I have set; but in this employment I am somewhat to excuse myself from wrongs conceived done unto more Cities and shire-townes. beautiful and richer corporations, which in this survey are in silence over passed, and places of less note & frequency described. For satisfaction whereof (good Reader) understand my purpose, according to the title presixed, which in this Island (besides other things) is to show the situation of every city and shire town only. So that without injury to all, I could not insert some, though oftentimes it grieved me much to leave such beautiful places untouched: which notwithstanding being well known so to be, giveth no little glory to the land in general, so to be replenished with store & Shire-divisions. choice, as hardly can be judged which may be omitted. The Shires divisions into Laths, Hundreds, Wapentakes and Cantreds according to their rateable, and Tables to found all names in the maps. accustomed manner I have separated, and under the same Title that the record beareth, in their due places distinguished; wherein by the help of the Tables annexed, any City, Town, Burrough, Hamlet, or place of note may readily be found, and whereby safely may be affirmed that there is not any one kingdom in the world so exactly described, as is this our Island of Great Britain, that only excepted which Arms of the titular Nobles. josuah conquered and into Tribes divided. The arms of such Princes and Nobles as have had the dignities, and borne the titles either of Dukes, Marquesses, or Places of great battles. Earls, in the same Province, City or Place: and finally the Battles fought either by the sorraine or homebred Conspirators, I have also added. Where we from under our own vines without fear may behold the prints of endured miseries, sealed with the blood of those times, to the loss of their lives, and liberties; ourselves (as in the reign of Augustus, when the Temple of janus stood shut, and Mars his hands bound with chains of Brass as Virgil speaketh) hear not the sound of the Alarun in our Gates, nor the clattering of armour in our camps, whose swords are Mich▪ 4. 3. now turned into mattocks and spears into scythes, as Micah showeth the peaceable times under Christ▪ In showing these things I have chief sought to give satisfaction to all without offence to any, whereof if I fail, yet this to myself have I gained, that The benefit made of this labour. whilst I set all my thoughts and cogitations hereon, I had small regard to the bewitching pleasures, and vain enticements of this wicked world, neither had I leisure to be led by an ambitious desire to raise my station above the level of my equals, or with base flattery to follow, and fill the ears of Fortune's Deputies, the reins of these intents checking the bit of affection into another way. And applying myself wholly to the frame of this most goodly Building, have as a poor labourer carried the carved stones and polished Pillars from the hands of the more skilful Architects to be set in their fit places, which here I offer upon the altar of love to my country, and wherein I have held it no sacrilege to rob others of their richest jewels to adorn this my most beautiful Nurse, whose womb was my conception, whose breasts were my nourishment, whose bosom my cradle, and lap (I doubt not) shall be my bed of sweet rest, till Christ by his trumpet raise me thence. 1. CHRON. 28. 8. Therefore in the sight of the congregation of the Lord, and in the audience of our God, let us keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord our God, that we may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for our Children after us for ever. Thy in Christ Jesus, JOHN SPEED. THE BRITISH islands, PROPOSED IN ONE VIEW IN THE ENSVING MAP. WITH A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF GREAT BRITAIN UNDER THE ROMANS. CHAPTER I THe State of every Kingdom well managed by prudent government, seems to me to represent a human body, guided by the sovereignty of the Reasonable Soul: the Country and Land itself representing the one, the Actions and state affairs the other. Sigh therefore the excellencies of the whole are but unperfectly laid open, where either of these The scope of this work. Parts is defective, our intendment is to take a view as well of the outward Body, and Lineaments of the The distribution of the whole work. now-flourishing British Monarchy (the islands) King domes, and Provinces thereof in actual possession, for with others, no less justly, claimed in the Continent we meddle not) which shallbe the content of our first or▪ chorographical Tom, containing the The first Tome Chorographical. four first books of this our Theatre, as also of its successive government and vital actions of State, The second tome historical. which shall be our second or Historical Tome, containing the five last books. And here first we will (by example of best Anatomists) propose to theview the whole Body, and Monarchy entire ( * For some islands as Gersey and Gernsey we have left to their proper places. as far as conveniently we could comprise it) and after will dissect and lay open the particular Members, Veins, and joints, (I mean the Shires, Rivers, Cities, and Towns) with such things as shall occur most worthy our regard, and most behoveful for our use. (2) The Island of Great Britain (which with her Britain the greatest Island. adjoining Isles is here first presented) containeth the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, and is of many accounted the greatest Island in the World, though * Lib. de Constan. justus Lypsius gives that praise to Cuba in America, as the oriental Navigators do unto Sumatra (taken for Ptolomees Taprobana) or to Madagascar, the Island of S. Laurence, both which are near unto, or under the Equinoctial line; In which we will not contend: as pleasing ourselves with her other praises greater than her Greatness; yet with this honour also, that it was (without question) the greatest Island of the Roman World, and for any thing yet certainly known, of all the rest. Concerning whose Positure The Site of Britain. in respect of Heaven * dearer. na. lib. 6 Lucretius (the * Buchan. so noteth against Humph. Lloyd. first of the Latin Writers that names Britain) seemeth to place it in the same Parallel with Pontus, where he saith. Nam quid Brittannum coelum differre putamus, etc. What differs Britain's heaven from that of Nile? Or Pontus' Welkin, from Gadz warmer Isle? In which, by a certain cross comparison, he opposeth The degrees of Britain's Site. two likes against two unlikes, Britain and Pontus against Egypt and Gades. But to seek into profound Antiquity, rather than present practice, for matters, in which Use makes perfectness, were to affect the giving light by shadows, rather than by Sunshine. (3) It is by experience found to lie included from the Degree fifty, and thirty scruples of Latitude, & The Country's abutting upon Britain. for Longitude extended from the 13. degree, and 20 minutes, unto the 22. and 50. Minutes, according to the observation of Mercator. It hath Britain, Normandy, and other parts of France upon the South, the Lower Germany, Denmark, and Norway upon the East; the Isles of Orkney and the Deucaledonian Sea, upon the North; the Hebrides upon the West, and from it all other islands, and Ilets, which do scatteredly environ it, and shelter themselves (as it were) under the shadow of Great Albion (another name of All the islands about Britain counted Br●●ish. this famous Island) are also accounted Britannish, & are therefore here described altogether. (4) Britain thus seated in the Ocean hath her praises, not only in the present sense, and use of her commodities, but also in those honourable Eulogies, which the * Cambdens Britania. learnedst of Antiquaries hath collected out of the noblest Authors, that he scarce seemeth to have left any glean: neither will we transplant them out of his flourishing Gardens, but as necessity compels, sith nothing can be further or otherwise better said. Britain's Eulogies (5) That Britain therefore is the Seas High Admiral, is famously known: and the Fortunate Island supposed by some, as Robert of Auesburie doth show: whose air is more temperate (saith Caesar) than France; whose Soil bringeth forth all grain in abundance, saith Tacitus; whose seas produce orient pearl, saith Suetonius; whose Fields are the seat of a Summer Queen, saith Orpheus; her wildest parts free from wild beasts, saith the ancient panegyric, and her chief City worthily named Augusta, as saith * Lib. 18. cap. 7. Ammianus: So as we may truly say with the royal Psalmist, Our lines are fallen in pleasant places, * Psal 16. yea we have a fair inheritance. Which whatsoever by the goodness of God, and industry of man it is now, yet our English * Spencer's Fairy Queen. lib. 2. Can. 10 Stanz. 5 Poet hath truly described unto us the first face thereof thus; The Land which warlike Britain's now possess And therein have their mighty Empire raised, In ancient times was salvage wilderness, Unpeopled, unmanurd, unproude, unpraisde. (6) And albeit the Ocean doth at this present thrust itself between Dover & Calais, dividing them Britain once no Isle. with a deep and vast entrenchment▪ so that Britain thereby is of a supposed * Or half Ifle. * Twine Verstegan. Penisle made an Island: yet divers have stiffly held, that once it was joined by an arm of land to the continent of Gallia. To which opinion Spenser farther alluding thus closeth his Stanza. Ne was it Island then, ne was it paisd Amid the Ocean waves, ne was it sought, Of Merchants far, for profits therein praised, But was all desolate, and of some thought, By Sea to have been from the Celticke Mainland brought. Which as a matter merely coniectural (because it is not plain that there were no islands nor hills before Noah's flood) I leave at large: Virgil surely (of all Poets the most learned) when describing the Shield which Vulcan forged (in Virgil's brain) for Aeneas, he Extremique hominum M●rini. Aeneid. lib. 8. calls the Morini (people about- Calais) * the outmost men, doth only mean that they were Westward, the furthest Inhabitants upon the Continent, signifying withal that Britain as being an Island, lay out of the world: but yet not out of the knowledge of men, for the commodities thereof invited the famous Greek Colonies of Merchants which dwelled Sir E. Cooks Epist. l. 3. Report. at Massilia in France to venture hither as hath been well * observed out of Strabo. THE KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE SEMPER IDEM LONDON IMPER A T SC BRITANNIA The Scale of Miles EDYNBURGH CUNO BILIN Performed by john Speed▪ 〈◊〉 by 〈…〉 by I 〈…〉 in 〈…〉 16●●. ALBIONIS vertex frondoso crine superbit, Arboreas frondes plurimus ales habet. Gramineam Montes & fundunt Pascua pubem; Et carpunt, circum pascua, gramen oves: Sed LATII caruit potioribus Insula donis, Victori potior Gloria ni LATIO. Albion's high tops her Woody locks far show, With quires of chanting Birds these Woods resounding. Her Downs and Meadows clad in Verdant hue, Meadows & Downs with flocks & herds abounding * Italy. Latium had greater Wealth, yet Caesar thought, To British Glory, Latiums' Wealth worth naught. (8) The Division of Britain concerning the government Britain but slenderly known to Caesar. and territories thereof, at such time as Caesar here arrived, doth not sufficiently appear. Caesar himself makes so sparing mention therein, that Epit. Livi. lib. 105. we have little cause to believe * Florus, where he makes Livy say, that after Caesar had slain an huge multitude of Britain's, * Reliquam ins●lae Partem in potestatem subegit. he subdued the residue of the I'll, but rather with exquisite Horace, that he did not at all touch them, as the word * Epod. 7. Intactus doth in him purport. (9) Kings there were, and therefore that Division Britain had kings in it in Caesar's time. which was here in Caesar's time, was into Kingdoms; the old names of whose Nations, as also the knowledge of their several abodes, hidden under the rubbish of so many ages, have * In Cambdens Britania. of late with infinite labours and exquisite judgement been probably restored & bounded; yet that no man's expectation and desire be too much frustrated, reason wils th' at we briefly set forth such divisions of the land, as many repute not ancient only, but authentic. (10) Our seeming ancient Historians begin it at Britain's supposed division by Brutes three sons Brutus, who to every of his three sons gave a part, called presently after their names; as * England. Loegria to Locrine his eldest son; * Wales. Cambria to Camber his second son; and * Scotland. Albania to Albanact his third son: And doubtless, if there had been more Nations of fame in this Island, Brutus should have had more sons Geffrey of Monmouth father to Brutus' three sons. fathered on him: which conceit some ascribe to Monmouth, holding that before him it was never so divided. (11) Ptolomey naming Britain the Great, and the Less, hath been by some mistaken, as so dividing this Britain the Great and Less. Island into two parts; but his proportion & distance from the Aequator compared with his Geographical description will evince, that he calleth this our Island GREAT BRITAIN, & Ireland, BRITAIN THE LESS. (12) Howbeit, some later do make indeed the South and more Champion to be called GREAT BRITAIN, and the North more mountainous, BRITAIN THE LESS; whose Inhabitants anciently were distinguished into the MAIATAE, and CALEDONII, and now by the Scots are into Heghlandmen, and Lawlandmen. But that Northern clime being more piercing for the Romans constitutions, Appian. & * less profitable or fruitful, they set their bounds not far from Edinburgh, and altogether neglected the other parts more northward. (13) This nearer part of Britain they then divided Britain the Higher and Lower. into two parts; for the more Southern tract together with Wales, Dio termeth the Higher, and that more Northward the Lower, as by the seats of their Legions doth appear; for the second Legion Augusta (which kept at Caerleon in South-Wales) and the twentieth called Victrix (which remained at Chester) he placeth in the HIGHER BRITAIN: but the sixth Legion surnamed also Victrix, resident at York, served (as he writeth) in the LOWER BRITAIN; which division as seemeth, was made by Severus the Herodian. Emperor, who having vanquished Albinus General of the Britain's, and reduced their State under his obedience, divided the government thereof into two Provinces, and placed two Prefects over the same. Britain divided into three parts. (14) After this again the Romans did apportion Britain into three parts, whose limits our * great Antiquary assigneth by the ancient archiepiscopal Seats, grounding his conjecture on the saying of Cambd. pag 111. Sextu● Rufu●. Pope Lucius, who affirms that the Ecclesiastical jurisdictions of the Christians accorded with the precincts of the Roman Magistrates, and that their Dist. 80. cap. 1. Archbishops had their Seas in those Cities, wherein their Precedents abode: so that the ancient Seats of the three Archbishops here, being London in the East, Caerleon in the west, and York in the North; Britannia prima. Britannia secunda. London's Diocese (as seemeth) made BRIT. PRIMA; Caerleon, BRIT. SECUNDA; and York Maxima Caesariensis. MAXIMA CAESARIENSIS. Britain divided into five parts. (15) But in the next age, when the power of their Precedents began to grow over great, they again divided Britain into five parts, adding to the three former VALENTIA and FLAVIA CAESARIENSIS: the first of which two seemeth to have been the northerly part of MAXIMA CAESARIENSIS Valentia why called. recovered from the Picts and Scots by Theodosius the General, under Valence the Emperor, and in honour of him, named VALENTIA: Amianus lib. 28. and Flavia, may be conjectured to receive the name Flavia why called. from Flavius the Emperor, (son of Theodosius) for that we read not of the name BRIT. FLAVIA, before his time. The bounds of Britain's five parts. 1 Britannia prima 2 Brit. secunda. (16) So these five partitions had their limits assigned after this manner: BRIT. PRIMA contained those coasts that lay betwixt Thamesis, the Severne, & the British Sea: BRIT. SECUNDA extended from Severne unto the Irish seas, containing the Country that we now call Wales: FLAVIA CAESARIENSIS, was that which 3 Flavia Caesar. 4 Max. Caesar. 5 Valentia. lay betwixt the rivers Humber and Tyne: and VALENTIA from the said River, and Picts-wall reached unto the rampire near Edinburgh in Scotland, the farthest part that the Romans possessed when this division was in use, For the several people inhabiting all those parts, with their ancient Names and Borders (whether designed by the Romans, or the old Britain's, together with our modern Names and Shires, answerable to each of Lib. 5. cap. 5. & 6. them: we will refer you to the Tables thereof, * elsewhere. The emperors respect of Britain's conquest. (17) This whole Province of Britain, as in our History shall appear, was highly esteemed of the Emperors themselves, assuming as a glorious surname, Britannicus: coming thither in person Their surnames hence. over those dangerous and scarce known seas; here marrying, living, and dying; enacting here Their residence here. laws for the whole Empire, and giving to those Captains that served here, many Ensigns of Their favours. great honour; yea Claudius gave Plantius (the first Perfect of that Province) the right hand, as he accompanied him in his Triumph: and his own Triumph of Britain, was set out with such magnificence, Their triumphs that the Provinces brought in golden Crowns of great weight, the Governors commanded to attend, and the very Captives permitted to be present at the same: A Naval Coronet was fixed upon a pinnacle of his palace, Arches, and Trophies, were raised in Rome, and himself on his aged knees mounted the stairs into the Capitol, supported by his two sons in Law: so great a joy conceived he in himself for the Conquest of some small portion of Britain. (18) How the Romans found it, held it, and left it, as times ripened and rottened their success, with the Names, the Inhabitants, Manners and Resisters, I leave to be pursued in the following histories: and will only now show thee these three kingdoms that are (in present) the chief Bodies of GREAT Scotland vide li. 3 Jreland vide lib. 4. BRITAIN'S MONARCHY; two of which (Scotland and Ireland) shall in their due places have their farther and more particular descriptions. WHen the Roman Empire began to be unwieldy by the weight of her own How the Saxon Heptarchy began Greatness, and the Provinces ready to shake off subjection, by the Ambition of their Prefects: Britain, then wanting her soldiers (taken thence to serve in foreign wars) and abandoned by the Romans, who were wont to protect her, was now laid open and naked to her Enemies, who had long waited an opportunity to lay her waist. Among whom, the Picts and Scots, casting a covetous eye upon so rich a prey, daily with inroads molesting the weary, and now-weakened Britain's, enforced them to call in, to their assistance, the Saxons; who in short time, of aiding friends become oppressing enemies, and supplanting the Natives of this land, laid the foundation of their aspiring hopes so sure, that thereupon in success of time they transformed the fabric of this one Province, into a The seven Kingdoms of the Saxon Heptarchy. sevenfold State, which as seven crowned Pillars stood upon the Bases of Kent, Southsaxia, Westsaxia, East-Saxia, Northumberland, Mercia, and East-Anglia; governed by so many several Kings; whose Limits are in this Map distinguished by their several Arms, and circumscribed Lines; but for all the particular Counties under each of their commands, we will refer you to the Table in the 4. Chapter of our 7. Book: in which Book, the History of that growing Heptarchy, and its settling again into one Monarchy, is contained at large. (2) Neither may we think, that the Limits of the whole Heptarchy, or of each particular Kingdom, were at their first raising apportioned, as afterward they were; but that (as all other States do) by steps The most Northern limit of the Heptarchy. and degrees they came to their settled bounds. Their utmost Northern Border was at first no other (in all likelihood) then that, wherewith the Romans had The Picts wall, the Romans only partition northward. formerly severed this their Province from Scotland, being that famous partition called the * Picts Wall, (which therefore in our Map you shall found described with battlements) girding the waist (or narrowest place) of the whole Island, from sea to sea, and reaching twixt the Bay of * A River in C●mberland. Eden on the one coast, & the mouth of Tine on the other; though afterward the Northumbrians extended their Marches beyond The Saxons add two other bounds in the west. that Wall. The Romans had no other partition but only this Northern: the Saxons (who had made the Britain's also their enemies) added two others (both in the West) to straighten them, & strengthen themselves. The first was devised by Offa the Mercian king, who made a Trench of admirable work & charge, 1 Offa dike. called Offa-Dike, running about one hundredth miles over mountains and hills, from the mouth of Dee in Flintshire, to the fall of Wye in Glocestershire, therewith encircling the remainder of the dispossessed Britain's Io. Sari●bur. in Polycrat. in those western and barren parts: which oppression King Harold further aggravated by a law; That if any Welshman were found with any weapon on this 2 The river Tamar. side that ditch, he should forthwith have his right hand cut off. The second partition was of King Athelstans' device, who finding that the Britaines did still inhabit those other western parts, from the Lands End of Cornwall, even unto Excester in Devonshire, he not only thrust them out of that City, fortifying the same with vast trenches, and a strong wall of squared stone, to prevent their attempts: but further ordered that they should contain themselves within the river Tamar, whence that Promontory came to be named Corn-wall; of the shape thereof like a Horn, which they call Co●n, and of the Marian● calls them Occidentales Brit●nes, as Saxon victor, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. The Sax●ns' dominions divided into Hides. Inhabitants which the Saxons called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, signifying Strangers. (3) The like may be said of the particular Kingdoms, that they attained not to those their certain bounds, and Kingly Titles, but by degrees: the whole Saxon State being anciently divided, not into Shires, but into sundry small Regions, and those again into Hides (a Hide being four yard land, or, as others think, as much as a Blow can till in one year) as by an ancient Fragment preserved and divulged by * M. Tate. M. Clar enc. p. 114. two most judicious Antiquaries, may be seen; wherein all the land lying on this side Humber, is thus parted. HIDES. Myrcnacontaineth 30000. Hides Woken-s●tna 7000 hides. Westerna 7000 hides. Pec-setna 1200. hides. Elmed-setna 600 hides. Linder▪ farona 7000▪ hides. Such Gyrwa 600. hides. North▪ Gyrwa 600. hides. East-Gyrwa 600. hides. East-Wixna 300. hides. West-Wixna 600. hides. Spalda 600. hides. Wigesta 900. hides. Here●inna 1200. hides. Sweordora 300. hides. Ey●la 300. hides. Wicca 300. hides. Wight-gora 600. hides. Noxgaga 5000. Hides. Oht▪ gaga 2000 hides. Hwynca 7000. hides. Ciltern-setna 4000 hides. Hendrica 3000. hides. Vnecung-ga 1200. hides. Aroseatna▪ 600. hides. Fear●inga 300. hides. Belmiga 600. hides. Wi●herigga 600. hides. East-Willa 600. hides. West-Willa 600. hides. East-Engle 30000. hides. East-Sexena 7000. hides. Cant Warena 15000. hides. Su●h-Sexena 7000. hides. Westsexena 100000. hides. K. Elfred first divided the land into Shire●, and why. (4) But when that sevenfold Heptarchy was brought to a Monarchy, and the Kings from pagan to be Christian professors, Elfred (that mirror of Kings) for the settling of his kingdom and subjects, under a due and certain course of justice and Government, did first distribute Ing●lph●●. his kingdom into several Countries called Shires (of the Saxon word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to cut or divide), and into other under-governments; of which let us hear Malmsbury; By occasion (saith he) and example of the barbarous (he meaneth the Danes) the natural inhabitants also were addicted to robberies, so that none could pass in safety without weapons for defence. Elfred therefore ordained Centuries, which they term Hundred, and Decimes, Malmsbury. which they call Tithings, that so every Englishman living under law, should be within some Hundred and Tithing. And if a man were accused of any transgression, he should forthwith bring in some of that same Hundred and tithing, that would be pledges for his appearance to answer the law, and he that could not found such a surety, should abide the severity thereof. But in case any man standing thus accused, either before or after such suretyship did fly, than all that Hundred and Tithing incurred a mulct imposed by the King, etc. By this device he brought peace into the Country, so as in the very high ways, he commanded Bracelets of gold to be hanged up to mock the greedy passengers, whiles none was found so hardy as to take them away. (5) This Custom K. Elfred might borrow from the use he saw in Military Government, where the General's directions found easiest success by help of under-rulers, Centurions and Decurions; or he might have it from the Germane, who kept Courts of justice Tacitly. in every Territory, having a hundred men out of the People, as assistants to perform their Law-dayes. By which his Partition, and industrious care, Peace and true dealing so flourished, that a Wayfayring I●g●lph●●. man losing in his journey any sum of money, might a month after return to the place, and have it again. BRITAIN AS IT WAS DIVIDED in the time of the English: Saxons especially during their Heptarchy TERRA. ARMIS. ANIMISQVE. POTENS. HENGIST KENT ANNO 456 ELLA SOUTH SAXON ANNO 478 CHERDIK WEST SAXON ANNO 5●● ERKENWIN EAST SAXON ANNO 527 IDA NORTHUMBERLAND ANNO 5●2 UFFA EAST ANGLE ANNO 546 CREDA MERCIAN ANNO 575 ETHELBERT KENT ANNO 5●5 SEBERT EAST SAXON ANNO 604 ERPENWALD EAST ANGLE ANNO 624 EDWIN NORTHUMBERLAND ANNO 627 KENGILS WEST SAXON ANNO 〈◊〉 PEADA MERCIA ANNO 6●0 ETHELWOLF● SOUTH SAXON ANNO 66● Performed by john Speed & are to be sold by John Sudbury & Georg Humble in Pope's head alley at London. (7) So that hereby we see, both the Saxons distributing of this Country (in their highest glory) & also the government thereof, from the King (whom they called their Cunning (either of his skill or power) to the lowest in the land. Other intermediate Governors throughout the land, next to the King's Aldermen. Earle●. Counsellors, were (it seemeth) those which the Saxons called then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (though a name now more humbled) & the * Cam. p. 20. but Lambert thinks it a Saxon title, Peramb. p. 502▪ Portgreves. Burgesses. Thean V●derthaine. Danes, Eorles; the chief Magistrates in Cities, the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Portgreves: and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Burgheses. For touching the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (whence we contract Lord) it may seem rather a name of honour or reverence, then of civil authority, so likewise * Lamb. p. 502. but Cambd. p. 121 thinks it Danish. Churl. Yeomanry. The number of the Shires, 32. Malms. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a stile for men of the better rank, as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a note of service, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Churl, of their Yeomanly condition, who were also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Yeomanry. (8) Since that first most politic distribution of K. Elfred, the number of the said Shires have found some change; for what their number was, An. 1016 in the reign of King Ethelred, Malmesbury showeth. The Danes (saith he) at this time when there were reckoned in England thirty two Shires, invaded no less than sixteen of them: yea and afterwards also there were Polychr. lib. 1. ●. 19 A threefold distribution. Three sorts of laws and shires subject to them. no more in number, at what time the land received a new threefold distribution, according to the three sorts of laws by which it was governed; that is, Westsaxons Law, Danish and Mercian. First to the West Saxon law were the Counties of Kent, Sussex, Suthrie, Berkshire, Hantshire, Wiltshire, Sommersetshire, Dorsetshire and Denshire nine in number. To the Danish laws were obedient fifteen other; Yorkshire, Darbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Huntingtonshire. The Mercian Laws ruled the eight Counties remaining, which were Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire. In Wil Conq. time shires 34. and more. (9) But when William the Conqueror had got the English Diadem upon his head, & taxed the kingdom with a general survey, we found in that public Record of the Doomsday Book, thirty four named, besides those of Durham, Lancashire, Northumberland, Westmoreland and Cumberland; the three last lay exposed to the Scots, and the other two freed from tax, to maintain the Borders; which five Counties being added to the other, their number ariseth to thirty Shires 39 Shires 52. nine: and the thirteen Shires of Wales, added to both, make fifty two Counties, as we have at this day. (10) But the author of Polychronicon (upon what Polychr●●. Shires 36. warrant I know not) reckons thirty six shires & an half at the Conqueror's survey: wherein, saith he, were Towns in the Conqueror's time. Parish Churches Knights Fees. found fifty two thousand and fourscore Towns; forty five thousand & two Parish Churches; seventy five thousand Knights-Fees, whereof twenty eight thousand and fifteen were of Religious order; and yet among these he accounteth no part of Cornwall: But from this report it may well be, that Rossus Warwicanus complaineth of the depopulation of the Land, which with Town-ships (he saith) anciently had stood so bestrewed, as a goodly Garden every where garnished with fair flowers. (11) King Elfred (the first divider) instituted a Perfect or Lieutenant in every of these Counties, Lieutenants. Camb. Higden. which then were called Custodes, (and afterwards Earls, saith Higdon) who kept the Country in obedience to the King, and suppressed the outrages of notorious Robbers. But Canutus the Dane, when success had set him upon the English throne, A fourfold division under Canutus the Dane. divided the care of his kingdoms affairs into a fourfold subjection; to wit, West-Sex, Mercia, Northumbre and East-England; himself taking charge of the first and the greatest, making three Tetrarches of especial trust over the rest, namely, Edrich over Mercia; Yrtus over Northumbre; and Turkill over East England. Wales neither in this division, nor that of King Elfred, was any ways liable, it being cut (as we have said) from England by King Offa▪ but those remnants of the ancient Britain's divided likewise that Western Province into Kingdoms, Cantreds and Commots, * Lib. 2. as more largely we will show in the plot of that Principality. And this shall suffice for the division of England under the Saxons, who enjoyed it the space of The continuance of the Saxons government. 567. years, from their first entrance under Hengist, unto the death of Edmund Ironside, and again under Edward Confessor the term of 20. years. (12) Now if any shall be so minutely curious, as to inquire the meaning of the Emblematical compartments, The compartments of the Map unfolded. bordering the Map: the right side containeth the seven first Kings of that sevenfold-state, their Names, their Kingdoms, their Escocheons, The first 7 Kings. their years of first aspiring: the left side doth portrait the like of the 7. first Kings in each of those king The first seven Christian kings. doms, which by Christian Baptism aspired to the hope of a Kingdom eternal, 1 Lib. 7. c. 18. Ethelbert (of Kent) receiving Augustine's instruction 2 Lib. 7. c. 8. sect;. 3 Sebert (the East Saxon) converting (by advice of B. Miletus) the Temples of Diana and Apollo (now S. Paul's in London, and S. Peter's in Westminster) to the service of Christ. 3 Lib. 7. c. 11. sect 4 Erpenwald (the East-Angle) received Baptism by exhortation of King Edwine the Northumbrian, (though as it seemeth Edwine himself for a time deferred his own Baptism) and was therefore martyred by his Pagan Subjects. 4 L. 7. c. ●. §. 8. & ib. c. 20. Edwin (the Northumbrian) stirred up by a vision, both to expect the Kingdom, and to receive the Faith, which he did by the preaching of Paulinus, whom he made Archbishop of York. 5 Lib. 7. c. 7. § 7. Kingill (the West Saxon) converted by the preaching of S. Berinus, whom he made Bishop of Dorchester, near Oxford. 6 Lib. 7. c. 10. sect;. 5 Peada (the Mercian, receiving Christian faith, by persuasion of Oswy King of Northumber's, was murdered by his own mothers (some say his wives) procurement. 7 Lib. 7. c. 6. 5. 3. Ethelwolfe (the South-Saxon) baptised at Oxford by S. Berinus, where Wulpherus King of Mercia, was his Godfather at Font. (13) And sith these Saxons first gave to this Island the name of England, we will here affix (for a close of all) an ancient Epigram, touching both this Country and her Name; the rather, because * In jod. Hondlu● his Map of Galli●. of late a principal part and praise therein, is surreptitiously (against * L. 15. c. 14. he lived. An. 1330. his Author perchance much ancienter. Lex Plagiaria) taken from England, and ascribed as proper to France. A certain Author (saith * Bartholomeus de proprietatibus rerum, thus in verse describeth England. Anglia, terra * Ferax, some read, not so wel● because fertilis followeth. ferox, & fertilis, Angulus Orbis; Insula praedives, quae toto vix eget Orb, Et cuius totus indiget Orbis ope: Anglia plena iocis, Gens libera, & apta iocari, * This verse Hondiu● inserts as peculiar to France. Libera Gens, cui libera mens, & libera lingua, Sed linguâ melior liberior que Manus. ENGLAND, fierce Land, World's Angle, fertile art; Rich I'll, thou needst no other Country's Mart, Each other Country yet thy succour needs: ENGLAND, ●oyes Land, be free and joyous long, Free Race, free Grace; free Kind, free Mind & Tongue, Yet Hands pass Tongues, for free and glorious deeds. THE TYPE OF THE FLOURISHING KINGDOM OF ENGLAND, WITH THE GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF IT, AS IT WAS FROM THE TIME OF THE NORMANS. CHAPTER III THe Saxons glory now near to expire, by his appointment who holdeth both times and Kingdoms in his all-ordering hand; their own swords being the instruments, and the Danes the maules that beaten their beautiful Diadem into pieces; the Normans, a stirring nation, (neither expected, nor much feared) under the leading of William their Duke, and encouragement of the Roman Bishop (a usual promoter here of broken titles) made hither suddenly into England, who in one only battle, with the title of his sword and slaughter of Harold, set the Imperial crown thereof upon his own head: which no sooner was done, but the English went down, and the Deut. 6. u 10. 11. Normans lording it, become owners of those Cities which themselves never built; possessed those vineyeards which they never planted; drank of those wells which they never had digged; and inhabited those houses filled with riches, for which they never had laboured: for they found it to be Deu. 11. u 1●. ver. 11. Deu. 8. v. 7. v. 9 as the land whereupon the Lord set his eye, even from the beginning to the end of the year: not only drinking water of the rain of heaven, but having also rivers of waters and fountains in her valleys, and without all scarcity, whose stones are iron, and out of whose mountains is digged brass. This made them more resolute at first to settle themselves in this fairest and fruitfullest part of the Island; the Conqueror using all policy, both martial & Civil, to plant his posterity here for ever. How he found the land governed, we showed in the Heptarchy; but his restless thoughts were not contented with conquering the Nation and their Land, unless he also overcame their very Customs, Laws, and Language. (2) Touching the distribution of the Kingdom, whereas other kings before him made use of it, chiefly for good of the people, and better ministering of justice, Florenti●● Wigor. p. 449. he made use of it, to know the wealth of his Subjects, and to enrich his coffers: for he caused a description to be made of all England, how much land every one of his Barons possessed; how many Knights fees, how many Plowlands, how many in villeinage, how many head of beasts, yea how much ready money every man from the greatest to the lest did possess, and what rents might be made of every man's possession: the Book of which inquisition (yet in the Exchequer) was called Doomsday, for the generality Gern●ss. Tilb. Ingulph●s. of that judgement on all the land: Whereunto we may add his other Distribution of this land (worse than any former) when thrusting the English out of their possessions, Ca●b. in Norm. M●t. West. l. 2. etc. he distributed their Inheritances to his Soldiers; yet so, that all should be held of the King, as of the only true Lord and possessor. (3) For the Laws by which he meant to govern, he Ger●as. Tilb. de Sc●ccar. held one excellent rule and purpose, which was, that a People aught to be ruled by Laws written, and certain: for otherwise new judges would still bring new judgements: and therefore he caused 12. to be chosen out of Hovede● p. 343. where they are set down. every County which should on their oath without inclining one way or other, neither adding nor detracting, open unto him all their ancient Laws and Customs. By whose relation understanding that three sorts of laws formerly were in the land, Merchenlage, West-Saxon la●e, Danela●; he had preferred these last, (himself and people Ib. p. 347. being anciently derived from those Northern people) had not all the Barons, bewailing to the king, how grievous it was for a land to be judged by those laws which Ingulphus. they understood not, altered his resolute purpose: yet in bringing in the strange forms of Norman Process, & pleading in the French tongue (which continued till Edward the thirds time) that grievance was but slenderly prevented. So likewise did he much altar the old Courts of justice, where these laws should be ministered: but whereas the ancient kings of England, according to Moses his example, sat in person in the seat of justice, to right the greater affairs of their Subjects, as William Lambarts Archai●n. Lambert showeth in king Alfred, Edgar, Canutus, etc. and proves out of the king's Oath, out of Bracton, Britton, Saxon laws, etc. King William not only continued Geruis. Regis Curia in qua ipse in propria persona i●ra d●cernit. this; but besides erected some other Courts of justice, as the Exchequer, and certain Courts and Sessions to be held four times every year: appointing both judges (some to hear causes, others to whom appeals should be made, but none from them) and also Prefects to look to good orders. Those last Polydore calleth justices of Peace; but their institution seems to be far later: and no less is his error on the other side, in saying the Conqueror first instituted Sheriffs, and the trial by Twelve men, which were both ancienter. (4) And because the Conqueror, for honour of Bishops, caused them to remove from small obscure places to Cities of more renown; we have therefore reserved to this last place that division of this kingdom, which is according to jurisdiction Episcopal. Formerly in the year of salvation, 636. Honorius the fift Archbishop Hist. D●r●b. of Canterbury first divided England into Parrishes, which at this day are contained under their several Diocesans, and these again under their two metropolitans, (Canterbury and York) in manner following. THE KINGDOM OF ENGLAND HONI ●OIT M●L Y PE●●E DIEU ET MON DROIT A Lady. A Gentleman A Citizen's wife A Countryman A Catalogue of all the Shires, Cities, bishoprics, Market Towns, Castles, Parishes, Rivers, Bridges, Chases, Forre●●r, and Parks, contey●●● in every particular shire of the Kingdom of England. Shire● Cities Bis●●p 〈◊〉 ●●rk Tow●●● Cas●les Parr●●● Church River● Bridge C●●●es For re●tss parks Kente— 02 02 17 08 398 06 14 00 00 23 Sussex— 01 01 18 01 31● 02 10 0● 04 33 Surrie— 00 00 06 00 140 01 07 0● 0● 17 Middlesex— 02 02 03 00 073 01 03 01 00 04 Hantshire— 01 01 18 05 248 04 31 00 04 2● Dorcet shire— 00 00 18 06 248 04 29 01 02 12 Wilt shire— 01 01 21 01 304 05 31 01 09 29 Somerset shire— 03 02 29 01 385 09 45 00 02 18 Devon shire— 01 01 40 03 394 23 1●6 00 00 23 Cornwall— 00 00 23 06 16● 07 31 00 00 ●9 Essex— 01 00 21 01 415 07 28 00 01 46 Hartford shire— 00 00 18 00 120 01 24 00 00 23 Oxford shire— 01 01 10 3●● 208 03 26 00 04 09 Buckingham shire— 00 00 11 00 1●5 02 14 00 00 15 Bark shire— 00 00 11 01 140 03 07 00 0● 13 Gloucester shire— 01 01 20 01 280 ●2 22 01 02 19 Suffolk— 00 00 28 01 4●4 02 32 00 00 27 Norfolk— 01 01 26 00 625 03 15 00 00 00 Rutland— 00 00 02 00 04● 00 01 00 00 04 Northampton shire— 0● 01 11 02 326 0● 24 00 09 2● 〈◊〉 shire— 00 00 05 00 078 01 05 00 00 07 Bedford shire— 00 00 ●0 00 116 01 06 00 00 12 Cambridge shire— 00 01 06 00 16● 01 07 00 00 05 ●ed●ord shire— 01 01 12 01 158 07 ●1S 0● 00 16 〈◊〉 shire— 00 00 11 02 200 01 10 00 02 13 Stafford shire— 01 00 ●2 0● 130 13 1● 01 01 28 Worcester shire— 0● 01 07 03 1●2 ●5 13 01 02 1● Shrap shire— 00 00 13 13 1●0 18 13 00 07 27 Hereford shire— 01 01 0● 0● 176 13 1● 01 02 0● Linco●●● shire— 01 01 26 0● 630 09 15 00 00 13 Nottingham shire— 00 00 11 00 168 05 17 00 01 18 Derby shire— 00 00 08 04 106 13 21 00 01 ●4 Cheshire— 01 01 09 03 068 09 19 00 02 6● York shire— 01 01 46 14 ●63 36 62 04 0● 72 Lancasshire— 00 00 0● 06 036 33 24 00 01 30 Durham— 01 01 0● 04 062 11 20 00 00 21 Westmoreland— 00 00 04 06 026 08 15 00 02 19 Cumberland— 01 01 08 1● 0●8 ●0 33 00 03 08 Northumberland 00 00 1● 12 040 21 16 00 01 08 Monmouth— 00 00 06 07 142 15 14 01 00 08 ●lamorgan— 00 01 07 12 1●1 16 06 00 00 05 Radnor— 00 00 04 0● 043 13 05 00 03 00 Brecknok— 00 00 03 04 070 ●7 13 00 00 0● Cardigan— 00 00 04 00 077 26 09 00 0● 00 Carm●rthin— 00 00 06 04 081 20 16 00 0● 02 Penbrok— 00 01 06 05 142 06 07 00 0● 03 Montgomery— 00 00 0● 03 042 28 06 00 00 00 Meri●nidth— 00 00 03 02 034 26 07 00 00 06 D●●●igh— 00 00 0● 03 053 24 06 00 00 06 Fli●t shire— 00 01 03 ●4 024 04 02 00 00 02 Anglesey— 00 00 03 00 083 08 02 00 00 00 〈◊〉— 00 01 0● 0● 073 17 06 00 00 00 52 2● 26 641 186 ●725 555 956 15 68 781 Shires Cit●●s 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pate Changed River● bridge Chas For Park A Nobleman A Gentle Woman A Citizen A Country Woman Jodocus Hondius Flander calavit. Anno Dom 1610. Described by 〈…〉 Speed, and are 〈…〉 The Scale of Miles Polyd. Hist. A●g. lib. 1. (5) To speak nothing of these twenty eight Flamens the Priests of Idolatry, & the three Arch-Flamins, whose seats were at London, Caerlion, and York; all of them converted by king Lucius into Christian Bishops Seas: let us only insist upon the three last, by the same king appointed to be metropolitans over the rest; among whom London is said to be chief: whose first Christian Archbishop was Thean the builder of S. Peter's Church in Cornhill for his Cathedral, as by an ancient Table there lately hanging, was affirmed, and tradition to this day doth hold. Our British Historians do bring a succession of fifteen archbishops, to have sat from his time unto the coming of the Saxons, whose last was Vodius slain by king Vortiger, for reprehending his heathenish marriage with Rowen, the daughter of Hengist. At what time began the misery of the land, and of holy religion, both which they laid waste under their profane feet: until Ethelbert of Kent, the first Christian Saxon king, advanced Christianity, and Augustine to the archbishopric of Canterbury, when London under Melitus become subject to that See. (6) At Caerlion upon uske, in the time of great Arthur, sit Dubritius a man excellently learned, and of an holy conversation: he had sat Bishop of Landaffe a long time, and with Germanus and Lupus, two French Bishops, greatly impugned the Pelagian heresy, infecting at that time the Island very far, whose fame and integrity was such, that he was made Archbishop of all Wales: but grown very old, he resigned the same unto This David was the uncle of Arthur, and son of prince Xantus begot on Melea●i● a Nun. * David his Disciple, a man of greater birth, but greater austerity of life, who by consent of king Arthur, removed his Archbishops See unto Menevia a place very solitary, and meet for meditation: the miracles of the man (which are said to be many,) changed both the name of the place into his own, and rob Caerlion of her archiepiscopal seat: This See of S. David's (as in an ancient Register belonging to that Church is recorded) had seven Bishops Suffragans subject unto it, which were Exeter, Bath, Hereford, Landaff, Bangor, S. Assaph, and Fernes in Ireland: notwithstanding, either for want of Pal, carried into Britanny by Archbishop Samson, in a dangerous infection of sickness, either by poverty or negligence, it lost that jurisdiction, and in the days of king Henry the first, become subject to the See of Canterbury. (7) York hath had better success then either of the former, in retaining her original honour, though much Beda Histor. Angli● lib. 1. cap. 29. impaired in her circuit, challenging to have been sometime Metropolitan over all the Bishops in Scotland: & although it was made equal in honour, and power with Canterbury, by Pope Gregory, as Beda relateth, and had twelve Suffragan * Hagn●●ald Lindisfarne. etc. Bishoprics that owed obedience, only four now acknowledge York their Metropolitan, but Canterbury the Superior: for William the Conqueror thinking it dangerous to have two in like authority, jest the one should set on his Crown, and the other strike it off; left York to be a Primate, but Canterbury only the Primate of all England. (8) That Lichfield was made an archiepiscopal See by Pope Hadrian the first, at the suit of Offa the great king of Mercia, is manifested by Matthew of Westminster a, D. 765. unto whose jurisdiction were assigned the bishoprics of Winchester, Hereford, Leicester, Sidnacester, Helmham, and Dunwich, and whose first and last Archbishop was Aldwin. That Winchester also had intended an archiepiscopal Pall, the same Author recordeth, when Henry Bloys, of the blood royal, greatly contended with the Archbishop of Canterbury for superiority, under the pretence of being Cardinal de later; to him an archiepiscopal Pall was sent, with power and authority over seven Churches, but he dying before that the design was done, the See of Winchester remained in subjection to Canterbury. And that (long before) the See of Dorchester by Oxford had the jurisdiction of an Archbishop, is apparent by those Provinces that were under his Diocese, which were Winchester, Oxford, Lincoln, Salisbury, Bristol, Welles, Lichfield, Chester and Excester; and the first Bishop of this great Circuit, Berinus, was called the Apostle & Bishop of the west Saxons: which in his next successor was divided into two parts, Winchester and Dorchester, and not long after into Lichfield, Sidnacester, and Legecester; and lastly, the See removed from Dorchester to Lincoln, as now it is. And thus far for the division of this Realm, both Politic and Ecclesiastic, as it hath stood, and stands at this day. (9) But the whole islands division, by most certain Record was anciently made, when julius Agricola drew a Trench or fortification upon that narrow space of ground betwixt Edenbrough Firth, and Dunbretton Bay, making the Southern part a Province unto the Roman Empire. Afterwards Hadrian the Emperor seeing perhaps the Province too spacious to be well governed without great expense, drew back these limits almost fourscore miles shorter, even to the mouth of the river Tyne, whence he fortified with a wall of admirable work unto Carlisle, which stood the lands border, while it stood as a Roman province: yet the conquering Saxons did spread again over those bounds and (as seemeth) enlarged their government to that first Tract, as by this inscription in a stone-Crosse, standing upon a Bridge over the water of Frith, appeareth. Chr●n Winton. Hollinshed. descript. Brit. p. 121. I am a free March, as Passengers may ken, To Scots, to Britain's, and to Englishmen. (10) But afterward William the Conqueror, and Malcolme king of Scotland, falling to an agreement for their limits, arreared a Cross upon * In the North riding of Yorkshire. Stanemore, where on the one side the portraiture and Arms of the king of England was sculptured, and of the king of Scots on the other; (a piece whereof is yet remaining there near to the Hospital) thence called the Rey-Crosse, there erected to be a Meare-stone to either kingdom. His Successors also abolished the two partitions in the West, whereby the Welsh become one nation and kingdom with the English. It is also said that King Stephen to purchase friendship with the Scotish▪ Nation, gave unto their King the County of Cumberland, who with it held both Vestmorland and Northumberland; but as Wewbrigensis writeth, he restored them to King Henry the second, wisely considering his great power and right to those parts. (11) The last known borders were from the Sulway in the West-Bay, along the Cheviot hills, unto the water of Tweed by Barwick in the East, to maintain which, on each part many laws have been made, and many inroads, robberies, and fewdes practised; all which by the hand of God is now cut off, and by the rightful succession of King JAMES our Sovereign, who hath broken down the partition of this great Island, and made the extremes of two Kingdoms, the very midst of his great united Empire. KENT, the first Province appearing in the South of this Kingdom, is bounded upon the North with the famous River Thamisis: on the East, with the Germane Ocean: on the South, with Sussex and M. Lamb. peramb. the narrow Seas; and upon the West, with Sussex and Surrey. The length thereof, extended from Langley in the The length of Kent. The breadth. West, unto Ramsgate Eastward in the Isle of Thanet, is about 53. English miles. From Rother in the South, unto the Isle of Graine Northward, the breadth is not much above 26. and the whole circumference about 160. miles. The form. (2) In form it somewhat resembleth the head of a hammer or Battle-axe, and lieth corner-wise into the Sea: by The name. As M. William Lambard conjectureth. Strabo, Caesar, Diodorus and Ptolemie, called Cantium, of Cant or Canton, an Angle or Corner: either of Cain a British word, which signifieth Bushes or Woods, whereof that County in those former times was plentifully stored. The site of Kent. (3) The air, though not very clear, because of the vapours arising from the Sea, and Rivers that environ the same, is both wholesome and temperate, as seated nearest to the Equinoctial, and the furthest from the North Pole, not touched with cold, as the other parts of the Land are. The soil. (4) The Soil towards the East is uneven, rising into little hills, the West more level and woody, in all places fruitful, and in plenty equals any other of the Realm, yea and in some things hath the best esteem: as in Broad-cloathes, The Commodities. Will. Lambard. fol. 248. River of Kent. Fruits, and feedings for cattles. Only Mines (excepting Iron) are wanting: all things else delivered with a prodigal heart and liberal hand. (5) Sundry navigable Rivers are in Kent, whereof Medwey, that divideth the shire in the midst, is chief; in whose bosom securely rideth his majesties Navy Royal, the walls of the land and terrors of the Seas, besides ten others of name and account, that open with twenty Creeks and Havens for Ships arrivage into this Land, four of them bearing The Cinque Ports. the name of Cinque Ports, are places of great strength and privileges, which are Dover, Sandwich, Rumney, and Winchelsey: among which, Dover with the Castle is accounted Peramb. of Kent, fol. 148. by Matthew Paris the Monk, the lock and key to the whole Realm of England; and by john Rosse and Lidgate is said to be built by julius Caesar, fatal only for the death of King Stephen, and surrender of King john therein happening. Goodwin sands. (6) A conceit is, that Goodwin Sands were sunk for the sins of himself and sons. Shelves indeed that dangerously lie on the northeast of this County, and are much Siluest. Giraldus in his itinerary of Wales. Lamb▪ fol. 105. Hector Boetius. feared of all Navigators. These formerly had been firm ground, but by a sudden inundation of the Sea were swallowed up, as at the same time a great part of Flanders and the Low Countries were: and the like also at the same time befell in Scotland, as Hector Boetius their Historiographer writeth. A like accident happened in the year 1586. the fourth day of August, in this County, at Mottingham a Town eight miles from London, suddenly the ground began to sink, Joh. Stowe. and three great Elms thereon growing, were carried so deep into the bowels of the earth, that no part of them could any more be seen, the hole left in compass fourscore yards about, and a line of fifty fathoms plummed into it doth find no bottom. The Inhabitants of Kent. Caesar. Comment. lib. 5. fol. 52. (7) The Kentish people in Caesar's time were accounted the civilest among the Britain's: and as yet esteem themselves the freest Subjects of the English, not conquered, but compounded with by the Normans: and herein glory, that their King and Commons of all the Saxons were the first Christians▪ converted in Anno 596. yea and long before that time also Kent received the faith: for it is recorded that Lam. Peram. in description of Dover, fol. 158. Lucius the first Christian British King in this Island, built a Church to the name and service of Christ, within the Castle of Dover, endowing it with the Tolle of the same Haven. (8) This County is enriched with two Cities and Bishops Seas, strengthened with 27. Castles, graced with 8. of his majesties most princely Houses, traded with 24. market towns, and beautified with many stately and gorgeous buildings. The chiefest City thereof, the Metrapolitan and Archbishop's Canterbury by King Rudbudibras. Lamb. Peramb. in description of Canterbury, fol. 292. Sea, is Canterbury, built (as our British Historians report) 900. years before the birth of Christ; by Henry of Huntingdon called Caier-Kent, wherein (as M. Lambard saith) was erected the first School of professed Arts and Sciences, and the same a pattern unto Sigibert King of the East-Angles, for his foundation at Cambridge: notwithstanding by the computation of time, this Sigibert was slain by Penda King of Mercia, 30. years before that Theodore the Graecian Ethelbert. Edbald. L●tharius. Withered. Edelbers. was Bishop of Canterbury, who is said to be the erector of that Academy. But certain it is, that Austen the Monk had made this City famous before that time, by the conversion of these Saxons unto Christianity, and in building a most magnificent Church to God's service, wherein eight of their Kings have been interred, but all their Monuments since overshadowed by the height of Beckets Tomb, that for glory, wealth, and superstitious worships, equalized the Pyramids of Egypt, or the Oracles of Delphos, yet now with Dagon is fallen before the Ark of God. 1. Sam. ●. 4. This City hath been honoured with the presence and Co●onationss of King john and Queen Isabel his wife, with the marriages of King Henry the Third, and of King Edward the First, and with the interments of Edward the black Prince, King Henry the Fourth, and of Queen joan his wife: as Feversham is with the burials of King Stephen, and of Maud his Queen and wife. But as in glory, so in adversity hath this City borne a part, being divers times afflicted by the Danes, but most especially in the days of King Ethelred, who in that revenge of their massacre, made havoc of all, and herein slew forty three thousand and two hundred persons, the tenth besides reserved to live. Afterwards it recovered breath and beauty, by the liberality of Bishop Lanford; Charters and privileges by King Henry the Third; strength in Trench and Fortifications from King Richard Herein King john and his Queen were crowned. Rochester. the Second: and lastly, walls for her defence by Simon Sudbury Archbishop of that See: whose Graduation is placed for Latitude 51. 25. and parallelized for Longitude 22. 8▪ her sister Rochester differing not much in either degree. (9) Which City (as Beda saith) was built by one Rof Lord of the same, though some ascribe the foundation of the Castle to julius Caesar, and hath been often ruinated by the injuries of war, both in the times when the Saxons strove for superiority among themselves, wherein this City was laid waste, Anno 680. as also in the assaults of their common enemy the Danes, who about the year 884. from France sailed up the River Medwey, and besieged the same, so that had not King Elfred speedily come to the rescue, it had been overthrown by those pagan. And again in An. 999. the Danes miserably spoiled this City in the time of King Ethelred: neither hath it stood safe from danger since (though not defaced so much by war) for twice hath it been sore endamaged by chance of fire: the first was in the reign of King Henry the First, Anno 1130. himself being present with most of his Nobility, for the consecration of the Cathedral Church of S. Andrew: And again almost wholly consumed about the latter end of the reign of King Henry the Second, Anno 1177. Yet after all these calamities it recovered some strength again, by the bounty of King Henry the Third, both in buildings, and in ditching her about for defence. Civil dissensions in Kent. (10) Civil broils and dissensions hath this County been burdened with, and that not only under the Saxons and Danes, whose desolations were many and grievous, but also by other rebellions since the Normans Conquest, both in those infamous insurrections, called The Baron's Wars, in the reign of King Henry the Third, wherein much harm was done; as also under King Richard the Second, when Wac Tilar, Captain of a dreadful commotion assembled at Black-heath, Mild-end, and in London doing many outrages, where in Smithfield he was lastly struck down by William Walworth then Mayor of the City, and worthily slain for his notorious treasons. Again, upon Black-heath, Michael joseph, the Lord Dawbeny, with their Cornish Rebels, were overthrown by King Henry the Seventh, Anno 1497. The government of Kent. Caesar. Comment. (11) Kent in the time of julius Caesar was governed by four several Kings. Under Vortigern the Britain, by a Lieutenant called Guorong, from whom the said King gave it to Hengist the Saxon in favour of his daughter Rowen, who seeking to make himself absolute King thereof, eight years after his first entrance fought a victorious battle against the Britain's near unto Crayford, and thenceforth accounted that Province his own. Yet afterward Vortimer the valiant Britain gave him battle at Aylesford: in the which both Horsa and Catigern, brethren to both the Generals, were slain, and the Saxons driven into the Isle of Thanet, their first assigned habitation, not daring to enter the Continent so long as Vortimer lived. Catigerne was interred upon that plain, where to this day remaineth his Monument, being four stones pitched in manner of the stonehenge, and is vulgarly called Citscotehouse. The like Monument was of Horsa at Horsted, which storms and time have now devoured. Hengist made this Province a Kingdom for himself and successors, which name and power it retained the space of three hundred and twenty years, when Egbert King of the Westsaxons subdued and joined it to his own: in which subjection it stood until the time of the Normans. Then was it given under the title of an Earldom, by the The Earls of Kent. Conqueror, unto Otho Bishop of Baye●x his half-brother, whose successors in that dignity were those most honourable Families, whose Arms and Names within this plot The division of Kent. are blazed and expressed. It is divided principally into five Laths, subdivided into 66. Hundred, and them again into 308. Parishes: and wherein had been seated twenty three Religious Houses. KENT WITH HER CITIES AND EARLS Described and observed. Odo Bishop of Bayen wit Iprese E of Flan Hubert de Burgh Edmond Woodstok Thomas Holland William Nevil Edmond gray HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENS● DIEV ET MON DROIT CANTERBURY A Westham B 〈◊〉 ●●ll C 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 D saint Peter's 〈◊〉 E S Peter's ●ell FLETCHER H●pp●rs 〈◊〉 G North 〈◊〉 H North Gate I S. Gregory street KING S joh●s 〈◊〉 L 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 M S. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 N Chr●●●s Ch●●ch OH 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 P 〈◊〉 bridge ● 〈◊〉 Ho●●. R 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 S 〈◊〉 T Black-will Fr●●●s FIVE 〈◊〉 church W 〈◊〉 street Y M●●den lane X The M●r●●ry Z S 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 S M●●gret stir 3● ● Mar●●et ch 4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 6 H●gh ●●r●t 7● ●. 〈◊〉 chur● 8 S. Ge●●g● 〈◊〉 9 D●●●r la●● 10 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 11 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 12 〈◊〉 bridge 13 B●●● 〈◊〉 14 S. Gr●g●ry● 15 Duck lane 16 North lane 17 The Pri●●●e 18 〈◊〉 g●t● 〈◊〉 19 〈◊〉 ch●● 20 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 21 Bri●e 〈◊〉 22 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 23 〈◊〉 24 I●●y 〈◊〉 25 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 26 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 27 saint Mary 〈◊〉 ch 28 saint Mary 〈◊〉 29 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 30 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 31 S. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 32 S. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 33 saint 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 34 The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 35 The ●▪ 〈◊〉 36 The King●● 〈◊〉 37 The 〈◊〉 frier● 38 〈◊〉 l●●● 39 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 40 saint 〈◊〉 ch●●ch 41 The Ca●●le 42 The 〈◊〉 h●●●e 4● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 44 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 45●●te ●●te ●●ll 46 saint M●●y de Cas●●● 47●●und ●●und l●●● 48 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 4● 〈◊〉 l●●● 50 〈◊〉 l●●● ROCHESTER LATHS DIVIded into Hundred, and Hundred into Parishes. Sutton. Black heath. ●. Bromley, 2. Lesnes, 4. Axtane, 16. Rookesley, 15. Godsheath, 8. Westerham▪ 4. Somerden, 6. Aylesford. Ho, 5. Shambles, 11. Toltingtroe 6. Chetham, 3. Wortham, 4. Larksield, 15. Littlefield, 3. Twiford, 6. Tunbridge 2. Watchlingstone, 5. West Banefield, Brenchley, 3. Marden, 2. Eyhorne, 13 Maidstone, 7. Scray. Mylton, 23. Tenham, 4. Feversham, 17. Bocton, 4. Felboro, 5. Ghart, 9 Wye, 5. By●rcholt, 1. Calehill, ●. Ashford, Blackeborne, 5. Tenderden, 1. Barkley, 1. Cranbrooke, 3. Roluelden, 2. Selbrightenden, 1. East Barnefield, 1. Newundene S. Augustin. Ri●gsloe, 4▪ Blengate. 7. Wlutestable, 3. Wes●●ate 4. 〈◊〉 6. 〈◊〉 2. Bredge, 7. Kinghamforde, 5. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 5. Eastry, 11. Corniloe 8. Bewesbrough, 13. Longport. Shepwey. Folkestane, 8. Loningboroe, 4. Stowting 5. Heane, 2 Byrcholt fran. 2▪ Street, 3. Worth, 2. Ham, 3. Langport, 1. S. Martin. Newchurch 4. Alowsbridge, 6. Oxney, 3. A ACryse Shep. Acton, 〈◊〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 Ails. Akkam, Shep. S. Alb●ns, August. Aldington, Ails. Aldington, Shep. Aldweeke, Shep. All-hallows, Ails. Alkham, Shep. Allington, Ails. Allington Cobham, Ails. Allington, Shep. All Saints, August. APPLEDORE Scray ash, August. ash, Sutton. ASHEFORD, Scray. Ashley, August. Asherst, Ails. Aylesford, Ails. Aynsford, Sutton. Aythorne. August. B Badlesmere, Scray. Badsell, Ails. Bapchild, Scraie. Barfrestone, August. Barham, August. Barkhart, Sutto. Barn, Shep. Barming, Aylas. Barnefield west, Ails. Barnesale, August. Bartilmew bay, Aug. Bayham, Ails. Beakesborne, August. Beanecroch, Ails. Beawfield, August. Bedgebury, Scray. Beckenham, Sutto. Beer, August. Begham, Ayle. Becksborne, August. Belsington, Shep. Bempson, Scray▪ Benenden, Scray. Bentham brook Flu. Bethersden, Scray. Bentham, Ails. Betteshanger, August. Berham, Aug. Ber●ed ●y●ess. Berston August. Bewbridge, Scray. Bewles' bridge, Scray. Bewl. flu. Bewtsfield August. Bexley, Sutton. Bibrooke, Scray. Bichborow▪ Shep. Bicnor, Scray. Bidborow, Ails. Biddenden, Scray. Biknore, Ails. Bilsington, Shep. Bilsington course flu. Shep. Binbery, Ails. Birchingston. August. Birling, Flu. Birling, Ails. Bishopsborne, August. Bithborow, Shep. Blackmansburie August. Blackmanston, Shep. Bleane, August. Bobbing, Scray. Bocton, Ails. Bocton Malherbs. Ails. Bocton a Luph▪ Scray. Bocton under Blean Scray. Bonington, Shep. Boar place, Sutton. Borden, Scray. Borden, Ails. Borham Ails. Bormersh, Shep. Borsfi●ld, Scray. Bosholder. August. Boughton Malherb, Scray. Boughton Mouchelsay, Ails. Bourdfield, Scray. Boxley, Ails. Braborne, S●ep. Braborne east, Scray. Braborne west, Scray. Bradborne, Sutton. Bradherst▪ Ails. Brandbridge. Ails. Breasted Upland, Sutton. The great Breach, Sut. Bredgar, Scray. Bredge East, Shep. Bregge August. Brenchesley. Ails. Breny Shep. Brenset, Shep. breath, August. Bircholt, Scray. Bridge, August. Broad stai●eses, Aug. Brooke, Scray. Brooke house, Sutton. Brookland, Shep. Bromefield, Ails. Bromehill, Shep. BROMLEY, Sutton. Brompford, Scray. Broxam▪ Sutton. Buckland, Scray. Buckland, August. Buckwell Scray. Burham, Ails. Burtrash, Sh●p. Burton Scray▪ Buston, Ails. Buttesbridge, Shep. C Cab●ns, Shep. Cal●hill, Scray. CANTERBURY, August. capel, Ails. capel, Shep▪ capel fleet, Scray. Cartham Scray▪ Chafford, Ails. Chalk, Ails. Challocke, Scray. chapel at street, Shep. Charing. Scray. Charleton, Sutton. Chalton, August. Chatt little Scray. Chartley great, Scray. Chartley Ails. Chartham, Scray. Chartham, August. Chartham, Ails. Chelsfield, Sutton. Chepsted, Sutton. Cheriton, Shep. Chetham, Ails. Chevening, Sutton. Chidingston, Sut. Chilham, Scray. Chillenden, August. Chilelherst, Sutto. Chilton, August. Chistelet, August. Choten's Marsh▪ Scray. S. Clement Shep. S. Cleres, Ails. Cleave, August. Clobesden gate, Sh●p. cliff, Ails. cliff west, August. Cobham, Ails. Cobham hall, Ails. Cock's heath, Ails. Cockliscombe, Scray Cockrell bridge Shep. Colred▪ August. Coshall, Scray. Cokeing, August. cumber west Sutto. Combwell Scray. Combdens' hill, Scray. Comford, Ails. Compherst, Ails. Cosmus bleane, Aug. Cossenton▪ Ails. Cowden, Sutton. Courseborne, Scray. Court Lodge, Scray. Cowdham Sutton. Cowling, Ails. Cowling park, Ails. Christchurch, August, Craford, Sutton. Cray North, Sutto. Cray flu. CRANBROOK, Scr▪ Cranbrooke Scray. Crocks▪ Ails Crog diepp, Scray. Crundall, Scray. Cuckstone, Ails. D Darrent, Sutton. Darrent flu. DARTFORD, Sut. Davin●ton, Scray. Deal, August. Deane, August. Deane, Scray. Dane court, August. Denge Marsh. Shep. Denge Nasse, Shep. Denhill, August. Denton Ails. Denton Augu. Dentdelion. August. Deptford upper. Sutton. Deptford lower, Sutton. De●ling Ails. Dimchurch Shep. Ditton Ails. Dodington Scray. DOVER, Aug. down, Sutto. Small Downs, Aug. Dray, flu. Drum August. S. Dunstone August. E Eastbridge, Shep. East church, Scray. Eastry August. Eastwell Scray. Ebbene Shep. Ebny Scray. Ebsfleet August. Ebridge course flu▪ Shep. Eden Sutto. Eden bridge Sutton. Edislay, Scray. Egarton Scray. Egerton Scray. Elmesley Scray. Elmested Shep. Elmestone August. Elsenham, Scray. ELTHAM, Shep. Eltham Sutton. S. Enswater, Shep. Epald-bay, Aug. Erith, Sut. Eseling, Scray. Eton-bridge, Sutton. Ey-bridge Ails. Eyhorne, Ails. Eynesford, Sutton. Eythorne. Euering, Shep. Ewell. August. Eych▪ borrow, Shep. F Fairfield, Shep. Eairelane▪ Ails. Farleigh ●ast, Ails. Farleigh west, Ails. Farneburgh Sutton. Farminham Sutton. Faulkeham, Sutton. Field, Scray. Ferry, Scray. FEVARSHAM, Scray. Finchcolts, Scra. Finglesham, August. Fleet North, Ails. Fleet Souh, Sutto. Flimwell, Scray Folkston, Shep. Ford, Ails. Ford, August. Fordwich August. Footescray Sutton. Frank's Sutton. Frendsbury, Ails Frendsted, Ails. Frenduile, August. Friars, Ails. Frith North, Ails. Frith South, Ails. Frittenden, Scray. G G●ds' hill. Genlad Flu. S. Giles, August. Githorne August. Gillingham Ails. Goddonton, Scray. Goldgate bay Aug. Godmarsham, Scray. Godneston, Scray. Goldwell, Scray. Goodwinston, August. Gore court, Ails. Gore ●nd, Aug Gotley, Sray. Gowdherst, Scray. Glassenbury, Scray. Graveney▪ Scray. GRA VESEND, Alice. Greane Jsle, Ails. Greneb, Ails. Grench, Ails. Greenehill, Scr●y. Greehyth▪ Sutton. Greenwich east, Sutt●n. Greenwich west, Sutton. Greenway court Ails. Greystone bay, Aug. Grombride, Ails. Grove fer●, August. Grovehe●st, Scray. Guildford, Shep. Guston, August. H Hadlow, Ails. Hadlow place, Ails. Haislath Scra. Hakington, August. Hail Ails. High Halden, Scray. Halden park, Scray. Halkwell Ails. Halling Ails. Halligrace Scray. Halmested Scray. Halsted, Sut. Halsted, Ails. Halslo high, Ails. Halstow, Scray. Ham▪ August. Ham, Shep. Harhaldowne, Aug. Harden upper, August. Harden neither, August. Hardrese, Shep. Haresgate, Ails. Hartesham, Ails, Hearty, Scray. Hattley, Sut. Hartlip. Scray. Harwich, August. Hasting, Scray. Hastingleigh, Shep. Hatton, Scray. Haw, August. Hawborow, Shep. Hawkherst, Scray. Hawking, Shep. Hawling, Ails. Hawtesborne. Hearne, August. Hearnehill, Scray. Hedcorne, Ails. Hedcorne, Scray. Heden, August. Heys, Sut. heling, Scray. Hempsted, Scray. Herne, August. Herst, Shep. Hersfield bridge, Scray▪ Hever, Sut. Higham, Ails. Hilden, Ails. Hinxell, Scray. HITHE, Shep. Hithe west, Shep. Heath, August. Hockenberybridg, Scray. Hocket, Scray. Hollingborne▪ Ayle. Huo, Ails. Honton, Ails. Hope, Shep. Hope bay, Aug. Horns, Shep. Horn place, Scray. Horsmonden, Ails. Horton kirby, Sutto. Horton, August. Horton monks, Shep. Hospital August. Hotbisbrough, Ails. Hoth●field, Scray. Hongham, August. Howfield▪ August. Owlets palace, August. Hucking, Ails. Hunger's hall, Ayle. Hunton, Ails. Huntonford bridge, Ails. I S. James. Ails. Ide●hill, Sut. Jfield, Ails. Jghtam, Ails. Ileden, August. Jlkham, August. S. Johns, August. ju●church, Shep. Jwade Scray. KING Kellington August. Kempsing Sut. Kennard●ngton Scray. Kennington Scray. Kentbridge Scray. Kenthatch Sutton. Keston Sutton. Ketbrooke Sutton. Kevingtown, Sutton, Kevingtown Scray. Kingsdowne Sutton. Kingsdowne August. Kingsdowne Scray. King's ferry, Scray. Kingswoth Scray. Kingston, August. Kingswold August. Kit●kots' house▪ Ails. Knell Sutton. Knowlton August. L Lamberher●t, Ails. Langden east▪ August. Langden west, August. Langley, Ails. Langley, August, Langley, Sutton, langport, August, Layborne, Ails▪ Larkfield, Ails, S. Laurence, August. Leden, i August. Lee Sutton. Leedes Ails. Leeses court, Scray. Legs Flu, Ails▪ LENHAM, Ails. Leneham east, Scray. Leigh, 1. Sutton. Leigh 2. Sutton. Leisdon Scray. S. Leonard, Ails. Loesses. Sut. Leveland Scray. Lewsham, Sut. lid Shep, Lydden Shep. Lydsing Ails. Limn. Shep. Lymen. Flu. Lyming, Shep. Lyngell. Sut. Lingsted Scray. Lynton. Ails. Littleborne. August. Longbeach Scray. Longfield Sut. Lone Ails. Lose Ails. Lovelace Scray. Luddenham Scray. Luddesdown Ails. Lullingston Sut. M MAJDSTONE, Ails. Mays hill Scray. Martham ferry Scray. Malling east Ails. MALLING WEST, Ails. Maplesdowne Sut. Marden Scray. Marden Ails. Margaret bay, Aug. S Margaret Sut. S. Margaret August. S. Margaret Ails. S. Margaret at cliff. August. S. MARY CRAY, Sut. S Mary Shep. S Mary Ails. Marsham Scray. Marshland Flu, shep S Martin Shep. Martin August. Medway Flu. Mepeham Ails. Mereworth Ails. Meryam's c●urt, Ails. Mersham Scray. Mersham Hatton Scray. Mersham Shep. Merston Ails. Midley Shep Milgate Ails. Mill hall Ails. Milkhouse Scray. Milsted Scray. MILTON, Scray. Milton Ails. Milton August. Minster Scray. Minster August. Mystole August. Mole Ails. Molands August. Moldash Scray. Mongham great, August. Mongehan little, August. Mouckton Scray. Moncton August. Morants' court, Sutton. Morston Scray. Moat Ails. Moringham Sutton. Monchelsey Ails. Munford Scray. Muttenden Ails. Mylhall, Ails. N Nackington August. Nash Scray. Nash court August. Sharp Nasse, Scray. Shire Nasse Scray. Pepper Nasse▪ Aug. Small Nasse, Scray. White Nasse, Aug. Fair Nasse, Aug. Sh●ll Nasse, Aug Natington August. Nayland point, Aug. Netlested Ails. Nerhercourt August. Nevenham August. Newbridge Scray. Newchurch Shep. New eye flu▪ Shep▪ Newenden Scray▪ Newenton Scray. New-haven Aug. Newington Shep. Newinham Scray▪ Newhyth Ails. S. Nicholas August, S. Nicholas at wood, Aug. S. Nicholas Shep. Nokholt Sutton. Noninton August. Norborne August. Northforland, Aug. Norton Scray. Nowre head, Scray. Nutsted. Ails. OH Off●m Ails. Old wives lease, Scray▪ Ollantigh Scray. Organsweke Shep. Orla●ton Scray. Orlaston Shep. Orpinton Sutton. Orpinton Scray. Ospringe Scray. Oslen hanger, Shep. Otham Ails. Otham Abbv, Ails. Ottesord Sut. Otterdon Scray. Oteringden Ails. Ouerland August. Our Scray. Outmeston August. Oxney Island Scray. Oxney August. Oxenhoath Ails. P Paddlesworth Shep. Padlesworth Ails. Palmer's bay▪ Aug Panscray Sut. Patriksborne August. Pecham east, Ay●es. Pekham west, Ails. Pedelsworth. Ails. Pensherst Sut. Pepenbury Ails. Pepingley Ails. Pery Shep. Pet. Scray. S. Peter August. Petham August. Pevinton Scray. Pierling Ails. Pluckley, Scray. Plumsted Sutton. Popeshall August. Post▪ ing Shep. Preston August. Preston Scray. Preston Ails. priory▪ Shep. Q Queenborow Scray. Quekes August. R Radignudes August. Ramesgate August. Raynam Scray. Ravensborne Flu. Reculuer. August. Reding. Scray. Rever August. Richborow August. Ridley Sut. Riersh Ails. Ringleton Aug. Rippley Aug. rivers Aug. River-hill, Ails. ROCHESTER, Ail. Rockins stairs, Aug. Rodmersham, Scray. Royden hall, Ails. Royton, Scray. Roking Shep. Rolling August. Roluinden Scray. Romden Scray. ROMNEY, Shep. Romney old, Shep. Rooksley, Sutton. Rother flu. Rucking Shep. Rugmerhill Ails. Rusborne August. ride, Scray, S All Saints, Aug. Saltwood Shep. Sandherst Scray. Sandhill Scray▪ Sandowne Augu●t. Sandpit Scray. SANDWJCH, Aug. Sangate Shep. Sard Scray, Scadbery Sutton, Scadbury Ails. Scale Sutton, Scelling Shep. Scotney Scray. Scots hall, Shep. Seabrooke flu. Shep. Seal Sutto. Seasalter August. Sednor Scray. Selling Scray Sellingder Shep SEVENOKE, Su●. Sevington Scray Sewards Scray Shaddockherst. Shep. Shaddockherst Scray▪ Shansford. Scray. Sharsted Scray. Sheyborne ruscall, Ails. Shelving August. Shelwiche Scray. Sheppey Island▪ Scray. sheet flu, Shety course flu, Shep. Shiborne Ails Shepway cross, Shep▪ Shod, flu. Sholdon Aug. 1 Shorland▪ Scray. 2 Shorland Scray. Shone Ails. Shoram Sutto. Shooter's Hill. Shotenden Scray. Shirt Aug. Sibertswood Aug. Sidbrooke flu, Shep. Sissingherst Scray. SJTTINBORNE, Scray. Sittinborne little, Scray. Smallbrook flu. Ails. Smallhead Aug. Smalhythe Scray. Smarden Scray. Smeeth Shep Snargat Sh●p. Snave Shep. Snotheland Ails. Socombe Scray. south Ails. Spelherst Ails. Spelmendon Ails. Speringbrooke flu, Shep. Spilspill Scray. Stallisfeild Scray. Stanford, Shep. Stanford Scray. Stanstead Ails. Stansted Shep. Staple August. Staplegate August. Stapleh●rst Scray. Stare August. Starborrow, Sut. Stelling Shep. S. Stephens August. Style bridge, Ails. Stoake Ails. Stodmarsh August. Stoke. Ails▪ St●keburie Ails. Stokeberie Scray. Stone Sut. Stone Ails. Stone Shep. Stone-end, Shep. Holme Stone, Shep. Stone Scray. Stone bay, Aug. Stoner August. Stoningley Ails. Stowmarch August. Stowre Flu. Stouting Shep. Stroud Ails. Sturrey August. Sturmouth August. Sturtmarsh Scray. Stutstall Shep. Sundrich Sut. Surrenden Scray. Sutton August. Sutton at home▪ Sutton. Sutton cast, Ails. Sutton va●ance, Ails. Swalecliffe August. ● The east Small, Aug▪ Swanscombe Sut. Swingfield Shep. T Tannington August. Taperegge Ails. Tenham Scray. Tenterden Scray. Teston Ails. Thanet Isle, August. Themote Ails. Thorneham Ails. thoroughly Scray. Tilmaston Scray. Tilmeston August. Tokingham Scray. tongue Scray. Torn Ails. Town Scray. Tremworth, Scray. Trottiseliffe Ails. Tude●ey Ails. Tudenham Scray▪ TUNBRJDGE Ails▪ Tunford August. Tunstall Scray. Tutsham Ails. Tu●uey stairs, Aug. Twyd●ll Ails. Twidley Ails. Twyford bridge, Ails. The Twist, Ails. Twytham August. V Vddenham bridge, Scray. Vintner's Ails. Vlcombe Scray. Vlcombe Ails. Vpchurch Scray. upnor Ails. W Watchorne Shep. Waldershare August. Wallingford course flu. Walmer August Waltham Shep. Waltham Augu●●. Wantsume Flu. S. Warburge alias Hoo Ails. Wardon Scray. Warehorne Scray. Wattringburie Ails. Ways end, Shep. East Wear, Shep. Week Ails. Well. August. Well place Sut. Welles Scray. Wellstreat Sut. Westbere Aug. Westcliffe Aug. West court Aug. West g●te Aug. Westenhanger Shep. Westheath Shep. Westram Sut. Westre Ails West well Scray. Whetsted Ails Whit●stable Aug. Whoornes' place: Ails. Witcheling Ails. Wickham east Sut. Wickham west, Sut. Wickham brux Aug. Widerton Aug. Wigmere Aug. Wigsell Scray. Willesbrough Scray. Wilmington Scray. Willnington Sut. Wimyngswold Aug. Wingham Aug. Witham Ayle. Wittap Shep. Wittresham Shep▪ Witrisham Scray. Woldham Ail. Wolwich Sut. Wood Aug. Woodchurch Scray. Woodfalls Ails. Woodland Sut. Woodnesborow, Aug. Wotton Aug. Worth Aug. Wormshill Ayle. WROTHAM, Ails. WYE, Scray. Wye court Scray. Y Yaldam Ails. Yalding Ails. Yotes Ails. SUTHSEX, a word compounded of the site thereof Southward; and of the Saxons, whose Kingdom was the second in their The name of Sussex. Heptarchy; is written by them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and by us Sussex, lieth stretched along the British Seas. The North confronts upon Surrey & Kent, and the West butteth upon Hampshire. The form, length and breadth. (2) For form it lieth long and narrow, so that all her Rapes do run quite through the Shire, and containeth from Westharting in the West, to Kent Ditch that divides it from Kent in the East, sixty four Miles, but in the broadest part little above twenty, the whole in Circumference, about one hundred fifty eight miles. The air. (3) The air is good, though somewhat clouded with mists, which arise forth of her South bordering Sea, who is very prodigal unto her for Fish and Sea-fowle, though as sparing for Harbours or Ships arivage, and those which she hath, as uncertain for continuance, as dangerous for entrance. The soil. (4) Rich is the Soil and yieldeth great plenty of all things necessary, but very ill for travelers, especially in the winter, the land lying low and the ways very deep, whose middle tract is garnished with meadows, pastures, and Cornfields: the Sea-Coast with Hills which are called the Downs, abundantly yielding both Grain and Grass, and the North side overshadowed with pleasant Groves and thick Woods, where sometimes stood the famous wood Andradswald, containing no less than an hundred and twenty An. Do. 478 miles in length, and thirty in breadth, taking the name of Anderida a City adjoining: both which were won from the Britaines by Ella the first Saxon King of this Province, and the place made fatal to Sigebert King of the Westsaxons, who being deposed from his Royal Throne, was met in this Wood by a Swineherd, and slain in revenge of his Lord, whom Sigebert had murdered. The ancient Inhabitants of Sussex. (5) The ancient people in the Romans time were the Regni, of whom we have spoken, and who were subdued by Vespasian the Leader of the second Legion under Aulus Plautius' Lieutenant in Britain for Claudius the Emperor. But after the departure of the Romans, this with Surrey was made the South-Saxons Sussex subdued to the Romans. Kingdom: yet that giving place to the Westsaxons, as they in time to the Normans, it become a Province under the conquerors power, who gave to his followers much Land in these parts. Chief places in Sussex. Chichester. (6) The place of most account in this Shire is Chichester, by the Britaines called Caercei, and by the Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a City beautiful and large, and very well walled about, first built by Cissa the second King of the South-Saxons, wherein his Royal Palace was kept. And when King William the first had enacted that Bishop's Seas should be translated out of small Towns unto places of greater resort, the Residence of the Bishop (until then held at Selsey) was removed to this City, where Bishop Raulfe began a most goodly Cathedral Church: but before it was fully finished, by a sudden mischance of fire was quite consumed. Yet the same Bishop, with the helping liberality of King Henry the First, began it again, and saw it wholly finished; whose beauty and greatness her fatal enemy still envying, again cast down in the days of King Richard the First, and by her raging flames consumed the buildings both of it and the Bishop's Palace adjoining, which Seffrid the second Bishop of that name re-edified and built anew. And now to augment the honour of this place, the City hath borne the Title of an Earldom; whereof they of Arundel were sometimes so styled. Whose Graduation for Latitude, is removed from the Equator unto the degree fifty, fifty five minutes; and for Longitude, observing the same point in the West, whence Mercator hath measured, are twenty degrees. jews. (7) With whom for frequency, bigness, and building, the Town jews seemeth to contend, where King Athelstan appointed the mintage of his moneys, and William de Warron built a strong Castle, whereunto the disloyal Barons of King Henry the third Anno Dom. 1263. in warlike manner resorted, and fought a great Battle against their own Sovereign and his son, wherein the King had his horse slain under him, Richard King of the Romans surprised and taken in a Windmill, and Prince Edward delivered unto them upon unequal A battle at jews. Battle. conditions of peace. But a greater Battle was fought at Battle, when the hazard of England was tried in one days fight, and Harold the King gave place to his Conqueror by losing of his life, among sixty seven thousand, nine hundred seventy four Englishmen besides; whose blood so spilled, gave name to the place, in French, Sangue lac. And the soil naturally after rain becoming of a reddish colour, caused William of Wil Newberry. Newberry untruly to writ, That if there fell any small sweet showers in the place where so great a slaughter of the Englishmen was made, presently sweateth forth very fresh blood out of the earth, as if the evidence thereof did plainly declare the voice of blood there shed, and cried still from the earth unto the Lord Basham. (8) But places of other note in this Shire are these: From Basham, Earl Harold taking the Sea for his delight, in a small boat was driven upon the Coast of Normandy, where by Duke William he was retained, till he had sworn to make him King after Edward Confessors death; which oath being broken, the Bastard arrived at Pensey, and with his sword revenged Pensey. that Perjury. At West-Wittering also Ella the Saxon before him had landed for the conquering of those parts, and gave name to the shore from Cimen his son. Cimensh●re. But with greater glory doth Gromebridge raise up her Gromebridge. head, where Charles Duke of orleans, father to jews the Twelfth, King of France, taken prisoner at Agincourt, was there a long time detained. Commodities. (9) The Commodities of this Province are many and divers, both in Corn, Cattle, Woods, Iron, and Glass; which two last, as they bring great gain to their Possessors, so do they impoverish the County of Woods, whose want will be found in ages to come, if not at this present in some sort felt. Religious house● built and suppressed. (10) Great have been the devotions of religious People in buildingand consecrating many houses unto the use and only service of Christ; whose Beadmen abusing the intents of their Founders hath caused those Foundations to lament their own Ruins: for in the tempestuous time of King Henry the eight, Eighteen of them in this County were blown down, whose fruit fell into the Laps of some that never meant to restore them again to the like use. The Shires division. This County is principally divided into six Rapes, every of them containing a River, a Castle and Forest in themselves, besides the several Hundreds whereunto they are parted, that is, the Rape of Chichester into Seven, of Arundel into five, of Bramber into ten, of jews into thirteen, of Pevensey into seventeen, and of Hastings into thirteen, in all, fifty six; wherein are seated ten Castles, eighteen market Towns, and three hundred and twelve Parish-Churches, as in the Table following appeareth. SUSSEX Described and divided into Rapes with the situation of Chiches▪ter the chief city thereof And the arms of such Nobles as have been dignified with the title of Earls since the conquest and other accidents therein observed. HONI SOYT QUI MAL Y PENSE. DIEV ET MON DROIT CHICHESTER A S. Martyne● B The P●ll●nt C P●ll●nt street D Black●●yers E saint Andrews F S. mary's Hosp●▪ G 〈◊〉 H The P●ll●ce I S Peter EDWARD Paradise L East lane M 〈◊〉 N West lane O St. Tooli●● P S. Richard's 〈◊〉 Q Our Lilies 〈◊〉 R East Gate S S 〈◊〉 T S▪ ●●rth●line V ● quitry Bridg. W South Gate X North Gate. The Scale of miles WILLIAM de Albania Earl of Chichester and Arundel. JOHN FITZ alan Earl of Sussex et Arundel. PHILIP Howard Earl of Arundel. ROBERT Radcliffe Ear le of Sussex WILLIAM the Bastard, Duke of No●mondy, making his Claim to the Crown of England▪ by 〈◊〉 adoption and pro●●se, 〈◊〉 at a port in Sussex called Pens●y with ●96 shipp● furnished for 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of September▪ 〈◊〉 year of Christ's 〈◊〉 1066. And the 14 of October following 〈◊〉 Sat●rday●, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 s●●e C●●ti● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with Harold King of England▪ who in 〈◊〉 ●●●de 〈◊〉 ●ighting was there slain by the 〈◊〉 of on arrow into his brains: and with him died ●orth and Leo●●●ine his brothers▪ and 67974 men besides. The place where they fought, ever since doth in memory thereof ●●are the name of ●att●yll▪ where the 〈…〉 of the 〈◊〉 was Brought to 〈◊〉 l●●● period. 〈◊〉 all their 〈◊〉 altered▪ their▪ Nobles displa●●d, and all men 〈◊〉 all 〈◊〉 into the 〈…〉 himself L●●de of all▪ ●●d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 day● of 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 s●●e year was 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 King of 〈…〉 the 〈…〉. Described by JOHN NORDEN. Augmented by john Speed And are to be sold in pope's head Alley against the Exchange by Ls. and George Humble Cum privilegio▪ Jodocus Hondius Caelavit Anno Domini 1610. Hundred and Rapes in SUSSEX. Chichester Rape. Westborne hund. Eastborne hund. D●mpford hund. Bosham hund. Manhood hund. Box and Stockbridge hund. Alsweek hund. Arundel Rape. West Asw●ieth hun. Rotherbridge hund. Poling hund. Auysford hund. Bury hund. Bramber Rape. Westgrenstead hund. Stening hund. Bright●ord hund. Easteawrith hund. Burbeech hund. Terring hund. Fishergate hund. Tipnoke hund. Windeham hund. Shinglecrosse hund. Jews Rape. Barkham and Hamsey hund. Swanborow hund. Holmestrough hund. Yeonesinare hund. Whal●sbone hund. Hoones' preston hun. ●ishergate hund. Pooning hund. Buttinghill North hund. Buttinghill South hund. Wyneham hund. Streat North part. Streat South part. Pevensey Rape. Eastgrinsted hund. Harifeild hund. Rotherfeild hund. Loxfield Kings hun. Linfild and Buclie hund. Ringemer hund. Isfeild hund. Rushmonden hund. Danehil horsted hun. Danehill S●e●feild hund. Sheplake hund. Dill hund. Longbridge hun. Willington hund. Eastboorne hund. Alsiston hund. Flexborrow hund. Hastings Rape. Foxeall hun. Battle hun. Shewswell hun. Goldespure hund. Staple hun. Hawksborough ●un. Nethersfield hund. Boxhill hund. Ba●s●oe hund. Gestling hund. Gostrowe hun. Nenuill hund. Henhurst hund. A Adrington, Arund. Alberton, Bramb. Alborne, Bramb. Adingborone, Cich. Adrington, jews. Almanington, Chic. Aldfristan, Peven. Alsiston, Peven. Amberlie, Arund. Am●rsham, Chich. Angleton, jews. Angmering west. Ar. Angmering east, Ar. Angton, Armnd. Anstye, jews. Appledrum, Chich. Apsley, Bramb. Ardingleigh, jews. Arundel fo●●est, Arund. ARUNDEL, Arun. Arundel, Flu. Ashburnham, Hast. Ashefould, Arund. Ashurst, Bramb. Assington, Bramb. Aylworth, Chich. B Badworth park. Arund. Balcombe, jews. Balesdeane, jews. Baltestow Beacon, Hast. Barcombe, jews. Barlavington, Ar. Barlugh arches, jews. Barnham, Arund. BATTLE, Hast. bailies court, Arund. The Beach, Peven. Beawbush, Bramb. B●ckley, Hasting. Bedingham, Peven. Bedingstreat, Bram. Bentley, Peven. Bepton, Chichest. Bersted south, Chichest Bersted north, Chich. Berwyke, Peven. Bexill, Hasting. Bidlington, Bramb. Bigmore, Arund. Bignor, Arund. Billinghurst, Arund. Bilson, Arund. Binderton, Chich. Binsted▪ Arund. Bishophurst, Bramb. Blackdowne beacon, Chic. Blackhouse, Peven. Blackston, Bramb. Bletchington, Lew. Bletchington, Peu. Bognor rocks, Chic. Bodg●ham, Hast. Bolbroke, Peven. Bolney, jews. Bony●k, Bramb. Boreham chapel, Hast. Bormer, jews. Borsill, Hast. Borstye, jews. Boseham, Chich. Bosgrave, Chich. Bows, Bramb. Bowley, Chich. Bramber, Bramb. Bramble, Pevens. Brantsnap, jews. Breed, Hast. Brightling, Hast. BRIGHTHEL MERSION. H. Broadwater, Bramb. Brodhill, jews. Brodhurst, Peven. Brodston, Peven. Bromehill church decayed H. Broneham, Hast. The Broil, Peven. Broylehoe, Peven. Buckingham, Bram. Brucksmale, Hast. Buckhole, Hast. Buckhurst, Peven. Bucksted, Peven. Buckstepe, Hast. Budditon, Chich. Bugsill, Hast. Buluerhyth, Hast. Burdham, Chich. Burpham, Arund. Burton, Arund. Burton west, Arund. Burwash beacon, H. Burwash, Hast. Bury, Arund. Busham, Arund. Bushopston, Peven. Buttolphe,, Bramb. been, Bramb. Byworth, Arund. C Cackham, Chich. Camber head, Hast. Camber castle, Hast. Camber Salles, Hast. Cansway, Arund. Cardford, Arund. Cattesfield, Hast. Catestret, Peven. Cawdershaw, Aru. Celsey, Chich. Celsey Peninsu. Ch. Chameis' court, jews. Changton, Bramb. North Chapel, Arund Charleton, Chich. Chaunton, Peven. Chayligh, jews. Chesworth, Bramb. CHICHESTER C. Chilgrove, Chich. Chiltington, Bramb. Chiltington, jews. Chitman, Peven. Chithurst, Chich. Chittingle, Peven. Chydham, Chich. Clapham, Arund. Clapham, Bramb. Claverham, Peven. Clayton, jews. cliff. Peven. Climping, Arund. Coats, Arund. Cocking, Chich. Coldwaltham, Ar. Coleworth, Chich. Combed, Peven. Combs, Bramb. Compton, Chich. Covewald, Bramb. Cowding, Hast. Cowdry, Chich. Crabbet, jews. Crawhurst, Hast. Crawley, jews. crawl, Hast. Crocksted, Peven. Cromble pond, Peven. Crowbo●o hill, Peven. Cuckfeild, jews. Cuckme●e haven, Peven. Curlington, Chich. D Dallington, Hastin. Dalingrig, Peven. Dallington Forest, Hast. Dallington, Hastin. Danny, jews. Darum wood, Hasting. Deane East, Peven. Deane West, Chichest. Deane East, Chichest. Deane West Peven. Delsham, Bram. Dento, Peven. DICHELING, Le. Didlessord, Arund. Didling, Chich. down Forest, Peven. Dounly, Chich. Downton, Arund. Drayton, Chich. Drungwick, Arund. Dunhurst, Arund. Dunnington, Chich. Duddleswell, Peve. Dumpford, Chich. Durrington, Bramb. Dyke, Peven. E Ea●tham, Chich. Eastergate, Arund. Easton, Chich. Eawood, Hast. Eborne, Chich. EBOURN, Peve. Edburton, Bramb. Ellsted, Chich. Emley, Chich. Emsworth, Chich. Eustons, Hast. Eridge, Hasting. Eridge, Peven. Eringham, Bramb. Erlington, Peven. Erule, Chich. Estborne, Chich. Etons, Bramb. Etchingfold, Bram. Excete, Peven. Eyes, jews. F Farat, Peven. Farnehurst, Chich. far, Arund. Fawmer, jews. Fawhurst, Bramb. Fawhurst, Hast. Fawhurst, jews. Fayrliegh, Hast. Felpham, Arund. Fernden, Chich. Ferring, Arund. Findon, Bramb. Fishborne, Chich. Fitleworth, Arund. Flansham, Arund. Fletching, Peven. Flymwell, Hast. Ford, Arund. Foundington, Chic. Foynton, Peven. Framfeild, Peven. Franchis, Hast. Friston, Peven. Frogfurle, Peven. Furle, Peven. G Gatewike, Bramb. Gate, Hast. Gestling, Hast. Glasehouse, Arund. Glatting, Arund. Glyne, Peven. Goodwood, Chich. goring, Arund. Greatham, Arund. Greneley, Peven. Grasham, Chich. Grautye, jews. green, Arund. GRINSTEAD east, Pe. Grinstead, Bramb. Grombridge, Peve. Gulford, Hast. H Hadhurst, Lewe. Halneck, Chich. Hampnet West, Chich. Hampnet East, Chich. Hampton, Arund. Hamsey, jews. Hamsill bridge, Peu. Handcrose, Bramb. Hardham, Arund. Hardley beacon, Peven. Harlings, Peven. Harmar, Hast. Hartfeild, Peven. Harting West, Chich. Harting South, Chich. Harting East, Chich. Harting park, Chich. HASTINGS, Hast. Hastings haven Hasting. New Haven Peven. Haughton, Arun. Hauleland, Peven. Hawkwood, Hast. HAYLSHAM, Peu. Hayshott, Chich. Hayton, Peven. Heathfeild, Peven. Heene, Bramb. Held, Bramb. Hellingle, Peven. Hemsted, Peven. Henfeild, Bramb. Herringham, Arun. Hicksted, jews. Highdown, Arun. Hoadleigh, jews. Hoadly East, Peven. Hollington, Hastin. Holmsdale, Peven. Holmsted, jews. Holmewood, jews. Homons, jews. Ho, Hasting. Hooue, jews. Hornerosse, Arund. HORSHAM, Bra. Horsted Cayns, Peven. Horsted little, Peven. Horton, Bramb. Howcourt, Bramb. Howicke, Arund. Hunston, Arund. Hunston, Arund. Hurst, Arund. Hurst perpoint, Lew. Hurstmonseux, Ha. Hyndall, Peven. Hyneleap, Peven. I japton, Arund. Ibernowe, Arund. Ichnor west, Chich. Ichnor East, Chich. Ickesham, Hasting. Iden, Hasting. jemington, Peven. Ifeild, Bramb. Ifeild Court Bramb. Iffeild, jews. Iford, jews. I●sham, Arund. Imberhurne, Peven. Isting, Chich. Itchingham, Hast. KING Kent ditch, Hasting. Kenward, jews. Kingston, jews. Kingston, Arund. Kingston, Bramb. Knepp Castle, Bram. Kymer, jews. L Laborcye, Peven. Langney, Peven. Lavant Flu. Lavant East, Chich. Lavant West Chich. Laughton, Peven. Laughton, Peven. Launsing North, Bramb. Launsing South, Bramb. Laythorne, Chich. Leckford bridge Ch. Lee, Arund. S. Leonards, Bramb. S. Leonards Forest, Bram. Leugnershe, Chich. jews, jews. Linchemere, Chich. Lindfield darches jews. Lindfeild bardolfe jews. Littleton, Arund. Lodesworth, Chich. Loefield borrow, jews. Lordings, Arund. Lovel Cross, Lew. Loxwood, Arund. Ludley, Peven. Ludsham, Peven. S. Luke's, Chich. Lurgershalt, Chich. Lychouse, jews. Lydsey, Chich. Lymister, Arund. Ly●he chap. Chich. little, Arund. M The Manhood, Chi. Marleposte, Bramb. Marsfield, Peven. Martial, Peven. Mawling, Peven. Maxfield, Hasting. Maydhurst, Arund. May's, Pe●en. Mayfield, Peven. Meadhond park, Arun. Merden East, Chich. Merden upper, Chi. Merden West, Chich. Merden North, Chich. Mersh, Hasting. Merston, Chich. Michelham, Peven. Michelham park, Arun. Michelgrove, Arun. Miching, jews. Middleton, Peven. Middleton, Arund. MIDHURST, Chic. Midlavant, Chic. Moore, Arund. Morehale, Hasting. Monscombe, Lewe. Mountharry, Lewe. Mundfeild, Hasting. Mundham North, Chich. Mundham South, Chich. Mychelham, Peven. Mill▪ place. Lew. N Nash, Bramb. Neland, jews. Nenfield, Hast. Netherfield, Hast. Newbridge, Ar●●d. Newicke, jews. Newnd park, Peu. Newtimber, jews. North chapel, Arun. North wood, Arun. Nordy chapel, Hast. Nordiham, Hast. Nortington, Peven. Norton, Peven. Nutborne, Arund. Nutborne, Chich. Nuthurst, Bramb. Nutley, Peven. OH Offam, Arund. Offington, Bramb. Okehurst, Arund. Oldbury, Chich. Ouingdeane, Lew. Our, Hast. Ourmouth, Chich. Owuing, Chich. P Pagham, Chich. Pamell bridge, Hast. Pangden, jews. Parham, Arund. New Park, Peven. Pashley, Hast. Patcham, jews. Patching, Bramb. Pateham, Arund. Pains, Lew. Perching, jews. Peasmershe, Hast. The Pell, Hast. Pemsey, Peven. Pemsey haven, Peu. Penhurst, Hast. Pepplesham, Hast. Peppering, Arund. Petley wood, Hast. Pett, Hast. PETWORTH, Ar. Pevensey mershe, P. Piddinghoe, jews. Pigeons, Arund. Playstoe, Chich. Playstowe chap. Arund. Pleaden, Hast. Pleshet park, Peven. Plumpton, jews. Poling, Arund. Pooning, jews. Popholl, Chich. Po●teslade, jews. Powns●y, Peven. Preston, jews. Preston, Chich. Prests' Haws, Peven. Preston, east, Arund. Pulborough, Arun. Pycombe, jews. Pyppenford, Peven. R Racton, Chich. Radmill, jews. Rallingdeane, Lew. Ratten, Peven. Raumer, Chich. Ringmer, Peven. Ripe, Peven. River, Chich. River park, Chich. Rogate, Chich. S. Rooks hill, Chich. Rossey, Bramb. Rother Flu. Rother bridge Abbey, H. Rotherbridge, Hast. Rotherfeild, Peven. Rotterbridge, Ar. Rowdell, Bramb. Rowdant, jews. RYE, Hast. Rudgwyke, Arund. Runckton, Chich. Rusper, Bramb. Rustington, Arund. S Sand, Arund. Salehurst, Hasting. Salomon's bridge, C. Schelley, Bramb. Seal, Bramb. Seaford, Peven. Sedlescombe, Lew. Sedwick, Bramb. Selham, Chich. Selhurst, Chich. Selmeston, Peven. Selscombe, Hast. Siddleham, Chich. Sidly, Hast. Singleton, Chich. Sissabury hill, Bramb. Sheff●ild, Peven. Shelbred, Chich. Shermanbury, Bra. Shilling park, Arund. Shipley, Bramb. SHOREHAM NEW, Br. Shoreham old, Bram. Shortfeild, Bramb. Shripny, Chich. Shullington, Arund. Shullington, Bram. Sidly, Hast. Slaugham, jews. Slindon, Arund. Slowhouse, jews. The Sluice, Hast. The Sluice, Arund. Slynford, Bramb. Smythawe, Arund. Snowting, Bramb. Socknyes, Hast. South, Peven. Southes, jews. Southbrooke, Bram. Southgate, Chich. Southover, jews. Southweeke, Bramb. Soweton, Peven. Stamer●am, Bram. Stanmer, jews. Stansted, Chich. Stapley beacon, Hast. Stedham, Chich. STENNING, Bra. Stoake west, Chich. Stock north, Arund. Stock south, Arund. Stockey hill, Peven. Stoneham, Peven. Stonelinck, Hast. Stonland park, Peven. Stopham bridge, Arund. Stopham, Arund. Storrington, Arun. Stotover, Chich. Stoughton, Chich. Street, jews. Stretham, Bramb. Stret●enton, Chich. Sul●on, Arund. Su●ton, Peven. Swanboro, jews. Sydny, jews. T Tablehurst, Peven. Tangmer, Chich. Telescombe, jews. Terring, Peven. TERRING, Bramb. Tilgate, jews. Tillington, Arund. Tisehurst, Hast. Thakam, Bramb. Themens', Arund. Tho●ney Isle, Chic. Thorney, Chich. Tortington, Arund. Torton, Arund. Tottington, Bramb. Tottington, Arund▪ Tratton, Chich. Trefort, Chich. Truly, Bramb. Turwick, Chich. Tustons, Hast. Twineham, jews. Ties, jews. V V●kfeild, Peven. Vdymere, Hast. Vertwood, Peven. Vpwaltham, Arund. W Wadehurst, Peven. Wakehurst, jews. Walberton, Arund. Walderne, Peven. Walderton, Chich. Walebech, Peven. Waltham, Chich. Wamingore, jews. Wapinghor, Bramb. Wapsburne, jews. Warbleton, Hast. Warminghurst, Br. Warmingcampe, A. Warnham, Bramb. Wartling, Hast. Wasshington, Bram. Water down forest, Pe. Waynway channel, Hast. Week, Arund. Wellingham, Peu. Wepham, Arund. Westborne, Chich. Westergate, Chich. Westerton, Chich. Westfeild, Hast. Westgate, Chich. Westham, Peven. Westmiston, jews. Westwoulues, Bra. Whilden, Lewer. Whiteden, Peven. Wickam, Bramb. Wiggenhoult, Ar. Wigfill, Hast. Willington, Peven. Willington, Peven. Winchelsey old, Hast. WINCHELSEY, H. Windeham, Bramb. Winton, Peven. Wiston, Bramb. Wittering west, Chich. Wittering east, Chich. Wivelsfeild, jews. Wodmancote, Bra. Wogham, jews. Wolbeding, Chich. Wollavington, Ar. Worsham, Hast. Worth forest, jews. Worth, jews. Worting, Bramb. Wotton, Peven. Wotton, jews. Wulbow, jews. Wyke, Chich. wily, Peven. Wythyham, Peven. The bounds of Surrey. SURREY, by Beda called Suthri, and by the Saxons written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, lieth separated upon the North from the Counties of Buckingham and Middlesex, by the great River Thamisis; upon the East Kent doth inbound it; upon the South is held in with Sussex and Hampshire: and her West part is bordered upon by Hampshire and Berkshire. The form. (2) The form thereof is somewhat square, and lieth by North and by East, whereof Redrith and Frensham are the opposites, betwixt whom are extended The length. thirty four miles. The broadest part is from Awfold southward, to Thamisis by Stanes, and them asunder The circumference. twenty two: the whole in circumference is one hundred and twelve miles. The Air and Soil. (3) The heavens breathing air in this Shire is most sweet and delectable, so that for the same cause many royal Palaces of our Princes are therein seated, and the Country better stored with game then with grain, insomuch that this County is by some men compared unto a homespun freeze-cloth, with a costly fair list, for that the out-verge doth exceed the middle itself. And yet is it wealth enough both in Corn and Pasturage, especially in Holmesdale, and towards the River of Thamisis. The ancient Inhabitants. (4) In this Shire the Regni (an ancient people mentioned by Ptolemie) were seated, whom he brancheth further thorough Sussex and some part of Hampshire. And in the wane of the Romans government, when the Land was left to the will of Invaders, the South-Saxons under Ella here erected their Kingdom, which with the first was raised, and soon found end. From them no doubt the County was named Suthrey, as seated upon the South of the River; and now by contraction is called Surrey. (5) And albeit the County is barren of Cities or Principal places in Surrey. Towns of great estate, yet is she stored with many princely Houses, yea and five of his Majesties, so magnificently built, that of some she may well say, no Shire hath none such, as is None-such indeed. And were not Richmond a fatal place of England's best Princes, it might in esteem be ranked with the richest: for therein died the great Conqueror of France, King Edward the Third, the beautiful Anne daughter to Charles the Fourth, Emperor, and entirely beloved wife to King Richard the Second; the most wise Prince King Henry the Seventh, and the rarest of her Sex the Mirror of Princes, Queen Elizabeth, the world's love, and subjects joy. (6) At Merton likewise Kenulph King of the Westsaxons came to his untimely end: and at Lambeth the hardy Canute, and last of the Danish Kings, died among his Cups. But as these places were fatal for the last breath of these Princes, so other in this County have been graced with the body and beginning of other worthy monarch: for in Chertsey Abbey King Henry the Sixth, who was deposed and made away in the King Henry the Sixth buried at Chertsey. Tower of London, was first interred without all funeral pomp, but for his holy life was imputed a Saint, and lastly translated, and entombed at Windsor. At Kingston likewise stood the Chair of Majesty, wherein Athelstan, Edwin, and Ethelred sat at their Coronation, and first received their Sceptre of Imperial Power. Guildford likewise hath been far greater than now it is, when the Palace of our English-Saxon Kings was therein set. And seeing it is the midst of the Shire, the graduation from hence shall be observed, where for Latitude the Pole is raised from the degree 51. 22. scruples: and her Longitude from the West in the degree 20. and 2. scruples. (7) Neither can we accounted Okam and Ripley, two small villages, the lest in this shire, which have brought forth the well known men William de Cambden. Okam, that deep Philosopher and admirable Scholar, and George de Ripley, the ringleader of our Alchemists and mystical impostors; both of them borne in this County, and very near together. But why speak I of these, sith a place nearer to sight, and greater for fame, even Lambeth, is the High Seat of Ecclesiastical Government, Piety, and Learning, and Palace of Canterbury's Archbishops, the Metropolitans of England. First erected by Archbishop Baldwin, and ever since hath been the residing of all those worthy Prelates of our Church, who in a long succession (even from Anno 596.) have continued to him that now most worthily sits at the Churches stern, Richard by God's providence Lord Archbishop of that See, a most faithful and prudent Counsellor unto King james, and a most learned and provident Guide of our most flourishing Church: whose gracious favour undeservedly conferred upon me, hath been a great encouragement to these my poor endeavours. Battles before the Conquest in Surrey. (8) Memorable places for Battles fought before the Conquest, were Wembledon, where (when the fullness of prosperity burst forth into Civil Dissensions among the Saxons) a bloody Battle was fought betwixt Cheaulin the West-Saxon and young Ethelbert of Kent, wherein he was discomfited, and two of his principal Leaders slain about the year of Christ 560. and three hundred thirty three years after, King Elfred Some say this victory was obtained at Fernham in Kent. john Stow. Religious houses erected and suppressed in Surrey. with a small power overcame the Danes with a great slaughter at Farnham in this County, which somewhat quelled the courage of his savage enemy. (9) Religious houses erected in this Shire by the devotion of Princes, and set apart from public uses to Gods Divine Service, and their own Salvation, as then was taught, the best in account were Shene, Chertsey, Merton, Newarke, Rygate, Waverley, Horsleg; and in Southwark, Bermundsey and S. Mary's. These all flourished with increase, till the ripeness of their fruit was so pleasing in sight and taste unto King Henry the Eighth, that in beating the boughs he broke down body and all, ruinating those houses, and seizing their rich possession into his own hands. So jealous is God of his honour; and so great vengeance followeth the sin of Idolatry. The divisions of Surrey. (10) In this Shire have stood eight fair and strong Castles: such were Addington, Darking, Starburg, Rygate, Guildford, Farnham, Goseford, and Brenchingley: but of greater State are Oking, Otlands', nonesuch, and Richmond, his majesties royal Manor. And for service to the Crown or Common wealths employments, this Counties division is into thirteen Hundred, wherein are seated eight Market Towns, and one Hundred and forty Parish-Churches, as in the Table following is inserted. SURREY DESCRIBED AND DIVIDED INTO HUNDREDS RICHMONT. WILLIAM WARREN Created Earl of SURREY by wil Rufus WILLIAM Earl of EAGLE sone to King STEPHEN Earl of Surrey HAMLIN, BASE SUN to GEFFREY PLANTAGENET Earl of Surrey THOMAS MOWBRAY Earl of Surrey in right of his wife Ano●347 ●347 NONSUCH. THOMAS HOLLAND▪ Duke of Surrey created by K. R. 2. THOMAS BEAUFORT Earl of Surrey Created by K. H. 4. THOMAS HOWARD Earl of Surrey created by K. R. 3 Described by the travills of John Norden Augmented and performed by john Speed Jodocus Hondius. caelavit. Anno 1610. Are to be sold in popeshedd Alley against the exchange by John Sudbury and George Humble CUM PRSUSL●GSO. THE SCALE OF MILES Hundred in SURREY. 1 CHertley. 2. Working. 3. Fernham. 4. Godalming. 5. Emley. 6. Kingston. 7. Brixton. 8. Croyden. 9 Tanridge. 10. Reygate. 11. Copthorne. 12. Darking. 13. Blackheath. A Abinger, Dark. Abroke, Emley. Abscourt, Emley. Addington, Croyden. Adleston, Chert. Addscombe, Croyden. Albury, Black. S. Annes Hill. Chert. Anuvall, Fern. Artington, Godall. ash, Woking. Ashted, Copthorne. Awfold, Black. B Badshott, Farm. Bagshott, Woking. Bansted, Croyden. Barn, Brix. Barnelmes, Brixt. Basingstone, Woking. Battersey, Brixt. Baynard's, Black. Beachworth west, Dark. Beachworth east, Reyg. Bedington, Croyden. Binscombe, Godalm. Bisley, Chert. Bishop's court, Tanr. Blackheath, Woking. Bletching Foreign, Tanrid. Bletchingleigh, Tan. Blockfield, Tan. Bokham great, Copthor. Bokham little, Copthor. Bradley, Woking. Bramley, Black. Brockham, Reyg. Brookwood, Woking. Buckham lane, Chert. Buckland, Reygat. Burgate, Godal. Burghouse, Copth. Burphants, Woking. Burstow, Reyg. Burstow Rarke, Tan. Burstow lodge, Tan. Byflet, Chert. C Camerwell, Brix. capel, Dark. Carshalton, Croyd. Caterham, Tan. Catteshull, Godal. Cawseway, Dark. Chaldon, Croyd. chart, Fern. Charttwood, Reyg. Cheame, Croyden. Chellsham, Tan. Chergworth, Emley. Chertsey, Chert. Chesyington, Cop. Chiddingfold, Godal. Chilworth, Black. Chipsteed, Reyg. Cleagate, Kingst. Clandon west, Woking. Clandon east, Woking. Clapham. Brix. Cobham, Emley. Cobham, Chert. Cobham street, Emley. Comb park, Brix. Comb Nevil, Kingst. Cookham little, Cop. Cookham great, Cop. coley, Reyg. Compton, Fern. Compton, Godalin. Consford, Black. Cranley, Black. Crowhurst, Tan. CROYDEN, Croyd. Culsdon, Croyden. D DARKING, Darking. Deddington, Croyd. Dovers', Reyg. Dulwich, Brix. Dunsfold, Black. Dytton thames, Kingst. Dytton long, Kingst. E Ebbesham, Cop. Ebbesham Court, Cop. Effingham, Cop. Egham, Chert. Elsted, Fern. Embhams', Godal. Enton, Godal. Esher, Emley. Esher park, Emley. Eshing, Godal. Ewell, Cop. Ewhurst, Black. Eywood, Dark. F Farley, Tan. Farnecombe, Godal. FARNEHAM, Fern. Fawell, Cop. Fetcham, Cop. Flanchford, Reyg. Frensham, Fern. Frimley, Chert. G Gatton, Reig. S. George Hill, Emley. Glashouse, Black. GODALMING, Godal. Godstone, Tan. Goldwhurd, Tan. GVILDFORD, Wok. Guildford manor, Woking. Gumshall, Black. H Hackstall, Tanr. Haling, Croyden. Ham, Reyg. Hambledon, Godal. Hamhawe, Chert. Hartmere, Godal. Hascombe, Black. Hasilmere, Godal. Hatcham, Brixt. Haw, Dark. Hedley, Cop. Henly park, Woking. Hindhead, Godal. Hodge court, Tan. Holmbury, Black. Holmwoodborow, Dar. Horley, Reyg. Horstell, Chert. Horsley west, Woking. Horsley east, Woking. Horton, Cop. Hourne, Tan. KING Katerham, Tan. Katern hill, Woking. Kennington, Brix. Kewe, Kingst. King's hill, Brix. KINGSTON upon thames, King. Kingfield, Tan. Knole, Blach. Kynnersley, Reyg. L Lagham, Tan. Lambeith, Brix. Lambeith deane, Brix. Lambeith marsh, Brix. Lathesley, Godal. Laystrete, Reyg. Leighe, Reyg. Leth, Dark. Letherhead, Cop. Lingfield, Tan. Lingfield street, Reyg. Littleton, Godal. Loxley, Black. Limsfield, Tanrid. M Malden, King. Martin Nevil, Brix. Martin's on the hill, Black. Mayfort, Woking. Merrowe, Wok. Merstham, Reyg. Mickleham, Copth. Milton, Dark. Mitcham, Croyden. Molsey west, Emley. Molsey east, Kingst. Morden, Croyden. Morden, Tan. Morehouse, Fern. Mortclacke, Brix. Mounsted, Black. Mylford, Godal. N Newarke, Wok. Newchappell, Tan. Newington, Brix. Newlodge, Chert. nonesuch, Croyd. Norbury, Cop. Nore, Black. Nudigate, Reyg. Nuttfield, Reig. OH Ockham, Wok. Ockley, Dark. Ognersh, Black Okeley, Dark. Okested. Tan. Okewood, Black. Otlands', Emley. Oxenford, Godal. P Peckham, Brix. Peckham Rye, Brix. Pensgreene, Brix. Pepperharrow, Godal. Pettersham, Kingst. Pirford, Chert. Pittfall, Godal. Polsdon, Copthor. Polsted, Godal. Pophole, Godal. Potnol, Chert. Poundhill, Tan. Poyle, Fern. Preston, Cop. Purbright, Wok. Purtenham, Godal. Putney▪ Brixt. R Redrith. Brixt. REYGATE, Reyg. Reygate Foren, Reyg. Reygate church, Reyg. Richmond, Kingst. Ripleyff, Wok. Robarns, Wok. Rowhampton, Brix. Runfold, Fern. Runwick alias Dipnell, Fern. S Sanderste, Croyd. Salton upon Thamesis, Emley. Salton on the hill. Cop. Sansted, Cop. Scotsland, Black. Seal, Fern. Sand, Wok. Shakleford, Godal. Shalford, Black. Shelwood. Reyg. Shere, Black. Shipley bridge, Tan. Shipley bridge, Reyg. Shooland, Godal. Shotover mill, Godal. Shine, Kingst. Shine east, Brix. Sidlum, Reyg. Slyfield, Cop. Smalefield, Tan. South Park, Tan. SOUTHWARK, Brix. Stanesborne, King. Starburg, Tan. Stenestreete, Dark. Stockwell, Brix. Stoke, Wok. Stoke dauborne, Emley. Stowghton, Wok. Stretham, Brix. Stroud, Chert. Sutton, Croyd. Sidney, Black. T Tadwort, Cop. Talworth court, Kingst. Tangley, Black. Tanridge, Tan. Tatesfield, Tan. Temple, Dark. Thorpe, Chert. Thursley, Godal. Tilford, Fern. Titting, Woking. Tittesley, Tan. Tongham, Fern. Towting graveney, Brix. Towting beck, Brix. Trotworth, Chert. FIVE Vachery, Black. Vnsted, Black. W Walkamsted, Tan. Wallington, Croyd. Walton, Cop. Walton, Emley. Walworth, Brix. Wanborow, Wok. Wansworth, Brix. Warlingham, Tan. Warmingfold, Black. Waverley, Fern. Waybridge, Emley. Wescot, Dark. Weston, Black. Westwood, Wok. Wheler street, Godal. Whitley, Godal. Wiggy, Reyg. The Wild, Godal. Willmore pound, Cop. Willy, Reyg. Wimbledon, Brix. Windlesham, Wok. Winsham, Chert. Wisley, Chert. Witley, Godal. Wodham, Chert. Wodham lane. Chert. Woking, Woking. Woocote, Croyd. Woodcock bride, Tan. Woodhatch, Reyg. Woodmanstorne, Croyd. Wooldingham, Tan. Worplesdon, Wok. Worplesdon, Wok. Wotton, Dark. Wrecklesham, Fern. Wyke, Woking. Haunt▪ shire by the Saxons written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, lying upon the west of England, is bordered upon the North by Berkshire, upon the East with Surrey and Sussex, upon the South with the British Seas, and I'll of Wight, & upon the West, with Dorset and Wilt-shires. The length and breadth of Hampshire. (2) The length thereof from Blackwater in the North upon Surrey, unto Bascomb in the South upon the Sea, extended in a right line, is fifty four English miles: and the breadth drawn from Petersfield in the East, unto Tidworth in the west, and confines of Wilt-shire, is little less than thirty miles, the whole Circumference about, one hundred fifty and five. The air of Hampshire. (3) The air is temperate, though somewhat thick by reason of the Seas, and the many Rivers that thorough the Shire do fall, whose plenty of fish and fruitful increase, do manifoldly redeem the harms which they make. The soil. (4) The Soil is rich for corn and cattles, pleasant for pasturage, and plenteous for woods; in a word, in all commodities either for Sea or Land, blessed and happy. Havens. (5) Havens it hath, and those commodious both to let in, and to lose outships of great burden in trade of Merchandise, or other employments: whereof Portsmouth, Tichfield, Creeks. Hamble and Southampton are chief: besides many other creeks that open their bosoms into those Seas, and Castles. the Coast strengthened with many strong Castles, such as Hurst, Calshot, South▪ hampton, S. Andrew's, Worth, Porchester, and the South Castle, besides other Bulwarks, or Blockhouses that secure the Country: And further in the Land, as Malwood, Winchester, and Odiam, so strong, that in the time of King john, thirteen English men only defended the Fort for fifteen days against Lewis of France, that with a great Host assaulted it most hotly. Ninius in Catalogue Civit. (6) Anciently it was possessed upon the North by the Segontians, who yielded themselves to julius Caesar, & whose chief City was Vindonum, Caer Segonte, now Silcester; and upon the South by the Belgae, and Regni, who were subdued by Plausius and Vespasian the Romans, where Titus rescuing his father, straightly besieged by the Britain's, as Dio and Forcatulus do report, was grasped about with an adder, but no hurt to his person, and therefore taken for a sign of Domsdaies' book. Beda histor. lib. 4. cap. 13. good luck. Their chief Town was Rincewood, as yet sounding the name: and more within Land inhabited the Manures, as Beda calls them, whose Hundreds also to this day give a relish of their names. New Forrest. Gualther Maps. (7) Near Ringwood, and the place once YTENE, from God and people's service, to Beast and luxury, thirty six Parish Churches were converted and pulled down by the Conqueror, and thirty miles of circuit inforrestred for his game of Hunting, wherein his Sons Richard and Rufus, with Henry the second son to Duke Robert, his first, felt by hasty death the hand of justice and Revenge: for in the same Forest, Richard by blasting of a pestilent air, Rufus by shot taken for a beast, and Henry as Absalon hanged by a bough, came to their untimely ends. At so dear a rate the pleasures of dogs, and harbour for beasts were bought in the blood of these Princes. (8) The general commodities gotten in this Shire, are wools, Clotheses and Iron, whereof great store is therein wrought from the Mines, and thence transported into all parts of this Realm, and their Clotheses & Kerseys, carried into many foreign Countries, to that Country's great benefit, and England's great praise. The City Winchester. (9) The Trade thereof, with other provisions for the whole, are vented through eighteen Market Towns in this Shire, whereof Winchester, the Britain's Caer Gwent, the Romans Venta Belgarum, & the Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is chief, ancient enough by our British Historians, as built by King Lib. Notitiae. Rudhudibras, nine hundred years before the Nativity of Christ: and famous in the Romans times for the weaving and embroideries therein wrought, to the peculiar uses of Zosimus. their Emperors own persons. In the Saxons time, after two Calamities of consuming fire, her walls were raised, & the City made the Royal seat of their West Saxons Kings, and the Metropolitan of their Bishop's Sea, wherein Egbert Wil Malms. and Elfred their most famous Monarches were Crowned: & Henry the third, the Normans longest raigner, first took breath: And here king Aethelstane erected six houses for Henry Hunting. his mint: but the Danish desolation overrunning all, this City felt their fury in the days of king Ethelbright, and in the Normans time, twice was defaced by the misfortune of fire, which they again repaired and graced with the trust of keeping the public records of the Realm. In the Civil wars of Maud and Stephen, this City was sore sacked, but again receiving breath, was by King Edward the third, The Staple appointed the place for Mart of wool and cloth. The Cathedral Church built by Kenwolf king of the West Saxons, that had been Amphibalus, S. Peter, Swythins, and now holy Trinity, is the Sanctuary for the ashes of many English Kings: For herein great Egbert, Anno 836, with his son king Ethelwolfe, 857: Here Elfred, Oxford's founder, 901, with his Queen Elswith, 904: Here the first Edmund Kings buried in Winchester. before the Conquest, 924, with his sons Elfred, and Elsward: Here Edred, 955, and Edwy, 956, both kings of England: Here Emme, 1052, with her Danish Lord Canute, 1035, and his son Hardicanute, 1042: And here lastly the Normans, Richard and Rufus, 1100, were interred; their bones by Bishop Fox were gathered and shrined in little guilt coffers fixed upon a wall in the Choir, where still they remain carefully preserved. The situation of Winchester. This City's situation is fruitful and pleasant in a valley under hills, having her River on the East, and Castle on the west, the Circuit of whose walls, are well near two English miles, containing one thousand eight hundred and eighty paces; thorough which openeth six gates for entrance, and therein are seven Churches for divine service, besides the Minster, and those decayed; such as Calendar, Cruel Chapel, S. Mary's Abbey, & the Friars, without in the Suburbs, and sook; in the East is S. Peter's, & in the North Hyde Church and Monastery, whose ruins remaining, show the beauty that formerly it bore. The Graduation of this City by the Mathematics, is placed for Latitude in the degree 51 10 minutes, and for Longitude 19, 3 minutes. Southampton. (10) Moore south, is South hampton, a Town populous, rich and beautiful, from whom the whole Shire deriveth her name, most strongly walled about with square stone, containing in circuit, one thousand and two hundred paces, having seven Gates for entrance, and twenty nine Towers for defence, two very stately Keys for Ships arrivage, & five fair Churches for God's divine service, besides an Hospital called God's house, wherein the unfortunate Richard, Earl of Cambridge, beheaded for treason, lieth interred. On the west of this Town is mounted a most beautiful Castle, in form Circular, and wall within wall, the foundation upon a hill so topped, that it cannot be ascended but by stairs, carrying a goodly prospect both by Land and Sea, & in the East without the walls, a goodly Church sometimes stood, called S. Maries, which was pulled down: for that it gave the French direction of course, who with fire had greatly endangered the Town: in stead thereof, is now newly erected a small and unfinished Chapel. In this place, saith learned Cambden, stood the ancient Clausentium, Clausentium. or fort of the Romans, whose circuit on that side extended itself to the Sea: this suffered many depredations by. the Saxon Pirates, and in Anno 980, was by the Danes almost quite overthrown. In king Edward the thirds time, it was fired by the French, under the Conduct of the king of Sicils son, whom a Country man encountered and struck down with his Club, He crying Rancon, that is, Ransom: but he neither understanding his language, nor the law that Arms doth allow, laid on more sound▪ saying: I know thee a Frankon, and therefore shalt thou die: and in Richard the seconds time it was some what removed, and built in the place where now it standeth. In this Cla●sentium, Cann●te to evict his flatterers, made trial of his deity, commanding the seas to keep back from his seat: but being not obeyed, he acknowledged God to be the only supreme Governor, and in a religious devotion gave up his Crown to the rood at Winchester. Moore ancient was Silcester built by Constantius, great Constantine's son, whose monument (they say) Silcester. was seen in that City, and where another▪ Constantine put on the purple robe against Honorius, as both Ninius and Gervase of Canterbury do witness. Herein by our Historians record, the warlike Arthur was crowned. Whose greatness Ni●ius. Ger. Cantu. for circuit contained no less than fourscore acres of ground, and the walls of great height, yet standing two miles in compass about. This City by the Danish Rovers suffered such wrack, that her mounted tops were never since seen, and her Hulk (the walls) in mured to their middle in the earth, which the rubbish of her own desolations hath filled. The chief religious houses in this County. (11) Chief Religious houses within this County erected and again suppressed were these, Christs-Church, Bea●lie●, Whorwell, R●msey, Redbridge, Winchester, Hyde, southhampton, and Tichfield. The honour of this shire is dignified with the high Titles of Marquis, and them Earls of Winchester and southhampton; whose arms of families are as thou seest, and her division into thirty seven Hundred, and those again into two hundred fifty three Parishes, as in her Table shall appear. HANTSHIRE described and divided. HON● SOIT ●VI MAL Y P●NSE DIEV ET MON DROIT Winchester 1 Hyde Church 2 Hyde Abbey 3 Hyde street 4 jury street 5 Tanner's street 6 Cruel Chapel 7 Walls street 8 S. mary's Abbey 9 saint john's hospital 10 saint john's street 11 Ten Lane 12 Water Lane 13 S. Peter's church in C 14 saint Peter's street 15 Colbrok street 16 S. Peter Colbrok 17 saint Mary Callendee 18 The Gail prison 19 Staple Garden 20 S. Moris' Church 21 saint Lawr●nce 22 S. Thomas 23 saint Bartholomewes' 24 S. Clement's 25 Wolsey House 26 The College 27 College mill 28 Kings Gate 29 South G●te 30 The minster 31 Paradise 32 The Castle CLITON a Saxon Earl of Winchester SAER QVINCY Earl of Winchester HUGH SPENCER Earl of Winchester. LODOWICK BRUGET Earl of Winchester. WILLIAM PAULET Marquis of Winchester The wars betwixt Maud the Em●▪ press (entitled Lady of England unto whom all the Nobility had sworn Aleagance) And King Stephen Earl of Bolloigne her Cousin german, was prosecuted with such variable fortunes in many conflicts on both parts▪ that Stephen himself was by her taken prisoner and retained in Irons with other exstremityes used, But succese of war altering, Maud the Emprese to save her own life adventured throw the Host of her en●●●ie, laid in a coffin f●yned to be dead, and so was carried in a horselitter from Winchester to Lutegershall Vices, and Gloucester; and thence to Oxford, whence the y●re following she escaped as dangerously by deceiving the Scout watch in a deep s●owe. Anno 1141. BOGO or BEAVOUS Earl of Southampton a famous warrior against the Normans. WILLIAM FITZ William created Earl of Southampton by King Henry 8. THO WRIOTIEOSLEY created Earl of Southampton by K. Edward 6. Anno. 1. Performed by john Speed and are to be sold in P●p●● head all●y by I Sudbury and G. 〈◊〉 Cum Privilege. THE SCALE OF MILES Hundred in Hantshire. 1 Euinger. 2. Kingscleer. 3. Holshott. 4. Odiham. 5. Crundall. 6. Alton. 7. Barmanspit. 8. Chutley. 9 Basingstook. 10. Ouerton. 11. Pastrow. 12. Andevor. 13. Wherwell. 14. Micheldever. 15. Buntesborrow. 16. Sutton. 17. Selborne. 18. Eastermeane. 19 Meanestoake and Suberton. 20. Fawley. 21. Buddlesgate. 22. Kingsunborne. 23. Bartonstacy. 24. Thorngate. 25. Newforest. 26. Fordingbridge. 27. Ringwood. 28. Christchurch. 29. Redbridge. 30. Waltham. 31. Mansbridge. 32. Tichfeild. 33. Portsdown. 34. Portsmouth Liberty. 35. Bosmere and Hailing. 36. Fartham. 37. Finchdeane. A abbots worthy, Michael. Abbots Ann, ver. Abboteston, Buntes. Abshot, Tichf. Aldershot, Crund. Allington, Ma●sbr. Allom house, Christch. Alresford old, Fawley. ALRESFORD, Sutt. ALTON, Alton. Alwardstoake, Tichf. Ambersam, Ester. Amner Farm, Hamble. Amport, Andover. ANDEVOR, And. Anfeild, Mamb. S. Andrew's Castle, Mans. Anport, And. Anne little, Where. Apleshaw, And Arnewood, Christch. ash▪ overt. Ashelie, Christ●h. Ashlie, Kingsun. Ashmanswor●h, Euin. Ashton, Wal●h. Auen, Christch. Auington, Fawley. B Baddesley, Mansb. Badslie South, New. Baghurst, Euing. Ba●doxfee, Redbr. Barkmeston, Redbr. Barkeley Kings, New. Baropey, Basin. Barrend, Michael. Barton Peverell, Mans. Bartonstacie, Barton. BASINGSTOOK, Basin. Bascombe, Christch. Basin, Basin. Batrumsly, New. Beacon, Newf. Beacon, Walth. Beamond, ●ortss. Bear, Budles. Beareweeke, Budl. Bear Forest, Portesd. Bearehouse, Portsd. Beawley, New. Beaworth, Fawley. Beckam, Fording. Bedhampton, Ports. Benham, Kings. Bensteed, Alton. Bentley, Crund. Bentworth, Odiham. Berseldon, Tichfeild. Beriton, Finch. Bighton, Sutton. Bisterne, Ringwood. Bittern, Walth. Bisterene Barkley, Redbr. Bishopstoake, Fawl. Black Cliff, Christch. Blackwater, Crund. Blendworth, Finch. Boldre, Newforest. Borocote, Mich. Borrow clear, Euing. Bossington, Thorn. Botley, Mansb. Bowdeane, Ester. Boyate, Mansb. Bradley, overt. Bradley, Barmans'. Bramdeane, Sutt. Bramere, Fording. Bramley, Basin. Bramsbury, Budles. Bramsell, Hold. Bramshot, Crund. Bramshot, Alton. Brickton, Fording. Britain Lee, Ti bf. Brodlands, Redbr. Brokenhurst, New. Brooke, Kingsun. Broughton, Thorn. Brown Candaver, Bunts. Broxton, Alton, Buckholt Forest, Thorn. Buckland, Ports. Bullington, Where. Bure, Christch. Burgate, Fording. Burghcleere, Euing▪ Burlie, New. Buricourt, Alton. Burrant West, Ports. Burrant East, Ports. Burstlin, Walth. Burton▪ Christch. Burwell, Mean. Bushwaltham, Walth. Butter hill, East. Butteren, Wa●th. Butefashe, New. Byndley, Euing. C Cadland, New. Calshot Castle, New. Cams, Tich. Caunterton, New. Caston, Fawley. Catcombe, Port. Cavehurst, Kings. Chalton, Finch. Charke, Tich. Charford North, Ford. Charford South, Ford. Charlcott, Euing. Charlton, And. Castle South, Port. Chawton, A●ton. Cheryton, Fawley. Chewton, Christch. Chidden, Hamble. Chilboulton, Budles. Chilcombe▪ Fawley. Chillinge, Tich. Chilton Candaver, Bunts. Chilworth, Man's. Chineham, Basin. Choldwarton, Ando. CHRIST-CHURCH, Chr. Chure Forest, Ando. Clanfeild, And. Clanfeild, Finch. Clatford upper, Ando. High Clear, Euing. Cleerewoodcot, Kin. Clydseden, Basin. Cockerfeild, Alton. Coldre, Alton. Colderton, And. Colmer, Barton. Combe, Past. Combe, Ester. Compton, Budles. Compton, Kings. Copperhouse, Christ. Cornhampton, Mea. Cove, Crund. Cowderidge, Walth. Crokham, Crund. Cramborne, Michael. Crawley, Budles. S. Cross, Budl. Croston, Tichf. Crowdhill, Fawley. Croxeston, Past. Crundall, Crund. D Deane, overt. Deane East, Thorn. Derly Loperwood, Red. Dibden, Redbr. Dimnead, Hamb. S▪ Dionies, Walth. Dipnall, Crund. Drogmersfeild, Odie. Drayton, Ports. Droxford, Walth. Dummer, Barm. Dunbury hill, Andou●r. Durly, Walth. E Earlston, Kings. East Wolban, Alton. Eastermeane, Ester. Eastlye, Man's. Easton Farm, Ports. Easton, Past. Easton, Fawley. Edmonosthorp, King. Edsworth, Finch. Egbu●ie, Eumg. Eling, Redbr. Ellingham, Ford. Eluetham, Odiham. Empshott, Selb●r. Emsworth, Bosmer. Enham, Andover. Eruells, Hambles. Etchinswell, Euing. Euersley, Hold. Ewshott, Crund. Exburie, New. Exton, Fawl●y. F Fackham, Pas●. FARHAM, Tichf. Faringdon, Selborne. Farley, Kings. Farley, Barmans'. Farlington, Ports. Farnborrow, Crund. Farnhamsdeane, Past. Fartham, Farth. Fastan Farm. Faston, Past. Faushot, Crund. Fawlye, New. Ferlington, Ports. Fernboro, Odih. Fontley great, Tichf. Fontley little, Tichf. Fordingbridge, Ford. Forton, Where. Foxcott, Andover. Fremanton, Kings. Fritham, New. Frobury, Kings. Froxfeild, Ester. Froyle, Alton. Frysalke, Euing. Fryvoke, Euing. Fulflude, Budles. Fullerton, Kings. Fyfeild, Andevor. Funtley great, Tichf. Funtley little, Tic●. G Gallare, Where. Gynus, New. Gittins, New. Gildable, Kings. Glidden, Hamble. Godshill, New. Goodworth Clatford, Where. Godsfeild, Buntes. Gosporte, Tichf. Grange, Buntes. Gratly, Andover. Gretham, Alton. Gruel, Odi. Grove place, Redbr. H Hale, Fording. Hale, New. Haliborne, Alton. Hamble Haven, Man. Hambledon, Hamble. Hamblerise, Man's. Hame, Barton. Haninton, Chut. Hanington Laurence, Kings. Harburdge, Ringw. Hardley, New. Harneden, Finch. Hartley Wespell, Hold. Hartley Mawdit, Alt●n. Hasell, Basin. Ha●herden, Andover. Havant, Bosm. Haughton North, Kings. Hawkley, Selborne. Hawley, Crund. Hailing, Bosmer. Headley, Sutt. Headborn worthy, Bart. Heath, Christch. Heathouse, Finch. Heckfeild, Hold. Helhouse, Chut. Hengesbury head, Christ. Henly, Euing. Henton Dawbney, Finch. Henton Amner, Fawley. Heriott, Barman. Herford-bridge, Odi. Hertley row, Odi. Hertley, Alton. Hertley, Odi. Highcleere. Hill, Walth. Hilside, Odi. Hinton, Christch. Hithe, New. Hoddington, Fawley. Ho, Mea●. Holburye, New. Holdshot, Hold. Hollborn, Alt. Holmhurst▪ Christch. Hooke, Tich. Hordwell, Christch. Horbridge, Ford. Howghton, Bud. Hound, Man's. Hunton, Bud. Hurton, Christch. Hurne, Christch. Hursboorne, Past. Hursboorne, Euing. Hursley, Bud. Hurst east, Kings. Hurst west, Kings. I Ibbesley, Ford. Ifford, Christch. Ilfeild, Barm. Inhurst, Bart. Isteed east, Sel. Isteed west, Sut. Itchell, Crun. Itching, Walth. Itchin' Stoake, Bunt. Itchin' Abbots, Bunt. KING Katrington, Fi●ch. Kempshot, Basin. Keppernham, Kings. Keyhaven, Christch. Kimpstone, Fawley. KINGS-CLEEVE, Kings. Kingsl●y, Alton. Kingston, Ports. Kingston, Ring. Kingsunborne, Kings. Kingsworthy, Bart. Kirbridge, Walth. Kympton, And. L Ladnam, Thorn. Langlye, New. Langlie, Red. Langrish, Est. Lassam, Odi. Laverstooke, overt. Lawnslevill, King. Leap, New. Leckford, King. Lebritan, Tich. Lee Earls, King. Lichfeild, King. Linchford, Crund. Lindhurst park, Ne. Lippocke, Alt. Littleton, Bud. Littleton, And. Lockerley, Thorn. Lovington, Fawley. Long parish, Where. Long Sutton, Crund. Longstocke, King. Lungford, Faw. LYMINGTON, Chr. Lyghe, Port. Lyndhurst, New. Lynwood, New. Lysse, Odiham. M Magdaline, Faw. Malchanger, Chut. Malwood castle, New. Mappledorwell, Bas. Mapledurham, Finch. Marchwood, Red. Lee Marks, Tich. Martin worthy, Fawley. S. Maries, Walt. S. Marry Boorne, Euin. Mattingley, Hold. Maxston, And. Maxwell, Fawley. Mean East, Mean. Mean West, Fawley. Meanestoake, Mean. Medsted, Fawley. Memsted, New. Micheldevor, Mich. Michelmersh, Budles. Migiam, Ford. Midleton, Where. Milbrooke, Budle. Milbrooke hill, Wal●h. Milcourt, Alton. Milford, Christch. Milton, Christch. Minsted, Newf. Morecot, Redbr. More●teede, Fawley. Moral, Odi. Mortymer, Hold. Mottesfont, Thorn. Moils Court, Ring. Munke●ton, And. Mycheldever, Mich. Mynley, Hold. N Nashe, Christch. Nastwood, Past. Natley severs, Basin. Natley upper, Basin. Newton Valence, Selbor. Newton berry, Redbridg. Netham, Alton. Netley, Mansb. Newnam, Basin. Newton, Euing. Newton, Selb. Newtonstacie, Barton. Ninkenholt, Past. Northbrooke, Mich. Northington, Michael. Northwood, Bosm●r. Norton, Selborn. Nurs●ing, Bud. Nursting, Red. Nurstead, Finch. Nutley, Barmans'. OH Oberie, Kings. ODIHAM, Odi. Okehanger, Alton. Okeley, Kings. Okeley North, Ch●t. Okeley Church, Chut. Okeley hall, Chut. Oldalresford, Bunt. Oldstoake, Budl●. Oosham, Ports. Otterborne, Budl. Ouerton, overt. Ouington, Fawley. Ower, Redbridge. Owselbury, Faw. Oxenborne, Ester. Oxenborne, Mean. P Patow Beacons, Mic. Paltons', Redbr. Pamber, Hold. Pamber, Barton. parkhouse, New. Parlicu, Christch. Parsonage, Kings. Park, New. Peeke, Mean. Pennyngton, Ring. Penton Grafton, And. Penton Mewsey, And. Persint, Kingston. PETERSFEILD, Fi. Pettleworth, Thorn. Pilley, New. pit, Budl. Platford, And. Polhampton, overt. Polsgrave, Ports. Popham, Michael. Porchester, Ports. PORTSMOUTH, Port. Portsey, Ports. Posbrooke, Tich. Preshoe, Mean. Preston Candaver, Barm. Preston, Christch. Preve park, Basin. Prever, Faw. Priorsdeane, Barton. Q Quarley, Ando. Quidhampton, overt. R Rames Head, Tich. Ramsdeane, Ester. Raydon, New. Redbridge, Redbr. Redman, Ande. RINGWOOD, Rin. Riplington, Estr. Rockeborne, Fordin. Rochcourt, Tich. Ropley, Sut. Rotherweek▪ Odiham. Rowner, Tich. Rumburdge, Redbr. RUMSEY, Kings. RUMSEY, Redbr. Rye, Odiham. S Sandford, Kings. Sasbury, Tich. Saveston, Ando. Scotney, Barton. Selborne, New. Selborne, Selbor. Setchfield, Fording. Shalden Odiham. Shamblehurst, Man's. Sharprickes, Christch. Shatsham, Man's. Sheet, Finch. Shelborne, Selb. Shephove, Crund. West Sherborne, Chut. Sherborne S. john's, Basin. Sherfield, Odiham. Sherfield, Thorn. Shipton, Thorn. Shiadfield, Walt. Sidmanton, Kings. Sidford, Man's. Silchester, Hold. Sinckles, Walth. Skewers▪ Basin. Slackstead, Michael. Snodington, Thorn. Soak, Fawl. Soak Winton, Buntes. Somborne, Somb. Sonborne, Somb. Somerford, Christch. Soply, Christch. SOUTHAMP TUN, Wa. Southam, Fording. Southbrooke, Tich. Southbrooke, Mich. SOUTHCAST. Port. Southr oppe, Odiham. Southweeke, Portes. Southwood, Bosmer. Sparkford, Budles. Sparshote, Budles. Stanbridge, Kings. Stannog, Tich. Stanswood, New. Stapley, Odiham. Steep, Ester. Stephenton, Basin. Stoake, Euing. Stobudgton, Tich. STOCKBRIDGE, Kings. Stone, Redbridge. Stoneham North, Mansb. Stoneham South, Mansb. Stratton East, Mich. Stratton West, Michael. Stratfieldsey, Hold. Street, Christch. Stunnog, Tich. Suberton, Mean. Sunburne little, Kings. Sunborne upper, Kings. Sutton, Sut. Sutton, Crun. Sutton, Barton. Swampton, Euing. Swanthrope, Cr●nd. Swanmore, Walth. Swanwick, Tich. Swa●woton, Buntes. Sway, Christch. T Tachburie, Redbr. Tadley, overt. Taddiford, Christch. Tangley, Pa●●. Temple, Selborn. Terstwood, Redbr. Tertio Deane, Fawl. Thorney. Thruxston, And. Ticheborne, Fawley. Tichefeild house, Tich. Tichefeild, Tich. Tisted East, Selb. Tisted West, Sutt. Tockington, Where. Toothill, Man's. Totton, Redbr. Truxton without, An. Tuddiford, Chr. Turnworth, Basin. Turges, Hold. Tuston, Hor. Twyford, Fawley. Tydworth, And. Tym●bury, King. Tytherley West, Thorn. Tytherley East, Thorn. V The Vine, Basin. Vpham, Waltham. Vpton grey, Barm. Vpton, Past. Votherfeild, Alton. W Wablington, Bosmer. Wade, Bosmer. Walhampton, Christc. Wallington, Ports. Wallop upper, Thorn. Wallop neither, Thorn. Wallop middle, Thorn. Walsworth Ports. Walton North overt. Warborne New. Warde Redbr. Warmansashe Tich. Warnborrow's North Odih. Warnborrow's South Barm. Warnford Mean. Week, Euing. Week, Budles. Wield, Fawley. Wei●hill, And. Wellow West, Thorn. Wemerling, Ports. Westbery, Mean. Westcourt, Alton. Weston Patrick's, Odih. Weston, Bar●. Weston Carbets,   Weston, Fin●h. Weston, Michael. Westoner, Christch. Wherwell, Where. WHITCHURCH, Euing. Whitsbury, Ford. Wickham, Tich. Widleigh, Ports. Wigley, Thorn. Wimston, Redbr. Winchfeild, Odiham. Winc●ton, Christch. Winhall, Fawley. Wintney, Odiham. Winton, Christ●h. Winton, Ring. WINCHESTER. Winslade, Basin. Wisherborne, Chut. Witham, Ando●er. Wolles, King. Wonston, Budles. Woodcott, Past. Woodgaston, Basin. Woodhaye East, Euing. Woodmancott, Bunt. Woolferton, Knight. Woolston, Man's. Wortham East, Alton. Wortham West, Alton. Worth Castle, Tich. Worting, Chut. Wotton, Ch●t. Wymering, Ports. Wyke, B●s. Y Yabington, Fawley. Yatley, Crund. Yatton East, W●er. Yatton West, Where. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE WIGHT ISLAND. The ancient name. WIght Island was in times past named by the Romans Vecta, Vectis and Victesis, by the Britain's, Guith, by the English Saxons, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (for an Island they termed Aeea) and in these days usually called by us, The Isle of Wight. It belongeth to the County of Southampton, and lieth out in length over Ninnius. The occasion of naming it Guyth against the midst of it southward. It is encompassed round with the British seas, and severed from the Maine-Land, that it may seem to have been conjoined to it, & thereof it is thought the British name (Guyth) hath been given unto it, which betokeneth separation, even as Sicily being broken off, & cut from Italy, got the name from Secando (which signifieth cutting) The length. (2) The form of this Isle is long, and in the midst far more wide then at either end: from Binbridge Breadth. I'll in the east to Hurst Castle in the west, it stetcheth out in length 20. miles, and in breadth from Newport haven northward, to Chale-bay southward, 12. miles. The whole in circumference is about sixty miles. air. (3) The air is commended both for health and delight, whereof the first is witnessed by the long continuance of the Inhabitants in the state of their bodies before they be decayed, and the other for quantity gives place to no neighbouring Country. (4) The ground (to say nothing of the sea, which The soil. is exceeding full of fish) consisteth of soil very fruitful; yet the husbandman's labour deserves to be thankfully remembered, by whose pains and industry it doth not only supply itself, but affords corn to be carried forth to others. The land is plenteously stored with Cattles and Graine, and breeds every where store of Coneys, Hares, Partridges and Pheasants, pleasant for meadow, pasturage, and Parks; so that nothing is wanting that The delectablenes ofit. may suffice man. The midst yields plenty of pasture, and forage for Sheep; whose wool the Clothiers esteem the best; next unto that of Leinster and Cotteswold: If you cast your eyes towards the North, it is all over garnished with Meadows, Pastures and Woods: If towards the south side, it lieth (in a manner) wholly bedecked with Corne-fieldes enclosed, where at each end the Sea doth so encroach itself, that itmaketh almost two islands besides, namely, Freshwater Isle, whichlooketh to the West, and BinbridgeIsle, answering it to the East. (5) The Commodities of the whole chief The commodities. consist of Cattles, Sea-fowle, Fish, and Corn, whereof it hath sufficient: Woods are not here very plentiful; for that it is only stored with one little Forest; yet the Country of Hantshire for vicinity of Site, is a friendly neighbour in that behalf; so (as it were being tied together in affinity) they are always ready, and propense to add to each others wants and defects by a mutual supply. (6) The ancient Inhabitants of this Island were the Belgae, spoken of in the several Provinces of Ancient Inhabitants. Sommersetshire, Wiltshire, and Hantshire. Such as did then possess it, were called Lords of the Isle of Wight, till it fell into the King's hands, by Roger (Son to William Fitz-Osburne slain in the war of Flaunders) that was driven into exile. And Henry Richard Rid●ers. the first King of England, gave it unto Richard Riduers, with the Fee or Inheritance of the town of Christ-Church, where, (as in all other places) he built certain Fortresses. Newport the chie●e town. (7) The principal Market Town in the Isle is New port, called in times past Medena, and Nows Burgu● de Meden; that is, the new Burgh of Meden, whereof the whole Country▪ is divided into East- Meden, and West- Meden. A town well seated, and much frequented; unto whose Burgesses his Majesty hath lately granted the choice of a Mayor, who with his Brethren, do govern accordingly. It is populous with Inhabitants, having an entrance into the Isle from the Haven, and a passage for vessels of small burden unto the Key. Not far from it is the Castle Caresbroke, whose founder is said to have been Whitgar the Saxon, and from him called White-Garesburgh: but now made shorter for easier pronunciation; the graduation whereof for latitude, is in the degree 50. 36. minutes: and her longitude in 19 4. minutes, where, formerly hath stood a Priory, and at Quarre a Nunnery; a necessary neighbour to those penitentiaries. And yet in their merry mood, the inhabitants of this Island do boast, that they were happier than their neighbour Countries, for that they never had Monk that ever wore hood, Lawyers that cavilled, nor Foxes that were crafty. (8) It is reported, that in the year of man's salvation, 1176. and twenty three of King Henry A shower of blood. the second, that in this Island it reigned a shower of blood, which continued for the space of two hours together, to the great wonder and amazement of the people that beheld it with fear. The strength of this Island. (9) This Isle of Wight is fortified both by Art and nature; for besides the strength of artificial Forts and Blockhouses (wherewith it is well furnished) it wants not the assistance of natural Fences, as being enriched with a continual ridge and range of craggy Cliffs, and Rocks, and Banks very dangerous for Sailors, as the Needles, so called by reason of their sharpness: The Shingles, Mixon, Brambles, etc. (10) Vespasian was the first that brought it to the subjection of the Romans, whilst he served as The Roman● Governors. a private person under Claudius Caesar. And Cerdic was the first English Saxon that subdued it, who granting it unto stuff and Whitgar, they jointly together slew (almost) all the British Inhabitants, (being but few of the, there remaining) in the Town aforesaid, called of his Name Whitgaresburgh. Wolpher King of the Mercians reduced this Island afterwards The Mercian King. under his obedience, and at that time when he become Godfather to Edelwalch King of the South- Saxons, and answered for him at his Baptism; he assigned it over unto him, with the Province also of the Menuari. But when Edelwalch was slain, & Aruandus the petty King of the Island was made away, Coedwalla King of the Westsaxons annexed it to his Dominion, and in a tragical and lamentable massacre put to sword (almost) every mother's child of the inborn Inhabitants. The thing that is best worthy note and observation is this, That Bishop Wilfrid was the first that instructed Wilfri●. the Inhabitants of this Island in Christian religion, and brought them from that Idolatrous superstition, with the which (unto that time) they were obscurely blinded. For Ecclesiastical jurisdiction, this Country belongeth to the Bishop of Winchester, and for civil government B. Winchester their Dioces●●. to the Country of Southampton. It is fortified with the strength of six Castles, traded with three Market Towns, and hath 36. Parish Churches planted in it. map of the Isle of Wight WIGHT ISLAND NEWPORT A Sanite Cross B Shospoole street C The Key D Lugley street E Sea Street F Key Street G Holy roddest H Croker Str I S. james▪ St. KING High Street L Pile Street M Cusham stir N Castle hold OH The Church yard A SCALE OF PASES SOUTHAMPTON Will. Fitz Osborne L Rich. River E of Devon. Hen. B●●●champ KING of Wight Rich wooduill. E. River● A Water G●te B Custom house C Gods house D Gods hou●● gate E Gods house gro●● F The Friars. G The friars R●m H S joh●s church I ●rud Lane EDWARD French street L West Gate M ●ull street N ●ull ●all OH West Hall P West Key Q Lords lane R Fish m●●ket S S. Mich●els' T Holy ●●de V S. 〈◊〉 W N●● Corner Y Simnel street X ●iddless Gate Z The Castle 3 Castle lane 4 Castle Gate 5 Bart Gate 6 English street 7 Bast street 8 Broker lane 9 Bast Gate 10 All-hallows 11 Abhal without 12 Canshut lane 13 The Butts 14 B●yond 〈◊〉 wale 15 〈◊〉 16 saint Marry street 17 Orchard lane 18 S. M●ryes 19 The 〈◊〉 20 Sale Marsh A Scale of Pases Described by William Whit● Gent. Augmented and published by john Speed Citizen of London. And are to be sold in Pope's head alley against the Exchange by john Sudbury and G. Humbell▪ Cum Privilegio. An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and memorable places mentioned in Wight Island. The partition of WIGHT Island. West-Medine. East-Medine. A Ageston, E. Med. Apleford, E. Med. A●ton-comb, E. Med. Ash, E. Med. Aston, W. Med. Atherfeld, W. Med. Atherfeld Rocks, W. Me. Atherton, E. Med. A●erston, E. Med. Auintonforrest, W. Me. B Bannose, E. Med. Barton, E. Med. Bery Baron, W. Med. Binbridge Isle, E. Med. Bindsted, E. Med. Black, W. Med. Black Rock, E. Med. Bonechurch, E. Med. Bradney, E. Med. Bredlefford, E. Med. Brixton, W. Med. Brock, W. Med. Bridge-court, E. Med. Bul●ham, W. Med. B●lner, W. Med. C Calhourne, W. Med. Caresbrok, W. Med. Chak-Rocks, W. Med. Chale, E. Med. Chale-bay, W. Med. Challot●e, E. Med. Cheverton, W. Med. Cleybrok, W. Med. cliff, E. Wed. cliff whit, E. Med. Comely, E. Med. Compton Bay, W. Med. Compton, W. Med. Couluer cliffs, E. Med. D Dane, E. Med. Done-mosse, E. Med. E Elmesworth, W. Med. F The Farm or King's Freshwater, w. M. Fayrlee, E. Med. Fish-house, E. Med. Flesh-land, E. Med. Freshwater Isle, W. Med Freshwater gate, W. Me. Freshwater cliff, W. M. Forgeland, W. Med. East Forland E. Med. G Garnard, W. Med. Gatcomb, W. Med. Godshill, E, Med. The Gosse, W. Med. Gotten, E. Med. H Hall, E. Med. Hamsteds', W. Med. Hany-mouth, W. Med. S. Helen, E. Med. S. Helen's haven, E. Me. Hill, E. Med. I jacmans chin, W. Mo. KING S. Katherins, E. Med. Kerne, E. Med. Kinget, W. Med. Kinget chine, W. Med. Kinghton, E. Med. Kingsword, W. M. L Langford, E. Med. Langhorn●, E. Med. S. Lawrance park, E. M. Limerston, W. Med. Luckome, E. M. M Marvel, W. Med. Medhole, E. Med. Mersh, W. Med. Merston, E. Med. Mitton, E. Med. Mountson, W. Med. The Myxon, E. Me. N The Needles, W. Me. Nettleston, E. Med. Nettles hithe, E, Med. Neunam, E. Med. Newtowne, W. Med. Newtown haven, W. M. NEWPORT, W. Med. Newport haven, W. Med. Newport castle, W. Med. Newchurch, E. Med. Nighton, E. Med. Norris, E. Med. North-Court, E. Med. Northparke, E. Med. Northwood, E. Med. Nounwell, E. Med. P Pan, E. Med Pagan, E. Med. Pouppoll, E. Med. Q Quartfield, E. Med. R Redway, E. Med. Ride, E. Med. Rockley, E. Med. Roughbarrow, W. Med. Roxall, E. Med. S Sande head, E. Med. SANDON castle, E. M●. Sandon bay, E. Med. Shankling, E. Med. Shankling, E. Med. Sharpnor castle, W. Me. Shaucome, W. Med. Shaufleete, W Med. Shauler, E. Med. Shoflet, E. Med. Shorwell, W Med. Slutter, E. Med. Smalbrok, E. Med. Standen, E. Med. Steynburro, E. Med. Sutton, W. Med. Swynston, W. Med. T Thorley, W. Med. Thorney great, W Med. Thorney bay, W. Med. Trablefeld, E. Med. W Wachingwy park W. M Waitcourt, W. Med. Warden Rocks, W. Med. Week, E. Med. Wellow, W. Med. Westcourt, W, Med. Westcow castle, W. Med. Westover, W. Med. Whipingham, E. Med. Whitfeild, E. Med. Whitwell, E. Med. Woluerton, W. Med. Wodhouse, E. Med. Wor●●leys' Tower, W M. Wotton haven, E. Med. Wotton park, E. Med. Y YARMOUTH, W. Med. Yarmouth haven, W. M. Yarmouth castle, W. M. Yarmouth road, W. Me. Yaverland, E. Med. The ancient name of this Shire. DOrcester from her ancient people DUROTRIGES, is most likely to have received that name▪ by the Britaines called DWRGWEIR, and by the Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, lieth bounded upon the North side with Somerset and Wiltshires; The bounds or limits. upon the West with Devonshire, and some part with Somerset; upon the East altogether with Hamp-shire: and her South part is wholly bounded with the British Seas. (2) The form grows wider from the West, and The form and measure of it. spreads herself the broadest in the midst, where it extends to twenty four miles, but in length is no less than forty four: the whole in circumference about is one hundred and fifty miles. (3) The air is good, and of an healthful constitution: The air. the soil is fat, affording many commodities, and the Country most pleasant in her situation: for the Inland is watered with many sweet and fresh running springs, which taking passage thorough the plain Valleys, do lastly in a loving manner unite themselves together, and of their many branches make many big bodied streams: neither doth the Sea deny them entrance, but helpeth rather to fill up their Banks, whereby Vessels of burden discharge their rich Treasures, and herself with open hand distributeth her gifts all along the South of this Shore. The ancient Inhabitants. (4) Anciently it was possessed by the Durotriges, whom Ptolemie placeth along in this Tract, who being subdued by the Romans, yielded them room, and unwilling subjection. After them the Saxons set foot in these parts, whereof Portland seemeth from that Port to take name, who in this place arrived in Anno 703. and did sorely infested and annoyed all the South Tract. And at Bindon before him Kinegillus King of the Westsaxons, in the year of Christ 614. in a doubtful and dangerous Battle vanquished the Britain's. Neither were the Saxons so-surely herein seated, but that the Danes sought to defeat them thereof: for twice these bold Rovers landed at Chartmouth, the first was in Anno 831. and reign of King Egbert; and the other eight years after, when Ethelwulfe was King, in both which they went away Victors. Yet An. Do. 1016. At Penham King Canute overthrown. when the Iron-side wore the English Diadem, and these fierce people sought to pluck it from his Helmet, he met them at Penham in Gillingham Forest, and with a small power obtained a great Victory, causing their King Canute with discourage to retire. The commodities. (5) Commodities arising in this County are chief Wools and Woods in her North, where the Forests are stored with the one, and the pleasant green Hills with the other. The inner-part is overspread both with Corn and Grass, and the Sea yieldeth the Pliny. Isidis Plocamos, a Shrub growing not unlike the Coral without any leaf; besides her other gifts, turning all to great gain: which the more is made manifest by the many Market Towns in this Shire, whereof Dorcester Dorcester the chief City. is the chief, in Antoninus his Itinerarium termed Durnovaria, situated upon the South side of from, Fosse-way. and the Roman Causye called Fosse-way, wherein some of their Legions kept, as by the Rampires and Coins there daily digged up is probably conjectured; at which time it seemeth the City was walled, whereof some part yet standeth, especially upon the West and South sides, and the Tract and Trench most apparent in a Quadrant-wise almost meeteth the River, containing in circuit one thousand and seven hundred pases, but were cast down by the Danes, whose trampling feet destroyed all things wheresoever they Maudbury and Poundbury. came, and hands here razed the Trenches Maudbury and Poundbury, the seals of their Siege, and signs of times misery. About three hundred pases Southward from hence, standeth an old Fortification of Earth, trenched about, and mounted above the ordinary plain, thirty pases, containing some five acres of ground; wherein (at my therebeing) plenty of Corn grew. This the Inhabitants call The Maiden-Castle, having entrance thereunto only upon the East Maiden-Castle. and West. This is thought to have been a Summer-Campe or Station of the Romans, when their Garrisons kept the Frontiers of this Province. The Magistracy of the City Dorcester. The government of this City is yearly committed to two Bailiffs, elected out of eight Magistrates or Aldermen, a Recorder, Town-clerk, and two Sergeants attending them: whence the North-pole is elevated 50. degrees 48. minutes in Latitude, and for Longitude The graduation of it. is removed from the first West-point unto the Meridian of 18. degrees. Other places memorable. (6) Other places also are memorable through the actions therein happening, or antiquities there yet remaining: such is Badbury, now nothing but a Trench Badbury. and decayed Castle, hardly seen, though sometimes it was the Court of the Westsaxons King. Such also is Cerne, where Augustine the English Apostle broke Cerne. down the Altars and Idols of the Saxons God Heil, whom they devoutly honoured as the only conserver of their health. Shaftesbury also, wherein one Aquila Shaftesbury. (whether a Man or Eagle I know not) by our Historians report, is said to have prophesied the future times of this our Empire, and that after the reigns of the Saxons and Normans it should again return unto the government of the British Kings. But with such vain predictions our Nation is more than once taxed by Philip Comineus the famous French Writer. In this City Edward the son of great Edgar, and one and thirtieth Monarch of the Englishmen, was interred, being murdered at Corfe a Castle seated in the I'll of Cor●e. Purbeck, by his Stepmother Aelfrith, to make way for her son to enjoy his Crown: in repentance whereof, and to pacify Heaven for his blood, she built the Monasteries of Ambresbury and Whorwell, in the County of Wilt-shire and southhampton. In the former of which with great penitency she spent the rest of her life. Middleton. (7) As upon the like occasion the Monastery of Middleton was laid in this shire by king Ethelstan to appease the Ghost of Edwine his innocent brother, and to expiate the sin of his own soul for the blood of that just Prince, whom most unjustly he caused to die: and with the like devotion though not to satisfy for the like bloody Sins, did Queen Cuthburga sue a Divorce from her scecond husband the Northumberlands King, and at Winburne built her a Nunnery whereof Winburn. herself become Abbess, where afterward was raised a most stately Minster, which added not only more glory to the place, but withal enlarged the name, and made it be called Wimburnminster, where King Ethelred, a most virtuous Prince, after much disquietness had with the Danes, in peace here resteth, with his Tomb and Inscription, as in his History (Christ assisting) shall be further seen. Neither among these may I omit Sherburne, which in the year Sherburn. of grace 704. was made a Bishops See, in whose Cathedral Church were interred the bodies of Ethelbald An. Dom. 860. Ann. Do. 866. and Ethelbert brethren, both of them monarch of the Englishmen. Religious houses. (8) Seven more besides these were set apart from worldly employments, consecrated only to God and his service in this Shire; which were Camestern, Cranborn, Abbottesbury, Bindon, Sturmister, Tarrant, and Warham. These with the others came to their full period under the hand of King Henry the Eighth, which lay with such weight upon their fair buildings, that he crushed the juice thereof into his own Coffers. Castles in this Shire. (9) Castles for defence in repair and decayed, were at Sherburne, Dorchester, Branksey, Portland, Corfe, Newton, Woodford, and Wareham. So that with these and others the County hath been strengthened with twelve Religious Houses, their poor relieved, with Market towns. eighteen Market Towns at this day is traded, and principally into five divisions parted, subdivided into thirty four Hundred, and them again into two hundred forty eight Parishes, as in the Map and Table adjoining is to be seen. dorsetshire With the Shyre-towne Dorchester described, as also the Arms of such noble families as have been honoured with the Titles there of since the Normans Conquest to this present Anno i6i0. DORCHESTER A Scale of Pases Osmund E Dorsed joh. Beauford Mar. Thomas Grey Mar. Thomas Sackuil E The Scale of English Miles. DORSETSHIRE Divisions and Hundred. Sherborns division. Sherborn. Redlane. Newton. Brownsell. Yeatminster. Totcombe and Modborow. Buckland. Whitway hund. and liberties. Bridport division. Bridport. Whitechurch. Beamister. Redhoave. Eggarton. Godhertorne. Shafton division. Badbury. Cogdeane. Hanly. Cramborne. Lowsbarrow. Knowlton. Vpwimborne. Dorchester division. George. Tollerford. Puddletonhund. and liberties. Colliford. Vgscombe. Blanford division. Pimperne. Rushmore. Barrow. Coombeditch. Beer. Winfrith. Rowbarrow. Hasler. A Abbot's Estoke, Beam. Abbotte Fee Tithing, Sher. Abbotsbury, Vgs. Adam's chapel, Row. Affling●on, Rowbar. Alderholt, Cramb. Allcester, Vpwin. Allhollam, Cramb. Allington, Goder. Allweston, Sher. Alton pancras, Whit. Saint Andros Glisset, Cramb. Anderson, Comb. Aren point, Has. Aren, Has. Armitage, Vgs. ash, Beam. ash, Pimp. Ashmore, Cramb. Askerwell, Eggar. Athelhamston, Pud. Athpuddell, Bar. B Bagber, Cramb. Bagbore, Bro. Barnesley, Bad. Barnston, Hosler. Batcombe, yet. Baunton, Goder. BEAMISTER, Beam. Bear Hagard, Shir. Bedcister, Newt. BEER KINGS, Beer. Belchalwell, Beer. Bereston, Knowl. Berford, Bad. Bertescombe, Goder. Bexington, Rush. Bindon, Rush. Bingehams' Melcombe, Whit. Blachemwell, Hasler. Blagden park, Cramb. Blakmore, Sher. Blanford S. Marry, Comb. BLANFORD, Pimp. Bloxworth, Comb. Bochampton, Georg. Bowridge, Vpw●n. Bradford, Sher. Bradford, Georg. Bradley, Hasler. Bradpoole, Red. Branksey Island, Cogd. Branksey castle, Cogd. Breadell, Has. Brianston, Pimp. Briddy little, Vgs. The five Bridges, Red. BRIDPORT, Brid. Bringspuddell, Bar. Broad main, Georg. Brockhampton, Buck. Brodewinsor, Brid. Brodway, Cul. Brokinton, Knowlt. Buckland, Buck. Buckland, Cul. Buckorne weston, Red. Bugley, Red. Burph, Goder. Bursey Island, Cogd. Burstock, Whit. Burston, Pud. Burton, Goder. Burton, Vpwin. Burton long, Sher. Byncombe, Goder. C Caldon, Rush. Came, Pud. Can, Vpwin. Canford lawndes, Cogd. Caundell wake, Brown. Caundell sturton, Brown. Caundell marshes, Sher. Caundell purse, Sher. Caundell bishop, Sher. Carleton, Pimp. Castletowne, Sher. Catstocke, Tot. and Mod. Cauford little, Bad. Caynston, Pimp. Ceaford, Bad. up Cearne, Sher. neither Cearne, Tot. and Mod. ABBAS CEARNE, Tot. & Mod. Chabury, Bad. Chaldon, Winf. Chantmerls, Toller. Charborrow, Cogd. Chardstocke, Beam. Charlton marshal, Cogd. Charmouth, Whit. Charmister, Georg. Chedington, Beam. Chelborrowe east, Tol. Chelborrow west, Tol. Cheselton Portl. Island. Chesselborne, Whit. Chetnoll, yet. Chettell, Vpwin. Chetwell, yet. Chickerell east, Ugh. Chickerell west, Cul. Chidyocke, Whit. Chilcombe, Vgs. Child Okeford, Red. Child from, Tol. Clenston, Comb. cliff, Pud. Clyston, Sher. Comb keins, Winf. Combe, Goder. Combe neither, Shir. Comb over, Sherb. Compton Hargrave, Vpwim. Compton, Goder. Compton, Tot. and Mod. Compton over, Sher. Compton neither, Sher. Cor●e, Win. Corpse Castle, Hasl. Corfe Mullin, Cogdran. Corscombe, Beamis. Corton, Vgscomb. Craford, Lowsbar. CRAMBORNE, Cramb. Crameborne Chase, Cramb. Creech, Hasl. Creech East, Hasl. Creklad park, W●it. Cripton, Cullis. Crokwey, Eggardon. Cruxton, Tollers. D Dalwood, Vgscomb. Dantish, Buckl. Devilish Flu. Devilish, Pimp. Didlington, Bad. DORCHESTER, Vgsco. Dorweston, Pimp. down, Sher. E Eastbury, Sher. Eastover, Red. Edmondsham, Cramb. Egleston, Hasler. Saint Elyns, Cogd. Elwell, Cullif. Encomb, Hasl. EVERSHOT, Tollerf. Ewren Minster, H●nly. F Fantelaroy Marsh, Sher. Farnham, Cramb. Fifhead Cramb. Fifhead, Whit. Fifhead Nevil, Pimp. Fifhead Magdalen, Red. Fippenny aukford, Pimp. Fittleford, Pimp. Fleet, Vgscomb. Foke, Sher. Fordington Manor, Vgs. FRAMPTON, Goder. The Free, Vpwim. from byllet, Georg. from vanchurch, Tollerf. from quintin, Tollerf. Funtmell, Hanly. G Gillingham Forest, Vpwi●. Gillingham, Vpwim. Glasen, Sherb. Godmanston, Tot. and Mod. Grymston, Georg. Gunfoild, Cramb. Gunfeild, Cramb. Gus●age, Knowl. H Haidon, Sher. Handford, Red. Halstoke, Whit. Ham, Vpwim. Hamone, Pimp. Hampreston, Cramb. Hamworthy, Cogd. Handfast point, Row. Hanly, Han. Hareston, Row. Hasselbery brian, Pimp. Haukechurch, Whit. Hauworthy, Cogd. Helton, Whit. Helwarden, Winf. Henton martel, Badb. Hermitage, Tot. and Mod. Herringston, Cullif. Herston, Row. Hickford, Cogd. Hillfeild, Tot. and Mod. Hinton little, Bad. Holme West, Hasl. Holme East, Hasl. Holnest, Sher. Holt Forest, Bad. Holt, Bad. Holton, Bad. holwel, Cramb. Hooke, Eggar. Horseys Melcomb, Whit. Horton, Bad. Houndstreet, Sher. Howton, Pimp. Hutton Marry, Newton. Hyde, Rush. I Iberton, Whit. Ilsington, Pudd. KING Keasworth, Cramb. Kencombe, Eggard. Knighton, Pudd. Knighton, Pimp. Kingston, Row. Kingston, Georg. Kington great, Red. Kinson, Cogd. Knolton, Knowl. Knowle, Hasler. Knowle, Buckl. Kritchell long, Knowl. Kunbridge, Hasler. L Lake, Cogd. Lambart Castle, Whit. Lambart hill, Whit. Lancots, Rush. Lanckton, Vgs. Lanckton, Pimp. Langton Wallis, Row. Laudon, Beamis. Launston, Pimp. Lechiot beacon, Cogd. Lechiot south, Cog. Leighe, Yelm. Lewcombe, Tollerf. Lewson hill, Beamis. Leweston, Sher. Lillington, Sher. Limbridge, Hasl. Litchet Matravers, Cog. Litchet Minster, Cogd. Loders, Goderth. The Lodge, Hasler. The Lodge, Bad. Longbridge, Whit. Longbredy, Eggar. Longcurchell, Knowl. Longflet, Cogdean. Longham, Bad. Longlother, Goderth. Longlane mill, Red. Lulworth West, Rush. Lulworth East, Winfr. Lyddon Flu. Lydlunche, Brow. lime KINGS, Brid. Lytton, Vgscomb. Lie, Bad. M Maiden Newton, Tollerf. Mannyngton, Bad. Manston, Red. Maperton, Red. Maperton, Redl. Margaret Marsh, Newton. Ma●nhull, Newt. Marshwood, Whit. Marshwood park, Whit. Marshwood vale, Whit. Martinstowne, Georg. Maston, Comb. Maypowder, Buck. Melbery, Cramb. Melbery Sampford, Tollerf. Melbery Abbiss, Hanly. Melbery Osmond, Yeatm. Melbery bubb, Yeatm. Melcomb Regis, Vgscomb. Melplash, Beamis. Michael's Gussage, Bad. Middlemarsh, Tota and Mod. MIDDLETON, Whit. Milborne S. Andrew, Pud. Milborne Stiham, Beer. Milton, Vpwim. Milton abbess, Whit. Milton, Eggar. Mintern, Whit. Mintern great, Tot. and Mod. Mintern little, Buck. Moigne over, Winf. Mooritchell, Badb. Morden, Low. Morden, Rush. Morton, Winf. Mosterne, Redho. Motcombe, Vpwim. Moun●poynings, Rush. Muckelford, Georg. Muncton, Cramb. Muncton, Vpwim. Muncton, Cullif. Muncton, Cullif. Muston, Pud. The mines, Cogdean. N Netherbury, Beamis. Nettlecombe, Eggard. Newland, Sherb. Newton, Rowbar. Newton Castle, Whit. North-haven point, Cogdean. OH Oborne, Sher. Okeford shilling, Cramb. Okeford Fitz-pain, Newton. Orchard East, Newton. Orchard West, Newton. Osmington, Cullif. over, Row. Ower, Winf. P Parkston, Cogd. Parley West, Cramb. Parrot South, Redh. Paunhin, Beamis. Pentridge, Cramb. Petersham, Cramb. Peverell point, Row. Phillihome, Vgt. Pimperne, Pimp. Plushe, Buckl. POOLE, Hasler. Poorestocke, Goderth. Portland Island, Port. Portland Church, Port. Portland Castle, Port. Porston, Georg. Pooreton, Redh. Portsham, Vgscomb. Povington, Hasler. Poxwell, Winf. Preston, Badb. Preston, Cullif. Puddle trencheard, Whit. Puddlehouton, Pudd. Puddletowne, Pudd. Pullham, Rush. Pulham West, Buckl. Pulham East, Buckl. Puncknoll, Vgscomb. Purbick Island, Winf. Pyllesdon, Whit. Pyllesdon Pen, Goderth. Q Quarston, Pimp. R Radelston, Pimp. Rampisham, Tollerf. Rawston, Pimp. Rhyme, Whit. Rimpscomb, Rowbar. Ringston, Winf. Rodden, Vgscomb. Rodipoll, Cull●f. Rowllington, Rowbar. Rowseham, Beamis. Rumforth, Knowl. Rushton, Cramb. Rhyme, Yeatm. S Samford, yet. Sandwiche bay, Rowb. Sandesfoote castle, Cul. Sandwiche, Rowb. Sexpenny hanley, Ctamb. SHAFTESBURY, Vpw. Shapwick, Bad. Shafton, Vpwin. SHERBORNE, Sher. Sherfordbridge, Hasl. Shepton, Goder. Shillingaukford, Pimp. Shilhampton, Vgs. Shitterton, Bar. Shopwicke, Bad. Shroughton or, Ewrncourtney, Red. Sidlin, Whit. Simondsborow, Whit. Sleep, Hasl. Somerhays, Brown. Somerl little, Pud. South-haven point, Cogd. Southover, Eggard. Spesbury, Pimp. Stalbridge, Brown. Stanton Gabriel, Whit. steeple, Hasl. Stepington, Cramb. Stepleton, Vgs. Stickland, Pimp. Stockland, Whit. Stockwood, Pud. Stock church, Whit. Stoke wake, Whit. Stoke, yet. Stoke galliard, Brown. Stoke bowood, Beam. Stone, Bad. Stowboro, Hasl. Stowburrow, Winf. Stoure Elu. Stower westover, Red. Stower eastover, Red. Stower pain, Pimp. Stower provest, Whit. Straford, Pud. Stratton, Georg. Studland, Row. Studland castle, Row. Sturhill, Goder. Sturmister marshal, Cogd. STURMISTER NEWTON, Bro. Stynford, Georg. Sutton Vpwin. Sutton waldron, Red. Sutton, ●ul. Sutton points, Pud. Swier, Vgs. Sydlin Saint Nicholas, Tot. & Mod. Sylton, Red. T Tarrant keniston, Pimp. Tarrant muncton, Vpwin. Tarrant launston, Pimp. Tarrant hinton, Pimp. Thornford, Sher. Thornhull, Bad. Thornhill, Brown. Throupe, Pud. Tinham east, Hasler. Tinham west, Hasler. Tinkleton, Pud. Todber, Newton. Tollerdwelue, Red. Toller fratrum, Tol. Toller Percorum, Tol. Tolpuddell, Pud. Tompson, Comb. Turn●wood, Pimp. Turnerspuddell, Barrow. Turnworth, Cramb. Twiford, Vpwim. FIVE Vanchurch, Tol. Verneminster, Crumb. Vpsidling, Yeaton. Vpway, Vgscomb. Vpwimbon, Vpwim. W Waby house, Pud. Wadden friar, Vgscomb. Waldishe, Goder. Walterston, Pud. Walton, Georg. Wambroke, Whit. WARHAM, Winf. Warmwell, Winf. WAYMOUTH, Vgsc●m. Wecke Kings, Pudd. Welland, Whit. Wenford, Whit. Westbury, Sher. Westhall, Sher. Weston, Brown. Westworth, Rush. Whatcomb, Co●s. Whitchurch, Pimp. Whitchurch, Combs. Whitchurch tithing, Whit. Whitcliffe, Rowbar. Whithart vale, or Blakemore, Sherb. Whitlovington, Barrow. Wichampton, Cramb. Widdon Friar, Vgscomb. Wilton, Eggardon. WIMBORN MINSTER, Bad. Wimborn S. Gyles, Knowl. Wimborn All-hallows, Knowl. Winfrith, Win. Wingford Eagle, Tollerf. Winterborn, Rush. Winterborn, Pimp. Winterborn, Eggar. Winterbo● Kingston, Beer. Wirtwood, Bad. Woodcotes, Cramb. Woodland, Knowl●. Woodford, Winfr. Wool, Rush. Woolcomb, Yetm. Worgret, Barrow. Worth, Rowbar. Worth, Row. Wotton fitzpaine, Whi●. Wotton, Sher. Wotton Glanfeild, Buck. Wraxhall, Eggar. Y Yetminster, yet. The names of Devon-shire. DEVONSHIRE, by the Cornish Britain's called Devinan; by the English Saxons, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and by contraction, of the vulgar, Denshire, is not derived from the Danes, as some would have it, but from the people Danmonij, the same we have spoken of in Cornwall, and whom Ptolemie hath seated in these Western Borders. The bounds of Devon shire. (2) The West of this County is bounded altogether by the River Tamar: the East is held in with the verge of Somersetshire: and the North and South sides are washed wholly with the British and Severne Seas. Betwixt whose shores from Cunshere in the North, unto Salcombe Haven entering The length and breadth. in at the South, are fifty five miles: and from the Hartland Point West, to Thorncombe East, are fifty four: the whole circumference about two hundred and two miles. The Air. (3) The Air is sharp, healthful, and good: the Soil is hilly, woody, and fruitful, yet so as the hand of the Manurer must never be idle, nor the purse of the Farmer never fast shut, especially of them that are far from the Sea, The Soil. whence they fetch a sand with charge and much travel, which being spread upon the face of the earth, bettereth the leanness thereof for grain, and giveth life to the Glebe with great efficacy. Ports and havens about Devonshire. Brutus' reported entrance. (4) As Cornwall, so this hath the same commodities that arise from the Seas: and being more inlanded, hath more commodious Havens for shippings intercourse, among whom Totnes is famous for Brutus' first entrance, if Geoffrey say true, or if Havillan the Poet took not a poetical liberty when speaking of Brutus, he wrote thus: The Gods did guide his sail and course: the winds were at command: And Totnes was the happy Shore where first he came on Landlord The Danes first entrance. An. Do. 787. But with more credit and lamentable event, the Danes at Teigne-mouth first entered for the invasion of this Land, about the year of Christ 787. unto whom Brightrik King of the Westsaxons sent the Steward of his house to know their intents, whom resistantly they slew: yet were they forced back to their ships by the Inhabitants, though long they stayed not, but eagerly pursued their begun enterprises. Sir Francis Drake his voyage. With more happy success hath Plymouth let forth the purchasers of fame, and stopped the entrance of England's Invaders, as in the reign of that eternised Queen, the mirror of Princes, Elizabeth of everlasting memory: for from this Port, Sir Francis Drake, that potent man at sea, The Spanish fleet Ann. Dom. 1588. setting forth Anno 1577. in the space of two years and ten months did compass the circle of the earth by sea. And the Lord Charles Howard, England's High Admiral, did not only from hence impeach the entrance of the proud invincible Spanish Navy, intending invasion and subversion of State, but with his Bullets so signed their passage, that their sides did well show in whose hands they had been, as seals of their own shame, and his high honour. (5) The commodities of this Shire consist much in The commodities. Cloth. Kerseys. Lead. Silver. Loadstone. Wools and Clothings, where the best and finest Kerseys are made in the Landlord Corn is most plenteous in the fruitful Valleys, and Cattles spreading upon the topped Hills, Sea-fish, and Fowl exceedingly abundant. Veins of lead, yea and some of silver in this Shire are found: and the Loadstone (not the lest for use and esteem) from the rocks upon Dart-more have been taken. Many fresh springs do bubble from the Hills in this province, which with a longing desire of Society search out their Passage, till they meet and conjoin in the valleys, and gathering still strength with more Branches, lastly grow bodied able to bear Ships into the Land, and to lodge them of great Burden in their Bosoms or Falls: whereof Tamar, Tave, and Ex, are the fairest and most Commodious. The City Excester. (6) Upon which last the chief City and Shire-Towne of this County is seated, and from that River hath her name Excester: this City by Ptolemie is called Isca, by the Itinerary of Antoninus Emperor, Isca Danmoniorum, by the English. Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Monketon, & by the Welsh Pencaer. It is pleasantly seated upon the gentle ascent of an hill, so stately for building, so rich with Inhabitants, so frequent for Commerce and Concourse of strangers, that a man can desire nothing but there it is to be had, saith William of Malmesbury. The walls of this City first built by king Athelstane, are in a manner circular or round, but towards the Ex, rangeth almost in a strait line, having six Gates for entrance, & many watchtowers interposed betwixt, whose compass containeth about fifteen hundred pases: upon the East Rugemont a King's Palace. part of this City standeth a Castle called Rugemont, sometimes the palace of the West-Saxon kings, & after them of the Earls of Cornwall, whose prospect is pleasant unto the Sea and over against it a most magnificent Cathedral Church founded by king Athelstan also in the honour of S. Peter, and by Edward the Confessor made the Bishop's Sea, which he removed from Crediton or Kirton in this County unto the City of Excester (as saith the private history of that place:) whose dilapidations the reverend father in God William now Bishop of the Diocese with great cost hath repaired; whom I may not name without a most thankful remembrance for the great benefits received by his careful providence towards me and mine. This City was so strong & Excester withstood the Saxons 465. years. so well stored of Britain's, that they held out against the Saxons for 465. years after their first entrance, and was not absolutely won, until Athelstan become Monarch of the whole, who then peopled it with his Saxons and enriched the beauty thereof with many fair buildings: but in the times of the Danish desolations this City with the rest felt their destroying hands; for in the year 875. it was by them sore afflicted, spoiled, and shaken, and that most grievously by Swain in the year of Christ jesus 1003. who razed it down from East to West, so that scarcely had it gotten breath before William the bastard of Normandy besieged it, against whom the Citizens with great manhood served, till a part of the wall fell down of itself, and that by the hand of God's providence, saith mine Author: since when it hath been three times besieged and with valiant resistance ever defended. The first was by Hugh Courtney Earl of Devonshire Hugh Courtney. in the Civil broils betwixt Lancaster and York, then by Perkin Warbeck, that counterfeited Richard Duke An. D. 1497. Perkin Warbec. of York, and lastly by the Cornish Rebels; wherein although the Citizens were grievously pinched with scarcity, yet An. D. 1549. continued they their faithful allegiance unto King Edward the sixt; and at this day flourisheth in Tranquillity and Wealth, being governed by a Mayor, twenty four brethren, with a Recorder, Town Clerk, and other Officers their attendants. The City's climate. This City's graduation is set in the degree of Latitude from the North Pole 50. and 45. scruples, and for Longitude from the West, to the degree 16. and 25. scruples. Neither is joseph that excellent Poet, whose birth was in this City, the lest of her Ornaments, whose writings bore so great Credit that they were divulged in the german language under the name of Cornelius Nepos. Crediton. The like Credit got Crediton in her birth-child Winefred the Apostle of the Hassians, Thuringers, and Frisians of Germany, which were converted by him unto the Gospel and knowledge of Christ. Exmore. 7. Places memorable in this County remaining for signs of Battles, or other antiquities, are these: upon Exmors certain monuments of Antic work are erected, which are stones pitched in order, some trianglewise and some in round compass: these no doubt were trophies of victories, there obtained either by the Romans, Saxons, or Danes, and with Danish letters one of them is inscribed, giving direction to such as should travel that way. Hublestowe Hublestowe. likewise, near unto the mouth of Tawe, was the burial place of Hubba the Dane; who with his Brother Hunger, had harried An. Do. 878. the English in divers parts of the Land: but lastly, was there encountered with, & slain by this Shires Inhabitants, and under a heap of copped stones interred, and the Banner Asserius Menevensis. Reafen there and then taken, that had so often been spread in the Danes quarrel, and wherein they reposed no small confidence for success. Dukes and Earls. (8) A double dignity remaineth in this County, where Princes of State have borne the Titles both of Devonshire and Excester: of which City, there have been entitled Dukes, the last of whom, namely Henry Holland, Grandchild to john Holland, half-brother to King Richard the second, siding with Lancaster against Edward the fourth, whose Sister was his Wife, was driven to such misery, as Philip Comineus reporteth, that he was seen all torn and barefooted Philip. Coming. cap. 50. to beg his living in the Low Countries: & lastly, his body was cast upon the shore of Kent, (as if he had perished by Shipwreck:) so uncertain is Fortune in her endowments, and the state of man, notwithstanding his great birth. Religious houses. (9) Religious houses in this Shire built in devotion and for Idolatry pulled down, were at Excester, Torbaye, Tanton, Tavestoke, Kirton, Ford, Hartland, Axmister, and Berstable. Hundred and Churches. (10) And the Counties divisions are parted into thirty three Hundred, wherein are seated thirty seven Market Towns, and three hundred ninety four Parish Churches, whose names shall appear in the Table following. DEVONSHIRE WITH EXCESTER DESCRIBED And the Arms of such Nobles as have borne the titles of them. HONI SOI●●U●●AL ● P●●S● DIEV ET MON DROIT. THE FAMILIES THAT HAVE BEEN DIGNIFIED WITH THE TITLE OF DEVONSHIRE. Richard Rivers. E. Hugh Courtney E Humphrey Stafford. E. Charles Blount. E. THE FAMILIES THAT HAVE BEEN DIGNIFIED WITH THE TITLE OF EXCESTER. john Holland. D. Thomas Beaufort. D. Henry Courtney. M. Thomas Cecil. E. EXCESTER Places of the City by 〈◊〉 observed 1 East gate 2 St L●urence 3 The Castle 4 Corrylan● 5 St I●●e Cross 6 St St●phens' 7 B●lford house 8 St Peter 9 Bishop● p●ll●●s 10 P●ll●c● gat● 11 Tri●ity● 12 Be●●e gate 13 St mary's 14 Churchyard 15 St Petrokes 16 High street 17 Gild ●●ll 18 Al●allo●es 19 Goldsmith s●rot 20 St Paul's 21 Pa●l● s●●●t 22 St Pancr●● 23 Waterb●ry 〈◊〉 24 North gat● 25 Northgate str●t 26 St Kerian● 27 C●●ke 〈◊〉 28 Bell hill 29 Southgat s●●et 30 Southgate 31 Genny street 32 St Gregory's 33 Mithlan● 34 The Shambles 35 St Ol●●es. 36 St Marry 〈◊〉 37 Arches lane 38 St Nichol●s 39 St johns 40 F●yer haye 41 Little Brit●●●e 42 All-hallows 43 St M●ries st●ps 44 W●st Gate 45 S●●ithen s●ret 46 I●le l●n● 47 〈◊〉 street 48 Rac●● l●n● Performed by John Speed And are to be sold in popes-head Alleye by john Sudburi & George humble. Cum priviligio Hundred in Devon-shire. 1. BRanton. 2. Sherwell. 3. South Moulton. 4. Bampton. 4. Tyverton. 6. Wytheridge. 7. Fremington. 8. Hartland. 9 She●beare. 10. North-Tauton. 11. Black-Torrington. 12. Winckley. 13. Crediton. 14. West Budhey, 15. Halberton. 16. Hemyocke. 17. Axmister. 18. Cullington. 19 Hayrudge. 20. S. Marry Otery. 21. Clefton. 22. East Budley. 23. Woonford. 24. Tingbridge. 25. Exmister. 26. Heytor. 27. Liston. 28. Tavestock. 29. Roborough. 30. Plympton. 31. Armington. 32. Stanborough. 33. Col●idge. A Abbotesham, Sheb. Agelfort well, H●ytor. Alesbeare, Easth. Alhalowes, Hayrid. Aishe raphe, Withr. Allington east, Stanb. Allington west, Stan. Alme flu. Alphington, Wone. Aluerdiscott, Fre. Alwington, Sheb. Ansley marry, With. Annary, Sheb. S. Anne's chapel, Brant. Anstie east, Southm. Anstie west, Southm. Apeley, Frem. Apledon, Sheb. Arlington, Sher. Arm, flu. Armington, Arm. Armouth, Arm. Armington, Arm. ash, Brant. ash kings, Northt. Ashberry, Black. ASHBERTON, Tin. Ashbright, Bam. Ashcomb, Exm. Ashford, Brant. Ashford, Bam. Ashprington, Col. Ashregny, Northt. Ashton, With. Ashton, Exm. Ashwater, Black. Atherington, Northt. Audley, Sheb. Aueton gifford, Arm. Aune, flu. Austerston, Sheb. AUTRE, Mary▪ Ot. Axe flu. Axmister, Axm. Axmouth, Axm. B Bag-point. BAMPTON, Bam. BARNSTABLE, Br. Barnestable, Bair. Bath, Northtan. Beaford, Shebb. Bear, Clifton. Bea●e ferris, Robow. Beer, Cull●ton. Bediford▪ Sheb. Bed●ston, ●yft. Belston, Black. Bery point, Heyt. Bery Castle, Heytor. Bery pomery, Heytor. Berrynerbert, Brant. Beworthie, ●lack. Bickeley, Hayrid. Bickligh, Roborow. Bickington, Tingbr. Bickington high, North. Bickington Abbots, Black. Bicton, Eastbud. Bigbury, Arming. Bittedon, Brant. Blakauton, Col. Blakdon, Heytor. Bonitracye, Ting. Bosingsale, Colr. Bonnden, Colr. BOW, Northt. Bradford, Black. Bradford, Hair. BRADINUCH, Hay. Bradston, Liston. Bradworthy, Black. Brampford speak, Wone. Branscombe, Cull. Branton, Bran. Bratton lovelly, List. Bratton fleming, Bra. Bray flu. Bray high, Sher. Brendon, Sher. BRENT south, Stanh. Brentor, Tavest. Briddistow, Lifton. Bridgford, Wonford. Bridgrevell, Black. Brightley, Southm. Brixham, hay. Brixton, Plimp. Brodwood kelly, Blac. Brodwood wigier, Li. Brushford, Northt. Buckland east, Brant. Buckland west, Brant. Buckland north, Rob. Buckland thousand, Co. Buckland Monachop, Rob. Buckland brewer, Sheb. Buckland in the moor, Heyt. Buckland fylly, Sheb. Buckfastleigh, Stan. Buckerell, Hem. Budleigh east, Easth. S. Budox, Roborow. Bulkworthy, Hart. Bult point, Stanb. Bundley, Northt. Burrinton, Plimp. Burrington, Northt. Burlescombe, Bamp. Butterly, Clift. C Cadbery, Hair. Cadbury, Westh. Cadley, Hayrid. Callaton, North●ant. Cannanleigh, Bamp. Cave, Tyvert. Caverleigh, Tyvert, Chareles, Sherw. Charles south, Moul. Charleton, Colrid. Challeigh, Northtant. Cannon, Wonf. Chawley, Witherid. CHEGFORD, Wonf. Chekstones, Eastbud▪ Cheldon, With. Cheriton Fitzpaine West. Cheriton bishops, Wonf. Cherston, Heyt. Chestowe, Stanb. Chettescomb, Ty●ert. Chevelston, Colr. CHIDLEIGH, Exm. Chilton, Col. Ch●linleigh, With. Chymley, Sher. Chitlehampton, Sout. Chittenholt wood, South. Cholacombe, Sber. Churstaunton, Hem. Citington, hay. Claveil, Har. Clayhaydon, Hem. Clayhanger, Bampt. Clannaborough, Nor. Clawton, Black. S. Clement, Colr. Cliff S. Marry, Easth. Cliff S. George, East. Cliff S. Larence, Cli. cliff honiton, Easth. cliff Brode, Clif. cliff Bishops, Eastb. cliff hiedon, Clift. Clovelly, Hart. Cockatre, Northt. Cockington, hay. Coffinswell, hay. Colbrooke, Cred. Collaton, Arm. Collaton Rawley, Eastb▪ Columb john, Wone. Columb David Hem. Columbton Flu. COLUMPTON, Ha. Colruge, Northt. Culmestoke, Hem. Cookberry, Black. Combe, Westh. Combe, Fre. Combe, Call. Combs point, Colr. Comb in tem, hay. Combing tynhed Wone. Combyne, Axm. Comb martin's, Bra. Compton, hay. Compton gyfford, Rob. Comranley, Axm. Coplaston, Cred. Connsbury, Sher. Cornewood, Arm. Corneworthy Colr. Cotleigh, Cull. Cullacombe, life. Cullyford, Cul. CULLITON, Cull. Curriton, Lift. Crecombe, With. CREDITON, Cred. Credy flu. Crekam, With. Crekerwell, Wone. Cried, Brant. Cried bay. Cruse morchard, Wit. D Dalwood, Axm. DARTMOUTH, Col. Dartmouth castle, Co. Dartmouth haven. Dart moor, Robor. Dart flu. Dartington, Stanbo. Dawligh, Exm. Deane prior, Stanb. Delbridge, With. Denbery, hay. Dexboro, Black. Dipford, Bamp. Dipford, Stan. Dittesham, Col. Dodbrooke, Colr. Doddescombleigh, E. Dowlton, Northt. Down S. Mary, Northt. Downland, Northt. Dowrish, Westh. Dunchideock, Exm. Dunckswell old, Hem. Dunsbrorke flu. Dunsford, Wone. Dunsland, Black. Dunterton, Lift. E Eastdowne, Bran. Ede, Exm. Edeford, Ting. Egdcombe, Rob. Edmeston, Arm. Eford, Rob. Egifford, Northt. Eggbuckland, Rob. Ekbury, Hart. Exe more, Sher. Exe mouth, Eastb. Exbridge, Bans. Exborne, Black. Excester, Wone. Exmister, Exm. Ex flu. F Faringdon, Easth. Farwaye, Cul. Fleet, Arm. Fenantrye, Eastb. Fenton, Hay. Fylleigh, Bran. Ford, Axm. Forton flu. Fremington, Frem. Frithelstock, Sheb. Frobrian, hay. Fulford, Wone. Fulford, Westb. G Gaymton, hay. George hame, Bran. Germane week, Lift. Gidley, Wone▪ S. Giles, Frem. S. Giles in the heath, Black. Gillesham, Cul. Gittisham, Eastb. Goodleigh, Bran. Greneway, hay. H Hache, Ston. Hackpendown, Hem. Halberton, Arm. Halberton, Hal. Hall, Southm. Hallwell, Black. Hallwell, Col. Hamford, Black. Hampton high, Black. Harberton, Col. Hareborne flu. Harforde, Arm. Harpford, Eastb. Harrow bridge, Rob. Hartland, Hart. Hartland point, Har. HARTON, Hart. Hatherland, Tiver. HATHERLEY, ●la. Hays, Eastb. Hayne, Lift. Hayne, Westb. Haynton, Sheb. High Hainton, Black. Helena, Rob. Helwell, Black. Hembury broad, Hay. Hemiock, Hem. Hempston broad, hay. Hempston little, hay. Hennocke, Ting. Hethberton, Wone. Hevitree, Wone. Hewishe, Sheb. Hewishe south, Stan. Hewishe north, Stan. Highley, With. Highweek, Ting. Hittesley, Wone. S. Hob▪ pool, Westh. Hocworthie, Bamp. Holberton, Arm. Holcomb, Mary Ot. Holcomb rogus, Bam. Holcomb burnell, Wone. Holdworthy, Black. Holle, Stan. Hollacomb, Black. HONITON, Axm. Hope key, Stan. Horwell, Cred. Horwood, Frem. Huckham, hay. Huckesham, Wone. Hunichu●ch, Black. Huntesham, Tiver. Hunshow, Frem. I jacobstowe, Black. Iddesleigh, Sheb. Idford, Ting. ILFARCOMBE, Br. Ilton, Stan. Ilsington, Ting▪ Ingerley, Black. Ipplepen, hay. juston, Frem. Ivybridge, Arm. KING Kawton black, Col. Kegbeare, Black. Kellye, Lift. ken, Exm. ken flu. Kenford, Exm. Kennerley, Cre. Kentisbear, Hay. Kentisbury, Bran. Kenton, Exm. Keswell Kings, hay. Keswell Abbots, hay. Killmyngton, Axm. Knighton▪ Ting. KINGSBRIDGE, St. Kingstanton, Ting. Kingston, Arm. Kingswere, hay. Kingswer Castle, hay. Kirstow, Wone. Knowston, Southm. L Lamerton, List. Langtree, Sheb. Lankey, Southm. Lapford, Northt. Lee North, Black. Leigh North, Cull. Leigh south, Cull. Leman Flu. Lue North, Black. Lewtrenchard, Lift. lid Flu. Lydford, Lift. Lymson, East. Lynam, Plimp. Lynton, Sher. Listleigh, Ting. Liston, ●ift. Littleham, Sheb. Littleham, Eastb. Loddeswell, Stan. Loxbeare, Tiver. Loxhorne, Sher. Luckham, Westh. Luffencott, Black. Luppit, Arm. M Maker, Robor. Malborough, Stan. Manhedd, Exm. Manton, Ting. S. Maries, hay. S. Maries, S. Marry Ot. Mar●stowe, Lift. Marledon, hay. Marsh, Arm. Marton, Sheb. Martynhoe, Sher. Marwood, Bran. Membury, Axm. Memland, Arm. Mere, Tiver. Merland, Sheb. Merland Peter, Sheb. Meshewe, With. Me●h, Sheb. Mevychurch, Rob. Mewston, Pl●mp. Mewston, hay. S. Michael, Stan. S. Michael, Cull. Mill, With. Milton south, Stan. Milton damere, Blac. Milton Abbots, Tau. MODBURY, Arm. Molland, Sout. Morchard bishops, Cred. Moore hays, Hay. Mooreley, Stan. MORETON, Ting. Moreton hampsted, Ting. Mortstone, Bran. Mort Bay, Bran. Morthooe, Bran. Moul Flu. Moulton north, Sout. MOULION SOUTH, Sout. Mountsantie, Ax. Muckenseild, Northt. Munckleigh, Sheb. Muckton, Cull. Murbathe, Bamp. Musbery, Axm. N Nemett Kings, With. Nemett Bishops, Wit. Nemett S. George, Sout. Netherex, Hay. Newneham, Plimp. NEWTON Bishops, hay. Newton petrock, She. Newton ●racy, Frem. Newton fer●is, Arm. Newton fiyers, Cred. Newton, Eastb. S Nicholas isle, Rob. Northlue, Black. Northam, Sheb. Northbonie, Ting. Northcott, Black. North▪ Ewe F●u. Norton Dawney, Col. Notwell court, Eastb. Nymett tracye, No●. Nymett Rowland, Northt. OH Ockment Flu. Offwell, Cull. Ogwell east, Wonf. Ogwell west, Wone. Okeford, With. OKEHAMPTON, L. Okehampton Monks, Black. Oldridge, Cred. Orcharaton, Arm. Otterford, Hem. Ougborough, Arm. Ounwell, ●rm. Ouerton, Eastb. Owelscombe, Hem. Oxton, Exm. P Padstow, Sheb. Pancrasweek, Black. Paynesford, Col. Parkham, Sheb. Parkham, Hart. Paracombe, Sher. Pavington, hay. Peamont, Exm. Pehembury, Hay. Petherwyn North, Black. Petrockstowe, Sheb. Petton, Bamp. Pilton, Bran. Pines, won. Pinhawes Wone. Pyworthie, Black. Plymouth, Rob. Plymouth Flu. Plymouth haven, Rob. PLYMPTON mary's, Pli. Plympton Stock, Plim. Plympton▪ Morris, Plim. Plymtree, Hay. Poltimore, Wone. Pongill, Westb. Poole south, Col. Portlecomb, Col. Portlidge, Sheb. Portlidge mouth Har. Porteston, Arm. Potheridge, Sheb. Powderham, Exus. Preston, Ting. Puddington, With. Punchardon, Bram. Pusland, Plim. Putford east, Hart. Putford west, Black. R Rackenford, With. Raley, Bran. Rashley, North. Ra●te●y, Stan. Redfotd, Plim. Revelistoke, Plim. Rew, Wone. Rinmore, Arm. Rockbeare, Eastb. Romansley, With. Rose ash, With. Rowborowe, Fre. S Salcombe, Stan. Salcombe, Eastb. Salcombe haven, Col. Salterne, Eastb. Sampford peverall Hal. Sampford shyney, Rob. Sampford courtney Black. Sangford, Cred. Santon, Bran. Saterleigh, Southm. Sauldon, Black. Seal, Wone. Seaton, Cull. Shave, Plimp. Shebbeare, Sh●b. Shepistor, R●b. Sherford, Col. Shepwa●she, Sheb. Shemwell, Sher. Shildon, Hay. Shillingford, Exm. Shilton, Arm. S●obrooke, West●. Shute, Cull. Sidbury, Fastb. Sidmouth, Eastb. Sidnam north, Li●t. Sidnam south, L ●t. Siluerton, Hay. Slade, Plim. Slapton, Col. Sourton, ●ift. Sowton, Wone. Spraiton, Wone. Spurleston, Plim. Staverton, hay. Stockley English, Westb. Stockley pomery, Westb. Stockland, Axm. Stockley, Westb. Stoforde, Arm. Stoke, Wone. Stoke Gabriel, hay. Stoke Church, Axm. Stoke rivers, S●er. Stoke Damerell Rob. Stoken tynhed, Wone. Stokenham, Col. Stokfleming, Col. Stoneho●se, Rob. Store point, Eastb. Stowford, Lift. Strechley, Arm. Street rawley, Eastb. Street point, Col. Stretwood head, Eastb. Studley, With. Sutcomb, Black. Swimbridge, South●. T Tallaton, Hay. Tammerton floliet, Rob. Taynton Bishops, Exm. Tanstock, Fre. TAVESTOCKE, Ta. Tavye Mary, Lift. Tavye Peter, Rob. Tave Flu. Taunton Bishops, South. Taunton north, Nort. Taunton south, Wo. Tawridge, Cred. Tedborne, Wonf. Teyntondrewe, Wone. Templeton, Witb. Tetcott, Black. TEVERTON, Teve. Thelbridge, With. Theruerton, Westb. S. Thomas, Wone. Thornbery, Black. Thorncombe, Axm. Thorneton, Hay. Throuley, Wone. Thrushell Flu. Thrushelton, Lift. Thurlestow, Stan. Tidwell, Eastb. Tinge Flu. Tingmouth east, Exm. Tingmouth West, Exm. Tingrase, Ting. Topsham, Wone. Tor-bay, hay. Tormoham, H●y. Tormoun●, hay. Torrington land, Fre. Torrington little, Sheb. Torrington black, Black TORRINGTON, F. TO●NESES, Col. Townstall, Col. Towridge flu. Trawbridge, Cred. Tr●●ow, Black. Trenshoe, Bra●. Trinity chapel, hay. Trob●ian, hay. Trusham, Exm. Tuchyn, Southm. Twitching, Southm. FIVE Venottery, Eastb. Vever flu. Vscombe, Bam●. Vgbrocke, Ting. Virginstowe, Laughed. Vlber, hay. Vowelscombe, Arm. Vpantre, Axm. Vpcote, Sheb. Vpleman, Tiver. Vplyme, Axm. Vpton pine, Wone. Vpton hellins, Westb. Vynnyton, Hem. W Walkhampton, Rob. Wallop●tt, Stan. Wambrooke, Ware, Sheb. Wareley, Rob. Warkeleigh, Southm. Warpsley beacon, W●. Warpsley hill, With▪ Washfeild, Tiver. Washefeild, Westb. Washford pine, With. Wayton, hay. Wear gifford, Sheb. Welland, Hal. Welcombe, Hart. Wembwo●●y, Northt. Wenbery, Pl●m. Were, Wone. Westcoo●e, Bran. Westdowne, Bran. Westleigh, Frem. Weston peverell▪ Rob. Whitchurch, Rob. Whitston, Wone. Widworthie, Cull. W●l●worth, Lif. Wimple, Clif. Win●kley, Northt. Wynston, Arm. Wytheridge, With. Withycombe, Stan. Withycombe, hay. Withycombe rawley, East. Withycombe chapel, East. Wognell east, hay. Wognell west, hay. Wolfardiswotth, Har. Wolley, Sheb. Wolesworthy, Wit●. Wood, Stan. Wood, Hay. Woodbu●y, Eastb. Woodland, hay. Woodland, Arm. Woodley, Stan. Worington, Black. Worlington east, With. Worlington west, With. Worthiham, Lift. Wortley, Southm. Y Yalme moth. Arm. Yalme flu. Yaneton, Bran. Yaneton court, Bran. Yarckcombe, Axm. Yealmpton, Plim. Y●rnescombe, Hart. Youlston, Sher. Z Zaelmonaco, Nor●ht. CO●nwall (as Matthew of Westminster affirmeth) is so named Fl●res Histor. partly from the form, and partly from her people: for shooting itself into the Sea like a Horn (which the Britain's call Kerne) and inhabited by them whom the Saxons named Wallia; of these two Geoffrey Monm. compounded words it become Cornwallia▪ Not to trouble the Reader with the Fable of Corineus, cousin to King Brutus, who in free gift received this County in reward of his prowess for wrestling with the Giant Gogmagog, and breaking his neck from the Cliff of Dover, as he of Monmouth hath fabuled. Richard Car●w. The air. (2) Touching the temperature of this County, the air thereof is cleansed as with bellows, by the Billows that ever work from off her environing Seas, wherethorow it becometh pure and subtle, and is made thereby very healthful, but withal so piercing and sharp, that it is apt to preserve then to recover health. The spring is not so early as in the more Eastern parts; yet the Summer with a temperate heat, recompenseth his slow fostering of the first-fruits, with their most kindly ripening. The Autumn bringeth a somewhat late harvest: and the Winter, by reason of the Seas warm breath, maketh the cold milder than elsewhere. Notwithstanding, that Country is much subject to stormy blasts, whose violence hath freedom from the open waves, to beaten upon the dwellers at Land, leaving many times their houses uncovered. The Soil. (3) The soil for the most part is lifted up into many hills, parted asunder with narrow and short valleys, and a shallow earth doth cover their outside, which by a Sea-weede called Orewood, and a certain kind of fruitful Sea-sand, they make so rank and batten, as is uncredible. But more are the riches that out of those hills are gotten from the Mines of Copper and Tin; which Country was the first, and continueth the best stored in that Merchandise, of any Lib. 6. cap. 8. in the world. Timaus the Historian in Pliny reporteth, that the Britaines fetched their Tin in wicker▪ boats, stitched about with Leather. And Diodorus Siculus of Augustus Caesar's time writeth, that the Britaines in this part digged Tin out of stony Tin Mines. ground, which by Merchants was carried into Gallia, and thence to Narb●rne, as it were to a Mart. Which howsoever the English-Saxons neglected, yet the Normans made great benefit thereof, especially Richard brother to King Henry the third, who was Earl of Cornwall, and by those Tinne-works become exceedingly rich: for the incursions of the M●●reses having stopped up the Tinne-mines in Spain; and them in Germany Privileges of Tin Works. not discovered before the year of Christ, 1240. these in Cornwall supplied the want in all parts of the world. This Earl made certain Tinne-Lawes, which with liberties and privileges were confirmed by Earl Edmund his son. And in the days of King Edward the Third, the Commonweal of Tinne-workes from one body was divided into four, and a Lord Warden of the Stanniers appointed their judge. The Borders of Cornwall. (4) The Borders of this Shire on all parts but the East, is bound in with the Sea: and had Tamer drawn his course but four miles further to the North, betwixt this County and Devon-shire, it might have been rather accounted an Island, The Form and Length. than stood with the Main. Her length is from Launst●n to the Landsend, containing by measure 60 miles: and the brodest part, stretching along by the Tamer, is fully forty, lessening thence still lesser like a horn. (5) The ancient Inhabitants known to the Romans, were the Danmonij, that spread themselves further into Devonshire Lib. 5. cap. ●. Michael. C●rn●●. The ancient people and now Inhabitants. also, by the report of Diodorus Sicul●●, a most courteous and civil people: and by Michael their Poet extolled for valour and strength of limbs: nor therein doth he take the liberty that Poets are allowed, to add to the subject whereof they writ, but truly reporteth what we see by them performed, who in Activity surmount many other people. When the Heathen Saxons had seated themselves in the Bale C●●t. lib. 1. best of this Land, and forced the Christian Britain's into these rocky parts, than did Cornwall abound in Saints, unto whose honour most of the Churches were erected, by whose names they are yet known and called. To speak nothing of Ursula that Counties Duke's daughter, with her company of canonised Virgin-Saints, that are now reputed but to trouble the Calendar. These Britaines in Cornwall so fenced the Country, and defended themselves, that to the reign of Will. Mal●●s. King Athelstane they held out against the Saxons, who subduing those Western Parts, made Tamar the Bounder betwixt them and his English, whose last Earl of the British Blood was called Candorus. The Earls of Cornwall. (6) But William the Bastard created Robert (his half-brother by Herlotta their mother) the first Earl of the Normans race: and Edward the Black Prince, the ninth from him, was by his Father King Edward the Third invested the first Duke of Cornwall, which Title ever since hath continued in the Crown, and now remaineth in the person of England's great Hope, and still-rising Sun, HENRY Prince of Wales, and Heir apparent to King JAMES, our Sovereign Lord, and Great Britain's Monarch. The C●moditieses. (7) The Commodities of this Shire, ministered both by Sea and Soil, are many and great: for besides the abundance of Fish●hat ●hat do suffice the Inhabitants, the Pilchard is taken, who in great Skulls swarm about the Coast; whence being transported to France, Spain, and Italy, yield a yearly revenue of gain unto Cornwall: wherein also Copper & Tin so plentifully grow in the utmost part of this Promontory, that at a low water the veins thereof lie bore, and are seen: and what gain that commodity begets, is vulgarly known. Neither are these Rocks destitute of Gold nor Silver, yea and Diamonds shaped and pointed Angle-wise, and smoothed by Diamonds gotten in Cornwall▪ Nature herself, whereof some are as big as Walnuts, inferior to the Orient only in blackness and hardness. Many are the Ports, Bays, and Ha●ens that open into this Shire, both safe for arrivage, and commodious for transport; whereof Falmouth is so copious, that an hundred Ships may therein ride at ancour apart by themselves, so that from the tops of their highest Masts they shall notsee each other, and lie most safely under the winds. Market towns. (8) This County is fruitful in Corn, Cattle, Sea-Fish, and Fowl: all which, with other provisions for pleasures and life, are traded thorough twenty two Market Town●s in this Shire, whereof Launston and Bodman are the best; from which last, being the middle of the Shire, the Pole is elevated to the degree of Latitude 50. 35. minutes, and for Longitude from the first West Point, 15. 13▪ minutes, as Mercat●r hath measured them. Memorable things. (9) Memorable matters both for antiquity and strangeness of sight, are these: At Boskenna upon the southwest of her Promontory, is a Trophy erected, which are eighteen Stones placed round in compass, and pitched twelve foot each from others, with another far bigger in the very centre. These do show some Victory there attained, either by the Romans, or else King Athelstan●. At the foot of the Rocks near unto S. Michael's mount, in the memory of our fathers, were digged up Speare-heads, Axes, and Swords of Brass, Brazen swords found by digging. wrapped in linen, the weapons that the Cimbrians and ancient Britain's anciently used. At Camelford likewise pieces of Armours both for Horse and Man, are many times found in digging of the ground, imputed to be the signs of that Fight wherein Mordred was slain, and wherein great Arth●r received his death's wound. And at Castle-Dennys are the Trenches wherein the Danes lodged when they first minded to subdue the Landlord In the Parish S. Clar● two stones are pitched, one of them inscribed The other half Stone. with a strange Character, and the other called the other half stone: the forms whereof we have expressed in the Map. The Hurlers also, fabuled to be men metamorphosed into stones; but in truth show a note of some victory, or else are so set for Landmarks Bounders. There also the Wringch●se Wring-Cheese. doth show itself, which are huge Rocks heaped one upon another, and the lowest of them the lest, fashioned like a Cheese, lying pressed under the rest of those Hills, which seemeth very dangerous to be passed under. But near to Pensans, and unto Mounts▪ bay a far more strange Rock standeth, namely Mainamber, which lieth mounted Maine-Amber. upon others of meaner size, with so equal a counterpoise, that a man may move it with the push of his finger, but no strength remove it out of his place. (10) Religious houses built, and suppressed within the limits of Cornwall, the fairest and greatest for account▪ were Launston, S. Neotes, S. Buriens, S. Michael's Mount, and S. Germane a Bishops See: so was Bodman also, from whence King Edward the Confessor removed it unto the City of Excester. (11) The division of this Shire is into nine Hundred, wherein are seated twenty two Market Towns, and 161. Paerish-Churches, whose names are Alphabetically gathered in the Table of this Chapter annexed. CORN WALL HONI SOIT QVI M●L Y PENSE DIEU ET MON DROIT ●●NCES T●●OR ANCIENT VANHEVEL Described by the travills of John Norden augmented and published by I Speed Scale of miles Robert de Morton Regnald base son to W. Conq. John son to King ●. 2. Richard E. of 〈◊〉 and K. of Roman Edward son to K. Ed. 1. Piers Garc●●n 〈◊〉 of Cornwall John of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Cornwall. Edward P. of 〈◊〉 D. of 〈◊〉 and ●. of 〈◊〉 The other half stone 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 THE HURLERS THE CHESEWRING These Maps are to be sold in Pope's head alley against the Exchange by John Sudbury and G. Humble Cum Privilegio. jodocus Hondius Caelavit Anno Domini 1610 Hundred in Cornwall. 1. Penwith. 2. Kerryer. 3. Pider. 4. Powder. 5. West. 6. Lesnewth. 7. Trigge. 8. Stratton. 9 East. A Aborrows, Kerrye. Aduen, Lesnew. S. Agnis, Bid. S. alan, Proved. Alan flu. Trig. Allercombe, Strat. Alternon, Lesnew. Castle Andenas, Bid. Anowtham, Pen. Anstell, Proved. Anthony, Proved. Anthony East, East. Anthony West, East. S. Anthony in menege, Kerr. Antron, Kerryer. Ardevora, Proved. Arthurshall, Trig. Arwanack, Kerryer. Arwothall, Kerryr. Asalt, East. Ashfeild, Proved. B Bake, East. Barlyn, Bid. Barrete, Proved. Bedeve, Trig. Bedwyn, Trig. Beeds haven, Stras. Benallock, Proved. Benallock, Kerry. S. Benet, Bid. Benye, Lesnew. Bear, Stratt. Berio bridge, East. Berose's, Trig. Besill, Lesnew. Betonet, East. Bickton, East. Bindon beacon, West. Binerton, Kerry. Blackbittle point, West. Blaise, Proved. Blislond, Trig. Blostenim, East. Bochym, Kerr. Boconock, West. Bodregan, Proved. BODMAN, Trig. Bodrigy, Pen. Bolisto, Pen. Bonython, Kerr. Borden, Stratt. Barrow, Strat. Botadon, East. Botalleck, Pen. Botsboro, Stratt. Boscastle, Lesner. Boskenna, Pen. Bossassill, Pen. Bosuergus, Pen. Boyton, Stratt. Breage, Kerr. Breland I'll, Pen. Brenu, Bid. S. Breock, Bid. Breward, Trig. Bridgrule, Stratt. Brodocke, West. Broungelly, West. Buckern, Trig. Buckelly, Trig. Budocke, Kerry. Burgus, Bid. Bu●ian, Penw. S. B●rien, Penw. ●urlace, Bid. ●urne●e, Trig. Byveth wood, East. Bynnawy, Strat. C Calstocke, East. Camborne, Pen. CAMELFORD, Les. Canalegie, Bid. Canyieck, Penw. Caradon Beacon, East. Carantack, Bid. Cardynham, West. Cargallomb, West. Cargern, East. Carmyono, Kerry. Carnonbigh, Pen. Carnon, Bid. Carock passage, West. Carraglowse, Pen. carry Bay, Proved. Casthorne, Penw. Cain, West. Cain bridge, West. Chasfrench, East. Cheswring, East. Clayper bridge, East. Cleader, Lesnew. S. Clear, West. S. Clement, Proved. S. Clements I'll, Penw. Clifton, East. Clowans, Penw. Cober Flu. Colan little, Bid. COLUMB great, Bid. Columb less, Bid. Colquite, Proved. Combe, Proved. Constenton, Kerry. Corbullock Park, East. Cornelie, Proved. Cortether, West. Coswyn, Penw. Court, Proved. Cousham bay, East. Crackington, Lesne. Creed, Proved. Crigmere, Bid. Crocadon, East. Crosthole, East. Crowan, Penw. Cubye, Proved. Curye, Kerry. Cuswath, Bid. Cuttcall, East. Cuttbert, Bid. The ruins of a Castle, Pen. D Davidstone, Lesne. S. day, Kerry. S. Dennis, Proved. Denmer bridge, Trigg. Dewloe, West. S Dominick, East. Dounstocke, Lesnew. Dosmery pool, West. Driffe, Penwith. Duckpoole, Strat. Dudman point, Proved. Dulo, West. Dunacombe, Strat. Dunhevid, alias Launceston, East. Dyzarde, Lesnew. E S. Earth, East. S. Eartham, Penwith. Edith chapel, Trig. Edgcombe, East. Efforde, Stratt. Eglosaile, Trig. Egloskerry, East. Endellion, Trig. Eni●, Kerry. Enedor, Bid. Erme, Proved. Erne, East. Eruan, Bid. Ethy, West. Eva, Proved. Euall, Bid. F Fawey Flu. Falmouth haven, Proved. Fentongallon, Proved. Feocke, Proved. Forybery, Lesnew. Foy— Well, Lesnew. FOYE, Proved. Foye haven, West. Frisie, Kerry. G Garlyn, Pen. Gennis, Lesnew. S. Germane, East. Germow, Kerry. Gerrance, Proved. Giller, Lesnew. Gluvyns, Kerry. Glyman, Bid. Glynford, West. Gnarnack, Proved. Godolphyn, Kerry. Godolphyn hall, Kerry. Golant, Proved. Golden, Proved. Goon hilly downs, Kerry. Golsury, Pen. Grade, Kerry. GRAMPOUND, Po. Greston, East. Gudreny Isle, Pen. Gulnall, Pen. Gullrock, Pen. Gunhaskyn, Bid. Gunwalow, Kerry. Gunwallow Mount, Kerry. Grendron, Kerry. S. Gurran, Proved. Gwindrath Bay, Proved. Gwinier, Pen. Gwithion, Pen. Gwyn Rock, Pod. Gwynap, Kerry. H Hacton, East. Hale Flu. Hall, West. Ham, Stratt. Harlyn, Bid. Hay, East. Helegan, Trig. Helford haven, Kerry. Helland, Trig. Hellan bridge, Trig. Hensbery, Proved. Helset, Lesnew. HELSTONE, Kerry. Helstonford, East. hilary, Pen. Hilton, Stratt. Hinckons down, East. Hurlers, East. I jacobstowe, Strat. Ilcombe, Strat. Illogan, Pen. S. john's, Kerry. S. john's, East. S. Issue, Bid. S. ITHIES, Pen. S. Ithies' Bay, Pen. S. Ive, East, Kern juis, Pen. S. Just, Proved. S. Just, Pen. KING Karnusack, Pen. S. Kea●e, West. Kellington, East. Kennegy, Pen. Kenwyn, Proved. Kergoe, Bid. Kern bridge, East. Kernbray, Pen. Kerneth, Proved. Kernmargh Beacon, Pen. Kernsew Kerry. Kelstle, Kerryer. Keswell, Trig. S. Keverne, Kerry. S. Kewe, Trig. Kibberd, Bid. Kilguth, Pen. Killiow, Pow. Kilkamton, Stratt. Killegath, West. Killigrew, Powd. Kilmart, East. Kickleo, Kerry. Kirthies, Pen. Armed Knight, Pen. L Ladocke, Powd. Vny Lalant, Pen. Lalant, Pen. Lamchan, West. Lamorram, Powd. Lamornye point, Pen. Lanbren, Bid. Lanbrigan, Bid. Landew, East. Landewenak, Kerry. Landilpe, East. Land's end Pen. Laneaste, East. Langdon, Strat. Langford, Srat. Lanhadern, Powd. Lanhidrocke, Bid. Lanivett, Bid. Lanlyverrye, Powd. Lanno, Trig. Lanrake, East. Lanrest, West. Lansarllos', West. Lanteglas, Lesnew. Lanteglos, West. Lanwarnock, West. Lance, Powd. Launcells, Stratt. LAUNSTON, East. S. Laurence, Trig. Lawannicke, East. Lawhitton, East. Lawreth West. Lee, Stratt. Lean Castle, East. Lelant, Pen. Lepperry, Bid. Lesante, East. Lesnewth, Les. Lesterman, Powd. Levan, Pen. Levethan, Trig. Lezante, East. Lezard, Kerry. Lezard point, Kerry. Linkynhorne, East. Liver Flu. Looburg east, West. The Low, Kerry. Loo Flu. Low East, West. LOW West, West. Ludgnam, Pen. Luggan, Pen. Lugion, Pen. Luland Isle, Trig. Port Luny, Powd. Luxulian, Proved. LYSKERD, West. LYSTWITHIEL, Po. M Mabe, Kerry. S. Mabyn, Trig. Madern, Pen. Madern, Pen. Madern well, Pen. Magdalen chapel, Kerry. Maker, East. Malader, Powd. Manacka, Kerry. The Manacles, Kerry. Maniton, East. Maning, Stratt. Markam Church, Strat. MARKASIEW, Pen. Martherderna, Pen. S. Martins, West. Martin, Kerry. S. Martin, West. Maugan, Bid. Mawgan, Kerry. Mawla, Pen. Mawnan, Kerry. The Mere, Strat. Mclooke, Lesnew. S. Mellyn, East. Menehillie, Powd. Merin, Bid. Merthen, Kerry. Merther, Powd. Merther Vuy, Kerry. Mevagesie, Powd. Meynamber, Kerry. Michael Chap. Trig. S. Michael's Chapel, Pen. Michael, Bid. Michael carheiss, Powd. S. Michael's Isle, West. S. Michael's Mount, Pen. S. Michaels, Powd. Michelstowe, Lesne. MILBROOKE, East. S. Minyer, Trig. Moares, Kerry. and Powd. Moorekinslow, Strat. Moran, Powd. Moris, Strat. Morua, Pen. Moruall, West. Moruale, West. Moru●th, Pen. Mounts Bay, Pen. MOUSHOLE, Pen. Mowan, Powd. S. Moze, Powd. S. Moscea, Powd. Mudgian, Kerry. Mullian, Kerry. Mullian, Kerry. Myler Pools, Kerry. Mynheniott, East. minster, Lesnew. N Nan's, Pen. Nantgissallcove, Pen. Nate point, Kerry. S. Neott West. Newbridge, East. Newheis, East. Newies, Bid. Newlin, Pen. Newlyn, Bid. Newport, East. Newton, East. S. Nighton, West. Northill, East. Notterbridge, East. Norton, Strat. OH Ott●rham, Les●. P PADDESTOW, Bid. Padstow haven Bid. Passage, Kerry. Paulchurch, Pen. Pawton, Bid. Pedmandow, Pen. Pellamontayne, Bid. Pellers, Bid. Pelyn, Powd. Pelynt, West. Pencrek, West. Pender, Pen. Pendenys, Kerry. Penden And, Pen. Penden Vow, Pen. Pendre, Trig. Pengersick, Kerry. Pengwenyon point, Kerr. Penhall, East. Penhall, Trig. Penhal●, Bid. Penkenell, Powd. Penlene, Lesne. Penlett point, East. Penpont, Trig. Penros, Pen. Penros, Kerry. PENRYN, Kerry. Pensand, Les. PENSANS, Pen. Penshere, Trig. Pensiguance, Kerry. Pentuan, Powd. Pentuane, Powd. Penuose, Trig. Penwarne, Powd. Penwarren, Kerry. Peran in the Sands, Bid. Peran Vthno Pen. Peram Arwothall, Ker. Peramthno, Pen. Perose's, Trig. Petherick little, Bid. Petherwin South, East. Phillacke, Pen. Philly, Powd. Pill, Powd. Pillaton, East. Pincheley, West. Plesh bridge, East. Plinte, West. Poffill, Stratt. Pokenhorn, Pen. Polgrene, Bid. Polharma, Proved. Polkeries, Powd. Polmere, Powd. Polma●ique, Bid. Polnan, West. Polomawgon, West. Polperrye, West. Pol●uddon, Powd. Polterworgy, Trig. Polwhele, Powd. Ponallom, Les. Pond, East. Poole, East. Porkellyes, Kerry. Port Hiot, East. Portchruo, Pen. Portluny, Powd. Porthilly, Trig. Portillye, Powd. Portissick, Trig. Porkeveren Cove, Trig. Portlevan, Kerry. Portquyn, Trig. Poughill, Strat. Pounstocke, Les. Predannor point, Kerry. Premadart, West. Pridiaux great, Prid. Pridiaux heart, Powd. Probus, Powd. Pulsa●h, Strat. S. Pynnock, West. Q Quethiocke, East. R Rame, East. Rame head, East. Redruth, Pen. Relubas, Pen. Repryn, Trig. Rescosa, Powd. Reskymer, Kerry. Roche, Powd. The Rock, Kerry. Rosland, Powd. Roskestall, Pen. Rosmoran, Pen. Rowtore, Trig. Royalton, Bid. Ruan, Bid. Ruan janihorne Pow. Ruan little, Kerry. Ruan great, Kerry. Rudgwary. Ruehaell Penkevill, Pow. Ru●carr●k, Trig. Ruscrew, Kerry. S SALTASH, East. Sancred, Pen. S. saviours, Bid. S. Saviour, West. Scales, Pen. Senan, Pen. Sener Castle, Pen. Sheviocke, East. Shillingham, East. Sithny, Kerry. Skewes, Kerry. Skey, Powd. Skyberio, Kerry. Sleven, Pen. Southill, East. Spargor, Kerry. S. Stephens, East. S. Stephens, East. S. Stephens in brannell Pow. Stithians, Kerry. Stoke clymsland, Ea. Stow, Strat. STRATION, Strat. Stratton centory, Stratt. Stuppert point, Bid. Swanacole, Stratt. Sith Bay, West. T Talland, West. Talland point, West. Taluar, Pen. Taluern, Powd. Tamar Flu. Tamerton, Strat. Tamyll, Lesn. Tamsquyte, Trig. S. Teeth, Trig. Teluddy, Pen. Temple, Trig. Terladinas, Pen. Tewedneke, Pen. Theram, Kerry. Thereck, Powd. S. Thomas, East. Thutleber, Stratt. Tintagell, Les. Tintagell Castle, Les. Tophowses, West. Toplendycon, Trig. Town, Bid. Towyn, Powd. Tragardon, Powd. Trebasfeall, Lesn. Trebe Iue Bid. Treberock, Trig. Trebigh, East. Treburget, Trig. Trecarrell, East. Tredegy, Les. Treduneck, Bid. Tredruston, Bid. Trefrew, Stratt. Trefusus, Kerry. Tregarden, Trig. Tregare, Powd. Treganethaw, Powd. Treganyan, Powd. Tregarget, Trig. Tregenno, Pen. Tregernon, Les. Tregonock, East. TREGONEY, Pow. Tregonnon, Powd. Tregoodock, East. Treguit, Trig. Tregull, East. Tregunnon, Powd. Trehan, Powd. Treharrew, Les. Treistick, Powd. Trekeve, West. Trelasse, Trig. Trelaske, East. Trelauke, East. Trelawn, West. Trelawerren, Kerr. Trelistick, Bid. Trelovowith, Powd. Tremalye, West. Trematon, East. Trembrose, Ker. Tremssy, Bid. Tremene, East. Trenalgo, L●s. Treneglos, Les. Trengove, West. Trenowth, Powd. Trenowth, Bid. Trentwith, Pe●. Treragger, Trig. Trerene, Pen. Trerise, Bid. Trerose's, Kerry. Tresilian bridge, Powd. Tresilian, Powd. Tresmere, Trig. Tresmere, East. Tresoro, Trig. Tresunger, Trig. Tresusus, Kerry. Treswithin, Pen. Tretallock, Bid. Trethcag Flu. Trethevy Stones, West. Trethilly, Powd. Trethune, Bid. Trethurse, Powd. Trevabees, Kerry. Trevacus, Powd. Trevalgon, Pen. Trevalgy, Les. Trevasus, Powd. Trevegay, Trig. Treverne, Bid. Trevena, Bid. Trevena, Les. Trevenner, Bid. Trever●, Bid. Trevethock, Kerry. Trevillet, Les. Trevill, Pen. Trevilleck, Powd. Trevins, Kerry. Trevissy, Bid. Trevithick, Powd. Trevona, Powd. Trevon●, Powd. Trevoura, Bid. Trevonth, West. Trewardinock, Pow. Trewardreth Bay, Pow. Trewardreth, Pow. Trewargon, West. Trewathe, Bid. Trewen, East. Trewerueneth, P●●. Trewnard, P●n. Trevins, Kerry. Trewino, Powd. Trewindle, Trig. Trewolfe, Pen. Treworgan, Powd. Treworgans', Pen. Treworgye, West. Trewothath, Kerry. Trewullock, Bid. Trewynon, Bid. Trimguenton, Pen. Trincow, Bid. Trinity, Proved. Trithall, Kerry. TRURO, Powd. S. Tudy, Trig. S. Tue, Powd. Tuis, Kerry. Twidnack, Pen. Tyninghouse, West. V Valle Flu. S. Vdye, Trig. S. Veepe, West. Verrian, Proved. Vgboroe, Strat. Vuy, Pen. W Wadefast, Strat. Warlegon, West. Warpstowe, Les. Week S. Ma●ieses, Stratt. Wen, Bid. WESTLOE, West. Westnarth, West. Whalsborow, Stratt. Whitsand Bay, Pen. Whitstone, Stratt. wick, Kerry. Windsor, Bid. Withiall, Bid. Wotton, East. Wulston, Les. S. Wynnow, West. Wyanyton, Kerry. Z Zenor, Pen. Zwallock, Trig. The bounds of Sommerset-sh●re. Sommersetshire is both a rich and spacious Country, having the Severn-sea beating upon it on the northside, the South-part bordering upon Devon & Dorsetshires, the West confined with Devonshire, and the East, and northeast upon Wiltshire, & Gloucestershire. It took the name of Sommerton (sometime the chief Town of this Shire) whence in the ancient Historian Asserius, this County is called Sommertunensis, that is, Sommertun shire. The length. (2) The form thereof is large, bearing itself still wider as it stretcheth into the middle part thereof, and contains in length from Brackley near unto Frome-Selwood Eastward, to Our in the West, Miles fifty five. In breadth from Porshut-Point in the North, to Chard touthward, is somewhat above The breadth. forty Miles. The whole Circumference is about 204. Miles. The Air. (3) The Air is mild and pleasing, and for the most part subject to such temperate dispositions, as the Sommer-season affordeth, whence some have erroneously conceited, that the Region borrowed her name from the nature of her Clime: yet how delightful so ever it is in the time of Summer; with change of the season it may well change her pleasing name, and borrow some winterly denomination; so full of wet, so miry and moorish it is; insomuch as the Inhabitants can hardly travel to and fro without their great encumbrance. The Soil. (4) Howbeit they pass over this with all patience, knowing their ensuing seasonable profits far to exceed any present detriments and displeasures: foras it is foul, so it is fruitful, which makes them comfort themselves with this Proverb, that What is worst for the Rider is best for the Abider: the Soil and Glebe thereof being very fertile, and every side garnished with Pastures and delightful Meadows, and beautified with Manor houses both many and fair; and (in a word) hath every thing in it to content the purse, the hart, the Eye, at home, and sufficient Ports to give entertainment to commodities from abroad. The Inhabitants. (5) The ancient Inhabitants that possessed this Province were the Belga, who spread themselves far and wide aswell here, as in Wiltshire, and the inner parts of Hampshire; who being branched from the Germane, conferred the names of those places from whence they came, upon these their Seats where they resided. Commodities. (6) The General profits of this Province are Corn & Cattles, wherewith it is so plentifully stored, as it may challenge any neighbouring Country for the Quantity to make show of Cattles so fat, or grain so rich Some places are peculiarly Lead. enriched by Lead-Mines, as Mindiphils (perchance so called of the deep Mines) by Leland aptly termed Minerarij, Minerall-hils, which yield plenty of Lead, the most Merchantable commodity that is in England, and vented Diamonds. into all parts of the World. Some are beautified with Diamonds, as Saint Vincent Rock, whereof there is great plenty, and so bright of Colour as they might equalize Indian Diamonds, if they had their hardness: yet being so many and so common, they are less sought after or commended. The chief Cities. (7) This Country is famoused by three Cities, Bath, Wells, and Bristol. The first takes name of the hot Baths, which Antoni● called Aqua Solis, The waters of the Sun; Stephanus Badiza; we at this day Bath; & the Latinists Bathonia: a place of continual concourse for persons of all degrees, Bath once called Akemancester. and almost of all diseases (whence it was sometimes called Akemancester) who by divine Providence do very often found relief there▪ the Springs thereof by reason of their Mineral and sulphurous passage, being of such exceeding power and medicinable heat, as that they cure & conquer the rebellious stubbornness of corrupt humours, in respect of which admirable virtues some have fabled, that they were first conveyed by Magic art. To testify the Antiquity of this place, many Images and Roman inscriptions are found in the walls, which can now be hardly read, they are so worn and eaten into by age. Wells (as Leland reporteth) was sometimes Wells once called Theodor●dun●m. called Theodorodunum, but from whence it had that denomination he makes no mention: The name it now beareth is taken (as some think,) from the River there, which King Kinew●lph in his Charter An. 766. calleth Welwe, or (as others) from the Wells or springs which there break forth: & whereupon that see (under whose jurisdiction is also the city of Bath) hath been anciently called Fontanensis Ecclesia, the Fountain Church: where the Cathedral built by King Inas to the memory of S. Andrew is very beautiful and richly endowed. The City is likewise well replenished both with Inhabitants T●e Magistracy of Welles. and seemly buildings. Whose government is managed by a Mayor yearly elected, a Recorder and seven Masters, having the assistance of 16. Burgesses, a Town Clerk, and two Sergeants at Mace. Whose latitude is 51. 20. minutes, & longitude 17. 31. minutes. Bristol is not so ancient, as it is fair, & well seated: Bristol. The beauty of it being such, as for the bigness thereof, it scarce gives place to any City of England, and doth worthily deserve the Saxon name Bright-stad: whose pleasantness is the more, by reason that the River avon scours through the midst of it, which together with the benefit of Sews under all the streets clears the city of all noisome filth, and uncleanness. It is not wholly seated in thi● County of Somerset, but one part thereof in Gloucestershire; but because it is an entire County of itself, it denies subjection unto either, having for its own government both a Bishop with a well furnished College, and a Mayor with a competent assistance of Aldermen, and other officers for Civil affairs. (8) This Province hath been the Theatre of many Tragical events and bloody Battles: the Danes did grievously afflict Porlock by cruel Piracies, in the year eight hundred eighty six: Yet near unto Pen a little village neighbouring Porlock. upon North-Cadburie, Edmund surnamed Iron-side gave them Battles. a notable foil, as he was pursuing Canutus from place to place, for usurping the Crown of England. And Keniwal●h (a West- Saxon) in the same place had such a day against the Britain's, that they ever after stood in awe of the English Saxons prows. Marianus relateth that not far from Bridge-water as the Ealstane bishop of Sherburne. Danes were straggling abroad, Ealstan Bishop of Sherbourne did so foil their forces in the year 845. as their minds were much discomfited and their powers utterly disabled. Ninius also writeth that King Arthur did so defeat the English Saxons in a battle at Cadbury, that it deserved to be made perpetuously Arthur. memorable. Neither is Mons Badonicus (now Bannesdown) less famous for Arthur's victories. And King Elfred in another Battle not far from hence gave the Danes such an overthrow, as he forced them to submission, and induced Godrus. Godrus their King to become a Christian, himself being Godfather to him at the font. So happy is this Region, and so beholding to Nature and Art for her strengths and fortifications, as she hath always been able to defend herself and offend her enemies. Religious places (9) Neither hath it been less honoured with beauteous houses consecrated to religion: such was that of Black-Chanons Barelinch. Muchelney. at Barelinch in the first limit of this shire Westward: and king Athelstan built a monastery in an Island called Muchelney (that is to say) the great Island, which is between the rivers jewel and Pedred, running together, where the defaced Witham. walls, and ruins thereof are yet to be seen. King Henry the third also erected a Nunnery at Witham, which was afterwards Hinton. Glastenburis Abbey. the first house of the Carthusian Monks in England, as Hinton not far off was the second. But above all other for Antiquity, glory, and beauty was the Abbey of Glanstenbury, whose beginning is fetched even from joseph of Arimathea, which Devi Bishop of S. David's repaired, being fallen to ruin, and King Inas lastly built a fair and stately Church in this Monastery, though it be now made even with the ground the ruins only showing, how great and magnificent a Seat it hath anciently been; which several houses were thus beautified by bounteous Princes for religious purposes, and to retire the mind from worldly services, though blinded times & guides diverted them to superstitious & lewd abuses. Camalet. (10) Other memorable places are these, Camalet a very steep hill hard to be ascended, which appears to have been a work of the Romans by divers Coins digged up there, on the top whereof are seen the lineaments of a large and ancient Castle, which the Inhabitants report to have been the I●chester. Palace of King Arthur. Ilchester, which at the coming of the Normans was so populous, that it had in it an hundred and seven Burgesses, and it appears to be of great Antiquity by the Roman Caesar's Coins oftentimes found there. The Churchyard of A●alonia or Glassenbury, where King Arthur's Sepulchre was searched for, by the command of King Henry 2. which was found under a stone, with an Inscription Dunstery. upon it fastened, almost nine foot in the ground. Also Dunstery, where (as is reported) a great Lady obtained of her Husband so much pasture ground in Common by the Towneside for the good and benefit of the Inhabitants, as she was able in a whole day to go about barefoot. The Counties Division. This County is divided into 42. Hundred for the disposing of business needful to the State thereof, wherein are placed 33. Market towns fit for buying and selling and other Market towns. affairs of Commerce. It is fortified with four Castles, and planted with 385. parishes for concourse of Divine service, as is denoted in this Table following. SOMERSET▪ SHIRE Described▪ and in to HUNDRED divided, with the plot of the famous and most wholesome waters and city of the BATH. HON● SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE DIEV ET MON DROI● BATH PLACES Within the City observed by letters A S ● mary's B high street C Market house D S ᵗ Peter E The Abbey F Abbey Gate G S ᵗ james H Stawles street I Abbey Lane KING King's Bath L Tennis Court M Stawles Church N Cheap street OH Cocks Lane P Vicarage Lane Q Spuriers Lane R The Timber green saint S ᵗ Michaels T Westgate street V S ᵗ john's Hospital W Cross Ba●he X Hot Bath Y Lazours Bath Z S ᵗ Katherins Hospital The form of the King's Bath The form of the New Bath Lazours Bath Renold de 〈◊〉 Lord of Dunster. & E: of Somerset. john Beauford Duke of Somerset. Henry fitz Roy Duke of Somerset. Edward Semer Duke of Somerset Philip Ch●ndew Earl of Bath john Bouchier Lord fitz▪ waren E: of Bath Henri Dau●ney Cum privil●gio ANNO 1610 Performed by JOHN SPEED and are to be sold in pope's 〈◊〉 Alley by John Sudbury et George Humble HUNDREDS in Sommersetshire. 1 chew. 2. Chewton. 3. Bathforme. 4. Keynsham. 5. Bruton. 6. Cattesayshe. 7. Norton Ferriis. 8. from. 9 Wello. 10. Kil●m●rsdon. 11. Glaston. 12. Horethorne. 13. Wells & Welford. 14. Whitston. 15. Taunton. 16. North Curry. 17. Miluerton. 18. Carhampton. 19 Wylliton and Freemannor. 20 Whiteleigh. 21 Canni●gton. 22 North petherton. 23. Anderfield. 24. Huntspil & Puriton. 25. Abdicke. 26. Bulston. 27. Kingsbury. 28. South Petherton. 29. Crewkerne. 30. Sommerton. 31. Py●ney. 32. Stone. 33. Tintinhull. 34. Houndsborough. 35. Berwick. 36. Coker. 37. Martock. 38. Winterstoake. 39 Portbury. 40. Bempston. 41. Brent. 42. Hartcliff. and Bedminster. A Abbottelye Abdick. Abbas comb. Horethorn●. Aisholt Canington. Alford Cats. Alfoxton Wylly. Adber of Barwick hund. Horet. Alhampton Whit. Allerford Carham. Allerton Bemp. Almer●worthie Car. Almysford Cats. Alson, Maries. Bemp. Angellsey Taunt. Anthony Summer. Apitcombe Cats. Ashbrittell Miluer. Ashcott Whit. Ashholt Caning. ash Martock: Ashton Whitel. Ashewick Killmeri. Ashhill Abdick. Ashington Stone. Auler Summer. Audremore Whitley. Aueland Island, Glass. Andre▪ Whitle. avon flu. Port. AXB●JDGE, Wint. Ax● flu. Bemp. B Babington Kill. Babcarye Cats. Baddesworth Wint. Baddleton Miluer. West Bagbarrowe. Taunt. Balsborow, Glass. Balsborowood. Glass. Bandrip, North-pet. Banwell Wint. Barle flu. Carham. Barkly, from. Barton Northt. Barwick, Barwick. South Barrow. Cats. Barrow, Bed. Barrington, Southpe. North Barrow. Cats. Bastian bridge, Whitle. Ba●combe Whit. Bathford Bath. Bathw●ck Bath. BATH CJTJE, Bath. hatch Beauchampe▪ Bath. Beckington, from Bedmi●●er, Bed. Beer Caning. Bellinton Keyn. Benager, Kilmer. Berrington, of Brent hundred. Winter. Berrough, Brent. South Brent. Brent. Bicknaller, Willy. Bickneell, Abdick. Bilsham, Bemp. Bingham, Coker. Bishopton, Tinten. Bispo●t, Bed. Bittelcombe Willy. Blackford, Whitle. Blackford, Bemp. Blackford, Car. Blackdon▪ Wint. Blagdon, Taunt. Blackwell, Bed. Bleydon, Wint. Bonca●ton, Bath. Bosington, Cartham. Bower, North▪ poe. Bradford, Taunt. Bradley, Wint. Bradley, Glass. North Bradon. Abdick. South Bradon▪ Bulst. Brain, Bemp. Brenham, Brut. Brent Marsh. Bemp. & Wint East Brent, Brent. west Brent▪ Brent. Bow bridge, Hound. BR●DGEWATER, Northp. Brimpton, Stone. Brislington, Keyn. BRISTOL, City, Brockley of Cheweton hun. Bed. Brockley, Chewton. Brodway of Abdick hun. Southp. Brodweldon, Bed. Brown Carham, Bruham, Brut. Brumfield, Andres. Brumpton Raffe. Willyf. Kings Brumpton▪ Willyf. BRUTON, Brut. West Buckland of North Cu. hundred. Miluer. Buckland Kill. Bucklandfee, Northp. Buckland mar●e, Bulston. Burcombe lodge, Brut. Burcot, Wells. Burland, Taunt. Burnham, Bemp. Burnet, Keyn. Burtle-house, Whitel. Burton, Cats. Burton, Bed. Bushforde▪ Willy. Butcombe, Bed Butley, Whitl. C South Cadbury. Cats. North Cadbury▪ Cats. Comely, Chewton. West Camel, Summer. Cameleke Castle, Horeth. Queen's CAMEL Cats. Cammerton, Wello. CANESHAM Keyn. Camington, Canning. Castle Car●e. Cats. Little Carew, Lomer. Carhampton, Carham. Cari●it●pa● Whitle. Cast, From. Castellcary, Cats. Catcott, Whitle Catern, Bath. Cathanger, Willy. Cha●combe Southpe. CHARRED, King. Chardland, King. Charfinch, Northpe. Charlton Canuil, Horethorn▪ Charleton, Keyn. Charleton musgrove. Norton. Charlecombe, Chewton. west Charleton, Whit. East Charleton, Summer. Charterhouse Kill. Charterhouse, Wint. Chedder, Wint. Chedder Rock, Wint. Cheddon, Taunt. Chedsey, Northpe. Chellington Southpe. Chelton, Whitl. Chelworth, Keyn. Cheriton Horethorn. Chesterblade, Wells. Cheveley of Chewton hund. Bed. Cheweton Canesham, Keyn. Cheweton, Chewton. Chewstock Chew. Chilcompton, Chewton. Chilton of Ba●wick hund. Horet. Chilton, Caning. Chilton Nor●hpe. Chilton dummer, Stone. East Chinock▪ Houndsb. Middle Chinock, Houndsb. West Chinock, Houndsb. Chipstable, Willy. Chiston, Wint. Chue flu, Chew. Bishops Chue, Chew Churchland, Bemp. Churchill Wint. Chuton mend●p Chewton. Clatwort● Willy. Cla●ford, from. Cla●●●ton, Chewton. Clau●worth, Coker. Old Cleave, Willy. Cl●uedon, Port Chu●rdon▪ Brut. Clopton Port. Clution, Chew. Coat, Martoc. west Coker, Coker. East Coker, Coker. Coldhenton, Cole, Brut. Coalpits, Kilmer. Combe, Willy. Temple Combe, Horethorn. Combe, Willy. Comb S. Nicholas, King. Combe, Bath. Combeflory, Taunt. Combehay▪ Wello. Compton, Cats. Compton David, Keyn. Compton dundo, Whitly Compton Paun●ford, Cats. Compton Martin, Chewton. Compton Bishops, Wint. Co●widge, Canning. Congresbury Wint. Corfe Taunt. Coripoo●e, Canning. Corson, Wello. Corton▪ Horethorne. Coston, Bath. Cothleston Taunt. Coxley, Wells. Co●ldoe, Northpe. West Cranmer, Wells. East Cranmer. Kill. Creech, Andres. Cricket, Malherb, Bulston. Crokampil, Port. Bea●e Crockham, Abdick. Crockham bickham. Willy. Crockham Studle●▪ Willy. CROKETHORNE, Crew. Crock●combe Whit. Cr●ckett Thomas, Southpe. Cucklington, Norton. Cudworth, Southpe. Culbone, Carham. Cumpton, Whit. East Curry, Northcur. Curry mallet, Abdicke. Curry Load, Northcur. Curryviuell, Bulst. Cussington, Whitl. Cush nish Taunt. Custoke, Winter. Cu●combe, Carham. Chysselborough, Houn. D East Daulish, Abdicke. S Decombs, Willy. Denison, Northpe. Dichiat, Whit. Dinder, Wells. Doddington, Willy. Dolishwake- Southpe. Doniett of Abdick hund. Southpe. Donington, Southpe. Donyford▪ Willy. Doulting, Whit. down end▪ Northpe. Downhead Whit. Drauton, Bulst. Duddleston, Taunt. Dulcot, Wells. DULVERTON, Willy. Dundrye, Chew. Dunke●ton Welly. DUNSTER, Carham. Duniet, Kill. Durborrow, Whit. Du●lay, Andres●. Durston, Northpe. Dypford, Taunt. E Easton, Wells. Easton, Chewton. Easton in gordan, Port. Eaton Wint. Eddington, Caning. Edington, Whitle. Edistoke Caning. Ega●ley, Glass. Elline, From. Eline▪ From. Elworthy, Willy. En●o●●owe, Chewton. Enmore, Anders. Estreat▪ Glass. Eueriche, Wells. Eueriche lodge, Whits. Euilton▪ Summer. EUJLL Stone. Ex flu, Carham. Ex▪ more, Carham. Exford, Carham. Exton, Willy. FLETCHER Farlye Castle Wello. Farmboro, Keyn. Farrenton Chewton. Fayland, Port. Felton Bed. Fiddwicke, Taunt. Fif●head▪ Bulston. Fillwood park, Chew. Fitzheard▪ Northcurry. Fostock, Wello. Fra●y▪ Kill. Freshord, Bath. from flu. Kill. from Selwood. From. North Fulford. Taunt. North Fulford. Taunt. Furlong▪ Crew. G Gablington, Taunt. Gedney more, Bemp. Gedney, Glass. George's well, Taunt. S. George, Port. GLASTONB VRY, Glass. Gotehurst, Anders. Gothill Horethorn. Greenham, Miluer. Greenware, Chewt. Gregorie-toke Summer. Greinton, Whitley. H Haddon beacon, Willy. Halse, Willy. priors Halsh, Northcury. Halswaye, Willy. Halton▪ Whitle. Halton, Norton. Hamden hill, Tinten. Hampton, Chewton. Hampton, Bath. Hamure Northpe. Hankfield▪ Chew. Hardington, Coker. East Harp●rie Wint. Hartlack bridge. Glass. West Hortrye. Chewton. East. Hartrye. Winter. Haselbeare, Hound. Hasling●ove, Cats. Hastorcombe, Taunt. West Hatche, Northcurry. Hawkridge, Willy. heal▪ Taunt. Heigrove, Northpe. Hemington, Kill. Hendeland, Taunt. Henford Martravers. Stone. Henstridge, Horethor. Henton▪ Martock. Henton, S. George. Crewk. Henton Bluet. Chew. Henton, Well. He●●hpen Brut. Heth more. Whitl. Hethfield, Taunt. Hewish, King. Hewish, Crew. Hewish▪ Champflower. Willy. High▪ bridge, Whit. Hillbishop▪ Taunt. Higham, Whitles. Hilfar●ncie Taunt. Hillhouse, Kill. Hinsh, Wint. Hobbs passage, Brent. Hockombe▪ Taunt. Holcomb▪ Kill. Holl●●●d Cou●sley, Taunt. Holiford, Whitle. Hollwaye, Taunt. Holwall, Horethor. Honiberie Willy. Honiweeke▪ Brut. Hornblawton, Whit. West Horrington, Wells. Horsey, Northpe. Horsington▪ Horeth. Houlford in Taunt hund. Willy. Hungrode, Port. Huntley▪ Stone HUNTSPILL, Northpe. Huntworth, Northpe. Hurst, Martock. Hurcott, Summer. Hutton▪ Wint. Hynton▪ Kill. Hythe Wint. I S. james, Taunt▪ Jlbruers, Bulston. IL CHESTER of Tin●in●ul hundred. Martock. Ilebeare, Taunt. ILMJSTER, Abdick. Jlton, Abdicke. Ilton park, Abdicke. Inglescombe, Wello. Ju●thorne, Witle. KING Kelweston, Bath. ken▪ Wint. Killeston North curry. Killn●erston, Kill. Killn●ington, Norton. Killton, Willy. Kilue, Willy Kingeston, Taunt. Kingston, Wint. Kinston, Tinten. Kingston, Abdick. Kingston, Chewton. Kingston of Chewton hun. Bed. Kingsbury Horethor. Kinsbury, King. Kingsdon, Summer. Kingswood▪ Wint. Kineton, Cats. Kingweston, Cats. Kitte●ford, Miluer. Knape, Northcury. Knightslie, Taunt. Knighton▪ Chew. Knowle, Chew. Knowle, Pitney. Knowle, Southpe. Kyllesdon, Northcury. Kymeton, Horethr. L Lambroke, King. Lam●at▪ Whit. Langford buduile, Pitney. LANGPORT, Pitney. Langridge, Willy. Langredge▪ Bath. Laverton, From. Laun●sdon, Bath. Laurence Liddeard, Taunt. Lee, Taunt. Lee flory, Taunt. Leigh, Southpe. Leighland Willy. & Fr●e. Lidford▪ Pouncherton Taunt. East Lidford▪ Cats. West Lidford, Cats. Bishop's LIDDJARD. Northcur. Ligh under mendip▪ Kill. Ligh Abbeys. Port. Listocke, Willy. Littletoo, Summer. Littleton, Chewton. Litton, Wells. Locking, Wint. Locuston, Wint. Lodhinshe, Willy. Longla●de, Mortocke. Longham, Summer. Long●shton▪ Bed: Lopen, Southpe. Lotsham, Wint. Lovington, Cats. west Luccombe, Carham. Lullington, From. Luston, Tinten. Luxborough ●uerett. Carham. East Lydford Summer. Lie, Port. Lympsham, Brent. Lymmington, Stone. Ling. Anderf. M Maksbury, Keyn. Maperton, Cats. Margret's Thorn▪ Miluer. Marry Magdalen, Taunt. Mark, Bemp. Marsh●, Stone. B●oader Marston, Horethr. MARIOCKE Matoc. Mere pool, Glass Meare Glass. Mells, Kill Mendip hills, Wells. Merst ●n Bygot, From. Meryfield Abdick, Mer●ott, Crew. Midsummer Norton, Chewton. Michaels-Burro, Summer. Michaelchurch, Northp. Middlesey, Whitl y. Milborne, Horethor. Milton, Whitle. Milton, Brut. Milton, Wells. MILVERTON, Miluer. Miluerton manor, Mil. The Mineries, Wells. Moor, Bemp. North Moore, Summer. Mo●l●nch, Whitle. West Mouckton, Whitley. Moukton Taunt. Mountecut, Tynten. Mounck silver, Willy. Muchney, Pitney. Muchenay Island, Pitney. Mutford Stone. milan, Taunt. Mylton, Martock. M●nehead, Taunt. MYNHEAD, Carham: Mysterton, Crew. N Naylesborowe, Taunt. Naylesay, Bed. Nemne●, Chewton. Neroch forest, Abdicke. Ne●herham, Willy. Nettlecombe▪ Willy. West Newton, Northp: Newton S. low▪ Wello. Newton Court, Wello. Newton placy, Willy. Northcurry, Northcur. Northover of Tintenhill hundred. Martock. Northelme, Chew. Northlord, Glass. Norton, Chew. Norton, Hound: Norton, Taunt. Norton, Mal●eward. Chew. Norton Ferris, Norton. Nunnye, From. Nyland hill, Wells. Nynhead, Taunt. OH Obridge, Taunt. Odcombe, Hound. Oak, Taunt. Orchard, Taunt. Orchard, Caning. Orchardly, From. Orcherley, From. Othill Crew. Otterford, Taunt. Otterhampton, Caning. Ottersey, Southpe. Our, Carham. P Parrot flu: Northpe. North Parrot, Hound. Paulton, Chewton. Paulett, Northpe. Pempe●eles bridge, Glass. Pen, Norton▪ f●r. Pendomer▪ Coker. West Pennard, Glass. East Pennard, Whit. PENSFORD, Chew. Pensellwood, Norton. Pery bridge of Brent hun. Wint▪ Per●ton, Northp. Pe●herton park, Northp. North Petherton, Northpet. South PETHERTON Southp. Pharmborrow▪ Keyn. PHILIP'S NORTON, Kil Pitcombe, Brut. Pixton, Taunt. Plainsfield, Caning. Pokington▪ Bulston. Polsham▪ Glass. Porlocke, Carham. Porlock-bay, Carham. Porshut, Port. Porshut▪ point▪ Por●h. Portbur●, Port. Pounsford▪ Taunt. Poyntington, Horethor. Preston▪ Stone. Preston, Keyn. Preston bowger, Willy. Priddy, Wells. Publow, Keyn. Puckston, Wint. Puddimore, Whitley. Pull, Whit. Pulton, whit. Purland S. g●af●rose, Taunt. Py●l-bridge, Martock: Pytney, Summer. Pytney, Pitney, Py●mi●●er, Taunt. Q Queen's more, Whitle. East Quan●oxhead, Willy. West Quantoxhead, Willy. Quantoke hills. Will. R Raddon From. Radnest●ck, Wells. Rad●tock, Kill. Ragilbury▪ Bed. Ra●well, Taunt. S. Rane hill, Crew. Redding on, Willy. Redlyn●h, Brut. Ratcliffe, Winter. Roade, From. Rodway▪ Caning. Rokesbridge▪ Brent. Rounam passage▪ Bed. Rowberrowe, Wint. Runton, Miluer. Ryston, Taunt. S Salfo●d, Keyn. Samford▪ Miluer. Samford, Northpe. Samfordo●●ias, Horethur. Samford Bret, Willy. Seaborough▪ Crew. Sevedge more, Whitley, Segemor●, Glass. Selwood forest, Brut. Sevington▪ abbot, Southp Sevington michael, South Sevington marry▪ Southp. Seymour▪ Chewton. Shapwick, Whitle. Sharpham park, Whitel. SHEPTON mallet, Whit. Shepholm Island, Brent. Shepton Montague, Norton. Shepton Beauchamp, Southp. Cherston, Northp. Cheselborough, Hound. Shipham, Wint. Shurton▪ Caning Siddington, Caning. Skilgate, Willy. Smaldon wood▪ Wint. SOMMERTON, Summer. Somerton Erly, Summer. Southarpe, Southpe●. Sparkford, Cats. Spaxton Caning. Stafferdel, Norton. Standerweeke, From. Sta●ton prior, Keyn. Stanton drew▪ Keyn. Staple Abdick. Stapleton, Martock. Staplegrove, Taunt. Stathe, Northcury. Sta●leigh▪ Miluer. Stocklinche Magdaline, Abdick. Stert-point, Caning. Stocklinch, Abdick. Stoford, Barwick. Stognus●y, Caning▪ Stokeland, Kill. Stoke under hamden, Tinten Stoke pero, Carhamp. Stoke gifford, Wint. Stoke garsey, Caning▪ South Stoke▪ Bath. North Stoke Bath. Stoke marry, Taunt. Stoke▪ Norton▪ Stoke, North Pe. Stoke gomer, Will. Stokeland, Whit. Stokeland marsh Cannin. Stone Chappel, Whit. Stoneaston, Chewton. Stowell Whitle. Stowe, Chew. Over Stowley, Willy. neither Stowley▪ Willy. Stowey, Chew. Stowel, Horeth●. Stratton in Vorswey, Kill. Streat, Southpe. Streat, Whitle. Strenixton▪ Caning. Over Strotton, Southpe. Suit pile, Winter. Sutton, Chew. Sutton, Cats. Sutton, Coker. Sutton mallet, Whittle. Long Sutton, Summer. Swansweek, Bath. Swill, Bulst. T TAUNTON, Taunt Telsford Well●▪ Thorney bride, King. Thorn, Martock. Thornfawken, Northcur. Thrubwell▪ Keyn Thurloxton, Northpe. Thurle●ar●, Northp. T●nt●n●l●●ll, Tinten. T● bridge, Taunt. Tolland▪ Taunt. Tone flu▪ Miluer. The Tor, Glass. The Tor, Tinten. To●nock, Bemp. wakes Tower, Port. T●ebor●, Willy. South Tre●●l, Taunt. North Trendle, Taunt. Trent, Horethor. Trister, Norton. Trull, Northr. Tuckerton, Northp. Tummer, Horethorn. Tw●uerton, Wello. Tycknam, Port. Ty●berscombe, Car. Tymsborow, Chew. V Vbleigh▪ Chewt▪ Vphill, Wint. Vpton, Willy. Vpton noble, Brut. W WATCHET, Willy. Walton, Port. Walton park, Port. Walton, Whitl. Walls, From. Wanstrow, From. Wanstraw, Brut. Wayford, Crew. Wedmore, Bemp. Laurence Week, Wint. Week, Caning. WELLS city, Wells. Wellestord, Miluer. WELLINGTON of Northcu. hundred▪ Mil. Wello, Wello. Welton, Chewton▪ Wemdon, Northp. Weren, Summer. Were, Bempt. WESTON, Whitle. Weston, Cats. Weston, Port. Weston upon Ma●e. Wint. Westbury, Wells. Westcombe, Wells. Westholme, Glass. Wethihill, Willy. Whatlye, From. Wheathill, Whittle. Whi●stanton▪ Southp. Whitnell, Whit. Whitlackington, Abdick. Whitchurch, Wells. Whitchurch, Keyn. wick, Brut. Wigden, Stone. wick, Wells. Willitton, Willy. Wilmerston, Keyn. Wilton▪ Taunt. WINCAUNTON▪ Nort. Win●sford, Willy. Winford, Bed. Winscombe, Wint. Winsham King. Witcombe, Bath. Wi●combe, Martock. Wi●combe, Chewton. Witham, Kill. Withicombe, Carham. Withipoole, Willy. Withihill, Taunt. WIVESCOME, Northcur. West Woodland, From. East Woodland, From. Woodland▪ Taunt. Woodspring, Wint. Wooky, Wells. Wooky hole, Wells. Wolcot, Bath. Wollavington, Whitle. Wolloigh Bath. Wolmarston▪ Northpe. Wolmyston, Crew. Woluerton, From. Wotton, Whit. Wotton, courtney, Carham. Woorle▪ Wint. Worminster Wells. South Wotton, Whits. North Wotten, Glass. Wraxall Port. Wrentage▪ Northcur. Wriggl●ton▪ Kill. Wrington of Brent hundred, Winter. Wyke, Brut. Y Yarcombe, North. 〈◊〉. Yardley▪ Wells. Yearlington▪ Brut. Yenston, Horethor. WIlt-shire, in the ancient English-Saxon written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, The ancient name of this shire. is enclosed upon the North with Gloucestershire, upon the East is bounded with Bark-shire, upon the South with Dorset and Hamp-shire, and upon the West is confronted against partly by Gloucester, and the rest by Somerset-shires. The form. (2) The form thereof is both long and broad; for from Inglesham upon Thamisis in the North, to Burgat Damarum in the South, are thirty nine miles: the broadest part is from Buttermer Eastward, to the Shire-stones in the West, being twenty nine; the whole in circumference is one hundred thirty nine miles. The air. (3) For air, it is seated in a temperate Climate, both sweet, pleasant, and wholesome; and for soil In his Polycraticon. (saith john of Sarisbury) is exceeding fertile and plentiful, yea and that with variety. North-Wiltshire. (4) The Northern part, which they call North-Wilt-shire, riseth up into delectable hills, attired with large Woods, and watered with clear Rivers, whereof Isis is one, which soon becometh the most famous in the Landlord The South part is more even, yielding abundantly grass and corn, and is made the more fruitful by the rivers Wily, Adder, and avon. The midst of this County is most plain, and Salesbury Plains. thereby is known and commonly called Salesburie Plains; and lie so level indeed, that it doth limit the Horizon: for hardly can a man see from the one side to the other. These Plains graze an infinite number of sheep, whose fleeces and flesh bring in an yearly revenue to their owners. The ancient people. (5) Anciently this County was possessed by the Belgae, who are seated by Ptolemie in Hampshire, Somersetshire, and in this Tract; and they (as it seemeth by Caesar) were of the Belgae in Gaul. These (as some hold) Vespasian Lieutenant under Claudius. were subdued by Vespasian, Lieutenant of the second Legion under Claudius, when the foundations of his future greatness were in these parts first laid by his many victories over the Britain's. And herein surely Yanesbury trench. the Romans seated; for besides Yanesburie Trench, by Tradition held to be his, in many other Forts in this Shire the tract of their footing hath been left, and the stamped Coins of their Emperors found, an apparent testimony of their abode. Westsaxons possessors of this shire. (6) After them the Westsaxons made it a part of their Kingdom, whose border was avon, as witnesseth Athelward, though the Mercians many times encroached upon them, whereby many great Battles, as Malmesbury tells us, betwixt them were fought, when in the young years of their Heptarchy each sought to enlarge his, by the lessening of the next: but grown unto more ripeness, they assigned their limits by a great and long ditch crossing thorough the midst of these plains, which for the wonder thereof is supposed Wansdike. by the vulgar to be the work of the Devil, and is called of all, Wansdike, undoubtedly of wooden, the Saxons Ancestor and great reputed God, where a little Wodensburg. village yet standeth, and retaineth to name Wodensburg. At this place in Anno 590. Ceaulin the West-Saxon King Ceaulin. received such a foil of the Britain's and his Countrymen, that he was forced to forsake his kingdom, and to end his days in exile, becoming a pitiful spectacle even unto his enemies. And in this place King Jna. Ina the West-Saxon joined battle with Ceolred the Mercian, whence both of them departed with equal loss. The like was at Bradford by Kenilwach and Cuthred; at Wilton, betwixt Egbert and Beornwolfe; at Edindon, King Elfred. where King Elfred was vanquisher of the Danes; and at Wilton, where the Danes won the day against him. Calne. A Synod about the marriages of the Clergy. With as bloody success, though not happening by sword, was the issue of that Synod assembled at Calne a small Town in this County, in the year of Christ jesus 977. where being hotly debating for the single life, and against the marriages of the Clergy, what wanted by the word to prove their divorce, was supplied A pitiful mishap. by a Stratagem▪ and that very bloody; for suddenly the main timber broke, and down fell the floor with the Nobles and Prelates, the Gentlemen and Commons, whereby a great number were hurt, and many more slain, only Dunstan the Precedent and Dunstan Precedent. mouth for the Monks, escaped untouched, the ioist whereon his Chair stood remaining most firm: which confirmed the sentence of their separations, whom God had conjoined, and become the fall and snare of much incontinency in both Sexes. Salesbury the chief Town. (7) The chiefest City of this Shire is Salesburie, removed from a higher, but a far more convenient place; whose want of water was not so great in the mother, as is supplied and replenished in the daughter, every street almost having a River running thorough her midst; and for sumptuous and delicate buildings is inferior to none. The Cathedral, a The Cathedral Church. most rich magnificent Church, was begun by Richard Poor Bishop, and with forty years continuance was raised to her perfect beauty: wherein are as many windows as there are days in the year, as many cast pillars of marble as there are hours in the year, & as many Gates for entrance as there are months in the year. Neither doth this City retain true honour to herself, but imparteth hers, and receiveth honour from others, who are entitled Earls of Salesbury, whereof eight noble Families have been dignified since the Normans Conquest, and now is enjoyed by that most wise The Earl of Salesburie. and loyal Counsellor Robert Cecil, Lord High Treasurer of England, and the worthy Patron of the place whereof myself am a member. This City's situation is in the degree of Latitude 51. 10. minutes, and from the first west-point observed by Mercator, 18. degrees and 31. minutes of Longitude. Old Salesbury. An. Do. 553. An. D. 1003. (8) Over this, old Salesbury showeth itself, where Kenrik overcame the Britain's, and where Canutus the Dane did great damage by fire. This formerly had been the Seat of the Romans: as likewise was Lecham, Lecham. by their Coins digged up is apparent: so were Brokenbridgr. Cosham. Brokenbridge and Cosham, the Courts of the Saxon Kings. But fortune long since hath turned her face from all these, as lately she did from many ancient and religious foundations planted in this Province, whereof Malmesbury was the most famous. I will not with Monmouth avouch the foundation thereof unto Mulmutius, but by true Records from Maidulph Maidulph a learned man. a Scot, a man of great learning, that therein built a Cell, and lead an Hermit's life, whereof Beda calleth it the City of Maidulph, and we by contraction, Malmsbery. Adelme. Adelme his disciple and successor, built here a fair Monastery, which Athelstan the Monarch richly endowed, and left his body after death there to William of Malmesbury. rest. Neither hath any graced this more than William her Monk, in recording to posterities the Chronicles of our Land, concerning both the Church and Commonweal, wherein himself lived and wrote those Histories. Ambresburie. (9) Ambresburie for repute did second this, built by Alfritha, King Edgar his wife, to expiate the sin of murder which she committed upon young Edward her son in law, that hers might be King. In this place Queen Eleanor, widow to King Henry the Qu. Eleanor. Third, renounced all royal pomp, and devoted herself unto God in the habit of a Nun. Other places Places of Religion. erected for piety, were at Salesburie, Lacock, Stanlege, Wilton, juichurch, Farnleg, Bradstoke, Briopune, and Bromhore. These grafts grown to full greatness, were cut down by the Pruiner, jest the cankers thereof should infect the whole body, (as by them was alleged) and their Revenues bestowed upon far better uses, both for the bringing up of youth, and the Castles. 1. Malmesbury. 2. Castlecombe. 3. Lacoke. 4. The Devises. 5. Lur●ishall. 6. Warder cast. 7. Salesburie. 8. Marlingsbor●. maintenance of estate. (10) With eight strong Castles this County hath been guarded; in nineteen Market Towns her commodities are traded: into twenty nine Hundred for business is divided, and in them are seated three hundred and four Parish-Churches. WILTSHIRE SALESBURY A SCALE OF PASES A S. Edmond B Winchester Gate C S. Martins D S. Thomas E The minster G The Townhouse H Endless street I S. Cathren street KING Dragon street L High street M Rossen street N Love street OH The Market P Salt Lane Q Grencrosse street R Castle street S Fisherton street The form of the Counsel House THE ARMS of the Earls of Wilshyre & Sales bury Will. Scrope. Jam. Butler John. Stafford. Hon. Stafford. ●ho. Bollen. Will. Paulet. Patrick Fitzwater. Wil longspey. Henry. Lacye. Tho. E. of. Lancas. Wil Montagute. Ric. Nevil. Georg. D. of. Clarence Robert. Cicill. STONE HINGE AURELIUS AMBROSUS Buried at Stonhong Anno 500 This ancient Monument was erected By Aurelius surnamed Ambrose King of the Britons, whose Nobility in the reign of vortiger (his countries scourge) a●out the year of Christ 475 by treachery of the Saxons, on a day of parley were there 〈◊〉 and their Bodies there interred. In memory whereof this King Aur●● caused this Trophye to be set up. Admirable to posterities Both in form and quantity. The matter thereof are stones of great bigness, containing twenty eight foot and more in length and ten in breadth, the●● are set in the ground by tow & 2. and a third laid gatewise over thwart fastened with tenons and ●●rtaisess wrought in the s●me w ch. seem▪ very dangerous to all that pass thereunder. The form is round, and as it seemeth hath been circulated with three ranks of these stones, many whereof are now fallen down, and the uttermost standing con●●yneth in compass three hundred foot by measure of 〈◊〉 assize. They all are rough and of a grey colour s●●nding with in a trench that hath been much deeper. In this place this foresaid King Aurelius with 2. more of the british kings his successors have been buried with many more of their nobility and in this place under little banks, to this d●ye are found by digging bones of mighty men, and Armour of large and ancient fa●●●on. Not fa●● hence is seen the ruins of an old fortress thought by some to be built there by the Romans' when this kingdom was possessed by their Emperors▪ Anno●546 ●546 Anno●517 ●517 CON STANC king of brittany buried at stonehen● UTER PENDR GON 〈◊〉 at stone h●ng Performed by john Speed And are to be sold in Pope's 〈◊〉 alley against the Exchange by john S●dbury and G. H●●●le Come Privilegi●. THE SCALE OF ENGLISH MILES Hundred in Wilt-shire. 1 HIghworth. 2. Malmsbury▪ 3 Kingsbridge. 4. Damerham North. 5. Chippenham. 6. Pottern. 7. Calne. 8. Selkley. 9 Ramsbury. 10. KING nwarston. 11. Elstube. 12. Swanborne. 13. Melkesham. 14 Bradford. 15. Wh●rwelsdowne. 16. Westbury. 17. Warmister. 18. Haresbury. 19 Branch. 20. Amesbury. 21. Vnderditch. 22. Alderburie. 23. Frustfeild. 24. Downton. 25. Cawden. 26. Dauworth. 27. Damerhamsouth. 28. Mere. 29. Chalk. A Abbotston, Frus. Ablington, Ams. Abury, Selk. Allc●nnyngeses, Swan. Ald●urn● cha●e, Ram. Alderburye, Ald. Alderborne chase, Selk. Alderston, Frus. Alderton, Chip. Allington, Pot. Allyngton, Ams. Alton, Ams. Alton barns, Swan. Alucrston, Chalk. Allworth, Brad. AMBERSBURY, Am. Amesbury little, Ames. S. Ann's hill, Calm. Ansley, Dau. Ashlay, Malm. Ashlington, Swan. Ashton gifford, Hart. Ashton keynes, High. Ashton west, Whor. steeple Ashton, Whor. Aston, Elst. Aston, Mal. At●ord▪ Chip. AUBURNE, Ram. avon, Dam. avon flu. Axford, Ram. B Baberstoke, Caw. Badbury hill, Ram. Badhampton, Bran. Badhampton, Hart. Bagdon hill, Pot. Bapton, War. Barbury hill, Selk. Barforde, Caw. Berwick basse●, Cal. Baycl●ff●, Hart. Baydon, Ram. Baynton, Whor. Beach, Ames. Beckhampton, Selk▪ The Beacon hill, Dam. Bedborough, Pot. Bedwin great, Kin. Bedwin little, Kin. Bemerton, Eran. Bemmerton, Vnd. Bene●az, Melk. Berwick S. james, Bran. Berwick S Leonards, Dau. Berwick saint john's, Chalk. Birtford, Caw. Bishopstrove, War. Bi●chamstock, Swan. Black heath, Blan. Blunsdon broad, High. Blakemore forest, Melk. Bl●nsdon S. Andrews, High. Boreham, War. Borton, Pot. Boscombe, Ames. Botnam, Down. Bowdon park, Chip. Box, Chip. Boyton, Hart. Bremble, Chip. Bradfeild, Mal. BRADFORD, Brad. Bradley north, Whor. Maiden Bradley, Merchant Bradon forest, High. Brat●on, West. Brembleham, Mal. Brenkworth, Mal. Brigmilston, Ames. Brixston deverell, Hart. Brockenborowe, Mal. Brooke, West. Broughton, Brad. Brumhall, Swan. Burkington, Mel. Buckland, Cal. Buckminster, Ames. Bulford, Ames. Bupton, Pot. Burbiche, Kin. Burcombe south, Caw. Burcombe north, Bran. Burchalke, Caw. Burdrope, King. Burgat damarum, Caw. Burtford, Ald. Burthall, Chalk. Burton hill, Malm. Bury Blun●don, High. Bushopston, Ram. Bushton, Elst. Buttermere, Kin. Bydston, Chip. Bynoll, King. Byshopston, Dow▪ C Cadnam house, Dam. CALNE, Cal. Calston, Cal. Calwaies houses, Dam. Cannnings bishop, Pot. Castle Eaton, High. EASTLECOMBE, Chip. Cattcombe, Selk. Chaddenton, King. Chaldfeild, Brad. Broad Chalk, Chalk. Burchalke, Chalk. Chapmanslade, West. The Chapel of Plaster, Chip. Charlton, Swan. Charleton, Dow. Charlton, Mal. Ch●rleton, Dau. Charnhamstrete, Kin. Chawd●nwich, Merchant Cheke●grove, Dau. Chelterington, Ames. Che●lworth, High. Cherrington, Swan. Cherroll, Cal. Cheselbury, Elst. Chevril little, Swan. Chevril great, Swan. Chicklat, Dau. Chickletridge, Dau. Chilhampton, Bran. Chilma●ke, Dau. Chilternes, Har. Chilton folliot, Kin. CHIPNAM, Chip. Chiselton, King. Chi●twaye, Pot. Choldrington, Ames. Cholson, Ames. Christ malford, Dam. Chut, Kin. Chut forest, King. Clack, Dam. Cla●ingdon park, Ald. Clatford, Selk. Clay hill, War. The Clear, Brad. Cleve, Pot. Cleverton, Mal. Cleevepepper, King. Coat, Pot. Codfords, Har. Collerne, Chip. Collingborne, Kin. Collingborn dukes, Elst. Combe basset, Caw. Comerwell, Brad. Compton, Ames. Compton basset, Cal. Compton chamberlain, D●sout. Conocke, Swan. Corlington, Hart. Corston, Mal. Cosley little, War. Cosley great, War. Cossam, Chip. Coulston, Whor. Cow●feild, Frust. CREKELADE, Hig. Crokwood, Pot. Croston, Kin. Crudwell, Mal. Cumpton, Caw. D Leigh Dallamore, Chip. Damerham, Dam. South. Dantsey, Mal. West Deane, Ald. We●● Deane, Ald. Deven, Bran. Deverell kingston, Dam. Sou. Deverell langbridge, Dam. Sou. Munkston Deverell, Dam. Hill Deverell, Hart. Brixton Deverell, Har. DEVIZES, Swan. Dichbridge, Chip. Diddingham, Ames. Didmeton, Chip. Dillton, War. Ditton, Dau. Over Donet, Chal. neither Donet, Chal. Downton east, Dow. Downton church, Dow. Dracott, Swan. Draycott cerne, Mal. Great Drenford, Vnd. Little Drenford, Vnd. D●icote, Ra●s. Dunckton, Dow▪ Dunhed, Dau. Durnford, Ames. Durrington, Ames. E East Euerley, Elst. Eastmanstret, Caln. Easton, Kin. Easton, Pot. Eastongrey, Chip. Eastrop, High. Ebbesborne wake, Chal. Echilhamton, Swan. Eddington, Whor. Elcombe, Kin. Elston, Bran. Enfold, Elst. Estcot, High. Estcot, Swan. East Euerleey, Elst. Ostrich, Rams. West Euerl●y, Elst. Euerley warren of hares, Elst. Euilston, Bran. F Fallersdon, Dow. Mouc●ton Farleigh, Brad. Farley, Ald. Farley hill, Ames. Fastbury, Kin. Faston, Kin. Fifeild, Elst. Fighilton, Ames. Fisherton, Warm. Fisherton, Bran. Fittleton, Elst. Flamston, Down. Flittinberston, Down. Ford, Kin. Fovant, Cowd. Foxley, Mal. Fresden, High. Froxfeild, Kin. Funtell gifford, Dau. Funtill bishops, Merchant Fyfeild, Selk. G Garsdon, Mal. Grafton west, Kin. Grafton east, Kin. The Green, Swan. Greeneham, King. Grinsteed west, Ald. Grinsteed east, Ald. Grittleton, Dam. Groveley wood, Dau. Grundwell, High. Gumbledon, Ald. H Haiston, Dau. Ham, Elst. Ham, Kin. Hampton neither, Caw. Hampton turuyle, High. Hamston, High. Langford Hanging, Bran. Hankerton, Mal. Hanke●idge, West. Hannington, High. Haradon hill, Ames. Harding, Kin. Haresbury, Haref. Harnam east, Caw. Harnam west, Caw. Hartham, Chip. Hatch, Dau. Haselbury, Chip. neither Haven, Elst. up Haven, Swan. Haxton, Elst. Heddington, Cal. Heldropp, Rams. Helmerton, King. Hewishe, Swan. Highwaye, Pot. HIGHWORTH, High. Hilperton, Melk. HJNTON, Merchant Hinshe, Swan. Hinton broad, Selk. Hinton broad, Selk. Hinton hatch, Ames. Hinton Odes, Ames. Hinton pipard, Ames. Holt, Brad. Horningsham, Hart. Horton, Pot. Houlston, Elst. Hulcott, Swan. Hullavington, Mal. Hunnington, Caw. Hynton, Ram. I Idford, Ald. Idmerston, Ald. Idover bridge, Mal. Jford, Brad. Iford, Elst. Imber, Haref. Inglesham, High. Isey, High. juichurch, Ald. KING Kemble, Mal. Kennet flu. Kennet west, Selk. Kennet east, Selk. Kevyll, Whor. Yeatton Keynell, Chip. West Keynton, Chip. Keynton S. Michaels, Dam. King's manner, Ald. Kingswood, Chip. Kington, Down. Kingtons' ash, Caw. Knahill Bishops, Merchant Knahill east, Merchant Knahill west, Merchant Knuk, Har. L Lacock, Chip. Lake, Vnd. Langley burrell, Chip. Langford little, Bran. steeple Langford, Bran. Langford, Frust. Latton, High. Laverstoke, Ald. MARKET LAVINGTON Swan. Lavington Bishop, Pot. Lea, Mal. Lea, High. Lekham, Chip. Liddiard treygoze, King. Liddiard north, High. Lighe, Brad. Lighe, West. Linecoton, Brad. Littlecote, Rams. Littleton, Whor. Littleton, Swan. Littleton drew, Chip. Lockering, Selk. Longford, Sales. Long let, Hartef. Longnewton, Mal. Luckington, Chip. Luddington, King. Ludwell, Chal. Lurgeshall, Ames. Lushall, High. Lyncham, Kin. Lynt, High. M Maddenton, Bran. MALMESBURY, Mal. Sutton Manfeild, Caw. Mannyngford, Swan. Mannyngford Abbat●, Swan. Mannyngford crucis, Swan. MARLINGSBOROE, Selk. The Marsh, West. Marston south, High. Marten Dam. South. Marten●all hill, Swan. S. Martin, Caw. Ma●ton, Selk. Martin, Kin. Maston, Pot. Melkesam, Melk. Merden, Swan. MERE, Merchant Merston measy, High. Middenhall, Selk. Milborne, Mal. Milsham, Brad. Milston, Ames. Milton, Kin. Mounton, Brad. Munckton, Cal. Deverell Munckton, Dam. South. Mylford, Vnd. M●ntye, Mal. N Nettleton, Dam. Newton south, Bram. Newton Toney, Ames. Long Newton, Mal. Newenton, Swan. Normanton, Ames. Norridge, War. Norrynton, Chal. No●ton, Hart. No●ton, Mal. Norton bovant, War. Nuneaton, High. Nunton, Dow. Nusteed, Pot. OH Odstoke, Caw. Ogborne S. George, Selk. Ogborne S. Andrew Selk. Okesey, Mal. Oldbury hill, Selk. Orcheston S. George, Har. Orstons' S. mary's, Bran. Ouerton, Kin. Ouerton east, Elst. Ouerton west, Selk. P The little Park, Kin. Patney stands in canning hund Elst. Penligh, West. Pertwood, War. Pewsey, Kin. Pewsham forest, Chip. Pinnells, Pot. Pitton, Ald. Platford, Ald. Preshut, Selk. Poole canes, Mal. Porton, Ald. Poternewood, Pot. Pottern, Pot. Poulshot, Melk. Powlton, High. Purton, High. Q Queen's lodge, Ald. Quaere, Caw. R Ramsbury, Rams. The Rey flu. Rodborne, High. Rodborne, Mal. Rokeley, Selk. Rowdon mounten Chip. Rowden, Swan. Rowley, Brad. Ruchefen, Ames. Rundwaye, Pot. Rust●sall, Swan. S Salesbury plain, Bram. Sal. SALESBURY. Old Salesburie, Ald. Salthorp, Kin. Savernake forest, Selk. Sedghyll, Dau. Seen, Melk. Segarye, Mal. Semble, Chal. Seven hampton High. Sevington, Whor. Shalborne, Kin. Sharncote, High. Sharston, Chip. shaw, Melk. Shawborne, Kin. shaw, King. Sheperidge little, Ames. Sheperidge great, Ames. Sherington, Hart. Sherington, Bran. Sherston pinckney Chip. Sherston great, Chip. Shirstones', Chip. Shrawton, Bran. Vpton Skidmore, War. Slangtenford, Chip. Smalebrook, War. Spy, Melk. Somerford little, Mal. Somerford great, Mal. Somerford keynes, High. Sopworth, Chip. Southweeke, Whor. Standley nethermore, Chip. Stanton, Melk. Stanton Quinton, Mal. Stapleford, Bran. Staunton barnard, Swan. Staunton, High. Staverton, Melk. Stock, Caln. Stocktod, Elst. Stoell, Elst. Stoke, Kin. Stoke, Whor. Stoke, Brad. Stoke earl, Mel. Stoke vereine, Chal. Stoketon, War. stonehenge, Vnd. Stonley, Frust. Studley, Cal. Stratford common, Underwit. Stratford deane, Vnd. Strattong, S. Margaret's, High. Streat Swan. Fenny Stretford, Dow. Sturton, Merchant Sutton benger, Mal. Sutton little, War. Sutton great, War. Swallow cliff, Dau. Swindon, Kin. T neither Tefunt, Dau. Over Tefunt, Dau. Teffont great, War. Tetherton lucas, Chip. Tidworth north, Ames. Tilbury, Dau. Tinhead, Whor. Titcombe▪ Kin. Thamesis flu. Thetherington, Har. Tokenham, King. Tollard Ryall, Chal. Troll, Brad. TRUBRIDGE, Melk. North Tudworth, Elst. Tylshead, Bran. V Vasterne, King. V●cot, King. Vgford, Caw. Vpton lovel, Har. Vrchefont, Swan. W Wanborowe, King. Warder castle, Dau. Warmister, War. Week, Melk. Week, Down. Week, Pot. Weeley, Bran. Welton, Caw. WESTBURY, West. Westropp, High. Westwood, Elst. Westwood, Brad. Westwellowe, Ames. Wexcombe, Kin. Whaddon, Ald. Whaddon, Melk. Whelpley, Frust. Whethampton, Swan. Whichbury, Caw. Whitchurch, Ald. Whitcliffe, Hart. Whitteley, Melk. Whitteley house, Pot. Whittenditch, Ran. Widhill, High. Wilcot, Swan. Willey-bourne flu. Wilsford, Swan. Wilssord, Vnd. Wilton, Bran. Wilton, Kin. Winckfeild, Brad▪ Winsley, Brad. Winterborne mounton, Selk. Winterborne Stoke, Br. Winterborne basset, Selk Winterborne gunner, A. Winterborne Earls, Albina▪ Winterslowe east, Ames. Winterslow west, Ald. Winterslow dauntesey, Ald. Winton little, Elst. Wishford great, Bran. Wishford, Bran. Wivesford, Dau. Wooddenton, Swan. Woodborowe, Swan. Woodford little, Vnd. Woodford great, Vnd. Woodland, Merchant Woodland, Rams. Woodshawe, King. Woore, Swan. Worton, Pot. Wotton rivers, Kin. WOTTON BASSET, King. South Wraxhall, Brad. North Wraxall, Chip. Wroughton, King. Wroughton, Elst. Wulfall, Kinw. Wyly, War. Wyly flu▪ Y Yatesbury▪ Cal. Z Zeals, Mere. The ancient name. BERKSHIRE, by the English— Saxons written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, whether of the Box Woods there sited, according to the censure of Asserius Menevensis, or from a naked and bearelesse Oke-tree, whereunto the people usually resorted in troublesome times, to confer for the State, I determine not: only the County a long time hath been so called, and bounded The bounds. with other in manner as followeth: The North-part is parted by Thamisis from Buckingham and Oxford-shires; the South near Kennet doth tract upon Hampshire; the East is confined with the County of Surrey, and the West with Wiltshire and Gloucestershire is held in. The form. (2) The form of this Shire doth somewhat resemble a Sandale for a man's foot, lying longwise from East to West, in which part she is broadest, the middle most narrow, and then spreading wider like to the heel: though for her rich endowments and stately magnificence, it may be well accounted the heart of the whole. The measure. (3) The length thereof, from Inglesham in the West, to old Windsor in the East, extendeth unto forty miles; from Inkpen to Wightham, the broadest part from South to North, are twenty four; the whole in circumference, about one hundred and twenty. The air. (4) The Air is temperate, sweet, and delightful, and prospect for pleasure inferior to none; the Soil is plenteous of Corn, especially in the Vale of White-horse, that yieldeth yearly an admirable increase. In a word, for Corn and Cattles, Waters and Woods, of profit and pleasure, it gives place unto none. The ancient Inhabitants. (5) Her ancient Inhabitants, by Ptolemie and Caesar, were the Attrebatij, and them of those that descended from Gallia, among whom Comius (conquered by the Dictator) was of good respect, and could do much with the Britain's, who (as Frontinus reporteth) used this Stratagem, though it proved nothing at last▪ he flying before Caesar to recover aid of these Attrebatians, Frontinus: light bedded upon a shelf in the Sea, whereupon hoisting his sails, as before a fore-wind, gave show to his pursuer that they were in swift flight; so that hopeless to hail them, he gave over Caes. Com. lib. 5. the chase: yet no sooner had Caesar made over among them, but that some of these people, by name the * The Inhabitants of Bray Hundred in the East of this Shire. Bibroces, yielded him subjection, which proved the ruin of all former liberty. But when the Romans had rend their own Empire, and retired their Legion into a narrower circuit, the Saxons set foot, where their forces had been, and made this County a parcel of their Western Kingdom. An. Do. 866. The Danes then setting their desire upon spoils, from their roving Pinnaces pierced into these parts, and at Redding fortified themselves betwixt the Rivers Asserius. Redding the chief Town. Kennet and Thamisis, whither after their great overthrow received at Inglefeild by the hand of King Ethelwolfe, they retired for their further safety. Henry the First built Redding. (6) This Town King Henry the First most stately beautified with a rich Monastery and strong Castle, where, in the Collegiate Church of the Abbey, himself and Queen (who lay both veiled and crowned) with their daughter Maud the Empress, called the Lady of England, were interred, as the private History of the place avoucheth, though others bestow the bodies of these two Queens elsewhere. The Castle Henry the Second razed Redding. King Henry the second razed to the ground, because it was the refuge for the followers of King Stephen: The Graduation. From whence the North-pole is raised in Latitude 51. degrees and 40. minutes, and in Longitude from the first West-point observed by Mercator 19 degrees and 35. minutes. Wallingford. (7) A Castle and Town of greater strength and antiquity was Wallingford, by Antonine and Ptolemie called Gallena, the chiefest City of the Attrebatians, whose large circuit, and strong fortifications; show plainly, that it was a place of the Romans abode, and since in a conceived safety hath made many very bold, especially when the sparks of England's civil dissensions were forced to flame in case of the Crown betwixt Maud the Empress and King Stephen, whither herself and associates resorted as their surest defence. Windsor. (8) But of far greater magnificence and state is the Castle of Windsor, a most Princely Palace & Mansion of his Majesty. I will not with jeffrey affirm it to be built by King Arthur; but with better authority say, it was so thirsted after by the Conqueror, that by a William the Conqueror compounded for Windsor▪ composition with the Abbot of Westminster, whose then it was, he made it to be the King's Possession, as a Place besides the Pleasures, very commodious to entertain the King. In this Castle that victorious Prince An. Do. 1312. King Edward the third was borne; and herein after he had subdued the French and Scots, held he at one and the same time as his Prisoners, john King of France, and David King of Scotland. Neither was it ever graced with greater Majesty then by the institution of the most honourable Order of the Garter, a signal The Institution of the most honourable Order of the Garter. Ornament of Martial Prowess: the invention thereof some ascribe to be from a Garter falling from his Queen, or rather from joan Countess of Salisbury, a Lady of an incomparable beauty, as she danced before him, whereat the bystanders smiling, he gave the impress to check all evil conceits, and in golden letters imbelished the Garter with this French Poesy, honey SOIT QVI MALY PENSE. And yet that worthy Clarenceaux alleging the book of the first Institution, finds the invention to be more ancient, as when King Richard the First warred against the Turks, Saracens, Cypress, and Acon, he girt the legs of certain choice Knights with a attach of leather, which promised a future glory to the wearers. The most princely Chapel thereof is graced with the bodies of these two great Kings, Henry the Sixth and Edward Henry the Sixth. Edward the Fourth. the Fourth, whom the whole Kingdom was too little to contain, the one of Lancaster, the other of York, where they rest now united one mould, with a branch of both those Houses, even King Henry the Henry the Eight. Eighth, who there lieth also interred, and rests in the Lord Sinodun. Watham. (9) Other places of note in this Shire are Sinodum in the North, and Watham in the East, both of them places of the Romans residence, as by their Monies there oftentimes found appeareth. Neither was Sunning Sunning. the lest in this Tract, that had been the Seat of eight Bishops before the See was translated thence Shirburne. Wantage. unto Shirburne, or that to Salisbury. Wantage also is not wanting of honour, in bringing to life that learned and most valiant King Ealfred, the scourge of the Danes, and great Monarch of the English. And Finchhamsted Finchamsted. for wonder inferior to none, where (as our Writers do witness) that in the year a thousand joh. Stow. one hundred, a Well boiled up with streams of blood, and fifteen days together continued that Spring, whose waters made read all others where they came, to the great amazement of the beholders. The commodities of this Shire. (10) The riches and sweet seats that this County affordeth, made many devout persons to show their devotions unto true piety, in erecting places for The devotions of the people. God's divine service, and their exemptions from all worldly business: such were Abington, Redding, Bysham, Bromhall, Hernley, ham, and Wallingford, whose Votaries abusing the intents of their Founders, overthrew both their own Orders and places of Professions; all which were dissolved by Act of Parliament, and given the King to dispose at his will. The division of this Shire. This Shires division is into twenty Hundred, and hath been strengthened with six strong Castles, is yet graced with three of his majesties most princely houses, and traded with twelve Market Towns, and is replenished with one hundred and forty Parish-Churches, all whose names are further inserted in the Table following. BERKSHIRE DESCRIBED Anno 1350. The names of them which first received the honourable order of the Garter of Saint Edward. III Edward prince Hen. D. of Lancast Tho. E. of Warwik Captain de Bouch Raph. E▪ Stafford W. Mon●cut▪ E▪ Sales Rog. Mert. Eof●ar▪ d● john de Lisle Knight Tho. Burwash. K. joh. Beauchamp K. joh. de Mohun. K. Hugh Courtney▪ K. George. Tho. Holland. K. john Grey. Knight Rich▪ fitz Simon▪ K. Miles S●pl●ton▪ K. Thomas wall. K. Hugh Wrothsley K. Nele Loring. K. john Chandos K. jam●s de Audley. KING▪ Otho▪ Holland▪ K. Henry Eme▪ King. Zanchet Dabridg. Will Paganell K. At Radcott▪ bridge. Thomas Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of Arundel, Warwick▪ Darbye, and Nottingham, encountered with Rober● Vere, Duke of Ireland, mantayned against them▪ by King Richard 2. Where the said Duke, was put to flight▪ and in swymming the Thamesis▪ hardly escaped▪ drowning▪ There i● his behalf Sir Tho. Molineux constable of Chester, with many others were slain. Anno Dom. 1387. R. 2. 11. The Scale of Miles WINDSOR H●NI 〈◊〉 QVI MAL Y PENSE Performe● by I Speed and are to be sold in Pipes ho●d Alley by I▪ S●d● and Georg Humble Cum Pri●ilegio▪ An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and Places mentioned in Bark-shire. HUNDREDS in Bark-shire. 1. HOrmer. 2. Ganfeild. 3. Farrington. 4. Shrivenham. 5. Wanting. 6. Compton. 7. Morton. 8. Lamborne. 9 Fairecrosse. 10. Theale. 11. Reading. 12. Charleton. 13. Sonning. 14. Wargrove. 15. Bernerlhe. 16. bray. 17. Ripplemore. 18. Cookham. 19 Oak. 20. Kentbury. A ABJNGTON, Hor. Aldermerston, Theal. Aldworth, Compt. Apleford, Oak. Apleton, Oak. Arberfeild, Son. Ardington, Want. Ashamsteed, Mort. Ashbury, Shri. A●●on upthorpe, Mort. A●●on tirrold, Mort. A●ington, Kent. B Bagnor, Fair. Balking, Shriu. Barkham, Charl. Barrington, Far. Barton, Hor. Basselden, Mort. Bayworth, Hor. Benham vale, Kent. Berneham, Read. Besselslighe, Hor. Biddon, Fair. Billingesbere, War. Bisham, Ber. Blubery, Read. Borton, Shriu. Botley, Hor. Bourshill, Hor. Boxford, Fair. Bradfeild, Thel. bray, Bray. Bright walton, Fair. Brightwell, Mort. Brimpton, Fair. Buckland, Gan. Bucklebury, Read. Burfeild, Thel. Burwesket, Shriu. Bynfeild, Cook. C Calcot, Kent. Catmer, Kent. Chaddleworth, Kent. Chalie, Hor. Chalow west, Kent. Charlton, Want. Charney, Gan. Chaulsey, Mort. Cheveley, Fair. Childly, Want. Chilton, Comp. Chilswell, Hor. Cholsey, Read. Churchspene, Kent. Cleworth, Rip. Clopcott, Mort. Colleshull, Shriu. Cookeham Cook. Compton, Compt. Compton, Shriu. Cothy Flu. Coxwell little, Far. Coxwell great, Far. Cuckhamsley hill, Comp. Cumner, Hor. D Demyston castle, Fair. Denchworth south, Want. Donnington, Fair. Draiton, Oak. Draycott more, Oak. Dudcot, Mort. E Early, Charl. Easthamsted, Rip. Eaton, Oak. Edington, Kent. Enborne, Kent. F Falley, Kent. fallow, Shriu. FARRINGDON▪ Far. Farrington little, Far. Farnebrough, Comp. Fernisham, Shriu. Frilford, Oak. Frilsham, Fair. Fyfeild, Oak. Fynchamsted, Charl. G Garford, Oak. Garston east, La●▪ Ging east, Want. Goosey, Oak. Grampond, Hor. Greenham, Fair. Grove, Want. H Hagborne east, Mort. Hagborne west, Mort. Hampsted morryes, Fai. Lech Hampsted, Fair. Hams west, Want. Hams east, Want. Hamsted marshal, Kent. Hanney east, Oak. Hardwell, Shriu. Heartily donnex, Thel. Harwell, Mort. Hatford, Gan. Hendred east, Read. Hendred west, Want. Hendred east, Want. Hillend, Hor. Hincksey Laurence, Hor. Hincksey south, Hor. Hinton, Gan. Hobcott, Kent. HUNGERFORD, Kent. Hurley, Ber. Hurst, Son. I Ilsle● west, Com●t. ILSLEY EAST, Com. Inglefeild, Thel. Inglisham, Fari. Inkpen, Kent. S. john's bridge, Far. Isbury, Lam. KING Kinburye, Kent. Kingston bagpuze, Oak. Kingston on lile, Shriu. Kennet Flu. Kennington, Hor. Knight bridge, Fair. L LAMBORNE, Lam. Langford, Far. Letcombe kings, Kent. Letcombe basset, Kent. Leverton, Kent. Littleworth, Shriu. Locking west, Want. Locking east, Want. Loddon bridge, Sun. Loddon Flu. Longcott, Shriu. Longworth, Gan. Lyford, Oak. M MADENHEAD, Bray. Marcham, Oak. Markney, Mort. Martleston, Fair. Mershall, Kent. Midgham, Fair. Miston, Oak. Mortimer wookfeild, Thel. Morton north, Mort. Morton south, Mort. Moulsforb. Mort. N NEWBERRY, Fair. New bridge, Oak. Norcott, Hor. OH Oak Flu. OKJNGHAM, Sun. Hour chapel, Fair. P Padworth, Thel. Pangborne, Read. Peysmore, Fair. Purley, Thel. Pusay, Gan. R Radcott bridge, Faring. Radley, Hor. READING, Read. Remneham, Ber. Ruscombe, Son. S Sandenfoe, Kent. Sandford, Hor. Sandhurst, Sun. Satwell, Mort. Shallington, Gan. Shattesbrooke, Ber. Shawborne, Kent. shaw, Fair. Shelford great, Lamb. Shelford little, Kent. Shellingford, Gar. Shilton, Far. Shinfeild, Charl. Shipton, Hor. Shrivenham, Shriu. Silham, Thel. Slancler, Shriu. Sonnyngwell, Hor. Spersholt, Want. Spene, Fair. Spinhamland, Fair. Stanford, Gan. Standford dingbie, Fair. steeds, Thel. Steventon, Oak. Stretley, Mort. Strand, Hor. Sulhamsted bannester, Thel. Sulthamsted Abbots, R. Suning, Sun. Sunninghall, Cook. Sutham, Thel. Sutton courtney, Oak. Swallowfeild, Charl. T Thatcham, Read. Thele, Thel. Thorpe, Hor. Trup, Shriu. Twyfort, War. Tydmershe, Thel. Tylehurst, Read. V The vale of whithouse, Shriu. Vffington, Shriu. Vpton, Mort. Vston, Thel. W Wadley, Shriu. WALLINGFORD, Mo. Waltham Laurence, Wor. Whit Waltham, Ber. WANTAGE, Want. Warfeild, War. Wargrove, War. Watchfeild, Shriu. Wasinge, Fair. Welford, Fair. Westbroke, Kent. Whetston, Tynes. Whisley in hur'st, Charl. Whitley, Hor. Whitley, Read. Whithorse hill, Shriu. Wickham, Kent. WINDSOR, Rip. Windsor park, Rip. Windsope forest, Rip. Old Windsor, Rip. Winckfeld, Rip. Winterborne, Fair. Witham, Hor. Witley park, Charl. Witnham little, Oak. Witnham long, Oak. Wolston, Shriu. Woodhay, Kent. Woodspene, Fair. Woolley, Kent. Woolhampton, Thel. Wotton, Hor. Wyversley in hur'st, Son. Y Yattington, Fair. MIddlesex, so called in regard of the situation, as seated betwixt the Westsaxons and East-Angles, was sometimes together with Essex and Hartfordshire, that part & portion which the East-Saxons enjoyed for their kingdom: it lieth bordered upon the North, with Hartford-shire, upon the West by Colne, is severed from Buckingham, the South, by Thamesis, from Surrey and Kent; & on the East from Essex, by the River Lea. The length. (2) The length thereof extended, from Stratford in the East, to Morehall, upon Colne in the West, is by measure nineteen English miles, & from South-mines in the North, to his majesties Manor of Hampton-court in the South, are little above 16. miles, the whole circumference, extending to ninety. The form. (3) In form it is almost square, for air passing temperate, for soil abundantly fertile, and for pasturage & grain of all kinds, yielding thebest, so that the wheat of this County hath served a long time, for the Manchet to our Prince's Table. (4) It lieth seated in a vale most wholesome and rich, having some hills also, and them of good ascent, from whose Tops the prospect of the whole is seen like unto Gen. 14. 10. Zoar in Egypt, or rather like a Paradise and Garden of God. The ancient Inhabitants. (5) The ancient Inhabitants known to Caesar, were the Trinobants, whom he nameth to be the most puissant in the land; whose chief city and State yielding Caesar's come. him subjection, made the whole, with less loss to the Romans, to bear the yoke of their own bondage, & to come in under terms of truce. But when their forces in these parts were spent, & the Empire shaken by intestine wars, the Saxons setting their eyes upon so fair a soil, made their footing as sure herein; which lastly with Hartford and Essex, was the portion of the East- Saxons kingdom. Five princely houses in this Shire. (6) Five princely houses, inheritable to the English Crown, are seated in this Shire, which are, Enfield, Hanworth, Whitehall, S. james, & Hampton Court, a city rather in show then the Palace of a Prince, and for stately Port & Gorgeous building, not inferior to any in Europe. At Thistleworth once stood the palace of Richard K. of the Romans, E. of Cornwall, which the Londoners in a tumultuous broil, burned to the Ground: many other stately houses of our English Nobility, Knights & Gentlemen; as also of the worshipful citizens of London, are in this Shire so sumptuously built & pleasantly seated, as the like in the like circuit, are no where else to be found. Near unto Thamesis entrance into B●da. hist Angl. lib. 1. cap 2. this county, is kept the remembrance of Caesar's entrance over Thamesis, by the name of Coway stakes, stuck fast in the Bottom to impeach his designs; and further at Stanes a Maire-Stone once stood, for a mark of jurisdiction that London had so far upon Thamesis. London. (7) Which city is more ancient than any true record beareth, fabuled from Brutus, Troynovant, from Lud, Ludstone: But by more credible writers, Tacitus, Ptolemy & Antonine, Londinium, by Aminianus Mercellinus for her successive prosperity, Augusta, the greatest title that can be given to any: by Britain's, Londayn, by the Saxons, The names of London. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, by Strangers Londra, and by us London. This city doth show as the Cedars among other trees, being the seat of the British Kings, the chamber of the English, the model of the land, & the mart of the world: for thither are brought the silk of Asia, the spices from Africa, the Balms from Grecia, & the riches of both the Indies East and West: no city standing so long in fame, nor any for divine and politic government may with her be compared. Her walls were first Simon of Durham. Anno 306. set by great Constantine the first Christian Emperor, at the suit of his mother, Q. Helen, reared with rough stone London walled by Constantine the great. & British Brick three English miles in compass: thorough which are now made 7. most fair gates, besides three other passages for entrance. Along the Thamesis, this wall at first ranged & with two gates opened, the one Douregate, now Dowgate, & the other Billingsgate, a receptable for Ships. In the midst of this wall was set a mile-marke (as the like was in Rome) from whence were measured their stations, for carriage or otherwise; the same as yet standeth, and hath been a long known London-stone a mile-marke. S. Peter's in Co●hill the Cathedral church. by the name of London stone. Upon the East of this City, the church of S. Peter's is thought to be the Cathedral of Restitutus, the christian Bishops See▪ who lived in the Reign of great Constantine; but since S. Paul's in the west part, from the Temple of Diana, assumed S. Paul. that dignity, whose greatness doth exceed any other at this day, and spires so high that twice it hath been consumed by lightning from Heaven. Besides this The number of churches in London. cathedral, God is honoured in one hundred twentyone churches more, in this city: that is, ninety six within the walls; sixteen without, but within the Liberties; & nine more in her Suburbs; & in Fitz-Stephens time, thirteen convents of religious Orders. It is divided The Wards of London. into twenty six Wards, governed by so many grave Aldermen, a L. Maior & two Sheriffs, the yearly choice whereof was granted them by Patent from K. john; in whose time also a Bridge of stone was made over Thames, London Bridge. upon nineteen Arches, for length, breadth, beauty, and building, the like again not found in the world. (8) This London (as it were) disdaining bondage, hath set herself on each side, far without the walls, & hath left her West-Gate in the midst, from whence with continual buildings (still affecting greatness) she hath continued her streets unto a King's Palace, and joined a second * Westminster. City to herself, famous for the Seat, and Sepulchre of our Kings; and for the Gates of justice, that termely there are opened, only once a Westminster a Bishops See. Bishops See, whose title died with the man. Not walls are set about this city, & those of London are left, to show rather what it was, than what it is: Whose Citizens, as the Lacedæmonians did, do impute their strength in their men, and not in their walls, how strong soever. Orelse for their multitude, cannot be circulated, but Zacha. 2. 4. as an other jerusalem is inhabited without walls, as Zachary said. The wealth of this City (as Isai once isaiah 23. 3. spoke of Nilus) grows from the Revenues and Harvest of her south-bounding Thames; whose traffic Ezekiel 27. 12. for merchandizing, is like that of Tyrus, whereof Ezekiel speaks, & stands in abundance of Silver, Iron, Tyn The trade of London. & Lead, etc. And from London her channel is navigable, straightened along with medowing borders, until she taketh her full liberty in the Germane Seas. Upon this Thamesis the Ships of Tharsis seem to ride, and the The Thamesis. Navy, that rightly is termed the Lady of the Sea, spreads her sail. Whence twice with lucky success hath been accomplished, the compassing of the universal Globe. This river Canutus, laying siege against London, sought by digging to divert, & before him the Danes had done great Harms in the city, yet was their State recovered, by K. Elfred, and the river kept London invaded. her old course, notwithstanding that cost. In the times of the Normans, some civil broils have been attempted in this city, as in the days of K. john, wherinto his Barons entered, and the Tower yielded unto Lewis. And again, Wat Tiler herein committed outrageous in An. 1216. in An. 1380. cruelties, but was worthily struck down by the Mayor, & slain in Smithfield. This city's graduation for Latitude is the degree, 51. 45. min. and in Longitude 20. degrees 39 minutes. Battles in Middlesex. The 14. of April, Anno 1471. and eleventh of E. 6. (9) In this county at Barnet, upon Easter day, a bloody battle was fought, betwixt Henry 6. and Edward 4. wherein were slain one Marks, one Earl, three Lords, and with them ten thousand Englishmen. The Shires division. (10) The division of this Shire is into seven Hundred, wherein are seated two Cities, four market Towns, and seventy three Parish churches, besides them in London; where in the church of Gray-friers, now called Christchurch, three Queens lie interred, Margaret wife to Edward 1 Isabel wife to Edward 2. Joan Queen of Scots, all buried at Gray-friers. which were, Queen Margaret, the D. of Phil. the hardy, King of France, second wife to King Edward 1. the second was Queen Isabel, wife to King Edward 2. and D. to Philip the fair King of France, and the third was Queen joan, their daughter, married to David King of Scotland. MIDLE-SEX described WITH THE MOST FAMOUS Cities of LONDON and WESTMINSTER WESTMINSTER S ●t. PETER'S THE Church of WESTMINSTER was anciently the Temple of Apollo as saith Sulcardus, which by an earth quake in the reign of Anto. ninut Pius was overthro●● of whose ruins Sebert ●o● the East Angles built another to S. Peter: and that being destroyed by the Danes. Edward Confessor raised again to grea●● beauty 〈◊〉 was lastly taken 〈◊〉 by K. H. 3. & new built with. 〈◊〉 labour as now it stands. SAINT PAUL'S THE Church of St. PAUL● is thought to have been so●●e times the Temple of DIANA, 〈◊〉 opinion is strengthened by an incredible number of ox's heads digged up there in the reign of K. E. 1. their bodies supposed to have been sacrificed unto her. This Church Ethelbert K. of Kent new built and converted to Christianite; And after him Maurice Bis. of London raised it to this greames, whose steeple 〈…〉 foot high & hath been twi●● consumed by fiere from Heaven. SAINT PETER LONDON The large circuit, 〈◊〉 multitude of streets besides the beautiful & stately buildings in this fair, and most famous City LONDON: can no wise be demonstrated▪ in so little compass, as here I am enforced to show. But as Her cures his body might be measured by his. ●. foot, and the universal Globe draw in a small circle: So in thi●, rather conceit the magnificens thereof in mind, then curiousely seek satisfaction by the sight whose pleasant situation, beauty, and rich blessings both for soyll and sea equals (if not exceeds) any Ci●●e under Heaven. The true plot whereof I purposely reserve to a further leisure & larger Scale. SAINT PAUL'S Cum Privilegio Anno 1610 Described by john Norden, Augmented by I Speed Sold in Pope's he●d alley against the Exchange by George Humble. HUNDREDS in MIDDLESEX. 1. Edmonton. 2. Gore. 3. Fynnesbury, and Wenlaxebarn. 4. Osulston. 5. Elthorne. 6. Jstleworth. 7. Spelthorne. A Acton West, Fynnesbury. Acton East, Fynnesbury. Alperton, Gore. Ascott, Elthorne. Asheforde, Spelthorne. Astleham, Spelthorne. B Baber bridge, Spelthorne. Fryarne Barnet, Fynnesbury. Bedfonte West, Spelthorne. Bedfonte East, Speltho. bednal green, Osulston. Belsyse, Fynnesbury. Bishop's hall, Osulston. Blackwall, Osulst. Boston, Elthorne. Braineforde little, Elthorne. BRAINFORD West, Elthorne. Breakspeares', Elthor. Brent Flu. Brentstore, Gore. Broken borrows, Elthor. Bromesley, Osulst. Brompton, Fynnesb. Browswell, Fynnesb. Burmfeild, Edmont. Burystreete, Edmont. C Canons, Gore. Canbury, Fynnesb. Chalcot, Fynnesb. Charlton, Spelthorn. Chelsey, Fynnesb. Cheswicke, Fynnesb. Child's hill, Fynnesbury. Clapton, Osulston. Clarkenwell, Osulst. Colham, Elthorne. Colne Flu. Coney hatch, Fynnesb. Coppermill, Istleworth. Coptehall, Osulst. Cowley, Elthorne. Craneford, Elthorne. Craneford bridge, Elthorne. Cruch end, Fynnesbury. D Daleston hill, Fynnesbury. Dalis, Gore. Dancershill, Edmont. Deane wood, Fynnesb. dogs Isle, Osulst. Dormans' well, Elthorne. Dorsey sars, Edmont. Drayton west, Elthorne. Drivershill, Gore. Ducoates, Edmont. Durance, Edmont. Durhams, Edmont. E East end, Fynnesb. EDGWARE, Gore. Edmonton, Edmont. Edmondstreete, Edmont. Eling, Fynnesb. Enfield, Edmont. Enfield chase, Edmont. Eueney farm, Spelthor. F Feltham, Spelthor. Feltham hill, Spelthorn. Fincheley, Fynnesb. The Fold, Edmont. Fryarn Manner, Fynnesb. Fryth, Gore. Fulham, Fynnesb. G Green hill, Gore. Greeneford, Elthorn. Greenestret, Edmont. Gunnetsbury, Fynnesb. S. Gyles, Fynnesb. H Hackney, Osulst. Hadley, Edmont. Halwayes, Fynnesb. Hamersmyth, Fynnesb. Hampton, Spelthorn. Hampton Court, Spelthor. Hampsteed, Fynnesb. Hamsworth, Elthor. Hanford, Spelthorn. Hanworth, Spelthor. Hanger wood, Fynnesb. Hanwell, Elthorn. Harefeild, Elthorn. Harleston green, Fynnesb. Harlington, Elthorn. Harmondesworth, Elthor. Harrow hill, Gore. Heayes, Elthor. Hellingdon little, Elthor. Hendon, Gore. Hendon house, Gore. Heston, Istle. Highwood, Gore. Highgate, Fynnesb. Hillingdon little, Elthor. Hillingdon great, Elthor. Hockesdon, Osulst. Hollick, Fynnesb. Holly well street, Osulst. Hornesey, Fynnesb. The Hospital, Fynn. Hunslow, Istle. Hyde Park, Fynnesb. I S. james, Fynnesb. Ickenham, Elthorne. I'll of dogs, Osulst. Islington, Fynnesb. Istleworth, Istle. KING S. Katherins, Lon. Lib. Kensingeton, Fynnes. Kenton, Gore. Kenton, Spelthor. Kentishtowne, Fynn. Kickesend, Edmont. Kingsland, Osulst. Kingesbury, Gore. Kingston wike, Spelt. Knightsbridge, Fynn. Kylborne, Fynnesb. L Laleham, Spelthorne. Littleton, Spelthorne. Lodge hill, Fynnesb. LONDON. Ludgraves, Edmont. Lymehouse, Osulst. M Marybone, Fynnesb. Mendon house, Gore. Merestrete, Osulst. Milhill, Gore. Morehall, Elthorn. Morehatche, Edmont. Muckings, Edmont. Muswell hill, Fynnes. mile end, Osulst. Myms south, Edmont. N Northhall Lodge, Elthorn. Ne●edon, Fynnesb. Newhouse, Spelth. Newington Stoke, Fynn. Newington, Fynn. Newington green, Fynnes. Norcote, Elthorne. Northall, Elthorn. North end, Fynnesb. Norton folgate, Osul. Norwood, Elthorn. OH Oldeford, Osulst. Osterley, Elthorn. P Padingwick, Fynnesb. Paddington, Fynnesb. Pancras, Fynnes. Parson's green, Fynn. Perrinale, Elthorn. pings, Edmont. Ponders end, Edmon. Poplar, Osulst. Potter's bar, Edmon. Preston, Gore. Pynner, Gore. R Rateclyffe, Osulst. Rimslippe, Elthorn. Roxoey, Gore. S Safforne hill, Fynnes. Sauthold, Elthorn. Shackerwell, Osulst. Shepperton, Spelth. Shoreditch, Osulst. Southmyns, Edmont. STANES, Spelth. Stanmore great, Gore. Stanmore little, Gore. Stanner great, Gore. Stanschurch, Spelth. Stanwell, Spelth. Stepney, Osulst. Strande, Elthor. Stratford bow, Osul. Sudbury, Gore. Sunbury, Spelthor. Swakleys, Elthorn. Zion, Elthorn. Sipson, Elthorn. T Tottenham, Edmon. Tottenham street, Edmo. Tottenham high-crosse, Ed. Totten Court, Fynn. Tuddington, Spelth. Turnham green, Elthor. Twickenham, Istle. Twickenham Park, Istle. Twyford East, Fynn. Twyford West, Gore. V UXBRIDGE, Eltho. Vxenden, Gore. W Wadham green Fynnesb. Waltham cross, Edmon. Wapping, Osulst. Weald, Gore. Wemley hill, Gore. Westborne, Fynnesb. WESTMINSTER. Westminster City. Whetstone, Fynnesb. Wewrsley, Elthorne. Whitton, Istle. Whitwebb, Edmont. Willesdon, Fynnesb. Winchmorhill, Edmont. Woodhall, Gore. Worton, Istle. Wyerhill, Edmont. The name of Essex. ESsex, by the Saxons, written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, by the Normans Exssesa, and by the vulgar Essex; is a County large in compass, very populous, and nothing inferior to the best of the Landlord The form of Essex. (2) The form thereof is somewhat Circular excepting the East part, which shooteth herself with many promontories into the Seas; and from Horsey Island to Haidon in the West (the broadest part of the Shire) are by measure The length and breadth. forty miles; and the length from East-Ham upon Thamisis in the South, to Sturmere upon the River Stow in the North, are thirty five; the whole in circumference one hundred forty six miles. The borders of Essex. (3) It lieth bounded upon the North, with Suffolk and Cambridge-Shires, upon the West with Hertford & Middlesex, upon the South by Thamisis, is parted from Kent; and the East side thereof is altogether washed with the Germane Sea. The air. The Soil. (4) The air is temperate and pleasant, only towards the waters somewhat aguish: the soil is rich and fruitful, though in some place sandy and barren; yet so that it never frustrates the husbandman's hopes, or fills not the hands of her harvest Labourers: but in some part so fertile, that after three years glebe of Saffron, the Land for 18. more, will yield plenty of Barley, without either dung or other fattening earth. The Inhabitants. (5) Her ancient inhabitants known to the Romans, were by Caesar called the Trinobantes, of whom Caesar. Comment. lib. 5. in the former chapter we have spoken, and in our history shall speak more at large. But this name perishing with the age of the Empire, the Saxons presently ramed a new; and with Hertford, and Middlesex, made it their East-Saxons Kingdom, until that Egbert brought this and the whole, into an entire and absolute Annals of the English-Saxons. Monarchy: The Danes after them laid so sore for this Province, that at Beamfleet and Havenet (now Shobery) they fortified most strongly; and at Barklow, (besides the hills mounted for their Burials) the Danewort with her read Berries, so plentifully grow, that it is held and accounted to spring from the blood of the Danes which in that place was spilled, and the herb as Danes-blood. yet is called from them the Danes-blood; neither yet were they quelled to surcease that quarrel; but at Ashdowne abode the Ironside in fight, wherein so much blood of the English was spilled, that Canutus their King in remorse of conscience, built a Church in the place, The Normans. to pacify God for the sins of his people: But when the Normans had got the Garland of the whole, many of their Nobles here seated themselves, whose Posterities since, both there & elsewhere, are spread further abroad in the Realm. The commodities. (6) The Commodities that this Shire yieldeth, are many and great, as of Woods, Corn, Cattle, Fish, Forests & Saffron; which last groweth with such gain & increase, upon her north parts, that from a split clove Saffron in Essex. much like unto Garlic, a white bluish Flower shortly springeth; from whence Fillets of Saffron are gathered before the Sun, and dried, are sold as spice with great gain. From the islands Canuey, Mersey, Horsey, Northly, Osey, Wallot and Foulness, great store of Fish and Fowl are daily gotten: and so from their Cattles have they continual increase, which men and boys milk, aswell the Ewe, as the Kin●; whereof they make great and thick Cheese, sold abroad in the Land, & much thereof transported into other Countries. Oysters. Their Oysters which we call Walfleete, the best in esteem; and are thought from Pliny to have been served in the Romans Kitchens. But jest we should exceed measure in commending, or the people repose their trust in the Soil; behold what God can do, to frustrate both in a moment, & that by his meanest creatures: Mice devour ●ome part of Essex. for in our age and remembrance, the year of Christ 1581. an army of Mice so overran the Marshes in Dengey Hundred near unto South-Minster in this County, that they shore the grass to the very roots, and so tainted the same with their venomous John Stowe. teeth, that a great Murrain fell upon the Cattles which graed thereon, to the great loss of their owners. C●l●hester the chief City. (7) The chiefest City for account at this day, in this Shire, is Colchester, built by Coilus the British Prince one hundred twenty four years after the birth of our Saviour Christ (if he of Monmouth say true) wherein his son Lucius, Helena, and Constantine, the first Christian King, Empress, & Emperor in the world, were borne; which made Necham for Constantine to sing as he did. Constantine borne at Colchester. From Colchester there rose a star, The Rays whereof gave glorious light, Throughout the world, in Climates far, Great Constantine, Rome's Emperor bright. And the Romans to the great honour of Helena, inscribed her, Pijssima Venerabilis Augusta. But of these we shallbe occasioned to speak more hereafter. This city is The fortification of it. situated upon the south of the River Coln; from whence it hath the name, & is walled about, raised upon a high trench of earth, though now much decayed, having six gates of entrance, & three posterns in the West wall, besides nine watch Towers for defence, & containeth in compass 1980. pases: wherein stand eight fair Churches, and two other without the wales for God's divine service: S. Tenants and the Black Friars decayed in the suburbs; Mary-Magdelins, the Nunnery, S. john's and the Crouched Friars, all suppressed: within towards the East, is mounted an old Castle, and elder ruins upon a trench, containing two Acres of ground, where as yet may be seen the provident care they had against all ensuing assaults. Commerce. The trade of this Town standeth chief in making of Cloth & bay, with Says, & other like stuffs, daily invented; and is governed by two Bailiffs, 12. Magistracy. Aldermen, all wearing Scarlet; a Recorder▪ a Town-clerk, and four Sergeants at Mace. Whose position Graduation. for latitude, is in the degree 52. 14. minutes; and for longitude, in the degree 21. and 50. minutes. (8) Places of antiquity & memorable note in this County, I observe the most famous, to be Camalodunum, by the Saxons Male●une by us Malden, which was Malden. KING Cunobeline. the Royal Seat of Cunobelin King of the Trinobantes, as by his money therein minted appeareth, about the time of our saviours birth: which City afterwards Claudius won from the Britain's, & therein placed a Colony of soldiers, which were called Victricensis. This City Queen Boduo in revenge of her wrongs, razed to Q. Boduo. the ground, what time she stirred their people against Nero, with the slaughter of seventy thousand of the Romans. Of some later & lesser account, was Ithanchester, now S. Peter upon the wall, where the Fortenses S. Peter. Cambd●n. with their Captain kept, towards the declination of the Roman Empire. In the East promontory of this County, in the Reign of Richard the second, the teeth of a Giant were found (if they were not of an Elephant) of a marvelous size, (saith Ralph Coggeshall) and not far thence, in the Reign of Elizabeth, more bones to the like wonder were digged up. A Pilgrim's Me●●age. (9) I purposely omit the message of a pilgrim from S. john Baptist, by whom he sent a ring to King Edward Confessor; for which cause his house took the name Havering: seeing the Monks of those times made no great dainty daily to forge matter for their own advantage: who in this Shire so swarmed, that they had Houses erected at Waltham, Pritlewell, Tiltey, Dunmow, Leeye, Hatfcild Peverell, Chelmesford, Coggeshall, Maldon, Religious houses. Earls-colne, Colchester, S. Osiths, Saffron-Walden, Hatfeild-Bradocke, and more, with great Revenues thereto belonging; all which felt the Axes and Hammers of destruction, when the rest of such foundations fell under the flail of King Henry the eighth, who with Ezek●ah broke down all these Brazen Serpents. Castles. Colchester. Plesys▪ H●ngha●. A●gre. Waleden. Hemingham. Market towns. (10) This Shire is divided into twenty Hundred, wherein are seated 21. Market towns, 5. Castles, 5. Havens, 2. of his majesties Manors, & four hundred and fifteen Parish-Churches: all which are expressed in the Table annexed to this County following. ESSEX, divided into Hundred, with the most ancient and fair Town COLCHESTER Described and other memorable MONUMENTS observed. Anno 1610. THE EARLS OF ESSEX Geffrey mandevil Humphrey Bohun Thomas Woodstock Henry Bourchier Thomas Cromwell William Parr Walter d'Eureux CONSTANTINUS MAXAUG DIVO CONSTANTIO PIO ●L HELENA AUGUSTA COLCHESTER A Scale of Pases A. S. Martin's B. S. Rumbals C. S. Tenants chap. D. S. Nicolas E. Halhalowes F. S. james G. S. Bothals H. S. Gylles I North Gate K. La●t Gate L. Both●ls gate M. Shere Gate N. Head Gate O. High Street P. East Street Q. Bothals Stet R. Wye Street S. Cow Street T. Midlehorow V. Bouchers W. Moore ch● lane X. Trinity lane Y. S. Martin● lane X. Tenants lane Described by john Norden. Augmented by I Speed, And are to be sold by G. Humble. Cum Privilegio The Scale of Miles Hundred in Essex. 1 Vrtlesford. 2. Hinckford. 3. Lexden. 4. tendering. 5. Dengie. 6. Witham. 7. Chelmesford. 8. Donmow. 9 Clavering. 10. Harlowe. 11. Waltham. 12. Havering. 13. Becontree. 14. Freshwell. 15. Chafford. 16. Barstable. 17. Ongar. 18. Thurstable. 19 Rotchford. 20. Winstree. A Abbey Roding, Ong. Aberton, Wynst. Abrey hatch, Becont. Aldham, Lex. Allisford, Ten. Alphamston, Hin. Althorne, Deng. Aluethlye, Chaff. A●●●adon hall, Vttl. Ardleyghe, Ten. Arkesden, Vttles. Arnolds▪ Ong. Ashdon, Fresh. Ashden, Hinck. Asheldon, Den. Ashefeild, Hin. Ashingdon, Rot. Audley end, Vttl. S. Ayleths, Vttl. B Baches, Roch. Baddowe little, Chel. Baddowe great, Chel. Ballingdon, Hinc. Barrington hall, Har. BARKING, Bec. Barling, Roch. Barnish Roding, Don. Barnyk hall, Lex. Barrow hall, R●t. Barwick parker, Chaf. Basset's, Den. Bassildon, Bars. Bassingborne, Vttles. Battle bridge, ●hel. Battle hall, Clau. Bay●on end, Cla. The Beacon, Lex. Beamonte, Ten. Beacham ●oding, On. Beeches, Bar. Belchamp water, Hin. Belchamp S. Paul, Hinck. Belchamp otten, Hi. Belhouse, Hin. bellows, Dun. Benfeild, Claver. Benflitt north, Barst. Benflitt south, Barst. Bently little, Ten. Ben●ly great, Ten. Berche hall, Ongar. Berdon priory, clave. Berden, Claver. Ber●church, Lex. Bernes Roding, Dan. Bersholt, Lex. Bettolls, Chaff. Beweres hamlet, Hinck. Bickn●cie, Chelm. Bil●s●on, Ongar. BILLERECAY, Ba. Birch great, Lex. Birch little, Lex. Birchanger, Vttles. Black Chapel, Dun. Blackmore, Chelm. Blackwater flu. Blockhouse, Wynst Bobi●gworth▪ Ongar. Bocking, Hinck. Boreh●m, Chelm. Boreley, Hinck. Bovyl●, Ten. Bowcer's, Lex. Bowers gifford, Barst. Bower, Wynst. Bower hall, Hinck. Bowrchers hall, thirst. Boxted, Lex. Boydon hall, Chelm. Bradfeild, Ten. Bradfeild saling, Fresh. Bradfeild little Fresh. Bradfeild great Fresh. Bradwell, Deng. Bradwell, With. BRAINTRIE, Hinck. Bramston, Donm. Braxted great, With. Braxted little, With. The new Breach, Becont. Brentishe, Ongar. BRENTWOOD, Ch. Brettes, Ten. Bretton layer, Wynst. Brickelsey, Ten. Bride's green, Donm. Brittens, Becont. Brodokes, Vttl. Brokehall, Hinck. Brokstrete, Chaff. Bromfeild, Chelm. Broxted hall, Donm. Broxted, Donm. Brumley little, Ten. Brumley great, Ten. Brunden, Hinck. Brunden, Hinck. Brunden hall, Hinck. Brunshobury, Donm. Brunthall, Hinck. Buckware, Donm. Bulmer, Hinc. Bulpham, Barst. Bumsted helion, Fre. Bumsteed steeple, Hinck. Burbrooke, Hinck. Bures mont, Lex. Burneham, Deng. Bursted little, Barst. Bursted great, Barst. Butsbery, Che. Byam hall, Hinck. C Campions, Deng. Campions▪ Harl. Canewdon, Roch. Canfeld hall, Donm. Canfeild great, Don. Canfeild little, Donm. Canue Island, Barst. Chaldwell, Barst. chapel, Lex. The Chapel, Haver. Chatley, With. Chawdwell, Becont. Chelmer flu. CHELMESFORD. Chesterford great, Vttels. Chesterford little, Vttel. Chesterford, Vit. Chevers, Ongar. Chickney, Donm. Chignall S. james, Chelm. Chignall smely, Chel. Chigwell, Ongar. Chigwell row, Ong. Chigwell dews, Ong. Childerditche, Chaff. China hall, Walth. Ching●ford, Walth. Chipping hongar, Ongar. Chissell little, Vttles. Chissell great, Vttles. Clackton great, Ten. Clackton little, Ten. Claret hall, Hinck. Clavering, Claver. Claybury, Becont. Cockrells, Chaff. Codham, Hinck. Coggeshall little, With. COGGISHALL, Le COLCHESTER Le. Cold hall, Chelm. Cold hall, Chelm. Collier row, Hau. Colne wake, Lexd. Colne white, Lexd. Colne Earls, Lexd. Colne flu. Colne Engame, Lexd. Cook hall, Lexd. Copford, Lexd. Copt●hall, Walth. Coringham, Barst. Co●eses, Ten. Covers, Ongar. Cowpers' hall, Ongar. Cranham, Chaff. Cressing, With. Cressing Temple, Wit. Cricksey, Deng. Cricksey ferey, Roch. Cripping, Lexd. Crissall, Vttles. Crissall great, Vttles. Crouch flu. Custridge, Ten. Cusse hall, Hinck. D Dagenham, Becont. Dagenham little, Cham Danbury, Chelme. Darwardes, Hinck. Debden, Vttles. Dedham, Lexd. Delahaye layer, Wyn. Dengye, Deng. Dews, Ongar. Dod●nghu●st, Ongar. Donmow little, Don. DONMOW great, Don. Donyland west, Lex. Donyland east, Lexd. Dover court, Ten. Dowington waylet, Barst. down, Harl. Downham, Barst. Duke's, Wynst. Dunmow church, Do. Dunton, Barst. Dynes hall, Hinck. E Eastbury, Becont. Easter good, Donw. Easterford, Wuh. Easter high, Donm. Easthorpe, Lexd. Easton little, Donm. Easton great, Donm. Eastwood, Roch. Edward's hall, Chelm. Elmdon, Vttles. Elmestede, Ten. Elsenham, Vttles. Engaynes, Ten. EPPING street, Walth. Epping town, Walt. Eythorp Roding, Don. F Fairesteed, With. Falkborne, With. Fambridge North, Deng. Fambridge South, Roch. Fangye, Barst. Farnham, Claver. Fawbridge, Ten. Fee●ing, Lex. Felsteede, Hinck. fellows hall, With. Femings Chelm. Fiddlers, Chelm. Finchingfeild, Hinck. Fingringhoo, Wynst. Flamberds, Deng. Fobbing, Barst. Fordham, Lexd. foulness, Roch. Fox earth, Hinck. Frating, Ten. Frennoll, Barst. Frinton, Ten. Fryetning, Chelm. Fyfeild, Ongar. G gains, Chaff. Gains park, Ongar. Garndes, Donm. Gestlingthorp●, Hin. Giddy hall, Haver. Ging●ave, Barst. Go●dingham, Hinck. Goldingham hall, Hi. Goose's, Haver. Gosfeild, Hinck. Gouldhanger, thirst. The Grange, Fresh. Greensted, Ongar. Greensted, Lexd. Gubb●ns, Haver. Gunfleete, Ten. Gyldabbs, Barst. S. Gyles, Walth. H Hackwell, Roch. Hacton, Chaff. Hadleigh, Roch. Hadleigh Castle, Ro. Hadstocke, Fresh. Hallifeild, Walth. Ham east, Becont. Ham west, Becont. Haningfeild east, Che. Haningfeild west, Che. Haningfeild south Ch. Harlowe, Har. Harlow street, Harl. Harlowbury, Harl. Harrolds wood, Hau. Harrolds park, Walt. HARWICH, Ten. Haseley, Deng. Hassobury, Claver. Hastings wood, Harl. Hastingbury Morley, Harl. Hastingbury little, Harl. Hatfeild forest, Harl. Hatfeild peverell, Wi. HATFEILD BROADOCKE, Havering, Hau●r. HAULSTEED GREAT, Hi. Hawsham, Har. Hell hall, Ong. Hempstede, Fresh. HEMYNGHAM CASTLE, Henham, Vitl. Heningham fible, Hi. Hennye little, Hinck. Hennye great, Hin. Herne, Bar. Herons, Dun. Heybridge, Thur. Heybridge, Ong. Heydon, Vttles. Hipford, Hinc. HIGH ONGE●, On. Hockley, Roch. Holland great, Ten. Holland little, Ten. Holl haven, Bar. Horeham hall, Don. Hornedon on the hill, Bar. Hornedon east, Bar. Hornechurch, Hau. The Hooe, Lex. Horseley great, Lex. Horseley little, Lex. Horsey Island, Ten. Horsingbroke, Bar. West House, Bar. Hull bridge, Roch. Hull, Roch. Hutton, Bar. I jenkin's, Bec. jenkin's, Bar. jeruis hall, Bar. Ilford little, Bec. Ilford great, Bec. Indywall, Bar. Ingerstone, Chel. Inworth, Lex. joselyn, Don. KING Kantis, Bar. Kelnedon, Wit. Keluedon, Ang. Kentes, Roch. The King's place, Wal. Kirkby, Hinc. Kirkby, Ten. Knoll hill, Ong. L Lachingdon, Den. Laighton low, Bec. Laighton stone, Bec. Lamborne, Ong. Lamersh, Hinc. Langdall hill, Bar. Langdon, Bar. Langford, Thur. Langham, Lex. Langhenhoo, Wyn. Langley, Clau. Latton, Har. Latton priory, Har. Laver little, Ong. Laver high, Ong. Laver Magdaline, On. Lawford, Ten. Lawling, Den. S. Laurence, Den. The Lea, Har. Leadon roding, Don. Lee gardens, Hau. Leigh, Roch. Leighes great, Chel. Leighes little, Chel. Leighes prior, Chel. Leigh hall, Roch. Lexden, Lex. Littleberrie, Vttles. Littlebury, Ong. Loughton, Ong. Loxford, Bec. Lyndsell, Don. Lyston, Hinc. Lyston hall, Hinc. M MALDON, Den. Manenden, Cla. MANINGTREE, Maplesteed great, Hi. Maplesteed little, Hi. Maplesteed hall, Hin. Margaret ●oding, Do. Margot Inge, Chel. Markets, How. Marks Tey, Lex. Markeshall, Lex. Marney Layer, Wyn. Marsey east, Wyn. Marsey west. Wyn. Martin's, Ten. Mashberie, Don. Matching, Har. Mayland, Den. Maynards', Don. Maytors, Hau. meddles meed, Wit. Meredich, Bec. Messing, Lex. Messing hall, Lex. Midlemeade, Den. Middleton, Hinc. Milton, Roch. Minster south, Den. Moll hall, Vttl. Monhall, Fresh. Morchell, Harl. Moreton, Ongar. Mose, Ten. Mountnasing, Chelm. Mowlsham, Chelm. Moynes, Hinck. Mucking, Barst. Mucking hall, Roch. Mundon, Deng. mile end, Lexd. Miles, Ongar. Mysley, Ten. N The Nase, Ten. Nasing, Walth. Navestocke, Ongar. Nelmes, Havering. neither hall, Harl. Netteswell, Harl. Nevendon, Barst. Newarke, Donm. Newberry, Becont. Newhall, Donm. Newhall, With. Newhall, Harl. Newhall, Harl. Newland hall, Chelm. Newport, Vttles. New●ran, Vttles. Nokehill, Haver. North end, Haver. Northey I'll, Deng. Norton, Deng. Norton Mandevill Ong. Notley white, Wit. Notley black, Wit. OH Ockenden south, Cham Ockenden north, Ch. Okeley great, Ten. Okeley little, Ten. Old hall, Hinck. Old hol●, Lex. HIGH ONGAR, Ong. Orset●, Barst. Orwell haven, Ten. The Ose end, Ten. Oseth ●le, Deng. S. Osythes, Ten. Ouington, Hinck. Oulting, Wit. P Pagglesham, Roch. Panfeild, Hinck. Paringdon great, Ha. Parndon little, Har. Pateswicke, Lex. Pebmershe, Hinck. Peldon, Wynst. Pentlowe, Hinck. Petches, Hinck. S. Peter's chapel on the wall, D. Petswell, Ongar. Pickerels, Ongar. Pinchpole, Claver. Pirgo, Hau. Pissingford bridge, Ongar. Pitsey, Barst. Plaistowe, Bec. Pledgden, Claver. Pleshy, Donm. Pores hall, Wit. Porters, Roch. Porters, Fresh. Porters, Bec. Potter's street, Har. Potter row, Thur. Powncehall, Vtt. Pretons, Chel. Prittlewell, Roch. Purleighe, Deng. Q Quenden, Vtt. Quickbury, Harl. R Radley hall, Wit. Radwinter, Fresh. RAILIGHE, Roch. Ramsdon craye Barst. Ramsdon belhouse, Barst. Ramsey, Ten. Ramsey, Deng. Rawreth, Roch. Rawreth hall, Roch. rain little, Hinck. Raynham, Chaff. Ret●endon, Chel. richel, Har. Rye hall, Vtt. Rickling, Vtt. Ridgswell, Hinck. Rinsell, Deng. Ripple, Bec. rivers hall, Lex. Rockells, Vtt. Roding moral, Ong. Roding high, Don. Roding white, Don. Rodon Flu. ROMFORDE, Hau. Rooding beacham, O. Rooding Abbey, Ong. Rotchford, Roch. Roughhedg, Lex. Roxwell, Chel. Royden hall, Hinck. Roydon, Har. Royden, Ten. Roydon hamlet, Wal. Royes' hall, Hinck. Ruckward, Ongar. Rumwell, Chel. Ryvenghall, Wit. Rye, Walth. S Sabretts, Chel. Safforn garden, Barst. Salcot, Wynst. Saling old, Hinck. Samons, Bar. Sampford great▪ Fre. Sampford little, Fre. Sandon, Chel. Shackstones, Chel. Shackstones, Chel. Shalford▪ Hinck. Shelley, Ong. Shellow bowels, Don. Shenfeild, Barst. Shenfeild, Chel. Shering, Har. Shopland, Roch. Showbery north, Roch. Showbery south, Roch▪ Skrenes, Chel. Smites hall, Chel. Snerston, Walt. South church, Roch. South end, Hau. Spain's, Hinck. Springfeild, Chel. Stambridge little, Roch. Stambridge great, Roch. Stanborne, Hinck. Stanborne hall, Hinc. Stanford rivers, Ong. Stansgate, Den. Stanford ●e hope, Bar. Stansted hall, Hinck. Stansted monfictes, Vttl. Stanway hall, Lex. Stanwaye, Lex. Stapleford tawnye, Ong. Stapleford abbots, Ong. Stebbing, Hinck. steeple, Deng. Stifford clay, Chaff. Stifford, Chaff. Stock, Chel. Stondon, Ongar. Stowe Maries, Deng. Stowre flu. Stratford langthorne, Bec. street, Den. Strettall, Vtt. Sturmer, Hinck. Stysteed, Hinck. Su●s●ecte, Ten. Sutton great, Roch. T Takeley, Vtt. Tendering, Ten. Terling, Wit. Terrells, Fresh. Tey little, Lex. Tey great, Lex. THAXTED, Don. Thorington, Ten. Thorndon west, Bar. Thorndon east, Bar. Thornewood, Har. Thorpe, Ten. Thorrocke west▪ Cham Thorrocke little, Bar. Thorrocke great, Chaff. Thoyden boyce, Ongar. Thoyden Charnon, Ongar. Thoyden Mount, Ongar. Thremnolt priory, Vttles. Thunderley, Vttles. Thundershe, Roch. Thundersey, Barst. Thurston, Hinck. Tilburye east, Barst. Tilburye west, Barst. Tillingham, Deng. Tiptree, Thrust. Toobye, Chelm. Topesfeild, Hinck. Torells' hall, Donm. Totham great, thirst. Totham little, thirst. Toulsbury, thirst. Toulshount Knight, thirst. Toulshount Darcye, thirst. Toulshount great, thirst. Tremmall, Barst. Troy's, With. Tu●reses, Deng. Twinsteed, Hinck. Tie hall, Chelm. Tylbury, Hinck. Tylbury hall, Hinck. Tiled hall, Deng. Tyl●ie, Donm. Tythorp Roding, Donm. V Valens, Haver. Verley, Wynst. Vgle, Claver. Vltinge, With. Vpminster, Chaff. Vpshire, Walth. Vpton, Becont. W Walbury▪ Harl. WALDEN, Vttles. Wallot, or Wallfl●ete I'll, Roc. Waltham little, Chelm. Waltham great, Chelm. WALTHAM ABBEY, Walt. Walthamstowe, Bec. Waltham Forest, Becont. Walton, Ten. Wansted, Becont. Warley little, Chaff. Warley great, Chaff. Watering hall, Roch. Watering little, Roch. Watering great, Roch. Weald hall, Ongar. Weald south, Chaff. Weald north, Ong. Wenden loughes, Vttl. Wenden little, Vttl. Wenden great, Vttl. Wennington, Chaff. Wethersfeild, Hinc. Whellers, Ten. West-house, Bar. White hall, Bar. Wickes, Ten. Wickford, Bar. Wickeham, Thur. Wickham S. Paul, Hinc. Wickham bonant, Vttles. Widdington, Vttles. Widford, Chel. Wigborow little, Wyn. Wigborow great, Wyn. Wilbores, Clau. Willingale, Don. Willingale Spain, Don. Wilton tower, Ten. Wimbish, Vttles. Witham, Wit. Wivenhoo, Lex. Woodford bridge, Bec. Woodford, Bec. Wood-hall, Vttle. Wood-hall, Clau. Woodham ferriers, Chel. Woodham mortime, Den. Woodham water, Den. Woodriding, Wal. Wormyngford, Lex. Wrabnes, Ten. Writtle, Chel. Writtle park, Chel. Wyley, Ten. Wyvenhoo, Lex. Y Yealdam hall, Hinc. Yealdam little, Hinck▪ Yealdam great, Hinc. The name of Suffolk. Suffolk, by the Saxons called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in regard of them which were seated in Norfolk, is a country most plenteous The bounds of Suffolk. and pleasant for habitation. It is separated from Norfolk, by the Rivers of the lesser Ouse, and Waveney, whose heads meet almost in the midst of her Verge, and that very near together: the one taking course East, and the other full West. Upon which part Cambridge-shire doth wholly confront, the Southside is severed The Air. by Stoure from Essex, and the East together washed with the german Seas. (2) The Air is good, sweet and delectable, and in some parts of some of our best Physicians, held to be the best in the Land: the Soil is rich, fruitful, and with all things well replenished, in a word nothing wanting for pleasure or profit. The form. (3) The form thereof is somewhat Crescent, shooting up narrower into the North, & spreading wider towards the South, whose broadest part is about twenty miles: but from East to West much more; for from Easton point (the furthest of this Shire, yea of all Britain into the Sea) unto great Ouse The old Inhabitants. River, her Western bounder, are forty five miles, and the whole in circumference, about one hundred forty six. (4) Anciently this part of the Island was possessed by the Tacitus Agrico. Iceni, who as it seemeth by Tacitus, joined in Amity with the Romans, a mighty people (saith he) and never shaken with wars before the Reign of Claudius, but then by Ostorius were vanquished, though not without great slaughter of the Romans; and in a Battle against them M. Ostorius the son of the General, won great Honour in saving of a Roman citizens life; so ready were they to give and receive Honours to themselves, but slightly to pass over, and to smother far greater exploits of the Britain's: which notwithstanding long in these parts they could not do; for the wrongs of the Icenians growing intolerable, who by the Roman soldiers were put out of their rightful possessions, their Princes accounted no better than Slaves, and their Queen whipped in most ignominious manner: under Boduo they wrought their revenge, as in the History (Christ assisting) shall be further related. Next to these Icenians, were the Saxons that got their footing into these parts, and of them, this with Norfolk, Cambridge-shire, and the I'll of Ely, was made their East-Angles kingdom; though as it seemeth ever in Subjection either to the Mercians, or to the Kings of Kent: whose offspring ending in S. Edmund the Martyr, after the Danes had laid, it most desolate, Edward the Elder, subdued it unto his Westsaxons Monarchy: and that likewise ending in King Edward the Confessor, many noble Normans got their possessions in these parts, whose Offspring are plenteously replenished The Commodities. in this Shire to this day. (5) The commodities of this Shire are many and great, whereof the chiefest consisteth in Corn, in cattles, cloth, pasturage, woods, Sea-fish and Foe wle; and as Abbo Flori●censis hath depainted; this County is of a green & passing fresh hue, pleasantly replenished with Orchards, Gardens and Groves: thus he described it above six hundred years since, and now we find as he hath said; to which we may add their gain from the Pail, whose cheeses are traded only throughout Pantaleon. England, but into Germany, France, and Spain, and are Jpswich the chief City. highly commended by Pantaleon the Physician, both for colour and taste. (6) And had Ipswich (the only eye) of this Shire been as fortunate in her Surname, as she is blessed with Commerce and buildings, she might worthily have borne the title of a City: neither ranked in the lowest row, whose trade, circuit, and seat, doth equal most places of the Land besides. It seemeth this Town hath been walled about, both by a Rampire of earth, mounted along her North & West parts, and places of entrance where gates have stood; which no doubt, by the Danes were cast down, in the year of Christ jesus 991. When they sacked with spoil all these Seacoasts: and again in the year one Thousand, laid the Streets desolate, The length and breadth of Ipswich. and the houses on heaps: yet afterwards recovering both breath and beauty, her buildings from Stoke-church in the South, to S. Magarets' in the North, now contain 1900. pases, and from S. Helen's in the East, to S. Mathews church in the West, are no less than 2120. full of Streets plenteously inhabited, wherein are twelve parish churches seated, besides them suppressed; such were Christchurch, S. George's, S. james, the White, the Black and Gray-Friers. The Site of this Town is removed from the Equator, unto the degree 52. 25. minutes▪ and by Mercators' observation from the The Governors of Ipswich. first West-points 22. degrees 9 Minutes: and is yearly governed by two Bailiffs, and ten Port-men, all wearing Scarlet, with twenty four of their Common-counsel in purple: a Recorder, a Town-clerk, five Sergeants, whereof one is for the Admiralty, a Beadle; and Common Crier, all in blue with the towns Arms on their Sleeves. S. Edmunds-bury. The other Eye of this Shire is the Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. By Abbo the Royal Town, wherein at the day-break of the Saxons conversion, Sigebert King of the East▪ Angles founded a christian Church: and upon the occasion of King Edmund's burial (who at Hoxon was shot to death) For King Edmund's Martyrdom see more in the History. hath been ever since called S. Edmunds-bury, where was built to his honour one of the fairest Monasteries in the world, begun by King Canute, much affrighted with the seeming appearance of that Martyr's Ghost, who to expiate the Sacrilegious impiety of his Father Suenus, enriched the place with many endowments, and offered up his own Leyland his commendation of S. Edmunds-bury. Crown upon the holy Martyr's Tomb. For the beauty & buildings of this Abbey and Town, let Leyland for me declare▪ The sun (saith he) hath not seen a city more finely seated, so delicately upon the easy ascent of an Hil, with a River running on the eastside, nor a more Stately Abbey, either for Revenues or incomparable magnificence, in whose prospect appeareth rather a City then a Monastery, so many Gates for entrance, and some of them brass, so many Towers, and a most glorious Church, upon which attend three others, standing all in the same Churchyard, all of them passing fine, & of a curious workmanship. Whose Ruins lie in the dust, lamenting their fall, moving the beholders to pity their case. Near unto this Town a great Battle was fought by Robert Bossu Earl of Leicester, against his Sovereign King John Textor. Anno 1173. Henry, 2. But was worthily overcome by Richard Lucy, the King's high justice, himself and wife taken, with many Flemings and Englishmen slain. Exning. (7) Other places worthy of remembrance this County affords, such is Exning in the West, formerly famous for Rendlisham, the birth of S. Andrey, daughter to King Anna, one of the three names of the Shires division. Rendlisham in the East, where Redwald the first Christian in this kingdom held his Hadley. Court: and Hadley in her South, where Guthrum the Dane whom Elfred baptized, was buried. And things of stranger Note are the limits of the East-Angles Territories, running along New▪ market heath, vulgarly called the Divels-ditch: Nubrigenstis. Wulpet. the like fable is formally told by Nubrigensis, that at Wulpet in the Heart of this Shire, two green boys of satires kind arose out of the ground, from the Antipodes; believe it if you will: & Ralph Cogeshall in the Monuments of Colchester, declareth, that a Fish in all parts like a man was taken near Orford, and for six months was kept in the Castle, whence after he escaped again to the Sea. Orford and Aldebrough. As strange, but most true, was a crop of Pease, that without tillage or sowing grew in the Rocks, betwixt this Orford, and Aldebrough, in th● year 1555. When by unseasonable weather a great dearth was in the Land: there in August were gathered above one hundred Quarters, and in blossoming remained as many more: where never grass grew, or earth ever seen, but hard solid Rocks three yards deep under their Roots. Religious houses built and suppressed. (8) Placesseparated from common use, and devoted to God and his service by religious Princes, were at S. Edmund's, Ipswich, Ikleworth, Blithborow, Clare, Leston, Burgh Castle, wherein Sigebert King of the East-Angles entered the Profession of a Monk; but was thence forced by his people, to fight against the Mercians▪ in which Battle he was slain. And Dunwich where Foelix founded his Episcopal Anno 636. Sea. These with many others in this County were suppressed in the fall of the Monasteries, and their Revenues assumed The division of the Shire. by King Henry the eight. (9) This Shire is principally divided into three parts, which are called the Celdable, S. Edmunds, and S. Audreys' Liberties, subdivided into twenty two Hundred, and them The Market towns. again into 575. Parish Churches, wherein are seated seven Castles, and twenty eight Market Towns. Whose names are in the Table annexed. SUFFOLK described and divided into Hundreds, The situation of the fair town IPSWICH showed, with the ARMS of the most noble families that have been either Dukes, or Earls both of that County as also of Clare HON● SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE DIEV ET MONDROIT. The DUKE'S, and EARLS of CLARE created since the Normans conquest. Gilbert de Clare Earl of Clare. Lionel son to KING E 3 Duke of Clarence Thomas Lancaster Duke of Clarence George Brother to KING E 4▪ Duke of Clarence THE SCALE OF ENGLIS MILES IPSWICHE A SCALE OF PASES A Christ's church B S. Georgs chap. C▪ S. Margaret's D S. Mathews E S. Marry Tower F. S. Marry E●mss. G. S. Lauren●● H S. Stephens I S. Helen's KING S. Clements L S. Nicolas M S. Peter. N S. Marry Key P Stoke church QUEEN▪ Stoke Bridge R Stoke mill S The Key T G●●ye Friars V Black Friars W Christ Hospital X Grammar School Y Poors houses Z Hauford mill 3 Bull Gate 4 Bar Gate 5 Old Bar gate 6 Fish market 7 Kings Street 8 Corn hill 9 Broke Street THE DUKES and EARLS of SUFFOLK Created since the Normans conquest Robe●t Vfford. earl of Suffolk. William de la pool Duke of Suffolk▪ Charles brandon duke of Suffolk. Henry Gray duke of Suffolk. Thomas H●ward Earl of Suffolk Cum Privilegio Anno 1610. Performed by john Speed and are to be sold in Pope's▪ head all●y against the Exchange by George Humble HUNDREDS in SUFFOLK. 1. LAckford. 2. Thingoe. 3. Risbridge. 4. Baberghe. 5. Thedwastrie. 6. Blackborne. 7. Stowe. 8. Cosforde. 9 Bolemere. 10. Sampford. 11. Colneis. 12. Carleforde. 13. Thredlinge. 14. Hartesmere. 15. Hoxone. 16. Looes. 17. Wilforde. 18. Plumesgate. 19 Blithing. 20. Wangford. 21. Mutford. 22. Lothingland. A Acton, Babergh. Akenham, Bosmer. ALDEBURGHE, Plum. Aldham, Cosford. Alderton, Wilford. Aldringham, Blithe. Allington, Hoxon. Alpheton, Babergh. Ampton, Thed. S. Andrew's, Wang. All Saints, Wang. Arwerton, Sam. Ashbye, Loathing. ash, Looes. ash Bocking Bosmer. Ashefeild, Thread. Ashefeild, Black. Aspall, Hearts. Assington, Baberg. Ay, Hearts. B Backton, Hearts. Badley, Bosmer. Baddingham, Hoxon. Badwell, Black. Baiton, alias Beighton, Thed. Bardwell, Black. Bargham, Black. Barham, Bosmer. Barkinges, Bosmer. Barnbye, Mut. Barningham, Black. barrow, Thingoe. Barsham, Wang. Barton, Thed. Barton little, Lack. Batisford, Bosmer. Baudsye, Wilford. Bawdsey haven, Coln. Baylcham, Bosmer. Bealing great, Carlef. Bealing little, Carlef. BECKLES, Wang. Bedfeild, Hoxon. Bedingfeild, Hoxon. Bellstead, Samp. Belton, Loathing. Beneker, Blithe. Benhail, Plum. Bentley, Samp. Bernerdiston, Risbridge. Bildeston, Cosfor. Bildeston street, Cosf. Blakenham great, Bosmer. Blakenham little, Bosmer. Blaxhall, Plum. BLIGHBORUGHE, Blithe. Blithford, Blithe. Blithe Flu. Blundeston, Loathing. BONGEY, Wang. Bouldge, Will. BOTYSDALE, Hearts. Boxford, Baberg. Boxted, Baberg. Boyton, Will. Boyscott, Wang. Bradfeild Combusham, Thed. Bradfeild Monks, Thed. Bradfeild S. George, Thed. Bradfeild S. Clear, Thed. Bradley great, Ris. Bradley little, Risb. Bradwell, Loth. Brainford, Bosmer. Brampfeild, Blithe. Brampton, Blithe. Brandeston, Looes. BRANDON FERRY, Lack. Brantham, Samp. Brasiard, Plum. Bredfeild, Wil Brent Ely, Babergh. Bresworth, Hearts. Breton Flu. Brettenham, Cosfor. Brightwell, Carls. Brocklie, Thingo. Brockford, Hearts. Brome, Hearts. Bromswall, Wilf. Brundishe, Hoxon. Brysett, Bosmer. Bucklesham, Coln. Bures, Baberg. Burgate, Hearts. Burghe, Carlef. Burgh Castle, Loathing. Burstall, Samp. Burstall, Bosmer. BURY, Thingo. Butlie Looes, Looes. Buxall, Stowe. C Catwade bridge, Samp. capel, Wilf. capel, Samp. Carleton coluile, Mut. Carlton, Hoxon. Carsey, Cosford. Cavendishe, Baberg. Cavenham, Lack. Clare Flu. CLARE, Risbr. Claydon, Bosmer. Clopton, Carlef. Chatisham, Samp. Charfeild, Looes. Chedburghe, Risbr. Chelmondston, alias Chempton, Samp. Chelsworth, Cosford. Cheston, Blithe. Chevingcon, Thingo. Chillesford, Plum. Chilton, Risbr. Chiuley, Risbr. Cleydon, Bosm. Clopron, Carlt. Cobdocke, Samp. Cockfeild, Baberg. Coddenham, Bosmer. Combs, Stow. Coniweston, Black. Cookelye, Blithe. Cornered great, Baberg. Cornered little, Baberg. Cotton, Loathing. Cotton, Hearts. Cove hith, Blithe. Cove North, Wang. Cove South, Blithe. Cowling, Risbr. Cranesford, Plum. Cratfeld, Blithe. Creating West, Stow. Creating S. Marry, Bosmer. Creating S. Olive, Bosmer. Creating all Saints, Bosm. Cretingham, Looes. Crofeild, Bosmer. S. Cross, Wang. Culfurth, Black. Culphoe, Carlef. D Dagworth, Stow. Dalham, Risbr. Dalinghoo Looes, Looes. Dalingoo, Wilf. Darsham, Blithe. Debedge, Wilf. DEBENHAM, Thread. Demerdiston, Risbr. Denham, Risbr. Denham, Hoxon. Denington, Hoxon. Depden, Risbr. De●misden, Bosm. DONWICHE, Blithe. Downham, Lack. Dunnyngworth, Plum. Dunstall, Risbr. Drinckston, Thed. E Earlestonham, Bosm. Earlesham, Looes. Earswell, Lack. Easton Gosbek, Bosm. Easton, Looes. Easten baven, Blithe. Edwardston, Baberg. Eiken, Plum. Ellowe, Wang. Elmeswell, Black. Elmeseth, Cosford. Elueden, Lack. Ewston, Black. Erwarton, Samp. Estberdgholt, Samp. Exninge, Lack. Exte, Hearts. Eyke, Looes. F Fakenham great, Black. Fakenham little, Black. Falkenham, Coln. Farneham, Plum. Felsham, Thed. Felixstowe, Coln. Flempton, Thing. Flixton, Wang. Flixton, Loathing. Flonton, Bosmer. Fordlye, Blithe. Fornham genesese, Thed. Fornham S. Martins, Thed. Fornham all Saints, Thing. Foxall, Carlef. Framesden, Thread. FRAMLINGHAM, Looes. Frekenham, Lack. Fresingfeild, Hoxon. Freston, Samp. Friston, Plum. Fritton Flu. Fritton, Loathing. Frostenden, Blithe. Fynbarrowe great, Stowe. Fynbarrowe little, Stowe. Fyningham, Hearts. G Gaselye, Risbr. Gedding, Thed. Gisleam, Mut. Gislingham, Hearts. Gipping, Stowe. Glemham great, Plum. Glemham little, Plum. Glemsforde, Baberg. Gorlston, Loathing. Grondesburghe, Carlef. Growton, Baberg. Gunton, Loathing. H Hacheston, Looes. HADLEIGH, Cosford. Hankdon, Risbridg. HALLESWORTH, Bli. Hardwicke, Thingo. Hargrave, Thingo. Harkesteade, Samp. Harleston, Stowe. Harteshe, Baberg. Hasketon, Carlef. Haslewoode, Plum. HAVERILL, Risb. Haughley, Stow. Hawsted, Thingo. Hedgesset, alias Hesset, Thed. Heigham green, Lack. Helmingham, Bosmer. Hemingston, Bosmer. Hemley, Coln. Hengrave, Thingo. Henham, Blithe. Henly, Bosmer. Hensted, Blithe. Hepworthe, Black. Heringfleet, Loathing. Heringswell, Lack. Heveyngham, Blithe. Higham, Samp. Hinderelaie, Black. Hintlesham, Samp. Hitcham, Cosford. Holebrooke, Samp. Holesley, Wilf. Holton, Blithe. Holton, Samp. Homersfeild, Wang. Ho, Looes. Hopton, Black. Hopton, Loathing. Horham, Hoxon. Horningsherth great, Thingo. Hoxone, Hox. Huluerstret, Wang. Hundon, Risbr. Hunington, Black. Hunston, Black. Huntingfeild, Blithe. I S. james, Wang. Icklingham, Lack. Ickworthe, Thing. Ingate, Wang. Ingam, Black. S. john's, Wang. IPSWICHE, Bosmer. Ixworthe, Black. Ixworthorpe, Black. KING Kedington, Risbr. Kellyshall, Hoxon. Kenford, Lack. Kentford, Risbr. Kenton, Looes. Kessingland, Mut. Kesgrave, Carlef. Ketleberston, Cosfer. Kettleburghe, Looes. Knadishall, Blithe. Knatleshall, Black. Kushmere, Mut. Kyrkley, Mut. Kyrton, Coln. L Lackford, Thingo. Laigham, Cosford. Lakingheath, Lact. Langerston, Coln. Langham, Black. Lanshull, Bab. LAVENHAM, Bab. S. Laurence, Wang. Laxfeild, Hox. Layston, Blithe. LAYSTOST, Loathing. Levington, Coln. Letheringham, Looes. Lidgate, Risb. Linsey, cosford. Linsted great, Blithe. Linsted little, Blithe. Livemer great, Thed. Livemere little, Black. Longham, Thed. Lophamford, Black. Lownde, Loathing. Luthinge Mere, Mut. M S. Margaret's, Wang. S. Margaret's, Wang. Marlesford, Looes. Martlesham, Car. Melles, Hearts. Mellford, Bab. Mells, Blithe. Melton, Wilf. Mendham, Hoxon. MENDLESHAM, Hearts. Metfeild, Hoxon. Mettingham, Wang. S. Michaels, Wang. Midle●on, Blithe. Mikefeild, Bosmer. Milding, Bab. MILDENHALL, Lack. Mismere haven, Blithe. monks Ely, Baberg. Monkesoham, Hoxon. Moulton, Risbridg. Moutden, Looes. Mutford, Mut. Mutford bridge, Mut. N Nacton, Coln. Naughton, Cosford. NEEDHAM, Bosmer. Nedginge, Cosford. Neiland, Baberg. Nettlestead, Bosmer. Newborne, Calef. NEWMARKET, Lack. Newton, Baberg. Newtowne, Stow. Newton, Stow. S. Nicholas, Wang. Norton, Black. Nothalls, Blithe. Nowghton, Thing. OH Ockold, Hearts. Okeley, Hearts. S. Olaues, Loathing. One-house, Stow. Onse Flu. Or Flu. ORFORD, Plum. Orford haven, Wilf. Orwell Flu. Oston, Bosmer. Oteley, Carlef. Oulton, Loathing. Owsden, Risbr. P Pakefeild, Mut. Pakenham, Thed. Palgrave, Hearts. Parham, Plum. Pesinghall, Blithe. S. Peter, Wang. Petestre, Wilf. Pettanghe, Thread. Playford, Carl. Phlemton, Thing. Polsted, Baberg. Poslingford, Risbr. Preston, Baberg. R Ramsholte, Wilf. Ratlesden, Thed. Redgrave, Hearts. Redsham, Wang. Redlingfeild, Hearts. Reed, Thingo. Rendhams, Plum. Rendlesham, Looes. Rickinghall, Hearts. Rickinghall great, Black. Rickinghall little, Black. Ringfeild, Wang. Risbie, Thingo. Rissangles, Hearts. Rombrughe, Blithe. Rougham, Thed. Roydon, Blithe. Roydon, Samp. Rushbroke, Thed. Rushmere, Carlef. Rushmere, Mut. Ryngshall, Bosmer. S Sapiston, Black. Saxham great, Thing. Saxham little, Thingo. SAXMONDHAM, Plum. Saxstede, Hoxon. Saylehome, Hoxon. Seamer, Cosford. Sekford, Carl, Shaddingfeild, Wang. Shanfeild, Wang. Shelley, Samp. Shellond, Stow. Shepemedowe, Wang. Shimpling, Baberg. Shotley, Samp. Shottesham, Wilf. Sibton, Blithe. Smalebridge, Baber. Sisewell, Blithe. Skithe, Hert. Snape bridge, Plum. Somerleto, Loathing. Somerton, Baherg. Somersham, Bosmer. Sotherton, Blithe. Sotterley, Wang. Southelman, Wang. SOUTHOULD, Blithe. Southolt, Hoxon. Southtowne, Loathing. Spexhall, Blithe. Sprowton, Samp. Staningfeild, Thed. Stansfeild, Risbr. Stansted, Baber. Stanton, Black. Stenfeild, Plum. Stoake ash, Hearts. Stoke, Risbridg. Stoke, Samp. Stoke, Baberg. Stonham aspoll, Bosmer. Stonham little, Bosmer. Stoven, Blithe. STOWE, Stow. Stow langtost, Black. Stowe uplane, Stow. Stowe west, Black. Stradbrooke, Hoxon. Stradishall, Risbr. Stratford, Plum. Stretford, Sam. Sturston, Hearts. Stutton, Samp. Sudborne, Plum. SUDBURIE, Baberg. Sutton, Wilf. Swefling, Plum. Swillond, Bosmer. T Tadingston, Samp. Tattington, Hoxon. Thebarton, Blithe. Thelnetham, Black. Thorndon, Hearts. Thornham great, Hearts. Thornham little, Hearts. Thorpe, Baber. Thorpe, Blithe. Thorpe, Thread. Thorpe Moridux Cosford. Thrandeston, Hearts. Thurlowe great, Risbridg. Thurlowe little, Risbrid. Thurrington, Blithe. Thurston, Thed. Thwayte, Hearts. Tostocke, Thed. trimly S. Martin, Coln. trimly S. Mary, Coln. Troston, Black. Tuddenham, Lack. Tuddenham, Carls. Tunstall, Plum. Tymworthe, Thed. V Vbbeston, Blithe. Vfforde, Wilf. Vggshall, Blithe. W Walberswicke, Blithe. Waldingfeild great, Baberg. Waldingfeild little, Baberg. Waldringfeld, Carl. Walpoole, Blithe. Washebrooke, Samp. Walsham in the Willows, Black. Walton, Coln. Wangford, Blithe. Wangford, Lack. Wantesden, Plum. Watlesfeild, Black. Wattisham, Cosf. Wenham great, Samp. Wenham little, Samp. Wenhaston, Blithe. Westerfeild, Bosmer. Westhall, Blithe. Westleton, Blithe. Westhorpe, Hearts. Westlye, Thingo. Weston, Black. Weston, Wang. Wetherden, Stow. Wetheringsett, Hearts. Weybread, Hoxon. Whatfeild, Cosford. Wheltham great, Thed. Wheluetham little, Thed. Whepstead, Thingo. Wherstead, Samp. Whitton, Bosmer. Whixoe, Risbridg. Wickham, Wilf. Wickham brook, Risbr. Wickham Skeyth, Hearts. Wilbye, Hoxon. Willingham, Wang. Willisham, Bosmer. Wingfeild, Hoxon. Winston, Thread. Wiston, Baberg. Wisset, Blithe. Withesdale, Hoxon. Witherfeild, Risbridg. Wiverston, Black. Wittensham, Carlef. Woluerston, Samp. WOOLDBRIDGE, Looes. WOOLPITT, Thed. Wordwell, Black. Worlingham, Wang. Worlingworth, Hoxon. Worlington, Lack. Wortham, Hearts. Wratting great, Risbridg. Wratting little, Risbridg. Wratting tallow, Risbridg. Wrentham, Blithe. Wynerston, Hearts. Y Yaxley, Hearts. Yoxford, Blithe. NOrthfolke is an Island inclining to an oval form, closed on the South part with the Rivers of Waveney and the lesser Ouse, which divide it from Suffolk. On the East and North with the German-Ocean; on the West toward Cambridge-shire, with some branches of the greater Ouse; toward Lincolne-shire with that part of the Neve which passeth from Wisbitch into the Wasshes. Content. It containeth in length (from Yarmouth to Wisbitch) about fifty miles. In breath (from Thetford to Wells) about thirty. The whole Circuit is about 242. miles. Name. The Name ariseth from the situation of the People, who being the Norther-most of the Kingdom of East-Angles, are therefore called the Norfolk, as the Souther-most Southfolke. air. The Air is sharp and piercing, especially in the Champion, and near the Sea: therefore it delaieth the Spring and Harvest, the situation of the County inclining thereto, as being under the 53. degree of Soil. Latitude. The Soil divers: about the Towns commonly good; as Clay, Calke, or fat earth, well watered, and with some wood: upward to the Heaths naked, dry, and barren: Marsland and Flegg exceeding rich; but Marsland properly for Pasture, Flegg for Corne. (2) The parts from Thetford to Burneham, and thence Westward, as also along the Coast, be counted Champion: the rest (as better furnished with woods) Woodland. The Champion aboundeth with Corn, Sheep, and Coneys, and herein the barren Heaths (as the providence of our Ancestors hath of old disposed them) are very profitable. For on them principally lie our Fould-courses, called of the Saxons (whose institution they therefore seem to be) Faldsocun, that is, Liberty of fold or fouldage. These Heaths by the Compasture of the sheep (which we call Tathe) are made so rich with Corn, that when they fall to be sown, they commonly match the fruitfullest grounds in other Countries: and laid again, do long after yield a sweeter and more plentiful feed for sheep: so that each of them maintain other, and are the chiefest wealth of our Country. The Woodland (fit for grass) is maintained chief by feeding of cattle, yet well stored with Corn and Sheep. The Coast is fortunate in fish, and hath many good Harbours, whereof Lenn and Yarmouth be the mother Ports, and of great traffic: Wells and Blakeney next in estimation. The whole County aboundeth with Rivers and pleasant Springs, of which the Ouse is chiefest, by whose plentiful branches, the Isle of Ely, the Towns and Shires of Cambridge, Huntingdon, and the County of Suffolk vent and receive Commodities. The next is Hierus or Year, passing from Norwich to Yarmouth, where it receiveth the Bure coming from Aylsham, both of them of great service for water carriages, but very notable for their plenty of fish: for some one man out of an hold At Ranworth. upon the Bure, hath drawn up ordinarily once a year, between two Nets, about five or sixscore bushels of fish at one draft. The Waveney and the lesser Ouse are also Navigable & of great use. The residue I omit. (3) The People were anciently called ICENI, as they also of Suffolk, Cambridge-shire and Huntingtonshire, and supposed to be of them whom Caesar nameth Cenimagni; Ptolemie, Simeni; some Tigeni. Their manners were likely to be as the rest of the Britain's, barbarous at those times, as appeareth by Caesar and Tacitus. Neither can I otherwise commend their Successors the Saxons: for so also their own Countryman Ethetwerd termeth them. Since the entry of the Normans, they have been counted civil and ingenious, apt to good Letters, adorning Religion with more Churches and Monasteries than any Shire of England, and the Laws and Seats of justice (for many ages) with some excellent men; from whom most of our chief Houses, and some of the greatest Nobility of the Kingdom, have taken advancement. And herein is Norfolk fortunate, that as Crete boasted of an hundred Cities, As far as appeareth by much search both of the Chronicles and otherwise. so may she of an hundred Families of Gentlemen, never yet* attainted of high Treason. How the government of this Country was about Caesar's time, is uncertain, but (agreeable no doubt to the rest of the Britain's) under some peculiar Toparch or Regulus, as Tacitus termeth him. The latter Romans held it by two Garrisons, one at Gariannum near Yarmouth; the other at Branodunum, now called Brancastre, both of horse, and commanded by the Comes Maritimi Tractus, as Marcellinus calleth him; termed after Comes Littoris Saxonici. Upon the entry of the Saxons, this County with Suffolk fell in the portion of the Angles, Aethel. 833. Hunting. llb. 2. and about the year five hundred sixty one, were together erected into a kingdom by Vffa, of whom the succeeding Kings were tituled Vffines. But having suffered many Tempests of Fortune, it was in the year 870 utterly wasted and extinct by Hunger and Hubba the Danes, who overthrew the virtuous King Eadmund about Thetford, and after martyred him at S. Edmunds-bury. Yet they did not long enjoy it▪ for King Edward shortly recovered it from them, and annexed it to his other Kingdoms. The Danes notwithstanding inhabited abundantly in these parts, so that many of our Towns were founded by them, and a great part of our people and Gentry are risen out of their blood. (4) This Kingdom of East-Angles was after allotted to an Earldom of that name by William the Conqueror, who made Radulph a Britain, marrying his kinswoman, Earl thereof; but gave the greatest parts of this County about Wimondham, Keninghall, Lenn, Burneham, Fulmerston, etc. to W. de Albany, Pincernae, and W. de Warranna Forestario, who to strengthen themselves (according to the use of that time) with the homage and service of many tenants, divided large portions of the same amongst their friends and followers; so that most of the Manors and Lands in the parts aforesaid, were in those days either mediately or immediately holden of one of them. And as Norfolk and Suffolk were first united in a Kingdom, then in an Earldom, so they continued united in the Sheriffewicke till about the fifteenth year of Norwich. Lenn. Yarmouth. Queen Elizabeth. (5) The Towns here are commonly well built, and populous; three of them being of that worth and quality, as no one shire of England hath the like, Norwich, Lenn, and Yarmouth: to which for ancient reputation (as having been a seat of the Kings of East-Angles) I may add Thetford, known to Antoninus, Ptolemie, and elder ages by the Thetford. name of Sitomagus, when the other three were yet in their infancy, and of no esteem. For I accept not the Relations of the Antiquity and State of Norwich in the time of the Britain's and Saxous, though Alexander Nevil hath well graced them. Her very name abridgeth her Antiquity, as having no other in histories but Norwich, which is mere Saxon or Danish, and signifieth the North-Towne or Castle. It seemeth to Becan. Gorop. have risen out of the decay of her neighbour Venta, now called Castor, and as M. Cambden noteth, nor to have been of mark before the entry Hovend. 429. of the Danes, who in the year 1004. under Sweno their Captain, first sacked, and then burned it even in her infancy. Yet in the days of Edward the Confessor it recovered to 1320. Burgesses. But maintaining the cause of Earl Radulph aforesaid against the Conqueror, they were by Famine and sword wasted to 560. at which time the Earl escaping by ship, his wife upon composition yielded the Castle, and followed. In William Rufus time it was grown famous for Merchandise and concourse Malmes. fol. 104. of people; so that Herbert then translating the Bishopric from Thetford thither, made each of them an ornament to other. In variety of times it felt much variety of fortune: By fire in Anno 1508. By extreme plagues; whereof one in Anno 1348. was so outrageous, as 57104 are reported to have died thereof between the Calendss of january and At Nevil. of july. By misery of war, as sacked and spoiled by the Earl of Flaunders and Hugh Bigod, An. 1174. In yielding to Lewis the French, against their natural Lord King John, Anno 1216. By the disinherited Barons, Anno 1266. By tumult and insurrection between the Citizens and Churchmen: once about the year 1265. which if Henry the Third had not come in person to appease, the City was in hazard to be ruined: The second time in Anno 1446. for which the Mayor was deposed, and their Liberties for a while seized. In Edward the sixths' time, by Ketts rebellion, whose fury chief raged against this City. Since this it hath flourished with the blessings of Peace, Plenty, Wealth, and Honour: so that Alexander Nevil doubteth not to prefer it above all the Cities of England, except London. It is situate upon the River Hierus, in a pleasant valley, but on rising ground, having on the East the Hills and Heath called Mussold for Moss-would, as I take it. In the 17 year of Mussold. of King Stephen it was new founded, and made a Corporation. In Edward the firsts time closed with a fair Wall, saving on a part that the River defendeth. First governed by four Bailiffs; then by Henry the fourth in Anno 1403. erected into a majoralty and County; the limits whereof now extend to Eatonbridge. At this present it hath about thirty parishes, but in ancient time had many more. Lenn. (6) Lenn having been an ancient Borough under the Government of a Bailiff or Reue, called Praepositus, was by King John in the sixt year of his Reign made Liber Burgus, and (besides the gift of his memorable Cup, which to this day honoureth the Corporation) endowed with divers fair Liberties. King Henry the third in the 17. year of his Reign (in recompense of their service, against the outlawed Barons in the Isle of Ely) enlarged their Charter, and granted them further, to choose a Mayor Loco Praepositi: unto whom King Henry the Eight, in the sixteeneth year of his Reign, added twelve Aldermen, a Recorder and other Officers, and the bearing of a sword before the Mayor. But the Town coming after to the same King; he in the twenty ninth of his Reign, changed their name, from Mayor et Burgenses Lenn Episcopi, to Mayor et Burgenses Lenn Regis. Yarmouth. (7) Yarmouth is the Key of the Coast, named and seated by the mouth of the River Year. Begun in the time of the Danes, & by small accessions growing populous, made a Corporation under two Bailiffs by King Henry the third, & by his Charter, about the fifteenth year of his reign, walled. It is an ancient member of the Cinque Ports very well built and fortified, having only one Church (but fair and large) founded by Bishop Herbert, in William Rufus days. It maintaineth a Peer against the Sea, at the yearly charge of five hundred pound, or thereabout: yet hath it no possessions, as other Corporations, but like the Children of Aeolus and Thetis: Maria & 4. vent●ss, as an Inquisition findeth, Anno 10. Coram M. de Pateshull Wa. de Euerwick, etc. Hen. 3. There is yearly in September the worthiest heering-fishing in Europe, which draweth great concourse of people, and maketh the Town much the richer all the year, but very unsavoury for the time. The Inhabitants are so courteous, as they have long held a custom to feast all persons of worth, repairing to their Town. The Bishopric. (8) The Bishopric of Norwich, had first her seat at Dunwich in Suffolk, and was there begun by Foelix, who converted this County, and the East-Angles to the Faith. Being brought out of Burgundy by Sigebert (the first Christian King of the East-Angles.) He landed at Babingley by Lenn, and there builded the first Church of these Countries, which in his memory, is at this day called by his Name. The second he built at Sharnebourn then of wood, and therefore called Stock-Chappell. After Foelix and three of his Successors, this Bishopric was divided into two Seas: the one with eleven Bishops in succession, continuing at Dunwich; the other with twelve at Elmba●● in Norfolk. Then united again in the time of King Edwin, the entire See for twelve other Bishops remained at Elmham, and in the Conqueror's time was by his Chaplain Arfastus (being the thirteenth) translated to Thetford▪ from thence by Herbert (his next successor save one) bought of W. Rufus for 1900. pounds, and brought to Norwich. This Herbert (furnamed Losinga a Norman) builded the Cathedral Church there, and endowed it with large possessions. Not far from thence he also builded another Church to S. Leonard, a third at Elmeham, a fourth at Lenn, (S. Margaret's, a very fair one) and the fifth at Yarmouth before mentioned. By the Cathedral Church he builded a Palace for the Bishops, and founded the Priory there (now converted to Deane and Chapter) and another Priory at Thetford. Since his time the Bishops See hath immooveably remained at Norwich, but the ancient Possessions are severed from it, and in am thereof the Abbey and Lands of S. Benedict of Holme annexed to it. The Commodities of this County I have contained in these four Verses. Ingenio & populi cultu Norfolcia clara est: Hinc flwijs, illinc Insula clausa mari; Qua ratis, & vellus, frumenta, cuniculus, agnus, Lac scatet, & piscis, pabula, mella, crocus. There are in this County two and thirty Hundred, thirty Market Towns, and six hundred sixty Parish Churches. This Description of Norfolk, I received from the Right Worshipful, Sir HENRY SPELMAN Knight. NORFOLK WITH TIE A COUNTY ARMS OF SUCH FLOURISHING NOBLE FAMILIES & POPULOUS AS HAVE BORN DESCRIBED THE TITLES AND DIVIDED THEREOF. HON● SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE DIEV ET MON DROIT With twoe several and unnatural rebellions hath this County of Norfolk been infested: the first comenced by john Litistar▪ ● Dier in Norwich calling himself king of the Commons who led fifty thousand Soldiers into the field▪ and forcablye carried the Lord Morley and Scales to serve him at his table with other Knight's besyds▪ but was lastly overthrown by Henry Spenser bishop of Norwich and worthily hanged. Ano. 1381. The other was under the leading of Robert Ket ●annar of Windham▪ who in a conflict forced the Lord William Parr Marquis of Northampton to flight▪ and slew the Lord Sheffeld in the field▪ but after many outrages done to the city of Norwich was taken by john Dudley Earl of Warwick▪ having five thousand of his followers slain and himself hanged upon the tope of the Castle. Ano. 1549. NORWICHE The Arms of N●rwiche PLACE● within the City observed by Letters. A. S. L●onards B. bishops gat● C. The Cathedral Church D. S. Martin's at & Pallis gate E. S. Betholds F. S. Clements. G. S. Augustins H. S. ●●rtinss at the Ok● I Th● Castle K. S. Peter's Permantigate L. S. Martins on the hill M. S. john's on the hill N. S. Michaels. O. S. john's at the gate. P. S. Steph●nss. Q. The M●rket place. R. S. Gyles gate. S. Hell gate. T. S. Benet's gates. V S. Stephen's gates. W. Pockethorpe gate. X. The New Milles. Y. Chapel in the field. Z. S. Martin● gate. Ri▪ G●ict Earl of Norfolk▪ W●▪ of Bol●ign E. of N●r▪ H● Bigod. E. of Norfolk Th▪ Br●therton E of N▪ Th▪ M●ubr●y D. of N▪ Ri▪ of Shr●w●sb●ry D of ● 〈◊〉 Howard D of Norfol● Described by Christopher Saxton. Augmented by I Speede. Are besold in pope's head Alley by J. S. & G. H. cum privil. A SCALE OF MILES▪ Hundred in Norfolk. 1. SMethdon. 2. Brothercrosse. 3. North-Grenehow. 4. Holfe. 5. Northerpingham. 6. Tunstad. 7. Happimg. 8. West-Flegg 9 Blowfeild. 10. Tavarham. 11. South Erpingham. 12. Eynsford. 13. Gallowe. 14. Freebridge Mars. 15. Freebridge Len. 16. Laundic●e, 17. Mitforde. 18. Forehooe. 19 Humbleparde. 20. Hensteade. 21. loddon. 22. Clavering. 23. Earsham. 24. Depwarde. 25. Dysse. 26. Gylfcrosse. 27. Shropham. 28. Wayloud. 29. Southgrenehoe. 30. Walsham. 31. Clack●losse. 32. G●ymshooe. A Accle, Blow. Aileswythorpe, Freb. Al●y, Southerpe. Al●urrough, Northep. Alburghe, Earsh. Aldeby, Clau. Alderford, Eyns. Alpington, Clau. Al●horpe, Gal. Anmer, Freb. Antingham, Norther. Appleton, Freb. Armingale, Henst. Ashby, Fleg. Ashby, Clau. Ashill, wail. Ashmonhangle, Tunst. Ashwelthorpe, Depw. Aslacton, Dep. Attlebridge, Taver. Attleburgh, Shrop. AYLESHAM, S. Erp. Aylmcrton, Northcrp. B Baconsthorp, Souther. Bagthorpe. Gal. Banham, Gyl. Baningham, Southerp. Barford, Fore. Barmer, Gal. Barney, Northgr. Barncham, Fore. Barningham Northwood, N. E. Barningham, north. Barningham, Souther. Barrow, Mit. Barrowe, Clau. Barton blemish, Clac. Berwick in the brakes, Sme. Berwick, Fore. Basham north, Gal. Basham west, Gal. Basham east, Gal. Bassingham, Northerp. Bastwicke, Fleg. Bathely, Holt. Bawburgh, Fore. Bawdeswell, Eyns. Bawsey, Freb. Bayfeild, Holt. Bech●m west, Souther. Beckham east, N. Erp. Beddenham, Clau. Beeston, Land. Beeston S. Laurence, Tun. Beigton, Blow. S. Benet, Tunst. Bensted, Hap. Berningham, Souther. North Berningham, N. E. Berningham winter, N. Er. Berrowe, Mit. Best●orpe, Shrop. Beston Northerp. ●est●n, T●●er. S●rely, Land. Bexw●ll, Clack. Bicham well, Clack. Bidlesworth, Guilt. Bilaughe, Eyns. Billingford, Earsh. Billingford, Eyns. Bilney east, Laun. Bintre, Eyns. Bittering little, Laun. Bixley, Henst. Bixton, Fore. Blacken●y, Holt. Blickling, Southerp. Blingham north, Blo. Blingham south, Blo. Blow norton, Guilt. Blowfeild, Blow. Bodham, Holt. Bodney, Southgr. Booton, Southgr. Borowgh, Southerp. Bowthrope, Fore. Bowton, Clac. Bracenashe, Humb. Bradfeild, Tunst. Braddenham east, Southg▪ Braddenham west, Southg. Brancaster, Smeth. Brandon little, Fore. Branston, Eyns. Bramerton, Henst. Brampton, Southerp. Breckles, wail. Breiston, Blow. Bresingham, Disse. Brettenham, Shrop. Bridgham, Shrop. Briston, Holt. Bristlye, Land. Brockdishe, Earsh. Broken, clave. Brome, Fore. Brome, Clau. Bronesthorpe, Gal. Brynton, Holt. Brundall, Blow. Buckenham little, Gr. Buckenham old, Shr. NEW BUCKENHAM, Bucknam, Blow. Bucton, Tunst. Bunwell, Depw. Burcham great, Smet. Burcham newton, Smeth. Burnham depdale, Br. Burnham thorpe, Bro. Burnham Sutton, Bro. Burnham Norton, Br. Burnham westgate, B. BURNHAM OVEIOY, Broth. Burningham, Holt. Burrough, Claver. Burrow, Holt. Burston, Disse. Burtos, West-fleg. Burton, Tunsted. Buxton, Southerp. Bylawgh, Southerp. Bylney west, Freebr. Bylockby, West-sleg. Bynham, Northgr. C Caister, East-fleg. Calthorpe, Southerp. Cantley, Blow. Carbrocke, Wayland. Carleton, Humb. Carleton, Claver. Carleton, Forcho. Carleton wood, Dep. Caster, East fleg. CASTLEAC●E, Fr. Castor, Hensted. Catfeild, Hap. Catton, Taver. CAWSTON Souther. Chappelgate, Foreho. Chetgrave, Claver. Claxton, Claver. CLAY, Holt. Cla●e, Southgr. Clenchwharton, Fre. Clippisby, West-fleg. Coethorpe, Northgr. Colbye, Southerp. Colkirke, Land. Collney, Humb. Col●●shall, Southerp. Corpustie, Southerp. Costessye, For●hoo. Coston, For●hoo. Cottnell, Clack. Cougham, Freebr. Congrine Flu. Coulston, Grymsh. Coulton, Foreho. Crandworth, Mit. Cranwiche, Gryms. Creike North, Broth. Creike South, broth. Cressingham little, South. Cressingham great, South. Crimplesham, Clac. Cringleford, Humb. CROMER, Northerp. Croskeys, Freebrid. Croston, Gallow. Crostwicke, Taver. Crostwicke, Tunst. Crownethorpe, Fore. Croxton, Gryms. D Denham west, Clac. wood Dalling, Eyns. Denber, Clac. Denton, Earsh. Depeham, Fore. Dereham West, Clac. DEREHAM EAST, Mit. Dersingham, Freebr. Dilham, Tunst. Didlington, Tunst. Didlington, Southg. Dillington, Land. Ditchingham, Claver. Docking, Smeth. Downeham, Foreho. DOWNEHAM, Cla. Drayton, Taver. Dunham little, Laun. Dunham great, Laun. Dunstonne, Humble. Dunton, Gallow. Dykleburgh, Disse. DYSSE, Disse. E Easton, Forcho. Easton, Waylan. Eccles, Shrop. Ecles, Hap. Edingthorpe, Tunst. Edgefeild, Holt. S. Edmond, Smeth. Egmer, Northgr. Ellingham little, Way. Ellingham great, Shr. Ellingham, Claver. Elinham north, Laun. Elmerton, Northerp. Elsing, Eyns. Emneth, Freeb. Engham, Hap. Erisham, Erish. Erleham, Humbl. Erpingham, Souther. Estington, Depw. Estington, Frebri. Eton, Norwich. F FAKENHAM, Gallo. Farfeild, Disser. Feildalling, Northgr. Felbridge, Northerp. Felmingham, Tunst. Feltwell, Grymsh. Felthorpe, Taver. Filbye, East-fleg. Fincham, Clac. Fishley, Blow. Flitcham, Freebrid. Flordon, Humb. Fomset peter, Depw. Fordham, Clac. Forehooe, Fore. Foullsham, Eyns. Fowlden, Southgr. Foxley, Eyns. Framingham Earl, Henst. Framingham pigott, Henst. Fransham little, Lau. Fransham great, Lau. Freethorpe, Blow. Frense, Visse. Frettenham, Taver. Fringe, Smeth. Frytton, Depw. Fulmerston, Gallo. Fundenhall, Depw. G Garboiesthorpe, Cla. Garboldisham, Guilt. Garuelston, Mit. Gasthorpe, Guilt. Gatelye, Land. Gate●end, Gallow. Ga●ton, Frebridg. Gayton thorpe, Frebrid. Gaywoode, Freebrid. Geist, Eyns. Geistwick, Eyns. Gelston, Clavering. Germane, Freebrid. Gillington all Saints, Claver. Gillingham Marry, Claver. Glamford, Holt. Godwicke, Land. Gooderston, Southgr. Gressham, Northerp. Gressenhall, Land. Grympston, Freebr. Gunton, Northerp. Gunthorpe, Holt. Gymingham, north. Gyssing, Disse. H Hackforth, Foreho. Hackford, Eyns. Haddescoe, Claver. Hales, Claver. Haluergate, Blow. Hanworth, Northerp. Hapsburgh, Hap. Hardingham, Mit. Hardwick, Dep. Harleing west, Gyle. HARLEING EAST, Guilt. HARLESTON, Ear. Harpham, Shrop. Harpley, Fre. Hassingham, Blow. Hayham, Nor. Hayham, Hap. Haynford, Tau. Heathold, Hum. Heatherset, Hum. Hecham, Smeth. Heckingham, Clau. Heddenham, Clau. Helgaye, Clack. Hellesden, Tau. Hellington, Clau. Helloughton, Gal. Hemlington, Blow. Hempnoll, Depw. Hempstead, Holt. Hempton, Gallow. Hemslead, Hap. Hemysbye, East fleg. Henlond, Eyns. Henyngham, Southr. Heringby, Fleg. Heydon, Souther. HICKLING, Hap. Higher Flu. Hilborough, Southgr. Hilderston, Eyns. Hillington, Freebrid. Hindringham, North. Hobbies little, south. Hobbies great, Souher. Hockering, Mit. Hockham, Shrop. Hockwold, Gryms. Hoo-cum delington, Laun. Hoffton S. john, Tunst. Hoffton S. Peter, Tunst. HOLT, Holt. Holkham, Northgr. Holme, Clac. Holme, Smeth. Holmhall, Southgr. Homingham, Fore. Honinge, Tunst. Hopton, Depw. Hormingtost, Land. Horning, Tunst. Horsey, Hap. Horsford, Ta●er. Horsham S. Faiths, Tave. Horsted, Taver. Hoveston, Henst. Houghton, Gallow. Houlton, Gallow. Houlton, Northgr. Howlton on the hill, Southg. How, Claver. Hunstanton, Smeth. Hunworth, Holt. Hyndford, Grymsh. HYNGHAM, Foreh. I I●kborowe, Grymsh. I●rmans, Frebridg. Illington, Shrop. Ingalsthorpe, Smeth. Ingworth, Southerp. Intwood, Humb. Itteringham, Souther. KING Kelling, Holt. Kempston, Land. Keningall, Guilt. Keswicke, Tunsted. Keswicke, Humb. Ketheringham, Hum. Ketleston, Gallow. Kimberley, Forebo. Kirbie bedon, Henst. Kyrby, Claver. Kirsted, Claver. Knapton, Northerp. Kyluerston, Shrop. L Laister, Henst. Lakenham, Norwich. Lammas, Southerp. Langford, Southgr. Langhall, Claver. Langham, Holt. Langley, Claver. Langmer, Ea●sh. Lesiat, Frebridg. Lessingham, Hap. Letheringfett, Holt. Letton, Mit. Lexham east, Land. Lexham west, Land. Lingwood, Blow. Limpenhoe, Blow. LODDON, Claver. Longham, Land. Lopham north, Guilt. Lopham south, Guilt. Ludham, Hap. LYCHAM, Land. Ling, Eyns. Lynne west, Freeb. LYNNE REGIS, Freb. Lyrlingford, Shrop. M Mandlen, Freebr. Manington, Souther. Mantby, East-fleg. Marham, Clack. Marketsted, Foreho. Markingford, Foreho. Marsham, Southarp. Martham, West▪ fleg. Martin, wail. S. mary's, Freeb. Massingham little, Freeb. Massingham great, Freeb. Matlaske, Norther. Matshall, Mit. Meadham, Earsh. Melton, Holt. Melton great, Humb. Melton little, Humb. Merston, Holt. Methwold, Grymsh. Metton, Northerp. S. Michael, East-fleg. Midleton, Freebr. Morley, Foreho. Morningthorpe, Dep. Moulton, Depw. Moulton, Blow. Moundeford, Gryms. Mulberton, Humb. Mundham, Claver. Munslye, Northern. Murton, Eynsford. Mylcham, Land. Myntlyn, Freebrid. N Narborough, Southg. Narford, Southgr. Necton, Southgr. Nedham, Earsh. Netisheard, Tunst. Newton, Taver. Newton, Freebrid. Newton west, Freebr. Newton, Henst. Newton, So●thgr. Newton flotman, Hu. Northwold, Gryms. Wood Norton, Eyns. Norton super Mount, Eyns. Norton, Claver. NORWICHE, Nor. OH Oby, West-fleg. Ormesbye, East-fleg. Ormesby S. Michael East-fl. Osmondston, Disse. Ouerstrand, Nort●er. Ouington, Way. Oulton, South●rp. Ouse flu. Owtwell, Clack. Oxborough, Southg. Oxnet, Southerp. Oxbrand, Northerp. Oxwicke, Land. P Palling, Hap. Panxford, Blow. Paston, Tunsted. Pattessey, Land. Pentney, Fre. Pensthorpe, Gal. Pickenham north, Southgr. Pickenham south, Southgr. Plumsted, Norther. Plumpsted great, Blo. Plumpsted little, Blo. The old Podick, Clack. The new Podick, Clack. Porland, Henst. Postwick, Blow. Presthouses, Clack. Prumsted, Hap. Pudding norton, Gal. Pulham marry, Earsh. Pulham market, Ear. Q Quiddenham, Gyle. R Rackey, Tau. Ramgate, Fore. Ranworth, Blow. Raveringham, Clau. Raynham south, Gal. Raynham east, Gal. Raynham west, Gal. Rednell, Earsh. Redham, Blow. Remirston, Mit. REPEHAM, Eyns. Reppes south, north. Reppes north, Northerp. Reppis, West fleg. Riborough little, Gal. Riborough great, Ga. Ringland, Eyns. Ringstead, Smeth. Rockland, Shrop. Rockland, Henst. Rockland, Way. Rolisbye, West fleg. Rougham, Land. Roughton, Northerp. Rowdham, Shrop. Roydon, Dis. Roydon, Freb. Roxam, Clack. Rudham west, Gal. Rudham east, Gal. Rungton, Clack. Runham, East fleg. Runhall, Fore. Runton, Northerp. Runton north, Freb. Rushall, Ears. Rusham, Land. Rushforth, Guilt. Ruston, Clac. Ruston East, Hap. Rising Castle, Freebr. S Saham, Wayland. Salhouse, Taver. Salthouse, Holt. Saltorn load, Freb. Sandringham, Freb. saul, Eyns. Saxlingham, Holt. Saxlingham, Henst. Saxthorpe, Southerp. Scarning, L●und. Scornston, Southerp. Scornston, Tunsted. Scrottby, East fleg. Sederston, Gal. Sedgford, Smeth. Sething, Cla●. S●stead, Northerp. Sharington, Holt. Shelfanger, Dis. Shelton, Dep. Sherborne, Smeth. Shereford, Gal. Sheringham, Norther. Shimpling mull, Dis. Shingham, Cla●k. Shipdham, Mit. Shottesham, Henst. Showldham, Clack. Shropham, Shrop. Skeyton, Southerp. Skottough, Southerp. Skoulton, Way. Skulthorpe, Gal. Slingham, Henst. Sloly, Tun. Smalbroughe, Tun. SNETESHAM, Sm. Snitterton, Shrop. Snoring great, Northgr. Snoring little, Gal. Sommerton west, West fl.. Sommerton east. West fl.. Sothery, Clack. Soowode, Blow. Southacre, Southg●. Southbridge, Mit. Sperham, Eyns. Spixford, Tau. Spo●le, Southgr. Sprowston, Tau. Stalham, Hap. Stanfeild, Land. Stanfeild, Fore. Stanford, Grim. Stanhow, Smeth. Staninghall, Tau. Starston, Earsh. Stibard, Gal. Stifkey, Northgr. Stoake, Henst. Stockton, Clau. Stokesbye, East fleg. Stooke, Clack. Stowe, Way. Stowe, Clack. Stradsett, Clack. Straton mill, Depw. Straton Marry, Depw. Stratton, Southerp. Strumpshawe, Blow. Sturston, Grymsh. Suddye, Holt. Susted, Northerp. Suffeild, Northerp. Sutton, Hap. Sutton, Fore. SWAFFHAM, South. Swanton, Holt. Swanton morley, Land. Swanton Abbots, Souther. Swardstonney, Hum. Swayfeild, Tunsted. Swenington, Eyns. Swinsthorpe, Humb. Sydestroude, north. Sylfeild, Foreho. Sysland, Claver. T Tacolneston, Depw. Tarsham, Earsh. Tasborowe, Depw. Tatterset, Gallow. Tatterford, Gallow. Taverham, Taver. Terrington, Freb. Testerton, Gallow. Tharne, Fleg. Tharston, Depw. Thelueton, Disse. Themilthorpe, Eyns. THETFORD, Shrop. Thorpe, Earsh. Thorpelittle, Diss. Thorpe, Foreho. Thorpe, Claver. Thorpe Norwich, Bl. Thorpe Market, Nor. Thornage, Holt. Thorneham, Smeth. Thorpland, Gallow. Threxton, wail. Thrickby, East-fleg. Thurgarton, Norther. Thurlton, Claver. Thurning, Eynsford. Thursford, Northg. Thursten, Claver. Thuxton, Mit. Thwate, Claver. Thwayte, Southerp. Tichwell, Smeth. Tirrington, Freeb. Tittleshall, Land. Titshall Margot, Diss. Titshall Marry, Diss. Tompson, wail. Topcrofte, Claver. Toast, Wayland. Tostes west, Grymsh. Tostes, Gallow. Tostes, Smeth. Tostmonachorum, Cl. Tottington, wail. Town green, Fore. Trowse, Henst. Trunche, Northerp. Trymingham, north. Tuddenham North, Mit. Tuddenham East, Myt. Tunstall, Blow. Tunstead, Tuns. Tuttington, Southerp. Twyford, eynsford. Tybenham, Depw. Tylney, Frebridg. Tyvetshall Margaret Diss. Tyvetshall Marry, Diss. V Vpton, Blow. Vpwell, Clack. Vrsted, Tunst. W Walcott, Hap. Wallington, Clack. Walpoole, Freebr. WALSHAM NORTH, Tun. Walsham south, Blow. WALSINGHAM GREAT, Walsingham old, North. Walsoken, Freb. Walton, Depw. Walton west, Frebr. Walton east, Freb. Warham, Northgr. Waterden, Brother●r. Watlington, Clack. Wattlefeild, Foreho. WATTON, wail. Waveney Flu. Waxham, Hap. Waybornehope, Hol. Wayborn●, Holt. Wearham, Clack. Weeting, Grymsh. Welborne, Foreho. Welles, Northgr. Wellingham, Land. Wendling, Land. Wesenham, Land. Westacre, Freebr. Westfeild, Mit. Weston, Eynsf. Westwicke, Tunst. Whetacre, Claver. Whetacre borrow, Claver. Whitwell, Eynsf. Whynbourgh, Mit. Wickhamton, Blow. Wicklewood, Foreho. Wickmer, Southerp. Wighton, Northgr. Wightlingham, Henst. Wignell peters, Free. Wikin, Free. Wilton, Grymsh. Wimbotesham, Clack. Winsder Flu. Winterton, West-fleg. Winterton nesse, West-fle. Wissingset, Land. Wiston, Holt. Witchingham great, Eyns. Witchingham little, Eyns. Woluerton, Freb. Woodrising, Mit. Woodbaswick, Blow. Wooluerton, Souther. Wormgaye, Clack. WORSTEAD, Tun. Worthing, Land. Wortwell, Earsh. Wotton, Clau. Wottonsouth, Freb. Wotton north, Freb. Wramplingham, For. Wremingham, Hum. Wrettham west, Shro. Wrettham east, Shr. Wretton, Clack. Wroxham, Tau. Wrungey, Freb. Wylby, Shrop. WYMONDHAM, winch west, Freb. winch east, Freb. Wyndall, Clau. Wynfarthing, Dis. Wytton, Blow. Wytton, Tun. Wyverton, Holt. Y YARMOUTH, Eastf. Yardley, Clau. Yeaxham, Mit. Yeluerton, Henst. CAMBRIDGE-SHIRE, written by the English-Saxons, The ancient Saxon name of this shire. The bounds of it. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, lieth bounded upon the North with Lincolne-shire and Norfolk; upon the East with Norfolk and Suffolk; upon the South with Hartfordshire and Essex; and upon the West with Bedford and Huntington-shires. (2) This Province is not large, nor for air greatly to be liked, having the Fens so spread upon her The length, breadth, and circumference. North, that they infect the air far into the rest: From whose furthest point unto Roiston in the South are thirty five miles; but in the broadest is not fully twenty: the whole in circumference, traced by the compass of her many indents, one hundred twenty and eight miles. The Soil. (3) The soil doth differ both in air and commodities, the Fenny surcharged with waters: the South is champion, and yieldeth Corn in abundance, with Meadowing-pastures upon both the sides of the River Came, which divides that part of the Shire in the midst, upon whose East-banke the Muses have built their most sacred Seat, where with plenteous increase, they have continued for these many hundred years. Cambridge the University. (4) For from ancient Grantcester, Camboritum by Antonine, now famous Cambridge, the other breast and Nurse-mother of all pious literature, have flowed full streams of the learned Sciences into all other parts of Ex bistoria Cantabrig. manuscript. this Land and elsewhere: ancient indeed, if their Story be rightly writ, that will have it built by Cantaber a Spaniard, three hundred seventy five years before the birth of our Saviour, who thither first brought and planted the Muses. This City Grantcester by the Tyranny of time, lost both her own beauty and her professed Athenian Students, so that in Bedaes' days, seven hundred years after the Word become flesh, it is described to lie a little desolate City, and as yet retaineth the name, without any memory of circuit by Walls. Of this City, in the year of Christ jesus 141. as the Monk of Burton doth report, nine Scholars received their Baptism, and become Preachers of the Gospel among the Britain's, which (as he saith) happened in the reign of Hadrian the Emperor. But when the Picts, Scots, Huns, and Saxons had laid all things waste, and with their savage swords cut out the leaves of all civil learning, this (as the rest) yielded to destruction, and so lay forlorn till the Saxons themselves Sigebert. become likewise civil; when Sigebert the first Christian King of the East-Angles, from the example of France, whither he had been banished, built Schools in his Kingdom, and here at Grantcester the chief, recalling thither the Professors of Arts and Sciences, as the Story recordeth, and Traditions do hold. But afterwards, as it seemeth, their increase being 2. King. 6. 1. straightened, the Students complained (as the Prophets did to Elisha) that the place was too little for them to devil in, therefore enlarging more Northward, seated themselves near unto the Bridge, whereupon the place began to be called Grant-bridge, though others Cambridge, how it came to be ca●led Grantbridge. from the crooked River Came will have it named Cambridge. This place (though sacred and exempted from Mars, as Sylla once spoke, when he spared Athens) the Danes in their destructions regarded no whit, wherein they often wintered after their spoils, and left the scars of their savage sores ever behind them. And in the year 1010. when Suen in his fierceness bore down all before him, this place was no place for Scholars to be in: Wars loud Alarms ill consorting the Muse's mild Harmonies. Yet when the Normans had got the Garland on their heads, and these Danish storms turned into Sunshine days, Gislebert the Monk, with Odo, Terricus, and William, all three of the like Monastical Profession, in the reign of King Henry the First, resorted unto this place, and in a public Barn read the Lectures of Grammar, Logic, & Rhetoric, and Gislebert Divinity upon the Sabbath and Festival days. From this little Fountain (saith Peter Blessensis) grew a great River, which made all England fruitful, by the many Masters and Teachers proceeding out of Cambridge, as out of a holy Paradise of God. The first College therein endowed with Possessions was Peter-house, built by Hugh Balsham Bishop of Ely, in Peterhouse the first College built. the year of Grace 1284. whose godly example many others followed, so that at this day there are sixteen most stately Colleges and halls, for building, beauty, endowments, and store of Students so replenished, that unless it be in her other sister Oxford, the like are not found in all Europe. But at what time it was made a University, let Robert de Remyngton tell you for me. In the Reign (saith he) of King Edward the First, Grantbridge of a School by the Court of Rome was made a University, such as Oxford is. Lastly, the Meridian Line cutting the Zenith over this The graduation of this City. City, is distant from the furthest West-point, according to Mercator, 20. degrees 50. scruples, and the Arch of the same Meridian, lying between the Aequator and Verticall-point, is 52. degrees 20. scruples. The City of Ely. (5) Another City formerly in great fame is Elie, by the Saxons Eli●, had in account for the repute and holiness of Votary Nuns, there residing; built first by Audrey wife to one Tombret a Prince in this Province, Saint Audrey. who had this place as a part of her Dowry: she having departed from her second husband Egbert King of Northumberland, devoted herself to the service of God, and built here a Monastery, whereof she become the first Abbess. This in the Danish desosolations was destroyed, but soon after re-edified by Ethelwold Bishop of Winchester, who stored it with Monks, unto whom King Edgar granted the jurisdiction over four Hundred and a half, within these Fens and the East-Angles limits, which to this day are called The Liberties of S. Audrey: after whose example, many Nobles so enriched it with large Revenues, that as Malmesbury saith, the Abbot thereof laid up yearly in his own Coffers a thousand and four hundred pounds. And of latter times the Monks thereof become so wealth, that their old decayed Church they renewed with new and most stately buildings, which is now the Cathedral of the Diocese, and for beauty giveth place to no other in the Landlord Eight other foundations set apart from secular use in this Province, were at Thorney, Charteres, Denny, Elsey, Beach, Barnwell, Swasey The Religious houses in this Province. and Shengey, all which in the days of King Henry the eighth came to the period of their surpassing wealth, and left their Lands to the dispose of his Will. The Commodities of this County. (6) The general commodity of this Shire is Corn, which in the South, and Champion-part doth abundantly grow, as also Saffron, a very rich spice. Some Woods there are, and Pasture both pleasant and profitable. The North part thereof is Fenny, but withal fruitful, whereof Henry of Huntingdon and William of Malmesbury thus do writ: This Fenny Country is passing rich and plenteous, yea and beautiful also to behold, wherein is so great store of Fish, that strangers do wonder, and water-foule so cheap, that five men may therewith be satisfied with less than an halfpenny. Places of ancient note. Erminstreet. (7) Places of ancient note in this Shire are these, the Erminstreet-way, which upon the lower West parts of this County thorough Roiston runneth forthright unto Huntingdon. And from Reach, a Market-town standing near to the River Came, a great Ditch and Trench is cast all along New-market-heath, which for the wonder conceived thereat, is of the Vulgar called The devils devils Ditch. Ditch, being in truth made for a defence against the Mercians, by the East-Angles, whose Kingdom it inverged. The Gogmagog Hills near Cambridge retain Gogmagog Hills. Henry Hunt. the remembrance of the Danish Station, where as yet on their tops is seen a Rampire strengthened with a threefold Trench, whereof Gervase of Tilbury tells us many a pretty Tale. The division of this Shire. Market towns. Castles. Parish-churches. (8) This Shire is divided into seventeen Hundreds, wherein are seated eight Market Towns, and hath been strengthened with seven Castles, and God divinely honoured in one hundred sixty three Parish-Churches. CAMBRIDGSHIRE described with the division of the hundreds▪ the Towns situation▪ with the Arms of the Colleges of that famous Vniversiti. HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE DIEV ET MON DROIT And also the Arms of all such Princes and noblemen as have heretofore borne the honourable titles & dignities of the Earldom of Cambridg. CAMBRIDGE Chief places in the City observed by Alphabettical letters. A. trinity College. B. kings College. C. Clare Hall. D. Caius College. E. Saint john's College. F. Saint Sepulchre. G. All holowes in the Iury. H. Saint Michael. I trinity Church. K. Saint Edward. L. Saint Benet's. M. Corpus Christi Coll▪ N. Saint Peter. O. Saint Gyles. P. Magdalen College▪ Q. Emanuel College. R. Christ's College. S. Saint Andrew. T. jesus College. V Queens College. W. Saint Botolphe. X. Pembroke Hall. Y. Peter house. Z. Saint Clement. 1. Little Saint Maries. 2. The Castle. The arms of KING Sigebert founder of the Vniversit St Peter House. 1280. Pembroke Hall. 1343. Trinity Hall. 1347. King's College. 1441. St Katherins Hall. 1475. Christ's College. 1505. Magdalen College 1519. Emanuel College 1584. The Arms of the University Clare Hall 1326. Corpus Christi College. 1344. Gonuile & Caius College. 1348. Queen's College 1448. jesus College 1502. S ● johns College 1508. Trinity College 1546. William brother to Ranulph E. of Chester john of Henaud uncle to Philip Q. to Edw●●d 3 William Marquis of juliers. Edmund of Langle Duke of York. Edward Duke of York. Richard Earl of Cambridge. Richard Duke of York Performed by JOHN SPEED And are to be sold in pope's head alley, by John Sudbury and G. Humbell. Cum Privilegio ANNO. 1610. ❧ An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and places mentioned in Cambridge-shire. Hundred in Cambridge-shire. 1. Wisbich. 2. Wichford. 3. Ely. 4. Staplehoo. 5. Chevelie. 6. Stane. 7. Northstowe. 8. Papworth. 9 Chesterton. 10. Flendishe. 11. Radfeild. 12. Chilford. 13. Wittlesford. 14. Thryplow. 15. Wetherley. 16. Stowe. 17. Armingford. A Abington, Arming. Abington great, Chil. Abington little, Chil. Arrington, Weth. Ashley, Cheu. Audre, Which. Audrey causey, North. B Badburham, Chil. Bad ingham, Staple. Ballham, Rad. Barrington, Weather. Bartlowe, Chil. Barton, Weather. Bassingborne, Arm. Pedelthey, Ely. Brame, Ely. Brinckley, Rad. Bottisham, Stane. Bourne, Stowe. Boxworth, Pap. Burrow, Rad. Burwells, Staple. C Cam Flu. Caldecott, Stow. CAMBRIDGE, Flend. Castle Camps, Chil. Shady Camps, Chil. Carleton, Rad. Catlidge, Cheu. Caxton, Stow. The Chare, Which. Chatteris, Which. Chesterton, Chest. Chetcham, Ely. Chevelie, Cheu●. Childerley, Chest. Chippenham, Stap. Clopton, Weather. Clowcrose, Which. Colham, Which. Weston Coluill, Rad. Comberton, Weather. Conyngton, Pap. Copthall, Ely. Cottenham, Chest. Cottenham, North. Coveney, Which. Crawden, Arming. Croxton, Stow. D Ditton, Flend. Wood Ditton, Cheue. Dixford, Wit. Denny, North. Doddington, Which. Downham, Ely. Dowsdale, Wis. Drayton fen, Pap. Dry drayton, Chest. Dullingham, Rad. E East great, Stow. Eldernall, Which. Elm, Wis. Elsworth, Pap. Eltisley, Stow. ELY, Ely. Erith causey, Which. Euersden great, Stow. Euersden little, Stow. F Fordham, Stap. Forton, Trip. Fowlmere, Trip. The Frith dike, Which. Fulburne little, Flend. Fulburne great, Flend. G Gamlinghey, Stowe. Gaton, Chest. Girton, North. Gogmagog hills, Flend. Granceter, Weather. Gransden parva, Stow. Gransden magna, Stow. Graveley, Pap. Gyherne, Wis. H Haddenham, Which. Hardwick, Stow. Harimere chap. Which. Harlston, Triplo. Harlton, Weth. Hastingfeild, Weth. Hatley east, Arming. Hatly S. George, Stow. Hawxton, Tripl●. Hildersham, Chil. Hinxton, Wit. Hobbes house, Wis. Hogginton, North. Hormingsey, Flend. Horsheathe, Chil. Cherry Hynton, Flend. Hystons, Chest. I Ickleton, Wit. Impington, North. Isellham, Staple. KING Kennitt, Stap. Kingston, Stow▪ Knapwell, Pap. Kneseworth, Arming. Kyrtling, Cheu. L Landbeach, North. Landwade, Stap. New Leame, Which. Watersey Leame, Wis. Leverington, Wis. Litlington, Arming. LITTLEPORT, Ely. Lowleworth, North. LYNTON, Chil. M Maddingley, North. Maden load, Ely. Maney, Which. S. Maries, Wis. Melborne, Arming. Melreth, Arming. Mepole, Which. Mershe, Which. Milton, North. Gilded Morden, Arm. steeple Morden, Arm. N Newbernes, Ely. NEWMARKET, Cheu. Newmarket heath, Cheu. Newton, Trip. Newton, Ws. Norney, Ely. OH Ouse Flu. Hour, Pap. Owtwell, Wis. Oxwell, Weth. P Pampisford, Chil. Papworth Euered, Pap. Papworth Agnes, Pap. Persondrove, Wis. Prickwillow, Ely. Q Quaney, Ely. R Rampton, North. Ramsey mere, Which. REACH, Which. ROYSTON, Arm. S Sawston, Wit. Saxum, Cheu. Shelford little, Trip. Shelford great, Trip. Shengey, Arm. Sheperheth, Weth. Snaylwell, Stap. Soham, Stap. Soham mere, Stap. Stachworth, Rad. Stanton long, North. Stapleford, Trip. Stontney, Ely. Stowe, Stow. Stowe Choir, Stane. Streatham, Which. Streatham mere, North. Sutton, Which. Swaffham prior, Stane. Swaffham bulbeck, Stane. Swavescie, Pap. T Tadlow, Arm. Teversham, Flend. Thetfort, Which. Thorney, Ely. Thorney, Which. Thryplowe, Triple. Toast, Stow. Trokenhole,, Wish. Trumpington, Trip. Turbulsey, Ely. Tydd S. Gyles, Wis. V Vgmere, Which. Vpware, Which. Vpwell, Which. W Walton, Weth. Waterbeach, North. Welney, Ely. Wendy, Arm. Wentworth, Which. Westwick, Chest. Westley, Rad. Whaddon, Arm. Whittlesey, Which. Whittlesey dike, Which. Whittlesey mere, Which. Whitwell, Weth. Wicham, Which. Wichford, Which. Wickam west, Chil. Wicken, Stap. Widford, Trip. Wilberham great, Stane. Wilberham little, Stane. Wilberton, Which. Willingham, Pap. Willingham, Rad. Willington, Which. WISHBICH, Wis. Witcham, Which. Wittlesford, Wit. West Wratting, Rad. Wimlpe, Weth. HERTFORD-SHIRE. CHAPTER XX. HErtford-shire is bordered upon the North with Bedford and Cambridge-shires; The bounds of Hertford-shire. upon the East, is altogether bounded by Essex; upon the South, is confined with Middlesex; and her West butteth upon Buckingham and Bedfordshires. The form. (2) The form thereof is somewhat circular, with many indents to fetch in those Towns that are dispersedly straggled into her next shire: whereof Roiston and Totteridge are the two extremes from North to South, betwixt whom in a The length. The breadth. straight drawn line are twenty seven English Miles, and from Putnam westward, to Cheston Nunnery in the East, are twenty eight; the whole circumference, about an hundred and thirty miles. The air. (3) The air is temperate, sweet, and healthful, as seated in a Climate neither too hot, nor too cold: the soil is rich, plenteous, and delightful, yielding The Soil. abundance of Corn, Cattle, Wood, and Grass, destitute of nothing that ministereth profit or pleasures for life, which are more augmented by the many Rivers that arise and run thorough this Shire, watering her own and others, till they empty themselves into the Sea. The ancient Inhabitants. (4) Her ancient Inhabitants in the time of the Piol. Caesar. Tacitus. Romans were the Cattieuchlanians, or Cassijans, and the Trinobantes, as their Writers declare, and in the Heptarchy was possessed by the East-Saxons, excepting some small portion thereof that the Mercian Kings enjoyed. The Danes also in their over-running, sought to stay themselves in this Shire, and at Ware (than Asseriu●. Wear) pitched down their rest and hope: for passing the L●a in their light Pinnaces and Shallops, raised therein The wars. a Fort, which maugre the English they kept, until that by the wise policy of King Elfred, that River was parted into more running streams, whereby their Ships perished, and they intercepted both of provision and further supply. S. Alban. (5) The Romans before them had made Verolanium in this Shire their greatest for account, which in A Town endowed with the Privileges of Rome. Tacit. Annal. lib. 14. cap. 10. Nero's time was a Municipial, as Ninius in his Catalogue of Cities doth call it, or as Tacitus, a Free Town; sacked by Boduo that ever eternised Queen of the Icenians, when seventy thousand of the Romans and Confederates by her revenging sword perished: the site and circuit whereof, in this Card we have set according to our view and measure there taken: whose magnificence for Port and stately Architecture, were found by her large and arched Vaults in the days of King Edgar, which were digged into and cast down by Elred and Edmer, abbots of S. Albans, for that they were the receptacles and lurking-holes of Whores and thieves: the ruins of which, have raised the beauty of her surviving and fair Saint Albans, where Offa the great Mercian, in great devotion, built a most stately Monastery, whose Church yet standing, retaineth the ashes of many Nobles, there slain in the quarrel of York and Lancaster; and a Font of solid brass brought out of Scotland by Sir Richard Lea, from the siege of Leeth. (6) Many other Towns, both for Commerce, Market towns. stately Buildings, and of ancient Record, this Shire affordeth, whereof Hertford, though the Shire-Towne, is not the richest; the passage thorough Ware hath left her ways so untrodden: to prevent which, in former times that River at Ware was chained up, Hertford. and the Bailiff of Hertford had the custody of the Key: which howsoever they have lost, yet hath the Town gotten her Governor to be preferred from the name of a Bailiff, unto a Mayor, assisted with nine Burgesses, a Recorder, and two Sergeants their Attendants. Herein a Castle, for situation pleasant, for Trench, Walls, and River, sufficiently fenced, was lately seen; but marked to destiny, as the Town to decay, hath found the hand of Fortune to overmatch her strength, and to ruinated the Priory, S. Nicholas, and S. Mary's Churches, besides a Cell of S. Alban Monks, that therein were seated. The like fate falls unto Hemsted, and Hemsted. her fair Castle, wherein Richard King of the Romans left his life. Yet Langley is graced both in the birth of Langley. Prince Edmund the fifth son to King Edward the Third, and the burial of Richard the second that unfortunate King, who in the Cell of friars Preachers was there first buried, but afterwards removed and enshrined at Westminster. And in another Langley, near and East from thence, was born that Pontifical Breakspeare, Bishop of Rome, known by the name of Hadrian the fourth, (and famous for his stirrup-holding by Frederick the Emperor) whose breath was lastly stopped by a Fly that flew into his mouth. Civil Battles in this Shire. (7) The civil Battles that in this Shire have been fought, in the Map itself are inserted, and therefore here omitted, but the more ancient remembered unto us by Oister-hill near S. Alban, whom the judicious Cambden supposeth to have been the Camp of Ostorius the second Lieutenant, and Subduer of great Caractacus; as also seven small round Hills betwixt Stevennedge and Knebworth, in which are supposed some Roman Soldiers to lie buried. Religious houses erected and suppressed. (8) Religious Houses built and suppressed, the chiefest for account in this Shire, were S. Alban, Roiston, Ware, Sopwell, Langley, besides them at Hertford, whom Beda calls Herudford: which Cities graduation is distant and removed from the Equator, 52. degrees The site of Hertford. 5. minutes of Latitude, and set from the first point of the West, according to Mercator, in the 20. degree 29. minutes of Longitude. The Earldoms whereof, were The Earls. enjoyed only by those two honourable Families, whose achievements we have also therein expressed. The Shires division. (9) This Counties division is into eight Hundred, wherein are seated eighteen Market Towns, and one hundred and twenty Parish-Churches, as in the Table inserted by their Alphabet are easily to be found. HARTFORD SHIRE DESCRIBED The sittuations of Hartford, and the most an cient town S Albon with such memorable actions as have happened HARTFORD A Cow Bridge B Old Cross C S. Andrews D The mill E S. Nicolas G S. Maries H honey lane KING Back street L high street M All-hallows N Castle street P West street Roger earl of Clare and Harford Edward Seinour Earl of Hartford VEROLANIUM TASC I A A● VER Old Verulam, the ancient seat of Casibelane, Which with his own liberty he lost, unto Caius julius Caesar: was sometime a city of great renown, and of the Romans, held in great regard: whom Tacitus termeth a free-towne and one of the richest in the land▪ Wherein hath been found, both pillars, pavements and Romish Coins, most certain toknes of their abode. The river Lea (diminished much from the greatness, which once it bore) was her south defence, and meets the ruins of those down-east walls, in East and West: Whose tract, and trench, as yet apparently remanes, and extends by measure▪ 1270 pases. here S. Alban Britain's Stephen under Dioclesian, suffered martyrdom. Anno 293. Whose memorial great Offa continued by building in the place of his Execution, a most magnificent Abbey: And there also Verulams ruins hath raised the beauty of now S Albans. In this County at three several times, three mortal and bloody Battles of England's civil dissensions have been fought. The first whereof chanced the 23 of may Anno 1455. in the town of St. Albon by Richard Duke of York, with his assotiats, the Earls of Warwick, and Salesbury and Lords of faugh c●mbridg, and Cobham, against King H 6. In whose defence Edmund Duke of Somerset, Henry Earl of Northumberland, and john Lord Clifford with 5000 more lost their lives, the king himself was wounded in the neck with an arrow, the Duke of Buckingham and Lord● 〈◊〉 in th●ir f●●●●. Humphrey Earl Stafford in his right hand, and the Earl Dorset almost slain. On the Duke's part only 600. were slain. The king by them was brought to London, and a reconciliation made by their advancments unto dignity's and Off 〈…〉 ● The second Battle 〈◊〉 likewise fought in the town of S. Alb●n● by Queen Margaret, against the Duk● of Norfolk, and Suffolk, the Earls of Warwick, and Arundel, that by force kept with them the king her husband, with whom by constraeynt he held, and on their side fought until the field was lost and the Lords fled, when with great joy he was received by his Queen and young soon Prince Edward this Battle fell the 17. of February being Shrovestuesdey Anno 146●. The third and last battle was fought near unto the town of high Barnet upon the 14 of April being East●● day, by the Earls of Warwick, and Oxford, and M●rg●es Monticule against King Ed. 4. who led with him king H. 6. his prisoner unto that field, and obt●yned that day the victory against his enemies. There were slain in this bloody Battle Richard Nevil the Stout Earl of Warwick with his brother the Marquis and the Earl of Oxford put to flight, & the Duke of Excester sore wounded, and least in the field for dead. On King Edward's part w●●● slain, the Lords Cromwell, Boucher, and Barnes. And on Both parts the number of ten thousand men▪ Anno 147●. Performed by john Speed and are to be sold in Pope's head alley by john Sudbury and George Humbell Cum Privilegio Hundred in Heart fordshire. 1. ODsey. Hund. 2. Edwinstree, Hund. 3. Branghing, Hund. 4. Brodewater, Hund. 5. Hitching, Hund. 6. Dacor, Hund. 7. Hertford, Hund. 8. Caisho, Hund. A Abbotsbury, Edwinst. Affley, Hitch. S. ALBAN, Caish. Aldbury, Dacor. Aldbury, Edwinst. Aldbury Hall. Edwinst. Aldenham, Caish. Alswick, Edwinst. Amwell little. Hert. Amwell great. Hert. Angabury, Hitch. Annables, Dacor. Anstye, Edwinst. Ashwell, Odsey. Aspenden, Edwinst. Aston, Brodw. Ayott Laurence, Brod. Ayott little, Brod. B The Beacon, Hert. The Beacon, Brod. The Beacon, Odsey. BALDOCK, Brod. BARKHAMSTED, Da. Barkhamsted, Hert. BARKWAY, Edwinst. Barley, Edwinst. Bartrams, Brang. The Base, Hert. Beachams, Edwinst. Beaches, Edwinst. B●amondss Caish. Beche Wood, Dacor. Bedmont, Caish. Be●well Hert. Bedwell Park. Hert. Bell Bore, Caish. Benington, Brod. Benjoy, Hert. HIGH BERNERT, Caish. Bernet East. Caish. Bersted, Dacor. Berwick, Brang. Bibswell, Hitch. Bleakswaye, Brang. Bovington, Dacor. Bourne Hall, Caish. Bourne end, Dacor. Box-wood, Broad. Bradfield, Odsey. Bragherend, Brodw. Bram●tfield, Caish▪ Branfield, Hert. Branghing, Brang. B●ickenden, Hert. High Bridge, Caish. Briggens, Brang. Brodwater, Brodw. Brokell Hall. Brodw. Broxbourne Wood. Hert. Broxborne, Hert. Buckland, Edwinst. BUNTINGFORD, Edwinst. Burley, Brodw. Burwells green, Brodw. Bushey Hall. Dacor. Bushy, Caish. Bygrave, Odsey. C Caddington, Dacor. Caishoe, Caish. Caishoe Bridge, Caish. Caishoburie, Caish. Calkott, Odsey. Camberlow green. Odsey. Cassulberry, Brang. Chandose, Dacor. Cheisfield, Brodw. Chepperfield, Dacor. Cheston, Hart. Cheston Park, Hert. Cheston Nunnery. Hert. Clothall, Odsey. Coddicott, Caish. Cokenhatch, Edwinst. Collier's End, Brang. Colshill, Dacor. Colney, Caish. Coluestreet, Caish. Coringley, Edwinst. Corner Hall, Dacor. Cottered, Odsey. High Cross. Brang. Cudicott, Hitch. Cuhollgate, Caish. D Dane End, Dacor. Dane End, Brodw. Darnels, Brodw. Datchworth, Brod. Digswell, Brod. Dogshead, Edwinst. E Eastwicke, Brang. Elstree, Caish. Epalletts, Hitch. Essenden, Hert. F Fincher end, Brodw. Flampsteed, Dacor. Flaunden, Dacor. Fresden, Dacor. Friars, Brang. The Friars, Dacor. G Gabbins, Hert. Gabbins, Caish. Gadsden little, Dacor. Gadsden great, Dacor. Geldesden, Brang. Gigging, Edwinst. Gorehambury, Caish. Graveley, Brodw. Gravesend, Edwinst. Grove, Caish. H Hadham great, Edwinst. Hadham little, Eawinst. Hadham nash, Edwinst. Halml●y, Brod. Haly, Hert. Harding, Dacor. Harpsfield Hall. Brod. HARTFORD, Hert. Hartingfordbury, Hert. Hatfield Wood, Hert. HATFIELD Bishops, Brod. Haulwicke, Brodw. Helshams' Hall, Edwinst. HEMPSTEED, Dacor. Henxworth, Odsey. Hexton Caish. Hide Hall, Odsey. Hidehall, Brang. Highover, Hitch. Highstreete, Dacor. Hillend, Caish. HITCHING, Hitch. HODDESDON, Hert. Horkerell, Brang. Holey, Hert. Hormead great, Edwinst. Hormead little, Edwin. How End, Hitch. holwel, Brodw. Hunsdon, Brang. Hyde, Cash. I Ickleford, Hitch. Ilestrey, Caish. KING Kellshull. Odsey. Kempton, Hitch. Kensworth, Dacor. Kinswoodbury, Odsey. Kinsburne, Dacor. Knebworth, Brodw. L Ladwell, Hitch. Laiston, Edwinst. Not man's Landlord Caish. Kings Langley, Dacor. Langley Abbey. Caish. Langley, Hitch. The Lea, Caish. Lechworth, Brodw. Lenmere, Dacor. Levesden, Caish. Ludwell, Hitch. Ludwick Hall. Brod. lully, Hitch. M Mallocks, Brang. S. Marget's, Hart. Maiden Cross, Hitch. Meesden, Edwinst. Merden, Hert. Merston long, Dacor. S. Michael, Caish. Milford, Edwinst. Minhall, Caish. Minsingbery, Edwinst. Monden frewell, Brod. Monden furnivall, Brod. Moore Park, Caish. Morehouse, Caish. North Myms, Caish. N Nasthide, Caish. Newbarne, Caish. Newenham, Caish. Newenham, Odsey. Newgatestreete, Hart. Newhall. Brang. New place, Brang. Nimhall. Northaw, Caish. Northchurch, Dacor. Norton, Caish. Norton, Odsey. Newsels, Edwin. Nuthamsted, Edwin. Nimhall, Cash. OH Odsey grange, Odsey. Owghton Head, Hitch. Owley, Edwinst. P Pansanger, Hart. Parkeward, Caish. Patmer Hall. Edwinst. Pelham burnt, Edwinst. Pelham Furneux, Edwinst. Pelham stocking, Edwinst. Penley, Dacor. Periton, Hitch. Pessebery, Brang. Potter's crouch, Caish. Pottrells' bore, Caish. Pottrells, Caish. Popes, Hart. The Pray, Caish. Preston, Hitch. The Priory, Brodw. PUCKRIDGE. Brang. Punchin end, Dacor. Punsburne, Hart. Putnam, Dacor. Putteridge, Hitch. Q Quenbery, Edwinst. Quickswood, Odsey. R Radwell, Odsey. Redborne, Caish. The Ree, Brang. Reed, Odsey. Redgwells, Edwinst. Revels, Brod. Reyford, Hart. RICKMASWORTH, Caist. Ricknesse, Brang. Ridge, Caish. ROISTON, Odsey. Rose Hall, Caish. Rushden, Odsey. S Sabsworth, Brang. Salesbery, Caish. Sandon, Odsey. Sarret. Caish. Satridge, Brang. Sauntridge, Caish. Sawcombe, Brod. The Scale, Hert. Shenley, Caish. Sheepehall, Brodw. Shepeshide, Caish. Shinglehall, Brang. Sinklees, Caish. Sleep, Caish. Smalford, Caish. Sopwell, Caish. Spelbrooke, Brang. Standen, Brang. Stansted Abbotts, Brang. Stantheele, Brang. Stapleford, Hart. S. Stephens, Caish. Stevenage, Brodw. STORTFORD Bishops. Brang. Studham, Dacor. Sullemaca, Caish. T Tannis, Edwinst. Tednambury, Brang. Temple, Brodw. Temple dinsley, Hitch. Tewing, Hart. Tharfield, Odsey. S. Thomas Chapel, Hitch. Thoreley, Brang. Thorcking, Edwinst. Thundrick, Brang. Thyobald, Hert. Titten hanger, Caish. Totteridge, Brodw. Totteredge. Caish. TRING, Dacor. Tunwell, Brodw. Two waters, Dacor. V Vphall, Brang. W Wadesmill, Brang. Wakerley, Edwinstt. Walden S. Paul's, Hitch▪ Walden Kings, Hitch. Walkerne, Brodw. Wallington, Odsey. Waltham Cross, Hert. Walsworth, Hitch. Beware Park▪ Brang. WARE, Brang. Watford Hall, Hert. WATFORD, Caish. Watton, Brodw. Waymer Castle, Brang. Welbery, Hitch. weld, Caish. Wellwin, Brodw. Westhide, Caish. Westmill, Brang. Weston, Brodw. Westwich, Caish. Wheathamsteed, Dacor. Whitebarnes, Edwin. Widboro hill, Brang. Widford, Brang. Wiggington, Dacor. Willesborne, Dacor. Willion, Brod. Windridge, Caish. Withiall, Edwinst. Wood green, Hert. Woodhall, Brodw. Wormley, Hert. Wulmer green, Broad▪ Wymley great, Brod. Wymley little, Brod. Y Yardley, Odsey. BEDFORD-SHIRE. CHAPTER XXI. BEdford-shire, seated in the Southeast of this Island, is a plain and champion Country, and lieth The bounds of Bedford-shire. bounded upon the North with Huntingtonshire; upon the East, with Cambridge and Hartford-shires; upon the South, with Hartford and Buckingham-shires; and upon the West, with Buckingham and Northampton-shires. The form. (2) The form thereof is somewhat oval, and not very large: for from Tilbroke in the North, unto The length and breadth. Studham in the South, are but twenty four English miles; and from Tourney in the West, unto Hatley Coking in the East, are not fully fourteen; the whole in circumference, about seventy three miles. The air. (3) The air is temperate, and the soil bounteous, The soil. especially the North, whose Borders the fruitful Ouse with her many windings watereth. The South is more lean, and with greater industry bringeth forth Barley, no better elsewhere. Generally, this County is Champion, though some places besprinkled with Pasturage and Woods. The ancient inhabitants. (4) The ancient Inhabitants, known to the Romans, that held in this Shire, were part of the Cattieuchlani, a stout and warre-stirring people: and yet upon the report of Caesar's proceeding, sent him their Caesar. Com. lib. 5. subjection for peace. But when that conquering Nation had brought Britain into a Province under Rome, MAGINTUM a Roman Station. their Legions lay at Selenae and Magintum, which are now Sandy and Dunstable, places of memorable note in this Shire. After them, the Saxons coveting for so fair a Seat, first dispossessed the Britain's, under the leading of Cuthwulfe the West-Saxon, about the year of Grace 572. who making it their own, was lastly enjoyed by the Mercians, as a part of their Kingdom. The River Ouse stayed her course. (5) In the year of Christ's Incarnation 1399. immediately before those Civil Wars, that rend in pieces the peace of this Land, betwixt the Princes of Lancaster and York, the River Ouse, near unto Harwood, stood suddenly still, and refrained to pass any further; so that forward, men passed three miles together on foot in the very depth of her Channel; and backward, the waters swelled unto a great height: which was observed by the judicious, to foretell some unkind division that shortly should arise. (6) This County, among the common calamities Civil Wars in this County. of the Land, when it lay trampled under the feet of the Danes, sustained a part: and after that, in the time of King Stephen, when the Civil Wars thundered betwixt Maud the Empress and himself, the Shire-Towne was sore wasted, with great slaughter of men: So when the Barons forsook their allegiance to King john, the Town and Castle were rendered up unto their hands: and lastly, by King Henry the Third, laid level even with the ground, some ruinous walls appearing towards the Ouse, but not a stone left upon the Mount where stood his foundation. Bedford. (7) This Town by the Britaines was called Lettidur; by the Saxons, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; and of us, Bedford: being the chiefest in the County, from whom it taketh the name, and is most fruitful, and pleasantly seated, having the Ouse running thorough the Town in the midst, and a fair Stone-bridge built over the same, whereon are two Gates to lock and impeach the passage, as occasion shall serve. At the first entrance standeth S. Leonards Hospital for Lazars: and further innards, Saint john's and S. Maries Churches: Churches and religious houses in Bedford. within the Town, S. Paul's, a most beautiful Church, S. Cuthberts, and S. Peter's: without the Town standeth the Friars, S. Joys, All-hallows, and Caudwell Abbey: not far whence, sometimes stood a Chapel upon the Bank of Ouse, wherein (as Florilegus affirmeth) Florilegus. the body of Offa the great Mercian King was interred, but by the overswelling of that River, was borne down, and swallowed up: whose Tomb of Lead King Offae● Tomb. (as it were some fantastical thing) appeared often to them that seek it not, but to them that seek it (saith Rosse) it is invisible. This Town is governed John Rosse. yearly by a Mayor, two Bailiffs, two Chamberlains, a Recorder, a Town-clerk, and three Sergeants with Mases. Dunstable. (8) A tale of vain credit is reported of Dunstable, that it was built to bridle the outrageousness of a thief named Dun, by King Henry the first: but certain it is the place was formerly held by the Romans, whose Legions there lay, as appeareth by the Coins there usually found, which from Magintum are corruptly called Madning-money. Castles and houses of the Kings. (9) Castles in this Shire are Woodhill, Eaton, Temsford, and Amphill, an honour now appertaining to the Crown. And places of Religion, built by devout persons, but for Idolatrous Abuses again abolished, were at Bedford, Harwood, Helenstow, Newenham, Chicksand, Religious houses suppressed. Wardon, Woborne, and Dunstable. All these, with their like, felt the hand of Henry the Eighth to lie so heavy upon them, that they were not able to sustain the weight, but were crushed to pieces, and fell to the ground. (10) The Graduation of this County, taken for the Shire-Towne, is placed from the Equator in the degree of 52 and 30 minutes for Latitude, and is removed from the first West point of Longitude, 20 degrees and 16 minutes. The Dukes and Earls. (11) Whose Princely Families that have borne the Titles both of Dukes and Earls, within the Map itself by names, and their Arms are inserted, as thou seest; and whose Counties division are into nine Hundred, wherein are seated ten Market Towns, and one hundred and sixteen Parish-Churches. BEDFORD SHIRE AND THE SITUATION OF BEDFORD described with the arms of those Honourable Fami lies that have borne the titles of Dukes and Earls thereof. Ingelram Couty-Erle of Bedford john russel Earl of Bedford H SOYT O● MAL Y ●NSE In the year of our redemption 1399. the first of january, and 22 of King R. 2. in this County, near to the town of Harwood, the Rivi● Ouse suddenly stayed her course, and divided itself so, that for the space of 3. miles the wont Channel thereof lay dry, to the great amazement of the beholders, and eversince observed as a prodigious toke● or foreshowing of that great and lamentable division in the Kingdom, betwixt the families of York and Lancaster, which the next year followed and continued the time of 90. whole years together with blodshoud and loss. bedford A The ●rierss B S. Lo●es C All-hallows stet D All-hallows E lime kil●e G Offal Lane H S. Peter's KING S. Peter Grene L Bendhouse lane M Duck Lane N Lurk Lane P Mill Lane Q S. Cutherts R Pi●ck Place S Castle Hill T Castle Lane V High street W S. Paul's X Moute Hall Y The School 2 Calts Lane 3 R●y Lane 4 Well street 5 Sheps Chepping 6 Silver street 7 Stone Lane 8 Poultry an●rket 9 Oldd Ruins 10 The Bridge 11 Bridge street 12 S. mary's 13 Potter's street 14 Caudwell 〈◊〉 15 St. Ihons' street 16 S. john's hospital 17 Ca●●well Abbye 18 S. john's Church john Plantagenet Duke of Bedford George Nevil Duke of Bedford jesper of Hatfield Duke of Bedford Jodocus Hondius Caelavit▪ Anno Domini 1610 Performed by john Speed, Are to be sold in Pope's head alley against the Exchange by George Humbel Cum Privilegio The Scale of Miles An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and places mentioned in Bedford-shire. Hundreds in Bed fordshire. 1. STodden, Hund. 2. Barford, Hund. 3. Wylly, Hund. 4. Wixamtree, Hund. 5. Biggleswad, Hund. 6. Redbornestoke, Hun. 7. Flit, Hund. 8. Clifton, Hund. 9 Manshead, Hund. A ANTHIL, Redborne. Arlesey, Clift. Ascotts, Wixam. Aspeley guise, Mansh. Aswicke, Biggle. B Barford, Barford. Barkmaw Park, Redbor. Battledon, Mansh. Beckring Park, Mansh. BEDFORD, Willy. Beeston, Wixam. Bletsoe, Willy. Berkford, Biggle. Berton, Flit. BIGGLESWADE, Biggle. Billington, Mansh. Biscott, Flit. Blunham, Wixam. Bolnhurst, Stod. Brome, Wixam. Brumham, Willy. Bushmead, Barford. Byddenham, Willy. C Caddington, Flit. Calmworth, Barford. Cambleton, Clift. Cardington, Wixam. Carleton, Willy. Caysooe, Stodden. Chalgrave, Mansh. Chaulton, Flit. Chellington, Willy. Chicksend, Wixam. Clapham, Stodden. Claphill, Flit. Clifton, Clifton. Clipson, Mansh. Cranfield, Redborne. Crawley Husband, Mansh. Cuphull, Wixam. D Deane over, Stodden. Deane neither, Stodden. DUNSTABLE, Mansh. Dunton, Biggle. E Eaton, Mansh. Eaton Sotton▪ Barford. Edworth, Biggle. Eggington, Mansh. Elmersham, Willy. Elstowe, Redborne. Euerdon, Biggle. Euersholt, Mansh. Eyworth, Biggle. F Farndish, Willy. Flitton, Flit. Flitwick, Redborne. Faldo, Flit. G Goldington, Barford. Gravenerstes, Flit. Gravenhurst over, Flit. Gravenhurst neither, Flit. H Harwood, Willy. Harlington, Mansh. Hatch, Wixam. Hatley Port, Biggle. Hatley coking, Biggle. Hawnes, Flit. Haxton, Flit. Heath, Mansh. Henlowe, Clifton. Hide east, Flit. Hide west, Flit. Higham goben, Flit. Hill, Wixam. Hockecliffe, Mansh. Holcott, Mansh. Holme, Biggle. Houghton conquest, Redborne. Houghton Kings, Mansh. howel, Clifton. KING Kempston, Redborne. Knotting, Stodden. L Langford, Biggle. Legenho, Redborne. LEIGHTON buzzard, Mansh. Ligrave, Flit. Limbene, Flit. Littleton, Redborne. LUTON, Flit. M Mauldon, Redborne. Margatt, Mansh. Melchborne, Stodden. Mepshall, Clifton. Merston morton, Redborne. Milbrooke, Redborne. Milhoe, Biggle. Milton briaw, Mansh. Mograrige, Wixam. Milton ernes, Stodden. N Newneham, Willy. Norhill, Wixam. OH Ocley, Willy. Ockley, Stodden. Ouse, Flu. P Patenham, Willy. Peggiston, Flit. Pertenhull, Stodden. Poddington, Willy. Potesgrave, Mansh. POTTON, Biggle. Pullox hill, Flit. R Radwell, Willy. Ravensdon, Barford. Reynold, Barford. Ridgemond, Redborne. Rysely, Stodden. Rokkesdon, Barford. Ruche, Mansh. S Sandey, Biggle. Sawford, Mansh. Scotfield, Clifton. Segnowall, Mansh. Sharnbrocke, Willy. Sharpenho, Flit. SHEFFORD, Clifton. Shelton, Stodden. Shidlington, Clifton. Shillington, Flit. Siluis●o, Flit. Sondon, Flit. Souldroppe, Willy. Southill, Wixam. Stagden, Willy. Stanbridge, Mansh. Stando over, Clifton. Standen neither, Clifton. Stanford, Wixam. Steppingley, Redborne. Steventon, Willy. Stopseley, Flit. Stoughton, little, Stodden. Stratton, Biggle. Stretley, Flit. Studham, Mans. Sundon, Clift. Summers, Flit. Sutton, Biggle. T Taternall, Mansh. Tempsford, Biggle. Tettworth, Biggle. Tenkseke, Redborne. Thorncott, Wixam. Thurlye, Willy, Tilesworth, Mans. Tylbroke, Stod. Tylworth, Mansh. Tyngrave, Mansh. TUDDINGTON, Mansh. Turvey, Willy. W Werdon old, Wixam. Westning, Mansh. Whipsand, Mansh. W●ldon, Barford. Wilshamstead, Redborne. Willington, Wixam. WOBORNE, Mansh. Woborne Abbey, Mansh. Wodhill, Willy. Woodenden, Mansh. Wotton, Redborne. Womnleighton, Biggle. Wrested, Flit. Wrestingworth, Biggle. Wynyngton, Willy. Y Yeldon, Stodden. BUCKINGHAM-SHIRE. CHAPTER XXII. The name of this shire. BVckingham, for the plenty of Be●ch-treeses there growing, and those in the elder times of the Saxons called Bucken, may well be supposed from them to have the name, as afterwards the whole Shire had hers from this Town Buckingham. The form. (2) In form it somewhat resembleth a Lion Rampant, whose head or north-point toucheth the Counties of Northampton and Bedford, whose back or east-part The limits. is backed by Bedford and Hertford-shires: his loins or south-borders rest upon Bark-shire, and his breast the west side is butted upon wholly by Oxford-shire. Length. The length thereof from Waisbury in the south, to Bradfeld in her north, are thirty nine miles: the Breadth. breadth at the broadest, from Ashridge in the East to Brenwood Forest in the West, are eighteen; the Circumference. whole in circumference one hundred thirty eight miles. air. (3) The air is passing good, temperate, and pleasant, yielding the body health, and the mind content. The soil is rich, fat, and fruitful, giving abundance of corn, grass, and marvel. It is chief divided into Chiltren hills. two parts by the Chiltren hills, which run thorough this Shire in the midst, and before time were so pestered with Beech, that they were altogether unpassable, and become a receptacle and refuge for thieves, who daily end ammaged the wayfaring man; for which cause Leostan Abbot of S. Alban. Leostan Abbot of Saint Alban caused them to be cut down: since when those parts are passable, without any great encumbrances of trees; from whose tops, a large and most pleasing prospect is seen. The Vale beneath is plain and champion, a clayie-soile, stiff, and rough, but withal marvelous fruitful, naked of woods, but abounding in meadows, pastures, and tillage, Plenty of sheep. and maintaining an infinite number of sheep, whose soft and fine fleeces are in great esteem with the Turks as far as Asia. The ancient Inhabitants. (4) The ancient Inhabitants that were seated in this Shire, were the Cattieuchlani mentioned by Ptolemie, and them dispersed thorough the Tract of Bedford, Hertford, and this. These yielded themselves with the first to Caesar under the Romans subjection, whose overworn Empire ending in Britain, the Saxons by strong hand attained this Province, and made it a part of their Mercian Kingdom: yet was it Cherdike the West-Saxon. first subdued unto them by Cherdike the West-Saxon, whose memory is in part continued in the Town Chersey, upon the West of this County, where in a sharp and bloody battle he was Victor over the Britain's. Cuthwulfe. So also Cuthwulfe a West-Saxon at Alesbery in the year of Grace 592. overcame the Britain's, and bore down all things before him: yet no sooner was their Heptarchy waned, and their Monarchy able to The Danes. stand alone, but that the Danes, before their strength and growth was confirmed, waxed upon them; and they not able in so weak a hand to hold fast that weight of greatness they had so grasped, gave place to their Conquerors, who did many harms in this Province: for in the year 914. the Danes furiously Brenwood. raged as far as Brenwood, where they destroyed the City Burgh, the ancient seat of the Romans, afterwards a royal house of King Edward the Confessor, which Edward Confessor. they utterly destroyed. Buckingham the chief Town. (5) The Shire-towne Buckingham, fruitfully seated upon the River Ouse, was fortified with a Rampire, and sconces on both banks, by King Edward the elder, saith Marianus the Scotish Writer; where in the heart of the Town hath stood a strong Castle mounted upon an high hill, which long since was brought to the period of her estate, now nothing remaining besides the signs, that there she had stood. The River circulates this Town on every side, that only on the North excepted, over which three fair stone-bridges lead, and into which the springs of a Well run, called S. Rumalds, a child-saint borne at Kings Sutton, canonised, S. Rumalds Well. and in the Church of this Town enshrined, with many conceited miracles and cures: such was the hap of those times, to produce Saints of all ages and sexes. This Town is governed by a Bailiff and The Magistracy of Buckingham. twelve principal Burgesses; and is in the degree removed from the first point of the West for Longitude 19 33. scruples; and the North-pole elevated in Latitude for the degree of 52. 18. scruples. Stony-Stretford. (6) A Town of ancienter note is Stony-Stretford, the Romans Lactorodum, being built upon that ancient Causey-way which is called Watling-street, where remain Watling-street. the marks thereof even unto this day. At this place Edward the elder stopped the passage of the Danes, whiles he strengthened Torcester against them: and herein, King Edward the eldest since the Conquest, reared a beautiful Cross in memory of Eleanor K. Edward in memory of his wife Qu. Eleanor. his dead Queen, as he did in every place where her Corpse rested, from Herdby in Lincolne-shire, till it was received and buried at Westminster. Places of Religion. (7) Places intended for God's true worship, built by devout persons, and sequestered from worldly employments, were at Launden, Luffeld, Bidlesden, Bradwell, Nothey, Ankerne, Missenden, Tekeford, Partrendune, Ashridge, and Alesburie: Ashridge in great repute for the blood (supposed out of Christ's sides) brought Ashridge a feigned miracle. out of Germany by Henry the eldest son of Richard King of the Romans, and Earl of Cornwall, whereunto resorted great concourse of people for devotion, and adoration thereof. But when the sunshine of the Gospel had pierced thorough such clouds of darkness, it was perceived apparently to be only honey clarified and coloured with saffron, as was openly showed at Paul's Cross by the Bishop of Rochester, the twenty Bishop of Rochester. fourth of February, and year of Christ 1538. And Alesbury for the holiness of Saint Edith was much frequented, Alesburie. S. Edith. who having this Town allotted for her Dowry, bade the world and her husband farewell, in taking upon her the veil of devotion, and in that fruitful age of Saints become greatly renowned, even as far as to the working of miracles. These all in the The shipwreck of superstition. storms and rage of the time, suffered such shipwreck, that from those turmoiled seas their merchandise light in the right of such Lords as made them their own for wreacks indeed. Castles. Newport. Buckingham. L●un●ens. Ha●s●epe. Market Towns. (8) With four Castles this Shire hath been strengthened, and thorough eleven Market Towns her Commodities traded; being divided, for service to the Crown and State, into eight Hundred, and in them are seated one hundred fourscore and five Parish-churches, as in the Table annexed alphabetically are expressed. BUCKINGHAM Both Shire, and Shire-towne describ. For that Bark-Shire could not contain place for this Town I have here inserted it, as one of the most ancient and chiefest in that county BUCKINGHAM A Scale of Pases A Podds' Lane B Nast end C high street D The Chapel E West Street F castle street G Will street KING Water Lane L Cutterne Elm M castle Hill N Sheriffs Bridge P S. Rumbalds' Lan Q castle Bridge R Prebend House S Prebend End T The Lord's Bridge V saint Rumbalds' well W Prebend End beyond the water POSUI DEUM ADIUTOREM MEUM SEMPER EADEM UNION ANNO ●EDDING A The Priorye B Gutter lane C The Free School D St. Laurence E Forbery G Queens stables H The Abbey KING Schemakers Row L Fish street M Butcher's Row N Brode street P Pangburne lane Q Hosier lane R castle street S S. mary's T Minster street V Chain lane W George lane X London street Z Mill Lane 3 Seven Bridges 4 saint Giles church 5 Town Mills 6 High Bridge 7 S. Giles street 8 Crown lane 9 Ort lane 10 Swier street 11 Old Street 12 Duke's street THE ARMS of those Honourable Families which have born the Titles of Buckinghan. Walter Gifford Earl Richard Stranbowe E. Thomas of Wodstoke E. Humour. Stafforde Duke 1610 Performed by john Speed, and are to be sold in Pope's head alley by G. H●bell. Cum Privil●gio An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and Places mentioned in Buckingham-shire. HUNDREDS in Buckingham-shire. 1. NEwport. 2. Buckingham. 3. Collstowe. 4. Ashenden. 5. Alesbury. 6. Disburrough. 7. Burnham. 8. Stock. A Achenborowe, Buck. Ac●eley, Buck. Addington, Buck. Adstocke, Buck. AGMONDSHAM, Bur. AYLESBURY, Alice. Vale of Aylesbury, Alice. Apstone, Dis. Ascott, Coll. Ashbridge, Coll. Ashendon, Ash. Aston clinton, Alice. Aston abbotts, Coll. Cold Aston, Alice. Astwood, New. Aunslop, New. B Barton, Buck. Beach hampton, Buck. BEACONFEILD, Burn. Bearton, Alice. Bernwood forest, Ash. Bidlesden, Buek. Blechley, New. Bledlow, Alice. Boreney, Buck. Boreton, Buck. Bostall, Ash. Cold Bradfeild, New. Bradnam, Dis. Bradnam park, Dis. Bradwell, New. Brickhill little, New. Brickhill great, New. Bow Brickhill, New. Brill, Ashen. Broughton, Alice. Broughton, New. BUCKINGHAM, Buck. Buckland, Alice. Burnham, Burn. East Burnham, Burn. Burston, Coll. C Caluerton, New. Caldecott, New. Castlethorpe, New. Caveley, Buck. Caversfeild, Buck. Chalfont S. Peter, Burn. Chalfont S. Gyles, Burn. Chalwey, Stock. Checkmore, Buck. Chechely, New. Cheddington, Coll. Chepping wickcomb, Dis. Chepping wickcomb florins, Disb. Cherslie, Ash. chesham, Burn. Chesham boys, Burn. Cheyneyes, Burn. Chilton, Ash. Chitwood, Buck. Cholesbury, Alice. Choldesbury, Coll. Claydon middle, Ash. Steeple Claydon, Buck. Claydon east, Ash. Clifton rains, New. Colbrocke in horton, Stock. COLBROCKE IN LANGLEY, Sto. Coldaston, Alice. Crandon, Ash. North Crowly, New. Cublington, Coll. Cuddenton, Alice. D Datchet, Stock. Denham, Stock. Dorney, Burn. Dorton, Ash. Drayton beauchampe, Coll. Drayton parslowe, Coll. Dunton, Coll. Dynton, Alice. E Eaton, New. Eaton, Stock. Edgcott, Buck. Edlesburrough, Coll. Elsborough, Alice. Emmerton, New. Eydroppe, Ash. F Farnham royal, Burn. Fawly, Dis. The Faith, Burn. Filgrane, New. Fingerst, Dis. Foscott, Buck. Fulbrok, Coll. Fullmere,, Stock. G Garnboro, Ash. Gawcott, Buck. Mershe Gibbeen, Buck. Gotehurst, New. Grendon long, Ash. Greneland, Dis. Grove, Coll. H Hadnam, Alice. Hambleden, Dis. Little Hamden, Alice. Great Hamden, Alice. Leck Hamsted, Buck. Hanslope, New. Hardmere, New. Hardwick, Coll. Hardwood great, Coll. Hardwood little, Coll. Hardwell, Alice. Haversham, New. Haulton, Alice. Hawridge, Coll. Hedgeley, Stock. Hedstor, Dis. Hillesden, Buck. Hitchendon, Dis. Hoggeston, Col. Hogshawe, Ash. Horidge, Alice. Horsenden, Alice. Horsingdon, Ash. Horton, Stock. Hucket, Alice. I Ilmere, Ash. Ipston, Dis. juer, Stock. IVINGOE, Coll. KING Kimbers, Alice. Kingsey, Ash. Krestow, Coll. L Langley marish, Stock. Langwicke, Alice. Latimers, Burn. Laundon, New. Lee, Alice. Shipton Lee, Ash. S. Leonards, Alice. Lillingston dayrell, Buck. Linchlad, Col. Lithershall, Ash. Littlecott, Coll. Lothbury, New. Loughton, New. Luffeild, Buck. Lynford little, New. Lynford great, New. M Marlowe little, Dis. Marlowe great, Dis. Marlowe florins, Dis. Marsh gibbon, Buck. May's morten, Buck. Mednam, Dis. Mentmore, Coll. Little Merdon, Ash. North Merston, Ash. Mersworth, Coll. Middleton keynes, New. Great Missenden, Alice. Little Missenden, Alice. Morton, Dis. Moulso, New. Mursley, Coll. N Nashe, Coll. Nettleden, Coll. Newington longfeild, New. Newington blomareile, New. NEWPORT, New. Nothey, Ash. OH Ockley, Ash. OULNEY, New. Oulswick, Alice. Ouse flu. P Padbury, Buck. Pen, Burn. Pichcote, Ash. Pitston, Coll. Poundon, Buck. Prebend end, Buck. Preston, Buck. Q Quainton, Ash. R Radnage, Dis. Ratley, Buck. Ravenston, New. Over Rendon, Ash. Rickmansworth, Burn. Princes Risborough, Alice. Monks Risborough, Alice. Rowsham, Col. S Sabbinton, Ash. Sanderton, Dis. Aston Sandford, Ash. Saulden, Col. Shaulston, Buck. Shenley, New. Shenley brook end, Col. Sherington, New. Shipton, Col. Sinckleburrow, Col. Sipnan, Burn. Slapton, Col. Staunton, New. Stoke golding, New. Stoke poges, Stock. Stoke manuil, Alice. Stoke hamond, New. Stone, Alice. STONY STRATFORD, New. Stowe, Buck. Fenny Stratford, New. Water's Stratford, Buck. Stucklye, Coll. Sulbury, Coll. Swanburne, Coll. Sympson, New. T Tame flu. Thornborowe, Buck. Thornton, Buck. Thurringham, New. Tingwicke, Buck. Tinweston, Buck. Topley, Burn. Tottenhoo, Coll. Tousey, Ash. Turfeild, Dis. Turuye, New. Twyford, Buck. V Vpburne denicourt, Dis. Vpton, Stock. Vuing, Ash. W Waddosdon, Ash. Walton, Alice. Walton, New. Over Wamden, New. Warrington, New. Waysbury, Stock. Weeden, Col. Wendover florence, Al. Wendover, Alice. Westbury, Buck. Westcote, Ash. Weston underwood, Ne, Weston turuill, Alice. Wexham, Stock. Whaddon chase, Col. Whaddon, Col. Whitchurch, Col. HIGH WICKHAM, Burn. West Wickham, Dis. neither, Winchington, Ash. Upper, Winchington, Ash. Wing, Col. Wingrave, Col. WINSLOWE, Col. Winslow heath, Col. Wolston little, New. Wolston great, New. Woluerton, New. Woodsham, Ash. Wormenall, Ash. Wotton underwood, Ash. Woughton, New. Wyllyne, New. The name of this Shire. OXford-shire, receiveth her name from that famous University and most beautiful City Oxford, and this of the Ford of Oxen, say our English Saxons; though Leiland upon a ground of con●ecture will have it Ousford, from the River Ouse (by the Latins called Isis, which giveth name likewise to the adjoining Island Ousney) The Borders of Oxfordshire. The North point of this Shire is bordered upon, by the Counties of Warwick and Northampton: the East with Buckingham, the West by Gloucester-shire, and the South altogether is parted from Bark-shire by Thamisis, the Prince of British The air and temperature. Rivers. ) 2) The blessings both of the sweet-breathing heavens, and the fruitful site of this Counties soilo, are so happy and fortunate, that hardly can be said whether exceeds. The air mild, temperate and delicate; the Land fertile, pleasant and bounteous; in a word, both Heaven and Earth accorded The Soil. to make the Inhabitants healthful and happy: The hills loaden with woods and Cattles, the valleys burdened with Corn & pasturage: by reason of many fresh springing Rivers The Rivers. which sportingly there thorough make their passage; whereof, Euenlod, Charwel, Tame, & Isis are chief: which two last making their Bed of Marriage near unto Dorchester, run thence together in one channel and name. The length, breadth and Circumference. (3) The length of this Shire is from Cleydon in the Northwest, unto Caversham in her Southeast, near unto Thamisis, and amounteth almost to forty miles; the broadest part is in her Western Borders, which extending from the said Cleydon in the North, unto Faringdon seated upon the River Isis in the South, are scarcely twenty six: and thence growing narrower like unto a Wedge, containing in Circumference about one hundred and thirty miles. The ancient Inhabitants. (4) The ancient Inhabitants known to the Romans, were the Dobuni, part whereof possessed further westernely into Gloucestershire, and nearer Eastward, betwixt the bowing Caesar. Com. lib. 5. of Thamisis, were seated the Ancalites, who sent their submission unto julius Caesar, when report was made that the Trinobantes had put themselves under his protection; whereof followed the Britain's servitude under the proud yoke of the All-coveting Romans: yet afterwards this Counties people, being very puissant, (as Tacitus terms them) and unshaken by wars, withstood Ostorius Scapula the Roman Lieutenant, choosing rather to yield their lives in Battle, than their persons to subjection. Of later times it was possessed by the Mercian-Saxons, as part of their kingdom, though sometimes both the West- Saxons, and the Northumbrians had the dispose of some part thereof: for Beda affirmeth that king Oswold gave the then-flourishing City Dorchester, unto Berinus the Westsaxons Apostle, to be his Episcopal Sea: whence the good Bishop coming to Oxford and preaching before Wulpherus the Mercian King, (in whose Historia domus S. Swythuni Winton. Court Athelwold the South Saxons heathenish king was then present, he with all his Nobles were converted to the faith of Christ, and there baptized, whereby Berinus become the Apostle also of the South-Saxons. (5) Other places of memorable note, either for action therein happening, or for their own famous esteem, are the Rolle-rich-stones standing near unto Enisham in the south of this shire: a monument of huge stones, set round in compass, in manner of the Stonehenge: of which, fabulous tradition hath reported forsooth, that they were metamorphised from men, but intruth were there erected upon some great victory obtained, either by, or against Rollo the Dane, who in the year 876 entered England, and in this shire fought two Battles, one near unto Hoch-Norton, and a second at the Scier-Stane. Simon Dunell. (6) Rodcot likewise remaineth as a monument of Oxford's high-stiled Earl, but unfortunate Prince, Robert De Vere, who besides the Earldom was created by king Richard A Battle. the second, marquess of Dublin, and Duke of Ireland: but at that Bridge, discomfited in fight by the Nobles, and forced to swim the River, where began the downfall of his high mounted fortunes; for being driven forth of his Country, lastly died in exile and distressed estate. But more happy is this County in producing far more glorious Princes, as King Edward the Confessor, who in Islip was born, Edw. the victorious black Prince, in Woodstock; and in Oxford that warlike Coeur de Lion, King Richard the first, the son of King Henry the second, first took breath. Oxford. (7) Which City is, and long hath been the glorious seat of the Muses, the British Athens, & learning's wellspring, from whose living fountain the wholesome waters of all good literature streaming plenteously, have made fruitful all other parts of this Realm, and gained glory amongst all Nations abroad. Antiquity avoucheth, that this place was consecrated unto the sacred sciences in the time of the old Britain's, and that from Greekelad, a Town in Will't shire the Academy was translated unto Oxford, as unto a Plant-plot, both more pleasing and fruitful, whereto accordeth the ancient Merlin Vaticin. Necham de Nat. rerum. lib. ● Burlaeus in problemata Aristot. Burleaus and Necham, this later also alleging Merlin. But when the beauty of the Land lay under the Saxons profane feet, it sustained a part of those common calamities, having little reserved to uphold its former glory, save only the famous monument of S. Frideswids' Virgin-Conquest, no other school than left standing besides her Monastery: yet those great blasts together with other Danish storms, being Wil Malmes. well blown over, king Elfred, that learned & religious monarch, recalled the exiled Muses to their sacred place, and built there three goodly Colleges for the studies of Divinity, Philosophy, and other Arts of humanity, sending thither Annals of the Abbey of Winchester. his own son Ethelward, and drew thither the young Nobles from all parts of his kingdom. The first reader thereof was his supposed brother Neote, a man of great learning, by whose direction king Elfred was altogether guided in this his goodly foundation. At which time also, Asserius Monevensis, a writer of those times affairs, read the Grammar and Rhetoric, and affirmeth that long before them, Gildas. Melkin, Ninius, Kentigern, S. German and others, spent there their lives in learned studies. From which time that it continued a Seed▪ plot of learning till the Norman conquest, Ingulfus recordeth, who himself then lived. No marvel then if Matthew Paris calleth Oxford, the second school of Christendom, and the very chief Pillar of the Catholic Church. And in the Council holden at Vienna, it was ordained, that in Paris, Oxford, Bononia, and Salamanca (the Clementin. 5. only Universities then in Europe) should be erected schools for the Hebrew, Greek, Arabic, and Chaldean tongues, and that Oxford should be the general University for all England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales: which point was likewise of such weight with the Council of Constance, that from this Precedence of Oxford University, it was concluded, that the English Nation was not only to have precedence of Spain in See the Disceptation in the Council printed at Loran, 1517. all general Counsels, but was also to be held equal with France itself. By which high prerogatives this of ours hath always so flourished, that in the days of king Henry the third thirthie thousand students were therein resident, as Archbishop Armachanus (who then lived) hath writ: and Rishanger (than also living) showeth, that for all the Civil wars which Armachanus. Will Rishing. M. S. hindered such places of quiet study, yet 15000 students were there remaining, whose names (saith he) were entered in Matricula, in the Matriculation Book. About which time, john Balliol (the father of Balliol king of Scots) built a College, yet bearing his name, Anno 1269: and Walter Merton Bishop of Rochester, that which is now called Merton College, both of them beautified with buildings, and enriched with lands, and were the first endowed Colleges for Learning in all Christendom. And at this present there are sixteen Colleges Wadham College now in building. (besides another now in erecting) with eight halls, & many most fair Collegiate Churches, all adorned with most stately buildings, & enriched with great endowments, noble Libraries, and most learned Graduates of all Professions, that unless it be her sister Cambridge, the other nursing breast of this Land, the like is not found again in the world. This City is also honoured with an Episcopal See. As for the site thereof, it is removed from the Equator in the degree 52, and one minute, and from the West by Mercators' measure 19 degrees, and 20 minutes. (8) As this County is happy in the profession of so famous an Academy, so is it graced with most princely Palaces appertaining to the Englishish Crown, whereof Woodstock is the most ancient and magnificent, built to that glory by King Henry the first, & enlarged with a Labyrinth of many windings by King Henry the second, to hide from his jealous juno, his entirely beloved Concubine Rosamond Clifford, a damosel of surpassing beauty; where notwithstanding, followed by a Clew of silk that fell from her lap, she was surprised and poisoned by Queen Eleanour his wife, & was first buried at Godstow Nunnery, in the midst of the Choir under a Hearse of silk, set about with lights, whom Hugh Bishop of Lincoln (thinking it an unfit object for virgin's devotion) caused to be removed into the Churchyard: but those chaste sisters liked so well the memory of that kind Lady, as that her bones they translated again into their Chapel. Bensington is another of his majesties Manors, built by William de la Pole Duke of Suffolk, but now in neglect through the annoyance arising from the waters or marshes adjoining. Houses built for devotion & for abuse suppressed and again put down, the chief in account were Enisham, Osney, Bruern, Godstow, Burchester, and Tame, besides S. Frideswides, and very many other stately Houses of Religion in the City. The Division of this Shire is into fourteen Hundred, wherein are seated ten Market Towns, and two hundred and fourscore Parish Churches, whose names are Alphabetically inserted in the Table ensuing. OXFORDSHIRE described. with the City and the Arms of the Colleges of that famous University. Ao. 1605. HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE DIEV ET MON DROIT. The Arms of Elfred founder of Oxford. University College. 872. Merton College 1274. Oriall College 1323. New College. 1375. All Souls College. 1437. Bras●▪ nose College. 1513. Christ's Church 1546. Saint john's College. 1557▪ Chief places in the City observed by Alphabetical letters A. saint Giles. B. saint john's College. C. Trinity College. D. Balliol College. E. Magdalaine Church. F. Saint Michaels. G. jesus College. H. Exiter College I University schools K. Lincoln College. L. All hallows. M. Saint Martins. N. Corn Markett. O. St Peter in the Bailie P. The Castle. Q. Saint Thomas. R. Saint Ebbs. S. Saint Aldates. T. Christ's Church Col▪ V. Christ's Church. W. Corpus Chr: College X. Merton College. Y. Saint Maries. Z. All Souls College. 1. University College. 2. Brasenose College. 3. Oriall College. 4. East gate. Vere. E. of Oxford Sa●i ●●●ia Foeli ●●las The Arms of the University Balliol College 1263. Excester College. 1316. Queen's College. 1340 Lincoln College 1420. Magdalen College. 1459. Corpus Christi College. 1516. Trinity College 15●6. jesus College. Performed by John Speed and ar● to besold in p●pu● head all●y against the Exchange by I S. & G. H. Cum Privilegio. ANNO. 1610 Hundred in Ox fordshire. 1. BAnbury. 2. Bloxham. 3. Chadlington. 4. Wotton. 5. Pioughley. 6. Bullington. 7. Bamton. 8. Tame. 9 Lewknor. 10. Pirton. 11. Dorchester. 12. Ewelme. 13. Langtree. 14. Binfeild. A Adderbury, Blox. Addington, Ploug. Adw●ll, Lewk. Aluescott, Bamp. Ambesden, Bulling. Ardeley, Plough. Arnecott, Bulling. Ascott, Chad. Ascott, Tham. Assenton, Pirt. Astoll, Bam. Astoll Lie, Bam. Aston, steeple Wot. Aston, Bam. Aston, North Wots. Aston Rowen, Lewk. Aulkerton, Blox. B Bampton, Bampt. BANBURY, Ban. Balscott, Blox. Barford S. john's, Blox. Barford S. Michael, Wot. steeple Barton, Wot. March Baulden, Bulling. Toot Baulden, Bulling. Baynton, Ploug. Beckley, Bulling. Beckley Park, Bulling. Begbrocke, Wot. Bensington, Ewelme. Berington little, Bamp. Berwicke Priory, Ewelm. Berwicke Sulham, Ewelm. Bix brand, Binf. Bix Gebon, Binf. Black Burton, Bamp. Blackthorne, Bulling. Bladon, Wot. Bletchington, Flough. Bloxom, Blox. Blunt, Lewk. Bodicott, Blox. Bolney, Bin. Bradwe, Bamp. Brickenton, Bamp. Brids●tt, Bulling. Bright Hampton, Bampt. Brisemorton, Bamp. Britwell Priory, Ewelm. Britwell Baldwin, Ewelm. Britwell Fulham, Lewk. Broken, Chad. Brook Hampton Ewelm. Broughton, Blox. Broughton Poges, Bamp. Bruerne, Chad. Bucknell, Plough. Burcester, Plough. Burcester Kings, Plough. Burcott, Dor. BURFORD, Bamp. Burton great, Ban. Burton little, Ban. C Carbridge, Bamp. Cassington, Wot. Caswell, Bamp. Caverfeild, Plough. Caversham, Binf. Chackenton, Lang. Chadlington, Chad. Chalgrave, Ewelm. chapel on the Heath, Chad. Charleton, Plough. Charswell, Wot. Charwell Flu. Chastleton, Chad. Chawfer, Lewk. Cherlbury, Ban. Chesterton, Plough. Chilson, Chad. Chillworth, Bulling. Chinner, Lewk. CHIPPING NORTON, Chad. Chislehampton, Dor. Church Cowley, Bulling. Churchhill, Chad. Chimney, Bamp. Clanfeild, Bamp. Clare, Pirt. Clatercott, Ban. Cleydon, Ban. Clifton, Dor. Clifton, Wot. Coddington, Plough. Cogs, Wots. Cokethorpe, Bamp. Long Comb, Wot. Coome, Bulling. Coat, Bampt. Cottesford, Plough. Cotten, Ban. Temple Cowley, Bulling. Cowthorpe, Ban. Crawley, Bamp. Cromish battley, Ewelm. Cromish Gifford, Lang. Cornewell, Chad. Cropredie, Ban. Crowell, Lewk. Cuckham, Ewelm. Cuddesdon, Bulling. Cullam, Dor. D Deane, Chad. Deddington, Wot. Denton, Bulling. Dickley, Wot. Dorchester, Dor. Dracot, Ewelm. Drayton, Blox. Drayton, Dor. Ducklington, Bamp. Dunse Tive, Wot. Dunsden, Bin. E Elsfeild, Bulling. Emington, Lewk. Enesham, Wot. Enston, Chad. Epwell, Blox. Esington, Ewelm. Euenclods Flu. Ewelme, Ewelm. Eye, Binf. F Faringdon little, Bamp. Fauller, Ban. Fencott, Bulling. Fifeild, Dor. Fifeild, Chad. Finmore, Plough. Finscot, Ban. Foresthill, Bulling. Fringford, Plough. Fritwell, Plough. Fulbrooke▪ Chad. Fulwell, Plough. Fylkins, Bamp. G Garsington, Bulling. Gatehampton, Lang. Glimpton, Wot. Godington, Plough. Godstow, Wot. Goldar, Pirt. Goring, Lang. Gossard, Wot. Grafton, Bamp. Grayes-Court, Binf. Gray's, Binf. Greenfeild, Pirt. H Hampton, Short Chad. Hampton Poyle, Plough. Hampton Gay, Plough. Hanboro, Long Wot. Hanwell, Blox. Hardwick, Plough. Harecourt, Wot. Harwicke, Bamp. Haseley great, Ewelm. Haseley little, Ewelm. Haulton, Bulling. Hayley, Bamp. Heath, Plough. Heathorpe, Chad. Heddington, Bulling. Hempton, Wot. HENLY. Hensington, Wot. Heyford, neither Plough. Heyford warren, Plough. Hinton, Lewk▪ Holcombe, Ewelm. Hollwell, Bamp. HOOKE NORTON Chad. Hordly, Wot. Horley, Chad. Hornton, Chad. Horspath, Bulling. Horspenden, alias Harding, Bin. Horton, Bulling. Huddon, Bamp. I Ibsden, Lang. Idbury, Chad. Is●ey, Bulling. Ingeston, Lewk. Ipwell, Dor, Isis Flu. Islipp, Plough. KING Kellmiscott, Bamp. Kencott, Bamp, Kiddington, neither Wot, Kidington, Chad. Kidlington, Wot. Kingham, Chad. Kirtlington, Plough. L Langley, Chad. Lashbrooke, Bin. Latchford, Ewelm. Lawnton, Plough. Ledwell, Wot. Lefeild, Chad. Lewe, Bampt. Lewkenor, Lewk. Lillingston lovell, Plough. Littlemore, Bulling. The Lie, Ban. Lie, South Wot. Lie, North Wot. Lyneham, Chad. M Mangwell, Lang. Mappleduram Gurney, Bin. Mappleduram Chaws, Lang. Marston, Bulling. Merton, Bulling. Middle Barton, Wot. Middle Aston, Wot. Middleton Stony, Ploug. Milcombe, Blox. Milton, Blox. Milton, Chad. Minster Lovel, Chad. Mixbury, Plough. Moccott, Bulling. Mollington, Blox. Moore, North Chad. Morecott, Plough. Morton, Tame. Mylton little, Tame. Mylton great, Tame, N Neithorpe, Ban. Nettlebed, Ewelm. Newbridge, Wot. Newinton, Ewelm. Newnham Murrain, Lang. Newnham Courtney, Bulling. Newton, Blox. South Newton, Wot. Newton Pursell, Plough. Noke, Plough. Norton-brimer, Bamp. Norton, Over Chad. Nusfeild, Ewelm. OH Odington, Plough. Otmore, Bulling. Ou●, Chapel Chad. OXFORD, Wotton. P Piddington, Bulling. Pirton, Pirt. Piss hill, Pirt. Poscombe, Lewk. Prestend, Tame. Priorate, Bamp. Pudlicott, Chad. R Ramsden, Chad. Ricot, Tame. Rocot-bridge, Bamp. Rotherfeild Gray's, Bin. Rotherfeild Pepper, Bin. Rousham, Wot. Roll-rich-stones, Wot. Rowlwright great, Chad. Rowlwright little, Chad. S Sallford, Chad. Sandford, Bulling. Sanford Heath, Chad. Saresdine, Chad. Scadham, Tame. Sewcott, Plough. Shellswell, Plough. Sherborne, Pirt. Shilton, Bamp. Shifford, Bamp. Shiplake, Bin. Shipton upon Charwell, Wot. Shipton Underwood, Chad. Shotover Wood, Bulling. Shutford, Ban. Sidenham, Lewk. Sommerton, Plough. Souldrens, Plough. Southorpe, Chad. Spilesbury, Chad. Stanford, Wot. Stanlake, Bamp. Stanton S. john's, Bulling. Staunton Harecourt, Wot. steeple Aston, Wot. Stodham, Dor. Stoke line, Plough. Stoke Rew, Lang. Stoke Stolemag, Pirt. Stoke, North Lang. Stoke, South Dor. Stoken Church, Lewk. Stonsfeild, Wot. Stratton Audley, Plough. Swaclive, Banb. Swerford, Chad. Swinbrooke, Chad. Swincombe, Ewelm. Sybberds gore, Blox. Sybberds Ferries, Blox. Synett, Bamp. T Tackley, Wot. Tadmerton little, Blox. Tadmerton great, Blox. Tadilsthorpe, Chad. Tamerton great, Blox. Tangley, Chad. Tetsworth, Tame. Teynton, Chad. THAME NEW, Tame. Thame old, Tame. Thame Park, Tame. Thorpe, Wot. Thorpe, Lang. Thoulkford, Lewk. Tiddington, Bulling. Tive little, Wot. Tive great, Wot. Tusmore, Plough. Tythorpe, Lewk. V Vpton, Bamp. W Walcott, Chad. Warborro, Ewelm. Wardenton, Ban. Warrant, Plough. Warton, Wot. WATLINGTON, Pirt. Water Eaton, Wot. Waterpery, Bulling. Waterstoke, Tame. Weald, Bamp. Wendlebury, Plough. Westall hill, Chad. Westcott Barton, Wot. Weston, South Tame. Weston, North Tame. Weston on the Green, Plough. Westwell, Bamp. Whatley, Bulling. Whichwood Forest, Chad. Whitfeild, Pirt. Whitchurch, Lang. Wickam, Ban. Wigginton, Blox. Wightill, Wot. Willcott, Wot. Williamscott, Ban. WITTNEY, Bamp. Witch, Chad. Wive old, Ewelm. Woodcott, Lang. Wood●aton, Bulling. WOODSTOCK, Wot. Worton over, Wot. Worton neither, Wot. Wotton, Wot. Wroxstone, Blox. Wuluercott, Wot. Y Yarnton, Wot. Yellford, Bamp. GLOUCESTERSHIRE, in the Saxon tongue, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, lieth bordered The bounds of Gloucestershire. upon the North with Worcester and Warwicke-shires; upon the East with Oxford and Wilt-shire; upon the South, altogether with Somersetshire; and upon the West, with the River Wye and Herefordshire. The length. (2) The length thereof extended from Bristol upon the River avon in her South, unto Clifford upon another avon in her North, are about The breadth. forty eight miles; and her broadest part from East to West, is from Lechlad unto Preston, containing twenty eight: the whole circumference about one hundred thirty eight miles. The form. (3) The form whereof is somewhat long and narrow: the air thereof is pleasant, sweet, and delectable: and for fruitfulness of soil, hear Malmesbury, and not me: The ground of this Shire throughout (saith he) yieldeth plenty of corn, Wil Malmes. and bringeth forth abundance of first-fruits; the one through the natural goodness only of the ground, the other through the diligent The soil. manuring and tillage, in suchwise, that it would provoke the laziest person to take pains. Here you may see the Highways and Common Lanes clad with Appletrees and Peartrees, not engrafted by the industry of man's hand, but growing naturally of their own accord: the ground of itself is so inclined to bear first-fruits, and those both in taste and be auty far exceeding others, and will endure until a new supply come. There is not any Country in England so thick set with Vineyards as this Province is, so plentiful of increase, and so pleasant in taste. The very wines made thereof, carry no unpleasing tartness, as being little inferior in sweet verdure to the French Wines: the houses are innumerable, the Churches passing fair, and the Towns standing very thick. But that which addeth unto all good gifts (a special glory) is the River Severne, than which there is not any in all the Land, for Channel broader, for stream swifter, or for fish better stored. There is in it a daily rage and fury of waters, which I know not whether I may call a Gulf or Whirl pool of Waves, raising up the Sands from the bottom, winding and driving them upon heaps; sometimes overflowing her Banks▪ roveth a great way upon the face of her bordering grounds, and again retireth as a Conqueror into the usual Channel. Unhappy is the Vessel which it taketh full upon the side: but the Watermen wellware thereof, when they see that Hydra coming, turn the Vessel upon it, and cut thorough the midst of it, whereby they check and avoid her violence and danger. The Inhabitants. (4) The ancient people that possessed this Province, were the DOBUNI, who spread themselves further into Oxford-shire. But betwixt the Severne and Wye were seated part of SILURES, or Inhabitants of South-wales. And, upon what ground I know not, let Lawyers dispute it, the Inhabitants in some part of this Shire enjoy a private custom to this day, that the Goods and Lands of Condemned People fall unto the Crown but only for a Year and a Day, and then return to the next heirs, contrary to the custom of all Englaud besides. The commodities. (5) The general Commodities of this Shire, are Corn, Iron, and Wools, all passing fine, besides Pasturage, Fruits, and Woods, which last are much lessened by making of Iron, the only bane of Oak, Elm, and Beech. (6) These, with all other Provisions, are traded thorough Market towns. twenty five Market Towns in this County, whereof two are Cities of no small import: the first is Gloucester, from whom the Shire taketh name, seated upon Severne near the midst of this Shire, by Antonine the Emperor called Gl●uum, built first by the Romans, and set as it were upon the neck of the Silureses, to yoke them, where their Legion called Colonia Glewm, lay. It hath been walled about (excepting that part that is defended by the River) the ruins whereof in many places appear; and some part yet standing, doth well witness their strength. This City was first won from the Britaines by Cheulin the first King of the Westsaxons, about the year of Christ 570. and afterwards under the Mercians it flourished with great honour, where Osrik King of Northumberland, by the sufferance of Ethelred of Mercia, founded a most stately Monastery of Nuns, whereof Kineburg, Eadburg, and Eve, Queens of the Mercians, were Prioresses successively each after other. Gloucester City. (7) Edelfled a most renowned Lady, sister to king Edward the elder, in this City built a fair Church, wherein herself was interred; which being overthrown by the Danes, was afterwards rebuilt, and made the Cathedral of that See, dedicated unto the honour of S. Peter. In this Church the unfortunate Prince, King Edward the Second, under a Monument of Alabaster, doth lie; who being murdered at Barkley Castle, by the cruelty of French Isabella his wife, was there entombed. And not far from him, another Prince as unfortunate, namely Robert Curthose the eldest son of William the Conqueror, lieth in a painted wooden Tomb in the midst of the Choir: whose eyes were plucked out in Cardiff Castle, wherein he was kept prisoner twenty six years, with all contumelious indignities, until through extreme anguish he ended his life. And before any of these, in this City, say our British Historians, the body of Lucius our first Christian King was interred: and before his days the Britain's arviragus. The Graduation. The graduation of this County I observe from this City, whence the Pole is elevated in the degree of Latitude 52 and 14. minutes, and in Longitude from the West 18. and 5. minutes. Bristol. (8) The other City is Bristol, fair, but not very ancient, built upon the rivers avon and Froome, for trade of Merchandise a second London, and for beauty and account next unto York. This City standeth partly in this County, and partly in Sommersetshire: but being a County of itself, will acknowledge subjection to neither. Circester. (9) A City more ancient hath been Circester, by Ptolemie called CORINIUM; by Antonine, DUROCORNOVIUM; by Giraldus, Passerum Vrbem, The Sparrows City; upon a flying report, that Gurmund a Tyrant from Africa besieging Alexander Necham. this City, tied fire unto the wings of Sparrows, who lighting in the Town upon light matter, set flame upon all. The circuit of whose walls extended two miles about, wherein the Consular Port or ways of the Romans met and crossed each other. This City was won from the Britaines by Cheulin first King of the Westsaxons▪ afterwards it was possessed Marian●●. by the Mercians; and lastly, by the Danes under Gurmund (the former no doubt mistaken for him) wherein a Rabble of them kept the space of a year, Anno 879. and never since inhabited according to the circuit of her walls. Memorable places. (10) Places of memorable note are these: the Island Alney near unto Gloucester, wherein Edmund Iron-side the English, and Canutus the Dane, after many battles and blood, fought in single combat hand to hand alone, until they compounded for the kingdoms partition: Barkley Castle, Barkley. where King Edward the Second was thorough his fundament run into his bowels with a read burning Spit: Tewksbury Tewkesb●ry. the fatal period of King Henry the Sixth his government, and the wound of the Lancasterians Cause; for in a Battle there fought in Anno 1471. Prince Edward, the only son of King Henry, had his brains dashed out in a most shameful manner, the Queen his mother taken prisoner, and most of their favourites slain and beheaded. And at Alderley, a little Town standing eight miles from the Severne, upon the hills to this day are found Cockles, Perswinckles, Shell fish congealed into stones. and Oysters of solid stone: which whether they have been Shellfish and living Creatures, or else the sports of nature in her works, let the natural Philosophers dispute of and judge. Religious places. (11) The places of piety, set apart from other worldly services, and dedicated to religious uses by the devotions of Princes, erected in this Shire, were Tewksbury, D●●rhust, Gloucester, Minching, Barkley, Kingswood, Circester, Winchcomb and Hales; which last was built with great cost by Richard Earl of Cornwall, King of the Romans, wherein himself and his Duchess were interred. Their son Earl Ed●●●d brought out of Germany the blood of Hales, supposed and said to be part of that which Christ shed upon his Cross. In this place with great confluence and devotions of Pilgrimage it wa● sought to and worshipped, till time proved it a mere counterfeit, when the glorious light of the Gospel revealed to eyesight such gross Idolatries, and the skirts of Superstition were turned up, to the show of her own shame. Dukes and Earl● of Glocest●r▪ (12) Dukes and Earls that have borne the title of Gloucester, the first of every Family are by their Arms and Names within the Card expressed, ever fatal to her Dukes, though the greatest in blood and birth. The first was Thomas Woodstock son to King Edward the Third, who in Calais was smothered in a Featherbed to death. The second was Humphrey brother to King Henry the Fifth, by the fraudulent practice of the malignant Cardinal and Queen, made away at S. Edmonds-burie. And the last was Richard, brother to King Edward the Fourth, who by the just hand of God was cut off in battle by King Henry the Seventh. The Shires d●uis●on. (13) This Shires division is principally into four parts, subdivided into thirty Hundred, and them again into two hundred and eighty Parish-Churches: whose names are inserted in the Table upon the other part of this Card. GLOCESTERSHIRE contrived into thirty three several hundreds & those again in to sour principal divisions The City of Gloucester & Bristol described with the arms of such noble men as have bene dignified with the titlles of Earls & Dukes thereof Besides the 2 plots of Gloucester and Bristol (which are exactly set out with every Church Street Lane and place of note you must note also that the whole Shire is contrived into. 33. hundreds, all which are divided by certain pricks according to ancient custom and Records Now besides the divisions abo● specified) the Shire is quartered into 4 p●rtss the which also is explayned & severered by a little round Circle containing the n●mber of Hundr●dss within every division GLOUCESTER A. The College B. Cathedral Chu▪ C. St. Oswald D. St. Mary ante po E. St. Nicholas F. St. Bartholomew G. St. Marry grace H. St. Trinyty I St. Alhalowes K. St. Michael L. St. john's M. St. Aldames N. St. Marry Christ O. St. Owens P. Castle Gate Q. Black friars gate R. The Key S. The College gate T. K. Edw▪ gate V. The Bish▪ pallas W. The Deans house X. The ●igh Cross Y. South gate Z. West gate 1. North gate 2. East gate This City is not great but standeth handsomely and sweetly, ●s it were upon a hill, the Streets descending every way from the Cross. It is governed by a Mayor, two Sheriffs, and. 12. Aldermen, having both sword and Macees' borne before them. It is accounted one of the hundreds of the Shire: but indeed it is a County within itself of great command, having 2. other Hundred adjoined unto it. viz KINGS BERTON & DU●STON the which containing 30. Towns & Hamlets (lying round about the City) the Mayor & Citizens have the command of all the inhabitants there dwelling▪ the liberty thereof is called the Inshire▪ as more evidently is seen in the Map After many deadly battles fought betwixt Canut the Dane, and Edmund Ironsy de King of the English Saxons: the last was tried by single Combat betwixt them in the I'll of Alney near Gloucester, wherein they valiantly a white fought▪ & in the end accorded to part the Kingdom▪ which they jointly▪ governed, till treason t●●k 〈◊〉 the life of K. Edmund, & left the D●ne sole Monarch. At Tewkeshury● was fought the last battle between King Edward. 4. and K. Henry 6. wherein prince Edward the general was slain▪ and Queen Margaret the maintainer of th●●e quarrels taken prisoner. there died also in the battle Tho▪ E. of Devonshire▪ john Mar-Dorset▪ the L. Wenlake▪ & Edmund D. of Somerset there taken & beheaded. This was fought. 1471. HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENS DIEV ET MON DROIT Rob. Fitz Hamon Earl of Gloc. W. Mandevi●● Earl of Gloc●st. Robert d● Millent Erlse of Gl. Richard 〈◊〉 Cl●r● Er. of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Erl. of Gloc●st. Hugh 〈◊〉 Er. of Glocest. Hugh d. Andl●y Earl of Gloc. Tho● of Woods●●ck Earl of ●lo. H●●fry Duke of Gloc●s●●r Richard Duk● of 〈◊〉 BRISTOL BRISTOL is one of the greatest and f●mous City's in England, the greatest part thereof standeth in the ●o●●dess of Glocestershire the rest in Somersettshire▪ but the Brist●lli●●ss will not be counted in either, but willbe a Co●●ty or Shire within themselves It standeth upon the River of avon, which 4●yles ●yles from then● falls into Sever●▪ it ●ath a fair bridge of sto●e with h●●seses on each side like London bridge and almost half so long ●●though but 4 Arches In the East end of the City is the Castle, which they c●●ses to stand in Glocestershire There is no ●●●g●ill in all the City n●r any sink● that cometh from any house into the Streets but all is conveyed under ground▪ neither have they any C●rtss, ●●t c●ry all upon Sle●●s' the●is in the Ci●●y ●nd S●b●r●s 〈◊〉 fair Churches whereof. 18▪ are parish Churches▪ It is governed by a May●r Aldermen and Sheriffs having Sw●rd and wearing Scarlet ●ss they do in Gloucester, London and other Cities upon great high▪ and feasti●●ll ●●yess in the year. A 〈◊〉 of great Merchandise The chi●●●●●y standeth upon the lesse● River called Fr●me which 〈◊〉 & ●loweth some▪ times 40▪ 〈◊〉 in height bringing in Ships of very great ●urden. The Castle ●●s built by Robert Consul of Gloucester, ●astard son of King Henry the first. A. Great St. August▪ B. Little St. Augustin. C. The gaunt D. St Michael E. St james F. Fr●●gate G. St. Ihons H. St Laurence I. St Stephens K. St Leonard L. St Warburgs M. Christ church N. All-hallowss O. St Mary port P. St Peter Q. St Philip R. The Castle S. St Nicholas T. St Thomas V The Temple W. Ratcliff gate X. Temple gate Y. Newgate The Arms of the City Anno Domini 1610. Performed by John Sp●●de And are to be sold in popp●s' head Alley against the Exchange by john Sudbury and George Humble Cum Pri▪ Hundred in Gloucester shire. 1. BErkley. 2. Grombaldashe. 3. Langley and Swinshed. 4. Thornebury. 5. Henbury. 6. Pocklechurch. 7. Kings Barton. 8. Kistgate. 9 Dirhurst. 10. Cleeve. 11. Tibolston. 12. Cheltenham. 13. Tewexburie. 14. Westminster. 15 Slaughter. 16. Dudstone. 17. Blidesloe. 18. S. Briavels'. 19 Westbury. 20. Bolloe. 21. Crothern. 22. Rapsgate. 23. Whitston. 24. Britles Barrow. 25. Bradly. 26. Longtree. 27. Bisleigh. 28. Barton. 29. Wotton. 30. Gloucester. A Abeall, Bradley. Abenhall, Briavell. Ablington, Britell. Aboteston, Pockle. Acton illger, Gromb. Acton turfeile, Groom. Addlestrape, slaugh. Admington, Kisegat●. Alderleigh, Gromb. Alderton, Tewx. Alkington, Berck. Almondsbury, Berck. Alueston, Langley. Aluington, Blidesto. Ampney Donu, Croth. Ampney holyrode, Croth. Ampney Peter, Croth. Apestrosse, Gromb. Apperley, Westminst. Arle, Chelton. Artingham, Whitst. Arlingham, Berk. Arlington, Britell. Ashchurch, Tewk. Ashleworth, Berk. Ashleworth, Dudston. Ashton underhill, Tibol. Ashton underhill, Tewx. Ashton upon carrion, Tewx. Aston Someruill, Kysegat. Aston underedge, Kisegat. Atherston, Kisteg. Auening, Longtree. avon, Flu. Aulston worcest coun. Tewx. Aulsworth, Brittle. Aunsbury, Henbu. Aust, Henbu. Aust passadg, Henbu. Awte, Blideslo. Aylberton, Blideslo. Ayluerton, Langley. B Badgenden, Croth. Badgeworth, Dudsto. Badmiton great, Gromb. Badmanton little, Gromb. BARKLY, Berk. Barton street, Dudston. Barnewood, Dudston. Barnsley, Bursell. Barrington, Slaught. Battesford, Kysegate. Bawton, Croth. Beaverston, Berck. Bekford, Tewk. Beckford, Tibol. Bengrove, Tibol. Bentham, Dudstone. Bicknor English, Briau●ll. Birdly, Rapsgate. Bisley, Bisley. Bitton, Langley. Blakney, Bledis. S. Blasse Chapel, Henb. Blayson, West. Bleddington, Slaugh. Bleisdone, Westbu. Blockley of Worcest, Coun. Ki. Bodenten, Chelt. Boddington, Tewx. Bowthorpe, Bright. Boxwell, Gromb. Bradley, Wotton. Bradley, Wotton. Bradston, Berck. Bradway, Kistg. Bradwell, Slaugh. Brenchyate, Langley. S. Briavels', Briavell▪ Brimsfeild, Rapsg. BRISTOL, Brochampton, Brad. Brockington, Cleeve. Brockworth, Dudstone. Brodwell, Slaugh. Brokwer, Briavell. Bromsborrowe, Botlo. Bruckthropp, Dudsto. Buckland, Kisega●. Bulley, Botlo. Burton on the hill, Tewx. Burton on the hill, Westminst. Burton super Mont, Kyst. Burton on the water, Slaugh. Bybery, Britell. C Calmsden, Rapsg. Cambridge, Berck. CAMPDEN BROAD, Kysegat. Cardiff, Tewx. Cawhunborne, Kyseg. Cemerton, Tewx. Cerny north. Rapsegat. Cerney south, Croth. Charfeild, Gromb. Charleton, Henbu. Charlton, Longtre. Charleton Abbots, Kysegat. Charleton Kings, Chelton. Charringworth, Kysega. Chaseley, Westminst. Chedworth, Rapsg. CHELTONHAM, Chel. Cherington, Longtre. Chesell pill, Henbu. Childeswickham, Kyseg. Chipping Campden, Gromb. CHIPPING SODBURY, Gromb. Churcham, Westb●. Church beam, Briavel. Churchdowne, Dudston. Churn, Flu. CIRENCESTER, Crot. Clapton, Slaugh. Cleeve Bishops, Cleeve. Clifford, Kistgat. Clifford chambers, Tew. Clifton, Barton. Clurewall beam, Briavel. Cores-would, ●ist. Coats, Croth. Codrington, Gromb. Cold aston, Pockle. Cold aston Lodge, Pockle. Colford, Briavell. Coln, Flu Combe, Berk. Compton, Bradly. Compton greenefeild, Henbu. Compton little, Dirhurst. Coteswowd, Bisley. Couldaston, Bradly. Couldaston lodge, Chur. Cowberkley, Bradly. Cowley, Berk. Cowln allines, Brittle. Cowln deans, Dirhurst. Cowndemill, Bradly. Cown Rogers, Bradly, Cowlnsborne, Rapsg. Cow, Rapsg. Cranham, Rapsg. Crombhall, Berck. Cross, Westminst. Cross Court, Westminst. Cross wood, Westminst. Cuckerton, Longtree. Cundicot, Kissed. Cundicott, Slaugh. Cuttesden, Kes●g. D Daglingworth, Croth. DEANE GREAT, Briavell, Deane little, Briavell, Deane, Forrest, Briavel. Dedmerter, Gromb. Derham, Gromb. Derham Lodge, Grom. Didbrooke, Kistg. Dikston, Tewk. Dirhurst, Dirhust. Dirhurst walton, Westminst. Dixton, Tewx. Doddington, Gromb. Dorsington, Kistg. Dorsington, Kistg. Dovell, Longtree, Doughton, Longtree. Dowdeswell, Bradly. Downehart henley, Dudston. Doynton, Langley. Driffeld, Croth. Dunbleton, Kistg. Dunington, Slaught. Dunsborne Abbots, Croth. Dunsborne Lyre, Raps. Dunsborne Rowse, Crot. DURSLEY, Wotton, Durham, Grom. Durham lodge, Grom. Dymmock, Botlo. E Eastlenton, Brad. Easton, Barton. Eberton, Kistg. Edgeworth, Bisley. Elberton, Berck. Elmeley, Tewk. Elmote, Dudston. Elmston, Chelton. Elmstree, Longtree. Elston, Rapsgat. Emington, Westminst. Estleach Marton, Brittle. Estleach Turuill, Brittle. Estrigton, Bradley. Estington, Whitston. Euenlod, Kistg. Euersholme Valley, Kistg. F Farmecott, Kistg. Fairefeild, Brittle. Falefeild, thorn. Fiddington, Tewx. Filton, Berck. Flaxley, Briavell. Ford, Kistg. Forthampton, Tewx. Frampton, Bisley. Frampton cottrel, Langley. Frampton upon Sabrin Whit. Framilode passage, Whitston. Frethernes, Whitston, Froceter, Whitston. from, Flu. from, Langley. G Gatcombe, Blidesto. Getting Temple, Kistg. Getting neither, Kysteg. Getting poor, Kistg. GLOUCESTER, Dudsto. Grafton, Tibol. Greet, Kistg. Gretton, Kistg. Grumball, Gromb. Gudderington, Cleeve. H Ham, Wotton. Ham Wotton. Humbrooke, Langl●y. Hampton mersey, Croth. Hampnet, Bradly. Hamsfallow, Berck. Hangingston of Worcest Count Kistg. Hanham west, Bart. Hannan, Langley. Hardwick, Whitstone. Harescomb, Dudston. Harfeild, Whuston. Harnell, Croth. Harnhill, Croth. Hartbury, Dudston. Harwick, Westminst. Haselton, Bradly. Hasfeild, Westminst. Hatherley, Dudston. Hatharpe, Brittle. Hawksbury, Gromb. Hawling, Kistg. The haw passage, Tewk. Hails, Kistg. Hempton, Langley. Hempsted, Dudston. Henbury, Henbury. Heydon, Westminst. Hidcott, Kistg. Hill, Berck. Himton on the Green, Tibol. Hincham, Dudston. Hinton, Gromb. Hinton, Berck. Harefeild, Berck. Horseley, Longtre. Horton, Gromb. HORWOOD, Gromb. Hucklecot, Dud. Huelsfeild, Bri. Huntingford, Berck. Huntley, Botlo. Hyde, Kistg. Hynton, Kistg. I S. john's Ashes, Bradley. Ircott. Langley. Ircott Ganuth, thorn. Iron Acton, thorn. Itchington, Henbury. KING Kempley, Botlo. Kempsford, Briavell. Kemmerton, Tewk. Kingscot, Berck. Kingsholme, Dudston. King's Road, Henbury. Kingswood, Gromb. Kingswood Forest, Langley. Kingweston, Berck. Kynton, Thornbury. L Lancante, Westb. Lasborow, Longtre. Lassington, Dudston. Late●ige, Thornbury. Laverton, Kistg. Lea, Briavell. Leaden Flu. Leaden Court, Glouc. Leaden height, Dudston. Leech Flu. Leckhampton, Chelto. Lecombe, Slaughter. Leighterton, Gromb. Lemington the less, Tewx. LETCHLAD, Brittle. Lilton, Dudston. Littleton, Gromb. Littleton upon Severne, La●gle. Longborough, Kissed. Longford, Dudston. Longhope, Botlo. Longney, Whitston. Loyterton, Grom. Luppiat neither, Bisley. Luppiat over, Bisley. Lydney, Blid. The Lie, Chel. M Maismore, Dudston. Mangersbury, Slaught. Mangesfeild, Barton. MARSHFEILD, thorn. Marsh-Salt, Henb. Marston, Kissed. Marston Sicca, Kissed. Matson, Dudston. Merton Henmersh, Kissed. Mesyhampton, Croth. Mickleton, Kistg. Micklewood Chase, wotton. Milcot, Kistg. MINCHIN-HAMPTON Longtre. Minstetworth. Botlo. Misterden, Bisley. Morton, Thornbury. Morton, Westminst. Morton Valence, Whit. Mynetey, Croth. N Natton, Tewx. Naunton, Slaught. Naunton, Kistg. Newent, Botlo. New park, Berkley. Newland, Briavell, NEWN●HAM, Botlo. Newton, Tewx. Newton Bagpa●h, Berck. NEWENT, Botl. New work, Wotton, New work, Dudston, New work, Wotton. Nimpsfield, Berck. NORTHLEACH▪ Brad. Northwaye, Tewx. Northwick of Worcest, Coun. Kistg. Northwick, Henbury. Norton, Dudstou. Notgrave, Bradley. Nybley North, Wotton, OH Oddington, Slaught. Oldburie, Thornebury. Oldbury, Gromb. Olueston, Langley. Osleworth, Berck. over, Dudston. over, Langley. Onolpen, Berck. Oxenden, Tewx. Oxenhall, Bottle. Oxling, Whitston. P Pacha, L●ngley. Pagenhull, Bisley. Pariswick, Bisley. Pumington, Tewx. Pantley, Botlo. Passage, Tewx. Paxford of Worcest, Kistg. Painswick Lodge, Bisl y. Pebworth, Kistgat. Pinock, Kistgat. Pirton passedg, Blideslo. Pitchcombe, Dudston. Pocklechurch, Pock. Post lip, Kistg. Pulton in Wilsh. Coun. Cr●thern. Pulton, Crothern. Prestbury, Dirhurst. Preston, Eudston. Preston, Botlo. Preston, Broth. Preston upon Stower, Dirburs●. Prigne, Dudston. Q Queiton, Kistg. Quevinton, Brittle. Quedsley, Whirston. R Radburgh, Longtre. Rangeworth, Thornb. Redwicke, Henbury. Rendcombe, Rapsg. Ridland, Hem. Rissington great, Slaught. Rissington little, Slaught. Rockhampton, Lang. Rodberow, Long●re. Rodmarton, Longtre. Ruardyne, Briavel. Ruddle, West. Rudford, Botlo. Runwicke, Whit. S Saintbury, Kistg. Sandhur●t, Dud. Salperton, Bradly. Sarney North, Rapsg. Sarney South, Croth. Saperton, Bisley. Saul, Whit. Seasoncot, Kistg. Sedgebarrow, Tewx. Senhampton, Brad. Settesley passage, Westb. Severne Flu. Sewdely, Kistg. Sewdely Castle, Kistg. S●wdeley Park, Kistg. Shardington Great, Dudston. Shardington little, Dudston. Sh●arhampton, Henb. Shenington, Tewx. Sheperdine, Berck. Sherborne, Slaugh. Sherenton, Kings. Sherston Rock, Henbury. Shipton Moigne, Longtree. Shipton Olive, Bradly. Simonshall, Berck. Slaughter the less, Slaught. Slaughter the upper, Slaught. Slimbride, Berck. Snowshull, Kis●g. Sodburie little, Gromb. Sodburie old, Gromb. Solars, Bradly. Southam, Cleeve. Southorpe, Britl. Southweeck, Tewx. Standish, Whitst. Standley Kings, Whitston. Stanley Leonard, Whitston. Stanley Poutlarge, Kistg. Stanton, Bri●uell. Staunton, Kistg. Stanway Church, Tewx. Stanway Wood, Tewx. Stapleton, Barton. Star●on, Dirhurs●. Steanbridge, Bisley. Stinchcombe, Berck. Stoke, Kistg. Stoke Bishops, Henbury. Stoke Gifford, Henbury. Stoke Lodge, Henbury. Stoke Orchard, Cleeu●. Stone, Berckley. Stonehouse, Whitston. STOW on the Wowld, Slaugh. Stowell, Bradley. Stowicke, Henbury. Streatton, Croth. STROUD, Bis●ey. Stroud Flu. Suddington Langley, Croth. Sutton, Gloc. Sutton under brayles, West●●. Suilliat Flu. Swell the higher, Kistg. Swell the lesser, Slaught. Swindon, Chelton. side, Rapsg. Synwell, Berck. Syston, Pockle. T Tadilthorpe, Slaught. Teintons, Botlo. TETBURY, Longtre. TEWXBURY, Tewx. THORNBURY, Thorn. Thormatton, Bradley. Throngham, Bisley. Tibberton, Botlo. Titherington, Thorn. Tockington, Langl●y. Toddenham, Westmin. Todenham, Kistg. Toddington, Tewx. Todington, Kistg. Tormerton, Grom. Torworth, Gromb. Tuddington, Kistg. Tuffley, Dudston. Tunley, Bisley. Tu●kedean, Bradley. Turfeild, Grom. Twiggeworth, D●dston. Twinning, Kistg. twining, Tewx. Treacle, Westh. Treddington, Tewx. Tresham, Gromb. Tyddenham, Westb. Tyrley, Dirhurst. Tyrley, West. V Vckington, Dirhurst. S. Vincents Rock, Barton. Vineyard, Westminst. Vley, B●rck. Vpleadon, Botlo. Vpton, Long. Vpton S. Leonard, Dud. Vrcote, Swim. W Walford, Kistg. Walland, Lang. Walton, Tewx. Washborne, Tewx. Washborne Worcest County Tew Wapleigh, Gromb. Wansw●ll, Berck. Waynlode hill, Gloc. Week, Pock. Welford, Dirh. Westall, Chel. Westbury, West. Westburie upon Trinn, Ho●b. Westcott, Slaught. Westerleygh, Pockle. Westington, Kistg. Weston, Kistg. Weston Birt, Longtre. Weston Regis, Hen. Weston Laurence, Hen. Weston under edge, Kissed. Whaddon, Dud. Whetenhurst, Whit. Whitfeild, West. Whiteley Park, Berk. Whitmy●●er, Whit. Whittington, Brad. Wickrissington, Slaught. WICKWARRE, Gromb. Wickwick, Lang. Widford, Gloc. Will●rsey, Kistg. WINCHCOMB, Kistg. Windridge, Slaught. Windrush Flu. Windrush, Slaugh. Winston, Brad. Winston, Bisley. Wintesborne, Lang. WITCOMBE GREAT, Dud. Witcombe little, Dud. Withibridge, West. Woodchester, Long. Woodmancot, Cleeve. Woodmancott, Berck. Woodmercott, Rapsg. Woolasto●, W●st. Woolston, Dur. Wormington Little, Kistg. Wortly, Berck. Wotton, Dud. WOTTON underedge, Wotton. Wowlsworth, Long. Wye Flu. Wyke, Pu●k. Wythyngton, Br●d. Y Yate, Hen. Yate, Gro●●. Yattelton Hill, Botlo. Yeanworth, Brad. The measure and circumference of this Shire. HEREFORD-SHIRE, (formerly accounted within the Limits of Wales) lieth circulated upon the North with Worcester and Shrop-shire; upon the East with Maluern hills is parted from Gloucestershire; upon the South is kept in with Monmouth-shire; and upon the West in part with the Hatterall hills is divided from Breknok; and the rest confined with Radnorshire. The Climate. 2) This Counties Climate is most healthful and temperate, and soil so fertile for corn & cattle, that no place in England yieldeth more, or better conditioned: sweet rivers running as veins in the body, do make the corne-bearing grounds in some of her parts rightly to be termed the Gilded Vale: and for waters, wool, and wheat, doth contend with Nilus, Colchose, and Egypt: such are Lemster and Irchenfeild, the banks of Wye, Luge, and from. The ancient Inhabitants. (3) The ancient People known to the Romans, (whose power they well felt before they could subdue them) were the Silureses placed by Ptolemie in this tract, and branched further into Radnor, Breknok, Monmoth, and Glamorgan-shires, at this day by us called Southwales, and by the Welsh Deheubarth. Their Original, Tacitus in vita Agricola. as Tacitus conjectureth by their site, coloured countenances, and curled hair, was out of Spain, and as both he and Pliny describes them, were fierce, valiant, and impatient of servitude, which well they showed under Caratacus their Captain, & nine years scourge to the Roman assaulters, for whose only conquest, (and that made by treachery) the Victor in Rome triumphed with more than a usual Aspect; and with so equal an hand bore the Scoale of Resistance, that their own Writers evermore term it a dangerous war. For the Legion of Marius Valens they put to flight, and that with such havoc of the Associates, that Ostorius the Lieutenant of Britain for very grief gave up his ghost: and Veranius under Nero assaulted them in vain. But when Vespasian was Emperor, and expert Soldiers employed into every Province, julius Frontinus subdued these Silureses unto the Romans, where continually some of their Legions afterward kept, till all was abandoned in Valentinians time. Sutton the Court of King Offa. (4) The Saxons then made themselves Lords of this Land, and this Province a part of their Mercians kingdom; yea and Sutton the Court of great Offa their King. Hereford the chief City. (5) But Hereford after, raised of the ruins of old Ariconium, (now Kenchester, shaken in pieces by a violent Earthquake) grew to great fame, through a conceived Sanctity by the burial of Ethelbert King of the East-Angles slain at Sutton by Offa, at what time he came thither to have espoused his Daughter; whose Grave was first made at Marden, but afterwards canonised and removed to this City, when in honour of him was built the Cathedral Church by Milfrid, a petty King of that Country, which Gruffith Prince of Southwales, and Algar an Englishman rebelling against King Edward Confessor, consumed with fire; but by An. Do. 1055. Bishop Reinelin was restored as now it is, at what time the Town was walled, and is so remaining in good repair, having six Gates for entrance, and fifteen Watchtowers for defence, extending in compass to fifteen hundred Pases: and whence the North-pole is observed to be raised 52. degrees, 27. minutes in Latititude, and is set from the first point of the West in Longitude 17. degrees and 30. minutes, being yearly governed by a Mayor chosen out of one & thirty Citizens, which are commonly called the Election, and he ever after is known for an Alderman, and clothed in Scarlet, whereof four of the eldest are justices of Peace, graced with a Sword-bearer, a Recorder, a Town-Clerke, and four Sergeants with Mace. The greatest glory that this City received, was in King Athelstans' days; where (as Malmsbury doth report) he caused the Lords of Wales by way of Tribute, to pay yearly (besides Hawks and Hounds) twenty pound of gold, and three hundred pound of silver by weight; but how that was performed and continued I find not. Bone-well. (6) Things of rare note in this Shire are said to be, Bone-well, a spring not far from Richard's Castle, wherein are continually found little Fish Bones, but not a fin seen; and being wholly cleansed thereof, will notwithstanding have again the like, whether naturally produced, or in veins thither brought, no man knoweth. (7) But more admirable was the work of the Omnipotent even in our own remembrances, and year of Christ jesus 1571. when the Marcley Hill in the Marcley Hill. East of this Shire roused itself out of a dead sleep, with a roaring noise removed from the place where it stood, and for three days together traveled from her first site, to the great amazement and fear of the beholders. It began to journey upon the seventh day of February, being Saturday, at six of the clock at night, and by seven in the next morning had go forty Pases, carrying with it Sheep in their coats, hedge-rowes, and trees; whereof some were overturned, and some that stood upon the Plain, are firmly growing upon the Hill, those that were East, were turned West; and those in the West were set in the East: in which remove it overthrew Kinnaston Chapel, and turned two high-wales near a hundred yards from their usual paths formerly trod. The ground thus traveling, was about twenty six Acres, which opening itself with Rocks and all, bore the Earth before it for four hundred yard's space without any stay, leaving that which was Pasturage in place of the Tillage, and the Tillage overspread with Pasturage. Lastly, overwhelming her lower parts, mounted to an hill of twelve fathoms high, and there rested herself after three days travel: remaining his mark that so job 28. 9 Esay 40. 12. laid his hand upon this Rock, whose power hath poised the Hills in his Balance. Religious houses. (8) Religious houses built by the devotions of Princes, and stored with Votaries and revenues for life, were in this Shire no less than thirteen most sweetly seated in the places as followeth: at both the Hereford's, Barron, Ewayot, Clifford, Monemue, Acornebury, Lemster, Lingbroke, Peterchurch, Kilpek, Dore, and Wiggemore: and suspected of hypocrisy, were called in question by King Henry the eight, and so strictly pursued, that some faults were apparent, whereby they were laid open to the general deluge of the Time, whose stream bore down the Walls of all those foundations, carrying away the Shrines of the dead, and defacing the Libraries of their ancient Records. (9) This County before the Conquest being accounted in Wales, was then strengthened with Forts against the English: and being once made a Province to England, was fortified with Castles against the Welsh, wherein we find no less than twenty eight, though many of them now are ruinated to nothing. Such The number of Castles in this Shire. were Alban, at both the Ewyats', Godridg, Grosmond, Herdley, Hereford, Old Castle, Dorston, Brampton, Bredwarden, Saint Biruells, Ledbury, Lenals, Snowdel, Harlewais, Huntingdon, Wilton, Wigmore, Richards, Monemue, Corft, Kilbeck, Clifford, Skenefred, Witeney, Radenwer, and Kenevenleis, and is traded with eight Market-towns, Market towns. being divided into eleven Hundred, and in them seated one hundred seventy and six▪ Parish-Churches, containing in compass 102. miles. HEREFORD-SHIRE described With the true plot of the City Hereford▪ as alsoe the Arms of those Nobles that have been entitled with that Dignity HEREFORD A Alhallowe B St. Peter's C St. john's D S. Ethelberts minst E St. Nocholas FLETCHER Kirryes' Hospital G S ᵗ giles Almeshous H S ᵗ Ethelberts Alms I S ᵗ Ethelberts Well KING High Causye L Wyebrigd street M Pipewell street N King Diche OH Broad street P Wroughtall Q Packers Lane R Bewall street S Gilford street T Northgate street V Beyond the wall W Castle street Y Cabbage lane X Hongery street 2 The Castle 3 Bowsye lane 4 Wy●marsh street 6 jewry lane 7 saint Thomas street 8 Old street 9●ritonss ●ritons street 10 Wye Bridje A SCALE OF PASES Upon the Verge of this Shire betwixt Lud●●w and little Hereford, a great ●aitail was fought by J●sper Earl of Pembroke and james Butler Earl of Ormond and Wiltshire, against Edward Earl of March▪ In which 3800. men were slain. The two Earls fled, and Owen Teuther taken and beheaded. This field was fought upon the day of the Virgin M●ri●● Purification in Anno 1461. Where in before the battle was stroke, appeared visibly in the firmament three Suns which af●●r a while joyn●d all together and become as before: for which cause (as some have thought) Edward afterwards gave the Sun in his full brighenes for his badge and c●gnizante. William Fitz Osborn Robert Bossu E. Miles Consta of Engl. Henry Bohun E. Henry Bullingbrok D. Stafford Performed by john Speed And▪ are to be sold in the Pope's head alley against the Exchange by john Sud●ury▪ and Georg Humble. Cum Privilegio 1●10. HUNDREDS IN Hereford-shire. 1. Wigmore hund. 2. Wolsey hund. 3. Broxash hund. 4. Stretford hund. 5. Radlow hund. 6. Grimsworth hun. 7. Greytree hund. 8. Webtree hund. 9 Ewiaslacy hund. 10. Wormelow hun. 11. Hunlington hun. A Akenbury, Grey. Alismoore, Web. Allmely, Street. Altyrynis, Ewia. Amberley, Brox. Arcoppe, Worm. Aresland, Street. Arkeston, Web. Arro Flu. Ashton, Wolse. Asperton, Rad. Aston, Wols. Aston, Grey. Aston, Wig. Atforton, Wig. Auenbury, Brox. Aylmystree, Wig. Aylton, Rad. B Backton, Web. Ballingham, Worm. Bartestre, Rad. The Batch, Ewia. Batch, Hunl. Bearley, Street. Bickleton, Wols. Birchall, Wols. Birrinton, Wols. Birriton, Wols. Blackmere, Web. Boddenham, Brox. Boresford, Wig. Boshbury, Rad. Boulston, Wor●. Boushopston, Grim. Brampton, Grey. BRAMYARD, Brox. Branstill Castle, Rad. Breadwardyne, Web. Bridgesellars, Grims. Brierley, Wols. Briestowe, Worm. Brimmeld, Wols. Bringewood chase, W●g. Brobery, Grims. Brockhanton, Grey. Brockmanton, Wols. Brodward, Wols. Brompton, Wig. Brompton brian, Wig. Broxwood, Street. Brylley, Street. Brylley, Hunl. Brymsfeild, Wols. Brynsope, Grims. Brynton, Gri●s. Buckton, Wig. Bullingham upper, Web. Bullingham neither, We. Bullington, Street. Burfeild, Grims. Burrington, Wig. Burton, Street. Bury, Street. Byforde, Grims. Byrche little, W●rm. Byrche great, W●rm. Byrdenbury, Brox. Bysshopton, Grims. Byton, Wig. C Calowe, Web. Camberton, Wols. Canforme, Rad. Canon peon, Grims. Carsop, Grims. Cascob, Wig. Chaunston, Web. Chorlestre, Web. Clayhonger, Web. Cledoll, Ewia. Clyfford, Hunl. Coddington, Rad. Collington, Brox. Colwall, Rad. Combe, Wig. Covenhope, Street. Coughton chapel, Gre. Cowarne little, Brox. Cowarne great, Brox. Cowley, Rad. Coxall, Wig. Cradley, Rad. Craswell chapel, Ewia. Crednell, Grems. Croft Castle, Wols. D Delwine, Street. Deluin little, Wols. Deluin solerss, Wols. Dereford Castle, Wig. Saint Deverax, Web. Dewchurch, Web. Dewchurch great, Wor. Dewchurch little, Worm. Dewlas, Web. Dewsall, Worm. Didley, Web. Dockley, Wols. Doier Flu. Dormington, Grey. Dorston, Web. Dounton, Wig. dower, Web. Druxton, Web. Dunington, Rad. Dynchill, Brox. Dyneder, Web. E Eardisley, Hunling. Easbache, Rad. Eaton, Wols. Eaton, Grey. Eaton Bishops, Web. Ecklesall, Grey. Edwin loche, Wols. Edwin raph, Wols. Eiton chapel, Wols. Elstones Bridge, Web. Elton, Wig. Erdeslay, Street. Eskle Flu. Eskle, Ewia. Estnor, Rad. Euington, Wols. Euisbache, Rad. Eye, Wols. F Farlow, Wols. Fawley chapel, Grey. Fawn●hope, Grey. Felton, Brox. The Fothoke, Ewia. Fowchuch, Web. Fowemynd chapel, Ewia. Fowemynd, Ewia. Foye, Worm. Frogstreet, Wig. from Flu. from, Grey. Castle from, Rad. Bishops from, Rad. G Garner Flu. Garran Flu. Garwaye, Worm. Grafton, Web. grange, Wig. Gransam, Rad. Grenden Warren, Brox. Bishops Grenden, Brox. Glewston, Worm. Gotheridge, Worm. Gotheridge Castle, Worm. Gunarewe, Worm. H Ham, Worm. Ham lacye, Web. Hamnesh, Wols. Hampton, Grims. Hampton, Wols. Hampton, Wols. Hardwicke, Hunl. Harewood, Worm. Hargast, Street. Hargast, Hunl. Harlestewas, Web. Harton, Wig. Hatfeild, Wols. Hawood Forest, Web. Hennor, Wols. Henteland, Worm. HEREFORD▪ Grims. Hereford little, Wols. Hide, Brox. Hide hill, Wolf. West Hyde, Rad. Holmer, Grims. Hongaston, West. Hope, Wols. Hoplers green, Wols. Horewethye, Worm. Howcaple, Grey. Howton, Web. Hullingwicke, Brox. Humber, Wols. Hunlington, Hunl. Huntingdon chapel, Grims. Huntyngton, Street. Huntisham, Worms. Hursley, Wols. I Ingham, Grey. Ingleton, Rad. Inkeston, Worm. KING Kenbury, Worm. Kenchester, Grims. Kenderchurch, Web. Kevernall, Worm. Kewstope, Ewia. Kilpecke Castle, Worm. Kimmalton, Wols. Kings Caple, Worm. King's peone, Street. Kingesland, Street. Kingesland, Wig. Kingsham over, Wig. Kingsham neither, Wig. Kingston, Web. Kinnaston chapel, Gre. Knill, Wig. Kynechurch, Web. KYNETON, Hunl. Kynnarsley, Street. Kynton, Wig. L Llancony, Ewia Llandinabo, Worm. Llangarran, Worm. Llanrothall, Worm. Llansillo, Ewia. Llanueyno chapel, Ewe. Llanwarne, Worm. Llanyhangle, Web. Llany●angleeskle, Ewia. Llattons, Grims. Lawton, Wig. Laystas' Chapel, Wols. neither Lee, Wig. Over Lee, Wig. Lea, Grey. LEMSTER, Wols. Lenals castle Street. Lenthall Earls, Wig. Lenthall Starkes, Wig. Lentwardyne, Wig. Leonhalls, Street. Letton, Wig. Letton, Street. Limebrooke, Wig. Lingan, Wig. Lodan Flu. Logason, Wols. Longetowne, Ewia. Longward, Rad. Luckton, Wols. Ludford, Wols. Lugier Flu. Lugwardyne, Rad. Luntley, Wols. Luston, Wols. Lyde, Grims. Lydden Flu. LYDBURY, Rad. Lydbury Foreign, Rad. Lynton, Grey. Lynton, Brox. Llytton, Wig. M Madley, Web. Mansfeild gamage, Grim. Marcle great, Grey. Marcle little, Rad. Marcle hill, Rad. Marden, Brox. S. Margaret's, Ewia. Margast, Street. Marlowe, Wig. Marstowe, Worm. Marston, Street. Marston, Brox. Hope Maunsell, Grey. Mathern, Brox. Michaelchurch, Worm. Middleton, Wols. Middleloyte, Ewia▪ Milton, Street. Mockas, Web. Moke, Street. Monderfeild, Brox. Monington, Grims. Monmo Flu. Monnynton, Web. Monsill lacy, Grims. Mordeford, Grey. Moreton jefferes, Rad. Moorehampton, Web. Morton upon lug, Grims. Morton, Wols. Moukland, Street. Mouldley, Wig. Munsley, Rad. Mychaelchurch, Hunl. Mydlewood, Hunl. N Nash, Wig. Nethwood, Brox. Newchurch, Wols. Newcourt, Web. Newton, Ewia. Newton, Brox. Newton, Wols. Newton Welsh, Worm. Newton, Wig. Noke, Street. Norton, Grims. Norton, Brox. OH Ocull, Brox. Ocull pichar, Brox. Olcon Flu. Old town, Ewia. Old court, Ewia. Oney Flu. Orleton, Wols. Over hill, Wols. P park, Rad. Patchfeild, Wig. Pedwardyne, Wig. Pembridge Castle, Worm. PEMBRIDGE, Street. Pencombe, Brox. Pencoyd, Worm. Penrosse, Worm. Penyard Castle, Grey. Pery, Brox. Peterchurch, Web. Peterstowe, Worm. Piddleston, Wols. Pixley chapel, Rad. Poston, Web. Preston, Brox. Preston, Web. Putley chapel, Grey. Putteley, Grey. Pipe, Grims. R castle Richard's Wols. Risbury, Wols. Rochfort, Wols. Rodriguez, Wig. ROSSE, Grey. Rosse Ferren, Grey. Rosemaund, Brox. Rotheras, Web. Rowlston, Ewia. Rudhall, Grey. S Salers hope, Grey. Over Sappy, Brox. neither Sappy, Brox. Sarnesfeild, Street. Sarnesfeild, Wols. Sarnesfeild Coffin, Street. Selleck, Worm. Shellwicke, Grims. Shobden, Wig. Shobdon, Street. Shorley, Wig. Snowdell Castle, Ewia. Stanbache, Wig. Stanford Kings, Brox. Stanford Bishops, Brox. Staunton, Wig. Staunton upon Wyland, Grim. Stepleton Castle, Wig. Stocklo, Street. Stockton, Wols. Stogbach, Wig. Stogbach, Wols. Stoke, Wols. Stoke Edye, Rad. Stoke Lacie, Brox. Stoke blish▪ Brox. Stouton, Street. Stretton, Grims. Stretton, Rad. Stretford, Wols. Stretford, Street. Suggas, Grims. Suston, Grey. Sutton, Brox. T Tadington, Rad. Tedston Dalamer, Brox. Tedston Wafer, Brox. Teneraven Chapel, Worm. Thornbury, Brox. Tregose, Grey. Tresek, Worm. Tretier, Worm. Trewin, Ewia. Triago, Worm. Tripleton, Wig. Tupsley, Grims. Turnaston, Web. Twyford, Web. Tyberton, Web. Tytley, Wig. V The gilded Vale, Web. Vpton, Wols. Vpton, Grey. W Wackton, Brox. Wadels Flu. Walderston, Ewia. Walford, Wig. Walford, Grey. Warham, Grims. Warton, Wols. S. Waynards', Worm. The wears end, Worm. WEBLEY, Street. Wellington, Grim. Weobley, Street. Weston, Street. Weston beggar, Rad. Weston subter, Grey. Wethington, Brox. Wheyle, Wols. Whitborne, Brox. Whitchurch, Wor●. Whitney, Street. Whitney, Hunl. Wicton, Wols. Wigmor Castle, Wig. Willersley, Street. Wilton Castle, Worm. Winforton, Hunl. Winforton, Street. Winkcot, Wols. Winsley, Wols. Winslowe, Brox. Wolhope, Grey. The World's end, Rad. Wormebridge, Web. Worme●ley, Grims. Wonton, Street. Wullferlow, Brox. Wytton, Wig. Y Yarcle, Rad. Ya●poll, Wols. Yasor, Gri●s. Yatton, Gr●y. Yetton, Wig. WORCESTER-SHIRE, The ancient Saxon name. by the English-Saxons called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, is a County both rich and populous, and lieth circulated The bounds. upon the North with Stafford-shire; upon the East, with Warwick and Oxford-shires; upon the South, with Gloucestershire; & the West by Maluern hills is parted from Hereford-shire: the rest lieth confronted upon, and in part divided from Shrop-shire by the River Dowles. The form. (2) The form thereof is triangle, but not of equal The length. breadth and circumference. proportion; for from North to South are thirty two miles, from South to Northwest twenty two, and from thence to her northeast point are twenty eight: the whole in circumference is one hundred and twenty miles. The Air. (3) The air in this Shire is of a favourable temperature, that gives an appetite for labour, diet, and rest: the soil is fertile, and to me seemed inferior to none other in this Land: for besides the abundance of Corn in every place spread, the Woods and Pasturage Abundant in first-fruits. in her hills and plains, sweet Rivers that water the valleys below, & Cattles that cover the tops of higher ground; the Fields, Hedge-rowes, and Highways are beset with fruitful Peartrees, that yield great pleasure to sight, and commodious use: for with their juice they make a bastard kind of wine, called Perrey, which is both pleasant and good in taste. Many Salt Spring's also this County affordeth, yea and more than are commonly in use: such with the Germane, Cornelius Tac▪ in his description of Germany. our ancient Predecessors, were esteemed most sacred and holy, so that (as Tacitus writeth) to such they wontedly resorted to supplicate their Gods with their devout prayers, as to places nearest the heavens, and therefore the sooner to be heard. And Poets in their feign will have the Nymphs residence in shady green groves, and banks of sweet springs: if so, then (as Helicon) this Gounty affords both: such are the Forests of Wire and Feckenham, the great Woods of Norton, and most fair Chase of Maluerne. And for Waters, to witness what I say, is the Severne that cuts this Shire in the midst, Teme, Salwarp, and avon, all of them making fruitful their passage, and stored with Fish of most delicious taste. The ancient inhabitants. (4) The ancient people, possessors of this Shire, were the CORNAVII, inhabitants of Chesse-shire, Shrop-shire, Stafford, and Warwick-shires, subdued by the Romans in Claudius Caesar's time, and after their departure, made a portion of the Mercian-Saxons Kingdom, and in Bedaes' time were called the Wi●ijs, whereof it may be this Shire had the name: unless you will have it from the Salt-Pits, which in old English are named Wiches; or from the famous Forest of wire. Howsoever, true it is that the County doth hold the name from her chief City worcester. Worcester the chief City. (5) Which is most pleasantly seated, passing well frequented, and very richly inhabited. This was the Branonium, mentioned by Antonine and Ptolemie, called by the Britain's, Caer-wrangon; by Ninius, Caer-G●orcon; by the old Saxons, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ and by the Latins, Vigornia. This City is seated upon the East bank of Severne, and from the same is walled in trianglewise about, extending in circuit one thousand six hundred and fifty pases: thorough which seven Gates enter, with five other Watch-Towers for defence. It is thought the Romans built this to restrain the Britain's that held all beyond Severne. This City Canute. by Hardy Canute in the year of Christ 1041. was sorely endangered, and set on fire, and the Citizens slain almost every one, for that they had killed his Collector of the Danish Tribute: yet was it presently repaired and peopled, with many Burgesses, and for fifteen● Hides discharged itself to the Conqueror; as in his Doomes-days book. Domesdayes is to be seen. But in the year 1113. a sudden fire happened, no man knew how, which burned the Castle and Cathedral Church. Likewise in the civil broils of King Stephen it was twice lighted King Stephen. into a flame, and the latter laid it hopeless of recovery. Notwithstanding from those dead Ashes a new Phoenix arose, and her building raised in a more stately proportion, especially the Cathedral dedicated to S. Mary, first laid by Bishop Sexwolfe, in Anno 680. since when it hath been augmented almost to the River: In the midst of whose Choir, from his many turmoils resteth the body of King john (the King John. great with-stander of the Pope's proceed) under a Monument of white Marble in Princely Vestures, with his Portraiture thereon according to life. And in the Southside of the same Choir lieth entombed Prince Arthur the eldest son to King Henry the seventh, Prince Arthur. his Monument is all black jest without remembrance of him by Picture. The Magistracy of the City. This City is governed by two Bailiffs, two Aldermen, two Chamberlains, & two Constables yearly elected out of twenty four Burgesses clothed in scarlet, assisted with forty eight other Citizens, whom they call their Common Counsellors, clad in Purple, a Recorder, Town-clerk, and five Sergeants with Mace their Attendants. Whose Geographical Position is distant in Longitude from the West-Meridian 18. degrees 10. scruples, having the North-Pole elevated in Latitude 52. degrees and 32. scruples. Vpton. (6) Places of further note for memorable antiquity, is Vpton, of great account in the Roman time, where some of their Legions kept, as witness their Monies there often found: the admirable Ditch upon Maluerne-hils, drawn by Gilbert Clare, Earl of Gloucester, Maluern hills. to divide his Lands from the Church of Worcester: Not certain place is recorded of this Oak but held to be in this Shire. the Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ our Augustine's Oak▪ where he the English Apostle met with the British Bishops for the uniform celebration of Easter, from whence both parts departed with discontented minds, after many hot words and thwarting disputes. Many towns in other Shires, belonging to this County. (7) Neither is it without admiration to me, that many places of this Shire lie far within the Precincts of other Provinces, as Aulston, Washbornes, Cuttesden, Paxford, Hanging-Easton, Northwick, Blockley, Eurlode in Gloucestershire, and Goldcote, Aldermerston, Newbold, Treddenton, Armiscote, Blackwell, Darlings-cote, Shipton, Tydminton, Olbarrow, in Warwickeshire, Dudley in Stafford-shire, and Rochfort in Hereford-shire, whither I must refer the Reader to find out these and the like in these Western Tracts▪ Religious houses. (8) Religious places erected in this Shire, and devoted unto God by devout persons, were Bredon, Brodlege, Euesholme, Alnecester, Cochell, Fladbury, Maluerin, Pershore, Stodlege, Westwoods, and Worcester▪ plenteously provided for, and further secured by many privileges, both which they abused, as were the inditements of all such in the days of King Henry the Eighth, at whose Bar (himself being judge) they were found guilty, and received sentence of their ends and destruction. Castles. (9) Castles for defence built in this County ruinated, or in strength, were Hartlebury, Holt, Handley, Norton, Elmeley, and Worcester, besides his majesties Manor of Ti●hnell. The Shires division, and Market towns. (10) This Shires division is into seven Hundred, wherein are seated ten Market Towns, and one hundred fifty two parish-churches, as in the Table following is expressed. WORCESTER SHIRE Described The Families thathave borne the Tittle of Worcester since the Conquest Waleran E. of Mellent. Thomas percy E. Richard Beauchamp. john Tiptost E. Edward Somerset E. THE SCALE OF MILES WORCESTER The Scale of Pases A St. Mary's minst B St. Michael's Church C St. Clement's Church D St. Nicholas Church E St. Sytherns' Church F St. Martin's Church G All-hallows Church H St. Andrews Church I St. Alban Church KING St. Helen's Church L St. Peter's Church M St. jones Church N Foregate OH Water Gate P Martin's Gate Q friars Gate R Sudbury Gate S Frog Gate T Foregate Street V Angel Lane W gale Lane X Trinity Lane Y Doldey Lane Z Newport Stret 3 Br●●de Street 4 Poytes Lane 6 Gosse Lane 7 Oy●●eall market 8 Cor●e market 9 Bakers Street 10 glovers Street 11 S. Mary's Street 12 Cor Street 13 Fish Street 14 Cucking Street 15 The Key 16 Castle Hill 17 The Prison 18 Frog mill 19 Sudbury 20 Sudbury Street. Described by Christopher Saxton, Augments and published by john Speed citizen of London, & are there to be sold in Popes-heade Alley against the Exchange by John Sudbury and George Humble CUM PRIVILEGIO ANNO DOMIN● 1610 Jodocus Hondius caelavit At Evesham a sore battle was fought, betwixt King Henry 3 & his Barons, throw whose dissensions most of them were▪ slain as Simon Mountfort Earl of Leicester and. 17. Lo●deses and Knights besides Humfre● Bohun E. of Hereford was there taken prisoner A. 1265. August. ● Hundred in Worcester-shire. 1. HAlfe-shire, Hund. 2. Doddington, Hun. 3. Worcester, Limits. 4. Parshor, Hund. 5. Blakenhurst, Hund. 6. Oswalderstowe, Hund. 7. Vpton, Limits. A Aberly, Dodding. Aberley hill, Dod. Abberton, Pars. Acton Beacham, Wor. Lim. Aldermerston, Pars. Aldington, Black. Alechurch, Black. Allchurch, Wor. Lim. Alton, Dod. Areleey neither, Dod. Armiscott, Oswald. Arrow Flu. Astley, Dod. Aston great, Oswald. Aulston, Osw. Ausricke, Wor. Lim. B Badsey, Black. Balton hall park, Wor. barrow, Vpton Limits. Batten hall, Wor. Limits. Bayton, Dod. BEAWDLEY, Dod. Belbroughton, Half. Bell jinn, Half. Bengeworth, Black. Bentley pantefote, Half. Berrington, Dod. Besford, Parsh. Beuley, Wor. Birlingham, Parsh. Bishampton, Osw. Blackmore, Vpton. Blackwell, Osw. Blocklie home, Osw. Blocklie, Osw. Bockleton, Dod. Chenchill Bradicott, Wor. Bradlie, Oswald. Braughton, Parsh. Braunsford, Wor. Breedon, Osw. Breedon hill, Osw. Bretforton, Black. Bricklehampton, Parsh. Brodwas, Wor. Brodwey, Parsh. Brome part of Staff. Half. BROMSGROVE, Half. Bursley, Wor. Bushley, Vpton. C Chaddesike, Half. Chadsley, Half. Canderton, Osw. Charleton, Osw. Chartisley, Vpton. Church hill, Half. Claynch, Wor. Cleave prior's, Osw. Clent part of Staff. Half. Clent hill, part of Staff. Half. Cleve, Black. Clevelod, Vpton. Clyfton upon Temde, Dod. Comberton great, Parsh. Comberton little, Parsh. Coston, Half. Cotheridge, Wor. Cottenden, Wor. Cowley, Wor. Cradley, Half. Crome hill, Vpt. Crome Earls, Vpt. Crome younges, Vpt. Cropthorne, Osw. Crowle, Hafl. Crowle, Wor. Cuttesden, Wor. Cudsoim, Osw. Cuntswicke, Dod. D Dailesford, Osw. Darlingscott, Osw. Defford, Parsh. Dichford higher, Osw. Dichford middle, Osw. Dodenham, Dod. Doderhill, Half. Dormeston, Parsh. Doverdale, Half. Draicote, Osw. DRAITWICHE, Half. drove, Osw. Dubbicott, Vpton. Dudley, Half. Dunklyn, Half. E Eastham, Dod. Eckinton, Parsh. Eldresfeild, Vpt. Ely part of Shropshire, Half. Elmbridge, Half. Elmley lovet, Half. Elmlie castle, Osw. Emloade, Osw. Estingten, Vpt. EVESHOLME, Bla. F Feckenham forest, Wor. Fecknam home, Half. Fladbury, Osw. Flawell flyford, Parsh. Frankley, Half. G Goldcote park, Black▪ Grafton, Half. Grafton flyford, Parsh. Grymley, Wor. H Hadsor, Half. Hagley, Half. Hollow, Wor. Hales own part of Shropshire, Wor. Hampton lovet, Half. Hampton little, Black. Hampton great, Black. Habury, Wor. Hanging Easton, Osw. Hanley child's, Dod. Hanley williams, Dod. Hanley castle, Vpton. Hardington, Wor. Harkett, Parsh. Harkett, Half. Hartesbury castle, Wor. Harrington, Osw. Heightington, Dod. Henlip, Wor. Hewell grange, Persh. Himbleton, Wor. Hobb lench, Osw. Holme, Dod. Holt, Wor. Holt●ast, Vpt. Church Honibourne, Black. Hill, Osw. Hyndlipp, Wor. Hynton, Osw. I Icambe, Osw. Inckbarrowe, Osw. S. john's in Bedwarden, Wor. KING Kemsey, Wor. Kengwick, Wor. Keyshend, Vpt. KIDDERMINSTER, Half. S. Kellumspart of Shropshire, Half. Kidder minster foreign, Half. Kingford, Half. Kings Norton, Half. Kington, Half. Knighton, Dod. Kokesey, Half. Kyar little, Dod. Kyar ward, Dod. Kyneton, Osw. L Church Lench, Half. Lench▪ rouse, Osw. Lenche atche, Black. Lenche shrives', Black. Lenche wick, Black. Lickey beacon, Half. Leigh, Wor. Lindridge, Dod. Littleton north, Black. Littleton south, Black. Littleton middle, Black. Longdon, Vpt. Longdon, Osw. Ludley, Half. Lulsey, Wor. Lindon, Dod. Lie, Wor. M Madresfeild, Vpton. Maluerne chase, Vpton. Maluerne little, Vpton. Maluerne great, Vpton. Mamble, Dod. Martley, Dod. Marten hongtree, Wor. Mathon, Wor. S. Michaels in Bedwarden, Wor. Mitton, Dod. Mitton, Osw. Moor, Osw. Moore, Dod. Moreton, Osw. Castle Morton, Vpt. Birch Morton, Vpt. Morton abbots, Black. Mousley, Wor. Mitton, Half. N Naunton beaucham, Parsh. Netherton, Osw. Newbold, Osw. Newland, Wor. Northfeild, Half. Northwicke, Osw. Northwood, Dod. Norton, Black. Norton, Osw. Norton wood, Wor. OH Odingley, Wor. Offenton, Black. Oldwinford, Half. Ombersley, Wor. Orlton, Dod. Ouerbury, Osw. Ouerhurgh, Osw. Ouerley, Dod. Ouerton, Osw. Ouerton, Half. P PARSHOR S. CRUCE, Parsh. Parshor Saint Andrew, Parsh. Paxford, Osw. Pedmore, Half. Pendocke, Vpt. Pensham, Parsh. Pepoleton, Parsh. S. Peter, Half. Pidle, Osw. Pidle north, Parsh. Pindsen, Parsh. Pirton, Parsh. Poicke, Wor. Poole, Vpt. Q Queen hill, Vpton. R Rea Flu. Reddiche tarbig, Half. Redston passage, Dod. Roche, Dod. Russhock, Half. Russels, Half. Rybbesford, Dod. Rydmerley, Vpt. Rydmerley Oliphers, Dod. Rydmerley Adams, Dod. Rypple, Vpt. S Salwarpe, Half. Salwarpe Flu. Sedgbarrow, Osw. Severne Flu. Shraley, Dod. Shelsey kings, Dod. Chelsey beaucham, Dod. SHIPTON UPON STOWER, Os. Sneade, Dod. Speachley, Wor. Stanford, Dod. Staunton, Vpton. Stildon, Dod. Stock, Osw. Stokton, Dod. Stoke, Wor. Stoke prioris, Wor. Stoke Severne, Wor. Stome, Half. Sto●ton, Dod. Stoulton, Wor. Strensham, Parsh. STURBRIDGE, Hal. Suckley, Wor. Sudbury, Wor. Sutton sturmy, Dod. T Tardbick, Half. Tenbury, Dod. Tichnell, Dod. Tidmington, Osw. Throckmorton, Osw. Tottenham, Wor. Tredington home, Osw. Tybberton, Wor. V Vffenham, Black. Vpton warren, Half. Vpton snodesbury, Parsh. VPTON UPON SEVERNE, Vpt. W Walcot, Parsh. Wallashull, Parsh. Wanden, Wor. Wareley, Half. Warrenton, Wor. Washbornes, Osw. Welland, Vpton. Whitborne, Wor. Whitlady aston, Wor. Whittington, Wor. Wichbold, Half. Wichenford, Wor. wick, Parsh. wick, Wor. Wickanford, Black. Widuerton, Wor. Wire forest, Dod. wire, Osw. Witeley great, Dod. Witeley little, Wor. Withon chapel, Wor. Wolbarrowe, Wor. Wolkershill, Osw. Woluley, Wor. North Wood, Dod. Woodbery hill, Dod. WORCESTER, Wor. Y Yardley, Wor. The bounds of Warwickeshire. Warwickeshire (so called from her Shire-towne) is bounded upon the North with the County of Stafford; upon the East, with Watling-street-way is parted from Leicestershire, and the rest bordered upon by Northamptonshire: the South part is butted by Oxford and Glocestershires; and all her West with the County of Worcester. The form of the Shire. (2) The form thereof is not much unlike to a Scallop-shell, growing from her Western-head, & spreading her body wider, with many indents. The length thereof from Newton in the North, to Long Compton in the South, are miles thirty and three: and the brodest part of this Shire, is from Hewell grange in the West, unto The length. Hill-morton in the East, distant asunder twenty five miles, the whole in circumference, about one hundred thirty and five. The Air. (3) This Shire is sited near unto the heart of all England, & therefore participates with her in the best both for air & soil, wanting nothing for profit or pleasure The Feldon. for man. The South part from avon (that runneth thorough the midst of this County) is called the Felden, as more champion and tractable to be stirred for corn, which yearly yieldeth such plentiful harvest, that the husbandman smileth in beholding his pains, and the medowing pastures with their green mantles so embroidered with flowers, that from Edg-hill we may behold Gen. 13. 10. another Eden, as Lot did the Plain of jordan, before The Woodland. that Sodom fell. The Woodland lieth upon the North of avon, so called in regard of the plenty of woods; which now are much thinner by the making of Iron, and the soil more churlish to yield to the Plough. The Inhabitants. (4) The ancient people that possessed this Province, are by Ptolemies description called the CORNAVII, wherein after were seated the Mercian-Saxons, a part of whose Kingdom it was, and greatly sought after by the The Battles. Westsaxons, whose King Cuthred, about the year of Christ jesus, 749. in battle slew Ethelbald at Seckington near unto Tamworth. And not far from thence, King Edward 4. as unfortunately fought against that stout make-king, Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick: near unto which, upon Blacklow-hill, Pierce Gaveston (that proud and new-raised Earl of Cornwall) was beheaded by Guy Earl of Warwick, assisted with the Earls of Lancaster and Hereford. And surely, by the testimony of john Rosse and others, this County hath been better replenished with people; who maketh complaint of whole town-ships depopulations, altogether laid waste by a puissant Army of feeding Sheep. (5) Notwithstanding, many fair Towns it hath, and some of them matchable to the most of England. The chief thereof is Coventree, a City both stately for building, and walled for defence: whose Citizens having highly offended their first Lord Leofricke, had their privileges infringed, and themselves oppressed with many heavy Tributes; whose wife Lady Godiva pitying their estates, uncessantly sued for their peace, and that with such importunacy, as hardly could be said whether was greater, his hatred, or her love: at last overcome with her continual intercessions, he granted her suit, upon an uncivil, and (as he thought) an unacceptable condition, which was, that she should ride naked thorough the face of the City, and that openly at high noonday. This notwithstanding she thankfully accepted, and performed the act accordingly enjoined: for this Lady Godiva stripping herself of all rich attire, let lose the tresses of her fair hair, which on every side so covered her nakedness, that no part of her body was uncivil to sight; whereby she redeemed the former freedoms, & remission of such heavy Tributes. Whose memory I wish may remain honourable in that City for ever, and her pity followed by such possessing Ladies. This City had grant to choose their yearly Magistrates, a Mayor and two Bailiffs, & to build about and embattle a wall, by King Edward III whom Henry VI corporated a County of itself, and changed the names of their Bailiffs unto Sheriffs: and the walls than were built as they now stand; thorough which open 13. Gates for entrance, besides 18. other Towers thereon for defence. At Gofford Gate in the East hangeth the shield-bone of a * Or rather of an Elephant, being not so little as a yard in length. wild Boar, far bigger than the greatest Ox bone: with whose snout the great pit called Swanswell was turned up, and was slain by the famous Guy, if we will believe report. (6) Next unto this City, in account and commerce, is Warwick, upon the Northwest Bank of avon built by Gurgunstus the son of Beline, as john Rosse Monk of the place saith, 375. years before the birth of Christ: by Ninius called Caer-Guaruic and Caer-Leon; by the Saxons, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; and by learned Cambden judged to be PRAESIDIUM, the Roman Garrisons Town. The situation of this place is most pleasant upon a hill rising from the River, over which is a strong & fair Stone-bridge, & her sharp stream upon the town side checked with a most sumptuous & stately Castle, the decay whereof, with great cost & curious buildings, the right worthy Knight Sir Foulke Grivell (in whose person shineth all true virtue & high nobility) hath repaired: whose merits to meward I do acknowledge, in setting this hand free from the daily employments of a manual trade, & giving it full liberty thus to express the inclination of my mind, himself being the Procurer of my present estate. It seemeth this Town hath been walled about, as appeareth by the Trench in some places scene, and two very fair Gates, whose passages are hewed out of the Rock, as all other into the Town are: over whom two beautiful Chapels are built; that towards the East called S. Peter's, and that on the southwest S. James. Two fair Churches are therein seated, called Saint Maries, and S. Nicolas: but these in, and about the Town suppressed, S. Laurence. S. Michaels, john Baptist, & john of jerusalem, beside the Nunnery in the North of the Town: whose North Pole is elevated in Latitude 52. degrees & 45. minutes, & is seated from the first point in the West of Longitude, 18. degrees & 45. minutes, being yearly governed by a Bailiff, twelve Brethren, twenty four Burgesses for Common Counsel, a Recorder, a Town-clerk, and one Sergeant their Attendant. (7) Places of most memorable note observed in this Shire, are Shugbury, where the precious stone Astroites is found: Of-Church, which was the Palace of great Offa the Mercian, and the buriall-place of S. Fremund his son: Chesterton, where the famous Fosse-way is seen. At Leamington, so far from the Sea, a Spring of Salt-water boileth up: and at Newenham Regis most sovereign water against the Stone, Green wounds, Ulcers, & Impostumes; and drunk with Salt looseth, but with sugar bindeth the body; and turneth wood into stone, as myself saw by many sticks that therein were fallen, some part of them Ash, and some part of them Stone: and guy-cliff, where the famous Earl Guy, after many painful exploits achieved, retired, and unknown John Rosse. lead an hermits life, and was lastly there buried. (8) The chiefest commodities in this County growing, are corn, whereof the Red-horse Vale yieldeth most abundantly; wools in great plenty; woods and iron, though the producer of the one willbe the destruction of the other. Such honourable Families as have been dignified with the Earldom of this Shire-townes name since the Normans Conquest, in the Map itself are inserted, and by their several names expressed. This County is strengthened with eight strong Castles, traded with fifteen Market-towns, enriched with many fair buildings, and by the devotion of many Nobles, had many foundations of religious Monasteries therein laid. The chiefest were at Stoneley, Warwick, Thellisford, Roxhall, Balshall, Killingworth, Coventree, Combe, Nun-eaton, Asley, Atherston, and polesworth; all which came to their period in the reign of K. Henry VIII. when their rich Revenues were alienated to his use, and those stately buildings either overturned or bestowed upon his Courtiers: but yet to God's glory, and his divine service, one hundred fifty eight parish-churches therein remain, dispersedly seated in the nine Hundred of this Shires division. WARWICK A High Pau●ment B jury Street C S. james Chappel D West Street E Queen Will street F Lethenhull Lane G Sakte●forde H Hodge ford I Wal ditch KING Powke lane L Dog Lane M St. Peter's Chapel N Sa●●ths Street OH Coten end P S. Nicholas church Q S ᵗ Nicholas Street R Goal hall Lane S Vineyard Lane T S ᵗ mary's Church FIVE Church street W Can●on row X Northgate street Y Pibble Lane Z Both hall 3 St. john's church 4 Rother Chipping 5 Hors● Chipping 6 Swain Lane 7 Castle street 8 Britt●●●e Lane 9 Walkers Lane 10●ill ●ill street 11 Warytree street 12 Cro●●● street 13 Sh●re Hall. 14 A SCALE OF PASES THE COUNTI OF WARWICK THE SHIRE TOWN AND CITY OF COVENTRE described Anno Domini. 1610. THE SCALE OF MILES COVENTREE 1 S. Nicolas stir. 2 Dog Lane 3 New rents 4 Hill mill 5 Hill Cross 6 Hill Street. 7 Hill Gate 8 Well Gate 9 Well Street 10 Bishops got 11 Bishops got stir. 12 Swine Cross 13 Cook Gate 14 Cook street 15 S. joh. School 〈◊〉 S. joh. bridge ●7 P●●●●r Lane 18 Priors Gate 〈◊〉 Prior's mill 〈◊〉 Prior's ruin 2● Bestill house 2● glovers Lane ●3 Iron mong●r 24 Great Buchery 25 Little Bu●hery 26 Ba●l●k church 27 trinity church 28 S. Micha●ls' 29 West Hortyard 30 S. Nicol ●all 31 Spoon Chapel 32 Spoon street 33 Spoon Gate 34 Fleet street 35 Smithford Bri. 36 Smi●●●rd street 37 Cr●●●e Chiping 38 Vicar's Lane 39 Broad Gate 40 Warwick Lane 41 Pepper Lane 4● Darbi Lane 43 44 H●i● Lane 4● 〈◊〉 Lane 4● The Pall●●e 47 S. M●rgar hall 4● Earls street 4● Earls mill lane 50 Earls mill 51●as●le ●as●le Gate 5● New ●●ret 5● Corp●● Chris● l. 54 I●rdayn ●ill 55 Go●●ord Gate 56 Gossord s●ret 57 The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gate 〈◊〉 White 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●ill 61 〈◊〉 l●●● 62 Ne'er Gate 6● 〈◊〉 ●●rk s●ret 6● Li●●le p●●k s●ret 65 D●●d Lane 〈◊〉 Little ●●rk 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 C●●● Lane 〈◊〉 G●●y ●r●er G●● 〈◊〉 Gr●y 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 THE ARMS OF SUCH HONOURABLE FAMYLIES AS HAVE BENE EARLS OF WARWICK Henry of Nuburgh John Marshal John de Plesseis William Malduit William Beauchamp john Holland Richard 〈◊〉 George D. of Clarend John Dudley At Wolney in this county King Edward 4▪ gathering his forces to recover his former 〈◊〉 was suddenly surprised and taken prisoner by hi● brother George Duke of Cl●●●nce and Richard the Stout Earl of Warwick and thence conveyed to the castle of 〈◊〉 in Yorkshire whence shortly ●y escaped and c●me to London, Anno Domini 1469. Performed by john Speed, And are to by sold in Popes-heade ally against the Exchange by john Sudbury▪ and George Humble Cum Privilegio. Hundred in War wick-shire. 1. Hemlingford. 2. Coventree. 3. Knightlow. 4. Barlichwaye. 5. Kington. A Alne Lodge, Barlich. Amington, Heml. Alesley, Heml. Anchor Flu. Anstie, Covent. Ardbury, Hemling. Areley, Kingt. Arrow, Barlich. Ashborne, Kington. Ashoe, Knight. Ashow, Knight. Ashton Cantlow, Barlich. Astley, Knight. Atherston, Heml. Attleburrow, Heml. AULCESTER, Barlich. Aulston, Barlich. Austre, Heml. Auntley, Heml. avon Flu. Awsley, Knight. B Badgesley Enesot, Heml. Badgesley Clinton, Heml. Bagginton, Knight. Balsall, Heml. Barceston, King. Barford, King. Barkswell, Heml. Barmington, Kington. Barnacle, Knight. Barterley▪ Heml. Barston, Heml. Barton on the Heath, King. Basset's Cross, Heml. Basset, Heml. Beauchams Court, Barlich. Bearlye, Barlich. Bedworth, Knight. Bensford Bridge, Knigh. Bentley, Heml. Bewinton, Barlich. Bewsall, Barlich. Bickenhull, Heml. Bilsley, Barlich. Bilton, Knight. Binley, Knight. Birminghams', Heml. Birminghams' Aston, Heml. Bishopton, Barlich. BITFORD, Barlich. Blithe Flu. Bolehall, Heml. Boreton upon Dunsemore, Knigh. Bourne Flu. Bramcote, Heml. Brandon, Knight. Brannot, Knight. Brayles, King. Bretford, Knight. Brettshall, Heml. Bridgton, Barlich. Brincklowe, Knight. Brome, Barl. Bromwich Castle, Heml. Brownsover, Knight. Bubnell, Knight. Budbrooke, Barlich. Bulkinton, Knight. Burdingbury, Knight. Burnesebrome, Barlich. Burton Hastings Knight. Old Bury, Hemlingford. Bynton, Barlich. C Calendon, Covent. Canston hall, Knight. Canwall, Heml. Caresly, Covent. Caton Bridge, Heml. Cawcot, Heml. Chadshunt, Kington. Charlecott, King. Chase, Knight. Cherinton, King. Chesterton, King. Chester over, Knight. Chiluers Cotton, Heml. Church over, Knight. Church Lawford Knight. Clardon, Barlich. cliff, Heml. Clifton, Knight. Clopton, Barlich. Cloudyesley Bush Knight. Cobley, Barlich. Cofeld Wast, Heml. Comb Abbey, Knight. Combroke, King. Compton long, King. Compton in the hole, King. Coleshull, Heml. Compton Fenny, King. Compton Mardock, King. Copston, Knight. Corley, Heml. Cosford, Knight. Coton, Heml. Coughton, Barlich. Counden, Knight. COVENTREE, Coven. Cubbington, Knight. Curdworth, Heml. D Dasset avon King. Dasset Burton. King. Dastell, Heml. Dracott, Knight. Drayton, Barlich. Dudson Park, Heml. Dudson Hall, Heml. Dunchurch, Knight. Dunington, Barlich. Dunsmere Heath, Knight. Dunton, Heml. E Eatington neither, King. Eatington over, King. Ettleshall, Coven. Edgebaston, Heml. Edmondscot, Knight. Edson, Bar. Elinedon, Heml. Escote, Heml. Esenhull, Knight. Ethorpe, Knight. Exall, Barlich. Exall, Coven. F Farnebrowe, King. Faseley, Heml. Fillongley, Heml. Flanders, Heml. Fleckno, Knight. Fletchamsted, Heml. Fokeshill, Covent. Ford hall, Barlich. Foxcott, King. Francton, Knight. Freasley, Heml. G Geydon, King. Glascote, Heml. Goldscots', park King. Goodrest Lodge, Knight. Grafton Temple, Barlich. Granborow, Knight. Graves, Heml. Grimdon, Heml. Grove, Barlich. Guilsdon, Heml. Guy cliff, King. H Hallaton, Heml. Halford, King. Hall end, Heml. Hampton in Arden, Heml. Hampton Lacye, Barlic. Hampton Bishops, Barl. Hampton Curlew, Barl. Harberbury, Knight. Harborow great, Knight. Hartshill, Heml. Harwicke prior's, King. Haseley, Barlich. Hasseller, Barlich. Hatton, Barlich. Hawford, King. HENLY in Arden, Barlich. Henwood, Heml. Hewell Grange, Barlich. High Cross, Knight. Hill, Heml. Hill, Knight. Hillmorton, Knight. Hodnell, Knight. Holt, Heml Honington, King. Honyngham, Knight. Hopsford, Knight. Horeston, Heml. Hunnyley▪ Barlich. Hurley, Heml. I Idlicott, King. Ilmington, King. Ipsley, Barlich. Itchington long, Knight. Itchington Bishops, Knight. KING KENELWORTH, Knig. Kenelworth Duchy Castle Knig. Kerby Monks Knight. KINETON, King. Knightcote, King. Kingsbury, Heml▪ Kingsbrome, Barlich. Kingshurst, Heml. Kingswood, Heml. Knowle, Heml. Kynnerton, Barlich. L Ladbrocke, Knight. Langley, Barlich. Langdon hall, Heml. Langley, Heml. Lapworth, King. Church Lawford, Knight. Lawford long, Knight. Lea, Heml. Leame Flu. Leek wotton, Knight. Lekewotton, Knight. Lemington prior's, Knight. Lemington hasting Knight. Lighthorne, King. Littington, Knight. Loxley, Barlich. Luddington, Barlich. M Makestoke Castle Heml. Maney, Hemling. Manner, Heml. Manceter, Heml. Marchife, Barlich. Marson Culy, Heml. Marson Inbett, Knight. Marson Burton, Knight, Marson Priors, King. Marson But●lerss, King. Marton, Knight. Maxstock, Heml. Merevale, Heml. Meriden, Heml. Miluerton, Knight. Minworth, Heml. Mollinton, King. Morehall, Hemling. Morehall, Barlich. Morton Meriall, King. Morton Baggot, Barli●. Moxhall, Heml. Mulcote Abbey, Heml. Myddleton, Heml. Mylcotte, Barlich. N Napton on the Mount, Knight. Newbold, King. Newbold upon avon, Knight. New-hall, Heml. New-inn, Heml. Newenham, Knight. Newenham Kings, Knight. Newton, Heml. Newton, Knight. Northend, King. Norton Curlew, Barlich. Norton Lynsey, Barlich. Nun-eaton, Heml. Nuthurst, King. OH Ofchurch, Knight. Water Orton, Heml. Ouldbarrow, belonging to Worcester-shire, Barl. Oulnall, Barlich. Oxhill, King. P Packington great Heml. Packington little, Heml. Packwood, Kington. Pailton, Knight. Parkehall, Heml. Pillerton neither, King. Pillerton over, King. Pinley Grove, Barlich. Preston Bagott, Barlich. Princethorp, Knight. Poolesworth, Heml. Pooley, Heml. Q Queen's Park, Heml. R Radford Semeley, Knight. Radford, Covent. Radway, Kington. Ragley, Barlich. Ratley, Kington. Ridfen, Hemling. Riton, Knight. Rowington, Barlich. round Alne, Barlich. Roxall, Barlich. RUGBY, Knight. S Salford Abbot's Barlich. Salford Priors, Barlich. Samborne, Barlich. Seckington, Heml. Sherborne Flu. Sherburne, Barlich. Sherford, Knight. Sheldon, Heml. Shilton, Knight. Shystoke, Heml. Shotswell, Kington. Shrowley, Barlich. Shuckborow neither, King. Shuckborough upper, Knight. Shuttington, Heml. Skiltes, Barlich. Snytterfeild, Barlich. Spernall, Barlich. Solihull, Heml. Sow, Knight. Sow, Knight. Sow, Covent. Sow Flu. SOWTHAM, Knight. Stivechall, Covent. Stockingford, Heml. Stockton, Knight, Stoke, Covent. Stoneley, Knight. Stoneley Abbey, Knight. Stratford old, Barlich. Stratford upon avon, Barlic. Stretton, Knight. Stretton, King. Stretton under Fosse, Knight. Studlyffe, Barlich. SUTTON COFELD, Heml. T Tachbroke Mallery, Knight. Tachbroke Bishops, King. Tame Flu. Tamworth, Heml. Tamworth, King. Temple Grafton, Barlich. Thurlaston, Knight. Tiddington, Barlich. Tost, Knight. Tuttwell, Barlich. Tysoe, Kington. V Vfton, Knight. Vmbersley, King. Vpton, King. W Walton, King. Wapenbury, Knight. Wardend, Heml. Warmley, Heml. Warmington, King. WARWICK, King. Wasperton, King, Wawins Wotton Bar. Weddington, Heml. Wedgenocle park Knight. Weethley, Barlich. Welsborne Montford, King. Welsborne hasting, King. Weston in Arden, Knight. Weston in the thistles, K●●g. Weston under Wetherley, Knight. Wethirbroke, Knight. Whatley, Heml. Whatcott, King. Whetacre neither, Heml. Whetacre over, Heml. Witchurch, King. Whitley, Knight. Whitmore park, Co●ent. Whitmash, Knight. Whittington, Heml. Wibtost, Knight. Wickelsford, Bar. Wigginshill, Heml. Willey, Knight. Willenhall, Knight. Willincote, Heml. Willowbye, Knight. Winderton, King. Wishaw, Heml. Witchford, King. Witherley, Heml. Withibroke, Knight. Witton, Heml. Wolhamcott, Knight. Wolford, King. Woluershill, Knight. Woluerton, Barlick. Woluey, Knight. Woodlaw, Knight. Wormleighton, King. Wulfencote, Knight. Wulston, Knight. Wyken, Covent. Y Yarnton Hall, Heml. The name of Northamptonshire. Northamptonshire, situated near unto the midst of England, by the Saxons was written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, lieth separated upon the North from Lincolnshire by the River Weland; from Huntingtonshire on the East is parted by the water Nene: her South is bounded with Buckingham and Oxford-shires, and the West from Warwick with Walting street-way, avon, and Weland, is divided from L●icester shire. The form. (2) The form of this County is large and narrow, broadest in the southwest; and thence shooting The length. The breadth. still lesser like unto a Horn, nor not much unlike to the form of Cornwall: and from the entrance of Cherwell into this Shire, unto the fall of Weland and The circumference. Nene near unto Crowland, are by measure forty six miles; and the broadest part is from Ouse unto avon, which is not fully twenty: the whole in circumference one hundred and nineteen miles. (3) The air is good, temperate, and healthful: the soil is champion, rich, and fruitful, and so plenteously peopled, that from some Ascents, thirty Parish-Churches, and many more Windmills at one view may be seen: notwithstanding the simple and gentle sheep, of all creatures the most harmless, are now become so ravenous, that they begin Sir Thomas Mores Utopia. to devour men, waste fields, & depopulate houses, if not whole townships, as one merrily hath written. (4) The ancient people known to the Romans, and recorded by Ptolemie, were the Coritani, who possessed this County, and were branched further thorough Leicester, Lincoln, Nottingham, Rutland, and Darbie-shires: these joining with the Icenians, with them were fettered with the chains of subjection, when for Claudius, Publius Ostorius Scapula entered his Lieutenantship Tacit. Annal. l. 12. cap 8. in Britain, and in battle subdued all betwixt the rivers Nene and Sabrina. But when the Romans were content to let go that which so long was desired, and had cost so much in the getting, the Saxons, a most warlike Nation, put into these parts, and made it a portion of their Mercian Kingdom: but their government also grown out of date, the Normans seated themselves in these fair possessions, the branches of whose Stems are spread abroad in these parts, most fruitful and fair. The commodities. (5) Commodities arising in this Shire, are chief gotten by tillage and plough, whereby corn so plentifully aboundeth, that in no other County is found more, or so much▪ the pastures and woods are filled with cattles, and every where sheep loaden with their fleeces of wool. Northampton the chief Town. (6) The chief Town in this Shire is Northampton, whereof the County taketh name, which for circuit, beauty, and building, may be ranked with the most of the Cities of our Landlord It is seated at the meeting and confluence of two Rivers, the greater whereof beareth to name Nen. This Town hath been built all of stone, as by many foundations remaining to this day is seen, and is walled about both strong and high, excepting the West, which is defended by a River parted into many streams. In the depredations Henr. Hunt. of the Danes, Suen their King set this Town on fire, and afterwards it was sorely assaulted King john. by the disobedient Barons of King john, who named themselves The Army of God: but the loyalty of this Town stood nothing so sure unto King Henry his son, whence the Barons with displayed Banners sounded the Battle against their Sovereign. And yet after this a woeful Field of England's civil division King Henry the sixth. An. D. 1460. was fought, whence Richard Nevil the stout Earl of Warwick, lead away prisoner that unfortunate man King Henry the sixth. Upon the West part of this Town standeth a large Castle, mounted upon an hill, whose aged countenance well showeth the beauty that she hath borne, and whose gaping chinks do daily threaten the downfall of her walls. To this upon the South the towns wall adjoineth, and in a round circuit meeteth the River in the North, extending in compass two thousand one hundred and twenty pases: whose site so pleased the Students of Cambridge, that hither they removed themselves An. D. 1261. upon the King's Warrant, in mind to have made it an University: from whence the North-pole is elevated 52. degrees 36. scruples for Latitude, and in Longitude is removed from the West 19 degrees and 40. scruples; being yearly governed by a Mayor, two Bailiffs, twelve Magistrates, a Recorder, Town-clerk, a Common-counsel of forty eight Burgesses, with five Sergeants to execute business. Peterborow. (7) But the devotions of the Saxon-Kings made Peterborow more famous, formerly called Meddeswell, where Wolphere King of Mercia began a most stately Monastery to the honour of S. Peter, for satisfaction An. Do. 546. of the blood of his two sons, whom he had murdered in case of Christianity: but himself being for the like made away by his mother, his brother Penda continued the work, with the assistance of his brother Ethelred, and two sisters Kineburga and Kineswith. This among the Danish Desolations was cast down, yet was it again restored to greater beauty by Ethelwold Bishop of Winchester, with the help of King Edgar, and of Adulph his Chancellor, who upon prick of conscience, that in bed with his wife had overlaid and smothered an infant their only son, laid all his wealth upon the re-edifying of the place, and then become Abbot thereof himself. The Cathedral is An. Do. 960. most beautiful and magnifical, where, in the Choir lie interred two unfortunate Queens: on the North side Catharine Dowager of Spain, the repudiate wife Catharine Dowager of Spain. of King Henry the eighth, under an Hearse covered with black Say, having a white Cross in the midst: and on the southside, Marry Queen of Scotland, Queen Mary. whose Hearse is spread over with black velvet. The Cloister is large, and in the glass-windows very curiously portrayed the History of Wolphere the Founder, whose Royal Seat was at Wedon in the street converted into a Monastery by Saint Werburg his holy daughter, and had been the Roman Station, by Antonine the Emperor called Bannavenna. So likewise Norman-chester was the ancient City Durobrivae, where their Soldiers kept, as by the Monies there daily found is most apparent. Religious houses. (8) Houses of Religion devoted to God's Service by the pious intents of their well-meaning Founders were at Peterborow, Peakirk, Pipewell, Higham, Davintree, Sulby, Sausecombe, Sewardesleg, Gare, Saint Dewy, Saint Michael, Luffeild, Cateby, Bruch, Barkley, Finshead, Fothringhay, Wedon, and Withrop, besides them in Northampton, all which felt the storms of their own destruction that raged against them in the reign of King Henry the eighth, who dispersed their Revenues to his own Coffers and Courtiers, and pulled the stones asunder of their seeming ever-sure Foundations; and in the time of young Edward, his son, whose mind was free King Edward the sixth. from wronging the dead, the Tombs of his own Predecessors were not spared, when as Edward slain Edward. at Agincourt, and Richard at Wakefeild, both of them Richard. Dukes of York, were after death assaulted with the weapons of destruction, that cast down their most fair Monuments in the Collegiate Church of Fotheringhay Castle. (9) Eight princely Families have enjoyed the Title of the Earldom of Northampton, whereof the last, Henry Haward now Lord Privy Seal, a most honourable Patron to all learned proceed (that I may acknowledge my dutiful and humble service) Castles. 1. Maxey. 2. Fothering●ay. 3. Bernwels'. 4. Roking●am. 5. Geddington. 6. Brabroke. 7. Higham. 8. Northampton. 9 Beingfeild. 10. Alderingha●. Market towns hath most honourably assisted and set forward these my endeavours. (10) This Shires division, for service to the Crown, and employments of businesses, is into twenty Hundred, hath been strengthened with ten Castles, and is still traded with ten Market-towns, and God honoured in three hundred twenty six Parish-Churches. NOR●AMTON SHIRE The arms of all those honourable Families that have been created Earls of Northampton, since the Normans conquest. NORTHAMPTON A saint ᵗ Andrews mill B saint Andrews Abbey C North Gate D St. Sepulehres E Sheep market F S. Edmond end G Marhold H gray friars I The Drapery▪ KING S Kathrens L The Checke● M The castle N The 〈◊〉 O S. james end P Bridge street Q St. john's R All-hallows saint St. Peter T The Tower V Darngate W St. Thomas well X St. Gylles Y Free School Z The Mill Scale of Pases This 〈◊〉 of Northamp●●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 felt the ruins of 〈…〉 dissensions. The ●was by 〈…〉 A●d Henry brethren 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the conqueror, wh● 〈◊〉 it, and the Country 〈…〉 Anno ●●06. The 〈…〉 by king H. 3. who 〈…〉 against his rebellious 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●rake down the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Anno 1263. And lastly therein was taken King H. 6. by the ●●rlss of Warwick and March supporters of the title of ●●●ke where were slain Hum●r●y Stafford D. of Buckingham▪ john Talbot Earl of Shrowesbury and the L ●. B●●mount, and Egremount, with 〈◊〉 The King was by the Lords conveyed to L●d● Anno 145●. Siward E. Simon Sentlis E William Bohun E Humphrey Bohun▪ ● Thomas Woostok Humphrey Stafford William par● M. Henry Haward E. At Edgcot in this county upon Dan●● more a bloody battle was fought, by the Lords of the north, their Cap●●●neses being Sir john Comers, and Robin of Ridsdale, against King E. 4. William Harbert Earl of P●●br●k there his General, Who together with his brother Richard and Richard Wood●ill L●r● 〈◊〉 brother to the Queen, with his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there taken a●d all four beheaded and 50●● of their m●n stain the greatest part where of were Wel●hmen. This Battle was fought julij 26. Anno 1469. PETERBOROW A Borrow Bery B 〈◊〉 ga●●s' s●●et C Sw●●e Poole D ●●●gate E 〈◊〉 h●●le F S●●●● B●●●e G St. john● H The Market I The Prison KING S Peter 〈◊〉 L Pr●●gat Lane M High 〈◊〉 A Scale of Miles Performed by john Speed and are to by sold by George Humble in the Pope's head alley. Cum Privilegio. Jodocus Hondius Caelavit Anno 1610. HUNDREDS in Northamptonshire. 1. NAlsaburgh. 2. Willibrook. 3. Corby. 4. Polbrook. 5. Navisford. 6. Huxloe. 7. Rothewell. 8. Guilesburrowe. 9 Orlington. 10. Fausley. 11. Newbotlegrove. 12. Spelhoe. 13. Hamfordshoe. 14. Highamfeyres. 15. Wymersley. 16. Towcester. 17. Warden. 18. Norton. 19 Cleley. 20. Sutton. A Abbington, Spel. Achurch, Navisford. Addington great, Huxl. Addington little, Huxl. Adston, Norton. Adthorpe, Tow. Aldrington, Cle. Althorpe, Newbot. Apethorpe, Willi. Archester, Hig. Ardingworth, Roth. Armeston, Polbr. Artleboro, Hux. Ashbie cold, Guil. Ashbie cannones, Nort. Ashbie Leyors, Fausl. Ashbie Oneeres, Ham. Ashlie, Cor. Ashton, Cle. Ashton, Pol. Ashton, Nassab. Ashton, War. Ashtree, War. Aslaell, Sut. Aubery hill, Fausl. Auon-well, Roth. Ayner, Sut. B Badby, Faus. Baddington, Nas. Badston, Sut. Barbie, Faus. Barnack, Nas. Barnwell S. Andrew's, Pol. Barton, Ham. Barton Segrave, Hux. Bassett Sutton, Cor. Baynton, Nas. Beckie weedon, Faus. Benifeid, Pol. Billing great, Spel. beling little, Spel. Bladerwick, Cor. Blakesley, Nor. Blysworth, Wym. Boddingtones, War. Botheresthorpe, Wym. Boughton, Hux. Bowden little, Roth. Boziet, High. Brabrooke, Rorth. BRACKLEY, Sut. Braddyn, Nort. Brampton, Cor. Bramptones, New. Bramston, Faus. Braynfeild, Wym. Bringtones, New. Brixtoke, Cor. Brixworth, Orl. Brockhold, New. Bromfeild, High. Broughton, Orl. Buckby long, Guil. Buckton, Spel. Bugbrooke, New. Bullwick, Cor. Burecote, Tow. Burghley, Nas. Burnewell Al-saints, Hux. Burton Lattmer, Hux. Byfeilde, War. C Caldecon, High. Caldecote, Tow. Capes preston, Faus. Carleton, Cor. Castle Ashbie, Wym. Castor, Nas. Catesby, Faus. Chalcombe, Sut. Charleton, Sut. Charwell flu. Charwelton, Faus. Chelueston, High. Cheney middleton, Sut. Shipping Warden, War. Clapton, Nau. Claylaton, Guil. cliff park, Wil Clipstonn, Roth. Cognihey, Wym. Collingtree, Wym. Colliweston, Wil Corby, Cor. Coughton, Sut. Cosgrave, Cle. Costhorpe Nas. Cottesbrooke, Guil. Cot●●stocke, Wil Cottingham, Cor. Cotton end, Wym. Courten hall, Wym. Cranford, Hux. Craneseley, Orl. Creton, Guil. Cricke, Guil. Croughton, Sut. Culworth, Sut. D Daddington, Ham. Dallington, New. Danes more, War. DAVENTREE, Faus. Dene, Cor. Denethorpe, Cor. Denford, Hux. Denshanger, Cle. Deping east, Nas. Desborowe, Roth. Deynton, Wym. Dingeley, Cor. Dodferd, Faus. Dodington, Wil Dowbrige, Guil. Draughton, Roth. Duston, New. E Eastfeild, Nas. Easton, Wil Easton maudall, High. Eaton, Spel. Ecton, High. Edgecote, War. Elton, Wil Emington, Pol. Eston, Cle. Etton, Nas. Euenlie, Sut. Euerdons, Faus. Eya, Nas. Eydon, War. Eylesworth, Nas. F Farnedon, Roth. Fanesley, Faus. Farthingston, Faus. Favill weston, Spel. Faxton, Orl. Femingho, Sut. Fine, New. Finshedd, Cor. Flackleton, Wym. Flower, New. Fortherning hay, Wil Fortherninghay park, W. Further, Cle. Fynford, Sut. G Gayton, Tow. Geddington, Cor. Glapthorne, Wil Glinton, Nas. Grafton underwood, Hux. Grafton regis, Cle. Greues norton, Nort. Gretton, Cor. Gryndon, Wym. Grymscott, Tow. Grytworth, War. Culbries' yardley, Cle. Guilesborowe, Guil. Gunthorpe, Nas. H Haddon east, New. Haddon west, Guil. Hanging Houghton Orling. Hardingston, Wym. Hardwick, Orlin. Hardwyll, Cle. Hargrave, High. Harington, Roth. Haringworth, Cor. Harleston, New. Harpole, New. Harrendon great, Orling. Harrendon little, Orling. Hastings yordley, Wym. Hasseboche, Roth. Havington, Orling. Hellinden, Faus. Helmedon, Sut. Hemmyngton, Pol. Helpeston, Nassab. Hither west, Cle. Heryfords, New. Higham cold, Tow. HIGHAM FERYES, Hi. Hisham, Orling. Holdenby, New. Holcott, Ham. Hoothorpe, Roth. Houghton great, Wym. Houghton little, Wym. Horton, Wym. Hulcot, Cle. Hynton, Sut. I S. janes', New. Imley, Sut. Irlingborough, Hux. Islippe, Hux. KING Kellemarshe, Roth. KETTER, Hux. Kislingburye, New. Kings, Sut. Kingesthorpe, Spel. Kingscliff, Willi. Kirkby, Cor. Killesbie, Fausl. L Langport, Orling. Laxston, Cor. Lillford, Hux. Lillingston Lovel, Cle. Loddington, Roth. Longthorpe, Nassab. Lubnam Thorpe, Roth. Luddington, Pol. Luffwick, Hux. Lutton, Will. Lyfden, Navis. Lyfeild, Navis. Lylborne, Guil. Lytchbarrow, Fausl. M Maidwell, Roth. Malser Thorpe Roth. Mandevill Thorpe, Sut. Marham, Nassab. Marston Laurenes, Sut. Marston Trussell, Roth. Maxey Castle Nassab. Maydford, Nort. Middleton Cheney Sut. Middleton, Cor. Moulton, Spel. Morton Pynckney, Nort. Mylton, Wym. Mylton, Nassab. N Nasebye, Guil. Nassington, Willi▪ Nerboro, Nassab. Newarke, Nassab. Newbottle, New. Newbottle, Sut. Newnham, Fausl. Newton, Hig. Newton, Cor. Newton wood, Willi. NORTHAMPTON, N. Northburghe, Nassab. Norton, Fausl. Nine Flu. OH Ocley great, Cor. Ocley little, Cor. Oldwinckle, Hux. Orlingburie, Orling. Only, Fausl. Orton, Roth. Ouercote, Fausl. Ouerton, Spel. OUNDLE, Pol. Oxenden great, Roth. Oxney, Nassab. P Panlers purie, Cle. Passengham, Cle. Paston, Nassab. Patteshall, Tow. Peakirke, Nassab. PETERBURGH, Nassab. Pilkton, Navis. Pillesgate, Nassab. Pipwell, Cor. Polbrooke, Pol. Potter's purie, Cle. Preston, Wym. Preston Capes, Fausl. Pyddington, Wym. Pynckney Morton, Nort. Pysforde, Spel. Pytchley, Orling. Q Quynton, Wym. R Radston, Sut. Raunsthorpe, Spel. Raundes, Hig. Ringsted, Hig. Rockingham Cor. Rockingham forest Cor. Road Cle. Rothewell Roth. Rusheden Hig. Rushton Roth. S Saucy forest, Wym. Scaldwell, Orling. Sibbertost, Roth. Singlesale, Nassab. Slayton, Nort. Slipton, Hux. Sowthorpe, Nassab. Spratton, Spel. Stamford, Willi. Stanford, Guil. Stanwick, Hig. Stanyone, Cor. Staverton, Fausl. Steane, Sut. Stoke Albony, Cor. Stoke Bruerne, Cle. Stoke daily, Navis. Stowe, Fausl. Stuttesburie, Sut. Stoyxton, High. Sudborow, Hux. Sulbye, Guil. Sulgrave, War. Suly lodge, Nassab. Suthwicke, Willi. Sutton, Nassab. Sutton Basset, Cor. Syersan, Sut. Syluerton, Nort. Syluerton, Cle. Sywell, Ham. T Tansover, Willi. Thingdon, Hux. Thornebie. Thornhawe, Nassab. Thorney mill, Nassab. Thorpe, Navis. Thorpe Lubnam, Roth. Thorpe underwood, Ro. THRAPSTON, Navis. Thurning, Pol. Titchmarsh, Nau. Titon, New. TOWCESTER, Tow. Trafford, War. Trussell marston, Roth. Twywell, Hux. Tyffeild, Tow. V Vfford, Nas. Vxton, Nas. Vpton, New. W Waddenhoe, Nau. Wakenley, Cor. Walgrave, Orl. Walmesford, Nas. Walton, Nas. Walton, Nas. Wappenham, Sut. Warkton, Hux. Warkworth, Sut. Warmington, Wil Warmington, Pol. Watford, Guil. Weedon, Nort. Weedon beckie, Faus. Weekeley, Cor. Weland flu. Weldon great, Cor. Weldon little, Cor. WELLINGBOROUGH, H. Welton, Faus. Werington, Nas. Weston, Nort. Weston, Cor. Weston favill, Spel. Whilton, New. Whiston, Wym. Whitfeild, Sut. Whitleburye, Nort. Whittlewood forest, N. Wicklie, Cle. Wigesthorpe, Hux. Wickins, Clo. willbe, Ham. Wilbaston, Cor. Wilford, Guil. Winwicke, Pol. Wittering, Nas. Wittering heath, Nas. Wood newton, Wil Woodcroft, Nas. Woodend, Nort. Woodford, War. Woodford, Hux. woolaston, High. Wotton, Wym. Wowld, Orl. Wynwick, Guil. Y Yardley gubbens, Cle. Yardley hasting, Wym. Yarwell, Wil Yeluertost, G●il. Ptol●m. Chro. Saxonica. HVntington shire, of old 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, (part of the Iceni under the Roman Monarch, of Mercia in the Saxon Heptarchy) is severed with Nene, the North-bounder from Northamptonshire, to which it in part adjoineth West; from Bedford and Cambridge, by mearing towns on the South; and from Ely, by a fence of water East, the work of Nature, Benwicke Jngulphus Crouland Regist. Abbot. de Chertsey. Malmsb. de Reg. Alfred. Registrum S. Albani. 12 H●n. 7. 17. Fineux. stream, or of Art, Canutus Delft: severed when Alfred, or before him, Offa shared the open circuit of their Empery into Principalities: that by residency of subordinate rule, Peace at home might be maintained; Foreign offence (by apt assembly of the Inhabitants) resisted; Tax and Revenue of the Crown laid more evenly, and easierly levied; justice at men's doors with less charge and journey administered: all causes Civil haviug a right and speedy dispatch, in the County or Earls monthly Court, as Criminal in his Lieutenant the Sheriffs Turn, twice a year. In form of a Lozenge this Shire lieth, of positure temperate, and is 52▪ degrees, 4. scruples removed from the Equator: the Hilly soi●e to the Ploughman grateful: the Va●e, contiguous to the Fens, best for pasture, in which to no part of England it giveth place: Woods are not much wanted, the rivers serving Coal, as the Moors Turf, for fuel. L●g. Canut. Saxon. (2) This Content was (as the whole Continent) Forrest, until Canutus gave this law of grace, ut quisque tam in agris, quam in siluis excitet Lect. divers. super Stat de Foresta. Lib. Dom esday. agitetque seras. Long were the hands of Kings, to pull (of old) the Subjects right into Regal pleasure, when Perambulation and Proclamation only might make any man's land Forrest. It is in the first Williams time a Phrase in record not rare, silva huius Manerij FORIS EST missa in Siluam regis; from which work of power, Forrest may seem not unaptly Ro. Forest. in S●acc. ●e Comit. Rutland. 33. H. 3. to be derived. Cum videbat Henricus primus tres Bissas, fitting his Forest of Lyfeild, he caused Husculphus his ranger to keep them for his Game, as the Record doth testify. Thus did the second of his name, and the first Richard, in many parts: well therefore may the Exchequer book call the Forest justice for Geruas'. Tilb. de necess. obser. Scacc. Lib. Niger in Scaccario. joh. Tilius. Vert and Venison▪ not Justum absolutè, but Justum secundum legem Forestae. That Foresta is defined, Tuta serarum statio, may seem to confine the Foresters office only to his games care, which of ancient was aswell over Mineral and Maritimal revenue. The office of Baldwine the great Forester of Flanders, Non agrum tantum spectabat, sed & Mari● custodiam, saith tilius, out of the old Charters of the French Kings. And see how just this squares to our legal practice, for of Assarts, Purprestures, Improvement, Greenehugh, Art Jusl. Itiner. & Forestae. Herbage, Paunage, Foules, Mils, honey, Mines, Quarries, & Wreacks at sea, did the Itinerall justice of the Forest here inquire. His Subjects Histor. jornalensis. of this shire, Henry the 2. from servitude of his beasts, (whose Grandfather pro seris homines incarceravit, exhaereditavit, mutilavit, trucidavit) did pretend by Charter to enfranchise, except Wabridge, Saple, Matth. West. Hist. Herthy, his own Demaines. But such was the success, by encrochments under his two succeeding sons, that it drew on the oppressed people to importune a new the Sovereign's redress, which was by Dor. claus A. 7. E. 1 the great Charter of the third Henry fruitlessy effected. His son in the 7. of his reign, by a Perambuiation, resuming back the fruit of Rot. Cart A. 28. & 29. Edw. primi. in arch. Tur. Lond. Placit. in Banc. reg. Hil. 33. Eliz. his Father's goodness, and so retaining, until in his 29, year by petition, and purchase of his people (for they gave him a full Fifteen) he confirmed the former Charter, and by jury, View and Perambulation settled that Boundary of Forest, which contented the people, become the square of universal justice in this kind, and left in this shire no more than the three former (his own grounds) Forrest. Liber niger in Scaccar. cap. 33. (3) This Shire ha●h four Centuriatae or Hundreds, and had of old time five, these so called * Quia prima institutione ex Hid●rum a●iquot centenarijs compositae. These are subdivided into 79. Parishes, whereof five besides the Shire Town have Markets. These Parishes are measured Lib. Domesd. pro Comitat. Hunt. by Hides, and Carucks or Plough lands, more or less, as either richness of Soil, or strength of the Lord straightened or extended their limits, the Mass in whole containing of the fi●st sort, 818. and of the Swafham. regist. Monast. S. Petri de Burgo. Ex record. in Scac. de Feod. Epi. Lincoln. doomsday. Ex Histor. Eliens. cap. 13. & 42. Et pla. ass. apud Cant. 14. Edw. 1. Ex Rot. in Arch. Turr. Lond. de Hund. in come. Hun. Ex regist. Rams. vocat Dearslether in Scaccar. 13. Edw. 3. f. brief. 241. Ex lib. rub. in Sccr. & in quo volun●. H. 2. Ex lib. doomsday. Ex rot. comp. in Sccrio. Tacitus de moribus German. Leg. S. Edelbert c. 17. 19 Leg. H. primi. c. 22 Ex c●rt. Hen. prim● de libertatibus. Leg H. primi c. 10. Regist. Eliens. l. 2. Leg. Hen. primi. Ex cart. regis Will. primi Remigio Ep. Lincoln. Leg. Hen. 1. other, 1136. These Hides the ancient and general measure of land, (except in Kent, where the account was by Solins, or Lincolnshire, ubi non sunt Hidae, sed pro Hidis sunt Carucatae) were esteemed one hundred Acres, non Normanico sed Anglico numero, una Hida pro sexies vigin●i acts, duo pro duodecies viginti, as in the book of doomsday. Caruca the Teame-land (not Carucata, for they be different) was in quantity of Acres proportioned to the quality of ●oile, but usually in this shire, reputed 60. The Virgata or yard-land, was a more or less part of the Hide, a● the Acres in number varied, which I found in this County from 18. to 42. but for the most part 30. which was the half Ploughland. And the Bovata or Oxgang (presumed in law for land in Granary) was suited in number of Acres to that yard-land, of which it was a moiety. Thus (except in the Fens laid out per Leucas & quarentenas, miles and furlongs) stands all amesurement of land in this shire, which containeth in Knigh▪ s ●eess 53. one half, 2. fifts, and a twentieth part. And in full estimation of rent and worth, rose in the time of the Conqueror, to 912. pomell 4. s. and now payeth in Fifteen to the King, 371. l. 9 s. 7 d. ob▪ and in tenth from the Clergy, 142. pomell 6. s. q. (4) This County in discition of Titles, and administration of justice, did at the first, as the Germane our ancestors, jura per Pagos & vicos reddere; Every Towneship by their▪ Friburgi, or Tenmentall, as Triers, and the Baron, Thain, or Head-lord there, or the Decanus (a good Freholder) his Deputy, as judge, determining all civil causes; a representation of this remaineth still in our Court-Leete. Above this, and held 12. times a year, was our Hundred or Wapentake. Quae super dec●m Decanos & centum Friburgos iudicahat. Here the judges were the Aldermen, and Barons or freeholders of that Hundred; Aegelwinus Aldermannus tenuit placitum cum toto Hundredo, says the book of Fly. This Court had Cognoscence of Cau●eses Ecclesiastical, as Temporal, therefore the judge or Alderman aught to be such as Dei leges & hominum iura studebatpr●movere: thus it went although the Conqueror commanded, Ne aliquis de legibus Episcopilibus amplius in Hundredo placita teneret. The next and highest in this Shire, was Generale placitum Comitatus (the County or sheriffs Court) to which were proper Placita Civilia ubi curia Dominorum probantur defecisse. Et si placitum exurgat inter Vau●sores duorum Dominorum tractetur in Comitat●. The judge was the Earl or Sheriff, The triers Barones Comi●atus (Freholders) Qui liberas in eo terras habent, not Civil only, but Probates of Wills, Questions of Tithes, Et debita verae Christianitatis jura, were heard, and first heard in this Court. Therefore Episcopus, Presbyter Ecclesiae, & Quatuor de m●lioribus villae, were adjuncts to the Sheriff, Qui Dei leges & seculi negotia justa consideratione definirent. The Lay part of this liveth in a sort in the County, and Sheriff Turn; the Girald. Cambrens. in Simbol. Elect. Spiritual, about the reign of King Stephen, by Sovereign connivence, suffered for the most into the quarterly Synod of the Clergy, from whence in imitation of the Hundred Court, part was remitted to the Rural Deaneries, of which this Shire had four: And these again have been since swallowed up by a more frequent and Superior ●urisdiction, as som● of our Civil Courts have been. There being now left in use for the most in this Shire for Causes▪ Criminal, View of Franckpleg, by grant or prescription, A Session of the Peace quarterly, and two Goal delivery by the Sovereign's commission: and for Civil Causes, Coures of Manors, or of the County monthly, and twice by the judges of Assize yearly. The Office of Execution and custody of this County is the Sheralf●y, of old inheritable, until Eustachius, who by force and favour of th● Do●esday in fine in come. Hunt. Conqueror disseised Aluric and his heirs, for faited it to t●e crown; but since it hath passed by annual election, and hath united to it the County of Cambridge. (5) Having thus far spoken of the Shire in general, next in observation falleth the Shire-towne Huntingdon, Hundandun, or the Hunters down, North, seated upon a rising bank, over the rich meadowed Marianus Scotus. river Owse, interpreted by some Authors, the Down of Hunters, to which their now Common seal (a Hunter) seemeth to allude. Great and populous was this in the foregoing age, the following having here buried of fifteen all but three, besides the mother Church S Maries, in their own graves. At the reign of the Conqueror, it was ranged into four Ferlings or Wards, and in them 256. Burgenses or Households: Hen. Huntingd. Regist. Prior. de Hunt. doomsday. Ex nummis entiqui●. It answered at all assersements for 50 Hides, the fourth part of Hurstingston Hundred in which it standeth. The annual rent was then 30. l. of which, as of three Minters there kept, the King had two parts, the Earl the third; the power of Coinage then and before, not being so privatively in the King, but boroughs, Bishops, & Earls enjoyed it; on the one side stamping the face and stile of their Sovereign, in acknowledgement of subordinacy in that part of absolute power, and on the reverse, their own name, to warrant their integrity in that infinite trust. Ex vit. Waltheoph. & come. Hunt. Ex Benedicto Monacho in vita. Hen. 2. Ex inquisit. de Feodi● milit. Ex carta originali David Comitis. Ex cartis antiquis in Tur. Lond. Ex rot. cur. augment. Ex cart. antiquis & itiner. Joh. Lelandi. Ex rot. de Quo Warranto temp. Edw. primi & Parlam. 50. Ed. 3. Ex cart. ●eg. joh. in arch. Tur. Lond. (6) The Castle supposed by some the work of the Elder Edward, but seeming by the book of doomsday, to be built by the Conqueror, is now known but by the ruins: It was the seat of Waltheof the great Saxon Earl as of his succeeding heirs, until to end the question of right between Sentlice, and the King of Scots, Henry the second, laid it as you see; yet doth it remain the head of that honour, on which in other Shires many Knights Fees and sixteen in this attended. Here David Earl of this and Anguise, father of Isabel de Brus, founded the Hospital of S. john Baptist: And Lovetote here upon the Fee of Eustace, the Viscount, built to the honour of the blessed Virgin, the Priory of Black cannons valued at the Suppression, 23●. l. 7. s. ob. Here at the North end was an house of Friars, and without the town at Hinchingbrooke, a Cloister of Nuns, valued at 19 l. 9 s. 2.d. founded by the first William, in place of S. Pandonia, at Eltesley (by him suppressed) where near the end of the last Henry, the family of the Cromwel's begins their seat. To this Shire-Towne, and benefit of the neighbour Countries, this river was navigable, until the power of Grey, a minion of the time, stopped that passage, and with it all redress, either by law or Parliament. By Charter of King john this town hath a peculiar Coroner, profit by Toll and Custom, Recorder, Town-Clarks, and two Bailiffs (elected annually for government) as at Parliament, two Burgesses, for advise and assent: and is Lord of itself in Fee-farm. (7) The rest of the Hundred (wherein this Shire Town lieth) is the East part of the County, and of Hurst a Parrishi in the centre ofit, named Ramsey, insula arietis. Exregistr. Ram. Ecclesia. HURSTINGSTON. It was the Fee-farm of Ramsey Abbey, which on a point of fertile land, thrust out into the Fens, is therein situate, founded in the year, 969. to God, our Lady, and S. benedict, by Earl Aylwin of the royal blood, replenished with Monks from Westbury, by Oswold of York, and dedicated by Dunstan of Canterbury Archby. Ex vita Abb●t. Rams. shops. By Abbot Reginald, 1114. this Church was re-edified, by Magnavil Earl of Essex, not long after spoiled, and by Henry the third, first of all the Norman Princes, visited; when wasted with the Sicilian Math. Paris Hist. Maior. Chrou. Joh. de Walingford Monach. S. Albani. Ex lib. de trauslat. S. juonis. Ex Regist. terrur●● Monast. Ramsey. wars, Regalis mensae Hospitalitas ita abbr●uiata fuit, ut cum Abbatibus, Clericis, & vir is satis humilibus, hospitia quae sivit & prandia. This Monasteny (the shrine of two martyred Kings, Ethelbright and Ethelred, & of Saint Juo the Persian Bishop) by humble piety at first, and pious charity, ascended such a pitch of worldly fortune, that it transformed their Founder (religious poverty) into their ruin, the attribute of Ramsey the rich: for having made themselves Lords of 387. Hides of land (whereof 200. in this shire, so much as at an easy and underrent, was at the suppression valued at 1983. l. 15. s. 3. d. q. but by account of this time, annually amounts to 7000. l.) they then began to affect popular command, and first enclosing that large circuit of land and water (for in it heth the Mile-square Mere of Ramsey) as a peculiar signory to them, called the Bale●c or Bandy (bounded as the Shire from Cart. Hen. 3. & r●ss. de Quo Warrant. Edw. Prim●. Broughton. Ely, and from Norman-Crosse with the Hundred Mere) by Sovereign Grant, they enjoyed regal liberty. And then aspiring a step further, (to place in Parliament) made Broughton the head of their Barony, annexing to it in this Shire four Knights Fees. Thus in great glory it stood above 400. years; until Henry the 8. (amongst many other once bright Lamps of learning and religion in this State, though then obscured with those blemishes to wealth and ease concomitant) dissolved the house; although john Warboys then Abbot, & his 60 black Ex protest Original. sub sigi●l. Convent. Monks there maintained, were of the first that under their hands and conventual Seal protested, Quod Romanus Pontisex non habet maio●em aliquam jurisdictionem collatam sibi a Deo in regno Angl●● quam quivis ●li●s externus Episcopus. A Cell to this rich Monastery was Gocelinu● in vita S. juonis. S. Juoes Priory, built in that place of Slep, by Earl Adelmus, in the reign of the last Edmund, where the incorrupted body of Saint Ive Capgrave Legend Sanct Angliae. Ex lib. translat. S. I●on●●. there once a Hermit, in a vision revealed, was by Ednothus taken up in his robes Episcopal; and dedicated in the presence of Siward Earl of this County, and that Lady of renowned piety Ethelfleda, to the sacred memory of this Persian Bishop. Not far from this is Somersham the gift of the Saxon Earl Eritbnothus to the Church Historia Eliens. l. 2 of Ely, before his own fatal expedition against the Danes: It is the head of those five Towns, of which the Soak is composed, and was Ex vit● Episcop. Eliens. Eccl. Lib. doomsday. Registr. Priorat. de Bernwell. a house to the See of Ely, well beautified by john Stanley their Bishop: but now by exchange is annexed to the Crown: As these, so all the rest of this Hundred was the Church's land, except Rippon Regis, ancient demain. To which Saple (reserved Forest) adjoined, and the greater Sti●ecly, given by the last David Earl of Huntingdon in Fee to his three servants, Sentlice, La●eruile, and Camoys. HUNTINGTON BOTH SHIR● AND SHIRE TOWN WITH THE ANCIENT CITY ELY DESCRIBED. HUNTINGTON A Bolme Holle B S. john's Church C The free Shoal D St. Georges E All-hallows FLETCHER The Shire Hall G Germane street H St. Bennets Church I The Juyle KING S. mary's Church L Cobblers lane M The bawling place N The Water mill THE SCALE OF PASES 〈◊〉 by William 〈◊〉 whose sisters dochter by the mother's side he had married▪ 〈◊〉 created Earl of Hunting●●●▪ whose elder daughter and 〈◊〉 named Mound, married 〈◊〉 de St. Lizio, to whom she ●●●ught the Earldom▪ & a 〈◊〉 that bore his father 〈◊〉 Manned after ʳ the death of h●r 〈◊〉 husband married David 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Manned Queen of England▪ w●●●●fter was King of Scotland unto whom she bore Henry, that carried away the honour of that Earldone, from his half & elder brother, But Prince Henry dying before his father▪ by the mutabilytye of fortune & favour of Princes, the Dignity was again restored to the Liz●arss, & again to the Scotish, as to Malcolne & Wittia both Kings of Scotland. To David and john surnamed the Scot, Earl of Chester, & lastly to Al●xander. 2. King also of that nation. Afterwards the Earldom was possessed by these Nobles here under written. Waldeof E of Hunting Simon de St. Lizio Henry Prince of Scotl. William C●inton E Guyfard Angolesme▪ john Holland E Thomas gray E William Herbert George Hastings ELY A Egremans' street B Newname C Cats Lane D Dounham E Cow Lane F Causey Lane G Tisefeu Lane H S. mary's Street I S. mary's Church KING High Rowestret L The market M Brodhive street N Brodhive OH Trinity church P S. Peter's mnister Q Walkers lane R The Gallarye S Mount hill T Flax lane V The dr●we bridge W The Fen A Scale of Pases Although this City of Ely is not in this county of Huntingdon, but in Cambridge 〈◊〉 yet because that place Would not permit, to be so fully ●xp●●yned. I have thought good 〈◊〉 to insert it, as in other Countries I am forced to the ly●e▪ neither doth it greatly 〈◊〉 from the true place of 〈◊〉 the Island▪ itself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on the West with this 〈◊〉 of Huntingdon. This City is ancient and hath been better inhabited and frequented, whose beauty is much increased by the most magnificent minster dedicated to St. Peter: the Laterne whereof & the Mount are ever beheld with admiration and deserveth to be commended with a better stile than in th●● old verse made by her monk Quatuor Eli●, Lanterna, Capella, Maria, Atque 〈◊〉 necnon dans vi●●a vinum. HON. SOIT. OU●. MAL. Y. PENSE. DIEV ET MON DROIT THE SCALE OF MILES Performed by john Speed And are to be sold in Pope's▪ head alley against the Exchange by George Humble. cum Privilegio. Jodocus Hondius Caelavit Anno Domini▪ 1610 (8) NORMANS CROS the next Hundred, taketh name of a Swapham Registr. Monastr. S. Petri de Burgo. Cross above Stilton, the place where in former ages this Division mustered their people, whence Wapentake is derived: It had in it two religious houses, the eldest in the confins of Newton and Chesterton, near the river of Au●n, now Nene, founded (by the first Abbess Keneburga the daughter of Penda, and wife of Aelfred King of Northumberland) west side a Trench, where Erming street way crossed over the River by a Stone-bridge, whose ruins are now drowned, whence Camden in Com. Hunt. Ex carta original inter evident D. Rob. Cotton Baronet. Stemat. Lotharingiae Famil. Chro. Priorat. Hunting. Ex lib Cartarum Saltriensis Monast Ex certificate Commission. temp. Sup. press. An. Hen. 8. Registr. Monastr. de Thorni vocat. the redbooke. A●●estat●● Alexan. Maufe sub sigil. temp. regis Stephani apud D. Rob. Cotton Baronet. Liber Thorney & doomsday. Rot. Claus. 22. H. 3. Es●het. in arch. Tur. Lond. Placit de Banco 35. Hen. 8. Rot. 424. doomsday. Lib. Rub. de Feod. mil. in come. Hunt. Rot. Hundred. temp. Edw. 1. Inqui●. post mort. Edmundi Com. Coruubiae 28. Edw. primi. Hist. Eliens. Eccles. Lib. Domesd. in Com. Hunt. Cart. Hen. 3. Lib. Rams. in Secretary Rot. par. 38. Ed. 3. Ex Evident. Familiae. Ex l. Priorat. de Royston. Ex Inquisit. in Arch. Tur. London Sx Euiden. Famil. the Roman Town there seated on both sides took the name Durobrivae, as traiect us Fl●minis. But this Nunnery as raised, was also ruined by the Danes before the Conquest. The other a Monastery of Cistertian black Monks, erected in honour of the Virgin Mary▪ by the second Simon Earl of Hunting●on, at Saltry judeth, the land of a Lady of that name, wife of Earl Walth●of, daughter to Lambert Earl of Leins, Niece to the Conqueror by h●s' sister (her Mother) & Grandmother to this Founder. Malcolme, and William Kings of Scots, Earls of Huntingdon, and Heirs of this Lady, strengthened by several Charters this pious work. Many chief of that line, as the last Earl David brother to King William, as Isabel, the wife of Robert de Brus his daughter heir; and most of the second branch, her Progeny making here their Burials. This house now level with the ground, maintained besides the Abbot, six Monks, and 22. Hinde●, and was at the suppression valued at 199 l. xi. s. viii. d. The Founders and Patrons of this Monastery were the Lords of the next place Connington, first the seat of Turkillus Earl of the East Angles, that invited Swain from Denmark to invade this land: and who first squared out the unbounded marshes of this part, to the bordering Towns; his rule of proportion allowing to every parish tantum de Marisco, quantum de sicca terra in breadth, in which none, sine licentia Domini might vel fodere, vel salcare, but leaving most to intercommon by vicinage. This Dane exiled (when the rest of his Countrymen were by Edward Confessor) his land here was given to Earl Waltheof, by whose eldest heir Matilda married to David King of Scots, it went along in that Male line, until by death issueless of John Earl of Chester and Huntingdon, it fell in partage to his sister Isabel de Brus one of his heirs, from whose second son Bernard, the family of Cotton by lineal succession holdeth this land, whereto Glatton the adjoining Parish is now by bounty of a second branch annexed. It was in this Shire the head of the honour of Bolleine, on which Covington, Walmssord, Sibson, Stibington, & Ves●yes Manor in Chesterton attended: part of it is the fresh Sea Witlesm●re, four mile in breadth; over which when Emma, and her Children, the issue of Canutus sailed with some peril, her husband in prevention of the like, from Botisey in a straight course to the opposite firm land, lined with his Attendant swords that passage, which since hath borne the name of Swords Delft, Kings or Canutus dyke. This signory was granted by the Conqueror to Eustace Earl of bolein, brother to Lambert Earl of Leins, and Father to Godfrey King of Jerusalem; reverting it was given to Richard Earl of Cornwall, who granted out of it the two Mere, Vbbe Mere and Brich Mere, in Fee-Farm to the church of Ramsey. Then after sundry changes, it came to john of Gaunt, in exchange of the Earldom of Richmond, and so by descent fell again into the Crown. Washingl●y (not far off) from the ancient Lord of that name, by Drwe and Otter came to the Prices that now possesseth it. In Chesterton from Wadsheafe by Dennyes there is to the Bevils (an ancient name in this Shire) a Manor descended. The rest from Aegidius de Merke (who gave there much to Royston Priory) passed by Amundevill to Gloucester, and so to Vescy by exchange. In Elton, the house rich in a beauteous Chapel, from Denham to Sapcotes, and Sautre Beaumes, from that surname (near the time of the Conquest) by Louth to Cornwallis descended; as Bottlebridge by Gimels', Drayton, Lovet, unto Shirley the now Lord. (9) LETTUNESTAN HVNDRED hath that name from doomsday. Leighton a town in the midst of it, given by Earl Waltheof to the Church of Lincoln, which after shared it into two Prebendaries. One, the parsonage impropriate, which still remaineth: the other (the Lordships) was resumed by Henry the eight, and now by the Heir of Darcy matched to the Lord Clifton, is become the seat of his barony. This Cart. Hen 8. Ex certificate. Commiss. temp. Hen. 8. doomsday. Hundred had in it no house of Religion, but Stonly a Priory of seven Black Canons, of the order of S. Augustine, founded by the Bigrames, and at the suppression valued at 62. pomell 12 s. 3 d. ob. It stood within the reach of the great Manor Kimbolton (once an Hundred) which was the land of Earl Harold the usurper: after by Grant it came Cart. Regis joh. Ex chro. abbot de Lecest. Ex registr. S. Maria de Lincoln. with the Chase of Swinesheved to Fitz-Peter, from whom by Magn●uill to Bobum (who in time of the tumultuous Barons built there a Forcelet) and so to Stafford, by whose attainture forfeited, it was given by Henry the eight to the Family of Wingfeild that now possesseth it. At Bugden the See of Lincoln● hath a seat, and was Lord of SpaldWick, and the Soak (given in compensation from the Church of Ely, when rend from them, it was by the first Henry made a Bishopric) until Rot. Hund. de Leightonst. Ed. 1. of late that Church gave up their interest in Spaldwicke to the Crown. Brampton was given by King joh● at Mirabel to Earl David, and by Adae his youngest daughter fell to Hastings Earl of Pembroke, Cart. reg. joh. Rot. Hund. Ed. 1. and now is reverted to the King. To the same Earl David by gift of the former King came Alcum●s●ery, and by the bounty of john Scot his son to Segrave, and so to the Lord Barkley the late possessor. To Serlo de Quincy Earl of Win●hester, was Keston by Henry the second given, by whose Heir general Ferrars, it came to the late Earl of Essex, and by exchange to the Crown. (10) TOULESLAND HVNDRED, taketh name likewise of a Town therein situate. In the out Angle of this to the memory Ex veta. S. Neoti. of S. Neotus a Monk of Glastenbury, but the supposed son to Ethelwolfe King of the Westsaxons (whose body from Neosto●ke in Cornwall was transferred to Arnulphes●u●y, then of Arnulphus a holy man, now Eynesbury named) Earl Al●c and Ethelfled● turned the palace of Earl Elfred into a Monastery of black Monks, which was razed by the Danes; but out of the Ashes of this, Roifia (wi●e to Bichard, the Ex. regist. prior at S. Neoti. son of Earl Gilbert) to God, our Lady de Becco, and S. Neot (as a Celestina to the Abbey of Becco in Normandy) erected up of Black Monks in the year 1113. the late Priory of S. Nedes suppressed by Henry the 8. Lib. Domesd. Es●het. temp. divers. regum. Rot. Hund. temp. Edw. 1. Frosard. doomsday. Rot. Hund. de Tousland. and valued at 256. l. 15. d. q. At Southo (the land of Eustachius the Sheriff) Lovetote made the seat of that signory, on which in this Shire 13. Knight's Fees▪ and an half depended: But from his line by gift of Verdon and Vesey drowned were these in the honour of Gloucester. Near to this at Cretingsbury dwelled Sir Adam de Cretongs, famous in Edward the thirds wars of France, whose Heir General, Wauton doth now possess it. Stanton given by the first William to Gilbert de Gaunt, after the death issueles of De Rupes escheated to the King, who gave it to joan his sister Queen of Scots. She on the Abbey of Tarent bestowed part▪ the rest reverting being given to Segrave descended to the Barons of Berkley▪ Godmanchester, or Gormonchester (so named of that Dane to whom A●lfred at his conversion granted Chron. Saxon. doomsday. Cart. regis joh. Rot. de Quo Warranto Edw. primi. vita S. Machut●. some regiment in these parts) was the old land of the Crown now the inhabitants in Fee-farm by grant of King john pro Sexies viginti libris pondere & numero. It i● flat seated by as fruitful and flowery meadows as any this Kingdom yieldeth, and is the most spacious of any one Parish in fertile tillage, often having waited on their Sovereign Lords with ninescore Ploughs in a rural pomp: Some from the name Gunicester (which this often beareth in record) suppose it the City where Machutus placed his Bishop's chair. But for certain it was, that Roman town Durosipont, of the Bridges named, so many hundred years (until the * Camden. light of our Britain story overshowne it) forgotten. Thus as this City, so the old families have been here with time outworn, few only (of the many former) now remaining, whose Surnames before the reign of the last Henry we●e in this shire of any eminency. But, Non ind●gnemur mortalia Nomina solui, C●rnimus exemplis oppida posse mori. Let's not repined that Men and Names do die, Since stone-built Cities dead and ruin'd lie. This Description I received from a right worthy and learned friend. An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and memorable places mentioned in Huntingtonshire. The Hundred. Norman-Crosse. Hurstington. Leightenstone. Tosland. A Abottesley, Tosl Agden mill, Leigh. Alerton, Norm. Alkmundbury wood. Hur. Alkmundbury, Leigh. S. Andrewschapple, Norm. B. Barham, Leigh. beggars bush, Tosl. Bigen, Hurst. Billingbrooke, Norm. Birtholme lodge, Leigh. Bithorne, Leigh. Bluntsham; Hurst. Botsey, Hurst. Botulph Bridge▪ Norm. Brampton, Leigh. Brinton, Leigh. Brik-Mere. Norm. Broughton wood, Hurst. Broughton, Hurst. Bruc-Castle. Norm. Buckworth, Leigh. Buckworth grove, Leigh. Buckworth Beacon, Leigh. Bugden, Tosl. Bury, Hurst. C Calcot, Norm. Calfo-wood, Leigh. Canutus Dike, or Sword dike. Norm. Great Catworth, Leigh. Little Catworth, Leigh. Catworth mill, Leigh. The Chase, Hurst. Chesterton, Norm. Colne, Hurst. Conington, Norm. Conquest Loode, Norm. Copinford, Leigh. Covington, Leigh. Cretingesbery, Tosl. D Dantre, Norm. Denton, Norm. Denton and Calton Fen. Norm. Diddington, Tosl. Durosiponte, Tosl. E Easton, Leigh. Ellington. Leigh. Elton, Norm. Elton-Parke, Norm. Elton mill, Norm. Erith, Hurst. Ermine street, Norm. Euerton Tosl. Eynesbury, Tosl. F Farset, Norm. Farset, King's delf, Norm. Fenton, Hurst. Folkesworth, Norm. G. Garmsey▪ Hurst. Great Gidding, Leigh. Little Gidding, Leigh. Steeple Gidding, Leigh. Glatton, Norm. Glatton Fen, Norm. Godmanchester, Tosl Great Gransden. Tosl. Grasham, Leigh. H Haddon Becon, Norm. Haddon Norm. Haddon mill, Norm. Hammerton, Leigh. Hammerton mill, Leigh. Haleweston, Tosl. Heathmangrove, Hurst. Hemingford Abbot, Tosl. Hemingford Grey, Tosl. Herford, Hurst. Highney, Norm. Highney-lodge, Norm. Hilton, Tosl. Hinchingbrooke, Hurst. Holm-lood, Norm. Holywell, Hurst. Holywell fen, Hurst. Horsey Bridge, Norm. Houghton, H●rst. HUNTINTON, Hurst I S. IVES. Hurst. S jews street, Hurst. K. Keston, Leigh. KIMBALION, Leigh. L Leighton, Leigh. Leighton mill, Leigh. Lnddington, Leigh. Lutton, Norm. M Molesworth, Leigh. Monkeswood, Hurst. Morborn, Norm. The Moor, Tosl. Myddloe, Tosl▪ N Nedingworth, Hurst. Neen flu, Norm. S. NEOT. Tosl. Newdike, Norm. Newparke, Leigh. O. Offord Clunie, Tosl. Offord Dacy, Tosl. Ogerston, Norm. Ouerton Longuill, Norm. Ouerton wateruill, Norm. Ould hur'st, Hnrst. P Papworth Annes, Tosl. Little Paxton, Tosl. Great Paxton, Tosl. Pertenhall, Leigh. Pidley, Hurst. Pirry, Leigh Pits water, Norm. Por●med, Tosl. R Ramsey, Hurst. Ramsey Mere, Hurst. Ramsey Fen, Hurst. Ramsey Moor, Norm. Little Reveley, Hurst. Great Reveley, Hurst. Ripton Abbots, Hurst. Ripton Park, Hurst. Kings Ripton, Hurst. Rowey, Hurst. Romerstreeme lood, Norm. S. Salom-wood, Leigh. Saltrey-mill, Norm. Saltrey Abbey, Norm. Saltrey Grange, Norm. Saltrey judith▪ Norm. Saltrey Moynes, Norm. Saltrey Beumes, Norm. Saply park, Hurst. Sibthorpe, Leigh. Smal-dike, Norm. Somersham fen, Hurst. Somersham park, Hurst. South-hoo, Tosl. Spaldwick-myll, Leigh. Spaldwick, Leigh. Fenny Stanton, Test. Stibinton, Norm. Stilton, Norm. Stilton Fen, Norm. Stilton mill, Norm. Stongate hole, Leigh. Stonly, Leigh. Stonly Priory, Leigh. Great Stoughton, Tosl. Stowe, Leigh. Stranground, Norm. Little Stukley, Hurst. Great Stukley, Hurst. Swineshead, Leigh. T Tetworth, Tosl. Thurning, Leigh. Toseland, Tosl. Trundle mere, Norm. V Vgmere Coat, Norm. Vgmere, Norm. Vpton, Leigh. Vpwood, Hurst. Vpwood mill, Hurst. W Wabridg forest, Leig. Walton, Norm. Walton mill, Hurst. Walton wood, Norm. Warbois, Hurst. Warboys fen, Hurst. Warbois wood, Hurst. Waresley, Tosl. Washingle, Norm. Water newton, Nor. Walmesford, Norm. Wenington, Hurst. Weston-grove, Leigh. Weston-mill, Leigh. Weston old, Leigh. Witle●mere, Norm. Wistow, Hurst. Winteringham, Tosl. Winwick, Leigh. Witton, Hurst. Wood hur'st, Hurst. Woodston, Norm. Woolly, Leigh. Y YAXLEY, Norm. Yelling, Tosl. The bounds of this Shire. RUTLAND-SHIRE, the lest of any County in this Realm, is circulated upon the north with Lincolne-shire; upon the East and South, by the River Weland, is parted from Northamptonshire; and the West is altogether held in with Leicester-shire. The form, and occasion of the name. (2) The form thereof is round, and no larger in compass then a light horseman can easily ride about in a day: upon which occasion some will have the Shire named of one Rutilio, that so road. But others from the redness of the soil, will have it called Rutland; and so the old English-Saxons called it, for that Roet and Rud is in their tongue Read with us, and may very well give the name to this Province, seeing the earth doth stain the wool of her sheep into a reddish Many places named from the nature of their soil. colour. Neither is it strange that the stain of the soil gives names unto places, and that very many: for have we not in Chesse-shire the Read Rock; in Lancashire the Read Bank; and in Wales Rutland Castle? to speak nothing of that famous Read Sea which shooteth into the Land betwixt Egypt and Arabia, which gave back her waters for the Israelites to pass on foot: all of them named from the colour of the soil. The dimension of it. (3) The longest part of this Shire is from Caldecot in the South upon the River Ey, unto Thistleton a small village seated in her North, not fully twelve miles: and from Timwell Eastward, to Wissenden in the West, her broadest extant, is hardly nine: the whole circumference about forty miles. air. (4) The air is good both for health and delight, subject to neither extremity of heat nor cold, nor is greatly troubled with foggy mists. Soil. The soil is rich, and for corn and tillage gives place unto none. Woods there are plenty, and many of them imparked, hills feeding herds of Neat, and flocks of sheep; valleys besprinkled with many sweet springs, Grain in abundance, and pastures not wanting: in a word, all things ministered to the content of life, with a liberal heart and open hand. Only this is objected, that the circuit is not great. The Lord Harrington. (5) The draft whereof, that I may acknowledge my duty and his right, I received at the hands of the right honourable john Lord Harrington, Baron of Exton, done by himself in his younger years. Okham royalty. Near unto his house Burley, standeth Okham a fair Market Town, which Lordship the said Baron enjoyeth, with a Royalty somewhat extraordinary, which is this: If any Noble by birth come within the precinct of the same Lordship, he shall forfeit as an homage a shoe from the horse whereon he rideth, unless he redeem it at a price with money. In witness whereof, there are many horseshoes nailed upon the Shire Hall door, some of large size and ancient fashion, others new and of our present Nobility; whose names are thereupon stamped as followeth: Henry Hastings. Homagers to the Lord Harrington. Roger Rutland. Edward L. russel, Earl of Bedford. Ralphe L. Euwer of Parram. Henry L. Bertley. Henry L. Mordant. William L. Compton. Edward L. Dudley. Henry L. Windsor. George, Earl of Cumberland. Philip, Earl of Montgomery. L. Willoughby. P. L. Wharton. The Lord Shandeis. besides many others without names. The Earl of Lincoln. That such homage was his due, the said Lord himself told me; and at that instant a suit depended in Law against the Earl of Lincoln, who refused to forfeit the penalty, or to pay his fine. The ancient people. (6) Her ancient Inhabitants known to the Romans, and mentioned in Ptolemie, were the Coritani, and by him branched thorough Leicester, Lincoln, Nottingham, Derbyshire, and this; who with the Icenians were subdued by P. Ostorius under the yoke of Claudius Romans. the Roman Emperor: and at their departure, by conquest the Saxons made it a Province unto their Saxons. Mercian Kingdom, whose fortunes likewise coming to a full period, the Normans annexed it under their Normans. Crown. K. William the Conqueror. (7) This County King Edward Confessor bequeathed by his Testament unto Queen Eadgith his wife, and after her decease, unto his Monastery at Westminster, which William the Conqueror canceled and made voided, bestowing the Lands upon others, the tithes and the Church unto those Monks. The Family of the Ferrer. That the Ferrer here first seated, besides the credit of Writers, the horseshooe, whose badge than it was, doth witness, where in the Castle, and now the Shire-hall, right over the Seat of the judge, a Horse-shoe of iron curiously wrought, containing five foot and a half in length, and the breadth thereto proportionably is fixed. The Castle hath been strong, but now is decayed, the Church fair, and the Town spacious; whose degree of Longitude is 19 46. scruples, and the North-poles elevation in latitude 53. degrees and 7. minutes. Sta●ford not sea●ed in this shire. (8) Let it not seem offensive, that I (to fill up this little Shire) have inserted the seat of a Town not sited in this County: for besides the conveniency of place, the circuit and beauty, but especially it being for a time a University, did move much, yea and the first in this Island, if john Hardings * Merli● Author fail him not, that will have Bladud to bring from Athens certain Philosophers whom here he seated, and made public profession of the Liberal Sciences, where (as he saith) a great number of Scholars studied Stanford an University until Augusti●es' tim●. the Arts, and so continued a University unto the coming of Augustine, at which time the Bishop of Rome interdicted it; for certain Heresies sprung up among the Britain's and Saxons. But most true it is, that in the reign of King Edward the Third, upon debate falling betwixt the Southern and Northern Students at Oxford, many Schoolmen withdrew themselves hither, and a while professed, and named a College, according to one in Oxford, Brasennose, Brasennose College in Stanford▪ which retaineth that name unto this day. This was so great a scar unto the other, that when they were recalled by Proclamation to Oxford, it was provided by Oath, that no Student in Oxford should publicly profess or read the Arts at Stanford, to the prejudice of Oxford. Two Market Town●s only in the shire. (9) As this Shire is the lest in circuit, so is it with the fewest Market-towns replenished, having only two. And from Societies that fed upon the labours of others, was this Land the freest: for besides Rihall, where Tibba the Falconers Goddess was worshipped for a Saint, when superstition had well-near put Gods true honour out of place, I find very few; neither with more Castles strengthened then that at Okham, whose ruins show that a Castle hath been there. The Shires partition. Divided it is into five Hundred, and therein are planted forty eight Parish-Churches, as in the Table following shall appear. RUTLANDSHIRE With OUKHAM and STANFORD her bordering Neighbour Newly described. OUKHAM A Norgate B Finkle street C Deans Lane D Tithe Barn E Bargate FLETCHER Free School G Shirv Hall H The Castle I The Market KING Malt mill street L Gabber Gate A Scale of Pases DIEV ET MON DROIT Edw. sone to Edelbert La Edw. sone of Ric. D. y Thomas manours STANFORD A Scale of Pases A Clement got B Alhalowes C Beasts market D Brouns Abnes E Clement Street F Silver lane G Newgate H Stare lane KING Free School L Brasenose coll M Pools Gate N Gray friars OH St. Goergs gate P Black friars Q The Nunery R Wattr Gate S S Georgs Church T S Michaells V S. john's Church W Whitmeat mar X S. Peter's hill Y Peter's street 1 Peter's Gate 2 Austyne friars 3 Noonery 4 Kings mill 5 The Castle 6 Castell-stret 7 Mannerly lane 8 S. mary's well 9 S. Peter's well 10 Buggell lane 11 saint ●●ryes church 12 Cha●●e lane 13 Tent●● Meadow 14 L. Burleys Al●es 15 S. Kar●ins SEMPER EADEM Performed by johan Speed, Solle by M. John Sudbury and George Humble, in Pope's 〈◊〉 alley against the Exchange. Cum Privilegio. An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and Places mentioned in Rutland-shire. HUNDREDS in Rutland-shire. 1. EAst hund. 2. Allstoe hund. 3. Okeham Sook. 4. Martinsley hund. 5. Wrangedyke hund. A Ashgate, Oak. Ashwell, Allst. Austhorpe, All. Austhorpe grove, All. Ayston, Mart. B Barinsdale, All. Barlythorp, Oak. Baroughdon hay, Wran. Baroughdon, Wrong. barrow, All. The Beacon hill, Wrong. Beaumont, Mart. Beehill, Wran. Belmesthorp, East. Belton, Oak. Bittewell, Oak. S. botulph, East. Bayal-wood, East. Bradgate, Wrong. Braunstun, Oak. Brokemell wood, East. Brock, Oak. Burley, All. Burley wood, All. Bysbrooke, Wrong. C Caldecote, Wrong. Casterton little, East. Casterton bridge, East. The vale of Catmouse, Oak. Catmouse mill, Oak. Chatter flu. Clipsham, Oak. Coldlees, Oak. Cottesmore, All. Cottesmore wood, All. Creston, Mart. Cross mill, East. D Deepedale, Mar. E East wood, East. Edgeton, Oak. Ediweston, Mar. Ediweston wood, Mart. Eleshare, Wrong. Empingham, East. Empingham wood, East. Exton, All. Ezenden, East. F Fauldall wood, East. Fregthorp, Wrong. Frithwood, East. Five mile cross, East. G Geeson, Wrong. Glaiston, Wrong. Greetham, All. Greetham word, All. Guash flu. Gunthorpe, Mart. H Hamleyton, Mart. Hamleyton wood, Mart. Hardwicke, East. Hermitage, Oak. Horn, East. Horn mill, East. I Ingthorpe, East. jostors bridge, East. KING Kelston, Wrong. Kelthorpe, Wrong. Ketton, East. Kilpisham, East. King's Road, Wran. The King's lodge, Oak. L Lamley lodge, Oak. Langham, Oak. Leefeld forest, Oak. Lee lodge, Oak. Litlehall wood, All. love dale, All. North Luffenham, Wrong. South Luffenham, Wrong. Lyddington, Wrong. Lyddington park, Wr. Lynden, Mart. M Manton, Mart. Market overton, All. Martinsthorpe, Mart. Morecott, Wrong. Muley hill, Oak. N Newbottle, Wrong. Normanton, Mart. OH OKEHAM, Oak. Osburnall wood, East. P Pickeworth, East. Preston, Mart. Prisley hill, Wrong. Pylton, Wrong. R Rankesborow hills, Oak. Redgate, Wrong. Ridlington, Mart. Ridlington park, Mart. Rullers' stone, East. Rushpittwood, All. Ryall, East. S Snewton, Wrong. Seyton, Wrong. Stirwood, Oak. Stokedrye, Wrong. Stretton, All. Stretton wood, All. T Tarringley wood, All. Thiffelton, All. Tholthorpe, East. Thorpe, Wrong. Turnecourse wood, Ea. Tickencote, East. Tyghe, All. Tymwell, East. Tyxover, Wrong. V VPPINGHAM, Ma. Vppingham park, Mar. W Wadeland flu. Wardley, Oak. Weland flu. Wenton, All. Westland wood, All. Weston fees, Oak. Whissenden, All. Whitwell, All. Wicheley heath, East. Wing, Mart. The Wisp, Oak. Wolfoky wood, All. Woodhead wood, East. LEicester-shire (lying bordered upon the North with Nottinghamshire, upon the East, with Lincoln and Rutland, upon the South with Northamptonshire, & upon the West with Watling-streete way is parted from Warwickeshire, the rest being bounded with the confines of Derby) is a country Champion, abounding in corn, but spary of woods, especially in the south and east parts, which are supplied with pit-coales plenteously At Cole-Ouerton in Gost-coate hundred. gotten in the North of this Province, & with abundance of cattles bred in the hills beyond the River Wreak, which is nothing so well inhabited as the rest. The Air. (2) The Air is gentle, mild and temperate, and giveth appetite both to labour and rest, wholesome it is, and draweth Man's life to a long-age, and that much without sickness; at Carleton only some defect of pronunciation appeareth in their speech. The Soil. (3) The soil thus consisting, the commodities are raised accordingly of Corn, Cattles and Coals; Commodities. and in the Rocks near Beaver are sometimes found the Astroites, the Starlike precious Stone. (4) The ancient people that inhabited this county were the Coritani, who were spread further into other Shires, but after that the Romans had left the land to itself, this with many more fell to be under the Possession and Government of the Mercians and their kings, from whom the English enjoyeth it at this day. (5) In Circular wise (almost) the compass of this Shire is drawn indifferently spacious, but not very thick of Enclosures, being from East to West in the broadest part not fully 30. miles, and from North to South but twenty four, the whole Circumference Leicester City the Centre of the Shire. about 196. miles, whose principal citieiss set as the Centre almost in the midst; from whom the Pole is elevated 53. Degrees and 4. Minutes in Latitude, and for Longitude▪ 19 Degrees, 22. Minutes. The names of Leicester. (6) From this Town the Shire hath the Name, though the Name of herself is diversly written, as Legecestria, Leogora, Legeocester, by Ninius, Caer-Lerion; by Matthew of Westminster, (if we do not mistake him) Wirall; and now lastly Leicester: ancient enough if King Leir was her builder, eight hundred forty and Geffrey Monm. four years before the birth of our Saviour, wherein he placed a Flamine to serve in the Temple of janus by himself there erected, and where he was buried; if jeffrey ap Arthur say true: but now certain it is, that Ethelred the Mercian Monarch made it an Episcopal Leicester a Bishops See. Sea in the year of Christ jesus 680. Wherein ●exwulph of his election become the first Bishop: Which shortly after was thence translated, and therewith the beauty of the Town began to decay; upon whose desolations that erectifying Lady Edelfled cast her eyes of Anno Do. 914 compassion, and both re-edified the buildings & compassed it about with a strong wall, where, in short time the city's trade so increased, that Matthew Paris in his lesser Story reporteth as followeth. Legecester (saith he) is a right wealth City, and notably defended; and had the wall a sure foundation, were inferior to no City whatsoever. Leicester destroyed through the Rebellion of Robert Crouch-back. But this pride of prosperity long lasted not under the Normans, for it was sore oppressed with a world of calamities, when Robert Bossu the Crouchbacke Earl of that Province, rebelled against his Sovereign Lord King Henry the second: Whereof hear the same author Paris speak. Through the obstinate stubbronnesse of Earl Robert (saith he) the noble City Leicester was besieged and thrown down by King Henry, and the wall that seemed indissoluble, was utterly razed even to the Ground. The pieces of whose fragments so fallen down remained in his days like to hard Rocks, through the strength of the Mortar Cementing whole Cambden. lumps together: and at the Kings command the city was set on fire and burnt, the Castle razed, and a heavy imposition laid upon the Citizens, who with great sums of money bought their own Banishments: but were so used in their departure, that for extreme fear many of them took Sanctuary both The Citizens grievously used. at S. Edmund's and S. Albans. In repentance of these mischiefs the Author thereof, Earl Robert, built the Monastery of S. Marry de Pratis, wherein himself become a Canon regular, and for fifteen years continuance in sad laments served God in continual prayers: with the like devotion Henry the first Duke of Lancaster built an hospital for an hundred and ten poor people, with a Collegiate Church, a Dean, twelve Canons Prebendaries, as many vicar's, sufficiently provided for with revenues, wherein himself lieth buried, and it was the greatest Ornament of that city, until the hand of K. Henry the eighth lay over heavy upon all the like foundations, and laid their aspired Tops at his own feet. King Richard the third. The fortunes of another Crouchbacke (King Richard the usurper) were no less remarkable in this city than the former Robert was, both of them in like degree of dishonourable course of life, though of different issue at their deaths, the one dying penitent and of devout esteem, the other leaving the stench of Tyranny to all following ages; who from this city setting forth in one day with great pomp & in battle array to keep the crown sure upon his own Helmet, in a sore fought field, yielded both it and his life, unto the head, & hands of Henry of Richmond his Conqueror: and the next day was brought back like a Hog naked and torn, and with contempt without tears obscurely buried in the Gray-friers of this city, whose suppression hath suppressed the Plot-place of his A drinking for horses made of his stone-coffin. Grave, and only the Stone-chest wherein he was laid (a drinking trough now for Horses in a common Inn) retaineth the memory of that great Monarch's Funeral: and so did a stone in the church and chapel of S. Mary's, enclose the corpse of the proud and pontifical Cardinal Wolsey, who had prepared for himself, as was said, a far more richer Monument. Places of Note. (7) Other places worthy of remembrance in this Shire were these: In the west, where a high cross was erected, in former times stood the fair city Cleycester, Cambden. the Romans BENONNES, where their Legions lay, and where their two principal ways crossed each others, as the Inhabitants report; Loughborrow in Marianus Scotus. the north-verge, which the Saxons called Leizanbu●●e, was (as Marianus affirmeth) taken from the Britaines by Cuthwolfe their King, about the year of Christ, 572. Bosworth-field in Anno 1●85. August 〈◊〉 Redmore, near Bosworth westward in this County the kingdom of England lay in hazard of one Battle when king Richards-field was fought, where the land at once, was freed from a tyrant & a wicked usurper. Neither may we pass Lutterworth, as the lest in account, where the famous john Wickliff, England's morning-star, dispersed the clouds of all Papistical darkness by preaching the Gospel in that his charge; and stile of his pen, so piercing in power, that the man of Sin ever since hath been better known to the world. Religious house● built and suppressed. (8) Religious Houses by Princes erected and by them devoted to God and his service, the chiefest in this Shire were at Leicester, Grace-Dieu, Kerkby-Bellers, and at Burton a Hospital for Lazars, a disease then newly approached in this land; for the erection whereof a common contribution was gathered through the Realm: the Patients in this place were not so much deformed in skin, as the other were in the defects for the Soul, whose skirts being turned up to the sight of the world, their Shames were discovered, and those houses dissolved, that had long maintained such Idolatrous sins. The Shires division. (9) This Shires division is into six Hundred, and in them are seated twelve market Towns for commerce, and containeth in her circuit two hundred parish churches: whose names with others are in the table following, to this chapter belonging. LEICESTER both county and City described, The Honourable Famylies that have had the titles of Earls thereof. With other accidents therein observed This county of Leceister is and hath been a most famous Earldom: and of that antiquitic that it is not inferior to most of the Realm besides. For it is affirmed from Records of credit, that in the Reigns of the Saxons and in the days of Ethelvald King of the Mercians, Leofricus a noble man of that blood was Earl thereof the year of Christ 716. And in his successors so continued until the entry of the Normans. For unto this Leofricus lyncally succeeded in that dignity Algarus 1. than Algarus 2. to him Leofricus 2. to him Leostanus▪ and to him Leofricus 3. who lieth buried in the City Coventrye, and to him succeeded Algarus 3. father to Eadwin Earl of March Morkarus Earl of Northumberland, and Lucia a daughter, mother to Romara Earl of Lincoln. But now the Issue male of the Saxons fryling, and the Normans Monarchy arising▪ they bestowed that title and dignity▪ as themselves best likeed. HO● SOIT QVI MALY PENSE DIEV ET MON DROIT LEICESTER Chief places of 〈◊〉 City by figurs noted 1 S. Leonards 2 Leicester Abbay 3 Abbay gate 4 sunday Bridge 5 North gate 6 North gate street 7 Sinuis gate 8 The Hospital 9 S. Margret's 10 Church gate 11 Belgrave gate 12 Humberston gate 13 East Gate 14 Swine's market 15 Saturdays market 16 Cankwell Lane 17 saint Martin's 18 saint Martin's street 19 All-hallows 20 High street 21 Huntingdon place 22 Wool Hall 23 gray friars 24 gray friars gate 25 S. Nicholas 26 saint Nicholas shambbes 27 Red cross street 28 S. mary's 29 The Castle 30 Castle street 31 Black friars lane 32 Old Hospital 33 The new work 34 The Grange Robert de Bellemonte 1102 Simon de Montefort R●nulph E of Chester 1200 Simon de Montefort Edmond Crouchback ●ill de 〈◊〉 E. of H●ll john of Gaunt D. of 〈◊〉 Robert Dudley Anno. 1. Near B●sw●rth ●pon 〈◊〉 the l●●t 〈◊〉 betwixt the families of york ●nd Lancaster was ●●●ght▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 disc●●tionss had spent England more blood than twice had done the winn●●● of 〈◊〉 There Rich●rd the tyrant & usurper by Henry Ear● of Richmond with 4THS. m●n were sl●●●e, and but i● only on the Ear● part. The 〈◊〉 of the de●d kin● 〈…〉 was l●yd all 〈◊〉 upon on horse▪ and trusted li●●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ● 〈◊〉 at Arms and as homely buried in the Gr●ye Fr. within Leice●●●r, which bein● ruinated, 〈◊〉 ●r●rt re●ts as obsc●●● overgrown with ●ettless ●nd we●dss. This 〈◊〉 wa●●ought the 22. of August ann● 14●5. Performed by John Speed, and are to be sold in pope's head Alley by John sudbury and George Humble anno 1610 The Scale of miles Hundred in Lei cestershire. 1. West-Goscote. 2. Sparkingho. 3. Goodlaxton. 4. Gartrey. 5. East-Goscote. 6. Framland. A Abbey gate, West. Affordb●e, East. A●lston, Good. Allexton, East. Alton grange, West. Anchor Flu. Ansty, West. Appleby little, Spark. Appleby great, Spark. Apekettelbie, Fram. Arnesbye, Good. ASHBYE de la Zouche, West. Ashbye foluile, East. Ashbye little, Good. Ashbye great, Good. Aston flamuill, Spark. Atterton, Spark. B Bagrave, Gart. Bagworth park, Spark. Bagworth, Spark. Barbythorpe, East. Baresby, East. Bardon hill, West. Barkebie, East. Barkston, Fram. Barlston, Spark. Barn park, Spark. Barrow upon Zoram, East. Barton, Spark. Barwell, Spark. Beebie, East. Belgrave, East. Belton, West. Bensford bridge, Good. Bew manner West. Billesdon, Gart. Bilston, Spark. Bitteswell, Good. Blabye, Good. Blackbrooke Flu. Blangherby, West. Blazon, Gart. Boresworth husband Gart. Borhisson, Spark. BOSWORTH, Spark. Botisford, Fram. Bowden great, Gart. Bradgate, West. Bradley, Gart. Brantingthorpe, Good. Brantingthorpe Westcotts, Spark Braunston▪ Fram. Braunston, Spark. Braughton, neither, Fram. Bredon on the hill, West. Brenkinsthorpe, Spark. Brentingby, Fram. Bringhurst, Gart. Brokesbie, East. B●oughton Ashley, Good. Buckminster, Fram. Burbage, Spark. Burley park, West. Burrow, Gart. Burstall, West. Burton layers, Fram. Burton upon olds, East. Burton overy, Gart. Bushbye, Gart. C Candwell, East. Carlton, Spark. Carlton Curlew, Gart. Cathorpe, Gart. Charley, West. Charnwood Forest, West. Cawdwell, Fram. Clawson long, Fram. Cleybrooke, Good. Colderton, East. Collerton, West. Cosbye, Good. Coson, Fram. Cossington, East. Counston, Spark. Countesthorpe, Good. Cottesboche, Good. Cotes, East. Cotton, Spark. Cranoe, Gart. Crawston, East. croft, Spark. Cropston, West. Croston south, East. Croxton Kerriall, Fram. D Dadlington, Spark. Dalbye little, Fram. Dalbie jacombe, East. Dalbye wood, East. Dalbie upon Olds, East. Deane Flu. Deane Flu. Desforde, Spark. Dishley grange, West. Drayton, Spark. Drayton, Gart. Dunton Basset, Good. Dunington, Spark. DUNNINGTON CASTLE, West Dyseworth, West. E Eaton, Fram. Eastwell, Fram. Easton, Gart. Edmondthorpe, Fram. Eye Flu. Eye Ketleby, Fram. Elemesthorpe, Spark. Elston, Good. Enderby Spark. Engarsby, Gart. Erdisborowe, Gart. Erlshilton, Spark. Euington, Gart. F Fleckney, Gart. Foston, Good. Foxton, Gart. Freabie, Fram. Frisbye, Gart. Frisbye upon Wreak, East. Frolesworth, Good. G Gaddesby, East. Gadebye, Spark. Galbye, Gart. Garenton, West. Garthorpe, Fram. Gillmorton, Good. Glenfeild, Spark. Glenn great, Gart. Glenn little, Good. Glowston, Gart. Goadbie, Fram. Goadbye, Gart. Goldsmith's grange, Fram. Grace dieu West. Grimston, East. Groobye, Spark. Gumley, Gart. H Hachton, Fram. HALLATON, Gart. HARBOROW, Gart. Harby, Fram. Harston, Fram. Hatherne, West. Hawlstead, East. Heather, Spark. Hemington, West. Higham, Spark. High cross, Good. Hincklye bond, Spark. HINCKLYE, Spark. Hobie, East. Hoes, Fram. Hogs No●ton, Spark. Holt, Gart. Hollwell, Fram. Horninghold, Gart. Horsepoole grange, Spark. Horsepoole, Spark▪ Hoose, Fram. Hoton, East. Houghton, Gart. Hucklescott, Spark. Humberstone, East. Huncott, Spark. Hungerton, East. I Ibstoke, Spark. Illeston, Gart. Ingersbye, Gart. Isbye Walton, West. KING Katthorpe, Good. Keham, East. Kemington south, East. Kerbey muckese, Spark. Ketworth, West. Kibworth Beacham, Gart. Kilbye, Good. Kilworth north, Good. Kilworth south, Good. Kilworth harcott, Gart. Kimcote, Good. Kirby bellers, Fram. Kirkbey mallary, Spark. Knaptost, Good. Knaveston, Gart. Knighton, Good. Knighsthorpe, West. Knipton, Fram. Knosson, Gart. L Langley, West. Church Langton, Gart. Thorpe Lanckton Gart. Lancton east, Gart. Lancton west, Gart. Land, East. Lawghton, Gart. Leicester Forest, Spark. Leesthorpe, Fram. LEICESTER, East. Leicester Abbey, West. Leire, Good. Lindley, Spark. Littlethorpe, Good. LITTERWORTH Good. Lockington, West. Loddington, East. LONGBOROW, West. Loseby, East. Lubenham, Gart. Lubsthorpe, Spark. M Marfeild South, Gart. Markefeild, Spark. Marston potters, Spark. Medburne, Gart. MELTON Mowbray, Fram. Merill grange, West. Misterton, Good. Morebarne, Spark. MOUNTSORRELL, West. Mowseley, Gart. Musson, Fram. N Naneby, Spark. Nelston, Spark. Newbold verdon Spark. Newbold, West. Newbold, Gart. Newton, West. Newton harcourt, Gart. Newton burcott, Gart. Newton cold, East. Newton nethercote, Spark. Newtowne, Spark. Norborowe, Spark. Normanton, Fram. Normanton, Spark. Normanton on the heath, Spark. Norton, Gart. Norton East, East. Noseley, Gart. OH Oddeston, Spark. Odebye, Good. Orton upon the Mount, Spark. Osberston, Spark. Osgathorpe, West. Ouerton cold, Fram. Ouerton sausye, West. Oweston, Gart. P The great Park, West. Peatling little, Good. Peatling great, Good. Peckleton, Spark. pickering grange, Spark. Pickwell, Gart. Plungar, Fram. Prestwold, East. Q Quarendon, West. Quenby, East. Quenyborowe, East. R Ragdale, East. Ratbye, Spark. Ratcliffe culie▪ Spark. Ratcliffe upon Wreak, East. Raunston in Darbish. West. R●arsbie, East. Redmore, Spark. Redmyle, Fram. King Richard's field Spark. Rodeley, West. Rotherby, East. Rowlston, Gart. S Saddington, Gart. Saltbie, Fram. Sapcote, Spark. Saxbie, Fram Saxulbie, East. Scallford, Fram. S●echesley, Spark. Scraptoste, Gart. Segrave, East. Sense Flu. Sewsterne, Fram. Seyston, East. Shakerston, Spark. Shankton, Gart. Sharnford, Spark. Shawell, Good. Shaxton, Spark. Sheepye little, Spark. Sheepye great, Spark. Shenton, Spark. Sheepshead, West. Sheresbye, Good. Shilton, Spark. Shouldby, East. Sibston, ●●ark. Skeffington, East. Slawston, Gart. Smeeto, Gart. Snarston, Spark. Snibston, West. Snyte Flu. Sproxton, Fram. Stanton, Spark. Stanton harold West. Stanton wyvell Gart. Stanton under Barton, Spark. Stapleford, Fram. Stapleton, Spark. Stathorne, Fram. Stoke golding Spark. Stokerston, Gart. Stonesbie, Fram. Stonny Stanton Spark. Stoure Flu. Stowghton, Gart. Stretton great, Gart. Stretton little, Gart. Sumerbee, Fram. Sutton, Good. Sutton chenney Spark. Swanington West. Swebston, West. Swift Flu. Swinsford, Good. Swithland, West. Sylebie, East. Sysesore, East. Sysonbee, Fram. T Temple, Spark. Theddingworth, Gart. Thornton, Spark. Thorpacre, West. Thorpe, Good. Thorpe Arnold, Fram. Thorpe sachfeild, East. Thrinkston, West. Thurcaston, West. Thurlston, Spark. Thurmaston, East. Thurnby, Gart. Thussington, East. Tilton, East. Toly Park, Spark. tongue, West. Trent Flu. Tugby, East. Turlancton, Gart. Twicrosse, Spark▪ Twyforde, East. V Vllesthorpe, Good. Vluescrosse Abbey, West. Vlueston, Gart. Vpton, Spark. W Walcott, Good. WALTHAM on the wowld, Fram. Walton, Good. Walton on the wowld East. Wanlipp, West. Wartnabie, East. Welbie, Fram. Welham, Gart. Welland Flu. Welsborow, Spark. Westerby, Gart. Wetherlye, Spark. Whalton long, West. Wheston, Good. Whittington grange, Spark. Whitwike, West. Wigston little, Good. Wigston great, Good. Wikeham, Fram. Wikin, Spark. Willoughbye waterless Good. Wilston, West. Wiston, Gart. Withcorke, Fram. Wiverby, Fram. Woodhouse, West. Worthington, West. Wreak Flu. Wykyn, East. Wymondham, Fram. Wymswold, East. Y Ybstocke, Spark. LINCOLNSHIRE. CHAPTER XXXIII. THe County of Lincoln by the English Saxons called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and by the Normans Nicolshire, is confined on the North with Humber, on the East with the Germane Ocean, upon the South is parted from Cambridge and Northamptonshire by the River Nine, and on the West from Nottingham and York-shires by Dun and Trent. The length of this Shire. (2) The length of this Province extended from Barton upon Humber in the North, unto Stanford upon the River Nine in the South, are miles by our English measure fifty five, and the breadth thereof from Newton in the West, stretched unto Winthrop upon her East Sea, containeth 35. The whole in circumference about one hundred and eighty miles. The air. (3) The Air upon the East and South part is both thick and foggy, by reason of the Fens and unsolute grounds, but therewithal very moderate and pleasing. Her graduation being removed from the Equator to the degree of 53. and the winds that are sent of her still working Seas do disperse those vapours from all power of hurt. The form. (4) The form of this County doth somewhat resemble the body of a Lute, whose East coasts lie bowe-like into the Germane Ocean, all along pestered with inlets of salt waters and sands, which are neither firm nor safe for travelers, as those in the South proved unto King JOHN, who marching Northward from Norfolk against his disloyal Barons, upon those washeses lost all his furniture and carriage by the sudden return of the Sea, and softness of the sands. The soil. (5) Her Soil upon the West and North is abundantly fertile, pleasant, and rich, stored with pasturage, arable and meadowing grounds: the East and South fenny and brackish, and for corn barren, but for fowl and fish exceeding any other in the Realm; wherein, at some times and season of the year, hath been taken in nets in August at one draft, above three thousand Mallards', and other fowls of the like kind. (6) The Shires commodities consist chief in Corn, cattle, Fish, Fowle, Flax, & Alabaster; as also in a Plaster much esteemed of by the Romans for their Plin. natura▪ hist. works of Imagery; and whereof Pliny in his natural Georg. Agric. Mineral. lib. History maketh mention. And the Astroites, a precious stone starlike, pointed with five beams or rays, anciently esteemed for their virtue in victories, upon the southwest of this County near Beaver are found: not far thence in our Father's memory, at Harlaxton, was ploughed up a brazen vessel, wherein was enclosed a golden Helmet, of an ancient fashion, set with precious stones, which was presented to Kathrens of Spain, Wife and Dowager to King Henry the eight. (7) This Shire triumpheth in the births of Beaucleark King Henry the First, whom Selby brought forth, and of King Henry the Fourth at Bullingbroke born: but may as justly lament for the death of King john herein poisoned by Simon a Monk of Swynsted abbey; and of Queen Eleanor, wife to King Edward the First, the mirror of wedlock, and love to the Commons, who at Hardby, near Bullingbroke his birthplace, ended her life. (8) Trade and commerce for provision of life is vented thorough thirty one Market-towns in this Market towns. Lincoln the chief Town. Shire, whereof Lincoln the Counties namer is chief, by Ptolemie and Antonine called Lindum, by Beda Lindecollina, by the Saxons Lin●o-collẏn●, and by the Normans, Nichol. Very ancient it is, and hath been more magnifical, as by her many overturned ruins doth appear; and far more populous, as by Domesdays book is seen, where it is recorded that this City contained a thousand and seven mansions, and nine hundred Burgesses, with twelve Lage-men, having Sac and Soc. And in the Normans time, saith Malmesbury, it was one of the best peopled Cities of England, being a place for traffic of Merchandise for all comers by Land or Sea. Herein King Edward the Third ordained his Staple for the Mart of Wools, Leather, and Led; and no less than fifty Parish-Churches did beautify the same: but now containeth only fifteen, besides the Cathedral. Some ruins yet remain both of Friaries and Nunneries, who lie now buried in their own ashes, and the City conquered, not by war, but by time and very age: and yet hath she not escaped the calamity of sword, as in the time of the Saxons, whence Arthur enforced their An. Do. 516. An. Do. 940. Ann. 1140. Ann. 1217. Host: the like also did Edmund to the destroying Danes; and by the Normans it suffered some damage, where King Stephen was vanquished & taken prisoner; and again, by the third Henry, that assaulted and won it from his rebellious Barons. By fire likewise it was Ann. 1123. sore defaced, wherein not only the buildings were consumed, but withal many men and women in the violence thereof perished: as also by an Earthquake Ann. 1186. Will. Malmes. her foundation was much weakened and shaken, wherein the fair Cathedral Church, dedicated to the Virgin of Virgins, was rend in pieces. The government of this City is committed yearly to a Mayor, two Sheriffs, twelve Aldermen in scarlet, a Sword, a Hat of Estate, a Recorder, Sword-bearer, and four Sergeants with Maces: whose situation on a steep hill standeth for Longitude in the degree 20.10. scruples, the Pole elevated for Latitude from the degree 53. and 50. scruples. (9) Much hath been the devotion of Princes in building religious houses in this County, as at Crowland, Lincoln, Markeby, Leyborne, Grenfeld, Aluingham, Anno 1536. Newnersby, Grymmysby, Newsted, Elsham, Staynsfeld, Syxhyll, Torkesey, Bryggerd, Thorneholme, Nuncotton, Fosse, Hevings, Axholme I'll, Goykewell, S. Michaels near Stamford, Swyneshead, Spalding, Kirksted, etc. (10) Commotions in this Shire were raised the eight and twentieth of King Henry the Eighth, where twenty thousand making insurrection, violently Anno 1549. swore certain Lords and gentlemen to their Articles. But no sooner they heard of the King's power coming, but that they dispersed themselves, and sued for pardon. And again in the third year of King Edward the Sixth, in case of Enclosures, Lincoln rose in seditious manner, as did they of Cornwall, Devon-shire, Yorkshire, and Norfolk: but after some slaughters of their chiefest men, were reduced to former obedience. The Shires division is into three principal parts, viz. Lindsey, Kesteven, & Holland. Lindsey is subdivided into Castles. 1. Nicol●. 2. Clifford. 3. Brum●●. 4. S●anford. 5. ●iham. 6. Swi●●s●ead. seventeen Hundred, Kesteven into eleven, and Holland into three, containing in all thirty one, wherein are situated thirty Market towns, and six hundred thirty Parish-Churches, as in the Table following are alphabetically expressed. THE COUNTY AND CITY OF LYNCOLNE DESCRIBED WITH THE ARMS OF THEM THAT HAVE BEEN EARLS THEREOF since the conquest. HONI. SOIT. QVI MAL. Y. PENSE. The arms of such Noble Families as have borne the dignity and title of Earls of Lyncolne, since the time of the Normane conquest. William de Romar 1 Thomas E. of Lancast. 6 Gilbert de Gant 2 john of Gant 7 randal E. of Ches. 3 john de la Poole 8. Rob. de Quincye 4 Henry Brandon 9 john de Lacye 5 Edward Clinton 10 In the City of Lincoln two great conflicts have been fought The first by Ranulph Eearl of Chester, and Robert Earl of Gloucester against king Stephen, in defence of ●●nde the Empress, where King Stephen was taken▪ and thence had to Bristol, and there laid in Irons Anno 1140. Step. 5. The second was fought by King Henry 3. against his disloyal Barons, that against him aided Lewis dolphin of fance, where the Barons with the French were put to flight and therein died the Earl of Perch with 400 Knights one that part, and taken prisoners Sayer Quincy Earl of Winchester, Henry de Bo●un Earl of Hereford ●●●lbert de Gaunt lately by Lewis made Earl of Lincoln. Rob. fitz Walt●z, Richard de Mount●ichet Will. de Mowbray. will de Balo● c●mpo, Will de Rose, and many more of note. This happened M●ye. 1●. Anno 1217. and first of H. 3. LINCOLN A gray friars B S ᵗ P●uls C Mary Magd D The Minster E St. M●rgrets' FLETCHER S ᵗ Michaells G The Castle H S ᵗ Martins KING S ᵗ 〈◊〉 L S ᵗ Peter arc M S ᵗ Swithins N Black friars OH Little Friars P Potter got Q B●ll got R Clasket got A Scale of Pases Jodocus Hondius Caelavit▪ Anno Domini▪ 1610 The Scale of English Miles HUNDREDS and Wapontakes in Lincolnshire. Lindsay. 1 manly wap. 2 Yarbroug● wap. 3 Brodley wap. 4 Ludbrough wap. 5 Walshcroft wap. 6 Aslaco● wap. 7 Corringham wap. 8 Well wap. 9 Law●is wap. 10 Wragg●e wap. 11 Garnee wap. 12 Louthea●ke hu. 13 Calceworth h 14 Candl●sho wap. 15 Hill hund. 16 Bullingbrook w. 17 Hornecastle w. Kesteven. 18 Lango wap. 19 Boothby wap. 20 Lo●eden wap. 21 Flaxwell wap. 22 Aswardburn w. 23 Wivebridg wa. 24 Grantham wa. 25 Aueland wap. 26 Beltisloe wap. 27 Nesse wap. Holland. 28 Skirbeck wap. 29 Kirton wap. 30 Ellowe wap. A Abye, Cal. Agle, Booth. Alesbie, Brod. Alebie, Cal. ALFORD, Cal. Alg●rkirke, Kirt. All-hallows, Cand▪ Alli●gton, Wiu. Althorpe, Man. Aluingham, Louth. Amcotes, Man. Amwicke, Flax. Ankam flu. Ancaster Lou. Anderby, Cal. Anthorpe, Lou. Appley, Wrag. Appleby, Man. Armetree, Horn. Abbey, Man. Asgarbye, Bul. Asgerbye, Asw. Ashbye, Cand. Ashby, Horn. Ashby, Flax. Ashbye, Broad. Ashbye child's, Hil. Askby, Hil. Aslackby▪ Auel. Aspye, Brod. Asterby, Gart. Astrope, Law. Aswarby, Hil. Auburgh, Booth. Aueland, Auel. Aukley, Man. Aukeburgh, Man. A●klam flu. Auousbye Asw. Austrope, Asw. Aust north Louth. B Bagenderbv hill. Ballin Lincoln libert. Bamburghe, Gart. Bane flu. Bareby, Weu. Bardney, Wrag. Barholme, Nes. Barkeston▪ Grant. Barkworth west, Wrag.▪ Barkworth east Wrag. Barnalby, Brod. Barnetby, you're. barrow. barrow, you're. Barrowghbye, Wive. BARTON, you're. Baston dike, Nes. Baston drane, Nes. Baston, Nes. Bassingham, Booth. Bassingthorph, Bel. BECKJNGHAM, Love. Beckring, Wrag. Bekkbye, you're. Belchworth, Gart. Belesbye▪ Brod. Bellew, Cal. Bellton Grant. Beltoste Man. Belton, Man. Long Benington, Love. B●nington Skir. Beningworth Wrag. Berling●▪ Law. Beuby, you're. Beseby Cal. Beseb● Brod. Beuby castle, Grant. Bew●●o●pe, Bel▪ Bick razors, Kirt. B●lling●ve, Larg. B●ll ●g●o●●we, Auel. By lsbye, Cal. Binbrooke, Walsh. Bishop's norton, Ash. Biskethorpe, Wrag. Bitchfeild▪ Bel. Bitham little Bel. Blankney, Lang. Bl b●rgh, Ash. Bliton, Cor. Bloxham, Flax. Bolyston, Ellow. BOSTON, Skir. S. Bo●tholph, Skir. Boothbye panel, Wiut. Boothbye, Booth. Botsford, Man. Boubie, you're. Boultham, Booth. BOURNF, Auel. Bracebye, Grant Bradney, Wrag. Braes bridge, Lang. Bra●sborough Nes. Brakenburgh, Lud. Bramby, Well. Bramton, Well. ●randon, Love. Branswell, Flax. Branston, Lin. Brant broughton, Love. Bratleby, Law. Brawst●n, Linc. B●atost, Cand. Bridge end Auel. Briggesley Brod. Brinckle hill. Brocklesbye, you're. Brodley, Brod. Brombye, Man. Brotherhouse, Ellow. Brothertost, Asw. Brothertost, Kirt. Broughton, Man. Broxholme Law. Brunthorp, Cal. Bucknall, Gart. Bucknall, Gart▪ Bulbye▪ Bel. BULLINGBROOKE, Bu. Bullington, Wrag. Burgh upon bane, Wrag. Bane flu. Burgh in the marsh, Cand. Burham, Ness. Buringham, Man. Burnham, Man. Burton, Bell. Burton, Law. Burton, Asw. BURTON, Man. Burthorpe, Auel. Burwell, Louth. Buslingthorp, Law. Butterwicke, Skir. Butterwicke west, Man. Butterwicke east, Man. C Caburne, Brod. Cadney, you're. Gadeby▪ Brod. Caester, you're. Calsebye Cal. Caluerthorp, Asw. Cameringham, Aslo. Candlesbye, Cand. Canesby, M●n. Canwicke, Line. Careby, Bell. Carletons'▪ Louth. Carlton little, Louth. Carlton great, Louth. Carlton castle, Louth. Carlton north, Law. Carlton south, Law. Carlton Love. Carlton, Booth Carleby, Nes. Casthor●e, Man. Castill, ●outh. Castle bitham, Bell. Cathorpe, Love. Catley, Flax. Caukwell Gart. Cawthorp, Auel. Cawthorpe, Lud. Cainbie, Aslo. Marsh chapel▪ Brod. Cherry, Law. Claipoole, Love. Calithorp, Cal. Claws cross, Ellow. Claxbie, Cal. Claxbie, Hil. Claxbie, Walsh, Cl●e, Brod. Cleytho●p, Brod. Cleytham, Cor. Clixbie▪ you're. Clowthouse, Ellow. Clum, Lin. Coats north, Brod. Coats little, Brod. Coats great, Brod. Cockrington north, Louth. Cockrington south, Louth. Cokeswould, Brod. Colsterworth, Grant. Comsholme, Louth. Comthorpe, Bell. Connesb●e, Horn. Corbye▪ Bell. Coringham, Coring. Cotham abbve, you're. Cott●lhall, Manl. Cott, Aslo. Cove●ham Lud. Coulbye, Bath. Coulb●e, Manl. Cowbe●, Ellow. Cow●horpe, Call. Cramw●ll▪ Flax. Cr●tew, Bell. croft, Candle. Crosby, Manl. Croule▪ Manl. CROWLAND, Ell●. Croxby, Walsh. Croxton, you're. Cumberworth, Call. Cunningholme, Louth. Cunesby, Hor. D Dalby, Candle. DAUDERBY, Gart. Dembleby, Auel. Deeping west, Nesse. Deeping east, Nesse. MARKET DEEPJNG, Nesse. Deeping fen, Ellow. Denton, Grant. Digby, Flax. Baston Dike, Ellow. Dockdyke, Lang▪ Doddington, Booth. Dodington, Love. Dogdike ferry Horn. Doveburne, Ellow. Dowesby, Auel. Donesby, Auel. Dowesdale, Ellow. Dribie, Candle. Dun flu Dunholme, Law. DUNJNGTON, Kirt. Dunnyngton upon Bane, Gart. Dunsbye, Flax. Dunsby, Auel. Dunston, Lang. Durrington, Flax. Dyke, Auel. E Ealand, Manl. Eagle, Booth. Earebie, Brod. Easton, Grant. Eastoste, Manl. Edenham, Bell. Edlington: Edlington, Gar. Eglethorp, Auel. Elkington, Louth. Elsham, you're. Enderby mavis, Bulling. Wood Enderby Hor. Bag Enderbve, Hill. Epworth, Manl. Eueden, Asw. Ewerby, Asw. F Faldingworth, Law. Fanthorp, Lout. Farforth, Lout. Fareby, you're. Faresby, Bull. Farlesthorp, Cal. Faston, Love. Faston, Gran. fen west, Horn. Fen east, Horn. Fenton, Love. Fenton, Well. Ferebie north, you're. Ferve cast, Cor. Fesdike flu. Fesdike, Kir. Fillingham, Aslo. Finnyngley, Manl. Fishtost, Scir. Fiskerton, Law. Fleet, Ellow. Flet fen, Ellow. Flixborough Manl. Folethorp, Cal. FOLKINGHAM, Auel. Foldingworth, Lind▪ Fossdik, Kir. Fotherbie, Lud. Fotherington, Cand. Frampton, Kir. Frekingham, Auel. Freiston, Skirb. Friskney, Cand. Friston, Love. Froddingham, Manl. Fulbecke, Love. Fulbroke, Wive. Fulletbye, Hill. Fullnetbye Wrag. Fullstowe, Brod. Furby, Aslo. Fusworth, Cor. Fyrebye, Cand. G Gaiton in the marsh. Cal. Gaiton in the would, Lou. GANESBROUGH, Cor. Garthorpe, Manl. Gate burton, Well. Gaudbie, Gart. Gedney, Ellow. G●dney Fen Ellow. Gellstone, Love. Geringham, Cor. GLANFORD BRJGGE, you're. Glentham Aslo Glentworth, Aslo. Gokewell, Manl. Gobesbye, Gart. Gonnarbye, Grant. Gosberton, Kir. Goulthro▪ Wrag. Goxhill, you're. Grawesb●, Brod. Grabye, Auel. GRANTHAM, Gran. Granthorp, Lout, Greenfeild, Cal. Gresby, you're. Greetham, Hill. Gretford, Ness. Greetwell, Law. Grinbleby Lout. Grimsby, Bird. Grimsthorpe, Bell. GRYMSBY GREAT, Brod. Gunbye, Bell. Gundbye, Cand. Gunthorp, Manl. Gunnyet, Manl. Gunwarby, Gran. H Habrough, you're. Hackthorne▪ Aslo. Hacunby Auel. Hagnaby, Bull. Hagworthingham Hill. Hakeliff, Brod Haldingham, Flax. Hailam upon bane, Horn. Hallington, Lout. Hameringham, Horn. Hamton, Wrag. Hamworth, Aslo. Hanbeck, Flax. Hangholme, Lout. Hannay, Cal. Hanwortd▪ Lang. Hardbye, Bull. Harlaxton, Gran. Harlton east, you're▪ Harmethorp, Auel. Harmyston, Boot. Harpswell, Aslo. Harrington, Hill Hartsholme, Boot. Hather, Wive. Ha●terby west, Brod. Hatton, Hatton, Wrag. Haverholme, Flax. Haugh●, Cal. Haulton, Bull. Haulton west, Manl. Haulton, Horn. Haulton, Wrag. Hawar●by▪ Brod. Hawsted, Gar. Haxl●y Manl. Hayham, Love. Haysby●, Auel. Healing, Brod. Heapham, Cor. Heghington, Lang. Hekington, Asw. Helpringham, Asw. Hemi●gby, Gart. Hemswell, Aslo. Heto●, Cal. Hiberstowe, Manl. Hild●ch, Skir. Hoerbothe, Lang. Hoggesthorpe, Cal. Holbichthutne, Ellow. Holbeach, Ellow. Holbichdrove, Ellow. Hole great, Asw. Holgate, Bul. Hole little▪ Asw: Holgate, Bullaker: Holland fen, Ellow. Hollywell, Bell. Homerston, Brod. Horbling, Auel. HORNCASTLE, Horn. Horsington, Gar. Horstowe, you're. Mere Hospital, Lang. Hotost, Cal. Houghton, Love. Houghton, Cor. Houlsbye, Gart. Netham House, Auel. howel, Asw. Howghe on the mount, Love. Howghton, Wive Howlton in the clay, Brod. Howsham, you're. Howthorpe, Bel. Howton in the more, Wa. Humberston, Brod. Hameringham, Hill. Hundleby, Bul. Hunnington, Wive. Huntley, Bull. Hycham south, Booth. Hycham north, Booth. I S. james deeping, Ness. Jerinham, Bel. Ikwi●h east Wrag. Immingham, you're. Ingalsbye in Beltislo● wap: Asw. Ingham, Aslo. Ingleby, Well. Jngoldmels' Thiddlethorpe, Ca Jngoldmels' Cand. Jrbye, Cand. Irford abbey, Walsh. KING Keadby Man. Easter Keales, Bul. Wester Keales. Bul. Ked●ington, Louth. Kelbye, Asw. Keleby you're. Kellfeild, Man. Kellsey south, Walsh. Kellsey north you're. Kelstern, Louth. Kettlesbye, Hill Ketlethorp, Well. K●xbie, Well. Killingholme, you're. Kingerbye, Walsh. Kirkbye, Walsh. Kirkby, Assward. Kirkby green, Lang. Kirkby upon Bane Gart. Kirkby underwood, Aue. Kirkbye east, Bulling. Kirkscek, Grant. Kirksteed Abbey, Gart. Kirmington▪ you're. Kirmonde Wrag. Kirmonde in the mire. Wal. Kirton holm Kir. KIRKTON, Kir. Kirton in lyndsey Cor. Knathe, Cor. Kn●adbye▪ Manl. Kyme North, Lang. Kyme south, Assward. Kysebye standeth in the circuit of Aueland, Asw. L South Lake, Nesse. Langerton, Well. Langrike ferry, Horn. Langton, Hill. Langton, Gart. Langtost, Nesse. Langworth, Lauris. Largton, Gar. Lasebye, Brod. Lawghton, Auel. S. Leonard, Ellow. Leake, Skirb. Lebthorpe, Bell. Long Ledesham, Love. Lee, Corring. Legburne, Cal. Legsbye, Wrag. Lesingham, Flax. Levat east, Manl. Leverton, Skirb. Levington, Bell. LINCOLN, Lawr. Lingwood grange, Lang. Linwood, Walsh. Lissington, Wrag. Londenthorp, Grant. London eastcote, Nesse. Longtost, Nesse. Longtost drane, Nesse. Kirk Loughton, Wrag. Loughton Assward. LOUTHE, Louth. Lownde, Bell. Ludford, Wrag. Luddington▪ Manl. Ludbroughe, Lud. Lusbie, Bulling. Lutton burn, Ellow. LYMBERGH GREAT, you're. Lymbergh little, you're. M Mablethorpe, Cal. Maden house, Love. Ma●dewell Louth. Malmton, Manl. Maltby, Cal. Maltby, Louth. Manbye, Louth. Manbye, Manl. Manesgate, Hill. Many▪ Bulling, Manthorpe, Grant. Manthorpe, Bell. Manthorpe▪ Cal. Marcham in the fen, Horn. Maring on the hill, Horn. Markbie, Cal. Martin, Gart. Marton, Well. S. Maries, Cand. Melton rose, you're. Melwood park, Man. Mereland, Booth. Merston, Love. Merton, Lang. Messingham, Manl. Metheringham, Lang. Milthorpe, Auel. Mintinge, Gart. Moreby, Horn. Morton, Auel. Morton, Corring. Moulton, Ellow. Moulton chapel, Ellow. Moulton second, Ellow. Muckton, Louth. N Nanelye, Booth. Net●lham, Law. Ne●tleton, you're. Newfeild, you're. Newgate, Horn. Netham house, Auel. Newsham Abbey, you're. Newton, Well. Newton, Well. Newton, Auell. Newton, Walsh. Nockton, Lang. Normanby, Aslo▪ Normanbie, Well. Grey land Manl. The Grange, Law. Normanby, Walsh. Normanton, Love. Northorp, Corring. Northferebie. Northorsbye, Brod. Norton Disney, Booth. Numbye, Cal. Numbye chapel, Cal. OH Obthorpe Nesse. Oldfeild Lawris. Onebye little Wive. Onebye great Wive. Onlesbye Cal. Orbye▪ Cand. Ormesby north▪ Lud. Ormesbye Hill. Osburneby Auel. Osgarbie, Bell. Osgodby Walls. Otenbie you're. Oumbie Aslo. Ouston Manl. Owmby you're. Owresbye Walls. Oxcombe Hill. P Panton Wrag. Partney Candle. Pawnton great Grant. Pawnton little Wive. Pickworth Auel. Pikale Ellow. Pilham Corring. Pluckarte Hill. Pointon Auel. Potter Lang. Pynchbeke Ellow. Q QVAPLODE Qua●tington Asw. Quodring Kirt. R Raithby Louth. Rande Wrag. Randbye, Gart. Rasen west, Walsh. Rasen east, Walsh. Middle Rasen, Walsh. MARKET RASEN, Walsh. Ravendale east, Brod. Ravendale west, Brod. Reau●bie, Bul. Redborne, Man. Read dear park, Bel. Repham, Law. Reason north, Louth. Reston, Cal. Ribie, you're. Richmonton, Skir. Rigsbie, Cal. Ringston, Auel. Rippingall, Auel. Ropesley, Wive. Rothbye. Bul. Rothbye, Cand. Rothwell, Brod. South Rouceby, Flax. North Rouceby, Flax▪ Roughton, Gart. Roughton, Horn. Rowston, Flax. Roxbye, Man. Roxham, Flax. Ruckland, Hil. Ryland, Law. Rysbie, Man. Ryskington, Flax. S Salmondby, Hil. Saltfletby west, Louth. Saltfletby east, Louth. Middle Saltfletby, Louth. Saltflet haven, Louth. SALTFLEET, Louth. Saneton, Man. Sausthorpe, Hil Sapperton, Grant. Sawcleefe, Man. Saxbie, you're. Saxbie, Saxelbie, Law. Scalbie, Man. Scamelsbye, Gart. Scarle north Booth. Scartho, Brod. Scaupwich, Lang. Scothorne, Law. Scounthorp, Man. Scrafeild, Hil. Scroop, Love. Seamelly▪ Gar. Sempringham, Aue. Sentost ferry, Man. Serebye, you're. Shepewashe, Lang▪ Sidebrek, W●ue. Sibsey, Bul. Silesby, Cal. Silk, Asw. Sixill, Wrag. Sixill abb●y, Wrag. Skampton, Law. Skendlebye, Cand. Skegnes Cand. Skeldik, Kirt. Skellingthorde, Booth. Skidbrough, Louth. Skillington, Bel. Skirbeck Skirb. Skoston, Cor. Skotten, Cor. Skottere Cor. Skrekington Asw. Skrelesbye, Gar. Skrembye, Cand. Skynnard, Booth. SLEFORD, Flax. Snarford, Law. Snelland Wrag. Snitterby Aslo. Solesbye Cal. Somerby you're. Somerby Wive. Somerby Cor. Somerton castle Booth. Sommerby Hil. Sommercotes north Lout. Sommercotes south Lou. Sotbie Wrag. Southerton Kirt. Southorpe Cor. Southrey Gart. Sowthorpe Bel. Sowthestooke Grant. SPALDJNG Ellow. Spanby Auel. SPJLLSBY Bul. Hospital gate Wive. Hospital in the street Aslo. Spridlington Aslo. Springthorpe Cor. Stain Cal. Stanygot Gar. Stainfeild Wrag Stainflet Auel. Stainton Wrag. Market Stainton Gar. Stainton in the hole Walls. Stapleford Booth. Stallingbourgh you're STAMFORD Ness. Stamfeild Wrag. Stamford baron Ness. Stanygott Gart. Staynbye Bel Steeping great Can. Steeping little Bul. Stickforth Bul. Stickney Bul. Stillington Grant. Stockirith Cor. Stooke north Wive. Stothy Wrag. Stowe Ness. Stowe Wel. Stowe Auel. Streglethorp Love. Strawton Gran●▪ Stretton Wel. Stroxton W●ue. Strobby Cal. Strubby Cal. Strukeswo●d Gar. Stubton Love. Stuton Gar. Sturton great Gar. Sturton Louth. Sudbroke Law. Sudbrooke Love. Surfflet Kirt. Suridlington Asla. Su●terb● Can●. Sutton Cal. Sutton Love. Sutton burn Ellow▪ Sutton S. Edmond Ellow. Sutton S. james Ellow. Sutton S Maries Ellow. Sutton S. Leonards Ellow. Swabye Cal. Swafeild Bel. Swallow Brod. Swaton Auel Swineshead Kirt. Swinestead Bel. Swinehop Walls. Swinthorpe Wrag. Swynerton Booth. Sydebrooke Wive. T Taland Manl. Tathwell Louth. Tattershall chase Gart. TATTERSHALL Gart. Tayntons' Horn. Taynton lower Horn. Taynton higher Horn. Tedd S. Mary's Ellow. Templebruer Flax. Tetford Hill. Teulebye Walls. Tharlebye Nesse. Theddlethorps' Cal. Theddlethors Cal. Theresthorpe Cal. Theresway Walls. Theresbye Brod. Thiniok Corr. Thimelby Horn. Thimelby Gart. THONG CASTLE Brod. Tharganby Brod. Thorganbye Walls. Thorlbye australis Cal. Thorn Man. Thornham Man. Thorneton Gar. Thornton you're. Thornton in the more Walls. Thornton curtis you're. Thorpe you're. Thorpe Law. Thorpe Lang. Thorpe Cand Thorpe Bul. Thorpe on the mount Booth. Thorsthorp Cal. Thr●sthorp Law. Thu●lbye Booth. Thursthorp Cal. Timberland Lang. Tollington Ness. Torksey in the circuit of Aslwo wapon. Law. Tost Bel Tost Walls. Tothill Cal. To●ney Brod. The Tower Gart. Towes Walls. Toynton Bulling. Toynton Bulling. Trent flu. Tumbey Horn. Turleby Cal. Turrington East Wrag. Turrington West Wrag. Tupham Gart. Tylney Lang. V Va●by abbey Bell. Vffington Nesse. Vlsebye you're. Vlseby Cal. Vp●on Well. Vsselbye Walls. Vtterby Lud. W Waddingham Man. Waddington Booth. Waddington Linc. Waddingworth Gart. Wailesbye Wal. WAINFLEET Can. Waithe Brod. Walcotts Man. Walcott Lang. Walcott Aue. Waldram hall Ness. Wallton Wive. Walshcrost Walls. Waltrith Cor. Waltering Cor. Waltham Brod. Waplade drove Poor. Wapon Weve. Warton Cor. Washenburgh Lan. Water Willowby Aue. Welbourne Booth. Welbye Wive. Well Cal▪ Wellane flu. Wellinghore Booth. Welton Can. Welton Law. Welton Louth. Westboroughe Love. Westby Bel. Weston Ellow. Westwood Man. Whapledd Ellow. Whiconbve Wrag: Whitton Man: Whystye Booth: Wiberton road Kirt: Wickham Ellow: Wigtost Kirt: Wikam Wrag: Wikkenbye Wrag: Wilberton Kirt: Wildmore fen Horn: Wildsworth Cor: Willingham south Wrag: Willingham north Walls. Willingham, Aslo. Willingham W●ll▪ Willi●forth Wive. Willoughby Cal. Willowby Love. Willowby Assward. Willsby Horn▪ Wilsthorpe Nesse: Winceby Hill: Wingsbye Bulling: Winthorpe Candle: Wintringham Manl: Wintrington Man: Wispington Gar: Witham north Bell: Witham south Bell: Witham Bel: Witham flu: Withcall Louth: Witherne Cal: Witlingham Law: Woodhall Gart: Woodthorpe Cal: Wollstrope Gran: Work, Manl. Worlabye you're. Wotton you're. Wowld Newton Brod. Wragholme Lud. Wrangle Skirb. Wragby Wrag. Wraubie you're. Wrighthold Auel. Wy●l●ton Aslo. Wylsthorp Nesse. Wyngall Walls. Wysham Lud. Wy●ham Bell: Y Yarburgh Louth. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE. CHAPTER XXXIV. Nottinghamshire (from Nottingham The name of Nottingham. her chiefest Town hath the name, and that, somewhat softened from the Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the many dens or Caves wrought in her Rocks and under ground) The Borders. lieth bordered upon the North and Northwest with Yorkshire, upon the East a good distance by Trent is parted from, and with Lincolnshire altogether confined. The South with Leicester-shire, and the West by the River Erwash is separated from Darbishire. The form. (2) For form long and Oual-wise, doubling in length twice her breadth, whose extremes are thus extended and distance observed: From Finingley North to Steanford in the South, are thirty eight English Miles; her West part from Teversall, to Besthorp in the East, are little more than nineteen▪ whose circumference draweth much upon one hundred and ten miles. (3) The air is good, wholesome and delectable, The air. the soil is rich, sandy and clayey, as by the names of that Counties divisions may appear: and surely for corn and grass so fruitful, that it secondeth any other in the Realm: and for water, woods and Canell Coals abundantly stored. (4) Therein groweth a Stone softer than Alabaster, Commodities. but being burnt maketh a Plaster harder than that of Paris: wherewith they flower their upper rooms▪ for betwixt the ioysts they lay only long Bulrushes, and thereon spread this Plaster, which being thoroughly dry becomes most solid and hard, so that it seemeth rather to be firm stone then Mortar, and is troad upon without all danger. In the West near Worksop groweth plenty of Liquorice very delicious and good. (5) Moore South in this Shire at Stoke, in the Reign of King Henry the seventh, a great battle was fought by john Delapole Earl of Lincoln, which Richard the Usurper had declared his Heir apparent; but Richard losing his life, and Delapole his hopes in Battles. seeking here to set up a Lambert, fell down himself: and at Newarke after many troubles King john got his peace with the end of his life. (6) Trade and commerce for the Country's provision is frequented in eight market Towns in this Shire, whereof Nottingham is both the greatest and Nottingham. best: a Town seated most pleasant and delicate upon a high Hill, for buildings stately and number of fair Streets surpassing and surmounting many other Cities, and for a spacious and most fair market place doth compare with the best, many strange vaults hewed out of the rocks in this Town are seen, and Rog. H●u●den. those under the Castle of an especial note, one for the story of Christ his passion engraven in the Walls, and Asserius. cut by the hand of David the second King of Scots, Jngulphus. Henry Hunt. whilst he was therein detained Prisoner: Another wherein Lord Mortimer was surprised in the Nonage of King Edward the third, ever since bearing the name of Mortimer's hole; these have their stairs and several rooms made artificially even out of the rocks: as also in that Hill are dwelling houses with winding stairs, windows, chimneys and room above room wrought all out of the solid rock. The Castle is strong, and was kept by the Danes against Burthred, Ethelred and Elfred the Mercian and Westsaxons Kings, who together laid their siege against it: and for the further strength of the Town King Edward surnamed the Elder walled it about, whereof some part as yet remains from the Castle to the West-gate, and thence the foundation may be perceived to the North, where in the midst of the way ranging with this Bank, stands a Gate of Stone; and the same Tract passing along the North part may well be perceived: the rest to the River and thence to the Castle are built upon, and thereby buried from sight: whose Circuit, as I took it, extendeth two thousand one hundred and twenty pases. (7) In the wars betwixt Stephen and Maud the Empress, by Robert Earl of Gloucester these walls were cast down, when also the Town itself suffered the calamity of fire: but recovered to her former estate hath since increased in beauty and wealth, and at this day is governed by a Mayor and six Aldermen clad in scarlet, two Sheriffs, two Chamberlains, a town-clerk, and six Sergeants with Maces their attenders: whose position hath the pole elevated fifty three degrees, 25. minutes in Latitude, and hath the Meridian nine degrees and 25. minutes. This Town hath been honoured by these Prince's titles, and these Princes dignified with the Earldom of Nottingham, whose several Arms in the Card itself is inserted to sight. Religious houses that have been erected and Places of Religion erected and suppressed. now suppressed in the compass of this County, chief were Newstead, Lenton, Shelford, Southwell, Thurgarton, Blithe, Welbeck and Radford; in Nottingham, the White and Grey Friars, besides a little Chapel dedicated to Saint john. All which show the devotions of those former times: which their remembrance may move, if not condemn us, that have more knowledge but far less piety. The Shires division. The Shires division is principally into two: which the inhabitants term the Sand and the Clay; but for tax to the Crown or service for State, is parted into eight Wapontakes or Hundred, wherein are seated 168. parish Churches. NOTTINGHAM A SCALE OF PASES A S. H●ryes chur. B S Peter's church C saint Nicholas D Carter Gate E Co●e Lane F Griddlesmith G C●r●● market H Timber▪ Hill I Bearward Lane KING S james Lane L Whitfriers Lane M Hun Gate▪ N W●●●huright Lan OH Castle Lane P Broad marsh Q Narrow marsh R Vault Lane S low paument T ●idle pavement FIVE High pavement W Pepper street X Bridlesmith Y Woller Lane 2 Flesher Gate 3 L●mby Lane 4 Chal●rss Lane 5 Swine Grene 6 Gosse Gate 7 Worse Lane 8 Newark Lane 9 Barker lane 10 S. Marry Got 11 Pilchard gate 12 Hallifax Lane 13 Stony Street 14 Bellar Gate 15 Fisher Gate 16 Malm Hill At Stoke in this County▪ near unto Newark was fought a great Battle against King H. 7. by the Erectors of Lambert▪ a conterfet Warwick where John Dela Pole Earl of Lincoln, Francis Lord Lovel, Tho. Garadyne▪ chancellor of Ireland, Martin Swart, and Sir Tho. Broughton, with 4000 of their nake● Irishman lost their lives. Lambert was there taken, and made a turn spit in the King's kitchen, and lastly one of his ffalconers This conflict was fought the 16. of june Anno 1487. and in the third year of H. 7. Jodocus Hondius caelavit Anno Domini 1610 The Scale of English miles THE COUNTY OF NOTTINGHAM described THE SHIRE TOWNS SITUATION AND THE EARLS THERE OF observed THE Arms of such Honourable Families as have borne the titles of Earls of Nottingham▪ Robert Ferrer john Mowbray Rich. D. of York Will. Barkley Henry Fitz Roy Charles Howard Performed by john Speed and are to be sold in Pope's head. Alley by john Sudbury and Georg Humble Cum Privilegi● 1610 1. BAs●etlawe, weapontake. 2. North●ay, Division. 3. Southclay, Division. 4. Newarke weapon. 5. Broxtow, weapon. 6. Thurgarton, weapon. 7. Bingham, weapon. 8. Rushcliffe, weapon. A Akering, Southclay. Akley Basset. Allerton, Basset. S. Ambrose, Bing. Ampton, South●lay. Ansley, Brox. Ansley woodhouse, Brox. Arnold, Brox. Ashfield, Brox. Askam, Southclay. Astakton, Bing. Attenton, Brox. B Babworth, Basset. Balderton, New. Bantree, Bass. Basford, Brox. Basingfield, Bing. Barley grange, Thurg. Barmby in the willows, New. Barmby on the more, Basset. Barnston, Bing. Barton, Rush. Beckingham, Northclay. Belam, Northclay. Bellon, Southclay. Benall, Broxt. Bernthorp, New. Beskwood lodge, Brox. Bestwood park, Brox. Besthorp, New. Beston, Brox. Bilborow, Brox. Bilsthorp, Southclay. Bingham, Bing. Bircotes, Basset. Bleasbie, Thurg. Blodworth, Brox. BLITHE, Basset. Bole, Northclay. Boucot, Thurg. Boughton, Basset. Bothmusall, Basset. Bradmeere, Rush. Bramcot, Brox. Bridgeford East, Bing. Bridgford West, Rush. Brimsley, Brox. Brodham, New. neither Broughton, Bing. Budly, Basset. Bulwell, Brox. Bunney, Rush. Burton, Thurg. Burton West, Northclay. Bilbie, Basset. C Caluerton, Thurg. Carberton, Basset. Carletons', Basset. Carleton, Thurg. Carleton, Thurg. Carleton, Thurg. 3 Carroulston, Bing. Caunton, Thurg. Chilwell, Brox. Claworth, Northclay. Claerbourgh Northclay. Clifton North, New. Clifton South, New. Clyfton, Bing. Clunther, Basset. Clipston, Rush. Clipston, Basset. Coddington, New. Codgrave, Bing. Codlingstock, Rush. Collingham North, New. Collingham South, New. Colwick, Thurg. Cossall, Brox. Cotes, Northclay. Cotham, Northclay. Cotham, New. Coulston, Bing. Coulston Basset, Bing. Cropwell Bishop, Bing. Cropwell Butler, Bing. Crumwell, Thurg. D Darleton, North. Draiton West, Basset. Draiton East, Southclay. Dorkard, Brox. Dunham, Southclay. E Easter Leake, Rush. Eaton, Southclay. Edwalton, Rush. Edwinstow, Basset. Egmanton, Southclay. Elkesley, Basset. Elston, New. Elton, Bing. Eperston, Thurg. Erwash, Flu. Estwood, Brox. Euerton, Northclay. F Farindon, New. Farnesfield, Thurg. Felly, Brox. Fenton, Northclay. Fiskerton, Thurg. Fledborough, Thurg. Flintham, Bing. Flixthorp, Basset. Fymingley, Basset. Fleet, Flu. G Gamston, Southclay. Gaitforth, Basset. Girton, New. Godling, Thurg. Gonalston, Thur. Gotham, Rush. Granby, Bing. Gresthorpe, Thurg. Greisley, Brox. Gringley on the hill, Northclay. Gringley, Northclay. Grove, Southclay. Gunthorp, Thurg. H Hablestorp, Northclay. Halam, Thurg. Hallington, Thurg. Hanton, Thurg. Hardwick, Brox. Hareby, New. Harworth, Basset. Haverham, Thurg. Hawksworth, Bing. Hawton, New. Haiton, Northclay. Headon, Southclay. Heddingley, Thurg. Hexgrave park, Thurg. Hickling, Bing. Hockerton, Thurg. Hodsokes, Basset. Hokdike, Flu. Holbeck Woodhouse, Basset. Holme, Bing. Holme, New. Horringham, Thurg. Houghton, Basset. Hucknall, Brox. I Idle, Flu. Idleton, Southclay. KING Keeton, Bing. Kellam, Thurg. Kersall, Thurg. Keyworth, Rush. Kimberley, Brox. Kingston, Rush. Kirkby, Brox. Kirklington, Thurg. Kirton, Southclay. Kirton, Southclay. 2. Knesall, Thurg. Kynolton, Bing. Kynston, Rush. L Lamley, Thurg. Laugar, Bing. Langforth, New. Langhton lodge, Brox. Langham, Southclay. Laxton, Southclay. Lenton, Brox. Leverton South, Northclay. Leverton North, Northclay. Linby, Brox. LIT TLEBROUGH, North. Lodge in the wowld, B'ing. Lowdham, Thurg. Lyndhurst wood, Brox. M Manner, Basset. MANSFIELD, Brox. Mansfield Woodhouse, Brox. Markham East, Southclay. Markham West, Southclay. Marnham, Thurg. Maplebeck, Thurg. Mattersey, Basset. Maun, Flu. Mering, New. Missen, Basset. Misterton, Northclay. Morehouse, Southclay. Morton, Thurg. Muscombe South, Thurg. Muscombe North, Thurg. N NEWARKE, New. Newsted, Brox. Newthorp, Brox. Normanton upon Sore, Rush. Normanton, Basset. Normanton, Thurg. Norton Cucknie, Basset. Norwell, Thurg. NOTTINGHAM, Thurg. Nutthall, Brox. OH Ordsall, Basset. Orston, Bing. Osburton, Bass. Ossington, Thurg. Ouldcots, Basset. Ourney, Basset. Owthorpe, Bing. Oxton, Thurg. P Paplewick, Brox. Parklathes, Thurg. Plumtree, Rush. Perlethorpe, Bass. R Radford, Brox. Radforth, Basset. Ragnell, Southclay. Rampton, Southclay. Ranskill, Basset. Ratcliffe upon Sore, Rush. Ratcliffe upon Trent, Bing. REDFORD, Northclay. Remston, Rush. Roulston, Thurg. Ruddington, Rush. Rughford, Basset. S Saunby, Northclay. Saxendale, Bing. Scarrington, Bing. Scoston, Basset. Screveton, Bing. Scrooby, Basset. Selston, Brox. Shelford, Bing. Shelford abbey, B'ing. Sherewood forest, Thurg. Shilton, New. Sibthorpe, New. Skarle South, New. Skarle North, New. Skegby, Brox. Slanford, Rush. SOUTHWELL, Thurg. Soveam, Basset. Spadworth, New. Stanford, Rush. Stapleford, Brox. Staunton, New. Staunton, Bing. Stockwith, Northclay. Stoke, New. Stoke, Thurg. Stokham, Southclay. Strelley, Brox. Stretford East, Northclay. Sturrop, Basset. Sturton, Northclay. Surlby, Basset. Sutton, Brox. Sutton, Bing. Sutton, Thurg. Sutton upon Lound, Basset. Sutton, Bonington, Rush. Sweynton, Thurg. Syerston, New. T Terleton, Rush. Teversall, Brox. Thorny, New. Thorney wood, Basset. Thoroton, Bing. Thorpe, New. Thorpe, Basset. Thowresby, Basset. Thurmpton, Rush. Thurgarston, Thurg. Tilney, Northclay. Tollaston, Bing. Torworth, Basset. Towto, Brox. Triswell, Southclay. Trent, Flu. Trowel, Brox. Tuxford, Southclay. Tythby, Bing. V Vpton, Thurg. Vpton, Southclay. W Waerton, Bing. Walesby, Basset. Wallam, Northclay. Walley, Basset. Walkeringham, Northclay. Wansley, Brox. Warnham, Thurg. Warsope, Basset. Watnall, Brox. Welbeck Abbey, Basset. Welley, Southclay. Wester Leak, Rush. Westretford, Basset. Weston, Thurg. Whatton, Bing. Wheatley North, Northclay. Wheatley South, Northclay. Whit Water, Flu. Widmerepoole, Rush. Wiest, Northclay. Wiggesley, New. Wilford, Rush. Willoughby, Rush. Willoughby, Thurg. Winkborne, Thurg. Winthorpe, New. Wisall, Rush. Woldingwels, Basset. Wollerton, Brox. Woodborow, Thurg. Woodthorpe, Thurg. WORKSOP, Basset. Derbyshire, which the English Saxons called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, The bounds of Derbyshire. lieth enclosed upon her North parts with Yorkshire; upon the East with Nottinghamshire; upon the South with Leicestershire, and upon the West is parted with the rivers Dove and Goyt from Stafford and Chesse-shires. The form. (2) It is in form somewhat triangle, though not of any equal distance, growing from her narrow South-point still wider, and in the North is at the broadest: for from Stretton near the head of Mese, The length. The breadth. to New-Chapell seated near the head of Derwent, the two extremes from North to South are thirty eight miles: but from the Shire-Oakes unto the meeting of Mersey and Goyt, the broadest part of all this Shire, is The circumference. not fully twenty nine; the whole in circumference extendeth to an hundred and thirty miles. The air. (3) The air is good, and very healthful: the soil is rich, especially in her South and East parts: but in the North and West is hilly, with a black and mossy ground, both of them fast-handed, to the Ploughers pains, though very liberal in her other The Soil. gifts: whose natures thus dissenting, the River Derwent doth divide asunder, that taketh course thorough the heart or midst of this County. The ancient people. (4) The ancient people that possessed these parts in the times of the Romans assaults, were the Coritani, whom Ptolemie disperseth thorough Northampton, Leicester, Rutland, Lincoln, Nottingham, and this Shire, Tacit. Ann●l. l. 12. cap. 8. who were all of them subdued by P. Ostorius Scapula, Lieutenant in this Province for Claudius the Emperor. But Rome's Empire failing in Britain, by the intestine wars among themselves, the Saxons (a more savage and fearful Nation) soon brought it under their subjection, and made this a Province unto their Mercians Kingdom, whom the Westsaxons first wan, and again lost to the Normans. The Commodities. (5) It is stored with many commodities, and them of much worth; for besides woods and cattles, sheep and corn, every where overspreading the face of this County, the Millstone, Crystal, and Alabaster▪ the Mines of Pit-coale, Iron, and Led, are of great price: whereof the last is mentioned in Pliny, who writeth, that in Britain in the very crust of the Pliny. ground, without any deep digging, is gotten so great store of Lead, that there is a Law expressly made of purpose, forbidding men to make more than to a certain stint. Whose stones are plenteously gotten in those Mountains, and melted into Sows, to no small profit of the Country. There is found also in certain veins of the earth, Stibium, which the Apothecaries call Antimonium, and the Alchemists hold in great esteem. Derby. (6) Places for Commerce, or memorable note, Athelward. the first is Derby the Shire-Towne, called in the English-Saxon Tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and by the Danes Deoraby, seated upon the West bank of Derwent, where also a small Brook rising Westward, runneth thorough the Town under nine Bridges, before it meets with her far greater River Derwent, which presently it doth, after she hath passed Tenant Bridge in the Southeast S. Mary's bridge. of the Town. But a Bridge of more beauty, built all of Freestone, is passed over Derwent in the northeast of the Town, whereon standeth a fair stone chapel, and both of them bearing the names of Saint Maries: five other Churches are in this Town, the chiefest whereof is called All-hallows, whose Steeple or Bell-Tower being both beautiful and high, was built only at the charges of young men and maids, as is witnessed by the inscription cut in the same upon every square of the Steeple. Among the miserable desolations of the Danes, this Town bore a part, but by Lady Ethelfleda was again repaired, and is at this day incorporated with the yearly government of two Bailiffs elect out of twenty four brethren, besides as many Burgesses of Common Counsel, a Recorder, Town-clerk, and two Sergeants with Mace: whose Graduation is observed from the Equator to be 53. degrees 25. scruples, and from the first point in the West, 19 degrees 2. scruples. Little-Chester. (7) Little-Chester (by the Romish Money there daily found) seemeth to have been ancient, and that a Colony of the Roman Soldiers there lay. Yet of far greater fame was Repandunum, now Repton, where Repton. Ethelbald the ninth King of the Mercians, and fifteenth Monarch of the Englishmen, slain at Seggeswald by the treason of his Subjects▪ was interred: and whence Burthred, the last King of that people, was expulsed with his Queen Ethelswith, by the rage of the Danes, after twenty two years reign. But with a more pleasing ●ie we may behold Melborne, the memorial of Melborne. Englishmens great valour, where in that Castle was kept Prisoner john Duke of Bourbon, taken Captive in the Battle of Agincourt, and therein detained the space of nineteen years. (8) Things of stranger note are the hot Water-springs, bursting forth of the ground at Buxtone, Buxton Well. where out of the Rock within the compass of eight yards, nine springs arise, eight of them warm, but the ninth very cold. These run from under a fair square building of freestone, and about threescore paces off, receive another hot spring from a Well, enclosed with four flat stones, called S. Annes; near unto which another very cold spring bubbled up. The report goeth among the by-dwellers, that great cures by these waters have been done: but daily experience showeth, that they are good for the stomach, and sinews, and very pleasant to bathe the body in. Not far thence is Elden-hole, whereof strange things Elden-hole. have been told, and this is confidently affirmed, the waters that trickle from the top of that Cave, (which indeed is very spacious, but ofa low and narrow entrance) do congeal into stone, and hung as ickles in the roof. Some of them were showed at my being there, which like unto such as the frost congealeth, were hollow within, and grew Taper-wise towards their points, very white, and somewhat Crystall-like. And seven miles thence, upon a mounted hill, standeth a Castle, under which there is a hole or Cave in the ground of a marvelous capacity, which is devils Arse in the Peake. commonly called The devils Arse in the Peake, whereof Gervase of Tilbury hath told many pretty tales, and others do make it one of the wonders of our Landlord Religious houses. (9) As in other Counties the devotions of the religious have been made apparent in the erection of places for God's peculiar service; so in this have been founded eight of that nature, which were Dale, Derelege, Derby, Repton, Bechif, Graiesley, Faverwell, and Pollewerke: whose peace and plenty stood secure from all danger, till the blustering winds arising in the reign of King Henry the Eighth, blew off the pinnacles of their beauteous buildings, and shook asunder the Revenues of those Foundations which never are like again to be laid. The division of Derbyshire. (10) This Shire is divided into six Hundred, wherein have been seated seven Castles, and is still traded with eight Market Towns, and replenished with one hundred and six Parish-Churches, whose names follow in the Table annexed. THE ARMS of all those Honourable Famylyes, as have borne the Dignity and Title of Earls of Darbye, from the time of the Normans Conquest unto this present William Ferres Ed. E. of Lancastre john of Gant D. of L. Thomas Standley DARBYE 1● ●. Alk●●onss 2 S. 〈◊〉 3 〈◊〉 4 S. 〈◊〉 5● ● P●t●rs' 6 Bridge 〈◊〉 7 〈◊〉 8 S. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 9 S●●●r● 〈◊〉 10 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 11 〈◊〉 R●●e 12 〈◊〉 L●●● 13 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 14 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●7 S. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 28 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●9 〈◊〉 bri●●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2● 〈◊〉 gate 2● 〈◊〉 23 S. P●●●rss bri●● 24 The 〈◊〉 Sc●●● 25 Th● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 27 The Cock 〈◊〉 28 The 〈◊〉 29 The 〈◊〉 30 〈◊〉 l●●e 31 The N●●ry● 32 〈◊〉 Gre●● 33 The Friar's 3● The P●●●old 35 S. 〈◊〉 c●●p A Scale of pases Anno DARBIESHIRE described 1610 The Scale of Miles HONI SO●T QVI MAL Y PENSE ●IEV ET MON DROIT P●●formed by John 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 to be sold in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by john S●db●●y and ●. H●mble BUXTON Hundred in Derbyshire. 1 HIghpeak., Hund. 2. Scarsdalle, Hund. 3. Workesworth, Wap. 4. Morleston & Lytchurch, H. 5. Appletrie, Hund. 6. Reppington & Greysley H. A Abney, Peake. Alderousley, Apple. Aldwarke, Work. Alderwashley, Work. Allestree, Morles. ALLFRETON, Scar. Alsoppe, Work. Aluaston, Morles. Ambaston, Morles. Amber Flu. Appleby, Rep. Arlaston, Ap. Aston, Peak. Atlowe, Apple. Aulkmanton, Apple. Aulport, Peak. Aulton, Scar. ash, Apple. ASHBORNE, Work. Ashford, Peak. Ashlehay, Apple. Ashover, Scar. Aston, Scar. Aston upon Trent, Mor. Auton, Apple. B Bakewell, Peak. Ballidon, Work. BANKEWELL, Peak. Barbrough, Scar. Barley, Scar. barrow, Morl. Barwardcote, Mor. Baslow, Peak. Beardhall, Peak. Bechif abbey, Scar. Beighton, Scar. Belay chapel, Scar. Belghe, Scar. Belpar, Apple. Bentley fenney, Work. Bentley, Apple. Hungary Bentley, Apple. Birchhill, Peak. Blackwell, Scar. Blaugherby, Rep. Bothmusoill, Peak. Bousover, Scar. Bouthe neither, Peak. Bouteshall, Work. Bowdon, Peak. Bowdon Middlecall, Peak. Bowlton, Mor. Boylston, Apple. Bradburne, Work. Bradford Flu. Bradley, Apple. Bradsall, Mor. Bradwell, Peak. Braiston, Mor. Brakenfeild, Scar. Bralesford, Apple. Brainford, Peak. Bramton, Scar. Brassington, Work. Bredsall, Apple. Bretbye, Rep▪ Brinington, Scar. Church Broughton, Apple. Burbrok Flu. Burton blunt, Apple. Burghe, Peake. Butterley, Mor. Buxton well, Peak. C Caldwall, Rep. Calke, Rep. Calew, Scar. Carlingthwart hall, Scar. Carson, Work. Castleton, Peak. Castle in the peake, Peake. Catton, Rep. Cawlow, Work. Codnor, Morles. Cawner, Peak. Cawton, Peak. Chadesdon, Morl. Chalesworth, Peak. Chamber in the forest, Peak. New Chapel, Peak. chapel IN THE FRITH. Peak. Chattesden, Apple. Chattesworth▪ Scar. Chellaston, Rep. Chelmarton, Peak. Chester eton, Mor. CHESTERFEILD, Scar. Chilcot, Rep. Church broughton, Ap. Clapwell, Scar. Clinton, Scar. Clown, Scar. Clownchurch, Scar. Clyfton, Morl. Clyfton, Apple. Codner, Mor. Codner castle, Mor. Compton, Mor. Corther, Scar. Coton, Rep. Cowdale, Peak. Cowlowe, Peak. Crawloe Flu. Creswell, Scar. Crich, Mor. Crich chase, Mor. Crougston, Work. Croxall, Rep. Crumforth, Work. Cubley, Apple. D Dalbury leeses, Apple. Dale, Morles. DERBY, Mor. Darleygh, Mor. Darley, Peak. Darley hall, Scar. Darwell Flu. Darwen chapel, Peak. Denby, Mor. Dethick, Work. Dove Flu. Dovebridge, Apple. Dower, Scar. Draklowe, Rep. Dranfeild, Scar. Draycot, Mor. Duckmanton, Scar. Duffeild, Apple. Dunfeild, Mor. Dunston, Scar. E Eaton, Work. Eaton, Apple. Eaton long, Mor. Eckelsborne Flu. Edall, Peak. Edall, Peak. Edlaston, Apple. Edleston hall, Scar. Edynsar, Peak. Egington, Mor. Eham, Peak. Eissington, Work. Ekington, Scar. Elden hall, Peak. Elmeton, Scar. Elton, Work. Elwall, Apple. Elwaston, Mor. Erewashe Flu. Eueley. F Fatters field, Peak. Fernhouses, Peak. Finderne, Mor. Flaghouses, Peake. Follow, Peake. Formarke, Rep. Foston, Apple. Foxholes, Peak. Frithley, Mor. Furland hall, Scar. G Glapwell, Scar. Gledles, Scar. Glossoppe, Peak. Gratton, Work. Gresley castle, Rep. Gresley, Rep. Grynlowe, Peak. H Hadden hall, Peak. Hadden Ouell, Peak. Kirke Hallain, Mor. halam west, Mor. Hanley, Scar. Hardwick, Scar. Hartington, Work. Hartley hall, Peak. Hartshorne, Rep. Hartwood grange, Scar. Hassep, Peak. Hathersedge, Peake. Hatton, Apple. Heanor, Mor. Heath, Scar. Heathfeild, Peak. Hethcote, Work. Higham, Scar. Higham, Scar. Hilton, Apple. Hogmaston, Work. Holbroke, Mor. Holland, Apple. Hollington, Apple. Holmehall, Scar. Hoones, Apple. Hope, Peak. Hopton, Work. Hopwell, Mor. Horeston castle, Mor. Horsley, Mor. Houghton, Scar. Hounsfeild, Scar. Hucklow great, Peak. Hucklow little, Peak. Huckney, Scar. Hugh park, Work. Hussington grange, Wor. Hyghlow, Peak. I Ibber Flu. Ible, Work. Iheo, Work. Ilkeston, Mor. Ingleby, Rep. Inkersell, Scar. Ireton church, Work. Ireton little, Apple. KING Kedleston, Apple. Kilborne, Mor. Kilmarsh, Scar. Knynsynton, Work. Knyveton, Work L Langford, Apple. Kirk Langley, Mor. Langley meanell, Apple. Langley, Mor. Langwith Over, Scar. Lasco, Mor. Lea, Work▪ Leeses hall, Apple. Linton, Rep. Litchurch, Mor. Lithkell Flu. Longston, Peak. Lullimgton, Rep. Lytton, Peak. M Makeney, Mor. Mapperley, Apple. Mappleton, Work. Marketon, Mor. Markworth, Mor. Marlocke, Work. Marston, Apple. Marston montgomery, Ap. Measo Flu. Measam, Rep. Melburne, Rep. Melburne castle, Rep. meler chapel, Peak. Mersey Flu. Mersh hall, Peak. Middleton, Work. Middleton stony, Peak. Mircaston, Apple. Monyashe, Peak. Morehouses, Scar. Morley, Mor. Morley park, Mor. Morton, Scar. Mugington, Apple. Mylnhouse, Peak. Mylntown, Scar. Mylton, Rep. N Nedam grange, Work. Netherthorpe, Scar. Newhold, Scar. Newmedow, Peak. Newton kings, Rep. Newton stony, Rep. Norbery, Apple. Normanton, Scar. Normanton, Rep. Normanton south, Scar. Norton, Scar. Now Flu. Nowstoole hill, Peak. OH Oclebrooke, Mor. Ogston, Scar. Okesgreene, Apple. Okethorpe, Rep. Oscote, Work. Oslaston, Apple. Osmaston, Rep. Osmaston, Apple. Over great, Mor. Over little, Mor. Ounston, Scar. Owlerset, Peak. Oxcroft, Scar. P Padley, Peak. Palterton, Sca. Parwich, Work. Peake forest, Peak. Pentrich, Mor. Pilsey, Scar. Pilsey, Peak. Pilsbury grange, Work. Pinxton, Scar. Pleasley, Scar. Posther wood, Apple. Q Quarndon, Mor. R Radburne, Apple. Rauslaston, Rep. Rawston, Apple. Reppington, Rep. Rewthorp▪ Scar. Ridgehall, Peak. Ripley, Mor. Rodsley, Apple. Rossend, Apple. Rother Flu. Rowland, Peak. Rowesley, Peak. Rowetsley hall, Scar. Rowthorpe, Scar. Rysley, Mor. S Sandeacre, Morles. Saperton, Apple. Sawloe, Morles. Scarcliffe, Scar. Scropton, Apple. Seal grange, Rep. Seal neither, Rep. Seal over, Rep. Sharlowe, Morles. Shatton, Peak. Shawcrosse, Peak. Sheldon, Peak. Sherbroke, Scar. Shirley, Apple. Shipley, Morles. Shire Okes, Scar. Shirland, Scar. Shotley park, Apple. Sinfold, Apple. Smalley, Morles. Smethike, Rep. Smisbye, Rep. Snytter, Work. Somercotes, Scar. Somersall herbert, Apple. Spundon, Apple. Staden, Peak. Stainton, Peak. Stanclyff, Scar. Standley, Apple. The Stand, Scar. Staneley, Scar. Stanley, Morles. Stanton, Rep. Stanton ward, Repp. Stanton next dal, Morles. Stapenhall, Rep. Starndalle, Peak. Kings Starndalle, Peak. Steed, Apple. Steine●bie, Scar. Steinston, Apple. Stoke hall, Scar. Stretton, Scar. Stretton, Rep. Stubley, Scar. Sturton, Apple. Sutton upon the hill, Apple. Sutton, Scar. Suelston, Apple. Swadlingcote, Rep. Swaley, Morl. Swanwick, Scar. Swarkeston, Rep. Sydbury, Ap. T Taddington, Peak. Tansley, Worke. Tansley, Scar. Tharsethall, Peake. Therlesbouth, Peak. thornel, Peak. Thorpe, Work. Thurleston, Mor. Thuruaston, Apple. Tibehelf, Scar. TIDDESWEL, Peak. Tiffinton, Work. Tiknall, Rep. Topton, Scar. Tottley, Scar. Trinity chapel, Scar. Trusley, Apple. Tunsted, Peak. Turndiche, Apple. Twyford, Apple. V Vlgathorp, Scar. Underwood, Work. W Wadshelfe, Scar. Wakebridge hall, Scar. Walton, Scar. Walton upon Trent, Rep. Warelowe, Peak. Warmsawdale, Peak. Washington, Scar. Watstanwel bridge, Scar. Wedingwell, Peak. Welne great, Morles. Welne little, Morl. Wensley, Work. Weston upon Trent, Morl. Weston under wood, Morl. Whalay, Scar. Wheatcroft, Scar. Wheston, Peak. Whittington, Scar. Whittwell, Scar. William's thorpe, Scar. Willington, Morl. Wilsley, Rep. Windsall, Rep. Wineley hill, Apple. Wingfeild Manor, Scar. Wingfeild South, Scar. Wingfeild North, Scar. Wingerworth, Scar. Wolley, Scar. Woodhouses, Scar. Woodhouses, Scar. Woodland, Peak. Woodthorpe, Scar. Woodthorpe, Scar. WORKESWORTH, Wo. Wormehill, Peak. Wulscote, Work. Wyaston, Apple. Wynstre, Work. Y Yednaston, Apple. Yeldersley, Apple. Yolegreave, Peak. STAFFORD-SHIRE. CHAPTER XXXVI. The ancient name of this Shire. STAFFORD-SHIRE, which in the English-Saxon is written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, & whose situation is much about the middle of England, meeteth upon the The confines of it. North with Cheshire and Derby, and that in a Triangle point, where three stones are pitched for the bounds of these Shires; it is parted from Derbyshire on the East with Dowe and with Trent; the South is confined with Warwick and Worcester-shires, and the West butteth against the County of Shropshire. The form and dimensitude. (2) The form thereof is somewhat lozeng-like, that is, sharp at both ends, and broadest in the midst. The length extending from North to South, is by measure forty four miles; and the breadth from East to West, twenty seven; the whole in circumference one hundred and forty miles. The Air. (3) The air is good, and very healthful, though over-sharpe in her North and Moreland, where the snow lieth long, and the wind bloweth cold. The Soil. (4) The soil in that part is barren of Corn, because her Hills and Moors are no friends unto Tillage: the middle is more level, but therewithal woody, as well witnesseth that great one, called the Cank. But the South is most plenteous in Corn and Pasturage. (5) Her ancient Inhabitants were the * CORNAVII the ancient people of it. CORNAVII, whom Ptolemie placeth in the Tract that containeth Shropshire, Worcester-shire, Chesse-shire, and this: all which were possessed by the Mercian-Saxons Tameworth. when their Heptarchy flourished. And Tameworth in this Shire was then held their Kings Court. The Danes after them often assayed herein to have seated, as witnesseth Tetnall, then Theoten hall, by interpretation, The habitation of pagan, imbrued with their An. Do. 911. Beda. blood by King Edward the elder. But the Inhabitants of this Province Beda terms The midland Englishmen, because to his seeming it lay in the heart of the Land, which when the Normans had made Conquest of all, many of them set down their rest here, whose posterities at this day are fairly and further branched into other parts. The commodities of it. (6) The Commodities of this County consist chief in Corn, Cattle, Alabaster, Woods and Iron, (if the one prove not the destruction of the other) Pit-coale, Flesh, and Fish, whereof the River Trent is said to swarm: and others arising and running thorough this Shire, do so batten the ground, that the Meadows even in the midst of Winter grow green; Ten Rivers. such are Dowe, Manifold, Churnet, Hunsye, Yenden, Teane, Blithe, Trent, Tyne, and Sow; whereof Trent is not only the principal, but in esteem accounted the third of this Landlord Stafford the chief Town. joh. Capgrave. (7) Stafford the Shire-towne, anciently Betheney, from Bertelin a reputed holy man that therein lead an Hermit's life, was built by King Edward the elder, incorporated King John. by King john, and upon the East & South parts was walled and trenched by the Barons of the place; the rest from East to North was secured by a large Pool of water, which now is become fair meadow grounds. The tract and circuit of these walls extendeth to twelve hundred and forty pases, thorough which, four Gates into the four winds have passage, the River Sow running on the South and West of the Town. King Edward the sixth did incorporate King Eward the sixth. the Burgesses, and gave them a perpetual succession, whose government is under two Bailiffs yearly elected out of one and twenty Assistants, called the Common Counsel, a Recorder, whereof the Dukes of Dukes of Buckingham Recorders of Stafford. Buckingham have borne the Office, and as yet is kept a Court of Record, wherein they hold Plea without limitation of sum; a Town-clerk also, (from whose pen I received these instructions) and to attend Thomas Worswick. them, two Sergeants at Mace. This Town is sited in the degree of Latitude 53. 20. scruples, and of Longitude 18. and 40. scruples. Leichfield. (8) But Leichfield, more large and of far greater fame, is much her ancient, known unto Beda by the name of Licidfeld, which Rosse doth interpret to be John Rosse. The field of dead bodies, for the number of Saints under the rage of Dioclesian there slain: upon which cause the City beareth for her Arms an Escocheon of Landscape, with divers Martyrs in divers manner massacred. Here Oswin King of Northumberland overcoming An. Do. 606. the Pagan-Mercians, built a Church, and made it the See of Duina the Bishop; whose successors grown rich, with golden reasons so overcame King Offa, and he Adrian the Pope, that an archiepiscopal Pale was granted Bishop Eadulph, to the great disgrace of Lambert Archbishop of Canterbury. In this church were interred the bodies of Wulfhere and Celred, both An. Do. 67●. of them Kings of the Mercians. But when the minds of men were set altogether upon gorgeous building, this old foundation was new reared by Roger Clinton, An. Do. 718. Bishop of this See, and dedicated to the Virgin Mary at Saint Chad, and the Close inwalled by Bishop Langton. An. D. 1148. The government of this City is by two Bailiffs and one Sheriff, yearly chosen out of twenty four Burgesses, a Recorder, a Town-clerk, and two Sergeants their Attendants. Houses of Religion. (9) Houses of Religion erected in this Shire, were at Leichfield, Stafford, De la Cross, Cruxden, Trentham, Burton, Tamworth, and Woluerhampton. These Votaries abusing their Founders true pieties, and heaping up riches with disdain of the laity, laid themselves open as marks to be shot at; whom the hand of the skilful soon hit and quite pierced, under Castles: Alton. Carsw●ll. Chesterton. Madeley. Charley. Stafford. Li●bf●ild. Tamworth. Hely. Newcastle. Duddeley. T●●b●ry. eccleshall▪ the aim of King Henry the Eighth, who with such Revenues in most places relieved the poor and the orphan, with Schools and maintenance for the training up of youth: a work no doubt more acceptable to God, and of more charitable use to the Landlord (10) With 13 Castles this County hath been strengthened, and in thirteen Market-towns her commodities traded, being divided into five Hundred, and in them seated one hundred and thirty parish-churches, as in the Table is alphabetically expressed. STAFFORD COUNTY AND TOWN with the ancient City LICHFEILD described This barony of Stafford is very ancient and hath been an Earldom, the Nobles whereof hath borne the title of Dukes of Buckingham. STAFFORD 1 gray friars 2 Foregate s●ret 3 P●n●●lde 4 North Gate 5 Crabery la●e 6 S Chads Church 7 S. mary's church 8 Free School 9 Tipping street 10 House of correct. 11 D●ttell prick 12 Broad ●ye 13 New Bridge 14 Tanter bank 15 Castle hill 16 Mill gate 17 Earls street 18 South Gate 19 Martin's lane 20 Saltars street 21 Almeshouse lane 22 Eastgate street 23 East Gate 24 Beire lane 25 Church lane 26 Mill lane 27 High street 28 Shire Hall 29 Forebridge 30 Stafford. Upon Blore heath in this County of Stafford, a great and bloody battle was fought by Richard Earl of Salesbury in the quarrel of york, against james Lord Audley made General for King Henry the sixt, wherein the said Lord james was slain, with many of the Gentilitye of Cheshire, who in great favour had received the young Prince's Levery of Swanes, and in his right manfully fought, and lost their lives: To wit Sir Hugh Venables, Sir Thomas Du●●▪ Sir Richard Molineux, Sir William Trowthek, Sir john Leigh, Sir john Down and Sir john Edgerton Knights, & of the common soldiers there died 2400. men. And therein the two sons of the E. of Salesbury were taken prisoners & sent to Chester, whence shortly they were releised. This battle was fought the 23. day of Sept. in the year 1459. and the 38. of K. H. 6. reign. LICHFIELD Places in the City Lichfield by figures observed. 1 Stowe Church 2 Stowe Mill 3 Stowe Street 4 joyles lane 5 St. Michael's ch▪ 6 Rotten Row 7 Tamworth street 8 The Chapel▪ 9 The Conduit 10 Dam● street 11 St. Chads minst. 12 jays lane 13 Bacon street. 14 The Almeshouse 15 Samford street 16 Saddlers street 17 Boar street 18 Wade street 19 Town Hall 20 Frog lane 21 St. I●hns' street 22 St. john's Hospital 23 The Friary 24 The Conduit 25 The Freeschole 26 Grey Marger lane 27 Greenehill street 28 Bakers lane 29 Frurs lane 30 High Cross 31 Stowe cross 32 Dam Mill 33 Stowe Mere 34 Dam Mere SCALE OF MILES Cum Privilegio 〈◊〉 1●10 ● Performed by john Speed▪ 〈…〉 to be sold an Pope's head alley by john 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Humble. An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and Places mentioned in Stafford-shire. HUNDREDS in Stafford-shire. 1. PYrehill. 2. Tottmonslo. 3. Cudleston. 4. Seisdon. 5. Ottelowe. A Acton, Cud. Acton, Pyr. Aculate, Pyr. Adbastow, Pyr. Alderwas, Off. Aldriche, Off. Alton, Tot. Aluerton, Tot. Amblecott, Seis. Amerton, Cud. Aminton, Pyr. Anneley, Pyr. Apedale, Pyr. Apeton, Cud. Areley, Seis. Argarth park, Tot. Ar●itage, Off. A●heses seven, Pyr. Ashenhurst, Tot. Ashley, Pyr. Ashton little, Pyr. Aston, Off. Aston, Pyr. Aston, Cud. Aston, Pyr. Aston, Cud. Aston little, Off. Audley, Pyr. Aulston, Cud. Ausley, Off. Austonfeild, Tot. B Bagnall chapel, Pyr. bar, Off. Barlaston▪ Pyr. Barston, Pyr. Barton, Cud. Barton Off. Baswich, Cud. Baulterley, Pyr. The Beach, Pyr. Beaudesert, Cud. bednal, Cud▪ Bednoll, Cud. Bentley, Off. Bescote, Cud. Betley, Pyr. B●●kforde, Cud. Bicknall, Pyr. Biddulphe, Pyr. Billington, Cud. Bilston, Seis. Bishopbury, Seis. Bishop's of●ey, Pyr. Bishton, Cud. Blakemere, Tot. Blithe flu. Blithfeild, Pyr. Blore, Pyr. Blore, Tot. Blore heath, Pyr. Bloxwich, Off. Blotton, Pyr. Blymyll, Cud. Boblington, Seis. Boningall, Seis. Bothall, Cud. Bradeley, Cud. Bradley, Tot. Bradley, Seis. Bradnoppe, Tot. Bradwall, Pyr. Bramhurst, Tot. Bramston, Off. Branston, Off. BREWOOD, Cud. Bridgeford, Pyr. Bri●kley lodge, Off. Brickwood Tot. B●octon, Cud. Bromewich west, Off. Gerard's Bromley, Pyr. Bromley Bagoots, Pyr. BROMLEY PAGETTS, Pyr. Bromley hur'st, Pyr. Bromley kings, Off. Bromley kings, Off. Bromshulffe, Tot. Broughton hill, Off. Bruerton, Cud. Brynton, Cud. Bucknell, Pyr. Bule, Cud. Burlaton, Cud. Burslem, Pyr. BURTON UPON TRENT, Off. Burton, Off. Burton, Cud. Burton under nedwood, Off. Bushbury, Seis. Butterton, Pyr. Butterton, Tott. C Caldon, Tott. Calingwood, Off. Cambrige, Tott. Camwel●, Off. Cank, Cud. Cank wood, Cud. Cannocke, Cud. Careswall, Tot. Castorne, Tot. Catnell, Off. Cauldon, Tot. Cawton, Off. Cawton, Tot. Charley, Off. Charlton deviseover, Pyr. Charnes, Pyr. Chartley castle, Cud. Chartley holm, Pyr. Chatwall, Cud. Chebston, Pyr. Checkley, Tot. Chedletton, Tot. Chedull, Tot. chel, Pyr. Chestall, Off. Chesterton, Pyr. Chesterfeild, Off. Childcote, Off. Chillington, Cud. Chomeley wood, Off. Church-●at●● Cud. Churnet flu. Claton, Pyr. Clente, Seis. Clyfton, Off. Codsill, Seis. Collidge, Cud. Colton, Pyr. Colwich, Tot. Comber●ord, Off. Compton, Seis. Copinhall, Cud. Corborowe, Off. Coton, Cud. Coton, Pyr. Cotten, Cud. Coulton, Cud. Cowen, Cud. Cowley, Cud. Crackmarsh, Tot. Crocksden, Tot. D Darlaston, Pyr. Darleston, Seis. Darleston, Off. Deluecrosse, Tot. Denston, Tot. Dermington, Pyr. Dolwich, Pyr. Dove flu. Draicott, Tot. Draiton, Cud. Draiton Basset, Off. Dr●iton, Cud. Druyton Basset, Off. Dudley castle, Seis. Duluarne, Tot. Dunsmore flu. Dunstable, Off. Dunston, Cud. E Water Eaton, Cud. ECCLESHALL DEVISOVER, Pyr. Eccleston, Tot. Eddingall, Off. Ediall, Off. Elaston, Tot. Elenhall, Pyr. Elford, Off. Elford, Off. Elmhurst▪ Off. Elnston, Tot. Enston, Pyr. Enueild, Seis. Efington, Seis. Esington, Cud. Evil, Seis. F Fakesley bridge, Farley, Tot. Farewell, Off. Fauld, Off. field, Tot. field, Tot. Fenny lodge, Off. Fenton, Pyr. Fetherston, Cud. Fisherwick, Off. Forbridge, Cud. Fordswall, Pyr. Forton, Cud. Fauton, Pyr. Foulderley. Off. Foxbroke, Tota, Frodley▪ Off. Froghall, Tot. Fullford, Pyr. Fulston, Pyr. G Gayton, Pyr. Gentleshall, Off. Gnostill, Cud. Gorsticott, Off. Gratwich, Tot. Grinley, Cud. Gryndon, Tot. Guston, Seis. H Haddenford, Cud. Hamberwich, Off. Hamstell, Off. Hampstable Ridward, Off. Handsworth, Off. Handbury, Off. Handsaker, Off. Hanford, Pyr. Hamton, Off. Haracles, Tot. Harborne, Off. Harlaston, Off. Harlaston, Off. Hasellor, Off. Hatherton, Cud. Haughton, Cud. Hawood, Cud. Headley castle, Pyr. Heatley, Cud. Heath-hill, Cud. Helswood, Tot. Hempsted, Off. Henly, Seis. Hentley, Tot. Hickson, Cud. Highon, Cud. Hilderson, Pyr. Hilton hall, Seis. Hilton abbey, Pyr. Hilton, Cud. Hintes, Off. Hollinton, Tot. Hopton, Pyr. Hopwaies, Off. Horborne, Off. Horcros●e, Off. Horningloe, Off. Horton, Tot. Hounhill, Tot. Hul●on, Tot. Hunley, Seis. Hunsye Flu. Huntingdon, Cud. Hyde, Cud. Hymore, Off. I Ilam, Tott. Ingleton, Cud. Inglest●ie, Pyr. Ipston, Tott. KING Kebulston, Pyr. Keel, Pyr. Kingston, Tott▪ Kingston, Pyr. Kinfare, Seis. Kinsley, Tott. Kinuer, Seis. Knightley, Cud. Knighton, Pyr. Knutton, Pyr. Knutshall, Tott. Kynuaston, Cud. L Lapley, Cud. Lea, Seis. Leacroft, Cud. Led, Cud. leek, Tott. Leighe, Tott. The Leu, Seis. Levedall, Cud. LICHFIELD, Off. Lighe high, Cud. Littleon, Cud. Longcrosse, Off. Longdon, Off. Longnor, Cud. Longon, Off. Longnor, Tott. Longton, Pyr. Loxley, Tott. Loynton, Pyr. M Madeley, Pyr. Madeleholme, Tott. Mair, Pyr. Many Flu. Marbroke, Tott. Marchington, Tott. Marchingdon, Tot. Marston, Pyr. Marston, Cud. Marton great, Cud. Mason, Off. Materfeild, Tott. Maveston Ridware, Off. Meare, Pyr. Meare, Cud. Meare, Pyr. Milwich, Pyr. Mitton, Cud. Moreland hills, Tot. Moreton, Cud. Morocopp hill, Pyr. Morsall, Off. Mo●e Flu. Moseley, Seis. Muckelston, Pyr. N Nedwood Forest, Tot. Newborowe, Off. Newbold, Off. NEWCASTLE UNDER line, Pyr. New Chapel, Pyr. Newton, Cud. Newton, Pyr. Norbury, Cud. Narrowdale, Tot. Norton, Pyr. Norton, Cud. Norton, Off. Norton, Off. Norton in the Moors, Pyr. OH High Offley, Pyr. oaken, Seis. Okover, Tot. Oldburie, Off. Oncot, Tot. Only, Pyr. Orgrave, Off. Orton, Seis. Otherton, Cud. Ouerpen, Seis. Ousley▪ bridge, Cud. P Painsley, Tot. Parkhill, Tot. Patsell, Seis. Patringham, Seis. Pelsalle, Off. Over Pen, Seis. neither Pen, Seis. Pencle, Pyr. Pencle, Pyr. Penckirch, Cud. Penke flu, Penford, Seis. Penset chase, Seis. Periburie, Off. Peryhall, Off. Perton, Seis. Pellington, Cud. Pellington hall, Cud. Pipe, Off. Placdwick, Cud. Ponke flu. Prestwood, Seis. Prestwood, Tot. R Ramsor, Tot. Rannton, Pyr. Rannton monastery, Pyr. Ricardscote, Cud. Rickarscott, Pyr. Ridgley, Cud. Ridware, Off. Pipe Ridware, Off▪ Hill Ridware, Cud. Robaston, Cud. Rolston, Off. Rowcester, Tot. Rowley, Seis. Rowley, Seis. Rowley park, Off. Rudiard, Tot. Rushall, Off. Rushton, Tot. Russeles, Seis. Riddsley, Cud. S Salt, Pyr. Sandon, Pyr. Sandwall, Off. Sardon great, Cud. Sardon little, Cud. Saw● flu. Scotfeild, Off. Season, Seis. Sedgeley, Seis. Seigford, Seis. Sei●don, Pyr. Shareshull, Cud. Shawford, Pyr. Shene, Tot. Shenston, Off. Sherifhales, Cud. Shire oaks, Off. Shitterford, Seis. Shobnall, Off. Shredicott, Cud. Shugborow, Cud. Skelton, Pyr. Smestall flu. Smethwick, Off. STAFFORD, Pyr. Stafford castle, Cud. Standon, Pyr. Stanton, Tot. Statford, Off. Stoke, Pyr. Stokesly, Off. The three shire Stones, Tot. STONE, Pyr. Stowe, Pyr. Stranshill, Tot. Stratton castle, Seis. Stretton, Off. Stretley hall, Off. Stretlie, Off. Stretton, Cud. Stoure flu. Stubby lane, Off. Sturton castle, Seis. Sutton, Cud. Swinford kings, Seis. Swinfeld hall, Off. Swinshead, Pyr. Swithanley, Tot. Swynerton, Pyr. T talk, Pyr. TAMWORTHE, Off. Tatenell, Off. Teane, Tott. Teane Flu. Terley, Pyr. Tettenhall Kings, Seis. Tettenhall Clice, Seis. Thickbrome, Off. Thorn hill, Tot. Thorpe, Off. Thorpe, Off. Throley, Tot. Tillington, Pyr. Tipton, Seis. Titter●ore, Pyr. tixal, Pyr. Treislie, Seis. Trent flu. Trent flu. Trentham, Pyr. Trescott, Seis. Trisulc, Seis. Tunstall Court, Pyr. Tunstall, Pyr. Tutburie, Off. Tyne Flu. Typton, Off. V Voxhall, Off. VTTOXCETOR, Tot. W Walgrang, Tot. Wall, Off. WALLSALL, Off. Wallsall foreign, Off. Walton, Pyr. Walton, Cud. Warslawe, Tot. Waterfall, Tot. Weddsbury, Seis. Wednesfeild, Off. Wednesbury, Off. Weford, Off. Welobridge Park, Pyr. Weston, Pyr. Weston jones, Cud. Weston under Lisi●rd, Cud. Weston upon Trent, Pyr. Wharnford, Tott. Whartley Hall, Off. Whichnor, Off. Whitmore, Pyr. Whiston, Cud. Whittendon, Off. Whittenton, Seis. Whittgreene, Pyr. Whittington, Off. Wichnor, Off. Wiggindon, Off. Wilbrighton, Cud. Wilenhall, Off. Wilnall, Seis. Witton, Tott. Wocley, Off. Woken, Seis. Wolaston, Cud. Wolstanton, Pyr. WOLVERHAMPTON, S●. Womborne, Seis. Worley little, Seis. Worley great, Seis. Wotton, Tott. Wrottesley, Seis. Y Yardley, Pyr. Yendon, Flu. Yoxall, Off. SHROP-SHIRE. SHROP-SHIRE, by the ancient Saxons written The Saxonish name of this Shire. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, is both large in circuit, well peopled, and very fruitful for life. It lieth circulated upon The limits. the north with the County Palatine of Chester; upon the East altogether with Stafford-shire; upon the South with Worcester, Hereford, and Radnorshires, and upon the West with Mountgomery and Denbigh. The form. (2) The form thereof is almost circular or round, whose length from Wooferton below Lodlane South, to Over near unto the River Trent in the North, is thirty four miles: the broadest part is from Tongue in the East, to Oswestre sited at the head of Morda in the West, twenty and five; the whole in circuit about extending to one hundred thirty and four miles. air. (3) Wholesome is the air, delectable and good, yielding the Spring and the Autumn, Seed time and Harvest, in a temperate condition, and affordeth health to the Inhabitants in all seasons of the year. Soil. (4) The soil is rich, and standeth most upon a reddish clay, abounding in wheat and barley, pit-coles, iron, and woods, which two last continued not long in league together. It hath Rivers that make fruitful the Land, and in their waters contain great store of Severne. fresh-fish, whereof Severne is the chief, and second in the Realm, whose stream cutteth this County in the midst, and with many windings sporteth herself forward, leaving both pastures and meadows bedecked with flowers and green colours, which every where she bestoweth upon such her attendants. Severne once the bounds of the North-britaines'. (5) This River was once the bounds of the North-britaines', and divided their possession from the Land of the Saxons, until of latter times theirs began to decay, and the Welsh to increase, who enlarged their lists Ordovices. to the River Dee. So formerly had it separated the Ordovices from the Cornavij, those ancient Inhabitants mentioned by Ptolemy. The Ordovices under Caractacus Caractacus. purchased great honour, whilst he a Prince of the Silureses removed his wars thence among them, where a while he maintained the Britain's liberty with valour and courage, in despite of the Romans. His Fort is yet witness of his unfortunate fight, seated near Clune Castle, at the confluence of that River with Temd, where (in remembrance of him) the place Caer-Caradoc. is yet called Caer-Caradoc, a Fort of his, won by P. Ostorius Lieutenant of the Romans, about the year Cornavij. of grace 53. The Cornavij were seated upon the north of Severne, and branched into other Counties, of whom we have said. (6) But when the strength of the Romans was too weak to support their own Empire, and Britain emptied of her Soldiers to resist, the Saxons set foot This Shire a part of the Mercian Kingdom. in this most fair soil, and made it a part of their Mercian Kingdom: their line likewise issued to the last period; and the Normans beginning where these Saxons left, the Welshmen took advantage of all present occasions, and broke over Severne unto the River Dee; to recover which, the Normans first Kings often Henry the second. assayed, and Henry the second with such danger of life, that at the siege of Bridge-north he had been slain, Sir Hubbert S Clere. had not Sir Hubert Syncler received the arrow aimed at him, in stepping betwixt that Shaft and his Sovereign, Henry Prince of Scotland. King Stephen. and therewith was shot thorough unto death. In the like danger stood Henry Prince of Scotland, who in the straight siege of Ludlow, begirt by King Stephen, had been plucked from his saddle with an iron hook from the wall, had not Stephen presently rescued him, Anno 1139. Shropshire the Marches of England and Wales. (7) This then being the Marches of England and Wales, was sore afflicted by bloody broils, which caused many of their Towns to be strongly walled, and thirty two Castles to be strongly built: lastly, into this County the most wise King Henry the seventh King Henry the seventh. Prince Arthur. sent his eldest son Prince Arthur, to be resident at Ludlow, where that fair Castle become a most famous Princes Court. And here King Henry the King Henry the eight. eighth ordained the Counsel of the Marches, consisting of a Lord Precedent, as many Counsellors as the Prince shall please, a Secretary, an Attorney, a Solicitor, and four justices of the Counties in Wales, in whose Court were pleaded the causes depending and termely tried for the most part in presence of that honourable Precedent. Shrewesburie the chief Town. But the Shire-towne Shrewesburie, for circuit, trade, and wealth, doth far exceed this, and is inferior to few of our Cities; her buildings fair, her streets many and large, her Citizens rich, her trade for the most part in the staple commodities of cloth and Commodities. friezes; her walls strong, and of a large compass, extending to seventeen hundred pases about, besides another Bulwark ranging from the Castle, down unto, Strength for warlike defence. and in part along the side of Severne: thorough which there are three entrances into the Town, East and West over by two fair stone-bridges with Towers, Gates, and Bars, and the third into the North, no less strong than them, over which is mounted a large Castle, whose gaping chinks do doubtless threaten her fall. This Town is governed by two Bailiffs, Magistracy. yearly elected out of twenty four Burgesses, a Recorder, Town-clerk, and Chamberlain, with three Sergeants at Mace: the Pole being raised hence from Graduation. the degrees of Latitude 53. 16. minutes, and from West in Longitude 17. degrees 27. minutes. (9) Yea an ancienter Cities have been set in this Shire: such was Roxalter, or Wroxcester lower upon Roxalter. Severne, that had been Vriconium, the chiefest City of the Cornavij; Vsoconia, now Okenyate, near unto the Wrekin, and under Red-castle the ruins of a * Berry a City famous in Arthur's days. Castles. 1. Whittenton. 2. Ell●smere. 3. Oswestre●. 4. We●. 5. Red-castle. 6. Mor●on-corbet. 7. Knookin. 8. Shrawerden. 9 Wa●lesburgh. 10. Rowton. 11. Br●card. 12. Cause. 13. Ponderbach. 14. Atton burnell. 15. Carleton. 16. Dalal●y. 17. Tong. 18. Bridgnorth. 19 H●wgate. 20. Bramcro●●. 21. Corsham. 22. Cl●bery. 23. Ludlow. 24. Shipton. 25. Hopton. 26. Clun. 27. New castle. 28. ●ishops-castle. 29. Bruges. 30. Shrewsbury. 31. H●lgod. 32. Lauc●uste. City whom the vulgar report to have been famous in Arthur's days: but the pieces of Romish Coins in these three do well assure us that therein their Legions lodged; as many other trenches are signs of war and of blood. But as swords have been stirring in most parts of this Province, so Beads have been bid for the preservation of the whole, and places erected for the maintenance of Votaries, in whom at that time was imputed great holiness: in Shrewsbury many, at Coulmere, Stowe, Dudley, Bromefeild, Wigmore, Hamond, Lyleshill, Bildas, Bishops-castle, and Wenloke, (where in the reign of Richard the second, was likewise a rich Mine of Copper.) But the same blasts that blew down the buds of such Plants, scattered also the first-fruits from these fair trees, which never since bare the like, nor is likely any more to do. That only which is rare in this Province, is a Well at Pichford in a private man's yard, whereupon floateth a thick scum of liquid Bitumen, which being clear of to day, will gather the like again on the morrow: not much unlike to the Lake in the Land of jewry. This Shire is divided into fifteen Hundred, wherein are seated fourteen Market Towns▪ & hath in it one hundred and seventy Churches for God's sacred and divine service: the names of which are in the Table as followeth. shropshire DESCRIBED THE SITTUATION OF SHROWESBURY showed With the Arms of those Earls, and other Memorable things observed▪ H● NI. SOIT. ●●I. MAL. Y. ●ENSE. At Shr●wes●ury in the place than called Olf●ilde a great and bloody b●t●●ll was fought by the percies Henry surnamed Hotsp●●e, and Thomas Earl of Worcester, against King Henry the 4▪ Wherein the s●yd Lord Henry s●ay●● and L. 〈◊〉 taken a●d beh●●d●d with the l●●e of 6600. S●●l●ier● on both part● A●no 1403. john Talbot Roger Montgomery SHROWESBURY The Scale of Pases A Col●● bridge B Stone bridge C Under the wile D Wile Cap E D●gg P●le F 〈◊〉 ho●seses G Saint mary's H High Pa●ment KING Scholhouse l●●e L North Gate M The Lord's place N S. M●●yes ●●terl●d OH Castle foregate P P●●tle Broke Q The Shambleses R Fish street saint Grope Lane T Milk street V Beche Lane W St. Chads Almesho Y Saint Chads X Kill Lane Z The College 1 St●ry Close Lane 2 Market house 3 hay street 4 The St●leses 5 Shoemakers R●w 7 M●ry●●●ce 8 St. john's hill 10 Ho●●d Street 11 Clerym●n hill 12 B●cker Street 14 M●rd W●ll 15 Ro●sehill Lane 1● Ro●sehill 1● K●●ken Street 〈◊〉 Car●●●u●n Lane 〈◊〉 Cripples▪ Lod● 2● St. t▪ Aulke●●●● 〈◊〉. 23 St. 〈◊〉 Church 24 Wel●● Bridge Performed by john Speed and are to be sold by George Humbell Cum Privilegio THE SCALE OF MILES Hundred in Shrop shire. 1 BRadford North. 2. P●m●●ll. 3. Bradford South. 4. Brym●try. 5. W●nlock. 6. Condover. 7. O●westrey. 8. Ford. 9 Ch●rbury. 10. Cl●nne. 11. Purslawe. 12. Mounslawe. 13. Ouers. 14. Stottesdon. 15. Shrewesbury liberty. A Abbaforiet, Cond. Abcott, Pursenet. Abe, bury, Ford. Abertanocke, Osw. Abton, Wen. Acleton, Stott. Acton Burnell, Cond. Acton, Pursed. Acton scott, Mun. Adco●t, Pim. Admaston, Br. South. Adney, Brad. South. Albrighton, Pim. Albrighton, Bryn. Alderton, Pim. Alkynton, Bra. North. Allerton, Bra. North. Alscott, Brim. Alsco●tin Brimstry, Br. Sou. Alstr●tton, Cond. Alveley, Stott. Anchmarch, Could. Appley, Brad. South▪ High Arcole, Brad. Arcole childs, Br. North. Arlscot, Ford. Ashbaston, Br. South. Ashbaston, Br. South. ash great, Br. North ash little, Br. North. Ashford, Mun. Ashford Bondmore Mun. Ashford, Stot. Ashton, Brad. North. Astanton, Pursl. Asterley, Ford. Astley, Brad. South. Astley, Wenl. Aston, Oswest▪ Aston, Brad. South. Aston, Mun. Aston, Brim. Aston, Pursl. Aston, Pursl. Aston Butlers, Stott. Aston Rogers, Chir. Aston Piggot, Chir. Church Aston, Br. Sout. Atcham, Brad. South. Atherley, Bra. North. Atterley, Wenl. Atton, Oswest. Atton, Pim. Aueley, Stot. Aulcaston, Mun. Auldon, Mun. B Babins wood forest, Osw. Badger, Wenl. Baggoteshop, Ouer. Baggeley, Pim. Balderton, Pim. barrow, Wen. Berwick, B. South. Baryate, Stot. Baschurch, Pim. Battlefeild, Br. South. Bearston, Br. North. Bechfeild, Chir. Beckbury, Wen. Beckley, Pur. Bedston, Pur. Belaport, Br. North. Belierdyne, Con. bental, Wen. Be●●il, Osw. Be●ley, Pur. Besford, Pim. Bestow, B. South. Bettons Con. Betton, B. North. Bettus, Clun. Biuston, Con. Bickton, Clun. Bickton, Shro. Bildas, Br. South. Bildas' little, Br. South. Billey, Con. birch, Pim. Blackemere manor, B. Nor. Blecheley, B. North. Blodwall, Osw. Bolas little, B. North. Bolas great, B. South. Bonyngall, Brim. Boreatton, Stot. Boeatton, Osw. Bow flu. Bracemel, Shrews. Bradston, Wen. Bradfeild flu. Brampton, Chir. Brampton, Pur. Brampton, Cond. Bramcroft castle, Mu. Bramslowe, Chir. Bratton, B. South. BRIDGNORTH, St. Broadwaye, Pur. Brocard castle, Ford. Brockton, Mun. Brockton, Pur. Brocton, Chir. Brockton, B. South. Brome, Pur. Bromfeild, Mun. Bromiche, Osw. Bromlowe, Chir. Brosely, Wen. Broughton, Pur. Broughton, Pim. Brown cle-hill, Wen. Brunslawe, Pur. Bucknell, Pur. Burford, Ouer. Burghall, Br. North. Burlton, Pim. Burton, Con. Burton, Wen. BUSHOPS' CASTLE, Pur. Byllingsley, Stot. Bynweston, Chir. Byrrington, Cond. Bitterley, Ouer. C Caercaradoc, Pur. Calloton, Wen. Camlet flu. Cantloppe, Cond. Cardington, Mun. Carndon hill, Chir. Carleton castle, B. So. Carson, Shrews. The new Castle, Clun. Caynham, Stot. Cause, Ford. New Chapel, Clun. Chatford, Con. Chatwall, Con. Lady Chaulton, Mun. Chaulton, Pur. Chelmarsh, Stot. Cheswardine, B. Nor▪ Chetwyn end, B. Sou. Chetwyn aston, B. S. Che●ton▪ Stot. Cheyney longerfeild, Pur. Chilton▪ Con. Chipnall, B. North. Chirbury, Chir. Chirington, B. South. Chirhill, B. North. Claverley hall, B. No. Claverleigh, Brim. Claverley, B. North. Clebury foreign, St. Clebury north, Stot. Clebury park, Stot. Clebury, Stot. Cleeton, Ouer. Cleve, Pim. Clunbury, Pur. Clungonas, Pur. CLUN CASTLE, Cl. Clun flu. Clunne forest, Clun. Clunton, Pursl. Cock-shut, Pim. Col●mington, Mun. Comyton, Mun. Condover, Cond. Cound, Cond. Co●am, Ouer. Coptyvenny, Pim. Cordigare forest, Os. Cordoke hill, Cond. Coreley, Stot. Corove flu. Corsham Castle, Mu. Corston, Mun. Cotes new, Wenl. Cotton, Brad. north. Co●tall, Brad. South. Coston, Pursl. Coulmere, Pim. Cowbatche, Pursl. Creketh, Oswest. Crouckhill, Cond. Crosemere, Pim. Cructon, Ford. Crudgington, B. Sout. Culhurst, Bra. North. D Dalaley castle, B. Sou. Darlaston, Br. North. Dawley little, Br. Sou. Dawley great, B. Sout. Daywell, Oswest. Deane Park, Ouer. Didleston chapel, Oswest. Dodington, Cond. Dodington, B. North. Dorrington, Br. Nort. Dothull, Brad. South. Do●ton, Stot. Dowles, Stot. Dowles' flu. Downesay, Pursenet. Downton, Bra. South. Downton, Mun. Draton, Cond. Draton, Brim. DRAYTON, B. Nor. Dridston, Chir. Dufuaston, Oswest. Dunington, Br▪ South. Dunnyngton, Brim. Dydlesbury, Mun. Dydmaston, Stot. Dynchop chapel, Mun. Dytton, Wenl. Dytton, Stot. E Eardington, Stot. Easthop, Mun. Eaton Constantine B. S. Eaton, Wenl. Eaton, Brad North. Eaton, Pursl. Eaton, Cond. Ebnall, Oswest. Eddesley, Bra. North. Edgebalton, B. North. Edge, Ford. Edgmond, Br. South. Edgton, Pursl. Edicli●fe, Clun. Ednoppe, Clun. Edston, Oswest. Egerley, Oswest. Ellerton, Brad. South. Elle●mere, Pim. Elston, Pim. E●stree, Cond. Ensdon, Pim. Ercall great, B. South. Estaston, Br. North. Estwicke, Pim. Euelyn, Brad. South. Eyton, Brad. South. Eyton upon wild more, B. So. Eyton, Ford. Eyton, Pursl. Eyton, Pim. F Falls Br. North. Farley, Ford. Farton, Stot. Fayrlaw chapel, Stot. Felhampton, Mun. Felton, Oswest. Felton butler, Pim. Fennimeare, Pim. Fernill David, Oswe. Fernill, Oswest. Fits, Pim. English Franckton, Pim. Welsh Franckton, Pim. Franckton, Oswest. Frodesley, Cond. Ford, Ford. Forten, Pim. Fynonvai●e, Clun. G Gattaker, Stot. Gatten, Ford. Gildendowne, Chir. Glaseley, Stot. Goulding, Cond. Grafton, Pim. Gramston, Bra. Sout. Gravenhonger, B. N. Greece, Ouer. Gressedge, Cond. Gretton▪ Muns. Grynshill, Pim. H Haberley, Ford. Hadley, Brad. South. Hadnall, Brad. North. Hales coat, Br. South. Halesowen, Brim. Halston, Oswest. Halton, Oswest. Hampton, Pim. Hampton wood, Pim. Hamond, Brad. South. Hanwood, Shrews. Hardwicke, Pim. Hardwicke, Pursenet. Harnydge, Cond. Harton, Mun. Hatton, Mun. Cold Hatton, Bra. South. Hatton, Brad. North. Hauford chapel, M. Haughton, Br. South. Haughmond, B. Sout. Hawne, Brim. Hawkeston, Br. North. Haytons, Ouer. Heath, Wenl. Hempton, Stot. Henly, Ouer. Heulley, Oswest. Hewlye, Wenl. Higford, Wenl. Higley, Stot. Hinton, Ford. Hints, Stot. Hisland, Oswest. Hobbaries, Clun. Hobendred, Clun. Hockestow forest, Pu. Hodnet, Br. North. Hollyhurst, Br. North. Home, Pursl. Hope bowdler, Mun. Hope▪ Chir. Hopesey, Pursl. Monk Hopton, Wenl. Hopton, Pursenet. Hopton wafers, Stot. Hopton, Brad. North. Hopton, Pim. Hordley, Pim. Hordes park, Wenl. Horley, Cond. Horton, Brad. south. Horton, Br. north. Houndenen, Stot. Houghleton, Chir. howl, Brad. North. Howgate Castle, Mu. Hungerford, Wen. Hugford, Mun. Huntyton, Bra. south. Hurst, Ford. Hylton, Stot. Hynnyton, Br. south. Hynton, Brad. north. Hyssinton, Chir. Hyne heath, B. north. I jaye, Pursenet. Ightfeild, Brad. north. I●embridge, Br. south. KING Kemberton, Br. south. Kempton, Pursenet. Kenley, Cond. Kenston, Brad. north. Kentwicke, Pim. Ken●wicke's park, Pi. Kentwicke's wood, Pi. Kevenkellnoge, Pim. Keynton, Brad▪ south. Kinaston, Oswest. King's wood▪ Br. south. Kingleford, Brim. Kinnerton, Pursenet. Kinton, Pim. Knockin, Oswest. Kricketh, Oswest. Kynlet, Stot. Kynerley, Oswest. Kynersley, Bra. south. Kyntontoure, Oswest. Kynynion, Oswest. Kyw●lsey, Clun. L Lacon, Brad. North. Llanamonach, Oswe. Llancuan, Clun. Langford, Brad. south. Langhton, Mun. Langley, Cond. Languill, Wenl. Llanvairwaterden, C. Llanwordan, Oswest. Latley, Brad. South. Laton, Wenlock. Lawley, Brad. south. Lea ockley, Pur. Lea, Pursenet. Lea, Pim. Lea, Ford. Leaton, Pim. Leborwood, Cond. Ledwich flu. Ledwitche, Mun. Lee, Pim. Lee, Brad. North. Leegunery, Be. south. Leighton, Br. south. Leyd. Linlye, Wenl. Longdon, Ford. Longdon, Bra. south. Long Chapel, B. sout. Longestowe, B. North. Longford, Br. south. Longford, Br. North. Longnor, Cond. Longnon, Cond. Longstanton, Wenl. Longuill, Pursenet. Loppington, Pim. Low diches, B. Nort. Ludford, Muns. LUDLOW, Ouer. Lutonhope, Clun. Lyddum, Pursenet. Lydbury North Pursenet. Lyleshill, Br. south. Llynblis, Oswest. Lyniall, Pim. Lynley, Pursenet. Llynt●dmon, Oswest. Lythe, Pim. Lythes, Cond. M Madely, Wenl. Marchamley, B. Nort. Marington, Chir. Marloo, Pursenet. Marsh, Ford. Marton, Chir. Old Marton, Oswest. Mastorocke, Oswest. Mathlynton, Clun. Maynston, Clun. Measbury, Oswest. Medeley, Wenl. Medowton, Chir. Meele, Ford. Meeson, Brad. south. Mele flu. Meriton, Pim. Meruerley, Oswest. Middle, Pim. Middleton, Stot. Middleton, Muns. Midleton, Oswest. Midleton Scriven Stot. Midlehope, Muns. Milbornestoke, Wenl. Milford, Pim. Mock tree forest, Mu. Modlicott, Pursenet. Monford, Pim. Mootton, Oswest. Morda flu. Moore, Pursenet. Morehouses, Mun. Moreton corbet, B. N. Moreton say, B. Nor. Moreswood, Pursenet. Morfe forest, Stot. Morton, Oswest. Moruill, Wenl. Moston, Br. North. Mucketon, Br. North. Muckley, Wen. Muncke weston, Wen. Munflow, Mun. Myddleton, Chir. Mylly chapel, Wen. Mylson, Ouer. Mylton, Stot. Mynsterley, Ford. Mynton, Mun. Myntowne, Pur. Mytley, B. North. My●ton, Pim. N Nash, Ouer. Nenesalers, Ouer. Nesse's strannge, Pim. Nesse's little, Pim. Nesse's cliff, Pim. Netley, Con. Newcastle, Clun. Newema●ton, Pim. Newenham, Ford. Newhall, Wen. Newness, Pim. Newood houses, Br. north. NEWPORT, Br. sou.. Newton, Mun. Newton, Pim. Newton, Pim. Newton, Pim. Newtonne, Br. north. Noball Shrew. Norbury, Pur. Norley, Wen. Northwood, Pim. Norton, Wen. Norton, Mun. Norton, B. south. Norton, Br. north. Noviley, Pim. Nunneley, Pim. Nyneton, Stot. OH Obley, Clu● Ockley park, Nun. Okenyate, B. south. Okley, Pur. Old▪ church more, Pur. Onibury, Mun. Onslow, Shrew. Orlton, Br. south. Osbaston, Osw. OSWESTREY, Os. Otkaynston, Clun. Oteley, Pim. Ouerley, Br. north. Ouney flu. Hour, Br. north. Oxenbould, Wen. P park hall, Osw. Partherodricke, Clun. Parthloge, Clun. Patton, Wen. Paynton, Br. south. Pentregayer, Owes. Peplewe, B. north. Pepper hill, Brim. Peton, Mun. Petton, Pim. Pickestocke, Br. nor. Picklescott, Con. Pilson, B. north. Pixley, B. north. Plashy, Con. Ployden, Pim. Porkinton, Osw. Pouderbach castle, Con. Pouderbach church, Con. Pousbury, Ford. Pousford, Ford. PREES, Br. north. Prees heath, Br. north. Prene, Con. Prescott, Pim. Preston upon wyldmore, B. sou.. Preston brockhurst, Pim. Preston, B. south. Presthoppe, Wen. Prior's lighe, B. south. Prysweston, Chir. Pulley, Cond. Purslawe, Pur. Pychford, Cond. Q Quatford, Stot. Quat maluerne, Stot. Quenny flu. R rabbins wood forest, Osw. Radnall, Osw. Rashton, Brad. south. Ratlinghopp, Pur. Rayesley, Stot. Rea flu. Read castle, Br. north. Rickton, Stot. Rocadyne, B. south. Rodden flu. Roddington, Chir. Roddington, B. south. Rodon, B. south. up Rossall, Shrew. down Rossall, Shrew. Rothall chapel, Mun. Rowndatton, Wen, Rowton, Stot. Rowton, Ford. Rowton, B. south. Rox●lter, B. south. Royton, Brim. Royton little, Con. Royton great, Con. Royton, Osw. Ruckley, Con. Rudge, Pim. Rugantyn, Clun. Rushbury, Mun. Ryelth, Clun. Ryston, Chir. Rythin, Clun. S Saint Margaret's cle, Saint Maltin, Osw. Salcrosse, Pur. Sanford, Osw. Sanford, B. north. Seffeton, Mun. Selley, Clun. Severne flu. Sclattyn, Osw. Shabie, B. north. Shadwall, Clun. Shavington, B. north. Sheinton, Stot. Shefnall, Brim. Shelderton, Pur. Shelderton, Mun. Shelhake▪ Osw. Shelton, Shrew. Shenton, B. north. Shenton, Con. Sheve, Chir. Shipton, Wen. Shitterstones' hill, Ou. Shortlet wood, Wen. Shotton, Pim. Shrawardine, Pim. SHROWESBURY, S: Shipley, Stot. SHYPTON, Pur. Sidbury, Stot. Skyborra, Clun. sleep, B. south. Sleep, Pim. Smethcott, Con. Snawden flu. Sned, Clun. Sowton, Br. North. Sponell, Wenl. Sponeley, B. North. Stanton, Brim. Stanton, Pursenet. Stanton Lacye, Mun. Stanton, Brad. North. Stanwardine in the wood, Pi. Stanwardine in the field, Pi. Stappleton, Cond. Stiperstons' hill, Chir. Stite, Pursenet. Stockett, Pim. Stockton, Brad. south. Stockton, Brim. Stockton, Chir. Stoke, Wenl. Stoke upon Tearne, B. Nor. Stokesly, Mun. Stottesdon, Stot. Stowe, Pursenet. Stradbrok flu. Stratford, Mun. Strechley, B south. Stretton little, Mun. Strettons, Ford. Church Stretton, Mun. Sugdon, Brad south. Sughton, Oswest. Sutton, Oswest. Sutton, Brad. North. Sutton great, Mun. Sutton little, Mun. Sutton maddock, Bri Sybberscott, Ford. Syluington, Ouer. Swyney, Oswest. T Tasley, Wenl. Term, Br. south. Tearne flu. Techill, Pim. Tedesmere, Oswest. Tetshull, Pim. Tewkeshill, Stot. Thembton, Brim. Tollerton, Pursenet. tongue, Brim. Trebert, Clun. Trebrodder, Clun. Trench, Br▪ North. Trench, Pim. Treornall, Oswest. Treowarde, Clun. Trevelegh forest, Os. Tugford, Mun. Tu●klerton, Wenl. Twiford, Oswest. Tybberton, Br. south. Tylley, Br: North. Tymberthe, Chir. Tylsopp, Over, Tylstock, Br. North. V V●kington, Br. south. Venyngton, Ford. Vffington, Br. south. Vnderton, Wenl. Vppington, Br. south. Vpton great, Br. sout. Vpton Cresset, Stot. W Wall, Mun. Wallford, Pim. Wallopp, Ford. Walcot, Chir. Walcot, Brad▪ south. Walcot, Pursenet. Walliborne, Ford. Walton, Chir. Walton, Br▪ North. Walton, Wenl. Wambridge, Br. sout. Warren flu. Water's Vpton, B. sou. Watlesburrough, Fo. Watlingstre●, B. sout. Weenyngton, Ford. Welbeche, Cond. WELLINGTON. Wellington forest, B. south. WEM, Brad North. Wenlock little, Wenl. WENLOCK GREAT, Wenl. Wentnor, Pursenet. Westbury, Ford. Westhoppe, Mun. Westley, Ford. Westley, Cond. Weston, Pim. Weston, B: north. Weston, Pur. Weston, Chir. Weston, Osw. Weston chapel, Wen. Wettleton, Mun. Wheat naston, Wen. Whelbeche, Con. Whettle, Stot. Whichcot chapel, O. Whitcott kysett, Clu. Whitcott yevan, Clu. Whitbatche, Pur. Whitcott, Pur. WHITCHURCH, B. n Whittinslaw, Pur. Whittington, Osw. Whitton, Ouer. Whixall, B: north. Wigwigge, Wen. Wike, Wen. Wikey, Osw. Willaston, B: north. Willaston great, Ford. Willcott▪ Pim. Wire forest, Stot. Wistanton, Pur. Wistanslow, Pur. Withiford great, B: no. Wobury, Stot. Wolston, Osw. Woodcote, Shrew. Woodcott, B: south. Wooderton, Chir. Woodhouses, B: south. Woodhouses, Osw. Old Woodhouses, B: no. Woodlands, B. north. Woodseves, B: north. Wooferton, Mun. Woossaston, Con. Worse flu. Worthyn, Chir. Woruill▪ Brim. Wotton, Osw. Wrekin hill, B: south. Wrentnall, Ford. Wrockerdyne, B: sou. Wullerton▪ B: north. Wulston, Mun. Wigmore, Ford. Wyllmynton, Chir. Wyllye, Wen. Wynsbury, Chir. Wythington, B: south. Wytton, Ford. Y Yernstree park, Mu. Yockleton, Ford. CHESSE-SHIRE by, the Saxons written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and now the County Palatine The borders of Chesse-Shire. of Chester, is parted upon the North from Lancashire with the River Mercey, upon the East by Mercey, Goit, and the Dane is separated from Derby and Staffordshires; upon the South toucheth the Counties of Shropshire and Flint; and upon the West with Dee is parted from Denbighshire. The form. (2) The form of this County doth much resemble the right wing of an Eagle, spreading itself from Wirall, and as it were with her pinion, or first feather, toucheth Yorkshire, betwixt which extremes, in following the windings of the Shires divider from East to West, are 47. miles: and from North to South, 26. the whole circumference about one hundred forty two miles. The air and Climate. (3) If the affection to my natural producer blind not the judgement of this my survey, for air and soil it equals the best, and far exceeds her neighbours the next Counties: for although the Climate be cold, and toucheth the degree of Latitude 54. yet the warmth from the Irish Seas melteth the snow, and dissolveth the ice, sooner there then in those parts that are further off; and so wholesome for life, that the Inhabitants generally attain to many years. The Soil. (4) The Soil is fat, fruitful, and rich, yielding abundantly both profit and pleasures for man. The Champion grounds make glad the hearts of their Tillers: the Meadows embroidered with divers sweet-smelling flowers; and the Pasture makes the Kines udders to strut to the pail, from whom and wherein the best Cheese of all Europe is made. The ancient Inhabitants. CORNAVII. CANGI. (5) The ancient Inhabitants were the CORNAVII, who with Warwickeshire, Worcester-shire, Stafford-shire, and Shrop-shire, spread themselves further into this County, as in Ptolemie is placed; and the Cangi likewise, if they be the Ceangi, whose remembrance was found upon the shore of this Shire on the surface of certain pieces of lead, in this manner inscribed; IMP. DOMIT. AUG. GER. DE CEANG. Tacit. Annal. l. 12. cap 8. These Cangi were subdued by P. Ostorius Scapula, immediately before his great victory against Caractacus, where, in the mouth of Deva, he built a * Chester. Fortress at the back of the Ordovices, to restrain their power, which was great in those ROMANS. parts, in the reign of Vespasian the Emperor. But after the departure of the Romans, this Province become a SAXONS. portion of the Saxon Mercians Kingdom: notwithstanding (saith Ran. Higden) the City itself was held by the Britaines until all fell into the Monarchy of Egbert. Of the dispositions of the since Inhabitants, hear Lucian the Monk (who lived presently after the Conquest) speak. They are found (saith he) to differ from the rest of the English, partly better, and partly equal. In feasting they are friendly, at meat cheerful, in entertainment liberal, soon angry, and soon pacified, lavish in words, impatient of servitude, merciful to the afflicted, compassionate to the poor, kind to their kindred, spari● of labour, voided of dissimulation, not greedy in eating, and far from dangerous practices. And let me add thus much, which Lucian could not, annal Brit●nn. namely, that this Shire hath never been stained with the blot of rebellion, but ever stood true to their King and his Crown: whose loyalty Richard the Second so far found and esteemed, that he held his person most safe among them, and by authority of Parliament made the County to Chesse-shire made a principality. be a Principality, and styled himself Prince of Chester. King Henry the Third gave it to his eldest son Prince Nic. Trevet. Edward, against whom Lewlyu Prince of Wales gathered a An. Do. 1255. mighty Band, and with them did the County much harm, even unto the City's Gates. With the like scarre-fires it had often times been affrighted; which they lastly defensed with a Wall made of the Welshmen's heads, on the South side of Dee in Hanbridge. The Gentility of Chesse-shire. The Shire may well be said to be a Seedplot of Gentility, and the Producer of many most ancient and worthy Families: neither hath any brought more men of valour into the Field, than Chesse-Shire hath done, who by a general Chesse-shire chief of men. speech are to this day called The chief of men: and for Nature's endowments (besides their nobleness of minds) may compare with any other Nations in the world: their limbs straight and well-composed, their complexions fair, with a Chesse-shire women very fair. cheerful countenance; and the Women, for grace, feature, and beauty, inferior unto none. Ranulph. Cestr. lib. 1. cap. 48. (6) The Commodities of this Province (by the report of Ranulphus the Monk of Chester) are chief Corn, Cattle, Fish, Fowle, Salt, Mines, Metals, Meres, and Rivers, whereof the Banks of Dee in her West, and the Vale-Royall in her midst, for fruitfulness of pasturage equals any other in the Land, either in grain, or gain from the Cow. (7) These, with all other provision for life, are traded thorough thirteen Market Towns in this Shire, whereof Chester is the fairest, from whom the Shire hath the name: A City raised from the Fort of Ostorius, Lieutenant of Britain for Claudius the Emperor, whither the twentieth Legion An. Dom. 70. (named Victrix) were sent by Galba to restrain the Britain's: but grown themselves out of order, julius Agricola was appointed their General by Vespasian, as appeareth by Monies then minted, and there found; and from them (no doubt) by the Britaines the place was called Caer Legion▪ by Ptolemie, Deunana; by Antonine, Deva; by the Saxons; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and now by us westchester: but Henry Bradshaw will have it built before Brutus, by the Giant Leon-gaver, Henry Bradshaw. a man beyond the Moon, and called by Marius the Vanquisher of the Picts. Over Deva or De● a fair stone-bridge leadeth, built upon eight Arches, at either end whereof is a Gate, from whence in a long Quadren-wise the walls do encompass Chester described. the City, high and strongly built, with four fair Gates opening into the four winds, besides three Posterns, and seven Watch-Towers, extending in compass one thousand nine hundred and forty pases. On the South of this City is mounted a strong and stately Castle, round in form, and the base Court likewise enclosed with a Circular Wall. In the North is the Minster, first built by Earl Leofrike to the honour of S. Werburga the The Minster built. Virgin, and after most sumptuously repaired by Hugh the first Earl of Chester of the Normans, now the Cathedral of the Bishops See. Therein lieth interred (as report doth Henry the fourth, Emperor of Almain, burred in S. Wereburgs. relate) the body of Henry the Fourth, Emperor of Almain, who leaving his Imperial Estate, lead lastly therein an hermits life. This City had formerly been fore defaced; first by Egfrid King of Northumberland, where he slew twelve hundred Christian Monks, resorted thither from Bangor to pray. Again by the Danes it was sore defaced, when their destroiing f●●t had trampled down the beauty of the Landlord But was again rebuilt by Edelfleda the Mercian Lady, who in this County, and Forest of Delamer, built 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Finborow. Finborow, two fine Cities, nothing of them now remaining besides the Chamber in the Forest. Edgar's triumph. Marianus Scotus. John ●●k Wil Malmes. Ranulph. Higdon. Roger. Hoven. Alfridus Beveria. Flores Histor. Chester in the days of King Edgar was in most flourishing estate, wherein he had the homage of eight other Kings, who rowed his Barge from S. john's to his Palace, himself holding the Helm, as their Supreme. This City was made a County incorporate of itself by King Henry the Seventh, and is yearly governed by a Mayor, with Sword and Mace borne before him in State, two Sheriffs▪ twenty four Aldermen▪ a Recorder, a Town-Clerke, and a See rgeant of Peace, four Sergeants, and six Yeomen. It hath been accounted the Key into Ireland▪ and great pity it is that the Port should decay, as it daily doth, the Sea being stopped to scour the River by a Causey that thwarteth The Causey. Dee at her Bridge. Within the walls of this City are eight Parish-Churches, S. john's the greater, and lesser, in the Suburbs, and the White-friar's, Blackfriars, and Nunnery, now suppressed. From which City the Pole is elevated unto the degree 53. 58. minutes of Latitude, and from the first point of the West in Longitude unto the 17. degree and 18. minutes. The Earls. (8) The Earldom whereof was possessed from the Conqueror, till it fell lastly to the Crown, the last of whom (though not with the lest hopes) is Prince Henry, who to the Titles of Prince of Wales, and Duke of Cornwall, hath by Succession, and right of Inheritance, the Earldom of Chester annexed to his other most happy Styles: Upon whose Person I pray that the Angels of jacob's God may ever attend, to his great glory, and Great Britain's happiness. (9) If I should urge credit unto the report of certain Trees, floating in Bagmere only against the deaths of the Heirs of the Breretons thereby seated, and after to sink until the next like occasion: or enforce for truth the Prophecy which Leyland in a poetical fury forespoke of Beeston Castle, highly mounted upon a steep hill: I should forget myself, and wont opinion, that can hardly believe any such vain predictions, though they be told from the mouths of credit, as Bagmere Trees are, or learned Leyland for Beeston, who thus writeth: The day will come when it again shall mount his head aloft, If I a Prophet may be heard from Seers that say so often. With eight other Castles this Shire hath been strengthened, which were Ouldcastle, Sh●cla●b, Shotwitch, Chester, Poulefourd, Dunham, Frodesham, and Haulton; and by the prayers (as then was taught) of eight Religious Houses therein seated, preserved; which by King Henry the Eighth were suppressed: namely Stanlowe, Ilbree, Maxfeld, Norton, Bunberie, Combermere, Rud-heath, and Vale-Royall▪ besides the White and Black Friars, and the Nunnery in Chester. This Counties division is into seven Hundred, wherein are seated thirteen Market Towns, eighty six parish-Churches, and thirty eight Chapels of Ease. THE county PALATINE OF CHESTER With that most aNCIENT CITY described. The Arms of the Earls of Chester sin● the Normans Conquest Hugh Lupus Earl Richard the sone of Hu Ranulph Meschines Ranulph Gernones Hugh Cevelioc E saint Ranulph Blundevill john Scot Earl CH●STER The Scale of Pases P C. M▪ CAESAR IN. COL. DIVANA LEG. XX VICTR IX IMP. DOMIT. AUG. G●R DE CEAN● IMP. WE SP. VII T. IMP. V COS. A North Gate B Norh Gate street C corn Market D Shamble● E Bridge Stret● F S. Bride's Church G S. Micha●lls chur. H Old common Hall I White Fryer● lane KING Gourds lane L Trinity lane M Watergate street N Watergate OH Black Friars lan P S. Peter's Church Q Trin●tie Church R S. Martin● church S Nuns lane T Cupping lane V Bunse lane 2 Castle lane 3 Sheep lane 4 Bridge Gat● 5 H●nbridge 6 Fulling mills 7 Pepper Stret 8 Flesh●●ngerss lane 9 S. Were burgd lane 10 S. Tooloys church 11 East got Street 12 East Gate 13 Goose Lane 14 Parsons Lane 15 Barn lane 16 Little S. joh●s 17 Foregate Street 18 S. john's Lane 19 Cow● Lane 20 Newgate 21 D●● lane 22 Love Lane 23 Barkers lane 24 saint Wereburgd 〈◊〉 25 St. john's Church 26 saint Mary's church 27 Common Hall 28 Clavering lane 29 S. Nicholas lane 30 The Bars 31 Boughton Performed by john Speed, 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 Skayth▪ And are to be sold in Pipes head Alley against the Exchange, by john Sud●●ry and George Humble. Cum 〈◊〉. THE SCALE OF MILES Hundred in cheshire 1. Wyrehale. 2. Eddesbury. 3. Broxton. 4. Northwiche. 5. Bucklow. 6. Nantwiche. 7. Macclesfeild. A Acton, Adds. Acton, Nant. Acton grange, Buck. Adlynton, Mac. Aggeton, Brox. Akedone, Buck. neither Alderleigh, Mac. Over Alderleigh, Mac. Aldelym, Nant. Aldford, Brox. Aldresey, Brox. Allo●tock, North. Alma●ehall, Brox. Alpram, Eddes. Alsache●, Nant. Alstanston, Nant. Alton, Eddes. ALTRINGHAM, B. Aluandeley, Eddes. Aluaston▪ Nant. Anderton, Buck. Appleton, Buck. Arclydd, North. Ar●ley, Buck. Armitage, North. Arwe, wire. Ashefeild, wire▪. Assheley▪ Buck. Asheton, Eddes. Ass●eton, Buck. Aston, Nant. Aston grange, Buck. Aston chapel, Buck. Ayton, Eddes. Ayton, North. B Bache, Brox. Backeford, wire. Badileigh, Nant. Baggeleigh, Nant. Bagmere mere, North. The Baits, Brox. Barkesford, Nant. Barnshawe, North. Barnston, wire. Little Barow, Eddes. Great Barrow, Eddes. Barterton, Buck. Bartherton, Nant. Barthynton, Buck. Barton, Brox. Bartumleigh, Nant. Bathynton, Nant. over, Bebynton wire. neither Bebynton, wire. The Becon, Mac. Becheton, Nant. Beeston, Eddes. Beeston castle, Eddes. Bex●on, Buck. Bicke●ton, Brox. Beleigh, North. Birkin, Flu. Blakenhall, wire, Blakenhall, Nant. Bnyr●on, Brox. Bolun, Mac. Bollyn Flu. Bolynton, Buck. Bolynton, Mac. Bo●eleigh, Mac. Bostock, North. Boughton, Brox. Boughs, Buck. Bowdon, Buck. Brad●o●d, North. Bradley, Brox. Bradley, Buck. Bradwell, North. Bredbury, Mac. Brer●ton, North. Briddesmeyre, Nant. Brindeleigh, Nant. Brinston, wire. Bromall, Mac. Bromehall, Nant. Bromley, Nant. Broton hills, Brox. Broxton, Brox. Broxton hills, Brox. Brunburgh, wire. Bruns●ath, wire. Brunynton, Mac. Bucklowe, Buck. Budeston, wire. Budworth, Eddes. Great Budworth, Buck. Buglawton, North. Bukkeley, Brox. Bunbury, Eddes. Bureton, Nant. Burland, Nant. Burton, Eddes. Burton, wire. Burton, Brox. Bu●wardley, Brox. Butteleigh, Mac. Byrche●, North. Byrchelles, Mac. C Caldey, wire. Great Caldey, wire. Caldecott, Brox. Calueleigh, Eddes. Capenhurst, wire. Capensthorne, Mac. Cardyn, Brox. Caringham, North. Carrynton, Buck. Chackyleigh, Nant. Chad chapel, Brox. The chamber in the forest, Eddes. Chapel in the street, Buck. Chedle, Mac. Chelford, Mac. WESTCHESTER, Brox. Children Thorton, wire. Cholmton, Eddes. Cholmundley, Brox. Cholmundeston, Nant. Chorleigh, Nant. Chorleigh, Mac. Chorleton, Nant. Chorleton, Brox. Chorleton, wire. Chowley, Brox. Churchenheath, Brox. Churton, Brox. Chydlow, Brox. Clareton, Brox. Claughton, wire. Clifton, Buck. Clotton, Eddes. Clutton, Brox. Clyve, North. Codynton, Eddes. Coddynton, Brox. Coggeshall, Buck. Coily, Nant. Combermere, Nant. CONGLETON, North▪ Conghull, Brox. Church Copenhall, Nant. Coton, North. Coton, Brox. Crabball, wire. Cranage, North. Crauton, Eddes. Crew, Nant. Crew, Brox. Church Cristleton, Brox. Little Cristleton, Brox. row Cristleton, Brox. Croughton, wire. Croxton, North. Cumberbache, Buck▪ D Dane Flu. North. Dane Flu, Mac. Dane Inch, North. Dareley, Eddes. Darford, Nant. Darnall grange, Eddes. Davenham, North. Davenport, North. Delamere forest, Eddes. Deresbury, Buck. Disteleigh, Mac. Dodco●, Nant. Doddynton, Nant. Dodleston, Brox. Dodynton, Brox. Dokenfeild, Mac. Dokynton, Brox. Downs, Mac. Dunham, Buck. Dunham, Eddes. Dudden, Eddes. Dutton, Buck. E Eaten boat, Brox. Ecchelles, Mac. Eccleston, Brox. Edlaston, Nant. Edge, Brox. Eggerton, Brox. Elton, Eddes. Elton, North. Erdley hall, Mac. Estham, wire. F Fadisleigh, Nant. Fallybrome, Mac. Farndon, Brox. The ferry, wire. Finborow, Eddes. Flaxyards▪ Eddes. Frankby, wire. FRODDESHAM, Eddes. Froddesham hills, Eddes. Fulbrooke Flu. G Gayton. Grafton, Brox. Le Grange, wire. Graysby, wire. Le green, wire. Grimsdiche, Buck. Gropenhall, Buck. Grynley, Brox. Godleigh, Mac. Goit Flu. Goit hall, Mac. Gostree, North. Goulborne David, Brox. Gouleborne below, Brox. Gowseworth, Mac. Gowy Flu. H Hale, Buck. Halghton Eddes. Halywell, Brox. Hampton, Brox. Hanley, Brox. Hanton, Brox. Happesford, Eddes. Harbridge, Brox. Harden, Mac. Has●ewall, wire. Haslyngton, Nant. Haslall, Nant. Hatherton, Nant. Hatresleigh, Mac. Hatton, Buc. Hatton, Brox. Haulton, Buck. Haukylow, Nant. Hawarden, Brox. Hellesby torr, Eddes. Hellesby, Eddes. Henbury, Mac. Henhall, Nant. Henshaw, Mac. Her●ford, Eddes. Herthull, Brox. Highcliffe hill, Buck. Hokehull, Eddes. Holes, North. Hole, Brox. Holford, North. Hollynworth, Mac. Honford, Mac. Honore, Brox. Hooton, wire. Horton, Eddes. Horton, Brox. Hough▪ Nant. Houlme, North. Houlme, North. Church Houlme, North. Howfeld, Eddes. Hull, Buck. Huntingdon, Brox. Hunsterston, Nant. Hurdesfeild, Mac. Hurleston, Nant, Huxley, Brox. I Idenshawe, Eddes. Ince, Eddes. I●reby, wire. KING Kekewicke, Buck. Kelsall, Eddes. Kent green, North. Kerthingham, North. Ketelshoulme, Mac. Kiddington, Brox. Ki●gesl●y, Eddes. Kirkby in Walley, wire. West Kirkby, wire. Knocktyron, wire. KNOTTESFORD, Buc. Kyna●ton, Brox. Kynderton, North. L Lache, Brox. Lache Deneys, North. Lacheford, Buck. Landecan, wire. Lareton, wire. Larketon, Brox. Church Lawton, North. Lea, wire. Lea, North, Lea chap. Buck. Lee, Nant. Lee, Brox. Lee Flu. Leddesham, wire. Leford, wire. Leighes, North. High Leigh, Buck. Leighton, wire. Lestwiche, North. Lostocke Flu. Lostocke gralam, North. Luscard, wire. lime, Mac. Limb, Buck. M MACCLESFEILD, M. Macclesf●ild forest, M. MALPAS, Brox, Manley, Eddes. Marbury, Buck. Marbury, Nant. Marleston, Brox. Marsheton, Buck. Marthall, Buck. Marton, Mac. Marton mere, Mac. Marton, Eddes. Masefen, Brox. Matteleigh, Mac. Medietate, North. Little Meoles, wire, Great Meoles, wire. Merpull, Mac. Mersey Flu. Meyre, Buck. Micklehurst, Mac▪ Middleton grange, Buck. MIDDLEWICHE, No. Milnhouse, Mac. Milpoole, Nant. Mobberley, Buck. Moldworth great, Eddes. Little. Moldworth, Eddes. Molynton banestre, wire. Molynton torrend, wire. Monks copenhall, Nant▪ Moor, Buck. Moresbarowe, North. Moreton, wire. Moreton, North. Morton, Buck, Moston, North. Moston, Brox. Mottram Andrew, Mac. Mottram in Longdendale, Mac. Moulton, North. Mulneton, Eddes. Mulynton, Buck. Mynshull vernon, North. Church Mynshull, Nant. N NANTWICHE, Nant. Nesse, wire. Little Neston, wire. Great Neston, wire. Netherton, Eddes. Newbold, Brox. Newbold, wire. Newbold astbury, North. Newhall, North. Newhall, Mac. Newhall, Nant. Newton chapel, Mac. Newton, Brox. Newton, Buck. Newton, Eddes. Newton, wire. Newton, Brox. Newton, Brox. Newton, North▪ Norbury, Mac. Norbury, Nant. Norleigh, Eddes. Norton, Bu●. Norton priory decayed, wire. Northerden, Mac. NORTHWICHE, Nor. Northwiche castle, Eddes. OH Offerton, Mac. Oggerleighe, Brox. Okehanger me●e, Nant. Oldfeild, wire. Oldcastle, Brox. Ollarton, Buck. Olton, Eddes. over, Eddes. Ouerchurch, wire. Ouerton, Mac. Ouerton, Brox. Oul●ston, North. Ouston, Eddes. Oxton, wire. P Partington, Buck. Peckferton, Eddes. Pennesby, wire. Pephull, Mac. neither Pever, Buck. Over Pever, Buck. Pever flu. Pickmer, Buck. Pickmere, Buck. Pickton, Brox. Plemestoo, Brox. Plumleigh, Buck. Plymyard, wire. Podynton, wire. Ponyngton, Mac. Portwood hall, Mac. Poolles, Nant. neither Poole, wire. Over Poole, wire. Pooton Lancele▪ wire. Po●t Chap. Mac. Poulford, Brox. Poulton, Brox. Poulton, wire. Pownall, Mac. Powsev, Buck. Prenton, wire. Prestbury, Mac. Preston, Buck, The Pyle, Eddes. R Raby, wire. Radnor, North. Ranenow, Mac. Ravenscroft, North. Read Rock, wire. Redings, Buck. Ridge, Mac. Ridley, Eddes. Ringay Flu. Rock Savage, Buck▪ Rode-hall, North. North Rode, Mac. Romyleigh chapel, Mac. Ronaire, wire. Roncorne, Buck. Roop, Nant. Rotherstorne, Buck. Rudheath, North. Russheton, Eddes. Rushton, North. S Sale, Buck. Salghall little, wire. Salghall massy, wire. Salghton, Brox. Sandywaye, Eddes. Secome, wire. Shavinton, Nant. Shilbroke, North. Shokylache, Brox. Church Shokylache, Brox. Shotwicke, wire. Rough Shotwicke▪ wire. Shrigleigh, Mac. Shrowesbury Abbey, Buck. Shutlingeslaw hill, Mac. Smallwood, North. Smetenham, North. Smethewick, North. Snelleston, Mac. Somerford, North. Somerford, Mac. SONDBACHE, North. Sound, Nant. Spi●tle, wire. Spra●●on, North. Spurstow, Eddes. Spurlache, North. Stackton, Buck. Stanford, Brox. Stanford bridge, Nant. Stanley, Eddes. Great Stanney, wire. Stanthorne, North. Stapleford, Brox. Stapleford, Eddes. Stapleleigh, Nant. Staveley, Mac. Stockton, Brox. Stockham, Buck. Stoke, Nant. Stoke, wire. Stoorton, wire. STOP FORD, Mac. Stretton, Brox. Stretton Chap. Buck. Stubbes, North. Sutton, Mac. Sutton, Buck. Sutton, Brox. Sutton, North. Little Sutton, wire. Great Sutton, wire. Swanlowe, Eddes. Sydenhall, Brox. Sydinton, Mac. T Over Tableigh, Buck. neither Tableigh, Buck. Tame Flu. Tatenhall, Brox. Tatenhall heath, Brox. Tatton, Buck. Taxhall, Mac. Taxall, Mac. TERVIN, Eddes. Tetton, North, Teverton, Eddes. Thingetwist●e▪ Mac. Thingwall, wire. Thelwell chapel, Buck. Thorneton, Eddes. Thorneton Mayow, wire. Thurstanten, wire. T●lston, Brox, Tittenleigh, Nant. Torkynton, Mac. Torpurley, Eddes. Tost, Buck. Tramnole, wire. Great Troughford, Brox. Bridge Troughford, Eddes. Tuffingham, Brox. Twembroke, North. Twenlow, North. Tydeleston Farnehall, Eddes. Tyderington, North. Tymp●●leigh, Buck. V Vale rial, Eddes. Vernon, Nant. Vpton, Mac. Vpton, wire. Vpton, Brox. Vrdesleigh, Mac. Vtkynton, Eddes. W Walfeild, North. W●llatton, Eddes. Walresco●e, Eddes. Over Walton, Buck. neither Walton, Buck. Walwarne Flu. Warburton chapel, Buck. Wardley, Eddes. Wareton, North. Wareton, Brox. Warmingham, North. Wayleigh, Mac. Webunber●, Nant. Weever, Eddes. Weever Flu. Welshrowe, Nant. Welford, Buck. Weston, Buck. Weston, Nant. Wetenhall chap. Eddes. Weverham, Eddes. Whatcroft, North. Whelocke, North. Whelocke Flu. Whelocke Flu. Whernythe, Mac. Over Whiteley, Buck. neither Whiteley, Buck. Whitby, wire. Whitegate, Eddes. Wichehalgh, Brox. Wigland, Brox. Wi●slaw, Mac. Winteley, Nant. Winyngton, Eddes. Wistanton, Nant. Withamshaw, Buck. Witton, North. Wollaston, wire. Wollaston, Nant. Wolstanwood, Nant. Woodbanke, wire. Woodcot, Nant. Woodchurch, wire. Woodford, Mac. Woodhay, Nant. Woodhead, Mac. Woodhouses, Eddes. Worleston, Nant. Wreton, North. Wrenbury, Nant. Wrynehill, Nant. Wrynehill hall, Nant. W●mbold strongford, Eddes. Wymboldesley, North. Wynyngton, Eddes. Wynyngham, Buck. Wyre●wall, Nant. Wyrwyn, Brox. Wythinton, Mac. Y Yardswicke, North. Yaton, Mac. LANCA-SHIRE. THe County Palatine of Lancaster The confines. (famous for the four Henry's, the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh, Kings of England, derived from john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster) is upon the South confined and parted by the River Mersey, from the County Palatine of Chester, the fair County of Darbyshire bordering upon the East; the large Country of Yorkshire, together with Westmoreland and Cumberland, being her kind neighbours upon the North, and the Sea called Mare Hibernicum embracing her upon the West. Form. (2) The form thereof is long, for it is so enclosed between Yorkshire on the East side, and the Irish Sea on the West, that where it boundeth upon Cheshire on the South side, it is brother, and by little and little more Northward it goeth, (confining upon Westmoreland) the more narrow it Dimensitie. groweth. It containeth in length from Brathey Northward, to Halwood Southward, 57 miles; from Denton in the East, to Formby by Altmouth in the west, 31. and the whole circumference in compass, one hundred threescore and ten miles. air. (3) The Air is subtle and piercing, not troubled with gross vapours or foggiemists, by reason whereof the people of that Country live long and healthfully, and are not subject to strange and unknown diseases. Soil. (4) The Soil for the generality is not very fruitful, yet it produceth such numbers of cattle of such large proportion, and such goodly heads and horns, as the whole Kingdom of Spain doth scarce the like. It is a Country replenished Commodities. with all necessaries for the use of man, yielding without any great labour the commodity of corn, flax, grass, coals, and such like. The Sea also adding her blessing to the Land, that the people of that Province want nothing that serves either for the sustenance of nature, or the satiety of appetite. They are plentifully furnished with all sorts of fish, flesh, and fowls. Their principal fuel is Coal and Turf, which they have in great abundance; the Gentlemen reserving Woods carefully preserved in this Shire. their woods very carefully▪ as a beauty and principal ornament to their Manors and Houses. And though it be far from London (the capital City of this Kingdom) yet doth it every year furnish her and many other parts of the Land besides, with many thousands of cattle (bred in this Country) giving thereby and otherways a firm testimony to the world, of the blessed abundance that it hath pleased God to enrich this noble Dukedom withal. The old Inhabitants. (5) This Counties ancient Inhabitants were the Brigants, of whom there is more mention in the Description of Yorkshire, who by Claudius the Emperor were brought under Roman. the Roman Subjection, that so held and made it their Seat, secured by their Garrisons, as hath been gathered as well by many inscriptions found in walls and ancient monuments fixed in stones, as by certain Altars erected in favour Saxon. of their Emperors. After the Romans, the Saxons brought it under their protection, and held it for a part of their Northumbrian Kingdom, till it was first made subjugate to the Dane. Norman. Invasion of the Danes, and then conquered by the victorious Normans, whose posterities from thence are branched further into England. (6) Places of Antiquity or memorable note are these: Manchester. the Town of Manchester (so famous as well for the Marketplace, Church, and College, as for the resort unto it for clothing) was called Ma●cunium by Antonine the Emperor, and was made a ●ort and Station of the Romans. Riblechester. Riblechester (which taketh the name from Rhibell, a little River near Clither●) though it be a small Town, yet by tradition hath been called the richest Town in Christendom, and reported to have been the Seat of the Romans, which the many Monuments of their Antiquities, Statues, pieces of Coin, and other several inscriptions, digged up from time to time by the Inhabitants, may give us sufficient persuasion to believe. Lancaster more pleasant than full of people. But the Shire-towne is Lancaster, more pleasant in situation, then rich of Inhabitants, built on the south of the river Lon, and is the same Longovicum, where (as we fi●de in the Notice Provinces) a company of the Longovicarians under the Lieutenant General of Britain lay. The beauty of this Town is in the Church, Castle, and Bridge: her streets many, and stretched far in length. Unto this Town The grant of King Edward the Third unto the Town of Lancaster. King Edward the Third granted a Mayor and two Ba●l●ffeses, which to this day are elected out of twelve Brethren, assisted by twenty four Burgesses, by whom it is yearly governed, with the supply of two Chamberlains, a Recorder, Town-clerk, and two Sergeants at Mace. The elevation of whose Pole is in the degree of Latitude 54. and 58. scruples, and her Longitude removed from the first west point unto the degree 17. and 40. scruples. It is severed in some places by the force of the Sea. (7) This Country in divers places suffereth the force of many flowing tides of the Sea, by which (after a sort) it doth violently rend asunder one part of the shire from the other: as in Fournesse, where the Ocean being displeased that the Shore should from thence shoot a main way into the west, hath not obstinately ceased from time to time to flash and mangle it, and with his fell eruptions and boisterous tides to devour it. Another thing there is, not unworthy to be recommended to memory, that in this Shire, not far from Fournesse Winandermere. fells, the greatest standing water in all England (called Winander-Mere) lieth, stretched out for the space often miles, of wonderful depth, and all paved with stone in the bottom: and along the Sea side in many places may be seen heaps of sand, upon which the people power water, until it recover a saltish humour, which they afterwards boil with Turfs, till it become white salt. (8) This Country, as it is thus on the one side freed by the natural resistance of the Sea from the force of Invasions, so is it strengthened on the other by many Castles and fortified places, that take away the opportunity of making It was last made subject to the West▪ Saxon Monarchy. Roads and Incursions in the Country. And as it was with the first that felt the fury of the Saxon cruelty; so was it the last and longest that was subdued under the West-Saxon Monarchy. Arthur put to flight the Saxons. (9) In this Province our noble Arthur (who died laden with many trophies of honour) is reported by Ninius to have put the Saxons to flight in a memorable Battle near Duglasse, a little Brook not far from the Town of Wiggin. But the attempts of war, as they are several, so they are uncertain: for they made not Duke Wade happy in his Duke Wade put to the worst. success, but returned him an unfortunate enterpriser in the Battle which he gave to Ardulph King of Northumberland, at Billangho, in the year 798. So were the events uncertain in the Civil Wars of York and Lancaster: for by them was bred and brought forth that bloody division and fatal strife of the Noble Houses, that with variable success to both The civil wars of York and Lancaster. parties (for many years together) molested the peace and quiet of the Land, and defiled the earth with blood, in such violent manner, that it exceeded the horror of those Civil Wars in Rome, that were betwixt Marius and Scylla, P●mpey and Caesar, Octanius and Antony; or that of the two renowned Houses Valois and Bourbon, that a long time troubled the State of France: for in the division of these two princely Families there were thirteen fields ●ought, and three Kings of England, one Prince of Wales, twelve Dukes, one Marquis, eighteen Earls, one Viscount, and three and twenty Barons, besides Knights and Gentlemen, lost their lives in the same. Yet at last, by the happy marriage of Henry the Their happy conjunction. Seventh, King of England, next heir to the House of Lancaster, with Elizabeth daughter and heir to Edward the Fourth, of the House of York, the white and read Roses were conjoined, in the happy uniting of those two divided Families, from whence our thrice renowned Sovereign Lord King james, by fair sequence and succession, doth worthily enjoy the Diadem: by the benefit of whose happy government, this County Palatine of Lancaster is prosperous in her Name and Greatness. (10) I find the remembrance of four religious houses tha● have been founded within this County (and since suppressed) both fair for structure and building, and rich for seat and situation: namely, Burstogh, Whalleia, Holland, and Castles. Penw●rtham. It is divided into six Hundred, besides Fournesse Hundred. F●lls & Lancaster's Liberties, that lie in the north part. It is beautified with 15. Market towns, both fair for situation Market towns. and building, and famous for the concourse of people for buying and selling. It hath twenty six Parishes, besides Chapels, Parishes. (in which they duly frequent to divine Service) and those populous, as in no part of the Land more. THE COUNTY PALATINE OF LANCASTER DESCRIBED AND DIVIDED INTO HUNDRED 1610 HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE. BLESSED ARE▪ THE PEACE— MAKERS. john of Gant. D. Edmond Crouckbak E. HENRY. VII. HENRY. VI HENRY. V HENRY. four The portratures of all those kings sprung from the royal families of Lan: caster and York which with variable success got, and enjoyed Crown and kingdom. This first side of his map of Lan-cashire, showeth them of Lan●●●ter, and the other 〈◊〉 them of the house of York LANCASTER 1 Green Air 2 Weary wall 3 The Free School 4 The Church 5 The Castle 6 Old Hall 7 New Hall 8 St. Marry Street 9 The Mill 10 Fish market 11 Stone well 12 St. Leonards Gate 13 Moore Lane 14 Butchers Street 15 Kelne Lane 16 Market street 17 S. Nicolas street 18 The Friars 19 Chennell Lane 20 Penny street 21 White Cross 22 The Pinfolde A SCAL● OF ●ASES ELISABETH▪ RICHARD. III▪ EDWARD. FIVE▪ 〈…〉 HENRY▪ the forth, and first of L 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by a forced 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 hi● 〈◊〉 and ●●●ess so●e succeeded him ●D. 4. of York surprised and a●t●r him, his s●●e and 〈◊〉 reigned, his d●●st daughter of York matching with Lancaster joined the Read and White Rose in 〈◊〉. Performed by john Speed. And are to be sold in Pope's head alley G. Humble 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Scale of Miles Hundred in Lancashire. 1 Loynesdale. 2. Amoundernes. 3. Blackburne. 4. Leyland. 5. West-Darbie. 6. Salford. A Abram, West. Accrington new, Black. Accrington, Black. Ad●ngton, ●eyl. Aighton, Black. Akri●ton Chapel, Black. Aldingham, Loyn. Alham, Black. Alker, West. Allerton, W●st. Alt flu. Altmouth, West. Althome, Black. Alston, Amond. Andertonford, West. Anderton, West. Appleton, West. Appleton, West. Ardwicke, Sal. Argholme, Loins. Arelath, Loins. Arnesyd, Loins. Arum, Loins. Ashley, Lailand. Ashurst, West. Ashton, Loins. Ashton, Sal. Ashton in Makerfeild, West. Ashton chapel, West. Ashton under line, Sal. Ashworth, Sal. Astley, Leyl. Astley, Salf. Astley, West. A●pull, Sal. Atherton, Sal. Atherton, West. Attithwait, Loins. Aughton, West. Aughton, Loins. Awcliffe, Loins. Aynetree, West. Aytenfeild, Sal. B Bacup, Sal. Baire, Loyn. Balderton, Black. Baley, Black. Bankhall, West. Bardsey, Loyn. Barlow, Sal. Barnsyde, Bl●ck. Baro head, Loins. Old Barro I'll, Loins. Barton, Amond. Barton, Sal. Barton, West. Beckensall, Leyl. Bed●orde, West. Bergerode, Amond. Bewsey, West. Bickerstaffe, West. Bigger, Loyn. B●lesborowe, Amond. Billington, Black. Billing, West. birch, West. Bispham, Lail. Bispham, Amond. BLACKBURNE, Black. Blackley, Sal. Blackbrode, Sal. Blackeston e●ge, Sal. Blackerode, West. Blawithe, Loins. Blesdaile, Amond. Bolland, Black. Bold, West. Boothe, West. Booths hall, Sal. Borwicke, Loyn. Bottom, Loyn.▪ Boulton, Loyn. BOULTON, Sal Bouth, Loyn. Bowland forest, Amond. Bradley, West. Bradley, Loyn. bradshaw, Sal. ●randlesham, Sal. ●r●●h y●, Loyn. Br●r●c●ff, ●lack. Brindle, Lail. Brinsap, West. Brockall, A●ond. Broke flu. Brotherton, Lail. Broughton, Amond. Broughton in Cartmell, Loin. Broughton in fournes, Loyn. Brundall, Black. Bryn, West. Brining, Amond. Bulk, Loyn. Burcots, Loyn. Burgh, Layl. BURIE, Sal. Burneley, Black. Burrow, Loyn. Bur●cough, West. Burscort abbey, West. B●tton wood, West. Butterworth, Sal. Byram, West. C Calder flu. Calder flu. Cansfeild, Loyn. Cappull, Lail. Car, West. Carleton, Amond. Carpman●all, Loyn. Car●mell, Loyn. Cartlone passage, Loyn. Castleton, Sal. Caton, Loyn. Catford hall, Amond. Catterall, Amond. Chadgley, Black. Chatmosse, Sal. Chatburne, Black. Chattertonn, Sal. Charnocke, Lail. Charnocke Richard, Lail. Chawerton chapel, Sal. Cheeton, Sal. Childwell, West. Childwall, West. Chippin, Black. church, Black. Chorley, Lail. Chorlton, Sal. New Church, Black. Class, Loyn. Claton hall, Sal. Claton in the dale, Blac. Claton in the more, Bla. Claughton, Loyn. Clawghton, Amond. Clayton, Lail. Clegge, Sal. Clifton, Sal. Clifton, Amond. Clitherowe, Black. Cloughoo hill, Loyn. Cockerham, Loyn. Cockley chap: Sal. Coker flu. Coker sandala, Loyn. Coldcoats, Black. Colder flu. The College, Sal. COLNE, Black. Conder flu. Coniston, Loyn. Conyside passage, Loyn. Corney ●awe, Amond. Cotham, Amond. Coulton, Loyn. Crackford, Loyn. Cranfu●th, Loyn. Cressingham, Loyn. Crof●e, West. Crompton, Sal. Cronton, W●st. Crosby great, West. C●osbve ●●tle, West. Croshall, West. Croshouse, Loyn. Croston, La●l. Croxtath, West. Crumsall, Sal. Culcheth, West. Cunscough, West. Curdeley, West. D Dalton, Loyn. Dalton, Loyn. Dalton, West. Darwin flu. Daulton castle, Loyn. Dean, Sal. Denaholme, S●l. Denton, Sal. Denton hall, S●l. D●●bi● west, West. Diddesbury, Sal. Dilworthe, Black. Ditton, West. Docker, Loyn. Docker flu. Dowgles, Leyl. Dowles' flu. Downham, Black. Down▪ holland, West. Drilsden, Sal. Duckley, Black. Duddon flu. Dunkinbalgh, Black. Durwen upper, Black. Durwen neither, Black. Dutton, Black. Duxburye, Leyl. E Eatonburg, Leyl. Earton, West. Eccleston, West. Eccleston little, Amond. Eccleston, Leyl. Eckles, Sal. Edgecrosse, Sal. Edgworth, Sal. Edmarsh chapel, Amon. Egleston, West. Egton, Loyn. Elandas, Loyn. Elhills, Loyn. Ellynburgh, Sal. Elswicke, Amond. Elston, Amond. South End, Loyn. North End, Loyn. Extwist, Black. F Failsworth, Sal. Farleton, Loyn. Farneworth, West. Fa●rington, Leyl. Fawbrigge, Black. Fazakerley, West. Fernehead, West. Fildesley, West. Fishwick, Amond. Flixton, Sal. Flokesha●o, Loyn. Formebye, West. Fosse flu. Foulney I'll, Loyn. Fournise fel●, Loyn. Fornesse, Loyn. Foxdenton, Sal. Fr●ckleton great, Amond. Frith hall, Loyn. Fulwood, Amond. G Garret, Sal. Garstrange Church, Amond. GARSTRANGE, Am. Garston, West. Glason, Loyn. Glasbrooke, West. Glaysten Castle, Loyn. Golborne, West. Gorton▪ Sal. Gou●nargh, Amond. Gowborne head, Loyn. The Grange, Amond. Grath●●t, Loyn. Grene, West. Greeno, Amond. Grenno Castle, Amond. Green●algh, Amond. Gresga●th, Loyn. Gressingham, Loyn. Grimstore, Amond. Grisedale, Loyn. Grysehurst, Sal. H Hackinston, Amond. Hackonsdall, Amond. Haclelock, West. Haighe, West. Haighton, Amond. Hale, West. Halewood, West. West Hall, Loyn. Halliwell, Sal. Halsall, West. Halton, Loyn. Hambleton, Amond. Hamfeild hall, Loyn. Handley, Black. Hapton, Black. Hardhorne, Amond. Harrok hall, Leyl. Ha●tlebeck flu. Harwich chapel, Sal. Harwood, Sal. Harwood little, Black. Harwood great, Black. Hastingden, Black. Haughton west, Sal. H●uxshead, Loyn. Haucolme chapel Sal. Hay, West. Haycote, Loyn. Heapey, Leyl. Heath, Leyl. Heaton, Loyn. Heaton, Sal. Heaton Norris, Sal. S. Helins, West. Henthorne, Black. Heskin, Leyl. He●kethe, Leyl. Hest, Loyn. Hestbanke passage, Leyl. Heyhouses, Black. Highfeild, Loyn. Hill, Leyl. Hindley, West. Hinton, West. Hodder flu. Holcroft, West. Holland chapel, West. Holme, Black. Holme, Sal. holin, West. Holme, West. Hoole much, Leyl. Hoole little, Leyl. Hopwood, Sal. Horneby Castle, Loyn. Horwiche, Sal. Hothersall, Amond. Houghton, Leyl. Houghton tower, Black. Houghton chapel, West. Houghwick, Leyl. Howker, Loyn. Hugh hall, Sal. Hulton park, Sal. Hulton, Sal. Huncot, Black. Hunderfeild, Sal. Hurleston hall, West. Hut, West. Hutton, Loyn. Hutton, Leyl. Hutton, Loyn. Hyndborn flu. Hysham, Loyn. I Ighlenhill park▪ Black. Iswick, Amond. Ince, West. Ince blundell, West. Ink●slip, Amond. Inskippe, Amond. S. john's chapel, Amon. Irebye, Loyn. Irwell flu. KING Kallamer, Amond. Kellet neither, Loyn. Kellet over, Loyn. Ken flu. Ken sands, Loyn. Kenmon, West. Kermanshulme, Sal. Keverdale, Black. Kilcheth, West. Kirkebie, West. Kirkebye Irelethe, Loyn. Kirkedale, West. KIRKEHAM, Amond. Kirkland, Amond. Knowesley, West. Knowesley, West. Kuleshill, Black. L Lailand mose, Lail. Lailand, Lail. LANCASTER, Loy. Langhoo hall, Black. Langton chapel, Lail. Langtree, Lail. Larbreck, Amond. Larbrike, Amond. Lastok, Sal. Lathome, West. Laton, Amond. The Land, Amond. Lawcon, West. Law, Black. S. Laurence, Amond. Lea, Amond. Lecke, Loyn. Lee, Loyn. Lee●e, Loyn. Legbaro, Loyn. Leighe, West. Leighe west, West. Lerpoole haven▪ West. LERPOOLE, We. Little Lever, Sal. Great Lever, Sal. leaven Sands, Loyn. Leyghton, Loyn. Linecar, West. Litherland, West. Littleburgh, Sal. The Lodge, Lail. The Lodge, Amond. Longridge hill, Black. Longridge chapel, Bla. Longton, Lail. Lostock, Sal. Low, West. Lowick, Loyn. Lun flu. Lychare, West. Lydiate, West. Lyndell, Loyn. Lythom, Amond. Lyvesey, Black. M MANCHESTER, Sal. Marton, West. Marton mere, West. Marton mose, Amond. Marton mere, Amond. Marshden, Black. Martholme, Black. Ma●engill, Loyn. Meals, West. Mearley, Black. Meawdisley, La●l. Medler, Amond. Medlock flu. Melling, Loyn. Melling, West. Mellor, Black. Michael's church, Amon. Middleton, Sal. Middleton, Loyn. Mierstough, Amond. Milnerow, Sal. Mitton, Black. Mor●lees, Sal. Mo●barrow, West. Moscroft, West. The Moss, West. Moston, Sal. Mowbricke, Amond. N Nateby hall, Amond. Newbiggin, Loyn. Newbridg, Loyn. Newburgh, West. Newchurch, West. Ne●hall, West. Newhall, Sal. Newland, Loyn. New park, West. Newton, Loyn. Newton, Amond. Newton, Amond. Newton, Sal. Newton, Loyn. Newton in makerfeild, West. Nibthwar, Loyn. Nighull, West▪ Norbreck, Amon. Northmeales, West. OH ORMESCHURCH, we. Orrell, West. Asbaldeston, Black. Osmonderley, Loyn. Oswoldtwist, Black. Ouerton, Loyn. Ouldham, Sal. Oxecliffe, Loyn. Oxenfeild, Loyn. P Paddynham, Black. Park flu. New Park, West. Parbold, Lail. Parr, West. The Peel, Lail. The Peel, West. Pembleton, West. Pendle hill, Black. Pendleton, Black. Pendleton, ●al. Penketh, West. Pennington, Loyn. Penwortham, Lail. Pilkington, Sal. Pilline mose, Amond. Pillin hall, Amond. Pleasington, Black. Plumpton wood, Amond. Plumpton, Amond. Plumton, Loyn. Poolton, West. Powlton, Amond. Prescott, West. PRESTON, Amond. Prestwiche, Sal▪ Prifall, Amond. Prifcoo, Amond. Prise, emond. Pulten, Loyn. Punnington, West. The Pyle of foudray, Loyn. Q Que●nmore, Loyn. R Radcli●fe, Sal. Ramsyde, Loyn. Ratcliffe, Sal. Raventon, Leyl. Ravenpik hill, Sal. Rawcliffe neither, Amon. Rawcliffe over, Amond. Raynforde, West. Raynhill, West. Read, Black. Rediche, Sal. Ribchester, Black. Ribchester, Black. Ribble, Amond. Ribble flu. Ribleton, Amond. Rimington, Black. Risheton, Black. Rivington, Sal. Rixton, West. Robert's hall, Loyn. Robie, West. Robrindale, Loyn. Roburne flu. Roche slu. ROCHEDALE, Sal. Roseaker, Amond. Rosse hall, Amond. Rossendale, Black. Royton, Sal. Ruseland, Loyn. Rusforth, Leyl. Rysley, West. Rytonn, Sal. S Saleburie, Black. Salford, Sal. Sambury hall, Black. Samlesbury, Black. Saterthwat, Loyn. Savoke flu. Scale, Loyn. Scale, Loyn. Scals, Loyn. Scaresbrick, west. Scotsurth, Loyn. Selleth hall, Loyn. Seston, west. Shakerley, west. Shakerley, Sal. Shay chapel, Sal. Shevington, Leyl. Shirehead, Amond. Siluerdale, Loyn. Simonswood forest, West. Singleton little, Amond. Singleton great, Amond. scales, Amond. Skarth north, Loyn. Skelmersdale, West. Skippon flu. Skirton▪ Loyn. Slyne, Loyn. Smethels, Sal. Souckie, West. Southwate, Loyn. Sothworthe, West. Sowberthwat, Loyn. Sowick, Amond. Sowrbie, Amond. Speak, West. Spodden flu. Spotland, Sal. Stalmyne, Amond. Stanall▪ Amond. Standish, Lail. Standish hall, Lail. The Stank, Loyn. Stanley, Loyn. Stanton, Loyn. Standing hall, Amond. The County Stones, Loyn. Stonyhurst, Black. Strangwes, Sal. Stretforde, Sal. Stubley, Sal. Sunbrick, Loyn. Sunderland point, Loyn. Sutton, West. Symonston, Black. T Tarleton, Lasl. Tatham, Loyn. Taude flu. Taume flu. T●rinker, Amond. Terlescowood, west. Teruer chapel, Loyn. Thistleton, Amond. Thorneley, Black. Thorneton, w●st. Thorneton, Amond. Thurland, L●y●. Thur●ham, Loyn. Thurstan flu. Tiberthwat, Loyn. Tilsey, Sal. Tockholes, Black. Todmerden, Sal. Torbucke, west. Torkscarth park, west. Torner, Loyn. Tornesse, Loyn. Torr●sholme, Loyn. Tottingtonn, Sal. Townley, Black. Traford, Sal. Trawden, Black. Treales, Amond. Tunstall, Loyn. Turton, Sal. Twekeston, Lail. Twiston, Black. V Vlneswalton, Lail. VLVERSTON, Loy. Vp-holland, west. Vrmston, Sal. Vr●wick, Loyn. W Waa●breck, Amond. Waddiker, Amond. Walmesley, Sal. Walney Island, Loyn. Walney chapel, Loyn. Walshwhitt, Lail. Walton hall, Lail. Walton in the dale, Black. Walton, west. Wantree, west. Warton, Loyn. WARRINGTON, west. Warton, Amond. Weasam, Amond. Weeton, Amond. Wennyngton, Loyn. Werdale, Blac. Werdley, Sal. Werdon, La l. Westbie, Amond. whaley, Blac. Wheatley, Blac. Wheelton, L●y●. Whickle●wick, Sal. Whiston, west. Whitle in the woods, Leyl. Whittington, Loyn. Whittingham, Amond. Wicoler, Blac. Widdnes, west. WIGAN, west. Wilpshire, Black. Winander mere, Loyn. Windle, west. Winmelay, Amond. Winnington flu. Winstanley, west. Winstenley, west. Winster flu. Winwick, west. Winworth, Sal. Wire flu. Wire flu. Wiswall, Black. Withington, Sal. Withnell, L●yl. Witton, Black. Woodland chapel Loyn. Woolston, west. Woolton little, west. Woolton great, west. Woorston, Black. Wordsall, Sal. Worsley, Sal. Worsthorne, Black. Worthingtou, L●yl. Wotton, west. wray, Amond. Wraysholme ●owre, Loyn. Wrayton, Loyn. Wrenosse hill, Loyn. Wrightington, Leyl. wolf crag, Loyn. Wyersdale, L●yn. Wyersale forest, Loyn. W●nder, Loyn. Y Yelland, Loyn. THE DESCRIPTION OF YORKSHIRE. AS the courses and confluents of great Rivers, are for the most part fresh in memory, though their heads & fountains, The benefits of Antiquity. lie commonly unknown: so the latter knowledge of great regions are not traduced to oblivion, though perhaps their first originals be obscure, by reason of antiquity, & the many revolutions of Times and Ages. In the delineation therefore of Yorkshire a great Province. this great Province of Yorkshire, I will not insist upon the narration of matters near unto us; but succinctly run over such as are more remote; yet neither so sparingly, as I may seem to diminish from the dignity of so worthy a Country, nor so prodigally, as to spend time in the superfluous praising of that which never any (as yet) dispraised. And although perhaps it may seem a labour unnecessary, to make relation of ancient remembrances, either of the Name, or Nature of this Nation, especially looking into the difference of Time itself (which in every age bringeth forth divers effects) and the dispositions Man's affections most set to modern mat●erss. of men, that for the most part take less pleasure in them, then in divulging the occurrents of their own times: yet I hold it not unfit to begin there, from whence the first certain direction is given to proceed; for, (even of these ancient things) there may be such good use made, either by imitation, or way of comparison, as neither the reperition, nor the repetition thereof shall be accounted impertinent. Yorkshire how called. (2) You shall therefore understand: That the County of York was in the Saxon-tongue called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and now commonly Yorkshire, far greater, and more numerous in the Circuit of her Miles, than any Shire of England. She is much bound to the singular love, and motherly care of Nature, in placing her under so temperate a clime, that in every measure she is indifferently fruitful. If one part of her be stony, and a sandy barren ground: another is fertile & richly adorned with co●ne-fieldss. If you here find it naked, and destitute of woods, you shall see it there, shadowed Full of Trees. with Forests full of trees, that have very thick bodies, sending forth many fruitful and profitable branches. If one place of it be Moorish, Miry, or unpleasant; another makes a free tender of delight, and presents itself to the eye, full of beauty, and contentive variety. (3) The Bishopric of Durham fronts her on the north How bounded. side, and is separated by a continued course of the River North. Tees. The Germain-Sea lieth sore upon her eastside, East. beating the Shores with her boisterous waves and billows. The West part is bounded with Lancashire, and Westmoreland. The Southside hath Cheshire and Dar●ishire South. (friendly Neighbours unto her) with the which she is first enclosed: Then with N●ttingame, and with Lincol●shires, after divided, with that famous Arm of the Sea, Humber: Into which, all the Rivers that water this Humber. Country, empty themselves, and pay their ordinary Tributes, as into the common receptacle, and storehouse of Neptune, for all the watery Pensions of this Province. Yorkshire divided. (4) This whole Shire (being of itself so spacious) for the more easy and better ordering of her civil government, is divided into three parts, ● which according to 3. quarters of the world are called The West-Riding, The East Riding, and The North Riding. West-Riding is for a good West-riding. space compassed with the River Ouse, with the bounds of Lancashire, and with the South limits of the Shire, and beareth towards the West and South. East-Riding bends itself to the Ocean, with the which, and with the River East-Riding. Derwent, she is enclosed, and looks into that part, where the Sun rising, and showing forth his beams, makes the world both glad and glorious in his Brightness. North-Riding North-Riding. extends itself Northward, hemmed in as it were, with the rivers Tees and D●rw●●t, and a long race of the River Ouse. The length of this Shire, extended from Harthill in the South, to the mouth of Tees in the North, are near unto 70. miles, the breadth from Flambrough head to Hor●castle upon the River L●● is 80. the whole Circumference The Soil. 308. Miles. (5 The Soil of this County for the generality is reasonable fertile and yields sufficiency of Corn and Cattles within itself. One part whereof is particularly made famous by a Quarry of Stone; out of which the stones newly hewn be very soft, but seasoned with wound and weather of themselves do naturally become exceeding hard and solid. Another, by a kind of Limestone whereof it consisteth, which being burnt, and conveyed into the other parts of the Country, which are hilly, and somewhat cold, serve to manure, and enrich their cornfields. The antiquities. (6) That the Romans flourishing in military prowess made their several stations in this Country; is made manifest by their Monuments, by many Jnscriptions fastened in the walls of Churches, by many Columns engraven Columns. with Roman-worke found lying in Churchyeards, by many votive Altars digged up that were erected (as it should Altars. seem) to their Tutelar Gods (for they had local and peculiar Topicke Gods, whom they honoured, as Keepers and Guardians of some particular places of the Country) as also by a kind of bricks which they used: for the Romans Bricks. in time of peace, to avoid and withstand idleness, (as an enemy to virtuous or valorous enterprises) still exercised their Legions and Cohorts, in casting of ditches, making of highways, building of Bridges, and making of Bricks, which having sithence been found, and from time to time digged out of the ground, prove the antiquity of the place by the Roman inscriptions upon them. Abbeys. (7) Not less Argument of the Piety hereof, are the many Monasteries, abbeys and Religious houses, that have been placed in this Country; which, whilst they retained their own state and magnificence, were great ornaments unto it: but since their dissolution, and that the teeth of Time (which devours all things) have ea●en into them, they are become like dead carcases, leaving only some poor ruins and remains alive, as relics to posterity, to show of what beauty and magnitude they have Whitby. been. Such was the Abbey of Whitby, foundedby Lady Hilda, daughter of the grandchild unto King Edwin●. Bolton. Such ●as the Abbey built by Bolton, which is now so razed, and laid level with the earth, as that at this time it affords no appearance of the former dignity. Such was Kirkstall. Kirk stall Abbay, of no small account in time past, founded in the year of Christ, 1147. Such was the renowned S. Maries in York. Abbey called Saint Maries in York, built and endowed with rich livings by Alan the third Earl of little Br●●ain● in Arm●rica; but since converted into the Prince's house, & is called the Manor. Such the wealth Abbey of Fountains, Foyes untaines. built by Thirsty Archbishop of York. Such the famous Monastery founded in the Primitive Church of Monast. S. Wil●rid. Drax. the East- Sax●ns by Wilfrid Archbishop of York, and enlarged (being fallen down and decayed) by Odo Archbishop of Canterbury. Such was Drax a religious house of Canons. Such that fair Abbey built by King William Selby. the Conqueror at Selby (where his son Henry the first was borne) in memory of S. German, who happily confuted that contagious Pelagian heresy, which oftentimes grew to a Serpentine head in Britain. These places for religion erected, with many more within this Provincial Circuit, and consecrated unto holy purposes, show the Antiquity, and how they have Causes of diminishing Church-livings. been sought unto by confluences of Pilgrims in their manner of devotions: The mists of which superstitious obscurities, are since cleared by the pure light of the Gospel revealed, and the skirts of Idolatry unfolded to her own shame and ignominy: And they made subject to the dissolution of Times, serving only as antic monuments and remembrances to the memory of succeeding Ages. Memorable places. (8) Many places of this Province are famoused aswell by Name, being naturally fortunate in their situation, as for some other accidental happiness befallen unto them. Hallifax, famous, aswell for that I●ha●●es d●sacro B●sc●, author Halifax. of the Sphere, was borne there, and for the law it hath against stealing: as for the greatness of the Parish, which reckoneth in it eleven Chapels, whereof two be Parish Chapels, and in them to the number of twelve thousand people. YORK SHIRE HONI. SOIT. QVI. MAL. Y. PENSE DIEU ET MON DROIT CUM. PRIVILEGIO. Cum Privilegio. 1610. Performed by john Speed and are to be sold in Pope's head alley, against the Exchange by john Sudbury and G. Humble. THE SCALE OF MILES Pomfret. Pomfret is famous for the Site, as being seated in a place so pleasant, that it brings forth Liquorice and great plenty of Skirtworts, but it is infamous for the murder and bloodshed of Princes: The Castle whereof, was built by Hildebert Lacie a Norman, to whom William the Conqueror gave this Town, after Alrick the Saxon was thrust out of it. (9) But I will forbear to be prolix or tedious in the particular memoration of places in a Province so spacious, York City. and only make a compendious relation of York, the second City of England, in Latin called Eboracum and Eburacum, by Ptolemy Brigantium (the chief City of the Brigants) by Ninnius Caer Ebrauc, by the Britan's Caer Effroc, and by the Saxons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. The British History reports that it took the name of Ebrave that founded it; but some others are of opinion, that Eburacum hath no other derivation then from the river Ouse, running thorough it: It ●uermasterss all the other places of this Country for fairness, and is a singular Ornament & safeguard to all the North-parts: York a pleasant City. A pleasant place, large, and full of magnificence, rich, populous, and not only strengthened with fortifications, but adorned with beautiful buildings, as well private as public. For the greater dignity thereof, it was made an Episcopal See by Constantius, and a Metropolitan City by a Pall sent Egbert Archbishop of York. unto it from Honorius. Egbert Archbishop of York, who flourished about the year seven hundred forty, erected in it a most famous Library. Richard the third, repaired the Castle Richard the third. thereof being ruinous, and King Henry the eight, appointed a Counsel in the same, to decide and determine all Henry the eight. the causes and controversies of the North-parts, according to equity and conscience: which Counsel consisteth of a Lord Precedent, certain Counsellors at the Prince's pleasure, a Secretary, and other under Officers. The original of this City, cannot be fetched out but from the Romans, seeing the Britanes before the Romans came, had no other Towns than Woods fenced with trenches and rampires, as Caesar and Strabo do testify: And that it was a Colony of the Romans, appears both by the authority of Ptolemy & Antonine, and by many ancient inscriptions that have Severus Emperor. been found there. In this City the Emperor Severus had his Palace, and here gave up his last breath; which ministers occasion to show the ancient custom of the Romans, in the military manner of their burials. His body was carried forth here by the soldiers to the Funeral fire, and committed to the flames, honoured with the justs and Tournaments both of the soldiers and of his own sons: His ashes bestowed in a little golden pot or vessel of the Porphyrat stone, were carried to Rome and shrined there in the Monument of the Antonines. In this City (as Spartianus maketh mention) was the Temple of the Goddess Bellona. Goddess Bellona; to which Severus (being come thither purposing to offer Sacrifice) was erroneously led by a rustical Augur. Constantius surnamed Chlorus. here Fl. Valerius Constantius, surnamed Chlorus (an Emperor of excellent virtue and christian piety) ended his life, and was Deified, as appears by ancient Coins: and his son Constantine being present at his Father's death, forthwith proclaimed Emperor; from whence it may be gathered of what great estimation York was in those days, when the Roman Emperor's Court was h●ld in it. This City flourished a long time under the English-Saxons Dominion, till the Danes like a mighty storm, thundering from out the northeast destroyed it, and distained it with the blood of many Osbright and Ella. slaughtered persons, and wan it from Osbright and Ella Kings of Northumberland, who were both slain in their pursuit of the Danes: which Alcuine in his Epistle to Egelred King of Northumberland seemed to presage before, when he said: What signifieth that raining down of blood in S. Peter's Church of York, even in a fair day, and descending in so violent and threatening a manner from the top of the roof? may it not be thought that blood is coming upon the Land from the North-parts? Athelstan. Howbeit, Athelstane recovered it from the Danish subjection, and quite overthrew the Castle with the which they had fortified it; yet was it not (for all this) so freed from wars, but that it was subject to the Times fatally next following. Nevertheless, in the Conqueror's time, when (after many woeful overthrows and troublesome storms) it had a pleasant calm of ensuing peace, it rose again of itself, and flourished afresh, having still the helping hand both of Nobility and Gentry, to recover the former dignity and bring it to the The Citizen's cost since W. Conqueror. perfection it hath: The citizens fencing it round with new Walls, and many Towers & Bulwarks, and ordaining good and wholesome Laws for the Government of the same: Which at this day are executed at the command of a Lord Maior, who hath the assistance of twelve Aldermen, many Chamberlains, a Recorder, a Town-clerk, six Sergeants The Magistracy of York City. at Mace, and two Esquires, which are, a Sword-bearer, and the Common Sergeant, who with a great Mace, goeth on the left hand of the sword. The longitude of this City according to Mercators' account, is 19 degrees and 35. scruples, the latitude 54. degrees and 40. scruples. The Battles. (10) Many occurrents present themselves with sufficient matter of enlargement to this discourse, yet none of more worthy consequence, than were these several Battles, fought within the compass of this County; wherein Fortune had her pleasure as well in the proof of her love, as in the pursuit of her tyranny, sometime sending the first-fruits of sweet peace unto her, and other while suffering her to taste the sourness of war. Conisborough. At Conisborough (in the Britanes tongue Caer-Conan) was a great Battle fought, by Hengist Captain of the English-Saxons, after he had retired himself thither for his safety, his men being fled and scattered, and himself discomfited by Aurelius Ambrose. Aurelius Ambrose; yet within few days after he brought forth his men to Battle against the Britanes that pursued him, where the field was bloody both to him, and his; for many of his men were cut in pieces, and he himself had his Head chopped off as the British History saith; which the Chronicles of the English-Saxons deny, reporting that he died in peace, being surcharged and overworn with the troublesome toils, and travels of war. Kirkestall. Near unto Kirkstall, Oswie King of Northumberland put Penda the Mercian to flight; the place wherein the Battle was joined, the writers call Winwid Field, giving it the name by the victory. And the little Region about it (in times past called by an old name Elmet) was conquered by Eadwin King of Northumberland, the son of Aela, after he had expelled C●reticus a British King, in the year of Christ, 620. At Casterford (called by Antonine Legeolium and Lagetium) the Citizens of York slew many of King Ethelreds' Casterford. Army, and had a great hand against him, insomuch as he that before sat in his throne of majesty, was on a sudden daunted, and ready to offer submission. But the most worthy of memory, was that field fought on Palm-Sunday, 1461. in the quarrel of Lancaster & York, Palme-Sunday battle. where England never saw more puissant forces both of Gentry and Nobility: for there were in the field at one time (partakers on both sides) to the number of one hundred thousand fight men. When the fight had continued Lancastrians put to flight. doubtful a great part of the day, the Lancastrians not able longer to abide the violence of their enemies, turned back, and fled amain, and such as took part with York, followed them so hotly in chase, and killed such a number of Noble, and Gentlemen, that thirty thousand Englishmen were that day left dead in the field. (11) Let us now lose the point of this Compass & sail into some other parts of the Province to find out matter Places of other note. of other memorable moment. Under Knausbrough there is a Well called Dropping-wel, in which the waters spring not out of the veins of the earth, but distil and trickle down from the rocks that hung over it: It is of this virtue and efficacy, that it turns wood into stone: for what wood soever is put into it, will be shortly covered over with a stony Bark, and be turned into Stone, as hath been often observed. Giggleswick. At Giggleswicke also about a mile from Settle (a market Town) there are certain small springs not distant a quaits cast from one another: the middlemost of which doth at every quarter of the hour ebb and flow about the height of a quarter of a yard when it is highest, and at the ebb falleth so low, that it is not a ninch deep with water. Of no less worthiness to be remembered is Saint Wilfrids' needle, S. Wilfrids' needle. a place very famous in times passed for the narrow hole in the close vaulted room under the ground: by which women's honesties were wont to be tried: for such as were chaste, did pass through with much facility: but as many as had played false, were miraculously held fast, & could not creep through. Believe if you list. The credible report of a lamp found burning (even in our Father's remembrance, when Abbeys were pulled Constanius Sepulchre. down & suppressed) in the Sepulchre of Constanius, within a certain Vault or little Chapel under the ground, wherein he was supposed to have been buried, might beget much wonder and admiration: but that Lazius confirmeth, that in ancient times they had a custom to preserve An ancient Roman custom. light in Sepulchers by an artificial resolving of gold into a liquid and fatty substance, which should continued burning a long time, and for many ages together. (12) This Yorkshire picture I will draw to no more length, left I be condemned with the Sophister, for insisting Yorkshire delightful. in the praise of Hercules, when no man opposed himself in his discommendation. This Country of itself is so beautiful in her own natural colours, that (without much help) she presents delightful varieties both to sight and other senses. THE WEST-RIDING OF YORKSHIRE. CHAPTER XLI. The bounds of the West riding. THe other division, which is called the West-Riding of Yorkshire, lying towards the northwest, carrieth a great compass: On the northside it borders upon part of the North-riding: On the East upon part of the East-Riding and part of Lincolnshire. The Westside is neighboured with part of Lancashire: The South confined with Nottingham and part of Darby-shires. The Air. (2) The air unto which this County is subject, is for the most part frigid and cold, much subject to sharp winds, hard frosts, and other intemperate and Winter-like dispositions of weather: Insomuch as the People of this Province, are enured to maintain a moderate, and ordinary heat in their bodies, by an extraordinary hardness of labour, and thereby become very healthful, and not so often afflicted with infirmities, as others are that live more easily. The Soil. (3) Although the Soil in the generality be not fruitful, as lying very high and full of ragged rocks and swelling mountains. yet the sides thereof stoping in some places do bear good grass, and the bottoms and valleys are not altogether unfertill. That part that borders upon Lancashire is so mountainous and waste, so unsightly and full of solitariness, that the bordering neighbours call certain little rivers that creep along this way, by a contemptible name, Hell becks. That part again, where the river Vre cutteth through the vale called Wentsdale is very good ground where great flocks of sheep do pasture, and which, in some places, do naturally yield great plenty of Lead-stones: In other places where the Hills are barren and bore Copper. Lead. Stone-Cole. of Corn and Cattles, they make a recompense of those wants by the store of Copper, Led, and stone, or Pit-cole, with the which they are abundantly furnished. That part where the River Small running down East▪ ward, out of the West Mountains (with a violent and swift stream) to unlade herself into the River Vre, and passing along a large and open vale which derives the name from her, and is called Lead-Oare. Swale-dale, hath a neighbouring placeful of Lead-Oare: and for the lack of woods which doth here much pinch the People, they are requited again with plenty of grass, which this place yields them in great abundance. Thus hath provident nature for every discommodity made amendss with a contrariety, and furnished the defects of one place with sufficient supply from another. Inhabitants. (4) The ancient Inhabitants known unto Ptolemy, and of whom there is other mention made, as well in the general & other particular divisions of Yorkshire, as in the Countries likewise joining in proximity unto them, were the brigants subdued by the Romans. And because the room best fitted for the City of York, in this Chard I have placed it, whose description you may find in the General; so the North-Riding spacious to contain the sites of the Towns, Hull and Richmound are therein charged: but wanting place there to relate of both, I am constrained to speak of the later here; desiring my Reader to bear with these necessities. Richmond the chief Town. Richmond the chief Town of the North-Riding, seated upon Small, seemed to have been fenced with a Wall, whose Gates yet stand in the midst of the Town, so that the Suburbs are extended far without the same: It is indifferently populous and well frequented, the People most employed in knitting of Stockings, wherewith even the decrepit and children get their own livings. The occasion of building it. (5) Alan the first Earl thereof distrusting the strength of Gilling (a Manor house of his not far off) called by Bed● Gethling) to withstand the violence of the Danes and English, whom the Normans had despoiled of their inheritance, built this Town, and gave it the name, calling it Richmond, as one would say, The Rich-Mo●●t, which he fortified with a Wall and strong Castle set upon a Rock: Oswy King of Northumberland. For Gilling ever since the time that Oswy King of Northumberland being there Guestwise entertained was murtherously made away, was more regarded in respect of Religion, then for any strength it had: in expiation of which murder, the Monastery was founded and had in great account The Magistracy of Richmond. among our Ancestors. This Town for the administration of government, hath an Alderman yearly, chosen out of Twelve brethren, who is assisted by ●4. Burgesses, a Recorder, four Chamberlains, and two Sergeants at Mace. The Graduation The position of this place for latitude is set in the degree 55. 17. minutes from the North-Pole, and for Longitude from the first West-point in the degree 18. and 50. minutes. Matters memorable. (6) Things of rarity and worthy observation in this County, are those hills near Richmond, where there is a Mine or Delfe of Copper, mentioned in a Charter of King A Copper Mine. Edward the fourth, having not as yet been pierced into. Also, those Mountains, on the top whereof are found Cockles on the top of the Mountains certain stones much like unto Sea-winkles, Cockles, and other Sea-fish; which if they be not the wonders of Nature, yet with Orosous (a Christian Historiographer) we may deem to be the undoubted tokens of the general deluge, that in Noah's time overflowed the whole face of the earth. Also the River Small (spoken of before) which among the ancient Small River. English was reputed a very sacred River and celebrated with an universal glory, for that (the English Saxons first embracing Christianity) in one day above ten Thousand men, besides a multitude of women and children, were therein Baptized unto Christ, by the hands of Panlinus Archbishop Paulinus Archbishop of York. of York: A holy spectacle, when out of one Rivers Channel so great a progeny sprung up, for the Celestial and heavenly City. Places of Antiquity. Bayntbridge, Bowes or Levatra (7) Places in elder times had in great estimation with the Romans, were Bayntbridge, where they in those days had a Garrison lying, the relics whereof are there remaining. Bowes, in Antonines Itinerary called Lavatra or Le●atra (both by the account of distance and the site thereof by the high street of the Romans) confirms the antiquity by a large stone found in the Church, sometimes used for an Altarstone, with an inscription upon it to the honour of the Emperor Hadrian. The first Cohort also of the Thracians lay here in Garrison, whilst Virius Lupus ruled as Lieutenant A Thracian Cohort there. General, and Propraetor of Britain under the Emperor Severus, as appears by inscriptions from hence translated to Connington in Huntingtonshire. Here also in the declining estate of the Roman Empire the Band or Company Exploratores band there. of the Exploratores kept their Station, under the dispose of the General of Britain, as is witnessed by the Notice of Provinces. At Hospital on Stanemore is the fragment Hospital. of a Cross, by us called Rerecrosse, by Scots, Reicrosse, as one would say, The King's Cross, which Hector Boetius (a Scotish writer) recordeth to have been a mere Stone confining England and Scotland. And a little lower upon the Romans high street, stood a little Fort of the Romans built four Maiden-Castle, Burgh. square, which at this day is called Maiden-Castle. At Burgh (in times past called Bracchium) the sixt Cohort of the Nernians lay in Garrison. And not long since the Statue of Aurelius Aurelius Commodus Statue. Commodus the Emperor was digged up, which Statue of his may then seem to be erected, when he prising himself more than a man, proceeded to that folly that he commanded himself to be called, The Roman Hercules, jupiter's Son. For he was purtra●ed in the habit of Hercules, his right hand armed, holding a Club: And this hath appeared by a mangled inscription found lying under the same statue. Catarike and Catt-rrick-bridge, (amongst the Caterick. rest) bring in arguments of their antiquity, aswell by the situation thereof near unto the High-street-way which the Romans made, as also by heaps of rubbish here and there dispersed, which show very probable signs to confirm the same. Religious houses. Richmond. C●uerham▪ (8) Places of Devotion, sequestered from other worldly affairs, and consecrated to religious uses, were these. The Monastery built near Richmond, The Abbey for Canons, erected at Coverham (now called Corham) in Co●erdale, and the Abbey of Cistertians, first founded at Fois, and after Foi●. translated to jeruis or I●rnalle, which is watered by the River Vre. These flourished in the days of ignorance and Ignoranc●. obscurity, & were flocked unto, in great Confluences, before the darkness of errors was chased and driven away by the light of holy Faith: but since the operation of God's Almighty grace hath so wrought in the hearts of the faithful, Faith. that they have not only spurned and trodden their Idols under their feet, but have also made the very places (that were their receptacles) to become the ruinous objects of superstition. Market Tow●es. Castles. (9) This Division of Yorkshire called the West-Riding hath been strengthened with four strong Castles, is yet traded with twenty one Market Towns, and Gods divine service is celebrated in one hundred and four Parish Churches, besides Chapels, whereof there is an Alphabetical enumeration in the Table following. THE WEST riding OF yorkshire with The most famous and fair City YORK described. 1610 YORK A Scale of Pases A St. Mauris B S t. Peter C Bellfrey Church D S. mary's Abbey E St. Martin's FLETCHER S ᵗ Helen's G trinity Church H St. Andrew's I St. Cuthberts' KING St. Saviour's L Christ's 〈◊〉 M St. Sampsons N Crouse Church O Alhallow●s P St. Michael's QUEEN St. M●●yes R St. Denis saint St. Margaret's T St. George's V St. Laurenc● W St. Nicholas X All-hallows Y Trinity Abbey Z S ᵗ john's 3 St. L●yeses 4 St. M●●t●●es 5 St. Marry Bishop E 6 St. M●●y Bishop y. 7 Boud●n B●●● 8 Peter Gate 9 Collier Gate 10 Good●●m Gate 11 Monk Gate 12 Al●wark● 13 St. Ant●nyes' Hospital 14 Conny street 15 Blake street 16 Stone G●●● 17 Ouse Bridge 18 Thursdays mark 19 Copper Gate 20 The P●●ement 21 Clifford's Tower 22 The Castle 23●yn●le ●yn●le street 24 Pick● 〈◊〉 The ARMS of such Royal P●●ceses as have borne the Title of DUKES of York since the Normans Conquest, unto this present▪ Ann. Domini 1610 Otho D▪ of Sax. et Earl of yor● Edmond Langley ●. s●●e to ●E●● ●ic●●●d ●. s●ne to E▪ 4. Duke Henry 2 so●e to KING H. 7. Duke Ch●●les 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to to our S●●●● rain L●r●● EDWARD▪ I●●●s Duke The Scale of Miles Anno 〈◊〉 1610▪ Performed by johan▪ Speed And are to be sold in Pope's head alley, against the Exchange▪ By john Sudbury and George Hum●●ll 〈◊〉 the w●●●● h●●se. Cum privilegio R●●is West Riding Hundreds. 1 Stancl●ffe Wapon. 2 Cla●o Wapon. 3 Ansty Division. 4●arkston ●arkston Wapon. 5 Sk●●a●k Wapon. 6 M●rl●y Wapon. 7 Agg●rigge Wapon 8 Osgodcrosse. Wapon 9 Strassorth Wapon. 10 Staincrosse Wapon A Aberforth, Skir. Acaller, Bark. Acaller Over, A●sty▪ Ackworth, Osgod. A●rostweeke, Stan. Addington, Stan. A●le, Skar. Adling●let. Osg. Adwol●on, Mar. Adwick upon Deune, Stras. Adwicke upon Straton, Stra. Aiketon, Agg. Akeham, Ansly. Akeham Grange, Ansly▪ Aldbulg. Clar. Alhallowega●e, Clar. Allerton, Clar. Allerton, Mor▪ Allerton b● water, Skir. Allerton Chapel, Skir. Almonbrey, Agg. Almoscliffe, Clar. Aleoftes, Agg. Alwoodley, Skir. Appleton, Bark. Appeltre●weke, Stan. Ardesley, Stain. Ardesley East, Mor. Ardesley West, Mor. Ardington, Skir. Are Flu. Arkendell, Clar▪ Arksey, Stras. A●meley, Mor. Armethorpe, Stras. Armin Great. Bark. Arnech●fe, Stan. Armin Little Bark. As●rley, Clar. A●●on, Stras. A●keham, Bryan, Ansty▪ A●keham Richard, Ansty A●kwith, Clar. Asselby▪ Bark. A●ter●liffe▪ Stras. Aughton, Stras. Aughton, Stras. Aukeswicke, Stan. Austerfeild, Stras. Austerley, Stras. Auston, Osgod. Auston▪ Stras. Austroppe Skir▪ Auswick, Stan. Awdefeild, Clar▪ Awdebrough, Clar. Awstwee●ke, Stan. Ayreton▪ Stan. Azerley, Clar. Azemon Derbie. B Baddesworth, Osgod. Badsey▪ Skir. Bailden, Skir. Balby, Stras. Balnehall, Osgod. Bank Newton, Stan. Barden Cha●e, Clar. Barden Tower, Stan. Bargh▪ Stain. Barkes●●nd▪ M●●. Barkston, Bark. Barlev, Bark. Barmby Hall, Stain. Barnby upon Dun, Stras. Barmbrough, Stras. Barnbrooke Stan. Barinbow▪ Skir. Barnold Sweeke, Stan. Barton Chapel, Stain. BARNESLEY, Stain. Barseland, Mor. Bashall, Stan▪ Bashall Stan. Ba●ings Mor. B●i●ley, Mor. Ba●wicke Skir. BAWTRE, Stras. Baylden, Skir. Beausle●, Clar. Beacliffe, Stras. Bearle● Hall, Mor. Beel, Osgod. Beckwith, Clar. B●ggerm●nss, S●●nss. Be●ston, Mor. Bekon▪ Austy. Ben●ham, Stan▪ Ben●ley, Stras. B●rle●, Bark. Betlunstr●y▪ Clar. Be●●●es● Hill, Bark. Bikerton, An●●y Bilb●rge, Ansty▪ Bill●m, Stras. Billi●gle●, Stras. Bilton, Ansty▪ Bilton Clar. Bingla● Sk●r. Bi●cklin▪ Bark▪ Birstw●th, Clar. Blackstone Edge. Agg. Boland forest▪ Sta●. Bolling▪ Mor. Bolton, S●an. Bolton, Mor. Bodgate Clar Boulton▪ St●●. Boulton, Stras. Bou●ne. Bowland Forrest, Stan. Bowste●st●n. ●tras. Bracthwell Stras. Bradley, Mor. Bradley, Mor. Bradly Chapel Stan. Bradefeild Stras. BRADFORD, Mor. Bradforth, Stan. Bradsay▪ Skir. Branham, Bark. Branham Moor, Skir. Bramley, Stras. Bramley, Mor. Bramope, S●ir. Brampton, Stras. B●ampton in Moc●hing Stras. Br●mpton By●r●e●, Stras. Bramwith, Stras. Brandley, Stan.. Brasewell, S●an. Brawell▪ Str s. Brayto●, Bark. Br●arton, Clar. Br●tton, S●ain. Breton Agg. Brexeton, Clar. Brierley, Stain. Brierley Park, Stain. Brinham Clar. Brightside, Stras. Brodholme, Stras. Brod●worth, Stras. Bromeh●ll, Stras. Bro●herton, Bark. Broug●ton, Stan. Brunclyffe, Mor. Buerley, Clar. Buckdon, Stan. Burghwalles, Osgod. Burlay Skir. Burnsall▪ Stan. BURROW▪ BRIDGE, Cl. Burton Bark. Burton, Stan. Burton Grange, Stain. Burton Leonard, Clar. Burstall▪ Mor. bishop Monckton, Clar. bishop thornton, Clar. Bushopside, Clar. Bushopton, Clar. Bushopton, Clar. Bushopthorpe, Ansty. Byerley North, Mor. Byggin, Bark. Byrkin, Bark. Byrom, Bark. C Cadeby S●ras. Caiton, Clar. Calder Flu. Calton, Stan. Caluerley Mor. Cam-hill, Slain. C●mleforth Bark. Campsall Osgod. Carelton, Stain. Carleton, Aggb. Carlton Skir. Carlton Stan. Carleton, Bark. Castlesorth, Osgod. Castleton, Clar. Castle, Clar. cattle, Clar. cattle Great, Clar. Cat●●●ton, Austy. Caulder Flu, C●utley, Stras. Cawod Castle, Bark. Cawthorne, Stan. Cayley, Skir. Chappleton Skir. Chapel Hadlesay, Bark. Chet●hall▪ Agg. Chid●all Mor. Church Fenton, Bark. Clack Heato a, Mor. Clapham, Stan. Clapham, Stan. Clayton, Mor. Clayton, Stras. Clayton Stain. Clyfford, Bark. Clyfford, Bark. Cl●fton, Stras. Clyfton, Mor. Clyfton, Mor. Clyfton▪ Clar. Clint, Clar. C●●hero▪ Clar. Collingham▪ Skir. Colny Chapel, Mor. Con●shton Cole, Stan. Conondly, Stan. Conysto●, Stan. Capgrau●, Clar. Copley, Mor. Copley Hall▪ Mor. Coppentho●pe, Ansty. Coulton, Ansty. County Stone, Stan. Cowhous●, Clar. Cowley, Stras. Cowicke, Osgod▪ Cowlling, Stan. Cowthorpe, Clar. Crakow, Stan. C●rlet●●, Agg. C●igg●e●ton▪ Agg. Cro●gaite▪ Clar Crosland, Agg. Crosland South, Agg Crofton, Agg. Croston Chapel, Mor. Croston▪ Agg. C●umweth, M●r. Cudw●rth, Stain. Cum●erw●rth, Stain▪ Cumberwort●, Ag. C●llinworth, Mor. Cun●brough, Stras. Cusworth, Stras. D Dalton, Stras. Dalton, Agg. Danstrop, Stras. Darfeid●, Stras. Darley, Clar Darnal●, Stras' Darnbroke, Slain. Darring●on, Osgod. Dar●on, Stain▪ D●b●ale, Stan. Denby, Stras. Denby, S a●n. Denby Ashgrange, Ag. Denby Hall, Stain. Denholme Park, Mor. Denaeley, Stras. Dent. Stan. Dent, Flu. Den on Hall▪ Clar. Dew●stbu●y▪ Mor. South Dig●ton, Clar. Dight●n North, Clar. Dodworth, Stain. DONCASTER, S●r. Donke●wicke▪ Clar. Draughton, Stan. Draughton, Stan. Drax, Brak. Drax, Stras. Drighlington, Mor. Dringhouses, Ansty. Dun. Flu./ Dun, Flu. Du●fotd over, Clar. neither Dunford▪ Clar. D●●ningley, Mor. Dynington, Stras. E Eastbrand, Mor. Ea●●leforth, Osgod. Ecelfeild. Stras. Ecelsall, Stras. Ecclesell Mor. Ecope, Skir. Edling●on, Str●s. Eghrough, Osgod Eland, Mor. Eland Hall, Mor. Elinworth Chappel, Mor. Elmesall North, Osgod. Elmesall South, Osgod. Elstake▪ Stan. Elu●ley, Agg. E●●ley, Agg. Emsey, Stan. Emshaw Stan. Eabuchworth, Stain, Eringdon, Mor. Esht●n, Stan. Esington, Stan. Estb●, Stan. Estfeild▪ Mor. Ewoot. Mor. Extrope, Stra. F. Farneley, Mor. Farnley, Mor. Farnley, Agg. Farsley, Mor. Fayerbourne, Bar. Fearn●ill Stan. Felkirke Stain. Felliscliffe, Clar. Fenton South▪ Bar. Fenn●cke Chapel. Stra. Ferneham▪ Clar. Ferneley, Clar. Ferr●, Stras. Ferr● Bridge Osgod. Fetherston, Osgod. Fla●bie, Clar. Flasbie Stan. Flockton neither, Agg. Flockton Ou●r, Agg. Fishlake, Stras. Fi●beck, Stras. Fixbie, Mor. Frickley, Stras. Fyinden, Mor. Fokerby, Osg. Follifet, Clar. Fo●taines' Abbey, Clar. Foulby, Agg. Foyston, Clar. Furbeck, Stras. Fuyston, Clar. G Gairforth, Bark. Gairforth, Skir. Gargrave, Stan. Gatshall Stan. Ga●●e, S ras. Gaughey, Clar. Gauthorpe, Clar. Gauthorpe, S●ir. Gevendall, Clar. Giggleswicke, Stan. Gildenw●lleses, Stra. Gilkirke, Stan. Gir●n●gton, Stan. Grismton, Stan. Gi●borne, Stan. Gislay, S●●. Goal, Osgod. Golthrop, Stras. Gom●●●all, Mo. Goosehurst. Bar. Gorpil Hill, Mor. Gould●ll, Osgod. G uldesburgh. Clar. Gow●hwate, Clar. Gledles, Stras. G●usborn, Stan. Glu●oune, Stan. Grafron▪ Bar. G●aston, Clar. G antley, Clar. Graves●u●g. Stras. Great Flu. G●a●brough, Stras. Grene Woodley, Mor. Gretland Mor. Grew●lthorpe, Clar. Grindleton, Stan. Grynleton, Stan. Grymston, Bar. Ganthwa●te. Stan▪ Gurton Salmon, Bar. H. H●dlesai West, Bar. Halla●, Stras. HALLIFAX, Mor. hallows, Mor. Halton East, S an. Halton West Stan. H●lworth, Mor. H●merton Grene, Clar. Hamledon, Bark. Hampall, Stras. Hampesth●●it, Clar. H●ndlethe▪ S●an. H●rden, Mor. Hardwick, Osgod. Hardington, S ras. Harroga●ie, Clar. H●rreshead, Mor. H●rthill, Stras. Hartlington. Stan. H●rton in Craven▪ Stan. H●rwood, Skir. Haselwood, Bark. Hasley, Clar. Hatefeile, Stras. Ha●feile chase, Stras. Hatherker, Clar. Hauderby, Osg. Havercrofte, Slain. Haugh, Stras. Hauke●worth head, Stras. Hausworth, Stras. Hawden park, Skir. Hawksweeke, Stan. Hawkesworth, Skir. Hawethe▪ Mor. Hawton, Stan. H●ynlythe, Stan. Headingley▪ Skir. Hay-parke, Clar. Headighe, Anst. Headygh●, Anst Heaton Clack, Mor. Heaton Chapel, Mor. Heaton in Brudfordale, Mor. Heath, Agg. Hebeen, Stan. Hebeen, ●lu. Heck great, Osgod. Heck little, Osgod. H●ckmondwicke, Mor. Heley, Stras. Hellaby, Stras. He●lufeild, S●an. Helton, Stan. Hemsall Osgod. Hemsworth, Osgod. Hepeonstall, Mor. H●rfeild, Clar. Heshey, Clar. Hewick Clar. Hickleton, Stras. H ckleton, Stras. Higham, Bark. Hillom, Bark. Himself Slain. Hipeholme, Mor. H●dder, Flu. Hoke, Osgod. Hollinfirth, Agg. H●mley, Agg. Honsingare, Clar. Hooton levet, Stras. Hooton panel, Stras Hooton Robert, Stras. Horbirry, Agg. H rton, Mor. Horton, Mor. Hor●on o● Rib, Stan. Horff●rthe, Skir. H●ughton, Osgod. Houghton great, S●ras. Houghton little, Stras. Howdenhous●, Stras. Howdenparke, Skir. Howley hall, Mor. Howne, Stain. Howtongill Chapel, Stan. Howland, Stras. Ho●lland high, Slain. Hoylland swain, Slain. Hubberton, Stan. Huboram, S●ain. Hudderfe●ld, Agg. Hu●dleston, Bark. Hudleston, Bark. Hunsener, Clar. Himself Slain. Hunsworth, Mor. Hunsle●, Mor. Huerst, Back. Hutherfeild, Mor. Hatton, Anst. H●ndley North, Stain. Hymsworthe, Slain. I Idle, Mor. ●lk●a●, Skir. Ingbirchworth, Stain. Ingerthorpe, Clar. Ingerthorpe Clar Ingleborow hill, S●an. Ingleton, Stan. Ingleton, Stan. Ingmanthoro, Clar. KING Kebeck, Flu. Kebeck, Flu. K●creby, Clar. Keighley, Stan. Keling hall, Clar. K●llington, Osgod. Kerbrough, Stain. K●rstall, Skir. Kettesdale spring, Stan. Kettlesmed, Clar. K●ttlewell, Stan. Keswick East, Skir. Kidhall, Skir. Kildweeke, Stan. KING lholme, Stras. K●linghall, Clar. K●●ma●she, Stras. K●lnsey, Stan. K●●berworth, Stras. Ki●esdale spring, Stan. Kirsley, Osgod. Kipax, Skir. K●kbee, Stan. K●rkbye, Bark. Kirkbie, Clar. K●●b●e madsyd●▪ Clar. K●rkbie ove●bloweses, Cl● K●kby South, Osgod. Kirke burton, Agg. Kirke dighton, Clar. Kirke heaton, Agg. Kirke hamerton, Clar. K●rklesse, Mor. Kirk sandal S ras. KING ttingley, Osgod. Kn●pton, Aust. KNARESBROUGH, Clar. Knaresburgh Forest, Clar. K●idling pa●k▪ Osgod. L L●e●ke, Stan. Lady cross, Slain. Lambrekedike, Flu. Land-North Mor. Land-East, Mor. Langeliffe▪ Stan. Langfeild Mor. Langhton, Stras. Langrike, Bar. Langthwat, Stras. Langset Stain. Langstrehdale chase, Stan. Langstrehdale chase, Stan. Lareton, Clar. Leadhall, Bar. Leathley, Clar. Ledsam, Bar. Ledstone, Bar. Ledston little, Bar. Ledston little, Skir. LEEDS, Skir. Leeds kirkga●t, Skir. Leeds man●ridding, Skir. Leighton in the morn●ng. Stras. Lepton, Agg. Letwell, Stras. Letwell, Stras. Leventhorpe, Mor. Leu●rsall▪ Stras. Lever●edge, Mor. Lightcliffe chapel, Mor. Lindl●y, Clar. Linton, Clar. Lockwood, Agg. Lodghouse, Clar. Ludd●rton, Bar. Luddington, Mor. Lumby, Bar. Luone, Flu. Lyndley, Clar. Lyndholme, Stras. Lynton, Stan. Lytton, S●an. M Maleby, Stras. Malewry, Clar. Maltby, Stras. Maltham, Stan. Malwater, Stan. Markingfeild, Clar. Markington, Clar. Maningham, Mor. mar▪ S●ras. Marsden, Agg. Marsh land▪ Osg. Marsh ditch, Osg. Marton, Bar. Marton, Clar. Marton East, Stan: Marton West, Stan. S. Maries, Bar. Maulam▪ Stan. Maw●irss, Stan. Medley, Agg. Melton high, Stras. Melton West, Stras. Meltham▪ Agg. Menston, Skir. Menwith, Clar. Meston upon mount, Str. Meathley, Agg. Mexbrough, Stras. Michlehaw hill, Clar. Miekl●feild, Bar. Middle headsley, Bar. Middlesmet▪ Clar. Middleton, Clar. Middleton, Mor. Middlethorpe, Aust. Milforth North, Bar. Milforth South, Bar. Minskippe, Clar. Mitton, Stan. Mecemunkton, Clar. Merehouse, Stras. Moreton, Skir. Morley Mor. Morton, Sk●r. Mulwith, Clar. Munckb●eton, St●in. Munckfriston▪ Bar. Myddop, Stan. Mydgley, Mor. M●dhop chap. Stras. Mynskip, Clar. M●rfeild, Mor. Myssise, Clar. Mitto●, Stan. N. Nappay, Stan. N●ffeild, Cla. Netherdale, Cle. Netherton, Agg. Newbiggen, Skir. Newbiggen, Stan. N●wb●e, Clar. Newhall, Sras. Newhall, Stan. Newhall Clar. New Park, Agg. Newland, Bar. Newland, Agg. Newthorpe, Bar. Newthorpe Bar. Newthoase, Cla. Newsholme, S●an. New●ome, Stan. Newton, Stan. Newton, Stan. Newton Hall, Cla. Newton kin, Bar. Nonnewicke, Clar. N●nmonckton, Cla. Notton S●ain. Nostall, Osgod. Nydd, Cla. Nid, Flu. North-land, Mor. Mormanton, Agg. Norton▪ Osgod. Nun Aplet●n, Ba. OH Okenshaw, Mo. Okeworth, Stan. Old Town, Mo. Ollerton, Ba. Olton, Mo. Osendike▪ Ba. Osset, Agg. Osset, Agg. OTLAY Sk●. Otterburne, Stan. Ouendon▪ Mor. Oulcotes▪ Stan. Ouse Flood, Cla. Outwood, Ba. Owlerton, Stras. Owstom North, Mo. Owstum South, Mo. Outwood, Agg. Oxnop, Mo. Ox●pringe, Stain▪ Oxton, Ansty. P Padside, Clar. Pannall, Clar. Parlington, Skir. Patley Bridge, Clar. Paythorne, Stan. Pennygent-hill Stan. Penoyston▪ Stain. Pigbu●ne Stras. Pinnow hill, Stan. Plompton, Clar. Pollington, Osgod. PONTEFRACT, Osgod. Poppleton neither, Clar. Poppleton Over, Clar. Posthouse, Agg. Potter Newton, Skir. Poll, Sk●r. Preston, Osgod. Preston Long, Stan. Pudsey, Mor. Purston, Skir. Q Quarnb●e, Agg. Quick, Agg. R Radon park, Stan. Ramsgill. Clar. Rams-mill, Stan. Ranfeild, Stras. Rastricke, Mor. Rather Flu. Ranucliffe, Osg. Rawden, Skir. Rawmarsh Stras. Rawthinell, Stan. Redhouses, Clar. Red●esse, Osg. Remmogton, Stan. Ribble, Flu. Stain. Ribton Hall, Clar. Riddleston, Skir. Rigton, Skir. Rigton▪ Clar▪ Rilston, Stan. Ripax Clar. RIPPON, ●la. Riponden▪ Mor. Roche, Stra. Rocley, Stain. Rocliffe, Cla. Rodeshall Mor. Rondhay, Ski. Rofington, Stras. ROTHERHAM Stra. Rothwell, Mor. Rosset, Cla. Roiston, Stai●. Ruff●rd, Ansty. Rush Park, Bir. Rushforth, Skir. Rybstone Great, Cla. R●bstone little, Cla. Ryle, Stain. RYPLEY, Clar. R●shworth, Mor. Ryther, Bar. S Sandall, Stra. Sandal Agg. Sandall, Stra. Sandbecke, Stra: Saddleworth Agg. Sapeden, Mo. Sawley, Cla. Sawlle Stan. Saxton, Bar. Scalnie Park. Bar. Scharthingwell, Bar. Scausbie, S●ras. Scawsbie, Stra. Sc●●cole. Mor. Scothorpe, Stan. Scotten, Cl●. Scryven, Clar. Scacro●●e, aches. Sedber, Stancliffe. SELBY, Bar. SETTLE, Stan. Shadwell, Ski. Sha●leston, Agg. Sharo, Clar. Sharphill, Bar. Shaston, Stain. Sheaffeild Manner, Stra. Sheapley Agg. SHEFFEILD▪ Stra. Sheffeild Manor, Stras. Shelburgh, Osgod. Shelf, Mor. Shellen, Agg. Shelle, Agg. SHERBORN, Bar. Sherston, Agg. Shibden, Mor. Shipley, Mor. Shitlingtou, Agg. Sicklinghall, Clar. S●l●den, S●an. Scale park, Stan. Sk●lgaite, Clar. Skelton, Clar. SKIPTON, Stan. Skircotes, Mor. Sladbone, Stan. Slaghwaite, Agg. Slandburne, S●a●n. Slem●ngforth, Clar. Smavis, Bar. Smeton, Osgod. SNATHE, Osgod. Saidale, Agg. Sootill, Mor. Sowerby, Mor. Sowerby bridge, Mor. Sowland, Mor. Spoforth, Clar. Spoforth park, Clar. Spritbrough, Str. Sprodbrug Str. Spruston, Skir. Staineland, Mor. Stainton, Str. Sta●ford, Str. Stame, Car. Stanfeild, Str. Stanley, Agg. Stanley, Agg. Stanley, Clar. Stanley North Clar. Staneland, Mor. Stanff●ild, Mor. Stan●eild, Mor. Staveley, Clar. Staynebeck neither, Clar. Staynebeck upper, Clar. Stayneber hall, Slain. Stayneborne, Clar. Staynebrough, Stain. Stayneley, Clar. Sta●neley North, Clar. Stayneforth, Stras. Stayneforth, Stan. Staynyngton, Stras. Stapleton, Osgod. Stathoton, Stan. Steton, Stan. S●et●●hull, Aust. Stokell, Clar. Stockerle, Clar. Stubbes, Str. Stubham, Clar. Studley, Clar. Studeley great, Clar. Streeton, Stan. Streeton hall, Anst. Streetethorpe, Str. Sturton, Stan. Stutton, Bar. Suthill, Mor. Sutton, Bar. Sutton, Stan. Swiling●on, Skir. Swinden, Stan. Swinefleete, Osgo●. Swinton, Str. Sykehouse chapel, Str. Synnenthwate, Anst. Syntton▪ Str. Syxforthe, Clar. Sylxton, Stain. T Tadca●●er, Bar. Tanke●sley, Stan. Tawne, Agg. Temple Newson, Skir. turn, Stan. Thorn, Str. Thorn, Str. Thornecrosse, Clar. Thornecliffe, Str. Thornehill, Agg. Thorn, Str. Thorn mere, Str. Thorner, Skir. Thornthwa●e, Clar. Thornto●, Mor. Thornton, Stan. Thornton in Craven, Stan. Thornton in Lonsdale. Stan. Thorpe▪ Clar. Thorpe, Clar. Thorpe, Bar. Thorpe, Str. Thorpe on the Mount, Mor. Thorpotch, Anst. Thorpsalue, Str. Threshfeild, Stan. Thriborgh, Str. Thropsaluyn, Str. Thurgosaad▪ saint ●in. Thurlston, Stain. Thurnsco, S ras T●urn●co, Str. Thu●sland, Agg. Thurstonland, Agg. Tinglaw, Mor. Tockwith, Anst. Todwicke, Str. tongue, Mor. Topclyffe Mor. Towton, Bar. Towton, Bar. Treton, Str. Tristrop Str. Turnebrigdike, Flu. Tweselton, S an. Tyckhill, Str. Tylen, Str. T●mble great, Clar. Tymblelittle, Clar. Tynslaw, Str. V Vghtershaw, Stan. Vl●ay, Str. Vpton, Osgod. Vibane great, Clar. Vibane little, Clar. Vskell, Bar. W Waddesley bridge. Str. Waddington, Stan. Waddington, Stan. Wadworth, Str. Wadworth, Str. Wadsworth, Mor. Wakefeild Kirkegate, Agg. Wakefeild No●thgate, Agg. WAKEFEILD Westgate, Ag. Waldinwells, Str. Wadkingham, Clar. Wales, Str. Walls, Str. Walloth wa●te. Cla. Walton, Agg. Walton, Anst▪ Walton head Cla. Warley, Mo●. Warmfeild, Agg. Warmsworth, Str. Warmsworth, Str. Wa●sbrough, Stain. Water fr●●ton, Osgod. Warerton hall, Agg. Watersham, Skir. Wath upon de●e, Str. Washbroke, Flu. Washforth, Clar. Weardlay, Skir. Wecton, Clar. Went, Flu. Wentbrig, Osgod. Wentworth, Str. Wentworth, Str. Westbury, Stra. West Hall, Clar. West Houses. Clar. Westerton, Mor. Westgaite, Clar. WETHERBIE, Clar. Weston, C●ar. Wharfe Flu. Wharfe Flu. Wharinbye▪ Mor. Wharledale, Clar. Wharnside hill▪ Stan. Wheatlye, Stra. Wheatley, Str. Whelpeston Hill. Stan. Whitcliffe, Clar. Whitgi●t, Osg. Whitley Hall. Agg. Whitley, Agg. Whitwood, Agg. Whiston, Stra. Whi●ley, Clar. Whitley, Osged. Wibsey, Mor. wick, Mor. wick, Mor. Wickesley, Cla. Wickensley, Str. Widhophead, M●r. Widkirke, Skir. Wigill, Ansty. Wiggle●worth, Stan. Wigglesworth, Stan. Wightwesell, Stra. Wigton, Skir. Wike, Skir. Wi●eley, Strae. Wilsthorpe, Ansty. Wingby, Osg●d. Winterborne, Stan. Winterset Stain. Wistow, Bar. Woodham, Cla. Wolley, Stain. Wombroell, Stras. Womersle●, Osg●●▪ Woodall, Cla. Woodhouse, Str. Woodhouse, Str. Woodsoune Hall. Agg. Woodsets, Str. Workeley, Mor. Woorall, Str. Worsput, Stain. Wortley, Stain. Wragby, Osg●d. Wrenthorpe, Agg. Wysedale, stan. Y Yeadon, Skir. Yokenthwait, Stan. THese parts of the division of Yorkshire, the East and The bounds of the North and East-Ridings. North-Riding, are stretched out Eastward even to the Spurn-head, & on the North-coast are separated from the Bishopric of Durhame, and with the Sea: hath Westmoreland on the West, Humber on the South, and the Germane Sea upon the East, being separated each from other by the River Derwent, running The Air. betwixt them with a long winding course. (2) The air is subtle and piercing, and not inclined naturally to contagious infections, which causeth the people live long and healthfully, and are not so subject to Agues, Fluxes, or other imperfections, as those Countries be, that The soil and other commodities. are more troubled with mists or foggy vapours. (3) The Soil is generally indifferently fruitful, for though some part be craggy, mountainous, and full of Hills, yet some others exceeding good for the gifts of Nature in her delightsome varieties, as of Corn, Cattle, and Pasturage; with veins of Metal, and Iron, besides an Allum-earth of sundry colours, out of which some have lately begun to try very good Alum, and Coperasse. And for fish, the Hollanders and Zelanders do raise unto Herrings. themselves great profit upon this coast, having long since obtained licenc, which they keep still by an ancient custom: for the Englishmen granting leave unto others, reserved the honour to themselves, which would be no doubt far the greater if they made gain of their own labours. Kingston upon Hull. (4) Places for trade and venting forth of her commodities are many, yet none of such convenience as Kingston upon Hull: Which notwithstanding, cannot fetch her beginning from any great Antiquity (being before time called Wike.) King Edward the first, built this Town, making a Haven, and granting divers liberties to the Burgesses; so that it is risen to great state, both for state lie buildings, and strong Block houses for ships, well furnished, and store of Merchants, and is now become the most famous Stockfish. Town of that Country; whose greatest riches is ascribed to the gainful trade they have by Island fish, dried and hardened, commonly called Stockfish. This Town is governed by a Mayor (who hath the Sword of State carried before him) twelve Aldermen, that in their assemblies go clad in Scarlet, one Sheriff, a water-bailie, a swordbearer, a Chamberlain, a Recorder, a Town-clerk, and six Sergeants at Mace. Whose graduation according as the Mathematics have observed, is for longitude 20. degrees and 30. scruples, and for latitude 54. degrees and 28. scruples. Beverley a Sanctuary. (5) Beverley in honour of S. john Archbishop of York, by King Athelstane obtained many privileges, whereof a Sanctuary was one, wherein Bankrupts and men suspected of any capital crime, might be safe and free from danger of Law. This is memorable, that the River from Hull, was cut by the Townsmen, sufficient to carry boats and barges. Places where are stones found like Serpents. (6) Places of memorable note are Whit●y, where are found centaine stones fashioned like Serpents, folded and wrapped round in a wreath, even the very pastimes of Nature, who when she is wearied (as it were) with serious works, sometimes forgeth and shapeth things by way of sport and recreation: so that by the credulous they are thought to have been Serpents, which a coat or crust of stones had now covered all over, and by the prayers of S. Hilda turned to stones: And also there are certain fields here adjoining, where Geese flying over fall down suddenly Where Geese fall. to the ground, to the great admiration of all men: But such as are not given to superstitious credulity, may attribute this unto a secret propriety of this ground, and a hidden dissent betwixt this Soil and these Geese, as the like is Where a Seaman was caught. between Wolves and the Squilla roots. At Skengrane (a little village) some seventy years since, was caught a fish called a Seaman, that for certain days together fed on raw fishes, but espying his opportunity escaped again into his watery Element. At hunt-cliff are found stones of a yellowish, others of a reddish colour of a certain salt matter, which by their smell and taste make show of Coperosse, Nitre, and Brimstone. Also great store of Marqu●sites in colour resembling Brasie. Water for diseased eyes. Ounsbery Hill, besides a spring of medicinable waters for the eyes, is a prognostication unto her neighbours; whose head being covered with a cloudy cap, presageth some tempestuous storms or showers to follow. So doth another Black Amber o● Ict. place near Moulgrave Castle, where is found black Amber or jest: some take it to be Gagates, in old time a Gem, and precious stone of great estimation. At Huntly Nabo, are stones found at the roots of certain rocks, of divers bigness, so artificially shaped round by nature, in Round stones with stony Serpents in them. manner of a Globe, as if they had been made by the Turner's hand. In which (if you break them) are found stony Serpents, enwrapped round like a wreath, but most of them headless. The battle of Battlebridge. (7) Matters for martial note, are the Battles fought at Battlebridge (of which it takes the name) where Harald King of England, had a great victory against the Danes, who with a fleet of two hundred sail, grievously annoyed the I'll of Britain Where Harald the King of Norway was slain, & Harold of England besides the honour of the field, found a great mass of gold. Also the Battle commonly The battle of the Standard. David King of Scots. called the Battle of Standard; in which David King of Scots was put to flight, and the English made a great slaughter of his people. Mowbray. At Thr●ske, Roger Mowbray out of his strong Castle displayed his banner, and called the King of Scots to the overthrow of his own native Country, even at that time, when King Henry the second. King Henry the second, had (as it were) rashly digged his own grave by investing his son King, in equal authority with himself: But his rebellion was in the end quenched with blood, and the Castle quite dismantelled, ●o that beside a ditch & rampire, there is no sign or show left of a Castle. Religious house● (8) Places of pierie erected in these parts, were the Abbey of S. Hilday built near Dunesley. The fair and rich Abbey of Gisburgh, built about the year of our salvation Dunesley. Gisburgh. 1110. The priory of Canons founded at Kirkham. The Monastery near unto Beverley, which Beda nameth Deirwaud. Kirkham. Deirwaud. The Monastery of S. Michael by Hull. The two Abbeys of Newborough and Biland. The Abbey of Mea●x, and an● other not far from Cottingham, which the founder purposely built for the Monks of the Cluniacke▪ Order: that ●hee might bereleased of the vow he had made to visit Jerusalem: all of them resorted unto by continual concourse of Pilgrims, to make their adorations in those days of ignorance; but since the true God hath unmasked the errors of those times by the truth of his word, the same places are worthily become the subjects of his just displeasure, for worshipping Images and false tutelar Gods, in stead of the true and everliving Saviour. Market towns. (9) These parts and divisions of Yorkshire, consisting upon the North and East Ridings, containeth twenty ●ive Market Towns for buying and selling, eleven Castles for strength and fortification, and 459. pavishes for Gods divine worship, under which be very many Chapels, for number of Inhabitants, equal to very great parishes. An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and memorable places mentioned in the North and East Riding of Yorkshire. North-riding Hundreds. 1 Gillingwest Wapen. 2 Gillingeast Wapen. 3 Allerton Shire. 4 Langbargh Libe●. 5 W●it●ystrand Liber. 6 Pickering Wapentak. 7 rydal Wapen. 8 Bulmer Wapen. 9 Burd●orth Wapen. 10 Hallikeld Wapen. 11 Hangeast Wapen. 12 Hangwest Wapen. East-riding Hundred● 1 Buc●rosse Wapen. 2 Dyckering Wapen. 3 Holdern●ss Wapen. 4 O●se & Darwent wa. 5 Howdensher Wapen. Harthil w Wilt●n Devi. Bay●t●n Devi. Hol●e Devi. H●nsley Devi. A Abbane Chapel Dyckering. Acklam, Langba●gh. Acklam, Buccrosse. Agle●horpe, Hangwest. Anderby aniers, H●●geast. Anderby Whernhow Hal●ikeld. Aisniby H●llikeld. Aisk●w, Hangeast. Aiskugge, Hangwest. Atton Dickering Aldbrough, Hangest. Aldby, Buccross●. Aldwarke Bul●. Allerthorpe Hal●i. Allerthorpe, Wilto●. Allest●n, 〈◊〉. ALLERTON, North, Allerton. Alune, Bulmer. Anderby Steeple, Gillingeast. A●otherby, Rydale. Ampleforrh, Burd●orth. Ampleforth, Rydale. Aperside, Hangwest. Applegarth Forrest, Gillingw. Applegarth, Mansk, Gillingw. Appleton, ●ydall. Appleton, rydal. Appleton, Lang. Appleton East, Hangest. Appleton West, Hangest. Arden, Burdf. Ardenside, Burdf. Ark, Flu. Arkengarth Dade, Gillingw. Arncl●ffe▪ Burdf. Arngill Gillingwest. Armanthwate, Lang. A●ran, H●ld. Arsham, Lang●. A●ke, Gillingw. Asselby, Howd. A●wicke Hold. Auderby, H●●gest. Auderby, Hangest. Aughton, H●lme. A●ldbu●g● Gillingw. Aumond Park, Burdf. Awlbrough, Hold. Awthorne, Hangwest. Ay●karth, H●ngwest. Ayslab●, Pick. Aysleybye, Lang. Ayton great, Lan. Ayton little, Langb. B Babthorpe, Derw●nt. Bagby, Burdf▪ Baldensby, Halli. Bainbridge, Hangw. Banny Flu. Barden, Hangw. Barforth, G●llingw. Barhouse, Huns. Barleby, Derwent. Barmby, Hewed. Barmeston, Hold. Barmingham, G●llingw. Barnbie Lan. Barnloye, Wilton. Barnsdale Chap. Rydale. Barton, Halli. Barton, Bulm. Barton, Gilli●ge. Barton in the street, Rydal. Barton upon Your, Hang. Barthorpe, Ba●●. Berwick, Langb. Ba●bie Lang. Bat●er●bi●, Langb. Bauder Flu. Bauder Dale, Gilling. Balderskar●h Hill, Gillingw. Baurgh little, rydal. Baurgh great, rydal. Bayesdale, Lang. Bayn●o●, Baynto●. Bealbie, H●lme. bedal, Hangest. Belby, Hewed. Bella●by, Hangwest. Bella●isse, Hewed. B●ntley, Huns. Bempton, Dyck. Bemingbrough, Bul. Bemingham, H●ld. Bery-chaple, Bucc. Bessonby, Dyck. Bess●wicke▪ Baynton. BEVERLEY, Ha●s. Bewdlam, Rydal●. Bewham, H●ld. B●land old, Burdf. Biland Abbey, B●●df. Bilsdale, Ryd●l. Bill●ald Budf. Bilton, H●ld. Birdsall, Bucc. Birkbie, Al●er. Birkdale, Hangw. Blackholme, Howd. Black●ost▪ Howd. Blayden, Hangw, Bl●kar Moore, W●it. Blan●by Park, Pick● Bolton, Gillingw. Bolton Wilton. Bolton Gillingw. Barnell, H●w. Booth, Hewed. Bortobie Burdf. Borrowbie, All●●. Borrowbie L●ng. Bossal●▪ Bulm●r▪ Boultbie, Burf. Boulton East, H●ngw●st. Boulton west▪ H●●gw●st. Bourne, H●lm●. Bouwicke's H●ld. Bowe●, Gillingwest. Boynton, Dyck. Boythorpe, Dyck. Br●cken, B●ynto●▪ Brakenborgh Burd. Br●ckenbolme, 〈◊〉. Br●dley Ha●gw. Brickhall Ha●g●. Bransdale, Ryd●l●. Brunesbur●oe, H●ld▪ Branking●am Huns. Branthingham, Howd▪ THE NORTH AND EAST RIDINS OF YORKSHIRE Alan E of Brit et Rye Geffrey 4 sun to KH 2 Guy Viscount ●o●rs Ranulph E. of Chester Peter de Dreux E Peter de Savoy ER john D. of Britain john of Gaunt D of Lan john D of Britain E Ralph E of Westmer. john D. of Bedford E Humphrey D of Glouces Edmond Hadham E Henry fixed Roy D. of R HULL Places observed 1 S ●●ryes Church 2 Trinity Church 3 Kings Place 4 Guill Hall 5 Free School 6 north Gate 7 Beverley Gate 8 P●sterne Gate 9 Mitton Gate 10 hassel Gate 11 Merchants R●● 12 Bl●ck Friars Gate 13 Grimb Lane 14 Church Lane 15 Ch●rch S●●yres 16 High ●●rete 17 S●elgate Lane 18 Bi●●opss Lane 19 Chapel Lane 20 Chapel Stairss 21 Sod●s● Lane 22 Pos●er● Lane 23 Beverley street 2● The l●nd●●g place 25 The block●o●seses 26 The Castle 27 The Fortification RICHMOND A u●●lt that goeth under the R●●er and ascendeth up into the Castle. 1 The Ankriche 2 French gate 3 Neat market 4 The Friary 5 Free School 6 Kirks ●●ll 7 Fulling mill 8 New ●●gen 9 The Daily 10 Finkle street 11 Trini●y Chap 12 The Church 13 Saint I●●es ch●p. 14 〈◊〉 15●●●gate ●●●gate 〈◊〉 16 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 17 green ●●ll 18 The Castle 19 Cas●●ll ●●ll The Arms of such Noble Families, as have borne the Dignity of Earls of Richmond and holderness since the Normans conquest. Earls of holderness Drugo de Buerer E Stephen de Blois E. H William de Ma●ndevile Baldwin de Bet●n E. William de Fortibus Edward E. of Rutland THE SCALE OF MILES Cum Privilegio. 1610 Performed by john. Speede. And are to be sold in Pope's head Alley against the Exchange by john Sudbury and George Hu●bell. Brantby, Bulmer. Bra●ferton, Bulmer. Brawby, Rydal. Braw●●n, Aller. BRIDLJNGTON, Dic. Bridlington key, Dyc Brighton▪ Holm. Brigham Dyck. Brigwell Gillingw. Briscoe east, Gillingw. Briscoe west, Gillingw. Brittinby, Gillinge. Bromefleete, Huns. Brompton, Aller. Brompton, Dyck. Brompton, Pick. Brompton▪ up on Swayle Gillinge. Brotton, Langb. Brough, Hold. Broughton, Rydal. Broughton great Lang. Broxay, Whit. Bubwith, Holm. Buckton, Dyck. Budicke park, Lang. Bugthorpe, Bucc. Bulmer, Bulm. Burdforth Burdf. Burdghall, Hangeast. Burgh, Hun. Burnby, Wilton. Burnby, Holm. Burnholm●, Holm. Burmston, Pick. Burnholm south, Holm. Burmston, Halli. Burnton, Gillinge. Burrell Hangest. Burrobie, Aller. Burton, Gillinge. Burton, Hangw. Burton, Hangeast. Burton Agnes, Dyck. Burton Bishops, Huns. Burton Constable. Hangw Burton Constable, Hold. Burton Fleming▪ Dyck. Burton North, Dycker. Burton Piesley, Hold. Burstalgarth, Hold. Burstwicke, Hold. Burstwick, Hold. Busbie Langb. Bushopdale, Hangw. Buttercramb, Bul. Butterside, Hangw. Butterswick, Rydal. Butterwick Dyck. Byford, Hold. Byland Abbey, Burdf. Bymington, Dyck. C Camerton, Hold. Camp, Dyck. Capilbroke, Hangw. Carlton, Hold. Carleton, Rydal. Carleton, Burd. Carleton, Burd. Carleton, Lang. Carleton, Hangw. Carnaby, Dyck. Carp●●bie, Hangw. Carthorpe, Halli. Castleton, Lang. Catfosse, Hold. Caton▪ Pick. Catt●ricke, Hangeast. Cattewicket, Hangw. Catton, Wilton. Catton, Burdf. Catwicke, Hold. Cave south, Huns. Cave south, Huns. Cavet-house, Hangw. Cavil▪ ●●wd. Cauthorne, Pic. Cauthorpe, ●a●li. Cauton, Rydal. Cawburgh, hangw. Cawdwell, Gillingw. Cawton, rydal. Caythorpe, Dyck. Caynham▪ hold. Cherry burton▪ huns. Claxton, Bul. Cleasbie, Gillingw. Cleve Landlord Langb. cliff, Gillingw. cliff, Derwent. cliff north, huns. cliff south, huns. Clifton, hangeast. Cloughton, Pick Clowbecke, Gillingea. Clifton, Bulm. Codbecke Flu. Codbecke Flu. Coldon▪ hold. Colingham, huns. Colton, Rydal. Coltow Flu. Conisthorpe, Bul. Conystone, hold. Coolam, Bucc. Coram, hangw. Cornebrough, Bul. Cotcliffe, Aller. Cotham, Bucc. Cotham east, Lang. Cotham west, Lang. Cotehouse, Pick. Cothenstone, Gillingw. Cotnes, howd. Cottingham, hursley. Cotinwith, Derwent. Cottingwith East. holm. Cotton, Dyc●. Couckwold, Burd. Cove●ham, hangw. Coverhood, hangw. Co●l●b●e, Burd. Coudney, Flu. Coun●a●, Halli. Cowbor●e, Hangeast. Cowlby, Langh. Cowling, Hangeast. Cowton East, Gillinge. Cowton north▪ Gillinge Cowton south, Gillinge. Crage, Gillingw. Craik● Castle Bul. Crakall, Hangeast. Crakehall, Burd. Crakpot, Hangwest. Crambnie, Bul. Crawthorne, Langh. Croome, Buc. Cropton, Pick. Crostbridge, Gillinge. Crowmond abbey. Lan. Cudderston, Gillingw. Cundall, Halli. Cun●b●e, Langb. D Dailetowne, Burd. Dalton, Burd. Daltons', Gillingw. Dalton North, Bayn. Dalton South, Hunsl. Dal●on upon tease, gilw. Danby, Hangw. Danby, Langb. Danby Park., Langb. Danby upon wiske, Guile. Danthorpe, Hold. Dawby, Bul. Dawton, Gillingest. Dope Dale, Gillingwest. Derwent, flu. Dighton, Aller. Dighton, Derwent. Dinsdell, Aller. Differth, Halli●. Donnington, Derwent. Dow, Flu. Drewton, Huns. Driffeild great, Bayn. Driffeild little Bayn. Dringod, Hold. Dromanbye, Langb. Dripoole, Hold. Duffeild North, Derw. Duffeild South, Derw. Duggleby, Buc. Dunholme, Hangwest. Dunning●on, Hold. Dunsley over, Aller. Dunsl●e Whit●. E Easbie, Gillingwest. Ea●ebie, Langb. Eastbirne, Baynton. Easington, holderness. Easington, Langb. Easingwould, Bul. Eastnewton, Hold. Eastnes West, Rydale. Easton, Dyck. Eastrington, Howd. Eastrope, Holme. Eaton, Wilton. Ebberstone, Pick. Eckerbie, Hangeast. Eddlethorpe, Buc. Edstone, Rydale. Egleton, Gillingw. Egton, Langb. Elemere, Burdf. Ellarton, Hangwest. Ellerbecke, Aller. Ellerborne, Pick. Ellerbie, Hold. Ellerbye, Langb. Ellerker, Bever. Ellerker, Howd. Ellerton, Gillingiast. Ellerton, Hangeast. Ellerton, Holme. Ellington, hangeast. Ellingstring, hange. Elloughton, huns. Elsternwick, hold. Elton, huns. Eluington, Derwent, Emmotland, hold. Emswell, Baynton. Epelby, Gillingwest. Ereholme, Gillinge. Ereswick, Bul. Esk, hold. Eskdaleside, Whi●. Esktidge, Derwent. Estone, Dyck. Eston, Langb. Etherdwick, hold. Euelot, hangw. Euenton, Pick. Eueringham, holm. Euerley, Whi●. Euerthorpe, huns. Exilbie, halls. F Faceb●, Langb. Fanckefosse, Wilton. Farlington, Bul. Farmanby, Pick. Farndale, Ridale. Fawdington, Burd. Faxflee●e, huns. Fearby, hangeast Feildham, Gillingw. Felixki●ke, Burd. Fencottes, hangeast. Ferib●, huns. Filingdales, Whit. Finber, Buc. Fingall, hangw. Finghall, hangeast. Firby, hangeast. Firby, Buc. Fitling, hold. Fladmere, Ridale. Flamborough head, Dyc. Flawi●h, Bul. Flaxfleete, howd. Flaxton, Bul. Flaxton little, Bul. Flaymbrough, Dyck. Fletcham, hangeast. Flinton, ho●d. Flixton, Dick. Flottenby, Dyck. Fogathorpe, holm. Fordon, Dyck. Forset, Gillingw. Fosham, hold. Fosse, flu. Fosse, flu. Foston, Dyck. Fosse, Bul. Foulebridg●, Pyck Foulesu●ton, Derw. Fowlk●on, Dyck. Foxholes, Dyck. Foxton, Aller. Fra●th●r●e, Dyck. Franstenb●, Pick. Freburgh hill, Langb. Fremington▪ Gillingw. Freswick, Bul. Fridethorpe, Buc. Friton, Rydale. Frioppe hill, Rydale. Frodingham, hold. Frodingham North, hold. Fulfirth gate, Derw. Fulfurth water, Derw. Ful●utton, Wilton. Futg●rth, hold. Furev, Dyck. Fuling hall, Whit. Fyshholme, Dyck. G Gaintinby, halli. Gales, Gillingw. Gauthorpe, Bul. Gaustead, hold. Gauton, Dyck. Gariston, hangw. Garthum, huns. Garton, ho●d. Garton, Dyck. Gate hamesley, bul. Gautres forest, bul. Gembling, Dyck. Geruis abbey, hangw, Gilberdich, how. Gillamere, ridale. Gilling, Gillingw. Gilling Castle, rid●le. Gilmanby, Gillingw. Girlington Gillingw. G●rsby, Aller. GISBROUGH, Langb. Glaresdale Chapel, Langb. Golton, Langb. Goodale-house, hold. Goodmanham, holm. Gomerset, hangw. Gotelard, Pick. Govidale great, Will't Goulesby, bird. Gowetho●pe, Wilton. Goxhell, hold. Grang, bul. Gran●mere, Dyck. Grastwith, Burd. Graton, Baynton. Greenehowe, Lang. Greta Flu. Greta bridge, Gillingw. Grubthorpe, holm. Grimstone, Derwent. Grimeston, hold. Grimston north, Bucc. Grinton, hangwest. Gristroope▪ Pick. Growmond Ab. Lang. Grundall, Dyck. Gunby, holm. H Habton great, Ryda●. Habton little, Rydal. Hackforth hangeast. Hacknes Whit. Hallykell, Aller. Halsham▪ hold Handall Abbey, Langb. Hanxwell east, hangw Hanxwell west, hangw Happeswell, hangw. Harcaside, hangw. Hardraw, hangw. Harford Flu. Harlesay ea●t, Burds. Harlesay west, Aller. Harlethorpe, holm. Harneby hang. Haron, rydal. Harpham, Dyck. Harsewell, holm▪ Hartford, Gillingw. Harton, Bul. Harwa●rd dale, Whit. Hartwooddale Flu. Hatefeild hold. Hatfeild little, hold. Haton, Bulm. Haton, holm. Haulgat, Gillingw. Hawnabie, Gillinge. Hawnebie, Burd. Haxbie, Bul. Haustroppe▪ Dyck. HEADON, hold. Headev park hangeast. Healv▪ hangeast. Healy, hangnest. Heaton Aller. Helbecke lands, hangwest. HELMELEY. Helmsley neither, Bul. Helmsley over, Bul. Helperby, Bul. Helperby, Burdf. Helperthorpe, Buce. Helwith, Gillingwest. Hemsl y gate, Bul. Hemlington, Lang. Hemmingburgh, Derw. Hemsley, Rydal, Hermi●age huns. Heslington, Derwent. hessel, hunsley. Hesselskugh ●sh, huns. Hesterron east, Bucc. Heste●ron west, Bucc. Hewby, Bul. Hewicke, hal●i. Hewton, Bul. Hewworth, Bul. Hilderskill castle. Bul. Hilton, Lang. Hil●our, Bul. Hilton, hangeast Hilston, hold. Hinderthwarts, gillingw Hintington, Bul. Hinton, Bayn. Hipswell hang●. Hodgebecke, Flu. Holgate, Flu. Holgrave Aller. Ho●●am, hold. Holme, Aller. Holme Rydal. Holme in Spaldingmore holm▪ Holme upon Would. Baynt. Hollomil Cross. hangw. Holtby, hangeast. Holtb●, Bul. Holwich, Gillingw. Holwich ●ragge, Gillingw. Hompton, hold. Hope Gilling. Hophouse, hangw. Hornbie, Aller. Horn●●, hange. Hornsey, holder. Hornsey, beck, hold. Hornsey burton, hold. Hornley more, hold. Horse-house, hangw. Hosker, Whit. Housegarth, Whit. HOVINGHAM, Rid. HOWDEN, hold. Howdenprice, huns. How, hall. How, rydal, Howsham, Buce. Hude●well, h●ng. H●gget, W●●t HULL, huns. Hull, Flu. Humber flu. Humberton, halli▪ Humbleton, hold. Hummanby, Dyck. Hunsley house, huns. Hunton, hung west. Hurry, Gillingw. Husthtwate, Burd. Hutham, huns. Huton, Rydal. Huton, Gi' lingw. Hu tun, Longb. Huton, halli. Huton, Bul. Huton bwell, Aller. Huton bus●el, pick. Huton conyers, Aller. Hutton cranswick, bain. Hutton m●lgrave, Lan. Hutton Sand, Burdf H●lder●horpe, Dyck. Hynderwell, Lang. Hynde●k●ll. Bul. I Ilkton, hangeast. I●g●eby, Lang. Jng●● by arn●●lif●●. Lang. Ingleby green how. Lang. Juggs' north, Bulm. S. Johns, Gillingw. S. John's mount▪ Burdf. ●p●a● Castle, Burdf. KING Kearton, hangwest. Kedler, Lang. Keerby, burdf. Keldum, Rydal. Keel Chapel▪ hangw. Kelfeild, Derwent. Kelings hold. Kelck, hold. K●lke▪ Dyck. Kelton, Gillingw. Kenetho●pe, buce. Keingha●, hold. Kepwicke, burdf. Keireingham, buck. Kexby Derwent. Kldale, Lang. Killenwick, bain●●●. Kill●rb●, hangest. Kilborne, burdf. Killingwold huns. Kilnley, hold. Kiluington north, Awl▪ Kiluington north▪ burdf. Kiluington south, burdf Kilton, Lang. Kilwicke, Wilton, Kinthorpe, Pick. Kiplin, Gillinge. Kirby, Langb. Kirby knole, burdf. Kirkby▪ halli. Kirke burn, bayn. KING rkby under dale, buce. Kirkby fletham, hange. Kirkby grindlith, buce. Kirkbie on the hill, Gillingw. Kirkby malperton, Rydal. KIRKBY mosside, Ry. Kirkby upon the mount. Gillinw Kirkby ou●rker Pick. K●●kby wilk, Gillinge. Kirkdale, rydal, Kirkelley, huns. Kirkham, bucc. KING ●kleadholm●, Lang. Kirkle●uenton, Lang. KING rklington, halli. K●edlington, howd. K●apton, bucc. K●aton, Aller. KYLHAM, Dyck. L La●orne, hangwest. Laikirk Gillingw. Laiton, buck. Landh use Pick. Landmoth, Aller. Langthorpe, hangest. Langton, Bucc. Langton great, gillinge Langton little, Gillinge Langtost, Dyck. La●tington, Gillingw. Lasenby, long. Lathom, holm. Laton east Gillingw. Laton west, Gillingw. Latton east, bucc. Latton west buce. Laxton, howd. Leaveming bucc. Leausham, Pick. Lebbeston▪ Pic. Leckb● halli. Leeming, halli. Leeming little, hange. Lekenfeild, baynton. Lelly, hold. Leppington, bucc. Lestingham, Rydal leaven, hold. Leventhorpe Langb. Leverton, Langb. Lill●ng, bul. Lisse●, hold. Lirham, huns. Lockenby, Lang. Lockenton, baynt. Lockton, ●ick. Long, Gillingw. Longdale end, Whit. Longthorp, halli. Lostho●se, Lang. Lo●●some, holm. Lovingthorne, balli. Lougrouston, hold. Lownsbrough, hol●. Lowthorpe, Dyck. Lund, Derwent. Lunden, baynt. Lune Flu. Lnne Forrest, Gillingw Lunton, Gillingw●st. Lynton, bulm. Lynthorpe, Lan. Lythe, Lan. M. Maidthorpe, ●u●. Masham, hangest. Malth●, Langb. MALTON New, Ry. Malton old, Rydal. Manfeild, Gilling. Maunb● upon Wa●le. Gilline Mapleton, hold. Mappleton hold. Ma●fleet, hold. Ma●●sh▪ Pick. Marrick, Gillingw. S. Martins▪ hange. Marton, Dyck. Marton Pyc. Marton Abbey, hulm. Ma ton, bul. Marton, hold. Marton halli. Marton, Lan. Marwich▪ Gillingw. S. Marry gate, bul. Marsk Flu. Marsk, Gillingwe. MASHAM, hange. Mask Lan. Melborne, holm. Melmerb●, halli. Melmerby, hangw. Meltenby, Wilton. Melton, huns. Melton, howd. Melsonby, Gillingw. Menthorpe, Derwent. Menx, hold. Merfleet hold. Metham, howd. Micleby, Lan. Mickleton, Gillingw▪ MIDOLEHAM. hangw Middlesbrough Lan. Middleton, halli. Middleton▪ Pic. Middleton, Lan. Middleton baynt. Middleton tras, Gilline. Middleton whernhow. halli. Milby, halli. Millington Wilton. M●lnehouse, Wilton. Montgrace Abbey, bird. Mereby▪ De●went▪ Merehouse, hold. Meresham, Lan. Morton, hangeast. M●rton, hangw. Morton, bul. Morton, bulm. Morton upon Swaile. Gilline Moruill-hill, Hangw. Moudthorpe, bul. Moulton, Gilline. Moulgrave Ca●●le, Lan. Mowthorpe, bucc. Moxbi● bul. Muaker, hangw. Mu●cotss, Rydal. Muston, Dyc. Myton, bul. N Naburne, Dar. Naby, Gillinw. Nafferton, Dyc. Nappar, hangw. Nesse, Rydal. Nesswicke, baynton. Ne●●erfeld, hange. Newbiggen, h●ugw. Newbiggen, burdf. Newbiggen hall, Lan. Newbiggen hall Lan. Newbold, huns. Newburgh burdf. Newby, halli. Newby Lan. Newby Pic. Newby upon wiske. Gilline New Forest, Gillingw New Park, hangest. Newholme, Whit. Newland, howd. Newsam. Gillingw. Newsam, bird Newsam, holm. Newsam, Die Newsom, Rid. Newton, bucc. Newton, halli. Newton, hold. Newton, Lan. Newton, Pic. Newton have. Newtons' Rid. Newton upon Derwent. Wilt. Newton Marel, Gil●e. Newton mulgrave Lan. Newton under am, Lan. Newton upon Ou●e, bul. S. Nicholas, bul. Normanby, Rid. Normanby, Whit. Normanby, Lan. Norton hanws. Norton, buec. Norton, halli. Norton coniers, Aller. Nunbane holm▪ W●l●o● Nunhouse, Aller. Nunckling, hold Nunington▪ Rydal. Nunthorpe, Lan. OH Off nton, bul. Olewarke, bul. Ollerston Castle▪ Pic. Ormesbie, Lan Osherwicke, bul. Ofgodby, Derw. Osgoodby, Pic. Osmotherlay, Aller. Oswoldchurch▪ rydal Ottingham, hold, Otterington, north, Aller. Otterington south, burr. Otteriugton south, Al. Ouerton, bul. Ouington, Gillingw. Ouram, holder. Ouse Flu. Outer Newton, hold. Owston, burdf. Owstwicke, hold. Owthorne, hold. Oxton, Dic. Oxton grange, Dyck. P Pate i●ke brumpton, hange. Pa●trington, hold. Pau●holme, hold. paul, hold. Pawleholme, hold. Penhill beacon, hangw. Petersole, bidale. Pickall, halli. PICKERING, Pic. Pickering forest, Pick. Pickering lithe, Pick. Pickton, Langb. Pi●c●ingthorpe, Lang. Ple●land▪ hold. POCKELINGTON, w. Pockle●, ridale. Portingtong, haw. Pot●oe, Langb. Potter's brinton, Dick. Preston, hold. Priston, hangwest. R Rainton, halli. Rasdale abbey, ridile. Raskill, bull Raswicke, h●ngeast. Rasthorpe, buc. Ratsey, baynton. Ravensworth Castle, Gilw. Redker, Lang●. R●eth, Gillingw. rial, hold. Riccall Darwent. Ricall, flu. RICHMOND, Gillw. Ridale, flu. Ridmer, hangw. Rilling●on, buc. Rimswell, hold. Ringbrough, hold. Risby, huns. Risingarth, hold. Riston, hold. R●u● abbey, bird. Robinhoods' bay, Whit. Rockcl●ffe, bul. Ro●by, Gillw. Romanby, Aller. Rockeby, Gillw. Rockwith, hangeast. Rossall, bulm. Rosse, hold. Rowley, huns. Rowl●ton, hold. Rou●b●e, Lan. Rowthe, hold. Rowton ●rnould▪ hold. Roxby Pick. Roxby, halli. Ru●by, Lan. Rudlam, Rydale. Rudston, Dyck. Rumboldkirke, Gillw Runckton east, Lan. Runckton west, Aller. Runswick, Lan. Ruston, Pick. Ruston, Dyck. Ruswarpe▪ Whit. Rydale, Rydale. Rid, flu. Ryghton, Dyc. R●●e, hold. Ryton, Rydale. S Saltmarsh, howd. Salton, Rydale. Sancton, huns. Sandbeck, hangw. Sandhuton, bul. Sandholme, howd. Sandington, Burdf. Sandyford, Lan. Sandyford, Lan. Satron, hangw. Sawdon, Pic. Saxay, Lan. Seamer, Pic. Seamer, Lan. Seamer, flu. Seamer beacon, Pic. Seassey, Aller. Seaton hold. Seaton, holm. Selbury, Gillingeast. Se●trington, buc. Seven, flu. Sewerby, Dye. Scackleton, bul. Scagglethorpe, buc. Scalby, hawd. Scalby, Pic. SCARBROUGH, Pic. Scer●by, Derwent. Scerbrough, boynton. Scerton, Gillingeast. Scotton, hangeast. Sculcots, huns. Scutterskelfe, Lan. Scraston West, hangw Scranton, hangeast. Sherburn, buc. Sherifhutton, bul. Shipsey, hold. Shipton, holm. Shipton, bul. Siggl●thorpe, hold. Sigston, Aller. Sigston Castle, Aller. Silphoe, Whit. Silton, over Silton, neither. Silton panel, burdf. Sinde●by, halli. Sinington, Pic. Scaling, Lan. Skargill, Gillingw. Skawton, Rydale. Skearne, bayntos. Skeckling, hold. Skeeby▪ Gillingw. Skeff●ing hold. Skelderskew, Lan. Skelfleete, flu. Skelton, hawd. Skelton halli Skelton, bul. Skelton, Gillinw. Skelton, Lan. Skemmingrane, Lan. Skeusby▪ bul. Skiplam, Rydale. Skipwith, Derwent. Skipsey, hold. Skipton bird. Skiringham, buc. Skirlaugh North, hold. Skirley, hold. Skirpenbeck, buc. Skirby▪ huns. Skonestone, buc. Sko●ton, Gillineast. Skoucotes, huns. Sledmer, buc. Slingsby, Rydale. Smeaton great, Gillea. Smeaton little, Gillinea. Sneaton, Whit. Snape, haneast. Snetonthorpe, Whit. Snylesworth, bird. Southburne, bay●ton. Sowerby, Aller. Sowerby, burdf. Spaddington, holm. Spawnton, Rydale. Spennithorne, hanws. Speton, Dyc. Spitals, Dyc. Hospital upon stranmere, Gilw. Sprotely, hold. Sproxton, Rydale. Spurnhead, hold. Stamford bridge, Der. Stamforth briggs, Wil Stainham, bu●. Stainston, buc. Staintondale, P●c. Stan●ke, Aller. Stansher Whit. Stanwicke Gillinwest. Stanyhow Gllineast. Stappleton Gilli●east. Staynesby Lan. Stayneg●●ue Rydale. Staynton Lan. Staynton hanws. Stat●es Lan. Staxton Dyc. Stersby bul. Steresby bul. Stillingfle●t Der. Stillington bul. Stituham bul. Stockton bull STOKESLEY Lan. Stonedale hanws. Stone Ferry haul. Stratford Gillinw. Stratford Gillingwest. Stren●all bul. S othwad holm. Subter Aller. Sudcots hold. Suffeild Whit. Sunderlandwick bayn. Sutton haneast. Sutton Halli. Sutton hold. Sutton buc. Sutton buc. Sutton upon Derwent Wil Sutton in the Forest bul. Sutton under Whitston cliff: bird. Swanbie, Lan. Swainbie, halli. Swadale f●●rest, hanws. Swade Flu. Sweton, Pic. Swinton, Rydal. Swinton, hange. Swine, hold. T Tanfeild east halli. Tanfeild west halli. S. Tea●ell, bul. Tee● Flu. Terrington, bul. Tibthorpe, bay●ton. Ti●kham, bul. Theaxton, halli. Thimblebie Aller. Thinto●●e Gillin●. Thirkl●by burdf. Thirlebie burdf. Thirklebie bird. Thirlesby burdf. Thisnidale buc. Thilthorpe bul. Thornaby Lan. Thorgan by Derw. Thorkleby hold. Thormandby bul. Thornalby hangw. Thornburgh bird. Thornbergh hange. Thornholm Dyc. Thorn hange. thorn hold. Thornegunbold hold. Thornethorpe buc. Thorneton, Lan. Thorneton Pitch. Thornton Pic. Thorn on Wilton▪ Thornton bul. Thornton burdf. Thornton hangest. Thornton in the leaves. Aller. Thorntonin the more. burdf. Thornton rust, hangwest. Thornton steward, hangwest. Thornton in the street. Aller, Thorpe hold. Thorpe holm. Thorpe howd. Thorpe huns. Thorpe Gillingwest. Thorpe Dyc. Thorpe hangwest. Thorpe basset buce. Thorpe row Aller. Thorob● hangwest. Thorppirrom, hangest. Thaprow hangest▪ Throstenby Pic. THRUSKE, Burdf. Thursby, hangwest. Thwate hangw. Thwing Dyc. Toccotes Lan. Tolesbie Lan. Tollerton bul. Topcliffe bird. Toppy hill Lan. Toulthorpe bucc. The Tower Dyc. Tranbie huns. Tunstall hold. Tunstell hangest. Turnton bridge▪ halli. V Vckerby, Gllingest. Verby Lau. Vggelbarnby Whit. Vgthorpe Lan. Virun howd. Vlston burdf. Vps●ll bird. Vplethun Lau. Vpstane, halli. Vpton, hold. W Waburnhall hangwest. Waghen hold. Waiwith, hangw. Walborne hingw. Waldby huns. Walden hangw. Walgrave Pic. Wolkenton Provest▪ huns. Walkinton howd Walton, baynton. Wanlas hangwest. Wanford Dyc. Wapley Lan. Waplinton Wilton. Warlobie Gillingest. Warthel bul. Warter baynton. Warton Wilton. Wassand hold. Wath halli. Watlas hangest. Watles hangest. Waxham, hold. weave rthorpe bue. Weickliffe, Gillingw. Well haugest. Welborne Rid. Welborne bulm. Welburne bird. Welham buce. Welton howd. Welton hold. Welton huns. Welwicke hold. Wensedale hangw. Wenslay hangw. Westerdale Lan. Westow buce. Westwarige buc. Wherleton Castle. Lan. Wharram in the street. bucc. Whayston Gillingw. Wheldrake Der. Whenby bul. Whit eside hangw. WHJTBIE, Whit. Whitwell Gillingest. Whitwell bul. Whereleton Lan. Wickham Rid. Wickham Pic. Wickham Abbey Picinino Wigginthorpe bul. Wigginton, bul. WIGHTON, Holme. Wilbef●sse Wilton. Willerby Dyc. Willerby huns. Willitost, holm. Willowbecke Flu. Wilsted, hold. Wilsted hall hold. Wilsthorpe Dyc. Wilton Pic. Wilton Lan. Wilton Castle. Lan. Wilton Bishops Wilt. Wintering hangw. Winton Aller. Wintringham bucc. Witton east hangw. Witton west hangw. Wi●ke Flu. Woldnewton, Dyc. Woodall hangw. Woodhall Der. Woodhal Park, hangw. Womelton Ryda. Wonsforth baynton. Wasall Aller. Wasall Lan. Wrelton Pic. Wressall holm. Wulferton huns. Wynestead hold. Wythernwick hold. Wythernsey hold. Wyton hold. Y Yafford Gillingwest. Yapham Wilton. YARUM Lan. Yer●ley Pick. Yeareslay. bird. Yeastorpe Ryda. Yeddingham buce. Yeveiudale Wilton, Yonckfleete, howd. YORK bul. Yo●keses wade▪ Wilton. Youlthorpe Wil●●●. Your Flood. Yowton, bul. Yrton, Pic. The Bishopric of Durham. THe Bishopric of Durham The bounds of this Province. containeth those parts and Townships that lie betwixt the River Tees and Derwent, and all along the German-Seas. It is neighboured on the north with Northumberland, and their jurisdictions parted by the River Derwent: her West is touched by Cumberland, Westmoreland, and from Staine-More divided by the River Tees, and by the same water on her South, from Yorkshire even unto the Sea; and the East is altogether coasted by the German-Seas. The form. (2) The form thereof is triangle, and sides not much differing; for from her Southeast, unto the west-point, are about thirty miles; from thence to The dimensitude. her northeast and Tyne-mouth, are likewise as many, and her base along the Seashore are twenty three; the whole in circumference about one hundred and three miles. The air. (3) The air is sharp and very piercing, and would be more, were it not that the vapours from the German-Seas did help much to dissolve herice & snow: and the store of coals therein growing and gotten, do warm the body, and keep back the cold; which fuel, besides their own use, doth yield great commodities unto this Province, by trade thereof into other parts. The soil. (4) For soil it consisteth much alike of pastures, arable, and barren grounds: the East is the richest and most champion, the South more moorish, but well inhabited; her West all rocky, without either grass or grain, notwithstanding recompenseth her possessors with as great gain, both in rearing up cattles, and Coale-pits. bringing forth coal, whereof all this County is plentifully stored, and groweth so near to the upper face of the earth, that in the trod ways the Cart-wheels do turn up the same. Some hold their substance to be a Cambden. clammy kind of clay hardened with heat abounding in the earth, and so becoming concocted, is nothing else but Bitumen; for proof whereof, these coals have both the like smell and operation of Bitumen: for being sprinkled with water, they burn more vehemently, but with oil are quite extinguished and put out. The ancient Inhabitants. (5) The ancient Inhabitants known unto Ptolemie, were the brigants, of whom we have spoken in the General of Yorkshire, they being subdued by the Romans; after whom the Saxons made it a part of their Northumberlands Kingdom: at first a Province belonging to the Deirians, and enjoyed by Ella their first King; afterwards invaded by the Danes, and lastly possessed by the Normans: whose site being so near unto Scotland, hath many times felt their fury, and hath been as a buckler betwixt them and the English; The privilege of this people. for which cause, the Inhabitants have certain freedoms, and are not charged with service as other Counties are, so that this with Westmoreland, Cumberland, and Northumberland, are not divided into Hundred in those Parliament Rolls whence I had the rest: which want I must leave for others to supply. (6) Over this County, the Bishops thereof have had the Royalties of Princes, and the Inhabitants have pleaded privilege not to pass in service of war over the river of Tees or Tyne; whose charge (as they have alleged) was to keep and defend the corpse of S. Cuthbert. Saint Cuthbert their great adored Saint, and therefore they termed themselves, The holy-werk-folkes. And the repute of this Cuthbert and his supposed defence against the Scots was such, that our English Kings in great devotion have go in pilgrimage to visit his Tomb, and have given many large possessions to his Church: such were King Egfrid, Aelfred, and Guthrun The devotion of diver● Kings to S. Cuthbert. the Dane, Edward, and Athelstan Monarch of England, and zealous Canute the greatest of all, who came thither barefooted, and at Cuthberts' Tomb both augmented and confirmed their Liberties. This Saint then, of nothing made Durham become great, and William the Conqueror of a Bishopric made it a County Palatine: at that time William Careleph Bishop of the Diocese pulled down the old Church which Aldwin had built, and with sumptuous cost laid the foundations of a new, wherein Saint Cuthberts' Shrine in the vacancy of the Bishops, was the Keeper of the Castle-keyes. Beda his Tomb. In the West of this Church and place called Gallile, the Marble Tomb of venerable Beda remaineth, who was borne at jarro in this County, & become a Monk at Weremouth, whose painful industries and light of learning in those times of darkness are wonderful, The Monk's idleness the cause of their overthrow. as the volumes which he wrote do well declare. And had the idle Monks of England employed their times after his example, their Founder's expectations had not been frustrate nor those foundations so easily overturned. But the revenge of sin ever following the actions of sins, dissolved first the largeness of this Counties liberties under the reign of King Edward the first, and since hath shaken to pieces those places herein erected under the reign of King Henry the eight: such were Durham, Sherborne, Stayndrop, I●rro, Weremouth, and Eggleton; all which felt the reward of their idleness, and wrath of him that is jealous of his own honour. (7) Things of rare note observed in this Shire, are three Pits of a wonderful depth, commonly called the Hell-Kettles, which are adjoining near unto Darlington, Hell-kettles. whose waters are somewhat warm. These are thought to come of an Earthquake, which happened in the year of grace 1179. whereof the Chronicle of Tin-mouth maketh mention, whose record is this. On Christmas day at Oxenhall in the Territory of Derlington, within the Bishopric of Durham, the ground heaved up aloft like unto an high Tower, and so continued all that day, as it were unmovable until the evening; and then fell with so horrible a noise, that it made all the neighbour dwellers sore afraid: and the earth swallowed it up, and made in the same place a deep pit, which is there to be seen for a testimony unto this day. (8) Of no less admiration are certain stones lying within the River Were, at Butterbee near Durham; from whose sides at the Ebb and low water in the Summer▪ issueth a certain salt reddish water, which with the Sun waxeth white, and growing into A Salt proce●ding of stones. a thick substance, becometh a necessary salt to the use of the by-dwellers. Binchester. Condercum. (9) And places of elder times had in account by the Romans, were Benovium, now Binchester, and Condercum, Chester in the street, where their monies have been digged up, and at Condercum so much, that Egelrik Bishop of Durham, was therewith made exceedingly rich. Castles. Hilton. Br●●s●peth. Rabye. Durham. L●mley. Witt●n. ●ar●●●d. This County hath been strengthened with seven strong Castles; is yet traded with six Market Towns, and Gods divine honour in one hundred and eighteen Parish Churches celebrated, whose names in the Table are further inserted. ●HE BISHOPRICS AND CITY OF DURHAM 〈…〉 Scotland wit● many of his Nobili●y 〈…〉 Queen Philip wi●e to the victorious 〈…〉 in person was present in the 〈◊〉 ●he 〈…〉 Nevil, managing the 〈…〉 of ●ho● 〈…〉 of 〈…〉 HONI SOIT. ●VI MAL. Y. PENSE. DIEV ET MON DROIT DURHAM The ancient 〈◊〉 Du●●m, by the S●xon● Called D●●hol●, which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 s●y●● is compounded of their t●● words 〈◊〉 an hill 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●n Island, is in like form● and 〈…〉 is described. The first erectors of this City are said to be the monks of Lin▪ differed which by the raging of the Danes were dri●● thence, and 〈…〉 wide, at l●st by oracle (as in th●●● d●●●s 〈…〉 m●ney 〈◊〉 will bele●● their mo●kish 〈◊〉 th●y were 〈◊〉 to s●●t ●e●, about the year of gr●e● 99●. where C●thbert their Bishop obt●yned a great 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 and no less 〈…〉. In the upper part of this City, moun●ed upon 〈◊〉 hill, william the Conquer●r, for her defence built a Strong Castle▪ ●●d for her profit and pleasure, nature h●th girtt her almost ro●nd, withe●● sweet and delectable ry●er of were. The Scale of Miles An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and Places mentioned in the B. of Durham. A TABLE OF all the Towns in the Bishopric of Durham. A Acle. Scole Acle. Aldernedg. ash. West Aukland. BISHOPS' A VKLAND. S. Andrew's Aukland. B Balam. Barnetton. BARNARD CASTLE, Batterby. Beamond hill. Bedborne park. Bedik. Bedik west. Bear park. Bellosyse. Benselside. Biarsgreene. Biarsgarthe. Biarside. Bichborne. Billingham. Binchester. Birtley. Bishops. Bishopton. Blackhall. Blakhall. Blackston. Blackwell. Blaydon. Bollyop. Bowdens. Bradbury. Bradley hall. Bradwood. Braferton. Brandon east. Brandon west. Branspeth castle. Brantoste. Brearton. Brome. Buley-grange. Thorp Bulmer. Burdon great. Burdon little. Burdon old. Burdop flu. Burnhall. Butterwick. C Cassop. Chapwell. Chester. Chilton great. Chilton little. Claxton. Cletlam. Cleydon. Cockerton. Cockfeild. Cokon. Coksey. Coteham. Cotham. Cowpigh hell. Cowpon. Cowside hall. Crawcrake. Croke-hall. Cromforthe. Croxdale. Cundon. neither Cunsley. Over Cunsley. D Da●don. DARLINGTON. Darwencote. Dauton. Denton. Derwen flu. Dowton. neither Dunsley. DURHAM. Durpit chapel. E East gate. Ebchester. Castle Eden. Eden little. Edder-aker●. Edmondbyers. Eggecliffe. Eggleton. Eldon. S. Ellins. Elmedon. Elstok. Elton. Elwick. Enewood west. Eppleton. Escombe. Esington. Eslabye. F Farnton hall. felin. Ferry on the mount. Finkeley. Fishborne. Flask. Follonsby. Ford. Foulforth. Foulthorp. Foxton. Frosterley. Fulwel. G Garmansway. Gatesend, Gaunlesse flu. Gaynford. Gibside. The grange. Grayston. Greenecroft. Gretham. Grindon. H Halam. Hamsterley. Harburhowse. Hardon. Hardwicke. Hardwicke. Harintons. Harpley hill. Harroton. Hartborne west. Harte. HARTLEPOOLE. Harton. Haswell little. Haswell great. Haughton. Haughton. Hawthorp. Hebborne. Hedlam. Hedley. Hedworth. Heghington. Hesselton hall. Monk Hesselton, Cold Hesselton, Hett. Hetton in the hole. Hetton on the Mount. Heughewell. neither Heworthe, Over Heworthe. Hilton. Hilton Castle. Hollinside. Holinside. Holme. Houghton. Hude flu. Hunsterworth. Hunwicke. Hurnworth. Hurworth. Huton. I jarro. Ingleton. S. john's Chapel Iseton. The Isle. KING Kellow. Kellop flu. Kepeyre. Ketton. Kibbleworth. Killerby. Kinchley. L Lamton. Lanchester. Landew. Langdon flu. Langley. Langley. Langley. Langton. Layton. Littleburne. Ludworth. Lumley. Lumley Castle. Lumsley. The Manor. Mansforth. Marwood park. Marwood hag. Mayland. Medumsley. Kirk Merington Middleton. Middleton. Middleton Ero. Middleton George. Midlam. Milkborn flu. Mordon. Morehouse. Moresley. Morton●'s. Morton. Morton. Morton. Mugliswicke. Munkwermouth. Mylhouse●. N Nesbed. Nettleworth. Newbigin. Newbigin. Newbigin. Newbottel. Newfeild. Newsham. Newtowne. Newton. Newton. Newton. Newton little. Newton long. Newton hanset. Norton. Nunstanton. Nysam. OH Oldakers. Old Durham, Owston. Owton. P West park. East Park. Pedumsak. Peloo. Pelton. Pencher. Persbridge. Piddington town. Kirk Piddington, The coal Pits. Plausworth, The old Pork. Preston. Preston. Primrose side. Q Quarrinton. R Raby Castle. Ramside. Ravensworth. Ravensworth Castle. Raynton●. The Raw, Redhugh. Redmarsham. Redworth. Relley. Riop. Rowley. Ryton. S Satley chapel. Seaton. Seaton. Sedgefeild. Segerston haughe. Seham. Selabye. Shadford. Sheales. Shepley. Sherborne. Sherborne house. Sheroton. Shildraw. Shildon. Shillington. Shinkley. Shotton. Shotton. Shotton. Silkesworth. Skern flu. Skirmingham. Sllngley. S●otterton. Sockborne. Sodburye. Somerhouse. Spen. Standley. Stanhope. Stanhope park. Little Staynton. Great Staynton. STAYNDROP. Stirtwith. Stokley. Stokton. Stotfeld. Stranton. Stretlam. Sudick. Sunderland. Suuderland. Swalwel. T Tanfeld. Teesdale. Thickley East. Thickley West. Thorpe. Thornton. Thornley. Thornerlet. Throstons. Thruslinton. Trimden. Tuddaye. Tunstall. Tursdale. V Vfferton. Vnthank. Vnthank. Vrpethe. Vsshaw. Vsworth great. Vsworth little. W Wackerfeild. Waldridge. Wardley. Washinton. Wascrop burn. Wellop flu. Werdenlaw hill. Were flu. Weredall. Weremouth. West gate. Wessoo. Westerton. Westwick. Wh●rleton. Wheatley hill. Whikham. Whitborne lezard, Whitchurch. Whithone. Whitton. Whitwell. Whitwell. Willington. Willynton. Windgate. Wind leston. Windridge. Winston. Witton. Witton Castle, Woodcrost hall. Wulley. Wulsingham. Wulston. Wynyerd. Wytton. WESTMORLAND. CHAPTER XLIV. The bounds of Westmoreland. Westmoreland by some late latin writers is called Westmaria and Westmorlandia, by some latter Westmoria, and in our English tongue Westmoreland. It came to be thus named in our language by the situation, which in every part is so plenteously full of Moors and high hills, reaching one to another, that Westmoreland (with us) is nothing else but a western moorish Country. Having on the West and Northside Cumberland, on the Southpart, Lancashire, on the East side Yorkshire, and the Bishopric of Durham. The length. (2) The length thereof extended from Burton in her South, to Kirkland in her North part is, 30. miles: the The breadth. broadest part from East to West, is from the River Eden, to Dunbalrase-stones, containing 24. miles, the whole circumference about 112. miles. The form. (3) The form thereof is somewhat long, and narrow: the Air sharp and piercing, purging itself from the trouble of gross foggy mists and Vapours, by reason of which the people of this Province are not acquainted with strange diseases or imperfections of body, but live long and are healthful, and attain to the number of many years. The Soil. (4) The soil for the most part of it, is but barren, and can hardly be brought to any fruitfulness by the industry and painful labour of the husbandman, being so full of infertile places, which the Northerens Englishmen call moors: yet the more Southerly part is not reported to be so sterile, but more fruitful in the valleys, though contained in a narrow room, between the river Lone, and Winander-mear, and it is all termed by one name. The Barony of Kendale or Candale, that is, the dale by Cancrone, taking the name of the river Can that runs through it. Inhabitants. (5) The ancient Inhabitants of this Country were the brigants, mentioned in the several Counties of York, Lancaster and Cumberland. Commodities. (6) It is not commended either for plenty of Corn or Cattles, being neither stored with arable grounds to bring forth the one, nor pasturage to breed up the other: the principal profit that the people of this province raise unto themselves, is by clothing. Kendale the chief Town. (7) The chiefest place of which is Kandale or Kendale, called also Kirkeby Kendale, standing on the bank of the river Can. This town is of great trade and resort, & for the diligent & industrious practice of making cloth, so excels the rest, that in regard thereof it carrieth a supereminent name above them, and hath great vent and traffik for her woollen clothes through all the parts of England. It challengeth not much glory for Antiquity; only this it accounteth a great credit, that it hath dignified three Earls with the title thereof, as john Duke of Bedford, whom Henry the fift Earl● of Kendale (being his brother) advanced to that honour, john Duke of Somerset, & john de Foix, whom King Henry the sixt preferred to that dignity for his honourable The Magistr●ey of Kendale. and trusty services done in the French wars. It is a place of very civil and orderly government, the which is managed by an Alderman, chosen every year out of his twelve brethren, who are all distinguished & notified from the rest by the wearing of purple garments. The Alderman, and his Signior Brother are always justices of peace and Quorum. There are in it a Town-Clerke, a Recorder, two Sergeants at Mace, and two Chamberlains. By mathematical observation Graduation of it the site of this Town is in the degree of Longitude 17.30. scruples, from the first West point, and the Pole elevated in Latitude to the degree 55. and 15. minutes. Places of chief● Note. (8) Places of memorable note for Antiquity are, Verterae, mentioned by Antonine the Emperor; and Aballaba, which we contractly call Apelby. In the one, the Northern English conspired against William the Conqueror, in the beginning of the Norman government. Verter●. In the other, the Aurelian Maures kept a station in the time of the Romans, and their high street is yet apparently to be seen by the ridges thereof which lead by Apelby to a place called Brovonacum, mentioned Apelby. in the book of Provincial notices. The antic pieces of Roman coin, otherwhiles digged up heerabouts, and some inscriptions not long since found, show of what continuance they have been: although Roman coiner here found. Time, which devoureth all things, hath so fed upon their Carcases many ages together, as it hath almost consumed both houses, and Inhabitants. For Apelby now is bore both of people and building, and were it not for the antiquity that makes it the more esteemable, Sessions at Apelby Castle. in whose Castle the assizes are commonly kept, it would be little better in account then a village. Verterae is long since decayed, and the name ofit changed into Burgh: for it is commonly named Burgh under Stanemore. In which it is said, a Roman Captain A Roman Station at Verter●. made his abode with a band of Directores in the declining age of the Roman Empire. These two places William of Newborough calleth Princely Holds, & writeth that William King of Scots, a little before he himself was taken prisoner at Alnewicke, surprised them on a sudden; but King john recovered them after, King john. and liberally bestowed them upon Robert Vipont, for his many worthy services. (9) There is mention made but of one religious house that hath been in all this Country, and that was a little Monastery seated near unto the river Loder, built by Thomas the son of Gospatrick, the son of One house of Religion. Orms: where there is a fountain or spring that ebbs and flows many times a day, and it is thought that some notable act of Achievement hath been performed there, for that there be huge stones in form of Pyramids, some nine foot high and fourteen foot Notes of antiquity. thick, ranged for a mile in length directly in a row and equally distant, which might seem to have been there purposely pitched in memory thereof: But what that Act was is not now known, but quite worn out of remembrance by times injury. (10) Other matters worthy observation are only these: That at Amboglana, now called Amble-side, near the upper corner of Winander-meare, there appear at Amble-side. this day the ruins of an ancient City, which by the British-Brickes, by Romane-money oftentimes found there, by highways paved leading unto it, and other likelihoods, seems to have been a work of the Romans: The fortress thereof so long fenced with a ditch and rampire, that it took up in length one hundred thirty two Ells, and in breadth eight. There are The River Can. also near Kendal in the river Can, two Catadupae or Waterfalls, where the waters descend with such a forcible downfall, that it compels a mighty noise to be heard, which the neighbour Inhabitants make such use of, as they stand them in as good stead as Prognostications: for when that which standeth North from them soundeth more clear and with a louder Echo The Commodity of it. in their Ears, they certainly look for fair weather to follow: But when that on the South doth the like, they expect foggy mists and showers of rain. (11) This Province is traded with four Market Towns, fortified with the strength of seven Castles, Market Town●●. and hath 26. Parishes in it for the celebration of divine service. THE COUNTY WESTMORELAND AND KENDALE THE CHIEF TOWN DE SCRIBED With the Arms of such Nobles as have been Earls of either of them. HONI. OIT ●VI ● AL. Y. PE● KENDALE Malcolme King of Scots upon displeasure against the English entered Cumberland with sword and destruction, forragings Te●idale, Holderness●, Weremouth, and Durham, sending from these parts great bootyes into his own kingdom: in this expedition Edgar Etheling with his sisters Margaret and Christian mott Malcolme by whom they w●re worthily received, and Margaret the only hair of the Saxons monarchy, afterward married to the s●me Malcolme fr● wh●o in lin●●ll right our high & mighty Prince king james succeeding, doth in his royal ●son unite the Saxons, Normans, Engl▪ ●cot. ●periall titles in 〈◊〉 A Dockrey Hall B cross Bank C Wildmans Gate D Stric●land Gate E Stramans Gate F Stramans Bridge G Brandthwart Lane H Watt Lane I The Market KING Leaden Hall L Finkle street M Newman Biggen N Kent Lane O Wilsons Lanes P All-hallows Lane Q All-hallows Chop. R The Fell side S The Mount T The Battle place V Roven row W The Castle X The Mill Y Miller's Close 3 High gate 4 Abbotts Hall 5 The free School 6 Capper Lane 7 Church Lane 8 The Church 9 Neither Bridge 10 Hersoms Lane 12 The Ankeriche RALPH▪ NEVIL. john D▪ of Bedford john D▪ of Somerset john de Foix 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Speed and ar● to be sold by 〈◊〉 Humble in 〈…〉 THE SCALE OF MILES An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and memorable places mentioned in Westmoreland. A AMbleside. APPLEBY. Great Ashby. Little Ashby, Askham. B Banton. Barborne Chapel. Barnside. Barrow flu. Barton. The Beacon. Below flu. Betham. Blaterne. Bolton. Branton. Brederdale head. Brederdale foot. Brigster park. Brougham Castle. Buley Castle. Burbek flu. Burgh Castle. Burrels. Burton. Burton. C Caber. Camswick Park. Chappollan. Claperyate. Cleborn. Cliston. Colnhead Park. Cottesflat. Coulby. Cowgarth. Crakenthorp. Croke. Crosby-Garret. Crosby-ravensworth. Croscrake. Crostermond. Crosthwaite. D Depedale. Dribek. Driveuers. Duston. E Eden flu. F Farleton. Farleton. Fawsetwood. Firb●nke. G Gilse. Glenkroden flu. Glenkwen flu. Grarigge hall. Gresmere. H Harberwen. Hartshop hall. Hartley Castle. Haws●. Helbeck. Helstonlathe. Helton. Helton. Heltondale. Heluillon hill. Hoffe. Holimill cross. howgil Castle. I The Inges. KING S. Katherins. Kellathe. KENDAL. Kendal Castle. Kentmere. Killinton. KIRKBY Steven. KIRKBY Landall. Kirkby Thuet. Kirkland. Knock. Knothill. L Little Langdale. Great Langdale. Langdale. Langrig. Lanridge. Lanton. Levens Bridge. Lowther. Lune flu. M Mallerstange. Mallerstange forest. Malmesborne. Markendale Chapel. Marton. Meborne. Meth●p. Middleton. Milborne, Milkinthorp. Morlan. Morton. Morton. Great Musgrave. Little Musgrave. Mylnthorp. N Nane worth. Nathy. Newbiggin. Newbiggin. Nine Churches. OH Oddelden. Oddelden park. Little Ormeside. Great Ormeside. Orton. P Paterdale. Pendragon Castle. Preston Chapel. R Raisgill hall. Rasebeck. Rasgill. Ravinstangdale. Regill. Runthwate. S Seggeswick. Selsted hall. Shales. Shapp. Sise●ghe. Sleddale. Slegill. Sleelme●e. Smardale. Soulby. Sowerby. Sput flu. Striklands. Stainmore. Stanley. Stokbridge. Sunbiggin. T Templesowerby. Thornthwate. Thurnby. Trout Bek. Trout Bek. Tybay. V Vnderbarrow. W Warcop. Wastall head. Wastall foot. Watland. Whartonhall. Whinfield. Whinfield hill. Whinfield forest. Wickerslack. Winderworth. Winton. Withe●slak. Wynster flu. Wynster Chappel. Wynandermere. CUMBERLAND. CHAPTER XLV. CVmberland, the furthest Cumberlands bounds. Northwest Province in this Realm of England, confronteth upon the south of Scotland, and is divided from that Kingdom partly by the river Kirsop, then crossing Eske, by a tract thorough Solome-Mosse, until it come to the Solwaye Frith, by Ptolemie called the Itune Bay. The Northwest part is neighboured by Northumberland, more eastward with Westmoreland, the South with Lancashire, and the West is wholly washed with the Irish Seas. The form. (2) The form whereof is long and narrow, pointing wedgelike into the South, which part is altogether pestered with copped hills, and therefore hath the name of Cop-land. The middle is more level, and better inhabited, yielding sufficient for the sustenance of man: but the North is wild and solitary, cumbered with hills as Copland is. The air. (3) The air is piercing, and of a sharp temperature, and would be more biting, were it not that those high hills break off the Northern storms, and cold falling snows. The commodities. (4) Notwithstanding, rich is this Province, and with great varieties thereof is replenished: the hills, though rough, yet smile upon their beholders, spread with sheep and cattles, the valleys stored with grass and corn sufficient: the sea affordeth great store of fish, the land overspread with variety of fowls, and the rivers feed a kind of Muscle that bringeth forth Pearl, where in the mouth of the Irt, as they lie gaping and sucking in dew, the Country people gather and cell to the Lapidaries, to their own little, and the buyers great gain. But the Mines Royal of Copper, whereof this Country yieldeth much, is for use the richest of all: the place is at Keswick and Newland, where likewise the Black Lead is gotten, whose plenty maketh it of no great esteem; otherwise a commodity that could hardly be miss. The ancient Inhabitants. (5) The ancient Inhabitants known to the Romans, were the brigants, whom Ptolemy disperseth into Westmoreland, Richmond, Duram, Yorkshire, and Lanca-shire. But when the Saxons had over-borne the Britain's, and forced them out of the best, to seek their resting among the vast Mountains, these by them were entered into, where they held play with those enemies maugre their force, and from them, as Marianus Scotus. Marianus doth witness, the Land was called Cumber, of those Kumbri the Britain's. But when the State of the Saxons was sore shaken by the Danes, this Cumberland was accounted a Kingdom itself; for so the King Edmund. Flower-gatherer of Westminster recordeth: King Edmund (saith he) with the help of Leoline Prince of Southwales, wasted all Cumberland, and having put out the eyes of the two sons of Dunmail King of that Province, granted that Kingdom unto Malcolm King of Scots, whereof King Stephen's gift to the Scots. their eldest sons become Prefects. This Province, King Stephen to purchase favour with the Scots, what time he stood in most need of aid, confirmed by gift Henry the second under their Crown; which Henry the second notwithstanding made claim unto and got, as Newbrigensis writeth, and laid it again in the Marches of England: since when, many bicker betwixt these Nations herein have happened, but none so sore against the Scotish side, as was that at Solome Moss, where their Nobility disdaining their General Oliver Sinclere, Oliver S. Clere. gave over the Battle, and yielded themselves to the English; which dishonour pierced so deeply into the James the Fifth King of Scotland's heart of King james the fifth, that for grief thereof he shortly after died. (6) Many memorable Antiquities remain and have been found in this County: for it being the Confines of the Romans Possessions, was continually secured by their Garrisons, where remain at this day parts of that admirable wall built by Severus: also an other Fortification from Werkinton to Elns' Mouth, upon the sea-shoare toward Ireland, by Stilico raised, when under Theodosius he suppressed the rage of the Picts and Irish, and freed the Seas of the Saxons Pirates. Upon Hard-knot hill, Moresby, Old Carlisle, Pap-castle along the Wall, and in many other places, their ruins remain, with Altars, and Inscriptions of their Captains and Colonies, whereof many have been found, and more as yet lie hid. Carlisle the chief● City. (7) The chiefest City in this Shire is Carlisle, pleasantly seated betwixt the Rivers Eden, Petterell, and Caud, by the Romans called Luguvallum; by Beda, Luell; by Ptolemie, Leucopibia; by Ninius, Caer-Lualid; and by us Carlisle. This City flourishing under the Romans, at their departure by the furious outrages of the Scots and Picts was dejected, yet in the days of Egfrid King of Northumberland was walled about: but again defaced by the overrunning Danes, lay buried in her own ashes the space of two hundred years; upon whose ruins at length Rufus set his compassionate eye, and built there the Castle, planting a Colony of Flemings to secure the Coasts from the Scots, but upon better advisement removed them into Wales. After him, Henry his brother and successor ordained this City for an Episcopal See: whose site is placed in the degree of Longitude from the first West part 17. and 2. scruples, and the Pole thence elevated from the degree of Latitude 55. and 56. scruples. Edward the first. (8) West from hence, at Burgh upon the sand, was the fatal end of our famous Monarch King Edward the First, who there leaving his wars unfinished against Scotland, left his troubles and soon miss life, to his untimely and soon lamented death. Castles. 1. B●w. 2. Askerton. 3. Scalby. 4. Neworth. 5. Castlesteed. 6. Castle-carek. 7. Corby 8. Lynstok. 9 Rowcliffe. 10. Drumbugh. 11. Armanthwat. 12. The Rose cast. 13. Highyate. 14. Wul●●y. 15. Cladbek. 16. Ha●on. 17. Gr●stok. 18. Penreth▪ 19 Daker. 20. Pape C●st. 21. Cokermouth. 22. Workinton. 23. Hay. 24. Egremond▪ 25. Millam. (9) And at Salkelds upon the River Eden, a Monument of seventy seven stones, each of them ten foot high above ground, and one of them at the entrance fifteen, as a Trophy of Victory was erected. These are by the By-dwellers called Long Meg and her daughters. (10) This County as it stood in the fronts of assaults, so was it strengthened with twenty five Castles, and preserved with the prayers (as then was thought) of the Votaries in the houses erected at Carlisle, Lenecoft, Wetherall, Holme, Daker, and Saint Bees. These with others were dissolved by King Henry the eighth, and their revenues shadowed under his Crown: but the Province being freed from charge of subsidy, is not therefore divided into Hundred in the Parliament Rowles, whence we have taken the divisions of the rest: only this is observed, that therein are seated nine Market-Towns, fifty eight parish-churches, besides many other Chapels of case. CUMBERLAND AND THE ANCIENT CITY CARLISLE DESCRIBED WITH MANY MEMORABLE AN TIQVITIES THEREIN FOUND OBSERVED ●ENIO LOCI ●ORTUNARE ●VCI RO●●●TERN●●T ●ATO BONO ●. CORNILIUS ●EREGRIN US ●RIB. COHORT ●XPROVINCIA ●AUR. C●S. ● OMOS'. TEDS' ●ECUR BELA TV CADRO I V L. CL VILIS OPED V. S. L. M I O. M ALA ●VG. OB V●●U●EM ●●●LATA. CVI PR●●●TP●L PU●I SIR ●●A MAGNUS MURSA EX●NON 〈◊〉 R●FEC ● RONNO ●●●C DIS DEABUSQ ●POSTHUMIUS A CILIANUS PR● COHLD●LM HENRY CLIFFORD Earl● L▪ SEPT. SEVERUS. PIUS AUG. BRIT THE PICTS WALL The ancient and outmost limits of the Roman Empire, u●●s first made of T●rffss and Stocks by Hadrian the Empro●re. Afterwards by Severus much str●●gth●●d and extended through the 〈◊〉 eve● from Sea to Sea, a work so f●●ous, that the tit●● 〈◊〉 was given a Surname to the Empro●re. And lastly in the d●cl●●ing estate of that Empire. It was built of f●rme sto●●●. foot broad and twelve foot high▪ begi●●●ng in the West at ●oulnes near the Bay of I●une, and continued unto the mouth of Tyne in the East Running through razed montunes, for the most part in a strait line ascending and descending over steep. Craggs and high hills. containing in length near 100 miles. The tract whereof in many places yet appeareth, only despoiled of his Battlements. In it were built watch 〈◊〉, distant 1000 pases ●●che from other, wherein were s●●ldierss kept, for the securing of the con▪ fines from the incursi●●● of the enemy. The Earls of CARLISLE Marcatus E Ran. Meschem● Andrew Harkley VOLANT●IVIVAS CARLISLE This county being the uttermost Limits of the Roman Empire, and defenced with that admirable wall as is abo●e said, was conti●ewally frequented with their Legir●● and Soldiers, who in time of peace, or after victories acheived, buyld, many monuments and Altars, with inscriptions to their Idol Gods, for the prosperity of their Emperors and themselves, many of them yet remaining in divers places there, are to be se●●, and▪ some of them according to their true for mes here ●●pressed, as they have been, m●st careful and exactly taken by m●n of wothy note and credit. A The Castle B C●●●●e gate C St. Cuthberts' D St. mary's E The Shambleses FLETCHER The M●te hall G Rickard gate H High 〈◊〉 I ●oth●r gate KING Al●etwell lane L Castle gate street M Fish●ar ket N 〈◊〉 holm OH The Citadel P Cas●le orchard C●m Privil●g●o 〈◊〉 Domini 1610. Performed by john Speed, and are to be s●●ld in Popes. head Alley, by the exchange by I Sudb●ry and Georg▪ Humble THE SCALE OF MILES An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and Places mentioned in Cumberland. A TABLE OF the Towns in Cumberland. A Acton. Aglionby. Aldby. Alhollowes. Alne flu. Alme. Allonby. Alonby. Alwarby. Ancautre. Kirk Ander, Anstable. Arladon. Armanthwat castle. Armanthwat. Armebath. Artruth. Askerton castle, Aspatre. Austermore. B Kirk Banton, Little Banton, Bardsey hall. Barrenwood park. Basmthavate. Beaumont. S. Bees head. S. Bees. Bekermond. Bew-castell. Birtby. Black-band. Black-hall. Blek-hall. Blencongey. Bleng flu. Blenkerne. Blynroset. Blenrake. Bodell. Bolton. Borrodale. Boulnesse. Bowtell. Brakenthwat. Braken hill. BRAMPTON. Brathwate. Brathwate. S. Brides. Bridgeham. Bridekirk. Brisco. Brodwater. Bronelston. Broun●ig. Brumfeild. Brumfeild. Bucknes. Burds would. Burgh kirk. burns. Bustwath hill. C Cambek flu. Kirk Cambok. Cammerton. Cander. Canda flu. Cannonby. Cardew. Cardronok. Carlton. Carleton. Carleton. CARLISLE. Castle Caroke. Castlesteed. Caswald how. Catterley. Cauthwate. Chapel of the grune, Church. Cladbek. Cliston. Coker flu. Corryhouse. COKERMOUTH. Comb whitton. Copeland. Copeland forest. Corby castle. Corno. Coat hill. Cristenbury crag. Crokedale. Croglin Church. Little Croglin, Crosby. Crosby. Crosthate. Croston. Cumcatith. Culgaith. Cumrew. D Dacor flu. Dacor castle. Daleman●. Dalegarth. Darwent fells. Darwent flu. Darwen flu. Darwen Island. Dauston. Dauston hall. Denok flu. Dent hill. Denton hall. Over Denton, neither Denton. Dereham. Derwentfote haven. Devonby. Deyn. Distinton. Douthwaite. P. Drigg. Drumbugh castle. Dubmill. Dudden flu. Dunbalrasse stones. E. Eden flu. Eden flu. Ednell. Eglesfeild. EGREMOND. Eimot flu. Elne flu. Elneboro. Emleton. Emsaugh. Enerdale. Esgill. Esk flu. Eskdale. F Fedington. Fingland. Flimby. Forlam. Fornside. G Gamlesby. Gamleby. Gargill. The Gele crag Gelded flu. Gilcrosse. Gilsland. Glasenby. Glasen. Gofforth. The Grange. Grastoke castle Grinsdale. Grisedale. H Hale. Harbybrow. Hard-knot. Hareridge hall. Harinton. Harington. Harper hill. Hathewate. Haton castle. Haton. Haughton. Hay castle. Helbeck crag. Hestedach. Heskew. Hesket. Highgate. Highyate castle. Holme. The Horse head. The Houses. Huddleskew. Huthwate. Huton. Huton john. I JERBY. Inglewood forest. S. john's. S. john's. S. john's. johnby. Irthing flu. Irton. Jet flu. Isle. ●tenfeild. Itune bay. KING KESWICK. Kirbek flu. Kirkanders. Kirkby. The Kirksop foot. L The Laith. The Lamiford. Lamonby. Lampley. Langanby. Langnewton. Lasen. Lasenby. Laths. S. Laurence. Legburgh wait. Lenecroft. White leaven flu. Kirk Leventon. Lenton flu. Black leaven flu. The Lies. Limers dale. Lorton. Lowbyer. Lowswater. Lynstoke castle. West Lynton, M The Masthorn. Materdale. Old Mawborow. Medohush wood. Melmerby. Mewtoo beacon. S. Michael's chapel. Millum castle. Millum castle. Millum. Milne hill. Momaster. Moresby. Mosedale. The Mote. Motherby. The mines Royal. The mines. Myterdale. N Naworth castle. Netherby. Newbiggen. Newbiggen. Newby. Newland chapel. New-lathes. New▪ more. Newton in Ardale. Nunny. OH Orton. Ouerhall. Ousby. Outerbye. Owterside. Owton. P Pap-castell. PENRETH. Penrodok. Petterell. Petterell wrey. Plumland. Pole. Portinskal. Pottrose flu. Punsonby. R Raby-Cotes. Rauderside hall. RAVENGLAS. Raughton head chapel Rawthate. Redmane. Reunok. Ribton. The Rose castle Rotherby. Rowcliff castle. Rowcliff. S Saberham. Salkeldes. Sawbarron. Scalbye. Scalby Castle. Scascall. Seaton. Seaton. Sellofeld. Setmurther. Silluth. Siluerside. Skelton. Skiddow hill. Skinburnesse. Skirwith. Skutterby. Stafle. Stainton. Stangartiksed. Stanwix. Sannborn. Stapleton. Sollome Moss. Sowerby. Sowporte. Sowterfeild. Spade Adam. Shire stones upon Wrenosse. Sunderland. T Tallantre. T●rraby. Taukin. Thakthwate. Thornthwate. Threlcot. Thurbury flu. Thuresbye. Thwate. South Tyne flu. Tomwat hill. Torpenny. Thenew Town. Tretermane. Trout Bek. V Vent flu. Vffay park. Vldale. Vlles flu. Vllok. Vnerigg. Vnthank. Vnthank. Vprightby. W Wakthwate. Waleton. Wampul flu. Wampall. Wardall. Warnell. Warton. Warwick. Wasdale chapel▪ neither Wasdale. Watenlath. Wathermelak▪ Wawburthwat. WERKINTON. Westward. Westward forest. Westhall. Wetherall. Whidbek. Whitridge. Whithaven. Whitlaton. Whittyham. Whitelose. Wiborne. Widehope. Winsgell. With-hill. Kirses Wold. Wulsty Castle. NORTHUMBERLAND. CHAPTER XLVI. The bounds of Northumberland. THe County of Northumberland, which the English- Saxons called No●●-●umbe●▪ lon●, hath on the South the Bishopric of Durham, being shut in with the river Derwent, and with Tyne: the North is confined upon Scotland, the West upon part of Scotland and part of Cumberland: The eastside lieth altogether upon the Sea, called Mare-Germanicum. The form. (2) The form thereof is Triangle▪ and differs not much in the sidings; for from her South East, unto the South-West-point are near unto 40. miles; from thence to her North-point are sixty Miles, and her base along the Sea-shoare 45. miles: The whole in Circumference is about one hundred forty five miles. The Air. (3) The Air must needs be subtle, and piercing, for that the Northernly parts are most exposed to extremity of weathers, as great winds, hard frosts, and long lying of snows, etc. Yet would it be far more sharper than it is, were not the german Seas a ready means to further the dissolution of her Ice and Snow, and the plenty of Coals there gotten, a great help to comfort the body with warmth and defend the bitter coldness. The Soil. (4) The Soil cannot be rich, having neither fertilty of ground for Corn or Cattles, the most part of it being rough and in every place hard to be manured, save only towards the Sea, and the river Tyne, where, by the great diligence, and industrious pains of good husbandry that part is become very fruitful. Inhabitants. (5) The ancient Inhabitants of this Country mentioned by Ptolemy were called Ottalini, OTTADENI, & OTTADINI, which by an easy alteration (as Mr. Cambden saith) if it had been called OTTATINI, signifying above the river Tyne, or on the farther side of Tyne (for so this people were planted) there would have been much consonance both with the name of the Jnhabitants, and the Position & Site of the Province. Commodities. (6) The Chiefest commodity that enricheth this county are those Stones Linthancraces, which we call Sea-coals, whereof there is such plenty and abundance digged up, as they do not only turn a great gain to the Inhabitants, but procure also much pleasure and profit to others. Newcastle. (7) No place in this Province vents forth so many of these Sea-coals into other regions as Newcastle doth, being the very eye of all the Towns in this county: for it doth not only minister relief (by such provision) to all other parts of England, but doth also furnish the wants of foreign countries A rich town. with her plenty. By means of this, and the intercourse of Traffic which it hath, the place is grown exceeding rich and populous. Before the Conquest it was called Monk-chester: having been (as it seemed) in the possession of Monks: and Chester being added, which signifies a Bulwark or place of defence, shows that in ancient time it had been a place of fortification. The occasion of naming it Newcastle. (8) After the Conquest it got the name of Newcastle, by the new castle which Robert the son of William the Conqueror built there out of the ground. What it was called in old time is not known, yet some are of opinion that it may be thought to have been Gatrosentum, for that Gateshead, the suburb (as it were) of the same, expresseth in the own proper signification, that British name, Gatrosentum. It is now most ennobled both by the Haven (which Tyne maketh) of that notable depth, that it beareth very tall Ships, and is able to defend them from storms and tempests. As also by many favours, and honours, wherewith it hath been dignified by princes: for Richard the second granted that Richard the second. Henry the sixt. a sword should be carried before the Mayor: and Henry the sixt made it a County consisting of a Corporation within itself. It is adorned with four Churches, and fortified with strong walls that have eight gates. It is distant from the first West line 21. degrees and 30. Minutes, and from the Equinoctial line towards the Northpole 34. degrees and 57 Minutes. Barwick. (9) The utmost town in England and the strongest hold in all Britain is Barwick. From whence it had the name is not certainly made known. Some fetch it from Berengarius a Duke (never read of:) some say it was called Beo●nica-●ic The situation of Barwick. in the old English Saxon tongue, which is the Town of the Bernicians. Howsoever, this is better to be said then trusted: and whencesoever it hath the name, it is seated between two mighty Kingdoms, shooting far into the Sea, with the which, and the river Tweed, it is almost encompassed: and whensoever any discord fell between the two Nations, this place was the first thing they took care of. It hath endured the brunts of divers inroads & incursions, & been oftentimes both possessed and repossessed of the Scots and English: But since it was reduced under the command of Edward the fourth, our Kings have from time to time so strengthened it with new works and fortifications, as they cut off all hopes of winning it. The governor of this town The Governor. is also Warden of the East Marches against Scotland. The Longitude of it according to Mathematical observation is 21. degrees, and 43. minutes: The latitude 55. degrees and 48. minutes. Battles in this Country. (10) The Inhabitants of this County are a warlike people, and excellent light horsemen, and are made fierce and hardy by the several encounters of the Scots; & not much unlike them in neither, betwixt whom in this County many battles have been fought, and the successes oftentimes waved through very doubtfully, the victory sometimes falling to the Scots, sometimes to the English. At Otturburne was one, in which three or four times, it stood doubtfully indifferent, Battles at Otterburne. till in the end the Scots got the upper hand of the English: Howbeit their glory was not made so illustrious by this Conquest, but that it was as much darkened by the foil they received at Anwicke, where William King of Scots, was taken and presented prisoner to Henry the second. As also Anwick. Brumridge. by that battle at Brumridge, where King Athelstan fought a pitched field against Anlafe the Dane, Constantine King of Scots, and Eugenius King of Cumberland, and that with such fortunate success as it hath left matter sufficient to fill the pens of Historians. Flodden field also memorable in the Flodden field. death of james the fourth, King of Scots, who was there slain and his Army overthrown in a sharp fight, as he displayed his banner (in great hope) against England, when King Henry the eight lay at the siege of Turnay in France. Hexam. (11) Other battles in this County have been, as that at Hexam (called by Bede Hangustald) wherein john Nevil Marquis Montacute, encountered the Leaders of the Lancastrian faction with much courage, and with greater success put them to flight, for which he was made Earl of Northumberland by Edward the fourth. As also that at Dilston (by Bede Dilston. called Divelsburne,) where Oswald having the faith of Christ for his defence and armour, slew Cedwall the Britain in a set Battle, himself straightways becoming a professed Christian, and causing his people to be instructed in Christian religion. Antiquities. (12) Many memorable antiquities are found in this Country along the wall, and in other places: As pieces of Coin, inscriptions, broken and unperfect Altars, etc. (the ruins of the wall yet to be seen:) but none that deserves more to be remembered then Wall▪ Town (by Bede called Ad Murum) for that Segbert King of the East- Saxons was in it baptised in the Christian faith by the hands of Paulinus: Halyston. and Halyston, where the same Paulinus is said to have baptised many thousands into the Faith of Christ in the primitive Church of the English▪ Nation. Busigap. (13) Busy-gap is a place infamous for robbing and thieving, & is therefore rather remembered as a Cautionary note for such as have cause to travel that way, then for any proper matter of worth it hath, that merits place with other parts of this Province. Light▪ Horsemen. Other matters of observation are only these, that north Tine (running through the Wall) waters two dales, which breed notable light horsemen, and both of them have their hills (hard by) so boggy and standing with water on the top, that no horsemen are able to ride through them, and yet (which is wonderful) there be many great heaps of Stones (called Laws) which the neighbouring people are verily persuaded were cast up and laid together in old time, in A Martial kind of Men. remembrance of some that were slain there. There is also a martial kind of men which lie out, up and down in little cottages (called by them Sheals and Shealing) from April to August, in a scattering fashion, summering (as they term it) their Cattles, and these are such a sort of people as were the ancient Nomads. The last, not lest, matter of note is this, that the Inhabitants of Morpeth set their own town Morpeth. on fire in the year of Christ 1215. in the spite they bore to King john, for that he and his Rutars over ran these Countries. Market towns. This County hath five Market Towns in it for her trade of buying and selling, twenty six Castles for her strength and fortification, and 460. parishes for divine service. NORTHUMBERLAND. BARWICK A SCALE OF PASES. Waldeof Earl. Northum. Robert Mowbray E. Henry son to David K. of Scot Hugh pudsey Bishop of Durham john Nevil E. of Northum. Henry Percy Earl. of Northum. john Dudley Duke of Northum. Thomas Percy Earl. of Northum. A. SCALE. OF. MILES. The Arms of such honourable Families, as have borne the Dignity, and Title of Earls, and Dukes of Northumberland, since the Normans Conquest. A Castle B ●hy●e wall C S. Marry gate D Bell Tower E Lords mount F The Grenes G West mount H Newman Marie gate I Middle mount KING Search▪ house mount▪ L Cow▪ gate▪ M Mill mount N ●. Store houses OH PEA Hunsdons new mou▪ t QUEEN Hunsdons' mount R Palace Tower S C●pons Tower T Sh●re-gate V Maison deeu W Bridge gate Y Kings S●bles X Tollbooth and 〈◊〉 Z Parado ● Palace NEWE-CASTLE A. Scale. of. Pases. A King's manner B Kings Lodgings C Grammar School D The manner F New house H Black friars I Saint john's KING High Castle L Almese Houses M Saint Nicholas N All-hallows OH Trinity House P Pandon Hall Q The wall Knoll R The Stone Hill S The maisen deeu T Almose Houses FIVE West Hospital W White Friars X Scottish Inn Z New gate 3 West gate▪ 4 Pandon gate 6 Sandgate gate 7 Close gate 8 The Key Described by William Matthew DEAE SURI A SUB CALP VRNIO AGNOSTUS— ICOLA LEG AVG PR.. PR.. A LICINIUS— LEMENS PRAEF.— III A. JOR— NUMINIB AUGUSTOR COH▪ 〈◊〉 GALLIARD EQ FE▪ C. PRO SALUTE DESIDIENIAE — LIANI PRAE — ET SVA. S POSVIT VOT AO SOLVIT▪ LIBE NS TUSCO ET ●A●●O COS. DEAE SURI A SU● CALP VRNIO AGR ICOLA LEG▪ AUG PR.▪ ●R▪ A. LICINIUS CLEMENS PRAEF▪ C O▪ I HAMMIOR ✚ The Roman Garrisons guarding the Frontier of these Northern parts, and in certain Stations remaining to put back the incursions of the Sorts and Picts in time of there peace, wrought and erected many altars to there G●dss, for the prosperity of their Cysars▪ Prefectors'▪ Some few of them 〈◊〉 have here inserted from the Stones themselves 〈◊〉 n●w in the custody of that worthy Preserver of ancient monuments the learned knight Sir Robert Cotton of Cunnington, whose liberal m●nde that 〈◊〉 hath much increased and inrich●d this labour. Anno 〈◊〉 161● Performed by john Speed and are to be sold in popes-head▪ Alley ●ver against the Exchange by john Sudbury and George Humble Cum privilegio A ABsheles. Acam. Ackton. Acton. Akelynton. A●lanton. Allenton. Alloms. Almeburne. ALNEWICK Alnham. East Allow flu. West Allow flu. Anbell. Ancrast. Angerton. Anter-Chester. Aperley. Ashington. Asper sheles. Averwick. Aumond hill. Aydon Castle. Aylmouth. Aylnammore. B Bamburg. Barmore. Barodon. Barraford. Barrinton. BARWICK. Barwick. Great Bavington. Bearle. Bedenell. Bedlinton. Belford. Bellister Castle. Bellerley. The belyn. Belkirk. Belsey Castle. Beltingham. Beneley. Benthom. Benwell. Berling. Create Bewick. Little Bewicke. Bewfront. Bichefield. Bickerton. Biker. Billingham, Billistone. Bilton. Bingfield. Birkes. Biwell Castle. Blacklaw. Black-brea. Black-bedon. Blakedon. Black-hall. Blake law. Blakeworth. Blenkensop Castle Blithe flu. Blithe's Newkes. Bolam. Bottle Castle. Bowesden. Bowmer. Bowton. Bradford. Bradley hall. Brankeston. Bransaugh. Branton. Branton. Brearidge. Brenkhorn. Brinkley. Brome park. Bromeridge. Bromish, flu. Brumley. Brunton. Bruntons. Buckton. Budle. Burdop. Burrodon. Burtley. Burton. Buston. Busigap. Buteland. Butterhagh. C Caddon, Callalee. Calli● park. Cammas. Captheaton. Carehouse. North Carleton. South Carleton. Carram. Carrow tower. Carswell. The Carter. Castley. Catch●side. Catchborne. Causey. Cerbridge. Charleton. Chatton. Chesterwood. Cheswick. Chetlop burn. Cheviot hills. East-chevinton. West-chevinton. Chillingham. Chirden. Chipechase. Chirtons'. Cholerton. Claroo. Cockley. Cockley town. Coket flu. Coket Island. Cocklaw hill. Cold-Marton. Conwood chapel. Colwell. Cornwall. Corsenside. Cortington Castle. Cotewall tower. Coupland. Cowpon. Crags hells. Cramlinton. Crawley. Crawston. Christenbury cra. Crocklaw. Cronkley. Cunnyngarth. D Dala Castle. Dareshall. Dawton. Deddinton. Den●k. Denton, Detcham. Dichborns. Dilston. Dissingtons. Doteland. Dovols flu. Downeham. Doxford. Druriche. Duke pull. Dunkefield. Dunnington. Dunston. Dunterley. Dunstaburgh Castle. Durtreborn. E Eawden. Edderston. Edington. Edlingham castle Eglingham. Eland hall. Eldes. Elford. Elihaugh. Elis. Elishaw. Ellesden. Ellingham. Ellyke. Elmeley, Eltringham. Embleton. Emmothilis. Emmouthough. Erington. Erisden. Eslington. Espley. Essheales. Etall. etal Castle. Euart. F Fallowfield. Farley. Farnlaw. Fauston hall. Fauterley. Fawlee. Faulick. Fawns. Felkinton. Felton. Fennam. Fennik. Fennik hall. Fetherston haugh Flights fell. Flodden hill. Font flu. Ford Castle. Fowbre. Framlington. G Garretlee. The Gelecrag. Gijsons. Gilderdale. Glanthisse. Glanton. Gloucester. The Grange. Grange. Greene. Grenechester. green haugh. Green hatheley. Green Leighton. Greenested. Grindridge. North Gosford. South Gosford. Goswick. Grotehugh. Gunnerton. H Haden Bridge. Haggerston. Haledon. Halewell. Halidon hill. Haliston. Halton hall. Halton-sheeles. Halt-wesell. Hambleton. Hamburne hall. The Hangiston. Hason. Hathrington wark. Haughton. Haukeslaw. Haukwell. Hawcople. Hay-close. Haydon. Hartbottle castle. Harehaugh. Harelaw. Harford. Kirk Harle West Harle. Harnam. Harlow. Harsingside. Hartborn. Harterton. Hartley flu. Hartley. Hartside. Haruep. Harwood sheeles Headly. Heaton. Heborne. Hebborne. Heddon. East Heddon. Hedgely. The He field. Hefferlaw. Helter borne. Heppescote. Hessh. Heslaside. Heselridge. Old Heton. Hetton. HEXAM. Hexley. Highley. Hoclugh. Holy Island. Holinhead. Horde. The Horshead. Horsley. Horton grange. Horton Castle. Howborn. Howick. Howtell. Long Houghton. Houghton. Houghton. Hugh. Hull. Hurst. Hyndley. I Ilderton. Ingram. Jngey. S. john Lee. KING Kemblespeth-hil Kenton. Kepik. Killam. Killinworth. Kinsingham. Kirkhaugh. Kirkley. Kirkwhelpington Kmeleyside. Knaresdale. Knewdon. Kyley. L Lamley. Lamyford. Langhaugh. Langley Castle. Langton. Leame. Leaplyshe. Learmouth. Lee-hall. Lees. Lemmaton. Lesbury. East Lilborne. West Lilborne Lyre hillam. Longhope. Longhurst. Longshawes. Long-witton. The forest of Lowes. Lowick. Lowlyn. Lucker. Lungridge. Lurbottle. Lynbridge. line flu. Lynton. Lyom. M Mad-fennes. Maiden cross. Marelet. S. Margaret. Medow-hough. Melchriche. Meldon. Mickeley. Middleborn. Middleton. Middleton. Middleton hall. Middletons. Milborne. Milfield. Minsterakers. Mitforth. Monk-seton. Moretowne. neither Mo●ley. MORPETH. Morrik. Morton. Mosedon. Mowap. Mousewell Munk. Munkryse. N Nesbet. Netherton. Nethpoole. Newbiggin. Newbiggin. Newbiggin. Newbiggins. Newbiggins. Newborn. Newburgh. New Chapel. NEWCASTLE. Newlands. Newneham. Newsham. Newshele, Newsted. Newtowne. Newtown. Newtowne. Newtowne. Newton. Newton. Newton. Newton. Newton hall. Newton kirk. Nobock. Nopton. Norham. Norton. Nuke. Nunnikirk. Nunriding. OH Ogle Castle. Oldrowne. Ord. S. Oswald. Otterburne. Ouerhall. Ouer-Acres. Ouinton. Ouingham. Old town. Outchester. Owmers'. Owston. P Padston. Parkhead. Pegton. Penpughe. Permandley. Plankford. Plash. Pont flu. Pontland. Portgate. Prendick. Preslik. Pressan. Preston. Pruddo Castle. R Ratten-raw. Rause Castle hill. Raylees. Radeswouth. Reeds dale. Rellosyse. Revela. The Reye. Ridlamhope. Ridland flu. Ridley flu. Little Rile. Great Rile. Riplington. Rising. Robs Cross. Rock. Rochester. Roddam. Rothbury. Rotheley. Roseborne. Roseden. Rosse. Rugley. Runington. Rutchester. Rutchester. S Sammeshouse. Sandon. Seaton. Seaton. Seaton dalavell. Sewenshele. Sibbenes. Sibton sheles. Sighill. Simonburn castle Simonside. Sindrop. Sharpenton. Shavon. Shelduks. She'll flu. Shele-hall. Shepewash. Shilburne haugh. Shilbottel. Shiluington. Shipley. Shitlinton. Shorley. Shortslat. Shoston. Shotley. Shotton. Skrimmerston. Skernwood. Slealey. Slekbornes. Smalborne. Smalborne. Snepe. Snipehouse. Snitter. Snuke-banke. Spi-Crag. Spindleston. The Hospital. The Hospital. Spurtwell. White Squire hill. The read Squire. Stanforth. Stannington. Stanton. Steelehall. Steel. Stonehall. Stokeswood. Stoubes. Stravertpeele. Sunderland. Swinborne castle. Little Swinborn. Swinnon. The side. T Tarsell. Till flu. Tinmouth. Tinmouth Castle. Titlington. Thecam. Thirl wall. Thokerinton. Thornburn. Thornhope. Thornham tower Thornton, Thornton. Throple. Throxton. Todhorn. Toddelwood. Togesden. Toneley. Tossons. Over Trewhet neither Trewhet Tritlinton. Troughwhen. Tuggell. Tweedmouth. Tweedmouth. Tweed flu. Twisell. Tylmouth. Tyne flu. Tyne flu. Tynehead. Tyndale. V Vgham. Vnthank. Vsway flu. W Wall. Wall town, Wallington. Walker. Walwick. Wamson. Wanspeck flu. Warden. Work Castle. warn flu. Warnemouth. Warnford. Warton. Warmouth. Wateryate. Wawbottle. Weldon. Welton. weasel. Wetewood. Weteslades. West Newton. Widon. Wilam. Williamston. Willinton. Willy Moteswick. Winchester. Windram. Winnelrau. Wintrig. Witherington Castle. Whanton Wharby. The wheel Fell. West Whelpington. Whitchester, Whitfield. Whitfield hall. Whitlathe. Whitley sheeles. Whitside. Whittel. Whittentons. Whittenstall. Whittingam. Whitton Castle. Whitton tower. Woodburnes. Wooden. Woodhall. Woodhouses. Woodhouse. Woperden. Workesborn. Worndon. Wreghill. Wullaw. Wuller. Y Yardop. Yarro. Yarwiche. Yellinton. Yeverin hill. Diversity of names. THe I'll of Man is termed by Ptolemy, Moneda; by Pliny, Monabia; by Orosius, Menavia; by Beda, Menavia secunda, and by Gyldas, ●ubonia, and Manaw. The Britain's name it Menow; the Inhabitants, Maninge; and we Englishmen, The I'll of Man. It boundeth Northward upon Scotland, Southward upon the I'll of Anglesey, Eastward upon part of Lancashire, and Westward upon the coast of Ireland. Form. (2) The form is long and narrow: for from Cranston to the Mull-hils, where it is longest, it only stretcheth Dimensitie. itself to twenty nine miles; but from the widest part, which is from Peele-Castle to Douglas-point, are scarce nine; the whole compass about, is fourscore and two miles. air. (3) The air is cold and sharp, being bordering upon the Septentrional parts, and for her shelter having but a wall of water. They have few woods; only they light sometimes upon subterranean trees buried under the ground, by digging up the earth for a clammy kind of turf, which they use for fuel. Soil. (4) The soil is reasonable fruitful both for Cattles, Fish, and Corn; yet it rather commendeth the pains of the people than the goodness of the ground; for by the industry of the Inhabitants it yieldeth sufficiency of every thing for itself, and sendeth good store into other Countries. It hath fields (by good manuring) plenteous of Barley and Wheat, but especially of Oats; and from hence it comes that the people Oaten-bread. eat most of all Oaten bread. It bears abundance of hemp and flax, and is full of mighty flocks of sheep and other cattles: yet are they smaller in body than we have in England, and are much like to the cattles in Ireland that are neighbouring upon it. Commodities. (5) This commodity makes this Island more happy than we are here: for the people are there free from unnecessary commencements of Suits, from Freedom from vexation in Lawing. long and dilatory Plcas, and from frivolous feeing of Lawyers. No judge or Clerks of the Court take there any penny for drawing Instruments, or making of Processes. All controversies are there determined by certain judges, without writings or other charges, The Magistrate's manner of warrant for summoning a party before him. and them they call Deemsters, and choose forth among themselves. If any complaint be made to the Magistrate for wrongs, either done or suffered, he presently taketh up a stone, and fixeth his mark upon it, and so delivereth it unto the party plaintiff, by virtue of which he both calls his adversary to appearance, and to produce his witnesses. If the case fall out to be more litigious, and of greater consequence than can easily be ended, it is then referred to twelve men, whom they term The Keys of the Island. Another happiness enricheth this Island, namely the security and government thereof, as being defended from neighbour enemies by Soldiers that are priest and ready; for on the southside of the I'll stands Balacuri (the Bishop's Balacuri the Bishop's Palace. chief place of residence) and the Pyle, and a Blorkehouse standing in a little Island, where there is a continual Garrison of Soldiers. And it is so well managed for matter of rule and civil discipline, that every man there possesseth his own in peace and safety. No man lives in dread, or danger of losing what he hath. Men are not there inclined to robbing or thieving, or licentious living. religiousness of the people. (6) The Inhabitants of this Island are for the most part religious, and loving to their Pastors, to whom they do much reverence and respect, frequenting duly to Divine Service, without division in the Church or innovation in the Commonweal. The wealthier sort, and such as hold the fairest possessions, do imitate the people of Lancashire, both in their honest carriage & good housekeeping▪ How beit the common sort of people both in their language and manners, come nighest unto the Irish, although they somewhat relish and savour of the qualities of the Norwegians. Matters worthy of note. (7) Things not worthy to be buried in the grave of oblivion are, that this Island in the midst thereof riseth up with hills, standing very thick; amongst which, the highest is called Sceafull, from whence upon a clear and fair day, a man may easily see three Kingdoms at once; that is, Scotland, England, and Ireland. This I'll prohibits the customary manner of begging from door to door, detesting the disorders, as well Civil as Ecclesiastical, of neighbour Nations. And The women's girdles when they go abroad. last, not lest, that deserves to be committed to mememory, is, that the women of this Country, wheresoever they go out of their doors, gird themselves about with the winding-sheete that they purpose to be buried in, to show themselves mindful of their mortality: and such of them as are at any time condemned The manner of death for Malefactors. to die, are sowed within a sack, and fling from a rock into the Sea. The partition of this Isle. (8) The whole Isle is divided into two parts, South and North, whereof the one resembleth the Scotish in speech, the other the Irish. It is defended by two Castles, and hath seventeen Parishes, five Market Towns, and many Villages. A Table of the Towns, Villages, Castles, Rivers, and Havens within this I'll of Man, Alphabetically gathered. A Kirk Andrew. The point of Air. B Baladoul. Balalough. Kirk Balalough. Balicaken. Balisaly Abbey. Balisaly Town. Friry Bewmakan. Kirk Bridge. Kirk Brodon. C Caltregh. The Calf of man. Castle town Bay. Kirk Christ. Kirk Christ. Chapel. Clanmoy flu. Cobbe Born. Corte. Cranston. D Dauby point. Dauby town. Douglas point. DOUGLAS Town. Douglas haven. E Egnes. F Fleshik. G Glan-Brow. Glan-Cam. I Kirk jarman. jeorby point. Saint john's Chapel. KING Saint Katherins Chapel Kirk Kerbrey. L The point Lang-nouse. Laxibaye. Laxi-point. LAXITOWN. Kirk Lennon, Loughe. M Kirk Magh haul. Kirk Magh-hauls head Malarlough. Kirk Mali. Kirk Migh-hill. Kirk Migh-hill flu. Saint Migh-hills Island Min-hughe. Kirk Mortowne. The Mull-hills. N Neb flu. The Nunnery. OH Kirk Onkon. P Kirk patriarch. Kirk Patriarch of the Peel PEEL-TOWNE. Peel-Castle. Polt Bash. Port-Earn. Portell Morrey. Portwick. R Ramsway. RAMSEY Town. Ramsey haven. RUSHIN Castle. S Scarthlat. Shellack point. Snaseld. Solbe-mouth. Solbe flu. Spalorck. The Stack. Kirk Stanton. FIVE Work. W Watch-hill. The white Water. Black Water. Whetston. THE ISLE OF MAN Exactly desribed, and into several Parishshes divided, with every Town, Village, Bay, Creke, and River therein contained. The bordringe Coasts wherewith it is circulated in their Situations set, and by the Compass accordigly showed, with their true distance from every place unto this Island by a several Scale observed Ano. 1595. DESCRIBED BY. THO DURHAM MAN by Caesar Called Mona, by plini Monabia, by ptol. Monocda, and by Gildas Eubonia▪ is an Island seated in the Ocean betwixt the kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland, it formerly bore the name of a kingdom, and hathbene populous and well inhabited very plentiful of cattle, Fowl and Fish, it is now divided into seaventene parishes, many Villages, and defended by twoe castles. Anno. 1610▪ PERFORMED BY. JOHN SPEED THIS SCALE Containeth the Miles of the Island▪ itself and is to be measured according to the usual manner THIS SCALE is to be 〈◊〉 from the Compa●●e in the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bordering 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ireland, and 〈◊〉. IT is here very pertinent to the purpose to insert a small History of this Island, that the achievements heretofore had, may not be utterly buried, although they are waxen very old, and almost torn from remembrance by the teeth of Time. It is confessed by all, that the Britaines held this Island as they did all Britain. But when the Nations from the North overflowed these South parts, like ●iolent tempests, it become subject to the Scots. Afterwards, the Norwegians, who did most hurt from the Northern Sea by their manifold robberies, made this Island and the Hebrides to be their haunt, and erected Lords and petty Kings in the same, as is expressed in this Chronicle, written (as is reported) by the Monks of the Abbey of Russin. A Chronicle of the Kings of Man. ANno Dom. 1065. Edward of blessed memory, King of England departed this life, and Harald the son of Godwyn succeeded him in the Kingdom: against whom Harold Harfager (King of Norway) came into the field, and fought a battle at Stainford▪ bridge: but the English obtaining the victory, put them all to flight. Out of which chase Godred, surnamed Sy●ric● King of Man. Crovan, the son of Harald the Black of Iseland, came unto Godred the son of Syrric, who reigned then in Man, and honourably received him. (2) The same year William the Bastard conquered England, & Fingall. Godred the son of Syrric died, his son Fingal succeeding him. (3) An. 1066. Godred Cronan assembled a great Fleet, and came to Man, and fought with the people of the Land, but received the worst, and was overcome. The second time renewing his forces and his Fleet, he sailed into Man, and joined battle with the Manksmen, but was vanquished as before, and driven out of the field. Howbeit, what he could not at first bring to pass with power in those two several onsets, he afterwards effected by policy. For the third time gathering a great multitude together, he arrived by night in the Haven called Ramsey, and hid three hundred men in a wood, which stood upon the hanging hollow brow of an hill called Sceafull. The Sun being risen, the Manksmen put their people in order of battle, and with a violent charge Godred Grove●s King. encountered with Godred. The fight was hot for a time, and stood in a doubtful suspense, till those three hundred men starting out of the Ambush behind their backs, began to foil the Manksmen, put them to the worst, and forced them to ●●ie. Who seeing themselves thus discomfited, and finding no place of refuge left them to escape, with pitiful lamentations submitted themselves unto Godred, and besought him not to put to the sword such poor remainder of them as was left alive. Godred having compassion on their calamities, (for he had been nursed for a time and brought up among them) sounded a retreat, and prohibited his host any longer pursuit. He being thus possessed of the Isle of Man, died in the Island that is called Isle, when he had reigned sixteen years: He left behind him three sons, Lagman, Harald, and Olaue. (4) Lagman the eldest taking upon him the Kingdom, Lagman King. reigned seven years. His brother Harald rebelled against him a great while; but at length was taken prisoner by Lagman, who caused his members of generation to be cut off, and his eyes to be put out of his head. Which cruelty this Lagman afterwards repenting, gave over the Kingdom of his own accord, and wearing the badge of the Lords Cross took a journey to jerusalem, in which he died. (5) An. 1075. all the Lords and Nobles of the islands hearing of the death of Lagman, dispatched Ambassadors to Murecard O-brien, King of Ireland, and requested that he would sand some worthy and industrious man of the Blood Royal to be their King, till Olaue the son of Godred came to Dopnald King. full age. The King yielding to their request▪ sent one Dopnald the son of Tade, and charged him to govern the Kingdom (which by right belonged to another) with lenity and gentleness. But after he was come to the Crown, forgetting, or not weighing the charge that his Lord and Master had given him, swayed his place with great tyranny, committing many outrages and cruelties, and so reigned three years: till all the Princes of the islands agreeing together, rose up against him, and made him fly into Ireland. (6) An Do. 1111. Olaue the son of Godred Crovan aforesaid, Olaue King. began his reign, and reigned forty years a peaceable Prince. He took to wife Africa, the daughter of Fergus of Gal-way, of whom he begat Godred. By his Concubines he had Ragnald, Lagman, and Harald, besides many daughters, whereof one was married to Summerled, Prince of Herergaidel, who caused the ruin of the Kings of the islands. On her he begat four sons, Dulgal, Raignald, Engus, and Olaue. (7) An. Dom. 1144. Godred the son of Olaue, was created Godred the second King. King of Man, and reigned thirty years. In the third year of his reign, the people of Dublin sent for him, and made their King. Which Murecard King of Ireland maligning, raised war, and sent Osibeley his half brother by the mother sides with 3000. men at Arms to Dublin, who by Godred and the Dublinians was slain, and the rest all put to flight. These achievements made, Godred returned to Man, & began to use tyranny, turning the Noblemen out of their inheritances. Whereupon one called Thorfin (Oters' son) being mightier than the rest, came to Summerled, and made Dulgal (Summerleds son) King of the islands: whereof Godred having intelligence, prepared a Navy of 80▪ Ships to meet Summerled. And in the year 1156. there was a battle fought at Sea on Twelfth day at night, & many slain on both sides. But the next day they grew to a pacification, and divided the Kingdom of the islands among themselves. This was the cause of the overthrow of the Kingdom of the Iles. (8) Ann. 1158. Summerled came to Man with a fleet of fifty three sail, put Godred to flight, and wasted the Island. Godred upon this crossed over to Norway for aid against Summerled. But Summerled in the mean time arriving at Rhinfrin, and having gathered together a fleet of 1060. ships, coveting to subdue all Scotland, by the just judgement of God was vanquished by a few, and both himself and his son slain, with an infinite number of people. (9) The fourth day after Reginald began to reign, but Godred coming upon him out of Norway with a great multitude of armed men, took his brother Raignald, and bereft him both of his eyes & genital members. On the fourth Ideses of November, An. Dom. 1187. Godred King of the islands died, and his body was translated to the I'll of Ely. He left behind him three sons, Reginald, Olaue, and Yuar. He ordained in his life time, that Olaue should succeed him, because Reginald King of Man. he only was borne legitimate. But the people of Man seeing him to be scarce ten years old, sent for Reignald, and made him their King. This caused great division, and many turbulent attempts between the two brethren, for the space of thirty eight years; which had no end, till at a place called Tnigualla there was a Battle struck between them, wherein Olaue had the victory, and Reignald was slain. The Monks of Rushin translated his body unto the Abbey of S. Marry de Fournes, and there interred it in a place which himself had chosen for that purpose. (10) An. 1230. Olaue and Godred Don (who was Reginalds son) with the Norwegians came to Man, and divided the Kingdom among themselves▪ Olaue held Man, and Godred being go unto the islands, was slain in the I'll Lodhus. So Olaue the second King. Olaue obtained the Kingdom of the Isles. He died the twelfth Calendss of june, Anno 1237. in S. Patrick's Island, and was buried in the Abbey of Russin. (11) Harrold his son succeeded him, being fourteen years of age, and reigned twelve years. In the year 1239. Harrold King of Man. he went unto the King of Norway, who after two years confirmed unto him, his heirs and successors, under his Seal, all the islands which his Predecessors had possessed. (12) An. 1242. Harald returned out of Norway, and being by the Inhabitants honourably received▪ had peace with the Kings of England, and of Scotland. The same year he was sent for by the King of Norway, & married his daughter. In the year 1249. as he returned homewards with his wife, he was drowned in a tempest near unto the Coasts of Radland. Reginald the second King. (13) An. Dom. 1249. Reginald the son of Olaue, and brother to Harold, began his reign, and on the thirtieth day thereof was slain by one Yuar a Knight, in a meadow near unto the holy Trinity Church, and lieth buried in the Church of S. Mary of Russin. (14) In the year 1252. Magnus' the son of Olaue came to Man, and was made King. The next year following he went Magnus' King of Man. to the King of Norway, and stayed there a year. (15) In the year 1265. Magnus (Olaues son) King of Man, and of the islands, departed this life at the Castle of Russin, and was buried in the Church of S. Mary of Russin. (16) In the year 1266. the Kingdom of the islands was translated, by reason of Alexander King of Scots, who had gotten into his hands the western islands, and brought the I'll of Man under his dominion, as one of that number. (17) An. 1340. William Montacute Earl of Salisbury wrested it from the Scotish by strong hand & force of Arms: and in the year 1393. (as Thomas Walsingham saith) he sold Man and the Crown thereof unto William Scroop for a great sum of money. But he being beheaded for high Treason, and his goods confiscate, it came into the hands of Henry the Fourth, King of England, who granted this Island unto Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland. But Henry Percy entering into open rebellion the fifth year following, the King sent Sir john Stanley and William Stanley to seize the I'll and Castle of Man: the inheritance whereof he granted afterwards to Sir john Stanley and his heirs by Letters Patents, with the Patronage of the Bishopric, etc. So that his heirs and successors, who were honoured with the Title of Earls of Derby, were commonly called Kings of Man. HOLY ISLAND. THis Island is called Lindisfarne, by the River Lied that is opposite unto it on the Coast of Northumberland. Beda termeth it a Demy Island. The Britain's name it Inis Medicante, for that it twice every day suffereth an extraordinary inundation and overflowing of the Ocean in manner of an Island, which twice likewise makes it continent to the Land, and returning unto her watery habitation, lays the Shore bore again, as before. It is called in English, Holy-Iland, for that in ancient times many Monks have been accustomed to retire themselves thither, and to make it their receptacle for solitude: having on the West and South, Northumberland, and more South-Eastward the Island Farne. (2) The form of it is long and narrow, the West side narrower than the East, and are both conjoined by a very small spang of land that is left unto Coneys. The South is much broader than the rest. It is from East to West about two thousand two hundred and fifty pases; and from North to South, twelve hundred and fifty pases; so that the circumference cannot be great. (3) The air is not very good either for health or delight, as being seated on those parts that are subject to extremity of cold, and greatly troubled with vapours and foggy mists that arise from the Seas. (4) The soil cannot be rich, being rocky and full of stones, and unfit for corn and tillage. It is neither commended for hills to feed sheep, nor pastures to fat cattles, neither hath it valleys replenished with sweet springs, or running rivellets, only one excepted, descending from a standing pond. The only thing this Island yieldeth, is a fit and accommodate aptitude for fishing and fowling. (5) Notwithstanding this is very worthy of note concerning the same, which Alcuin wrote in an Epistle to Egelred King of Northumberland, namely that it was a place more venerable than all the places of Britain, and that after the departure of S. Paulinus from York, there Christian Religion began in their Nation, though afterwards it there felt the first beginning of misery and calamity, being left to the spoil of pagan and Miscreants. (6) It is also remembered of this Island, that sometimes there hath been in it an Episcopal See, which Aidan the Scot instituted (being called thither to preach the Christian Faith to the people of Northumberland) being much delighted with the solitary situation thereof, as a most fit place for retire. But afterwards when the Danes rifled and rob all the Seacoasts, the Episcopal See was translated to Durham. (7) This Island so small in account either for compass or commodity, and so unpeopled and unprofitable, cannot be numerous in Towns and Villages. It hath in it only one Town, with a Church and a Castle, under which there is a commodious Haven, defended with a Blockhouse, situate upon an hill towards the Southeast. FARNE I'll. THis I'll South-eastward seven miles from Holy Island, showeth itself distant almost two miles from Bambrough Castle. On the west and South it beareth upon Northumberland, and on the northeast side it hath other smaller islands adjoining to it, as Widopens and Staple Island, which lie two miles of Bronsman, and two lesser than these, which are called the Wambes. (2) The form of this I'll is round, and no larger in compass then may easily be ridden in one half of a day. The breadth of it is but five miles, and the length no more. The whole circumference extends itself no further than to fifteen miles. (3) The air is very unwholesome, and subject both to many Dysenteries and other diseases, by reason of the misty fogs and exhalations that are thereunto drawn up from the Ocean. It is many times troubled with unusual tempests of winds, with boisterous fury of stormy rains, and with several and uncouth rages of the Sea. (4) The soil cannot be fertile, being encircled about with craggy cliffs; neither hath it, in it much matter either of pleasure or profit. It can neither defend itself from cold, lacking fuel, as wood, coal, turfs, etc. nor from famine, wanting food, as corn, pastures, cattles, etc. The best commodity it yields, is fish and fowl. (5) This thing nevertheless is worthy to be remembered of it, which Beda (writing of the life of Cuthbert Bishop of Lindisfarn, that Tutelar Patron of the Northern Englishmen) reporteth, namely, that in this I'll he built a City fitting his government, and erected certain houses in the same; the whole building standing almost round in compass, and reaching the space of four or five perches. The wall about it Bede in the life of Cuthbert. he made higher than a man's height, to withhold and keep in the wanton lasciviousness both of his thoughts and eyes, and to elevate the whole intention of his mind up to heavenly desires, that he might wholly give himself to the service of God. But these are all made the ruins of time, as sithence many other Monuments have been, of worthy antiquity. (6) I cannot report that there are now many houses standing in it, much less Towns or Villages. Only this, that it hath a Tower or place of Fortification belonging unto it, placed well-near in the middle part of the I'll. HOLY ISLAND A Scale containing 32 peach to one Ineh● FARNE GARNSEY A SCALE OF ENGLISH MILES JARSEY Performed by john 〈◊〉 and are to be sold in Pope's head alley by 〈…〉 G. Humble▪ come 〈◊〉 Jodocus Hondius C●lavi● Anno Domini ●6●0 A SCALE OF MILES A SCALE OF MILES GARNSEY. THis Island lieth about five leagues Northwest from jersey, and is compassed (like to her neighbour) with the British Sea. It lieth in length from Plymouth bay, South-west to Lancrosse de Anckers' North-east, thirteen miles: in breadth from S. Martin's point Southeast, to the how Northwest, nine miles; and is in circuit 36. miles. The Emperor Antonine, having the rule and domination of France (at that time called Gaul, from whence the word Gallia is derived) did name this Island Sarnia, which afterward by the change of Times & corruption of languages, was long since (and is at this day) called Garnsey. (2) This I'll in form and fashion standeth in the Sea, much like to a Park that is encompassed round about with a Pale of Rocks, being very defensible unto the Island from the attempting innovation of enemies. (3) The Air and Climate of this I'll hath little or no difference in temper or quality from that of jersey. And this deserves to be remembered of it; that in this I'll is neither Toad, Snake, Adder, or any other venomous creature, and the other hath great plenty. (4) It standeth for the most part upon a rock, very high in many places from the Sea. Nevertheless the Soil is very fruitful, yielding forth great plenty of grass for their Sheep and other cattle, which they have to serve all uses. Their fields in the summer time are so naturally garnished with flowers of all sorts, that a man (being there) might conceit himself to be in a pleasant artificial garden. (5) The Inhabitants are not so much given to till lage as they of jersey, though the Soil be as fruitful. They have of late taken great delight in planting and setting of trees of all sorts, and especially of Apples, by reason whereof they make much Cider. Their commodities are alike, and their helps from the Sea no less, or rather more. (6) In this I'll are many great steep rocks; among which is found a hard stone called by the Frenchmen Smyris, which we term Emerill. This stone is serviceable for many purposes, and many Trades, as glaziers, etc. but especially for the Goldsmiths and Lapidaries, to cut their precious stones. (7) It hath a head of Land upon the North part thereof, the passage into which is so narrow, that a man would think that at every Tide (the Sea beating strongly on both sides) it were in a continual danger to be sundered from the other part of the I'll. This place is called S. Michael in the Vale, where (in former times) stood a Priory, or a Covent of religious persons, the ruins whereof are at this day to be seen. (8) The government of this I'll, in nature & form resembles the other of jarsey, of whom shall be said. The people are in their Original and Language alike also, but in their customs and conditions they come nearer the civil fashions of the English. Other matters of monument I find not worthy to be recorded. It hath ten Parishes, and one Market Town, being also a Haven, and is called S. Peter's Port, built close by the Peer, and Castle Cornet. JERSEY. THe two islands jersey and Garnesey, being the only remains of the Dukedom of Normandy, that in former times many years together was in the possession, and under the command of the Kings of England, annexing thereunto a large Territory & glorious title to the Crown, are both seated in the Sea called Mare Britannicum, the Ocean parting them a good distant asunder, and are now both adjuncts, and within the Circuit of Hampshire. For the first (being the Isle of jersey) it lieth upon the British Sea, having on the north parts the coast of Hampshire, & on the south the Country of Normandy. (2) This Island is long, not much unlike the fashion of an Egg. It contains in length from Sentwon Pool upon the West, to Mount Orguil Castle on the East, ten miles, and in breadth from Dubon point to Plymount-bay, six miles: the whole circuit of the Island being thirty eight miles. It is distant from a little Island called Alderney, about four leagues. It was in old time called Caesaria; whether from julius Octavius, or any the other Caesars that followed, is unknown. But the Frenchmen have by corruption of speech, long time called it jersey. (3) It is a very delightsome and healthful Island, and giveth a pleasant aspect unto the Seas. It lieth Southward not far from a craggy ridge of rocks, which is much feared of the Mariners, and makes the passage that way very dangerous, howbeit it serves for a forcible defence against Pirates, or any strangers that attempt invasion, and they are termed Casquets. (4) The Soil is very fertile, bringing forth store of Corn & cattle, but especially of Sheep, that are of reasonable bigness, the most of them bearing four horns a piece: Their wool very fine and white, of which the Inhabitants make their jersey stockings, which are ordinarily to be had in most parts of England, and yield a great commodity unto the Island. (5) The first original of the Inhabitants, sprung either from the Normans or Britain's, or both. They speak French, though after a corrupt manner, and have continued their names, language, customs, and Country, without any, or little intermixture these many hundred years, having been under the jurisdiction of the English ever since the untimely and unnatural death of Robert Duke of Normandy, eldest son to William the Conqueror. (6) The people of this Country live very pleasantly, as well by the profits of the Land, as the helps and furtherances of the Sea, that yields unto them (and especially in summer season) great store of fish, but principally Conger and Lobsters, the greatest and fattest upon the coast of England. Wood is very scant, for their best fuel is Turf: some Coal they have brought unto them, but it is very dear; straw, fur, and fern serving their ordinary uses. The middle part of the Island hath many pretty Hills rising in it, yielding a delightful object unto the valleys, that receive from one another a mutual pleasure. (7) The Governor of the I'll is the Captain thereof, who appointeth certain Officers under him: the principal of whom, carrieth the name and title of a Bailiff, that in civil causes hath the assistance of twelve jurats to determine of differences, and minister justice: in criminal matters seven: in matters of reason and conscience, five. Their twelve are chosen out of the twelve Parishes: so that no man goeth further to complain, then to his own Iurate in ordinary controversies; but matters of moment and difficulty, are determined before the Bailiff in a general meeting. (8) This I'll hath two little islands adjacent; the one Saint Albon, the other hilary Island. It hath twelve Parishes, and four Castles. No other Monuments of name or note. THE SECOND BOOK: CONTAINING THE Principality of Wales. DELIVERING, An exact topography of the COUNTIES. Divisions of their CANTREVES, and COMMOTS. Descriptions of their CITIES, and Shire-TOWNES. With a Compendious Relation of things most memorable in every of them. Performed By JOHN SPEED. LONDON, Printed by William Hall, for John Sudburie and George Humble. CUM PRIVILEGIO. HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE DIEV ET MON DROIT royal blazon or coat of arms ❧ A Catalogue of such Princes sprung FROM THE ROYAL STEM OF THE ENGLISH KINGS, AS HAVE BEEN Entitled, PRINCE'S OF WALES, since the time of that Country's last Conquest, and first voluntary subjection under KING EDWARD THE FIRST. 1 Edward Caernaruon, named afterwards Edward 2. son to K. Edward 1 2 Edward of Windsor, afterwards Edward the third. 3 Edward the Black Prince, son to King Edw. 3. 4 Richard of Bordeaux, son to the Black Prince; afterwards R. 2. 5 Henry of Monmouth, son to Henry 4. afterwards H. 5. 6 Henry of Windsor, the son of Henry 5. afterwards H. 6. 7 Edward of Westminster, the son of K. H. 6. 8 Edward of Westminster, the son of K. Edw. 4. 9 Edward, the son of K. Richard the third. 10 Arthur, the son of K. Henry the seventh. 11 Henry, the son of K. H. 7. afterwards K. H. 8. 12 Edward, the son of H. 8. afterwards K. Edw. 6. 13 Marry, the daughter of K. H. 8. 14 Elizabeth, the daughter of K. H. 8. 15 HENRY, the son of K. JAMES, our Sovereign. THE NAMES OF THE COUNTIES IN WALES, (AS THEY ARE NOW NUMBERED, AND ANNEXED UNTO THE ENGLISH Crown) in such order as we have described them. 1 Pembrok-shire. 2 Caermardenshire. 3 Glamorgan-shire. 4 Brecknockshire. 5 Radnor-shire. 6 Cardiganshire. 7 Mountgomery-shire. 8 Merioneth-shire. 9 Denbighshire. 10 Flintshire. 11 Caernaruon-shire. 12 Anglesey I'll. THE GENERAL DESCRIPTION, AND SEVERAL DIVISIONS OF THE PRINCIPALITY OF WALES. ANtiquity hath avouched, that the whole Isle of Britain was divided into three parts. The first and fairest lay contained within the French Seas, the Rivers of Severne, Dee, and, Humber called then Lhoyger, (which name it yet retaineth in Welsh,) in English, called England. The second part occupied all the land Northward from Humber, to the Orkeney Sea, called by the Latins, Mare Caledonium, or Deucaledonium, now famously known by the name of Scotland. The third part was this, lying betwixt the Irish Seas, the rivers Severn, & Dee; and was called Cambria, which name doth yet continued with them, though we the English call it Wales; as the people Welshmen, which is strange and strangers; for so at this day the dwellers of tyrol in the higher Germany, whence our Saxons are said to have come, do name the Italian (their next neighbour) a Welshman, and his language Welsh. (2) This opinion Verstegan doth altogether contradict, rather Verstegan. lib. Restit. cap. 5. judging by the ancient Teutonick tongue, which the Germane spoke, & wherein the G. is pronounced for W. that these Saxons called them Gallish fro the Gauls, whence their Original proceeded, rather then Wallish from strangers: which he thinketh could not be, considering their habitations so near unto them, and that the like was in use he proveth by the words of French: Guardian for Wardian, Cornugalles for Cornwalles, yea, and Galls for Wales, calling our most famous Edward, Prince of Galls, not Prince of Wales; insomuch that the County of Lombardy, bordering along upon the Germane, was of them called Gallia Cis-alpina, and at this day Welsh▪ land: So likewise do the Netherlanders call the inhabitants of Henalt and Art●is, Wallen or Walloons, and some parts of Brabant and Flanders, Welsh-Brabant, and Welsh-Flanders, and all because of the language or lineage of the Gauls. Neither do the mere Natives of Wales know any other name of their Country then Cambria, of themselves then Cambri or Cumri, or of their language then Cambraoc: but leaving this opinion free to his affection we will proceed. Offa made a Mere between his Kingdom & Wales. (3) Wales therefore being anciently bounded as before, the Saxons did afterwards win by force from the Britain's, all the plain and champion Country over the river Dee, and especially Offa King of Mercia, made their limits straighter, by making a ditch of great breadth and depth, to be a Mere betwixt his Kingdom and Wales. This ditch is in many places to be seen at this day, and bears the name of Clawdth Offa, (that is) Offas' Ditch. The Country between it and England is commonly called the Marches, and is for the most part inhabited by welshmen, especially in North-wales, even to the River Dee. This admirable trench began at Bassingwerke in Flintshire, between Chester and Ruthlan, and ran along the hills to the South sea, a little from Bristol, reaching above an hundredth miles in length. The breadth and length of Wales (4) Silvester Giraldus makes the River Why to be the Mere between Englandand Wales, on the south part called South-Wales: whence he ascribeth the breadth of Wales unto Saint David's in Menevia to be an hundred miles, and the length from Caerleon upon Vike in Gwentland, to Holly-head in Anglesey an hundred miles, he might have said thirty more. Rodericus Magnus divided it into three Regions. An Christ. 870. (5) About the year of Christ▪ 870. our Alfred reigning in England, Rodericus magnus King of Wales did divide it into three, Talaiths, Regions or Territories, which were called Kingdoms, whose names both British and English with their several chief seats follow. 1 Cwyneth, ENG. Northwa. chief seats Aberfraw in Môn. or Anglesey. 2 Powys, ENG. Powys land. * Shrewsbury. Pengwern, removed to Mathraval. 3 Dehenbarth, ENG. Southw Caermardyn, removed to Dinevowr. This Rodericus magnus gave Venedotia, Gwineth or North-wales to * D. Powel. Anarawd his eldest son, to Cadelh his second, Demetia, Deheubarth or Southwales, and to mervin his third son▪ Powys. Gwyneth or North-Wales. (6) North-wales had upon the North side, the Irish se●, from the river Dee at Bassingwerke to Aberdyvi: upon the west, and Southwest the river Dyvi, which divideth it from South-wales, and in some places from Powys land: And on the South, and East, it is divided from Powys, sometimes with high hills, and sometimes with rivers, till it come again to the River Dee. It is generally full of hugh mountains, craggy rocks, great woods, and deep valleys, many strait dangerous places, deep and swift rivers. (7) This land was of old time divided into four parts, * Anglesey. Môn * Caernaruon. Aruon, Meryonyth, and y Beruedhwlan, or the middle Country, and each of these were again divided into several Cantreves, and they subdivided into their Cymeden or Commots, wherein we follow Mr Tate. Hist of Wales. that division which was in the time of Llewyly●●p Gruffin last Prince of Wales, according to a Copy imparted to me by a Worshipful friend* and learned Antiquary, as seeming far more exact Môns or Anglesey the first part of North-Wales. Beaumarish the chief town of Anglesey. than that of * Doctor Powels: (8) Anglesey the chiefest, is separated from the main land with the river Moena, wherein at Aberfraw was the Prince's Court, now a mean village. In this Island is a fair town called Beaumarish, and a common passage to Ireland at Caergybi, in English, Hollyh●ad. This Anglesey hath Cantreves and Commots as followeth.     Aberffraw     Llivonal l●ion 1 1 Cantrerhi   or   Cwmd.         Aberffr●,     mal traeth. 2           Tal ebolion. 3 2 Can. Cemais.   Cwmwd.   Twr celyn. 4           T●ndaethwy. 5 3 Can. Rossir.   Cwmwd.   Moenai. ● Aruon or Caernaruon the second part of North-Wales. Caernaruon th● shire town of the County of Carnarvan. (9) Aruon the second part of North-wales, is now called Carnaruonshire, the strongest Country within that Principality, giving place to none for fertility of the ground, or for plenty of wood, cattles, fish & foul, etc. Here are the Towns of Caernaruon, in old time called Caer-Segont, and Bangor the Bishops See, with divers other ancient Castles, and places of memory. This portion hath on the north, the sea & Moenai, upon the East and Southeast, the river Conwy, which divideth it from Denbigh shire: and o● the South-west is separated from Merioneth, by rivers, mountains and Meres, whose Cantreves, and Commots are these.         Llechredd achaf.   4 Can.   Aber. Cwm. Nant conwy. 7         Llechwedisaf. 8           9         Vwch gwyrfai. 10 5 Can.   Aruon. Cwm. Is gwyrfai. 11     Dinodyn.   Ardudwy. 12 6 Can.   al. Cwm.       — D●●odi●.   Efi●●yd. 13         Cymymae● alias           Cwmdinam. 14 7 Can.   lyn, Cwm. Tiullaen. 15         Canologi●n. 16 (10) Merioneth was the third part of Gwyneth, & keepeth the name till this day: is full of hills, and much noted for the resort of people Merioneth the third part of North-Wales. that repair thither to take herrings: upon the north it hath Aruon, and Denbighland, upon the South, Ca●rdigenshire, and upon the East, Montgomerishire, heretofore part of Powys. In this County standeth the Town of Harleth, and a great lake called lyn Tegyd. This Country is likewise full of Cattles, Fowle and Fish, and hath in it great store of red Deetes and Roes, but there is much fearsity of corn, whose Cantreds and Commots are as followeth.   Merionyd   tally bont. 17 8 Can. als. Cwm. Pennal. 1●   Meiri●●.   Y●tymaner alias. 19       eshemaneyr         Vwch coed. 20 9 Can. Arwystly. Cwm. Is coed. 21       Gwarthrynion. 22       Vwch● Meloch. 23. 10 Can. Penllyn. Cwm. J● Meloch. 24       Micnynt, 〈◊〉 Micn●int. 25 Y Beruedhwlad the fourth part of North-Wales▪ (11) ●. Y Beruedhwlad was the fourth part of Gwyneth, and may be called in English, The middle Country: Is enclosed with Hills, on the East, West, and South-parts, and with the Sea Northward. It is plentiful of cattle, Fish and Fowl, as also of Corn: and is divided in the midst, with the River Clwydl, to which run a number of other Rivers from the Hills. In this part is Dyffryn Clwyd, the fairest Valley within Wales containing * D. Pow. Hist. of Wales. eighteen miles in length, and seven in breadth. In which is the Town and Castle of Ruthlan near unto the Sea; and not far thence S. Assaph, an Episcopal Seat, between the Rivers Clwyd and Elwy: herein stands the fair Town and goodly Castle of Denbigh, situated upon a Rock, the greatest Market Town of North Wales: and from thence is seen the Town and Castle of Ruthyn, fair for prospect, and fruitful for fire. This part of North Wales, hath the Sea upon the North: Dee toward the East: Aruon, the River Conwey, and M●rionyth, upon the West; and the Country then called Powys upon the South. It hath Cantreves and Commits, as ensuing.   Rhyf●ni●e   Vwch aled 26. 11 Can. all Cwm.   all aleph.   Rhywyniawe   i● aled 27.       H●raeth●● 28. 12 Cant. Ystrat. Cwm. cy●●●irch 29.       Vwch dulas 30 13 Can. Rhos. Cwm. J● dulas 31       Yerendyn 32 14 Can. dyffrynn. ●leion, ●ls Cw●wt ●●lian vel Col●igion. 33     lan art●, ●ls. cwmwt 〈◊〉. 34 Clwyd. Cwm. Ruth●n. 35     dogseilyn addit●r Cwm. Ystr●t. 3●.     cwn●lls, als cwmwt cwm seled,   15 Can. Tegaingl. Cwm. or c●w●syll● 37. Inglefeild in Flint. preststum als cwmwt prestan 38.   ●hudlan. 39 And these were the meres ●●d bounds of the four parts of 〈◊〉 Gwi●eth, or North Wales. WALES BANGOR▪ S● DAVID'S St. ASSAPH 〈…〉 BEAUMARIS CARNARVAN HARLIEG CARDIGAN PENBROK CARMARTHEN DENBIGH FLINT MONTGOMERY RADNOR BRECKNOK CARDIFE THE SCALE of MILES Cum Privilegio. 1610. Performed by ●●HN SPEED, and are to be sold by I●●● 〈◊〉 and George Humble in Po●●● h●●● 〈◊〉 1 Can. Y. Barwm. Cwm. Dinmael. 1 Edeirnion 2. Glyndyvyrdwy 3 2 Can. Y. Rhiw. Cwm. Jal. 4. Ystrat alun 5 Your bob 6. 3 Can. Vwch▪ nant. Cwm. Maelor gymraci 7. Maelor saesonec 8. Merfford, in Flintshir .9 4 Can. Trefred, Cwm. crows vain 10. true Owain 11. crows oswall. 12 5. Can. rhoyader. Cwm. Mochnant is rhayadyr 13 Cynllai●h. 14 Nanheudwy. 15 Powys between Why and Severne, the second part belonging to Mathraval. (13) The second part of Powis, or the territory belonging to Mathraval, is Powis between Why and Severne, (or Gwy and Hauren) whereof some is at this day in Montgomery-shire, some in Radnor-shire and some in Brecknockshire▪ and among sundry other, hath these Towns and Castles following. Mountgomery: The Castle of Clyn: The Town of Knighton: The Castle of Cymaron: Presteyn: The Town and Castle of Radnor called in Welsh Maesyvet, which is at this day the Shire-Towne: The Town of Kinton, and the Castle of Huntingdon. The Cantreves and Commots, are in number and name as ensueth.         Ceri. 16 6 Can. Melienyd. Swyd d●gr als said y. gre. 17   Cwm.     Triallall● als Rhy wallakt▪ 18         Glyn jeithion 19 7. Can. Elfael. Cwm. Vwch mynyd. 20. Is mynyd. 21 Llechdyunoc 22 8. Can. Y. Clawed. Cwm. Dyffryn Tyvediad als Teyveydiat. 23 Swyd dinogion als dhynogen 24 Penwellt. 25 9 Can. Buellt. Cwm. Swyd y dreulies. 26 Swyd y bham 27 Is yrron al. isyrwon. 28 Powys Wenwinwyn the third part of Mathraval. (14) The third part belonging to Mathraval (chief seat of Powys, after the Welsh were driven from Pengwern or Shrewsburie) was Powys Wenwinwyn; a Country full of Woods, Hills, and Rivers, having in it among others, the Towns of Welshpoole, Newtowne, Machinlhaeth. Arustly was anciently in this part, but afterward it came to the Princes of Gwyneth. The Cantreves and Commots thereof ensue. 10. Can. Y. Virnwy. Cwm. Mochnant uwcbrhayadr. 29 Mechain is coed. 30 Llanner hudol. 31 11 Can.   Cwm. Dendwr. 32 ystlies als Gordwrisabh. 33 yst●ic Gordwr ucham. 34   Ystra● marchell. 35 12 Can. Llyswynau. Cwm. Caer Sinion. 36 Mechain Vwch coed. 37 13 Can. Cydewen. Cwm. Cynan. 38 Hauren. 39 14 Can. Cynan. Cwm. Cyfeili●c. 40 Mawdwy. 41 This may suffice, for the description of that which in old time was called Gwyneth and Powys. South-Wales the third Kingdom. (15) It now remaineth that we describe the last Kingdom of Wales, called Demetia, Deheubarth, or the Talaith of Dinevowr, which although it was the greatest, yet was it not the best, because it was much molested with Flemings and Normans, and for that also divers parts thereof would not obey their Prince, as in Gwent, and in Morganwc. Caerdigan the first part of Sou (16) This was divided into six parts, of which Caerdigan was the first, and is a champion Country without much wood. It hath Merionyth-shire on the North: part of Powys upon the East: Carmarden-shire, and Pembrokeshire, with the River Tivi, upon the South: and upon the West the Irish Sea. In this part is the Town of Caerdigan The town of Cardigan. upon Tivi, not far from the Sea; as also the Town of Aberstwyth upon the River Istwyth and Lhanbadarnevawr, which in times past was a great Sanctuary: there were also many Castles; as of Stratmeyrie; of Walter; of Lhanrysted; of Dynerth; and of Aber Roydoll, etc. The Cantreves and Commots of Caerdigan, are thus reckoned. 1 Can. Pennedic als Cwm. Geneur gly● 1. Penwedic Perfed. 2   Cr●udyn. 3 2 Can. Canawl. Cwm. Mefenyd. 4 Anhin●aw● als Anbuno● 5 Pennarth. ● 3 Can. Cadell als Cwm. Mab wynion. 7 Cadall. Caerwidros' 8 4 Can. Jsirwern als Cwm. Gwinionyd. 9 Syrwen Is coed. 10 Dyvet or Pembroke the second part of South-Wales. (17) The second part was called Dyvet, and at this day Penbrokeshire. It hath upon the North and West, the Irish Sea; upon the East Carmarden-shire; and upon the South Severne: There are in it sundry Towns and Havens, among others these: Pembroke: Tenby: Hereford West, with the goodly and many branched Haven of Milford, called in Welsh Aberda●gledhett: S. David's or Menevia, which is the chiefest See in Wales: Fiscard called Aberwayn: and Newport named Tresdaeth. The Cantre●eses and Commots thereof, are thus accounted.         Vwch cuch. 6     Dyved. Is cuch. 7 1 Can. Emlyn. Cwm. Efael leva●thyr, als Leth●thyr. 8 2 Can. Aberth. Cwm. Penthyn are elais. 9 Esgair olyse als esterokf. 10 Talachain 11 3 Can. Dangledeu. Cwm. Amgoed. 12 Pennant. 13 Efelffre. 14 4 Can. Coed. Cwm. Llanhacháden. 15 Castle gw●s. 16 5. Can. Penuro. Cwm. Cóedir háf. 17 Maenor vyrr. 18 Penuro. 19 6 Can. Rhos. Cwm. Hwlfford. 20 castle gwalchmai. 21 y● garn. 22 7 Can. Pebidiaw. Cwm. Mynyw 23 P●ncaer. 24 Pebidioc. 25 8 Can. Cemais. Cwm. Vwch neser. 76 Is nefer. 27 Trefdráeths. 28 9 Can. Finior. Cwm. Harfryn. 29 Derned. 30 Is geneny. 31 Caermardenshire the third part of South-Wales. (18) The third part was Caermardenshire, which is a Country accounted the strongest part of all South-Wales: as that which is full of high mountains, great woods and faite rivers, divided into these parts ensuing. 10 Can. Phinioc. Cwm. Hirf●yn. 32 Perued. 33 Is cenhen. 34 11 Can. Eginoc. Cwm. Gwhyr. 35 Cydwel●. 36 Carnwyllion. 37 12 Can. Bychan. Cwm. Mallaen. 38 Caed. 39 Maenor deivi als Deilo. 40 13 Can. Mawr. Cwm. Cethi●ioc. 41 Mab ●luyd als Elfyw. 42 Mab V●bdrud. 43 (19) The fourth called Morganw●, now Glamorganshire, hath on the South, the Seavern sea, which divideth it from Devonshire & Cornwall: Glamorganshire the fourth part of South-Wales. upon the West, and Northwest, Carmardenshire: upon the North-east, Brecknockshiren, and upon the East, Moumouthshire: whose Cantreves and Commots are as followeth. 14     Cwm. Rhwng Neth a Thawy. 44   Morgannwe. Rhwng Neth ac ●ua●. 45 Cronertb. Tir yr hwndred. 46 als Tiryr jarll. 47 Cronartb. Macnor glyn Ogwr. 48 15 Can. Pen. ythen. Cwm. Me iscen. 49 Glynn Rhodne. 50 Maenor dal y van als talavam 51 Maenor R●uthu●. 52 16 Can. Brenhinawl. Cwm. Cibwrn. 53 Sainghenyd. 54 Vwch Cayach. 55 J● Cayach. 56 17 Can. Gwennllws. Cwm. Your Haid, als yr hard ganol. 57 Cenawl. 58 Cit●af, als eithaf dylygion. 59 Edlygton. 60 (20) The fifth now called Gwent and in Monmouth▪ shire, hath in it the ancient City of Caerlheon upon Vsk. There are also divers Gwent the fift part of South-Wales. Towns and Castles, as Chepstow, Glynstrygul, Rosalura, Tynterne upon the River Why, etc. This is a fair and fertile Country. It hath on the West Glamorgan, and Brecknocke-shires: upon the North Hereford-shire: upon the East Gloucestershire: with the River Why and the River Severne upon the South and Southeast: whose division is as followeth. 18 Can. such coet gwent. Cw. Vwch mynyd. 61 Is coed. 62 Llefy nid. 63 Tres y gruc. 64 19 Can. Iscoed. Cwm. Bryn Bugaf. 65. Vwch coed. 66. Ytairlief. 67. Ergin. 68 E●as. 69   Cantreu Coach or Forest Auen●, the Forest of Deane. 70 Brecknockshire the sixt part of South-Wales. (21) The last is Brecknockshire, for the most part full of mountains, woods and rivers. This Country is both great and large, being full of fair plains and valleys for corn: it hath plenty of thick woods forests and Parks. It is full also of clear and deep rivers, of which Severne is the chiefest. Although there be other fair rivers as Vske and the like.     Brycheevioc.     20 Can. Selyf. Cwm. Selyf. 71 Trabayarne 72 21 Can. Canawl. Cwm. Talgart● 73 Ystrat yw. 73 Eglwys jaiil or Brwynllys 74 22 Can. Mawr. Cwm. Tir Ra●wlff als Raulph. 76 Lliwel 77 Cru● Howel 30. 78 (22) Thus far concerning the ancient Welsh division by Talaith●, Cantreves, and Comeds'; but the present division, distributeth them more compendiously into two Countries, and twelve Shires, enacted so by Parliament under King * An. 35. cap. ●5. Henry the eight; the Countries are North-wales and Southwales (which have shared, and as it were devoured between them, all Powysland) each of which Countries contains six Shires. NORTH-WALES. Anglesey. SOUTHWALES. Caerdigan. Caernaruon. Pembroke. Merionyth. Carmarden. Denbigh. G●amorgan. Flint. Brecknock▪ Montgomery Radnor. But whereas Monmouth-shire, and Radnor, were anciently parts, the first of South-Wales, the other of Pewys-land: Monmouth▪ shire by * An. 27. cap. 27. Act of Parliament also under the same King, was plucked away wholly from Wales, and laid to England, one of whose Counties and Shires, it was from that time forward, and is at this present reckoned; and Radnor-shire (as it were in am thereof) is comprehended in Southwales. Humphrey Hluyd a Welsh Gentleman, in his Epistle and Map of old Wales, maketh mention of a West-Wales, which he calleth Demetia and Dyf●●, the one the Latin and the other the British name thereof: but because it is wholly swallowed up by this last division, we will not perplex the Reader with superfluous and impertinent recitalls. PEMBROKESHIRE. CHAPTER III Pembrokeshire bounds. PEMBROKESHIRE, the furthest Promontory of all West-Wales, lieth parted on the North from Cardiganshire with the rivers Tyvy and Keach, and on the East is confronted by Caermardenshire; the South and West shooting far into the Irish-Seas, is with the same altogether washed. The form. (2) The form thereof is longer than it is broad; for from Saint Govens South-point to Cardigan-bridge in the North, are twenty six miles; the Eastern Landenie to S. David's point in the West, are twenty; the whole in circumference is ninety three miles. The air. (3) The air is passing temperate, by the report of Giraldus, who confirmeth his reason from the site of Ireland, against which it butteth, and so near adjoined, Giraldus. Cambden. that King Rufus thought it possible to make a Bridge of his Ships over the Sea, whereby he might pass to Ireland on foot. The ancient Inhabitants. (4) Anciently it was possessed by the Demetia, further branched into Cardigan and Caermarden-shires as in that County hath been said, and in the Saxons Conquests and Heptarchy, by the Britaines forced into Henry the First planted Netherlanders in this Shire. those parts for refuge, whither Henry the First, and third of the Normans King, sent certain Flemings (whose Country was overwhelmed with the breaking in of the Seas) to inhabit the maritime Tract called Rosse, lying West upon the River Dougledye. These Dutchmen (saith Giraldus) were a strong and stout Nation, enured to wars, and accustomed to seek gain by Clothing, Traffic, and Tillage, and ever ready for the Field to fight it out: adding withal, that they were most loyal to the English, and most faithful to the Englishmen. Whereupon Malmesbury writeth thus: Many a time did King William Rufus assail the Welsh, but ever in vain: which is to be wondered at, considering his other fortunate success. But (saith he) it may be the unevenness of the ground, and sharpness of the air, that maintained their courage, and impeached his valour: which to redress, King W. Malmes. lib. 5. Henry his brother found means; for those Flemings, who in regard of his mother's kindred by the father's side, sorely pestered and endamaged the English, he sent into Wales, both to purge and disburden his own Kingdom, and to quell and keep back the courage of his enemies. These then here seated, deceived not his expectation, but so carried themselves in his quarrel▪ that they seldom communicated with their neighbours, so that to this day they speak not the language, and the Country is yet called Little England beyond Wales. The commodities. (5) The commodities of this Shire are Corn, Cattle, sea-fish, and fowl, and in Giraldus his days of saleable wines, the havens being so commodious for Ships arrivage: such is that at Tenby, and Milford, an Haven of such capacity, that sixteen Creeks, five Bays, and thirteen Roads, known all by several names, are therein contained, where Henry of Richmond, of most happy memory, arrived with signal hopes of England's freedom from under the government of an usurping Tyrant. Pembroke the chief Town. (6) Near unto this is Pembroke the Shire-towne seated, more ancient in show than it is in years, and more houses without Inhabitants, than I saw in any one City throughout my survey. It is walled longwise, and them but indifferent for repair, containing in circuit eight hundred and fourscore pases, having three Gates of passage, and at the West end a large Castle, and locked-causey, that leads over the water to the decayed Priory of Monton. The site of this Town is in the degree of Longitude, as Mercator doth measure, 14. and 55. minutes, and the elevation from the North-pole in the degree of Latitude 52. S. David's. (7) A City as barren is old Saint David's, neither clad with Woods, nor garnished with Rivers, nor beautified with Fields, nor adorned with Meadows, but lieth always open both to wind and storms. Yet hath it been a Nursery to holy men; for herein lived Calphurnius, a Britain Priest, whose wife was Concha, sister to Saint Martin, and both of them the parents of Saint Patrick the Apostle of Ireland. Devi a most religious Bishop, made this an archiepiscopal See, removed from Isca Legionum. This the Britain's call Tuy Dewy, the house of Devi; the Saxons, Dau●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, we Saint David's: a City with few Inhabitants, and no more houses than are inserted in the draft; yet hath it a fair Cathedral Church dedicated to Saint Andrew and David, in the midst of whose Choir lieth entombed Edmund Earl of Richmond, Edmund Earl of Richmond. father to K. Henry the seventh: whose Monument (as the Prebonds told me) spared their Church from other defacements, when all went down under the hammers of King Henry the eighth. About this is a fair wall, and the Bishop's Palace all of free stone, a goodly house I assure you, and of great receipt, whose uncovered tops, 'cause the curious works in the walls daily to weep, and them to fear their downfall ere long. Castles. 1. Kilga●rens. 2. Newport. 3. Marber●ury. 4. Wa●●in cast. 5. Roch cast. 6. The Blockhouses. 7. Ha●erford. 8. Benton. 9 Carew east. 10. Read castle. 11. Narbarth. 12. Pickton. 13. R●se cast. 14. Castle Bigh. 15. Castle Males 16. H●yeses. (8) But Monton the Priory, and S. Dogmels, places of devout piety erected in this County, found not the like favour, when the commission of their dissolutions came down against them, and the axes of destruction cut down the props of their walls. (9) This Shire hath been strengthened with sixteen Castles, besides two Blockhouses, commanding the mouth of Milford Haven, and is still traded in five Market-towns, being divided into seven Hundred, and in them seated one hundred forty five Parish-Churches, as in the Table annexed followeth. PENBROKSHYRE described AND THE SITTUATIONS both of PENBROKE and St. DAVID'S showed in due form as they were taken by John Speed Wil Martial E. 2. R. C. Strongbow E. 1 Laurence Hastings. 4 Will Valen●r E. 3 Wil de la Poole mark. 6 john D. of Bedford E. 5. jasper Hatfeild E. 7. Will. Herbert E. 8 Ed. Prince of Wales 9 Anne Bolleyne Marchioneste Wil Herbert Erl. 11 PENBROKE The Scale of Pases. SAINT DAVIDS The Scale of 〈◊〉 London. 1610. Cum Privilegio. Performed by john Speede. And are to be sold in Pope's head alley by John Sudbury and George Humble, at The Scale of Miles An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and Places mentioned in Pembrokeshire. HUNDREDS in Pembrokeshire. 1. KIlgarran. 2. Kemes. 3. Dewyslave. 4. Dongledy. 5. Rowse. 6. Narbarth. 7. Castle-Martyn. A Ambleston, Doug. Amrothe, Narb. S. Anne chapel, Rows. S. Ayluew, Dew. B Bayvill, Kem. Benton castle, Rows. Bigelly, Nar. The Bishop and his Clarks, Dew. Bletherston, Dou. Blookhouse, Cast. Blookhouse, Row. Bobeston, Ner. Bolton hill, Row. Bosherston, Cast. Boyvill, Kem. S. Brides, Row. S. Bride's Island, Row. Broad haven, Cast. Brody, Dew. Bridle, Kil. Bulston, Doug. Burlaxton, Cast. Burton, Row. C Caldey Island, Cast. Camros, Row. Cannaston, Nar. capel colman, Kil. capel Kiluewir, Kil capel castlehan, Kil. capel Michangell, Kem. capel daniells, Cast. capel Gorid, Dew. South Carew, Cast. Carew, Nar. Castlebighe, Kem. Castle-henty, Kem. Castle-martin, Cast. Castle▪ male, Kem. S. Catherins', Dew. Clarbeston, Doug. Cleydei, Kil. Clethy flu. Clothy flu. Coidrath forest, Nar. Coidhenles, Nar. Cosheston, Cast. The Cow and the Calf, Dew. Creno, Nar. Creswell, Nar. Crosford, Cast. Crunuaier, Nar. Crynowe, Doug. D Dale, Row. Dale rock, Row. S. DAVIDS, Dew. S. David's head, Dew. S. Dogmells, Kem. S. Dogwells, Dew. Doluath haven, Dew. Dungledye flu. Dynas, Kem. Dynas' head, Kem. Dynnaston, Nar. E Earware, Nar. S. Edryns, Dew. Egremond, Nar. Egloiswithen, Kem. Eglosserow, Kem. S. Eluywes, Dew. Esington, Cast. F ferry house, Cast. FISHGARD, Kem. The Fleet, Cast. S. Florens, Cast. The Flit, Cast. Flymston, Cast. Freistrope, Row. Freshwater, Cast. Freshwater flu. G Gateholme Island, Row. Gelswicke, Row. Giltor point, Cast. Goltop road, Row. S. Gowers, Cast. S. Gowers point, Cast Graftone, Dew. Gromsfreston, Nar. Gupton, Cast. Gwyne flu. H Haiscastle, Dew. Haradstone, alias S. Ismaells, Row. Harbreston, Row. Hareston west, Row. Harismote, Kem. Hascard, Row. Little Haven, Row. HAVERFORD WEST, Ro. Hentland, Cast, Hockwood, Row. Hogeston, Cast. The Horse, Dew. Huberston, Row. I jameston, Cast. johnson, Row. jordanston, Dew. jesfreston, Nar. S. Ismaells, Row. S. Issells, Nar. KING S. Katerens' rock, Cast. S. Katterns, Dew. Keach flu. Kerikmale, Cast. Kerikmahern, Cast. Keven bryn, Kil. Kilguyne, Kem. Killgarran, Kil. Kilpaston, Cast. Kilredin, Kil. Kiluane, Nar. Kingsrode, Row. Knowlton, Row. L Lady chapel, Cast. Lamston, Row. Llanbederuerfrey, Nar. Llandeloy, Dew. Llandewy, Nar. Llandisillio, Doug. Llandilo, Kem. Llanedryn, Dew. Llangan, Doug. Llanglas head, Dew. Llangolman, Kem. Llangone, Row. Llanhaddon, Doug. Llanhowell, Dew. Llanllawharne, Kem. Llanpeter, Nar. Llanrythan, Dew. Llanryan, Dew. Llanstadwell, Row. Llanstynan, Dew. Lantfray, Cast. Llantfray court, Cast. Lantood, Kil. Llanuair nantygove, Kem. Llanuallteg, Doug. Llanuienaghe, Kem. Llanuihangell penpedo, Kil. Llanunda, Dew. Llanuurnach, Kil. Llanwrenny, Nar. Llanychaeth, Kem. Llanychlloydog, Kem. Llanykeven, Doug. Lamphey, Cast. Lamston, Row. Lawhaden, Doug. Lawreny, Nar. S. Laurence, Dew. S. Leonards chapel, Do. Letterston, Dew. Levaston, Cast. Loveston, Nar. Ludchurch, Nar. Ludsop, Cast. Ludsop point, Cast. Lynyerew, Cast. Llysyuran, Doug. M Maenclochog, Kem. Manachllogddy, Kem. Maverbyre, Cast. Manernawen, Dew. S. Margret's chapel, Row. Marlas, Row. Martletwy, Nar. Meherye hill, Nar. Meherye castle, Nar. Melyney, Kem. Menerdyvy, Kil. Merian, Cast. Mewston, Row. Milford haven, Row. Midlan Island, Row. Moelgrove, Kem. Monington, Kem. Morthry, Dew. Moruill, Kem. The Moore, Kem. Mouncton, Nar. Mouncton, Cast. Mukton chapel, Nar. Munkeston rock, Nar. Mynwere, Nar. N Nangle, Cast. Nantgwyne, Kem. Narberth, Nar. Narberth forest, Nar. Nashe, Cast. Nesseton, Row. Neverne flu. Neverne, Kem. Newcastle, Kem. Newmoate, Doug. NEWPORT, Kem. Newton, Row. Newton, Cast. Newton, Nar. S. Nicholas, Dew. Nolton, Row. S. Nones, Dew. Northard, Cast. Northard, Cast. OH Orleton, Cast. Osmaston, Doug. P Paterchurch, Cast. Penallye, Cast. PENBROCK, Cast. Pencellyvychen, Kem. Penkenmas point, Kem. Penner west, Cast. Penner east, Cast. Penner mouth, Cast. Penrith, Kil. Pentuaen, K●m. Percely hill, Kem. S. Petrox, Cast. Pickton castle, Doug. Plumston rock, Row. Pontuaine, Kem. Popton east, Cast. Popton west, Cast. Portolais, Dew. Pouchardston, Kem. Prendergast, Doug. The Priory, Row. Pulchrochan, Cast. Pylles, Row. R Ramsey Island, Dew. Rate Island, Cast. Redboxton, Dougle. Read castle, War●. Redhart, Nar. Rednalston, N●r. Rieston, Dew. Rihye rock, Dew. Rise castle point, Doug. Robeston, Nar. Robeston, Row. Roche, Row. Roche castle, Row. Roche castle hill, Row. Roscrochan, Cast. Rosse Market, Row. Rynoston, Doug. Rywalton, Nar. S Sandy, Row. Sandy haven, Row. Scaline Island, Row. Sheep Island Row. Shirlate, rock Dew. Sister houses, Nar. Slebeche, Doug. Spittle, Dou. Stack rock, Cast. Stackpole, Cast. Stackpoole orde, Cast. S. Stevens, Dew. Steynton, Row. Stokeholme Island, Row. Strumble head, Dew. T Talbeny, Row. Templeton, Nar. Travegare, Dew. Trelloyne, Cast. Trevenyth, Dew. Trevethell, Kem. Trewgarne, Row. Trewent, Cast. S. Twynelles, Cast. TYNBY, Nar. Tyvy flu. V Vggarston mill, Cast. Vpton, Nar. W Wallwyn castle, Row. Walton, Row. Walton, Doug. Whitchurch, Kem. Whitechurch, Dew. Whitsand bay, Dew. Williamston, Nar. Wiston, Doug. Withamston park, Nar. Woram, Cast. Wrennyvair hill, Kil. Y Yarbeston, Nar. Yardlanstone, Row. CAERMARDENSHIRE. CHAPTER IU. The name of this Shire. Caermardenshire, so called from the chief Town Caermarden, lieth bordered upon the North with Cardiganshire; upon her East, by Brecknock and Glamorgan-shires; upon the South, with a Bay of the British Seas; and upon the West with Pembrookeshire. The form. (2) The form of this County is long, and shooteth itself from the southwest into the North and by East, betwixt whose furthest bounds are thirty five English miles, and in her broadest part twenty; the whole in circumference about one hundred and two miles. The Air. (3) This Shire is not altogether so pestered with hills as her bordering neighbours are: and those that she hath, neither so high nor so thick, and therefore is better for Corn and Pasturage, yea and in Woods also, so that for victuals this Country is very well stored, which the stomach doth as well digest, the air being wholesome, temperate, and pleasing. The ancient Inhabitants of this Shire. (4) Anciently these parts were possessed by the Dimetree, as Ptolemie, Gildas, and Ninius do name them: though Pliny holds opinion that they were part of the Silureses, with whom no doubt they were Tacitus in vitae Agrico. subdued to the Romans yoke by julius Frontinus, when he struggled with the rocky Hills in those Southern parts. And this County is accounted by Writers to be the very strength of South-wales. In the West thereof at Kilmanlloid (as it should seem) their Legions kept, where lately an earthen Pot hoarded with store Cambden. of Roman Coins, was by the spade digged up, being stamped upon embased silver, from the time of Commodus unto the first Tribuneship of Gordian the third, which fell in the year of Christ two hundred forty three: and amongst these were the Coins of Heluius Pertinax, Marcus Opellius, Antonius Diadumenianus, julius Verus Maximus, the son of Maximus, of Caelius Balbinus, of Clodius Pupienus, of Aquilia Severa, the wife of Heliogabalus, and of Sall. Barbia Orbiana, pieces rarely found. The Commodities. (5) The Commodities of this Shire chiefly consist in Cattles, Pit-coale, Fowl, and Sea-fish, whereof the Salmon is common among them, and that of such greatness and plenty, as no place is better furnished therewith then the Shire-towne Caermarden is. The chief Town. (6) Which Town by Ptolemie is called Maridunum; by Antonine the Emperor, Muridunum; by the Britain's, Caer fridhin; and by us, Caermarden. It is pleasantly seated upon the southwest side of the River Tovy, that runneth thorough the midst of this Shire, and falleth South from hence into the British Sea, where before times was a convenient Haven for Ships arrivage, but now is sore pestered with Sands and Shelves: notwithstanding some small Vessels ascend up the River even unto the Bridge of this Town, which is fairly built of free stone. And over the same upon a hanging Rock, standeth a very large Castle, from whose stone-wall another intermingled with Brick rangeth about the Town, being in circuit one thousand and four hundred pases. The Inhabitants of this place do not a little glory of their Merlin, who (as they say) was therein borne, the son of a bad Angel, or of an Incubus spirit, the Britain's great Apollo, whom Geffrey ap Arthur would rank with the Soothsaying Seer, or rather with the true Prophets themselves; being none other than a mere Seducer Merlin a fantastical W●●ard. and fantastical Wizard: which howsoever Alani de Insulis in his Commentaries hath laboured to unlock those dark and hidden Similes, wherewith his book is pestered and full, yet was it not without cause forbidden the reading by the Council of Trent, as vain, and not worthy of countenance or credit. At the entrance of the Normans, this Town was brought under their obedience, and for a long time was distressed with the calamities of war, yet afterwards was made by the English Princes the Chancery and Exchequer for all South-wales: and at this day is yearly governed by a Mayor, who ever after is an Alderman and justice of the Peace, two Sheriffs elected out of sixteen Burgesses, all of them in scarlet, a Sword-bearer, a Town-clerk, and two Sergeants with Maces: from whence the Pole is raised 52. degrees 15. minutes in Latitude, and for Longitude is in the degree 15▪ and 30. minutes from the first point in the West, according to Mercator. Carreg-Castle. (7) East from this place are the Ruins of Carreg-Castle, which stood mounted on a high hill, under the which many vaults and spacious Caves far into the ground are seen, wherein is thought the people unable to fight, were therein secured in time of their wars. Where also is a Well (take the report from Giraldus who writeth it) that in this place twice in four and twenty hours ebbing, and twice flowing, resembleth the unstable motions of the main Sea. The Ritters and Market towns. (8) This Shire is watered with twenty eight Rivers and Riverets of name, strengthened with ten Castles, traded in six Market Towns, divided into six Hundred, wherein are seated fourscore and seven parish-churches, whose names are inserted in the Table following. CAERMARDEN Both Shire and Town described Anno Domini 1610 CAERMARDEN A Scale of Pases A. The Priory B. Priory Street C. S. Peter's street D. S. Peter's Church E Water street F Spilmans street G. Kings street H High street I S Maries street KING Key street L The Key M The Castle. Performed by John speed And are to be sold in pope's head alley against the exchange by John sudbury and George Humble. THE SCALE OF MILES An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and places mentioned in Caermardenshire. Hundred in Caermardenshire. 1. CAthinok. 2. Cayo. 3. Perueth. 4. Kidwellye. 5. Elluet. 6. Derllys. A Abarmarlas, Cayo. Abergerlech, Cathinol. Abergwillye, Elluet. Aberwenly, Kidwell. Amond Flu. B Bachhannis Island, Kidwell. Bettus, Kidwell. Bettus, Elluet. Brane Flu. Brechua ygothy, Cathing. C CAERMARDEN Elluet. Caier Flu▪ Calicote point, Kid. Cardyth Forest, Derllys. Castle Ca●reg, Kidwell. Carthkenye Flu. Cledagh Flu. S. Cleres, Derll. Combeny Flu. Comgwilye, Elluet. Conwill Eluet, Elluet. Conwillgaio, Cayo. Cothy Flu. Cowen Flu. D Denever Castle, Cayo. capel Dewye, Kidwell. Dula's Flu. Dula's Flu. Dalashe Flu. Druston Castle, Cayo. capel Duthgye Kid. Castle Dyram, Derlly. E Ebernant, Elluet. Egermont, Derl. Eglosuaier aching, Derll. Eglosuaier, Derll. Eglyskymyn, Derll. capel evan, Elluet. G Glanranelthe, Elluet. Glyn, Kidwell. Golden grove, Kidwell. capel Gunllo, Kidwell. Gwendrath vaure Flu. capel Gwenvye Kidwell. Gwilye Flu. H Hawton, Kidwell. Heullan amgoed, Derll. I S. Ismaels', Kid. S. Ismaels' point, Kid. Istrad merther, Kid. Istradworell, Elluet. Istradwalter, Perue. Istrodfyne, Perue. KING Keach Flu. Kennarth, Elluet. KIDWELLYE, Kid. Kiffike, Der. Kilcombe, Cayo. Kilmaenlloid, Der. Kilredyn, Elluet. Kilsant, Der. Kiluargon, Cathin. Kilycon, Cayo. L Llanarthney, Kid. Llanbrayne, Perue. Llanboydy, Derl. Llanbyther, Cathin. Llandach, Derl. Llandebea, Kid. Llandebye, Kid. capel Llandedery, Kidwell. Llandessillio, Derl. Llandilo Iskenen, Kidw. Llandingate, Perue. Llandingat in Cayo, Cayo. Llandevaylog, Kid. Llandevayson, Cayo. Llandylo in Peruethe, Peruet. Llandylo abercowen▪ Derl. LLANDILO IN CAYO, Cay. Llanedye, Kid. Llanegwad in Cathinok, Cathin. Llanegwad in Elluet Elluet. Llanellye, Kid. LLANELTHYE, Kidw. LLANGADOKE, Per. Llangainge, Derlys. Llangann, Der. Llangather, Cathin. Llangathan, Cayo. Llangeller, Elluet. capel Llangellbithon Kid. Llangenarth, Kid. Llonghor Flu. Llanglodwen, Der. Llangomer, Kid. Llangynn, Der. Llangynderum, Kid. Llangynnok, Der. Llanharne, Der. Llanhedy, Derl. Lllanllawthog, Elluet. capel Llanlloch, Elluet. Llanllonye, Cathin. capel Llanpymsent, Cayo. Llanpympsaint, Elluet. Llansadorn, Per. Llansadornen, Derl. Llansant, Kid. Llansawill, Cayo. Llanstephan, Der. Llantharoke, Kid. capel Llanthithgayne, Kid. Llanthonor, Der. Llanthowie, Peru. Llanthoysant, Peru. Llannun, Kid. Llanvairarbryn, Per. Llanuaier, Der. Llanualteg, Der. Llanuenith, Cathin. Llanvyhangell Abercowen, Derl. Llanvyhangell Orarth, Cath. Llanvyhangell Aberbythyth, Kid. Llanwenye, Derl. Llanwrda, Cayo. Llanwnnyo, Der. Llanycrise in Cayo, Cay. Llanycrois in Cathinok, Cathino. Llanyhangel ugwely, Elleu. LLANYM THEFRY, P. Llanyhangel Roscorne, Cathing. Lleghdeny, Kid. Lloynhowell, Cayo. Lloughor Flu. M Marlas Flu. Marros, Derlys. Mathern Flu. Merthyr, Elluet. Morlas Flu. Mothvay, Peruet. Muthve● Flu. Mydrym, Derl. N Newcastle Emlyn, Elluet. Newchurch, Elluet. capel Newith, Perueth. Newton, Cayo. S. Nicholas, Elluet. P Parkreame, Kid. Penbray Point, Kid. Penbeyr, Elluet. Penbrey, Kid. capel Pencader, Cathi. Pencarrek, Cathin. Pendyne, Der. Penwernolye, Cathin. Pescotter Flu. Prenagrois, Kid. capel Pylin▪ Perueth. S Sauthey Flu. T Tave Flu. Talacouth, Elluet. Talley, Cayo. Towa Flu. Towy Flu. Towy haven, Derl. Trausnant Flu. Treleghe, Elluet. Trynsaren, Kid. Turch Flu. Turghe Flu. Tylo, Kid. Tyvy Flu. W Whitland, Derl. GLAMORGAN-SHIRE, How this shire took his name. as some think named from Prince Morgan the possesser thereof, or according to others, is taken from Morgan an Abbey, founded by William Earl of Gloucester, upon the Sea-shoare in the South of this Shire, lieth bounded upon that part altogether with the British Sea; the West by Loghor, is parted from Caermardenshire; the North butteth upon the County of Breknok; and the East by Remney is divided from Monmouth. (2) The form of this Shire groweth still wider The form of it and measure. from her West-point, spreading her broadest touch in the East, betwixt which extremes I find by measure to be well near forty English miles, and from North to South, not altogether twenty. The whole in circumference, about one hundred and twelve miles. (3) The Air is temperate, and gives more content The Air. to the mind, than the Soil doth fruit or ease unto travelers. The hills being high and very many, which from the North notwithstanding are lessened as it were by degrees; and towards the Seacoasts the Country becometh somewhat plain, which part is the best both for plenty of Grain, and populous Inhabitants. The rest all Mountain, is replenished with cattle, which is the best means unto wealth that this Shire doth afford; upon whose Hills you may behold whole Herds of them feeding; and from whose Rocks, most clear springing waters through the valleys trickling, which sportingly do pass with a most pleasant sound, and did not a little revive my wearied spirits among those vast Mountains, employed in their search: whose infancy at first admitted an easy step over; but grown unto strength more boldly forbade me such passage, and with a more Tave the chief River. stern countenance, held on their journey unto the British Seas: and Tave among these is accounted for a chief. Cacrdif the chief Town of all South-Wales. (4) Upon whose fall, and East-banke, the fairest Town of all South-wales is seated. The Britain's Caerdid, the English cardif, which Fitz-Haimon fortified with a Wall and Castle, in the reign of King Rufus, when he and his Norman Knights had overcome Rhese the Prince of these parts, and thrust out jestine from his lawful possession. This Town he made his own Seat and Court of justice, enjoining his Consorts to give aid to this honour, and to hold their portions in vassalage of him. Strong was the Castle, as by the trust therein reposed may well appear, where the Beauclark. Curthose. youngest brother Beauclark kept captive the eldest Curthose, both of them sons to the Conqueror, the space of twenty six years. This Castle is large, and in good repair, whence the Town-wall went both South and East to the rivers side, thorough which, four gates enter into the four winds, and contain in compass nine hundred & twenty pases; and along the river (a sure defence) upon her West side three hundred more; so that the Town containeth in Circuit twelve hundred and fourscore pases. But as the Tave is a friend to the Town, in making a Key for arrivage of shipping; so is she a foe to S. Mary's Church in the South, with underminig her foundations, and threatening her fall. The Town is governed by a Mayor, yearly elected out of twelve Aldermen, assisted with other twelve Burgesses, a Towneclerk, four Constables and two Sergeants with Mace: whose site is The graduation of Cardif. observed from the North-star to lie in the degree of Latitude, 51. and 49. Scruples; and from the first point in the West. 16. and. 52. Scruples. Landaf. (5) In the same Graduation almost is sited the City Landaf, wherein is a Castle and Cathedral Church, dedicated to Saint Telean, Bishop of the same, without any other memorable matter worthy the speaking of. Giraldus. (6) But things of strange note are these, by the report of Giraldus, who affirmeth that In a Rock or ●liffe Things of str●ge note. upon the Seaside, and Island Barry lying near the Southeast point of this County, is heard out of a little Chink (let him take heed what he saith) the noise as it were of Smiths at their work; one whiles the blowing of bellows to increase the heat, than the strokes of the Hammer, and sound of the anvil; sometimes the noise of the Grindstone in grinding of Iron tools; then the hissing sparks of Steel god's, as they fly from their beating, with the puffing noise of slames in a Furnace. And whether this is the place whereof Clemens Alexandrinus speaketh, I determine Clemens Alex. Strom. lib. 7. not; where in his writings he hath these words: I hay that have recorded Histories (saith he) do say that in the I'll of Britain, there is a certain Hole or Cave under the bottom of an Hill, and on the top thereof a gaping Chincke, into the which, when the wind is gathered and tossed to and fro in the womb or concavity thereof, there is heard above a sound of Cymbals; for the wind being driven back from his hole, is forced to make a loud sound at her vent. (7) Moore Westward from hence, upon the River Ogmore, & near unto Newton, in a sandy plain about an hundred pases from Severne, there springeth a Well, A strange well. though not of the clearest water, where at the flowing and fullness of the Sea, can hardly any water be gotten; but at the ebb and fa●l of tide, it walloweth up amain. The cause may be, as Polybius reports of Polybius. the like at Cadies; Wherein the windy air, when it is deprived of his wont issues, forcibly returneth, shutting and stopping up the passages and veins of the Spring, whereby the waters are kept in. But contrariwise, when the surface thereof is voided and empty of water, the veins of the Source or Spring, are unstopped and set free, which then boileth up in great abundance. Minyd-Margan. (8) And upon the same shore more North and by West, on the top of a hill called Minyd-Margan, is erected a Monument inscribed with a strange Character, and as strange a conceit held thereof by the by-dwellers, whose opinions are possessed, that if any man read the same, he shall shortly after die. This Shire, as it is the furthest Coast of South-wales, and lay open to foreign invasion, so was it fortified with twenty five stronger Castles, whereof times and storms have devoured the most: such were Barry, The number of Castles in this Shire. Saint Doneits, Denispowis, Morlashe, Meneshe, Loghor, Llanddeny, Llanquian, Oxwich, Oystermouth, Ogmor, Pile, Porkery, Pennarth, Winston, Newcastle, Caerfly, Coche, Peullyn, Kethligarne, Kenfeage, Tallavan, Treer and Cothy. Neither was the County so ill seated for sufficiency of life, or barren of Grain, but that therein were planted places for divine piety: such were Neath, Religious houses. Margan, and Caerdif, besides the Episcopal See of Landaf: which last still remaineth; the other three suppressed among the fall of their like, under King Henry the eighth. The division of this Shire. This Shire is divided into ten Hundred, wherein are seated six Market-towns, and one hundred and eighteen Parish-Churches, as in the Card and Table annexed, more at large appeareth. GLAMORGAN SHIRE With the sittuations of the chief town CARDYFF and ancient LANDAFFE described. CARDYFE. A. Smiths street B. Shoemakers street C. West Street D. Back street E. Hummanbye street F. St. john's street G. High street H. North street K. Working street L. Porrag street M. Frogg Lane N. St. john's Church O. Castle Lane P. Town house Q. Duke Street R The pootes Relief. THE SCALE OF PASES LANDAFFE Performed by john Speede. And are to be sold in Pope's head alley against the Exchange by john Su●bury and George Humbell Cum Privigio. Anno Dom. 1610 The Scale of English miles An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and Places mentioned in Glamorgan-shire. HUNDREDS IN Glamorgan-shire. 1. Swanzey. 2. Llangevelach. 3. Neath. 4. Newcastle. 5. Llantrissent. 6. Caerfily. 7. Ogmor. 8. Cowbridge. 9 Denispowies. 10. Cardif. A ABERAVON, Neat. Aberdare, Llant. Aberpi●gum, Neath. Aberthawe east, Denisp. Aberthowe west, Cowbr. S Androwes, Denis. Arthu●s' Bu●s hill, Llant. Saint A●hon, Cowbrid. avon Flu. B B●chhannis Island, Swan. Backinston, Swan. Baglane, Neath. Barry, Denisp. Barry Island, Denisp. Bettus chapel, Newcast. Beveerton, Cowbrid. Bewpeere, Cowbridg. Bishopston, Swan. Boulston, Denis. capel Brathteare, Caerf. Bredruckun, Denis. Park Br●wis, Swan. Saint Brides great, Ogmor. Saint Brides the less, Ogmor. BRIDGEND, Newc. Saint Brides upon Elay Denis. Brytton ferry, Neath. Burra Flu. C Cadoxton, Denis. Cadoxton, Neath. Caerfilly Castle, Caerf. Canton, Cardif. capel Krenant, Neath. CARDIFE, Cardif. Carnllayd, Denis. Cayreh, Cardif. Cheryton, Swan. Clase, Llange. Clemen●son, Ogmor. Cledaugh Flu. Cledaugh Flu. Coche Castle, Ca●rf. Coidfranke Forest, lan. Co●dmerchan Park, Denisp. Cog, Denis. Cogan, Denis. Coganpill, Denis. Coston, Denis. Cowlston, Ogmor. COWBRIDGE, Cow. Coytie Castle, Newcast. Coytchurch, Newcast. Cunnon Flu. D Denispowis Castle, Deni. S. Donetts Welsh, Cowbr. Saint Donetts, Ogmor. Dr●druckan, Denis. Dreergusse, Denis. Dulishe Flu. Dunraven, Ogmor. E Eghhelolid, Denis. Egloisbrywis, Cowbr. Egloissilan, Caerfil. Elay Flu. Elay, Denisp. Ewenny Flu. F Saint Fagans, Denisp. Faldray, Caerf. Flimston, Cowbridg. The Friars, Cardi. Funtgar, Denisp. Funnum, Denisp. G Saint Georges, Denisp. Gilston, Cowbridg. capel Glodis, Caerf. Glyncorruge, Neath. Gwennowe, Denisp. H Hawood aport chapel, Newca. Saint hilary, Cowbrid. The Holm, Swan. I Jllston, Swan. S john's, Swan. Istradovodock, Llant. Jstradowen, Cowbrid. KING Kanfigg Castle, Newcast. Kelligare, Caerf. S. Kenettes Chapel, Swan. Kethligarne Castle, Ogm. Kevenmable, Card. Kilibebyth, Neath. Kilvay, Swan. Knellston, Swan. capel Krenant, Neath. L Laleston, Newcast. Lamadoke, Swan. Llanbeder ynro, Denisp. Llanbethery, Denisp. Lanblethran, Cowbrid. Lancaruan, Denisp. Lancod, Denisp. Landaph, Cardi. Llandilotalibout, Llang. Llandewy Castle, Swan. Llandogh, Cowbrid. Llandough, Denisp. Landow, Ogmor. Landevodock, Ogmor. Llandydock, Newcast. Lanederne, Cardif. Langan, Ogmor. Llangenyth, Swan. Llangevelach, Llang. Llanginor, Ogmor. Llangoned, Newcast. Llangug, Llang. Langwick, lan. Llangibach, Llang. Llangyneware, Newcast. Lanhary, Cowbrid. Lanharan, Cowbrid. Llanihangell, Cowbrid. Llanihangle, Denisp. Lanissen, Cardif. Llanmadok, Swan. Lannaes', Cowbrid. Llannyenwere, Swan. Llanquian Castle, Cowb. Llanriden, Llang. Llanrydien, Swan. Lansamlett, Llang. Lansannor, Cowbrid. Llantrissent, Llant. Lantrithed, Denisp. Lantroitt Vairdrey, Llant. Lantwit, Cowbrid. Lantwyt, Neath. Lanva●on, Caerf. Lanvedowe, Caerf▪ Llanverock point, Denisp. Lanwuo, Llant. Llanyhangell, Denisp. Llanyhylotalibout▪ Swa. Llanyltiduandray, Llant. Llanylted, Neath. Lanylyd, Cowbrid. Leckwith, Denisp. Lisuaure, Cardif. S. Lithams, Denisp. Louchor castle, Swan. Louchor, Swan. Lloynigrat, Card. Lyfwerney, Cowb. Llystalabout, Cardif. M Marcroes, Ogm. S Mary Church, Cowbr. S. Mary's hill, Ogm. Margaiu, New. Michalaston, Swan. S Michael, Denisp. Michellston upon avon, Neat. Michelston in the pit, Deni. Michellston upon Elay, Denis. Mychelston, Cowbrid. Meneche Castle, Denisp. Merther Mawre, Ogm. Mertherdevan, Denisp. Merthir, Caerf. Morgan, Newcast. Morlashe Castle, Caerf. Moulton, Denisp. Mumbles point, Swan. N Nashe little, Cowbrid. Nashe great, Cowbr. Nashe point, Cowbr. NEATH, Neath. Neath vauchan Flu. Neath Abbey, Llang. Newcastle, Newcast. Newton Welsh, Cowbr. Newton Nottage, Newc. S. Nicholas, Denisp. S. Nicholas Town, Swa. Nolton, Newcast. OH Ogmore Flu. Ogmore Castle, Swan. Oystermouth Castle, Swan. Oystermouth, Swan. Oxwiche, Swan. Oxwiche Castle, Swan. Oxwich point, Swan. P Pendoyloni, Cowb. Pengwerne, Swan. Penmaen, Swan. Penmarke, Denisp. Pennarth Castle, Swan. Pennarth point, Denisp. Pennarth point, Swan. Pennarth, Denisp. Pennarth Bay, Denisp. Pennarth, Swan. Penrees, Swan. Penthery, Llang. Pentrich, Llant. Peterston on the Mount, Ogmor. Peullyn, Ogmor. Pile, Newcast. Porteynon, Swan. Portkirig, Denisp. Preterston upon Elay, Denisp. R Radyre, Llant. Remgedro glytach, Llang. Resowlay, Neath. Reynalston, Swan. Rompney Flu. Rosyll●, Swan. Roth, Cardif. Rowse, Denisp. Ruddrye, Caerfil. S The Hospital, Cardif. Sully, Denisp. SWANZEY, Swan. Swanzey poche, Swan. Syly, Denisp. Sylye Island, Denisp. T Tallavant Castle, Cowbr. Talygarn, Llant. Tave Flu. Thevan, Caerfil. Thule Flu. Tilcot, Card. Tithegstowne, Newcast. Towye Flu. Treer Castle, Cowbr. W Walterstown, Denisp. Webley, Swan. Wenny, Ogmor. Wenuor, Denisp. West-Gower, Swan. Whitford point, Swan. Whitchurch, Caerfil. Whitchurch, Cardif. wick, Ogmor. Winston Castle, Denisp. Worleton, Denisp. Wormeshead point, Swan. Y Ycheloley, Denisp. Ystradowen, Cowbr. MONMOUTH-SHIRE. CHAPTER VI. MOnmouthshire from Monmouth The name of Monmouthshire. Town, and that from Monnowe water bearing name, is altogether enclosed on the North, & is separated from Herefordshire with the same River, upon the East, both it and The Borders of Monmouthshire. Wye divides this County from Gloucestershire. The Southside wholly is washed by the Severne Sea, and some of her west part by Rempney is parted from Glamorgan, and the rest lieth bordered upon by Breknockshire. The form. (2) The form thereof is scallop wise, both long and broad, shooting her North point to Llantony, and her South to the fall of Rempney, betwixt which two are twenty four English miles; And from Chepstowe East, to Blanagwent West, are not altogether nineteen: the whole in circuit draweth somewhat near to seventy seven miles. The air. (3) The air is temperate, healthful and clear, the soil is hilly, woody, and rich, all places fruitful, but no place barren. The hills are graed upon by Cattles and sheep, the valleys are laden with corn & grass, never ungrateful of the Husbandman's pains, The Soil. nor makes frustrate his hope of expected increase; whose springs abundantly rising in this County with many streams, do fatten the soil even from side to side. The ancient Inhabitants. (4) Anciently the Silures inhabited this Shire, whose chief City by the Emperor Antonine is named Venta In the life of Tathaie. Silurum, by the Welsh Caer-went, and was by Tathaie the British Saint, made an Academy, and a divine place for worship. So likewise Caerlion now, once Isca, was, where the second Roman Legion called Augusta lay, as by their Coins, Altars, Tables, and Inscriptions there found, and daily therein digged up, doth evidently appear▪ In Iti●er. Cambr. By the report of Giraldus, in this City was the Court of great Arthur, whither the Roman Ambassadors resorted unto him, and as Alexander Elsebiensis writeth, therein was a School of two hundred Philosophers, Girald. skilful in Astronomy & other Arts. Which is the more credible, for that Amphibalus, S. Alban instructor, was therein borne, and julius and Aaron, two noble Proto-Martyrs of great Britain, in this City received the Crown of Martyrdom, where their bodies were also interred. But as all things find their fatal periods, so this City for Beauty▪ Circuit, and Magnifical respect is laid in the ruins of her own decay; neither may any more lament the loss of glory than Monmouths Castle, which Captive-like doth yield to Monmouth Town. conquering time. Her downcast stones from those lofty Turrets do show what beauty once it bore, standing mounted round in compass, and within her walls another mount, whereon a Tower of great height and strength is built, which was the birthplace of our Conquering Henry the great triumpher over France, but now decayed, and from a Princely King Henry the fift borne in Monmouth. Castle, is become no better than a regardless Cottage. In this Town a beautiful Church built with three Isles is remaining, and at the East end a most curiously built (but now decayed) Church stands, called the Monk's Church: In the Monastery whereof, our great Antiquary Geffrey, surnamed Monmouth, and Ap Arthur, wrote his History of Great Britain: whose pains as they were both learned & great, so have they bred great pains among the learned, both to defend and to disprove. The towns situation is pleasant and good, seated betwixt the Rivers Monnowe and Wye: three gates yet stand, besides that Tower or Locke of the Bridge, and a Trench or tract of wall running betwixt them on each side down to the River, containing in circuit about eight hundred pases. The Town is in good repair and well frequented, governed by a Mayor, two Bailiffs, fifteen common Counsellors, a Town-clerk, and two Sergeants for their attendance. It is in Latitude removed from the Equator 52 degrees, & 8 minutes, and from the west point of Longitude is set in the degree 17, 36 min. Religious houses suppressed. Religious houses erected & suppressed in this Shire for greatest account have been in Caerlion, Chepstow, Gold-clifte, Monmouth and Llantony; which last stood so solitary and among hills, that the Sun was not seen to shine there, but only betwixt the hours of one and three. Castles. Market-towns. The Shires division. Gir●l. C●●●. This Shire is strengthened with fourteen Castles, traded with six Market Towns, divided into six Hundred, wherein are situated one hundred twenty and seu●n Parish Churches, and is not accounted among the Welsh-shires, being subdued by Henry the second, who passing the Nant Pen-carne, a small Brook and of no danger, yet held fatal by the Welsh, over-credulous to a prophecy of Merlin Silvester the British Apollo; who had foreshowed that when a stout & freckled faced King (such as Henry was) should pass over that Ford, than the power of the welshmen should be brought under; whereby their stout courage was soon abated, and the whole county the sooner in subjection to the English. The names of the places in this Shire are expressed in a Table, alphabetically gathered in the page ensuing, upon the rest of this Map. THE county OF MONMOUTH with the sittuation of the Shire-towen Described Ann 1610 MONMOUTH A saint Thomas Chu B S. Tho. Street C Monmeth Street D The Bayley E The castle FLETCHER Butcher's Row G S. mary's ch. H Monks church I Monk Stret KING Monks Gate L Whit cross street M Dixtons Gate N Wye bridge OH Why Brid ward P The market hous● Q The old wall THE SCALE OF PASES TRIUMPHER OVERDO FRANCE KING HENRY 5. THE GREAT Anno Domini 1610 Cum Privilegio Regis. Performed by john Speede. and are to be sold in Pope's head Alley. against the Exchange. by john Sudbury. and Georg Humble. The Scale of English miles An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and places mentioned in Monmouth-shire. Hundred in Montanus mouth-shire. 1. Bergaveny Hund. 2. Skenfrith. 3. Vske. 4. Ragland. 5. Caldicott. 6. Wenlooge. A ABERGIVENNEW, Berg. Abernsteth, Berg. Saint Aruans, Caldic. avon, Flu. B Bassaleg, Wenl. Basaleck, Wenl. Bedwes, Wenl. Bedwellty, Wenl. Bettus, Ragl. Bettus, Wenl. Bettus chapel, Berg. Wealch Bicknor, Sken. Birthin, Flu. Blanagwent, Wenl. Blorench Hill, Berg. Saint Bride, Cald. Saint Bride, Wenl. Bryngwyne, Ragl. Bysheton, Cald. C Caierwent, Cald. Caldicote, Cald. Carewent, Cald. CARLION, Vske. The Chapel, Berg. Chappelhill, Sken. Chappelhill, Sken. Charston Rock, Cald. Chepstowe Park, Cald. CHEPSTOW, Cald. Christchurch, Cald. Cledagnvagh, Flu. Clitho, Ragl. Coeedkernew, Wenl. Colbroke, Berg. Connyoy, Berg. Coumcaruon, Sken. Coydkirne, Wenl. Creke, Cald. Crindye, Wenl. Crucorne, Berg. D Denny Island, Cald. Dewston, Cald. Dyngestowe, Ragl. Dynham, Cald. Dyxston, Sken. E Ebwith Vawre, Flu. Ebwith Vauchan Flu. Earls Wood Cald. F Fidan, Flu. G Goldecliffe, Cald. Goldecliffe Rock, Cald. Goldecliffe Point, Cald. Goyttrens, Berg. Lyn Goyde, Berg. Gracedue, Ragl. The Grange, Cald. Grenefeld Castle, Wenl. Grysmond Castle, Sken. Gwarneaolepa, Wenl. Gwernesseny, Ragl. H Herdwicke, Berg. Heullis, Wenl. Howicke, Cald. Hothny, Flu. I Saint jelian, Cald. Iston, Cald. Itton, Cald. KING Kebby, Flu. Kylgeden, Berg. Kemis, Cald. Kemis Comaunder, Berg. Kenueny, Flu. Kilgoruck, Sken. Kirten Beacon, Wenl. Kyllcornell, Berg. L Llanarth, Berg. Llanbadock, Vske. Llanbed, Cald. Llandenny, Ragl. Llanafering, Berg. Llandevaige, Cald. Llandeguith, Vske. Llandilobatthale, Berg. Llandogo, Sken. Llanfoyst, Berg. Llangattokelenyg, Berg. Llangattock Vi●anavell, Sken. Llangattock Vibonavell, Sken. Llangattock, Berg. Llangeby, Vske. Llangevye, Ragl. Llangevew, uske. Llangewa, Sken. Llangiby, Vske. Llangomes, Ragl. LLANGOVEN, Sken. Llangston, Cald. Llanhenoch, Vske. Llanhithell, Berg. LLANHYLETHE, Wenl. Llanllowell, Vske. Llamnerton, Cald. Llannoyth, Sken. Llannyhangell, Berg. Llannyhangell Veddo Wenl. Llanover, Berg. Llan-pyll, Sken. Llansanffred, Berg. Llanssey, Sken. Llantheruell Chapel, Wenl. Llanthenyrytherch, Berg. Lanthewye, Vske. Llanthen, Berg. Llanthewy Retherch, Berg. Llanthewy Steride, Berg. Llantilio Grossmont, Sken. Llantony, Berg. Llantrishen, Vske. Llanvaier, Cald. Llanvaghes, Cald. Llanuaner Chapel, Sken. Llanvapley, Berg. Llanueghavan, Vske. Llanveyre, Berg. Llanvihangell, Cald. Llanvihangell, Berg. Llanuihangell Tormenith, Sken. Llanuihangell, Berg. Llanuihangell, Ragl. Llanvitheryn, Berg. Llanureghvaye, uske. Llanwaren, Cald. Llanwenarth, Berg. Llanyhangell Tonney groyse, Wenl. Llanyssen, Sken. lyn Goyde, Berg. M Maghan, Wenl. Magor, Cald. Malpas, Wenl. Man●hilad, Berg. Marshfield, Wenl. Marthelly Chapel, Cald. Matharne, Cald. Saint Mellans, Wenl. Michaelchurch, Berg. Michelston, Wenl. Monnow, Flu. MONMOUTH, Sken. Mounton chapel, Cald. Saint Michael, Sken. Saint Moughans', Sken. Mynithisloyn, Wenl. Mychiltroy, Sken. N Nashe, Cald. Newchurch, Cald. capel Newith, Berg. Bet●us Newith, Rag. Newport Haven, Wenl. NEWPORT, Wenl. Norton, Sken. OH Olwye, Flu. Ouldcastle, Berg. P Panteage, Berg. Parcassik, Sken. Parkhill, Cald. Penalth, Sken. Penclase, Sken. Penclawth, Ragl. Pencarn Flu. Wenl. Pencoyde, Cald. Penhow, Cald. Penhow, Cald. Penrose, Rag. Penrose, Vske. Penteaies' hill. Berg. Penterry Chapel. Sken. Saint Pe●e, Cald. Pertholey, Berg. Perthing, Sken. Peterston, Wenl. Pontemoile, Berg. Portesmete, Cald. pill, Flu. Pyl. Flu. Q Quenoch chapel. Vske. R Ragland, Ragla. Redwicke, Cald. R●seley, Wenl. Rocherston Castle, Wenl. Rockfield, Sken. Rogeat, Cald. Rompney, Flu. Rompney, Wenl. Runston, Cald. S Shernewton, Cald. Skenssreth, Sken. Skirivawre hill. Berg. S●oway, Flu. Stanton Chapel, Berg. Strogle Castle, Cald. Sudbroke, Cald. T Terestent, Wenl. Throggy Flu. Traowey, Ragl. Tredeager, Wenl. Tredonock, Vske. Tregayre, Ragl. Trelecke, Sken. Trelecke grange, Sken. Trenytie Chapel, Cald. Treventhen, Berg. Trostrey, Vske. Trothy, Flu. Troy, Sken. Trylaye, Berg. Tyntarne, Sken. Tyntern Abbey, Sken. Tumberlow Hill, Wenl. V Vske, Flu. VSKE, Vske. W Warigoch Chapel, Berg. Warned, Berg. Wense Wood, Cald. whit Castle, Berg. Whitston, Cald. Wick, Cald. Wisewood Chase, Sken. Wolf Newton, Sken. Saint Wollos', Wenl. Woudye, Cald. Wynastowe, Sken. BREKNOCKSHIRE. CHAPTER VII. BReknoke-shire, in the British language Brechineau, (so called, as the Welshmen The Bounds of BR●KNOC●. relate, of a Prince named Brechanius, the father of an holy offspring, whose twenty four daughters were all of them Saints) is a County neither very large, nor greatly to be praised or disliked of, whose bounds upon the North is parted from Radnor with the Rivers Clarwen and Wye: the West lieth butted upon by Cardigan and Carmarden-shires: the South is confined by Glamorgan, & the East with Monmouth and Radnorshires, is wholly bound. The Length and Breadth. (2) The length of this Shire from North to South, betwixt Llanuthel and Istradgunles, are twenty eight English miles, and her breadth from East to West extended betwixt Pentrisso and Llywell, are twenty; the whole in Circumference, about one hundred and two miles. Girald. in lib. Jtiner. Camb. (3) This County is full of hills and uneven for travel, which on the South part mount in such height, that as Giraldus hath written, They make the air much colder, & defendeth the Country from the excessive heat of the Sun, The nature of the Soil. whereby a certain natural wholesomeness of air maketh it most temperate: and on the East side the Mountains of Talgar and Ewias do as it were fore-fence the same: Among which, ariseth and runneth so many fruitful springs, that their valleys are thereby made most fertile, yielding in plenty both corn and grass. The ancient inhabitants. (4) The ancient Inhabitants and possessors of this Shire, with the rest in this South tract, were the Silureses, much spoken of, and great opposites to the Romans, whose Countries were first made subject by julius Frontinus, who besides the valour of the Enemy had Tacitus in vit. Agricol. to struggle with the Mountains and straits, as Tacitus tells us; neither any more hard, we may well say, then them of this Shire, whereof one in the South, & three miles from Breknock is of such height and operation as is uncredible; and were it not that I have witness to affirm what I shall speak, I should blush to let the report thereof pass from my pen: In my perambulations in these parts remaining in Breknock to observe the site of that Town; the Aldermen or chief Seniors thereof regarding my pains, with friendly and courteous entertainments at my departure, no less than eight of them that had been Bailiffs of the Town came to visit me, where they reported upon their credit and trials, that from the top of that Arthur's Chair. hill, in the Welsh called Mounch-denny, or Cadier Arthur, they had oftentimes cast from them and down the northeast Rock, their Cloaks, Hats, and staves, which notwithstanding would never fall, but were with the air and wind still returned back and blown up: neither, said they, will any thing descend from that cliff being so cast, unless it be stone or some metalline substance: affirming the cause to be the Clouds, which are seen to rack much lower than the Llynsavathan● Mere. top of that hi●l. As strange tales are told of the Mere Llynsavathan two miles by East from Breknock, which at the breaking of her frozen Ice, maketh a fearful Giral. Ca●br. sound like unto thunder. In which place, as is reported, sometimes stood a fair City, which was swallowed up in an Earthquake, and resigned her stonewalls unto this deep and broad water: whither, unto this day leadeth all the ways in this Shire: which, as learned Cambden conjectureth, might be that Loventrium which Ptolemy in this tract placeth; and the more confirmed by the rivers name adjoining, being also called Levenny, which River also passeth thorough this Mere without any mixture of her waters, as by the colour thereof is well perceived, which glideth thorough it with the same stream, and no greater than wherewith she first entered in. The Market towns. (5) The Towns for commerce, are Hay, Bealt, and Breknock, two of them unfortunate of their former greatness, whom wars and sedition have defaced and cast down. Hay upon Wye and Dulas, pleasant for situation, in the rebellion of Owen Glendowerdwy, was diswalled, depopulated and burnt, in whose foundations for new repairs, many Roman coins have been found; and thereby thought to be a seat of their Legions: & Buelth, now Bealt, though of good frequency, yet not so great as when Ptolemy observed her position for graduation, who calleth it Buleum Silurum; neither when it with the Country was possessed by Aurelius Ambrose, by whose permission Pascentius the son of Vortiger ruled all, as Ninius writeth; nor yet as of later times, when Leolin the last Prince of the Britaines was therein betrayed and slain. 〈…〉. (6) Breknock the Shire-Towne for buildings and beauty retaineth a better regard, whose walls in Ouall-wise are both strong and of good repair, having three gates for entrance, with ten Towers for defence, and is in circuit six hundred and forty pases about: upon whose west part a most sumptuous and stately Castle is seated, the like whereof is not commonly seen, whose decay approaching do increase her ruins daily, and in the end is feared will be her fall. This Town is seated upon the meeting of two Rivers, Houthy, and Vske, whose yearly government is committed to two Bailiffs, fifteen Aldermen, two Chamberlains, two Constables, a Town Clerk, and two Sergeants, their attendants: having the poles elevation in 52, 21. minutes of Latitude, and for Longitude is placed in the 16 and 32 minutes, as the Mathematicians do measure them. The Divisions. (7) This Shire is strengthened with nine Castles, divided into six Hundred, wherein are seated three market Towns, and sixty one Parish Churches. BREKNOKE BOTH SHIRE AND TOWN described Ann▪ Domini 1610 At Bluit in this Shire▪ Leolin (the last Prince that bore rule over the Britons) coming from Snodowne, was slain by Roger Strangbow, and his head▪ crowned with juy, set upon the Tower of London in the Year of grace 1282, and the 10th. of Ed. I BREKNOKE THE SCALE OF PASES A. castle lane. B. Old port inferior. C. Old port superior. D. Canterceley ward. E. Sheep Street. F. High Street superior. G. High Street inferior. H. Lone y popty. ●. M●rgannok ward. K. S. mary ward. L. Llanuase ward. M. The Priorye. N. S. john Evangelist. O. St. mary's Chapel. P. West Gate. Q. Water Gate. R. North Gate. S. East Gate. T. Watton Ward. V Rewredd Ward. Performed by john Speed And ar● to be sold in Pope's head alley against the Exchange by I Sudbury and Garye Humble Cum Privilegio. The Scale of Miles An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and places mentioned in Breknockshire. 1 BEalt. Hund. 2. Merthy. Hund. 3. Talgarth. Hund. 4. Crickhoel. Hund. 5. Penkelli. Hund. 6. Dyvynnock. Hund. A Aberbrayne Mirth. Aberkinvick Penkel. Aberlleveny Talgarth. Aberyskire Mirth. capel Afyne, Talgar. Altemawre Talgar. B Battle chapel Mirth. BEALT Bealt. capel Be●tus Dyvyn. Black Mountain. Dyvyn. Blaynllynuy Castle Crick. Brane Flu. BREKNOCK Penkel. capel Brengoran Talgar. Bruntllys Talgar. C capel Callwen Dyvyn. Camlas Flu. Cantreft Penkel. Clarthy Flu. Clarwen Flu. Comartch Flu. capel Coyelbryn, Flu. Craye Flu. Crickadarn Talgar. Crickholl, Crick▪ Crickhoel, Crick. capel Cunok Mirth. D capel Defrunehenthy Mirth. Delas Flu. Devinok, Dyvyn. Dulas, Flu. Dylas Flu. Castle Dynas Talgar. G Garthbrenguy Llanthew, Mirth. Gilston Penkel. Glasbury Talgar. Glyn, Tawy Dyvyn. Groney, Flu. Gwenthur Talgar. Gwetherick, Flu. H Haterell Hill, Talgar. HAY, Talgar. Henuid Park Mirth. Hepsey, Flu. Houthy, Flu. I Isker, Flu. Istradgunles, Dyvyn. Istraduelltey Dyvy. KING Ketheden Crick. Kethitalgarth, Bealt. L Llamcamlach, Pentel. Llanavanuour, Bealt. Llanbedde, Crick. Llanddetty, Penkel. Lland●ualley, Talgar. Llandivilog, Mirth. Llandiloruan, Mirth. Llanelli, Crick. Llaneliw, Talgar. Llangamarth, Bealt. Llanganten, Bealt. Llangattuck, Crick. Llangeney, Crick. Llangonider, Crick. Llangors, Crick. Llangovilog, Penkel. Llangoyd, Talgar. Llangroney, Crick. Llangustye Penkel. Llangynyd, Crick. Llanlleenuell, Bealt. Llannyllo, Talgar. Llansansfred, Penkel. Llanspethitt, Dyvyn. Llanthetty, Penkel. Llanthew Castle, Penkel. Llanthewi Aberwessyn Bealt. Llanthewi Come, Bealt. Llanuair, Bealt. Llanuanuecham, Bealt. Llanu●gon, Penkel. Llanu●hangell Vachian. Mirth. Llanu●hangell Bryn pabian, Bealt. Llanuorted, Bealt. Llanurenach, Penkel. Llanuthull, Bealt. Llanuillo, Penkel. Llanwerne, Penkel. Llanygon, Talgar. Llanyhangell Manthran, Mirth. Llanyhangell Cumdye, Crick. Llanyhanglo, Penkel. Llanyhangell Aberwessyn, Bealt. Llanynnis, Bealt. Llestinan, Bealt. Lleveny, Flu. Lleveny, Flu. Lliwell, Dyvin. Llyswen, Talgar. M Maesmynys, Bealt. Tower Maltwalbury, Dyvyn. Melta, Flu. Metherchynog, Mirth. Mounchdenny Hill. Pen. N capel Nanty, Penkel. Neath, Flu. Newton, Dyvyn. OH Olluannock, Dyvyn. P Patrisho. Crick. Penderyn, Dyryn. Penketh castle, Penkel. Peterchurch, Crick. Pipton, Talgar. Porthambles, Talgar. Portheroyes, Bealt. R capel Ridbrue, Merther. S lyn Sanathan, Talgar. capel Senny, Dyvyn. Skethrog, Penkel. T Talgarth, Talgar. Talyllyn, Penkel. capel Tavechan, Penkel. Tavy, Flu. Trallong, Merther. Trangarth, Flu. Trausnant, Flu. Tre Castle, Dyvyn. Tretowre, Crick. Tylachthy, Penkel. Turch, Flu. V Tawe Vachan. Flu. Neath Vachan, Flu. Tawe Vawir, Flu. Vaynor, Penkel. Vske, Flu. Vske, Flu. W Wevery, Flu. Wye, Flu. Y capel Ylldyt, Dyvyn. Yruon, Flu. RADNOR-SHIRE. CHAPTER VIII. RAdnor-shire lieth bordered The bounds of Radnor-shire. upon the North with the County Monmouth; upon the East, toucheth Shropshire and Hereford-shire: the Rivers Clarwen and Wye divide it from Breknok in the South: and the west part doth shorten point-wise into Cardiganshire. The form. (2) The form thereof is in proportion triangle, every side almost containing a like distance: for from West to North are twenty miles; from North to South, twenty two; and from South to West are The circuit. twenty four: the whole circumference extending to fourscore and ten miles. The air. (3) The air thereof is sharp and cold (as most of Wales is) for that the snow lieth and lasteth long unmelted under those shadowing high hills and over-hanging rocks. The soil. (4) The soil is hungry, though not barren, and that in the East and South the best: the other parts are rough and churlish, and hardly bettered by painful labour; so that the riches of the North and West consisteth chief in the brood of Cattles. The ancient people. Tacit. in vit. Agri. (5) Anciently this County was possessed by the Silureses, a warlike people, and great withstanders of the Romans impositions, who had not only them to fight against, but withal the unaccessible Mountains, wherewith this Shire is so over-pressed and burdened, that many times I feared to look down from the hanging Rocks where-under I passed, into those deep and dark dales, seeming to me an entrance into Limbo. Among these (as say our Historians) that hateful Prince to God and Man, Vortiger, his Country's scourge, and last Monarch of the British Blood, by fire from Heaven Polycrhon. was consumed with his incestuous wife, from whom Ninius nameth the Country wherein his Castle stood, Guartiger-Maur, of whose rubbish the Castle Guthremion was raised, as some are of opinion. Yet they of North-Wales will have his destruction and Castle to stand in their parts near unto Beth-Kelleck, whereof we will further speak in the relation of his life. Fatal was this place also to Lhewellin the last Prince of the British Race, who being betrayed by the men of Buelth, fled into those vast Mountains of Radnor, where by Ann. Dom. 1282. Adam Francton he was slain, and his head (crowned with ivy) set upon the Tower of London. (6) Places most worthy of note in this Shire, are as ensueth: The first is Radnor, from whom the County Radnor. In the book of Notices. received her Name, anciently Magi, where the Commander of the Pacensian Regiment lay, and thought to be the Magnos in Antonine the Emperors Survey. This Cambden. Town is pleasantly seated under a hill, whereon standeth mounted a large and strong Castle, from whose Bulwark a Trench is drawn along the West of the Town, whereon a wall of stone was once raised, as by the remains in many places appeareth. This Trench doth likewise inverge her West side so far as the River, but after is no more seen: whose Graduation is observed to have the Pole elevated for Latitude 52. degrees and 45. minutes; and for Longitude, from the first point of the West, set by Mercator 17. degrees and one minute. Prestayn. Prestayn for beauteous building is the best in this Shire, a Town of Commerce, wonderfully frequented, and that very lately. Next is Knighton, a Market Knighton. Town likewise, under which is seen the Clawdh-Offa, or Offaes' Ditch, whose tract for a space I followed along the edge of the Mountain, which was a bound set to separate the Welsh from the English, by the Mercian King Offa: and by Egbert the Monarch a Law made, by the instigation of his wife, that it should be present death for the Welsh to pass over the same, as john Beaver the Monk of Westminster reporteth: In his Polycraticon. john Salesburie. and the like under Harald, as john of Salesbury writeth; wherein it was ordained, that what Welshman soever should be found with any weapon on this side of that Limit, which was Offaes' Ditch, should have his right hand cut off by the King's Officers. The fourth place for account is Raihader Gowy, who besides the Raihader Gowy. great fall of Wye with a continual noise, hath her Markets there kept upon the Sabbath, which I there observed, and here note for an offence. (7) Many Rivers arise and run thorough this Shire, which were it not that the hills so cluster together, might make the soil both fertile and fat. Such are Teme, Lugier, Ithon, Clowdok, Dulas, Comarton, Somegill, Gwithel, Arro, Machaway, Edway, Hawye, Eland, Clarwen, and Wye, besides other Loughs that stand betwixt the hills. This Shire is divided into six Hundred, wherein are seated three Forests, four Market Towns, six Castles, and fifty two Parish-Churches, as in the Table in the last page of this Chapter alphabetically are set and inserted. THE COUNTY OF RADNOR DESCRIBED AND THE SHYRETOWNES SITTUATIONE Anno 1610▪ RADNOR A Scale of Pases Arma Dominorum de Radnor Described by Christopher Saxon, Augmented and published by john Speed servant to his Majesty. And are t● be sold in pope's head alley by John Sudbury & George Humbell▪ Cum Privilegio. THE SCALE OF MILES An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and places mentioned in Radnor-shire. Hundred in Rad norshire. 1. Rayader-Gowy. 2. Knighton. 3. Kevenllice. 4. Radnor. 5. Collowine. 6. Painescastell. A Aberdow, Collo. Arro, Flu. Augop, Rad. B Banghwid, pains. Bettas' disserth, Collo. Bigildy, Knight. BLETHVACH, Keven. Blethuach Forrest, Keven. Brongwine, Pains. Buttus, pains. C Cascop, Keven. Castle Dynbod, Knight. Clarwen, Flu. Clirow, pains. Clowedoke, Flu. Colwin Castle, Collow. Colua, Radnor. Combehire, Rayad. Comaron, Flu. D Darnall, Flu. Discodde, Rad. Disserth, Collow. Dulas, Flu. E Ednall, Rad. Edway, Flu. Eland, Flu. F Fuldibrok, Rad. G Garthuagh, Rayad. Glasbury, pains. Glascomb, Collow. Glastrey aliâs Glawdiscre, Rad. Glyngwin, Rayad. Gwythell, Flu. H Harton, Rad. Hawye, Flu. Hiop, Knight. I Ithon, Flu. KING Kevelles Castle, Kevenl. Kregrena, Collo. Kinerton, Rad. KNIGHTON, Knight. Knukles Forest, Knight. Knukles, Knight. L Llanamro, Knight. Llanbaderney gareg, Collow. Llanbadarne, Keven. Llanbadarne vynith, Knight. Llanbeder, pains. Llanbester, Knight. Llandegley, Kevenl. Llandewy, Knight. Llandewy vach, pains. Llandilo, pains. Llandrindod, Kevenl. Llanelweth, Collow. Llangiallo, Kevenl. Llanihangell, Keven. Llanihangell yerholegan, Rayard. Llanihangle arro, pains. Llanihangell, kevenllice, Keven. Llanhihangle nantmelan, Rad. Llansanffred, Collow. Llansanffred in Comotoieth, Rayad. Llanstephan, Painesc. Llanuereth, Collow. Llanyere, Rayad. Llowes, Painesc. Lugier, Flu. Llynhoghlen, Painesc. M Machway, Flu. Michel's Church, pains. Monaghree, Keven. N Nantmel, Rayad. Newcastle, Rad. Newchurch, pains. Norton, Rad. P Painescastle, Painese. P●l●th, Kevel. PRESTEIGNE, Rad. R Radnor old, Rad. RADNOR, new, Rad. Radnor Forrest, Rad. RAYADER-gowy, Rayd. Rulen, Collow. S S. Harmon aliâs Phistharmon, Rayad. Standish, Rad. Samegill, Flu. T Teme, Flu. W Whitten, Keven. White hall, Knight. Weston hall, Keven. Wye, Flu. Y Ython, Flu. CARDIGANSHIRE. The ancient name. CARDIGANSHIRE, (in the Welsh called Sire Aber-tivi) is parted on Limits. the North from Merioneth-shire with the River Dovi, by the Plinillimon hills from Montgomery-shire in part of her East, and the rest from Brecknockshire, with the water Towy, and with Tyvy altogether on the South from Caermardenshire: the West is wholly washed with the Irish Sea. Form. (2) The form thereof is horne-like, bowing compass long and narrow, and growing wider still towards the North: so that from Cardigan, the Shire Dimenstie. Town and uttermost point in the South, unto the River Dovi, her farthest North bounder, are thirty two miles: and from the head of Clarwen in the East, to Aberysthwyth on her West, the broadest part in the Shire, are only fifteen: the whole in circumference is one hundred and three miles. air. (3) The Air is open and somewhat piercing; the Soil is hilly, and (Wales-like) uneven: yet more plain and champion towards the Sea, then in the East or Soil. North of the Landlord For besides that great and high hill called Plinillimon, a continual range of lesser doth shoot along, yielding in their valleys both goodly rich Pastures, and very large Pools, which being assisted with Springs from the Rocks, do branch themselves as veins in the body, and make fruitful their The Beaver in former times found here. passages unto the Sea. In Tyvy one of these, as Giraldus hath written, the Beaver hath been found, a creature living both by land and water, whose stones the Physicians hold in great price. His forefeet are like unto a dog, but the hinder whole skinned, as is the goose; the doglike serves him on shore for to run, and the goose-like as Oars gives him swift motion in swimming: his tail broad and gristly, he useth as a stern, wherewith on the sudden he can divert his swift floating course. But this creature in these parts a long time hath not been seen, whose room we may well say The Salmon. the Salmon hath possessed, who still coveting into fresh water rivers, at their downright falls useth this policy: He bendeth himself backward, and taketh his tail in his mouth, and with all his strength unloosing his circle on the sudden (as a lath let go) mounteth The Salmon leap. up before the fall of the stream; whereupon such water-falles are called the Salmon's leap: and in these rivers many such Salmon are caught. The Commodities of this shire. (4) The commodities of this Shire chief consist in cattles, sea-fowl, and fish; corn sufficient, but of woods some scarcity: and at the head of Istwydh are certain veins of lead, a merchandise of no mean regard or wealth. The ancient people. (5) The ancient people that possessed this Province, were the Dimetae, by Ptolemie branched thorough the Tracts of Caermarden, Pembroke, and this Shire; who in their strugglings against the Romans, did not a little rely upon Caractacus their most warlike King, (from whose name, though unlikely, some will have the Shire called Cardigan) yet lastly felt the fortune of subjection with the rest, when julius Frontinus warred with these Mountains. Julius Frontinus. Scarce had the Normans settled their Kingdom in Britain, but that they assailed this County, as well to enjoy so fair a Possession, as to secure those seas from King Rufus. King Henry the First. any invasion against them: so that Rufus first wrested from the welshmen the maritime Coasts, and Henry the First gave the whole County to Gilbert de Clare. Cardigan the chief Town. (6) This Gilbert fortified Cardigan the shire-towne with a Wall and strong Castle, whose aged lineaments do to this day show the industry both of nature and art: for the Town is seated upon a steep bank, her South side guarded with the deep River Tyvy, and passable no way but by a bridge under the Castle. The The walls of it. walls take the advantage of the rising rocks, and circulate the Town even round about. The Castle is The Castle. higher built upon a rock, both spacious and fair, had not storms impaired her beauty, and time left her carcase a very Anatomy. The walls range as thou seest, and are indifferent for repair, having three ways for entrance, and contain in compass six hundred and fourscore pases: whose position for latitude The graduation. is set in the degree 52. 33. minutes from the North-pole, and for longitude from the first West-point by Mercator, in the degree 15. and 10. minutes. Market towns. (7) This Shire, as it is little in circuit, so accordingly is besprinkled with Townships, whereof four only have the trade of Markets: neither find I other remembrance of religious foundations, but at Religious houses. Cardigan, Istradfleet, and at Llanbadernvaur, where sometimes was seated an Episcopal See, which (as Hoveden writeth) was decayed many years since, when the Hoveden. people had wickedly slain their Pastor. And yet Llandevibrevi Llandevibrevi. built, and so called in memory of the most famous David Bishop of Menevia, was in great esteem, where in a frequent Synod there holden he refuted the Pelagian Heresy, sprung up again in Britain, The Pelagian heresy refuced. both by the authority of holy Scripture, and also by miracle, as is reported, while the earth whereon he stood and preached, rose up unto a certain height under his feet. The Shires division. (8) The Shires division, for businesses belonging either to the Crown or Commonwealth, is into five Hundred, wherein are seated four Market-towns, and sixty four Parish-Churches for Gods divine and daily service, whose names are further inserted in the Table following. CARDIGAN SHIRE DESCRIBED With the due form of the Shiretown as it was surveyed by I S. Anno 1610 CARDIGAN The Scale of Pases 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 161● Performed by John Spe●de▪ And are to be sold in Pope's he●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 by john Sud●●ry and G●o●ge H●●bell. Cum Pri●ilegis. The Scale of English miles An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and Places mentioned in Cardiganshire. HUNDREDS IN Cardiganshire. 1. Llanbadarn. 2. Llanylar. 3. Pennarth. 4. Moythen. 5. Tredroir. A Aberporth, Tred. ABERYSTWYTH, L●b. Arthe flu. Ayron flu. B Bangor, Tred. Bettus Bledrus, Moyth. Bettus ●evan, Tread. Bettus, Moyth. B●dder flu. Blayneporth, Tred. Blayne pennall, Pen. brenning flu. Brongwyn, Tred. C CARDIGAN, Tred. Cardigan Island, Tred. capel Christ, Moyth. Clarthye flu. Clarwen flu. Clettur flu. Combeystoyche, Llanb. Dettor flu. Dovye flu. Dyhewyll, Moyth. Dyhewidd Isekerdyne, Tred. E Eynon Flu. F The Forest, Moyth. G capel Garthely, Moyth. Gog●than, Llanb. lyn Gonon, lany. Gunro●, lany. H Heullandynye, Tread. Heveneroe, lany. I Iscard, Moyth. Istradfler, Llanyl. Istradsler, lany. Istradmyrick, lany. Jstwyth flu. KING Kellan, Moyth. Kelekenyn, lany. capel Kenan, Tred. Kery flu. Kil●e ayron, lany. capel Kiluellon, Llanb. Kilwyn, Tred. Kinuer flu. L Llanarche, Moyth. Llanavon, Llanyl. Llanavon, Llanyl. Llanbadarn vawire, Llanb. Llanbaddarn, Llanyl. Llanbadarne, Llanyl. Llanbadarne Odyne, Pe. Llanbaddarne hill. Llanbadarne Trevegloys, Llanyl. LLANBEDER, Moy. Llandeuroigge, Tread. Llandissilio, Moyth. Llandissill Isekerdyne, Tred. Llandissill uchkerdyne, Moyt. Llandogwy, Tred. Llanfra capel, Tred. capel Langbridge, Tred. Llangoydmore, Tred. Llangranoge, Moyth. Llangynllo, Llanb. Llangybye, Moyth. Llangythye, Moyth. Llanrannok, Tred. Llangytho, Tred. Llangunelyn, Llanb. Llanllohayrne, Moyth. Llanllair, Moyth. Llansanfrayde, lany. Llanthewy aberarthe, Llanyl. Llanthewy brevye, Pen. Llantisilued capel, Moyth. Llanthynoll, Llanyl. Llanuairtreveligen, Tred. Llanuaieralloyne, Tred. Llanvayrgledoge, Moy. Llanuichangell, Llanyl. Llanunen, Tred. Llanunnes, Llanyl. Llanwenoge, Moyth. Llanylar, Llanyl. Llanyna, Moyth. Llanychayaron, Moyth. Llanyhangle castle qualtor, Llb. Llanyhangle Yerothen, lany. Llanyhangle Rostea, lany. Llanyhangle Lledrod, lany. Llanynay, Moyth. Llanygrothen, Llanyl. Llanychaya●ne, Llanyl. Llarumsted, Llanyl. Llegenydd, Moyth. lyn Legnant, Llanyl. Lery flu. Levenant flu. Lyky, Moyth. M Massalak flu. Mathern flu. Mirik flu. mount, Tread. N Nantegnulle, Pen. OH Oscoid Mortimer, Tred. P Penbryne, Tred. Penkemmas point, Tread. Penneralt, Tread. Pennobadath point, Tr. Pescotter flu. Plinellimon hill, Llanb. Prevethe, Llanb. R Rescob forest, Pen. Rossefayre, Llanyl. rydal flu. S Salek flu. Silien, Moyth. Spittie ●stoith, Llanyl. Spittyekinwen, Llanb. T Talaserne, Moyth. Tothea flu. Towye flu. Tredroir, Tred. TREGARON, Pen. Tremayne, Tred. Trevilon, Llanyl. Trevygoid, Tread. lyn Tyvy Llanyl. Tyvy flu. V Vchclawdd, Pen. Verwicke, Tred. lyn Verwyn Pen. Vmnrabowa, Llanb. W Weray flu. Wye head, Llanb. MOUNTGOMERIESHIRE. CHAPTER X. MOuntgomery-shire in the British speech called Siretrefaldwin, and that of the principal Town Mountgomery, lieth bounded upon the North with Denbighshire, upon the East with Shrop-shire, on the The Bounds of Mountgomery-shire. South with Radnor & Cardigan-shires, and on the West with Merioneth-shire. (2) In form it somewhat resembleth a pear or pineapple, as it were growing out of the West, and rising thence with many high Hills, and plentiful The form. springs, which water and make fruitful the soil everywhere: whose searching rilles with a longing desire haste ever forward to find an increase and to augment their growth into a bigger body, whereof the Severne is the chief and the second River in the Land: whose head rising from the spired mountain Plymllimon, runneth not far without the receipts of other riverets into her stream, and with many windings doth sport herself through all the East part of this Shire. (3) That this River took her name from Abren, Severne. the beautiful base daughter of Locrine, begotten out of wedlock upon Estrildis the daughter of Humber the Scythian King, that invaded this Land, and both of them drowned in this River by Guendolena King Locrine's surviving widow: let jeffrey relate, and Poets enlarge, whereof one among them in good account, thus writeth: Influmen praecipitatur Abren Nomen Abrenflwio de virgine, nomen eidem Nomine corrupto, deinde Sabrina datur. Into this stream fair Abren headlong cast, Gave name of Abren to those waters waste, Corruptly called Sabrina now at last. (4) This River maketh the East part of this shire for fruitfulness to be compared with most of the Land, and to exceed any other Shire in Wales: the West side is more Hilly and less inhabited, yet surely those mountains breed innumerable of Cattles, especially of Horses, whose portraiture for making and incomparable swiftness, Giraldus Cambrensis Archdeacon of Breknocke doth greatly commend. (5) The ancient inhabitants that were seated in Guineth and Powisland, whereof this Shire was a part, were to the Romans known by the name of ORDOVICES, a Puissant and Courageous Nation, whose hearts and hills held them the longest free The Inhabitants. from the yoke of subjection, either of the Romans or English: For unto the days of Domitian they kept Plea with the Romans, and were not brought to the will of the English before the reign of King Edward the first. Those ORDOVICES inhabited the Counties of Mountgomery, Merioneth, Caernaruan, Denbigh, and Flint, which are of us called now North-Wales, a people generous and of affable conditions, goodly for feature, fair of complexion, courageous of mind, courteous to strangers, and that which is most commendable, most true and loyal to the English Crown. Towns for Trades and commerce in this County are six, the chiefest thereof and Shire-Towne is Market towns. Mountgomery, very wholesome for air, and pleasant for situation, upon an easy ascent of an hill, and upon an other far higher mounted, stands a fair and well repaired Castle, from the East Rock whereof, the Town hath been walled, as by some part yet standing, and the tract and trench of the rest even unto the northside of the said Castle may evidently be seen: whose graduation for Latitude is placed in the degree 53, and for longitude 17. the lines cutting each other in the site of this Town. The Earl. This Town hath lately received the Honour and Title of an Earldom, whereof Philip Herbert the second son of Henry Earl of Pembroke, was created the first, in Anno 1605. And the Shire divided The Shires division. into seven Hundred, wherein are seated six market Towns, and forty seven Parish Churches: The ●amess whereof are inserted in the Table annexed. MONTGOMERY SHIRE MONTGOMERY A. The Castle B. Back Lane C. Cherry Street D. Orchard street E. Old gates F. High street G. The Ruins of the old wall. A. SCALE. OF. PASES. Arma R de Montegomerico. Philip Herbert Earl of Montgomery. created An. 1605 Cum Privilegio 1610▪ Described by Christopher Saxton Augmented and published by john Speed And are to be sold in Pope's head alley against the Exchange of London, by john Sudbury and George Humble. The Scale of English Miles An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and places mentioned in Mountgomery-shire. Hundred in Mountgo merie-shire. 1. Mechavi. 2. Kare Eynion. 3. Ystrad Marchel. 4. Kidriorn. 5. Kery. 6. Ykrostly. 7. Kyfy. Log. A Aberhafais Kydw. Agaiere Ystrad. Angle Flu. B Bacho Flu. Llyn-Barre Ykrost. Bechan Flu. Llyn-Begelyn Kyfy. Beryw Kydr. Berechlaid Ykr. Bettus Kydr. Biga Flu. Brethrens hill Ystr. Brughan Flu. Buttington Ystr. C Caerfuse Castle Ykr. Carlion Hill. Ystr. Carno Flu. Church stoke Ystr. Cregynog Hall Kydr. Castle Engerrimon Kare. D Dolevoren Castle. Kydr. Dornoll Flu. Dorowen Kyfy. Dula's Flu. Dulas Flu. Dulas Flu. 3. Dungum Flu. F chapel Fordyn Ystr. G Garth-beibio Kare. lyn Glastyn Kyfy. Gnedall Flu. Gogh Castle Ystr. H Haus Flu. Heldray Ystr. Hirnant Mech. Hyssinton Ystr. KING Karno Ykrost. Kegidfa Ystr. Kemes Kyfy. Kerig Flu. Kery Kery. L Llanbrim Maire Kyfy. Llanddosilio Mech. Llanddynam Ykr. Llandissil Kidr. Llandrenio Ystr. Llanfair Kare. LLANFILLYN Mech. Llanfynhonwen Ystr. Llangadfan Kare Llangirrich Ykr. Llangunoch Mech. Llangynyw Kare. Llanllochaiarne Kydr. Llanllygan Kydr. Llansauntfred yn Mecham. Mech. Llanuthin, Mech. Llanuaier ynghar eynion Kare. Llanuyhangell ynghery Kare. Llanwryn Kyfy. Llanwunog, Ykr. Llanwydelan, Kydr. LLANYDLOES Ykr. lany Rewie, Kydr. Llanyruill, Kare. Lleding, Flu. Leighton Ystr. Llevenant, Flu. Lloyd Flu. Lloydyerd, Mech. M MACHENLLETH Kyfy. Maismaure Is't. Man afon, Kydr. Mathavern Kyfy. Mathravall Hall. Kare. Meifod Mech. Middleton Hall. Kery Moghtree Kery. MONTGOMERY Ystr. Moylnadion Hill, Kyfy. Mulle Flu. Penant Mylangell, Mech. N NEWTOWNE, Kydr. P Penegoes, Kyfy. WELSH POOLE, Ystr. Penprice, Ykr. Penstrowed, Ykr. Plymllymon Hill, Kyfy. R Riader Flu. Rue Flu. S Severns head, Kyfy. Severne Flu. Severne Flu. T Tagarell Chapel. Ykr. Tanot, Flu. Taramon, Flu. Towyn mine▪ Flu. Trefegloes', Ykr. Chapel Treslistin, Ystr. Tregynon Kydr. Turgh Flu. V Vurnuey, Flu. W Wurway Flu. Wye Flu. Y Llanuihangell Ynghronfa Mech. MERIONETH-SHIRE. CHAPTER XI. MErioneth-shire, which the Britain's call Sire-Verioneth, and in Latin Meruinia; The borders of Merioneth. is bordered upon the North by Canaruan and Denbigh shires, upon the East with Mongomery, upon the South by the River Dowy, is parted from Cardiganshire, and the west side altogether washed with the Irish-Seas, whose rage with such vehemency beateth against her banks, that it is thought and said, some quantity of the Land hath been swallowed up by those Seas. The form. (2) In form this Shire somewhat resembleth a Welsh-harp, though small is the Music that to her Inhabitants she makes, being the roughest and most Giraldus. unpleasant to see to, (as Giraldus their own Historian writeth) in all Wales. The air for great pleasure, nor soil for great profit, I cannot greatly commend, unless it be for the many and mighty great winds, that for the most part therein do rage, and the spired hills clustered together, so near and so high, as the same Author affirmeth, that shepherds upon their tops falling at odds in the morning, and challenging the field for fight, before they can come together to try out the quarrel, the day will be spent, and the heat of their fury shut up with their sleep. (3) These Mountains formerly did abound with Wil Malms. Wolves, for whose avoidance, Edgar the peaceable did impose (as Malmesbury writeth) an yearly Tribute of three hundred Wolves, upon Ludwall Prince of that Country, whereby in three years space they were quite destroyed: And now their faces are covered with fruitful flocks of sheep, besides neat and other cattle that therein abundantly do graze, wherein the only riches of this Shire doth consist: for by reason of the unevenness of the soil, and rocks so near the face of the earth, the Plough cannot be drawn, nor the Corn prospero; which some have imputed to the ildlenesse of the inhabitants, wherein they have been greatly wronged. (4) These people are a part of the Ordovices, of whom we have spoken, who by the advantage of these The Inhabitants Mountains held out with the longest against the Romans, and their necks not brought under the yoke of bondage, before the days of King Edward the first; since when, they have attempted to cast off their subjection Anno D●●. 1282. to the English, upon some stirs raised by Owin Glendover, who having been a favourite of King Richard the second, and discontented by King Henry the fourth, in a quarrel with the Lord Grey of Ruthin, that intruded upon his domains, quarreled with the King, and entered into open rebellion and confederacy with all other his rebels, drawing the welshmen wholly to his side, in hope to have had Princes restored of their own blood: and he maintained the same with wonderful pride, policy, and obstinacy for a long time, until his confederates, followers and favourites, and his own courage, credit, and maintenance, were brought so low by that powerful King, that in the end he perished for very want of food. The Towns. (5) Their Towns are not many, neither those that they have, of any stately buildings, whereof Bala, Dolgelhe, and Harleth are the markets. By Bala in the northeast of this County, in the Welsh Lhintegid, in English Pimble-meare, a great pool of water doth Pimblemeare. drown at lest eight score acres of ground: whose nature is, as the report doth pass, that the highland floods though never so great, cannot make her to swell bigger by their receipts; but if the air be troubled with over great blasts and tempests of winds, she in as great a rage riseth and passeth her banks, as if she would encounter that enemy in fight. Into the South whereof the two headed Dee with a pretty sharp Dee. stream entereth, and thorough the same glideth without any mixture of the same water, as the Inhabitants believe; more strongly conceited in their opinion for that the Salmon usually taken in Dee is never found in that Pool, and the fish called Guiniad breed in that Mere, never is seen in the River Dee. South thence near Dolgelhe in a lower hill, a great Rampire of stone and compass is seen, and hath been some fortification or defence in war: which whilst we were curious to find out some instructions thereof, by report, this only we learned, that it was called Caddoryrita Dren, according to the name of her neighbour and far higher hill. Harlech. (6) Upon the west, and Seashore of this shire, Harlech a Market and Maior Town standeth, bleak enough and barren, but only for fowl and fish, houses not many, neither curiously built, wherein standeth a little chapel decayed and without use, in which lieth buried Sir Richard Thimblebye, an English Knight, who for the delight he took in that game, removed his abode from a far better soil. here also standeth a most strong and beautiful Castle, mounted upon a hill, and with a double Bulwark walled about, commanding the Sea and passage of entrance of such as seek to invade the Coast. And surely a great pity it is, to see so fair a work fall to decay: the Constable whereof by Patent is ever the Mayor of this Town; near unto which are two great Inlets of Seas, which at low water may be passed upon the Sands with Guides. Upon whose shore, as upon all the Seacoasts, in this County, abundance of Herrings are caught, for which cause they are much frequented in the season of the year, by many people from divers Countries. (7) This town being the chiefest of the Shire, the Pole shallbe elevated only from thence, whose height for latitude standeth in the degree 53, 29 minutes, and for longitude in the 15, 47 minutes. The whole being divided into six Hundred, wherein are seated thirty seven Parish Churches, whose names in the Table following are to be seen. MERIONETHSHIRE▪ Described 1610 HARLECH▪ A SCALE OF PASES Performed by john Speed and are to be sold in Popes-head Alley against the Exchange by George Humble▪ An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and places mentioned in Merioneth-shire. Hundreds in Meri oneth-shire. 1. ARdydury. 2. Penllyn. 3. Ydeirmon. 4. Talybont. 5. Mowthy. 6. Ystymanael. A Aberdowye, Ystym. Alwen Flu. Alwen Flu. Angel Flu. A●tro Flu. avon vane Flu. B BALA, Penl. Barmouth, Ard. Benrose Wood, tally. Traeth Bichan, Ard. Buttus, Ydeir. C Cain Flu. Cleton Flu. Clowedok Flu. Mow. lyn Cotwry, Penl. Corseg●ddal, Ard. Corwen, Ydeir. Cunuell Flu. D Dee Flu. Derye Flu. Desunney Flu. Tal. Desunney Flu. Is't. Dole, Ydeir. DOLGELLE, Tayly. Dovye Flu. Druryd Flu. Dynas' Mothus, Mow. E lyn Eithaye, Ard. F Fails Flu. Festimog, Ard. Funnondo Verduwy, Penl. G Glanllintegid, Penl. Gwannas, Mow. Gwyddelwern, Ydeir. H HARLECH, Ard. Hirgum Flu. KING Kelyn Flu. Kemmer Abbey, Talyb. Keffilgum Flu. Kevenreage, Ydeir. L Llannaghrethe, Talyb. Llanaelhairn, Ydeir. Llanbeder, Ard. Llandderfel Gadern, Penl. Llandanog, Ard. Llandeber Flu. Llandekwyn. Llanegryn, tally. Llandrillo, Ydeir. Llanfawr Yn Melyn, Penl. Llanfechraith, tally. Llangor, Ydeir. Llanglynnin, tally. Llangower, Penl. Llansansfred, Ydeir. Llanenthowin, Ard. Llanthoyway, Ard. Llanwrothen, Ard. Llanvihangell Y Pennant, Ystym. Llanyhangell, Ydeir. Llanuair, Ydeir. Llanunier. Llanullyn, Penl. Llanyhangelly trathe, Ard. Llanykill, Penl. Llanymorothwy, Mow. Llanywhyllyn, Penl. Llavern Flu. Llavyltyd, Ard. Llenegryn, tally. Lleyngoryl Flu. Llue Flu. lyn y comb, Ard. lyn Tigid, Penl. lyn Troweryn, Penl. lyn Teckoyn, Ard. lyn Eithaye, Ard. M Monach dour Flu. Mothvaye Flu. Maynlloyd, Mow. Maynturog, Ard. N Nanna, tally. P Penal, Ysty. R Rarannare Hill, Penl. Rnedok, Ydeir. Rnedok, Ydeir. Rulace, Penl. S Sarnabugh Point, tally. Skethye Flu. T tally lyn, Y●●y. Thehery Castle, Ysty. lyn Tigid, Penl. Towin Meryonidd, Ysty. Traeth Mawer, Ard. Traeth Bichan, Ard. Trawffynydh, Ard. Troweryn Flu. lyn Troweryn, Penl. V Velen●ydd Flu. Y lyn Ycombe, Ard. The limits. Denbighshire, called in Welsh, Sire Denbigh, retiring more from the Sea within the Country, on this side of the river Conwey shooteth Eastward in one place as far as to the River Dee: on the North, first the Sea (for a small space) and then Flintshire encompasseth it: on the West, Caernaruon and Merioneth-shire; on the East, Cheshire and Shropshire; and on the South, Mountgomery-shire. The form and dimensitude. (2) The form thereof is long, growing wider still towards the Northwest, and narrower towards the East. It is in length from East to West, one and thirty miles, and in breadth from North to South, seventeen miles: in the whole circuit and circumference, one hundred and fourteen miles. air. (3) The air is very wholesome and pleasant, yet bleak enough, as exposed to the winds on all sides, and the high hills, wherewith it is in many places environed, The haruestmans' Almanac. long retaining the congealed snow. The tops whereof, in the Summer time are the haruest-mens' Almanacs, by the rising of certain vapours thereon in the mornings, and foreshow a fair day ensuing. The soil. (4) The soil is but barren towards the West part: yet the middle, where it lieth flat in a valley, is most fertile. The eastside, when it is once past the valley, findeth Nature to be a very sparing niggard of her favours: but next unto Dee it feeleth a more liberal extent of her blessings. The West part is but here and there inhabited, and mounteth up more than the other with bore and hungry hills: yet the leanness of the soil (where the hills settle any thing Good husbandry. flattish) hath been now a good while begun to be overcome by the diligent pains and careful industry of the husbandmen; for they paring away the upper coat of the earth into certain Turfs, with a broad kind of spade, pile them up artificially on heaps, and fire them, so as being turned into ashes, and thrown upon the ground so pared, they fructify the hungry barrenness and sterility of soil, and make the Fields bring forth a kind of Rye or Amellcorne, in such plenty as is hardly to be believed. Ancient Inh a itants. (5) The ancient Inhabitants of this Country were the Ordovices, who be also named Ordevices, or Ordovicae: a puissant and courageous people, by reason they kept wholly in a mountainous place, and took heart even of the soil itself: for they continued longest free from the yoke both of Roman, and also of English dominion. They were not subdued by the Romans, before the days of the Emperor Domitian (for then julius Agricola conquered almost the whole Nation) King Edward the First. nor brought under the command of the English, before the reign of King Edward the First; but lived a long time in a lawless kind of liberty, as bearing themselves bold upon their own magnanimity, and the strength of the Country. The Commodities. (6) The Mountains of this County yield sufficiency of Neat, Sheep, and Goats. The Valleys in most places are very plenteous of corn, especially Eastward on this side, betwixt the rivers of allen and Dee; but the more westerly part is healthy, and altogether barren. The heart of the Shire shows itself beneath the hills, in a beautiful and pleasant Vale, reaching seventeen miles in length from South to North, and five miles, or thereabouts in breadth, and lieth open only toward the Sea. It is environed on every side with high hills, amongst which, the highest Moillenlly hill. is Moillenlly, on the top whereof is a warlike Fence with Trench and Rampire, and a little Fountain of clear water. From these hills, the River Cluyd resorts unto this Vale, and from the very springhead (increased with becks and brooks) doth part it in twain, running thorough the midst of it; whereof in ancient time it was named Strat Cluyd: for Marianus maketh mention of a King of the Strat Cluyd of the Welsh. And at this day it is commonly called Disfryn Cluyd, that is, The Vale of Cluyd. This thing is worthy observation, as a matter memorable, both for admiration and antiquity, that in King Arthur's round Table. the parish of Llansanan within this Country, there is a place compass cut out of the main rock by man's hand, in the side of a stony hill, wherein there be four and twenty seats to sit in, some less, some bigger, where children and young men, coming to seek their cattles, use to sit, and to have their sports. And at this day they commonly call it Arthur's round Table. Denbigh the chief Town. (7) Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln, obtaining Denbigh by the grant of King Edward the First, after the conviction and beheading of David brother of lewelin for high Treason, was the first that fortified it with a wall about, not large in circuit, but very strong, and on the southside with a fair Castle, strengthened with many high Towers. But he gave it over, and left the work unfinished, conceiving grief (as a sorrowful father) that his only son came to untimely death, and was drowned in the Well thereof. The The fairest of all North-Wales. fame of this Town spreads itself far for repute, as being reckoned the most beautiful place in all North-Wales: and it is of no less report, for the Castle adjunct unto it is impregnable for fortification. And this strange accident happening there in the year 1575. deserves not to be omitted, being left as a continual remembrance of God's merciful providence and preservation at that time: that where by reason of great An earthquake. earthquakes, many people were put into great fear, and had much harm done unto them both within and without their houses, in the Cities of York, Worcester, Gloucester, Bristol, Hereford, and in other Country's adjacent, yet in the Shire-hall of Denbigh the bell was caused to toll twice, by the shaking of the earth, and no hurt or hindrance at all either done or received. The government of this Town is managed by two Aldermen, and two Bailiffs, who are yearly elected The Magistracy of Denbigh. out of twenty five Burgesses, that are their Assistants. It hath one Recorder, one Town-Clerke, and two Sergeants at Mace: and by observation of the Mathematics, the Pole is elevated in the degree of Graduation of it. Latitude 53. and 49. scruples, and from the first West point in Longitude 16. and 45. This Shire and other● not divided in the Map. (8) This County, with them of Flint and Carnaruon-shires, are not divided by pricks into their several Hundreds in their Cards, according to the rest of this work, the want of their particulars in the Parliament Rolls so causing it, which for the good of these three Shires, I earnestly sought to have supplied from the Nomina Villarum, in their sheriffs books, and had promise of them that might easily have procured the same. But whether a fearless jealousy possessed their spirits, jest the riches of these Shires, by revealing such particulars, should be further sought into, I cannot say: yet this I have observed in all my Survey, that where lest is to be had, the greatest fears are possessed. Take these Shires therefore to be done as I could, and not as I would, that wish both the wealth of them all, and their esteem to be of better regard by those that may do them good. The Shires division. (9) This Shire than is divided into twelve Hundred, for the readier ordering of businesses necessary to the State of the Country, wherein are placed three Market towns. Market Towns, fit for buying and selling, and other negotiations. It hath five Castles to defend herself, Castles. and to offend her enemies, and fifty seven Parishes Parishes. for Gods divine service and worship, as this Table more particularly expresseth. DENBIGH SHIRE DENBIGH A. H●nllan street B. Chapel Lane C. Sandy Lane D. High Street E. Lower Street F. Love Lane G. Park Lane H. Sow●er Lane I▪ The Chapel K. The Abbey L. The new church M. Lenton Poole N. The Castle P. The way to the Church A Scale of pases Anno Domini 1610 Performed by john Speed and are to be sold in Pope's ●ead Alley against the exchange by john Sudbury and George Humble. Cum Privilegio. THE SCALE OF MILES An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and places mentioned in Denbighshire. HUNDREDS in Denbighshire. 1. Bromfeild. 2. Yale. 3. Chirkland. 4. Issallet. 5. Vehallet. 6. Istulas. 7. Vochdulas. 8. Kynmerche. 9 Ruthin. 10. Llannerche. 11. Collion. 12. Dogvylyn. A Abenbury. Abergele. Aled flu. allen flu. allen Bachan flu. Almere. Alwen flu. B Bachinbid. Barrog. Barhavern. Bers. Bettus. Bodederis Landegley, Breynegloys. Bystok. C Place Cadogan. Chirk. Chirk Castle. Christioneth flu. Clawedok flu. Clawedok flu. Clocanok. Cluyd flu. Cluyd flu. Comon-wood. D Dasart. Castle Denas brain. DENBIGH: Derwen. E Eglos. Egluyseg. Elwy flu. F Foxholes. chapel Funhown vaier. G chapel Garmon. Gresford. Gwenurow flu. Gwetheryn. Gyrow flu. H Havotawern. Hendray. Hespyn flu. Heullan. Holt park. Holt Castle. Holyn. I Iscoid chapel. KING Kenlet flu. Keriog flu. chapel Kine. L Llanarmon. Llanarmon. Llanarmon Defrine Keriog. Llanbeder. Llancadwalater. Llanddlas. Llandisilio in Devouret. Llandurnog. Llanegwast Abbey. Llanelian. Llanelidan. Llanganhaval. Llangedwin. Llangiruew. Llangollen. Llangum. Llangwiven. Llanhiclian. Llankerigedredion. Llanrayder. Llanrust. Llansanfrayd in Glyn. Llansanfraid. Llansaiman. Llanshanshare. Llansyllyn. Llanthiged. Llanvaier. Llanuarog. Llanverres. Llanusyd. Llanunnis. Llanyader Amoughnant. Llaruth. Llavaier. Llevenye. Lleveny flu. Lleveny. Llynaled. M Manyan flu. Markwiell. Maysmynan. Melendydar flu. Moyluinlle hill. chapel Moynglathe. N Nanclin. Neag flu. Newhall. P chapel Pentrevidog. Pergwerne. Plasward. R Ruabon. RUTHIN. Ryader flu. S Snediok park. T Tavat. Tiherion. V Vagli. Veneghtid. W Wheler flu. Whitchurch. WREXHAM. Y Place Ycha. Yspity. Flintshire, stretching out in length, broad at one end, and The limits of it. narrow at another, is not much unlike in fashion to a wedge, a piece of which is cut off by the meeting of Cheshire and Denbighshire, South▪ east in distance some four miles. It borders Eastward with part of Cheshire, from whence it is guarded in length with the River Dee unto the North, which parteth worral and Flintshire, till you come to a little Island called Hellbree: Northward it is bounded with the Virgivian Sea: on the West a little River called Cluyd parteth her and Denbighshire asunder: and on the South altogether by Shropshire. The circumference. (2) This Country is nothing mountainous, as other parts of Wales are, but rising gently all along the River of Dee, makes a fair show and prospect of herself to every eye that beholds her, as well upon the River, being in most places thereabouts four or five miles broad, as upon the other side thereof, being a part of Cheshire. The air. (3) The Air is healthful and temperate, without any foggy clouds or fenny vapours, saving that sometimes there ariseth from the Sea and the River Dee, certain thick and smoky-seeming mists, which nevertheless are not found hurtful to the Inhabitants, who in this part live long and healthfully. The climate. (4) The Clime is somewhat colder there then in Cheshire, by reason of the Sea & the River that engirts the better part of her; by which, the Northern winds being long carried upon the waters, blow the more cold; and that side of the Country upward, that lieth shoaring unto the top, having neither shelter nor defence, receiveth them in their full power, and is naturally a Bulwark from their violence unto her bordering neighbours, that maketh the snow to lie much longer there then on the other side of the River. Soil. (5) The Soil bringeth forth plenty both of Corn and grass, as also great store of cattle, but they be little. To supply which defect, they have more by much in their numbers Dee River. then in other places where they be bigger. Great store of fish they take in the River of Dee, but little from the Sea, by reason they have no Havens or Creeks for boats. Not great store of woods either there or in any other part of Wales are found, it having been a general plague unto all the Country ever since the headstrong rebellions of their Princes and great men against the Kings of England, that (in time) took away the principal helps of their Innovations, by cutting down their woods, whereof in this Shire there hath heretofore been great plenty. Fruits are scarce, but milk, butter, and cheese plenty, as also store of honey, Commodities. of the which they make a pleasant wine, in colour like (in taste not much unlike) unto muscadine, which they call Matheglin. Yea, and in the days of Giraldus Cambrensis, near the place now called Holy-well, was a rich Mine of Silver, in seeking after which, men pierced and pried into the very bowels of the earth. Inhabitants. (6) The ancient Inhabitants of this Country were the Ordovices, a sturdy people against the Romans, but now most kind and gentle towards the English, and indeed make much of all strangers, except they be crossed, and then they are the contrary. Castles. (7) Places of defence are the Castles of Flint, Hawarden, vulgarly Harden, Treer, Rudland, mould, Yowley, and Hope: Flint▪ Castle the chiefest. of which, Flint and Harden are the two principal. The Castle of Flint, famous for the benefit it received from two Kings, and for the refuge and relief it gave unto the third. Henry 2. Edward 1 It was founded by Henry the Second, finished by Edward the First, and long after gave harbour and entertainment to that Richard 2. noble, but unfortunate Prince, Richard the Second, coming out of Ireland, being within her walls a free and absolute King, but no sooner without, but taken prisoner by Henry Bullingbroke, Duke of Lancaster, losing at that time his liberty, and not long after his life. This standeth in the graduation of Latitude 53. 55. minutes, in Longitude 17. Hawarden Castle. For the Castle of Hawarden, no record remains of the first Founder, but that it was held a long time by the Stewards of the Earls of Chester▪ Howbeit, their resistance● did not so generally consist in the strength of their Castles and Fortifications, as in their Mountains and Hills, which in times of danger served as natural Bulwarks and Defences unto them against the force of enemies. As was that which Coles-hill. standeth in a certain straight set about with Woods, here unto the River allen, called Coleshull, that is, Coles-hill, where the English, by reason of their disordered multitude, not ranged close in good array, lost the Field, and were defeated, when King Henry the Second had made as great preparation as might be to give Battle unto the Welsh, and the very King's Standard was forsaken by Henry of Essex, who was Standard-bearer to the Kings of England in right of inheritance. (8) This Country hath many shallow Rivers in it, but none of fame and note, but Dee and Cluyae. Howbeit, there is a Spring not far from Ruthland Castle, of great report and antiquity, which is termed Fons Sacer, in English, Holy Fons Sacer. Well, and is also commonly called S. Winefrids' Well; of whom antiquity thus reporteth: That Winefrid a Christian Virgin very fair and virtuous, was doted upon by a young lustful Prince or Lord of the Country, who not being able to rule his headstrong affections, having many times in vain attempted and tried her chastity, both by rich gifts and large promises, could not by any means obtain his desires; he therefore (in a place of advantage) suddenly surprised and ravished her weak (yet resisting) body. After the deed done, the cruel Tyrant, to stop her cries and acclamations, slew her, and cut off her head: out of which place did A Spring arising miraculously. suddenly arise a Spring that continueth to this day, carrying from the Fountain such a forcible stream & current, as the like is not found in Christendom. Over the head of the Spring there is built a Chapel of free stone, with Pillars A Chapel built over it. curiously wrought and engraved, in the Chancel whereof, and glass window, the picture of the Virgin is drawn, together with the memorial of her life and death. To this Fountain Pilgrims are accustomed to repair in their zealous, but blind devotion, and divers others resort to bathe in, holding firmly that the water is of much virtue. The strange opinions held of this Spring. There be many read stones in the bottom of this Well, and much green moss growing upon the sides: the superstition of the people holding that those read spots in the stones were drops of the Lady's blood, which all the water in the Spring can never wash away; and that the moss about the wall was her hair, which though some of it be given to every stranger that comes, yet it never wasteth. But howsoever this be carried for truth by the tradition of time, the moss itself smells exceeding sweet. Kilken. There is also hard by Kilken (a small village) within this County, a little Well of no great note, that at certain times riseth and falleth, after the manner of Sea-tides. (9) In the South part of this Country, divided from the rest, is a place (in some written Copies of Antonine called B●nium) which we now term Banchor, first a City, and afterwards Banchor. a Monastery of famous memory, and the first that is read of in the world: wherein (as Beda saith) were a great Beda●s' report of Banchor Monastery. number of Monks, and them divided into seven Companies, every one having his several Ruler assigned. None of these Companies had less than three hundred persons devoted to prayer, and to get living by their own labour, for themselves and the poor: although it hath long since been utterly ruinated, so as now there is scarce seen the face and outward show of a dead City ●r Monastery. It hath only Por●-Hogham and Portcleis. the names of two Gates remaining, one standing a mile distant from another, and betwixt which the River Dee now runneth, where are often times found many pieces of Roman Coin, and other tokens of antiquity. But of these shall be more mention made in the following History. Another like Monastery, but of lesser account, stood in the Vale beneath Varis (a little City placed by the Romans Varis Vale. in the confines of this Shire and Denbighshire) and upon the Bank of Elwy and Cluyd: This the Britain's call Llan-Elwy, Llan-Elwy, or Asaph. of the River; the Englishmen, Asaph, of the Founder, and the Historiographers, Asaphensis. It is more famoused for antiquity, then for building or bravery: for about the year 560▪ Kentigern Bishop of Glasc●, being fled hither out Kentigern Bishop of Glasc●. of Scotland, placed here a Bishops See, and erected a Monastery, gathering together 663. in a religious brotherhood, whereof 300. that were unlearned, gave themselves to husbandry, and to work within the Monastery, the His Monastery. rest to prayer and meditations. When he returned into Scotland, he ordained Asaph, a godly and upright man, to be The Governor of it. Governor over this Monastery, of whom it took the name, and is called Saint Asaphs. Basingwarke. Another Monastery of great account was at Basingwarke in this County, near unto which began that admirable Ditch drawn thence unto the mouth of Severne by King Offa, the tract whereof I have expressed thorough this Offers Ditch. Shire, and will further speak thereof in the following History. The Shires division. (10) This Shire is divided into five Hundred, fortified with seven Castles, hath only one Market Town, and twenty eight Parishes, in which there is continual celebration of divine Service. FLINTSHIRE SAINT ASAPH A SCALE OF PASES St. WIN●●●IDS WELL FLINT A SCALE OF PASES At Flint Castle king R. ● was surprised by the f●lshade of L. Henry▪ Per●ye Earl of Northumberland, ●nd betrayed into the hands of Henry Bullingbrook Duke of Lancaster, whence he was conveyed as prisoner to London: committed to the Tower: deposed, and thence sent to Leedes Castle in Kent▪ lastly to P●●ford and there murdered. Ann● 1400. Febr. 13 C●● Pri●●leg●●. 1610 Performed by ●ohn Speed●▪ are to be sold in Pope's head alley against the ●xch●●● by john Sudbury and George H●●bell J●d●cus H●●di●s C●l●vit THE SCALE OF MILES An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and places mentioned in Flintshire. HUNDREDS in Flintshire. 1 MOuld. 2 Mailers. 3 Rudland. 4 Presttattyn. 5 Coleshill. A Alen. allen flu: S. Asaph. lan Asaphe. B Bangor. Basingwark. Bottesl●y. Broughton. Bruerton. Burton. C CAIER WIS. Cluyn flu. Combe. Cornish. D Darland Greene. Demyrchion. neither Droitwiche. Over Droitwiche. Dyffyrdwy, or Dee flu. Dyssart. E Escoyte hall. F Fens hall. Flint. G Gronant. Gulgrave. Gwenusker. H Hanmere. Harden Castle. Haulton. Holiwell. Horsheath. KING Kilken. Kinnerton. M Maghegreg. Meliden. Merford. mould. M oston. N Nannarch. chapel Nerquoyes'. Northop. OH Clawdh Offa, or, Offas' ditch. Old park. Orton madok. P Penley chapel. Potruthan. Potuary. Prestatin. R Relusnoyde. Rudland castle. S Sevion flu. Skiviog. T Tagidog flu. Talarkrey. Treer castle. Trethyn. Trevealen. W Wheler flu. Whitford. Whitwell chapel. Willington. Worthenbury. Y Yowley Castle. Yowley hall. CAERNARVONSHIRE. CHAPTER FOURTEEN. CAernaruonshire, in Welsh Sir The divers names of this Shire. The Welsh turn M. into V or F. So Caer-Merdhin, Caer-Frydhin Luid: Breu▪ of Brit. Caer-ar-von, so called because it is just over against Anglesey (which these Britain's call Montanus) & in composition was termed also Snowden-Forrest, before Wales was laid into Shires; the Northside whereof & the west butteth upon the Irish sea, the southside is enclosed with Merioneth, and the East with Denbighshires from which it is severed by the river Conwy. The measure. (2) The form thereof is much like a wedge, long and narrow toward the South, and growing still wider towards the north, so that from Pevenkelepoint Southward, to Orms-head point Northward, are 40. Miles from the River Conwy Eastward to the River Llenoy Westward Miles, 20. and the whole circumference 110. Miles. The Air. (3) The Air is sharp and piercing, by reason that the Country hath not natural provision to ensconce herself against the extremity of winds and wether: but especially as may be thought, through the continuance of the snow on the hills, which also exclude the suns aspect and warmth. The Soil. (4) The Soil cannot be much commended for the fertility, except those parts of the Seacoasts, which lie on the West towards Ireland; but for the hart of this Shire, it is altogether mountainous, as if Nature had a purpose here, by rearing up these craggy hills so thick together, strongly to compact the joints of this our Island, and to frame the Inland part thereof for a fit place of refuge to the Britain's, against those times of adversity which afterward did fall upon them; for no Army though never so strongly, or scarce any travailers though never so lightly appointed, can found Very unpasseable passage among those so many rough and hard rocks, so many vales and pools here and there, crossing all the ways, as ready obstacles to repel any Inroads of foreign assailants. These mountains may not unfitly be termed the British British Alpes. Alpes, as being the most vast of all Britain, and for their steepness and craggines not unlike to those of Italy, all of them towering up into the Air, and round encompassing one far higher than all the rest, peculiarly called Snowdon Snowdon Hills. Hill, though the other likewise in the same sense, are by the Welsh termed Craig Eriry, as much as Snowy Mountains, taking their name, as doth (by Pliny's testimony) Niphates in Armenia, and Imaus in Scythia: For all the year long these lie mantelled over with Snow hard crusted together, though otherwise for their height they are open and liable both to the Sun to dissolve them, and the winds to over-sweepe them. The People. (5) The ancient inhabitants of this Country were the Ordovices, of whom we have sufficiently spoken in the description of the former provinces; neither need I insist either upon the pleasures or profits that this Country yieldeth, by reason of the great affinity it hath both of Climate and Commodities with Denbighshire and Flintshire before mentioned: But this beyond the other in some places Pearls. breeds certain Shel-fishes, which being conceived by an heavenly dew, bring forth Pearls, in ancient times more reckoned, of then now they are. (6) Touching places of Note, that City is very ancient Places of Note. which the Emperor Antonine calleth Segontium, taking name of a river running by, which at this day is called Seiont: Seiont. some relics of the walls whereof do yet appear, near unto a little Church consecrated to the honour of Ninnius. Mat. Westminst. Saint Publicius. This City Ninnius calleth Caer Custenith, which some interpret the City of Constantine. Indeed Matthew Westminster saith (how true I know not) that Anno 1283. here was found the body of Constantius (Father to great Constantine) which King Edward the first caused to be sumptuously bestowed in the Church of the new City, which he raised out of the ruins of the old, & is now called Caernaruon. Caernaruon, which giveth name to this whole Shire. The Town itself yeeeldeth a most excellent prospect towards the Sea, and is encompassed (in a manner) round with the walls of the Castle: so as we may say, it is a City within a Castle, which taketh up the whole Westside of it: Caernaruon in danger of the Sea. and great pity it is, that so famous a work should not be perpetuous, or ever become the ruin of time, which is much feared, for the merciless underminings of the Sea, that with her daily and forcible eruptions never ceaseth to wash away the foundations of the key. The people of this Town are well approved for courtesy, and also Civil government, which is administered by the Constable of the Castle (who is ever Mayor by Patent) having the assistance of The Government of it. one Alderman, two Bailiffs, two Sergeants at Mace, and one Town-clerk. The Townsmen do not a little glory that King Edward the second was borne there, in a Tower of the Castle called Eagle-Tower, and surnamed of Caernaruon, King Edward the second borne at Caernaruon. he being the first Prince of Wales of the English line. The site of this Town according to Mathematical observation is in the degree of Longitude 15. and 50. scruples from the first West-point, and the Pole elevated in Latitude 53. and 50. Bangor the Bishops See, though it be now but a small Town, yet was it in times passed so large, that for the greatness thereof it was called Banchor Vaur, that is, Great Banchor; Banchot. which Hugh Earl of Chester fortified with a Castle. But it hath been long since utterly ruinated and laid level with the ground, insomuch, as there is not any footing to be found or other monuments left thereof, although they have been sought with all diligent inquiry. This Bishops see hath within the diocese ninety six parishes. But the ancient Church which was consecrated unto Daniel sometime Bishop thereof, was defaced and set on fire by that notorious Rebel Owen Owen Glendowerdwy. Glendowerdwy, who had a purpose also to destroy all the Cities of Wales, for that they stood for the King of England: And though the same Church was since repaired about the time of King Henry the seventh, yet hath it scarce recovered the resemblance of her former dignity. Conway river. The River Conway (which limitteth this Shire on the eastside) is in Ptolemy by corruption or ignorance of Transcribers called Toisonius, in stead of Cononius, whence Canonium (a Town mentioned by Antonine) took name: and albeit both it, and its name be now utterly extinct, yet is there a covert remembrance thereof in the new name of a poor village, standing among the rubbish thereof, called Caer-hean Caer-hean. (that is) The ancient City: Out of the spoil whereof King Edward the first built a new Town at the rivers mouth, termed thereupon Aberconwey: (that is) the mouth of Conwey, which being formerly fortified by Hugh of Chister, and Aberconwey. strongly situate and fenced both with walls, and a fair Castle by the rivers side, deserves rather the name of a City then a Town, if it were more populous and trafficked with inhabitants. Neither must I here forget Newin, though but a small market Town, for that it pleased the English Nobleses Florilegu●. Anno 1284. to honour it, and the memory of King Arthur, with triumphant celebrity, after they had subdued the Rebellious Ringleaders of Wales. 7. Other matters of memorable Note this Country affordeth not much, unless perhaps this, That just over against the River Conwey where it issueth into the Sea, there sometime stood an ancient City named Diganwey, which many years ago was consumed by lightning, & so made utterly desolate, as many other monuments have been of ancient and worthy memory. As likewise that in the Pool The fish Torcoch. Linperis there is a kind of fish called there Torcoch having a read belly, no where else seen. For touching these two other miracles famoused by Giraldus and Geruasius; that on those his high hills there are two Pools called the Meres, the one of which produceth great store of fish, but all having only one eye, & in the other there is a movable Island, which as soon as a man treadeth on, it forthwith floateth a great way off, whereby the Welsh are said to have often scaped and deluded their enemy's assailing them: these matters are out of my Creed, and yet I think the Reader had rather believe them, then to go to see whether it be so or no. Market towns. It is traded with five market Towns fit for bargaining, buying and selling, fortified with four Castles, and hath sixty eight Parish Churches in it, where the Inhabitants concur and meet together for the Celebration of divine service. CAERNARVON BOTH SHIRE AND Shire-towne with the ancient City BANGOR described. Anno Domini 1610 CAERNARVON Places A Llanvore lane B Tuttle street C Prickey Sithy D Pount Prith E Lone Peblike F High street G Castle street H Ditch street I The Conduit KING Shire Hall L Shire hall street M street a place N Pepper lane OH Church lane P Oatmeal mar▪ Q The Free School R The Key S West Gate T The Chapel V The Exche●kquer W The Castle Y East Gate Z The Church w●●● A SCALE OF PASES HONI SOIT 〈◊〉 MAL Y PENSE BANGOR A SCALE OF 〈◊〉 Anno Dom. 1610. Performed by john Speed and are to be sold in Pope's head Alley over against the Exchange by john Sudbury and Georg Humble Cum Privilegio. An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and memorable places mentioned in Caernaruon-shire. ABERCONWY. Aberearch. Apennant. B BANGER. Bardesey Island. Bednell. Bedskrethlim. Bedsyllin. Bethkelert. Bettus Seyrionython. Bettus Garmon. Betunog. Bodvean. Boduerin Chapel. Braychypult point. Bryncrois. Brimmoyle. Brynyryn. C Caier I erienrode. Caierhean. CARNARVAN. Carngugh Chapel. Carrog flu. Carodinbill-rocke. Clenoguaure. Clenunay. Conwy flu. lyn Coulwyd. D Daren flu. Castle Delbadern. Dinas Orveg. Dinas Dynlle. lyn. Dolathelan. Dolathelan Castle. Dolbemer. Dowye Gonulchy. E Earch flu. Edarne. Eglos-rosse. Saint Elyn. F Funnon Llegoe. G Gastell flu. Girch flu. Guffin flu. Guffin. Gwely flu. Gwelyn Island. Gwider. KING Saint Katherins. Kenhayerne Chapel. Kerig Chapel. Keveamulch. Kreky the Castle. Kydeo. L Llanaber. Llanarmon. Llanbeblin. Llanbedro. Llanbeder. Llanberis. lyn Llanberis. Llancastyn. Llandaguinnim. Llandidno. Llandidwen. Llandigaio. Llandrighla. Llandurog. Llangeby. Llangedol Chapel▪ or Pentire. Llangenvill Chapel. Llanghennyn. Llangustennyn. Llanken. Llanlledhyd. Llanlleveny. Lannor. Llanpenmachno. Llanrughwen. Llannyhangle. Enreage. Lannihangle. Maghholet. Llannunda. Llanyngan. Llanstidwy. Llanthaniolen. Llanvaier vachan. Lanuaier Iskaer. Llanuaielrise. Llanuaglan. Llanuylhayrne. Lledder flu: Lleggy flu. Llenony flu. Lloinderis. Glyn, Llynan. Lynan flu. Llyndothadern. Llynhaladoylen. Llynkeggil. Llynmumber. Llyntrevennin. Llynnydulyn. Llynyga. M Madryn. Mapanab. May flu. Mercrosse Island. Mildeyrne. Monithnuehill. N Nangunadle. Naulle. NEWIN. OH Ogwen chapel. Ormeshead point▪ PEA Penlleache. Penmen maur. Penmen bidam. Pen moruay. Penry. Peuryn. Penuenkle point. Pistill. Porlerit flu. Porthathuferye. PULLHELY. R Rue. Ryvill hill. S Saint flu. Sinadon Castle. Snowdown hill. Stidwell Island. T Teduelion. Thenuio. Trathe Maur. Trevelis. Tycomer point. ANGLESEY. CHAPTER XU. The first Name. ANglesey was in the time of the Romans called Mona, by the Britain's, Montanus, and Tir-Mon (that is) the land of Montanus, of the ancient English Saxons Moneg: And at last, after the Englishmen had by their sharp and several assaults brought it under their rule, and become Lords thereof, it was termed Anglesey, as one would say, The Englishmens Island. The form. For, an Island it is, albeit it be severed from the continent of Britain, but with a small and narrow straight of the river Menai, and on all other parts beaten upon with the surging and troublous Irish sea, in which it lieth somewhat square wise, not much different in length and breadth; being, where it reacheth out in length, from Beaumarish eastward, Length. to the utmost Promontory westward, which we call Breadth. Holy-head, twenty miles; and in breadth from Llanbaderik northward, to the point of Menai southward, seventeen miles; the whole circuit or circumference amounting towards seventy miles. Air. The air is reasonable, grateful and healthful, and not generally subject to diseases, excepting certain Agues at some times, which are occasioned by the Fogs and misty exhalations▪ which arise from the sea called Mare Virgivium, with the which this I'll is encompassed. Commodities. The commodities that commend, (or rather beautify) this Country, are in Corn and Cattles, wherewith it not only enricheth itself exceedingly, but sendeth out great provision thereof to others to supply their defects, and although the ground may seem dry and stony, or unpleasant and nothing sightly, wherein for the outward quality, it resembleth some other parts of Wales, that are not so fruitful, yet for the inward bounties of nature, it is far unlike: for above all the coasts of Wales it is most plentiful of Wheat, insomuch as by A welsh Proverb Giraldus Cambrensis report, they are wont to say in Welsh, by way of a proverb, Mon Mam Cymbry, which is to say, Montanus is the mother of Wales; for, that when other Country's harvest fails round about, or their provision is exhausted & drawn dry, this alone like a provident, and full-brested mother, is able to sustain the rest. Whereunto Nature most providently hath added another benefit Grindstones. serviceable and necessary to the former, in that the Alum. Country produceth also those kind of stones which are called Molares, as of all other fittest to make Millstones or Grind-stones. In some places also it yieldeth an earth of Aluminous quality, out of which some not long since began to make Alom and Coperose, who (like unflesht soldiers) gave over their enterprise without further hope, because at first they saw it not answer their overhasty expectations. Inhabitants. The ancient inhabitants of this Country were the Ordovices, mentioned before in the precedent provinces of Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Carnaruonshire. And this very Island was that ancient, and so much ennobled seat of the British Druids, who so amated the army of Roman invaders, as Tacitus reports, and as elsewhere we have related in the sixt book and seventh Chapter of our ensuing history. Roman Governor. This Nation was attempted first by Paulinus Suetonius in the reign of Nero, but brought under the Roman Empire by julius Agricola. When the Empire of the Romans in Britain began to decline and go downward; some out of Ireland entered into this Isle by stealth, and nestled themselves there, as may be gathered by certain mounts of earth entrenched about, and yet to be scene, which they call the Irish men's Cottages; as also by a place named of the Irishmen, yn Hiericy Gwidil, who did there (as is recorded) Invaded by the Irish. put the Britain's to flight under the leading of Sirigus. The Norwegians also were often infestous to this Island; but King Ethelreds' Fleet, having in the year 1000 scoured the seas round about this Isle, far exceeded all both Irish and Norwegian depopulations, for they wasted the country in all hostile manner. After this, two Hughs both Normans did greatly afflict this Island; the one being Earl of Chester, the other of Shrewsbury; at which very time Magnus the Norwegian arriving there▪ shot Hugh Earl of Shrewsbury through with an arrow, and departed after he had ransacked the Island. It was afterwards grievously infested by the Englishmen, who never gave over from time to time to invade it, until Edward the first. in the reign of King Edward the first, it was wholly brought under his subjection. The principal town in this Isle is Beaumarish, which the said King Edward the first built in the east. Beaumarish chief town. side thereof, and for the fair situation, though in a morish place, gave it the name which it now beareth, whereas in times past it was called Bonover; which he also fortified with a goodly castle. The Government of Beumarish. The Mayor is the chiefest Magistrate of the town, who is yearly chosen, and hath the assistance and help of two Bailiffs, two Sergeants at Mace, and one Towne-Clearke: by whose careful diligence the affairs of this town are orderly managed and commanded, whose latitude is 54. and longitude 15. 45. minutes. Not far from hence is Lhaanuais, in times past a fair religious house of the Friars Minors, which antic religious house. although it be now in a manner razed out of memory, yet antiquity maketh mention that it hath been of great regard among the Kings of England, who have showed themselves very bountiful Patrons unto that Covent, both in respect of the sanctimonious life of such as conversed there, as also because there the bodies of very eminent persons, as the daughter of King john, the son of a King of the Dancs, as likewise of many great Lords, Knights and Squires were interred, that were slain in the wars against the Welsh, in the time of many illustrious Kings of England. Many English Nobility there buried. This Isle is reckoned to have had anciently many villages in it, even to the number of three hundred threescore and three; and the same even at this day is very well peopled. The partition of this shire. The division of this Isle for disposition of affairs that belong either to the state of the crown, or to the condition of the Country, is into six Hundred: in which are seated two market towns, and seventy four parish Churches for God's divine honour and worship, as is Alphabetically gathered in the Table following. ANGLESEY Anciently called MONA. Described 1610 BEAUMARIS A The Castle B castle street C We●am street D Water Gate E Wall street FLETCHER Rotten Row G Day pit lane H Free School I Market House KING Britons mills L Britons Hill M The Friary A SCALE OF PASES Performed by john Speed▪ and are to be sold in Popes-head alley by john Sudbury and George Humble. Cum Privilegio. Jodocus Hondius C●lavit Anno Domini ●6●0 THE SCALE OF ENGLISH MILES. An Alphabetical Table of all the Towns, Rivers, and memorable places mentioned in Anglesey. HUNDREDS in Anglesey. 1. TAlyboliou. 2. Twrkelyn. 3. Llyfon. 4. Malltrach. 5. Meney. 6. Tyndaythwy. A Aberfro. mal. Abermenai ferry Meney Allow flu. Amlwo●h Twrk. B BEWMARIS. Tyn. Boddon mal. Bodedrin Llyf. Bodmon hill. Twrk. Bodowerucha. Many. Bodowerissa. Meney. Bodwrog. Llyf. Brant flu. Brant flu. C Caergiby tally. D Dinas wethon, tally. Dula's slu. G Gronait tally. Gweger flu. Gynt flu. H Hardravaie Meney. Hendregadog Meney. hilary point. Twrk. Holy-head tally. I Inys wealth. Llyf. Inys lygod Twrk. chapel Ithon. Twrk. KING Saint Katherins▪ Tynd. Kevenye flu. Kirghhiog Llyf. L Llanallgo Twrk. Llanarghymeath Tw. Llanbabo tally. Llanbadrig tally. Llanbedor Tyn. Llanbeullan Llyf. Llanddniolvab. Meney Llandegvayne. Tyn. Llandruum. Meney. Llandona, Tyn. Landourodok. Twrk▪ Llandisilio, Tyn. Llandrygarn, Llyf. Llandifrydog. Twrk, Llaneaston, Tyn, lan edwen Meney. Llaneigred Twk. Llaneleth frenin. Twrk. Llanelian Twrk. Llanfechel tally. Llhanfinan Meney. Llanflewin tally. Llangaffo Meney. Llangefin Meney. Llangnewin Meney. Llangristioles Mal. Langourday Tyn. Llangoyhlog mal. Llangwildog Llyf. Llangwyfen mal. Llangyd. walader. mal. Langynwen, mal. Llanheneglos mal. Llanllawen vawr yn. ros golyn. Men. Llanllibio Llyf. Lanredfel. Meney. Llanridlad tally. Llanroderis Twrk. Llanrwydries tally. Llansadurne Tyn. Llansanfraid tally. Llanthowywer Men. Llanthufuam Tyn, Llanuachraith. tally. Llanuaethly tally. Llanuaier up wradige, Twr. Llanuaier tally. Llanuaier eubroll. Llyf. Llanuaier Inhaneringsithay. Tyn. Llanua●r ycromwd. Meney. Lanvaiergwin pull gingill Tyn. Llanuair ynghowrnyw. tally. Llanvailog Llyf. Llanvais Tyn. Llanuerion mal. Llanuigail tally. Llanuihangell Llyf. Llanuihangle ymhemros. Twrk Llanuihangle yskiwiog. Men. Llanuihangell tre iz bard. Twr. Llanuwrog tally. Llanwenllwife Twrk. lan yddeysant. tally. Lanynghenell. Llyf. Llanyhangel Tyn. lany try●avit. Llyf. Llechryd Llyf. Llech-gyn farwy. Llyf. Llinon flu. Lloydearth Twrk. Lluidon Meney. lyn Corran. mal. M cappel Maier. mal. Malltraeth flu. Mathhanan flu. Menai flu. N NEWBURGH. Me. Place Newith. Tyn. P Penmynid Meney. Pentreath Tyn. Pontrid pont. tally. Pontuorid Tyn. Porthamble Meney. Porthathuferye. Tyn. Preceadduet. life. Prestholme Island. Tyn. The Priorye Tyn. R Redgynt Meney. Redigilio Meney. Ros beiro Twrk. Rown table hill Tyn. S Saint Sirian. Tyn. The sound Tyn. T cappel Talallayn. Mal. Talyllin Twrk. Trefdraeth mal. Tregavon Meney. Trevarthin Meney. Trewalchmay Llyf. Trysylwin hills Twrk. Y Ycoedon Twrk. cappel Yloughroid. tally. THE THIRD BOOK: CONTAINING, A GENERAL VIEW OF THE KINGDOM OF SCOTLAND: THE COUNTIES DIVIDED, AND JLANDS THEREOF DESCRIBED, AS BY OTHERS HATH BEEN OBSERVED. WITH A brief Relation of sundry memorable things therein contained. By JOHN SPEED. ¶ Imprinted at London. 1612. CUM PRIVILEGIO. ❧ The Divisions of SCOTLAND. THIS KINGDOM IS PRINCIPALLY DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS; NORTH AND SOUTH, of the River TAYE. IN THE NORTH. 1 Loquabrea. 2 Braidalbin. 3 Perth. 4 Athol. 5 Anguish. 6 Mern. 7 Marr. Buquhan. 8 Murray. 9 Rosse. 10 Sutherland. 11 Cathanes. 12 Strathnavern. 13 IN THE SOUTH. COUNTRIES. 1 Teifidale. 2 Merch. 3 Lauden. 4 Liddesdale. 5 Eskedale. 6 Annandale. 7 Niddesdale. 8 Galloway. 9 Carrick. 10 Kyle. 11 Cunningham. Arran. 12 Cluydesdale. 13 Lennox. 14 Stirling. 15 Fife. 16 Strathern. 17 Menteith. 18 Argile. 19 Cantire. 20 Lorn. 21 SUBDIVIDED ACCORDING TO THEIR CIVIL GOVERNMENT. COUNTIES OR, SHERIFDOMS. Edinburgh. Linlythque. Selkirk. Roxburgh. Peblis. Berwick. Lanark. Renfrew. Dunfreis. Wighton. air. Bute. Argyle. Tarbet. Dunbarton. Perth. Clackmannan. Kinros. Fife. Kincardin. Forfair. Aberden. Bamff. Elgin. Forres. Narne. innerness. Cromartie. Orknay. Shetland. STEWARDIES. Menteith. Strathern. Kircudbright. Annandale. BAILERIES. Kyle. Carrick. Cunningham. CONSTABLERY. Hadington. HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE DIEV ET MON DROIT royal blazon or coat of arms THE TYPE OF THE FAMOUS KINGDOM OF SCOTLAND, WITH A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SUNDRY THINGS REMARKABLE THEREIN. CHAPTER I SCotland, the second Kingdom of Great Britain, and the north part of the Island, hath on the East, the Germane Ocean, on the North, the Orkneys & Deucalidon Sea, the West affronted with Ireland, and the South hath the river Tweed, the Cheviot hills, and the adjacent tract, reaching to the Sulway sands, whereby it is separated from England. (2) This Kingdom is fair and spacious, and from these South-borders spreadeth itself wide into the East and West, till again it contracts itself narrower unto the Northern Promontories: furnished with all things befitting a famous Kingdom, both for air and soil, rivers, woods, mountains, fish, foul, and cattles, & corn so plenteous, that it supplieth therewith other Countries in their want. The people thereof are of good feature, strong of body, and of courageous mind, and in wars so venturous, that scarce any service of note hath been performed, but that they were with the first, and last in the field. Their Nobility and Gentry are very studious, of learning, and all civil knowledge, for which end they not only frequent the three Universities of their own Kingdom (S. Andrews, Glasco, and Edenbrough, the nurseries of Piety, and mansions of the sacred Muses,) but also much addict themselves to travail into foreign Countries. (3) The Counties contained in this Kingdom are many, and every where bestrewed with Cities, Towns, and Burrows, as is that of England: and, as England, I M. Tim●▪ by Pont. intended to describe it, had I not been happily prevented by a learned Gentleman of that Nation, who hath most exactly begun, and go through the greatest difficulties thereof; to build upon whose foundations, I hold it injurious: and am so far from any ambition to prevent his Noble purposes, that I hearty wish all happy furtherances thereto, with a longing desire to see, by his industrious labours, another Scene added to the perfecting of the Theatre of Britain's Glory. (4) Yet, in the mean while, jest I should seem too defective in my intendments, let me without offence (in this third, though short book) give only a general view of that Kingdom, upon observations from others; which to accomplish by mine own survey (if others should hap to fail, and my crazy aged body will give leave) is my chief desire; knowing the Island furnished with many worthy remembrances appertaining both unto them and us, whom God now hath set under one Crown▪ and the rather, for that their more Southern people are from the same Original with us the English, being both alike the Saxon branches: as also, that the Picts, anciently inhabiting part of that kingdom, were the inborn Britain's, and such as thither fled to avoid the Roman servitude: whose names began first Cambd. Brit. in descript. Pict. to be distinguished under Dioclesian the Emperor, when they were termed Picti, for painting their bodies, like the Britain's, as saith Flavius Vigetius: which is more English Annals. strengthened, for that the Northern Britain's converted by Saint Columb, are called Britain Picts. (5) But the Highland-men (the natural Scot indeed) are supposed to descend from the Scythians, who with the Geteses infesting Ireland, left both their Issue there, and their manners, apparent in the Wild-Irish even to this day: And from Scythae (as is thought) the name of Scot grew; for so the Netherlanders by Scutten express indifferently the Scythian, or Scot: so Gildas calleth the Irish-britains', Scythians: so King Elfred in translating the history of Orosius, turneth Scotos into Scyttan: and so saith Walsingham, from one and the same original, Scythae, Scytici, Scoti, Scotici, take their names, as from Getae Getici, Gothi Gothici have done. (6) Their Manners were alike, say Diodorus Siculus and Strabo, and their garments not much different, as by Sidonius Apollinaris may be gathered, where he seemeth rather to describe the modern Wild-Irish, than the antic Get. Notwithstanding this Nations Original by some hath been derived from Scota, the supposed Daughter of the Egyptian King Pharaoh, that nourished Moses, afterwards married unto Gaithelus, the son of Cecrops, (Founder of Athens,) who first seating in Spain, passed thence into Ireland, and lastly into Scotland, where his Wife Scota gave Name to the Nation; if we believe that they hit the mark, who shoot at the Moon. (7) But that the Scythians came into Spain, (besides the Promontory bearing their name Scythicum) Silius Italicus a Spaniard borne doth show, who bringeth the Concani, a Nation therein seated, from the Massagetae, which were the Scythians; and the Sarmatae, whom all confess to have been Scythians, were the builders (as he saith) of the City Susana in Spain. And how from Spain they possessed themselves of Ireland, (at the time when the Kingdom of judah flourished,) Ninius the disciple of Eluodugus doth tell, and their own Histories of Nemethus and Delas, besides Cisnerus and others, do show; who were first known by the name of Scots, as is gathered out of Porphyry, (alleged by S. Jerome) in the reign of Aurelianus the Emperor. Gyldas calleth them the Irish-Spoilers: Giraldus, A Scotish Nation descended from Ireland: which in regard of them by Eginhardus, is termed, the I'll of Scots: by Beda, the I'll inhabited by the Scots; and by other Historians, Scotland the Great; as their seat in Britain, was called, Scotland the Less. (8) These, when the Roman Empire was far in the wane, burst into Britain under Reuda their Captain, Beda lib. 1. cap. 1▪ who entering amity with the Picts, possessed the North part of the Island, and assisted them against the Britain's, then ready to fall, when the Romans were go. But these afterward entertaining dissensions amongst themselves, put the hazard of their estates on the trial and chance of one days battle, fought betwixt them in the year of salvation, 740. wherein the Picts not only lost their lives, but soon after even their very Name also; & fortune crowning the Scots with victory, advanced their Kingdom unto such fame and strength, that the same hath long continued without any absolute conquest or surprise, against the assaults of whatsoever enemies. (9) Scotland's South part in Galloway▪ washed with the water of Solway Bay, toucheth the degree 56. of Latitude, and then ce imbosoming many Loughes and inlets upon the East and West, extendeth itself unto the degree 60. and 30. minutes; whose Longitude is likewiselaid betwixt the degree 13. and 19 and the same grown very narrow, being so near the North-Pole, as lying directly under the hindermost stars of the Greater Bear. (10) The whole Kingdom is divided into two parts, by the great River Tay; the South whereof is the more populous and more beautified in manners, riches, and civility: the North more rude, retaining the customs of the Wild Irish, the ancient Scot, in whose several Territories, these Counties ensuing are contained. South. North. Teifidale. Galloway Stirling. Loquabrea. Buquhan. Merch. Carrack. Fife. Braidalbin. Murrey. Laudien. Kyle. Strathern Perth. Rosse. Liddesdale. Cunninghan Menteith Athol. Sutherland. Eskedale. Arran. Argile. Anguis. Cathanes. Annandale Cluidesdale Cantire. Merns. Strathnavern. Niddesdale Lennox. Lorne. Mar.   THE KINGDOM OF SCOTLAND James King of Great Britain, France & Ireland. Henry Prince of Wales & Ireland The Yles of Orknay A Scale of Miles Anna Queen of Great Brit●●●, France and Ireland. Charles Duke of York and Alb●ny. Cum Privilegi●. 1610. Performed by john Speed and are 〈◊〉 be sold in Pope's 〈◊〉 alley by john Sudb●ry and George H●nb●ll THE SCALE OF SCOTISH MILES S. Andrews. Glasco. Dunkeld. Brechin. Galloway. Aberdon. Rosse. Argile. Murray. Cathanes. Iles. Dunblan. Orkeney.   Among the things worthy of note of antiquity in this Kingdom, most memorable was that fortification drawn from Abercorne upon the Firth of Edinburgh, unto Alcluyd, now Dunbritton, opening upon the west sea, where julius Agricola set the limit of the Roman Empire; past which, saith Tacitus, there was not other bounds of Britain to be sought for: and, that here the second Legion Augusta, and the 20. Legion Victrix, built a part of the Wall, certain inscription s there digged up, and reserved at Dunloyr and Cader, do witness: as also an ancient coped Monument of an high and round compass, which, as some think, was a Temple consecrated unto the God Terminus: others, a Trophy raised by Carausius, who fortified this wall with seven Castles, as Ninius doth declare (12) At this place began the great and dark Wood Caledonia, famous for the wild white bulls that therein were bred, whose Manes were Lion-like, thick and curled, of nature fierce and cruel, and so hateful to mankind, that they abhorred whatsoever was by them handled or breathed upon: these woods stretched far and wide with many turnings, dark shades, and dreadful dens, and so famous in the Roman writers, that they often used that name for all Britain; whose inhabitants were the last in this Island, that yielded their necks to the yoke of subjection, as shall appear in our following Story. (13) Ninian a Britain is recorded to have converted the South- Picts unto the faith of Christ, in the reign of Theodosius the younger, and the Church in Galloway bearing his name, doth witness it: so likewise in the same age Palladius sent from Pope Celestine, become an Apostle unto the Scots, whose relics lay enshrined at Fordon in Mernis, as was verily supposed: but that Christianity had been formerly planted in this uttermost Province, is testified by Tertullian, in saying the Britain's had embraced the faith further than the Romans had power to follow, or persecute them, whereupon Peter Monk of Clun in Spain concludeth their conversion to be more ancient than the Southern Britain's. (14) But touching things observable for the present, surely admirable is the report of the plenty of Cattles Fish, and Fowl there abiding: their Neat but little, yet many in number; Fish so plentiful, that men in some places (for delight) on horseback hunt Salmon with Spears: & a certain foul, which some call Soland-geeses, spreading so thick in the air, that they even darken the Sun's light; of whose flesh, feathers, and oil, the inhabitants in some parts make great use and gain; yea and even of Fish brought by them, abundant provision for diet, as also of the sticks (brought to make their nest●) plentiful provision for fuel. (15) With these, as of wonders, I might speak of the natures of these two famous Loughes, Lomund and Nessa, the later whereof, never freezeth in winter, though never so extreme, and the waters of the other most raging in the fairest and calmest weather, wherein also floateth an Island that removeth from place to place, as the wind forceth her spongeous and unfastened body. In Buquhan upon the banks of Ratra is a well, whose trickling drops turn (in Piramidy-wise) into hard stone, and another near Edenbrough that floateth with Bitumen. In Dee and Done, besides the admired plenty of Salmon, is found a Shellfish, called the Horse-muskell, wherein Pearls are engendered most precious for physic, and some of them so orient, that they give not place to the choicest. (16) Not less strange than any the forementioned waters, but more lamentable is the remembrance of the great inundation, happening by the sudden rising of Tay, which bore away the walls and Town of Birth, and with it the cradle and young son of king William into the sea, wherein the royal Infant with many others perished, the King and his Courtiers hardly escaping the danger, with life. The ruin of this town, raised another more famous, & more commodiously seated, even Perth, since called Saint johns-town. (17) islands and Ilets yielding both beauty and subjection to this Scottish kingdom, are the Western, the Orknayes, and the Shetlands, reckoned to be above three hundred in number; their inhabit ants for the most part using the frugality of the ancient Scot (18) The Western, lying scattered in the Deucalidonian sea, were anciently ruled by a King of their own, whose maintenance was out of their common coffers, and the regal authority never continued in lineal succession, for (to prevent that) their Kings were not permitted Hect. Boet. li. c. 12. That law was made by King Edwin the 3. to have wives of their own, but might by their laws accompany with other men's: as the like * law was in the other parts of Scotland, that the virginity of all new wives, should be the Landlord's prey, till king Malcolme enacted, that * which is yet called the Merche●ss of women. half a mark should be paid for redemption. The residence of those fore mentioned kings, was chief in Ila, Bunals, and jona, now Columbkill, where (as Donald Munro, who traveled through these islands reporteth) are three Tombs, having the several inscriptions of the Kings of Scotland, of Ireland, and of Norway. (19) Among these Western islands, the Hebrides, Sky, Mula, Ila, and Arran, are the greatest: All of them plentiful of corn, woods, Salmon and Herrings, as others of Coneys, Dear, Horses, and Sheep, where in some they are wild, and in others without any owners; but the people uncivil, and lacking religion, they rather live rudely in state of necessity, then as Lords of these portions which God hath allotted them; and with a sufferable ease, ignorant of ambition, enjoy those contentments, which some others (though they no great sum) do more laboriously attain unto by the precepts of Philosophy: for, feeding themselves with competency without any excess, they return all the overplus unto their Lords, as do the inhabitants of Hirta and Rona; but alas, Religion not known among them, these penurious virtues are rather the curses of Cham, than the followings of Christ, who forbids us to be too careful for the morrow. (20) The Isles of Orkenay upon the North of Scotland, lying in a most raging and tempestuous sea, are about 33 in number, whereof 13. are inhabited, and the other replenished with cattles: in these are no venomous serpents, nor other ugly vermin; the air sharp and healthful, and the soil apt to bear only oats and barley, but not a stick of wood: among these, Pomonia is the greatest, accounted and called the Maine-land, affording six Minerals of Lead and Tin, and in her chief Town a Bishops See: wherein are seated 12. parish Churches, one of them very magnificent for so remote a Country. (21) Of all the Romans, julius Agricola first discovered the Orknays', yea and subdued them, if we will believe Tacitus: but Pomponius Mela that wrote 30. years before him, doth mention them, and Juvenal in Hadrians time after him, tells us the Roman had won them, and lastly Claudian nameth Saxons that were slain in them, & so doth Ninius name Octha, & Ebissus, Saxon commanders, who in their roving Pinnaces wasted the Orknays'. These islands Donald Bane the usurper of the Scottish crown, gave to the king of Norway for his assistance, and by the Norwegians were they held the space of an hundred and sixty years, until that Alexander the third king of Scotland, with sword and composition got them from Magnus the fourth, king of Norway, which afterward king Haquin confirmed unto king Robert Bruce: but lastly Christian the first, king of Norway & Denmark, utterly renounced all his right to those islands, when he gave his daughter in marriage unto K. james the 3. which deed was further ratified by the Pope, who openeth the way to the possession of kingdoms with his own key. (22) Moore North, & further than this Chart could well express, lie the Isles of Shetland, of some thought to be Thule, and by the Commenter upon Horace, the fortunate Island, where as Tzetzes fabuleth, the souls of good men are ferried into those Elysian fields that ever grow green, and whence julius Caesar could hardly be drawn, as Muretus hath written: but their fictions intended only, that the virtuous souls of the dead, passed the uttermost bounds of earthly abode, and attained to an overpleasing repose, & ever flourishing happiness; which whether they borrowed from the description of Paradise (taken both for a fair garden, & the souls happy rest) I cannot define; but sure they would not have made those fields always green, if they had seen how they lie ever covered with Ice and snow, being in the 63. degree of latitude, as Ptolemy hath placed it, where (for the most part) is a continual winter: but for proof that this was the Thule, besides Ptolemy's positure, Saxon Grammaticus betwixt Norway and Scotland hath placed it, and Solinus, two days sailing from the point of Caledonia: and Tacitus saith, that the Romans kenned Thule a far off, as they sailed about Britain by the Orcadeses: and lastly, Mela maketh it to face Berge a City in Norway. THE FOURTH BOOK: Containing, THE KINGDOM OF IRELAND. WITH AN EXACT CHOROGRAPHICAL DIMENSION OF THE PROVINCES THEREIN CONTAINED, AND THOSE AGAIN DIVIDED INTO THEIR SEVERAL COUNTIES. TOGETHER, With a compendious description of that NATION, and JLANDS' Commodities. By JOHN SPEED. ¶ Imprinted at London by William Hall. 1612. Cum Privilegio. ❧ The particular Counties in the four SEVERAL PROVINCES OF IRELAND, AS NOW THEY ARE DIVIDED, AND LIMITED. MONSTER, Limmerick. Kery. Cork. Waterford. Desmond. Holy Cross, in Tipperary. LEINSTER, East Meath. West Meath. Kilkenny▪ Caterlough. Queen's County. King's County. Kildare. Weshford. Dubline. CONNAGHT, Clare, or, Towmund. Gallaway. M●io. Slego. Letrim. Roscoman, ULSTER, Dunghall, or, Tyrconnell. Tyrone-upper. Tyrone-nether. Farmanagh. Cavon. Monaghan. Colran. Antrim. Down. Armagh. Lough. HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE DIEV ET MON DROIT royal blazon or coat of arms IRELAND, AS IT WAS, AND IS INHABITED, the Site and Commodities of the Jland described and declared. THe Traditions of time have delivered unto us divers names, How Jreland hath been named in times past. whereby this famous Island is recorded to have been called, yet none of more fair probability, then that of Orpheus, Aristotle, and Claudian, by whom it is named JERNA: by Juvenal, and Mela called IWERNA: by Diodorus Siculus, IRIS: by Martian of Heraclea JOYEPNIA: by Eustachius, OYERNIA, and BERNIA: The divers names of Ireland by the native Inhabitants, ERYN: by the Britons, YVERDON: the Welsh-Bards in their Ballads, TIRVOLAS TOTIDANAN, and BANNO, & by the English, IRELAND: but from whence these diversities were derived, arise many opinions: doubtless it is, that Hibernia, Iwerna, & Orpheus. Aristotle. Ouernia, came from jerna, spoken of by Orpheus, & Aristotle, & the same jerna, as also Iris, juerdhon, and Ireland, from Erin; the term that the Inhabitants now use. From this Erin therefore (a word proper to the Nation) the original is most likely to be deduced. (2) Some derive Hibernia, from Hiberno tempore, that is, from the winter season; some from Hiberus a Spaniard; some from a Eulogium. a Duke named Irnalph; some again from the ancient river Iberus, & some from Heir, an Irish word, which signisieth the west or a western coast, whence Erin may also seem to fetch the derivation: for it lieth furthest Westward of any Region in all Ptol. Geogra. ca 1. Europe: as also for that the river running in the most remote west-part of this Island, is in Ptolemy called jernus: like as the furthest western Promontory in Spain, from whence our Irish men came, is by Strabo called jerne, and the river Jreland a western Island. next unto it, by Mela jerna: yea and Spain itself for the Western situation is called Hesperia: the west-Cape of Africke-Hesperium; and in Germany, Westrich, and Westphanlen In his public readings in Paris upon Pomponius Mela. from their position have their names. Postelius (a man that rather followed his own fancy, than the judgement of others) fetcheth the original of Ireland from the Hebrews▪ as if Irin should be as much as jurin, that is the jews land; which Vain conjectures opinion I hold no better, than those that would have it from the Winter-like storms, although upon every wind the Air is cold there. (3) Festus Auienus in that little book which he entitled Festus Auienus in Ora Maritime. Orae Maritimae, calleth Ireland, Sacram Insulam, that is the holy Jland: to which opinion the people are soon drawn, by reason of the many Saints that the Island is said to produce, and the blessed soil that affords no venomous Creatures to retain life. It is thought that Plutarch meant Ireland by his Not venomous beasts in Jreland. Ogygia, for her great antiquity, and of later times by Isodore and Bede, it was called Scon●, of those Scots that inhabited it, Jreland called Scotia. and that thence the name of Scotland together with the Scots themselves came into Britain. (4) For largeness and circuit, in times past this Island challenged the third place in rank of all the Isles of the then known World: for thus have Geographers left us, that the Ireland the third Island for largeness in the world. Indian Taptoban for greatness was the first: the Isle of Britain the next: and this of Ireland the third: and for that cause doth Ptolemy call it the little Britain. But howsoever The form of Jreland. Strabo hath extended the breadth, as broad as the length; and others have form it in shape like an egg, yet later dimensions have found it far otherwise, twice longer than broad, and may be compared to the forelegge of a Bear, if the Simile breed no offence. Whose East side hath The bounds. on it that tempestuous sea that cutteth her Channel betwixt England and this Ireland: the West is washed with the Western Ocean; the North with the Deucaledonian; and the South with the Virgivian sea. (5) The Air of this Island is delectable and wholesome, The air. though neither so clear nor subtle as is ours of England, Pompo. Mela. which as (Mela saith) is nothing favourable for the ripening of Corn: but so grateful to the ground, that it causeth grass to grow abundantly, not only fresh and long, but with all very sweet for all Cattles, and in winter is more subject to The plenty. wind then snow: and that I may use the words of Giraldus▪ It is of all Countries most temperate, neither forcing the Inhabitants Girald. Cambr●n. to seek shade from the frying heat of Cancer, nor the chilling cold of Capricorn to drive them to the fire: but at all seasons most mild, betwixt a sufferable cold, and gentle warm heat. The soil. (6) The Soil, saith Cambrensis, is uneven, woody, wild, waterish and boggy, so full of Loghs & Meeres, that great ponds of water are found upon the high mountains: These indeed make the places somewhat dangerous unto all new comers, by breeding of rheums, dysenteries and fluxes, The dangers. whose usual remedy is Vskebah, a wholesome Aqua vitae that drieth more, and inflameth less, than many other hot confections. Commodities. (7) The commodities of this Kingdom chief consist in Cattles, whose feed is so sweet and so rank, that they will soon graze to a surfeit, if they may be suffered to feed as they will. Their sheep are many, but bear not the best wool, which twice are shorn within one year: of these Pomponiu● Mela. they make Mantles, Caddowes and Coverlets, vented from thence into foreign Countries. Their Hobbies likewise Mantles. are of great esteem, and are answerable to the lennets of Spain. Bees are there in such abundance, that Horses. Bees. honey is found in holes of old trees, and in refts of the rocks. No annoyance of hurtful Snake or venomous creatures; and to speak all in a word, nothing wanting for profit or pleasure: for so much doth Giraldus afaffirme in saying, that Nature hadcast into this Western Kingdom of Zephyrus a more gracious eye than was ordinary. (8) Touching the Original peopling of this fair Jland, if we will believe their records, they make antiquity itself but young unto themselves, affirming the dams. ● The ancient inhabitants. Caesarea, and niece unto Noah, to have found it out before the flood; and that three hundred years after, when japhets' posterity took into these West-parts of the World, one Bartholanus of his Progeny, a Scythian by birth, encouraged Bartholanus on● of Noah's progeny. by the late success of Nimrod (who now had intruded upon the Monarchy of Syria) wandered so far west, that Fortune at last cast him and his people upon the coast of Ireland. There he settled with his three sons, Languinna, Salanus, & Ruthurgus, who searching through His three sons Languinna. Salanus. Ruthurgus. every creak and corner of the land, left their own names by three notable places, Languini, Stragius, and Mount Salanga, which the revolution of times hath since called by other names, as Saint Dominicke-hil, Rut●urgi, and Stagnum. Under the government of these three sons, and their offspring, this land was kept about three hundred years; at which time there arrived also in Ireland a Giantlike Giant● of the stock of Nimrod. kind of people of Nimrods' race, who in bodily shape exceeded the proportion of usual men, using their strengths to win Soveraigneties, and to oppress with rapine and violence. These growing to numbers, accounted it necessary to prevent dominion, jest the curse of slavery (prophesied by Noah) should light upon them: to prevent the which, they setup a King of their own; then quarrels bred daily, either parties purposing to hold their interest by their swords, against whom, lastly a battle was fought, and an infinite Company of Giants slain, when also died most of those of the posterity of japheth, leaving them of Chamlet Lords of the Island. (9) Whereupon Nemethus a Scythian, with his four sons, arrived in Ireland, and by strong hand s●ated Star●us. Garbanele●. Anuinus. Fergusius. themselves among these Giants; where for two hundred & sixty y●ereses they kept, but then no longer able to hold out against them, they left their standings & departed the land. (10) Soon after, the five sons of Dela, descended from the said Nemethus, came into these coasts, and with manly prowess drove these miscreants out of Ireland, Gandi●● Genand●●. Sagand●●. R●ther●niu●. S●anius. whereby the seed of Cham was utterly expelled, and these of japheth divided the land into five parts, whereof they become themselves Kings: but falling at variance, gave advantage unto others, among whom the Britain's set in a foot. map of Ireland THE KINGDOM OF IRLAND Divided into several Provinces, and then again divided into Counties. Newly described. The Gentlewoman of Ireland The Civil Irish Woman The Wild Irish Woman The Gentleman of Ireland The Civil Irish man The Wild Irish man Jodocus Hondius caelavit HONI SOIT 〈◊〉 NAL Y 〈◊〉 DIEU ET MON DROIT Anno Domini 1610 Performed by john▪ Speed and ●re to be sold in Pope's head alley by john Sudbury and George H●mble. Cum privilegio The Scale of Miles. (12) These by the direction, sufferance, and assistance, of Gurguntius, King of the Britanes, after that Ireland had been very much dispeopled by a contagious pestilence, seated themselves; and from the eldest, Hiberius, called the Island Hibernia, as some are of opinion: these divided the whole, into five Provinces, famously known by the names Ireland divided into five provinces. of Monster, Leinster, Connaught, Ulster, and Meath in their midst; and from these the present Irish repute themselves to come. Yet surely as I make no question, but that this Island become inhabited even of old time, when mankind again overspread the face of the earth, so doubt I not, but that our Britanes passed thereinto themselves, such infinite number of words in the Irish language yet in use, Irish and British▪ words agreed. such ancient names of Waters, Isles, Mountains, and Places, merely British words yet remaining, and the testimony Tacit. in vita Agricole. of Tacitus; who saith, that their manners were fashioned to the Britanes, enforceth so much; and Ptolemy before him, calleth that Island by the name of little Britain: all which show a former interest for Ireland, then that which by conquest under Henry the second was made. Ireland never subject to the Roman●. (13) That it ever was subject to the Romans, is doubtful, though Agricola did wish it, and Tacitus held most necessary: yea and in the division of their Empire, Ireland, with Britain, and Thule, fell unto Constantine the son of Constantine the great; yet their manners unreclaimed, and barbarism retained long after those days, do witness no such civility sown, to be in that plot: But when Rome's great Empire began to grow less, the Scots or Scythians Orosius. grew mighty in Ireland: and as Orosius writeth, that Island was wholly inhabited by the Scottish Nation in the days of Honorius, and Arcadius, the Emperors: whose wars and slaughter, Claudian doth lightly touch in this his verse. Scotorum cumulos slevit glacialis learn. The frozen Ireland wept to see, her Scots all slain on heaps to be. (14) As these for the most part, by the testimony of The manners & customs of the wild Irish. Ninius, were the ancient inhabitants, so by other ancient writers, their customs and manners, are thus set forth: Strabo saith the inhabitants of Ireland are more rude than the Britanes, they feed upon the flesh of men, yea, and think it a Strabo. point of worth to eat their dead parents; wantonly they accompany with women, making no difference of other men's wives, their own sisters, nor of their natural mothers: but of these things (saith he) we have no certain witness of sufficient credit. Mela. lib. 3. Soli. cap. 24. Pomponius Mela, recordeth that, the Irish are uncivil, ignorant of virtues, and voided of religion. And Solinus affirmeth, that, after victory they drink the blood of the slain, and besmear their own faces therewith; so given to war, that the mother at the birth of a man child, feedeth the first meat into her infant's mouth, upon the point of her husband's sword, and with heat henish imprecations, wisheth that it may die no otherwise then in war or by sword. (15) But from these ancient and barbarous manners, let us come to the conditions of their middle time: whom Giraldus Camb. Giraldus Cambrensis describeth as followeth. The Irish (saith he) are a strong and bold people, martial and prodigal in war, nimble, stout, and haughty of heart; careless of life, but greedy of glory; courteous to strangers, constant in love light of belief, impatient of injury, given to fleshly lusts, and in enmity implacable. At the baptizing of their infants, their manner was, The mortal disposition of the Jr shilling. not to dip their right arms into the water, that so (as they thought) they might give a more deep and incurable blow; never calling them by the names of their Parents whilst they lived together, but at their death took it upon them: their women nursed not the children they bore; and they that nurse others, did affect and love them, much more than their own. (16) So much were they given to fantastical conceits, that they held it very ominous to give their neighbour's The fantastical conceits of the Irish. fire upon May day; to eat an odd egg, endangered the death of their horse; and before they cast in their seed they sand salt into the field; to hung up the shells in the roof, was a preservative of the chickens from the kite; to set up green boughs at their doors in the month of May, increased their kines' milk; and to spit upon Cattles they held it good against Witchery, whereof Ireland was full. (17) Superstitious Idolatry among the wild Irish was common, yielding divine honour unto the Moon after Superstitions of the Irish. the change, unto whom they both bowed their knees, and made supplications; and, with a loud voice would thus speak unto that Planet, We pray thee leave us in as good estate as thou foundst us. Wolves they did make their Their gross Idolatry. Godsibs, terming them Chari Christ, and so thought themselves preserved from their hurts: the hooves of dead horses they accounted and held sacred: about children's necks they hung the beginning of Saint john's Gospel, a crooked nail of an horseshow, or a piece of a Wolves skin, and both the sucking child, and nurse, were girt with girdles, finely plated of woman's hair: so far they wandered into the ways of error, in making these arms the strength of their healths. Many wives. (18) Their wives were many by reason of divorcements, and their maids married at twelve years of age, whose customs were to sand to their lovers, bracelets plated, & curiously wrought of their own hair, so far following Venus in the knots of these allurements. The men wore linen The attire of the mea. shirts exceedingly large, stained with Saffron, the sleeves wide, and hanging to their knees, straight & short trusses pleted thick in the skirts, their breeches close to the thighs, a short skein hanging point down before, and a mantle most times cast over their heads. The women wore their The attire of the women. hair plated in curious manner, hanging down their backs and shoulders, from under foulden wreaths of fine linen, rolled about their heads, rather loading the wearer then delighting the beholder; for as the one was most seemly, so the other was unsightly: their necks were hung with chains and carkaneths, their arms wreathed with many bracelets, & over their side-garments the shag rug mantles purfled with a deep Fringe of divers colours, both sexes accounting idleness their only liberty, and ease their greatest riches. Their manner in war. (19 In wars they were forward, and fought with battle axes, whose bearers were called Galloglasses, the common soldier but lightly armed, who served with darts and sharp skeines; their Trumpet was a Bag▪ pipe, and word for encounter, Pharroh; which at the first onset with great acclamation they uttered, and he that did not, was taken into the air, and carried into the vale of Kerry, where transformed Their ridiculous conceits. (as they did believe) he remained until he was hunted with hounds from thence to his home. (20) For the dying and dead they hired women to mourn, who expostulated with the sick, why he would die; and dead, at his Funeral such outcries were made, such clapping Their excessive mourning for their dead. of hands, such howl, and gestures, that one would think their sorrows unrecoverable, holding the opinion of Pythagoras for the souls departed. (21) Their diet in necessity was slender, feeding upon watercresses, roots, muhrooms, shamrogh, butter tempered with oatmeal, milk, whey, yea and raw flesh, the Their diet. blood being crushed out: their use was also to let their Cows blood, which standing a while, and coming to a ●elly, with butter they did eat, as a very good dish. Christianity in Ireland. (22) That the Gospel of Christ should be preached in Ireland by james the Apostle, I will not affirm, though Vincentius hath said it; neither will I with the Scots bring Vincentius lib. 8. cap. 7. ● the islands conversion from a Christian woman, who as their Historians do avouch, first instructed the Queen, & the Queen her husband, & he again his Subjects, till all become Christians: But most true it is, that the Scots first received the doctrine of Christ in this kingdom of Ireland; for Prospero Aquitanus thus writeth Prospero: Coelestin Pope of Rome sent his Archdeacon An. Do. 43 1. Palladius into Britain to withstand the Pelagian heresy, who at one time did drive out these enemies of grace, and ordained a Bishop among the Scots, whereby that barbarous Nation embraced Christianity. Yet Ninius reporteth that Palladius did nothing in neither, being taken away Ninius. by untimely death: but that S. Patrick borne at Eiburne in Cluedsdale, the son of Calphurus, by the sister of S. Martin, was the first Apostle for Ireland, who sowed his heavenly seed with such plentiful increase, that the soil Htericus Antisiodorencis. itself shortly was called Sanctorum patria, the Country of Saints: for whose Sepulchre after his death rose as great variance, as was for Homer amongst them of Greece: they of down challenged his grave to be with them, upon certain Strife for Patrick's bones. verses written on a Tomb, which ascribes Patrick, Bridget and Columbe to be buried therein: they of Armagh lay claim, by the warrant of Saint Bernard, who saith that Patrick in his life time there ruled, and after death there rested: Glascenbury in England by ancient records will have his body interred with them; & Scotland avoucheth his birth to be at Glasco, and bones to rest at Kirk-Patrick with them; of such reverend esteem was this Irish Apostle. The life of S. Patrick. (23) This Patrick in his youth had been taken Captive by the Irish Pirates, and for six years continuance served Macbuain as his slave, & keeper of his swine: in which dejected condition, so desirous he was of the lands salvation, that in his dreams he thought the Infant's unborn cried unto him for Baptism, and redeeming himself thence for a piece of gold found in the field, which a swine had turned up, in his aged years came back again into Ireland, preached the Gospel, converted the people; and lastly become Archbishop of Armagh; of whose miracles and Purgatory I leave others to speak, that are more credulous in the one, & hath better leisure to relate the other, and will show thee Ireland as now it is, first in general, and then in parts. THis Province called in Irish, Mown (in a more ordinary construction of speech) Wown, in Latin, The Bounds. Momonia, and in English, South. Monster, heth open southward to the Virgivian Sea, Northward, it affronteth part of Connaught. North. The East is neighboured by Leinster, and the West is altogether East. West. The length from south to North. washed with the West Ocean. (2) The length thereof extended from Ballatimore Bay in her South, unto the Bay of Gal. The breadth from east to west. way in her North, are about ninety miles: Her broadest part from East to West, is from Waterford▪ haven to Feriter haven, and containeth an hundred miles. The whole circumference by following the prometaries and indents, are above five hundred and forty miles. (3) The form thereof is quadrant or foursquare. The Air The form. Air. Soil. Good and commodious. mild and temperate, neither too chilling cold, nor too scorching hot. The Soil in some parts is hilly, looking aloft with woody, wild, and solitary mountains; yet the valleys below are garnished with cornfields. And generally, all both pleasant for sight, and fertile for soil. (4) This Province is at this day divided into two parts, that is, Ancient inhabitants. Luceni. west. Velabri. Vterini. Oudiae south or Vodiae. Coriondi. A supposal touching the Luceni. The rich commodities of Monster. Spaniards and Portugals make here a good profit by fishing. Limericke the chief of this Province. Fortified by King John. the West Monster, and the South Monster. The West Monster was inhabited (in old time) by the Luceni): The Velabri and the Vterini: The South Monster by the Oudiae or Vodiae, and the Coriondi: The Velabri and Luceni are said (by Orosius) to have dwelled in that part of the Country, where it lieth outmost Westward, and passing towards the Cantabrian Ocean, looketh a far off to Gallitia in Spain. The Luceni of Ireland (who seem to have derived their name and original from the Lucensis of Galitia, and of whom there still remain some relics in the Barony of Lyxnauw) are supposed to have been seated in those parts that lie neighbouring upon the bank of the river Sennon. (5) The general commodities of this Province are Corn, Cattle, Wood, Wool and Fish. The last whereof, it affords in every place plenty and abundance of all sorts: but none so well known for the store of Herrings that are taken there, as is the Promon torie called Eraugh, that lies between Bantre, and Balatimore Bay, whereunto every year a great Fleet of Spaniards and Portugals resort (even in the midst of winter) to fish also for Cod. (6) The principal City of the Province is Limericke, which the Irish call Loumeagh, compassed about with the famous river Sennon, by the parting of the Channel. This is a Bishops See, and the very Mart-Town of Monster. It was first won by Reymond le gross an Englishman, afterwards burnt by Dunenald an Irish petty King of Thuetmond. Then in process of time, Philip Breos an Englishman was enfeoffed in it, and King John fortified it with a Castle, which he caused therein to be built. In this Castle certain Hostages Ann. 1332. What happened in this City: by Insolency. by valour. making their abode in the year 1332. grew as is reported so full of pride and insolency, that they slew the Constable thereof, & seized the castle into their own hands: But the resolute Citizens that could neither brook, nor bear with such barbarous cruelty, did in revenge then show such manly courage and vivacity, as they soon after recovered the Castle again, repaying the Hostages in such hostile manner, as that they put them all to the sword without partiality. The position of this town, is by Mercator placed for latitude The graduation of it. 53. degrees, 20. minutes; and for longitude, 9 degrees, and 34. Minutes. Near unto the river that Ptolemy calleth Daucona, and Giraldus Cambrensis (by the alteration of some few letters) nameth Cork city. Sauranus and Savarenus, which issueth out of Muskerey Mountains, is seated the City Cotck, graced also with an other Episcopal dignity (and with the Bishops See of Clon annexed unto it) which Giraldus calleth Corragia, the Englishmen Corcke, and the native Inhabitants of the Country Coreach. This town is so Encompassed with wild Irish that often infested it. The Irish marriages. beset on every side with neighbouring molesters, as that they are still constrained to keep watch and ward, as if there lay continual siege against it. The Citizens of this place, are all linked together in some one or other degree of affinity, for that they dare not match their Daughters in marriage into the Country, but make contracts of matrimony one with another among themselves. In this place that holy and religious man Briock is said to have his birth & breeding, who flourished among the Gauls in that fruitful age of Christianity, and from whom the Diocese of Sanbrioch in Britain Armorica, commonly called S. Brieu, had the denomination. (7) The City which the Irish and Britain's call Porthlargy, and the English Waterford, though it be last in place, yet is it not lest in waterford the second City in Ireland. Always loyal to the English Crown. account, as being the second City of all Ireland, as well for the convenience and commodiousness of the Haven that affords such necessary aptitude for trade and traffic, as also for the faithful loyalty which it hath always showed to the Imperial Crown of England: for ever since it was won by Richard Earl of Pembroke, it still performed the obedience and peaceable offices of duty and service unto the English, as they continued their course in King Henry the seventh his bounty to it. the Conquest of Ireland: whence it is that the Kings of England have from time to time endowed it with many large Franchises and Liberties, which King Henry the seventh did both augment and confirm. Christianity in Ireland how it decayed. (8) Although since the time of S. Patrick, Christianity was never extinct in this Country, yet the government being haled into contrary factions, the Nobility lawless, and the multitude wilful, it hath come to pass, that Religion hath waxed (with the temporal common sort) more cold and feeble, being most of them very irreligious, and addicted wholly to superstitious observations: for, in some parts of this Province, some are of opinion, that certain Men turned into Wolfe-men. men are yearly turned into Wolves, and made Wolf men. Though this hath been constantly affirmed by such as think their censures worthy to pass for currant and credible; yet let us suppose that happily they be possessed with the disease and malady that The effects of melancholy. the Physicians call Lycanthropy, which begetteth and engendereth such like fantasies through the malicious humours of Melancholy: & so often times men imagine themselves to be turned and transformed A ridiculous opinion. into forms which they are not. Some again embrace an other ridiculous opinion, and persuade themselves, that he, who in the barbarous acclamation, and outery of the Soldiers, which they use Of mute soldiers in battle. with great forcing and straining of their voices, when they join battle, doth not howte and make a noise as the rest do, is suddenly caught from the ground, and carried as it were flying in the air, out of any Country of Ireland, into some desert valleys, where he feedeth upon grass, drinketh water, hath some use of reason, but not of speech, is ignorant of the present condition he stands in, whether good or bad: yet at length shall be brought to his A good motive for the converting of the Irish to Christ. own home, being caught with the help of Hounds and Hunters. Great pity that the foul fiend and father of darkness should so grievously seduce this people wi●h misbelief, and that these errors be not chased away with the truth of Christian Religion, whereby as they carry much grace in their countenances, they may also not be voided of the inward grace of their souls and understanding. (9) This Province hath been sore wasted in the rebellions of Desmond, to whose aid Pope Gregory the thirteenth, and Philip The Pope and King of Spain's bad dealings. King of Spain, sent certain companies of Italians and Spaniards, who arrived not far from Dingle, fortified themselves, & gave it the name of Fort de Ore, sounding loud threats against the whole Country. But Arthur Baron Grey, Lord Deputy of Ireland, Desmonds' rebellion suppressed by the Lord Gray. 8000. Spaniard's landed in Ireland. at the first onset decided their quarrel by sheathing his sword in their bowels; and Desmond fearfully flying into the woods, was by a Soldier cut shorter by the head. And again, when the kingdom of Ireland lay bleeding, and put almost to the hazard of the last cast, Don john D'Aquila with eight thousand Spaniards (upon confidence of the excommunications of Pius the fifth, Gregory the thirteenth, and Clement the eight Popes, all of them discharging their curses like unto thunderbolts against Queen Elizabeth of blessed memory) landed near unto Kinsale, presuming that the rebellions of Tyrone had turned the hearts of the Irish for Rome: Sir Tyrones' rebellion extinguished by the Lord Montioy. Charles Blunt Lord Montioy in the depth of winter, and with his tired Soldiers so daunted their Spanish hearts, that with one victory he repressed their bragging boldness, and recovered the Irish that were ready to revolt. (10) God hath oftentimes showed his tender love and affection to this people, in laying his fatherly chastisements and afflictions Winds. Dearth. Famine. An. 1330. what happened. upon them, sometimes by winds, sometimes by famine and dearth, and sometimes again by opening his hand of plenty into their laps to convert them to himself, and to divert their hearts from superstitions. In the year 1330▪ about the feast of Saint john Baptist, there begun such a dearth of corn in this Country by the abundance of rain and the inundation of waters (which continued until Michaelmas Moore the 〈◊〉 year. following) that a Cranoc of Wheat was sold for twenty shillings, a Cranoc of Oats for eight shillings, a Cranoc of Pease, beans, and Barley for as much. The winds the same year were so mighty, that many were hurt, and many slain outright by the fall of houses that was forced by the violence of the same. The like whereof were never seen in Ireland. In the year 1317. there was An. 1317. the effects of it. such a dearth of corn and other victuals, that a Cranoc of Wheat was sold for twenty three shillings. And many▪ Householders that before time had sustained and relieved a great number, were this year driven to beg, and many famished. In the time of which famine, the mercy of God so disposed, that upon the 27. day of june, in the year 1331. there came to landlord such a mighty multitude of great An. 1331. a miraculous relief. Sea-fish (that is) Thursheds, such as in many ages past, had never been seen, that the people were much comforted in this distress, and received great relief and sustenance by the same. Religious places. (11) Places of Religion in this Country, were the two abbeys at Yoghall, called the North-Abbey, and South-Abbey. The two Abbeys at Limericke, Saint Francis Abbey, and Saint Dominick Abbey: The two abbeys at Cork, the Abbay of the I'll, & Saint Francis Abbey: and the famous Abbey (in times past) of the holy Cross, which hath had many privileges and liberties granted unto it in honour of a piece of Christ's Cross, that was, (as they say) An unprobable opinion of the Cross of Christ. The Irish misled by fault of their teachers. sometimes preserved there. Thus were Christians persuaded in ancient times. And it is a wonder in what Troops and Assemblies people do (even yet) conflow thither upon devotion, as unto a place of holiness and sanctity: so firmly are they settled in the religion of their fore▪ fathers, which hath been increased beyond all measure by the negligent care of their teachers, who should instruct their igrance, and labour to reduce them from the errors they persevere in. This Province is governed by a Lord Precedent, who hath one Assistant, two learned Lawyers, and a Secretary to keep it in duty & The government of this Province. obedience. It was in times past divided into many parts, as Towoun, that is, North Monster, Defwoun, that is, South-Mounster, Hierwoun, that is, West-Mounster: Mean-Woun, that is, middle Monster: The old division of it. and Vrwoun, that is, the Front of Monster. But at this day it is distinguished into these Counties, Kerry, Desmond, Limericke, Tipperary-Holycrosse, Waterford, and Cork: which county in times past had been a Kindgome, containing with it Desmond The new at this day. also: for so in the Grant given by King Henry the second unto Robert Fitz-Stephen, and to Miles de Cogan; it is called in these word; Know ye that I have granted the Whole Kingdom of Cork, excepting King Henry the seconds grant. the City and Cantred of the Oustmen, to hold for them and their heirs of me, and john my son by the service of sixty Knights. The county of Waterford, King Henry the sixt gave unto John Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, King Henry the sixths grant. Market towns. Castles. At Dunkeran. At Dungaruan. At Limericke. Shandon Castle. Cahir Castle. with the name, stile and title of Earl of Waterford, which was afterward again assumed to the crown. Touching the county of Holy-crosse, as the opinion of that ●much frequented Abbey, is much lessened, so that county is swallowed up altogether in the county Tipperary. It is fortified with five strong Castles, traded with six Market Towns, and divided as followeth. MONSTER Limmerick. Kery. Cork. Waterford. Desmond. Holicrosse in Tipperary. THE PROVINCE OF MONSTER LYMERICKE A saint ᵗ john's Street and Gate B The thy Bridge C The Main Street of the City D Newman gate E Our Ladies Church F The ●ey G The kings castle H Thomond bridge I S ᵗ Frances Abbey KING S ᵗ Peter L S ᵗ Dominicks Abbey N The Bishop's house M S ᵗ Monshius church O S Michaells church THE SCALE OF IRISH MILES CORCKE 1 Christ's Church 2 saint Peter's Church 3 S. 〈◊〉 Abbey 4 Abbey of ● I●●e 5 S 〈◊〉 Ch●rch 6 The S●yre 7 〈◊〉 ●●de 8 S. 〈◊〉 ch●rch 9 S. 〈◊〉 10 The 〈◊〉 Fort 11 The Bish●p● 〈◊〉 12 The Ports 13 The Entra●●●●●rt 14 The 〈◊〉 ab●●t 15 The 〈◊〉 t● Kins●le 16 〈◊〉 Cas●●● 17 The ●ill● 〈◊〉 the Town Anno Domini 1610. Performed by john Speed and are to besolde in Pope's▪ head Alley against the exchange by john Sudbury and George Humble Monster Division. 1. Limcrick. 2. Kery. 3. Cork. 4. Waterford. 5. Desmond. Holicrosse in 6. Tipperary. A Adam, Ker. B. Adam, Cor. C. Adare, Lem. Agamer, Cor. Agrum, Des. L. Annagh, Typ. Anno, Wa. B. Ard Collum, Typ. Ardey, Des. Ardey-mount, Des. Ardmale, Typ. Ardmore bay, Wa. Ardmore, Wa. C. Arfsky, Lim. Armagh, Lim. Arne Cragh, Ker. Arpenes, Cor. C. M. brine Arra, Typ. Artenay, Des. Arthully, Des. Arundel, Cor. C. Asketon, Lim. B Ballatimore bay, Des. Ballatimore haven, Cor. Ballen, Cor. C. Balendred, Cor. M. bailey, Cor. C. Baloughmore, Typ. Baloughnan, Cor. Ballyleghan, Lim. Banday, Lem. Band, flu. Barony of Kellpellell, Ty. Barremoore, Cor. Barrecourt, Cor. Barremore, Cor. Bar▪ og, Cor. Lord Barry Island, Cor. Bautrey, Des. Bautrey, flu. Bautry, Des. M. Bay, Lem. C. bail, Des. Bear horn bay, Des. Bedechemen, Ker. Bed, Lem. B. Beer haven, Des. Beg, flu. Beghes, Typ. B. Bein kirty, Lem. Belilas, Typ. Bernogh, Ker. Berwell, Cor. B. Bishops, Typ. Blackrock, Cor. Blasquo sound, Ker. Bockes, Ker. Boer, Lem. B. Boldauk, flu. Borare, Typ. Botenant, Cor. Viscount Botevant, Cor. Boy, Wa. C. Brarey, Lem. Braver, Lem. Braeykley, Lem. Breer, Lem. B. Brid, flu. Bridge, Wa. C. Britast, Typ. ●. Broad I'll, Des. Bronne, Lem. brine, Lem. Buguin, Wa. B. S. Tilbot Butler, Typ. Buton, Wa. B. C Cadone, Ker. Caer, Typ. Caer, Typ. Caer, Typ. M. Caere, flu. Caere, Ker. M. Caerdraken, Cor. Caernonogher, Typ. Caherilon, Ker. C. Calmyn, Cor. C. Caloeghan, Des. O. Camyse, Typ. Canane, Cor. C. Can Brow, Des. Can Brigh, Ker. Can Trush, Des. Canerough, Cor. Caniconill, Wa. Cankling, Cor. Canre, Cor. C. Cantorke, Des. C. Canum, Lem. B. Cape known▪ Wa. Cape clear, Des. capel I'll, Cor. Capogh, flu. Carbre, Ca Ker. Caregan, Cor. C. Carennow, Cor. S. Peter Carew, Des. Carewmore, Wa. Cargonia, Lem. Carick-nifeild, Ker. Carick-necoshy, Des. Carick-phole, Ker. Carienes, Des. Carigonia, Wa. Carigray, Typ. Carick, Lem. Carick-never, Cor. Carick-capell, Cor. Carick-done, Cor. Carickmona, Wa. Caricknogh, Cor. Carybres, Des. Carychotar, Cor. CARYCK, Typ. Cariconan, flu. Caryk dread, Cor. carry krown, Wa. Carrowearbre, Cor. Carta-Rugh, Cor. M. Cartarough, Cor. M. Carta-Rugh, Cor. M. Cartomelone, Cor. Cashell, Typ. Castelan, Typ. Castelan, Cor. Castellan, Wa. I Lough castle Ker. Castelton, Lem. Castelton, Typ. Castilton, Cor. Catherlough, Ker. L. Catre, Ker. E. The Cat, Des. Cats, Ker. L. Cats, Cor. Checo, Des. P. Chera, Cor. B. Chergrave, Cor. Church, Des. N. City, Ker. B. City, Des. Clan●arby, Lem. Clangryne, Cor. Clankard, Typ. Clan Mores, Ker. Clan dormond, Des. Claragh, Typ. Clegle, Cor. B. Clensier, Typ. B. Cloge, Wa. C. Clogh, Cor. C. Cloghan, Typ. B. Cloghen, Des. Cloghiaten, Lem. Cloghlogan, Cor. Cloney, Typ. Cloney, Wa. Cloney, Cor. Clone calker, Wa. Clon kery, E. M. Clonemoghe, Typ. clonmel, Typ. Clonmyne, Cor. Clonomell, Ker. Codshead, Des. Colyna, Lem. Combut, Des. common Tolder, Des. common, Cor. C. Cone, Cor. C. Coner, Des. O. Coner kerey, Ker. O. Conic, Lem. B. Coragh, flu. Coragh, Cor. M. Corbeg Island, Cor. Corck haven, Cor. CORCKE, Cor. Coridone Ker. Corkenny, Typ. Cormog, Cor. C. Corre, Cor. B. Copingar, Cor. C. Cosmay, Lem. Cotton I'll, Cor. Craone, Cor. C. Crock, Wa. B. Crome, Lem. Cromewell, Ke● Crow, Ker. Crow, Typ. C. Cray, Cor. Cureney, Ker. C. D S. Dermond M. teg, Co. Delees mountains, Wa. Viscount Desees, Wa. Earl of Desmond, Ker. Earl of Desmond, Lem. Diane, Ker. C. DINGLE, Ker. Dingle haven, Ker. Dingle bay, Ker. Dologh, Cor. Dolos, Ker C. Donay, Wa. C. Doneawin, Cor. Dondanor, Cor. Done, Cor. C. Doneboy, Cor. Donedody can, Cor. Donegh, Des. O. Done kyllyn, Ker. Donekyne, Des. Donell, Wa. C. Donelow, Ker. Donelough, Cor. Donelre, Wa. Donemay, Des. Donemore, Cor. C. Donemore, Cor. Donenan, Des. C. Donenant, Des. O. I M. Donell rhymer, Ker. Done Patrick, Lem. Donesky, Typ. Donin, Cor. Donoghan, Des. Donog●ill, Typ. Donogh-moore, Des. M Donyn, Cor. C. Doreley, Typ. Doren, Cor. Dorses, Typ. Dorses, Typ. Dovaila, Des. Dovegner, Cor. Doule, Typ. Down lough, Des. Dran, Cor. C. Drishall, Cor. Droindone, Cor. Droma M. cake, Wa. Dromanny ca Wa. Drombeny, Lem. Dromboy, Cor. Dromena, Wa. Dromin, Lem. Drought, Lem. B. Drynad, Ker. C. Dulegan, flu. Dungaruan, Wa. Dungaruan haven, Wa. E Ecclys, Ker. B. john Fitz- Edmond, Cor. Eglohill Rahama, Ker. Elogh, Cor. B. Emeley: lands, Typ. English, Lem. C. Enishone, Cor. Eniskin, Cor. Eragh, Des. Erragh, Ker. Eyrleyson, M. Ker. F Farsehanet, Typ. Fa●hleg, Wa. Fereter, Ker. B. Fe●iter haven, Ker. I Fermore, Des. Feathered, Typ. Fiened, Ker. Five Castles, Cor. Flyx. flu. Forrestrand, Des. Fortune, Cor. C. Foy, flu. Foin, Lem. Fox, Wa. C. Freer, Ker. B. Fyn, Typ. B. G Galbally, Typ. Galley, Ker. C. Galter, Wa. B. Galter, Wa. Galton, Lem. M. Garan leghan, Typ. Garne, Lem. B. Garnis, Des. Gart, Lem. B. Garundie, Typ. Gascon haven, Cor. Gatten, flu. Ghedagh, Des. Ghedy, Lem. B. Gher lough, Lem. Gheragh, Wa. C. Earl of Ghyldare, Lem. Earl of Ghyldare, Ker. Ghylligray, Cor. M. Glan, Lem. C. Glancarta, Ker. Earl of Glancarta, Ker. Earl of Glancarta or maccart more, Ker. Glan flix, Des. Glancebone, Wa. Glanguely, Typ. Glore, Typ. Gnyne, Cor. B. Grace, Wa. C. Graceden, Wa. Grand, Typ. B. Grange Gleboyne, Typ. Gray, Typ. B. Great Isle, Des. Greconlogh condain, Wa. Greeken, Lem. Gregory, Ker. C. Grenand, Typ. Grenand, Lem. C. Grenand, Typ. Grenogh, Lem. M. Goelen, Typ. Gorgrey, Lem. C. Goule, Typ. M. Gule, Typ. H Haghada, C. Haghadow, Ker. Haghea, Typ. Haghwalla, Ker. Halan, Lem. B. Hallay, Cor. Hell, Des. Helonhen, Des. Helwick point, Wa. Helyn, Ker. E. Herbert, Typ. B. Hewart, Lem. B. Heska, Cor. Hilliobergians, Des. Ho, Lem. B. Hogs, Ker. Holay, Lem. B. Hologh, Cor. B. Holy cross, Typ. Honnu, flu. Horney, Cor. B. Horpe, Typ. Horses, Ker. How, Typ B. Howen, Typ. B. I Island, Ker. C. Inch, Cor. C. Inch, Cor. C. Inch, flu. Inchegrade, Cor. Incheguin, Cor. Inslonogh, Typ. M. italy, Ker. M. juerick Isle, Wa. KING Kaer, Cor. Kaer trent, Ker. Kahadda, Cor. Can marry, Des. Kar●kune, Cor. Karne, Cor. Kattoll, Typ. Keale, Des. B. Keff, Des. O. Kelden, Lem. Kelkone, Wa. Kellone, Des. Kellpellel see Barony. Kelrelsholl, Typ. Keltenen, Typ. Kelwear, Lem. Kenedy fin, Typ O. Kenedy Ormond Done, Ty. O. Kenedy Roe, Typ. O. Kenish●uth, Cor. Kerues, Des. O. Kighlay, Ker. Kilbare, Wa. Kilberck, Typ. Kildareth, Cor. Kilfraer, Lem. M. Kilgo, Cor. Kilgobin, Cor. Kilkenny, Typ. Killare, Cor. Ki●malck, Lem. Kilmoghney, Typ. Kilmoghney, Typ. Kilmokwods, Cor. Kilmore, Des. Kilmure, Des. Kilny Colle, Des. Kinsaleheg, Wa. Knaum, Typ. Knight of the Valley, Lem. Kno. Brandon, Ker. Knochone, Des. Knochorden, Typ. Knock▪ bernella, Typ. Knock dromed, Cor. Knock eroglo Skardy, Ker. Knockgraffon, Typ. Knockhore, Des. Knockhore, Wa. Knock money, Lem. Knocknur, Des. Knock Patrick, Lem. Knock Recket, Wa. Knocksaloghil, Typ. Knockshelbren, Cor. Knock union, Des. Knock weldon, Wa. Knoclonio, Lem. Korkbeg, Cor. Kylbrytayn, Cor. C. Kylcasse, Typ. C. Kylhagha, Ker. M. Kylharnon, Ker. Kylhusteney, Ker. Kylin Thomas, Wa. Kylmayglin, Cor. Kylne mannogh, Typ. Kylnoglose, Ker. M. Kylnolan, Ker. Kylphell, Typ. Kylyland, Ker. Kyllygray, Cor. C. Kyllynan, Lem. KYNSALE, Cor. Kyrnenan, Ker. The Knight of Kyry, Ker. L Lactenon, Ker. Laghera, Lem. B. Lancan, Cor. Lanras, Des. C. Lany, Des. E. Laternis, Cor. C. Leaver, Ker. L. Leghlough, Des. Lemcon, Des. Lemortkaol, Ker. Lestfyn, Cor. Letter, Ker. C. Leughan, Typ. B. Likodone, Lem. LIMERICK, Lem. Linder, Ker. C. Lisegriffin, Cor. Liskin, Lem. B. Lismalin, Typ. Lismolkey, Typ. Lismore, Wa. Lisronogh, Typ. Lix●ayo, Ker. Loaghyne, Cor. Lome, flu. Longhill, Lem. C. Lon main, Ker. Lough, Cor. C. Lough, Cor. C. Lough, Ker. Loughman, Typ. Loughan, Des. Lough Barnsey, Des. Lough of Inet●, Typ. Lyna, Lem. B. Lynyliro, Cor. C. Lions, Cor. Lystoule, Ker. Lystor, Ker. B. Lyx, flu. Baron of Lyxnay, Lem. M Mac Owen, Lem. Magonien, Ker. Magriffin, Typ. Magronne, Cor. C. Mahund, Des. Mac-mahund, Cor. Malhanna, Cor. M. Malogh, Cor. C. Manamore, Des. M. Mang, Ker. C. Mang, flu. Manian, Ker. C. Mare, flu. Mare, Cor. C. Mare, Typ. B. Marrow, Ker. E. Martyr, Cor. maine, flu. Michael, Des. M. Michaen, Ker. Miles lough, Wa. Mine●, Ker. C. Mockaile, Typ. Mockay, Typ. B. Mocolagh, Des. Moenter vary, Des. Moghan, flu. Moghell, Wa. M. Mogobert, Typ. Mokella, Cor. Moleshen, Lem. Mollinax, Typ. Mollochdeere, Des. Mollogassne, Des. Molloghmona, Wa. Mollogh, flu. Molloghen, Wa. Monegh, Cor. M. Monh●rd, Typ. Monks, Cor. B. Moore, Des. C. Moore, flu. Moors, Ker. Moor, Des. Moor Flu: or Brodwater, Des. mountains delees, Wa. Muskere-Querk, Typ. Muskere, Cor. Muskery Gaghnogh, Ke. Miles, Cor. C. Mysker, flu. Myssen head, Des. N Narra, Lem. C. Narrowater, Cor. Nashe, Lem. C. Nath, Cor. B. Nay, Typ. B. Neith, Typ. B. Never, Cor. C. Newcastle, Wa. Newcastle kenry, Lem. Newcast, Wa. Newchurch, Wa. Newtowne, Ker. Newtowne, Lem. Newtowne, Wa. nicol, Typ. B. Nody, Typ. C. nought, Typ. O. Non, Ker. C. Now, Typ. B. OH Ogge, Cor. Ogham, Lem▪ S. Owin Oswiliant, Des. Ottan, Ker. M. P Palace, Typ. Palace, Lem. Palace, Wa. Palace, Ker. Palace-lough, Typ. Passage, Wa. Pelgoran, Des. Pearls, Cor. C. The 12. great Hills of Phelem Ghemadona, Ty. Phillip's, Cor. Piltowne, Wa. C. Polloguere, Typ. Polloguere, Cor. Pollydragh, Des. Pollyre, Des. Lord Power, Wa. Pracok, Cor. Pracok, Cor. Q Quella, Cor. B. Point baly Quella, Wa. Quella, Wa. B. R Rabbe, Lem. Rabony, Lem. Raffenin, Cor. Raghanan, Lem. Rahust, Cor. Ranaker, Typ. Raphone, Cor. Rariglas, Cor. Rathan, Cor. M. Ratoh, Ker. M. Ray, Cor. B. Ray, Cor. C. Redman, Cor. C. Renie, Cor. B. Renlon, Des. J. Rephnogh, flu. Reseletan, Cor. Rikard, Cor. C. Rimbella, flu. Ringer, Cor. Ringrango, Cor. C. Rishe Isle, Ker. rob, Lem. C. Roch, Cor. L. Roch, Typ. B. Rock-glaskon, Cor. Romore, Lem. Roretogh, flu. Rosbrenon, Des. Rosse, Cor. Rosthyche, Cor. john Reynogh, Wa. The great Ryghes, Ker. S Salmon-lap, Des. Sanan, Ker. C. Sartbeg, Typ. Saton, Lem. Seven castles, Cor. Seal, Des. Serone calp, Cor. Sewer, flu. Sewer, flu. Sharen, Cor. B. Sheappoly, Cor. Shepes-head, Des. Shrew, Ker. E. Sibbell, Ker. C. Simon, Typ. B. The three Sisters, Ker. Skryne, Lem. Skryst, Des. green Skyllyghe, Ker. Skyrt, Wa. C. Slay, Wa. C. Slay Anerogh, Ker. Slewbranogh, Typ. Slewboyne, Wa. Slay dakean or Paps, Des. Slay logher, Ker. Slay malora, Cor. Slay muskere, Des. Slay niesk, Des. Slay noman, Typ. Slowboy klan de Rough, Des. Soronned, Typ. Speaking▪ stone, Wa. Spread, Cor. B. Stene, Lem. C. Sterland, Lem. Straghan, Lem. Stramo, Wa. Stranmore bay, Wa. Carick Sulphyn, Typ. Swylyvant moor, Des. O. T Tagnelath. Des. Tammay, Lem. Tarne, Typ. C. Tarsne, Typ. Tashell, Typ. Tebben, Cor. B. Templehoran, Typ. Templemore, Typ. Tersney, Lem. B. Thomas, Lem. B. Traghware, Des. M. Tranakan, Cor. Tray, Wa. Tremayne, Wa. Trena, Cor. Tollagh, Cor. Tomalegh, Cor. M. Tomelegh, flu. Toragh, flu. Torbet, Lem. C. Torloboy, Lem. Totes, Cor. B. Town, Des. Typpelbragny, Typ. V Vakere, Wa. Valentia Island, Ker. Ventray, Ker. Vochbeg, Typ. Voch, Cor. W WATERFORD, Wa. Waterford haven, Wa. Wenis Des. J. Westell, Wa. B. Whitechurch, Cor. White-knight, Wa. White-knight, Lem. Wilton, Lem. B. Woday, Des. E. Wodings, Typ. B. Y Yearow, Typ. Youghall, Cor. Youghall haven, Wa. THis Country, the natives call Leighnigh, the Britain's Lein, In Latin Lagenia, in the ancient The bounds. lives of the Saints Lagen, and in English Leinster. It lieth Eastward along Hibernicum Sea, on Cannought side Westward it is bounded with the River Shanon, the North, with the territory of Louth, and the South with part of the Province of Munster. This County butteth upon England, as Monster and Cannought do upon Spain. The form. (2) The form thereof is Triangle, and sides not much unequal, from her Southeast unto the West-point about 80. miles, from thence to her northwest about 70. miles, and her East coast along the Irish-Seashore eighty. The circumference upon two hundred and seventy miles. The Air. (3) The Air is clear and gentle, mixed with a temperate disposition, yielding neither extremity of heat or cold, according to the seasonable times of the year, and the natural condition of the Continent. The Soil is generally fruitful, The Soil. plentiful both in fish and flesh, and in other victuals, as butter, cheese and milk: It is fertile in Corn, Cattle, and pasture grounds, and would be much more if the husbandman did but apply his industry to which he is invited by the commodiousness of the Country. It is well watered with rivers, and for the most part well woodded, except the county of Divelin, which complains much of that want, being Divelin, destitute of wood. so destitute of wood that they are compelled to use a clammy kind of fat turf for their fuel, or Sea-coal brought out of England. Inhabitants. (4) The Inhabitants of these parts in Ptolemy's days, were the brigants M●napij Cauc● and Blame, from which Blani may seem to be derived and contracted, the later and modern names of this Country Lein Leighnigh, and Leinster. The Menapii (as the name doth after a sort imply) came from the Menapians, a nation in low Germany, that dwelled by the Seacoasts. These brigants called also Birgantes, Florianus del Campo (a Spaniard) labours to fetch from the Brigants of his own Country, of whom an ancient City in Spain (called Brigantia) took the name. But they may seem rather to derive their denomination from the river Birgus, about which they inhabited; for to this, the very name is almost sufficient to persuade us. Commodities. (5) The Commodities of this country do chief consist in Cattles, Sea-fowle, and fish. It breeds many excellent good horses (called Jrish-hobbies) which have not the same pace that other Horses have in their course, but a soft and round amble, setting very easily. The three sisters. (6) This Country hath in it three Rivers of note, termed in old time the three sisters, Shower, Neor, and Barr●o, which issue out of the huge Mountains (called by Giraldu●, Blading Montes) as out of their mother's womb, and from their rising tops descending with a downfall into several Channels, before they empty themselves into the Ocean, join hand in hand all together in a mutual league & combination. The Grounds. (7) Places very dangerous for shipping are certain flats and shallows in the Sea, that lie over against Holy point, which the Mariners call the Grounds. Also the Shelves of sand that lie a great way in length opposite to N●wcastle, which overlooketh them into the Sea from the top of an high hill adjoining. Kilkenny. (8) In this Province, are placed many fair and wealth Towns, as Kilkenny, which for a Burrow town excels all Kildare. the midland Borroughs in this Island. Kildare, which is adorned with an Episcopal see, and much graced in the first infancy of the Irish Church, by reason of saint Bridgid a venerable virgin, had in great account and estimation for her virginity and devotion, as who was the disciple of S. Patriark● Wexford. of so great fame, renown and antiquity: Also Weisford (a name given unto it by these Germane whom the Irish term Oustmen) a town though inferior to some, yet as memorable as any, for that it become the first colony of the English, and did first submit itself unto their protection, being assaulted by Fitz-Stephen, a Captain worthily made famous for his valour and magnanimity. Divelin. (9) But the City which fame may justly celebrated alone, beyond all the Cities or Towns in Ireland, is that which we call Divelin, Ptolomee, Eblana, the Latinists Dublinium, and Dublinia, the west Britain's Dinas Dulin, the English-Saxons in times past Duplin, and the Irish Balacleigh, that is, the town upon hurdles; for it is reported that the place being fennish and moorish, when it first began to be builded, the foundation was laid upon hurdles. The Antiquity. (10) That it is ancient, is persuaded by the authority of Ptolemy. That it was grievously rend and dismembered in the tumultuous wars of the Danes, and brought afterwards under the subjection of Eadgar King of England (which his Charter also confirmeth wherein he calleth it, the Noble City of Ireland) is written by Saxo-Grammaticus. That it was Divelin built by Harold King of England. built by Harold of Norway, which may seem to be Harold Harfager, when he had brought the greatest part of Ireland into an awful obedience unto him, we read in the life of Gryffith Ap Sinan Prince of Wales. At length it yielded unto the valour and protection of the English, at their first arrival into Ireland, by whom it was manfully defended from Divelin in the Royal seat of Jreland. the fierce assaults aswell of Auscoulph Prince of the Dublinians, as afterwards of Gottard King of the Isles: since which time it hath still augmented her flourishing estate, and given approved testimony of her faith and loyalty to the Crown of England, in the times of any tumultuous straits and commotions. (11) This is the royal seat of Ireland, strong in her munition, beautiful in her buildings, and (for the quantity) matchable to many other cities, frequent for traffic, and intercourse of Merchants: In the East suburbs Henry the Henry the second▪ john Comy● Archbishop of Divelin. Henry Loundres. second King of England (as Hoveden reporteth) caused a royal palace to be erected: and Henry Loundres Archbishop of Divelin built a Storehouse about the year of Christ, 1220. Not far from it is the beautiful College consecrated unto the name of the holy Trinity, which Queen Elizabeth of famous memory dignified with the privileges of an University. The Church of S. Patrick being much enlarged by King john, was by john Coming Archbishop of Dublin borne at Euesham in England, first ordained to be a Church of Prebends in the year 1191. It doth at this day maintain a Dean, a Chanter, a Chancellor, a Treasurer, two archdeacons, and twenty two Prebendaries. This City in times passed for the due administration of Civil Government had a Provost for the chief Magistrate. But in the year of man's redemption 1409. King Henry the Henry the fourth fourth granted them liberty to choose every year a Mayor and two Bailiffs, and that the Mayor should have a gilt sword carried before him for ever. And King Edward the sixt (to heap more honour upon this place) changed the two Eward the sixt. Bailiffs afterwards into Sheriffs: so, that there is not any thing here wanting that may serve to make the estate of a City most flourishing. The Irish mischievous one against another. (12) As the people of this County do about the neighbouring parts of Divelin come nearest unto the civil conditions and orderly subjection of the English: so in places farther off, they are more tumultuous, being at deadly feuds amongst themselves, committing often times Manslaughters one upon another, and working their own mischiefs by mutual wrongs: for so the Irish of Leinster wasted Leinster The Irish waste Leinster. with many Towns in the same Province in the year 1294. And in the year 1301. the men of Leinster in like manner raised The Irish of Leinster raise▪ war. a war in the winter season, setting on fire the Town of Wykinlo, Rathdon and others, working their own plague and punishment by burning up their sustenance, and losing their Castle by depredation. (13) Matter of observation and no less admiration among them is the Giants dance, commonly so called, and so much talked of, which Merlin is said by Art Magic to have translated The Giant's Dance. out of this territory unto Salisbury plain; which how true it is, I leave to the vain believers of miracles, and to the Credulous observers of antiquity. The religious places. (14) In this County have been erected many famous Monasteries, Abbeys and religious houses consecrated to devout and holy purposes: As the Monastery of Saint Maries of Oustmanby, founded for preaching friars, unto which of late days the judicial Courts of the Kingdom have been translated: also the magnificent Abbay called S. Thomas Court at Dublin, builded and endowed in times passed with many large privileges and revenues of King Henry the second in expiation of the murder of Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury. Likewise Tintern monastery, or the notable Abbay which William Marshal Earl of Penbrook founded and called De voto, for that he had vowed to God (being tossed at sea with many a sore and dangerous tempest) to erect an Abbey wheresoever he came to land, and being (after shipwreck) cast up on land in this place, he made performance of his vow accordingly. This Province containeth the Counties of Kilkenny, Caterlogh, Queen's County, King's County, Kildar●, East Meath, West Meath, Weisford, and Dublin (to say nothing of Wicklo and Fernes, which either be already or else are to be annexed Market towns. unto it) & subdivided into fifteen Market towns. It hath been fortified with the strength of many Castles against the power of enemies, and is thus divided: Counties East meath. West meath. Kilkenny. Caterlough. Queen's County: Kings County. K●ldare. Weishford. Dublin. THE COUNTY OF LEINSTER with THE CITY DUBLIN Described DUBLINE A Scale of Pases 1 S. Mi●●ns' church 2 S. M●●yes Abbey 3 The ●●●es 4 Orm●●t●n 5 The Bridge 6 N●●ma●● t●●r 7 〈◊〉 Castle 8 W●●d Key 9 Merchant's Key 10 The Hospital 11 S. Augustine's 12 The College 13 Bridewell 14 D●●●s' street 15 D●m●s Gates 16 S. Andrews ch●rch 17 S. Ge●rges' lane 18▪ S. St●ens street 19 S. St●●●ns' church 20 S. Peter's church 21 White friars 22 Sheep street 23 The Castle 24 F●●h shambleses 25 W●ne t●●●●n street 26 Woodstock lane 27 R●●e L●ne 28 Cock street 29 Ormonds Gate 30 Kays●●s' Lane 31 S. O●ens' lane 32 S. Michael's lane 33 Christchurch la●e 34 S. Owen's church 35 Christchurch 36 Schoolhouse lane 37 S. johns church 38 Castle street 39 P●●● Gate 40 S. W●rbers' street 41 S. W●●bers' church 43 Skinners Ro●e 42 S. Nicholas church 44 S. Nicolas street 45 S. Nicholas G●te 46 The T●lsell 47 S. Mich●●ls churc 48 High street 49 B●ck lane 50 New Gate 51 S. Th●m●● street 52 Ne'er Ro●●e ‑ The mills 53 Tennis court l●●e 54 john's House 55 S. james street 56 S. james Gate 57 S. Cathren church 58 S. Thomas court 59 The Come 60 New● street 61 S. francis street 62 S. Patrick's street 63 S. Patrick's churc 64 S. Bride's church 65 S. Bride's street 66● ●. Sepulchres 67 S. 〈◊〉 street 68 Cross lane 69 Church on Panls ANNO DOMINI 1610 Performed by John Speed, and are to be sold by John Sudbury and George Humble in Popes-head alley against the Exchange Cum Privilegio. THE SCALE OF MILES 1 East Meath. 2 West Meath. 3 Dubl●n 4 Kildar●. 5 Kings County. 6 Queen's County. 7 Kil-kenny. 8 Cateriagh. 9 Wexford. Areden, Eastmeath. B Rock Abill. Dublin. ABOY▪ E. Meath. Adama, Wexford. B Affalla, King's County. Agard, Dublin. Aggregate, Queen's County Agra, E. Meath. Akane, E Meath. Al●n, E. Meath. B. Alice, K●ld. B. Knock Almasa, E. Mea. Almash, E. M●ath. Anchor Cater. B. Anley, Wexf. B Anna Killed. B. Anna hill, Dub. Annax. K●lk. Anney flu. W. Meath. Ar●n W Meath. B. A●braken, E Meath. Arcanan Wexf. Archar, W. Meath. B Archer, Kelk. B. Archer hill, Kelk. Ardekell Kelk. Ardgare, Qu. County. Ardragh E. Meath. AREKLO, Cater. Arga, Kelk. Argath, Dubls. Arklon, Qu. County. Armagh, E. Meath. Artaraght, W. Meath. As●ek, W Meath. B. As●heto●, Q. County. Ass, E. Meath. A'the, Kildar●. B. Auley, Dub. B B●bel, Wexf. Bacon, E. Meath. Bagandbonne, Wex. B●ghil Dublin. B. Ba●●more Wexf. Balehare, Kin County. Ba●liner, East M. Mac. Ballingla●, Killed. Balougby, East M. Balroth●ry, Dubls. Balt, Kelk. B. Bannogh, Wexf. Bannoghbay, Wexf. barb, K●ldar. B. bard, K●ldar. B. Bar●et, K●ldar. B. Barnaby, King's County. S. Barnaby Fitz Patrick, Queen's County. Barn●ss, Wexf. B Baron, Dubls. B●rre●ss, Wexf. Ba●row flu: Qu. County. B●rrow flu: Vexf. Barton, Kildar. B. B●sk●▪ West M. B. Bedell, East, M. Beg, Wexf. B. Beg ●land, Wexf Beg, Kildar. B. B●●●ougon Dubls. Be●g●, Doubls. Be●ga● East. M. Mac Belif, East. M. B●ll●●on, East M. B●llakin King's County. Bengu●re, Kelk. Benc●▪ Kelk. B●rneses, Cater. B●rre, Kings C●. B Be●in, W. Meath. B. Bishop's Court, Kelk. Blackhaule E: M ath. Blackhaule Dubls. Blackmorres Dubls. Bl●crath, Kild●r. Bl●ck ●ock, Wexf. Blakin, W Meath. Black, W. Meath. Bl●w roe, Doubls. Bol●. Kelk. B. B●l●. Kelk. B. Bolton, Kilda●. Bonn●●, Wex. B. Bonand Cat●r. Bonemane, Qu. C●u. C. S. Bene●●●sle, Dubls. Borace, Kelk. Borro W M●ath. Boys, Doubls. B. Bo●ne flu: Kildar. Boyne flu: Qu. Co●●. Boyne flu. East M. Bo●ne flu: East M. Brackland, K●. Coun. Bramok, W. Meath. B Braun●r Wex. B. Bray flu: Doubls. L. Bray, Doubls. Brain▪ W. Meath. B●eack, E. Meath. Brenne, W. Meath. ●, Brenne, Doubls. O. Brenno, Wexf. B. Brennogh, W●st M. B. Bremore, Doub. Bretherton, E. Meath. Bridge, Kelk. Brown Kild●r, B. Browne, K●lk. B. Browne, Wex. C. Browne, Wex. C. Browne, Wexf. C. brine, West M. OH Burgages, Doubls. Burle● Kin. County. B. Burn Church, Kelk. Burt, Kelk. B. Burwa●ne, Kildar. Butler, Wexf. B. Bu●ton, Dub. C Cabelston Dubls. Caden, Dubls. Cadigh, Kelk. B. Calen, W●●f. Callan▪ Kelk. Cameneh, Dubls. Canan, Dubls. Cane●os, Cater▪ Cantwell, Kelk. C. Cantwell, Kelk. C. Cap, Wexf. CARBRE, Kildar. C●r●boy W. Meath. Mac Careless▪ Kelk. S. Peter Carew, Kelk. Carik, East M. Carik, Wexf. Carikbrak, Cater. Carikmorrow, Dubls. Carichusk, Dubls. Carikok, Qu. Count Carne, Wex. Carolus, Kin. County. O. Carow West M. B. Ca●th, Dublin▪ C. Ca●yk new, Wexf. Carykert, Kildar. Car●ndine▪ Qu. County. Ca●eroge, East M. Casin, East M. B. Milk Castle, Kelk. Castleton Wexf. Castleton, Queen County. CATERLAGH, Kelk. Caterlarth, Kelk. Cavan, Dubls. Caverno, Cater. Caythycam, Kelk. Ce●alway Kildar. Church, East M. B Churley, East M. Cla●st, Wexf. Clancolman, West M. Clandalke, Dubls. Claneborane, Q County. Clanmore, Cate●. Clan jores alias Bremecham. Kildar Clanmore, Kildar. Clanmore Cater. C. Cla●mollen, Cater. Clan●af, Dubls. Upper Claragh, Kelk. Claragh, Kelk. S. Clare Dubls. Clarence East. Meath. Cloe, King's County. Clogaran, West M. Cloghan, West M. Cloghgreenand, Kelk. Cloghkend●l, Kelk. Cloghmore, Kelk. Cloghnogh, West M. Clogleri●ti, Kelk Clomoghan, Kin. County. Clomolyn, West M. Clogra●, E. Meath. Clonbogh, Kelk. Clone, Qu. Coun. Clone, Kelk. Clone, Kelk. Clone, Wex. Clonebelek▪ Ki. County. Clonebolk▪ Ki. County. Clone de Cow, QUEEN County Clone●ewey, Ki. County. Clone●og-neckely. Wex. Clon●gone, Ki. County. Clonekene▪ Kildar. Clonelin, Kin. County. Clonelose West M. Clonemel, W. Mea. Clonemoney, Kelk. Cl●nmore, Kelk. Clonemore King's County Clonemuse, Kelk. Clonemyn, Kelk. Clonemine, Kildar. Clone-Mulerd, Ki. County Clonen, West meath. Clonenmor●, Dubls. Cloney, Kildar. Cloney West M. Clonogh, Kildar. Clonogoskin East M. Clonin, Wexf. Coach, West M. B. Coghan, Ki. County. Coghan, Kildar. Colcore, Kings Co. Cole, East M. B. Cole, West M. B. Coledoghra, West M. Colmanhan▪ Q. County. Colmallen, East M. Cologh, Kelk. Colraine, Dubls. Mac Colyn, Ki. County. Colynogh, Qu. County. Combres, West M. Conagh, Dubls. Conebo●, West M. Rose Conell, Q. County Con●●, Wexf. Confall W. Meath. Conogherbo, Kildar. Consile, Kelk. Conycarum, Kelk. corbel, East M. Mac Corbelyle. Q. Cou. Corbely, Dub. Corkey, West M. Corlus, East M. B. Coroghill, Kelk. S. Cort Dubls. Courhonon, Wexf. Coure, East M. Coupe, East M. Court, West M. B. Courton Clay, Q. County. Cotland, Kildar. Coin, King's County. B. Crabboy, East M. Cradock, Kildar. Cr●gballillo, Dubls. Croghan hill Kin. County. Croghoven, West. M. Cromlyn, Dubls. Crosekell, East M. Crossedre, W. Meath. D Mac Damore. Wexf. Daminkin, West M. Darro, Qu. County. Darses, West M. Daruers, West M. B. Degan, Wexf. Mac Dei Dubls. Deluin, West. M. C. Deniga●y, Kelk. Mac Dermond Cater. Desert, Qu. County. Great Dingham, Kelk. Dodh Reghan Qu. Coun. Dodington, Kildar. Doghill, K. Count y. Dolar, East M. B. Dolknew, Dublin. Domnany K. County. Domin, Kildar. C. Donare, East M. Done, Wex. B. Donne; K. County. B. Donne, Queen's County O. Donnebany, Wexf. Donebat, Dubls. Donebet flu: Kelk. Donedrone, Dubls. Donefert, Kildar. Donekele, West M. Donekey, Kelk. Donelaw, Kildar. Donelbrody, Wexf. Donemore, Kelk. Donesane, East M. Donesoghk, Dubls. Donoghmore, Q. County. Donogornogh, Wexf. Donomo, Wexford. Donsaghlin, East M. Dord, West M. B. Dord, Dublin. B. Doro flu: Dublin. Doro flu: Qu. County. Doth, East M. B. Dovoghmore, East M. Drakeland, Kelk. Dramdore, Kelk. Drimnogh, Wexf. Drokin, Kelk. Dromboy, East. Dromeconrogh, Dublin. Dromeketyn, Kelk. Dromrayne, West M. Dromrow Kelk. Drone. Kelk. O. Dronney, East M. B. Drymneg, Dubls. Dublin haven, Dubls. DUBLIN, Dubls. Dulyck, East M. B Dum●ert. Kelk. Dungaruan, Kelk. Dunlaglin, Kelk. Duren. East M. B. Dwe flu: Kildar. E Edomana, Dubls. S. Edmond Butler, Cater. Edmund's, West M. B. E●on Kel. Enyseat●, Wexf. Mac Eren. Q. County. Esker. flu: Kings County. F Faeacrow, Dub. Faltrens, Dublin. Farseco, W. Meath. B Fa●thing, W. Meath. B. Fedan, King's County. Fedorrogh, Cater. Feathered, Wexford. Field, Dublin. B. Finart, West M. Flucks, Kelk. B. Forman, Dublin. B. Fo●kin. Kildar. B. Fox West Meath. O. Frein, Wexf. B. Freer●, Cater. B Frequens, East M. Frompul, Kildar. Fronton, Wexf. Fuller, Kildar. B. Fuller, Kelk. Fingall, Dublin. G Lease Galen. Q. county. Gallon flu: Kelk. Galtre, East M. Galway, East M. Gate●ton, double. Garland, East M. B. Garmarston, East M. G●rran Kelk. Garston, East M. Gart, East M. Gerard, East M. B. Geregh, Wexf. B. Ghelayt, Waxy B. Gheragh, Cater. Ghesell, King's county. GHILDARE, Kildar. Gibbes, East Meath. B. Gilbert, West Meath. Glandeloure. Dubls. Glarard, King's county. Glare, West M. Mac Glaskarik, Wexf. Glashere, Kelk. Glashere, Kildar: Glashen, East M. Glaskar, West M. Glas●●phin, Dublin. Gl●yderen, King's coun. B. Glogh Kelk. Glorum. Kelk. Goely, Wexf. B. Gown, East M. B. Grace Castle, Q County. Grace dew, Dubls. Grace court, Kel. Grace Orchard, Wexf. Gralough, Dub. Mac, Gray, Kel. Gray, King's county. C Grand, Q County. B. Granedonkin, Dubls. Grange, Kelk. Grange, Qu. County. Grangefort, Cater. Grangeketh, E. Meath. Grangenco●ne, Kildar. Grany Ratole, Kildar. Gregan, West M. Gregh, West M. Grenehornd, Wexf. Bay of Greenhord, Wex. Grenok, Dubls. Grenond, Kel. Grewa●d, East. M. Griffin, Dub. B. Groma, Kel. Guenere, Dubls. Gurche●ss, Wex. H Hagha, Kelk. Hahadew, Cater. Haly, Ki. coun y. Haly, King's county. Halywood, Dubls. Hamon, Cater. C. Hannacle Q. county. Hannacat, Q. county. Hannaynorlay, Kel. Hantney, West M. Harbart, Kildar. B. Harbert, W. Meath. B. Hardley, Dublin. Hap, B●lgrow, Wex. B. Hastily, Q. County. B. Hatey, Wex. B. Hathen, West M. B. Haynes, West M. B. Hearne, Wexf. B. Heker, East M. Helpa, Wexf. Henogh, West M. B. Henorelay, Dubl●n. C. Herbert, West M. B. Herell, Q. county. Herens, East M. B. Mac hearer, King's county. Heskin, Wexf. Hesterbeg, K. County. Hue, East M. B. Heys, Wex. B Hickens, Kildar. B Hoke, Wexf. Holiwood, Dubls. Honon, West M. B Horsey, Wex. B Hoshil, K. County. B Hotrogh, West M. Houth, Dubls. Howel, Kelk. C Hoyn, West M. B Hoyre Wex. B Hugh, Kelk. B Husk, Kildar. B I Mac Idway, Dublin. jefferey Dubls. B jefferey, West M. B Hugh mac Ihane, Dublin. Ihan villa, Kelk. Jhanes, Q. county. John, Cater. B Inch Roure, Q. County. Inch quere▪ Kidlar John West M. B Jordan, East M. Irish, West M. B Jrlands eye, Dubls. Juh, Dubls. B julian, East M. Julian, East M. R EDWARD Kaerdeff, Kelk. Mac Kalraine, Dubls. Karaldgrang, Dubls. Karne, West. M. Can Karn all karone. Wex. Kathanghan, Kildar. Katolrome, Kelk. Kayndonkin, Kelk. Kedynogh, Q. County. Keffe, Kelk. B Kela, Kelk. B Kelcone, Wexf. Kelcolen Kildar. Kellean▪ Wexf. Kellean, East M. Kellegh, King's county. Kellenens, Kildar. Kelles, East M. Kelles, Kelk. Kell, Kildar. B Kelhardseni, East M. Kelkenny, W. M. Kelroe▪ Dublin. Eel●kerv, West M. ken, King's county. C Kettenen, Wex. Keveg●d●, West M. Kilbrakin, Q. County. Kilbred, East M. Kilbrew, East M. Kilbery, East M. Kilbride, West M. Kilbrid, KING County. Kilcamfort, Q. County. Kilcohan, Wex. Kilcloe, Cater. Kilcock, Kildar. Kilcomin, Dubls. Kilconi●, KING County. Kilcoran, K. County. Kildag, East M. Kildernam, Dubls. Kildowan, Kildar. Kildrogh, Kildar. Kilrone, Kelk. Kilfield, Kildar. Kilgall. Kildar. Kilgo, East M. Kilgober, Dubls. Kilgoghan, K. County. Kilgormok, K. County. Kilhaste, Dubls. Kilhester, Dubls. Kilhill, K. County. Kilhobok, Wax Kilhobok, K. County. Kilicrosse, East M. Kilkan, Q. County. Killackan, Kildar. Killank. Q County. Killare, East M. Killcore▪ Kildar. Killegore, Q County. Killiguli, Cater. Killina, Q. County. Killina●, West M. Killine, East M. Kill●nnen, West M. KJLLKENNY. Kelk. Killoghan, Wexf. Ki●l-ride, West M. Kilmacant, King's County. Kil●alalway, Dubls. Kilmacok Kildar. Kilmanan, Dublin. Kilmarog, East M. Kilmerin, Dubls. Kilmory, Kel. Kilmonog, West M. Kilnock, Cater. Kilpatrick, Wex. Kilpavick, West M. Kilsaghlin▪ Dubls. Kilsayen, Kel. Kilshoran, Wexf Kiltober, K. County. Kiltogh, Kel. Kiltork, Wex. Kiluacock, Kel. Mac Kincore, KING ●ounty. King, East M. B KINGESTOWNE, K. Co. Kingstogher, Kel. KING ngsalo●gh▪ Cater. KING ●chin, Q County. B, Knalinogh, West M. Knock Seon, KING County. Knockbourne, Kel. Knockbrenack, Kel. Knoger, East M. Knoka●chall Kildar. K●ocknee, Ca●er. Knoksbeba●, West M. Knock, Dublin. C K●okyn▪ Dublin. Kollogh, West M. Kroghall Kelk. K●●ne, Q. County. ● KING fraen, Wex. K●llian West M. Kyrok, Wex. L Lachash, Kildar. Lackan, Wex. B Lackin K●. County. Lacie, West M. B Ladarath, East M. Ladones, West M. B Lady, Kildar. B Mac our Lady grace, Kel. Lageir East▪ M▪ LAGHLYN, Idogh. Kel. Lahult, Kel. Lambey, Dubls. Lemevannon. Kin. Coun. Lassenhaul, Dubls. Lease, Q. County. Leffe flu▪ Kildar. Lench, Kel. B Leniston, Doubls. S Leonard, Wex. Leve●, Q. County, B Lestee flu▪ Kildar. Lewmanhan, K. County. Lilmester, QUEEN: County. Lions, Kilder. C Lismalin, West M. Listonen, Kel. Lockbay, West M. Lockar, W. Math. B. Logh, Q. county. C Loghren, Dub. C Lommash, KING county. Longnon, Dubls. Longwood, East M. Lord, Kildar. B Loughme●kyn, Wexf. Lowater, West M. B Lowater, Kel. L●sk, Dubls. Lutorell, Kildar: B Lylin, Kildar. Lyrges, Wex. C Lysnall, West M. M O Magah West M.. OH Magohagan, West M. OH Magohla, KING County. Malahedert, Dubls. OH Malaghlin, West M. Malcheal, Dubls. Malyn, Dublin. Manned, East M. B Maragh, West M. Martin, West M. B Martin, East M. B Mass, East M. B Mass, West M. B I Mail, Dublin. Megham, Kel. OH Meloy, K. County. Merewel, Kildar. Merin, Dublin. Mermine, Wex. Mestall, Q County. C Minashell, West M. Mican, Kel. B Michere, East M. Middle-grounds, Dublin. Milagh, West M. Great Milk Castle. Kel. Miltowne, West M. Minoth, Kildar. Mirath, East M. Molle, Kel. Molle, Cater. Molen, West M. B. Mologh, Dubls. MOLJNOAR. W. M Mollira, Ki. County. Mollofy, East M. Mollogh, East M. C. OH Moer●ugh, Wex. Monceton, East M. Moneton, Dubls. Moneyhone, Kel. Montgaret, Wex. Lord Mountgarret, Wex. Moore, West M. C Mores, Q. County. B Morisheller. Kildar. Mublin haven, We. Mac Multiforme. West M. N Nanney flu: East M. N●roghmere, Kildar. Nash, Kildar. C Navant, East M. Nail, Dubls. Negler, East M. Newton, Dubls. New, West M. ● New, We. B Newman, West M. C Newman, Kelk. B New East M C Newman, West M. C Newman abbey KING ldar. Newbayne, We. Newcastle, Dubls. M Newna, East M. Newtowne, Cater. Newtowne, Cater. Mork Newton, East M. Ney gate, K●l. Northgrounds, Dubls. Nowall▪ West M. C Nure flu, Q. County. Nurse flu Kel. OH Offere, Q. County. Oldcourt, Dublin. Fort Only, Cater. Earl of Ormond▪ Cater. Owin mac Hugh, K. C●. P Palace, K. County. Palrangan, We. Park, Kel. C. Hole Patrick, Dubls. S Patrick's land, Dubls. S. Patrick. East M. Pain, Cater. B Paine, Kildar. B Paine, East M. B Pay●ster, East M. B Peers, Dubls. B Pers, East M. B Petrick Island, Dublin. Mac pain, Q. County. Phasoghbantre, W●. Place, East M. Polford, W●. Polilester, East M. Polmonton, Cater. Polrome, Kel. Pokin▪ Kildar. B Porter, Dubls. B Potteragh, Kel. S Paul's, K●l. Pours Court, Dubls. Proud East M. B Q QVEENS' town, Q. C●. Quilibet, Kildar. Quilicum, Q. county. Grang Quinthert, Kildar. R Rabelta, Kel. Rabrody, Kildar. Racarbo, Kel. Raha●nan, We. Raherens, Dubls. Rahn, East M. Ra●o, Cater. Rak●uan, Kel. Raleath, East M. B Ramney, We. The Ram, We. Ram●re, Dubls. Rams grang, We. Randla, Cater. Lough Ranmo●e, East M. Raphan, East M. Raphok, Kel. Raaspek▪ West M. Rasalough Kildar. Raskoe, West M. Raspak, We. Rath-patrick, Kel. Rathalyn, Kel. Ratoth, Dubls. Ravore, East M. Rawire, West M. Ray, K. County. Raydon, Dublin. C Raygh, West M. B Raylion, K. County. Raymanogh. Q. County. Raymund Ogg, K. Coun. rain, K. County. O Reban▪ Q. County. Recog, Kildar. Recohell, West M. Rede, East M. B Ree, West M. B Reh●la, We. Rehul, Dubls. Remyne, Dubls. Richard, Kildar. B Riket, East M. C Rivers, East M. B Robin, West M. B Roch, Dublin. Roch, Kel. C Rock-William, We. Ro●sall Kel. Roe, Kildar. C Roellyn, Kel. Rogers, Dubls. Rogormley, East M. Rohewall, Dubls. Rokel, Kel. B Rokhel, Kel. Roone, West M. B M Rosse, West M. ROSSE, We. Old Ross●, We. Rose, East M. B Rose brenno. Q. County. Rosecanon, Kildar. Ro●●ecrea, K. County. Rose Garland, We. Rosse Laier, We. Rossenals, Q. County. Roseperot, Kildar. Rost●li, Kel. Roy, K. County. Royne, Q. County. B Royne, We. B Roughlin Kel. Roure, Kel. Ruder, Dubls. C The Rush, We. Ruskey, East M. K●ock Ruskey, East M. russel, West M. B Ryne flu: East M. S Sagard, Dubls. Sanham, Galled. Sannogh, West M. Sare●, Q. County. Saul, East M. C Seaton, Dubls. Seden. East M. Senkillo, Kel. Shelhela, Cater. Shemalyn, Wex. Jenkin, Dubls. Shenogray, Q. County. Sherney, Dubls. B Shewleg, West M. B Shiphold, Wex. Shopland, Wex. Simylin, Cater. Siryck, Q. County. Skagh, Kildar. B scare, Wex. Skarlock Kildar. B Skark, Cater. Skires, Dubls. Skarlok, West M. B Sk●yne, East M. Skynik, Q. County. Slain flu: Dubls. Slain, East M. Slepehill, Q. County. Slewboy, Kel. Slewcotten, We. Slewmergler, K●l. S Smyth, East M. Summer, East M. B Soskin▪ K●l. Southgrounds, Wex. Spela K●l. B Stamelyn, Dubls. Stancourt, KING l. Stepleton, East M. Stevens, Kildar. B. Steven, East M. S Stocknelost, We. Stokes, West M. B Stonehou●e, We. Stonegrang, Dubls. Sut●on, KING ldar. B Sword, Dubls. K●ock Swiffin, Cater. Symlyn, Cater. Synnot, Wex. Mac Syrie, K. County. T Tabrake●, Kildar. Tacunshane, We. taught, East M. B T●gnam, We. B Talbot, Dubls. B Tankard. Q. County. Tecroghan, East M. T●g, We. B Teg, Kildar. Temple, Kel. Temple, gall. We. Tenaghill, We. Tenckell, Q. County. Tentarne, We. Terrill, West M. B Te●nes, We. Mac Terpon Kel. Old Terpon, Kel. Terra viven●ium K. Coun. Terragh, East M. C Thomas, Kildar. B Thomas, Q. County. B Owen Thomas, Kel. Thondercourt, Kel. Thoord, We. Thorles, Q. County. B Three Castles, Dubls. C Tobe, Kel. Tobbe, Dubls. Tobber daily. K. County. Togger, K. County. Toghcoly coney, Cater. Toghcolinogh, Cater. Togher, East M. C Tollogh, Kel. Tollogh, Kildar. Tollogh, Dubls. Tollogh, Dublin. Tollogh, East M. Tollogh, Cater. Tologhan, Kel. Tollogh●oron, Kel. Toluen, Kel. B Tomond, We. Tonolla, West M. Tomegard, Wex. Tonmono, West M. Mac Tonsternog West M. Torno, Dubls. Mac tour, West M. tour of the Hoke, We. Treu●r, East M. Trimbelston, East M. Trussan Kildar. TRYME, East M. Tully, Kildar. Tuscard, Wex. B Tute, West M. Tymolog, Dubls. V Mac Vadok, Cater. Mac Vala, Kildar. C Vanney, kel. B Vera, West M. W C Wal●h, Kildar. B Walter, W. Meath. Wardhill, E. Meath. C War●en, Kildar. B Warren, E. M●th. C War●en Kel. B Water, Kelk. Water Castle. Q. County. B Water East M. Waton, Grove, ●el. Wemed, E. Meath. WEXFORD, Wexf. Wexford Haven, Wex. B Wey, Q. County. C White, kel. Wickloe flu: Du. WJCKLO, Dublin. B Wildock, East M. B William, East M. B William, East M. B William, Cater. William, West M. B Wincourt, East M. Wintered, Q. County. B Woghan, Dublin. Wogher▪ heart Kildar. Woodstock, Kildar. Y B Yage, Kildar. The Bound●. THis Province named by Giraldus Cambrensis, Conachtia, and Conacia, by the Irish, Conaughty, and by Englishmen Connaught: is bounded eastward, with part of the County of Leinster; northward, with part of Ulster; westward, with the west-maine Ocean; and on the south, it is confined with a part of the Province of Monster, closed in with the river Shannon, & butting against the Kingdom of Spain. The form. (2) The form thereof is long, and towards the north & south ends thin and narrow; but as it grows towards the middle, from either part it waxeth still bigger & bigger: extending in length from the river Shannon in her south, to Enis Kelling in her north, 126. miles, and the broadest part is from Tromor in her East, to Barragh-Bay in her West, containing about fourscore. The whole in circuit and compass is above four hundred miles. Air. (3) The air is not altogether so pure & clear, as in the other Provinces of Ireland, by reason of certain moist places (covered over with grass) which of their softness are usually termed Boghes, both dangerous, and full of vaporous and foggy mists. (4) This County as it is divided into several portions, Soil. so is every portion severally commended for the soil, according to the seasonable times of the year. Twomond. Twomond or the County Clare, is said to be a country so conveniently situated, that either from the sea or soil there can be nothing wished for more, than what it doth naturally afford of itself, were but the industry of the Inhabitants answerable to the rest. Galway Galway. is a land very thankful to the painful husbandman, & no less commodious and profitable to the shepherd▪ Maio. Maio, in the Roman Provincial called Mageo, is replenished both with pleasure & fertility, abundantly rich in Cattles, Deer, Hawks & plenty of honey. Slego. Slego (coasting upon the Sea) is a plenteous country for feeding and raising of cattles. Letrim (a place rising Letrim. up throughout with hills) is so full of rank grass and forage, that (as Solinus reporteth) if cattles were not kept sometimes from grazing, their fullness would Roscoman. endanger them. And Roscoman is a territory, for the most part plain and fruitful, feeding many herds of Cattles, and with mean husbandry and tillage, yielding plenty of corn. As every particular part is thus severally profitable by inbred commodities; so is it no less commended (in the generality) for the many accommodate and fit Bays, Creeks, and navigable Rivers, lying upon her Seacoasts, that after a sort invite and provoke the inhabitants to navigation. The ancient Inhabitants. (5) Such as in ancient time made their abode and habitations in this Province, were the Gangani, who were also called CONCANI, AUTERI, & NAGNATAE. As the Luceni (that were next neighbours unto them) came from the Lucensij (in Spain) so those Gangani, and Concani may seem also to have fetched their derivation from the Concani (a nation of the self same country) both by the affinity of name, and vicinity of place. In Strabo, according to the diversity of reading, the same people are named Coniaci & Conisci: & Silius testifieth them at the first to have been Scythians, & to have used ordinarily to drink horses blood (a thing nothing strange among the wild Irish even of late days.) And some may also happily suppose that the Irish name Conaughty, was compounded of Concani and Nagnatae: Howsoever, it is sure that these were the ancient Inhabitants of this Country, as is to be seen in Ptolemy. (6) The Principal City of this Province, & which The City of galway. may worthily be accounted the third in Ireland, is Galway, in Irish, Gallive, built in manner much like to a Tower. It is dignified with a Bishops See, & is much frequented with Merchants, by reason whereof, and the benefit of the road and haven, it is gainful to the Inhabitants through traffic and exchange of rich commodities, both by sea and land. Not far from which, near the west shore that lies indented with small inlets and outlets, in a rew, are the islands called The islands called Arran. Arran, of which many a foolish fable goes, as if they were the islands of the living, wherein none died at any time, or were subject to mortality; which is as superstitious an observation, as that used in some other corners of the country, where the people leave the right arms of their Infant's males unchristned (as they term it) to the end A superstitious observation. that at any time afterwards, they may give a more deadly, and ungracious blow when they strike: which things do not only show how palpably they are carried away by traditious obscurities, but do also intimate how full their hearts be of inveterate revenge. The battle of Knoc-toe. (7) This Province presents no matter more worthy of memory, than the battle of Knoc-toe (that is) The hill of axes, under which, the greatest rabble of rebels, that were ever seen before in Ireland (raised and gathered together by the archrebels of that time, William Burk An. dom. 1516. O-Brien, Mac-Nemare, and O-Carrol) were after a bloody overthrow discomfited & put to flight by the noble service of Girald-Fitz-Girald Earl of Gildare. And the suppression of certain Irish (the posterity of Mac-willian) who usurping a tyranny in these parts, raged sometimes upon The rebellion of the posterity of Mac-William. themselves, with mutual injuries, & oppressed the poor people a long time with extorting, pilling & spoiling; so as they left scarce one house in the country unrifled, or Sir Richard Bingham. unrased; but were bridled and repressed (even in our remembrance) by the severity & resolution of the Commissioner of those times, who in his wisdom and policy well understood, that their excessive insolence, & those their unjust doings, would be a means to draw the people away from the due obedience to their Prince: such therefore as refused to obey the laws, and sided with the tumultuous, with all care and diligence he soon scattered, forcing their Forts, and driving them into woods, and lurking holes (for troubling the blessed estate of tranquillity) The Rebels scattered. till the L. Deputy, who took pity of them, upon their humble supplication, commanded by his missives, that they should be received upon terms of peace. But they They submitted themselves. being a stiff necked people, took arms again, entered a fresh into actual rebellion, drove away booties, made ●oul They entered into rebellion afresh. uproars, & upon fair promises procured the aid of the Scotish Islanders from out of the Hebrides: whereupon the Governor assembled an army, & pursued them with such powerful violence through the woods and forests, that after 6. or 7. weeks, being grievously hunger bitten, they submitted themselves in all humility. The auxiliary forces They yielded again, and were received. also of the Scots, he by day and night affronted so near, & followed so hardly, that he put them to flight, after he had killed & drowned about 3000. of them in the river Moin. Three thousand Scots drowned at Moin. A slaughter of the Irish of Connaught. (8) About the year 1316. there was such a great slaughter made of the Irish in this Province of Conaught through a quarrel that arose there between two Lords or Princes, that there were slain on both sides about 4000 men; and so great a tribulation at that time came upon the people, that they did devour & eat one another, so as of 10000 there remained not above 300. living. And it is reported for truth, that the people were then so hunger starved, that in Church-yeards they took the dead bodies out of their graves, and in their skulls boiled the flesh & fed upon it: yea, and that women did eat their own children. Thus appeared the ire and anger of God, in punishing their sins, and seeking their conversion. Places memorable. Inis Ceath. Inis Bovind. A Monastery at Maio. Beda lib. 4. cap. 4. 9 Places memorable, are, Inis Ceath, well known by the Monastery of Colman (a devout Saint) founded for Scots & Englishmen; and Inis Bovind, which Bede calleth white Calf Isle. Also Maio, a Monastery built (as Bede writeth) for 30. men of the English nation. Likewise the Barony of Boil under Curlew hills, where in times past was Curlew hills. a famous Abbey built, together with the Abbey of Beatitude, in the year of grace 1152. These Abbais & Monasteries The Abbey of Beatitude. erected at the first for religious services, and through ignorance & other obscurities diverted since unto superstitious uses, are now made the ruins of time. (10) The Province of Connaught is at this day strengthened Castles. Market towns. with 14. Castles, traded with nine market Towns, and divided as ensueth. Counties, Clare or Slego. Towmund. ●etrim. Galloway. Roscoman. Ma●o.   THE PROVINCE OF CONNAUGH with the City of GALWAYE Described HONI 〈◊〉 QU● MAL Y PENSE GALWAYE Anno Domini 1610▪ Performet by john Speed and are to be sold in Pope's head Alley against the Exchange by john Sudbury and George Humble▪ CUM PRIVILEGIO ANNO Domini 1610 THE SCALE OF IRIS MILES The Division of CONNAUGHT. 1 Slego. 2. Maio. 3. Roscomen. 4. Letrim. 5. Longford. 6. Galway. 7. Clare or Tomound A Agarro, Gal. Akill Island, Maio. Baron of Akill, Maio. Can Akill, Maio. Akill-beg, Maio, Alyne Lough, Letter. Anney, flu. Ara, Clar. Aran isles, Gal. Ardelon, Gal. ARDRAGH, Longf. Arne knock, Gal. ATLON, Rosc. Atlone Barony, Rosc. Au●ork, L●tr. O. B Barony of Balantaber, Rosc. Balantcourt, Gal. Balee Cloud, Clar. Balendock, Gal. Banrale, Clar. Banron, Clar. B. Barnary, Gal. Barrag, Longf. Barrogh bay, Maio. Mac Bavy, Rosc. Beg, Gal. Beghan, Clar. B. Mac Belek, Sleg. Beltre●. Clar. Bellemore Baron, Ro●e. Ben, Gal. Benicolben mountains, Sl. Benicolben, Sleg. Biley, Maio. Bimpall, Longf. Black-rock, Gal. Black-rock, Mai●. Blough, Longf. Borace castle, Maio. Borace, flu. Bower, Longf. M. Barony of Mac Rosc. boil, Boyley, Rosc. M. Can Brain, Clar. Brenn, Rosc. O. West Brenny, Letter. S. Bride, Gal. Le Broke, Longf. Browater, flu. Brusse mountains, Long. Mac W. Burck, Maio. C Caherdon, Gal. Caherdogh, Clar. Caherdoghan, Clar. Calbadei, Gal. Can Calew, Clar. Camagh, Longf. Camme, Letter. L. Lough Cane, Letter. Cang, Maio. M. Lough Carble, Gal. Caregoly, Clar. Carew M. ville uterhday, Maio. Carey, Gal. Cariknew, Clar. Carleby Ca Clar. Carmin, Clar. Carohesk, Clar. Carowmore, Gal. Cashell, Clar. Caslelan, Clar. B Clanerok M. Own Fease, Rosc. Clan-hores, Maio. Clanquistulo, Maio. Earl of Clanricket, Gal. Clare, Gal. C. Barony of Clare, Gal. CLARE, Clar. Mac Clare, Clar. Clare, Gal. Ca Clay, Clar. Can Clegan, Gal. Clenebo, Gal. Ca Cleray, Clar. Enis Clere, Maio. Clogh, Rosc. C. Clombrok, Gal. Clonebegin, Rosc. Clon●fort, Gal. Cloneghisse, Longf. Cloney, Longf. Clontesh, Rosc. Colman, Clar. C. Ca Colyn, Clar. Comer Don, Rosc. O. Comer Ro●, Rosc. O. Conogher Og, Gal. Corbra, Clar. Corkumo, Clar. Corneguh, Rosc. Cotrine, Clar. Cow Bay, Maio. Cragh, Gal. B. Crenay, Maio. Crobraken, Clar. Croghnene, Gal. Cronis, Gal. Cuell, Clar. C. Curlewes mountains, Letter. D Daghan, Clar. Darra, Gal. Darra lands, Sleg. O. Deane, Clar. C. Mac Deran, Rosc. Lough Derg, Clar. Mac Dermount, Rosc. Deser calog, Gal. Dingham, Clar. Mac Dinghanbeg, Clar. Do, Clar. C. The Dog, Gal. Dolphin, Gal. Dona●●e, Clar: Arras Dondenell, Maio. Dondey, Maio. O. Ca Done, Clar. Donebeg, Clar. Donegare, Clar. Barony Donmore, Maio. Hugh Mac Donell O. kely, Gal. Donell, Clar. C. Donell M. Reugh, Clar. Donnelleg Cas●. Gal. Donemany, Rosc. Donemore, Clar. Donen Castle, Maio. Donesanan, Clar. Donoghan, Clar. The two Mac Donoghes lands, Sleg. Donolans, Gal. O. Donsand, Gal. Dosleepe, Maio. Ca down, Gal. Ca down, Clar. Drelome, Longf. Drogh, Gal. Dromayne, Longf. Dunbroyle, Sleg. Dundroes', Sleg. Barony of Dunkelir, Gal. E Enisk●, Clar. Enis Pike, Sleg. E●econge, Gal. Lough Esk, Letter. F Fadda, Sleg. False Sound Gal. Farolban, Longf. O. Farset, flu. Fartbeg, Maio. Fartmore, Maio. Feg Mac mahound, Clar. Fenna, Longf. Fergus, flu. Fermore hills, Maio. Feunon, Clar. Flera, Maio. G Gallough, Gal. GALWAY, Gal. The Bay of Galway, Gal. Galley, Rosc. Garogh, Maio. Ca Mac Garret, Maio. Gast, Gal. B. Glaniog Cast. Clar. Glaine, Clar. C. Glowen, Maio. Gnoware OH flart, Gal. B. M. Gogen, Clar. Great Ca Clar. Great Island, Gal. S. Gregory's sound, Gal. Grenan, Clar. Grenam Ca, Longf. Gryne, Clar. B. H Hanley, Ros. O. Harnalands, Sleg. O. Harra neirogh lands, Sleg. Hara Boylands. Sleg. O. Enis Hedi, Galw. Here, Galw. Herekan, Clar. Herk, Maio. Hermough, Clar. Hoghmo, Gal. Homlyan, Longf. Huysk, Clar. I Ifor-Iland. Gal. John Mac, Teg. Clar. john Amoy. Galw. Inchequhin, Clar. Incherone, Clar. joghint, Galw. john Og, Gal. S. jolines, Rosc. Mac jordan Baron of Exeter. Maio. Can jores, Maio. K. Kaerdone, Clar. Kark, Galw. Kelbane, Galw. Kellegh, Clar. Forrest of Kellelon. Maio. Kelleneman, Clar. Kellewhead, Galw. Kellone, Maio. Lough Kelly, Galw. Eragh Kenally, Galw. Enis K●rin, Galw. Cast. Kette, Clar. Enis Kery, Clar. Kilbane, Longf. Kilbaron, Galw. Kilfenneragh, Cla. Kilgohan, Galw. Kilhoran, Galw. Killaboy, Maio. Mac Killean, Galw. Killenerough, Galw. Killer oghan, Maio. Killinard, Maio. Kilmacullo, Galw. Kilme, Ros●. Kilmore, Longf. Killone, Clar. Kilredon, Clar. Kilsh, Longf. Barony of Kingstowne, Galw. KINGSTOWN, Gal. Kirgh Cast, Maio. Cast. Knock, Rosc. Knolshehain, Rosc. Cast. Knolles, Clar. KYLALOE, Cla. L. Lacan, Clar. B. Lack●in, Gal. Lackin, Gal. Lacu●th, Gal. Lakaath, Gal. Leak, Rosc. B. Lekey, Gal. Lelen, Galw. Can Leame, Gal. Can Lean, Clar. Mac Leray, Longf. Lesalke, Galw. Castle Letter, Galw. Letrum, Gal. Letrum, Letter. Liscombe, Gal. Liskeny, Clar. Lislishen, Clar. Logh flu. Galw. LONGEFORD, Lon Can Lotersk. Galw. Barony of Lotrim, Galw. Lough, Sleg. Lough, Longf. M. Fin Lough, Maio. Lysnegin, Clar. M. Barony of Macarne, Ros. Madloghony, Clar. Magherladone, Gal. Magone, Clar. Magraine, Let. O. Magustolo, Maio. main, Mai●. Main, Longf. C. Male, Maio. O. Marogh, Galw. Main Ca Longf. Enis May, Galw. Mel●ffi, Ros. B. Can Merin Galw. Lough Mesks, Maio, Milagh, Galw. Milec●, Galw. Mil●rge, Ros. Mologha, Clar. Monena flu, Maio. Montalan, Clar. Montaghu Reagh Galw. M Monterollies, Letter. Morley, Ros. Ca Moor, Ros. Moore-b●y, Clar. Moor cast, Ros. Castle knock Morelen. Galw. Morelon Ca, Galw. Mornin, Long. Moshnes Ca Clar. Moy Castle, Maio. Moy flu, Sleg. Moy, Clar. C. Can Moin, Sleg. Ca Mule, Clar. N. Naghlym, Longf. Port Nahaly, Maio. Nelly, Galw. B. Nemene, Galw. Nenany, Letter. Ca Neregon, Clar. Ca Nerego, Clar. Neukerk, Letter. B. Lough Nenity, Letter. New Ros. B. Newcastle, Longf. Newcastle, Gal. Newcastle, Sleg. Newcastle, Gal. Mac Newmaris Clar. Newor. Galw. C. Nono, Clar. C. OH Omacoglan, Ros. P Pengonell, Maio. Phelim, Clar. O Mac. Philpin, Maio. Enis Pike, Clar. Pontoy, Galw. Portevade, Maio. Q. Quella, Clar. Quint, Clar. R. Racone, Longf. Ra●raine, Maio. Rahone, Clar. C. Ralugh, Gal. Lough Rea, Gal. Real, Gal. Redwater flu, Maio. Renilira, Maio. Can Renilira, Maio. Enis Rophin, Maio. Rosemonagher, Cla. ROSECOMEN, Ros. Rosrial, Galw. Ca Roy, Clar. Knock Roy, Galw. Rudder, Longf. B. S. ●le of all Saints, Clar. The Sanctuary, Maio. Scardies, Galw. Serelaine, Gal. serve, Galw. Shaglin, Clar. O. Shennon flu. Clar. Shenny Rosc. Shog, Ca▪ Ros. Slego flu. Sleg. Slay Neren, Letter. Conner Slego. Sleg. O. Slego Bay▪ Sleg. SLEGO-Bille, Sleg. Slewcolon, Clar. Slewkughty Mountains Clar. Small Island Claw. Sormore, Galw. North Sound Galw. South Sound Galu. Stakky, Maio. Knock Stiffingen Galw. Bonow Swilly Galw. Lough Sylon Longf. T Tqabor, Rosc. Talegh. Clar. Castle Teg Galw. Temple-heran, Rosc. Tenelight, Longf. Mac Teredagh, Cla. Terlough brine Clar. M. Terraner, Maio. Mac Tibot, Maio. Mac Thomas, Galw. Thorne-mountaines, L. Toberc●n, Rosc. Tollagh, Longf. Tolleghcain Cast. Gal. Tollogh, Clar. Tomalyn. Clar. Enis Torke, Maio. Tromer, Longf. Tromro, Clar. Ca Trough, Clar. Tuork. Maio. V Vtragh, Maio. W. Bay Walley, Sleg. Slay Welnam, Maio. Wreik, Sleg. THis Province called by our Welsh-Britanes Vl●w, in Irish Cui Guilly, in Latin Vltonia, The bounds of Ulster. and Vlidia, in English Ulster; on the North is divided by anarrow Sea from Scotland; Southward it extends itself to Connagh and Leinster; the East part lieth upon the Irish Sea; and the West part is continually beaten with the boisterous rage of the main West Ocean. This Province and furthest part of Ireland, affronteth the Scotish Island which are called the Hebrides, and are scattered in the Seas between both kingdoms; whose inhabitants at this day is the Irish-Scot, successor of the old Scythian. The form. (2) The form thereof is round, reaching in length from Coldagh haven in her North, to Kilmore in her South, near an hundred miles; and in breadth from Black-Abbey in her East, to Calebegh point in her West, one hundred thirty and odd miles: The whole in circumference, about four hundred and twenty miles. The air. (3) This Country seldom feeleth any unseasonable extremities, the quick and flexible winds cooling the heat of Summer, and soft and gentle showers mollify the hardness of the winter: Briefly, the frozen nor torrid Zone have not here any usurpation; the clouds in the air, very sweet and pleasant, yea and when they are most impure are not unwholesome nor of long continuance, the rough winds holding them in continual agitation. The soil. (4) This equal temperature, causeth the ground to bring forth great store of several Trees, both fit for building, and bearing of fruit; plentiful of grass for the breeding of cattles, and is abundantly furnished with Horses, Sheep, and Oxen; the Rivers likewise pay double tribute, deep enough to carry vessels either for pleasure or profit, and fish great store, both for their own uses, and commodity Plenty of Salmon. of others. Salmon in some Rivers of this County, abound more in number then in any River of Europe. To speak (in general) though in some places it be somewhat barren, troubled with Loughes, Lakes, and thick woods, yet is it every where fresh and full of cattles, and forage, Negligence of husbandmen. ready at all times to answer the husbandman's pains: But Nature is there so little beholding to Art or Industry, that the various show upon banks, the shady groves, the green meadows, hanging hills, and fields fit for corn, (if they were manured) do seem to be angry with their inhabitants for suffering all to grow wild and barbarous, through their own negligence. The ancient inhabitants. (5) This Country in Ptolemy's days, was wholly possessed by the Voluntij, Darni, Robogdij, and Erdini, who branched and spread themselves into the several parts of that Island. Their custom to swear by S. Patrick's staff. (6) The people of this Province, were accustomed in controversies and solemn protestations, to swear by S. Patricks-Staffe, which Oath they feared more to break, Their custom to choose their King. then if they had sworn by the holy Evangelist. Their ancient custom in making their King, was this. A white Cow was taken, which the King must kill, and seethe the same in water whole, then must he bathe himself therein stark naked; and sitting in the cauldron wherein it was sod, accompanied with his people round about him, he and they used to eat the flesh and drink the broth wherein he sat, without cup, or dish, or use of hand. How far these prescriptions and customs were different from the conformities of other civil Monarchies, we may well perceive by these and other like observations of those gross times, and as yet are they more barbarous than is any other part of the Island besides. (7) Historians relating of Ireland, tells of several Islands in the several Provinces: Some full of Angels, some full of Devils, some for male only, some for female, some where none may live, some where none can die; and such effects of trees, stones, and waters, that a man (but of easy conceit) may well esteem them, as heedless as uncertain. S. Patrick's Purgatory. So also S. Patrick's Purgatory (a thing of much note in the tract of this Province:) is a vault or narrow cave in the ground, near a Lake (called Erne Lyffer) much spoken of, by reason of (I wots not what) fearful walking spirits and dreadful apparitions, (or rather some religious horror) which) as some ridiculously dream) was digged by Ulysses when he went down to parley with those in hell. This is the cave which the inhabitants in these Ellanu Frugadorie. days call Ellan ●' Frugadory, that is, The Islle of Purgatory, and S. Patrick's Purgatory: for some persons less devout than credulous, affirm that S. Patrick (or rather Patricius Secundus an holy Abbot of that name) labouring the conversion of the people of this Province, and much enforcing the life to come, they replied contemptuously unto him, that unless they saw proofs of those joys and pains he preached, they would not loose the possession of their present pleasures, in hope or fear of things to come, they witted not when. Whereupon (as they say) he obtained at God's hands by earnest prayer, that the punishments and torments which the godless are to suffer after this life, might be there presented to the eye, that so he might more easily root out the sins and heathenish errors, that stuck so fast in the hearts of the Irish. But touching the credit hereof (although common fame, and some records do utter it) I neither will urge the belief, nor regard, seeing it is no article of our creed. Matters memorable. (8) Matters memorable within this Province, are these: First, that the Bishops of Ireland were wont to be consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in regard of the Primacy The Archbishops of Canterpury wont to consecrated the Bishops of Ireland. which they had in this Country; until such time as john Papirio a Cardinal was sent thither from Pope Eugenius the fourth, to reform Ecclesiastical discipline in this Island, which was then grown so lose, that there were translations, and pluralities of Bishops, according to the will and pleasure of the Metropolitan. Also that the Irishmen Irishmen want to forsake their wives at their pleasure. were accustomed to leave and forsake their wedded wives at their own free wills, whereof Lanfrancke Arch bishop of Canterbury, complained unto Therdeluac a King of Ireland: And had not this Nation been corrupted with this vice, even unto these our days; both the right of lineal succession, had been more certain among them, and the Gentry and Commonalty, had not in such cruelties imbrued themselves, with such effusion of their own kindred's blood▪ about their inheritances and legitimation. Armagh. Vitae Patricij Marian. Scotu●. (9) The principal place in this tract, is Armagh near unto the river Kalin, which (albeit it maketh a poor show) is the archiepiscopal See and Metropolitan of the whole Island. Before S. Patrick had built there a fair City, for site, form, quantity, and compass, modeled out (as he saith) by the appointment and direction of Angels, this place was named Drumsalich; the Irish tell much that it received the name of Queen Armach●: But the better opinions are, that it is the same which Bede calleth Dearmach, and out of the Scotish and Irish language interpreteth it The Field of Oakes. Here (as S. Bernard writeth) S. Patrick (the Apostle S. Patrick lived and died here. of Ireland) ruled in his life time, and rested after death: In honour of whom it was of such venerable estimation in old time, that not only Bishops and Priests, but Kings also and Princes were (in general) subject to the Metropolitan thereof in all obedience, and to his Government alone. Among the Archbishops of this Province S. Malachy is S. Malachy. famoused, who first prohibited Priests marriage in Ireland, and (as S. Bernard saith, who wrote his life at large) borrowed no more of the native barbarousness of that Country, than Sea-fish do saltness of the Seas. Also Richard Fitz-Ralf Richard Fitz-Ralf (commonly called Armachanus) is of famous memory, who turning the edge of his style, about the year 1355. began to oppose his opinion against the Order of Mendicant Friars, as detesting in Christians, such voluntary begging. Eniskelling. The chief Fort in this tract, is Enis Kelling, defended by the Rebels in the year 1593. and won by Dowdall a most valiant Captain: near unto which is a great downfall of water, termed The Salmon-Leap: of which there is a common The Salmon Leap. speech currant among the inhabitants, that it was once firm ground, very populous and well husbanded with tillage; till it was suddenly overflown with waters and turned into a Lake, for some filthy abominable acts of the people against Nature, committed with Beasts. Places of Religion. (10) The places of Religion, sequestered from other worldly services and consecrated to holy purposes, erected in this Province, were: The Abbey which showeth itself at Donegal: The Monastery of Derie, where the Irish rebel Shane O-Neal, received such an overthrow (by Edward Randolph, renowned for his service in the behalf of his Country) that he could never after recover the loss he sustained at that time: The Monastery near unto the river Liffer: The famous Monastery at the Bay of Knockfergus, of the same institution, name, & order, as was that ancient Abbey in England, near unto Chester called Banchor: Also Mellifon● Abbey founded by Donald a King of Vriel, and much commended by S. Bernard: And lastly, the most renowned Monastery, built at Armagh in the year of our Salvation 610. out of which very many Monasteries were afterwards propagate both in Britain and Ireland. These places were far and near frequented & sought unto by great confluences of Pilgrims, till Time proved their devotions to be erroneous, and the pure light of the word revealed, opening the eyes of their understanding, hath taught them to shake off the shame of such Superstitions. The Division of Ulster. Market towns. Castles. (11) That the people of this County might be kept within the bounds of their duty, this province hath been secured with 56. castles & forts; & for trade of commerce 9 Market towns appointed, being divided into these Counties ensuing. Counties, Dunghall, or, Fermanagh. Antrim. Tyrconnell. Cavan. down. Upper Tyrone. Monaghan. Armagh. neither Tyrone. Colran●. Lough. THE PROVINCE ULSTER described. Enis Kelling Fort An. 1610. Performed by John Speed and are to be sold by John Sudbury and George Humble in Popeshead alley at London. Cum Privilegio▪ The Scale of English miles The Scale of Irish miles The Division of ULSTER. 1 Dunghall or Tyr. connel 2 Upper Tyrone. 3 neither Tyrone. 4 Fermanagh. 5 Cavan. 6 Monaghan. 7 Colrane. 8 Antrim. 9 Down. 10 Armagh. 11 Lough. A Knock Aboy, upper Tyrone. Aendone, Antrim. The Aggnes, An. Agher, Monag. Lough Aghre, Dow. Aghren, An▪ Aghugh, Arm. Agnaderry, Dow. Almore, Dun. Altyne ella, Col. Anaghelome, Dow. Aneregan, Dun. Angwis rock, Down. Anogh, Colr. Castle Antrim, Antr. Aperby hill, Antr: ARDEE, Lough. Ardtra▪ neither Tyr. Arglas Dow. Arglas haven, Dow. Mac Argum, Dow. Arkine Castle, Dow. ARMAGH, Arm. Castle, Arnish. Arm. The North Isles of Arran, Dun. Ashrow Mac, Dun. Audley, Dow. Aurely, Cavan. O. B. Bably, upper Tyr. Slay Bagh, Ferm. Bagnall, Dow. Castle Balan, Antr. Baleghan, Dun. Balemony, Antr. Baleshanan, Dun. The Bay of Balewilly, Dun. Castle Baltern, An. Ballydaly, up. Tyr. Ban flu. Down. Bancher, Col. Band flu. An. Band haven, Col. Barnebal, Arm. Mac Banger, Dow. Bangidon, Colr. Barnemore, Dun. Baythdone, up. Tyr. Lough Begna, Dow. Lough Beg, An. Belfast, An. Belterbert, Ferm. Bencol▪ An. Benebroch, neither. Tyr. Benlintowne, Lou. Benmadigang, An. Bermeth, Lough. Bert. Dun. The Bipshos seat, Dow. Black Abbey, Dow. Black-head, An. Blackewater, ne. Tyr. Blackewater Fort. neither Tyrone. Black water Flu. neither Tyrone. The great Blackwater, Ferm. Blare, Dow. Bonavarga, An. Bonodrinni, An. Castle Boy, Down. Boyesse flu. An. boil, Dun. OH Castle, boil. Dun. O. Enis boil, Dun. O. Bow flu. Louth. Terlogh Brassilogh. Arm. Lan. Bras●ill. Arm. C. Breklin, Dow. East▪ Brennie, Cavan. Brian Carrogh, An. Saint Brides, Down. The Briall, Down. Brian Carrogh, neither Tyr. Bundorlin Fort, Arm. Buneranagh, Dun. C. Calebeg, Dun. Calebeg haven, Dun. Mac Camher, Dow. Camis, up. Tyr. Camon flu. Upper Tyrone. Candan point, Down. Cane, Col. O. Mac Cane, Arm. Capagh, upper Tyr. Carick, Monag. Carlingford haven, Lough. CARLINGFORD, Lou. Carmacon, Dow. Canantogher, neither Tyr. Caroan, Dun. Carramore, up. Tyr. Knock, carry, An. Mac Carten, Dow. Lough Carutell, neither Tyr. Cavan, Cauan. Castle Cavan, Cauan. Charles Fort, neither Tyr. Churchland, Monag. Cladagh Island, Dun. Cladagh-bay, Dun. Clanagher, neither Tyr. Clandawell, Arm. The neither Clande boy, An. Clantarrin, Cavan. Castle Cloghbally, Dow. Cloghan, Monag. Clogher point, Lough. Clogher a Bishops See. Monag. Cloghmaharduory, An. Clon, ne. Tyr. Closhagh, Ferm. Clunis Monast▪ Ferm. cliff, Dow. Clyton, Lough. Cociti flu. Dow. Coldagh, Dun. Coldagh haven, Dun. Collumkill, Dow. Colraine mon, An. Colraine Castle, Col. Lough Cone, Dow. Conner, Dow. Conor a Bishops See. An. Copland Isles, Down. Cook, Louth. Lough Coran, neither Tyr. Coraine flu. An. Cow and Calf, Dow. Cragan, Arm. Cramfeild point, Dow. Cremourne, Monag. Crog Castle, An. Cross Isle, Down. Lough Cryfe, neither Tyr. Cumber flu. Ferm. Cusher flu. Dow. D Dalgan flu. Arm. Dendough Carrick, An. Lough Der. Dow. Derrie, Dun. Derrie Fort▪ Dun. Desert▪ Ne●. Tyr. Devenish, Ferm. Dirgh Castle, Dun. Dirgh Flu Dun. Lough Dirgh or Saint Patreks Purgatory. Dun. Dirtey, Dow. Lough Disart, neither Tyr. Disart, Crygh, ne. Tyr. Mac Dogevene, Colr. Doh. Arnbery, An. Dole, neither, Tyr. Donanerony, An. Donaneny Castle, Antr. Fort Donat, Neth. Tyr. OH Lough Donat, Ne. Tyr. O. DONDALKE, Lou. Dondrom bay, Down. Dondrom, Down. Donegall Monast. Dun. Kill Donel, Dun. Donelong, upper Tyr. Donenany point, Loug. Doneregy, Arm. Donglas, Ne. Tyr. Donhalietug, An. Donnegalke, Lou. Temple Donocave, Upper Tyr. Donohelon, Dow. Donogh, Upper Tyr. Donoghiddy, upper Tyr. Slu Donogh, Col. Donogli● inragh, neither Tyr. Donogmore, Dow. Donomaw, Dow. Donomore, Dun. Donmoty, An. Donomurke, Ne. Tyr. Knock Donoshery, Col. Temple Donrath, Upper Tyr. Donroe, An. Dony, Monag. Dony, Dow. Dornous, Arm. The Dorterey, Cavan. Dougharty, Dun. O. Downoman, Dow. Mac Sul, down, Dow. Droghdagh haven, Loug. DROGHDAGH, Lou. Dromebaly, Dow. Dromemarke, An. Dromore, Dow. Dromsh allen, Lou. Dronecan, Lou. Drumboe, ne. Tyr. Drumboe, ne. Tyr. Dundalke haven, Loug. DUNGAL, Dun. dungal haven, Dun. Dungannon, ne. Tyr. Dunluce Castle, An. Dunmore, Loug. Dunseeke, An. Lough Dunuare. An. E Earn Lough, Ferm. Bishop's Eggs, Monag. Lough Eggs, Monag. Elowh, Dun. Enesse, Dow. Enis Garden, Dow. Can Enis, Dun. Enis M●cky, upper Tyr. Enisken, Monag. Enis forsed Logan, Col. Enys Pike, Ferm. Lough Eske, Dun. Eske flu. Dun. Knock evah, Dow. F Fair ferland, An. Fawn Cast, Dun. Fenlogh, Mon. Fentenagh, up. Tyr. fin flu. Dun. Lough fin. Dun. Castle fin. Dun. Foghan flu. Col. Island Fongren. upper Tyr. An old Fort. neither Tyr. Forway, Lou. Lough Foil, upper Tyr. Lough Foil haven, Dun. Freerston, An▪ G Slay Gallon, neither Tyr. Garland, Lou. Garstoune, Lou. Lough Gel, An. Knock Glad, An. Glanarme Castle, An. Glanarme bay, An. Glandagh, Dun. South Glan de boy Dow. Glanharky, An. Glankankyne, neither Tyr. Glanraven flu. An. Glaspestell, Lou. Glastalagne, An. The Glinnes, An. Slay Gore, Monag. Gormeley, Ferm. O. Grange, Lou. Grange An. Grey Abbey, Dow. Green Castle, Dun. Green Castle, Dow. Gudorra flu, Dun. Mac Guere, Ferm. Guherra, Flu. Mac Guilly, An. H Haghnie Mullen, Mon Hanaloe flu. Dow. Lough Hardwarns, An. Hawks rock, Dun. Haygardes, Lou, Hellaine Harrons, Down. S. Helena, Dun. Saint Helen's Haven. Dun. Henry, Lou. Hernoh, Dow. Naghr Hollogh, Cau. Hollywood Abbey, Dow. Horrehead, Dun▪ Hugh Mac. duff, Dun. I Inchah, Dow. I'd Dow. Igangoh, Down. I●anay, Anr. Inis Castle, Dun. Saint john's point. Dow. Lough Knock jormy, Dow. KING Karne Lough, Dow. Kasim flu, Arm. Lough Kasin, Arm. Karreene, Dun. Kelles Mac, An. The Kelles, Duffree. Dow. Mac Kenan, Monag. Kilcorwan, Dow. Kill-Cliffe, Dow. Killeagh, Dow. Killecony, Dow. Killetra, ne. Tyr. Killetro, ne. Tyr. Enis Kill Fort. Ferm. Mac Killoran, Arm. Killoughter, Cavan. Killultagh, Dow. Kilmacrenan, Dun. Kilmack, Dun. Kilmana, neither Tyr. Kilmore, Monag. Rilmore, Cavan. Kilrough, Col. Kilrout, An. Kilwarlin, Dow. Kite Ba, Dun. Know Island, An. Castle Knock, upper Ty. Knock Crag. neither. Tyr. Knockeruhollogh, Dow. KNOCFERGUS. An. Knomanage, Ne. Tyr. Kolmologcrogh, Cavan. The Kow, An. Kullemeor, Dun. Lough Kurkan. Dow. L Lambs Island. An. The Largy neither Tyrone. Lawn, Down. Lecale Fort, Down. Leinwady Castle, Col. Leiston flu. Down. Leyseynnes, Monag. Lumnart, Lough. Lough Lusk, neither Tyr. Liffer, Dun. Lisemuck, Monag. Lisekilogham, Ferm. Lisgold, Ferm. Lisham, Ne. Tyr. Lishanaham, Monag. Lisnafa, Dow. Logan flu. Dow. Castle Lough Dow. Lough Swilly, Dun. Lough Foylle, Dun. Lough, Lou. LOUTH, Lou. Lumnart, Lou. Louth Luske, neither Tyrone. M Mac Macomer Antr. Madarge point, Dow. Mages Isle, An. Magroirtree, Dun. Castle Maing, Monag. Mahaline, An. Mahamley, Dow. Mahara Ferkin, An. Maharla, Dow. Maharlef, gall, neither Tyr. Maharles, Arm. Maharry, ne. Tyr. Mahone gall, Dow. Mah●ra, Dow. Malin, Dun. Markinton bay, An. Marshais An. Skir Martin, Dow. Mac Masarmah, An. The Maidnes, An. Mehaterry, Dow. Melogh flu. Dow. Mellogh Carne, Upper Tyrone. Mere, Lough. Slay Meset, An. Six Mile bridge, Dow. Miskigh mewgh, Dun. Moan flu. Dun. All Mollallan, Dun. Mollogh gora Fort. upper Tyr. Monaghan Fort. Monag. Montioy Fort, Ne. Tyr. Monuell Abbey, Dow. Mourn, Dow. The mountain of Mourn, Dow. Mounterburn, ne. Tyr. Lough Muckne, Mon. Muckne, Monag. Knock Mullagh, An. Castle mill, Lou. N Castle Narrow-water▪ Lou. Narrowwater, Dow. Lough Neaugh, neither Tyr. Mac Negosarahan, Colr. Newcastle, Lou. Newcastle, Dow. NEWRY, Dow. Newton, upper Tyr. Newtown, up▪ Tyr. Newtowne Abbey, Dow. Mount Norris, Arm. North-rocke, Dow. OH Odonel, Dun. Henry Ogge, Arm. Olderflet, An. Olderfleet haven, An. The stone where Omale is chosen. neither Tyr. Omey Castle▪ up. Tyr. Mac Omey, up. Tyr. Onealand, Arm. Slut art Oneale, Dun. Slut Mae Oneale. Dow. Otraine, Arm. Ousher flu. Dun. Owen duff Ne. Tyr Owen Maugh the ancient seat of the Kings of Ulster. Arm. Roe Owen, Col. Roc Owen flu. Ne. Tyr. Inis Owen, Dun. Owindirgh, An. Oxlogh, Monag. P The Pass, Dow. The Pass, Lou. Lough Patelegan, Arm Patrick, Dow. S. Patriks rock, Dow. Peremuck, An. Pertneferry, Dow. Bishop Philip, Dow. Pisneracregan, Cavan. Plelim, Dow. Polly, Dow. Promontory, An. R Ragh Island, Dow. Ragha Island, Ne. Tyr. Raghin, Monag. The Raghlins, An. Ramultan Castle, Dun. Rane▪ had, Dow. Raynold, Dow. Bishop Reagh, An. Reagh, Dow. Red-bay Castle, An. Read▪ Castle, Dun. Red-bay, An. Red-haven, Dun. rely, Dow. Richard, Lou. Rinor, Ne. Tyr. R ock flu. Col. Lough Rosse, Monag. Castle Rosse, Monag. Lough Rose, Monag. Rosse, Dun The Rout, An. Lough Rush, Col. Lough Ryle. Dow. S Lough Sade-fold, Monag. Sarard, Lou. Salmon leap, An. The Salmon Fishiug. Dun. Savage, Dow. Sawell pit a Mew, Col. Scatericke, Dow. Scots, An. Mount Sendal, An. Knock▪ Serabah, Dow. Sergeant's town, Arm. Sidney Island, neither▪ Tyr. Silver hill, Dun. Shanan, Louth. Lough Shanahan, Dow. Sheap flu, Dow. Sheep haven, Dun. Shelton, Louth. Skee, Ferm. Skin flu, Colr. Skirres Portrush, Colr. Skirris, Ant. Skrine, neither Tyr. Smiths Castle, Dow. Sok-le-boy, Ant. South▪ rock, Dow. Stokan, neither Tyr. Stone-over, Ant. Strangford Dow. Strangford' haven, Dow. Temple Stanhurst land. Down. Streband, upper Tyr. Lough Swilly haven. D●n. Mac Swinne dogh, Dun. Mac Swinne Bannogh Dun. Mac Swinne Fannought, Dun▪ Castle Swinne Ado, Dun. T Tadog, An. Talbot, Dow. Tallah, neither Ty. Tallowen flu. neither Tyr. Tehevet, Ant. Telyn. Dun. Tenan, Arm. Bay Teraine, Antr. Terim, flu. Ne. Tyr. Termon, upper Tyr. Slew Tgore, Col. Lough Tinan, Monag. Bishop Togher, Dow. Toghtaby, Monag. Tollagh Corbet, Monag. Tollogh Cast. Lou. Tolloghnest, Ne. Tyr. Tom Fort, neither Tyr. Tom lagh, Dun. Tor, Antr. Tor Island, An▪ Torre Island, Dun. Toughagh, Arm. Town, Lout. Town castle Antr. Trigall, neither Tir. Slay Trim, Upper Tir. Troghenghtro, Mon. Owen ne Trough, neither Tyr. Trowis, flu. Tullagh, neither Tyr. Tullash, Dow. FIVE▪ Vragh, flu. W Wall, Mon. Walley Bay, Dun. Warren Castle, Lout. Warren, flu. Welsh Castle, Dow. Whithead bay, Antr. Whithead castle, Antr. White castle, Dun. White Abbey, Antr. White Land, Antr. Whites castle, Dow. White Island, Dow. Bishop Willy Castle, Dun. ❧ THE FIRST INDEX OR ALPHABETICAL TABLE, containing the principal matters in the Maps both of ENGLAND and JRELAND: the first number noting the Page, and the second the Section. A ABer Conwey town like a City. Fol. Sect. 123. 6 Aber frawe the Prince of Wales his Court. 99 8. Adelme founder of Malmesbury Monastery. 25. 8 Adulph reedifieth Peterborow Monastery, upon what occasion. 55. 7. Iul: Agricola his trench or fortification limiting the Roman Province. 6. 9 Saint Albans Isle. 94. 8 Saint Albans Town and Monastery. 39 5 Alcluid. i. Dunbritton. 132. 12 Alesbury wherefore much frequented. 43. 7 Alexander King of Scots, King of the Western islands, and of Man. 92. 16 Alfred (or Elfred) restoreth the University of Oxford. 45. 7 Buildeth Colleges, and placeth Readers there Ibidem Almanac of Harvest men in Denbighshire. 119. 3 Alney Island. 47. 10 Amble-side or Amboglana. 85. 10 Ambresbury Abbey. 17. 6. & 25. 9 Anealites where seated. 45. 4 Anderida City. 9 4 Andradswald. 9 4 St. Annes-well at Buxstones. 67. 8 Anglesey Isle how confined. 99 8 What Cantreds and Commots it hath. 99 8 How named and why. 125. 1 The form and dimension of it. 2 The Air and Commodities thereof. 3 The seat of the Druids. 5 How divided. By whom infested and subdued. 6 Hundred and towns thereof. 126 Antimonium. See Stibium. Antiquities in West-riding. 79. 7. Anwicke's field. 89. 10. Appleby Town and Castle in Westmoreland. 85. 8 Aquila prophesieth▪ 17. 6 Archbishops Seas in Britain three. 2. 14 Armagh an archiepiscopal and Metropolitan See in Ireland. 145. 9 Arran islands near Galway 143. 6. Arthur's Chair an high mountain. 109. 4 King Arthur's round table at Llansanan in Denbighshire. 119. 6 Prince Arthur keepeth his Court at Ludlow. 71. 7 Prince Arthur his Monument or Sepulchre. 51. 5 & 23. 10 Aruon i Cair Naruan. 99 7 Ashes making ground fruitful. 119. 4 Ashridge much renowned for a feigned Miracle. 43. 7 Saint Assaph in North-wales an Episcopal See. 99 11 & 121. 9 Astroites the precious stone found at Shugbury in Warwickshire. 53. 7 Also near Bever. 61. 3 Attrebatij where planted 27. 5 Saint Andree foundress of Ely. 37. 5 Saint Andrees liberties. ibid. Augustine first Archbishop of Canterbury. 6. 5. Augustine's Oak in Worcester shire. 51. 6 Auteri, what people in Ireland. 143. 5. B Badbury the West-Saxon-Kings Court. 17. 6 Bainbrig an ancient place. 79. 7 Bala Curi. the Bishop's Palace of the Isle of Man. 91. 5 Baldwine the great forester of Flaunders. 57 2 Banchor or Bangor a City, and the first Monastery. 121. 9 The ruins thereof. ibid. A Bishops See. 99 9 Barkley Castle where King Edward the 2. was murdered. 47. 10 Barklow Hills in Essex. 31. 5 Berkshire whence it took name. 27. 1 How it is bounded. 27. 1 The form, measure and air thereof. 27. 2. 3. 4 What commodities it yieldeth. 27. 4 By whom anciently inhabited. 27. 5. What Religious houses it had. 27. 10 Hundred and Towns in Berkshire. 28. Barnet field. 29. 9 Bartholanus and his three sons planted in Ireland. 137. 8 Berwick. 89. 9 How governed. ibid. The graduation of it. ibid. Battle-bridge. 81. 7 Battaile-fielde. 9 7 Battle of Standard. 81. 7 Bath in Somersetshire what names it had, and why so called. 23. 7 Beault in Brecknockshire 109. 5 Beaumarish, why so named See Bonover. 125. 8. Thomas Becket his Tomb. 7. 8 Bede a Monk of Weremouth where borne. 83. 6 Bedfordshire how bounded. 41. 1 The form and dimension of it. 41. 2 The air, soil, and commodities of Bedfordshire. 41. 3 The Ancient inhabitants thereof. 41▪ 4 Hundreds and towns therein. 42. Bedford Town and Castle. 41. 6. 7 How described, and how governed. 41. 7 The graduation of it. 41. 10 Of Beeston Castle a prophesy. 73. 9 Belgae where seated. 13. 6. & 15. 6. & 23. 5. & 25. 5 Bellona's Temple in York. 78. 9 Bennones. See Cleicester. Benonium. See Binchester. Berinus the first Archbishop of Dorchester. 6. 8 His Circuit. ibid. The Apostle and Bishop of the Westsaxons ibid. Preacheth and Baptiseth at Oxford. 45▪ 4 The Apostle also of the South-Saxons. ibid. Berry, sometime a famous City in Shropshire. 71. 9 Birth a town in Scotland destroyed by the mundation of Tai. 132. 16 Y-Beruedhwald the fourth part of North-wales▪ the Bounds, Commodities, Cantreds and Commots, in it. 99.11 Beaver in Tivi River described. 113. 3 Beverley a Sanctuary. 81. 5 Saint john of Beverley. 81. 5 Bibroces, what people. 25. 5 Binbridge Isle 15. 4 Binchester sometimes Benonium 83. 9 Sir Richard Bingham his valour and wisdom in repressing Mac-Williams posterity 143. 7 Bishoprics how many in England and Wales. 6. 4 Blans, People in Ireland. 141. 4 Bloud-raine. 15. 8. & 78. 9 Charles Blunt, Lord Mountioy quencheth the rebellion of Tirone. 139. 9 Bodman, the middle Town of Cornwall 21▪ 8 The Climate thereof ibid. A Bishops See removed to Excester. 2●. 10 Queen Boduo raseth Maldon. 31. 8 Bone▪ well in Herefordshire, 49▪ 6 Bonover now Beaumarish. 129. The government & graduation of it. ibid.▪ Borders beweene Scotland and England. 6. 11 Now the midst of the Empire, ibid. Borrow what it signifieth. 3. 6 Bors-holder or Tithingman 3. 6 Bosham in Sussex. 9 8 Boskenna Monument or Trophy. 21 9 Bovata. See Oxgang. Bovium. See Banchor. Bows an ancient Town in Westriding. 79. 7. Brazen armour digged up in Cornwall. 21. 9 Brasennose College in Stanford. 59 8. Breake-speare. See Hadrian the fourth. Breertons death in Cheshire presignified. 73. 9 Breknockshire, the nature of it. 100 21. What Cantreves and Commotts it hath ibidem. Breknockeshire how bounded 109. 1. Why so named. ibidem The dimension of it. 109. 2 The nature of the soil. 3 By whom inhabited in old time. 4 In Brecknockeshire what Hundreds, towns, and Memorable places. 110 Breckenocke Town and Castle how seated. 109. 6 The Graduation of it. ibidem How governed. ibid. brigants in England, where seated. 75. 5. & 79 4 & 87. 5. & 83. 5 & 85. 5 brigants or Birgantes in Ireland, whence they took name. 141. 4 Saint Brigid much esteemed in Kildare. 141. 8 Saint Brioch or Brieu a Town in Britain Armorica whence it had denomination. 139. 6 Saint Briocus where borne and bred. 139. 6 Bristol, a beautiful City. 23. 7. & 47. 8 A County by itself. 23. 7. & 47. 8 How governed. 23. 7 Great Britain, how far it extends. 1. 2 The greatest Island of the Roman world. Ibidem What Countries about upon it. 1. 3 Her Eulogies 1. 3. & 4 The site thereof. 1. 2 Sometime no Island. 1. 6 Sclenderly known to julius Caesar. 2. 8 Divided into Kingdoms in Caesar's time. 2. 9 The supposed division thereof to Brutus three sons. 2. 10 Britain into three parts divided. 99 1 Britain the less in Ptolemy is Ireland. 2. 11 Britain great and less how to be taken. 2. 12 Britain the higher, what it is in Dio. 2. 13 Britain the lower, what it is in Dio. ibidem Britain divided by Severus into two Provinces, Higher and Lower 2. 13 Divided into three parts. 2. 14 Britannia, prima, secunda maxima Caesariensis. 2. 14 Britain divided into five parts. 2. 15 Prima, how limited. 2. 15 Secunda how bounded. ibid. Maxima Caesariensis how limited. 2. 15 Britain for greatness the second Island in the world. 137. 4 Britain's conquest highly respected of the Romans. 2. 17 Britain's triumph magnificent. 2. 17 British bricks. 77. 6 British islands which they be. 1. 3 Buckingham-shire, why so called. 43. 1 How bounded. 43. 2 The dimension of it. ibid. The air and soil. 43. 3 The commodities. ibid. By whom in old time inhabited. 43. 4 Places of Religion therein. 43. 7. Hundred and towns therein. 44 Buckingham Town how seated. 43. 5 How governed. ibid. The graduation of it. ibidem. Buleum Silurum. 109. 5 Bu●lingbroke the birth place of King Henry the fourth. 63. 7 Bure a River in Norfolk. 35. 3 Burgheses. 4. 7 Burgh under Stanemore. 85. 8 The same that Verterae. ibidem Busie-gap. 89. 13 Buxston-wels. 67. 8 C Caer-Caradoc, why so called. 71. 5 Caerdiff the fairest Town of all South Wales. 105. 4 How governed. ibid. The site thereof. ibid. Caerdiffe Castle, where Robert Curthose was kept prisoner. 105. 4 Caerdigan shire how bounded. 100 16. & 113. 1 Towns, Castles, Cantreves and Commots therein. 100 16 The County given to Gilbert de Clare. 113. 5 The form and dimension thereof. 113. 2 Commodities thereof. 113. 4 Hundred, towns, Rivers, &c: in it. 114. Caerdigan Town upon Tivi. 100 16 How seated and by whom fortified. 113. 7 The graduation thereof. ibid. Caer-legion is Westchester. 73. 7 Caer leon an Archbishops See. 6 Caer lheon upon uske. 100 20 Caermardenshire how divided into Cantreves and Commots. 100 18 How it is bounded. 103. 1 The form and air of it. 103. 2. & 3 By whom in old time possessed. 103. 4 The commodities it yieldeth. ibid. 5 Hundreds, towns, etc. in it. 104 Roman Coins there found. 103. 4 Carmarden town, what names it hath. 103. 6 How governed. 103. 6 The position thereof. ibidem. Caernaruonshire how bounded. 99 9 & 123. 1 What names it hath. 123. 1 The form and dimension of it. ibid. 2 The air and soil. ibid. 3. & 4 In it Pearls engendered. 123. 5 Cantreves and Commots in it. 99 9 By what people in old time inhabited. 123. 5 Towns, Rivers, and memorable places. 124 Caernaruon Town or City within a Castle. 123. 6 The Civility and government thereof. 123. 6 The position. ibid. 99 9 Caer Segont. 1. Caernaruon. 99 9 Caesaria. See jersey. Caledonia wood in Scotland. 132. 12 Caledonium or Deucaledonium Sea. 99 1 Caledonijs. 2. 12 Calphurnius Father of Saint Patrick. 101. 7 Camalet Hill in Sommersetshire. 23. 10 Camalodunum▪ See Malden. Cambria. Cambri. Cambraoc. 99 2 Cambridgeshire how named by the Saxons. 37. 1 How bounded. ibid. The length, breadth and Circumference of it. 37. 2 Whence it came to be so called. 37. 4 What religious houses therein. 37. 5 Commodities thereof. 37. 6 Hundred and towns therein. 38 Cambridge Town, and graduation 37. 4 Made an University. ibid. Came, a River in Cambridgeshire. 37. 3 Candal. See Kendal. Cangi. Where they inhabited. 37. 5 Canterbury a very ancient City. 7. 8 The glory and graduatiof it. 7. 8 Canterbury Archbishop. Primate of all England. 6. 7 Metropolitan, and his jurisdiction. 5. 4 King Canute with his Danes overthrown. 17. 4 Canatus Delfe. See Swords Delfe. 57 1 Caractacus a valiant British Prince. 71. 5 Caresbroke Castle in the Isle of Wight. 15. 7 The Position or Graduation of it. Ibid. At Carleton in Leicestershire they wharle in speech. 61. 2 Carlisle City how seated. 87. 7 An Episcopal See. 87. 7 What names it had. 87. 7 A Colony of Flemings. ibid. The Castle built. Ibid. The position thereof. Ibid. Carreg Castle 103. 7 Caruca and Carucata what it is. 57 3 Casquets what rocks. 94. 3 Casterford. 78. 10 called Legeolium. Ibi. Cassij what People and where planted. 39 4 Castle Cornet in Garnsey. 94. 8 Castor in Norfolk, sometime Venta Icenorum 35. 5 Catarick or Cattrick bridge an ancient place. 79. 7 Cattieuchlani where seated. 39 4 & 41. 4 & 43. 4 Catigern slain in battle. 7. 11 A Cave or Chink yielding a strange noise. 105. 6 Cavei people in Ireland. 104. 4 Ceangi see Cangi. Ceaulin defeated by the Britain's dieth in Exile. 25. 6 Robert Cecil, the worthy Earl of Salisbury. 25. 7 Centuriatae or Hundreds, why so called. 57 3 Ceorle or Churl. 4. 7 Chamber in the Forest. 73, 7 Charles Duke of Orleans taken Prisoner. 9 8 Chersey in Buckinghamshire. 43. 4 Cheese of Essex. 31. 6 Cheese of Suffolk. 33. 5 Cheshire how bounded. 73. 1 The form, air, and Climate. 73. 2 & 3 The soil. Ibid. 4 Cheese there the best. 73. 4 The men described. Ibi. 5 Chief for men and women. Ibi. Always true and loyal to their Sovereign. Ibi. Their Gentry. Ibi. Made a principality. Ibid. A County Palatine. Ibid. The Commodities thereof. 73. 7 Hundred and towns therein. 74 Chester City, alias Westchester. 73. 7 The Minster or Cathedral Church by whom built. 73. 7 A Corporation of itself. 73. 7 The position thereof. 73. 7 Chester Earldom. 73. 8 Chester in the Street, sometime Condercum. 83. 9 Chichester City. 9 6 Chichester Cathedral Church built and twice burnt. Ibidem Chichester hath borne the title of an Earldom. Ibidem The Position thereof. ibi. Chiltern-hils. 43. 3 Chirke-Castle in Chirkeland. 100 12 chorographical Tome of this work. 1. 1 Christ his Passion cut in stone by David 2. King of of Scots, Prisoner. 65. 7 Cidre, see Sidre Cimenshore in Sussex, why so called. 9 7 Cinque Ports. 7. 5 Circester why called Passerum urbs. 47. 9 How named in old time. ibid. Of what circuit in times past. ibi. Cites or Kitescote the Monument of Catigern. 7. 11 City built Saint Cuthbert in Farne Isle. 93 Clare County. See Twomond Clawdh offa. See Offa ditch. Clausentium now Southampton. 13. 10 Cleicester where it stood. 61. 7 clay, a part of Nottinghamshire. 65. 7 Cockles on the top of Mountains. 79. 6 Coinage in old time. 57 5 Coal in Pits of what substance. 83. 4 Coalpits in the Bishopric of Durham. 83. 4 Coal in Pits at Cole-Ouerton in Leicestershire. 61. 1 Colchester by whom built. 31. 7 In Colchester Constantine the great, borne. 31. 7 Colchester how fortified. 31. 7 Whereof it taketh name. 31. 7 The Civil government and graduation of Colchester. ibid. Colleges which were first endowed with lands in all Christendom. 45. 7 Columbkill where Kings of Scotland, Ireland and Norway were entombed. 132. 18 Combat between Edmund Ironside▪ and Canutus. 47. 10 Comius Attrebas or of Arras. 27. 5 Commodus the Emperor his Hercules-like Statue. 79. 7 Concani. See Gangani Concha mother to Saint Patrick. 101. 7 & 132. 12 Condercum. See Chester in the Street. Coning, 1 King, why so called. 4. 7 Connaught Province how it is bounded. 143. 1 The form and dimension thereof 143. 2 The Air and Bogghes. ibid. 3 By whom inhabited in old time 143▪ 5 Extreme famine there. 143. 8 What Religious houses there. 143. 9 Counties and Towns there. 144. Constantius Chlorus the Emperor, died at York. 78. 9 His Sepulchre. 78. 11 Conwy River how named in old time 123. 6 john Cobland a famous and valiant Esquire. In the Map of Durham Bishopric. Cobland a part of Cumberland. 87. 2 Coppermine at Wenlocke in Shropshire. 71. 9 In Cumberland. 87. 4 Corinaeus 22 Coritani where they inhabited. 55. 4 & 59 6 & 61. 4 & 67. 4 Corham or Coverham Abbey. 79. 8 Cork County in Ireland sometime a Kingdom. 139 Cork City in Monster, how seated 139. 6 An Episcopal See. ibid. The marriage of the Citizens ibid. Cornanij what Countries they held 51. 4 & 53. 4 & 69. 5 & 71. 5 & 73. 5 Cornwall why so called. 3. 2 & 21. 1 Of what temperature for air it is 21. 2 Almost an Isle. 21. 4 The soil 21. 3 The dimension thereof. 21. 3 The ancient and modern Inhabitants 21. 5 It giveth title of Earl and Duke 21. 6 What commodities it yieldeth. 21. 7 Religious houses therein. 21. 10 Hundred and towns therein 22 Cottons family of Ceningham in Huntingtonshire. 588 Coventry a well walled City. 53. 5 A Corporation and county by itself. 53. 5 Counsel of the Marches of Wales ordained. 71. 7 Counsel at York erected. 78 9 Courts of justice altered King William Conqueror 5. 3 Coway Stakes. 29. 6 Crediton or Kirton a Bishops See translated to Excester. 19 6 Cretingsbury 58. 10 Sir Adam de Creting. ibid. Robert Bossu Crouchbacke Earl of Leicester rebelleth 61. 6 Buildeth the Abbay of Saint Maries de Pratis near Leicester. 61. 6 He becometh a Canon Regular 61. 6 Cuba an Island 1. 2 Cumberland how bounded 87. 1 The form and air of it. 87. & 2. 3 Whence it took name 87. 5 Commodities thereof. 87. 4 The ancient Inhabitants. 87. 5 A Kingdom. ibi. Antiquities therein. 87. 6 Towns therein. 88 Cumri. 99 2 Custodes. See Lieutenants. Cuthbert Bishop of Lindef▪ farn 93 The Tutelar Patron of Northern Englishmen against the Scots 83. 6 A Saint and much adored 83. 6 His Tomb much visited by Kings in Pilgrimage ibid. D Lord Dalbney or Daubney with Cornish Rebels overthrown upon Black-heath 7. 10 Danelage 5. 3 Danish law 4. 8 Danmonij, where placed Danewort herb, why so called 31. 5 Darbyshire how bounded 67. 1 The form and dimension of it 67. 2 The air and soil thereof ibid.▪ 3 The Inhabitants of it in old time 67. 4 Commodities thereof 67. 5 What religious houses therein 67. 9 Hundred and towns thereof 68 Darby-Towne how named in times past 67. 6 All-hallows steeple there by whom built ibid. The government & graduation thereof ibid. Darnij, people of Ireland. 145. 5 David Disciple of Dubricius uncle to King Arthur Archbishop of Menevia 6. 6 David 2. King of Scots prisoner in Nottingham Castle 65. 6 Saint David's City 101. 7 A Nourcery of holy men ibid. An archiepiscopal See 101. 6 The Cathedral Church thereof ibid. Saint David Bishop, refuteth the Pelagians. 113. 7 Dee river glideth through Pimple-meere without mixture 117. 5 Deemsters in the Isle of man 91. 5 Deh●ubarth i Southwales. 110. 15 Deirwand 81. 8 Dela his five sons seated in Ireland 137. 10 Demetia or Dimetia. i. Southwales 100 15 Demetae, what Nation and where planted. 101. 4. & 103. 4 Or Dimetae 113. 5 Denbigh Town and Castle in North-wales 99 11. & 119. 7 An Earthquake there without harm. 119. 7 How governed ibid. The graduation of it. ibid. Denbighshire how limited. 119. 1 Form and dimension thereof 119. 2 The air and soil thereof 119. & 3. 4 By whom inhabited in old time 119 5 The Commodities thereof 119. 6 Hundred and towns thereof 120 Depopulation in England complained of 4. 10 Derwent River 67. 3 Earl of Desmonds' rebellion suppressed 139. 9 Himself beheaded by a soldier. ibid. Deucaledonia Sea 99 1 Devils arse in the Peake 67. 8 Devils ditch 33. 7 & 37. 7 Devonshire name whence derived 91. 1 How bounded 91. 1 The dimension thereof 19 2 The air and Soil of it. 19 3 What Ports and Havens it hath 19 4 What commodities it yieldeth 19 5 It giveth titles of Duke and Earl 19 8 What religious houses in it 19 9 Hundred and towns therein 20 Diamonds gotten in Cornwall 21. 7 In Sommersetshire 23. 6 Dyffrin Cluid 119. 6 The fairest valley within Wales 99▪ 11 Divelin or Dublin County destitute of wood 141. 3 Divelin City the chief in Ireland, why called in Irish Bala Cleigh 141. 9 Loyal to the Crown of England 141. 10 How adorned ibid. 11 How governed ibid. Divet. 1. Pembrokeshire 100 17 Division of this whole work or Theatre 1. 1 A Division of England four fold in Canute his days 4. 11 Division of England according to jurisdiction archiepiscopal 5. 4 Dobuni: where seated 45. 4 & 47. 4 doomsday book, why so called 5. 8 Dopnald King of Man tyrannizeth and flieth into Ireland 92. 5 Dorchester (by Oxford,) an Episcopal See 45. 4 Removed to Lincoln 6▪ 9 Had archiepiscopal jurisdiction 6. 8 How seated 17. 5 The civil Government thereof 17. 5 The graduation of it 1●. 6 Dorcestershire, whence it took name 17. 1 How bounded ibid. The form and measure of it 17. 2 The air and soil thereof 17. 3 By whom possessed in old time 17. 4 The commodities it yieldeth 17. 5 What memorable places there 17. 6 What religious houses 17. 7. 8 What Castles 17. 9 Divisions, Hundred and towns therein 18 Dover th' e lock and key to England. 7. 5 Downs in Sussex 9 4 Sir Francis Drake compassed the Globe of the Earth by Sea 19 4 Drax an Abbey 77. 7 Dropping Well 78. 11 Dubricius Archbishop of C●erlion 6. 6 Dunstan, against Priest's marriage, his supposed Stratagem 25. 6 Du●ich an Episcopal See. 33. 9 Duro●rivae 58. 8 Durospo●t, See God-Manchester. Durotriges were seated. 17. 4 Durham Bishopric, how bounded 83. 1 The form and dimension of it. 83. 2 The air, and Soil. 83. 3 & 4 The ancient Inhabitants of it 83. 5 Towns in the Bishopric 84. Bishops their Royalties. 83. 6 Durham City a Bishops See ibid. A County Palatine. Ibid. E Eadesburg, where now, the Chamber in the Forest 73. 7 King Eadgars' Triumph at Chester ibid. Ealdermen who in times past. 4. 7 East England 4. 11 East-riding how bounded 81 East riding how seated. 77. 4 The Air, soil and commodities 81. 2. & 3 In East●riding what Hundreds and towns 82 Ede-fleda built Gloucester Church. 47. 7 Edelfleda beneficial to Leicester 61. 6 Edith a Saint 45. 7. Edmund Earl of Richmond father to King Henry the seventh 101. 7 His Tomb ibid. Saint Edmunds-bury how named in the Saxons time 33. 6 Saint Edmundsburie Abbey and Town praised. ibid. King Edward 2. first of the English Race Prince of Wales. 123. 6. Murdered by the means of Isabel his wife. 47. 7 Interred in Gloucester Church where his Monument remaineth. ibid. Einesburyalias' Arnulphsbury 58. 10 Elden hole. 67. 8 El●anor wife to king Edward the first commended. 63. 7 Eleanor widow to King Henry the 3. becometh a Nun. 25. 9 Elfred (or Alfred) the first that divided his kingdoms into Shires. 3. 4. & 5 His noble care in restoring the University of Oxford. 45. 7 Elie. 37. 5 Ella, King of Northumberland●laine ●laine 78. 9 Elmet 78. 10 El●ham a Bishops See. 35. 8 Emeril stone found in Garnsey. 94. 6 England on this side Humber how divided into Hides. 3. 3 Little England beyond Wales 101. 4 England shared into Principalities by whom, and to what purpose 57 30 Enis kelling a strong Fort in Ulster 145. 9 Eorles. i. Earles 4. 7. & 11 Erdini, people in Ireland. 145. 5 Erminstreet. 37. 7. Essex, why so named. 31. 1 The form and▪ dimension. 1. 2 How bounded. ibid. 3. The air and soil. 31. 4 The ancient Inhabitants. 31. 5 What commodity it yieldeth. 31. 6 What religious houses therein. 31. 9 Hundred and towns therein. 32 Excester City whence it took that name▪ 19 6 It was a Dukedom Marquisate, and Earldom 19 8 The description thereof 19 6 Her magnificent Cathedral Church by whom built ibid. The Bishops See ibid. It withstood the Saxons 465. years ibid. How valiant against all her Seeges ibid. What losses it hath felt ibidem Resisted Will. Conqueror till the walls fell down. ibid. How loyal to King Edward the sixth ibid. The Climate thereof ibid. How governed. ibid. The birthplace of the matchless Poet josephus Isanus ibidem Exchequer Court first erected 5. 3 Exmore Monuments in Devonshire 19 7 FLETCHER Falmouth Haven commended 21. 7 Farne Isle how bounded 93. The form, air, soil and commodities ibid. Feldon or Felden a part of Warwickshire 53. 3 Finborow a City, where now the Chamber in the Forest 73. 7 Fingall King of Man. 9 2 Rich Fitz-Ralph, against Mendicant Friars 145. 9 Flamens and Arch Flamens 6. 5 Their places converted into Bishops Seas. ibid. Flavia Caesariensis, a part of Britain why so called 2. 15 How limited 2. 16 Fleg, a part of Norfolk 35. 1 Flemings inhabiting Rosse in Wales 101. 4 Flintshire how bounded and of what form. 121. 1 The dimension ibid. 2 The air and climate 121. 3. & 4 The commodities 121. 5 The ancient inhabitants 121. 6 Hundred and towns there 122. Flint Castle by whom founded and finished 121. 7 The graduation thereof ibid. Floden-field 89. 10 Foelix, Bishop of Dunwich 35. 8 A font of solid brass 39 5 Forest both name and thing whence it came 57 2 Forest justice 57 2 Foresters office ibid. Fotheringhay Castle and Collegiate Church 55. 8 Fouldage in Norfolk what it is 35. 2 Fountain ebbing and flowing 85. 9 Fountains Abbey 77. 7 Freshwater Isle 15. 14 Friburgi 57 4 G Gallena. See Wallingford Galloglasses what they are 138. 19 Galloway County how commodious 143. 4 Galway the third City in Ireland, and an Episcopal See 143. 6 Gangani a people in Ireland 143. 5 Gaothel with his wife Scota come into Ireland 137. 11. Garnsey Island how it is situate 94. 1 The dimension thereof ibid. The form of it 94. 2 Sometime called Sarnia 94. 1 The government Original, and language of the Inhabitants 94. 5. & 8 Market Towns, Castles, and Parishes therein. 94. 8 Not toad, snake, or venomous creature there 94. 3 Order of the Garter 27. 8 Gateshead 89. 8 Pierce Gaveston beheaded 53. 4 Geffrey Ap Arthur of Monmouth why so called 107. 4 Geese where they fall as they fly 81. 6 Saint German confuteth the Pelagian Heresy 77. 7 He studieth at Oxford 45. 7 Giants teeth and bones digged up 31. 8 Giants dance, translated out of Leinster, to Salisbury Plain by Merlin 141. 14 Gildas the old Britain, student in Oxford 45. 7 Gilling Monastery 79. 5 Gisburg Abbey 81. 8 Glamorganshire how limited 100L. 19 & 109. 1 What Cantreves and Commots it hath 100 19 The form and measure of it 105. 2 The air and Soil thereof 105. 3 The commodities it standeth upon 105. 3 Castles and Religious houses in it 105. 8 Hundred, Towns and memorable places therein 106 Glastenbury Abbey first begun by joseph of Arimathea 23. 9 Glocestershire how it is bounded 47. 1 The dimension of it. 47. 2 The form, air, and soil. 47. 3 The commodities thereof. 47. 3. & 5 By whom in ancient time inhabited. 47. 4 Hundred and towns therein. 48 Gloucester City how called in old time. 47. 6 A Cathedral See 47. 7 The graduation of it. ibidem. That Dukedom fatal ever to her Dukes 47. 11 Godiva Earl Leofrikes wife released Coventry of Tributes by riding naked through it 53. 5 Godmanchester or Gormonchester 107. 4 Godred the son of Syrricke King of Man 92. 1 His death 92. 2 Godred Crovan warreth upon the Manksmen 92 3 Conquereth the Isle of Man, and is King 92▪ 3 Buried in Ila an Island Ibid. Godred son of Olaue King of Man 92. 7 King of Dublin 92. 7 He vanquished and slew Osibeley 92. 7 He tyrannizeth in Man. ibidem. Put to flight by Summerled. 92. 7 King of the Isles also 92. 9 His death, burial and issue Ibid. Godred Don, son of Reginald King of the islands slain 92. 10 Godwin sands, dangerous shelves 7. 6 Gog-Magog 21. 1 Gog-Magog hills 37. 7 Grantbridge 37. 4 Grantcester an ancient City 37. 4 Arthur Baron Grey suppresseth Desmonds' rebellion 139. 9 Gromebridge in Sussex 9 8 Grounds in the Irish Sea what they be 141. 7 Grounds made fruitful with burning ashes. 119. 4 Guartiger Maur 111. 5 Gwent a part of Southwales now Monmouthshire, how confined 100 20 How it is divided into Cantreves and Commots Ibid. Guith. 1. the Isle of wight 15. 7 Guy of Warwick beheadeth Piers of Gaveston 53. 4 guy-cliff 53. 7 Guorong the Lieutenant of Kent 7. 11 H Hadrians wall limiting the Roman Province in England 6. 9 Hadrian 4. Pope, where borne, and his death 36. 6 Hales Monastery 47. 11 Blood of Hales Ibid. Halifax a great Parish, why so called 77. 8 Halifax Law 77. 8 Haly-werke folk 83. 6 Hantshire how bordered upon 13. 1 The dimension thereof. 13. 2 The air and soil thereof 13. 3. & 4 What Havens, Creeks and Castles it hath 13. 5 By what people inhabited in old time 13. 6 What commodities it yieldeth. 13. 8 What Religious houses therein. 13. 11 Hundred and towns therein 14. Hardy-Canute his death. 11. 6 Lord john Harrington Baron of Exton 59 5 His draft of Rutlandshire Ibid. Harlech a great Town in Merioneth-shire. 99 10 Harlech town & Castle. 117. 6 The Position thereof. 117. 7 Harold Godwins son King of England vanquisheth Harold Harfager King of Norway 92. 1 Harold Olaues son King of Man drowned in a Tempest 92. 12 Havering how it took name 31▪ 9 Hawarden Castle 121. 7 Heghlanbmen 2. 12 Heil a Saxon Idol 17. 6 Helbecks 79. 3 Hell kettles 83. 7 Helmet of gold digged up in Lincolnshire. 63. 6 Hengist beheaded 78. 10 Henry, Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, England's great hope 21. 6 Henry Prince of Scotland, hardly escapeth death at the siege of Ludlow 71. 6 Henry the 4. Emperor of Almain buried in Saint Werburgs Church at Chester 73. 7 Phil. Herbert first Earl of Montgomery 115. 5 Hereford-shire how bounded 49. 1 The climate of what temperature 49. 2 Hundred and towns therein. 50. Hereford City and Bishopric. 49. 5 The circuit and graduation thereof. ibid. The civil Magistracy thereof. ibid. Herbert Losinga B. of Norwich what Churches and Monasteries he built. 35. 8 Hertfordshire how bounded. 39 1 The form and dimension of it. ibid. The Air, soil, and commodities. 39 3 The ancient inhabitants. 39 4 Hundred and towns therein. 40. Hertford Town. 39 6 The graduation thereof. 39 8 Hibernia, whence it took name 138. 12 Hide of land what it signifieth 3. 3. & 57 3. High-landmen, natural Scots 131. 4. See Heghlandmen. Hilary Isle. 94. 8 St. Hilda his Miracle. 81. 6 Hinchinbrooke Nunnery. 57 6 Historical Tome of this work. 1. 1 Hobbies Irishman in Leinster. 141. 5 Holy Island. See Lindisferne Holy▪ well. See Winifred's well. Holy Cross in Tipperary within Monster. 139. 11 Holland a third part of Lincolnshire 63. 10 Hollanders fishing by licence upon the northeast Coasts of England. 81. 3 Henry Holland his high descent and calamity 19 8 Holt Castle in Bromfield. 100 12 Horse Muscles full of good Pearl. 132. 15. Horse-shoe in the Shire-Hall at Oukeham. 59 7. Horsa slain in battle. 7. 11 At Horsteed his monument. ibid. Horton. See Halifax. Hospital at Leicester with a Collegiate Church built 61. 6 Charles Howard defeateth the Spanish Armada at Sea. 19 4. Hubblestone in Devonshire whence it took name. 19 7 Humber an arm of the Sea. 77. 3 Hundred what they are. 3. 4 Huntingdonshire how it is bounded. 57 1 How divided. 57 3 What manner of jurisdiction therein at first. 57 4 Hundred, Towns and memorable places therein. 58. 10 Huntingdon Town why so named, & how seated. 57 5 Their Common-seale. ib. Their Priory of Blacke-Canons. ibid. The Castle. ibid. The River there sometime navigable. 57 6 Hurlers in Cornwall what they be. 21. 9 I james the fourth King of Scots slain. 89. 10 james 5. king of Scots dieth for grief of heart. 87. 5 Iceni what people & where seated. 33. 4. & 35. 3 jet or Blacke-Amber. 81. 6 jersey Island how seated. 94 The form and dimension of it. 94. 2 The Air and soil. 94. 3. 4 Stockings there made. 94. 4 The original and language of the Inhabitants. 94. 5 The commodities 94. 6 How governed. 94. 7 An Island floating. 132. 15 Ilchester in Somersetshire. 23. 10 Kingdom of the islands divided. 92. 17 johannes de sacro Bosco born at Halifax. 77. 8 King john his monument & portraiture. 51. 5 Saint john's Town in Scotland. 132. 6 jona. i▪ Columbkil. 132. 18 josephus of Excester (or ●scanus) his praise. 19 6 Ipswich commended. 33. 6 The dimension and site of Ipswich ibid. How governed. ibid. Ireland how divided into Provinces and Counties. 135. What names it hath. 137. 1. The name whence derived. 137. 2 The most Western Island 137. 2▪ why called the holy Island 137. 3 Thought to be Ogygia in Plutarch. 137. 3 Called also Scotia. ibid. The third Island for bigness in the known world 137. 4 When and how it received Christianity▪ 138. 22 Christianity there much decayed. 139. 8. Ireland of what form it is. 137. 4 How bounded. ibid. The Air and temperature. 137. 5 The soil▪ 137. 6 The commodities. 137. 7 The ancient and Original inhabitants. 137. 8 By whom divided into five Provinces. 138. 12 Called little Britain▪ ibid. Irishmen Cottages in Anglesey. 125 The manners and customs of the Irish in old time. 138. 14 Their manner of baptizing. 138. 15 Their children how nourced. ibid. Their fantastical conceits 138. 16 Addicted much to witchcraft. ibid. Their Idolatry. ibid. Their attire. 138. 18 They forsake their wives at their pleasure. 145 8 Their manner of war. 138. 19 Their mourning for the dead. 138. 20 Irish BB. consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury. 145. 8 Isca Silurun. i. Caerlion. 107. 4 Ithancester. See St. Peter's upon the wall. ibid. S. Iuo, a Persian Bishop. 57 7 St. juoes Priory, a Cell to Ramsey Abbey. ibi. KING Katherine Dowager of Spain where interred. 55. 7 Keys of the I'll of Man. 91. 5 Kendale or Candale whence it taketh name. 85. 4 Kendale Town. 85. 7 How governed. ibid. Graduation of it. ibid. Kendale Earles. 85. 7 Kent, how it is bounded. 7. 1 The length, breadth, and circumference of it. ibi. The form, site and position of it. 7. 2. 3 The soil, commodities. 7. 4 Rivers navigable therei n. 7. 5 Kent unconquered. 7. 7 receiveth Christianity first in this Isle. ibid. Troubled with civil dissensions. 7. 10 How governed. 7. 11 Made a Kingdom. ibid. Made an Earldom ibid. Earls thereof with the Arms of their several Families. ibid. How divided into Hundred & parishes. ibid. 8 Kesteven a third part of Lincolnshire. 63. 10 Kildare, adorned with an Episcopal See. 141. 8 Kilkeny a fair Burrough-towne in Leinster. 141. 8 Kimbolton Manor. 58. 9 Kings-delfe. See Swords-delfe Kingston upon Hull. 81. 4 When built. ibid. How governed. ibid. The graduation of it▪ ibid. Kirk-stal Monastery 77. 7 Kirk-stal battle 78. 10 Knights-fees how many in England in William the Conqueror's days. 4. 10 Knocketoe battle. 143. 7 L Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln his only son, drowned in a Well. 119. 7 Lactorodum. See Stonystratford. Laford▪ i Lord, what it importeth. 47. Lagetium. See Casterford. Lagman King of Man. 92. 4 He taketh the badge of the Cross for jerusalem. 92. 4 In his journey dieth. ibid. His cruelty to his brother Harold. 92. 4 Lambeth commended. 11. 7 Lamp burning many ages. 78. 11 Llanbadern vaur an Episcopal See. 113. 7. Lancaster County Palatine. 75. 1 How confined. ibid. The form and dimension of it. 75. 2. The soil and commodities thereof. 75. 4 Hundred and towns therein. 76 By whom anciently inhabited. 75. 5 Lancaster Town. 75. 6 The position of it. ibid. How governed. ibid. Lancaster House and York conjoined. 75. 9 Lancastrians put to flight. 78. 10 Llandaf● city how sited. 105. 5 An Episcopal See. ibid. Llandevi breve, why so called. 113. 7 Langley in Hertforshire. 39 6 Lath what it is. 4. 6 Laws. i great stones. 89. 13 Laws of 3. sorts in England. 4. 8. & 5. 3 Law-troubles none in the Isle of Man. 91. 5 Laws aught to be written and certain. 5. 3 Lawland men. 2. 12 Lavatrae. See Levatre. Saint Laurence Island. 1. 2 Lead-mines in Darbishire. 67. 5 Lead-blacke in Cumberland 87. 4 Leet whence it took name 4. 6 Legeolium▪ See Casterford. Leicestershire how bounded 61. 1 The commodities and air thereof. 61. 2. & 3 What Religious houses therein 61. 8 Hundred and towns therein. 62. By whom inhabited in old time. 61. 4 Leicester City or Town the Centre of the Shire. 61. 5 The position of it. ibid. What names it had beside. 61. 6 An Episcopal See. ibid. Built long before Christ's nativity. ibid. Well traded, and as well walled in times past. ibid. The graduation thereof. 61. 5 Destruction thereof. 61. 6 Leinster Province in Ireland How called. 141. 1 How bounded. ibid. The form and dimension thereof. 141. 2. The Air, soil, and commoditites. 141. 3. & 5 By whom inhabited in old time. 141. 4. Religious houses therein. 141. 14 Irish therein mischievous one to another. 141. 2 Counties and Towns therein. 142. Lenn or Linn an ancient Borough 35. 6. Made a Corporation. ibi. Lenn Episcopi. 35. 6 Lenn Regis. ibid. Leeth, what it is. 4. 6 Le●tustan hundred in Huntingdonshire. 58. 9 Letrim County, plentiful of grasle 143. 4 Levatra. See Bowes. Jews Battle in Sussex. 9 7 lewelin Prince of Wales, where slain and beheaded. 111. 5 Lichfield City, why so called 69. 8. Lichfield Arms. ibid. An archiepiscopal See. ibid. 6. 8 What Bishop's subject to it. 6. 8 The Minster built, and new reared by whom. ibid. Limericke the principal City in Monster. 139. 6 An Episcopal See. ibid. By whom possessed. ibid. Fortified by whom. ibid. The position thereof. ibid. Lieutenant in every County called Custos or Earl. 4. 11 Lin. See Lenn. Lincolnshire how bounded. 63. 1 The dimension and air of it. 63. 2. Form thereof. 63. 4. Full of fish and foul. 63. 5 Other commodities thereof 63. 6 Hundred, Wapentaks, and Towns therein. 64. Lincoln City what names it hath. 63. 8. How ancient and populous. ibid. How governed. ibid. The position and situation of it. ibid. Full of Religious houses. 63. 9 How divided. 63. 10 Lindisfarne Island, why called the Holy Island. 93. 1 How it is situate. ibid. The form and dimension thereof. 93. 2 The Air and soil of it. 93. 3. & 4 In it an Episcopal See. ●3. 6 Lindsey a third part of Lincolnshire. 63. 10 Llinsavathan a strange Mere near to Brecknock town. 109. 4 Supposed to be Loventrium. ibid. Liquorice growing at Work-sop. 65. 4. Lithancraces. 89. 6. Little- Chester in Darbyshire a Colony of Romans. 67. 6 Loadstone in Devonshire. 195 Longovicum. See Lancaster. Loughburrough. 61. 7. Lough-Lomund in Scotland, most raging in calmest weather. 132. 15 Lhoyger. i. England how it is bounded 99 1 Luceni, ancient people in Ireland, where planted. 139. 4 Lutterworth 61. 7 London what names it had. 29. 7 Walled by Constantine the great. ibid. London-stone a Mile mark. ibid. Church's therein. ibid. Wards thereof. ibid. How governed. ibid. An Archbishops See. 6. 5 Made subject to Canterbury. ibid. In what graduation. 29. 8 London Bridge. ibid. M Madagascar an Island. 12. Madning money whence so called. 41. 8 Magi. See Radnor Town. 111.6 Magintum now Dunstable a Roman Station. 41. 4 Magnus' son of Olaue King of Man. 92. 14▪ His death and burial. 92. 15 Maiatae 2. 12. Maiden Castle near Dorcester. 17. 5 Maiden Castle. 79. 7 Main Amber a strange rock. 21. 9 Maio County what commodities it yieldeth. 143. 4 Malden in Essex the Royal seat of King Kunobelin. 31. 8 Malmesbury Monastery whence it took name. 25. 8 William of Malmesbury a Chronicler. ibid. Maluerne hills and the admirable ditch there. 51. 6 Man I'll granted to Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland. 92. 17 Granted to the Stanleiss and Earls of Derby. ibid. What names it hath. 91. 1 How bounded▪ ibid. The form and dimension. 91. 2 The Air. 91. 3. The Soil. 91. 4. The commodities. 91. 4. & 5 How it is fortified. ibid. The Inhabitants religious. 91. 6 Malefactors there how executed. ibid. Castles, Towns, Parishes, and villages there 91. 8 Chronicles of the Isle. 92. Manchester in Lancashire. 75. 6. Mancunium. See Manchester. Manures where they inhabited. 13. 6 March Cross upon Stanemoore. 6. 10 March stone▪ Cross upon Frithbridge. 6. 9 March, what Country. 99 3 Markley Hill removed. 49. 7 Marquesite stones where found. 81.6 Marsland, part of Norfolk 35. 1 Marry Queen of Scotland where interred. 55. 7 Mathravall▪ i Powis-land. 99.12. Maudbury a Trench▪ 17. 5 Meden and Medena. 15. 7 Medway a famous River in Kent. 7. 5 Melborne in Darbishire famous for the Captivity of john Duke of Bourbon. 67. 7 Melitus Bishop of London. 6. 5 Menapij people in Ireland. 141. 4 Menevia an Archbishops See 6. 6 Called now Saint Da●ids' ibid. What suffragan Bishops it had Ibid. Made subject to Canterbury Ibidem Merchenlage 5. 3 Merchet of Women. 132. 18 Mercia 4. 11 Mercian Law 4. 8 Merionethshire how bounded 99 10. & 117. 1 Cantreves and Commots therein 99 10 The form, air and soil of it 117. 2 Full of spired and clustered hills 117. 2 Hundred and Towns in it 118 Merlin Sylvester a wizard 103. 6 Born in Caermarden ibi. His prophecy of the welshmen subjection 107 4 Merton in Surrey where King Kenulphe died. 11. 6 Metheglin what drink 121. 5 metropolitans in England two 5. 4 In ancient time three 6. 5 Mice in Essex spoil cattle and grass 3. 6 Saint Michael in the vale 94. 7 Michael joseph overthrown upon black heath 7▪ 10 Middlesex why so called, and how it is bounded 29. 1 The measure of it 29. 2 The form, air, and soil thereof 29. 3 The situation of it 29. 4 what ancient inhabitants 29. 5 Hundred and towns 30. Middleton Monastery built in Dorsetshire 17. 7 Milesius his four sons come into Ireland 138. 11 Milford haven 101. 5 Milfrid a Petty King built Hereford Cathedral Church 49. 5 Millstones and Grindstones in Anglesey 125 Mindiphils in Sommersetshire 23 6 Why so called. Ibidem Minyd Margan Monument 105. 8 Moillenlly hill 119. 6 Mon. 1. Anglesey 99 7 Montanus, Man, Cy what it signifieth 125 Mona Caesaris. 1. the Isle of Man▪ See Map of Man Monks swarmed in Essex 31. 9 Monmouthshire part of Wales now laid to England 100 2 How it is bounded 107. 1 The form, air, and soil of it 107. 2. & 3 By whom inhabited in old time 107. 4 Hundred, Towns and Rivers therein 108 Monmouth Town whereof it took name 107. 1 Their Castle the birthplace of King Henry the fifth 107. 4 The Town how seated ibid. How governed ibid. The position thereof ibid. Religious houses therein ibid. William Montacute Earl of Salisbury wresteth Man Isle out of the Scots hand 92. 17 Selleth it and the Crown thereof to William Scroop ibid. Montgomery-shire how bounded 115. 1 The form and soil of it 115. 2 Their horses 115. 4 Ancient inhabitants. 115. 5 Montgomery Town and Castle 115. 5 The Position of it ibid. It giveth title of an Earldom ibid. Hundred and towns there 116. moors in Westmoreland 85. 4 Mortimers hole 65. 6 Motingham in Kent, where the ground sunk 7. 6 Monster, what names it beareth 139. 1 How it is bounded ibid. The dimension thereof 139. 2 The form, air, and soil 139. 3 How divided 139. 4. & 11. West-Mounster and South-Mounster how in old time inhabited 139. 4 The commodities of Monster 139. 5 Monster addicted to superstitious vanities 139. 8 Much wasted by rebellions 139. 9 Visited with sundry Calamities of dearth 139. 10 What religions places there 139. 11 How governed ibid. Murchard o Brien King of Ireland 92. 2 Mussold or Mosswold heath 35. 5 N Nagnatae what people in Ireland 143. 5 Needles, certain rocks 15. 9 Nemethus and his four sons arrive in Ireland 137. 9 Saint Neotus, a Monk of Glastenbury 58. 10 Saint Neots or Needs Priory 58. 10 Nessa a lough in Scotland never freezeth in winter. 132. 15 Nevil's Cross battle, In the Map of Durham Bishopric Newcastle upon Tine 89. 7 whence so named 89. 8 Called Monkechester 89. 7 A County and Corporation of itself 89. 8 The graduation thereof ibid. New-forrest in Hantshire fatal to William the Conqueror his Progeny 13. 7 New-market heath 37. 7 Newnham Regis medicinable waters 53. Newport in the Isle of Wight 15. 7 Made a Corporation and Maior-Towne ibid. Ninian converted the South-Pictes to Christianity 132. 13 Normans-Crosse Hundred in Huntingdonshire whence it took name 58. 8 Northamptonshire how bounded 55. 1 The form and dimension thereof 55. 2 By whom inhabited in old time 55. 4 The commodities of it 55. 5 Hundred and towns therein 56. Northampton Town described 55. 6 The dimension thereof ibid. How governed ibid. Norfolk an Island 35. 1 How bounded and of what form ibid. The measure and name ibid. The position, soil and Air ibid. Commodities thereof 35. 2. & 8 Commodious rivers there, 35. 3 Families of Gentlemen there, and their loyalty 35. 3 How Norfolk is governed. Ibid. By whom inhabited in old time. ibid. Replenished with Churches and Monasteries. 35. 3 The first Earl of Norfolk. 35. 4 Hundred and Towns in Norfolk. 36 North Riding in Yorkshire, how it lieth. 77. 4 How bounded. 81. 1 The Air, soil, and commodities. 81. 2. & 3 Hundred and towns therein. 82. Northumbre▪ 4. 11 Northumberland how it is bounded 89. 1 The form, air, and soil of it. 89. 2. & 3 & 4. The ancient inhabitants. 89. 5 The commodities thereof. 89. 6 Battles there. 89. 10 Antiquities there. 89. 12 Towns and Parishes therein. 90. North-wales how bounded. 99 6 Divided into four parts. 99 7 What shires it containeth. 115. 5 Norwich whence so called. 35. 5 How afflicted with pestilence and other calamities. ibid. A Bishops See. 35. 8 Notinghamshire why so named. 65. 1 How bounded. ibid. The form and dimension thereof. 65. 2 The air and commodities. 65. 3 Hundred, Wapentakes, and Towns therein. 66 Nottingham Town commended. 65. 6 How governed. 65. 7 The position thereof. ibid. OH Oaten bread. 91. 4 Odiam Castle in Hantshire of what strength. 13. 5 Offas' dike. 3. 2 How it runneth. 99 3 & 111. 6 Offchurch, the Palace of King Offa. 53. 7 Oysters of Essex the best. 31. 6 Oister-hils in Hertfordshire. 39 7 Okam, where borne. 11. 7 Okham alias Oukham Royalty. 59 5 The Seat in times passed of the Ferrars. 59 7 Okham or Oukham castle 59 9 Okenyate. 71. 9 Olaue son of Godred Crovan King of Ireland. 92. 6 His wife, concubines and issue. ibid. Olaue the second King of Man. 92. 10 King of the Isles. ibid. His death and burial. ibid. Ordovices a puissant Nation. 115. 5 Where planted. 71. 5 & 115. 5. & 117. 4. & 119. 5. & 121. 6. & 123. 5. & 125. Orewood a weed of the Sea. 21. 3 Orkenay islands how many. 132. 20 By whom discovered & subdued. 132. 21 How they descended to the Kings of Scotland. 132. 21 Osbright King of Northumberland slain. 178. 9 Oswestry Lordship. 100 12 Otho Bishop of Bareux first Earl of Kent. 7. 11 Ottadini or Ottatini where planted. 89. 5 Otterburne Battle. 89. 10. Ounsbery hill foreshoweth tempests and rain. 81 Ouse River, greater and less 35. 3. Ouse in Hertfordshire stayeth his course. 41. 5 Owen Glendower his rebellion and death. 117. 4 Oxford and Oxfordshire whence so named. 45. 1 How bounded. ibid. The air and soil 45. 2 Rivers thereof. ibidem. The dimension of it. 45. 3 The ancient inhabitants 45▪ 4 Hundreds and Parishes there 46. Oxford how ancient an Academy 45. 7 The prerogative thereof by General Council ibid. The second school of Christendom and Pillar of the Church. ibidem. The general University for all England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland▪ ibidem. In Oxford thirty thousand students. 45 7▪ An Episcopal See. ibid. The site of it 45. 8 Oxgange what it is. 57 3 PEA Palladius Apostle to the Scots. 132. 13. Palme-Sunday battle. 78. 10 Parishes in England divided by Honorius Archbishop of Canterbury 5. 4 In England how many ibid. How many in the Conqueror's time 4. 10 Passerum urbs. See Circester Patrick, the first Apostle for Ireland 138. 22. His life. 138. 23. His Purgatory 145. 7. Where he lived, died and was buried. 145. 9 Strife about his Sepulchre. 138. 22. Paulinus Archbishop of York baptizeth in one day ten thousand 79▪ 6 Peaceable and safe traveling over all England in King Elfreds' days. 3. 4 Pembrokeshire how limited 100 7. & 101. 1. What Towns, Cantreves and Commots therein 101. 2 How near it is adjoining to Ireland. 101. 3 The ancient Inhabitants. 101. 4 The commodities thereof 101. 5 What religious houses dissolved 101. 8. Castles therein. ibid. Hundred and towns there 102. Pembroke Town. 100 17 The site of Pembroke. ibid. Pearls in Cumberland. 87. 4. Engendered in Caernaruonshire. 123. 5. Perry a drink in Worcestershire. 51. 3. Perth. See Saint john's Town. Saint Peter in Cornhill an Archbishop's Cathedral Church. 6. 5. & 29. 7 Saint Peter's Port 94. Saint Peter upon the wall 31. 8 Peter-house in Cambridge built. 37. 4. Peterborow Town and Monastery 55. 7 Peterborow Cathedral Church. abide. Pichford famous for a well of Bitume 71. 9 Picts wall▪ 3. 2. It was the Romans only Partition Northward. ibid. Picts the inborn and natural Britain's 131. 4. Why so called. ibid. Pimble Mere in Merionethshire of what nature it is. 117. 5▪ Plaster of Lincolnshire▪ harder than that of Paris 65. 4 Plautius' first Roman Perfect in Britain. 2 Plymouth famous wherefore. 19 4 Plimlimmon Hill. 113. 3 Ploughland what it is. 57 3 Pomona an Island of the Orcadeses, an Episcopal See. 132. 20 What commodities it yieldeth. ibid. Pontfret plentiful of Liquorice and Skirworts. 78. 8 Port, the Saxon. 17. 4 Port-land in Dorsetshire. ibid. Portgree●eses. 4. 7 Pondbery a Trench. 17. 5 Powis-land how divided. 99 12 Powis Vadoc. ibid. Powis beteewne Why and Severne. 100 13 Powis Wenwinwin. 100 14 Powis Vadoc what Cantreves and Commots it hath. 100 12 Powis between Why and Severne what Towns and Castles it hath. 100 13 Powis Wenwinwyn what Towns, Cantreves & Commots it hath. 100 14 Prestaine a Town of Commerce in Radnorshire. 111. 6 Process and pleading in the French tongue. 5. 3 R Radnorshire how it bordereth. 111. 1 The form and circuit of it. 111. 2 The air and soil thereof. 111. 3. & 4 The ancient inhabitants. 111. 5 Rivers there. 111. 7 Hundred, towns, etc. there. 102. Radnor Town, the seat and graduation thereof. 111. 6 Radulph Earl of Norfolk. 35. 5 Ramsey Abbay. 57 6 Called Ramse● the rich, and why? ibid. Reading alias Redding in Berkshire, beautified with an Abbay by King Henry the f●rst. 27. 6 The Castle razed by King Henry the second ibid. The graduation of it. ibid. Reafen the Danes banner. 19 7 Redhorse Vale. 53. 8 Redmoore, where King Richard the third was slain 61. 7 Regni, what people and where seated. 9 5 & 11. 4 Reignald son of Olaue usurpeth the Kingdom of Man. 92. 9 Deprived of his eyes and genitoirs by his brother Godred. ibid. Reignold son of Godred King of Man. 92. 9 slain. ibid. His body where enterted. 92. 9 Reignald or Reginald the second, son of Olaue King of Man. 92. 13 Slain by Yea. ibid. His burial. ibid. Repandunum. See Repton. Repton. 67. 7. Rerecrosse or Rey-Crosse upon Stanemoore 6. 10 Restitutus Bishop of London in Constantine the great his time. 29. 7 Ribble-Chester, ancient and sometime very rich. 75. 6 Richard Lord Archbishop of Canterbury commended. 11. 7. Richard Earl of Cambridge beheaded at Southampton 13. 10 Richard Earl of Cornwall enriched by Tin-mines in Cornwall. 21. 3 King Richard the third slain and buried 61. 6 King Richard the second taken prisoner by Henry of Bullingbrooke. 121. 7 Richmond, chief Town of North-riding. 79. 4 How employed. ibid. By whom built and so named. 79. 5. How governed. ibid. The position thereof. ibid. Ringwood in Hantshire whence so named. 13. 6 Riplay the Alchemist. 11. 7 Robogdy people in Ireland. 145. 5. Rochester, by whom built. 7. 9 Roderick the great King of Wales. 99 5 His division thereof. ibid. Rollericke stones. 43. 5 Rosamund Clifford poisoned by Queen Eleanor, King Henry the second his wife 45. 8 Roscaman a commodious territory in Connaught. 143. 4 Rugemont Castle, a King's Palace. 19 6 Saint Rumalds Well. 43. 5 Ruthlan Town and Castle in North-wales. 99 11 Rutlandshire how bounded. 59 1 Why so named. 59 2 The form of it. ibid. The dimension thereof. 59 3 The air and soil. 59 4. & 5 The commodities it yieldeth. ibid. The ancient inhabitants and possessors thereof 59 6. & 7 Hundred and Parishes therein. 60. S Sabbath day market. 111. 6 Saffran a Commodity of Essex. 31. 6 Salisbury Plains. 25. 4 Salisbury City. 25. 7 The Cathedral Church. ibid. Earls thereof. ibid. The situation thereof. 25. 8 Old Salisbury. 25. 8 Salmon great and plentiful in Scotland. 103. 5 & 132. 14 Salmon leap. 113. 3 & 145. 9 Salt, how made in Lancashire. 75. 7 Salt coming from stones. 83. 8 Saltry judeth why so called. 58. 8 Saltry Monastery. ibid. Sand a part of Nottinghamshire 65. 7 Sangue lac in Sussex. 9 7 Sarnia. See Garnsey. Saxons Heptarchy whence it first began. 3. 1 The 7. several Kingdoms how named. 3. 1 Their Heptarchies Northern limit. 3. 2 Saxons states severally how at first divided in England. 3. 3 Saxons government in England how long it continued. 4. 11 Saxons first 7. King's Pagan. 4. 12 Saxons first 7▪ King's Christian. ibid. Sceafull Mountain in the Isle of Man. 91. 7 Scope of the Author in this work or Theatre. 11 Scotland how bounded. 99 1 & 131. 1 How divided. 129 The form of it. 131. 2 The commodities thereof ibid. & 132. 14 The feature and nature of the Scots. ibid. Scotland adorned with 3. Universities. ibid. The position of Scotland. 131. 9 Scotland how divided into Countries or Sherifdomes, Stewardships and Bailywicks. 191. 10 In Scotland Archbishops Metropolitan. 2. & 132. 11. Scots Southern of one Original with the English. 131. 4 Scots natural whence descended and named. 131. 5 Scots vanquish the Picts and raise their name. 131. 8 Scythians came into Spain. 131. 7 Sea-coles▪ 89. 6 A Seaman taken. 33. 7 Sea-sand making the soil fruitful. 21. 3 Seffrid Bishop re-edified Chichester Cathedral Church. 9 6 Segontium now Carnarvan. 123. 6 Segontians where they inhabited. 13. 6 Selby the birthplace of King Henry the first 63. 7 Selby Abbay. 77. 7 Selenae now Sandie. 41. 4 Sessions 4. times in the year, ordained. 5. 3 Severne a noble River. 47. 3 The head thereof. 115. 2 Whence it took name. 115. 3 Severus the Emperor died at York. 78. 9 The manner of his funeral. ibid. Sexwolfe Bishop of Leicester 61. 6 Shastesbary. 6. sheriffs whence they came. 4. 6 Shatland Isle. 132. 22 Shirburne a Bishops See, 17. 7 Translated to Salisbury. 27. 8 Shire whence it cometh. 3. 4 Shires how many in England at sundry times. 4. 8. & 9 Shrewsbury chief Town of Shropshire. 71. 8 The building, site, trade and strength thereof. 71. 8 How governed. ibid. Shropshire how limited. 71. 1 The form, soil, and air thereof. 71. 2. 3. 4 Castles 32. therein. 71 Hundred and towns thereof. 72. Sicily why so called. 15. 1 Sidre in Garnsey what drink 94. 4 Sigebert King of Southsaxons skin. 9 4 Silcester sometime, Caer Segonte. 13. 6 How ancient. 13. 10 Destroyed. 13. 10 Silureses, where they inhabited. 47. 4. & 493. & 107. 4. & 109. 4. & 111. 5 Described. 49. 3 Their valour. Ibid. Subdued by Vespasian. 49. 3 Simon a Monk of Swinstead poisoneth King john. 63. 7 Sisters three, what Rivers in. Leinster. 141. 6 Slego County in Ireland what commodities it yieldeth. 143. 4 Smyris. See Emerill. Snowdon Hill. 123. 4 Soland Geese their use. 132. 14 Solome-Mosse field. 87. 5 Sommersetshire how bounded. 23. 1 Whence it took name ibid. The form and dimension of it. 23. 2 The Air, and soil. 23. 3. & 4 The ancient inhabitants 23. 5 The profit it affordeth. 23. 6 Memorable for sundry Events. 23. 8 Religious houses. 23. 9 Hundred and towns thereof. 24 Somersham annexed to the Crown. 57 7 Southampton described. 13. 10 Southwales divided into six parts. 100 16 Spring of Salt-water at Leamington in Warwickshire 53. 7 Springs that ebb and flow▪ 78. 11 Staffordshire how bounded. 69. 1 The form and dimension of it. 69. 2 By whom anciently inhabited. 69. 5 Commodities thereof. 69. 6 What houses of religion it had. 69. 9 Hundred and towns therein. 70 Stafford Town described. 69. 7 How governed. ibid. The site or positure of it. ibidem. Sir Hubert Saint Clare his death to save King Henry the second. 7. 6 Stamford sometime an University. 59 8 Stamford-bridge battle. 92. 1 Stanneries or Stanniers. 21. 3 Stibium in Darbishire gotten. 67. 5 Stock-Chappell in Norfolk why so called. 35. 8 Stockfish gainful to Kingston men upon Hull. 81. 4. Stones like▪ Serpents. 81. 6 Stony serpents found within round stones▪ 81. 6. Stony Stredford. 4. 3 & 6. The Cross there. ibid. Stones resembling Shel-fishes. 47. 10 Stoneheng described in the Map of Wiltshire. Stoneley Priory in Huntingdonshire. 58. 9 Suffolk how bounded. 33. 1 The air thereof. 33. 2 The form of it▪ ibid. The dimension thereof. 33. 3 By whom possessed in old time. 33. 4 What commodities it yieldeth. 33. 5 How divided. 33. 9 Hundred and towns therein. 34 Sumatra thought to be the Isle Taprobana. 1. 2. Summerled, Prince of Herergaidel slain. 92. 6. 8 Sunning an Episcopal See, translated to Shirburne. 27. 8 Surrey or S●threy how it is bounded. 11. a Whence it took name, 11.4 The form of it. 11. 2 The length thereof. ibid. The breadth of it. ibid. The circumference thereof. ibid. By whom inhabited in old time. 11.4. Principal places in it. 11. 5. & 6. 8 The graduation of it. 11. 6 Religious houses in it. 11.9 What Castles in it. 11. 10 How divided. ibid. Hundred and Towns in it. 12 Sussex what memorable places it hath. 9 8 What commodities it yieldeth 9 9 Religious houses built & suppressed. 9 10 How bounded. 9 1 How divided. 9 10 Rapes, Hundred and Towns in it. 10 Why so named. 9 1 The form of it. 9 2 The length thereof. ibid. The breadth thereof. ibid. The air of it. 9 3 Havens in it uncertain and dangerous. 9 3 Nature of the soil. 9 4 Small River. 79. 3 Swaile dale. ibid. Sword's Delfe why so called. 58. 8 Synod at Colne about Priest's Marriage 25. 6 T Tamar River boundeth the Britain's, by King Athelstanes devise. 3. 2 Tameworth, sometimes the Mercian Kings Courts. 69. 5 Tabrobane the greatest Island 137. 4 Tave-river 105. 3 Teigne-Mouth the landing place of the Danes, at their first invasion. 19 4 Saint Telean Bishop of Llandaffe. 105. 2 Temple to God Terminus. 132. 11 Tetnall, alias, Theotnall, what it signifieth. 69. 5 Teuksbury Field fatal to the Lancastrians 47. 10 Thane or Thean 4. 7 under- Thean. ibid. Theodore a Grecian, Bishop of Canterbury. 7. 8 Theon first Archbishop of London. 6. 5 Thetfort a Bishops See. Thrihings & Thrihingreves. 4. 6 Thule where it is seated. 132. 22 Thule. See Shetland Sir Richard Thumbleby Knight, where buried 117. 6 Thurle-heads, Fish of the Sea, coming to Land in Munster. 139. 10 Tin-Mines in Cornwall. 21. 3 Tinne-Lawes therein. ibid. Tinne-Workes in it ibid. Earl of Tirone his rebellion extinguished. 139. 9 Tithings what they be. 3. 4. 6 Tithing man or Borsholder 3. 6 Titus grasped by an Adder without harm. 13. 6 Torcoch a rare fish. 123. 7 Totnesse the landing place of supposed Brutus. 19 4 Toule●●and hundred in Huntingdonshire. 58. 10 Towns of Britain were woods, etc. 78. 9 Towns how many in England, in William the Conqueror his time. 4. 10 Trees floating in Bagmere. 73. 9 Trinobantes what people, and where they inhabited 29. 5 & 31 5. & 39 4 Turkill the Dane, Earl of the East-Angles. 58. 8 Twomond or County Clare. conveniently seated. 143. 4 FIVE Valentia, a part of Britain why so called. 2. 15 How limited. 2. 16 Velabri ancient people in Ireland, where placed. 139. 4 Venedotia. 1. North-wales Venta, Belgarum. 1. Winchester. 13. 9 Venta Icenorum. 1. Castor. 35. 5 Venta Silurum. 1. Monmouth 107. 4 Robert de Vere▪ Earl of Oxford marquess of Dublin, and Duke of Ireland. 45. 5 Verolanium or Verolamium in Hertfordshire. 39 5 Sacked by Queen Boduo. 39 5 Verterae a place in Westmoreland. 85. 8 Vffines whence so called. 35. 3 Vidoms what they were. 4. 6 Saint Vincents Rock. 23. 6 Virgata, or Yardland what it is. 57 3 Ulster Province how bounded. 145. 1 The form thereof 145. 2 The dimension of it. ibid. The air of it. 145. 3 The soil and commodities hereof. 145. 4 By whom possessed in old time. 145 5. 6 Their ancient custom of making a King▪ 145. 6 Religious houses in it. 145. 10 Counties and Towns in it. 146 Vodiae or Vdiae an ancient nation in Ireland where planted. 139. 4 Vodius, Archbishop of London slain by Vortigerne. 6. 5 Voluntij. 145▪ 5 Vortigern where consumed by lightning. 111. 5 Vortimer slew in Battle Horsae brother to Hengist. 7. 11 Vpton in Worcestershire a Station of the Romans. 51. 6 Vriconium. See Wroxcester. Vsoconia. See Okeny●te. Ursula, the Duke of Cornewals' daughter, with her Virgin-Saincts. 21. 5 Vskebah, an wholesome Aquavitae in Ireland 137. 6 Vterini ancient people in Ireland where they dwelled 139. 4 W A Wall in Scotland from Abercorne or Abercuruing unto Du●britton. 132. 11 Wall-towne. 89. 12 Wales how confined▪ 99 1 The dimension thereof 99 4 Wales and Welsh what it signifieth. 99 1. 2 Counties of Wales, twelve 98. & 100 22 Divided into three Regions or Kingdoms. 99 5 Divided into Southwales. 100 22 Divided into North-wales. ibid. West-wales. ibid.▪ Wales why void of woods. 121. 5 Princes of Wales sprung from the blood Royal of English Kings. 97 Wallingford Castle and Town. 27. 7 Wansdike in Wiltshire. 25. 6 Wantage the birthplace of King Elfred. 27. 9 Wapentach or Wapentake, what it is. 3. 6 War Civil of York and Lancaster. 75. 9 Warwickshire how bounded 53. 1 How divided. 53. 3 The form of it. 53. 2 The compass thereof. ibid. Commodities. ibid. Who inhabited it in old time. 53. 4 Hundred and towns. 54 Warwick Town by whom built. 53. 6 What names it had in old time. ibid. The position thereof. ibid. The Civil government. thereof. 53. 6 Washeses in Lincolnshire hurtful to King john. 63. 4 Wat-Tiler an Arch-rebel slain. 7. 10 Waterfalls or Catadupae. 85. 10 Waterford the second City in Ireland. 139. 7 Ever loyal to the Crown of England since the first Conquest of it ibi. Watling-street 43. 6 Waveney River, 35. 3 Wedon in the street sometime Bannavenna. 55. 7 Weisford in Ireland, the first English Colony. 141▪ 8 Whence it took name. ibid. A Well boiling up with streams of Blood. 27. 9 Ebbing and flowing according to the Sea. 103. 7. & 121 8 Ebbing and flowing contrary to the Sea-tides. 105. 7 A Well, the droppings whereof turn into hard stone. 132. 15 A Well floating with Bitumen. 132. 15 Welles a City in Somersetshire, why so called. 23. 7 By what Civil magistracy governed. ibid. The position or graduation thereof. ibid. Wentsdale. 79. 3 Saint Werburgs Church in Chester. 73. 7. Western islands subject to Scotland how many. 132. 17 How ruled in ancient time. 132. 18 Their Commodities. 132. 19 Westminster a Bishops See. 29. 7 Westmoreland how bounded. 85. 1 The measure thereof. 85. 2 The form and air. 85. 3 The ancient inhabitants. 85. 5 Places of chief note therein. 85. 8 Towns in it. 86 West-Saxon Lage. 5. 3 West-Saxon Law. 4. 8 West Sex. 4. 11 Whitby Abbey founded. 77. 7 Whitgar the Saxon. 15. 7. Whittington Castle. 100 12 Whorwell Monastery built. 17. 6 Wiccijs, what people. 51▪ 4 Wiches. i Salt-pits. ibid. john Wickliff England's morning star. 61. 7 Wight Island described▪ 15 What names it had in old time, 15. 1 The form and dimension of it. 15. 2 The air and Soil thereof. 15. 4 The Commodities of it. 15. 4. 5 By whom first inhabited. 15. 6 By whom subdued. 15. 10 How fortified. 15. 9 What Towns, Rivers, and memorable places in it. 15. 10 How divided. 15. 7. & 16 Wike. See Kingston upon Hull▪ Saint Wilfreds' Needle. 78. 11 Wilfride Bishop, reduced the Islanders of Wight to Christianity. 15. 10 William the Bastard conquered England. 92. 2. & 5. 1 William now Bishop of Excester repaireth the Cathedral Church there. 19 6 William King of Scots taken prisoner. 89. 10 His son drowned with his Cradle▪ 132. 16 Wiltshire how bounded. 25. 1 The form and dimension of it. 25. 2 The air and soil. 25. 3. 4 By whom inhabited in old time. 25. 5 Religious houses in it. 25. 9 Hundred and towns therein. 26. Winander Mere. 75. 7 Winburne Minster. 17. 7 Winchester City by whom built. 13. 9 What name it had in old time. 13. 9 How traded and how often burnt. 13. 9 Situation thereof. 13. 9 Graduation thereof. ibid. Fired by the French. 13. 10 What fortunes it hath been exposed unto ibidem Cathedral Church thereof. 13. 9 Windesor Castle. 27. 7 The Chapel there the Sepulchre of what Kings. 27. 8 Winifrid of Devonshire, the Apostle of the Hessians. etc. 19 6 Winifride's well. 121. 8 Winwid field, 78. 10 Woodland a part of Warwickshire. 53. 3 Woods spared and preserved in Lancashire. 75. 4 Wolsey Cardinal where buried. 61. 6 Wolves paid yearly for a tribute. 117. 3 Women in the Isle of man girt ordinarily with their windingsheetes. 91. 7 Worcestershire how bounded▪ 51. 1 The form and dimension of it. 51. 2 The air and commodities. 51. 5 Hundred and towns 52 Worcester City how named in old time. 51. 3 What calamities it hath sustained. ibid. The Cathedral Church built by Sexwolfe Bishop. ibid. The Civil Magistracy. Ibid. The Geographical position of it. Ibid. Wringcheese rocks. 21. 9 Wroxcester an ancient City in Shropshire. 71. 9 Y Yanesbury trench. 25. 5 Yard-land. See Virgate. Yeoman and Yeomanry. 4. 7 Year River. 35. 3 Yeremouth or Yarmouth whence so named and how seated. 35. 7 Made a Corporation. ibid. A Town very hospitable and famous for herring ibid. York an Archbishops See. 6. 5 What Suffragan Bishops it had, and now hath. 6. 7 York Metropolitan and Primate. 6. 7. & 78. 9 His jurisdiction. ibid. York City what names it had. 78. 9 How York is governed. ibid. The positure of it. ibid. Library thereof. ibid. Yorkshire how otherwise called. 77. 2 What battles there fought. 78. 10 The soil of it. 77. 2 & 5. How bounded. 77. 3 Divided into East Riding 77. 4 North Riding. ibidem West Riding. ibid. The dimension of it. 77. 4 Yorke-Mannerhouse sometime the Abbay of Saint Maries by whom built. 77. 7 Z Zelanders their fishing upon our northeast Sea with licence. 81. 3 A ROMAN A DANE A BRITAIN BRITANNIA A SAXON A NORMAN THE HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN Under the Conquests of the ROMANS, SAXONS, DANES and NORMANS. Their Originals, Manners, Wars, Coins & Seals with the Successions, Lives, acts & Issues of the English Monarches from JULIUS CAESAR, to our most gracious Sovereign King JAMES. by JOHN SPEED IMPRINTED AT LONDON Anno Cum Privilegio 1611 And are to be sold by john Sudbury & Georg Humble, in Pope's head alley at the sign of the white Horse. THE poem. TO THE LEARNED AND LOVERS OF GREAT BRITAIN'S GLORY. Having thus far traveled in the protract, and description of this famous Empire of GREAT BRITAIN, I might here have rested, and claimed the privilege that years and imbecility have brought me unto: had not a further desire in others urged it a matter incident, historically to lay down the originals of those Nations and successions of those Monarches, which either by birth or conquest have aspired to the Jmperiall Crown. And albeit I find myself both tired in the former, and most unfit to prosecute this latter, yet will I endeavour to give herein my best assays; though as my labours, so my wants also, thereby will be made more vulgar to the world. Heraclite. For if those men were blameworthy against whom Heraclite exclaimeth, who with long toil and great trouble find a little pure substance in a great deal of base earth: how shall I then free me from the like imputation, that from so many mines of pure metals, have gotten so little Oar, and the same neither well tried in my defective furnace, nor yet artificially cast off through the default of the mould, wanting both skill for to fashion, and measure to perform, the true proportions that in such a project is to be required; and how often these my defects have dissuaded my proceed, is best known to him that is the searcher of the heart. But by what fate I am enforced still to go forward, I know not, unless it be the ardent affection and love to my native Country; wherein I must confess that Nature in those gifts hath been both liberal, yea and prodigal, though Fortune as sparing & fast-handed against me, ever checking the Bit with the Rains of necessity, and kerbing the means that should illustrate my labours: which moves me sometimes to think that if the great Philosopher Theophrastus, had cause on his deathbed Theophrastus. to accuse Nature, for giving man so long a lesson, and so short a life; then I against Fortune may as justly exclaim, that hath assigned me so great a labour and so little means. And therefore let it not seem offensive that I draw my waters from the cisterns of others, who am not able to fetch them at the springhead myself: Neither that I strike upon the same anvil unto their sound, though nothing so loud, nor with the like strength; wherein yet this fruit at lest will (I hope) redound of my endeavours that I shall incite the more learned: if not otherwise, yet in emulation of me, to free the face drawn by Apelles, from the censure of the fault or defect in the foot, and not only to amend, but even to new-mould the whole. Which thing though my 2. Sam. 19 35. days are near spent; and with Barzillai I may say that music to me is now unpleasing: Socrates. yet doth my ear thirst after the set of that strain, as Socrates' thoughts ran ever on his Book: who the night before he was to suffer death, was desirous to learn music, because he would die learning still something. Moses when he foresaw the destruction of his Commonwealth, which whilst it stood, was the glory of the earth, and a Deut. 6. 6. 7. pattern to all kingdoms succeeding, left this for a Law among the rest, and even to remain for ever, that the fathers should teach their children, and should commit unto writing Deut. 4. 32. those things which the Lord in their days had done, and enjoined the children; Likewise to inquire of the times that were passed, even from the first creation of man: For when as Empires and Kingdoms, Common weals and Cities, do end and perish, yet the Histories thereof do remain and live; And that made Cicero to say as he did, that Salamina Thales. should be utterly forgotten, before the things that were done in Salamina should perish: And therefore as among the wise answers of Thales, the Histories of Countries are to be Cicero. accounted for principals, either as Cicero calleth them the Mistress of life, and expositions Simonides. of Times; so likewise let us from the lyrical Poet Simonides learn this further, That he Cassidore. is perfectly happy which knows his native country to be truly glorious. And as Cassidore calls him a worthy Citizen that seeketh the commodity of his country: So contrariwise he is by Bale in Leylands Newyears gift. Bale esteemed but a fruitless clod of earth, that sucks the sap of his soil only to himself, whose memorial shall perish as the dispersed smoke in the clouds, though for a time he mount aloft in his swelling pride. This natural love and true affection to our native Country, we may further learn from the ancient patriarchs and Fathers themselves, who besides a desire that they had to theirs, continually to live therein during Gen. 49. 29. life, commanded their bodies to be buried therein after death: from whose Bowels they first had assumed their breaths, and in whose bosom they laid their bones, as in their last bed of rest. Yea, of the unreasonable creatures, the Birds and Beasts, we may learn this love, that always are willing towards their home. And if it happen that Countries grow unkind as Homer's did, that in his old age and blind, suffered him to jerem. 37. 1. beg his bread; or that a Prophet in his own country is not esteemed, as Jeremy felt it, Matt. 13. 57 and CHRIST JESUS taught, yet did the one for his people's captivity, wish his eyes a jerem. 9 1. Luke 19 41. fountain of tears, and the other for his countries destruction lamented and wept, holding Matt. 15. 26. it unlawful to take the children's bread, and to give it unto others. That this our Country and subject of History deserveth the love of her inhabitants, is witnessed even by foreign writers themselves, who have termed it the Court of Queen Ceres, the Granary of the Western world, the fortunate Island, the Paradise of pleasure and Garden of God; whose typographical descriptions for the whole Island, and Geographical surveys for the several parts, exceed any other kingdom under the cope of Heaven; Habak. 2. 9 that only excepted which was conquered and divided by Josuah; And for fruitfulness and temperature may be accounted another Canaan; watered with rivers that do cleave Gene. 13. 10. the earth, as the Prophet speaketh, and make the land as rich and beautiful, as was that of Egypt. Our Kings for valour and Sanctity, ranked with the worthiest in the world, and our Nations originals, conquests, and continuance, tried by the touch of the best human Tho. Lanquet. testimonies, leave as fair a Lustre upon the same stone, as doth any other, and with any nation may easily contend (saith Lanquet) both for antiquity, and continual inhabitants, from the first time that any of them can claim their originals. And although our many Records are perished by the invasions of strangers, through their covetous Conquest of so fair a Land; or in the civil dissensions of homebred aspirers that have sought the possession of so rich a Crown, yet Truth hath left us no less beholding unto her, than mightier Nations, and them that would be far more famous. Neither is it to be wondered at, that the Records of GREAT BRITAIN are eaten up with Time's teeth, as Ovid speaks, when as in Times ruins lie buried their Registers, ovid. Metam. lib. 15. that have been kept with a stronger guard, as Titus Livy in the entrance of his History affirmeth of the Romans. As for those things (saith he) as are reported either before, or at the foundation of the City more beautified and set out with Poet's fables, then grounded upon pure and faithful reports, I mean neither to aver nor disprove. Of whose uncertainties, let us a while hear the reporters themselves speak, before we proceed to the certain successions of our British Monarches: until which time the credit of our History may well be said to weigh with (if not down peize) many others. Varro (that learned Roman writer, who lived an hundred years before the birth of our Saviour Christ) Histories uncertain to the Flood, and from the Flood to the first Olympias fabulous. Plutarch. calleth the first world to the Flood uncertain; and thence to the first Olympias fabulous: Because in that time (saith he) there is nothing related (for the most part) but fables among the Greeks, Latins, and other learned Nations. And therefore Plutarch beginneth the lives of his worthy men, no higher than Theseus: because (saith he) what hath been written before, was but of strange things, and sayings full of monstrous fables imagined and devised by Poets, which are altogether uncertain and most untrue. And Diodorus Siculus Diodorus Siculus. (that lived in Augustus Caesar's time, a great searcher after Antiquities, and for thirty years continuance a traveler into many countries, for information and further satisfaction) writing his History called Bibliotheca, containing forty Books, and years of continuance one thousand, one hundred thirty and eight, of his first six himself giveth this censure in his poem. These Books (saith he) containing the Acts of ancient men, before the destruction of Troy, with the ancient Histories aswell of Grecians as Barbarians, are called fabulous: Which moved Lucretius the Poet to demand this question. Lucretius. Cur supra bellum Thebanum & funera Troiae, Non alias quondam veteres cecinere Poetae? Why have not Poets in their works of feigned stories brought, Things done before the Wars of Thebes, or Troy's destruction wrought? Thucydides. Yea and of Troy's story itself, if we may believe Thucydides (whom Bodine commendeth for an absolute Historian) though it be ancient (saith he) yet a great part Tully. thereof is fabulous. And Tully out of Plato complaineth of as much: For you Grecians (saith he) as children in learning, deliver only things uncertain, and have mingled fables with the Wars of Thebes, and of Troy, things (perhaps) which never were, but gathered out of the scattered Verses of Homer and others, not digested by Aristarchus, and are yet uncertain and obscure. And that the Greeks indeed were but babes in Antiquity, Josephus josephus contra Appion. lib. 1. in his Nation's defence against Appion, sufficiently doth prove, where he affirmeth, That the invention of their Letters was not so old as the siege of Troy, insomuch that the Poesy of Homer (than the which there is none more ancient among them) was not M. Cato in a fragment of his. committed to writing, but sung by roate. And the Latin tongue itself by M. Cato is said, not to have been in use four hundred and fifty years before the building of Rome. Titus Livi. And Titus Livy their famous Historian, freely confesseth, That the use of Letters and learning among the Romans, was rare and hard to be found before the taking of Rome by the Gauls. Yea, and of the uncertainty of Rome's foundation, how lavish so ever Historians have written, not only Fenestella hath continued whole Pages, but Plutarch Fenestella. Plutarch in the life of Romulus. likewise in the life of Romulus, hath many sayings, whereof this is one. The Historiographers (saith he) do not agreed in their writings, by whom, nor for what cause the great name of Rome (the glory whereof is blown abroad through the world) wasfirst given unto it; some affirming, that the Pelagians after they had run over a great part of the world, lastly stayed themselves in that place where Rome was new built, and for their great strength in Arms, gave name to that City Rome, which signifieth power in the Greek tongue. Other say, that certain Troyans' after their siege, in certain vessels saved themselves by flight, and being put into the Tuscan Sea, anchored near to the River Tiber: whose wives being extremely seasick, through the counsel of Roma a Lady, the wisest and worthiest among them, set fire on the whole Fleet; whereupon their husbands (though sore offended) were enforced to make use of their present necessity, and near unto Palantium planted this City, whose fame presently grew great, and in honour of Lady Roma named it Rome; and from hence they say the custom of kissing in salutations came, after the example of these wives, who to appease the husband's wraths with smiles and embracings kissed their mouths. Some will have the name from Roma the daughter of Jtalus and of Lucaria, or else of Telephus the son of Hercules, and of the wife of Aeneas. Others of Ascanius the son of Aeneas. Some again from Romanus the son of Ulysses and of Cyrce, will have it named Rome. Others from Romus the son of Emathion, whom Diomedes sent thither from Troy. There are that bring the name thereof from one Romus a tyrant of the Latins, who drove the Tuscans out of those parts. And they who think that Romulus (as that is most general, and carrieth the most likelihood to be Rome's founder,) do not agreed Thucydides lib. 2. cap. 7. about his ancestors, as more at large in Plutarch appeareth. And therefore with Thucydides we may well say, It is a hard and difficult matter to keep a mean in speaking of things, wherein scarcely can be had a certain opinion of truth. And the rather, for that the josephus contra Appion. li. 1. Hellanicus. Acusilaus. Diodorus. Herodotus. Ephorus. Timaeus. Philistus. Callias. Thucydides. Suetonius in vita Caesar. Sect. 55. Tacitus. F. Maximus. Silenus. Antigonus. Jerome. Dionysius Hal. Bodine. writers themselves have blamed each others of affectation & falsehood, as in Josephus we may see; who affirmeth, That Hellanicus dissented from Acusilaus, Acusilaus with Diodorus correcting Herodotus; Epherus accused Hellanicus of untruths; so did Timaeus reprove Ephorus of as much; Philistus and Callias dissented from Timaeus in his History of Sicily, and Thucydides accounted a liar by some. Caesar is taxed by Asinius Pollio (saith Suetonius) to be partial in his Commentaries; And Tacitus by Tertullian is blamed for untruths; Fabius Maximus is reprehended by Polybius for defectively writing the Punic wars; and himself again with Silenus, Timaeus, Antigonus, & Hierom, as much found fault with by Dionysius Halicarnassaeus, for writing the Roman histories so unperfectly. And a man may use the very same speech against Dionysius, saith Bodine. These things thus standing, let us give leave to Antiquity, who sometimes mingleth falsehoods with truth, to make the beginnings of Policies seem more honourable: And whose power is far screwed into the world's conceit, that with Hierom. in his Prologue. in job. Jerome we may say, Antiquity is allowed with such general applause, that known untruths many times are pleasing unto many. Yet with better regard to reverend Antiquity, job. 8. 8. whom Jobs opposer wills us inquire after, and to our own relations in delivering their censures, let this be considered; That more things are let slip, then are comprehended in any man's writings, and yet more therein written, than any man's life (though it be long) will admit him to read. Neither let us be forestalled with any prejudicate opinions of the reporters; that in somethings may justly be suspected, or in affection, which Titus Livi. lib. 8. by nature we own to our natural Country; nor consent (as Livy speaketh) to stand to the ancientness of reports, when it seemeth to take away the certainty of truth. To keep a mean betwixt both, myself with Bildad do confess, that I am but of yesterday, and know nothing, and therefore will relate the original names and Nations of this famous Jland, with the successions of her monarchs and Historical actions, so far only as is most approved by the best Writers, and will leave other clouds of obscurity to be cleared by the labours of a more learned pen. THE SITE AND CIRCVIT OF GREAT BRITAIN'S MONARCHY. CHAPTER I BESIDES those fruitful islands that dispersedly are scattered about the Main, like to beautiful pearls that encompass a Diadem, the I'll of GREAT BRITAIN doth raise itself first to our sight, as the Body of that most famous & mighty Empire, whereof many other Kingdoms and Countries are parcels and members. Being by the Almighty so set in the main BRITAIN Admiral of the Seas. Ocean, as that she is thereby the High Admiral of the Seas, and in the terrestrial Globe so seated, as that she is worthily reputed both The Garden of Pleasure, and The Storehouse of Profit, opening her havens every way, fit to receive all foreign traffic, and to utter her own into all other parts: and therefore (as the Sovereign Lady and Empress of the rest) deserves our description in the first place. (2) This Island is so spacious and ample, that Cesar (the first Roman discoverer thereof) supposed In Panegy. Orat. to Constantius. that he had found out another World: for to his seeming it appeared, that the Ocean was rather contained within that Main, than that Main to be compassed with the Oc●an about. And julius Solinus, for her circuit and largeness, saith that it deserveth the name of Aristides. Another World. But Aristides a Greek Author speaks much more properly, who by way of excellency termeth BRITAIN, The Great Island: As likewise Tacit. in vit. Agr. Tacitus, that undertook to describe BRITAIN BRITAIN the greatest Island known to the Romans. Dionysius. S●rabo. Rutil. Numat. by his own knowledge, who saith, that of all islands known to the Romans it was the greatest: And so doth Dionysius in his description of the World. (3) But as Strabo compares the then known World, to a Cloak, Rutilius Numatianus Italy, to an Oaken leaf, and Dionysius Spain, unto an Oxhide: so the Fabius' Rustic. said Tacitus in the life of Agricola, from Livy his ancient, and Fabius Rusticus his modern, doth liken the fashion thereof to a long Dish, or two-headed Axe: whose form notwithstanding may better be exposed to the eye, in the draft before seen, then can be explained in words to conceit, or unto any other thing be compared besides itself: especially seeing that so many good Writers have had but very bad success in their resemblances of Countries. And this of them is rather unlike to either, if we speak of the whole, which then was unknown, as it seemeth by BRITAIN discovered to be an Island 1 3 6. years after julius Caesar's entrance into it. Tacitus in vita Agric. Tacitus. And the huge enorm tract of ground beyond Caledonia, which runneth unto the furthermost point, growing narrow and sharp like a wedge, was first redoubled with the Roman fleet by julius Agricola, and BRITAIN discovered to be an Island▪ one hundred thirty and six years after julius Caesar's first entrance therein. BRITAIN thought one continent with FRANCE. servius Honorat. (4) Some have been induced by the narrowness of the Sea, and likeness of the Soil, to think that BRITAIN was sometimes joined to the continent of France: whereunto servius Honoratius subscribeth in his Commentary upon the first Eclog of Virgil, who there mentioneth Claudian. — Penitùs toto divisos orb Britannos, The Britain people quite from all the world disioined. As likewise by Claudian another ancient Poet it is styled, — nostro deduct a Britannia mundo, The Britain soil removed from our world's continent. Vinianus. And Vinianus with them affirms, that in the beginning Britain and Gallia were both one Landlord The like doth Virgil verify of the I'll of Sicily, which in Sicily thought once one continent with italy. Dominus Niger. Thought of some that all islands had their first separation from the Main by the rage of the general Deluge. times past he reports to have been one with Italy. Others hold, that all islands had their first separation from the Main by the rage of the general Deluge, and that the mountains thereby showed their tops above the plain grounds▪ and the plains settling lower, become deep valleys. When or howsoever, by God's divine ordinance and wisdom, we see that these islands situated in the Seas, do no less serve and adorn the Ocean itself, than the Lakes and Pools of water do the dry land, and all of them (as members of one mass) to minister sustenance for the life of all things living, and pleasures to the use and service of man. Catullus. (5) The Island of BRITAIN, of all others the most famous (by Catullus reputed the furthest towards the West) is bounded on the South with Normandy and France, upon the East with Germany and Denmark, upon the West with Ireland and the Atlantic Ocean, and upon the North with the vast Deucalidon Seas. The length thereof, measured by the graduations to both extremes, that is, from the Lysard Point Southward in Cornwall, which lieth in the Latitude of 50. degrees and 6. minutes, to the Straithy head in Scotland (being the furthest point of this Island towards the North) set in the degree 60. and 30. minutes containeth (according to the scale of the terrestrial Britain's length. Globe) six hundred twenty four miles: not to trouble the Reader with other accounts, seeing the same so exactly to agreed with the spaces of the heavens. And the extent of the Land in the brodest part is from the Lands end in Cornwall in the West (situated in 14. degrees and 37. minutes of Longitude, according to Mercator his Atlas) unto the Island Tenet in the East of Kent (lying in 22. degrees 30. minutes) Britain's breadth. and containeth miles 340. as they have delivered, that with curious search have laid the dimension thereof. BRITAIN in the 8. Climate for Latitude, and for Longitude placed between the parallels fourteen and twenty six. (6) The site of this Island is set by the Mathematics in the eighth Climate for Latitude, and the Longitude likewise placed betwixt the Parallels fourteen and twenty six: a seat as well for Air as Soil, both fruitful and mild; and for length of days, pleasant and delightful: for in the height of Summer the day is said to be eighteen equinoctial hours long, whereof sixteen and a half are spent from Sun In the furthest North part of BRITAIN 〈◊〉 nights so short, as the space betwixt the days going and coming can hardly be perceived. In vita Agricol●. to Sun. Yea and Tacitus saith, that in the furthest North part of the Island the nights are so short, that betwixt the going out and coming in of the day the space is hardly perceived, and the Sun seen neither to set nor arise: Because (saith he) the extreme and plain parts of the earth project a low shadow, and raise not the darkness on high, so the night falleth under the sky and star. Better might he have said, by reason of the inclination of his Circle to the Horizon descending not directly, but passing obliquely, razing as it were under their Horizon. (7) The air, saith Strabo and Tacitus, is rather inclinable Caesar. Com. lib. 5. to showers then to snow. And Cesar commends The cold in Britain less than in France. it to be more temperate, and the cold lesser, then that in France, as not subject to either extremes, as the more Northern and Southern Countries are: to which temperature Cescenius Getulicus a very ancient Poet seemeth to have respect, when of this Island thus he versifieth: Probus in Virgil. Georgic. Non illîc Aries verno ferit aëra cornu, Gnosia nec Gemini praecedunt cornua Tauri. The horned Ram there butteth not the air of tender spring: The Twins, nor Bull do to this soil untimely seasons bring. The Arabic Geography. (8) And although the Seas thereof are accounted and called by Nubiensis the Arabian, The dark and dangerous Seas, in regard of the misty vapours that therefrom arise, yet in the winter season those clouds are dispersed into still showers of rain, that do dissolve the rigour and great extremity of the cold: yea and those Seas themselves stirred and working to and fro British Seas warm. De natura Deorum Lib. 2. Minutius Foelix, adjoined to Arnobius, as his eighth book. with the winds, do thereby wax warm (as Cicero saith) so that a man may easily perceive within that world of waters a certain heat enclosed. And Minutius Foelix proving that GOD hath a special regard to the several parts of the world, as well as to the whole, saith, that BRITAIN, though otherwhiles wanting the aspect of the Sun, yet is it relieved with the Britain's seawindes in summer assuage the heat. warmth of her environing Seas; and as much refreshed, we may well say, by those sweet and gentle winds that in the height of Summer are sent from those seas, and do abate the rigour of the suns great scorching heat; and yieldeth not only intercourse for traffic into all parts of the World, but plentifully aboundeth with all sorts of fish, to the great benefit of the Inhabitants; In vita Agricolae. and bringeth forth Pearls, as Tacitus showeth, which were usually cast out with the flood, and gathered at the ebb. These Pearls, though not altogether so orient as they in India, by Amianus in his 23. book and 12. chapter, are called Rich Gems. And Pliny in his ninth book and thirty fifth chapter, useth In vit. Caesar. cap. 47. the like term: The desire whereof (as Suetonius saith) drew Caesar's affection for the Conquest of BRITAIN. (9) The soil (saith Tacitus) setting aside the Olive, the Vine, and such other plants as are only proper Britain aboundeth with all sorts of Grain. to hotter Countries, taketh all kind of Grain, and beareth it in abundance: it shooteth up quickly, and ripeneth slowly: the cause of both is the same, the overmuch moisture of the soil, and the air. And Cesar writeth, that for timber it was stored of all Caesar. Com. lib▪ 5. kinds, as in Gallia, the Beech and Fir tree only excepted. For abundance of Grain, Britain is said to Britain called the seat of Q. Ceres. be The seat of Queen Ceres, by Orpheus the old Poet; and the Granary and Storehouse for the Western World, as Charles the great termed it: and by our own Ancestors in the black Book of the Exchequer it is called a Paradise of pleasure. From whence the Romans Romans laded 800. vessels with corn in Britain for their armies elsewhere. Zosomus. were wont yearly to transport (with a fleet of eight hundred vessels bigger than Barges) great store of corn for the maintenance of their Armies. But unto the particular relation of each several blessing belonging to this most happy Island, we will not again enter, seeing that in every County we have sufficiently, and no more than truly, spoken thereof. Only, if you please, hear what hath been said of this Land by the Roman Orators, and first in the panegyric to Constantius the Emperor. Panegyrie. to Constantius. (10) OH happy BRITAIN, and more fortunate than all other Lands beside, which first didst see Constantine Emperor! For good cause hath nature endowed thee In Britain neither excessive cold of winter, nor extreme heat of summer. Britain abounding with all plenty of food for man's sustenance and delight. with all blessings both of air and soil: wherein there is neither excessive cold of Winter, nor extreme heat of Summer: wherein there is so great abundance of grain, that it sufficeth both for bread and drink. There the forests are free from savage beasts, and the ground voided of noisome serpents: in whose stead an infinite multitude of tame cattles there are, with their udders strutting full of milk, and laden with sleeces to the ground. And verily (that which for the use of our lives we most esteem) the days are therein very long, and the nights never without some light, for that those Britain's nights never without some light. utmost plains by the sea side cast and raise no shadows on high; and the aspect both of sky and stars passeth beyond the bound of the night: yea the very Sun itself, which unto us seemeth for to set, appeareth there only to pass by a little, and go aside. Panegyr▪ spoken to Constantius. And in another, spoken to Constantius, the father of Constantine the Great, thus is said: Though BRITAIN be but a single name, yet surely the State's losses have been manifold, in foregoing a Land so plentiful in fruit and grain, so rich in pasturage, so full of mines and veins of metal, so gainful in tributes BRITAIN full of mines of metals. and revenues, so accommodated with many havens, and for circuit so large and spacious. Remains. And a Poet of good antiquity, of nature's motherly affection towards this our Island, hath thus written: Tu nimio nec stricta gelu, nec sydere feruens, Clementi coelo temperiéque places. Cùm parcret Natura parens, varióque favore Divideret dotes omnibus una locis, Seposuit potiora tibi, matrémque professa, Insula sis foelix, plenáque pacis, ait. Quicquid amat luxus, quicquid desider at usus, Ex te proveniet, vel aliunde tibi. Nor freezing cold, nor scorching hot thou art; Thy air a heavenly temper, sweetly breathed: So pleased Dame Nature when she first bequeathed To every soil of herrich gifts a part; Then Mother-like best choice for thee she sought: Be thou (quoth she) the blessed I'll of peace. What ever pleasure yields, or wealth's increase, From thee shall grow, or shall to thee be brought. (11) And that BRITAIN hath been taken for those fortunate islands whereof the Poets have imagined a perpetual spring time, is certain by Isacius Isacius Tzetzes. Tzetzes a Greek Author of good account. And in Robert of Auesburie we read, what time Pope Clement Robert of Auesburie. Britain taken for the fortunate islands. the sixth had elected Lewis of Spain to be Prince of the Fortunate islands, raising him powers both in Italy and France, the English Ligier Ambassadors, that lay then in Rome for King Edward the third, were so deeply set in the opinion, that this preparation was madeagainst BRITAIN, that they wrote their suspicions conceived, and presently withdrew themselves into England, to certify the King of these designs. And it seemeth Pope Innocent the fourth was of the same mind, when (as Matth. Paris. writeth) Ad ann. 1246. he said, Verè hortus deliciarum est Anglia: verè puteus inexhaustus est: Et ubi multa abundant, de multis multa possunt extorqueri, etc. Certes the Kingdom of England is the very Paradise of pleasures, a Well which can never be drawn dry: where many things do abound, Pope Innocent maketh suit to the King of England to see Britain. and whence many things may be extorted, etc. With which his conceit he was afterward so far transported with a longing desire, as he made great means and earnest suit to the King of England (as the said Author writeth, ad and 1250.) that he might come into England to see that Country which was every where so much renowned. In a word, BRITAIN is so rich in commodities, so beautiful in situation, and so resplendent in all glory, that if the Omnipotent Joseph. bell. I●dai. lib. 7. cap. 13. (as one hath said) had vouchsafed to fashion the world round like a ring, as he did like a globe, it might have been most worthily the only Gem therein. Whose Valleys are like Eden: whose Hills are as Lebanon: whose Springs are as Pisgah: whose Rivers are as jordan: whose Walls is the Ocean: and whose defence is the Lord JEHOVAH. (12) The body then of this Imperial Monarchy showeth not only the greatness of itself in itself, butalso extendeth her beautiful branches into many other Countries and Kingdoms far jacent BRITAIN sustained at once no less than 11. King's commanding great powers. and remote. This greatness is made the more sensible, for that the Island in times past sustained at once no less than eleven Kings in their royal estates, all of them wearing Crowns, and commanding great powers. Such was the Heptarchy of the Saxons seven Kingdoms, seated on the South of Severius his Wall. Two Kingdoms thence had their sites in that Northern part, and their several Kings of Scots and Picts ruling on both sides the Clude, even unto the Deucaledonian Seas. And two Kingdoms (if not more) divided into North and South, and their Kings of the ancient Britain's ruling the West part of this Island D. powel in his Chron. of Wales▪ in Rhoderi●ke the Great. beyond the Clawdh Offa, or Offa his Ditch, commonly called WALES. The I'll of Man belonging to Britain▪ a kingdom within itself. (13) The islands likewise belonging to this Empire had Kings of their own, as that of Man, the Orcadeses, and in Ireland at one time five Kings reigning together. France also is annexed, and so was Cyprus Cyprus and some provinces subdued to Britain. sometimes with some Provinces of Syria, subdued by King Richard the first, surnamed Caeur-de-lion. And at this present in the new World of America a Colony of A Colonel of Britain's in VIRGINEA. BRITAIN'S is seated in that part now called VIRGINEA; whereby the borders of our Sovereign's command and most rightful title may be enlarged, & the Gospel of jesus Christ further preached, which no doubt will in time be embraced, to the salvation of many, and great honour to the BRITAIN'S. And that the borders of this most royal Tent have been wide spread in former times, White of Basin stock is of Vitus Basingstocke. The limits of the British Empire in times passed from the Orcadeses unto the Pyere● Mountains. opinion, who affirmeth that the limits of the British Empire in old time was from the Orcadeses unto the Pyrenean Mountains. And that King Athelstan after his conquest of those Northern parts with that of Denmark wrote so his title: which further is confirmed by the Charter of King Edgar for the foundation of the Cathedral Church at Worcester, wherein likewise he so styled himself. The enlargement whereof we pray to be accomplished, especially in those parts where God is not known, according to the saying of the Prophet, that the curtains of our habitations may be further Isa. 54. spread, with increase on the right hand and on the left: and that our seed may possess those GENTILES, Eight Nations converted to Christ by Englishmen. and devil in their Cities: whereby the ninth Nation may be converted unto CHRIST, as eight others before this time by Englishmen have been. THE NAMES THAT HAVE BEEN ATTRIBUTED UNTO THIS ISLAND OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAPTER II AS touching the first Inhabitants and original Names of this Island, things so far cast into the misty darkness of obscurity and oblivion, that there is▪ no The first Inhabiters of this Island being merely barbarous, never troubled themselves to transmit their Originals to posterity. Caesar. Com. lib. 6. Druids the only wise men among the first Inhabitants of this Island. If the first Inhabitants of this Island had written any thing of their original, yet it must needs have perished. Gildas de excidio Britanniae. No understanding of the first affairs of this Island, but from foreign Writers. hope left us, so lately born, to discover them; especially knowing that the first Inhabitants being merely barbarous, never troubled themselves with care to transmit their Originals to posterity: neither if they would, could have done, being without Letters, which only do preserve and transfer knowledge unto others. And say they had letters, yet was it not lawful for them to commit their affairs to writing, as Cesar doth testify of the Druids, the only wise and learned men among them, that had the managing both of justice and religious Rites. And had they committed these things to writing, yet doubtless had they perished in the revolutions of so many ages as are passed, and so many conversions or eversions of the State. Gildas and Ninius, the Britain's first Historians, confess plainly, that they had no understanding of the ancient affairs of this Island, but from foreign Writers▪ and neither that above two hundred and odd years before the birth of our Saviour Christ. At which time Polybius a most grave Writer, and an attendant Polybiu●. upon Scipio, saith, that the Regions Northward from Narbona (as this is) were utterly unknown; and whatsoever was written or reported of them, was but a Roman Writers the best directors for the antiquity of Britain. dream. And therefore until such time as the Roman Writers reach forth their hands to direct us, we shall wander, as without a guide, and shall seem to heap more rubbish upon former ruins. (2) Yet let this be granted, that the Original names of Countries and Provinces were first assumed The original names of Countries and Provinces assumed first from their possessors. judg. 18. 29. judg. 10. 4. from their possessors, whereof josephus in the seventh Chapter of his first Book of Antiquities is a sufficient Witness, who in the dispersion of Noah's sons and his nephews, nameth the Country's according to their families. So did the children of Dan name Laish after their father: jair his Cities that he conquered in the Land of Gilead▪ and judea from judah whose King was of him. And that this also was the practice of the Gentiles, Perionius doth show, who saith, that himself Perionius de original. G●llicae. Spain named from Hispalus, Italy from Italus▪ Sam●thes the sixt son of Japhet the first inhabiter of this Island▪ who named it Samothea 252. years after the flood. knew no Nation in the earth, which would not have their names either from their Prince, Captain, or King: the example whereofhee inserteth, that Spain was so named from Hispalus, Italy from Italus, and the like. (3) And accordingly from Samothes the sixth son of japheth (whom Moses calleth Mesech) the brother of Gomer, and of javan, whose seed is said in the tenth of Genesis to have replenished the Isles of the Gentiles, is brought by some Authors into this Island, the year after the general Flood two hundred fifty and two, where he seated, and gave Laws to his people, and left to his posterity the name thereof to be called Samothea, after his own. But sith the credit of The credit of this Samothes and his Samothea ariseth only from a small and new pamphlet, beating the name of Berosus the Chaldean. this Samothes and his Samothea ariseth only from a small and new pamphlet, bearing the name of Berosus the Chaldean, bolstered out under a show of aged Antiquity, and thrust into the world under the countenance of the ancient Historian himself: I mean not to enforce, seeing my purpose is to expose this most beautiful Island in her own beseeming attire, and not deformed by these rotten and patched rags. And of this forged Berosus we have better cause to upbraid johannes Annius his Countenancer and Commenter, Plate in Timaeus. Solon quippeth th● Grecians, as not having attained to the years of a grey head for history. Lodovic. vives. Gasperus Varrerius. Berosus reject d. than the Egyptian Priests had to twit Solon, in accusing the Grecians, that for history had not attained to the years of a grey head. For it exceeds not much one hundred and twenty years since the same book first appeared in the world; and then vehemently suspected as fabulous by Lodovicus vives, and afterwards convicted by the learned Gasperus Varrerius in a several treatise, and now universally rejected of all skilful Antiquaries. ALBION the name of this ●land ●o termed by the Grecians. (4) But the name ALBION is better received, being found so termed of the Grecians in ancient time, as in the book De Mundo, written to Alexander, and supposed to be Aristotle's, Pliny in his Natural History, Ptolemy, Strabo, and others: yet upon what ground it should be so called there arise many conjectures. Pomponius Mela cap. de Gallia. Pomponius Mela, Nicolas Perottus, Rigmanus Philesius, Aristotle, and Humphrey Lhuyd, derive it from The name Albion from Albion the Giant. Albion Mareoticus a Giant, and son of Neptune, that conquered (as they say) these Samotheans, and seated himself in this Island the year after the Flood three hundred thirty five. And if that be true which Perottus and Lilius Giraldus have written, then may this Albion give name to this Island. Notwithstanding, Strabo lib. 4. 〈◊〉 Cosmogr. Barthol. de proprietatibus rerum. Strabo, Munster, and Friar Bartholomew, will have it so named ab albis rupibus, of the rocks and white cliffs appearing towards the coasts of France: which carrieth the more likelihood through the credit of Orpheus a most ancient Poet, who in his Argonauticks (if so be they were his) calleth the Island next unto Hibernia Albion called the White Landlord or Hernin, which questionless is this of ours, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, the white Landlord And accordingly have Welsh Poets 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●●and 〈…〉. the Welsh Poets called it Inis Wen. And this is further confirmed from Cicero, who termeth these whitish cliffs mirificas moles; as also by the antic Coins of Britain stamped 〈◊〉 a woman's attire ●itting upon rocks. Fracast. de m●rbis contagio●is, Lib. 1. Antonius Pius and Severus the Roman Emperors, whereon BRITAIN is stamped in a woman's attire sitting upon rocks. And the same being chalky, or of a plasterlike substance, Fracastorius supposeth was the cause of the sweeting sickness, and whereof Albion had the name. Unless some will derive it from Alphon, which as Festus saith, doth signify white in Greek; or Olbion, rich or happy, in regard of the fertility of the soil, wholesome temperature of the air, and the rich commodities in the same: either from Albion for Humphrey Lhuydin Breu●ar. Brit. the high situation. But from the Latin albis rupibus it could not be derived, when that language was unknown Marianus Scotus. joh. Rous. Albion, from Albina the beautiful daughter of Dioclesian. to the world. Marianus the Monk, john Rous, David Pencair, and William Caxton, from others more ancient, do fetch the name thereof from Albina the beautiful daughter of Dioclesian King of Syria, who with her sisters, thirty in number, for the slaughter of their husbands, were banished their Country, and without man, oars, or tackles, were committed to the mercy of the Seas, who after many adventures, A ridiculous opinion for a progeny of Grants in Albion. lastly arrived upon this shore, where they inhabited, and gave name to this Island, calling it Albion after the name of their eldest sister: and accompanying with Devils, brought forth a progeny of Giants, if we will believe the Legend of this most impudent liar, which is worthily rejected by Badius, Volateranus, Harding, Bale, john Rous, and others. But that the name Albion was both of great acceptance and long continuance, is apparent by the worthy Epitheton of King Edgar the Saxon, who in his Charter for the foundation of the Abbey of Ely, hath these words: Ego Edgarus Basileus The name Albion retained in the Charters of some of our latter Kings. dilectae Insulae Albionis, subditis nobis sceptris Scotorum, Cumbrorum, & omnium circumcirca Regionum, quieta pace fruens, etc. By which he knitteth the whole Island together, as a Land worthily to be beloved, and calleth it ALBION. BRITAIN. The Grecians first named this Island by the name BRITAIN▪ (5) The next name ascribed unto this Island is BRITAIN, and that first found and given by the Grecians, who were the first discoverers of these Western parts of the world: either from their painted bodies, as their neighbours (if not ancestors) the Gauls were named of their long shaggy hair, or of their rich metals therein gotten, and thence carried in abundance into other Countries; or from Brutus, that with his dispersed Troyans' conquered it, as he of Monmouth hath translated; or what occasion soever, jeffrey ap Arthur. I dispute not: only it fears me I shall give but small satisfaction to the desirous Reader, of the cause and original of this name, being consorted with so many How this Island came to have the name Britanni● is very uncertain. uncertainties, wherein the further we follow this entangled thread, the further are we lead into the Labyrinth of ambiguity. But as Plutarch, Livy, and other Latin Writers have complained of the many fictions The feign of Poets have bred mistrust in many true histories. and fables of Poets intermingled with the histories of truth, whereby truth itself was often made inctedible; so we in rehearsing the divers names of Britanny, and the reasons thereof by sundry Writers alleged, rest free in our relations, either from impeaching the power of Antiquity, or approving those things that are as yet wrapped up in Times oblivions, leaving the credit to them that have left the same unto us, and the censure of their opinions to the judgement of the learned, and those of better experience. Britain the name of this Island thought to take his name from Brutus. (6) The vulgar received opinion, held on with four hundred years continuance, (some few men's exceptions had against the same) is, that this Island took the name of Britannia from Brutus the son of Silvius, of whom more shall be spoken in the next Chapter for the peopling of this Island, and from whom some (following a suspected Gildas) do writ the name Brutaine: for so doth Jerome, who translating Aethicus that excellent Scythian Philosopher, calleth both this and the islands adjacent, Insulas Brutanicas. But besides the many objections made both by foreign and homebred Writers, that seem to make the story of Brutus doubtful, Humphrey Lhuyd a In his Bre●iarie of Britain. Cambre-Britaine, a learned and diligent searcher of Antiquities, doth confidently deny the name Britain to be taken from Brutus; and among many other observations, makes this an infallible argument, that the letter B. is not the first radical of that name; and affirmeth The letter B. not radical in the British tongue. boldly, that there is not any British word whose first radical letter is B. And therefore he will have it to be anciently written PRYDCAIN, compounded of two British words, PRIDE and CAIN, which PRIDE▪ CAIN signify (as he saith) Beauty and White; the C. being lost in the latter word, for the more easy pronunciation in the British tongue; and the P. in the former changed into B. by the Latins, for the more gentle and pleasant sounds sake: so that himself thinketh, that those learned and expert men in the British tongue, which wrote the islands name with B. do therein rather follow the Latins, then judging that to be the true name indeed: for proof whereof he citeth both ancient Copies and Traditions of their own old Poets the Bardi, by whom Britain usually called Prydain. (saith he) it was usually called Prydain, as the fittest denomination for so beautiful a Landlord But if either colour or commodities were her Godfathers at the font-stone, why was she not rather named The Palace of Queen Ceres, as old Orpheus terms her; either Insula Britannia the Jnsula florum. florum, as it hath been found written in a very ancient manu-script? And yet to second this his conceited name, I find recorded by Bishop Cooper, a learned Bishop Cooper in his Dictionary. Writer, that which makes for that purpose. At Euychurch (saith he) two miles from Salisbury, in the digging Britanni● written Prydani●. down of a wall, a book containing twenty leaves of very thick velome was found, which from the hands of Master Richard Pace, chief Secretary to the King, I received; King Edward u●. but being sore defaced, could read no one sentence thorough, yet did I well perceive the word PRYTANIA, Prytani● so called from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. (not called so, from the adjuncts white and Beauteous) but rather from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Prytania, which as he saith, doth signify metals. For the Grecians flourishing in wisdom, and experience, entered the Ocean, and finding this Island full of Brass, Tin, Led, Iron, Gold, and Silver gave name thereunto accordingly and called it Prytania. Thus far he. And some in regard of these rich commodities thence brought, will have it named Britannia, as upon like occasion Vibius Vibius' Sequest. Sequester affirmeth Calabria sometimes to have been so called. Others, and those many, do hold a more strange opinion, namely, that this Island was called Britannia Britannia of Bretta a Spanish word. of Bretta a Spanish word which signifieth Earth, for that it was separated from the main land, and, say they, it was once joined with the continent of France. Of Antonius Volscus, Dominicus Marius Niger, etc. this opinion are Antonius Volscus, Dominicus Marius Niger, Servius Honoratus, Vinianus, Bodine, Twine, and Verstegan. But how that name from that separation may be gathered I understand not: for if it be granted, that this Island also was cut from the continent (as it is thought all others in the world were,) by the violent rage of the universal flood, yet it followeth not, that this only should claim that name, and from that occasion, more than any other, or then all of them so divided and set apart in the main Ocean. Others Britannia named of Britona a Nymph. Textor Chrono. there are that would have the name Britain to be brought from Britona a Nymph in Greece, daughter to Mars, who (as they say) to avoid the lascivious intents of Minos, forsook the country, and passing the seas arrived in this Island and by her the name arose, this Textor. hath Textor. But I might as well cite Calepine for his Anglia, and Marianus for his Albina, being all fables Hesychius. consorting alike together, and fictions of the same authority that Virgil's Dido is. Hesychius deriveth the name Britain from Britannus the father of Celtice on Parthenius Nicaeus. Sir Thomas Eliot. Britain of the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. whom Hercules begat C●ltus the original of the Celtaes as Parthenius Nicaeus a very ancient author writeth. And Sir Thomas Eliot a learned Knight draweth the name of this Island from the Greek fountain also, but of other signification, viz. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Prutania, by which term the Athenians signified their public revenues, Grecians called this Island 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Goropius Becanus in Orig. de Ant. lib. 6. Bridania or Free-Denmark. and yet that is justly excepted against, seeing that it is a peculiar term only to the Athenians, and that the Grecians called this Island 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ Goropius Becanus in his Original of Antwerp saith, that the Danes sought here to plant themselves, and so named this Island Bridania, that is, free Denmark. And others derive it from Prutenia a country in Germany. But that both these are fictions it manifestly appeareth, for Britain so named before either Dania or Prutenia were heard of in the world. Pomponius Laetus. that this Island was famous by the name of Britain many hundred years before that either Dania or Prutania were heard of in the world. Pomponius Laetus would have it Briton, and that name given it from the Britons in France. Indeed it is probable, that from the Celtes, the old Gauls, our originals descended: but that the name should come of them hath no colour of truth, seeing that those Britons Britons in France came of us. Cambden Brit. pag 8. Forcatulus. Britain called of Brithin a drink. White. Britain called of an Hebrew word. Jsidore. came from us, and not we from them: and in Caesar's time that coast was called Armorica, but this of ours Britain. Forcatulus deriveth the name thereof from Brithin a drink, which as Athenaeus saith was used among the Greeks. And others will have it from the Brutij a roving and straggling people in Italy: both which are accounted but idle conceits and for no less we will leave them. White of Basin stock will have the name thereof derived from an Hebrew word, and Isidore from a word of her own language. Thus then is Britanny burdened with many titles under one truth; and these are the ascriptions, causes and exceptions, as far as we are able to gather: all which must give place to that which is to follow out of the painful collections and judicious observances of our illustrious Antiquary Master Cambden. Whose words I will abridge, Cambdeni Britannia. and by his good favour bring to furnish this chapter, and further to satisfy the unsatisfied Reader. Ancient nations had names of their own: afterwards wrested by Greeks and Latins. (7) This than he holdeth for granted, that ancient nations in the beginning had names of their own: and that after from these the Greeks and Latins by wresting them to the analogy or proportion of their speech▪ imposed names upon Regions and countries, which took their denominations from their people and in-dwellers. So jewry was named jewry so called of the jews. Media of the Medes. Scythia of the Scythians. Britta, Brito, Britoneses and Brittus, From Brit or Birth. from the jews, Media from the Medes, Persia of the Persians, Scythia of the Scythians, etc. And why not then by the authority of Martial, Juvenal, Ausonius, Procopius, and in old inscriptions set up by the Britain's themselves, BRITTA, BRITO, BRITONESES, BRITTUS, from BRIT, or BIRTH, from whom any one being of that nation might be termed NATIONE BRITTO, as is seen so inscribed in Saint Mary the Round at Rome? The Saxons likewise themselves called the Britain's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Witichindas' the Saxon every BRIT. Witichindas'. where nameth the Britain's Britae: so that the word BRIT is doubtless the Primitive, from whence BRITTO Brit the primitive from whence Britto is derived. is derived, and from whence the first glimpse of light leading to the word BRITAIN, seemeth to appear. And that all nations devised their names of that, wherein they either excelled others, or were known by from others, whether in regard of their first founder's honour, as the jones of javan, the Israelites of Israel, the Canaanites of Canaan; Israelites so called in honour of their first founder Israel. Iberi why so called. Nomades named of their breeding of cattle. Dio. Aethiopians so called of their black hue. julius Solinus. or whether in respect of their nature, conditions, and inclinations; as the Iberi after the Hebrew Etymology because they were Miners; the Heneti because they were stragglers; the Nomads for that they were breeders of cattle; the Almains for their esteemed valour and manhood; the Frankners for being free; the Pannonians, as Dio conceiteth, of their coats with cloth-sleeves; the Aethiopians of their black hue: and the Albans because they were borne with white hair, for so saith Solinus, that the colour of their heads gave name unto the people. Seeing then that these our Islanders were known and called by a name common Britain's and their neighbours called both by one name Cimbri or Cumeri. Caesar, Mela, Pliny, Martial. to both them and their neighbours, Cimbri or Cumeri, and had no better mark to be distinguished and known from the borderers, then by their custom of painting their bodies, whereof the most approved authors do witness, as Caesar, Mela, Pliny, Martial and others, who affirm that the Britanes used to colour themselves with woad, called in The Britain coloured themselves to be distinguished from their neighbours. the Latin glastum (and glaze at this day with them doth signify blue) what if I then should conjecture (saith he) that they were called Britain's from this their painted bodies? for what is thus stained or coloured, in their ancient country speech is called BIRTH. Neither let this Etymology of Britain's seem to be either harsh or absurd, seeing the very words sound alike, and the name also as an express image representeth the thing which in Etymologies are chief required; for Birth, and Brit, do passing well accord: Birth and Brit do accord. And the word Birth among the Britain's, implieth that which the Britan's were indeed, to wit, painted, stained, died, and coloured, as the Latin poets describe them: having their backs pied or medley coloured, as Oppianus termeth Oppianus. Cynegetie. li. 1. Britain's so named for painting themselves. them. From which colours and use of painting, the ancient Britain's (as he thinketh) had their names, and as yet in use among the Welsh. But this is certain that a Britain is called in the British tongue BRITHON, and as BRITO came of BIRTH, so did BRITANNIA, who as Isidore saith took the name from a word of their own nation: for what time the ancient Greeks (that first Jsidore. gave name to this Island) either as rovers or merchants traveled into other remote and far disjoined countries (as Eratosthenes reporteth) learned from the Inhabitants Eratosthenes. themselves, or else of the Gauls which spoke the same language, that this our nation was called Birth and Brithon: They then unto the word BIRTH, added TANIA, The Grecians unto the word Birth added tania. which in the Greek Glossaries betokeneth a REGION, and whereof they made a compound name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, the BRITONS-LAND. And that this is so, the countries also lying in the West part of the world, as Mauritania, Lusitania, and Aquitania, do sufficiently confirm: for the Grecians being the first Surveyors of those regions, of Mauri, Strabo. Tania added to 〈◊〉 divers countries, by the Grecians. Iuo Carnotensis. whom Strabo saith was called Numidia, made Mauritania; of Lusus the son of Bacchus, Lusitania, and of Aquis (waters, as Iuo Carnotensis is of opinion) called the country Aquitania: as also Turditania, and Bastinania, Provinces in Spain, might arise from the Turdi, and Basti their possessors. And that this manner of composition is most usual in the names of countries we see: For came not Ireland by composition of the Irish word Erim? Did not Angle terre grow together of an English and French word England coming of Angleterre. and become England, Doth not Franc-lond proceed from a French and Saxon word? Came not Poleland from a Polonian Danmarch compounded of Dan and March. word, which with them betokeneth a plain? and was not Danmarch compounded of Dan and the Dutch word March, which signifieth a bound or limit? Neither have we S. Hierom. in Gene. cause to wonder at this Greek addition TANIA, seeing that S. Jerome in his questions upon Genesis, proved out of most ancient Authors, that the Greeks inhabited along the sea coasts and Isles of Europe throughout as far as to this our Island. Let us read, saith he, Varroes' books of Antiquities, and those of Sisinius Capito, as also the Greek Phlegon. writer Phlegon, with the rest of the great learned men, and Grecians inhabited well near all the sea coasts of the whole world. we shall see, all the islands well near, and all the sea coasts of the whole world, to have been taken up with Greek inhabitants, who, as I said before, from the mountains Amanus and Taurus even to the British Ocean, possessed all the parts along the sea side. And verily, that the Greeks arrived in this our region, viewed and considered well the site and nature Athenaeus. thereof, there will be no doubt nor question made: if we observe what Athenaeus hath written concerning Phileas The certainty of the Greeks inhabiting in Britain. Brod●us Miscellan. lib. 3. Ulysses' Altar in Caledonia. Thule thought to be one of the Isles of the Orcadeses in Scotland. Low countries. Taurominites who was in Britain in the year one hundred and sixty before Caesar's coming: if we call to remembrance the Altar with an inscription unto Ulysses in Greek letters, erected in Caledonia as Solinus saith, and lastly if we mark what Pytheas before the time of the Romans here, hath delivered and written as touching the distance of Thule from Britain. For who had ever discovered unto the Greeks, Britain, Thule, the Belgic countries, and their sea coasts especially, if the Greek ships had not entered the British and Germane Ocean, yea and related the description thereof unto their Geographers? Had Pytheas, think you, come to the knowledge of six days sailing beyond Britain, unless some of the Greeks had showed the same? Thule much mentioned in Greek writers. Who ever told them of Scandia, Bergos and Nerigon, out of which men may sail into Thule? And these names seem to have been better known unto the most ancient Greeks, then either to Pliny or to any Roman. Whereupon Mela testifieth, that Thule was much mentioned and renowned in Greek writers: Pliny likewise writeth thus; Britain an Island famous in the monuments and records both of the Greeks and of us. By this means therefore, so many Greek Laza. Baysins. As other nation's glory that they derive many words from the Greeks, so may we. words have crept into the British, French, and withal, into the Belgic or Low-Dutch language. And if Lazarus Baysins, and Budaeus do make their vant and glory in this, that their Frenchmen have been of old 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is, lovers and studious of the Greeks, grounding their reason upon few French words of that Idiom, which receive some marks and tokens of the Greek tongue: if Hadrianus junius joyeth no less, because in the Belgic words there lie covertly Greek Etymologies: then may the Britain's make their boast in whose language many words there be derived from the Greeks. Thus far M. Cambdens' judgement for Britannia. Which name we found first mentioned by Polybius the Greeks historian, who lived and traveled with Scipio thorough most parts of Europe, about 265. years before Athenaeus. For so by the Scriptures accounted I place the time. In Britain great store of large trees. the birth of Christ. And after him Athenaeus a Greek author of good account, and before the year of grace 179. mentioneth the name of Britain, and that upon this occasion: King Hiero, saith he, framing a ship of such hugeness and burden, as was admirable to the world, was much troubled for a tree, whereof he might make the main mast: which at last with much ado Phileas Taurominites. was found in Britain, by the direction of a Swineherd: and by Phileas Taurominites the Mechanic conveyed into Sicily, whereby that want was sufficiently supplied. Caesar. To this let not the Critics from Caesar say, that Britain brought forth neither Beech nor Fir, as he in In Scotland Fir trees for masts. his fift book of commentaries affirmeth (if by fagus he mean the Beech) seeing that the same kind doth most plentifully grow in all parts of this Island, and the fir-tree for masts in the North west of Scotland upon the banks of the Lough argicke of such great height and thickness, that at the root they bear 28. handfuls about, and the bodies mounted to 90. foot of height they bear at that length 20. inches diameter, as hath been measured by some in commission, & so certified to his Majesty: and at this present growing upon the lands of the right worthy Knight Sir Alexander Hayes, his majesties principal Secretay for Scotland. But among the Latin Writers Lucretius was the first that before Cesar mentioneth Britain in these verses: Lucretius. Nam quid Britannum coelum defer putamus, Et quod in Aegypto est, quà mundi claudicat Axis: We see the difference in the spheres where Britain's Sun doth go From Egypt's Clime, wherein Charles wain is forced to draw so low. (8) Other names hath this Island been termed by, and that either by way of note for her situation, as Insula Caeruli, the Island in the Sea, so written in the Britain called Jnsula Caeruli. sonnet or parodia made against Ventidius Bassus, and by Claudian confirmed, whose sides (saith he) the azure Sea doth wash. And in a very ancient manuscript it is found written, Insula florum, an Island of flowers, for the abundance of Grain therein growing: as also for her subjection to the Romans, hath been called Britain the Roman world. Prosperus Aquitaine. A prophecy of the Roman sooth▪ sayers concerning Britain. This Island Britain named the Roman Island. by Aegisippus, the Roman World, and by her own Historian Gildas, Romania: for being first subdued by them, the very name of servitude (saith he) stuck fast to the soil. And Prosperus Aquitanis in express words calleth it, the Roman Island, and so did the Soothsayers when the statues of Tacitus and Florianus the Emperors were by lightning overthrown, who prophesied, that an Emperor should arise out of their family, that should sand a Proconsull to the Roman Island. Upon the like cause of conquest and subjection we read in Amianus Marcel. lib. 28. cap. 7. Amianus, that what time the Island had assayed a dangerous revolt in the reign of Valentinianus the Emperor, Theodosius as then Governor of Britain, reducing them under their wont obedience, in honour of Valentinianus, caused the Island to be called VALENTIA, This Island named Valentia. which name notwithstanding died either with, or immediately after the death of the said Emperor. Many countries arise by the Romans downfall. (9) But about the same time, when as by God's decree the Romans fullness was come to the wane, and the greatness of their glory did abate; by the downfall of that one Empire many Kingdoms began to arise, and to have their Rulers, Laws, and Limits of themselves. Among the rest, this Island Britain shortly This Island▪ Britain divided in to three kingdoms. The first, Scotland, whose partition southward is from Carlisle to Newcastle. came to be divided into three several Kingdoms, and each of them to retain an absolute power in their own dominions, and known by their several and proper names. The first was Scotland from Scotia, and that from Scythia, as the best suppose, whose Southern bounds was the famous Wall from Carlisle to Newcastle, and from thence the enorm tract of all that Northern promontory was called Scotia, or Scotland. The second was Cambria, of us called Wales, The second. Cambria or Wales, whose partition is from Basingwark to Wye. sited in the West of this Island, enclosing those waste mountains with a ditch drawn from Basingwarke in Flintshire in the North, to the mouth of Wye near Bristol in the South, so separated by great Offa the Mercian King. And the third was Angle-lond, the East, the most fruitful, and best of the Island, lying coasted The third. Angle-lond coasted with the French and Germane Seas. with the French and german Seas; so named when the united Heptarchy of the Saxons was ruled by King Egbert, who by his edict dated at Winchester, Anno 819. commanded the same to be called Angle-lond, according This Island named Angle-lond of a place in Denmark called Engloen. to the name of the place from whence his ancestors the Angle-Saxons came, which was out of the continent part of Denmark, lying betwixt juitland and Holsatia, where to this day the place retaineth the name Engloen. And therefore Calepine is to be rejected, that would have the name from Queen Angela, and Goropius, of good Anglers; either from Pope Gregory Gregory 1 his attribute of Angel-like faces; or from others that would feign it from Angula the Giantlike brother to Danus; or force it from Angulus Orbis. This Island not called England before the days of Canutus the Dane. (10) Neither indeed was it called England before the days of Canutus the Dane; but with Angle-land, retained still the names both of Albion and Britain, as in a Saxon Charter made by King Edgar the tenth in succession from Egbert, and no less than one hundred This Island usually called both Angle-lond, Albion, and Britain, before Canutus' days. forty and nine years after this Edict is seen, where in the beginning he styleth himself thus: Ego Edgar totius Albionis Basileus, etc. And in the end of the same charter thus: Edgar Rex totius Britanniae Donoconem cum sigillo S. Crucis confirmavi. And yet upon his Coins wrote himself Rex Anglis, whereby we see the relish of the former names not utterly extinct▪ though a new was imposed by the Saxons. The name England not changed either by th● Dane or Normane Conquerors. (11) This last name this Island still retained▪ though two several Conquests of two several Nations were made of the same. Neither did William the Conqueror attempt to altar it, it sounding belike so Angellike in his ears, accounting himself most happy to be King of so worthy a Kingdom: the glory Hath the fifth place in all General Counsels. whereof is further enlarged by the ranking of Christian nations, assembled in their general Counsels▪ wherein England is accounted the fifth, and hath place of presidency before kingdoms of larger territories. This name of England continued for the space of seven Hath continued and kept the name England the space of seven hundred eighty and three years. hundred eighty and three years, unto the coming in of our Sovereign Lord King JAMES, in anno 1602. who by the hand of GOD hath united all these Diadems into one Imperial Crown▪ and reduced the many Kingdoms in one Island, under the government of one Monarch: and after the manifold conquests, eruptions, and dissensions, hath settled an eternal amity; and extinguishing all differences of names, hath given the whole Island the ancient name of Now reduced to the name of Great Britain. GREAT BRITAIN, by his Edict dated at Westminster, quartering the royal Arms of his several Kingdoms in one royal Scutcheon, and for his mott, as is most meet▪ BEATI PACIFICI. THE ANCIENT NATIONS INHABITING THIS ISLAND OF GREAT BRITAIN BEFORE THE CONQUEST THEREOF BY THE ROMANS. CHAPTER III IT is not to be doubted, Britain replenished with people before Noah's flood. but that this Island with the Universal was replenished with people, immediately after that men began to be multiplied upon the earth, even in the days of the former patriarchs, and long before the Flood of Noah, as sundry ancient Writers have related. And surely if we consider in those first ages of the world the long life of man (the only means to multiplication) and the world's continuance for one thousand six hundred fifty and six years before it was destroyed, we shall easily yield, that every Country and corner of the earth was plentifully peopled and inhabited. And so much do the Sacred Scriptures intimate unto us, where, by the Prophet Isa. 45. 18. Esay it is said, Thus saith the Lord, that created heaven; God himself, that framed the earth, and made it: he hath prepared it; he created it not in vain; he form it to be inhabited. (2) But when the wrath of GOD was executed upon the world for sin, and all overwhelmed with Noah's flood. a Flood of waters, the whole earth thereby become altogether unpeopled, eight persons only with the breedreserued The haven of Noah's Ark, Mount Araret. creatures saved in the floating Ark: Whose Port or Haven was the mountain of Araret in Armenia; whence, with the blessing of procreation, mankind again began to be multiplied upon the earth; Babel's Tower the cause of sundry Languages, and dispersion of people. and from the confusion of Babel's building, to be scattered by Tribes and Colomes, according to the diversity of Languages, into divers parts and Countries of the world, giving names to the places where they seated, according to the names of their Princes, or chief japheths' progeny Peopled Europe. Genesis 10. Commanders. Among whom the sons of japheth the eldest son of Noah (whom Moses declareth to have peopled the Isles of the Gentiles) betook themselves Sem's planted in Asia. Cham's of▪ spring seated in Africa. Joseph. lib. 1. into Europe, these western parts of the world: as Sem did into Asia, and Cham into Africa: whose posterities accordingly dispersed josephus in his first Book of Antiquities hath both branched into their several divisions, and reduced them to their first roots and originals. Europe the Isles of Gentiles. (3) Now that the Isles of the Gentiles mentioned by Moses, were these of Europe, all learned men confess: and therefore those especially of Britanny and Wolfang. Muscul. Orige●. lib. 9 cap. 2. Wolfang. Lazius. Theophilus Episc. Antioch. ad A●tol. lib. 2. Sicily, as Wolfangus Musculus is of opinion. And that Europe fell to japhets' portion, josephus and Isidore do agreed: who affirm his offspring to have inhabited from the Mount Taurus all Europe Northward, so far as the British Seas, leaving names both to places and people. And Gildas, as Nubrigensis witnesseth, and Polydore Virgil granteth, will have this Island inhabited even from the Flood. But of these ancient things, Sebastian Munster. Stories of the first times merely conjectural. saith Sebastian Munster, no man can writ certainly, it depending only upon coniecturals, and the same by hearsay, and flying reports of private men, as Origen speaketh. Gomer the eldest son of Japhet. (4) Gomer then, the eldest son of japheth, gave name to the Gomerians, who filled almost this part of the world, leading (as Villichius saith) in the tenth Villichius. A Colonio of Gomerians called Combri or Cimbri, of Gomer, came into italy. Englishmen were of Cimbrica Chersonesus, which came from Italy. Joh. Lewis in Reform. hist. li. 1. ca 9 year of Nimrod, a Colony out of Armenia into Italy, which of Gomer were called Combri, and afterwards Cimbri▪ whence such as departed Italy went into the North parts and gave name to Cimbrica Chersonesus: from whence it is certain we the English proceed, and of whom also it is likely the Britain's came. For so judgeth a learned Britain himself, who saith his countrymen the Welsh which are unlearned, as yet know no other name for their land and people, but only Cumbri. Gauls of the Gomerians. (5) And that of these Gomerians were also the Gauls, learned Clarenceaux that brightest lamp to all Antiquities, out of josephus and Zonaras sufficiently hath observed; who that they were also called Cimbri, he proveth out of Cicero, & Appian Alexandrinus; Appian. Alexand. Lib. C●l●ic●. that those Barbarians whom Marius defeated, Cicero plainly termeth Gauls, where he saith C. Marius repressed the armies of the Gauls, entering in great numbers Gauls by all History were the Cimbrians. into Italy: which, as all Historians witness, were the Cimbrians. And the Habergeon of their king Beleus digged up at Aquae Sextiae, where Marius put them to flight, doth show the same: whereon was engraven in strange characters BELEOS CIMBROS; as also the testimony of Lucan doth no Marius' Habergeon. Marius' killed by a Cimbrian. less, who calleth the Ruffian hired to kill Marius, a Cimbrian, whom Livy and Plutarch in the life of Marius affirm to be a Gaul. They also who under the conduct of Brennus spoiled Delphi in Greece, were Delphi spoiled by Brennus. Gauls, as all writers with one voice agreed▪ and yet that these were named Cimbri, Appian in his Illyricks Brennus' a Britain or a Cimbrian. doth testify. And for Brennus their Grand-captain, our Historians report him to be a Britain: as likewise Virgil. Catalect. lib 8. cap. 3. Quintilian. Virgil (though in taunting wise) termeth that Grammarian the Britain Thucydides, whom Quintilian affirms to be a Cimbrian. The Turks, the jones, Medes, and Thracians come of Noah's nephews. (6) And if of the rest of Noah's nephews, seated in several countries, the Nations proceeding from them, are known by their original names, as the Turks of Togorma, whom the jews to this day so term, the jones from javan, the Medes from Madai, the Thracians from Tiras, and so of the rest, whose names as yet sound not much unlike to their first planters; why then shall not we think, that our Britanes Britain's or Cumerians the offspring of Gomer. or Cumerians, are the very offspring of Gomer, and of Gomer took their denomination, the name so near according? Sigh granted it is, that they planted Jsodore. themselves in the utmost borders of Europe, as Isodore Armenia the fountain region of all Nations. Places nearest Armenia first peopled. hath said. For the Ark resting in Armenia, and the people thence flowing like waters from the spring, replenished those parts first that lay next their site: as Asia the less, and Greece before Italy: Italy before Gaul, and Gaul before Britain. And if we consider the occasions, that might be offered, either for disburdening The occasions why people disperse. the multitudes of people, for conquest, desire of novelties, smallness of distance, or commodities of the air and soil, we may easily conceive this Island to have been peopled from thence. For it standeth with Each Nation peopled from places near. sense that every country received their first inhabitants from places near bordering, rather than from them that lay more remote: for so was Cyprus peopled out of Asia, Sicily and Candie out of Greece; Corsica and Sardinia, out of Italy, Zealand out of Germany, Island out of Norway, and so of the rest. Now that Britain Britain had her first inhabitants from the Gauls. had her first inhabitants from Gaul, sufficiently is proved by the name, site, religion, manners, and languages, by all which the most ancient Gauls and Britain's have been as it were linked together in some mutual society; as is at large proved by our Arch-Antiquary Britannia Cambdeni. in his famous work, to which I refer the studious reader. (7) And although the inner parts of the Island Caesar▪ Comment. Lib. 5. were inhabited, as Caesar saith, of such whom they themselves out of their own records, report to have The seacoasts of Britain peopled out of Belgia. been borne in the Island: yet the sea coasts were peopled by those, who upon purpose to make war, had passed thither out of Belgia, and Gaul, who still carried the names of those cities and states, out of which they came: as the Belgae, the Attrebatij, Parisi, and the like names of people both in Gaul, and in Britain, that after the wars there remained. Which is the more Caesar. Com. lib. 2▪ A part of Gaul and Britain governed by one Prince. confirmed in that both the Provinces were governed by one and the same Prince, as Caesar in his own remembrance knew, and nameth one Divitiacus to hold a good part of Gaul, and also of Britain under his government. Yea and Tacitus the most curious searcher Tacitus in vita Agricola. into Britain's affairs, in the life of Agricola thus disciphereth them. Now (saith he) what manner of men the first inhabitants of Britanny were, foreign brought in, or borne in the land, as among a barbarous people, it is not certainly known. Their complexions are different, and thence may some conjectures be taken: for the read The Caledonians import a Germane descent. The Silureses from Spain. hair of the dwellers in Caledonia, and mighty limbs, import a Germane descent. The coloured countenances of the Silureses, and hair most commonly curled, and site against Spain, seem to induce, that the old Spaniards passed the Sea, and possessed those places. The nearest to France likewise resemble the French, either because they retain of the race from which they descended, or that in Countries butting together, the same aspect of the heavens doth yield the same complexions of bodies. But Britain most likely to be peopled by the French. generally it is most likely, the French being nearest, did people the Landlord In their ceremonies and superstitious persuasions, there is to be seen an apparent conformity. The Language differeth not much: like boldness to challenge and set into dangers: when dangers come, like fear in refusing: saving that the Britaines make show of great courage, as being not mollified yet by long peace. Appian. Alexand. in vit. Celt. (8) Whereby we see, that these Cimbrians (of whom, as Appian Alexandrinus saith, came the Celts, and of them the Gauls, as Plutarch in the life of Camillus Plutarch. Plato. Aristotle. affirmeth, with whom both Plato and Aristotle agreed) were the ancient progenitors of these our Britain's: and them, with the Gauls, to be both one and the same people, is allowed by Pliny, that placeth Britain's and Gauls both placed in the Continent of France them both in the continent of France; for so Eustathius in his Commentary understandeth Dionysius Afar, that these Britaines in Gaul gave name to the Island now called GREAT BRITAIN, as Pomponius Pomponius Laetus. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1▪ cap. 1. Laetus and Beda before him had done. These things considered, with the nearness of their sites for ready intercourse, made both Cesar and Tacitus to conceive as they did. Neither were these things following small motives unto them: for their religion was alike, saith Lucan. Britain's and Gauls alike in many respects. Strabo, Tacitus, Dion, etc. Caesar, Strabo. Lucan and Tacitus: their boldness in wars, and manner of arms alike, saith Strabo, Tacitus, Dion, Pliny, Herodian, and Mela: Their building alike, saith Cesar and Strabo: their ornaments and manners alike, saith Pliny and Cesar: their wits alike, saith Strabo and Tacitus: their language alike, saith learned Bodine: and in Bodin. all things the unconquered Britain's to the ancient Gauls alike, saith Tacitus. And all these do warrant Tacitus. us (me thinks) to come from the Cimbrians, whose The Celts and Gauls our fathers. Bale Cent. 1. Britain's assisted the Gauls against Cesar. sons, and our fathers, were the Celts and Gauls: the bands of whose amities were so linked together, that the Britaines gave aid, and assisted the Gauls against Cesar, which was no small cause of his quarrel against them. Berosus thought a forged author. (9) Not to derive the truth of our history from the feigned inventions of a forged Berosus, that bringeth Samothes to people this Island, about one hundred fifty two years after the Flood, to give laws to the Land, and to leave it to his posterity, for three hundred thirty five years continuance: although he be Holinsh. hist. lib. 1 cap. 2. Vitus hist. Brit. lib. 1. annot. 25. Genes. 10. 2. countenanced by Amandus Zirixaus in the annotations of White of Basingstocke: and magnified unto us by the names of Dis and Meshech the sixt son of japheth, from whom this Island with a Sect of Philosophers took their names, saith Textor, Bale, Holinshead, Textor, etc. Joh. Caius in Antiq. Canterb. lib. 1. and Caius: yet seeing this building hath no better a foundation but Berosus, and he not only justly suspected, but long since fully convicted for a counterfeit, we leave it, as better fitting the pens of vulgar Chroniclers, than the relish or liking of judicious Readers: whilst with Laertius we judge rather, that those Sophes Laertius in vit. Philosoph●rum, cap. 1. Villichus. were termed Semnothoes, and they not from Samothea, as Villichus would have us believe. (10) Neither soundeth the music of Albion's legion tuneable in our ears, whom Berosus with full note, and Annius alloweth to be the fourth son of Hollinshead. An unlikely story of Britain's first peopling. Neptune, and him the same that Moses calleth Napthtahim, the fourth son of Mizraim, the second son of Cham, the third son of Noah, (because his fictions should be countenanced with the first) who being put into this Island by Neptune his father (accounted forsooth the god of the Seas) about the year after the Samothea this Island Britain conquered by Cham's posterities flood three hundred thirty and five, overcame the Samotheans, as easily he might, being a man of so great strength in body, and largeness of limbs, that he is accounted among the Giants of the earth. Him Hercules Pompon. Mela. surnamed Lybicus in battle assailed for the death of Osiris his father, and after forty four years tyranny Bale. (saith Bale) slew him with his brother Bergion in the continent of Gallia near to the mouth of the river Rhodanus: whence Hercules traveled into this Island, as Giraldus (from Gildas the ancient Briton Poet) Giraldus. conjectureth, whose fifth dialogue of Poetry he had seen; and the rather believed, because Ptolemy calleth that head of Land in Cornwall, Promontorium Hercules in Britain left the possession thereof to Cham's posterity. Herculis, and left the possession of the Island unto them of Cham, contrary to the meaning of the Scriptures, that made him a Captive, but never a Conqueror over his brethren, whiles their first Policies were standing. An opinion much applauded. (11) The last, but much applauded opinion, for the possessing and peopling of this Island, is that of Brutus, generally held for the space of these last four hundred years (some few men's exceptions reserved) Brutus and his Troyans' conquered this Island. who with his dispersed Trojanss came into, and made conquest of this Island the year of the world's creation 2887. and after the universal flood 1231. in the eighteenth year of Heli his Priesthood in the land of Israel, and before the incarnation of Christ our Saviour one thousand fifty nine. This Brutus is brought from Brutus descended from jupiter. the ancient Troyans' by descent, yea and from the persons of the heathen deified Gods: as that he was the son of Silvius, who was the son of Ascanius, the son of Aeneas, the son of Anchises by Venus the Goddess, and daughter to jupiter their greatest in account. And if Pliny and Varro hold it praise worthy Pliny. Varro. to challenge descents (though falsely) from famous personages, whereby, as they say, appeareth an inclination to virtue, and a valorous conceit to persuade A false descent may not be challenged. Geffrey of Monmouth died in Anno 1152. Acts 17. 28. unto honour, as sprung from a race divine and powerful: then by all means let us listen to him of Monmouth, who hath brought his Nation to rank in degree with the rest of the Gentiles, which claim themselves to be the Generation of the Gods. (12) But why do I attribute the work to him, as Monmouth his excuse. the Author, sith he professeth himself to be but the translator of that history out of the British tongue, which Walter the Archdeacon of Oxford brought out of Normandy, and delivered unto him? For the further confirmation thereof, and more credit to his story, Henry of Huntingdon died in Anno 1148. Henry of Huntingdon, who lived in the time of king Stephen, and wrote likewise the history of this land, bringeth the line of Brutus from Aeneas the Trojan, Henry Huntingdon also recordeth Brutus' line and arrival in Britain. Geffrey ap. Arthur. A book hereof found. and his arrivage and conquest to happen in the time of Heli his Priesthood in the land of Israel, as Geffrey ap Arthur hath also done: not taking (as some think) any thing thereof from him, but rather out of an ancient book entitled De Origine Regum Britannorum, found by himself in the library of the Abbey of Bec, as he traveled towards Rome: which history began at the arrival of Brutus, and ended with the acts of Cadwallader, as by a treatise of his own inditing, bearing the same title, hath been compared, and found in all things agreeing with our vulgar history, as industrious Wil Lamb. Peramb. Ninius and Taliesin bring the Britain's from Brutus. Lamberd affirmeth himself to have seen. And Ninius is said by the writer of the reformed history, to bring these Britain's from the race of the Troyans', four hundred years before that Geffrey wrote: yea and long before Ninius also, Taliesin a Briton Poet in an Ode called Hanes, of Taiess his course of life, in these words, Mia deythym yma at Wedillion Troia, that is, I came hither to the Remnants of Troy. Died in Anno 1142. (13) That William of Malmesbury (who wrote in the days of King Henry the first) was before him of Monmouth, is most certain; yet doth he make mention Malmesb. de Gestis rerum Anglorum. lib. 1. of Arthur a Prince (saith he) deserving rather to be advanced by the truth of records, then abused by false imputation of fables; being the only prop and upholder of his Beda histor. Angli. lib. 1. cap. 16. country. And Beda, his ancient also, nameth Ambrose Aurelianus to be King of the Britain's, long before that Geffrey was borne: So was Brennus mentioned Livy. justine. Caesar. Suetonius. Martial. Eusebius. Eutropius. Nicephorus. Ambrose. Socrates. Harding Chro. chap. 11. Johan. Hanuil. Nichola. Vpton. by Livy; belinus, (if he be Belgius) by justine; Cassibelan by Caesar; Cunobilin by Suetonius; arviragus by Martial; Lucius by Eusebius; Coel, Constantius, Carausius, and others by Eutropius, and Paulus Diaconus; and Helena by Nicephorus, Ambrose, and Socrates. These are the affirmatives that give countenance to the Archdeacon of Monmouths' translation, and credit to Brutus' conquests and successors; yea and john Harding his Herald, in his homespun poetry, can easily emblaze his arms to be Gules, charged with two lions rampant endorsed over; and the same to be borne by the Kings Stowe. of Troy. And his banner displayed at his entrance is said to be Vert a Diana of gold fitchel, crowned, and enthronized, the same that AEneas bore, when he entered the land of the Latins. But the censures of these relations I leave to the best liking of judicious Readers, only wishing them to be unlike the inhabitants under Cicero de Som. Scipion●. Ammianus Marcel lib. 22. cap. 14. Histories must be weighed with judgement. the rocks of the Cataracts of Nilus, whereof Cicero and Ammianus make mention, who were made deaf by the continual noise of the fall of Nilus: jest by the sound and loud voices of these writers, the exceptions of others can not be heard, which from the fullness of their pens I will likewise declare, without offence, I hope, unto any. (14) First (with a reverend reservation had to the sacred histories) Varro the most learned Latin writer, Varro. dividing times motions into three several parts, that is, from the creation to the flood, which he termeth altogether uncertain: from the flood to the first Olympiad (by Beroaldus' computation set in the year of the Time's motions divided into three parts. Beroaldus. world 3154. and thirty one of the reign of joas, king of judah: seven hundred seventy and four years before the birth of our Saviour) he calleth fabulous: The third only historical. and the last age from the first Olympiad to himself he nameth historical. Now the story of Brutus beginning The story of Brutus fabulous. two hundred sixty seven years before the first Olympiad, falleth in the time wherein nothing else is related, either of the Greeks or Latins, the only learned writers, but fables and tales, as both himself and others have told us, much more then, among the barbarous, unlettered, and uncivil nations, as all these parts of the world than were. Gilda●. (15) Whereupon Gildas our ancientest home-born writer, (cited and in whole sentences followed by venerable Beda, who termeth him the Britain's historiographer) Beda ●ist. Angli. lib. 1. cap. 22. Gildas maketh no mention of Brutus. in this of Brutus is silent, and in his lamentable passions never dreams of him, but as one overwhelmed with grief bewaileth the wickedness of the time wherein he lived, who was born, as himself saith, in the forty fourth year after the Saxons first entrance, about the year of Christ's incarnation 493. and died, as Bale citeth out of Polydore, the year of our redemption Bale out of Polydore. Ninius also saith nothing of him. 580. Ninius also another ancient writer, who lived above eight hundred years since, taking in hand the Chronicles of the Britain's, complaineth that their great Masters and doctors could give him no assistance, being ignorant of skill, and had left no memorial of things passed, nor committed their acts unto writing, whereby he was enforced to gather what he had gotten from the annals and Chronicles of the holy fathers. Beda likewise, whose history ended in Beda hist. Angli. lib. 5. cap. 24. Beda beginneth but at julius Caesar. Beda had the help of the Abbot Albinus. anno 733, beginneth no sooner then with julius Caesar's entrance; notwithstanding he had the assistance of the Abbot Albinus, who was brought up under Theodorus Archbishop of Canterbury, and had begun the history of this land with most diligent search from the records of the kingdom of Kent, and the provinces adjoining; as also being further assisted by Daniel Bishop of the Westsaxons, who sent him all the records Of Daniel Bishop of Westsaxons. that were to be found of the same Bishopric, South-Saxons, and the isle of Wight. The like helps had he from Abbot Essius, for the country of East-Angles; Of Abbot Essius. from Cymbertus and the brethren of Laestinge for the Of Cymbertus and brethren of Laestinge. Of the brethren of Lindis●arnum. province of Mercia, and East-Saxons. And from the brethren of Lindisfarnum, for the country of Northumberland; besides his own pains in collections, knowledge and experience: all which he did digest and historically compile, and before the publication thereof sent it to king Ceolulphe at that time reigning in Northumberland, to be approved or corrected by his most learned skill: yet in none of these sound he The history of Brutus not to be found in Beda his time. Elward. that history of Brutus nor his successors, which as some would have it, was then unbegotten in the world. (16) After him Elward, as William of Malmsburie calleth him, or rather (as he writeth himself) Patricius Consul fabius Questor Ethelwerdus, a diligent searcher of antiquities, a reverend person, and of the blood royal, wrote four books, briefly comprising the whole history of England, from the beginning of the world unto the time of king Edgar wherein he lived; Elward speaketh nothing of Brutus. Jngulph●●. Florentius of Worcester. of Brutus nor his Britain's speaketh a word; but passeth with silence to the Romans and Saxons. What need I to cite Ingulphus, who died anno 1109. Florentius of Worcester, that flourished in the days of King Henry the first, or William of Malmsbury, that wrote unto William of Malmsbury. All these writers before Geffrey and yet none mention Brutus but he. the end of his reign; all of them writers before Geffrey of Monmouth, but none of them mentioning this story of Brutus. This moved William of Newbourgh, borne (as himself saith) in the beginning of King Stephen's reign, & living at one and the same time with this Archdeacon of Monmouth, too too bitterly to inveigh against him and his history, even so soon as the same came forth: as in the poem of his book is to be seen. And that the words are his and not our own, take them from him as they lie. In these our days (saith William of New▪ boroughs Chronicle ●ueighing against ●effrey ●p Arthur. he) there is a certain writer risen up, devising fictions and tales of the Britaines out of the vain humours of his own brain, extolling them far above the valorous Macedonians, or worthy Romans; his name is Geffrey, and may well assume the surname Arthur, whose tales he hath taken out of the old fables of the Britain's, and by his own invention augmented with many untruths, foiling them over with a new colour of the Latin tongue, and hath invested them into the body of an history. Adventuring further to Merline a wizard. divulge under the name of autentick prophecies, deceitful conjectures and foredeeming of one Merline (a Wizard), whereunto also he addeth a great deal of his own. And again: In his book which he hath entitled the Britain's History, how shamelessly, and with a bold countenance he doth lie, there is no man that readeth therein can doubt, unless he hath no knowledge at all in ancient true histories; for having not learned the truth of things indeed, he admitteth without discretion and judgement, the vanity and untruths of fables. I forbear to speak (saith he) what great matters this fellow hath forged of the Britain's acts before the Empire and coming in of Caesar. Thus far parvus. A device to put by this William of Newburghs accusation. But I know the answer to this so great an accusation: namely, that this William making suit unto David ap Owen Gwyneth, Prince of North-wales, for the Bishopric of Saint Assaphs, after the death of Geffrey, and thereof failing, falsely scandalised and impudently belied that most reverend man. Which surely had been a great fault, and might of us be believed, had not others of the same rank and time, verified as much. Descript. Camb. cap 7. He flourished in Anno 1210. Giraldus Cambrensis calleth Bruts history the fabulous story of jeffrey. john Weathamstead. (17) For Sylvester Giraldus, commonly called Cambrensis, that flourished in the same time with the said author, made no doubt to term it The fabulous story of Geffrey. The like is verified by john Weathamstead Abbot of Saint Albans, a most judicious man that wrote in anno 1440. who in his Granary giveth sentence of this history as followeth. The whole discourse of Brutus (saith he) is rather poetical, then historical, and for divers reasons is built more upon opinion then truth, first The discourse of Brutus disproved by John Weathamstead. because there is no mention thereof made in the Roman story, either of his kill his father, or of the said birth, or yet of banishing the son. Secondly, for that Ascanius Ascanius had no son whose proper name was Silvius. begat no such son who had for his proper name Silvius by any approved Author: for according to them, he begat only one son, and his name was julius, from whom the family of the julii took their beginning. And thirdly, Silvius Posthumus, whom perhaps Geffrey meaneth; was the son of Aeneas by his wife Lavinia, and he begetting his son Aeneas in the thirty eighth year of his reign, ended his life by course of natural death. The kingdom therefore A ridiculous thing to usurp gentility. now called England, was not heretofore, as many will have, named Britain of Brutus the son of Silvius. Wherefore it is a vain opinion and ridiculous to challenge noble blood, and yet to want a probable ground of the challenge: Wisdom the true nobility. for it is manhood only, that enobleth a nation; and it is the mind also with perfect understanding, and nothing else, that gaineth gentility to a man. And therefore Seneca Seneca Epist. 44. writeth in his Epistles to Plato; that there is no King but he came from vassals, and no vassal but he came from Kings. Wherefore to conclude, let this suffice (saith he) that the Britaines from the beginning of their nobility have been courageous and valiant in fight, that they have subdued their enemies on every side, and that they utterly refuse the yoke of servitude. (18) Now that William of Newborough, had sufficient cause (say some) to exclaim against the fantasies of Merline, and the fictions of Arthur, is made manifest in the sequel, not only by the decree of that obtruded Council of Trent, wherein was inhibited the Merlines books inhibited. publication of Merlines books; but also (in effect) by the statute enacted the fifth year of our last deceased An Act inhibiting fantastical predictions. Queen Elizabeth of blessed and immortal memory, wherein is forbidden such fantastical predictions, upon occasions of Arms, Fields, Beasts, Badges, Cognisances, Malmesburies' testimony of Arthur. or Signets, such as Merline stood most upon; and likewise William of Malmsbury saith that Arthur being the only prop that upheld his country, deserved rather to be advanced by truth, then abused with fables wherewith that story is most plentifully stored. And also, that Weathamstead had reason to accounted Brutus' acts and conquests, to be rather poetical than any ways warranted by the records of truth, appeareth by the silence of the Roman writers therein, who name neither Brute nor his father in the genealogy Brutus not mentioned in the genealogy of the Latin Kings. of the Latin Kings: and if any such were, (saith the contradictors) how could they be ignorant of the untimely death of their king, slain by the hand of his natural (though in this act unnatural) son? or what should move them, being so lavish in their own commendations, to be thus silent in their Brutus' worthiness, that with seven thousand dispersed Trojanss warred so victoriously in Gallia, conquered a kingdom of Giants; subdued a most famous Island, reigned gloriously, and left the same to his posterity; none of them, either in prose or poetry once handled, but left to destiny to be preserved by a long ensuing means, or to perish in oblivion for ever? And surely this moved the whole senate of great Clerks to give sentence, Never any such king in the world as Brutus. Boccace, vives, Hadrianus Junius, etc. The Critics argument. that never any such Brutus reigned in the world; such as were Boccace, vives, Hadrian junius, Polydore, Buchanan, Vignier, Genebrard, Molinaeus, Bodine, and others. (19) Yea, and there are some Critics that feign would take advantage from the defenders of Brutus' history themselves, as from Sir john Prys, that produceth many uncertain ensamples of the original of other nations; which granted, (say they) doth no ways confirm the truth or certainty of our own; neither is it any honour to derive these Britain's from the No honour to the Britan's to be derived from the Troyans'. scum of such conquered people as the Troyans' were. Humphrey Lhuyd likewise denying absolutely the derivation of the Britain's name from Brutus, and bringing it from two compounded words, (as we have said) doth thereby weaken the credit of his conquest The Britain's histories weakened by themselves. of this Island to their understanding, as also the catalogue of his successors, which are said to reign successively for many hundred of years after him. And another industrious British writer, having the help of two most ancient British copies, the collections D. powel beginneth his history of Wales but at Cadwaller. of Caradock of Carnarvan, their own Bardies' every third-yeeres visitation, and twenty seven authors of good account, (all of them cited in the preface of his Chronicle) besides his helps had in the offices of records for this realm; yet ascending no higher than to the person of Cadwallader, Prince of Wales, whose reign was in the year of Christ's incarnation 6 8 2. and no less than one thousand seven hundred twenty and six years, after that Brutus is said to come into this Island, doth not warrant (say they) the story that is included betwixt, but rather even the same is interlaced Cadwallers story also doubtful. with many doubtful uncertainties, and so left disputable by the said compiler himself; as namely whether that this Cadwallader whom the Britain's Ran. Chest. claim to be their king, be not the same Chedwald Rob. Fabian. whom the Saxons would have theirs; both living at one time, both in acts alike, and names near, both abandoning their kingdoms, both taking the habit of religion, both dying in Rome, both buried in one Church, nay, say they, in one Sepulchre. The like he bringeth of the Britain's juor, and the Saxons Iue, in the like coherences of names, acts, devotions, and deaths: so that this history of Brutus carrieth not so smooth a current for passage as is wished, nor is that Gordeons knot so easily unloosed. john 〈◊〉 Again, the Reformer of the British history himself, although he hath written one whole chapter in defence of Geffrey Monmouth, and straineth to make his book authentical, complaining often and accusing learned and unpartial Cambden several times, for blowing away Master Cambden accused by the defender of jeffrey of Monmouth. sixty of the Britain Kings with one blast: yet when he compareth the generations with the time, is forced thus to writ: From Porrex to Mynogen are twenti one Kings in a lineal descent, and but years ninety A further disproof of Brutus' history. two: now divide 92. by 2 1. and you shall found, that children beget children, and these (saith he) by George Owen Harry in his book of pedigrees dedicated to his Majesty appeareth to be in a lineal descent, besides three or four collaterals. And yet goeth further: Though the Achaz he should havesaid. Rabbi Jsack. Aug. de civit. Dei, lib. 16. cap. 43. Jerome. Scripture (saith he) allege judah, Hezron, Solomon, and Ezekiah, to be but young when they begat their sons, which (as Rabbi Isaac saith) might be at thirteen years of age: And although Saint Augustine say, that the strength of youth may beget children young; and Jerome bringeth instance of a boy that at ten years of age begot a child: yet this doth not help to excuse the mistaking of years for the British Kings above mentioned. Thus far john Lewis: and for the exceptions made against Brutus: wherein I have altogether used the words of others; and will now (without offence, I hope) add a supposal of mine own, seeing I am fallen into the computation of times, which is the only touchstone to the truth of histories, especially such as are limited by the bounds of the sacred Scriptures, as this for The Authors own opinion of Brutus' history. Brutus' entrance is. And that the same cannot be so ancient (supposing it were never so certain) as the vulgar opinion hitherto hath held, the circumstance of time, to my seeming, sufficiently doth prove. Brutus' conquest in the eighteenth of Heli his priesthood. (20) For Brutus' conquest and entrance are brought by his Author to fall in the eighteenth year of Heli his Priesthood in the Land of Israel, and so is fastened into a computation that cannot err. Now the eighteenth 1. Sam. 4. 18. year of Helies' government, by the holy Scriptures Heli his priesthood in anno mundi 2887. most sure account, is set in the year of the world's creation 2887. after the universal flood 1231. and before the birth of our blessed Saviour 1059. years. Brutus then living in this foresaid time, was four descents from the conquered Troyans', (as he of Monmouth hath laid down) which were Aeneas, Ascanius, Silvius, and himself: so that by these generations successive in order, the very year almost of Troy's destruction may certainly be pointed out and known: which in searching hath been found so doubtful, that by some it hath been thought to be a mere fable. Yet with more reverence to antiquity observed, let us cast and compare the continuance of these four generations unto Brutus' Conquest, not shortening them with Baruch, Baruch 6. 2. Joseph. co●tra Appion. lib. 1. to be but ten years to an age; neither lengthening them with josephus, who accounteth one hundred and seventy years for a generation: but with Herodotus in Euterpe. more indifferency let us with Herodotus, who wrote nearer these times, allow thirty years for a succession, as he accounteth in his second book. Now four times thirty make one hundred and twenty, the number of years that these four Princes successively did live: by which computation likewise measured by Scripture, the ruination of Troy fell in the thirty eighth year of Gideons government in Israel, and was judg. 8. 28. Clemens Alexand. Stromat. 1. the year after the world's creation 2768. But the authority of Clemens Alexandrinus, alleged out of Menander, Pergamenus, and Letus, destroyeth that time of Troy's destruction, and placeth it fully two hundred and thirty years after, even in the reign of Menelaus' returned from Troy when Hiram gave his daughter in marriage to Solomon. King Solomon: for in his first book Stromat●n thus he writeth: Menelaus from the overthrow of Troy came into Phoenicia, at that time when Hiram King of Tyrus gave his daughter in marriage unto Solomon King of Israel. Where, by him we see, that Troy's ruins and Salomons reign fell both upon one time. And so Brutus hath lost of his antiquity, by this account, 230. years; 2. King. 11. 3. Brutus his conquest rather in Athalia her time. Joseph. count. Appion. Lib. 1. & 2. and entered not in Helies' Priesthood, but rather in the usurpation of judah's Kingdom by Athalia, and in the year of the world 3118. (21) To whom let usjoine josephus, an Author of great credit, and without suspicion in this case, who in his Nation's defence against Appion, in both his books, confidently affirmeth himself able to prove Phoenician records. Carthage built after King Hirams reign 255-yeeres. by the Phoenician Records of warrantable credit, that the City Carthage was built by Dido, sister to Pygmalion, one hundred fifty and five years after the aigne of King Hiram, which was Salomons friend, and one hundred Virg. Aeneid●s lib. 1. forty three years and eight months after the building of his most beautiful Temple. Now we know by Virgil, from whom all these glorious tales of Troy are told, Tacitus annal. lib. 16. cap. 1. that Carthage was in building by the same Dido at such time as Aeneas came from Troy's overthrow, through the Seas of his manifold adventures. If this testimony of josephus be true, then falls Troy's destruction about the twentieth year of joas reign over judah, which was the year of the world's creation 3143▪ whereunto if we add one hundred and twenty years for the four descents before specified, then will Brutus' conquest of this Island fall with the twelfth of jothams' Brutus' conquest rather in jotham his time. 2. King. 15. 32. reign in the Kingdom of judah, which meets with the year of the world's continuance 3263. And so hath he again lost of his antiquity no less than 375. years. (22) And yet to make a deeper breach into Brutus' story, and to set the time, in a point so uncertain, as from which neither circle nor line can be truly Manethon cited by joseph. count. Appion. lib. 2. Israelites departed from Egypt 1000 years before the wars of Troy, by josephus account. josep. count. Appion. lib. 1. Brutus' conquest rather after Alexander the great. drawn; Manethon the Historian Priest of Egypt, in his second book cited by josephus, affirmeth that the Israelites departure from Egypt was almost a thousand years before the wars of Troy. If this be so (as it seemeth josephus alloweth it so) and one hundred and twenty years more added, for the four descents above mentioned, the number will fall about the year of the world's creation 3630. long after the death of Alexander the Great, and Greek Monarch. By which account the great supposed antiquity of Brutus, is now lessened by seven hundred fifty and two years; and the time so scantelized betwixt his and Caesar's entrance, that two hundred forty six years only remain: Two hundred forty six years a time too short for the reign of seventy two Kings. a time by much too short for seventy two Princes, which successively are said to reign each after others, and from Brutus to Cesar recorded to have swayed the regal Sceptre of this Island. (23) But unto these objections I know the answer will be ready; namely, the diversities of Scriptures A supposed answer. accounted, being so sundry and different, that the story of Brutus cannot thereby be touched, but still standeth firm upon itself. Indeed I must confess, that from the first Creation, to the year of man's Redemption, the learned Hebrews, Greeks, and Latins, differ much, and that not only each from others, but even among themselves so far, that there can be no indifferent reconcillation made, as by these several computations may be seen, as followeth: Hebrews: Baal Seder-Holem— 3518. Talmundistes— 3784. New Rabbins— 3760. Rabbi Nahsson— 3740. Rabbi Levi— 3786. Rabbi Moses Germidisi— 4058. josephus— 4192. The great differences in computation of years among Writers. greeks: Metheodorus— 5000. Eusebius— 5190. Theophilus Antioch— 5476. Latines: Saint Jerome— 3941. Saint Augustine— 5351. Isidore— 5210. Orosius— 5190. Beda— 3952. Alphonsus— 5984. And yet do these disagreements help little the Obiectors if this be considered, that the main foundation of these diversities consisteth chief in the first world before the Flood, wherein it is manifest, that These differences were chief before the Flood. Septuagint. addeth to the Hebrew Original five hundred eighty and six years. And from the Flood to Abraham's birth, is accounted two hundred and five years more than Moses hath. As likewise josoph. Antiquit. lib. 1. cap. 7. the like is done in the latter times: for from the Captivity of Babylon to the death of Christ, one hundred thirty and seven years are added, more than the suns course hath measured: so that it seemeth the differences were not great for the times of Heli, Solomon, nor judah's Kings, in whose reigns Brutus is brought to people and possess this Island. But leaving these diversities, and to come to a certainty, let us calculate the years of the holy history according as Functive. Beroaldus. Functius, Beroaldus, and sundry other Theologicke Chronologers The accounting of years by the Scripture is a most sure manner of computation. have done; who from the Scriptures most sure account, so tie the stories of times together, that like to a golden chain, the links are fastened each to other, and the whole so complete, that a year is not missing from the fall of man, unto the full time of his redemption. From the creation to the flood 1656. (24) First than from the Creation to the Flood are reckoned years 1656. gathered by a triple account, from the ages, beget, and deaths of the fathers. From the flood to the seventy fifth of Abraham's life 427. The like is thence observed for four hundred twenty and seven years, that is, to the seventy fifth of Abraham's life, wherein God began to tie the times accounts in holier sums: for Terah, the first recorded Joshua 24. 2. Idolater, was the last in honour that had the suns course measured by man's life. And now the bounds From the promise to Abraham, till the Law, 430. Galath. 3. 17. From the Law, to Salomons Temple, 480. 1. King. 6. 1. From the foundation of the Temple, to Salomons death, 36. years. 1. King. 11. 42. From Salomons death, to the burning of the Temple, 390. years. 2. King. 25. 8. Eze. 4. u 2. & 5. From the burning of the Temple, to the end of judah's captivity, 51. years. jer. 25. 11. Isa. 45. 1. 2. Chron. 36. 21. 22. 23. Ezra 1. 1. 2. From the first year of Cyrus, unto the death of Christ, 490. years. of time tie the Promise to Abraham, to be before the Law four hundred and thirty years, as the Apostle to the Galathians affirmeth. From the Law to the building of Salomons Temple, and that in the fourth year of his reign, were years four hundred and eighty: and from that foundation, to his death, were thirty six years: for his whole reign was forty. From his death and kingdoms division, unto the burning of that Temple, which was executed in the nineteenth of Nabuchadnezzar King of Babel, were years three hundred and ninety, as by the days of Ezekiel's siege and sleep appeareth in the second and fifth verses of his fourth Chapter. From the burning of the Temple, to the end of judah's captivity, were years fifty and one, for the whole time of Babel's bondage contained seventy years, as jeremy 25. 11. whereof nineteen were expired; and fifty one remaining unto the first year of Cyrus their deliverer, whom the Lord in that regard calleth his anointed isaiah. 45. 1. In the first year of whose Monarchy he published an Edict for the return of the jews and new building of their Temple, as in the books of Chronicles and of Ezra is seen. And from this first year and proclamation of King Cyrus, unto the last year and death of Christ our Saviour the great year of jubilee, the acceptable time, wherein he trod the winepress alone; to the finishing of the ceremonies, the taking away of sin, the reconciling of iniquity, the bringing in of everhasting righteousness, to the sealing up of vision and prophecy, and to the anointing of the most holy; were years four hundred and ninety, as the Prophet Daniel from the Angel Gabriel Dan. 9 24. received, and unto us hath delivered Dan. 9 24. all which added together make the number to be three thousand nine hundred and threescore years. And by this said computation, I have accounted Brutus' story, as all others wherein I shall be occasioned to speak. (25) Last, if from among these misty clouds of ignorance no light can be gotten, and that we will needs have our descents from the Troyans'; may we not then more truly derive our blood from them through the Romans, who for the space of four hundred Britain's may more truly derive their descent from Troy by the Romans. Britain's took wives of the Romans, and they of the Britain's. Beda hist. Anglie. lib. 1▪ cap. 16. Gen. 6. 1. threescore and six years were planted amongst us? in which continuance it is most certain, they took of our women to be their wives, and gave their women to be wives unto us, seeing that some of their Emperors did the like themselves, and from whose blood, saith Beda, the Britain's Ambrose lineally descended. And if beauty and parts be the instigaters unto love, as in the first world we see it was, no doubt then the features of the Britain's were moving Angels unto the Romans, whose faces even in those times were accounted to be angelical, and whose personages as yet, are respected as the best (if not better) than any other in the world. But that the Romans themselves descended from the Troyans', or AEneas should be the root of the julian family, howsoever the fictions Romans to be descended of the Troyans' is a fable. of Poets as a spring tide have flowed from the fullness of their pens, yet Tacitus their best writer accounteth those things not far unlike to old fables, Tacit. and 12. 12. wherein he judgeth that Nero to win credit before the Consuls, and to get reputation in the glory of eloquence undertook the pleading of the Ilienses cause, declaring the Romans descent from Troy: and the julij from the loins of AEneas, which notwithstanding he censureth as is said. And josephus in the dispersion of Noah's sons and families, affirmeth that Joseph. 1. 7. Romus the original of the old Romans. Romus was the Original of the old Romans and he of Chus, and Cham, if he mean as he speaketh. To conclude; (by what destiny I know not) nations desire their originals from the Troyans'; yet certain it is, that no honour from them can be brought, whose city To have a descent from Troy, cannot be an honour to any Nation. Troyans' thrice vanquished. and fame stood but for six descents, as under the reigns of Dardanus, Erithonius, Troos, Ilium, Laomedon, and Priamus, during which time they were thrice vanquished; twice by Hercules in the days of Laomedon, and the third time razed by the rage of the Grecians in the reign of King Priamus, and the Troyans' themselves made as it were the scum of a conquered people. And therefore as France hath cast off their Francio King Priamus his son, Scotland their Scotia King Pharaoes' daughter, Denmark their Danus, Ireland their Hiberus, and other Countries their Demigods; so let BRITAIN'S likewise with them disclaim their BRUTUS, that bringeth no honour to so renowned Brutus embaseth the descent of the Britain's. a Nation, but rather cloudeth their glory in the murders of his parents, and imbaseth their descents, as sprung from Venus that lascivious Adulteress. THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE ANCIENT BRITAIN'S. CHAPTER IU. Having thus far spoken of the ancient Names of this famous Island, and of the Nations acknowledged to be the first Planters and Possessors thereof; it remaineth that somewhat be mentioned of the Manners and Customs of those people and times, though not so pleasing or acceptable as were to be wished; for that the clouds of ignorance and barbarous incivility did then shadow and overspread almost all the Nations of the earth: wherein I desire to lay imputation no further than is sufficiently warranted by most authentic Writers: and first from Cesar, who foremost of all the Romans discovered and described our ancient Britain's. Of their People. Caes. Comment. li. 5. where he useth the word lute●● (2) Touching their persons: All the Britaines (saith Cesar) used to die themselves with woad, which setteth a blue colour upon them, and that maketh them more terrible to behold in battle. But Pomponius Mela therein moveth a doubt. They died their bodies (saith he) with woad; but whether to make a gallant show, or for what Herodian. other cause else is uncertain. And yet Herodian herein absolutely determineth, where he saith, that the Pliny also addeth another ornament, and saith that the Britain's wore rings on their middle finger. The Britain's would not be clad, because they would show the gay paintings of their bodies. Pliny. Oribasius calleth that herb, Vitrum; and the Britain's call that colour, glass: whence our English word glass, (called also Vitrum in Latin) may seem to be taken, by reason of the colour thereof. Dio Nicaeus. Caesar. Some Britain's clad in leather. Solinus. Britaines knew no use of garments at all, but about their wastes and necks wore chains of iron, supposing them a goodly ornament▪ and a proof of their wealth: and their bore bodies they marked with sundry pictures representing all manner of living creatures; and therefore they would not be clad, for hiding the gay paintings of their bodies. To which painting Pliny also agreeth, and describeth that herb woad, to be like to the Plantine in Gallia, naming it Glastum, with the juice whereof (saith he) the women of Britain, as well wives as young women, anoint and die their bodies all over, resembling by that tincture the colour of the Aethiopians, in which manner they use at solemn feasts and sacrifices to go all naked. And Dio Nicaeus out of the epitome of Xiphilinus, saith, that the custom of that Nation was, to abide in tents all naked and unshod. Notwithstanding, Cesar doth elsewhere report, that they clad themselves in leather, which perchance is meant of the civiller sort of them, and in time of battle. Solinus likewise speaking of the Britain's, saith, their Country is peopled partly with Barbarians, who by means of artificial incisions of sundry forms, have from their childhood divers shapes of beasts incorporate upon them; and having their marks deeply imprinted within their bodies, look how their growth for stature, so do these pictured characters likewise increase. Neither do these savage Nations repute any thing a greater testimony of their patience, then by such durable scars to 'cause their limbs drink in much painting Tertullian. Britannorum stigmata. and colour. These scars by Tertullian are termed Britannorum stigmata, The Britain's marks. And unto this skie-colour, or bluish die, it seemeth Martial Martial. had relation in his praises of Lady Claudia: Claudia caeruleis cùm sit Rufina Britannis, Edita cur Latiae pectora plebis habet? Sigh Claudia comes of azured Britain's race, Whence comes her mind so decked with Roman grace? Master Cambden. And of this use of painting, as our great Antiquary Picts of the British race. judgeth, both the Britaines had their primitive derivation, and the Picts (a branch of British race) a long Called Picti of their painted bodies. Caesar. come. time after, for that their accustomed manner, were called Picti by the Romans, that is, the painted people. (3) The hair of their heads, saith Cesar, they let grow, and wore long, which naturally was curled, and of colour yellow, (as in the panegyric Oration ascribed Mamertinus. to Mamertinus, and spoken in praise of Maximianus, is to be seen) all other parts of their bodies being shaven, saving only the head and upper lip. Yet their complexions were much different, as by Tacitus in vit. Agricolae. Tacitus we see, who avoucheth that some of those Islanders were read of hair, as the Caledonians in the Caledonians the Northern people. Silureses the Western. Northern Promontories; the hair of the Silureses coloured and curled, like to the old Spaniards; and those nearest unto Gallia resembled their complexions, though not altogether so yellow, saith Strabo. But Tacitus. their wit by Tacitus is preferred before them, and their statures more tall, as Strabo affirmeth, whose lineaments Strabo. showed a good making of body, and measurable proportion in all parts answerable. Their women fair, and of exceeding good features, as is Xiphilinus. Martial. Eutropius. described by the Roman Writers. Such was Boudicea, saith Xiphilinus; Claudia and Helena, saith Martial and Eutropius. (4) That the strength of nature wrought long in Plutarch. They lived to a great age. the Britain's, we read out of Plutarch, who reporteth that the people lived one hundred and twenty years, for that, saith he, their cold and frozen Country kept in their natural heat: whose conditions by Diodorus Diodorus Siculus. Siculus are commended to be plain and upright, far from the wiliness and craft of the Romans. And by Strabo. Strabo thei● dispositions are partly resembled to the Gauls, but yet somewhat more rude and plain; and those most civil, who were the inhabitants of Kent, by reason of their oftener conversing with other Nations, as Cesar showeth. But the farther from the continent, Caesar. The●e Britain's in Kent the civilest. Pomponius Mela. the more rude, and less acquainted with other kind of riches besides cattle, as Pomponius Mela affirmeth. Of their domestic matters. Caesar. The Britain's towns are their woods ●eing fortified. Strabo▪ (5) Now touching their domestic matters▪ Their buildings were many, and like to them of the Gauls saith julius Caesar; notwithstanding they give the name of Towns to certain cumbersome woods, which they have fortified with rampires and ditches, whither they retreat, and resort to eschew the invasions of their enemies. Which stand them in good stead, saith Strabo: for when they have by felling of trees, mounted, and fenced therewith a spacious round plot of ground; there they build for themselves houses and cottages, and for their cattle set up stalls and folds, but those for the present use only, and not for long continuance. Which, as Diodorus Siculus saith were usually thacked Diodorus Siculus. with reed; but the cities without walls, and the country without towns, as Dion describeth the Calidonians Dion. and Meats. The Britain's multiplicity of wives. Caesar. (6) Their wives were ten or twelve a piece, as Caesar hath alleged, which they held common among brothers and parents, yet the issue reputed his▪ who first married the mother when she was a maid: and Dio indeed affirmeth no less, adding withal, that Dio. the children thus begotten, were fostered and brought up in common among them. And Eusebius likewise Eusebius evang. praeparat. 6. testifieth, that many Britain's together kept one wife in common to them all. This community in marriage moved julia the Empress of Severus, to twit the julia her reproof to a British woman. wife of Argetecaxus, that the fashion of the women of Britain in accompanying with men, was very impudent; to whom she replied and said, we British women The answer. do indeed herein differ from you Roman Ladies; for we satisfy our appetite, by accompanying with the worthiest Dion. Cas. lib. 76. men, and that openly, but you with every base fellow, in a corner. The Britain's diet. Prohibited meats. Caesar. (7) For their diet; it was a heinous matter with them to eat either Hen, Hare, or Goose, saith Caesar, which notwithstanding they bred for their pleasures; neither fed daintily at full and rich tables, as Diodorus Siculus affirmeth, but rather in necessity Diodo. Siculus. The Britaines of a very spare diet. could live upon barks and roots of trees, and with a kind of meat no bigger than a bean, after which for a good time they did neither hunger nor thirst, saith Dio Nicaeus: who likewise testifieth that the Britain's, Dio Nicaeus. did till no ground, neither eat fish, though their rivers They eat no fish. thereof be pleneously stored, but live upon prey, venison, and first-fruits: to which also Caesar addeth milk, Caesar. Unskilful to make cheese. Strabo. Their drink of barley. Solinus. Pliny. whereof (saith Strabo), they had not then skill to make cheese. And according to Solinus, their usual drink was made of barley. But for tillage Pliny seemeth to contradict Dio, affirming that the Britaines manured their grounds with Marl in stead of dung; which argueth no such simplicity in gardening, planting, and in other like points of husbandry as Strabo Strabo. doth tax them with. And this foresaid temperance of diet differeth much from that, which Saint Jerome chargeth their neighbours the Anthropophagis of Hier●. adversus Jovinianum lib. 2. Ireland, who used to feed on the buttocks of boys, and women's paps, as their most dainty and delicate dish. Of their religion and learning. (8) For their religion, or rather diabolical superstition, was as the rest of the world, (some few excepted) when Satan had clouded the truth of God's doctrine, by the foggy mists of confused darkness. For Tacitus makes their superstitions, and ceremonies to be the same in conformity with the Gauls. And what that was, Dio Cassius in his Nero, and Solinus in his history, Dio Cassius. Solinus. do declare; who do ascribe to them the most inhuman offering of man's flesh in their sacrifices. Th● Britain's inhuman sacrifices. The names of their Idols. And besides their ancient Idols, such as Dis, jupiter, Apollo, Diana, and the like, they worshipped Andates for their Goddess of Victory, unto all which they performed no small adorations and honours, imputing their prosperities unto them: unto whom also they erected temples with such magnificence as they then had; whose walls, as it seemeth, long after remained, whereon some of those profane portraitures with deformed lineaments were seen by mournful Gildas, Gildas. carrying a stern and grim countenance, after the The Britain●'s Idols exceed Egypt for number. wont heathenish manner: here see we (saith he) upon these desert walls, the ugly features of the Britain's Idols, merely diabolical, and in number almost exceeding those of Egypt. So by Tacitus they are noted with the common custom of the Gentiles, which was that they sought for the direction of their Gods by the looking into the entrails of Beasts, yea and of men too; and that they honoured the Altars of their Gods with the sacrifice and blood of such as they took captive in Pliny. Magic highly honoured of the Britain's. wars. And Pliny writing of Magic, saith, that in his days the art thereof in Britain was highly honoured, and all the people thereunto so much devoted, yea and with all such compliments of ceremonies in the same to be performed, that a man would think the Persians had learned all their Magic skill from them. Priests and instructors had they, whereof the chief were called Druids, whose office was employed about Caesar. come. 6. holy things, saith Caesar; for they had the managing of public and private sacrifices, and to interpret and discuss matters of religion. Unto them do resort great numbers of young men to learn at their hands, and they be had in great reverence. For they determine The Druids determine almost all controversies. almost all controversies, and matters in variance, as well public as private. And if there happen any thing to be done amiss, if there be any murder committed, if there rise any controversy concerning inheritance or bounds of lands, they take the matter into their power, and award either recompense or penalties in the case. And if there be any, be he private person, or be it corporation, that will not stand to their judgement, they interdict him, which punishment among them is held most grievous. They that Excommunication of great force in the time of the ancient Britain's. are so excommunicated are accounted in the number of the wicked and ungracious: all men shun them, all men eschew their company and communication, l●st by conversing with them, they should defile themselves and receive harm. If they demand law, they may not have it: neither may they enjoy any place of Among the Druids one Primate and chief over the rest. honour. Over all these Druids there is one Primate, which hath chief authority over them. When he is dead if there be any of the rest that excelleth in worthiness, he succeedeth: or if there be any equal, he is chosen by voices of the rest, and divers times they strive for the sovereignty by force of arms. These men at a certain season of the year, in the They assemble once a year at a place in France to hear controversies. borders of the Caruntes (whose country is counted the middle of all Gallia) do sit together in a place hallowed, whereunto resort from all sides all such as have any controversies: and look what is decreed and judged by them, that they stand unto. This order Here appeareth▪ that Academies were then amongst the Britain, and from their example derived into other countries. They are exempted from war. of discipline is thought to have had beginning in Britain, and from thence to have been brought into Gallia. And at this day, they that are desirous to attain this skill more exactly, do commonly repair thither to learn it. These Druids customably are exempted from the wars, neither do they pay taxes and tallages with other folk: for they are privileged as from the wars, so from all other burdens. Allured with so great rewards, many even of their own accord, do register themselves in that order, and divers are sent thither by their parents and kinsfolk. Where they Their scholars must learn a great many verses by heart. are reported to learn a great number of verses by heart. Whereof it cometh to pass, that divers continued twenty years in learning. Neither do they think it lawful to put them in writing, whereas in all other things, for their accounts, as well public as private, they use the Greek letters. They use the Greek letters jest their skill should be too common. This order they seem (in mine opinion) saith he, to have taken for two considerations: partly because they will not have their discipline published among the common people; and partly because they will not that they which shall learn, trusting too much to their books, should have the less regard of remembrance: in that it happeneth well near to most men, that upon trust of the help of their book, they are slacker in learning things by heart, and less care to Their Theology is, that the soul dieth not, but passeth from one to another. bear them in mind. This is one of the chiefest things that they labour most to beaten into men's minds, that the Souls die not, but do after death pass from one to another: and hereby they think men should be most stirred unto virtue, when the fear of death is nothing regarded. Also they dispute many other things: as of the stars, and of their movings: of the Their natural Philosophy. bigness of the world, and the earth: of the nature of things: of the strength and power of the gods immortal: and do therein instruct the youth. Unto these Druids and their doctrine had Lucan the Poet Lucan. relation in his first book towards the end, where he writeth thus of them. Et vos barbaricos ritus, moremque sinistrum Sacrorum, Druidae, positis repetistis ab armis. Solis nosce Deos & Caeli sydera vobi● Aut solis nescire datum. Nemora alta remotis Incolitis Lucis▪ Vobis autoribus, umbrae Non tacitas Erebi sedes Ditisque profundi Pallida regna petunt, regit idem spiritus artus Orb alio: longae, canitis si cognita, vitae Mors media est. Certè, populi quos despicit Arctos, Foelices errore suo, quos, ille timorum Maximus, haud urgent laethi metus: inde ruendi Inferrum mens prona viris, animaeque capaces Mortis: & ignawm est rediturae parcere vitae. In English thus. You (Druids) free from wars, with barbarous devices Sinistrous rites perform, and uncouth sacrifices. High Mysteries, of God, and Heavens, you only know; Or only err therein. Where shady woods do grow; There you repose; and teach, that Souls immortal be; Nor silent Erebus, nor Pluto's Hall shall see. And, (if your Saws be sooth) Death is no final doom, But only Midway, twixt life past, and life to come. Brave Britain bloods perdi! warmed with this happy error, Death (greatest fear of fears) amates th● with no terror. Hence 'tis▪ they manly rush on pikes, and grisly death, And scorn base minds, that stick to sp●d reviving breath. Of their commerce and traffic. (9) These Britain's being merely barbarous, as most of the Western parts of the world than were, lived privately to themselves with scarce any commerce, or intercourse with any other nation: neither indeed were much known to foreign people, for a long time. For the first notice of them extant, was by Polybius the first that took notice of this land. Polybius the Greek writer, that accompanied Scipio in his wars, about the year of the world's creation 3720. and two hundred and nine, before the birth of our Saviour Christ. Which Author nameth their Island Polyb. lib. 3. to be plenteously stored with Tin: but of other things therein is silent, saying that all those parts which lay betwixt Tanais and Narbor bending Northward in his days were unknown and uncertain, and therefore the reporters of them he held as dreamers. So doth Master Cambden another Polybius, & no way his Cambd. Britanni● de moribus Britan. inferior, accounted it a prodigal humour of credulity, to be persuaded that Himilco, from the state of Carthage sent to discover the coasts of Europe, in the said expedition Matters scarce to be believed. That Himilco entered this Island. Polyb. Eclog. lib. 10. That Hannibal should war here. That Alexander came hither. entered this Island: or that Hannibal should war in this Island, because Polybius in the Eclogues of his tenth book saith that he was enclosed within the straits of Britain, which place is mistaken for the Brutij in Italy: or that Alexander came from the East Indians, to Gades, and from thence into Britain, though Cedrenus say so, seeing all other writers are against it; or that Ulysses, (ancient enough if he be that That Ulysses should visit Britain. Elishah the son of javan, the fourth son of japheth) should visit Britain in his travels, whereof Brodaeus maketh doubt; though Solinus report that an Altar in Caledonia was erected, and Ulysses in Greek letters thereon inscribed. Which might very well be: for who doubteth but that the Greeks, in their vain devotions, did both build and sacrifice unto their Gods, which they made of their worthiest men? and sith Ulysses, (in regard of his far sea-travels) was had The like examples we have now of Cap. Henry. etc. The Romans not mentioned either by Thucydides or Herodotus. in special account among all navigators, why might not such monuments be reared, and his name inscribed, as far as the Grecians traveled, though his person never came there? And if the Romans, at whose greatness the whole world trembled, were so lately known in those ancient times, as that neither Thucydides nor Herodotus made mention of them: yea and with much ado at Joseph. contra Appion. lib. 1. Gauls and Spaniards for many years unknown to Historiographers. last were heard of by the Grecians themselves: as josephus affirmeth; And if the Gauls and Spaniards, (inhabitants in the continent) for many years together were utterly unknown to the world's historiographers; shall we then think, that this remote Island, and people then far from civility, were noted forth with marks of more certainty? surely to my seeming, nothing less: seeing that their next neighbours The Britain's unknown to their next neighbours. Caesar come. lib. 4. the Gauls knew not so much as what manner of men they were: none resorting thither, except some few merchants, and they no further, then upon the sea coasts, neither able to describe the bignesle of the Island, the puissance of the inhabitants, their order for war, the laws that they used, the customs of the people, nor their havens for the receipt of ships; all which Caesar by diligent inquiry sought after, but could found no satisfaction till he had sent some purposely to search it out. (10) Neither is this their want of knowledge to be wondered at, seeing the intercourse of their traffic Their merchandise of small use. Strabo. was upheld by so mean commodities: for Strabo saith, that their merchandizing chief consisted in ivory Boxes, Shears, Onches, Bits, and Bridles, Wreaths & Chains, with other conceits made of Amber and Glass; for which notwithstanding they were compelled to pay customs and imposts unto Octavian Augustus, as elsewhere shall be showed. (11) And as their commodities were very mean, so were their means either for exportation or importation very slender in those times; I mean their Their shipping very mean. Ships first invented in Britain, is a matter to be doubted. shipping. It is true, that some are of opinion, that Ships were first invented in these our Seas: but that this should be true, I have cause to doubt, that Art being long before inspired by God himself into the heart of Noah for making the Ark, and no doubt practised by that pattern of many others. But that the ancient Britain's had ships of reasonable use, The ships of this Island according to Caesar. though of simple Art, Cesar testifieth, saying, that the keels and ribs of their ships were of light wood, and covered over with leather: which kind the now- britain's call Corraghs': and with them (saith Polyhistor) they did sail betwixt Britanny and Ireland, (which sea for roughness and danger may be compared with any other whatsoever) though the bulk of their vessels were but of some flexible wood, covered with the hides of Bufflles: and as long as they were sailing, so long did they abstain from meat: whereby it seemeth they never sailed any great Pliny and Lucan of the ships of this Island. journeys. And of this their shipping Pliny also speaketh, and Lucan singeth, thus: Primùm cana salix, madefacto vimine, paruam Texitur in puppim, caesoque induta iwenco, Vectoris patience tumidum super emicat amnem: Sic Venetus stagnante Pado, fusoque Britannus, Navigat Oceano.— At first, of hoary sallowes wreathed boughs, the ships Small bulk is trimly twist, and clad in bullocks hide: Then, patiented to be ruled, on swelling waves she skips. Thus on the spacious Poe the Venice Merchants glide, And Britain Pilots sail on surge of Ocean wide. But aftertimes brought the Britain's to more exquisite skill in naval affairs, insomuch as the royal Navy of this Kingdom hath been reputed (and so is at this day) not only the invincible walls of our own, but the incredible terror of all other Kingdoms, which have or shall envy our happy peace: and the adventures likewise of Merchants, and the skill of our Seamen, hath left no corner of the world unsearched. Caesar. (12) And their traffic amongst themselves was not of much worth, in that, as Cesar saith, the Coins The Britain's coins. which they had were either of brass, or else iron rings sized at a certain weight, which they used for their monies. Of which kind some have averred they have seen found and lately taken up in little cruses or pitchers of earth. But as times grew more civil, and traffic more frequent, they shortly after stamped both silver and gold; The first Roman coins with King's image were in Caesar's time. and thereon the faces of their Kings, even in the days of julius Caesar, who was the first that had his own stamped on the Roman Coins. Many of these are amongst us remaining, whereof I have inserted some few, as in their due places shall follow, which I received from the liberal hand of that most learned Knight, and worthy storer of Antiquities Sir Robert Sir Robert Cotten. Cotten of Cunington. These Coins are commonly embossed The marks to know British coins from ●orraine. outward and shield-like, whereon the inscription, or face, is seen; the reverse hollow, and therein their devise set: and by these forms are they known to be the Britain's, no other nation stamping the like, except some few among the Grecians. Of their wars. Caesar come. 4. (13 We come lastly, to speak of the manner of their warfare, which Caesar thus describeth. First (saith he) they ride round about all parts of the battle, casting off their darts: and often times with the terrible They amaze the enemy with the rattling of their chariot wh●el●s. noise of their horses, and the rattling of their chariot wheels, they amaze the enemy and break their array. And when they have wound themselves in among the troops of horsemen, they leap forth of their wagons, and fight on foot. In the mean while the wagoners withdraw themselves somewhat out of the battle, and set their wagons in such order, that if they be overcharged by the enemy, they may have speedy and easy recourse unto them. By means whereof they are both as ready to remove as the horsemen, and as steadfast to stand in the battle as the footmen, and supply both duties in one. And they are come to such perfectness by daily practice and exercise, that even in steep and falling places they will stop their horses running a full gallop, and guide and turn them in a short room, & run upon the vergies, and stand steadfastly upon the beams, and quickly recover themselves back again into the wagons. Caesar. come. 5. These would often give ground to egg their enemies from their main battle, and then would leap out of their chariots and fight on foot. And they kept also such an order in fight on horseback, that whether the enemies chased, or were chased, they were always in danger. For they never fought in great They fight not in great companies together. companies together, but scatteringly a great way distant the one from the other, and had stalls lying in divers places one to supply another, having ever fresh They have ever fresh men in the rooms of them that are weary. Strabo. Diodorus Siculus. The Britain's fight in chariots as the use was in the world's first age. Pomponius Mela. and lusty men in the rooms of them that were weary. Of this their manner of fight in chariots, Strabo also declareth; and Diodorus Siculus saith that the Britaines lived after the manner of the first age of the world, using chariots in their fight, as the report goes of the ancient Greeks at the Trojan wars. Pomponius Mela also describing these Britain's, affirmeth that their fight was not only with horsemen and footmen, but also with wagons and chariots, harnessed, and armed at the ends of the axletrees with hooks and scythes, after the manner of the Gauls; but with appearance of greater courage, as Tacitus saith; as being Tacitus. not yet mollified by long peace. Their strength in Their chief strength consist● in footmen. field consisteth most of footmen, yet some countries there are (saith he) that war in wagons, the greatest persons guiding the same; and so much doth Juvenal Juvenal. intimate, who in show of prophecy but indeed in flattery of the Emperor Domitian, salutes him after this manner. It bodes thee Triumph great; to captivate some King; Or fierce arviragus from Chariot's beam to ding. Dio Nicaeus from Xiphilinus more particularly declareth Di●. their strength; Their horses (saith he) are but little, yet therewithal swift of pace: their footmen also run very Their footmen run swiftly. Their armour. speedily, but in their standing are the strongest: their armour are shields, and short spears, in the neither end whereof is fastened a round bell of brass like unto a ball, which at the first onset of encounter they shake with great courage, supposing that such a rattling noise doth much amate the enemy. And Herodian saith that their shields were narrow Herodian. and spears short, wearing swords hanging down their naked loins, having neither knowledge nor use either of corselet or helmet. Many British women renowned for valour. Tacitus. (14) Some have thought that their women also were not exempted from the wars; but certain it is that many of that sex were renowned for their valour amongst them. Which made Tacitus to say, it was usual for the Britain's to fight under the conduct of women, (which the Romans found to their smart) nor to make any difference of sexes for government. A more noble pattern whereof, never had any age, then in our late Queen Elizabeth a glorious virgin Queen. glorious Virgin Queen, (the wonder of her sex, and of all future ages,) who, as she was inferior to no Prince ever living, for her admirable government in upholding of her kingdoms peace, so was she a match (to say no more) to the proudest monarches, in her managing A most valorous Princess in war. of her wars; as (when occasion was offered) she was ready to make good, in her own royal person in the field. But besides the use of arms, the ancient British women had another employment in the field, Tacitus. which I will only set down in Tacitus his words, speaking of Paulinus Suetonius his assailing of Anglesey: The British Army (saith he) stood on the shore, thick of men and munition, and women running up and down amongst them, like furies, carrying burning firebrands in The British women's rueful attire and the Druids behaviour In prayer amaze the Roman soldiers. rueful attire, and with their hair hanging about their shoulders. The Druids mean while went with their hands lift up to heaven, pouring out prayers and imprecations. The strangeness of which sight so amazed the Roman soldiers, that they stood still like stocks, whiles the other wounded them at their pleasure; till Paulinus encouraged them, and they excited one another, not to be so daunted by an army of women and wizards. etc. (15) In the relations of these things, let no man think, that the glory of these ancient and warlike nation of Britain's, is any ways disparaged, or made inferior to them that would be more famous, whose The Romans derive their name from an infamous person. beginning have been as mean, and state as rude, if not more. For let us consider the Romans so lavish in their own worths and greatness; who notwithstanding, bring their name and original from Romulus, a bastard by birth, nourished by a beast, educated among a sort of rustic shepherds: and grown to the ripeness of his own affections, he become ringleader of a damned crew, that lived by robberies and without laws: besides the shedding of his natural brother's blood, as Titus Livy their own historian witnesseth: Titus Livius, etc. and both himself and followers, had in such contempt and derision by their neighbour nations, that they both disdained and refused to give them their daughters in marriage, jest in time they also should become lawless, until that by subtlety and force, they had ravished their virgins, and thereby made them unworthy of other matches. Yet when their after fortunes and success had mounted them upon the wings of glory, and seated them on the necks of their subdued neighbours, their Caesar's would needs be more than mortal, and their pedigrees must lineally be brought from the Gods. The poor beginnings of Scythian and Turkish Empires. (14) And, to let pass many others, the like may be said of the beginners of the Scythian and Turkish Empires, two golden pillars raised upon leaden bases, howsoever now, the power of their command, circles three parts of the earth. Nay what more is, that precious, royal, and Gods only people, from whom the eternal And of jewish. King of Kings descended, in their offerings made in time of their highest glory, were by the Lord thus commanded to acknowledge and say: A Syrian was Deut. 26. 5. my father, who being ready to perish for hunger, went down into Egypt, and sojourned with a small company. And the richest stone of that most beauteous building in his highest pride is counseled by the Prophet, to look back Isai. 51. 1. to the rock whence it was hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence it had been digged. THE GOVERNMENT OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAPTER V. WE come, at length, to The British government. speak of the government and political estate of the Britain's, which doubtless (the times then considered) was as honourable in their rulers, and as manageable in the subjects, as any other nations in these West parts of the world: their temperance, religion, learning, and noble resolution showing no less. But in this point I must crave pardon of our British Heralds, and some learned Antiquaries, if I bring not a lineal succession Their succession doubtful. from Brutus, and a monarchical government in those times of obscurity, through whose mists no Eagles eyes could pierce, before the days of Geffrey ap Arthur, as before was touched. And therefore following his counsel, who is best able in these things to give direction; I will begin the succession of Great Britain's Monarches, Not merely monarchical. at the entrance and person of julius Caesar; at which time, it seemeth, by him and other Latin writers (the best Recorders of kingdoms affairs,) this Island was governed rather after the manner of an aristocraty, that is, by certain great Nobles and Potent men, then under the command of any One as an absolute Monarch: though herein is a difference, in that in the Aristocratical regiment, the rulers are all Peers of one Common wealth; whereas here, as many Princes, so many several Public weals. For so Caesar himself found the state of Britain to be How in Caesar's time and after. divided into Provinces under the names of her inhabitants; and to be ruled by divers Peers or petty Kings. (2) And such a Governor was Cassibelan, over the Trinobantes: Cingetorix, Caruilius, Taximagulus, and Segonax, all four Rulers together in Kent: Comes supposed to be King of the Atrebatij, and to be the same Comius of Arras, whom Caesar employed to tease and work the Britain's to his subjection. Caractacus the warlike King of the Silureses, Galgacus the worthy King of the Caledonians; yea and women also, without exception Tacit. an. 14. 11. of sex, held government among them, such as was faithless Cartismandua Queen of the brigants, Tacit. histor. lib. 3. cap. 9 and famous Boudicea Queen of the Icenians. Whereby it seemeth that every several Province owed service and allegiance only to their own Prince. And as their governments were confined unto certain bounds and limits, so were the Inhabitants divided and distinguished by divers Names: of whom because we shall have occasion hereafter often to speak, it shall not therefore be amiss in this place once for all, table-wise to lay down the same; whereby our narrations may pass untroubled without more explanations, and the reader's mind carried with less encumbrances. Those ancient names of people, and places for abode, throughout the whole Island, from Ptolemie were as follow. A TABLE OF THE ANCIENT INHABITANTS, AND THE CITES OF THEIR POSSESSIONS AS THEY WERE CALLED BY PTOLEMY, AND OFTEN SINCE MENTIONED IN THE ROMAN WRITERS. People. Countries. CANTII.— Kent. REGNI.— Sussex. Surrey. DUROTRIGES.— Dorsetshire. DAMNONII.— Devonshire. Cornwall. BELGAE.— Somersetshire. Wiltshire. Hampshire. ATREBATII.— Berkshire. DOBUNI.— Oxfordshire. Gloucester. CATIEUCHLANI. Warwickshire. Buckingham. Bedfordshire. TRINOBANTES. Hertford. Essex. Middlesex. ICENI.— Suffolk. Norfolk. Cambridge. Ely Island. Huntingdon. CORITANI.— Rutlandshire. Lincolnshire. Northhampton. Leicestershire. Darbishire. Nottingham. CORNABII.— Staffordshire. Worcestershire. Cheshire. Shropshire.   Lancaster.   Yorkshire. brigants. Richmondshire. PARISI. Duram.   Westmoreland.   Cumberland. ORDOVICES.— Flintshire. Denbighshire. Caernaruon. Montgomery. Merionethshire. SILURES.— Herefordshire. Radnorshire. Brecknock. Monmouth. Glamorgan. DIMETAE.— Caermarden. Penbrookshire. Cardiganshire. People. Countries. OTTADINI.— Northumberland. Teifidale. Twedale. Merch. Louthien. SELGOVAE.— Lidesdale. Ensdale. Eskdale. Annandale. Niddisdale. NOVANTES.— Gallowey. Carick. Kyle. Cunningham. DAMNII.— Cluydsdale. Renfraw. Lennox. Striueling. Menteth. Fifa.   Perth. CALEDONII▪ Strathern. GADINI. Albin.   Argile.   Lorne. EPIDII.— Cantyre. VICEMAGI.— Murray. VENNICONES.— Mernia. Anguis. Mar. TAEZALI.— Buquhane. CANTAE.   CREONES. Rosse. CERONTES. Sutherland. CARNONACAE. Strathnavern. CARINI. CORNABII. SIMERTAE. Caithnes. LOGI. Their emulations & ambition. (3) These States ambitiously banding each against others, to raise their own Prince to a more sovereign supremacy, and to enlarge their Provinces upon the borders of the next, were ever ready, the lest Pomponius Mela. occasion ministered, saith Pomponius Mela, to enter quarrels, and seldom held amity, or were quiet. This was the cause, as Tacitus tells us, which brought that puissant Tacitus in vita Agrico. nation into bondage: and was the only help to the Romans victories: for seldom it chanced (saith he) that two or three states met in counsel, and concurred in opinion to repulse the common danger▪ so that whilst they resisted and fought one by one, all at length were subdued. But this was not at once performed by julius Caesar the first Roman enterer, who (as he saith) rather Caesar first enterer, not conqueror. showed the place to posterities, than gave them the possession thereof, supposing it his glory sufficient, to have done what he did. For unto the days of Domitian, they held play with the Romans, and that with such valour, that the subduing of some small part of this Island was accounted by themselves to match the conquests of other mightier countries, and more notes of honour showed in their public triumphs for one Britain's misfortune, then usually was solemnised for whole Caractacu●. kingdoms subdued. (4) That such people possessed, and that many Kings together reigned here in Britain, Pomponius Mela doth show: Britain (saith he) bringeth forth Nations, and Kings of nations, though they be all without civility and barbarous. And Caesar's intendments being known unto them, it is said that many of their Cities sent him by their Ambassadors proffers of submission: whereby appeareth their diversities of States, whereof only two held promise, and the rest failing was the occasion of his second expedition for Britain. And Tacitus, Tacitus Annal. lib. 2. cap. 5. speaking of the shipwreck suffered by the Romans in the reign of Tiberius, saith, that many of their soldiers then distressed and torn, being cast upon the coasts of Britain, were by the people courteously relieved, and by their petty Kings sent back unto Germanicus their General into Germany; which Princes or petty Kings, were drawn (as else where he saith) by emulation into many partialities and factions; which was indeed their own destruction. And by Gildas these Gildas. S. Jerome. were termed cruel Tyrants, taking his authority out of Saint Jerome. (5) Let thus far suffice, in general, of these ancient Britain's; whose particulars we will further prosecute in the places of their resistances, jest otherwise they should seem to fight only against themselves. And therefore so many of these Governors, as either yielded their subjections to the Romans, or stood their opposites till their own strengths were spent, I will briefly touch, until such time as the land was made a Province, by the valour and industry of julius Agricola the first Roman that found it an Island, and left it more civil, and in subjection to the Roman Empire; and by the way I will insert some of such ancient Coins, as among them were then used, expressing their names, and places of coinage. THE KINGS AND GOVERNORS OF GREAT BRITAIN WITH THE ANCIENT COINS USED IN THEIR TIMES. CHAPTER VI. COM. 2. GOL. REX THe first British Coin (as is supposed) both by the fashion thereof being shield-like, and Name thereupon inscribed REXCOM: denoteth Comius, (if he be a Britain) King of the Atrebatij in this Island: whom some judge to have fled thence unto Caesar, as Ptolemaei Geograph. a traitor to his Native country; and in Gallia vanquished those parts, that lay coasted against the White, wherein (by Ptolemy) the people called likewise the Atrebatij inhabited: over whom he received the government by the gift of Caesar, and was by him employed to work the Britain's to his obedience. And that he was King of the Atrebatij in Britain, may be strengthened by that which Caesar in his second book of Commentaries affirmeth, where, by his own knowledge he saith, that one Divitiacus reigned over a great part of Gallia, and some portion of Britain also: and so likewise this Comius is reported to be of great respect among our Britain's, and able in that country to do much. Neither is it altogether Caesar. common. lib. 4. unlikely, seeing the Britaines distasted his loyalty to Caesar, and his embassage for their subjection, with such dislikes, that they laid violent hands only upon him, and cast him in prison; using no such rigour against the rest of their own Ambassadors. Notwithstanding when success altered, they set him at liberty, and made him their means to pacify Caesar. Other Coins I have inserted to such British princes as by their inscriptions are known to be theirs. And whereas some are not yet noted by that honour to the world; I have unto such added only blanks, if happily more be revealed hereafter, and the bowels of the earth deliver to others, her treasures hid, as formerly (and in these our searching days) she hath already done. 2 GOL. (2) Cassibelan, as the most worthy among the Britain's Kings, to withstand the common danger now ready to light upon them all, by the invasions and wars of the Romans; was by a general consent chosen their chieftain, though in times past, he had molested his neighbouring provinces to the enlargement of his own. Whose signiories, as Caesar saith, were Caesar. comen. lib. 5. severed from the Cities towards the sea coast by the river Thames, about fourscore miles from the same. He had obtained the government of the Trinobantes, by the slaughter of Imanuence, and the expulsion of Mandubrace his son. And, with great valour, held opposite to the Romans, until the revolt of his chief City, the Cenimagues, Segontians, Ancalits', Bibroces, Cassians, and other states, which drew back, and yielded to the enemy; his confederates, the four Kings of Kent, overthrown, his own town won, and himself forced to yield unto Caesar, and the land to pay a tribute of 3000. pound yearly to Rome. A British Coin of gold with the inscription CASE in scattered letters we have inserted; as also another whereon is instamped the word VER, supposed to be his, because it is thought to have been coined in ancient Verolam, the City of Cassibelan, Verolam a famous City near to the place where now S. Albon is. and that in his days, before the Romans won it. TASCIA 1 SIL. VER (3) Cingetorix: carvel: Taximagull: Segonax: whom Caesar calleth Kings that reigned in Kent, were instigated by Cassibelan suddenly to set upon, and to assault the Roman forces, that lay encamped upon the sea shore whilst he kept Caesar occupied further in the main: which thing they attempted, but failed of their hoped expectation, their men being slain, three of them chased, and Cingetorix the chiefest taken captive. This heavy news and unfortunate success, caused Cassibelan to sue unto Caesar, and by the means of Comius obtained his peace. (4) Mandubrace a prince of the Trinobantes, but a traitor to his country; whose father Imanuence being slain by Cassibelan, and his own life likewise sought after, and in danger, fled unto Caesar into Gallia, and followed his fortunes in the wars; wherein, he was a great spur unto Caesar's forwardness for Britain, both to be revenged upon the murderer of his father, and to recover the government of the Trinobantes usurped by Cassibelan: preferring his own ambitious desire, and the revenge of one man's death, before the freedom of his native Country, or the deaths of many his countrymen, that daily stopped the Romans passage with streams of their blood. He recovering his chiefest City with the protection of the Romans, yielded subjection, & forty hostages to Caesar: whose example drew others to cell their own liberty, & to buy many miseries at too dear a rate, and with Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 2. too late repentance, him doth Beda call Androgorius. (5) Cenimagues' Inhabitants of Norfolk. Suff. Cam. etc. Segontians' Hantshire. Camb. Britan. Ancalits' Hendly hund. in Oxford. Bibroces Bray hund. in Berkshire. Cassians Caishow hund. in Hartf. These people or states, seeing the proceed and happy success of Caesar, after the example of the Trinobantes, whose chiefest City had yielded him obedience, and were thereby secured, and protected from the harms of his soldiers, sent him likewise their submissions, and were accepted into subjection: so ready were they to save their own stakes, that they left the whole to the hazard of loss, which soon after followed as an overflowing flood, wherein was lastly drenched the whole islands liberty. CUNO 2 SIL. TASCIO CUNO COP. CAMV CUNO BELIN. 1. COP. TASCIO ELINE CUNOB 1 SIL. CAMV 2 GOL. CUNO CUNO 1 SIL. TASCE TASC VANIT 1 SIL. CUNOBELI CUNO BELINE 1 COP. TASCIIOVANIT (6) Cunobeline (for so upon his Coins his name is instamped) was the son of Theomantius and he the son of Lud (as say our British historians, by whom his name is corruptly written Kymbeline) he lived at Rome, and in great favour with Augustus Caesar the Emperor, by whom he was made Knight, and by his means the peace of Britain was continued without the payment of their Tribute, as Fabian out of Guido de Columna hath gathered. In the foureteenthyeere Numb. 24. 17. of his reign the Daystar of jacob appeared, and the rod out of Ishai did flourish from isaiah. 11. 1. the womb of a Virgin, when the wonderful isaiah. 9 6. Counsellor, the mighty God and Prince of Peace, the Emmanuel with us was borne at bethlehem of his maiden-mother the blessed Virgin Mary, and was made man like unto us in all things, sin only Matt. 2. excepted. These were the times that great Kings and Prophets desired to see, but saw them not, when the Wolf and the Lamb, the Leopard and the Kid, Esay 11. 6. the Calf and the Lion fed together; for war was not heard of then in the world, but rather their Mica. 4. 3. swords were made into mattocks, and their spears turned into scythes, as the Prophets, Sibyls, and Poets from them have affirmed. In Rome the temple of janus was shut, and in Britain Cunobeline enjoyed peace with the rest of the world, and his fame made more famous by the many Coins instamped of him, and whose face thereon among all the British Kings was first inscribed, as by these here inserted doth evidently appear, one with two faces, like unto janus, and four more with his own, besides three others wherein is read his name, one of them with a woman's head, another with a horse, and the third with a wreath; all these (if not more) are known to be his, which showeth his wealth, his fame, and his civil respect. The chiefest City for his princely residence was Camalodunum, now Malden in Essex, won by Claudius from the sons of Cunobeline, as by the inscription of the Coin next ensuing appeareth, and wherein many of the British monies also received their impress. This City with the free town Verolam afterwards felt the heavy hand of merciless BODVO in her revenge against the Romans, who laid the beauty and gorgeous buildings thereof so level with the earth that those walls and mounted turrets never since aspired to half their wont heights. ΒΡΕΤΑΝΝΙΚΟΣ 3 COP. ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΑΙΣΕΤΙΜΙΝΑΙΟΥΒΑ (7) Adminius the first son of Cunobeline, King of the Britain's, by Suetonius his report, upon some offence was banished the Island by his father; and with a small train fled over the seas into Belgia; where Caius Caligula was in making his ridiculous expedition against the Ocean. And yielding himself to his protection, added matter to his vain glorious humours, as of a great victory and conquest; Sutton. in vita Caligulae, s●ct. 44. sending the news thereof to Rome, with an especial command that his letters should be delivered in the Temple of Mars, and that in the assembly of a full Senate. It is judged by learned Cambden that the Roman Coin above prefixed, upon whose reverse is inscribed Metropolis Etiminij Regis, to be meant of this Adiminius the son of Cunobeline, whose City Camalodunum, Claudius Caesar the Emperor afterwards won, and wherein a temple was built and consecrated unto him, attended by the Priest's Augustals: which heavily burdened the poor estates of the Britain's. Dio calls him Catacratus. (8) Catacratus another son of Cunobeline, immediately after the death of his father, found himself aggrieved at the Romans, for the retaining of certain fugitives the betrayers of their native country; whereof one Bericus was a chief, and a great firebrand of Claudius his attempts against the Britain's. This Catacratus maintained resistance against Aulus Plautius the Emperor's Deputy, with such noble resolution and warlike encounters, that often he endangered both his person and army. But Fortune and victory attending the Romans, brought at length Catacratus their captive into bands, with great slaughters of his Britain's, himself led shortly after in great triumph through Rome, in honour of Plautius his so fortunate success. The miseries of others thus made the Romans to mount the chair of their triumphs; and the chains of their captives, the records of their present aspired pride. But the bordering Dobuni seeing his fall, made their own standings surer by yielding themselves subjects to Rome. (9) Togodamnus the third son of Cunobeline, and successor to Catacratus, prosecuted his country's quarrel with the like boldness and resolution as his Tacitus in vit● Agricolae. brother before him had done: & was the only touchstone that gave Vespasian his lustre, whose interpositions (as Tacitus saith) was the beginning of that greatness whereunto afterwards he aspired. And with such manhood followed the chase of the Romans, that in a bloody battle he ended his life, and brought Plautius their Lieutenant unto a stand, where straightened in dangers both of place and people, he was forced to sand to Claudius the Emperor; whose conceit was then grounded, that in Britain was greatest glory to be gotten, and therefore came to his assistance in person himself, the first since julius Caesar that attempted their conquest. His recorded compositions made with arviragus, the marriage of his daughter and building of Gloucester, I leave to be read out of Geffrey of Monmouth, and to be allowed at the choice of his hearer; only noting that the possession of so fair a land drew the affection and aged person of this Emperor to undergo so far distant and dangerous a journey, as this of Britain lay from Rome. (10) Cogidunus a Britain borne, received in pure gift at the hands of the Romans, certain Cities, over which he peaceably reigned their King. For when they had conquered the nearest part of this Island, and reduced it into the form of a Province; according to their ancient policy, it was their custom, (saith Tacitus) to Tacitus in vita Agricol●. use Kings themselves for instruments of bondage, both in admittance of their authority, and in protecting them against their opposites. Other memorial of him none remaineth, but that he is reported to have rested ever most faithful to the Romans, and was of them accordingly esteemed, albeit his own people bore him no such good will, but rather accounted him and others his like, to be Rome's only instruments, and Britain's vipers, that brought in strangers to eat out the homebred inhabitants, and fettered the freedom of their land, with the heavy chains of a foreign subjection. TAS CIF 2 GOL. A EPATI C (11) Caractacus the most renowned prince of the Silureses, in nine years resistance waded through many adventures against the common enemy. For when as the Icenians, Cangi, and brigants began to ●aint and give over, he only with the Ordovices held out with such service and fame, that thereby he grew both famous and fearful to the Romans. But Destinies determining the downfall of Britain, the props that were set to stay it still up, proved too slender and broke under the weight. For this bold Caractacus overthrown in battle, his wife, daughter, and brethren taken prisoners, and his forces defeated, committed himself to the protection of Cartismandua the brigants faithless Queen: who by her was delivered to the Romans; and by P. Ostorius brought to Rome; where beholding the riches and glory of that City, he openly and boldly checked the avarice and ambitious humours of the Romans, who being owners of so great and glorious things, were (notwithstanding) covetous and greedy for the poor possessions of the Britain's. And there being led in triumph, with admiration he was beheld of all the spectators, and for his Zonar●●. undaunted spirit and magnanimous resolution released of bands, and taken into favour by Claudius the Emperor. And the Lords of the Senate assembled together made glorious discourses touching Caractacus captivity, affirming it to be no less honourable than when P. Scipio showed Syphax unto the people, and Tacit. Annal. 12. cap. 8. L. Paulus, Perses, or if any other had exhibited to the view of the people kings vanquished and overcome. The British Coin here above showed, by the scattered letters therein inscribed, is by the judicious observers of such ancient monies supposed to be his. 2 SIL. VANO. C (12) Venutius, a famous King of the brigants, and husband to Cartismandua, (a woman of an high and noble lineage, but of a base and unsatisfied lust:) finding his bed abused by Vellocatus his servant and harness-bearer, raised his power against her, and her paramour. With him sided his brigants, and the neighbour countries adjoining, whose good will went generally with the lawful husband, fearing the ambitious authority of a lustful woman. With her went the Romans, at the command of Didius their Deputy: and ●hese striking battle won the day: yet so, as the war continued to the Romans, the kingdom to Venutius, and the infamy with Cartismandua, both for betraying the pledge of her trust reposed by Caractacus in his distress, and her truth to Venutius her noble Lord and husband: preferring the licentious pleasures of a vassal, before the bed of chaste marriage, or the nuptial embracements of a worthy King, and hath to ages following left her name noted with the scars of infamy, that time nor continuance shall ever wear away. His ancient coin is thought to be as thou seest here above described. BODVO 2 GOL. (13) Prasutagus Boduo King and Queen of the Icenians, a people unshaken by war, and themselves rich, (as Tacitus reporteth;) the only cause of their ruins, for which the Romans than warred; were brought to destruction upon this ensuing occasion. King Prasutagus dying, by will left Nero his heir (supposing by this means to leave his state the safer,) together with the protection of his two daughters. These, contrary to trust, were abused and deflowered, the mother Boduo turned out of all, and against all manly civility, or womanly (much less, princely) respect, contumeliously and despitefully whipped. In the revenge of which unsufferable wrongs she so opposed and oppressed the Romans, that at one battle seventy thousand (or as Dion Cassius saith 80000. of their slaughtered bodies she sacrificed to her dead husband's ghost; and hath left the fame of her proceed registered, even by her enemies themselves, to her immortal and never dying memory. The strong Cities, Camalodunum, and Verolanium, she sacked with the rage of merciless war; Petilius, Lieutenant of the ninth Legion, she discomfited, Catus the Procurator drove over the seas, Posthumus the Campe-master durst not resist her, and all indeed feared the valour of this heroic Lady: whose laws were not martial to save upon ransom: whose revenge was not pacified with yielding or submission, nor did she think there was blood enough in the Romans to imbrue the altars of her assisting gods, or to wash off the stain of their unnoble and unmanly injuries. But when success altered, after loss, and valorous resistance, she made an end of her life by poison, jest living she should see either her own miseries in their triumphs, or leave her remembrance in the records of their lavish and self-pleasing historians. Her Coin of gold we have here expressed, the form shield-like, and upon the embossement thus inscribed: BODVO. ARIVOG. 1 SIL. ONO NUS (14) arviragus, the valiant British King, whom Humphrey Lhuyd confidently affirmeth to be the same man that is called Meurigus, and is said to withstand Claudius in his enterprises for Britain, until a composition of marriage was concluded betwixt the Emperor's daughter and himself. Notwithstanding by Juvenal it is plain, that this arviragus was in his fame in the days of Domitian, unto whom the Poet, as a Prophet, would foredoom his happy success in the dispossession of his government over the Britain's, as in these his verses are seen; It bodes great honour to thyself, some King thou shalt deprive, Or else arviragus from the rule of Britain's wain shalt drive. An ancient British Coin of silver is here inserted, and a man's head thereon instamped, which is supposed to be his, the letters alluding so near to his name. 1. SIL. CALEDV (15) Galgacus, a worthy and most valiant prince of the Caledonians, for virtue, and birth, preferred before any other in the Northern parts of this Island, and made their General against the invasions of julius Agricola, was the last Britain, that against the Romans stood out: accounting those only happy, which were free from the contagion of that Roman tyranny, and themselves the flower of all the British nobility, that yet had not subjecteth their necks to their yoke. The resistance which he made was great and warlike, but against the decree of God no man can stand; for the Romans, risen to their greatness, bore down all that withstood them; and in a bloody battle subdued him, and his forces, making all silent before them where they came, and leaving desolation in the places where they had been. Thus then was the whole Island subjecteth to the Roman Emperors, about one hundred thirty and six years after Caesar's first entrance, and the land that had been ruled by many petty kings, was brought now (as most parts of the world besides were) under the government of one absolute Monarch. Grievous, no doubt, was the loss of their liberties, but a greater gain was gotten not many years after; for from the rude and savage manners of the barbarous, they were reclaimed, and become most civil. And he that had given their Island to his Christ, prepared their hearts to receive Psal. 2. him their King; unto whose subjection also they were motives to the Romans themselves. Two ancient British Coins stamped in silver we have here set down, attributing them both to this Galgacus of Caledonia. Notwithstanding in these (as in the rest) I must submit myself to the more experienced, and the censures of these ancient things to the learned and more judicious. 1 SIL. REX CALIE (16) These than were the resisters of the Romans proceed, that rather yielded their breasts to the sword, than their necks to the yoke of a foreign subjection, and made their assaulters more famous in their conquests, and themselves more renowned to following posterities: neither in these relations have we followed the records of our own, but the approved testimony of their best writers, who have delivered what we have said, and no doubt felt the like repugnancy of many others, both in the South and North of this Island, though their names died with their valiant resistance. And as these Britain's held the Romans at even hand the space of one hundred thirty and six years, neither yet then were subdued without themselves, that ever sided with the enemy against themselves, and whose factions made way for the feet of their conquerors, as from Tacitus we have declared: So their successors the Saxons found as warlike withstanders, till God for Britain's sins had cast down their strength, whereof more shall follow (Christ assisting) in the due place of their stories, that from the reign of Vortigerne the scourge of his country to Cadwallader the last prince of the Britain's, spent their lives in the quarrel of liberty, and hath left their memorial famous for their country's defence. (17) But the state of kingdoms (how largely so ever extended, or by what human wisdom strengthened with defence) do found their periods not to exceed much the number of six hundred years, as by common experience among most nations is seen. In these times therefore when the world was shaken with wars, first by the Romans that strove to mount high the spires of their intended glory, and were by God's decree appointed to overrun and afflict the earth, when Kings of people (I say) were enforced to lay the Crowns from their heads at their conquering feet; and free nations loaded with the Numb. 24. 23. yokes of their bondage: then was fulfilled the resolution of this question demanded, Alas who shall live when God doth this? And then among the rest, Britain gave place to necessity with as manlike resistance as did states more stronger, or kingdoms confined with far more larger compass. And Caesar himself bought his entrance with such loss to the Romans that no Emperor after assayed the like, before aged Claudius, whose opinion was, that thence the remembrance of his succeeding glory should wholly arise. But when the props of that Empire began for to fail, as nothing can be firm in this still-wearing world, the Saxons, for their valour a second triumphant nation, began as it were where the Romans left: for besides the continual possession of their own country, as in that case unpartial Tacitus doth tell us; their legions were transported into all parts of the world, and without whom almost no victory was won: of whose power and prowess in the expeditions of war both Dionysius, Arrianus and Seneca, do speak. To these then likewise if the Britain's gave place, their lots came forth with the like price of the rest, and in this Island they bought their conquests as dear as they had done in any other part of the world. Neither was Britain subdued by either of these nations, or their inversion and exchange of policy altered, but with as unwilling subjection and streams of blood as had been slused out of the sides of their mightier nations, or by them had been tamed to follow their triumphal chariots. And more honour attributed to pass these British seas, with more admiration only to see the Island itself, than was usually conceived of kingdoms more larger, or that lay jacent as far from Rome. And the conquest of some small parts of Britain in no small selfe-glory to be inscribed as trophies of their victories upon their Coins, and to give surnames to the Emperors and their sons: as shall be showed, when the age of this history▪ shall be increased with the times of the Romans affairs in this Island. Free from subjection before the attempts of Caius julius Caesar by the testimony of Diodorus Siculus, and never had yielded to any foreign power, as not provoked by Dionysius or Hercules, nor enforced by any to maintain their liberties by the feats of war. But Caesar in Gallia thirsting after novelties, or his conceited humour to purchase renown, made the sea seem safe from dangers in passage, and himself resolute to venture his person amongst those bold and barbarous Britain's: wherein he left no means unassaied for their conquest and subjection, nor his successors omitted any provident care to retain and keep the land in their possessions, which whilst it stood a province in their obedience was held and accounted the fairest plume in their triumphant Diadem, and the loss thereof (if no more but only in name) as was publicly affirmed, would prove a great detriment to the Empire. This made the Romans to desire it as they did, who besides the great glory they conceived in the conquest, made it the granary for the western garrisons, besides the delicate provisions for their Emperors own tables. And the Germane Saxons straightened in their own countries through increase of their people, or haply to supply their own wants, infested with piracies these West parts of the world, and among all others set the eye of their affections upon this most beautiful Island, and never left their attempts unassaulted till they set the glorious diadem thereof upon their own heads. Changing the name Britannia into Anglia, a term most fit to express that subject, and pleasing in sound as Angelical like, neither have themselves proved unworthy of so rich a possession, that in wars have maintained, and by voyages made known her fame as far as the sun hath his beams, or the endless Ocean her ebbs and tides. But of these things we shall have occasion hereafter. And now address ourselves to describe our ancient Britain's, and to show their true pictures as they are reported. At first rude and uncivil (I task them no further than all others then were in the world, some few excepted that were only taught by God) and with the first were reclaimed to a more civil respect, both in their apparel and apprehension of literature; whose pictures in the Chapter succeeding we will demonstrate as they are described by Caesar, Pliny, Dio, Herodian and others; at first altogether naked, cut, and painted as thou seest, afterwards partly clad in imitation of others which frequented their country either for traffic or conquest; in both which manner take them as they are reported to be by these authors, and impute no liberty in the draft to the workman's best liking, nor thyself any whit disparaged to be brought from such parents, which Joseph. Antiqui. lib. 1. cap. 3. here are set as the pillars spoken of by josephus, that after the flood did preserve the invented science of the celestial bodies, jest time or elements should consume that knowledge or devour those rules before demonstrated: So the true portraiture of our ancient progenitors may by these be preserved from the ruins of time & made our motives to be thankful unto him that hath brought us forth in these most civil times, and not only clad us with the garments of humanity, but by his spirit hath guided us unto a celestial knowledge. THE PORTRAITURES OF THE ANCIENT BRITAIN'S, OF THEIR NAKEDNESS, PAINTING AND FIGURING THEIR BODIES, OF THEIR PERSONAGES HABITS, AND HABILIMENTS, BOTH IN PEACE AND WAR: AS ALSO OF THE PICTS, THEIR ORIGINAL AND HABITS, etc. CHAPTER VII. THe understanding and apprehensions of men Aristotle. clouded in ignorance, are by a Great Philosopher compared to the eyesight of such men, as stand and behold things afarreoff; because both of these, though they apprehended some general shapes and notices, yet can they not discern of the true proportions and proprieties of their Objects. The like happeneth in the search and survey, as of all other Nations, so of our own, of our first beginnings, our antic Customs, behaviours, habits: the true Circumstances whereof are the more difficile to found, 〈◊〉 that those things are not only remote many degrees beyond the kenning of our Eye, (yea so many Ages from the times wherein we live,) but are The reason why Nations Originals are so hardly found out. also shadowed and enwrapped in manifold uncertainties and contrarieties, wherewith even those Writers have perplexed our way, who undertook to be both our Guides and our Lights. Notwithstanding, our purpose being to propose unto the eye of our now glorious and gorgeous Britain's, some general draughts of our poor and rude progenitors, (that as King Agathocles in his chief feasts used only earthen dishes to put himself in mind that his Father was but a Potter, so we may remember that true British Nobility is more in Virtue then in Ancestors;) let us first see what the principal notes and marks are whereby the persons of those first Britain's were made so remarkable among all other Nations. The thre●chiefe notes of the Britain's. (2) These Notes were chief three; first, their going naked; secondly, their staining and colouring of their whole Bodies; thirdly, their cutting, pinking and pouncing of their flesh, with garnishments (for so they thought them) of sundry shapes and fashions, as the two first ensuing Icones or Portraitures do represent. Touching all which, the reports of Authors are very discrepant: and therefore, sith light is gotten out by collision of flintes, we will essay, whether out of those Writers contradictions (brought to the stroke, and confronted together) we may strike some glimmering light to direct us how to paint them forth, who so delighted in painting themselves. 1. The first note of the Britain's, their Nakedness. (3) First touching their going naked, the authority of Caesar must oversway (as being ancientest) the too-generall reports of such others, as seem to relate that the Britain's generally used no Coverture, as neglective either of weather's injury, or of civil modesty; for he saith, interiores plerique pellibus sunt vestiti: C●sar. the Inland men for the most part were clad with skins. And yet these Inlanders were the rudest of all the rest, the Kentish and Sea-borders being full of humanity and little differing from the French civility. So that when Herodian saith, Vestis usum non cognoscunt, Herodian. nec induuntur quidem, They neither know the use of Garments: nor put any on: either he speaks on hearsay, or his large report must be restrained to some certain People, Times, and Places. And for certain People and Times indeed Plynie somewhat limits it, Pliny. saying, that their married women, both elder and younger, (coniuges, nurusque) in certain festivals used to go stark naked: so doth Dio also for certain Places: in Dio. their Tents (saith he) they lived naked and unshod, where he seemeth to allow them some coverture abroad. The like may be supposed in time of Winter or War, where Herodian himself saith only, pleraque corporis Herodian. nudi, A great part of their body was bore. (4) It may seem hereby, that those Originals of Particular Nations were not much unlike that first beginning of the universal prosemination of Mankind, when our first Parent's innocency walked in naked simplicity: the foundations of all things being, as farthest from our sight, so more simple and far from those artificial frauds, which some call Wit and cunning. And though an * Saint Cyprian interpret. A anatole, East. D. du●i●, West. A. arctos, North. M. mesembri●●. South. ancient Father be mistaken, in conceiving that by the four letters of the name of Adam, were signified the four quarters of the World, (that being an Hebrew name of three letters, and not a Greek of four) yet all those Quarters of the World participate somewhat of Adam's dispositions; and as all Natural things return by course to that whereof first they were framed, so if Laws, discipline, and Customs, did not restrain men, they would in time, of themselves revolve to that first neglective condition, and carelessness of those outward respects whence men are now named Civil. 2. Ignorance. (6) As ability to endure cold, so ignorance (in many) of means to prevent it, may seem another occasion of these Britain's nakedness. The Romans (it seems) in their old Consuls times, and after, had not the skill nor use of Hats, Breeches, etc. That Britain abounded with wool and other materials for clothing, Paneg. ad constan. Paneg ad Constan. is past all doubt, for which cause, by one Panegyric, it is named Rich in Pasturage, which by another is thus explicated, that therein was an infinite multitude of tame cattle both with Udders full of milk, and loaden with Fleeces to the ground. So then wol was not wanting, but Will, or Skill, the latter in most likelihood: for, as Strabo saith, that though those strutting Strabo. Udders yielded great store of milk, yet some of them had not skill to make cheese, and having so rich grounds, yet had not the art of tillage, so their sheep might have such heavy fleeces, yet some of their Owners no cunning to keep themselves warm therewith. Some of them, I say; for otherwise, as Pliny, touching Tillage, gives light to Strabo, witnessing, that others of them Pliny. were so good Husbands as to manure their grounds Dioscorides. with Marle, as likewise doth Dioscorides, saying they had skill to make drink of Barley: so probable is it, that Caesar. Tacitus. those other who were by Caesar and Tacitus said to be so like the French in conditions, had also some part of their Art in fitting the Burden of their sheeps backs to cover their own. 3. Pride. (7) The last reason of such their going nake● sometimes, was out of an opinion that no clothing so adorned them, as their painting and damasking of their Bodies, for which cause (saith Herodian) they Herodian. would not cover themselves, jest then their gay painting Mela. should not be seen: but Pomponius Mela makes doubt, whether their thus painting themselves were for ornament or for some other use; which doubt Caesar seems Caesar. to resolve, as if the men did it; because it made them look more terrible in war. 2. The second note of the Britain's, their painting. Caesar. (8) And thus we are now orderly fallen on the second of those three notes appropriated by Authors to our Britain's, which is their painting and staining of their Bodies, which appears by Caesar to have been more universally used, then going naked, for all the Britaines (saith he) die their bodies with staining. As Authors differ in the reason of this their painting, (as we showed) so in the name, perchance also in the substance of that wherewith they stained themselves, and somewhat also in the colour itself. The substance Caesar calls luteum, which yet in vulgar acception is Caesar. Pliny. thought to be some yellow substance, as Pliny calls luteum ovi, the yolk of the Egg; Pliny himself saith the Frenchmen call it glastum, describing it to be an herb Cambd. in Brit. p. 14. Mela. like plantain, which Oribasius (as learned Cambden showeth) doth term Vitrum, in which sense Mela is understood, to say, that they were stained Vitro (and not Vltrò,) it being generally taken to be Woad, from those ancient times hitherto used for the surest stain. But for the colour which is made, Caesar and the rest agreed, it was Caeruleus, bluish or azure, which colour the Cambro-Britannes do yet call glace, whence our glass for windows (called also vitrum) seemeth by Pliny. reason of the colour, to have taken name. Only Pliny leaveth some scruple, in saying, that the naked painted women imitated the Aethiopian colour; which must be understood either comparatively, in respect of People white and unpainted, or because blue a far-off hath the appearance of black. (11) Neither may we think that formerly they refused such Apparel, only to show this staining and colouring of their Bodies: for besides it, some other bellishments they had, which they esteemed much more graceful, then either their painting was, or any Solinu● clothes could be. Which of the Britain's, Solinus thus delivereth: The Country is in part (note that he makes it not general) inhabited by People barbarous, who by artificial forms of incision have from their Childhood sundry shapes of Beasts depourtraied in their bodies, and as their limbs increase in growth, so doth the pictured work together therewith, neither doth these wild People boast of any greater kind of patience, then in bearing long-lasting scars, where the paint had deeply sunk into their sliced flesh. The very parallel whereof is also Jsidore. by Isidore set down touching our Picts whose bodies s●iced and pinked be an artificial punchion, did suck in the juice of the staining herb, carrying these rasures on * Maculosa Nobil●●as. their pictured limbs, as badges of their Nobleness, thus endamasked. Neither only the shapes of Beasts, but of all other things, were so printed in their flesh; Herodian. which Herodian takes to be the prime reason, why they delighted to go naked, lest they should hide these their pleasing garnishments. Where also by the way may be observed, since Solinus saith that the barbarous only used so to do, and Herodian, that those who did so, used therefore to go naked; that therefore not the Britaines in general, but the most barbarous of them used to go naked. And very answerable to Solinus. Solinus, (who elegantly calleth such their figuring of themselves, inscriptis visceribus, a writing on their Bodies,) Claudian. is that of Claudian, Perlegit exanimes Picto moriente figuras, On dying Picts he reads the breathless shapes, as if the beasts so lively portraited on them, seemed to lie dead together with the murdered bodies of the Picts. (12) By these varieties of picturing, (if * The Appendix to Hario●s Vi●ginea. Their married women. some The use of their different picturing. have not misinformed us out of their alleged ancient Authors,) those people so distinguished themselves, that the married women were known by having pictured on their shoulders, elbows, and knees, the heads of some fierce beasts, as Lions, Gryphens, etc. On their Belly, the Sun spreading his beams: on their Paps, Moons and Stars etc. On their arms, thighs, and legs, some other fancies of their own Their Virgins. Choice. But for their Virgins, their whole Body was garnished over with the shapes of all the fairest kinds of flowers & herbs; which (to speak indifferently) could not but yield, though a strange, yet no unpleasing The Men. aspect. Whereas the Men were (as Caesar speaks) very horrible to be looked on, having all their breast & body disfigured with ugly Beasts, Serpents, ravenous Birds, scales and fins of fishes etc. In which relation yet, this scruple will not easily be removed (if it be true, that from their childhood their prints increased with their bodies) how those, who being Virgins had no prints but of herbs and flowers, becoming Wives were so easily transformed either into Beasts or heavenly Creatures. The later British women. (13) The later Women, (as you see by the later portraiture,) become far more modest, that is indeed more womenly; having learned that then they openly show most beauty, when openly they show not their beauty; much less should they expose to the view, that which nature most endeavoured to hide, as knowing it lest worth the viewing: yea * some observe that women being drowned, naturally Agryppa de laud saeminarum. swim with their face and foreparts downward, whereas Men do contrary, as if the impression of modesty were not to leave a Woman even after death. Agryppa who mentioneth it, reporteth also of some Matrons, so too-modest, that they chose rather to die, then to expose some hidden diseases to their Chirurgeons view: A point unfortunately inserted into his witty book, in praise of women, which he dedicated to Margaret wife to Maximilian (afterward Emperor) she, of womanly bashfulness choosing rather to die, then to have her thigh cured, which was broken with a fall from a horse. The picture of this British woman here last deportraied, is framed to that description of the most valiant British Lady. Boudicea, of whose brave attempts on the Romans you shall read more hereafter in the 7. Chapter of the Sixt Book. Of their women Governors. (14) Of which Sex, though naturally the weaker, yet in most Writers their are remembrances of some, whose Actions both politic and Warlike have been no way inferior to the worthiest Men; as our own Age hath given testimony to the World in another Great Lady of British race, (the offspring of the Queen Elizabeth descended from Owen Teuder, whom Leiland calleth Meridyck. valiant and lovely Meredicke of Wales,) the glory of whose Reign and Regal virtues shall be as lasting as the World. Whose just, wise, and resolute kindof Government hath justified that Custom of our old Britain's and Picts, of the former of which Tacitus Tacitus. Beda. reports, as Beda doth of the later, that they made no difference of Sex for the Sovereign Command, yea and used to war under the conduct of women. In which respect though their Ordinary sort of women were not employed in martial services, otherwise then before we showed in the fourth Chapter, yet because some of the choicest of them have been so employed, we have so deciphered them in their Martial habit. Of the Britain's habits in war. (15) For their other habiliments of war, and the manner thereof, we have described it in the same 4. Chapter; their fight being (as Diodorus saith) after Diodorus. the fashion of the Heroes in the first age of the World, who fought in Chariots; yet on foot also they were most strong (saith Dio) and also most swift; which makes me marvel Dio Strabo why Strabo should say, they were pedibus malè suffulti, not strongly underpropped; Who also adds that they were (as himself observed at Rome) much tauller than the Gaulleses, but yet of no very elegant shape and timber; Using as (Caesar saith) to wear their hair very long and curling, otherwise shaven all their body over, except only the upper lip. Their weapons (saith Herodian) Herodian. were narrow shields, and short spears, at the end whereof (saith Dio) was a little bell like a ball, which they Dio shook at their first encounter in War for terror of the Enemy. Swords also had they, but short, hanging Herodian. at their naked sides; but helmet and corselet they used none, as esteeming them burdens rather than helps in war. But about their necks they wore a round circle of Iron (as an ornament no less esteemed than gold with other Nations) as also about their waste, whereat they hung their skeines: being doubtless, a most warlike Nation, (as their posterity have ever since proved,) and most desirous to spill blood, wherein yet their Offspring by divine blessing are now most different from their Ancestors. THE SUCCESSION OF THE MONARCHES OF GREAT BRITAIN IN THE TIME OF THE ROMANS, WITH AN HISTORICAL RELATION OF THE LIVES, ACTS, AND GOVERNMENTS OF THEIR EMPERORS AND LIEUTENANTS: So far as toucheth the affairs of this Island, and so long as it stood a Province to that Empire. BOOK VI CHAPTER I P M CAESAR. IN. 2 SIL. BUCA. L. AEMILIUS. The Romans the second póssessors of this Island. julius Caesar the first Roman attempter. THe next Nation that to the Britain's obtained possession, and sovereignty of this Island, were the Romans, and of them Caius julius Caesar the first; what time their State had undergone all kinds of governments, and now aspired almost to their highest pitch of glory. This Caesar bearing the office of Questorship in Spain, and naturally disposed for great assays, was thereto the more incited at the sight of Alexander's portraiture, standing in the temple of Hercules at * Calez. Suet. in vita Caesar. Sect. 7. Gades, where beholding it with great admiration fell into a sudden dislike of himself, and (as Alexander in seeing Achilles' tomb) with an ambitious, yet honourable emulation, sighed and said: Hast thou at Caesar's speech beholding Alexander's picture. my years achieved the conquest of the whole world, myself hitherto having done no memorable act? Ever after which he disdained that his petty charge, and made suit to the Senate to be dismissed, holding that the cloud which overshadowed his following and (soon after) Caesar's complotings for the Empire. flowing fortunes. And forthwith returning to Rome observed every occasion that might make him gracious in the people's eyes, having the advantage of the time which then was swayed with most dislikes: and entering into many factions, yea and some of them not without suspicion of conspiracy, did notwithstanding so manage his proceed, that their constructions were ever made honourable, and himself the man by all assents that did support the glory of their State; unto whom offices of high dignities were assigned, which daily increased his credit and power. Caesar ten years in Gallia. And in the time of his Consulship, took upon him the government of Gallia, where he remained ten years together, and forbore no occasion for war, were it never so unjust or dangerous: Insomuch that framing a Bridge of wood over the broad and Caesar the first Roman that assailed the Germane. swift river Rhine, he entered the country of the Swevians, being the first Roman that assailed the Germane: And thence with victory returning, found his charge the Gauls in quiet: both which fortunes were as spurs to his aspiring mind, and set his thoughts to work upon other attempts. (2) For now intending a voyage into Britain, he prepared thitherward, as well to enlarge the extent of his ambition and glory, as to satisfy himself with the Causes of Caesar's invasion. sight and seat of the Island, as for a further knowledge of those people the inhabitants, after whom he had most diligently inquired, yet by no relation could found content. But his pretence was revenge against the Britain's, for that thence (as himself speaketh) the Gauls had received most of their supplies against him in all his wars, or as some have written, for the desire Sueton. in vita Caesar. Strabo. of Pearls that therein plentifully grew, whose beauty and weight he had often observed. But because the summer was almost spent, and that the voyage seemed dangerous through want of knowledge, either for place of entrance, or safety in harbour (for our learned countryman Roger Bacon Ba con de art● & natura. was doubtless in an error, who thinketh that Caesar set up perspective glasses onthe coast of France, and thence saw all the ports and creeks in England) he thought good to sand one Caius Volusenus a military Tribune in a Volusenus Caesar● spy. galley before him, giving sufficient instructions for so great an enterprise in hand, himself drawing towards those parts of Gallia, that lay nearest coasted unto Britain, thence expecting his success. (3) These things were not so secretly done but that the Britaines received notice thereof, and thereupon some of their private States sent COM. 2. GOL. REX Ambassadors with proffers of submission under the assurances of their hostages. Which Caesar accepted and sent back again with liberal promises, joining in commission with them Comius a king of the Atrebatij (for so he is styled upon his Coin) a man well reputed, and respected among the Britain's, that he might persuade the rest of the States to embrace Caesar's amity. In effecting of which business, some five days being spent, Volusenus returned, having waffed upon the coasts of Britain so far, as with safety he might, which was no further then to view it with the eye, his foot not daring to tread the shore replenished with those barbarous people, as it pleased the Romans to term the Britain's: His discovery and relation gave small encouragements The Morines were of the hither parts of France, as Turwine, Calis, etc. to Caesar's hoped success, and had not the Morines yielded him their obedience, it may be thought his voyage at that season had been stayed. (4) But now composing his affairs in Gallia, and Athenaeus reports he had 1000 ships. having ready an hundred ships (wanting but two) besides many Galleys also for transporting his army, he loosed from the shore, having a good wind, about The Romans divided their night into four equal parts, each part being called a watch. Caesar cometh in person against Britain. the third watch of the night, taking order for his horsemen to embark with all speed and follow after him; himself early in the morning attained the sight of Britain, whose cliffs he found covered with armed men, and place for entrance so naturally beset and strengthened with steep hills and rocks, that he there cast anchor, and called to counsel the Legates and Tribunes, declaring unto them the danger of the haven that gave such advantage to their enemy, whose darts from the higher ground might much impeach their arrivage, and therefore determined their landing elsewhere. (5) Their Counsel was no sooner dismissed, but Caesar both tide and wind fitting him, not fore slowing the occasion, gave sign of remove, and some eight miles distant came to * Thought to be Deal. a plain and open shore, and made preparation to landlord his men. Thither also the Britain's had removed part of their forces, and so valiantly withstood the enemies, that Caesar himself, though wholly addicted to honour himself and his Romans, yet confesseth that his army was sore overlaid and terrified with that encounter: and had they not been assisted from the Galleys with an unusual kind of Engines, which did beaten back the Britain's (unexpert of that strange manner of assault) from the shore, the Romans had not set foot on British soil, neither This ensign was an Eagle of silver standing in a little shrine upon the top of a spear. Valer. Mi●. lib. 3. cap. 2. durst they then adventure it, until the standard-bearer for the tenth legion desperately leapt forth of the ship with his Eagle, calling on the daunted soldiers and ask whether they would dastardly forsake their ensign and betray it through cowardice to the enemy? which opprobry provoked them to follow his example, and so they got the shore after an encounter fierce and terrible on both parts, as Caesar acknowledgeth. But the first of all (even before the Stander-bearer) who put courage into the Romans and taught them how to deal, was (as testifieth Eutropius) one Scaeva a Britain (who formerly had fled to Caesar) and guiding four other soldiers in a boat to a rock near the shore, where the tide leaving them, his fellows slunk back in the boat, but he most boldly defended himself from the rock against the Britain's, like a Bear at a stake among a multitude of mastiffs, till having all his armour broken in pieces and himself all wounded with darts, he swam to the fleet; and begging pardon for his foole-heady forwardness, Caesar both forgave him, and rewarded his valour with the honour of a Centurion: and he did Caesar afterwards noble service at Dyrrachium in the Caesar. bell. civil. civil wars. Caesar confessing, that he alone saved the fortification against Pompey, at which time his target was showed to Caesar, having 230. holes pierced joseph. Iscanus in Antiocheide. in it by the enemy, whereof josephus Iscanus that ancient Poet of Excester writeth thus: Hinc & Scaeva satus pars non obscura tumultûs Civilis, Magnum solus qui mole soluta Obsedit, meliorque stetit pro Caesare murus. The Britain Scaeva in civil wars well known, Besieged the * Viz. Pompey. Great, and rampires overthrown, Was Caesar's wall more strong than wall of stone. The first assay for the conquest of this Landlord An. mund● 3873. The first attempt assayed, that is warranted by any true Record for the conquest of this Island: which happened in the year of the world's creation 3873. and before the birth of our Saviour Christ, 54. (6) This enterprise for landing thus achieved, Caesar putteth the Britain's to flight. Caesar charged so fiercely upon the enemy, that he put them to flight; but wanting his horsemen to follow the chase, (which as yet were not arrived) he proceeded no further, but encamped his host upon a At Barham Down Caesar seethe the dispersion of his ships. great plain, not far from the Sea, and not without likelihood thought to be Barham down: for so near lay it upon the shore, that thence he beheld the dispersion and loss of his 18. ships (coming under sail with his horsemen to his assistance) through the violence of a storm, and rage of Sea. (7) In the mean time the Britain's, that after flight had again rccovered head, and in their assemblies advisedly considered their imminent dangers, concluded their submission for the safest remedy, and to that end sent their second Ambassadors unto Caesar, The Britain's second embassage to Caesar. with whom Comius before remembered was employed, whom they had retained in straight prison for Caesar's cause, but now made him a mean to work their peace; which was granted after some soft and gentle reproofs, with hostages received for performance of Covenants, and resort of their Nobles to Caesar's camp, to yield themselves and Cities to his will. (8) These Britain's, although rude in regard of the Romans, and unmatchable to them in educated civility, yet were so skilful in the affairs of war, and so ready to discern the lest advantage, that they easily perceived the weakness of Caesar's power, both in want of horsemen to equal their wagons, wherein chief stood the strength and order of their fight, as also of ships for service and safety, as occasions should be offered: whereby their minds touching their promised submission began to waver, and the matter with better advice to be pleaded in their assemblies; for that not only these foresaid ships for Caesar's supply were dispersed and hindered, but even his own Caesar's ships distressed. fleet, which lay then in harbour by the rage of wind and sea, (being then spring tide, and the moon in the full) was not only filled with waves, but also their tackle, sails, and anchours spoiled or lost, the violent storm so dashing the bulks one against another, that their bruised bottoms were thereby made unfit for burden. Suetonius in vit. Caesar. (9) This loss was so great, that it is accounted the first of the three adverse fortunes which ever happened to Caesar in all his proceed: and it was so well observed by the Britain's, that immediately they intended a revolt, and in Counsel urged this, as the Britain's revolt. material point that breathed hope and life to their former liberties, condemning themselves as impious if they should refuse to join consent with the heavens, whose elements had thus far fought for their freedom and full deliverance, assuring themselves (if on this advantage they might cut off these new guests) that never any afterward would adventure to enter Britanny in hostile manner. And thereupon they began both to slack the performance of covenants, and daily to withdraw themselves from Caesar's Camp, which gave him just occasion to suspect whereat they aimed. And to prevent their proceed he as wisely wrought: for first repairing his Navy with the huls, timber, and tackling of the most bruised ships, with the loss of twelve ships only, the rest were made able to brook the seas. And providing against the advantage of the enemy, he sent forth the seventh Legion for forage to supply any occasion. (10) This Legion taking the coast clear, and little surmising so sudden a revolt, fell to the sickle and scythe like harvest labourers, and laid their weapons apart, mistrusting no Enemy. Now the Britain's as forward to put in practice what they had determined, closely had laid themselves in ambush, for thither they knew the enemy would come, a piece of corn there standing, whereas in all other parts harvest was passed: and so having these workmen in their danger, suddenly fell upon them, slaying some, and forcing The Britain's suddenly assail the Romans. the rest out of their array, who not knowing the order of their fight, cast themselves in a ring (the best defensive form of embattelling) and stood on their guard as they might: but had they not happily been rescued, Caesar had lost one whole Legion at that time. (11) For though this skirmish thus in acting was altogether unknown and unexpected to the rest of the Romans, yet by the rising of the dust, appearing to the Cohorts that warded before their Camp, the same was mistrusted, which caused Caesar in all haste to make thitherward with part of his host. (12) The Britaines thus prevented, seeing more supply to maintain the battle, stood still, without further stroke: and the Romans as much amazed at this sudden attempt, and order of their fight, made a stand, not venturing any further. Which order in fight so often mentioned, and so much admired, in Clem. Edmund's his observations on Caes. Comment. li. 4. ca 12. obser. 2. Caesar's words we will declare, the rather because some have thence collected, that the Britaines were the offspring of the Troyans', who with other Eastcrne Nations only used this kind of fight in Chariots. C●s. Comment. li. 4. (13) They used (saith he) to ride in wagons against the approach of the enemy, and to circulate them about with a whirling compass, and rattling noise, each ways casting The manner of the Britain's fight. their darts as they did drive, and ever as they saw advantage would wind themselves in amongst the horse and foot, to break the array; which done, they would for sake their wagons, and on foot most dangerously assail the enemy. In the mean while the Wagoners would withdraw themselves somewhat out of the battle, and place their wagons in such order, that if their masters were overcharged, they might have speedy access, and opportunity of retreat, by which means they were ever as quick to move as were horsemen, and as steadfast to stand the battle as were the foot, whereby they did supply the duties of both at once, and by daily exercise grew so expert in managing their horses, that running them forcibly down a steep hill, they would stop, and turn them in the midway: and they would run along the beam, and stand firm upon the yoke; whence with like facility they would again return into their Chariots. This order Caesar so well observed, as that notwithstanding his desire of revenge, yet wanting his horsemen (as he pretended) wherein consisted the chiefest resistance, he durst attempt no further on them, but was content to keep the field without proffer of battle. (14) The Britaines likewise hopeless of further success at that present, departed without any impeachment, intending to prosecute their cause with The Britain's gather a greater power. a greater and more general supply: and thereupon sent messengers to their several States, with notice of their hopes against so small a power; whose Camp by them if any way might be vanquished, the purchase of spoil, besides their freed liberties, would requited the pains. (15) These States, though maintaining civil factions amongst themselves, yet seeing the intended Cor. Tack. in vit. Agric. danger of this general enemy, presently assembled a great power, purposing yet once again to try the hazard and fortune of war. Caesar, whose vigilancy did ever equal his valour, prepared his army, wherein now only 30. horsemen were present, and those Comius supplieth Caesar with 30. horse. brought to him by Comius the King. The battle joining continued not long, but that the Britaines gave back and fled, whom the Romans pursued as far as strength endured, and returned with the slaughter of many, burning the Country where they came. The Britain's submit themselves the third time. (16) Thus the Britain's once again vanquished, forthwith sent their third Embassage unto Caesar, desiring peace, with promise of quiet subjection; whom he with hard terms now reproved, and imposed a double number of hostages to be brought him into Gallia, whither he made all possible preparation, for that the Aequinoctium drew near, doubting his crazed Aequinoctium is when the day & night are both of a length. ships would hardly brook the winter storms, that usually rage upon these Seas. And having gotten a fair wind, embarked all his forces about midnight, and so brought most of his fleet safe to the continent. This enterprise so fortunately accomplished, Caesar by his letters made known to the Senate, who decreed and proclaimed to his honour a general supplication Caesar was now the first that had 20. days ever granted: the greatest victories having before him but 5. days, or 10. at the most. or thanksgiving to their Gods, for the space of twenty days together, wherein all the Romans, clothed in white garments, and crowned with garlands, went to all the Temples of their Gods, and offered sacrifices for so glorious a victory. CAESAR'S SECOND EXPEDITION INTO BRITAIN. CHAPTER II CAESAR. COS. VI 2 SIL. AEGYPTO CAPTA CAESAR expecting the performance of Covenants agreed upon in the treaty of peace with the Britain's, received hostages from two of their Cities only, Most of the Britain's break covenant with Caesar. and no more: the rest drawing back, refused his subjection: whereupon intending not to loose so rich a prey, nor to suffer that Sun to be eclipsed, whose glory thus far in his Horizon had ascended, he appeased some troubles in Gallia, and in the winter season began his preparation to that enterprise. And having had experience of his former wants, he furnished himself accordingly, and the next spring following drew his forces towards Calis, the shortest cut J●cius Portu● some think to be Calis, some S. Omers. into Britain. There committing the charge of Gallia to T. Labienus his Lieutenant, himself with five Legions of soldiers, 2000 horsemen, and 800. ships, about going down of the Sun loosed from the shore, and with a soft Southern gale were carried into the stream. But about midnight the wind failing, and their sails becalmed, the tide diverted their course: so that in the dawning he well perceived his intended place for landing to be passed. Caesar again landeth at the place of his first arrival (2) Therefore falling again with the change of tide, and endeavours of their Oars, about noon the same day he recovered the shore, even in the same place (and that without any show of resistance) where he had found best landing the Summer before. There in convenient manner he encamped his host, and by certain Fugitives got notice of the power and place of the enemy. (3) And jest delay should afford them advantage, he committed the government of his ships at anchor to Qu. Atrius, and his camp on land to the guard of ten Cohorts, besides the strength of three hundred horsemen; and himself with the rest about the third watch of the night took their march towards the enemy; proceeding with such celerity, that by the day dawning they were entered twelve miles higher into Caesar resisted at the river Stower. the Continent: where seeking to pass a river, which is supposed to be the water Stower, the Britain's with their darts and chariots began in most terrible manner to assault the Romans. But being at length by them repulsed, took into a wood strongly fortified both by nature and man's industry. For in the time of their own dissensions they had formerly made this place one of their strongest fortresses, and had cut down many trees, which overthwart the ways of entrance they had bestowed. (4) In this they secretly kept, and where they saw advantage, would by companies sally out upon the enemy to their no little annoyance. Whereupon The Britain's driven from their fortress. Caesar commanded the seventh Legion to raise a bank, and to build a Testudo of boards, covered with raw hides, by which means the place without much ado was won, and the Britaines forced to forsake the woods. Whose chase Caesar forbade both in regard the day was near spent, as also that the country was altogether unknown to the Romans. But the next day the pursuit being begun, sudden news was Caesar's Navy greatly impaired by tempest. brought from Q. Atrius, that most of his ships the night before by a violent tempest were cast on Land, their bulks shaken, their cables broken, and anchours lost. Caesar's experience in like mishaps the Summer before, made him so much more ready to prevent the worst. And therefore recalling his forces, in all haste returned to his Camp, finding the relation too true in their wrack, wherein forty of his ships were quite lost. Wherefore he wrote to Labienus his Lieutenant in Gallia for supply of ships, thence to be sent in all haste. Then gathering his shipwrights out of the legions, with the ruins of the bruised bulks, he repaired the whole; and now having twice felt the dangers of these seas, caused his whole fleet (a strange attempt) He draweth his fleet on shore. to be drawn on land, even into the midst of the fortifications of his camp, so to secure them from the like mishap, and that one strength might defend both. 2 GOL. (5) In which admirable toil ten days and nights were altogether spent, before he could return to the place from whence came; where now the Britain's through great confluence of people had increased their power, and entered again their fortress and wood. The chief command of these affairs was committed to Cassibelan, whose coin we have here likewise set, a Prince of good repute for feats in war, whose Seignory was severed from the Cities towards the Sea, by the great and famous river Thamisis, and extended into the land full fourscore miles. This Cassibelan present Governor of the Trinobants, had attained to the possession of their chiefest City by the slaughter of Imanuence their former Ruler (a man well respected, and much lamented after death) Caesar. Com. lib. 5. whose son Mandubrace, a gentleman of great hope, fearing the like danger, by the new established authority of Cassibelan, had made over into Gallia, craving Caesar's assistance to set him in his right Flor. Histor. Fabian. (6) Cassibelan (if among these authentic Authors the British Writers may be heard) was the brother Cassibelan brother of King Lud. of King * Lud, and in the nonage of his nephews governed the Trinobants, whose bounds he sought to enlarge upon the bordering Countries of his neighbours, and in his fortunes had so borne himself, that he was much maligned, and more feared. But now all their dangers yoked alike in a common peril, they laid aside private grudges, and held him the only man to support the strength of their troubled and declining estate, and by a common consent made him General of their wars. The expectation of whose proceed he long delayed not, but with a fierce and hot encounter did assail the Romans, and so manfully discharged the parts of his place, that in the sight of the whole Camp Quintus Laberius a military Tribune was slain, (in memory whereof the place as yet, though somewhat corruptly, is called jullaber) and Caesar Lamber. Peramb. himself professeth he learned many points of martial policy by their brave and running kind of encountering. (7) But his next days service proved not so fortunate; for the Romans having learned their own defects by the former days experience, laid aside their weighty armour, that with the more facility they might both assail the enemies, and with like nimbleness avoid their fury, they having now bestowed their powers dispersedly, and scattered their troops into companies, whereby the Romans were still matched with fresh supplies. A policy no doubt of no small consequence, had not destiny determined the fatal subjection of the Britain's, and Fortune now raised the Romans almost to the height of their Monarchy. Britain's retire to their several Provinces. (8) For this failing, the Britain's never after showed themselves with any united resistance, but having lost the day departed, thinking it better to secure every private by his own means, then by a general power to hazard all, as hopeless any more to uphold that which the heavens (they saw) would have down. And Cassibelan himself despairing of happy success, drew into his own territories, keeping with him not above 4. thousand wagons. And fearing the Romans further approach, fortified the river Thamisis (then passable Thought to be Oatland. only in one place) with sharpened stakes bound about with lead, and driven so deep into the bottom, that Beda and Asser report them so to remain Beda lib. 1. cap. 2. in their times. All which notwithstanding, the Romans passed with the repulse of their enemies, and Caesar, who grew now to the height of his honour, marched further into the Continent, and coming forward, was met by Ambassadors from the chiefest City of the Trinobants, which first of all the States The Trinobants submit to Caesar. Beda calleth him Androgorius, lib. 1. cap. 2. proffered submission, and promised subjection, with this entreaty also, that Mandubrace (who being Caesar's follower, and doubtless the contriver of this submission) might be Governor of their City. (9) Caesar ready to work upon such advantage, seized them at forty hostages, with sufficiency of grain for his whole army, which with all expedition those Suppliants performed, preferring the satisfaction of Ceminagues, Segontianus, Ancali●s, Bibrokes, Cassians. their own discontentments before the common cause of their Native Country, thus laid open, and betrayed into the enemy's hands; from whose example many other States without stroke yielded to Caesar's command: yea further treacherously showing unto him both the power and place of Cassibelans' abode, who had now retired himself into his own City called S. Alban besieged by Caesar. Verolam, well fortified both with woods and marish grounds. Thither Caesar came, and with little loss or labour won the place, and many of the miserable Britain's both taken and slain. Cassibelan now despairing of his own power, far unable to match, and much The Governors of Kent join with Cassioelan against Caesar. less to overmatch his Enemies, instigated the Governors of Kent, being four in number, Cingetorix, Caruilius, Taximangulus, and Segonax, (whom Caesar termeth Kings) to raise all their strengths, and suddenly to set upon the Romans Camp that guarded their ships; which enterprise was accordingly attempted, but with such success, that the Britaines were on each side slain, and Cingetorix taken prisoner, the rest saving themselves by flight. (10) Cassibelan beholding these unfortunate proceed, feared the end of unhappy success, for he saw his Country wasted, his own designs defeated, and himself forsaken by the traitorous revolt of many Cities and States on every side. Therefore as Cassibelan soliciteth for peace. bootless to bandy against fortune, he sought to hold his own with others, and sent Comius King of the Attrebatij to be his mean to Caesar for peace, which was the willinglier heard and granted, for that he determined to winter in Gallia, his affairs so requiring it. A great Tribute. (11) The conditions were hard, but necessity must be obeyed: for Caesar imposed a grievous Tribute to be taxed of the Britain's, of no less than three So saith an old written Chronicle, the Author not named. thousand pounds yearly to be paid, and moreover included the safety of Mandubraee, with his Trinobantes taken into friendship, and protection of the Romans; & lastly, that these Covenants should be faithfully observed, he commanded hostages for assurance forthwith to be delivered. These things thus compounded, he took the Seas, about the second watch of the night, which then began to equalize the day in length, and safely arrived in the Continent of Gallia; Having rather Tacitus in vitae Agric. showed the place to posterities, then delivered to the Romans the possession thereof, as Tacitus saith, supposing it his glory sufficient to undergo a matter so rare and difficult, and at his coming to Rome, to have presented his British Captives; whose strangeness for attire and behaviour filled the people's eyes both Eutrop. Plin. with wonder and delight. He offered also in the Temple of Venus' genitrix, a Surcoat made all of British pearls, as a Trophy and Spoil of the Ocean. And now his fortunes coming to the highest, the title of perpetual Dictator (than which the State of Rome could afford Caesar's ambition. nothing greater) sufficed him not, but a King he will be, and sole governor over all, though contrary to the Law and liking of the Romans; whereof in short time Caesar's death. grew such heartburning and hatred, that seventy principal men conspired his death, and after his many dangers of enemies in battles abroad, was in the Senate-house amongst his supposed friends, and in peace (if treachery may be called peace) cruelly murdered, receiving in his body three and twenty wounds, whereof he died, after he had sat Emperor only five months. British Writers vary from Caesar. (12) I am not ignorant that the British Writers do vary from Caesar in relating these his proceed, and speak more honourably of their own resistance than himself hath set down, namely, that That Cassibelan repulsed Caesar twice. by the valour of Cassibelan their King, in his first attempts he was twice driven back without his purpose, and forced to take the Seas, to the great hazard of his ships and men, yea and with the loss of his own sword, which with great prowess was won Nenion won Caesar's sword. from him in a single encounter by Nenion Cassibelans' brother. And surely howsoever Polydore accounteth their Story new, and Caesar carrieth himself gloriously in his own affairs; yet by sundry other renowned Beda hist. li. 1. c. 2. writers it seemeth, that the currant of his Conquest went nothing so smooth and untroubled, or with so little loss of the Romans, nor the Britain's liberties foregone by so easy resistance: which may be collected even out of some covert passages of Caesar's own words, where it appeareth, that he durst not at sundry times give the Britain's battle, though they were only harnessed in leather, and his Soldiers were all old Legionaries of long service, called for their huge armour, Milites gravis armaturae, as having a helmet, corselet and boots, all of massy brass or iron, with a large target, a strong two-edged sword, and a great staff or club headed with an iron pike; which odds notwithstanding had not Cassibelan been undermined by Mandubrace, and traitorously forsaken (which Caesar himself confesseth) by the Princes which promised him assistance, but ever maligned him, and had now a fair time of revenge, perhaps Caesar might have miss this parcel of his glory. Yet for all these helps, Lucan saith expressly of him, Lucan. Territa quaesitis ostendit terga Britannis: Hercules Britaines found, but left them soon by flight. Eutropius. Eutropius saith, He was wearied out and quelled both with the fierce battles of the enemy, and crosses of tempests. Tacitus saith, He found out Britanny for the Romans, Tacitus. but could not win it for them: which was the very cause why (as Dion witnesseth) for twenty years after Caesar's entrance, Britanny kept their own Kings and their own laws, and had no foreign Prefects to command them. And Beda showeth, that Caesar in this Land was both received with sharp and sore fight, and weakened by the loss of his ships, and with the most part of his men at arms. Tacitus also, vising the speech of Caractacus to his Soldiers, hath these words: He called (saith he) upon the names of his Ancestors, Tacit. lib. 12. ca ●. which chased Caesar the Dictator out of the I'll, by whom and by whose valour they were delivered from Hatchets and Tributes, and enjoyed freely their wives and children's bodies undefi●ed. Again, in the consultations of the Britaines intending a revolt, he allegeth their arguments, whereof one was the sudden departure of Caesar In vita Agric. out of this Island, little better than a flight. With whom Dion Cassius also agreeth, affirming that Caesar Dio. li. 39 Caesar got nothing in Britain, save the sight of the Country. got nothing in Britain besides the honour and renown of that voyage, and sight of that Country, until then unknown to the Romans. And again (saith he) Caesar departed thence having done no memorable act, which caused the Britain's to be secure and careless to provide themselves against his second arrivage. Whereby is apparent (even by Roman Writers) both the bold resistance that the Britaines made, and the dear sublection that the Romans bought. But in matters so far passed, it is hard for me to avouch any thing resolvedly, unless I could meet with that aged Britain whom M. Aper conferred with here in Britanny (as Quintilian writeth) Quintilian. who avowed that he was in the British Camp when they did beaten Caesar from the shore. (13) Neither will I urge that for truth, which Authors have left us in their reports, concerning the many prodigies before going, and forewarning his death: things rather to be accounted the superfluities of their own pens, and vain imageries, ever working upon accidental events, and ascribing issued success to a supernatural cause. Such conceit had Caesar of himself, that for his fortunes he would be styled amongst Caesar would be● styled amongst the Gods. the Gods: and his deity to that credulous generation was further strengthened by the appearance of a blazing star, which moved (no doubt) an over-large opinion of his human power, and caused his glory much to surmount itself. And therefore jest ignorance should any way blemish his immortality, they have feigned the manner of his dying best pleasing Sutton. Plutarch. to himself, and many ominous signs to foreshow the same: all which he either lightly despised, or carelessly neglected, as they would have their Readers believe. Caesar forewarned to take heed of the Ide● of March. (14) Such was that of Spurina his diviner, that forewarned him of great danger, which should not pass the Ideses of March. And Suetonius out of Cornelius Balbus reporteth, that in the ancient Monuments of Capua, discovered but few months before, was found a Table of brass, wherein was written the manner of his murder, and the revenge that should follow: his own dreams the night before, wherein he seemed to fly in the His dreams. clouds, and to shake hands with jupiter: as also his wives, that thought him stabbed in her arms, and to lie all bloody His wives dream. in her bosom. Besides many other observances both of beasts and birds, and that in such plenty, that it yielded sufficient matter for Ovid the Poet to furnish ovid. Meta. li. 15. and fill up the latter part of his last book of Metamorphosis. His feature, qualities, and fortunes, are by them thus described: Of parsonage to be tall, strong, His parsonage. and well limmed, fair, and full faced, with black eyes, and bald headed, to cover which he usually wore the Triumphant Laurel Garland. He was well learned, and therewithal very eloquent: and although so great a warrior, thirsting after fame, yet would he be Easy to be reconciled. easily reconciled to his enemies, yea and often times seek the means first himself. And he held it no Seneca. less valour to subdue his wrath, than his enemy; as likewise in his disasters he was of great temper and moderation, insomuch that Seneca writeth of him, that whiles he was in Britain, hearing news of his daughter's death (which was lamented as a great loss to the whole State) he conquered that sorrow as easily and as quickly as he subdued all things where ever he came. And of his Cotas apud Athen●um. other moderateness, Cotas (who then held the second place of honour and command in the Army) writeth, that though Caesar was then so great and glorious a Commander, yet he was so far from outward pomp, as that when he came into Britanny he had only three servants to attend him. (15) In his enterprises he was both valiant and fortunate, and is therefore singled out for an Idea or Pattern of an absolute General, especially for four militaric His success in war, and number of battles. properties very resplendent in him: first, laboriousness in his affairs: secondly, courage in his dangers: thirdly, industrious contriving of what he undertook: fourthly, quick dispatch in accomplishing what he had once begun: In all which he proceeded with such success, that in fifty sever all battles by him fought, he always prevailed, one only excepted, as both Pliny, Solinus, and others have recorded. Four times he was created His Offices. Consul, and five times entered Rome in triumph, bearing still the stile of Perpetual Dictator. And therefore with less dishonour did nations subject themselves unto him; and this of Britain with them, whose lot being cast among the hazards of the world, was drawn with an equal chance, as the rest, and yielded their freedoms with as hard conditions, as did Countries of more extent, and Kingdoms of greater account. But most especially the decree of God could not be Num. 24. 24. Dan. 11. 30. Dan. 2. 35. gaine-stood, who had foreshowed by his Prophets the rising of these Chittims, and them a means to make the metalline image dust. OCTAVIUS AUGUSTUS. CHAPTER III CUNO BELIN. 1. COP. TASCIO S. P. Q. R. CAESARI AUGUSTO 3 SIL. QVOD VIAE MVN▪ SUNT TASC VANIT 1. SIL. CUNOBELI AFter the death of Caesar, thus slain in the Senate, Octavian (the grandchild of julia, Caesar's sister) whom he had adopted, and declared his heir, returned unto Rome from * From Macedonia, say some. Apollonia, where he studied Philosophy, intending to prosecute the revenge of Caesar's Caesar against A●tony. S●eton. in vita August. death; where falling at odds with Marcus Antonius a man of great spirit and power, and setting himself against Brutus and Cassius, with their Complices, for the murder of his uncle, secretly wrought the friendship of the Citizens, before whose eyes also Caesar's wounds seemed yet to bleed. (2) These factions thus begun, grew to such height, that in the Senate-house their causes were pleaded, Cicero against Antonius. and by the instigation and eloquence of Marcus Tullius Cicero, Antonius was proclaimed enemy to the State: against whom Octavian was sent, with Ensigns of Consul, and title Propraetor, being yet not twenty years of age; which duty and office he so well discharged in the parts of a valiant Captain, that Antony was forced out of the field, albeit in this battle the one Antonius' discomfited. Consul was slain, and the other deadly wounded. For which service so effected, he entered Rome in Triumph; though the glory thereof was much blemished, being obtained but in an intestine and civil war. Marcus Antonius, to recover himself, and make good his cause, joined friendship with Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, Captain of the horse, who together interposed themselves against Octavians proceed; but by mediation of friends all three were reconciled, and jointly Octavian and Antony reconciled. erected that form of government which thence was named the Triumutrat: for the establishment whereof they had several jurisdictions assigned them: to Lepidus, Africa, whereof he was present Governor: to Antony, the Countries as well of Greece as Asia, that lay betwixt the Ionian Sea, entering at the gulf of Venice, unto the river Euphrates: and unto Octavian all these West parts of Europe, amongst which this our Britain was one. (3) In these civil broils, and bandings of great men (as Tacitus termeth it) the State of Britain lay long forgotten, and stood in peaceable terms, Augustus thinking it wisdom (saith he) to restrain the infinite desire of enlarging the Roman Empire, whose extent The Empire too great. was grown to that vast greatness, as it seemed even burdensome unto itself, whereby this remote Fabian out of Guid●. Columna. Island lay overshadowed from their sight: whereunto may be added that the presence of Kymbeline the British King (as their history recordeth) in great favour with Octavian, was a great furtherance to the peace, even without payment of the formerly imposed Tribute. Dio Cass. lib. 49. But yet the truth is (as Dion Cassius hath it) that Octavian desirous in all things to be like unto Caesar, seeing Octavians preparation for Britain. their tribute neglected, had intended a voyage towards Britain; but having set forwards into Gallia, he had there tidings of the sudden revolt of the Pannonians, against whom he diverted his prepared power, and left his first designment for that time. Notwithstanding, he still retained the desire of their subjection, and four years after made a second very great preparation thitherward, proceeding with his power again into Gallia. (4) The Britain's that had felt the force of the Romans, and in regard of their own distractions at home were hopeless of strength to withstand them, sought Dio. Cass. lib. 53. the favour of Augustus by their submission, and to that end sent over their Ambassadors, who presenting The Britain's appease Octavian. themselves before him in Gallia Celtica, appeased his wrath, with promise of obedience and full satisfaction for their Tributes detained: whereby Caesar was again stayed, and the Britaines taken into favour and protection. Notwithstanding, the minds of their Magistrates Strab● lib. 4. wereso unconstant, or else the money so hardly drawn from the people, who naturally hated all such obliged servitudes, having ever lived a free Nation (as Aegisippus speaketh of them) that they again failed their payment; whereat Augustus was sore offended, Augustus' third preparation against Brita●ny. and the third time prepared his vo●age that way, which yet a while was hindered by the revolt of the Byscayans, and some other Provinces. (5) The Britain's seeing themselves thus still sought after, sent unto Caesar their excuses, with presents The Britain's excuses. to be offered in the Capitol to the Roman Gods, having now learned with the rest of the world to appease Princes by gifts and rewards, yielding part of the Island, and swearing him fealty in the Temple of Mars, and so were registered subjects to the Roman Customs first paid in Britain. Empire. At which time also they agreed to pay tolles and customs for all wares which they transported into other parts, their merchandise chief consisting of ivory boxes, Iron Chains, and other small trifles of Amber and Glass. All which agreements and compositions The Britain's loyalty. were afterward so loyally observed, and the Land so composed to quietness, that one band of soldiers, with a small troup of horse (as Strabo saith) or four Legions (as josephus writeth) were sufficient to contain so great a multitude in a settled form of obedience. (6) Over the Trinobantes, the greatest and most Cunobeline prince of the Trinobantes. potent State of the Britain's, than reigned the happy Prince Cunobeline (for so in his Coins yet remaining we find it) corruptly written Kimbeline, the son of Theomantius nephew to Cassibelan before spoken Malden. of, whose abode and principal seat was Camalodunum, as by the reverse of the said Coins may appear. The first stamped Coins in Britain. This Prince to make his estate more respective, caused his own Image to be stamped thereon, after the manner of the Romans, (who now had newly taken up that fashion) his payments before consisting for the most part in rings of iron, and plates of brass, seized at a certain weight, which usually passed for Caesar. Com. lib. 5. currant amongst the Britain's, as Caesar reporteth, and as those rings are yet witnesses, whereof we have seen some. This man trained his people to a more civil life then A general peace thorough all the world. Micah 5. 2. isaiah 9 6. Gen. 3. 5. isaiah 7. 14. Gal. 4. 4. formerly had been accustomed, and enjoyed peace with the rest of the world, which then stood universally in quiet, as waiting the coming of that Prince of peace, whose going forth had been from everlasting, and of whose kingdom there shall be no end: even Christ the anointed Emmanuel and son of the living God: so long before expected, and now in the fullness of time manifested: at whose birth war went down, as Virgil speaketh, or rather to use the words of the Prophet, when swords Micah 4. 3. were made into mattocks, and spears broken into scythes: And as in the building of Salomons Temple neither noise of 1. King. 6. 7. The birth of Christ like the building of Salomons Temple. joh. 3. 19 Luk. ●. 14. axe, nor the sound of hammer was heard; so his body being the true Temple, he came and was incarnate at such time, when the sound of war did not awake the world, but a calm and quiet peace encompassed it, as by the Angels was proclaimed amongst the jews, and now was more publicly made known amongst the Gentiles by the shutting Paulus Orosius. Janus Temple is shut. of janus Temple in Rome. This universal peace was so famous and so admirable, that it found matter for the finest wits amongst the Heathens to enlarge themselves: whereupon Virgil framing the persuasions of jupiter to his daughter, foreshoweth the happy success of her seed, and in what tranquillity they should sit, when the hands of Mars were thus restrained from fight, as he thus expresseth: Virg. Aene●d. li. ●. Aspera tum positis mitescent secula bellis: Cana fides, & Vesta, Remo cum fratre Quirinus jura dabunt: dirae ferro, & compagibus arctis Claudentur belli portae: furor impius intus Saeva sedens super arma, & c●ntum vinctus ahenis Post tergum nodis, fremet horridus ore cruento. The first-fruits of a true peace. Then men shall milder prove: cease shall fierce wars: Faith, Gods, and Princes all shall justly guide: Wars ghastly gates with bolts and iron bars Fast shut shall stand: and Mars cashiered shall hide 'mongst heaps of rusty armour, where his hands Bond fast shall be with hundred brazen bands. Lactan. li. 4 ca 6. And yet further in his Ecloge (from the Sibyls, who in all likelihood had it from the divine Oracles) he Duples. u●ra. c. 32. useth the very words of the Prophets in speaking of a Maid, and a Child of a new progeny borne and sent down from heaven, by whom the brassy and iron-like world should cease, and a pure golden age succeed. Thus he sweetly singeth: Eclog. 4. Vltima Cumaei venit iam carminis aetas: Magnus ab integro seclorum nascitur ordo: I am redit & Virgo: redeunt Saturnia regna: I am nova progenies coelo demittitur alto. Tu modò nascenti puero, quo ferrea primùm Desinet, ac toto surget gens aurea mundo, etc. Now is the time of which Sibylla said, The old world doth his prime again renew: Saturn (whom Virgil nameth) was esteemed the father of the Gods. Now hath the world a pure unspotted Maid: Now reigns the * God of Gods, whose offspring new Descends from heaven. Blessed be the babe whose rai●ss Hath turned our iron age to golden days. In which Ecloge are sweetly couched many other most divine allusions to our saviours 1 Magnum Jo●is incrementum, etc. Deity, 2 Matri longa decem, etc. birth and humanity, 3 Nec Deus hunc me●sa, etc. poverty, 4 Assyrium vulg● nascetur, etc. graces, 5 Cui non risere parents, etc. crosses, 6 Pacatumque reget patrij●, etc. kingdom, and 7 So●uet formidine terr●●, etc. redemption of the world from 8 Si qua manent sceleris, etc. sin, 9 Fallax herba veneni, etc. death, and 10 Oceide● & serpens, etc. Sueton. in vit. August. Sect. 94. Duples. veritat. Christi. 32. fol. 518. Niceph. li. 1. ca 17. ju●enal. Satyr. 3. hell. So likewise Marcus Tullius Cicero saw in his dream (as himself reporteth) a child of an ingenuous and beautiful countenance, let down from heaven by a golden chain. And Suetonius in the life of Augustus from julius Marathus hath observed, that certain predictions in Rome happening, were so respected and generally expounded, That Nature was about to bring forth a King that should reign over the whole world. And albeit these and other Heathen Writers ascribe these things either to Augustus himself, or to some of his favourites, yet we see them accomplished in none other but jesus Christ the Messiah our blessed Saviour, in whom only the Kingdom of God began, with the utter subversion of all their heathenish Oracles, which Zephan. 2. 11. Our Saviour Christ borne in the fourteenth year of Cunobeline. at his birth, or at furthest at his death, ceased all, and gave place to HIS eternity. Which time of his birth by the Scriptures most certain account, was from the world's creation, 3927. and is set by the Britaines in the fourteenth of their Cunobelines reign, and by other authentic Writers in the two and fortieth of Augustus Caesar, even in the top of that Empire's greatness, when Rome was with an universal subjection acknowledged the absolute Lady of the known earth. Luk. 2. For so in S. Luke we read, that this Augustus then first taxed the world. A text most strong for the full dissolution of the four foregone kingdoms represented Dan. 2. in Daniels Image, by the fall of this stone Christ, the rock and stay of our eternal happiness. Augustus' described. His reign. (7) This Emperor reigned in great honour the space of fifty six years, and was obeyed both by the Eastern Indians, and the Northern Scythians, with the subjection of the Parthians, a fierce and untamed people, and generally with the love of all. He was a Prince endued with great wisdom, magnanimity, and Tacit. Annal. li. 5. cap. 1. justice; yet faulty in this, that he took from Tiberius Nero his wife Livia, both great with child, and having also formerly borne him a son. Devout he was in the worship of the Roman Gods; amongst whom in His devotion to Christ. Niceph. li. 1. ca 17. Suid●●. the Capitol he built an Altar unto the Hebrew child, with this inscription: The Altar of the first begotten Son of God: being thereunto moved by the Oracle of Apollo that had answered his own destruction by the birth of this child. Of Stature he was but low, and His endowments of body. of a good complexion; gray-eied, his hair somewhat yellow, and his body freckled with spots, which as his flatterers would have the world believe, were in form like stars. Predictions foreshowing his government and death are alleged, the which I willingly overpass, holding most of them rather fantasies then truth. At his death he demanded of the standers by, whether he had well acted the interlude of Sueton. in vit● August●. his life upon the stage of this world: and died fourteen years after Christ his incarnation; leaving after him so honourable an estimation of his glory, that as the succeeding Emperors in remembrance of julius Caesar gloried to be called Caesar's, so they ever held the name of Augusti to be sacred, and only befitting persons destinated to imperial Majesty. And both their names were inserted into the number of the months, that The months of july and August. the honour of them both might never perish while Time's eviternitie should endure. TIBERIUS. CHAPTER IU. ELINE CUNOB 1 SIL. AUG. F. AUGUSTUS. TI. CAESAR. DIVI. 2 SIL. MAXIM. PONTI. CUNO BELINE 1 COP. TA●CIIOVANIT AVgustus Caesar thus gloriously reigning, and peaceably dying, had ordained for his successor Tiberius Tiberius Nero his parents. Nero, the son of Tiberius the Patrician, and of Livia his wife, whom (as we said before) he had taken for his Empress, and by whose incitements and Sueton. in vit. Tiber. continual instigations that matter was procured: though Suetonius thinketh, it was by Augustus his own ambitious conceit, to make himself the sooner miss, and the more lamented, in leaving his son so unlike him to succeed, whose conditions as they stood upon their own basis, he knew to be both reprooveable, and also contemptible. His actions and conditions. (2) But before the death of Caesar could be divulged, to writ his imperial stile as it were in blood, he began with the murder of young Agrippa the son Tacit. Annal. li. 1. cap. 2. of julia, daughter to Octavian, and once his own wife, and continued his reign with such tyranny, that many he slaughtered, without respect of person or cause; and in his losest lasciviousness, thought of nothing but how to subvert the Nobility; for rare it was in his Tacit. Annal. li. 6. cap. 3. His plotting against his Nobles. Tacit. Annal. li. 4. cap. 7. days that any such died a natural death: and maintaining a race of men (Promoters, as Tacitus terms them, found out for a common overthrow and destruction of others) alured them by rewards to accuse the rich, though guiltless; only this favour granted to the condemned, that if they slew themselves before the day of execution, their bodies should have burial, Tacit. Annal. li. 6. cap. 7. their goods not confiscate, and their testament stand good in law. Tiberius' his hypocrisy. (3) A great dissembler he was, seeming ever to hate those vices which in truth he loved, and to love those His libidinousnes●e. virtues which he did most deadly hate: and for life and libidinous filthiness so extreme, that a Christians pen may not express, when the Heathen themselves Tacit. Annal. li. 6. cap. 1. do blush to name such things as he shamed not openly to commit: his public drunkenness, and His Epicurism. continual banquetings, whereat he spent whole days and nights together without intermission, caused exchange of names from Tiberius Nero to * A wine-biber. Biberius Careless in government. The provinces undefended. Mero. Dissolute and careless he was in government, though some have accounted him a wise and politic Prince: for the Provinces he left to defend themselves, and yet daily charged them with larger Tributes, to their great impoverishment, and almost utter ruin. Britain without foreign garrison or government. (4) In this state, amongst others neglected, Britain stood, wherein Tiberius neither maintained garrison, nor attempted alteration, and whereby (as it may be thought) their own Laws and Princes bore sway among themselves, howsoever the cause for Tribute was ballized betwixt them. And most certain it is, the Britain's, if not in subjection, yet were well affected Tacit. Annal. li. 2. cap. 5. to the Romans, as appeareth by Tacitus in the kind entertainments, and in relieving their shipwrecked soldiers, that in crossing the Seas were by tempest driven upon their Coasts, and courteously sent thence by their petty Kings unto Germanicus their jeffrey Monm. General. Notwithstanding, jeffrey Monmouth seemeth to affirm the contrary, that bringeth the reign of one Guiderius, and the valour of arviragus, the sons of Cunobeline (of whom more hereafter) to withstand the Romish Command, and utterly to refuse the payment of Tribute, banding both against Tiberius, as also against Caligula and Claudius the emperors succeeding. Our Saviour Christ's death. (5) Other remembrances of these times concerning us find we none, besides that which is common to all, namely the death of our Saviour Christ, which under this Tyrant, and in his eighteenth year was accomplished by the proceeding of his (as wicked) Ter●●l. in Apolog. adverse. ge●●e●, c. 5. Deputy Pontius Pilate, who both adjudged him to die, and to be guiltless of deserving death: whereby was wrought the mystery of our Redemption, with such signs and evidences of his Deity, that the wicked judge himself wrote thereof to Tiberius, and he to the Senate, to have him consecrated among the Roman Euseb. eccles. hist. li. 2. ca 2. Gods. Which they refused to do, that the wisdom and divine power of God in the doctrine of Salvation should not need the allowance and commendation of men, as Eusebius hath well observed. Tiberius' his reign, age, and death. Tacit. Annal. li. ●. cap. 7. 2. Chr. 21. 20. Tacit. lib. 6. ca 12. (6) Finally, when he had reigned hated of all men the space of three and twenty years, with no better liking than is read of joram King of judah, that lived without being desired, he was smothered to death (as is thought) by Caligula, the seventeenth of the Kalends of April, the year from Christ's Nativity thirty nine, and the seventy and eighth of his own age. He was of parsonage tall, and of body strong, broad chested, and used both his hands alike, fair of complexion, but great and goggle-eied, whereby he saw so clearly as is incredible to report. CAIUS CALIGULA. CHAPTER V. CUNO 2 SIL. TASCIO GERMANICUS. CAES. P. C. CAES. AUG. GEPM. 2 SIL. C. CAESAR. AUG. GERM. P. M. TR. POT. BRETANNIKO● 3 COP. MHTPOIIOAI●ETIMINAIOYBA NExt unto Tiberius succeeded Caius Caligula his parents. Tacit. Annal. lib. 1. cap. 9 his nephew Caius Caligula, the son of Germanicus, (whose face is expressed above) the son of Drusus. His mother was Agrippina, the daughter of julia, Caesar's wife; liked rather for his father's virtues, (who was for learning, virtue, valour, and courtesy, the most admired man of that age) then for any parts of his own answerable to so high a place, as being neither naturally framed for good presence in Throne, nor qualified in mind for an Imperial Command. Ever in condition opposite to all, and (which is more) most times His prodigality. to himself. One while lasciviously prodigal, in excessive banquets, admirable Sea-workes, with needless leveling of mountains, and filling up their valleys: Another while extremely covetous, imposing taxes upon the His covetousness. Provinces, and exacting gains out of the base earnings of pollutions: Always cruel and libidinous. His own mother he defamed to be incestuously begotten; His vile actions. his grandmother he poisoned; his brother Tiberius he murdered; with his three natural sisters he lived incestuously, and upon Drusilla the second (who was contented to be deflowered by him when they were both but children) he so incredibly doted, that he used to swear by her sacred name, and deified her for Phil●. juda. Euseb.. lib. ●. cap. 6. a Goddess by the name of Panthea, commanding divine honours to be done unto her. The like deity conceited he of himself, causing his Statue to be worshipped, and placed in his usual robes amongst the Roman Gods, and would have set it in jerusalems' Temple joseph. A●tiq. lib. 1●. cap. 11. (as josephus recordeth) had not that great God cut him off by death. His Imperial government was without either enlargement of circuit, or enforcing by arms a dutiful subjection, rather seeking to make himself feared by Tyranny at home, than any ways famous by Acts abroad. (2) How the other Provinces stood affected, I leave to themselves; but by Tacitus it should seem Tacit▪ in ●ita Agric. the Britain's and Germane were not his best subjects: for these are his words, that Caius had a meaning to Caligula intends to invade Britain. invade Britain, it is certainly known: but his rash running head, and hasty repentance in his attempts against Germany, turned all to nothing. And Suetonius ascribes the foolish erection of that admirable bridge over a creak of the Sea in Campania (whereof Dion writeth Dion Cass. lib. 59 at large) to his vainglorious conceit, that by a brute blazed abroad of so huge and monstrous a work, he might terrify Germany and Britain, upon which Sueton. in vita Caligul●. Countries he meant to make war. The issue whereof was as fruitless as his great cost was ridiculous. For having set forward for the conquest of Britain with no small preparation, he proceeded no further than to those parts of Holland that confront against Norfolk, where he suddenly pitched his tents, and stayed. Adminius' banished flieth to Caesar. (3) At which time, Adminius the son of Cunobelin King of Britain being banished by his father, fled over Sea with a small power, and submitted himself unto Caesar's protection: whereupon Caligula wrote vaunting letters to the Senate, as if the whole Island had been yielded into his hands: commanding the messenger that his letters should be carried Caligula his vain ambition. in a Chariot into the Curia, and not delivered but in the Temple of Mars, and that in a frequent and full assembly of the Senate. And having no further matter to work upon, he caused certain german prisoners secretly to be conveyed into a wood, and word to be brought him in great fear and amazement of the sudden approach of the enemy; against whom with show of great manhood and noble resolution in all haste and warlike manner he marched, and in chains openly showed them as his captives His deluding of the Senate. taken in war, forbidding the Senators the wont celebration of their Feasts, or to enter their theatres to take solace, seeing their Caesar exposed himself to so many perils, and fought so great battles with hazard of his life. Last of all, as if he had meant to make a final dispatch for ever of the war, he drew his His warring with the Sea. forces down to the Sea-coast of Belgia, and embattled his army upon the Ocean shore; planting his balists and other Engines of artillery in their several places, no man witting what he meant: which done, himself in a Galley launched into the Sea, and immediately Caligula his great victory. returning, caused the Trumpets to sound the battle, and commanded his Soldiers forthwith to fall a gathering of cockles and muscles into their helmets, terming them the Spoils of the conquered Ocean: Against which he also built a Tower, as a Trophy of his victory, the ruins whereof as yet remain in Or●●lius' Geograp. Holland to this day, and is called The Britons house, in memory of that fantastical service: upon which exploit he made a glorious Oration to his soldiers, commending and requiting their valours with rewards, and anowing their shell-spoiles worthy offerings His ambition. to be presented in the Capitol, writing letters to Rome of this his great Conquest, and demanding Triumph, and divine honours to be assigned him: which when the Senators made some question of, he threatened them with death. But this sea-service (as it seemeth) so ran ever after in his mind, that one night he dreamt that the Sea in dreadful shape came and expostulated with him, which cast him into an incredible Affrighted in his sleep. horror and affright. (4) In his last year of life and reign, Pontius Pilate, under whom Christ jesus suffered, was apprehended and accused at Rome, deposed and banished Pontius Pilate banished killeth himself. to the Town of Lions in France, where, in despair he slew himself in the year from Christ his incarnation, forty one, and from his death, the seventh, as Eus●b. lib. 2. cap. 7. Eusebius hath noted. (5) And now both the Ambition and cruelty of Caius was grown so intolerably savage, as that he often lamented that some rare and unusual disaster (as either some horrible slaughter of huge Armies, or some universal plague, of famine, or fire, or opening of the earth, or overflowing of the Sea) happened not in his time, whereby his reign might be made memorable to posterity. And he wished that all the people of Rome had but one neck, that he might have the glory of giving the bravest blow that ever was given, whereby so infinite multitudes of men might be killed by him at one stroke. But this his wish was prevented by a blow on himself, his death and downfall being Joseph. Antiq. lib. 19 cap. 1. complotted and executed by certain Tribunes, whereof Chaerea was chief; who following him from the Theatre with resolution for the fact, took the time when Caligula turning suddenly aside into a narrow Cloister to see certain boys sent him out of Asia, lost the defence of his forewarders, and the straightness of the place permitted nothis guard to follow, on which advantage Chaerea demanded his watchword, which he (according to his usual manner) gave in great disdain and scorn, whereunto Chaerea replied, and with his sword wounded him in the neck, and jaw; Caligula slain. and then the rest of the Conspirators coming in, with thirty wounds made an end of his life, after he had most impiously reigned three years and ten months. His parsonage. (6) He was of stature tall, of complexion pale and wan, of body somewhat gross and unfashionable, his neck and legs exceedingly slender, his eyes sunk into the hollow temples of his forehead, and that also frowning and full of wrinkles▪ his hair was thin and shaggy, but bald on the crown, though otherwise so hairy of body, that all the time of his reign if a man did but name a Goat, it was held a touch and offence of Sabe●●●●. A●n●id. 7. lib. ●. Laesae Maiestatis against his imperial person. His Countenance naturally stern and grim, which by composing and gesture he purposely made more ugly and terrible. His apparel always costly, but not always Courtlike, neither civil: his beard he wore of gold like jupiter or Aesculapius. In his hand for a Sceptre, a Mace three-tined, as Neptune or God of the Sea, and upon his body the Cuirass of Alexander the Great, taken from his Sepulchre and Monument. He died aged twenty nine years, whose memory was so hateful unto Dion lib. 60. all, that all the Copper Coins or Modals stamped with his picture were melted down by decree of the Senate, whereby (if it were possible) his name and His hatred after death. feature might be forgotten unto future ages. CLAUDIUS DRUSUS. CHAPTER VI. TI. CLAUD. CAES. AUG. GER. P. M. TR. P. XII. IMP. XIIX. 5. COP. Claudius' Drusus Emp. COL CAMALODON AVG TI. CLAUD. CAESAR. AUG. P. M. TRP. VIIII. IMP. XVI. 2 GOL. DE▪ BRITANN 〈…〉 BRETANNIKO● 〈…〉 3 COP. Aulus Plautius Lieut. Ν▪ 〈…〉 ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΑΙΣΕΤΙΜΙΝΑΙΟΥΒΑ Claudius Drusus chosen by the Praetorian Soldiers. But Claudius Drusus a man of better spirit and temperature, immediately upon the death of Caligula, and josep● Antiquit. l. 19 cap. 3. even in the height of those disturbances, by the Praetorian Soldiers (who were encamped near the walls of Rome) was nominated, and chosen Emperor; whereas the Senate had decreed and determined to reduce the City into her ancient liberty, without admission of any Caesar, or subjection to such absolute and sole authority; notwithstanding, the power of this Army, and the vote of the City so prevailed, that the election was confirmed, and the Imperial dignity by him assumed, as the next, and only man to whom it must of Claudius' his Parentage. right belong: whose father Drusus was the son of Livia, wife to Octavian, to whom the emperors succeeding held it a glory to be any ways allied. (2) In his first proceed with the Provinces affairs, The Britain's detain their Tribute. he determined war against the Britain's, whose Tribute had been a long time neglected, and whose subjection was now to be feared: all of them being raised in a tumultuous uproar. The cause pretended was certain fugitives, (the betrayers of their State, and liberties) lately departed, and by the Romans received with protection of the Emperor: a matter that moved them to great discontents, and served as a show for their just revolt. Dion Cass lib. 60. Anno Domi. 45. (3) Claudius, as ready to prevent the worst, being thereto further incited by Bericus one of those British fugitives as Dion reporteth, in the second year of his Empire, and from Christ's Nativity forty five, sent Aulus Aulus Plautius sent against the Britain's. Plautius a Roman Senator, well experienced in the affairs of war, to take charge of the Army remaining in Gallia, and with those old trained Soldiers to make over into Britain to retain their obedience. Which service upon them thus imposed, was generally His Soldiers unwilling. Dio. lib. 60. distasted, as apparently was showed by their unwillingness thitherward, muttering and complaining, that they must now be enforced to make war out of the world, and protracting time, could hardly be drawn forward, though the Emperor sent his second command. (4) But being at last embarked and crossing the Seas, their ships were beaten with contrary winds, which still added discouragements unto their proceed, and had not an accident the same time happened, the edge of their courage had been more abated: for even in this distraction suddenly a fiery leame Encouraged by a sign from heaven. shot itself from East to West, the same way that their ships made sail: which presently gave hopes to their despairing hearts, being heathenishly interpreted for a sign of good luck, and so sent from their Gods, whereupon without any resistance, they came to shore and took land. (6) But he following still the Enemy, being seconded Tacitus in vit. Agric. by Flavius Vespasian (afterward Emperor) the leader of the second legion (the foundation o● whose succeeding fortunes was first laid here in Britain) gave them again another overthrow. The chiefest means whereof was a policy they had gotten to gall the Chariot horses, whereby their riders were mastered, and their whole powers disordered: many Britain's in this battle were slain, and more in danger, had not the night ended the skirmish. (7) The next day the battle was again begun C. Sidius Geta his valour. and maintained on both parts with equal advantage, till C. Sidius Geta enforced the Britain's to retire, whereby the victory rested in the Romans: for which exploit Triumphal honours were assigned him, although he had not yet attained to the Consular degree. In this Conflict, Vespasian hardly escaped, being sore oppressed by the Enemy, and in such sort, that had not Titus (his renowned son) come to rescue, he had been slain, whose valour afterwards was tried in one and thirty battles, and in the Conquest of the I'll of Wight. The Britain's retire to places of advantage. (8) After this conflict, the Britain's withdrew themselves into places of more advantage, and in the mouth of Thamisis near her fall into the Sea, passed the shallows and firm grounds in safety, whereas the Romans ignorant of both, brought many into danger, and in their distressed passage, were sharply assailed by the Enemy, in which turmoil, a bloody Togodumnus slain. battle was begun, wherein Togodumnus a British Prince, brother to Catacratus, and son to Cunobeline, was slain: Notwithstanding, the courage of the Britain's was nothing abated, but rather exasperated to a further revenge: for effecting whereof, new forces were gathered, and confluence of people assembled from each part of the I'll. Plautius' the Lieutenant seeing daily the increase of their power, Vespasian employed in other parts, and himself straightened in a place of danger, proceeded no further, but sent word to the Emperor of the doubtful estate of their affairs. Claudius' the Emperor cometh into Britain with a great Army. (9) At that time (saith Suetonius,) the Senate had by decree allowed Claudius his Triumphal ornaments. But he supposing that such a bore title of honour was inferior to the Majesty of an Emperor, and willing of himself also to enterprise some exploit whereby he might win the glory of a complete Triumph, made choice before all other Provinces, of Britain, attempted by none since julius Caesar of famous Memory. And with great strength entered into the journey, having Dion. Cassius. lib. 60. Elephant's first brought into Britain. with him a mighty Army both of horse and foot, as also Elephants, a beast of great bigness and burden, whose strangeness then amazed the Britain's, and whose Carcases falling in this Land, their late found bones (no doubt) have bred our error, being supposed to be of men, and not of beasts. (10) With very great danger he passed the Seas, Claudius entereth Britain. and joining strength with his Lieutenant and Vespasian, they all together crossed the River Thamisis, where presently they were encountered by the Britain's, who a while maintained the battle very desperately, but in the end gave place and fled, whom the Romans He surpriseth Camulodunum. pursued even to their strong Camulodunum, than the seat of Adminius, Cunobelins' son, as may aptly be conjectured by the Medul of Britannicus the Emperor's darling, figured in the front of this Chapter; which City they surprised and fortified with their own Garrisons, which the Emperor in the eleventh of his reign, as appeareth by the other coin, turned to a Colony of Roman Citizens. Claudius now disarming the Britain's, remitted further punishment either upon their bodies or confiscation of their goods: The which his favourable clemency moved those distressed Britain's to such liking and love, that they erected His clemency maketh him to be honoured for a God. a Temple and Altar in his name, and gave him divine honour, as a God: The rest as unable to resist, proffered their submissions, and promised a peaceable subjection under the Romans government. (11) These things thus achieved, at the end of six months Claudius in his ninth year returned and Claudius returneth to Rome, & entereth in Triumph. Sueton. in vita Claud. Sect. 17. entered Rome in triumph with more than usual manner, stamping again upon his monies his Arch of victory, as appeareth in the face of this Chapter, a perpetual trophy of his victories and memory of our servitude. After whose Triumphant Chariot road Messalina his wife, the Monster of her sex for impudency and lascivious life: and upon the top of his Palace he placed a Naval Coronet in memorial of the Ocean by him sailed over, and subdued: withal assuming to himself, and son, the Surname Britannicus: And honoured Plautius with his presence in his Triumphs for Britain, giving him the right hand, ascending the Capitol, and besides graced divers Captains that served under him in that war with Triumphal Ornaments. So great an esteem was held of the Conquest of so small a part of this Island. The British Historians vary in relating Claudius doings in Britain. (12) The British Historians relate these things far otherwise, reporting that their King arviragus, the youngest son of Kymbeline, withstood Claudius in his enterprise, with whom (say they) he came to composition by giving him his daughter Genissa in marriage, in memory whereof, he built the City Glaucester, according to his name, which now is called Gloucester: But Suetonius writing the life of Claudius, his wives and children, nameth his daughters only to be Claudia, Antonia, and Octavia, without mention of Genissa at all, and therefore not likely to have any such▪ And Dion Cassius reporteth that Claudius himself Dion Cass. lib. 60. stayed not above sixteen days in Britain, a time too short for the sending to Rome, and thence for the return with his daughter, or for the building of so great a City as Gloucester is. Neither indeed was arviragus known in the days of Claudius: But rather lived in the time of Domitian the seventh in succession after him, as plainly appeareth by Juvenal the Poet, in those his verses spoken to Domitian, which elsewhere we cited. Whereby appeareth that the stirs of this King could not accord with Claudius' reign, and that the truth of this report is much weakened from more sufficient authorities. But to proceed, Aulus Aulus Plautius first Lord deputy. Plautius (the first Lieutenant authorised over the Britain's, upon some occasion was thence revoked, the wars not quieted, and with a small Triumph (as Tacitus Tacit. in vit. Agric. Tacit. Annal. li. 13. cap. 7. saith) entered Rome. Unto him succeeded P. Ostorius Scapula, for reputation in martial affairs nothing his inferior, who at his first landing found all in an uproar: Of whose proceed let us hear Tacit. Annal. li. 12. cap. 8. Tacitus speak: The Britain's (saith he) that were yet unconquered, ranged the Countries of the confederates, presuming both upon the approach of the winter, and the Propretors' unacquaintance with his Army: But he knowing that the first success breedeth either fear, or confidence, gathered the Cohorts, and made towards the Enemy, slaying all that made head against him, and disarming those whom he most suspected. And to retain Cogidunus the King in stricter assurance and fidelity to the Emperor, granted divers Cities and States to him by way of Donation. The first that began to stir, were the Icenians, the Inhabitants of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, and Huntington-shires, a strong people unshaken with wars: And with them (at their instigation) their neighbours adjoining. These together chose a fit place for fight, compassed in with a rude, but defensible trench, which had only one narrow entrance whereby the Horsemen must be much impeached. This Rampire notwithstanding the Roman Captain, with the only aid of the * Allies broke Confederates perchance is meant. down, and disordered the Enemy even in this their own fortress, who seeing all passages for escape to be stopped up, (Ostorius having hemmed them in Ne● in Northampton shire, saith Camden. with Garrisons between the Rivers * Antonia and Sabrina) showed great valour in defending themselves, and by their deaths gave place to the Romans. This overthrow and slaughter of the Iceni wrought a more stayed resolution in those that before were wavering between war and peace. And the Army led against the Cangi, with waste and spoil consumed the Country, the inhabitants not daring to be seen in field. Whereupon the Romans pierced thorough the Land even unto the Sea-coast that looks towards Ireland. TASCIF 2 GOL. A EPATI A small resistance was made by the brigants, but without much trouble soon quieted by the execution of some few, and pardoning of the rest. (13) But the Silureses (that is, those of South-wales) could not be brought to bear the Romish yoke of subjection, who besides their own courage relied much upon the strength and valour of their Prince Caractacus (whose Coin we have here expressed) a man which had waded thorough many dangers, and in many adventures both prosperous and lucky had gotten such reputation, that he was preferred before all the British Captains. This General knowing his own strength unable to match the enemy, by policy thought to supply that want, and having advantage of the Country, removed the war unto the Ordovices, which is now North-wales, where all joined to him that either feared or disdained to hold His manner of encamping. peace with the Romans. here he chose a place to encamp his host, even on the top of a hill naturally defensed from access: and where any doubt was▪ there he stopped up all passage with heaps of stones in manner of a Rampire; near the foot whereof ran a River with a ford somewhat dangerous, and not easily found, where a troup of his best soldiers were set in order to receive the Enemy. His animating of his soldiers. The more to animate their minds, the Leaders went about exhorting and encouraging the Soldiers, taking all occasions of fear from them, and putting them in hope, with all inducements of resolution: especially Caractacus, who coursing hither and His resolution. thither, protested that day and that battle should be the beginning either of a recovered liberty, or else a perpetual servitude and bondage: and ever he called upon the names of his valiant Ancestors, who formerly had chased Caesar the Dictator out of the I'll, by whose valour they were delivered from Hatchets and Tributes, and enjoyed freely their wives and children's bodies undefiled. The Soldiers also themselves showed as great forwardness, and as Echoes redoubled his words, vowing according to the Religion of their Country, never to yield for wounds or life, which they all were ready to sacrifice in the cause of their liberties. This their apparent resolution much appalled the Romans cheerfulness, and most of all the Captains and Leaders, who before their faces saw the River, on both sides of them had the hanging hills, and the Fort commodious for the enemy, but deadly unto them: all which notwithstanding the common Soldiers Ostorius his care. despised, and demanded the battle. Ostorius, whose study was chief to perform the parts of a General, passed the River with some little difficulty, and leading his Army up to the Rampire, was met with such a shower of darts, that many therewith were wounded and slain. Yet at length breaking down those rude compacted stones, joined battle with the enemy, and affront came close to handy strokes; wherein the Britain's having better courage than armour (for they had neither headpiece nor coat of defence) were sore galled with their. javelling and two-handed The Britain's put to flight. swords, and so disordered, that they betook themselves to flight. Caractacus wife, daughter, and brethren taken prisoners. Himself betrayed by Cartismandua. (14) This victory as it was almost unexpected, so was it made famous by the taking of Caractacus wife, daughter, and brethren, and himself flying for succour and protection to the brigants, was (as we have before showed) by Cartismandua their Queen betrayed and delivered into the hands of the Conquerors after his nine years most generous resistance. He resisted the Romans nine years. Tacit▪ Annal. 12. cap. 8. Whereupon his fame being carried over the islands, and spread abroad thorough the Provinces, was also renowned in Italy, and they desired to see him that so many years had contemned their forces. Neither was his name meanly esteemed of at Rome▪ for whilst Caesar's worth and power was there commended, a more glorious conceit was held of the conquered Caractacus: and against his coming to the City Caractacus led in triumph. the people from all parts were assembled, as to behold some notable and most rare spectacle. The emperors Guard in arms and good order were placed in the field before the Camp, thorough whom the Captives and Trophies were carried, and presented after this manner: first the vassals of Caractacus going foremost bowed their bodies to the people as they passed, and seemed by their rueful countenances to discover the sense of their calamity. The comparisons▪ his chains, and other spoils gotten in the wars, were carried after them. Then Caractacus his brethren, wife, and daughter followed, and last of all himself, whose attire and stout behaviour filled the people's eyes with wonder and delight. His body, for His habit and attire. the most part, was naked, and painted with figures of divers beasts. He ware a chain of iron about his neck, and another about his middle: the hair of his Exhistor▪ ●agn. Britan. head hanging down in curled locks, covered his back and shoulders, and the hair of his upper lip parted on both sides, lay upon his breast. Neither was his behaviour less noted than the strangeness of his habit: for he neither hung down his head, as daunted His undauntedne●●e. with base fear; nor craved mercy, as the rest; but with a confident spirit, and bold countenance, held on till he came before the Imperial Seat, where making his stand, and a while beholding Caesar's Majesty, at last with great courage spoke to this purpose. His Oration to Claudius Caesar. (15) If my moderation in prosperity had been answerable to the greatness of my birth and estate, or the success of my late attempts to the resolution of my mind, I might have come to this City rather as a friend to be entertained▪ then as a Captive to be gazed upon; neither wouldst thou disdain to have received me on terms of amity and peace, being a man of royal descent, and a Commander of many warlike Nations. But what cloud soever hath darkened my present lot, yet have the Heavens and Nature given me that in birth and mind, which none can vanquish, or deprive me of. I well see, that you make other men's miseries the subject and matter of your triumphs; and in this my calamity, as in a mirror, you now contemplate your own glory. Yet know that I am, and was a Prince furnished with strength of men and habiliments of war; and what marvel is it if all be lost, seeing experience teacheth that the events of war are Events of war variable. variable, and the success of policies guided by uncertain fates? As it is with me, who thought that Britain's wall. the deep waters like a wall enclosing our Land, and it so situated by heavenly providence, as in another world, might have been a sufficient privilege and defence for us against foreign invasions: but I now perceive that the desire of soucraignty admits no limitation; and if you Romans must command Ambition hath no bounds. all, than all must obey. For mine own part, while I was able I made resistance, and unwilling I was to submit my neck to a servile yoke, so far the law of Nature alloweth every man, that he may defend Nature disdaineth servitude. himself being assailed, and to withstand force, by force. Had I at first yielded, thy glory and my ruin had not been so renowned. Fortune hath now done her worst: we have nothing left us but our lives, which if thou take from us, our miseries end; and if thou spare us, we are but the objects of thy Clemency. (16) Caesar wondering to see such resolutions and so free a mind in a Captive estate, pardoned Caractacus, his wife and brethren, who being unbound, did their reverence to Agrippina the Empress, that sat aloft on a Throne Royal. This Conquest and Triumph over Caractacus, ministered matter of discourse Tacit. Annal. li. 12. cap. ●. and admiration through out all Rome, and the Lords of the Senate held it no less honourable, then that of P. Scipio, who triumphed over Syphax the Numidian King, or that of Perses, whom Paulus Aemilius vanquished, or then any other King that had been taken in war, or exhibited to the view of the people. Then were also public Triumphal honours decreed for Ostorius; whose fortunes until then had been Ostorius and his fortunes decline. very prosperous, but now began to be doubtful, or rather to decline, either because Caractacus (the foil of his glory) was removed, and thereupon (as though all had been subdued) a more careless service entertained, The Britain's take heart again. or else the courage of the Britaines was more inflamed to revenge through the fervent compassion of the fall ofso mighty a King. (17) For immediately they environed the Campmaster, and the Legionary Cohorts, which were left to build fortresses in the Country of the Silureses, whom with eight Centurions, and the forwardest Soldiers, they slew, and had put all the rest to the sword, if rescue had not speedily come from the villages and Their victory. forts adjoining. The Foragers also and troup of horse that were sent to aid them they put to flight. These affronts touched Ostorius to the quick, and left their aids should grow to a greater head, he sent forth certain light-harnessed companies, which with the Legionary Soldiers undertook the battle, and with small odds was it continued till the night came, and parted them: divers other Skirmishes afterwards were made, though for the most part in woods and marshes, whence taking their advantage in sallying forth, they many times prevailed, sometimes by strength, sometimes by mere courage, and sometimes by chance; neither were they always commanded by their Captains, but many times fought voluntary and without warrant. (18) The principal motive that induced the rest to take Arms, was the example of the Silure, who Caesar's threats make the Britain's more resolute. were most resolutely bend, as being exasperated by certain speeches that the Roman Emperor himself had used, which was, that as the name of the Sugambri was destroyed, and the people transported into Gallia, so the memory of Silures should utterly be extinguished: And in this heat as men desperate (whose destinies were read and lots cast already) they intercepted the scattered troops of the Romans that uncircumspectly wasted and spoiled the Country, taking of them many prisoners, and recovering rich booties, which they sent and distributed amongst their neighbours; whereby many other were drawn to revolt: These proceed sat so near Ostorius his heart, who with long cares and travels had wearied his spirits, spent the strength of his body, and thereunto had now added the discontentment of his Ostorius dieth. mind, that in these vexations he gave up the Ghost, the Silureses rejoicing that so worthy and victorious a Captain was failen in their wars. (19) But Claudius Caesar, jest the Province Aulus Didius sent Lieutenant into Britain. should make head, presently sent Aulus Didius for his Lieutenant into Britain; where, notwithstanding all his haste, he found all out of frame. For Manlius Valens Tacit. Annal. 12. c. 8. Manlius Valens encountered the Britain's with ill success. with his Legion had encountered the Britain's with ill success, yet not so bad as the Islanders gave forth, thinking thereby to terrify their new-established Governor: which report himself also in policy was contented to augment, thereby to purchase more praise in appeasing so dangerous stirs; or if he could not, to retain his own credit without his valour's impeachment. These resisters had made many inroads into the subdued Countries▪ against whom upon his Didius for a while keepeth them in awe. first arrival, Didius entered the field, and for a while kept them in awe. (20) But Venutius a very expert man in Military affairs (trusty to the Romans', and defended by their power so long as the marriage betwixt him and Cartismandua continued) began a new rebellion: for Cartismandua (in special favour with the Romans for the delivery of Caractacus) abounding in wealth, peace, & pleasures (which commonly are the Nurses 2 SIL. VANO. C of licentious living) fell in love (as before was touched) with Vellocatus her husband's servant, and harness-bearer, & forgetting her own honour, preferred him before Venutius, and laboured to make him King. The goodwill of the Country notwithstanding went generally upon the lawful husband: who being deeply touched with this open injury, raised a power against her and her Paramour. At the first this quarrel was only betwixt them, until that Cartismandua by policy had taken her husband's brother, and some of his nearest kindred, prisoners. Whereupon the next Inhabitants fearing her purposes, and disdaining to be brought under the yoke of a woman so defamed, declared themselves for Venutius, & with a choice band of youthful Soldiers invaded her Territories: whereof Didius Tacit. hist. li. 3. cap. 9 having intelligence, sent certain Cohorts to second her, and encounter them. In which conflict, the Romans for Cartismandua did prevail; yet the kingdom remained to Venutius, and the wars still unto them. (21) For the Silureses were not altogether quieted, & a Legion commanded by Caesius Nasica, fought luckily against the Britain's. In all which stirs Didius Tacit. Annal. 12. 8. in person was absent, as being stricken in years, and having received many honours, held it sufficient to execute his charge by the assistance of others. The State of Britain thus standing, let us so leave it, during this emperors reign, which now began to draw towards his last period, by the working of Agrippina his wife, and by her upon this occasion. Claudius' his own words the occasion of his death. (22) It chanced, Claudius in his wine, to cast forth a word of great suspicion, in saying: That it was fatal unto him first to bear the lewdness of his * Messalina was his first wife, a woman of unsatiable lechery, who was put to death. wives, & then to punish them. She knowing herself guilty in disinheriting of Britannicus, who was Claudius his own son, for the adoption of Nero who was hers, besides other insolences, wherewith she might be taxed, sought therefore to clear her own way by taking him out of the way: and with Locusta a woman Tacit. Annal. lib. 12. cap. 13. skilful in poisoning, and Zenophon a Physician, as large of conscience, conferred for the manner of his death: who in fine, concluded that poison was the surest and the lest in suspect, or at leastwise the most difficult to be proved against her. joseph. Anto. lib. 20. ca 5. (23) This then resolved, they temper poison in a Mushroom, whereof he greedily did eat, and shortly after ended his life the thirteenth day of October, The continuance of his reign. when he had reigned thirteen years, eight months, and twenty days, the year of Christ his incarnation fifty six, and of his own age sixty four. He ANNO DO. 56. was of stature tall, and of a pleasing Countenance, full His endowments of body. His imperfections. of Majesty and comely grey hairs, his Head continually shaking, somewhat stammering in his speech, very learned, but therewithal very forgetful, and altogether ruled by his wives, and domestical Servants, Wives and servants most mislead great personages. the two ordinary banes of most men who are advanced to any eminent place of government & command. (24) This Emperor (saith Seneca) might make his boast that he was the first conqueror of the Britain's, for julius Caesar did but show their Island unto the Romans, whereas Claudius made their necks yield to the chains of their captivities. And Aegisippus saith thus of Claudius, His witness is Britan, which lived without the world, but now by him reduced under the Romans Empire, and those whom the former ages knew not, neither themselves any servitude, are now by him both made known, and servants to the Romans. And again: As great a matter it was to pass those Seas, as to have triumphed over those Britain's, wherein (saith he) even the elements have done homage unto Claudius. In joy whereof, and reverence to the Gods, in his triumph he mounted the stairs of the Capitol upon his aged knees, being supported and lifted up by his sons in Law on either side, the glory of this islands conquest had so possessed this old emperors mind. NERO. CHAPTER VII. NERO. CAESAR. AUGUSTUS. 2 SIL. CONCORDIA. AUGUSTA. BODVO 2 GOL. THis violent and unexpected death of Claudius, gave breath and life unto Nero's further hopes: for whilst the Consuls were assembled to make supplications for their Prince, (not knowing him already dead) Nero suddenly set open the Palace gates, Nero assumeth the Empire. and accompanied with shouts and acclamations, entered the Cohorts that kept the watch, where of them and the rest of the soldiers he was saluted Emperor, the Senate as men affrighted with amazement, not once contradicting the same. (2) He was the son of Domitius Nero, and of His parents. julia Agrippina the daughter of Germanicus brother to Claudius the precedent Emperor, vicious by nature, Suetonius in vita Neronis. as sprung of those parents from whom (as his own father Domitius said) no goodness could proceed: and the same vile disposition was perfected and augmented by his own affected study and pursuit of all possible lewdness, as one who could well fit his wanton and lascivious humours to the unripeness of his years, being not passing seventeen when he assumed the Empire. All religion he had in contempt, and all laws violated, letting lose the rain to all unnatural lusts, and licentiousness of life. (3) For blood and libidiousnesse he was held a His excessive lust and bloodshed. most unsatiate fury, and amongst men a very monster of nature. His father he poisoned: upon his mother he committed both incest and murder: upon males, pollutions against nature: deflowered the Vestals (a Suetonius in vit● Neronis. matter sacrilegious & impious) slew his brother Germanicus, and his sister Antonia, his wives, Poppaea▪ and Octavia, his aunt Domitia, his son in law Rufinus, and his renowned Tutor Seneca; With such savage slaughter of the Roman Nobility, that Tacitus (their best Remembrancer) Tacit. Annal. 16. cap. 3. was wearied to record their names, whilst with a servile patience (as he termeth it) they died Rome set on fire by Nero. honourably. (4) The City Rome he set on fire, charging the Christians with the fact, and inflicted such torments and death upon them, that they were pitied of their enemies, and his own cruelties thereby made more Suet. in vita Nero. notorious. Whose Religion, though Suetonius termed new, and a wicked superstition; and Tacitus (as Tacit. Annal. 15. cap. 10. it were in contempt) nameth the Author thereof to be Christ, who in Tiberius' reign (as he with the Evangelists agreeth) was put to death under Pontius Pilate Procurator of judea, where that religion first began; yet by him it is confessed, that these men were innocent of the fact, and their doctrine to burst forth further into many other parts, insomuch that Rome it Christians in Nero's Court. self did affect the same. Yea and in Nero's Court also some embraced that faith, as by the words of the Apostle is manifest, who from the Saints in Caesar's house sent salutations to the Brethren. Phil. 4. 22 Peter and Paul put to death. Euseb. li. 2. ca 25. Tertul. Apol. ca 5. . (5) And laftly, to fill up the measure of his bloody cruelty, he crucified Peter upon the Cross, and beheaded Paul with the sword, two principal Apostles of jesus Christ, and worthy instruments of the world's salvation; and forgetting the Majesty of his estate, fell into the sink of contempt and all sins, giving his mind leave to digest all uncleanness, and his body over to work any base exercises, attending nothing besides his haps and Harlots, whereby a careless (but yet a cruel) government was entertained, and the Senate fashioning themselves to feed his lose humours, strove each to outstrip other in their base flatteries A great overthrow of the Romans. Tacit. Annal. 15. cap. 2. . (6) In this state the Provinces subjections began to stand doubtful, and the greatness of the Empire to overcharge the foundation; for the Parthians under Vologeses gave Paetus the Roman a great overthrow, and that in such wise, that those which escaped were termed the unfortunate Army. And in Britain their affairs proceeded with no good success; for aged Didius could do no more than keep that which he had already gotten: and Verannius his successor, only with small inroads assailing the Silureses, was in his first year Tacitus in vit● Agric. Suet. in vit. Nero. cut off by death, insomuch that Nero having neither will, motion, nor hope to propagate and enlarge the Empire, minded once to have withdrawn the forces out of Britain, had it not been for very shame. (7) But Paulinus Suetonius attaining the government of that Province, in skill for service, and opinion of people comparable to any, sought to match his concurrent Corbulo, who with daily victories prospered in Armenia, himself wanting neither courage nor discretion to achieve the like, only matter and occasion the Island afforded none. Therefore determining an expedition into further parts, he made preparation to invade the I'll of Mona, separated from the Continent Anglesey invaded by the River Menai, and fronted upon the midst of Ireland, both strong with inhabitants, and a receptacle of Fugitives. (8) Against his approach the Islanders had gathered their powers, which stood thick upon the shore ready armed to makeresistance, their women running among in mourning weeds, their hair lose, and firebrands in their hands, like furies of hell, together with their Druids (men of religion) who with hands and eyes lifted up towards heaven, cried for vengeance, and powered out curses as thick, as hail. Romans amazed at sight of the British. With the strangeness of which sight, the Romans stood amazed, not offering one stroke; seeming rather to present themselves for a pray upon their enemy's weapons, then for the Conquest of their land or lives: which sudden and unexpected discouragement, their Captain soon redressed, by putting them in remembrance of their wont valours, which now was far overmatchable unto a fearful flock of weak women, or a company of rude and frantic men: whereupon their Ensigns were displayed, and the Enemy presently dispersed and slain, themselves becoming masters both of the field, and whole I'll: which no sooner was thus obtained, but sudden news came to recall their powers, the Provinces being raised to a present revolt. (9) For the Britain's in absence of the General, laid open their public grievances grown now both common and intolerable by the oppressions of the Romans, who from the diseases of their Head, had sucked and dispersed their corruptions throughout The Receiver of tribute his oppression. Dion Cass. lib. 62. the Provinces of the Empire: and Catus Decianus the Procurator here in Britain, renewed the confiscation of their goods, which Claudius had formerly remitted. The Roman Colony at Camulodunum, thrust out the ancient Inhabitants, seating themselves in their possessions without any other recompense, saving Tacit. Annal. 14. cap. 10. reproachful terms, calling them their drudges, slaves and vassals: besides, the Temple there erected in honour of Claudius, was now become an eyesore unto them, as an Altar of their perpetual subjection, while the Augustall Priests there attending, wasted all their wealth under pretext of Religion. But the very spring or head, from whence the cause of this sudden Rebellion issued, was the present abuse offered to * Boudicea. * Voadica. Boduo, Queen of the Icenians, late wife to Prasutagus, deceased upon the ensuing occasion. Prasutagus his Testament. (10) This Prasutagus King of the Icenians famous for his riches, which a long time he had been gathering, made Caesar with his two daughters his heir, by Will, thinking by that flattery, his kingdom, and house had been sufficiently warranted from future injuries: which fell out clean otherwise, for his kingdom of the Centurions, and his house by slaves were spoiled as lawful booties: his wife whipped, and his daughters deflowered, and the chiefest in that Province dispossessed of their rightful inheritance, and the King's kindred reputed and used as Slaves. (11) Whereupon the Icenians began seriously to discourse of their present miseries and bondage, made subject not only to a Lieutenant that sucked their Tacit. in vit. Agric. pag. 190. blood, but likewise to a Procurator, that sought their substance, while with a servile fear they yielded to please the meanest Soldier; As though the Heavens had framed them only for servitude, and the Earth appointed to bear their injuries unrevenged, whereas contrariwise, they saw both heaven & earth flexible to their deliverance: For (whether by policy or chance) Prodigies daily seen. the Image of victory at Camulodunum fell down reversed without any apparent cause known: the women distempered with fury, ran in the streets, singing, and prophesying destructions: strange noises were heard in the Court, and howl in the Theatre, and strange apparitions, and Edifices seen in the River Dio. lib. 62. Thamisis: the Ocean itself between Gallia and them, seemed all bloody, and the prints of dead bodies left in the sands at the Ebb. Again, weighing the present estate, they saw Suetonius absent, and busied to enlarge Other Provinces shake off the yoke. In the battle against Quintilius Va●ius. Tac. in vit. Agric. the Confines, the midst but slenderly guarded, and by those who were readier for private gain, then diligent to discharge the offices of war. The examples of other Provinces also whetted the edge of their encouragements: for Germany (they saw) had well shaken off the yoke of subjection: The Parthians had revolted, and Armenia held play with Corbulo, as famous as Paulinus: Their cause was as just, their land as well defensed; their ancestors as valiant in resisting the first Ringleader Caesar; and themselves better experienced of their adversaries powers, and their own habiliments. So now having attained the hardest point, which was their assembled Consultations (a matter of as great danger to be taken with, as in acting their intendments) Their Resolution. in fine this was resolved, that liberty was to be preferred, though bought with their lives; and bondage to be avoided, if not otherwise then by their deaths. (12) These their often and noted assemblies brought suspicions of some designments, and the prodigies daily happening as they were motives of encoragements unto the Britain's: So were they ominous signs to the Romans, of either part framed in their own imaginations, and construed according to their hoped or feared events. (13) The Confederates in this business were not to seek their Leader: their Queen's dishonours so apparently known, (and for matter of government they made no difference of Sex) her birth extracted from their Royal blood, her heart's affection approved Queen giudice chosen Leader. to her Country, her indignities received of the proud oppressors, and her haughty spirit threatening revenge, assured them of her utterm oft endeavours: which accordingly she effected to her dying day, and to her never dying fame. (14) The Romans likewise provided themselves, and in the absence of Suetonius, craved aid of Catus Dicianus the Procurator; who sent them not above two hundred men, and those but badly armed. These joining with the rest made no great power, all of them relying more to the franchise of the place, then securing themselves with Trench or Bulwark: And given over to pleasure, and play, as in the time of a public peace. Which advantages by the Enemy were wisely She surpriseth the Romans. espied, and by Boduo coming on as nobly pursued, when with sword and fire she wasted all in her way, the Temple only excepted, whereinto part of the Soldiers were fled, but after two days siege it was battered and taken. She putteth Petilius Cerealis to flight. (15) In this heat of fury, the Britain's proceed, and meeting Petilius Cerealis Lieutenant of the ninth Legion, on a hasty March to rescue that which was already lost, they encounter his forces, and slew all his footmen, himself with his troup of Horse hardly escaping to his Camp, where in great fear he entrenched, not daring to attempt any further matter. At She forceth Catus to fly into Gallia. notice of these mishaps, Catus like a tall man, took to his heels, and sailed into Gallia: by whose cruelty and covetousness the Britain's were thus enraged to take Arms and revolt, and their entrance thus fortunately proceeding, gave heart and hope to further success. She sacketh Verolanium. (16) For in this heat of blood and fury they set upon, and sacked the free-towne Verolanium, both strong for garrison, and rich in Inhabitants: which City (as also Camulodunum had) felt the rage of their merciless hands, from whence great booties were carried, seventy thousand slain by her Army. Sueton in vit. Nero. sect. 39 and no less than seventy thousand Citizens and Confederates slain. This commotion in Britain by Suetonius Tranquillus is accounted one of the most infortunate losses to the Empire happening under Nero, and the more ignominious to the Romans (as Dion observeth) Dio. Cass. lib. 62. in that is was performed under the command of a woman, neither experienced in the feats of war, nor using the victory according to the Law of Arms: for not any prisoner taken in regard of ransom was saved, nor intercourse of exchange admitted, but kill, hung, burn, and crucify, as though the measure of their revenge could never be sufficiently heaped, or the wrath of their Gods satisfied with the blood of their Enemies. London long since renowned. (17) By this time Suetonius the Lieutenant was returned, and taking muster of his forces in London (a City even then famous for concourse of Merchants, and of great renown for provision of all things necessary) stood yet doubtful whether he should choose that place for the Seat of war, or no. But better advising, dislodged his Host, and with the fourteenth Legion, the Standard-bearers of the twelfth, and other aids from places adjoining, encamped upon a plain, enclosed with woods, having a narrow entrance, and free from Ambush or enemy at his back. (18) The Britaines likewise, inferior neither in number nor courage, triumphed abroad by such troops and multitudes, as the like had not been seen, yea and so fierce of courage, and with such assurance of hope, that they brought their wives to the place to be witnesses of their valours. Boduo in her Boudic●a suru●ieth her troops. Chariot doing the parts of a most noble General, drove from troup to troup to see and commend their forwardness; and dismounting attended with her two daughters, and two hundred and thirty thousand resolute Britain's, got her to a seat made of marish turfs, after the manner of the Romans, appareled in a lose Her attire. gown of changeable colours, wearing a kirtle thereunder very thick pleited, the tresses of her yellow hair hanging down to the skirts. About her neck she had a chain of gold, and in her hand held a light spear, being of parsonage tall, and of a comely, cheerful, and modest countenance, and so a while she stood pausing, in viewing her Army, and being regarded Her Oration to her Army. with a reverend silence, at length to this effect she spoke unto them. (19) My Friends and Companions of equal fortunes, Tacit. Annal. li. 11. there needeth no excuse for this my present authority or place, in regard of my Sex, seeing it is not unknown unto you all, that the wont manner The custom of this and other Monarchies to be governed by women. of our Nation hath been to war under the conduct of a woman; and not only ours, but also of the greatest Monarchies swayed upon this universal Globe: for the Empire of the Assyrians (the first and Justin. lib. 1. most famous that ever was) under the command Semiramis. of Semiramis triumphed over the fierce Aethiopians; and the gold-veined India; Babylon for strength and Nitocris. beauty was both defended and enriched by Nitocris Tomyris. her sole Empress. The Scythians under Tomyris justin. lib. 1. overcame, and slew the great Conqueror Cyrus. Cleopatra. Egypt governed by Cleopatra: yea and Rome's monarch Messalina and Agrippina. themselves ruled, if not overruled, by Messalina and Agrippina the monsters of our Sex. My blood and birth might challenge some pre-eminence, as sprung from the roots of most royal descents: but my breath received from the same air, She disclaimeth all superiority. my body sustained by the same soil, and my glory clouded with imposed ignominies. I disclaim all superiority, and as a fellow in bondage bear the yoke of oppressions, with as heavy weight and pressure, if not more. Had I with Caesar's mother been suspected of Treason, or with false Cartismandua defiled Rejoiceth in her innocency. my Bed, to the disturbance of their peace, my goods might have go under the title of Confiscation, and these prints of the whip under pretext of justice. But why name I justice in these grand Catalogues of oppressions, whose Actors respect neither person, age, sex, nor cause? For what abuse can be so vile, that we have not suffered; or indignity so contemptible, that we have not borne? My The indignities offered by the Romans. stripes, yet felt and seen against their own laws, and the violent rapes of these my harmless daughters, against the Laws of God and Man, do witness well what government they intent: and your wealths consumed by their wasteful wantonness, your painful travels upholding their idleness, do seal the issues of our succeeding miseries, if not timely prevented by one joint endeavour. You that have known the freedom of life, will with me confess (I am sure) that liberty (though in a poor estate) is better than bondage with fetters of gold: and yet this comparison hath no correspondency in us: for we now enjoy no estate at all, nothing now being ours but what they will leave us; and nothing left us, that they can take away; having not so much Dion Cass. lib. 62. as our very heads toll-free. Other subdued Nations by death are quit from bondage; but we after death must live servile, and pay tribute even in our graves. Have the Heavens made us the ends of the world, and have not assigned the end of our wrongs? Or hath Nature among all her free works created us Britain's only for bondage? Why, what are the Romans? Are they more than men, or immortal? Their slain carcases sacrificed by us, and their putrefied blood corrupting our Air, doth tell us they are no Gods. Our personages are more tall, our bodies more strong, and our joints better knit: and (to say as it is) every part of us framed more fit for the Tacit. Annal. lib. 14. cap. 11. spear then for the spade. But you will say they are our Conquerors. Indeed overcome we are, but by ourselves, our own factions still giving way to their intrusions: for had not the Dictator a Mandubrace? Caesar. Com. lib. 5. Caligula an Adminius? Claudius' a Bericus, and Cogidunus? Nero (that strumpet, and our still-living Britannish vipers. shame) Cartismandua? Rome's instruments, and Britain's vipers? without which, you shall see Caesar in single fight, loose his sword, and after fly the Country (a dishonour indelible) Tiberius forego his Tribute, though extremely covetous, Claudius' glad to make peace, and be quiet▪ and Nero might still have followed his fiddling trade at home, if our discords had Tacitus in vita Agric. Domestic conspirators most dangerous. not made up his Music here abroad. Our dissensions therefore have been their only rising, and our designs still weakened by homebred conspirators. Neither hath our noble resistance ever been without desert and note of honour: their public triumphs being made more admirable by one Britain's Conquest, then usually hath been solemnised over whole Kingdoms. Caligula for beholding our cliffs only would have divine honours: and forgetful Claudius remembered unto posterities (in his Britannicus) a glorious surname from us. Our strengths have been acknowledged the main support of other States, and shall it not be supplied to maintain our own? We have as much to keep as Birthright hath given us, that is, our Island possessed Caesar. Com. li. 2. by our Ancestors from all antiquity: Ours by inheritance, theirs by intrusions, claims so different Motives inciting to pursue the Romans. in the scale of justice, that the Gods themselves must needs redress, and set the balance in their equal poise. We have seen their propitious beginnings, in making us instruments over seventy thousand of our enemies; and yet in this revenge our forces not diminished, but much increased in number and power: which thing, as it serves to our encouragements; so is it to their fear. For Catus hath set the Seas (a sure defence) betwixt him and us; yet not a Britain pursuing: for surely if any had, he would have hid himself in the waves. Petilius the fieldmouse doth keep his hole, and with the Mole works the earth for his safest refuge: And Posthumus their Campe-master is too wise to venture all at a cast. Only Plautius fleshed by his late victory over a company of unarmed Priests, whose resistance consisted only in prayers, and a few weak women, whose weapons were only firebrands, builds the hopes of his aspiring mind, as Caligula did his Trophy of Cockleshells. For see we not him encamped rather to defend his own, then to offend others? His Army crouched together, as fowls flocked against a storm, or rather like to fearful Hares squatted in their bushes, who no sooner shall hear the cry of their pursuit, but their Muise or fortress will be left: and for their last refuge, as Hares, trust to the swiftness of their speedy feet. Suddenly, as she was thus speaking, she let slip a Hare which she had Her device at concluding her speech. secretly couched in her lap, which with a great shout escaped thorough the Camp, and gave occasion to the Army (who little suspected it was done by her of purpose) to construe it as an ominous and lucky sign of victory. (20) And thereupon with great force they assail their enemies, whiles Suetonius was likewise encouraging his Soldiers to the like resolution. The fourteenth Legion by his direction kept the straight as a sure place of defence, till the Britain's in the fury of their first onset had spent all their darts, which with good success they had bestowed: but then failing and wearied in their first coming on too hotly, the Romans sallied out upon the plain, the Auxiliaries and Horsemen with long lances making their way, and beating The Britain's vanquished. down all that stood before them. The Britain's unable to endure or withstand such fierce assaults, were forced to give back, and at length sought to save themselves by flight, but were hindered by their own Wagons placed in the rearward of the Army, which gave the more impediment to their retreat, in that they were then full of their women who in confidence of the victory came thither to behold the fight, which were among the rest all slain, without regard of sex or mercy. This day was famous and comparable Eighty thousand Britain's slain. in renown for victory to any other of former times, for therein were slain of the Britaines to the number of eighty thousand men: And the Land Boudicea poisoneth herself. brought under an unrecoverable subjection. (21) Boduo seeing the overthrow of her Army, was notwithstanding unvanquished in her own Noble Tacit. Annal. lib. 14. cap. 11. spirit, and scorning to be a spectacle in their Triumphs, or a vassal to their wills, after the example of Cleopatra, she made an end of her miseries and life, by poison. And Paenius Posthumus, Campmaster of the second Legion, seeing the good success of the fourteenth and twentieth: for that disobeying the General (contrary to the discipline of war) he had defrauded himself Paenius slew himself. Tacitus hist. lib. 2. cap. 4. and followers of their parts of glory in that service, for very grief slew himself: and for their good service there performed, Nero greatly honoured the eleventh, thirteenth and fourteenth Legions, reposing a most sure trust in their valour and fidelity, ever afterward. (22) Suetonius animated with this victory, gathered his Army, & encamped again, purposing to end the residue of the war, if any resisters should remain: And at that present were sent him out of Germany two thousand legionary Soldiers, eight Cohorts of Auxiliaries, and a thousand Horse, whereby his strength The Britain's miseries. was augmented, and the ninth Legion which had been much weakened by the rashness of Petilius, fully supplied: So that bootless it was for the poor Britain's to make any further resistance, and such as did, or stood doubtfully affected, were daily put to the sword. But nothing distressed them so much, as did famine, and want of Corn, being a people in all ages more given to war then good husbandry, and rather relying upon the provisions of others, than by the plough to provide for themselves, fierce of nature, and slowly lending ear to peace, or their mind to such Arts as Julius Classicianus a receiver. either nourish, or are nourished by peace. (23) In these stirs julius Classicianus, sent from Nero to succeed Catus in his office of receipts, an enemy, & at variance with Suetonius, the more to cloud his renown, gave it forth for certain, that a new Lieutenant was to be expected, who without either hostile Promises Clemency. rancour, or pride of a Conqueror, would entreat the yeelders with all Clemency: And likewise by letters sent to Rome, he signified that no end of war was to be expected, so long as Suetonius remained General, attributing every adverse luck to his intolerable pride, and every prosperous success only to the good fortunes of Caesar and State of Rome. These Great men's dissensions awaked Nero, fearing jest Tranquillus in vit. Nero. Sect. 40. the Britain's, thereby would be more forward to advantage, with whom experience had showed there was no dallying, and his former losses among them being again recovered, he thought himself discharged Polycletus sent to reconcile Classicianus and Suetonius. and quit from all fatal Calamities, as Tranquillus doth affirm. Therefore he sent Polycletus, one of his freed servitors, with Commission to examine the differences, and to interpose his authority to work a reconciliation: at whose greatness it was also thought that the Britain's would have quaked, and come in under fear. Which thing fell out otherwise: for howsoever the Captain and Soldiers regarded him for his place, unto whom he showed himself both arrogant and terrible, yet the Britain's made him but their laughing Liberti or Freemen, were such, as being first bond slaves, by their service obtained freedom, and many of them about the Emperor came to be of great sway. Suetonius delivereth up his charge. Petronius his disposition. stock, as being themselves borne free, and knew not what the power of freedmen was, much admired that such Commanders and Armies which had achieved so great exploits, could be brought to obey, and yield account of their actions to so base a bondslave, as they termed him. (24) But Suetonius grown great by his fortunes in these wars, and as it should seem both suspected and feared of Nero, was by him commanded (the wars yet continuing) to deliver up his Army to Petronius Turpilianus, who had lately given over his Consulship in Rome, a man of a softer, and more intreatable condition; and as a stranger to the faults committed before, readier to receive to favour and forgive: who having composed the former troubles, not daring any further, neither egged, nor provoked the Enemy, but gave himself to a quiet, or rather idle life, which he Petronius Turpilianus giveth up his charge to Treble. Max. thought might pass under the title of an honourable peace. In which estate he gave up his charge to Trebellius Maximus, and was after slain by Galba, nothing objected against him, but his faithfulness to Nero, in Petronius Turpilianus slain, because true to Nero. julius Vindex opposeth Nero. Tacit. histor. in vit. Nero. that he would not betray him, as the rest had done. For Nero now grown Odious to God and Man, Conspiracies were continually attempted, though not in act effected, until that julius Vindex Lieutenant of Gallia opposed his proceeding, being the first stirrer, and the rolling stone that (as Tacitus terms it) tumbled Nero out of his Seat. Proclaims Galba Emperor. (25) For having proclaimed Galba Emperor, an old and weak man, at that time Governor of Arragon, neither privy to the conspiracy, nor assenting to the title, he set up daily many bitter and biting Edicts against Nero, whereby he was roused from his lascivious rest, and began to fear the fatal end, whereunto his impious life and bloody reign had now lastly brought him; who destitute of all power of resistance, did now set his whole hope and refuge, upon that means, to which the compass of his time had ever pointed; for Nero seeketh to fly into Eegypt. relying only upon his skill in Music, he intended his flight into Egypt, there to teach the instructions of that Art: into such sudden baseness was his mind dejected, that formerly had lashed out beyond all measure in luxury, pride, and prodigality. Unto this conspiracy joined Virginius Rufus Lieutenant of high Germany, with Nymphidius, Sabinus, and Sophonius Tigellinus, Captain of the Guard, who after Vindex his death, (which happened upon an accident even in his The Senate sand to apprehended him. entrance to Arms) maintained the election of Galba: and the Senate as forward to Nero's destruction, proclaimed him Enemy to the State, and pronounced his punishment more maiorum, sending out each way to apprehended him alive. Nero hideth himself. (26) In this fear Nero attended with four servants only, had hid himself in a Country Cottage, not passing four miles from Rome; whence hearing his decreed judgement, and demanding what was meant by that sentence, it was answered, that his neck should be locked in the fork of a tree, and his body He killeth himself. all naked, whipped to death; whereupon lamenting that so good a Minstrel should be made away, he ran himself through on his sword, and so rid the world of a Monster. His lineaments. Suet. in vita Nero. (27) Of stature he was indifferent, his body full of freckles, his hair somewhat yellow, his countenance rather fair then lovely, his eyes grey and dim, his neck fat, his belly bearing out, and his legs slender His qualities. and small; A most skilful physician he was, and in that Art sought to excel others, and to equalize Apollo himself, as also in his Chariot-riding to imitate the swiftness of the Sun. So prodigal in apparel, joseph. ●ell. jud. lib. 5. cap. 6. Euseb. lib. 3. cap. 5. that he never wore one Garment twice, & so sumptuous in buildings, as is uncredible. He reigned thirteen years and eight days, and died the eight of june, in the His reign and age. one and thirtieth of his age, and after the birth of our Saviour Christ the threescore and tenth: as Eusebius doth accounted. GALBA. CHAPTER VIII. CAESAR. AVG IMP. SER. GALBA. 2 SIL. DIVA. AUGUSTA. Nero the last of the Caesars. WIth the death of this Tyrant, ended the progeny Suet. in vit. Galb. Sect. 1 of the Caesars, and the emperors succeeding were afterwards elected, either for the opinion of their own worths, or else, (and The manner of choosing the succeeding Emperors. that oftener) by the faction and voice of the Soldiers, whose violence the Senate ever feared to contradict, and whose Colonies in every Province sought to raise their own General to that high estate. In which time of Combustion, though little be recorded of the British affairs, yet because the Monarchy of this Island was then and long after invested in the Imperial dignity, we may not omit to speak somewhat of the ensuing Emperors, as the chief Governors of this kingdom. Upon Nero's declining, divers there were (as Vindex and Virginius, Nymphidius and Sophonius) set up against him, but Galba for his reputed integrity got the Garland from Galba got the Empire ere he looked for it. them all: who little dreaming of the Imperial Diadem, fortune set it upon his head before his hand had touched the same: for Vindex in Gallia having proclaimed him Emperor, and himself in Arragon not free from Nero's hatred, he sought rather to hazard his life with the Glory of a Crown, then depend upon his mercy, who had sent secretly the sentence of his death. And therefore mounting the Tribunal, the more to impress a fresh remembrance of former Galba his policy to make Nero odious. cruelties, he placed before his throne, the Images of certain Nobles executed by Nero, with some personages sent for out of exile, whose presence might provoke a deeper edge of hatred; and his Army about him ready for mutation, these, or the like words he spoke. His Oration to his soldiers. (2) My fellow Soldiers and friends, we at this time are assembled, to bestow that upon others, which we ourselves have smally enjoyed, I mean, liberty from bondage, and freedom from fears of a Tyrant. The life that I have hitherto lead, will sufficiently discharge me from any aspiring conceit, and my own Conscience doth witness that I speak not upon malice or private respects: It grieveth me to say, but it boots not to hide, that, which every man seethe. Hath ever Bondman under a cruel master passed a year of harder service, than we have done fourteen under Nero? what kind of exaction hath he not proved to supply with extortion, that which with shame he hath spent? what kind of cruelty hath he not practised? If we would conceal or seek to suppress it, these dumb stones would declare them: For behold, he poisoned his Father and brother, abused and slew his own mother, murdered his wife, his Tutor, and what else so ever valiant or virtuous in Senate, in City, in Province, without any difference of Sex or Age. I need not to speak of the sorrowful sighs, and bitter tears of so many young gentlemen bereft of their fathers, so many wives rob of their husbands, so many great men deprived of their Country, all which cry vengeance upon such a Prince: a Prince? nay an Incendiary, a Singer, a Fiddler, a Stage-player, a Cart-driver, a Crier; no Prince, nay Nero described. no man; that hath a man to his husband, and a man to his wife, but a monster of mankind: And in truth Nero solemnly married one of his youths called Doriphorus, and kept him as his wife: so likewise did he with Sporus, whom he endeavoured to transform into a woman. a subject, upon whom, vice hath made her full experience, and raised her triumphs from the base of Caesar's throne. Against whom, what Vindex in France hath already intended, I am sure you do know, and I, for my part, an most sorry to hear. The whole course of my former life hath been hitherto removed from Ambition in Court, or from aiming too high abroad, and this little that remains of my days, I could heartily wish were to be spent in more ease: But sigh I know not by what my misfortune, some have imposed upon me a Part which I never meant to sustain, and lest of all at this age, I will not refuse, if you will also approve it, to sacrifice this old Carcase of mine for the wealth of my Country, not as Emperor or Augustus (which sacred names I adore afar off, not daring to approach them) but as— And no further heard, was with great acclamations saluted Emperor. Glory like a Bubble. (3) But such is the height of glory, which is raised by the blasts of the multitude, that it falls again as the bubble burst in the swelling, which leaves neither circle nor sign of his former pride. And so is the state of Galba with one breath applauded, and placed upon the Imperial Throne; and that scarce cold, ere they dislike of their own hasty election: for news being brought that the State stood firm for Nero, and for certain that Vindex in his quarrel was slain, even in his first enterprise of revolt; that Virginius was sided by his german Legions, and his name inscribed in their banners; that Nymphidius was the man whose deserts could not be sufficiently honoured with less recompense than the princely Diadem: These distractions so much overswaied his aged and passionate heart, that he retired to Clunia in great dejection, repenting himself of that which he had done, and wished again his private estate. (4) But the death of Nero commonly divulged, and Virginius his refusals of the Imperial Title, gave strength and life to his former election, now further ratified by the full resolutions of the Army: who the more to seem both strong and valorous, though indeed a weak, sickly, and silly old man, soldier-like in his coat of Arms showed himself, and in that array passed the vast mountains for Rome. With whose entrance, entered the dislike of his person, as one unfit to support the state of others, that by age and imbecility was not able to sustain his own: to which were added the imperfections of his government, carried every way far under expectation. And long he sat not before he saw his own defects: to redress Galba chooseth Piso Licinianus for his Caesar. which he elected Piso Licinianus, Caesar, joining him in power with himself, and declaring him his Successor, in a short and blunt Oration, in presence both of the Senate and Soldiers. Tacit. hist. 1. (5) Whereat howsoever others stood affected, yet Marcus * S●luius. Saluius Otho conspireth Galba's death. Saluius Otho (one, who for commerce in lewdness was very dear to Nero, and whose hope depended upon the common disturbance, for that his excess in riot had now brought him to the brink of beggary) much envied thereat; the rather because himself had entertained a hope that Galba would have adopted him, and therefore as his concurrent set his own aspiring mind for the Crown. And even now this time best fitted his attempts, as being the wane of Galba's authority, and before the full of Piso's power; Astrologers and Starre-gazers. his Astrologers and starre-gazers forwarding him with their vain predictions, a kind of people ever to Princes unfaithful, to hopers deceitful, and in a commonwealth always forbidden, yet always retained. The soldiers likewise ever disliking the present, and affecting the new, fell without respect to Othoes' side: amongst whom Sulpitius Florus, one of the British Cohorts, slew Piso the elected Caesar; Galba himself being Piso slain. Galba murdered. murdered and mangled by the Soldiers and band of Horsemen. His description. (6) He was of a good stature; his head bald, his eyes grey, and his nose hooked, his hands and feet crooked by reason of the gout, and a bunch of flesh or wen upon his right side. A great feeder and Sodomite His vices. he was, severe in justice, and overruled by his servants. He died aged seventy three years, having His age. outlived five Princes. In prosperity happier under the Empire of others, then in his own; for he sat only seven months, and them with small contents. And reign. In his flourishing age with great renown he had served in Germany: Africa he ruled as Proconsul, and the nearer Spain uprightly and well; seeming more than a private man whilst he was private, and held capable of the Empire, had he never been Emperor. THE FIRST PLANTING OF RELIGION IN BRITAIN. CHAPTER IX. 3 GOL. THis short time of Galba's government, with the conspiracies against his Predecessor, admitteth small remembrances of our British affairs: which Britain in quiet repose. Tacit. hist. 1. ca 3. Province (saith Tacitus) among all other stirs against both Nero and Galba, held amity, and stood in quiet, whether it was the far distance of place, severed by Sea from the seditions of the Revolters; or that by continual service against the Enemy the malice of their humours were spent, it is uncertain. Therefore a while to digress from the Succession of our British monarch, and to fill up the emptiness of those Times with matters incident to ourselves, let it not seem either tedious or superfluous, to speak of the planting of his Kingdom in this Island, whose Rule in short time extended to the Ends of the Earth; Christianity supposed to be brought into Britain in Nero's time. Ex Antiq. Manuscript. Freculphius Lexovie●sis, Tom. 2. lib. 2. cap. 4. William of Malmesburie. and whose Ambassadors (as some have written) about the midst of Nero's Reign, and in the year of Christ's Incarnation sixty three approached for the Inhabitants salvation, arviragus then swaying the Sceptre of this Kingdom. (2) At which time (say they) were sent certain Disciples out of France into Britain by Philip the Apostle, whereof joseph of Arimathea, that buried the body of Christ, was chief; who first laid the foundation Bale Centur. lib. 1. Harding saith fourteen, cap. 47 of our faith in the West parts of this Island, at the place then called Aualon, (afterwards Inis Witrin, now Glastenburie) where he with twelve Disciples his Assistants preached the Gospel of life unto the Islanders, Joseph of Arimathea buried at Glastenbury. Gildas in vit. Aurel. Ambrosij. and there left their bodies to remain for a joyful Resurrection. This doth Gildas affirm, and Malmesburie in his Book of the Antiquity of Glastenburie written to Henry de Bloys, brother to King Stephen, Malmesburie. and Abbot of the same place, report, and is consented unto (for the matter, though all agreed not touching Cambden. in Brit. Bale, Cent. 1. Ma●th. Park. Antiq. Eccl. Brit. Polydor. Virg. & aly. the time) by the learned Antiquaries of later times, grounded on the Testimonies of the best approved Ancient writers: who accounted the most happy influence of Christianity, to have been by those glorious conduits conveyed into the●e remote parts of the world: that so (according to the promise of God by Esaiah) The Isles afar of which had not heard of his Esay 66. 19 fame, should be converted, and have his glory to them declared among the Gentiles. Dorotheus in the live● o● Saints. (3) And if the credit of Dorotheus Bishop of tire, (who lived to see the Apostasy of julian) weigh any thing with us, in his tract of the lives and Deaths of Luk. 6. 15. the Prophets, Apostles, and Disciples, he bringeth Simon Simon zealots martyred in Britain. Nicephor. lib. 2. cap. 40. john Capgrave. zealots (an Apostle of jesus Christ) to preach the word, and to suffer Martyrdom on the Cross here in Britain: with whom Nicephorus, and after him john Capgrave (in his Catalogue of English Saints) agreed, saying that the same Simon spread th● Gospel to the west Ocean, and brought the word of life into the Isles of Britain: and, in the conversion of Countries Nicephor. lib. 3. cap. 1. wrought by the Apostles, the same Nicephorus, with Egypt and Lybia assigneth Britain also to be one. And the foresaid Dorotheus, as also Mirmanus, nameth Aristobulus one of the seventy Disciples (the same whom Saint Paul in his Epistle to the Romans among Rom. 16 1●. others saluteth) to have taught the doctrine of Salvation, and to have executed the office of a Bishop here in Britain. Baronius in histor. Eccles. Marry Magdalen, Lazarus, and Martha in England. (4) To these first Planters and Sowers of this heavenly Seed, Caesar Baronius, that voluminous Historian, joineth Mary Magdalen, Lazarus, and Martha, who (by his relation) being banished jerusalem, in a masterless ship without tackling arrived in Gallia; and with them joseph of Arimathea, who afterward landed in Britain (ut tradunt, as he saith, out of an old Manuscript which he saw in the Vatican Library:) yea Eurgain the sister of Joseph married Siarklos a Britain. Georg. Owen in his Pettigrees. and with them also Eurgain the sister of joseph, who afterwards married a Britain named Siarklos, if the authority whereon George Owen-Harry doth ground that report, be of any credit. Gildas de Conquest. Brit. (5) But yet there are others, who upon a very good ground from the words of Gildas (the most ancient of our British Historians) will have the Sun of the Gospel long before to have risen in this our West, and this Island of Britain to have enjoyed the very morning of his Ascent, the brightness thereof piercing thorough the misty clouds of error, and shining here in Britain even in the days of Tiberius, towards whose end Christ suffered his death, and by whose indulgence towards Christians, their profession was propagated far and near. Which assertion the said Gildas doth not deliver coldly or doubtingly, but with great confidence, & relying upon good grounds, as it appeareth when he saith, Scimus, etc. We know for certainty, that this was in the latter times of Tiberius. Which was immediately after our blessed saviours Passion. To which uncontroleable testimony some others have added (though not perhaps on so undoubted S. Peter the Apostle supposed to have preached in Britain. Act. 15. 7. warrant) that S. Peter the Apostle preached the word of life in this Island, as to other Gentiles he did, for whom God had chosen him, that from his mouth they might hear the Gospel and believe, (as himself allegeth) and that he here founded Churches▪ and ordained Priests and Deacons, which is reported by Simon Metaphrastes Metaphrastes. out of the Greek Antiquities, and Guilielmus Eisingrenius in the first of his century, who saith Centur. 1. part. 7. dist. 8. that Peter was here in Nero's time; whereas Baronius thinketh it was in the reign of Claudius, when the jews were banished Rome, and that therefore Paul in his Epistle to the Romans mentioneth him not. Indeed Baronius. Baronius and some others pled very hotly for S. Peter's preaching here: but I see not well how it can Eusebius. stand either with Eusebius his account, which keeps him so long at Rome after he was Bishop there, or with Onuphrius. Onuphrius, who denieth that he went westward (being expulsed by Claudius) but to jerusalem, and thence to Antioch, where he lived till the death of Claudius: whence it must follow, that if Peter were here at all, it was before ever he went to Rome, and that the Gospel was preached here before it was in Rome, if Peter were the first (as some hold) that preached there: both which may be the more probable, if we consider the huge multitudes of Christians (fifteen thousand, saith Baronius) which dispersed themselves into all parts of the world upon the martyring of S. Stenen at jerusalem, (which was presently upon the death of Christ) and that joseph of Arimathea was one of that number, Baronius doth confess. I am here contented A Monkish tale of S. Peter. to step over that Monkish tale reported by Aluredus Rivallensis (the writer of King Edward the Confessors life) that a holy man (forsooth) studious and careful for a Governor to succeed, was in his sleep told by S. Peter that the Kingdom of England was his, wherein himself had first preached, and would also provide him Successors. For seeing it was a dream, for a dream we leave it, and Peter among Apoc. 4. the other Elders to attend his Throne, that now sitteth in glorious Majesty, and who in this life minded Luk. 12. 13. no such earthly pre-eminence, not not to divide betwixt brethren, though the Kingdom and rule of all things was his alone. (6) Certes Peter was principally the Apostle of the Circumcision, and therefore more likely to have spent his endeavours on them: but for Paul (the Doctor of the Gentiles) his arrival here may seem more warrantable, S. Paul preached in Britain. who doubtless (after his first releasement from Rome) confirmed the doctrine of Christ to these Western parts of the world, and among them, as may appear, to this Island of Britain, as both Sophronius Sophr. in his Sermon of the nativity of the Apostles. Theodoret. de c●randis Graecorum affectionibus, li. 9▪ Patriarch of jerusalem, and Theodoret an ancient Doctor of the Church, do affirm and approve, saying that Fishers, Publicans, and the Tentmaker (meaning S. Paul) which brought the evangelical light unto all Nations, revealed the same unto the Britain's. That Paul came into Illyricum, Gallia, and Spain, and filled Euseb. lib. 3. ca 1▪ Doroth. lives of Saints. Epiphan. lib. 1. Tom. 2. Rom. 10. 18. all those parts with his doctrine, both Eusebius▪ Dorotheus, and Epiphanius do testify: and of this general embassage the Apostle himself saith, that the sound of the Gospel went thorough the earth, and was heard unto the ends of the world: which his sayings cannot more fitly be applied to any other Nation then unto us of Britain, whose Land by the Almighty is so placed in the terrestrial globe, that thereby it is termed of the ancient, The Ends of the Earth, and deemed to be situated Amian. lib. 27. c. 7. Joseph. bell. juda. lib. 2. cap. 16. Tacit. in vit. Agr. Solinus. in another world; for so in an Oration that Agrippa made to the jews, and Agricola to his Romans, it is called: which made Solinus writ, that the coast of France had been the End of the Earth, had it not been for Britain, which was as another world. And in Dion Dion C●ss. lib▪ 60. we read, that the old Soldiers of Gallia, whom Claudius commanded for Britain, complained that they must be enforced to make war out of the world. And of this Land and latter Apostle (if credit may be given to a Poet) Venantius Fortunatus thus recordeth: Transijt Oceanum, & quà facit Insula Portum, Quasque Britannus habet terras, quasque ultima Thule▪ He crossed the seas unto the land, and utmost coasts of Thule, Arriving at the Ports and Isles where Britain's bore the rule. (7) Thus for Paul: well known in Rome by his long imprisonments, and (at that time) in reverend regard for his doctrine with many there: among whom also there were some Britain's that embraced the faith, whereof Claudia Rufina (remembered by Martial another Poet) was one, whom he thus extols: Martial. lib. ●. Epig. 54. Claudia caeruleis cùm sit Rufina Britannis Edita, cur Latiae pectora plebis habet? Qualc decus formae? Romanam credere matres Italides possunt, Atthides esse suam. How hath Dame Claudia, borne of Britain's blue, Wone fame for wisdom with our sages grave? Her comely form and learning, as their due, Rome claims for hers, and hers would Athens have. Ma●th. Park. Arc●b. in Antiq. Eccl. Britan. Bale, etc. This Claudia is by the learned commended to have been most skilful in the Greek and Latin tongues; of whom hear them (not me) speak. At the commandment of the Tyrant Nero (say they from Tacitus) many Noble Britain's were brought to Rome, who remaining there their Confederates, they held it an honour to have their children named after the nobility of the Romans: and from Claudius Caesar was this Lady Claudia named, who according to her worth was matched in marriage to Rufus a gentleman of Rome, than a Colonel, after a Senator, a man of a mild disposition, naturally modest, a great Philosopher in the Sect of the Stoics, for his sweetness of behaviour called Pudens, who by his grave persuasions caused Martial (the witty but wanton Poet) to reform many things in his writings, and by him is commended for his humanity, piety, learning, and eloquence: as also his wife Claudia the Britain, for her beauty, faith, fruitfulness, learning, and languages. In proof whereof, Bale hath mentioned three several Claudia her learned writings. Doroth. of ●he lives of the Disciples. Volaterranus lib. 18. 2. Tim. 4. 21. treatises, besides others by her compiled, both in the Greek and Latin tongues. Dorotheus nameth Pudens to be one of the seventy two, and Volateranus affirmeth them both Paul's disciples, from whom he sendeth greeting to Timotheus in these words: Eubulus and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren salute thee. But some may object, that Marshal's Claudia The same Claudia that Paul and Martial speaketh of. could not be that Lady, who living in Nero's time gave hospitality unto Peter and Paul at their being in Rome, for that she could not retain such beauty and perfection as the Poet to her doth ascribe in the reign of Domitian, the seventh in succession from Nero, the time being too long (saith Ado, Bishop of trevers, Vsuardus and others) for beauty to be so freshly preserved. Now these account her age then to be sixty; but if we reckon according to Eusebius, we shall see that he sets the last of Claudius in the year of grace fifty, six, and the first of Domitian in eighty three, betwixt which, are but twenty seven years, and yet Paul came not to Rome till the tenth of Nero, and in his Euseb. Eccles. hist. lib. 2. cap. 22. thirteenth year, from the prison wrote his Epistle to Timothy, as the same Eusebius declareth: so that from hence unto Domitian, is left but fourteen years, a time no whit unpossible to retain Beauty, though twenty years and many more of her age had been Alcibiades his beauty in old age. formerly spent; seeing that in those times Plutarch praiseth Alcibiades to be passingly fair when he was threescore years of age. Claudia sends both Paul's and Marshal's writings into Britain. This Claudia then with Paul's spiritual Manna, is said to sand likewise the choicest and chastest of the Poesies of Martial (whose verses generally are no lessons befitting Ladies) for newyears gifts unto her friends in Britain, both for to feed their Souls with the bread of life, and to instruct their minds with lessons best fitting unto civil behaviour; which thing moved the Poet himself with no small selfe-glorie in his verse thus to writ: Martial. lib. 7. Epig. 10. Dicitur & nostros cantare Britannia versus. And Britain now (they say) our verses learns to sing. (8) It hath also passed with allowance among the Tacit. Annal. 15. cap. 10. learned Senate of our Antiquaries, that when Claudius & Nero began to banish and persecute the Christians in Rome, (whose superstitions, as Tacitus pleaseth to term them, from judea had infected the City itself) many Romans and Britaines being converted to the Faith, fled thence unto these remote parts of the earth, where they might and did more freely enjoy the liberty of their Professions, until the search of Tyrants by the flame-light of Persecutions, had found out all secret places for the safeties and assemblies of God's Saints: as after in the days of Dioclesian we shall find. And from this Sanctuary of Salvation the sad Aulus Plautius his wife become a Christian in Britain. lamenting Lady * Pomponia Graecina, the wife of Aulus Plautius (the first Lord Lieutenant of Britain) brought that Religion, whereof she was accused and stood indicted upon life and death, which was none other, Tacit. Annal. l. 13. 7. & lib. 15. 10. Suetonius in vita Nero. Sect. 16. than the Christian Profession, seeing the same both by Tacitus and Suetonius, is every where termed the strange superstitions and new kind of Sect that the Christians embraced, and for which they were accounted unworthy to live. B. Rhenan. in his Hist. of Germany. Pantaleon. (9) And much about these times (as Beatus Rhenanus in his History of Germany, Pantaleon and others do report) one Suetonius a Noble man's son in Britain converted to the Faith by the first Planters of the Gospel in this Island, and after his Baptism called Beatus, was sent by the Brethren from hence unto Rome, to be better instructed, and further directed by Saint Peter himself; and returning thorough Switzerland, found such willingness and flocking of the people to hear and receive the Doctrine of Christ, that he there stayed and built an Oratory not far from the lake Thun, and near the Town called Vnderfewen, where in preaching and prayers he employed his time to the day of his death, which happened in the year of grace 110. Holinshed descript. Brit. cap. 9 And that there were Christians in Britain at these times I make no question, though some exceptions may be taken against the Monk of Burton the reporter thereof, who saith in the 141 year and reign of Hadrian, nine masters of Grantcester were baptised themselves & preached to others the Gospel in Britain; howsoever he faileth in the emperors name, which year was the second of Antonins Pius his successor, and ascribeth to these men Schoole-degrees; altogether unknown for nine hundred years after, yet these do not hinder the truth of the thing, though that Monk was none of the best Historians. It is reported also that Patrick the Irish Apostle, and Canonised Saint, long before the Patrick the Irish Apostle preached in Wales. Reign of King Lucius preached the Gospel in many places of Wales; As also that Ninianus Bernicius of the race of the British Princes converted the Picts to the Religion of Christ. Unto these aforesaid authorities and testimonies howsoever we stand affected: yet it is certain by Chemnitius citing Sabellicus, that the Chemnitius (in examine. Concil. Triden.) ex Sabellic●. Britaines were with the first Converts: And Tertullian, who lived within two hundred years of Christ's Nativity, showeth no less: Who the more to provoke the jews against whom he wrote, calleth to witness the fruitful increase of the Gospel of Salvation, through many Countries and Nations, and among them nameth Tertullian. count. jud●●s cap. 7. the Britain's to have received the Word of life, the power whereof (saith he) hath pierced into those parts whither the Romans could not come. Whence Petrus Cluniacensis supposeth the Scotish men the more Petrus Cluni. ad Bernard. ancient Christians, as not being in the like subjection to the Romans, as other than were. (10) Origen, who flourished not much above two hundred years after Christ, in his Homilies upon Ezechiel Origen, in Eze. homil. 4. showeth, that the first first-fruits of God's harvest was gathered in the Island of Britain: who consented to the Christian faith by the doctrine of their Druids: that taught one only God: with whom Hector Boetius agreeth, saying, that some of these Druids condemned Hector Boet. Chr●. Scot lib. 2. The Druids allowed not Images nor any visible form of the Godhead. the worship of God in Images, and allowed not the application of the Godhead unto any visible form: which might be the cause why Claudius the Emperor forbade their Religion, as savouring in these things too much of Christianity, whom likewise he banished Suetonius in vita Claud. Sect. 25. Rome, as some from Suetonius conjecture. Of these Druids we showed before, that their offices were most employed about holy things, and that their doctrine Tacit. Annal. l. 14. cap. 10. Caesar. Com. lib. 6. chief consisted in teaching the immortality of the soul, the motions of the heavens, the nature of things, and the power of the Gods: yea and Postellus from others will enforce, that they prophesied likewise of a virgin's To●●●llus. conception. These were the helps, saith Tertullian, that caused the Britain's so soon to embrace the Doctrine of Christ, and thereupon immediately after his death doth Gyldas fasten our conversion, where he writeth, That the Glorious Gospel of jesus Christ, which first appeared Gyldas de Excidio Brit. to the world in the later time of Tiberius Caesar, did even then spread his bright beams upon this frozen Island of Britain. (11) Whereby we see the waters of life, flowing from jerusalems' Temple, into these far set Countries Ezech. 47. 8. and uttermost Seas, to be made both fruitful & wholesome, according to the sayings of the Prophet, that in that day the waters of life should issue from jerusalem, half of them toward the East Sea, and half of them Zachar. 14. 8. towards the uttermost Sea, and shall remain fruitful both in Summer and winter: and even in the infancy of Christianity, both the Apostles themselves, and also the Proselytes their Disciples to become fishers therein for the Souls of Men, as Christ in choosing of Matt. 4. 19 them said they should be; whereby his Kingdom was soon enlarged unto these Ends of the Earth, and Psal. 2. 8. his Throne established among those Heathen, whom God his Father had given to be his. So fruitful and famous was this spreading of the Gospel, that Baptista Mantuan, a Christian Poet, compares the increase thereof with that of Noah, thus alluding unto it: Baptist. Mant. Sicut aquis quondam Not sua misit in orbem Pignora sedatis, ut Gens humana per omnes Debita Coelituum Patri daret orgia terras; Sic sua cùm vellet Deus alta in regna reverti, Discipulos quosdam transmisit ad Vltima Mundi Littora, docturos Gentes quo numina ritu Sint oranda, quibus Coelum placabile Sacris. In English thus: As Noah sent from the Ark his sons, to teach The Laws of God unto the World aright; So Christ his Servants sent abroad to preach The Word of Life, and Gospel to each Wight: Not place lay shadowed from that glorious Light: The farthest Isles, and Earth's remotest bounds, Embraced their Faith, and joyed at their sweet sounds. Chrysost. in Serm. de Pent●cost. (12) To which effect also the sayings of S. john chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, enforce, who showing the increase of Christianity, and the success of the Gospel preached, showeth the power thereof to have extended, not only to the Country's far jacent in the Continent, but also to the islands situated in the Ocean itself, and amongst them expressly nameth this our Britain; whose Inhabitants (saith he) have also consented to the word which is planted in every heart, in honour whereof they have erected their Temples and Altors. And again: Those Britain's (saith he) which had formerly fed upon human flesh, making no difference betwixt the blood of man and beast, now through the power of the word by them embraced, have learned the law of true piety, and give themselves to a religious abstinence, and holy fasts. Of which Barbarism Adverse. jovin. li. 2 S. Jerome also complained, that some of those Nations used to eat the buttocks of boys, and Paps of Virgins, which in their Feasts were served for the daintiest dishes. But elsewhere speaking of the Britain's Epitaph. Mar●ellae Viduae. conversion, he saith, that they had turned themselves from their western Paganism, and now had directed their faces towards jerusalem in the East, whose beauty shined in the word of God. (13) And thus we see by the planting of the Gospel in this Island, the saying of the Psalmist accomplished, Psal. 2. 8. that God would give his son Christ the Heathen for his inheritance, and the Ends of the Earth (the proper attribute of this our Britain) to be his possession. And the success in History most apparently showeth these parts (by an especial prerogative) to be Christ's Kingdom. Act. 11. 26. For albeit that jerusalem and Antioch may rightly claim the precedency of all other places, the one being as it were the chamber where Christians were first borne, and the other the font where they were first Christened with that most sacred name: yet Britain in some other graces hath outstripped them all, having the Britain had the first Christian King. Ex Archiu. Civit. London. glory to be graced with the first Christian King that ever reigned in the world, which was our renowned Lucius, the first first-fruits of all the Kings that ever laid their Crowns at the foot of our saviours Cross: as Britain had the first Christian Emperor. also for producing the first Christian Emperor that ever by public authority established the Gospel thorough the world, which was Constantine the Great, borne and brought up here in Britain by Queen Helena mother of Constantine a Britain. Helena, a most virtuous and religious British Lady: unto whose days the succession of Christianity did here continued, as by the martyrdoms of many King Henry the Eighth the first that quailed the Pope. Apoc. 9 2. King. 18. 4. Gen. 26. 18. Saints under Dioclesian is apparent. Herein also reigned the King that first uncrowned the head of the usurping Beast, and tripleheaded Cerberus, and freed the Land from his devouring Locusts: putting down Idolatry with Hezekiah that broke the Brazen Serpent: and with Isaac new digged the Wells that those Philistines had stopped. And lastly hath this Island produced that King James. most royal and Christian Monarch, whose learned pen hath first depainted Antichrist, and pierced the heart of all Papal Supremacy, as the sword of Gedeon did Zalmunna ( * For so the word Zalmunna signifieth, judg. 7. 20. the Image of trouble) King of Madian. And as a Lion hath he met that crooked a Isa. 27. 1. Serpent in the way of his usurped authority; whereby in short time undoubtedly the b Hos. 13. 8. Kall of his heart will be broken, if other Potentates likewise by his most godly example, cast off the yoke of vassalage, and in their several Dominions govern (as free Princes aught) the people that GOD hath committed to their charge. So that in those and many other the like Princes of this happy Island, most properly is performed that prophetical promise made unto the Church of Christ▪ that Isa. 49. 23. Kings should become her nursing Fathers, and Queens should be her nursing Mothers: Of both which may be truly said to Britain, in imitation of that of Solomon▪ Many kingdoms have done gloriously, but thou hast surmounted Pro. 31. 29. them all. (14) And of such power hath Christ been in these His Possessions, that even the Hostile Kings and Britain converted her Conquerors to the 〈◊〉 of Christ. Conquerors thereof, were they never so savage and Idolatrous at their first entrance, yet when they here had seated for a time they become mild and religious, and gladly submitted their hearts to the Religion of those, whose necks themselves held under the yoke of subjection. Ho●●ing●●. li. 4. ●. 9 (15) Such were the Romans in this Island, whose Deputies at the dayspring almost of Christianity were converted; as Trebellius, Pertinax, and others, which submitted themselves to that profession, and were motives to King Lucius more publicly to maintain the same: as also Constantius the father of great Constantine, that here in Britain permitted the profession of the Gospel, with the erections of Churches for the true service of God, and prohibited the superstitious worships of the Gentiles. (16) The Saxons after them (in time, but not in Idolatry) had never tasted the living waters of Siloh, till they were here seated in Christ's Possession, where they changed their affections as far from their wont manners, as did the Messengers to jehu, which turned 2. King. 9 18. after his Chariot to destroy the Altars of Baal: or as Saul and his servants, who no sooner had entered Naioth in Ramah, but that their spirits were joined to the Prophets, and the heat of their fury, with their 1. Sam. 19 20. garments, cast down at Samuels feet. (17) The Danes likewise, their Conquerors, and Successors in this Royal Throne, ever until then were both bloody and barbarous, and therefore of all our Writers commonly called the Pagan Danes; whose many desolations and ruins remain as records of their cruelties in many places even unto this day: yet being a while in this Land, King Guthurn, with thirty of Or Gur●●. his chief Princes and people, were drawn by the valourand virtue of King Alured to receive the Christian Faith, by whose bounty thereupon they enjoyed the possession of a fair portion of this Kingdom. And afterward Canutus, their greatest King, no sooner almost had this Imperial Diadem set upon his head, but that he held it his chief Majesty to be the vassal of Christ, confessing him only to be King of Kings: and with such religious devotion as then was taught, crowned the Crucifix at Winchester with the Crown Canutus' crowned the Crucifix with the Crown he wore. H●n. Hunt. lib. 6. Polychr. li. 6. c. 20. Bale vota●. li. 1. Acts and Mon. lib. 3. p. 212. he wore: and never after, thorough all his reign, by any means would wear the same: and the Danes his Soldiers remaining in England, began by little and little to embrace Christianity, and in short time were all converted to the Faith. Thus then we see the happy increase of these holy seeds springing from the furrows of this blessed ground: and the Tents of Sem to be spread upon the Mountains of Britain, wherein Gen. ●. 27. Origen upon ●●shua, ●o●. 2. God (according to his promise) persuaded us who are of japheth, to devil. (18) As hitherto we have searched the first foundation of our Faith, so neither want we testimonies concerning the continuance of the same in this Land unto following Posterities; although the injury of Time and War have consumed many Records. For the Britain's that were daily strengthened in their received faith, by the Doctrine of many learned and godly men, left not their first love with the Church Apoc. 2. 4. of Ephesus, but rather took hold of their skirts, as the Prophet speaketh, until the tortures of Martyrdom Zecha. 8. 23. cut them off by death: And those Fathers even from the Disciples themselves, held a succession in Doctrine, Radulph. Niger. (notwithstanding some repugnancy was made by the pagan) and preached the Gospel with good success, Zealand. even till the same at length went forth with a Euseb. lib. 4. c. 9 etc. 13. & lib. 5. cap. 5. bolder countenance, by the favourable Edicts of Adrian, Antonius Pius, and Marcus Aurelius Emperors of Rome (as Eusebius hath noted:) and in Britain was established by the authority of Lucius their King: Marcus Sab●l. in ennead. 7. lib. 5. Ex Bal●. vota. li. 1. whereby this was the first of all the Provinces (saith Marcus Sabellicus) that received the Faith by public ordinance: Of the teachers of those times Bale from some other hath these verses. Sicut erat celebris cultu numeroque Deorum Cum iovis imperium staret, Britannica tellus: Sic ubi terrestres caelo descendit ad or as Expectata salus, patribus fuit inclyta sanctis. Qui Neptunicolûm campos, & Cambricarura, Coryneasque casas, loca desolata, colebant. As were the Britain's famous for their zeal To Gentle Gods, whiles such they did adore; So, when the Heavens to Earth did Truth reveal, Blessed was that Land with Truth and Learning's store: Whence British Plains, and Cambri as desert ground, And Cornewalls Crags, with glorious Saints abound. Floren. W●gorn. Two learned Divines sent to the Bishop of Rome. In which number were Eluanus & Meduinus; those two learned Divines, which were sent by King Lucius unto Eleutherius Bishop of Rome, with whom returned two other famous Clerks, whose names were Alij Fagatius vel Fugatius & Divianus. Faganus and Damianus; these together, both preached and baptised amongst the Britain's, whereby many daily were drawn to the Faith: And, as a worthy and ancient * Dicetus Deane of London: a Manuscript in the King's Library, ad An. 178. Historian saith: The Temples which had been founded to the Honour of their many Gods, were then dedicated to the one and only true God: For there were in Britain eight and twenty Flamens, and three Arch-flamins, in stead of which, so many Bishops and Archbishops were appointed: under the Archbishop of London were the Provinces of Loegria and Cornubia: under York, Deira, and Albania: under Vrbs Legionum, Saint David's in Wales. Cambria: By which means, this happy Kingdom under that godly King, was nobly beautified with so many Cathedral Churches, and Christian Bishops Seas, before any other kingdom of the world. King Lucius the Apostle to the Bavarians. Aegidius Scudus de Prisca Rhatia. Hermanu● Schedelius, cap. 3. That this Lucius should be the Apostle to the Bavarians, or that his sister Emerita was crowned with the flames of Martyrdom fifteen years after his death, I leave to the credit of Aegidius Scudus, and Hermanus Schedelius the reporters, and to the best liking of the readers. But most certain it is, that the Christian Beda. Hist. Anglic lib. 1. cap. 4. faith was still professed in this Island, sound and undefiled, as Beda witnesseth, notwithstanding the cruel persecutions of the bloody Emperors. Dicetus ad annum 287. 19 For, all this time (saith the said Dicetus) Christian Religion flourished quietly in Britanny, till in Dioclesian's time, their Churches were demolished, their holy Bible's cast into Bonfires, the Priests with their faithful flock bloodily murdered. In which number, about the year two hundred ninety three, as we read (in Beda, Malmesburie, Randulphus, and others) Malmesburie. Randulphus. Alban with his teacher Amphibalus were both of them martyred for the profession of the Gospel at the old Town Verolanium: as also in Leicester, those two Noble Citizens, Aaron, and julius, with multitudes Beda lib. 1. ca 7. At Lichfield 1000 Saints suffered death. Matth. 27. Liechfields Arm●s. both of men and women in sundry places (saith Beda) as shortly after no less than a Thousand Saints suffered death at Lichfield, whereupon the place was called another Golgotha, or field of blood: In memory whereof, the City beareth for Arms to this day, in an Eschuc●eon of Landscape, sundry persons diversly Martyred. And yet after these times also the Britain's continued constant in Christianity, and the censures of their Bishops (for the great estimation of their Constancy, piety, and learning) required, and approved in great points of Doctrine among the assemblies of some General Counsels; as that of Sardis and Nice, in the time of great Constantine (the first Christian Emperor, and this our Country man, whose blessed days gave free way to that Profession, to the Counsels Authority, and to the whole world Peace) had we our The Bishops of Britain with stood the Arrian Heresy. Bishop's present; whose forwardness against the Arrian Heresy, afterwards Athanasius advanceth in his Apology unto jovinian the Emperor, among three hundred Bishops assembled at the Council of Sardice, in Anno Nicephorus Ecclesiast. Hist. Athanasius apollo. 2. three hundred and fifty: whose words (as Nicephorus reports them) are these. Know most Christian Emperor (saith he) that this faith hath been always preached and professed, and that all Churches of Spain, Britain, France and Germany at this day with one voice do approve the same. As also at that of Ariminum, in the year three hundred fifty nine, and in the reign of Constantius, who caused four hundred western Bishops to be there summoned in favour of the Arrians, whereof three were out of Britain, (as Sulpitius Severus Sulpitius Severus. lib. 2. the good Bishop of Burges hath reported) that gave their suffrages against that Heresy. These doth Hilary in an Epist. to the Bishops. Hilary term the Bishops of the Provinces of Britain, by whom they were somewhat derided, because being far from their own Country they lived upon the emperors charge. And Beda testifieth, that from Dioclesian's time they both re-edified their former Bed. lib. 1. cap. 8. Temples, and founded new also in memory of their then fresh-bleeding Martyrs, and enjoyed a general and joyful peace in their religious profession▪ till that Arrian Heresy having first filled the Continent, sought and found passage over the Seas into our Island. Gennadius in Catal. ilus. Diu. Gennadius in his Catalogues Illustrium Divorum tells us of an other learned Bishop of Britain, Fastidius, who in the time of Cestius Bishop of Rome, wrote unto one Fatalis a book devita Christiana, and another de viduitate servanda; of much divine learning and comfort. Chrysanthus likewise is recorded by Nicephorus▪ Nicephorus in Eccles. Hist. to be son of Bishop Martian, who having been a Consular Deputy in Italy under Theodosius, and made Lieutenant of Britain, where with great praise he managed the common wealth, was against his will afterward made Bishop at Constantinople of the novatians, that called themselves Cathari, that is, pure, making a schism in the Church by their denial of Salvation, to such as fell into relapse of sin after Baptism once received. This is that Bishop of whom we read, that of all his Ecclesiastical revenues he reserved Tripar●. Hist●r. only for himself two loaves of bread upon the Lord's day. And in the first Tome of Counsels is mention of Restitutus Bishop of London, whom (because that, as is most probable▪ Christian Religion had in those primitive times taken more firm footing in Britain then in France) the French Bishops called to their national Council, the second at Arles, in Anno three hundred thirty five, that he might with his Suffrage approve their Decrees. About the year four hundred seventy, was a Provincial Council held in Britain for the reforming of Religion, and repairing of the ruined Churches, which the Pagan marriage of Vortiger had decayed, to the great grief and discontent of the people, a pregnant sign of the continuing zeal, which unto those days had left a glorious memory. Arthur's Ensign. Vincentius in his specul● Historiali. (20) And the Ensign of Arthur, wherein the Virgin with her son in her arms (as is noted by Vincentius) was portrayed, so often displayed for Christ, and his Country's liberty, against the Pagan Saxons, is as a seal to confirm us of their Profession, and doth show the badge of that age's Christianity. But the famous Monastery of Banchor, as a College of divine Philosophers, and by Clarivallensis truly acknowledged to Clarivallensis. Bangor in Wales the first Monastery in the world. Bed. Hist. Eccles. l. 2. c. 2. be the Mother of all other in the world, and her Monks distributed into seven several parts, every part numbering three hundred souls, and earning their bread by their daily labours, doth notably witness to all succeeding ages, that Christian Religion was then both planted and preached in this Island. And in the Synod held at Augustine's Oak were seven old Britain Bishops, besides other Doctors, who met with that Roman Legate, and not in points of doctrine, but rather in their several rites and ceremonies did vary, by any thing that in that Assembly appeared. For as it is most undoubted, that (if we speak properly) jerusalem Beda lib. 2. cap. 2. is the Mother of us all, and of all Churches; and our former allegations do evince, that the first Plantation of the British Faith was altogether by jews and others of the Eastern Church: so the very rites of this Religious College of Banchor do evidently prove, that their first institution in Religion came from the East, Beda showing that in all of them they dissented from the Roman Church; yea, and that they never did, nor then would acknowledge any authority of the Bishop of Rome over them in matters of the Church and service of God. All which accordeth right well with that before cited out of Zachary, that the waters of life should issue from jerusalem. And S. Jerome, who spoke most properly, in saying, the Britain's leaving Paganism, had turned their faces to jerusalem in the East. The foundation of the said College is ascribed to King Lucius, from whose time unto the entrance of this Austin the Monk, four hundred thirty eight years were expired: in all which space we have seen that the Christian Faith was both taught and embraced in this Island, notwithstanding the continual persecutions of the Romans, Huns, Picts, and Saxons: which The Bishops of York and London driven into the Deserts. Acts and Monuments, lib. 2. Heb. 11. 25. last made such desolations in the outward face of the Church, that they drove the Christian Bishops into the deserts of Cornwall and Wales. In which number were Theomis and Thadioceus Bishops of London and York, choosing rather to suffer adversity with the people of God, then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. By whose labours the Gospel was plentifully propagated among those vast mountains, and those parts especially above all other made very glorious, by the multitudes of their holy Saints and learned Teachers. (21) Last, (for the close of all) that these testimonies are sincerely by us produced, for the first preaching and planting of the Gospel, and by such means and men as we have declared, and particularly by joseph of Arimathea and his associates, the consent of all Writers, both foreign and homebred, doth sufficiently approve: and the reverend regard had of the place, with the many Charters thereof to this day remaining, are strong inducements for those our first Apostles Residencies and Burials: whereof one, exemplified under the Seal of King Edward the third, Glastenbury Abbey burnt. is to be seen at this day, reciting that the Abbey of Glastenburie being burned in the time of King Henry the second while it was in his hands, at the request of the Patriarch of jerusalem (then present in England) instigated Glastenburie Abbey new built by Henry the second further both by the Bishops and Nobility, he did re-edify the same, causing diligent search to be made for the ancient Charters of that foundation, and among many recited in that exemplification, in one of them it is called, Origo Religionis in Anglia: in another, Tumulum Sanctorum, abipsis discipulis Domini aedificatum, fuisse venerabilem. Also in the same Charter King Arthur a great benefactor to Glastenburie Abbey. The Aims of King Arthur at Glastenburie. amongst many other Kings, there is mention made of King Arthur, to be a great Benefactor unto that Abbey; whose Arms upon the stone walls, both in the Chapel (called S. joseph) and in divers other places of the Abbey, are cut: which is an Eschucheon, whereon a Cross with the Virgin Mary in the first quarter is set, and is yet to this day remaining over the Gate of entrance, and is held to be also the Arms of that Abbey. Glastenburie Abbey given to joseph by arviragus Two divines sent by Lucius to Rome from Glastenburie. Welles called Belga. This place is said to have been given to joseph and his brethren, by arviragus then King of Britain: and from hence were those two divine Doctors sent to Elutherius by King Lucius, as by their Epithets doth appear: the one of them called Eluanus Aualonius, or of Glastenburie; and the other, Medwinus of Belga, that is, Welles, near unto this place. And to these persons Angl. hist. lib. 2. and place, Polydore Virgil, that dwelled among us, and had perused most of our Antiquities, ascribeth the original and precedency of our Christian Faith, in these words: Haec omnia Christianae pietatis in Britannia extitêre primordia, quam deinde Lucius Rex accendit & adauxit, etc. And our other latter Writers likewise with him agreed of this place, further affirming, that at first but poor, and without all pomp, it was their Oratory, built only of writhe wands, as both a In his catalogue of Saints. Capgrave, b Vota. lib. 1. Bale, c In his preface. Maior, d De Antiq. car. cap. 7. Scroop, e Chap. 47. Harding, f thorn. thorn, and others affirm: Afterwards by divers Princes raised unto greater glory, with many large privileges & Charters granted; to wit, of Edgar, Edmund, Elfred, Edward, Many Kings benefactors to Glastenburie Abbey. Bringwalthius, Kentwin, Baldred, Ina, Kenwall, the Conqueror, Rufus, and others: all which were diligently perused by King Henry the second, as we have said, & that rectory in these Charters continually termed The Grave of Saints: The mother Church: The Disciples foundation, and dedicated unto Christ, as the first place in this Land wherein his Gospel was first preached and embraced. (22) To conclude this digression, grown much greater than was intended, we see it is most apparent, that the Britaines had a settled opinion in Christianity, Britain's professed Christianity before it ca●e from Rome. Esay 49. 22. Dan. 11. 31. Micah 4. 8. Esay 2. before the sound thereof was heard from Rome; and that the Lord had here set up his Standard, whereunto these Islanders resorted as to the Tower of their strength, and was the first Kingdom of the Gentiles, that are said to bring their sons thus in their arms, and their daughters thus upon their shoulders, unto the Lord's Sanctuary: whose knowledge continually increasing, hath hitherto, to England's great joy and fame, been still continued, though the spiritual sparks thereof for a season have sometimes been covered in the cinders of the Pagan's desolations, or with the superstitious worships of man's inventions; both which now dispersed as clouds before the Sun, the light appeareth in his full strength, and the most pure waters of the word run untroubled. This Island then, in this thing made happy before the most, the Inhabitants become instructors of others, and in their earthly vessels bore this heavenly liquor, which thorough their golden Conduits ran into many other Countries, and filled their Cisterns with this water of life. For from hence was Netherlands converted to Christianity, as testifieth the story of Swithbertus: Burgundy by Swithbertus. our Columbanus, saith Sigebert: Scotland by Brandanus, Sigebert. as Bernard the French Monk affirmeth: Swedia by Bernard. Petrus de Natalibus. Matthew of Westminster. The Britain's converted many Country's. Gallus, as saith Petrus de Natalibus: and Frisia by Wilfred, as is recorded by Beda and Matthew of Westminster: the Franconians, Hessians, and Thuringians, by Winifred our Devonshire man: the Norwegians by Nicolas Brekspere of Middlesex: and the Lithuanians by Thomas Walden of Essex. Again, if we shall cast our eye on all the Reform Churches in Christendom, and with them on Luther, Husse, and prague, they will all confess, they first derived their light from the learned Wickleffe of Oxford; the Lamp of whose sacred knowledge hath illumined not only all the corners of this Kingdom, but also all those foreign States, whom it hath pleased God to deliver from the thraldom and vengeance of Babylon: so that with the Germane Poet, to God's glory, and Britain's praise, the English thus may sing: Quin se Relligio multùm debere Britannis Seruata, & latè circùm dispersa, fatetur. Religion doth confess, to Britain deep she stands In debt, by whom preserved, she now fills foreign Lands. Polydor. Virgil. In which regard, Polydore Virgil doth rightly call England the Parent or Mother-Monasterie of all Europe. As likewise Peter Ramus termeth Britain to be Peter Ramus. twice Schoolmistress unto the Kingdom of France. Annals of Flanders. And the Annals of Flanders testify, that no Nation had so many Divine Nobles (they might likewise have said, so many Noble Divines) as England hath had; neither any more bountiful to God's Saints. Our Kings for sanctity ranked before all other Potentates of the earth, as Vincentius recordeth: Our Nobles truly honourable, Vincentius. and the sons of Princes: Our Divines and Eccles. 1o. 17. jer. Lam. 4. 7. renowned Nurseries of learning and Religion, shining like the two greater lights in our British firmament. And all of us claiming our spiritual lots of Inheritance Ezech. 47. 22. in the midst of the Tribes of Israel. OTHO. CHAPTER X. IMP. M. OTHO. CAESAR. AUG. TR. P 2 SIL. PAY. ORBIS TERRARUM Ann. Do. 70. But leaving Christ's proceed to the dispose of himself, let us return to the subject from whence we have wandered, and continued the successions of Great Britain's Monarches, unto them that have held it, whether by chance of war, or voice of Election: In which sort (as is said) Galba got it, and but short time kept it: And from him Otho took it, and a shorter time enjoyed it. Otho his original. Tacit. Hist. 2. cap. 17. (2) Whose Original (saith Tacitus) was from Ferrentium, his Father a Consul, his mother's blood somewhat disparaged, but yet not base; his youth run over with voluptuous wantonness and prodigal expenses, more ready for disturbances, then depending upon preferment or dignity of State; and having go through all his wealth, retained only the hearty affections of the Soldiers, which Galba had utterly Vitellius much favoured. alienated. Neither did Otho himself bandy against Galba, but Vitellius in Germany was favoured against both; Two persons so vile and ambitious, as was much feared, would prove the scourge of the Empire, and the ruin of Rome. (3) Unto Vitellius sided the Britain's, under the Conduct of Tribellius Maximus, (remembered before) a man unfit for war, and unexperienced of service, compounded altogether of covetousness, and for his niggardly sparings, and unmerciful pollings, exceedingly hated of his Army: which was further aggravated In chap. 7. sect. 24. by Roscius Caelius, Lieutenant of the twentieth Legion, his ancient Enemy, betwixt whom the sparks of envy shortly burst forth into flames of reciprocal Roscius Caelius & Trebellius accuse each other. accusations. Trebellius being charged of insufficiency for command, with the beggaring of the Province, and Legions; and he again accusing Caelius of factious behaviours, & dissolving of discipline: through which dissensions a negligent regard was held of the The Soldiers thereby disordered. Soldiers, who carried themselves arrogantly, even against both; and as men that had rather be doing ill, then doing nothing, grew daily into mutinies. In these stirs Maximus finding himself unable to withstand Roscius, (the common affection swaying on his side) with his friends and followers entered Germany in the quarrel of Vitellius, and joined those British forces to maintain his cause, who now presuming upon his own strength, and others his Confederates, ambitiously played the Prince, grown to that height even of nothing. (4) Otho his Concurrent (in this thing only commendable) sought by all means to stay the effusion of more civil blood, and that already spent, so possessed his thoughts, that his mind was still distracted Otho affrighted in the night. and nightly affrighted with the seeming appearance of Galba's ghost: for which causes he sent conditions of peace to Vitellius, offering him an equal part Sueton. in vita Otho. sect. 7. His offer to Vitelli●●. in the Empire, and to give him also his daughter in marriage. But Vitellius disdaining any competition, refuseth all Capitulations, and prepares himself for the war. Otho thus constrained, sets forth his Hath the victory in three skirmishes. Lost the day i● the fourth. forces, and in three several skirmishes had the victory, but in the fourth at Brixellum lost the day; yet not so much weakened or unrecoverable, (his Army in number and courage surmounting the other) as himself was unwilling to try the chance of war any more; for being importuned by his Importuned by his Soldiers to renew the battle, is unwilling. Captains and Leaders, to reinforce the Battle, with many reasons, and probabilities of an assured victory, in a thankful and short Oration, answered thus their Petitions. His Oration to his Soldiers. (5) To hazard your virtues and valours for one Man's estate, I hold dangerous, and needless it is, that my life should be prized at so dear a rate; already fortune and I have had sufficient experience each of others, and not the lest in this my short time of glory, wherein I have learned, it is harder to moderate affections in the excess of felicity, than either industry or hazard for attaining the same. These civil wars Vitellius began; which I for my part purpose not to continued; and hereby let Posterity esteem of Otho, that others have kept the Empire longer, but never any that left it more valiantly. Let this mind therefore accompany me to the Grave, that you for your parts would have died for my sake, and I to save your lives die voluntary and unuanquished. I blame not the Gods, nor envy your Emperors rising glory: It is sufficient that my house hath touched the highest strain of Honour, and myself to be left in records, The sovereign Monarch of the World. He kill●th himself. And thereupon solemnly taking his leave of the whole Army, went to his Tent, and with his dagger wounded himself under the left pap, whereof immediately he died, in the year of his age thirty seven, and days of his reign ninety five. He was of His age and reign. stature but low, feeble in his feet, and unto so great a mind, his body not any ways proportionable; his His lineaments and habit. face without hair and womanlike, his attire nice and delicate, and his life and death nothing at all consonant or agreeable. VITELLIUS. CHAPTER XI. A. VITELLIUS. GERMAN. IMP. AUG. TR. P. 2 SIL. XU. VIR. SACR. FAC. Ann. Do. 70. WHen certain news of Othoes' death was brought Vitellius, he presently assumed the name of Caesar, and administered the affairs of the Empire, with no less authority than the absolute Commander of the World. And of such acceptance was the accident, Vitellius glad of Oth●es' death. that he dedicated the dagger wherewith it was done, unto Mars in his Temple at coleyn, as the lucky instrument of his advanced Estate. Sueton. in vit. Vitell. cap. 10. joseph. bell. jud. lib. 5. ●ap. 8. (2) Naturally ambitious he was, and now the same the more enhanced by his strengths of the Germane Soldiers, and the flatteries of the Senate, which ever bore sail with the fairest wind. His entrance Otho magnifical above measure. into Rome was above measure magnifical, having the naked sword of julius Caesar borne before him, with sound of Trumpets, Ensigns, Standards, Banners, and Flags, accompanied with an Army worthy of a better Prince than Vitellius was. His descent diversly reported. (3) His original is diversly reported: either framed according to the affections of his flatterers, or blasted with the tongues of depraving backe-biters; Cap. 1. & both in extremes, extremely disagreeing. For Q. Eulogius, as Suetonius writeth, deduceth his descent from Faunus' King of Aborigines, and Lady Vitellia his wife, worshipped in many places for a Goddess. But Cassius Severus affirmeth him to be sprung from no better Tacit. hist.. 3. ●. ●3. root than a Cobbler, and a common naughty-pack the daughter of a Baker. Howsoever, true it is, that Lucius his father bore thrice the Consulship in Rome, was Provost of Syria, and in such credit with the Emperor Claudius, that in his absence and expedition into Britain, he had the whole charge of the Empire committed unto him: himself in special favour with Vitellius in favour with divers former Emperors. Tiberius, and in use for his strumpets: with Caius, for his Chariot-running: with Claudius, for his dice-plaiing: and with Nero, for his flattery: unto whose Ghost in public show he sacrificed, and disposed the Imperial affairs at the discretion of base Stageplayers. His excessive gluttony. Sueton. in vit. Vitell. cap. 13. (4) His unmeasurable gluttony was such, that the whole employments of his Captains were to provide him Cates, and that in such excess, that two thousand dishes of fish, and seven thousand of fowl, were served to his Table at one supper; and yet was he not ashamed to commend his own Temperance, in a set Oration before the Senate and People, who well knew him to be guiltless of that virtue: insomuch that Tacitus reporteth, Tacit. hist. 2. c. 27. His huge expense of treasure. Joseph. bell. Ind. lib. 5. c. 13. in those few months wherein he reigned, he had wasted nine hundred millions of sesterces, which amounteth to seven millions, thirty one thousand, two hundred fifty pounds sterling. And josephus thinketh if he had lived longer, the whole revenues of the Empire had not been sufficient to maintain his Gluttony. A Prince otherwise no way memorable, as being indeed without skill in profession of Arms, without counsel in matters of the greatest importance, commonly drowned in surfeit, and far unmeet to wield weighty affairs. Vespasian his Abettors for the Empire. (2) These defects found ready vent to his Opposites, and gave liberty of speech in the Assemblies of their Estates: amongst whom Vespasian was held the only morning-star, worthy to ascend on the setting of this darkend Sun; unto whom Li●inius Mutianus, Governor of Syria, was no averse, Marcus Clunius Rufus of Spain stood very well affected, and Tiberius Alexander of Egypt for him the foremost. Also with him sided the Kings Sohemus, Antiochus, and Agrippa, with the beautiful Queen Berenice: unto whom Vespasian Tacit. hist. 2. c. ●3. and his son Titus were well known, Governors together in the Provinces of Syria and judaea. The first revolters from Vitellius. (6) The first that did revolt were the Illyrian Bands: to suppress which, Vitellius sent unto Vectius Bolanus Lieutenant of Britain, for aid of that Province, having had good experience of their service in his wars before. As when Hordeonius Flaccus brought Tacit. hist. 2. c. 20● eight thousand Britain's to his quarrel against Otho. As also when Trebellius Maximus (formerly mentioned) joined them to the Germane forces. Which last Tacit. in u●●. Agric. man had now again resumed his former place in Britanny, without either Majesty or Authority; but rather ruled by way of entreaty, and at the discretion of the Soldiers. (7) Unto whom, this Vectius Bolanus succeeded for Deputy: a man of no great parts in war, but more temperate, and not odious for any crime. His answer unto Vitellius was, that the Country of Britain stood not so quiet, that he might spare any number thence, the Soldiers and Confederates having their hands full, to hold all upright. Neither (in truth) were they fast to his side, but rather affected Vespasian, Hist. 3. cap. 9 whose reputation in warlike affairs was first gotten amongst them in Britain, in the reign of Claudius: though we found in Tacitus, that the Vexillaries of three Hist. 2. c. 29. Hist. 3. cap. 1. British Legions followed Vitellius in his expedition against the Illyrian Army, wherein the flower and strength of all the Britain's are reported to have been, and that their fourteenth Legion came to his aid, in whom notwithstanding he had no good confidence: but hearing the daily revolts of the Provinces, and the approach of Vespasian, was minded to resign his dignity unto him, had not the outcries of the people be●ne against it. His reign. (8) Finally, when he had reigned only eight months, and five days, as josephus accounteth, he was slain in most ignominious manner: for his hands His death. Joseph. bell. J●d. cap. 13. were bound behind his back, a halter fast about his neck, his clotheses rend and torn, asword point set under his chin, and head held backward by a bush of hair, as condemned malefactors were used, to the end, that he might see and be seen of all, to satisfy their malice and augment his miseries. He His age. died aged fifty seven; and as he is set in the Table after Malmesburie, Huntingdon, and others our English writers, the ninth Calendss of januarie: But yet it should seem by his edicts set out against Astrologers, that commanded all of that profession to departed out of Rome and Italy before the first day of October, that much about that time he should die: for Suetonius recordeth, that the said Astrologers set another against him in the words as follow. WE GIVE WARNING Suet. in vita Vitel. Sect. 14. BY THESE PRESENTS UNTO VITELLIUS GERMANICUS, THAT BY THE CALENDSS OF THE SAID OCTOBER HE be NOT SEEN IN ANY PLACE WHERESOEVER. (9) Of stature he was exceedingly ●all, his face read, and a fat paunch, and somewhat limping upon one leg, by a hurt formerly received. FLAVIUS VESPASIAN. CHAPTER XII. Vespasian. DIWS. AUGUSTUS. VESPASIANUS Petilius. ● COP. Ann. Do. 72. SO acceptable was the fall of this Prince, and such hopes revived at the entrance of his Successor, as that all men's minds were raised to an expectation, that the glory of the Empire, so much Eclipsed through the civil broils of Galba, Otho, and this last Vitellius, should now shine again in the beauty of her Vespasians worth and estimation. former liberty, by the desired government of aged Vespasian; whose integrity, valour, and service, had been sufficiently approved by his many Expeditions in all the Provinces wherein he had to do. His original. Sueton. in vi●. Vespas. sect. 1. (2) His descent was from the Flavian family, and that but base and obscure: his Father called Titus Flavius, his Mother Polla Vespasia, his Wife Domilia, and his Sons Titus, and Domitian, both emperors succeeding after him. His employments in former times. Tacit. in vita Agric. ●o. 189. (3) In his young years, he served as a Military Tribune in the Country of Thracia, and as Questor in the Provinces of Crete, and Cyrene: Under Claudius the Emperor, he went forth into Germany, as Lieutenant of a Band, and from thence was sent into Britanny, to be Leader of the second Legion, where the foundation of that greatness whereunto after he attained, was first laid: for as Suetonius hath written, therein with victory he fought thirty set Battles, and was also Conqueror of the I'll of Wight: whereby two mighty Nations were subdued to the Romans, and twenty Towns won from the Britain's: for which exploits he had Triumphal ornaments, worthily assigned him by Claudius, whose own Triumph, (as josephus Bel. Jud. lib. 3. cap. 1. josephus saith) was gotten without his pains, but by the only prowess of Vespasian. After this, he governed Africa with singular integrity and much honour, and was lastly sent by Nero for his Viceroy into Syria upon this occasion. Sueton. in vit. Vespasi. Sect. 4. (4) There had been spread thorough all the East-parts, an old Prophecy and settled opinion constantly believed, that it was appointed by the Destinies, there should come out of jury him that should be Lord of the whole world: which how it served for the jews to revolt, An ancient prophecy in all the East parts. or for the Romans to apply only unto Vespasian, the event showeth, which cannot agreed to any other, then to the person and power of Christ jesus, there borne, and throughout the whole world still reigning: Yet upon the confidence of such an accomplishment, The cause of the jews revolt. the jews revolted from the Romans obedience, and slew their Precedent Sabinus by name, putting to flight Gallus, Lieutenant General of Syria, that came to his aid, and got from him the main Standard, or Ensign of the Eagle. This Nation was so populous and strong, that none was thought fit to stay their attempts, than was Vespasian, who with great honour and approbation, reduced that Province unto their former subjection, and there remained the short time of Galba, Otho, and Vitellius their Reigns; of whose joseph. de Bell● jud. proceed there josephus writeth at large, unto whom I must refer the unsatisfied Reader. (5) All which times, the civil stirs amongst the Romans, gave the Provinces occasion to attempt their former liberties; as did the Batavians, Germans Tacit. Hist. 3. cap. 9 and French, with whom the Britain's also took hart to revolt: But the first that sided with Vespasian, were two thousand expert Soldiers, drawn out of the Mesian Legions, and sent to aid Otho against Vitellius; who marching as far as Aquileia, they heard there of the certain death of Otho, and thereupon taking the advantage of the offered opportunity, with an uncontrolled liberty, committed many robberies and outrageous villainies: In so much, that fearing condign punishment, they held it their best policy, to combine some special man by their favours unto them, whereby their facts might be either quite smothered, or lightly reprehended; neither in their opinions was any so gracious for desert or power, as was Vespasian, and therefore with one assent they proclaimed Vespasian chosen Emperor by the Mesian Soldiers. him Emperor, and wrote his name in their Banners, thinking themselves as worthy to make an Emperor, as were the Legions either of Spain, or Germany. (6) Of the like mind were his own Legions in Syria and jury, grown now so famous by the prosecution of those wars, that they highly conceited his valour, and their own sufficiency to be inferior By his own. joseph. bell. Jud. lib. 5. cap. 10. to none: And therefore all on the sudden at Caesarea, both Captain and Soldier salute him Emperor; which title when he resolutely gainsaid and refused, with drawn swords they threatened his death. Thus then being brought into danger every way, he sent his letters unto Tiberius Alexander, Lieutenant of Egypt, who likewise at Alexandria, presently proclaimed Tacit. in vit. Agric. fol. 187. him Emperor. (7) At this time Vectius Bolanus sent by Vitellius, was Lieutenant of Britain, there ruling in a gentler and milder manner than was fit for so fierce a Nation: for the Soldiers having gotten head, by the remiss Government of Trebellius Maximus, continued the same looseness in discipline still: and Bolanus in stead of awe and Obedience, retained only their affections and goodwills. But most especially the short Reigns of these last Emperors (whose beginnings were altogether employed to satisfy their licentious pleasures, and latter times spent for the defence of their Lives from violent Deaths) gave way to many imperfections of the Governors, and misdemeanours of the common Petilius Cerealis Deputy in Britain. Soldiers. (8) But when Vespasian had assumed the Empire, great Captains and good Soldiers were sent into the Provinces, and into Britain, Petilius Cerealis, that had formerly there made proof of his service under Nero, in the wars against Boduo; and afterwards in other parts, as against the Gauls and Batavians, with Yorkshire, Lancashire, Westmoreland, and the Bishopric of Durham. prosperous victories. The fame of this man struck great terror into the hearts of the wavering Britain's, and amongst them of the * brigants, the most populous State of the whole Province: against whom at his first approach he warred, and in many battles, and some of them bloody, the greatest part of these people were wasted, and their Country came into the Romish subjection. (9) Whereby the glory of Cerealis might well julius Frontinus subdueth the Britain's. have dimmed the fame of his Successor, had not julius Frontinus a great Soldier also, sustained the charge with reputation and credit, in subduing the strong and Warlike nation the * South-Wales. Silureses: where he had, beside the force of the enemy to struggle with, the straits, and difficult places of rocks and mountains, for access. julius Agricola Lieutenant in Britain. (10) After whose government (no further Acts being mentioned) julius Agricola, who in Rome had been Questor, Tribune, and Pret●r, and Lieutenant in Aquitania, was sent General into Britain by Vespasian the Emperor, the year before his death. This man formerly had there served under the command of Petilius Cerealis, whereby he had gained experience both of the People and Province; and at his first approach gathered the Ensigns of the Legions, and other aids of the Auxiliaries, (who for that year attended an end of their travels, because the Summer was almost spent) left by protracting time, the violence of the Ordovices should further burst forth, who a little before his entrance, had utterly almost cut off a wing which lay on their Borders, the rest of the Country, as men desirous of War, allowing their example. Against these Agricola addressed, who kept themselves in places of advantage, and durst not descend into indifferent ground. He therefore being himself foremost, lead up his Army to their encounter, and seconded with the courage of his trained Soldiers, He overcometh the Ordovices. put them all to sword and flight, whereby the whole Nation was almost quite destroyed. (11) And now that his fame began to ascend, he knew well that with instance it must be followed, and as the first affairs had issue, the rest would succeed, he therefore deliberated to conquer the Island Mona, from the possession whereof Paulinus Suetonius was revoked, by the general Rebellion under Boduo. But in a purpose not purposed before, and ships wanting, the policy of the Captain devised a passage; for he commanded the most choice of the Aids, to whom the shallows were well known (and without whom the Romans did almost attempt nothing) to put over at once, and suddenly to invade them. These Britain's, after the use of their Country manner, were most skilful swimmers, and in swimming armed, able to govern themselves and horses. The Monaans' thinking themselves secure, for that no Ships were seen in their River, now thus suddenly surprised, as men amazed, firmly thought that nothing could be invincible to them, who came with such resolutions to War, and therefore they humbly desired Peace, He winneth the Island of Mona. and yielded the Island unto Agricolaes' devotion. (12) Who now in these prosperous proceed of his fortunes, sought not with any glorious relations or letters of advertisements, to improve and augment the greatness of his honour; but rather in seeking to suppress his fame, made it shine more bright; and addressing himself for civil government, reform many abuses in his House, his Camp, and in the whole Province, and those especially that Agricola good to the poor. most touched the poorer sort, as by moderating the increase of Tribute and Corn, wherewith the Britain's were daily burdened: by the suppressing of which enormities (and the like) an honourable opinion of him was every where entertained, and a general inclination unto Peace, which partly by the negligence, partly by the avarice of former Governors, had been no less feared than War itself. (13) And whereas the Britain's hitherto still harried with Oppressions and Wars, had little leisure or will to apply themselves to things which accompany Peace, and are the ornaments of Civil and settled Societies, and therefore were prove upon every occasion to revolt and stir: to induce them by pleasures to quietness and rest, he exhorted them in private, and helped them in public, to build Temples, Houses, and Places of Assemblies, and common resort; and likewise His good course in winning the people from wildness. provided that the sons of their Nobles should be instructed in the liberal Arts and Sciences, commending the industry, and preferring the wits of the Britaines before the Students of France, as being now grown curious to attain the Eloquence of the Roman The Britain's civilized. Gentry, (yea even the Gown, the habit of peace and peaceable Arts) and to delight in gorgeous Buildings, Banquets, and Baths. (14) And thus far had Agricola proceeded before the death of Vespasian, whose managing of the Imperial dignity was every way answerable to so high a place, and whose death was as much lamented, as his Virtues did surmount his Predecessors. But as touching Agricola cureth the blind and the lame, and that miraculously. his miraculous cures of the Blind and the Lame, as they serve not either to be urged or inserted in this our present History; so yet may they convince the indurate Atheist, whose conscience is seared with the sin of incredulity of the Miracles wrought by our Suet. in vit. V●spas. sect. 7. blessed Saviour jesus Christ. For if the wisest Historians of those times have believed themselves, and left Records upon their credit to following posterities; that by his touch only he cured a Lame-man, and with his Tacit. hist. 4. c. 35. spittle opened the eyes of the Blind, being a mortal Agricolaes' miracles convince Atheists that deny our Saviour● miracles. and sinful man; shall it then be doubted; that he which knew no sin, neither received the gift by measure, either in power could not, or in act did not work such Miracles as were the witnesses of his Godhead, and for such are recorded to confirm our faith? But to our purpose. Vespasian dieth peaceably. Euseb. Eccles. Hist. lib. 3. ca 12. & 13. (15) When Vespasian had lived threescore and nine years; seven months, and seven days, and had reigned ten years, as Eusebius saith, he died peaceably in his Bed; which no Emperor since Augustus ever did, having been a great Scourge and Instrument of God against the miserable jews; whose kingly race from A great scourge of God against the jews. David's line he sought by all means to extirpate, that so all their hopes and expectations might for ever be cut off. His endowments of body. Sueton. in vit. Ves●as' sect. 23. His virtues. (16) He was of a middle stature, well set, and strongly compact: his countenance not altogether amiable, neither any ways deformed: a great favourer of Learning, very Liberal, a Just, Wise, and Most Valiant Prince. TITUS FLAVIUS VESPASIAN. CHAPTER XIII. Titus Emp. IMP. P. T. CAES. VESP. AUG. P. M. TR. P. P. P. COS. VIII. 5 COP. Agricolae Lieut. IVD CAP. Ann. Do. 81. PResently upon the death of this Emperor, Titus his eldest son, surnamed Flavius Vespasian, without Titus' made Emperor without all contradiction. all contradiction was received and obeyed for his rightful successor: aswell for that his Father in his lifetime had made him his Partner in the Empire, and at his death by Testament declared him his Heir; as also for the general opinion conceived of him, for Called the delight of mankind. his inbred goodness and noble conditions; called & esteemed the lovely darling and delight of mankind. Indeed of a most comely presence he was, & fitted thereunto Sueton in vit. Tit. Sect. 1 Fitted with all heroical virtues. His employment in former times. with all heroical virtues, a great Soldier, learned in the Arts, a good Orator, a skilful physician, and could by artificial characters writ both very fast and very fair. (2) His youth he spent in Military qualities, and served in Germany and Britain with exceeding commendations, and in jury warred with the like glory, which is nothing impaired by the learned stile of his Recorder josephus, unto whom again for these affairs I must refer the curious Reader. Joseph. bell. Jud. lib. 6. & 7. He won jerusalem in the lifetime of his father. (3) jerusalem, with the slaughter of eleven thousand jews, even on the birth day of his daughter, with such honour he won, that thereupon presently he was saluted Emperor, even in the life time of Vespasian his Father: and from that day carried himself as his Associate in the Empire; for with him he Triumphed, and with him he jointly administered the Censorship, his Colleague he was in the Tribunes authority; and his Companion also in seven Consulships: In all which, though the Edicts went forth in his father's name, yet were they penned by himself. Of this his victory over the jews, he left the remembrance to posterity by stamping upon the reverse of his coins IVD. CAP. with pictures expressing his Triumph and the jews overthrow, which in the front of this Chapter we have also placed. His faults. (4) Somewhat he was blemished with the love of Berenice, the beautiful Queen of jewrie, and much more with the murder of Aulus Cinna, only through jealousy conceived of her: and whether that was the His repentance at his death. sin whereof at his death he repent, is uncertain, when lifting up his eyes to Heaven, he complained why his Life should be taken from him, that excepting one offence deserved not to die. As himself in glory wielded the Imperial Sceptre, so did his Substitutes govern the Provinces; at which time in Britain, Agricola was Precedent, and therein had spent almost two years under the reign of Vespasian, in such manner as we have declared. (5) In his third year, he discovered new Countries, and parts of this Island, yet untouched, or at leastwise Tacit. in vit. Agric. Agricola enlargeth the Empire. not thoroughly subdued, as altogether unsatiate of that which was gotten, & sought to draw the confines of the Empire with a larger compass: therefore marching Northward to the Frith of * Taus, wasted TWEED, as is thought. all as he went, and without any resistance fortified the places with Castles and Bulwarks, which he stored with sufficient provision; where every Garrison wintering, guarded itself, and with the Summer's service, ever repaired the Winter's events, whereby evermore the Enemy went to the worse, and his designs prospered as himself wished. (6) The fourth Summer was spent in perusing and ordering that which he had overrun. And if the glory of the Roman name could have permitted, or so been satisfied, it needed not to have sought other limits of Britain: for a The frith of Dunbretton. Glota and ● Bodotria, two arms of two opposite Seas, shooting far into the ᵇ Edinburgh frith. Land, and only divided asunder by a narrow partition of ground, the same was both guarded and fortified with Castles and Garrisons: so that the Romans were absolute Lords of all the Southside, and had cast the Enemy as it were into another Island. (7) In this state stood this Province of Britain at the death of Titus, whose short reign hath left no long matters of discourse, and his Acts greater under other Emperors, then when he was Emperor himself; yet that little time wherein he governed, was with justice, Liberality and Love of all. A great Enemy he was to Promoters, Pettifoggers, and Extortours of penal laws, Titus' governed with love of all. which Cancer-worms of Commonwealths, and Caterpillars to Courts of justice, he caused to be whipped and banished out of Rome. Loving and familiar he was to all his Subjects, and so desirous to give them satisfaction, that his usual saying was, No man aught to go sad from the speech of a Prince. Merciful he was to the poor, and so ready to do them good, that one day being spent by him without any notable action, His propensity to do good. Euseb. li. 3. ca 15. His age & reign. in sorrow he said: I have quite lost a day. He died the thirteenth of September, the year from Christ's Nativity eighty three, when he had reigned two years and two months, and in the two and fortieth year Euagrius l. 3. c. 41. of his age, being poisoned by Domitian his Brother and Successor. FLAVIUS DOMITIAN. CHAPTER FOURTEEN. Domitian Emp. IMP. CAES. DOMIT. AUG. GERM. PM. TR. P. VII 2 SIL. Agricola Lieut. IMP. XIIII. COS. XIII. CENS. PPP. Ann. Do. 83. DOmitian attaining the Empire by the death of Titus, (wrought by himself) as far differed from him in virtuous conditions, as he was linked near him in Sueton. in vit. Domitia. sect. 1. consanguinity of blood: His youth not spent in Arms, with his Father and Brother, but inertiously consumed in lasciviousness and penury. His escaping kill. (2) At Rome he was in the Vitellian troubles, where, with Sabinus his Uncle, he had been murdered, had not the Sexton of the Capitol hide him in his house, and in the habit of a Minister unknown, Tacit. hist. 3. c. 13. He dedicateth a Temple to Jupiter. thence escaped: which place afterwards, when he came to be Emperor, he gorgeously built for a Temple to jupiter his supposed Preserver, and consecrated himself in the lap of that heathenish Idol. He very speedily apprehended the hope of an Empire, for no sooner was his Father made Emperor, but that he assumed the name of Caesar, and in Rome carried himself with such prodigality, and so liberally made promises of the Imperial Offices, that his father hearing thereof, said, he maruclled why his son sent not one to succeed him in his place. But to dissemble and cloak his idle conceits, he gave himself to the study of Poesy, (although with little affection, as the end proved) Pliny in his Proem of natural history. Martial in his Epigram. Ro. Emp. fol. 134. Sueton. in vit. Demit. sect. 4. for which notwithstanding both Pliny and Martial do highly commend him, as it is the manner of men to admire the very shadow of a good quality in Princes and great ones: and so doth Juvenal and Suetonius praise his brave mind, for his shows in the Amphitheatre, wherein not only men, but women also were brought, and forced to fight for their lives with wild beasts: a cruel spectacle nevertheless, and unbeseeming to humanity. (3) His first entrance into state and dignity was neither greatly applauded nor gainsaid, he seeming to carry an equal mixture, and his virtues to hold level with his vice. But Ambition now supported with Sovereignty, did quickly set the scale only for the worse side. The affairs of the Empire he altogether neglected; and impatient of labour, or affection to Arms, daily retired into a private chamber or Gallery, His vain misspending the time. wherein he usually applied himself only to catch Flies, and with the point of a bodkin to prick them thorough: whereupon one being asked what company was with the Emperor, replied, Not so much as a fly. In which princely exercise let us a while leave him, and return to his better employed Lieutenant Agricola. Tacit. in vit. Agric. (4) Who now in the fifth year of his government took the seas, and with many prosperous conflicts subdued some adjacent places and people, before that time unknown, and furnished with forces those parts of Britain, which lay coasted against Ireland: Agricola his opinion of Ireland. to which Country also he had a mind, and would often say, that if the Romans were therein planted, the Liberty of the Britain's would soon be banished quite out of sight, and out of hope. (5) Now in the sixth year of his Prefecture, because a general rising of all the farther Nations beyond Bodotria was feared, and passages were all beset with power of the Enemies, he manned a Fleet to search the creeks and harboroughs of the ample Region He searcheth the creeks and harborought. beyond it, and with his Army marched further North. The Britain's hereat, especially at sight of their ships, much amazed and troubled, knowing now that the secrets of their Seas were all discovered, and no refuge left if they were overcome, armed themselves with great preparation; and the Caledonians (a most puissant and strong Nation in those parts) Calcdonians most puissant. the foremost; who, as challengers, braved the Romans so boldly, and in such manner, that some counseled the General to retire his forces on this side Bodotria, and rather of his own accord to departed, then to be repelled with shame. (6) Agricola, whose courage could not be clouded with any dastardly fear, held on his intents; and hearing by prisoners taken, the manner of his Enemies proceed, ordereth his host accordingly, dividing his army into three battles, and so lay entrenched; the weakest whereof, containing the Ninth Legion, the Britain's by Night assailed, and having slain the Watch, broke into their Camp with a furious noise: to whose rescue, Agricola sent his Light horsemen, and a Band of foot, whose Ensigns and Armour glittering in the appearance of day, so rebated the edge and further purposes of the Britain's, that they gave back to the gates of the Trench, where, in the straits the conflict was sharp and cruel, till in the end they were forced to quit the field. Upon this battle so manfully fought, and so famously won, the Romans presuming that to their prowess all things were now easy and open, cried to lead into Caledonia, and to find out the limits of Britain, with a course of Agricola searcheth out the limits of Britain. continued Conquests: and those which erewhile were so wary and wise, waxed forward and bold after the event, and grew to speak bigly: such being the hard condition of Wars, that if aught fall out well, all challenge a part, misfortunes are only imputed to one. Contrariwise, the Britain's presupposing that not valour, but skill in the General by using the occasion, had carried it away, abated no whit their wont courage, but armed their youth, transported their Children and Wives into places of safety, and sought by Assemblies & Religious rites to establish an Association of the Cities together. And so for that year both parties did departed, incensed to further preparations. (7) In the beginning of the next, Agricola sending his Navy before, which by unexpected spoiling in several places, should induce a greater and more uncertain terror, followed himself with his Army by Land: having drawn to his party some of the valiantest Britaines, whom by long experience in Peace, he had found most faithful for his Wars: and so arrived at the Mount * Grantzbai●e. Grampius, where the Britain's had lodged themselves before, and as men nothing dejected by the unfortunate chance of the former battle, had now prepared themselves attending only for Revenge or Servitude. And being taught, that The Britain's gather a great power. common danger must be repelled with mutual Concord, by Leagues and Embassages they assembled the power of all their Cities together, above thirty thousand armed men, as by view was taken, besides an endless number of youth which daily flocked unto them, and many lusty Old men renowned in the former wars, and bearing the Badges due to their Galgacus their General. honour▪ at what time, Galgacus, for virtue and birth, of all the Leaders the Principal man, seeing the multitude hotly demand the Battle, is said to have used this, or the like speech. His Oration to the Britain's. Tacit. in vit. Agric. The cause of a flourishing estate. The necessity of resolution. (8) When I behold this present Assembly, and consider the cause of this instant necessity, I have reason to presume, that this day, and this our agreement in consent, will give a happy beginning to our freedom, and an end of troubles unto our Island. For, we which inhabit these furthest Promontories, know no Land beyond us whereunto we may fly, nor no Seas left us now for safety, the Roman Navy thus (as you see) surveying our Coasts: So that combat and arms, which men of A dishonour for the chief of a ●ari●n to be dastard●. valour desire for honour, the very dastard of force must now use for his security. We that are the flower of the British Nobility, and are seated here in the uttermost part of the I'll, saw never yet the borders of those Countries which served in slavery, our eyes being unpolluted and free from all contagion Former battles not unfortunate. of Tyranny. Our former Battles fought with the Romans had their events, yet so, that refuge and hope rested still in our hands; we have hitherto lived in liberty, whereas none beside us are free; us hitherto this Corner and secret recess hath defended, now the Uttermost point of our Land is laid open: and things the less they have been within knowledge, the greater the glory is to achieve them. But what Nation is there now beyond us? what else see we but Water and Rocks, and the Romans within, Landlords of all, nay rather Subjection will not avail. Robbers of all, both in Land and Sea? whose intolerable pride by humble subjection in vain shall we seek to avoid. If the Country be rich, they seek to win wealth; if poor, to gain glory: but neither East nor west, can satisfy their greedy affection, much less this cold North can set an The Romans government and peace. end to their desires. To kill, to spoil, and take away by force, that falsely they term Empire and Government: and when all is made a waste wilderness, that they call Peace. Most dear unto man are his Children and blood; but those are pressed for their wars, and serve as their slaves, we know not where; our Goods are their tributes, our Corn their provision; our Wives, Sisters and Daughters, in War violently forced, in Peace under title of friends and guests, shamefully abused, and our own Bodies worn & consumed in paving of Bogs and other servile drudgeries, with thousands of stripes, and many indignities more. Slaves which are borne to bondage are sold but once, and after are fed at their Owners expenses; but Brittany daily buyeth, daily feedeth, and is at charges with her The last to be conquered aught most to resist. own Bondage. We are the last to be conquered, and therefore is our destruction most sought, as being the most vile in account: Not Fields we have to manure, no Mines to be digged, no Ports to trade in, and to what purpose then should they reserve Manhood and fitness of place more sum pected of a jealous Sovereign. us alive? Besides, the Manhood and fierce courage of the subject, pleaseth not much the jealous Sovereign: and this Corner being so secret, and out of the way, the more security it yieldeth us, in them it works the greater suspicion. Then, seeing all hope of favour is past, let us take courage to defend and maintain our own safety as well as our honour. The Icenians led by a Woman, fired the Colony, forced the Castles; and if that lucky beginning had not been ended in a careless security, women's valour aught to shame men's cowardice. the Southern Britain's might with ease have shaken off the yoke. We as yet never touched, never subdued, and borne to be free, not slaves to the Romans; This time the fittest to prove our valour. we (I say) now are to make proof of our valour, and to show in this encounter, what men Caledonia hath reserved for herself. And do you think, that the Romans are as valiant in War as The Romans wanton in peace. they are wanton in Peace? I assure you, nothing less: for not by their Virtues▪ but by our larrings, they are grown into fame: and of the enemy's faults they make use to the glory of their own Army, composed (we know) most of divers Nations; Their Army composed of divers nations. and therefore as in prosperity they hold not alalwaies together, so doubtless, if fortune turn aside, their services will appear: unless you suppose the Gauls and Germans, and (to our shame be it spoken) many of our own Nation, (which now lend their lives to establish a foreign Usurper) be lead with heart's affection; whereas contrariwise it is apparent, that Terror and Distrust, (weak workers to conserve love) are the only cause; which once removed, than those that have made an end to fear, will soon begin to hate. All things that may incite unto victory are for us: the Romans have no Wives to hearten them on, if they faint; no Parents to upbraid them, if they fly; most of them They are destitute of many encouragements. have no Country at all, or if they have, it is by intrusion taken from others: A few fearful persons stand here before us▪ trembling and gazing at the strangeness of the heaven itself, at the Sea, and at the Woods, whom the Gods have delivered, mewed up and fettered into our hands. Let not their brave shows of glistering Gold or Silver, any way dismay you, which of themselves neither offend nor defend. And be you well assured, amongst our enemies we shall find many on our side; The Britain's will agnize their own Cause; The Gauls will remember their wont liberty and former estate; And the rest of the Germans will leave and forsake them, as of late the Vsipians did. What then shall we fear? The Castles are empty; the Colonies peopled with aged and impotent persons; the free City's discontent, and in factions, whilst those Many Cities in factions. which are under, obey with ill will, and they which do govern, rule against right. Here you see before us is the General and the Army, on each side Tributes, Servitudes and other miseries inseparable; which whether we shall continued for ever, or cast off subjection as freeborn Britain's, it lieth this day in this Field and your approved manhoods Wherefore I beseech you in joining Battle, bear in your Minds your worthy Ancestors, yourselves, and following Posterities, which if you fail, shall for ever live in subjection and slavery. (9) This speech was so vehemently delivered, and so cheerfully of them all received, that with songs and confused acclamations (after their accustomed fashion) they clustered together on heaps, and some of the boldest advanced forward, whilst Agricola likewise was encouraging his men, who straightways ran to their weapons, and rushed on furiously toward the Enemy. (10) The Britain's were marshelled in the higher ground, fitly both to the show, and to terrify: the first Battalion standing on the plain, the rest on the ascent of the hill, knit and rising as it were one over another; the middle of the field was filled with clattering and running of Chariots and horsemen. Agricocola The number of Britain's exceed the Romans. seeing their number to exceed his, drew his battle in length, and leaving his horse, advanced himself before the Ensigns on foot. The first encounter. (11) In the first assault before the joining, both sides encountered with discharge of their darts, wherein the Britain's, employing both art and valour, with their great swords and little Targets, avoided the volue of the Romans, showering down withal great store of theirs upon them, wherewith they were both galled and sore wounded. Agricola seeing his men thus stoutly resisted, took another course: for, spying the advantage, he commanded three a Hollanders. Batavian Cohorts, and two of the b Liege in the Low Countries. Tungrians, to press forward, and bring the matter to handy strokes and dint of sword, a thing which (in respect of their long service) they were very expert in, but contrariwise to the Britain's very prejudicial, by reason of their little Bucklers, and huge swords, being blunt pointed, and no ways fit for the close in fight. This command advantaged the Romans much; for these with the pikes of their Bucklers, when they came to deal blows, so mangled the faces of the Britain's, that they were not able to stand before them; and the rest, gathering courage upon emulation of these, ascended the hill, bearing down all that was in their way, so that many half dead, and some wholly untouched, were over-passed, The Britain's Chariots disorder the horsemen. and left for haste of winning the field. In the mean while the Chariots mingled themselves with the battle of footmen, and the troops of horsemen began for to fly: who albeit they had lately terrified others, were now distressed themselves, by the unevenness of the ground, and thick ranks of the enemy, and were forced to fight standing still, and by the main weight of horses to bear down one another. The wandering Wagons also, and masterless horses, as chance or fear did guide them, overbare many times their friends, and thwarted their way that met them. (12) The other Britain's that kept the hill, and had leisure to behold the manner of fight, began to come down by little and little, and sought to compass the back of the enemy; which intent Agricola soon prevented, by sending four wings of Horsemen, The fight fierce on both sides. retained purposely about him for sudden dispatches and chances of war. These so fiercely assailed them, that a most sharp and bloody battle ensued, wherein the Britaines on each side were beaten down and slain, notwithstanding many of them showed both valour and revenge even to the end: the rest disbanded, turned their backs, and fled towards the desert; The Britain's discomfited. whose pursuit was followed until Night, and fullness of blood made an end of the chase. (13) Of the Romans side were slain (if we must The Romans loss. credit their own friends) only three hundred and forty persons, and of them, one of extraordinary note and account, Aulus a A●ticus perchance. Articus, Captain of a Cohort, who upon a youthful heat, and fierceness of his The Britain's that died. horse, was carried amidst his enemies. Of the Britain's fell ten thousand, and their designs so defeated and broken, that as desperate men, they forsake their houses, and in despite set fire on them themselves: the hurt persons they carry and draw with them, and call them that are unhurt, hoping to be relieved by them. One while they choose out holes to lurk in, for their lives safety; eftsoons in great haste forsake them, as doubting therein their own security. Dispersed asunder, they lament, and attend death: assembled together, expostulate of their means and life: one while conceiving a glimmering of some small hope, another while dejected with utter despair: Sometimes at the sight of their dearest beloved, moved to pity; but much oftener stirred to rage, for revenge; and many of them, even by way of compassion, slew their dearest Wives and Children, to rid them from their future miseries. (14) Agricola having made every where a desolation and silence, withdrew his Army towards the * Anguse in Scotland. Agricola sendeth to discover the North coasts. Horrestians, where taking hostages for their fidelity, sent the Admiral of his Navy to sail about the North Coasts of Britain, who with strength and store took the Seas, their terror go already before, himself with easy and gentle journeys disposed his foot and horsemen in their wintering places, and planted Garrisons upon the Borders between Glota and Bodotria. And his Navy with prosperous wind and success arrived at the Port * Richbor●w. Trutulensis. Histor. magn. Brit. lib. 2. cap. 17. (15) Thus, after many conflicts, about the space of one hundred thirty six years from julius Caesar's first entrance, the utmost limits of Britanny, and the Isles of the Orcadeses lying on the North side of it, were Britanny wholly discovered by Agricola. by the valour and industry of julius Agricola first discovered, and made known unto the Romans: and the South part of the I'll, in the fourth year of the reign of Domitian, (being the year of our Saviour eighty Ann. Dom. 86. six) reduced into a full Province, the government Dio lib. 55. whereof was ever annexed and appropriate to the Roman Emperors themselves, and not at the disposition of the Senate, as other Provinces were. Agricola writeth to Domitian. (16) This state of affairs in Britanny, Agricola signified by letter, without any amplifying terms to Domitian the Emperor, who (after his manner) with a cheerful countenance and grieved heart, received the News, being inwardly pricked with fear and disdain, that his late counterfeit Triumph of Germany (wherein certain slaves bought for money, were attired, and their hair dressed as Captives of that Country) was had in derision, and justly scorned abroad; whereas now a true and imperial victory of so many thousand enemies subdued and slain, was currant and famous in every man's mouth: as being indeed a thing dangerous, that a private man's name should be exalted above his Prince. In vain then had he suppressed the study of Oratory, and other worthy politic Arts, thereby to keep down other men's reputation, if he should in Military glory be disseised by another. And to be a good Commander of an Army, was to be above private estate, that being a Virtue peculiar for a Prince, and therefore not lightly to be passed over. With these and the like incentives his mind was tormented; yet thought he it best to dissemble his malice, until the heat of his glory, and love of his soldiers were somewhat abated. And forthwith he commanded for Agricola, Triumphal Agricola recelueth Triumphal ornaments. ornaments, statue, honours, and what else usually conferred in am of Triumph; he yet remaining in charge, from whence, with the like policy also, he was shortly displaced. For Syria, by the death of Atilius Rufus, lay destitute of a Lieutenant; and that place reserved for Men of great quality, Domitian gave forth was purposed for Agricola, and sent him both his Patent and Successor into Britain; who thereupon delivered up the Province in a peaceable estate unto Salustius Lucullus, and returned to Rome. (17) Where the life of Domitian was now grown unmeasurable vain. The surname Germanicus he assumed to himself, for some small service therein Su●tonius in vita Domitiani. Domitian his vices. done. The Months September and October he changed into the names of Germanicus and Domitianus, because that in the one he entered his Empire, and in the other was borne. He caused his Statue to be made in gold, and commanded, himself to be called GOD. His cruelty every way matchable to his pride. The Senators and Nobles upon small surmises he murdered: many new tortures he invented: Confiscations and Banishments, were favours, not punishments. Among all which, the Christians bore a part, whose Second Persecution this Tyrant raised and began. The He banished S. John. Euseb. Eccl. hist. lib. 3. cap. 15. Apocal. 1. 9 Daniel 10. great Evangelist john he banished into the I'll of Patmos, where he received his Revelations from jesus Christ, appearing unto him in no less Majesty than Daniel before time had seen him in his Visions, and both (after a sort) in one and the same manner: their Visions alike, and almost to the like end: For as Daniel saw a Lion, Bear, Leopard, and Monster with Ten horns, persecute the jews God's people, and to fall before the Stone cut without hands; which broke into powder the Image of their Tyrannical Government, to give place to the peaceable Birth and Kingdom of Christ; so john saw one Beast compacted of these four, mouthed Apocal. 13. 2. like a Lion, footed like a Bear, spotted as the Leopard, and horned for number and power with the Monster, retaining their Tyranny in raising Persecutions in the Church of Christ, and clouding with Idolatry the brightness of his Word: which shall be cast into 2. Thess. 2. 8. the Lake of fire and brimstone, when Christ shall bind up Satan, and by his appearance abolish the Man of Sinne. (18) Among many others slain by Domitian, Salustius Salustius Lucullus put to death. Sueton. in vit. Domitia. sect. 10. His offence. Lucullus whom he had made Lieutenant General of Brittany was one, and the only cause is reported to be, that he had devised and made certain Spears or Lances for service, which he caused to be called Lucullians after his own name; which was a matter held very suspicious by Domitian, who thought every memorable act done by another, did pluck a feather from his plume. And in these courses continued so long, that lastly he grew odious to all, even to his nearest friends and followers which himself had raised, who, together with his Wife, conspired his death. (19) The chiefest in the Action was Stephen, a Procurator and Steward to Domicilla his Empress, who feigning himself lame of the left arm, in delivering The actors of his death, and their treachery him a scroll containing the names of the conspirators, struck him into the belly with his sword, & the rest coming in, with seven wounds made an end of his life; whose death was so acceptable to the Senate, that they disgracefully abused his carcase, cast The Senate glad. down his scutcheons and Images, and forbade all manner remembrance of him; albeit some of the Soldiers The Soldiers enraged. as much stormed, seeking to revenge his death, and canonised him for a God. His parsonage. (20) Of stature he was tall, his complexion fair, his countenance modest, his head very bald, his eyes read, full, great and dim, of a comely form, only his belly bearing out, his legs small, and his foot His death, age & reign. Euseb. Eccles. li. 3. cap. 18. somewhat short. He died the eighteenth day of September, aged forty five, when he had reigned fifteen years, the year of our Lord's incarnation ninety eight, with whom both Tacitus and Suetonius end their History. ARIVOG. 1 SIL. ONO NUS The Resisters of the Romans proceed in this our Island of Britain, in the days of this Emperor Domitian, for these Southern parts, was arviragus, as from Juvenal we have said; and in the Northern Caledonia, was Galgacus their Captain; whose Coins, as Remains and Monuments of their never-dying fame, we have here again inserted. 2 SIL. CALEDV NERVA. CHAPTER XU. Nerua Emp. IMP. NERVA. CAES. AUG. P. M. T. TR. P. COS. II PP. 5 COP. VEHICULATIONE ITALAE REMISSA. S. C. Ann. Do. 98. HItherto have we pursued the successions in the British monarchy, together with the Invasions, attempts, and success of affairs, for the Conquest of this Island, under the first twelve Emperors of Rome: And that from such writers, who though they were the most favourable Registers of things done by the Romans, yet had they best means to know, and publish their Histories with warrantise of truth. But Domitian being dead, soon after many Records were lost. after the death of Domitian died many Records, and the Provinces proceed (especially those that most concern Britain) left uncertain; and therefore are neither with the like largeness prosecuted, nor with the like authority avouched. And were it not that these Roman Emperors succeeding, did only continued the succession of our British Monarches, many of them might be quite omitted, as neither themselves, nor deputies, allies, or enemies once spoken of concerning our affairs, and the Government of this Province, during those times so maimed and defective (in respect of any warrantable relations) that hardly a method can be observed to the fitting of a continual Hist. magn. Bri●. lib. 3. cap. 1. History. Yet as we find it, let us have liberty to deliver it, and rather to expose Truth in the mean attire that Time hath left her, then by disguising her Plutarch in the life of Pericles. in richer robes to abuse the World, and make her seem naught else but a counterfeit, as Plutarch in the life of Pericles hathcomplained. Cocceius Nerua aged & prudent. (2) Domitian therefore thus made away, Cocceius Nerua, a prudent, honourable, and aged person was elected Emperor by the Senate, assisted by Petronius Secundus, Captain of the Praetorian Army, and Parthenius chief Chamberlain, and one of the Murderers of Domitian. His birth was noble, and of Italy in the City Narnia, and of the Province Vmbria: ruling so well as he may be esteemed too good a Prince, long to continued in so bad an age. Gaulfr. Monmonthensis. (3) What Lieutenants under him were in Britain or under his Successor Traian, I found not in Record: but our English Writers from the Archdeacon of Monmouth, bring a succession of British Kings, and amongst Flores Historiar. Wil of Malm. ascribeth this memorial to be erected for Marius a Consul of Rome. Polychr. lib. 4. c. 12 them Marius, who conquered Rodorick, King of the Picts accompanied with the Scots, whose Trophy erected near unto Carleill, remained a long time after, bearing the inscription of his victory: and after him his son Coilus brought up in Rome all the time of his youth, retained their favours, and paid them arviragus the father of Marius. Chap. 6. sect. 12. tribute without constraint. Albeit by Juvenal, it seemeth that arviragus the father of Marius, a great resister of the Romans, lived in the reign of Domitian, as hath been touched, unless you will say, that Meurigus and arviragus was the same Marius, as a worthy Antiquary affirmeth. But through these uncertainties and disagreements occasioned by the silence of better Authors, our Histories rest doubtful, Humphrey L●oyd in the Breviary of Brit. and so must we leave them, returning to finish up briefly the Reign and Life of this good Emperor Nerua. Also in an old Manuscript is called Westmer. cap. 43. Cocceius Nerua recalled from banishment the Christians. Dion Cass lib. 68 john the Evangelist returned from Pathmos. Euseb. lib. 3. ca 18. Eutropius. (4) Who having reform many enormities, and remitted many grievous Tributes and exactions, as that of Carriages mentioned on the reverse of the prefixed Coin, minted by authority of the Senate, in eternal memory of his goodness; recalled from banishment the Christians severally dispersed, and suffered them to enjoy the freedom of their profession. At which time john the Evangelist returned from Pathmos, (wherein he had been confined) unto Ephesus, a City in Asia the less. And Nerua reigning only one year, four months and nine days died (of a passionate Dion Cassiu●'s. anger conceived against a Senator) in the year of Christ his incarnation ninety nine, the twenty seventh day of january, & seventy sixth of his own age. TRAIAN. CHAPTER XVI. Traian Emp. IMP. CAES. NER. TRAIAN. OPTIM. AUG. P. M. COS. VI 5 COP SPQR. OPTIM O. PRIN CIPI. S. C Unto Nerua succeeded Vulpius Traian in the Roman Empire; borne near unto Ann. Do. 99 seville in the Territories of Spain: of a noble family, but was much more ennobled in himself for his princely endowments, Seutus Aurelius. which moved Nerua in his life time to adopt him into so high a calling, and the whole Senate after his death joyfully to confirm his Election, and so often to honour him with the title of the Most Excellent Prince, in Traian raised the Romans to the highest glory. public dedications, as on the Coin above. (2) He raised the Roman Empire unto the very highest pitch of glory, and spread the power of their Command into the largest circuit that ever before or Dio. Cass. lib. 68 since hath been possessed. For the Kingdom of Dacia he subdued; Armenia, Parthia, and Mesopotamia made subject; Assyria, Persia, and Babylon conquered; passed Tigris, and stretched the confines of the Roman Indians never heard of the Romans till Traian's time. Empire unto the remotest dominions of the Indies, which never before that time had heard of the Roman Name. And indeed, if we look upon his politic managing of the government, he may seem (in comparison Traian's affability and moderation towards his subjects. Eutropiu●. of others) a right worthy, memorable and lovely Prince, of much affability, and familiarity even with his inferiors, and of such carriage towards his Subjects, as he himself would wish his Prince (he said) to use towards him, if he were a Subject. A great observer also of justice, insomuch that when he invested any Praetor, in giving him the Sword, he commanded him to use the same even against his own person, if he violated Law or Equity. But yet against the good Christians he used neither of both: nay he stirred up their Third Persecution, wherein Ignatius and many The third persecution of the Christians. Euseb. Eccl. hist. lib. 3. cap. 30. other worthy Saints of God, received the Crown of Martyrdom, in such cruel manner, as that his other virtues are much clouded by that taxation: for mollification whereof, he was compassionately entreated by Plinius Secundus his Tutor; whose Epistles to that purpose are yet extant. Jews made war against the Gentiles. (3) The jews in his time rose up in arms against the Gentiles, and in Cyrene, Egypt, and Cyprus, slew a great number: against whom Traian sent his Captains with forces sufficient, and in divers parts of the Empire put the jews to death, in such infinite numbers, as that Massacre is accounted the greatest Execution Traian his slaughter upon the jews the greatest that ever was. that ever had been in the world, God suffering this their punishment to light upon them for their infidelity and obstinacy against his Christ. Dion Cassius. Polychr. lib. 4. cap. 13. (4) Finally, after his Conquests in the East, returning towards Rome, at Seleucia in Asia the less himself was conquered by the stroke of death, by a flux the seventh day of August, after he had reigned nineteen years, six months, and fifteen days, the year of our Redemption one hundred and eighteen, and of his age sixty four: whose ashes brought to Rome, were enclosed within the Crown of a goodly Pillar, wrought of one entire stone, containing one hundred forty foot in height. Traian's portraiture. (5) Of stature he was big, of complexion swarthy, thin of hair both head and beard, a hooked nose, broad shoulders, long hands, and a pleasant eye; whose lively Image was borne in Triumph after his death, and that in most glorious and pompous manner, in celebration of his great renown and fame attained in his life. (6) How silent soever writers have been for this emperors affairs in this our Island, yet it is to be thought that unto this, as well as unto other Provinces, both Propretors, Lieutenants, Precedents, Praetors, and Proconsul's were sent, and every City to have their municipal Rowardus in Protribunal. Magistrates. The Praetor that yearly proclaimed solemn Sessions, wherein himself sat aloft upon a high tribunal seat, and guarded with his lictors about him in great estate, did execute his authority throughout his own jurisdiction, and determined all causes brought before him, where rods and axes were prepared for the common people, that were enforced to receive a new Ruler every year. And surely as this yoke of bondage was grievously borne of every Province, upon whose neck, it was imposed & laid: So the Britain's underwent the weight of that subjection with such unwillingness, that in the time of this Traian, they revolted and rebelled, though presently suppressed, as it is evident out of Spartianus. (7) The care that this good Emperor had for the weal of his Subjects is projected by his providence in making ways passageable from place to place, whereof remain many testimonies by those his Causeys drawn with wonderful diligence, even thorough the whole Island, which now, though dismembered and cut in pieces by the Country people, wherethorow they passed, yet do many remnants thereof remain, especially in pastures, or by-grounds out of the road way, with banks so high, that evidently they show themselves. Of these Causeys Galen writeth as followeth: The ways (saith he) Traian repaired, by Galen lib. 9 cap. 8. Metho. paving with stone, or raising with banks cast up such pieces of them as were moist and miry: by stocking up and ridding such as were rough and overgrown with bushes and briars: by making bridges over Rivers that could not be waded thorough: where the way seemed longer than needed, by cutting out another shorter: if anywhere by reason of some steep hill, the passage were hard and uneasy, by turning it aside thorough easier places: now in case it was haunted with wild beasts, or lie waste and desert, by drawing it thence thorough places inhabited, and withal laying level all uneven and rugged grounds. Along these Causeys the Emperor caused to be set little pillars or Columns, with numeral Characters cut in them, to signify how many miles was from place to place. Of these Sidonius Apollinaris writeth thus: Antiquus tibi nec teratur agger; Cuius per spatium satis vetustis Nomen Caesareum viret columnis. Break not the ancient Causeys strong, Whereon the Columns stand along, Nor names of Caesar's do not wrong. HADRIAN. CHAPTER XVII. Hadrian Emp. PONT. MAX. TR. POT. COS. III SC BRITANNIA 3 COP. HADRIANUS. AUG. COS. III P. P. 5 COP. SC Cneus Trebel. Lieut. EXER. BRITANN An. Do. 119. AFter the decease of trajan, his Nephew Aelius Hadrianus, by the consent of the Army, who swore Polych. lib. 4. c. 14. to him obedience, was proclaimed Emperor, the Senate likewise confirming their choice, as being a man endued with gifts both of Art and Nature, answerable to the fortunes of his Estate. His birth was of Spain, in the City Italica, near unto Cicill, where Traian was born, his Father Noble, and his Mother in Cales descended of an honourable stock. (2) A great Mathematician he was, skilful in Arithmetic, Geometry, Astronomy, and judicious Astrology; learned in the Greek, and Latin Tongues; in which languages he wrote both Poesy and Prose: well seen in Physic, and knew the Virtues of Herbs, Roots, and Stones: A singular physician both for Theory and Practice; and could both limb & carve Spartianus. Hadrianus of an admirable memory. with approbation of the skilful: but above all, is the admirable report of his Memory, who never forgot any thing that he either read or heard. Hadrianus policy. (3) His first business for the Empire, was rather a care to hold securely what was gotten, then by enlarging the bounds to endanger the Best: and therefore lessening the Compass, and bettering the strength, he planted his forces along the River Euphrates, and assigned that for the Eastern limits, leaving out India, Armenia, Media, Assyria, Persia, and Mesopotamia, as Countries too remote for the Romans to hold to their profit. By which his doings other Provinces took occasion to revolt, thirsting after Liberty, Britain's attempt alteration. and among others the Britaines (as ever most impatient of Servitude) attempted alterations, whose Lieutenant Cneus Tribellius (Successor to julius Agricola) Hollingshed lib. 4. cap. 20. Cneus Trebellius Lieutenant of the Britain's. could not so govern his Soldiers which were grown out of discipline, and by long rest far out of Order, but that they fell at variance among themselves, and disquieted the most peaceable of the Britaines by their licentious manners. (4) The Northern Inhabitants, that were more at liberty, and emboldened by their Bogs and Rocks unaccessable, set themselves to withstand their wrongs, to whom also many others joined their affections and forces, whereupon some bickering ensued with Julius Severus sent to suppress the Commotions of the Britain's. loss and blood; to repress which julius Severus was sent by Hadrian: but ere he could settle the Commotion, was again recalled and employed in Syria, to suppress the jewish rebellion. Hadrian himself came into Britain to suppress rebellion. (5) These stirs here still continuing, the Emperor took it to be of such importance, that he resolved in Person to address for Britann●e, which he performed in his third Consulship, the year of Christ One hundred twenty four, attended on by three Legions: of which, his Army for this exploit was then composed, as appeareth by his money in the entrance of his life, fixed in memory of this undertaking: With these he encountered the Northern Riders, recovered such holds as they had taken, and forced them into the Woods and Mountains, whither the Roman Horsemen without danger could not pursue them. But perceiving the Air too sharp for the Romans constitution, and the Soil rough and of less profit than the rest, he made a Adrian's brickwall. Acli. Lamprid us. Fortification or strong Wall of Earth, which (as Lampridius saith) did continued on the West from Ituna, (that is, the River Eden in Cumberland near Carlisle) unto the River Tina, or Tine at Newcastle in Northumberland in the East, and was no less than Eighty miles in length. This Wall (saith he) was made of stakes driven deep into the ground, and bound together in the manner of an hedge, and with Turf and Earth intermured as a Rampire or Bulwark to defend the Incursions of the wilder Britain's and ill Neighbours that daily molested the peace of the Romans. Hadrian his work finished, and the Province reduced to the obedience of the fatal Governess Rome, at whose feet he had laid again the name of Britain, as appeareth in the first Reverse of his Coin, placed in the fronture of this Chapter) triumphantly returned to Rome, and for his honourable adventure and Expedition had his name inscribed upon his Coin with Adrian's Coins. this addition: THE RESTORER OF BRITANNY. (6) Neither after this seemed the Southern Britain's greatly to contend, but patiently bore the yoke of subjection, which Time and Custom had made less painful, the rather, for that they saw themselves to stand in need of the Romans help against the inroads of their own Countrymen, whose cruelty was now as much feared, as in former times the Invasion of Strangers: whereupon they conformed themselves more willingly to the Roman Laws, both in martial Licinius Priscus Lieutenant of Britain. Hist. magn. Brit. lib. 3. cap. 1. and Civil affairs: which were then principally directed by Licinius Priscus, who had been not long before employed by Hadrian in the service of jewrie, and was at this present Lieutenant of Britanny. Dion Cass. (7) This jewish war happened in the eighteenth year of the Reign of Hadrian, who suddenly assailed and slew where they came, both Romans' & Christians: for revenge whereof, besides an infinite number of them slain and tortured, their City jerusalem Jerusalem razed to the ground. was also razed even to the ground, and another built, but not altogether in the same place, and the name thereof changed to AELIA: the jews utterly banished thence, and (as Aristion Pellaeus writeth) not Euseb. lib. 4. cap. 6. Jews not permitted to look to Jerusalem. lawful for them to look towards that City nor Soil, not not through the Chink or Crevice of a door: And upon the Gate that leadeth towards bethlehem, he caused a Swine to be engraven, a Beast by the Law accounted A swine set on the Gate of jerusalem. most unclean, and by them abominable. Adrian favourable to the chrstians. (8) But as this Emperor was exasperated against the jews, so was he gracious and favourable to the Christians, and the rather at the request of Quatratus, a Disciple (as is supposed) of the Apostles, who wrote unto him concerning them; and of Aristides a learned Philosopher of Athens, who made an Apology for their defence; so that the Persecution then in practice was forbidden by Hadrian in a public Edict; who Lampridius in vit. Seucri. (as Lampridius writeth) was minded to have built a Temple to the service of Christ, had not some dissuaded him therefrom. In extremity of sickness he designed Caesar, Lucius Aelius, whose Coin we have hereunder expressed. A man dear to this Emperor, if we consider at how great a rate he bought for him the acceptation of the Commons and Military men: And how short a time the blaze of that Honour continued: for he died so soon, that Hadrian himself had wont to say, Ostendent terris hunc tantum fata, nec ultra Esse sinent.— (9) When he had reigned in great honour and love the space of one and twenty years, five months, Spartian●ss. Dion Cass●u●. Polychr. and fifteen days, he died, the eighth or tenth of julie, of a dropsy: which malady so tormented him, that willingly he refused all sustenance, and languished away through faintness. He was of parsonage tall, and very strong, of a good complexion and amiable countenance, wearing the hair of his head and beard long, and died aged sixty two, the year of our Lord God, One hundred thirty nine. L. AELIUS. CAESAR. 2 SIL. TRPOT. COS. II CONCORD. Under this Emperor M. F. CL. PRISCUS LICINIUS, was the Propraetor of Britanny, and employed in the journey of jury with Hadrian; as appeareth by this antic Inscription in a broken Marble. M. F. CL. PRISCO. ICINIO. ITALICO. LEGATO. AUGUSTORUM PR.. PR.. PROV. CAPPADOCIAE PR.. PR.. PROV. BRITANNIAE LEG. AUG. LEG. four GALLICIAE. PRAEF. COH. four LINGONUM. VEXILLO. MIL. ORNATO. A. DIVO. HADRIANO. IN EXPEDITIONE JUDAIC. Q. CASSIUS. DOMITIUS. PALUMBUS. ANTONINUS PIUS. CHAPTER XVIII. Antonin. Pius Emp. BRITANNIA. SC 2 SIL. ANTONINUS. AUG. PI US. P. P. TR. P. XVIII. 4 COP. Lollius Vrbicus Lieut. BRITANNIA. COS FOUR S. C. An. Do. 139. NExt unto whom succeeded Antoninus, (for his many virtues) surnamed the Pious: and by the Senate, Father of his Country. This man did not only equal his Adopter and Predecessors, in wisdom and other princely qualities, but was also compared, for his peace and policy, unto Numa Pompilius the second King of Rome, who for his renowned government, is so famously in their Histories recorded. His birth was in Lombardy, the son of Aurelius Fuluius, and Nephew to Titus Aurelius Fuluius, that had been Consul, and held other Offices of dignity and State. The whole time of whose Reign was so spent in peace, that small remembrances remain of any martial affairs: yet such as we find in Britanny we will deliver. (2) At his first entrance into the Empire, about Antoninus' reigned in peace. the year of Christ, One hundred thirty nine (as appeareth by the money minted in memory of the reduction of Britain) the Northern Britain's in that The Northern Britain's rebel in the beginning of Antoninus' reign. part of this I'll began to stir, and made inroads into the Province, notwithstanding the Rampire or Wall that Adrian had made. Against whom Lollius Vrbicus Lieutenant here under Antoninus, brought his power, and with some skirmishes put them back: taking from the brigants part of their Land, as a Mulct, for the waste they had done to the Genounians, a Province adjoining unto the brigants, whose people had put themselves under the emperors protection. Which Adrian's Wall fortified. done, he repaired the Wall with stronger Fortifications; or (which is more probable) raised up another not far from the same, to double the defence: for (saith julius Capitolinus. julius Capitolinus) Lollius the Legate to Antoninus overcoming the Britain's, built another turf Wall to divide the Province, and to impeach the incursions of the barbarous. Mamertinus in a panegyric Oration, in praise of Maximian. Notwithstanding the honour of this service (as is testified by the ancient panegyric) was (by one Fronto) attributed wholly to Antoninus the Emperor himself: who, although absent and in his Palace at Rome, yet sitting as it were at the Helm of a Ship, did command and direct the enterprise, and therefore had Cambden Brit. right to the glory thereof. This Wall also (as M. Clarenceaux conjectureth, having seen it so tracted in an ancient chorographical Chart) was drawn from the River Tine unto Carbeill: but Time and War have worn it now away. (3) In the mean while a new insurrection was kindled among the a Yorkshire, Lancashire, Westmoreland, Northumberland. Hist. magn. Brit. lib. 3. cap. 11. Seiu● Saturniu● Admiral of the British Fleet. brigants, that annoyed some of the Roman Confederates. But by the discretion of the General, it was quenched before it came to flame: for upon the first rumour of the Revolt, Lollius marched thither with part of his Army, commanding Seius Saturnius, Admiral of the British Fleet, to waff upon the North of the Island, both to defend the Coast from danger, and also upon occasions to further the land-service, if need were: by which means, the brigants were easily reduced to obedience, even by the presence only of the Lieutenant, who for his good service done in Britain, during the short time of his employment there, obtained the surname Britannicus. This may by the first figure in the face of this Chapter (being in the third Consulship of this Emperor) be conjectured to have happened in the year of Christ one hundred forty one; and by inscription of the last Coin in that rank it is manifest that there was some other expedition against Britain the year following. (4) I cannot omit, though not directly pertinent to our purpose, the care that this good Emperor generally Antoninus' Pi●● a great defender of the Christians. had for the distressed and persecuted Christians (who no doubt by his bounty enjoyed much tranquility here in Britain also) in whose defence he wrote to his Deputies in Asia, and published an Edict Eus●b. Eccles. Hist. lib. 4. cap. 13. against their Accusers, the effect whereof (from Eusebius) is this: The Edict of Antoninus for protection of the Christians. (5) The Emperor Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, Armenicus, Pontifex Maximus, fifteen times Tribune, thrice Consul, unto the Commons of Asia sendeth greeting. I doubt not but the Gods themselves have a care that wicked persons shall be brought to light: for it much more doth appertain unto them, than it doth unto you, to punish such as refuse to yield them worship. But this course which you take doth confirm them whom you persecute, in this their opinion of you, that you are impious men, and mere Atheists; whereby it cometh to pass, that they desire in the quarrel of their God rather to die, then to yield to the wills of such as you are, and to embrace your form of Religion. Let it not seem unseasonable to call to your remembrance the Earthquakes, which lately happened, and which yet are to your great terror and grief; because I understand that in such like accidents you cast the envy of such common misfortunes upon their shoulders, whereby their confidence and trust in their God is much the more increased: whereas you being still ignorant of the true causes of such things, do both neglect the worship of the other Gods, and also banish and persecute the service of the Immortal God, whom the Christians do worship, and you persecute to the death all the embracers of that Profession. In the behalf of these men many of the Provincial Precedents have written before unto our Father of famous memory: to whom he answered, that they should not be molested, unless they were proved to have practised Treason against the Imperial State: and touching the same matter some have given notice unto me; to whom I have answered with like moderation as my Father did before me. And by this our Edict do we ordain, that if any hereafter be julius Capitol. found thus busy in molesting these kind of men without any their offence, we command that he that is accused upon this point, be absolved, albeit Antoninus' person and virtues. he be proved to be such a man as he is charged to be, that is, a Christian: and he that is his Accuser shall suffer the same punishment, which he sought to procure upon the other. This Edict was promulged at Ephesus in the General Council of all Asia: so favourable was this good Emperor to the true Professors, and (indeed) to all sorts of men, having that apothegm of Scipio Africanus rife in his mouth: That he had rather save one subjects life, then kill a thousand Enemies. (6) He was of Stature tall, of a seemly presence, in countenance Majestical, in manners mild, of a singular wit, very learned and eloquent, a great lover of Husbandry, peaceable, merciful and bounteous; in the last of which virtues, he so much exceeded, that thereby he set going wholly his own private estate & domains, whereat when his Empress much repined, he told her, that when he undertook the Title and State of an Emperor, he then did forego the interest and proprieties of a private Person: meaning that a Prince is not much to respect his private wealth, so as the public wealth and welfare of the State may be advanced. In fine, this large Euloge and praise is fastened on him, that neither in his youth he did any thing rashly, nor in his age any thing negligently: In which honourable course, having reigned twenty and two years, (some say twenty three) seven months, and twenty six days, he died of a fever at Lorium the seventh of March, the year of his life seventy five, and of Christ one hundred sixty two. MARCUS AURELIUS. CHAPTER XIX. Marcus Aurelius Emp. IMP. CAES. M. AUREL. ANTONINUS. AUG. 2 GOL. Calphurnius Agric. Lieut. CONCORDIAE. AUGUSTOR. TR. P. XU. COS. III An. Do. 162. FRom the virtuous examples of the good Emperor Pius, proceeded a branch of no less towardliness and fruitfulness, Marcus Aurelius, Antoninus, Verus, Philosophus (for by so many honourable names is he remembered:) and although he sprung not from Pius, as from his native root, yet was he his adopted Son, and graffed into his Stock and alliance by the Marriage of his daughter Faustina: He was the Son of Elius Verus who died Praetor, and julius Capitol. Lucius Verus chosen Caesar. whose Pedigree is brought from Numa Pompilius, the second King of Rome; and his Mother was Domitia Camilla, daughter of Claudius Tullus. (2) This man chose to him for L. VERUS. AUG. ARM. PARTH. MAX. 5 COL. TR. P. VII. IMP. four COS. III his Associate in the Empire, Lucius Verus, the son of Lucius Ceionius Commodus, whom Pius had adopted (but died before him) and therefore this Verus was respectively commended unto Aurelius; betwixt whose natures and conditions was as much odds, as betwixt Day and Night; The one very moderate, loving, and industrious, the other proud, careless and cruel: the first-fruits whereof, the poor Christians felt, whose chiefest pillars, Polycarpus, Bishop of Smyrna, and justinus Martyr, an excellent Philosopher, with infinite more, were put to most cruel deaths; and by him the fourth persecution of God's Saints was begun: whose licentious and bloody life, lasting in Authority the space of nine years, was cut off by an Apoplexy in the presence of Aurelius being then in expidition towards Germany, whose Coin we have here expressed as we find it minted with his face and reverse. (3) Aurelius the Emperor following the wars against those, who there revolted, was enclosed about with his Enemies, called the Quadi, and suffered great mortality both by Pestilence, and much more by want of Water, whereby himself and Host were almost consumed: At which time many Christian Soldiers being in his Camp, and commanded (as jonas was) to call upon their God, they fell prostrate on the ground in prayers, and obtained of him so plenteous a shower of rain, as therewith after five days extremest drought and thirst, the whole Army Aureliu●'s obtaineth ●aine by the Christians prayer. Eutropius. Euseb. lib. 5. cap. 5. Acts and Monuments. was refreshed, and the Quadi contrariwise by Thunder & Lightning were quite dispersed and overthrown. (4) This wonder (saith Eusebius) is reported even by those Historians, who favoured not Christianity: and the prudent Epistle of the Emperor himself, (which he wrote to the Senate for confirmation of this miracle, yet extant) doth warrant the same: whereupon he both mitigated the rage against Christ's Professors, and (by testimony of Apollinaris) named that Capitolinus. P. Or●sius. Tertullian. Legion of the Christians, for an everlasting remembrance, The lightning Legion. (5) In his Reign Calphurnius Agricola was sent Lieutenant into Britanny, where the inhabitants sought some alterations of the State, sore repining at the oppressions of the Romans. But the Surname Agricola reviving the remembrances of their former overthrows, so daunted their Courages, that at the presence of the General, who came amongst them to prevent all occasions, they gave over their intended enterprise: for which, and for many other his policies there used, he worthily deserved great commendations, but (for the most part) the glory of all such services was attributed to the Emperors themselves, and the pains in attempting, and perils in obtaining did commonly breed nothing but disgrace and envy after victory, to those by whom it was achieved. Yet besides the stories, the memory of his being here Lieutenant, is delivered to posterity, by this Inscription, once erected in the Picts Wall, an Altar to the Goddess Suria, and now preserved by Sr. Robert Cotton of Connington, amongst other Monuments of like quality. DEAE SURI A SUB CALP VRNIO AGR ICOLA LEG. AUG. PR.. PR.. A. LICINIUS. CLEMENS. PRAEF. C. oH. 1 HAMMIoR. ✚ So also Lucius Verus, (whom this excellent Emperor had in the year 162. as appeareth by his Coin of Concord, set in the entrance of his life, elected his College in the Empire) to supply the defect of merit in himself, took from the Conquest of Auidius Cassius, and other his Captains in Armenia, Parthia and Media, the Trophies of their victories, with which he filled up his Title, and adorned his Money, expressed in the beginning of this Chapter. (6) About these times, albeit other things went not so happily with Britain as might have been wished, yet one felicity than befell her, which did both countervail her own calamities, and overpoize the good fortunes of all other Nations: and that was the blessed rest of the Gospel of peace in this warring and unpeaceable Kingdom, a great part Nennius. Lucius and Lever-maur do both signify Great Brightness. Tacitus in vita Agricolae. thereof being governed at that time by King Lucius, surnamed Lever-maur. For that was the policy and ancient custom of the Romans (as Tacitus saith) to use even Kings themselves for their instruments, to bring the people into bondage. And Antoninus Pius ending war, permitted Kingdoms to be governed by their own Kings, and Provinces by their own Capitolinus. Comites (as saith Capitolinus.) This King disliking the Paganism and Idolatry of his people, (though, as we have showed, among many of them the truth of Christ's Doctrine was both taught and embraced, even from the first planting thereof) and being incited Monument. Haeresis Martyrolog. Sanctorum. both by the exemplary life and piety of the Christians, and also by the manifest miracles wrought amongst them, and encouraged moreover by the favourable Edicts of the Emperors in their behalf, and by the good affections and forwardness of their Deputies here, Trebellius and Pertinax; he gave leave to their ●ucius the first Christian King. Religion by public warrant, and was the first Christian King in the world, and Britain the first Province that embraced the Gospel by public authority, as Sabellicus saith. Aenncad. 7. lib. 5. (7) This Lucius (as before we have touched) to be better furnished with Christian Laws for himself and Subjects, missa legatione ab Imperatore Romanorum, Nennius. & à Papa Romano Eleutherio, (as Nennius saith) for in this purerage the Church was so humble, to vail (as far as might be) her actions in the Imperial licence, sent two learned Clerks, whose names were Eluanus Liber Landa●ensis Eccles. Florentius Vigorn. Beda lib. 1. cap. 4. Flores ● floriarum. and Medwinus, skilful in the Scriptures, to Eleutherius Bishop of Rome: whose Reply to his most godly Demand (because the favourers of the Papal Authority either do doubt it, or altogether deny it) I have This Record is now in the hands of the right worthy Antiquary, Sir R●bert Cotton Knight. thought good here verbatìm to insert, as I myself have found it, in a most ancient Manuscript, amongst the authentic Records and Constitutions of the City of LONDON. The original Epistle of Eleutherius Bishop of ROME unto Lucius the first Christian King of BRITAIN. 3 GOL. (8) SCripsit Dominus Eleutherius Papa Lucio Regi Britanniae ad correctionem Regis & Proccrum Regni Britanniae. Petistis à nobis Leges Romanas, & Caesaris vobis transmitti, quibus in Regno Britanniae uti voluistis. Leges Romanas & Caesaris semper reprobare possumus, Legem Dei nequaquam. Suscepistis enimnuper (miseratione divina) in Regno Britanniae, Legem & Fidem Christi. Habetis penes vos in Regno utramque Paginam: ex illis (Dei gratia) per Consilium Regni vestri sume Lege Dei patientia. Legem, & per illam, * de patientia vestrum rege Britanniae Regnum. Vicarius verò Dei estis in Regno, juxta Prophetam Regem; Domini est terra, & plenitudo eius; orbis terrarum, & universi qui habitant in eo. Et rursum, juxta Prophetam Regem: Dilexistiiustitiam, & * Odisti iniquitatem, propterea unxi●●e Deus Deus tuus oleo laetitiae prae consortibu● caeteris. o. in. ●p̄. u. te Deus Deus tuus o. l. p. con. cae. Et rursum, juxta Prophetam Regem: Deus judicium tuum, etc. Non enim dixit judicium, neque justitiam Caesaris. Filij enim Regis, gentes Christianae & populi Regni sunt, qui sub vestra protectione & pace in Regno degunt & consistunt, juxta evangelium: Quemadmodum gallina congregat pullos sub alis. Gentes verò Regni Britanniae & populivestri sunt; quos divisos, debetis in unum, ad concordiam, & pacem, & ad fidem, & legem Christi, ad sanctam Ecclesiam congregare, revocare, fovere, manutenere, protegere, regere, & ab iniuriosis & malitiosis, & ab inimicis semper defendere. Vae Regno cuius Rex puer est, & cuius Principes manè comedunt: Fort● propter paruam nimiam aetatem. non voco Regem propter paruam & nimiam aetatem, sed propter stultitiam, & iniquitatem, & insanitatem: juxta Prophetam Regem: Viri sanguinum & dolosi non dimidiabunt dies suos, etc. Per comestionem, intelligimus gulam: per gulam, luxuriam: per luxuriam, omnia turpia & perversa, & mala: juxta Salomonem Regem: In malevolam animam non introibit sapientia, nec habitabit in corpore subdito peccatis. Rex dicitur à regendo, non à regno: Rex eris dum bene regis: quod nisi feceris, nomen Regis non in te constabit, & nomen Regis perdes, quod absit. Det vobis Omnipotens Deus, Regnum Britanniae sic regere, ut possitis cum eo regnare in aeternum, cuius Vicarius est is in Regno praedicto. Cui cum Patre, etc. The same in English: POpe Eleutherius thus wrote to Lucius King of Britanny, for the reformation of the King and the Nobility of the Kingdom of Britain: You desired us to sand unto you the Roman and Imperial Laws, which you would use in your Kingdom of Britanny. The Roman Laws and the Emperors we may at all times mislike, but the Law of God by no means. By the Divine Clemency you have of late received in your Kingdom of Britanny the Law and Faith of Christ: You have with you in your Kingdom both the Old and New Testament: out of them (in God's name) by the Counsel of your State, take you a Law, and therewith by God's permission, govern your kingdom of Britanny: For you are God's Vicar in your Kingdom, as the kingly Prophet saith, The earth is the Psal. 89. 11. Lords and the plenty thereof, the whole world and they that devil therein. And again in the same Prophetical King; Thou hast loved righteousness and Psal. 45. 7. hated iniquity, wherefore, God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And again: Lord give thy judgements unto Psal. 72. 1. the king, and thy justice unto the King's son. He saith not, The judgement or justice of the Emperor. And the King's sons are the Christian Nations, and People of the kingdom, such as live and abide together in your Kingdom, under your Protection and peace; according to that in the Gospel: As the Hen gathereth her Chickens Matth. 23. 37. under her wings. The Nations of the Kingdom of Britanny are your People, who being now severed, you aught to gather them unto Unity, Concord and Peace, and reclaim them to the Faith and Law of Christ, and to the holy Church, to foster them, cherish them, protect, and rule them, and always to defend them from all injurious, malicious, and hostile attempts. For, Woe be to the kingdom, whose King is a child, and whose Princes rise early to banqueting: Neither do I call a King a child, for the tenderness of his Age, but for the folly and wickedness and madness of his disposition: As that royal Prophet Psal. 55. 23. saith: Wicked and bloodthirsty attain not to half their Age. And by banqueting I mean gluttony; by gluttony, luxury; by luxury all filthiness, perversity, and lewdness: according to that of King Solomon: Wisdom shall not enter into the wicked soul, nor shall it devil in a Body enthralled to Sinne. A King hath his name from Ruling, and not from his Kingdom: and so long shall you be indeed a King, while you rule well; which if you do not, the name of a King will not continued with you, but you shall loose that royal title; which God forbidden. Almighty God grant you so to rule your Kingdom of Britanny, that with him, whose Vicar you are in your said Kingdom, you may reign eternally. To whom with the Father, etc. (9) The date of this Epistle (as by some other Cambden. Copies it appeareth) being the year of the second Consulship of Commodus and Vespronius, may give great light and satisfaction to such as are curious to know the truth, and to reconcile the differences of our Historians, touching the time: That Consulship being about the year of Christ one hundred and eighty: which was at the beginning (if not a little before) of Commodus his reign; and therefore whereas some refer it to the one hundred sixty ninth year after Christ's Passion, it is apparent to be the only error of transcribers, who so writ in stead of one hundred seventy nine after his birth; which was, anno current, the very time of Commodus being Consul the second time: Sabellicus. jewel. F ox. and on this year agreed, both foreign and domestic writers of this matter. And albeit the very texture of this Epistle, carrieth with it the true Character of Antiquity, Parsons 3. Conversions. Part. 1. c. 4. yet because our worthy writers, mentioning this Epistle, are charged of flat forgery (by such who challenge to be Masters in all ancient knowledge) we will add somewhat, to wash off those false aspersions, both from the Record, and from the mentioners thereof. Jbidem. Their first exception is, that the Latin Copy would doubtless have been produced by them, if it had not been sergeant. Whereto what need we answer, sith now we have produced it, and can produce as many, as there are Copies of King William the Conqueror's Laws, wherein it is expressly repeated? The next is, that the English translations of it differ each from other. A reason more childish than the former, sith every man hath a several conceit of that he translateth, and sometimes the very Originals, (by transcribers ignorance or omission) cause variety of translation, as may appear in the variae lectiones of this Copy prefixed. The last, but most saucy and ignorant exception is, that the places of Scriptures mentioned in the letter, are so Parson's ibid. sottishly and senselessly applied, as is unworthy to be fathered on the learned Eleutherius. Let us therefore in a word, bring the divinity of this Grand-censurer to the touchstone: For Eleutherius proveth, first, that Kings are Gods Vicars in their kingdom, because the whole Earth is properly Gods, and therefore Kings have it not as their own, but as his Lieutenants: Next, that as David typically, and Christ impliedly, was by God anointed King, for the execution of Righteousness and justice, so every godly King aught to make that the only end of his high honour, that being by God advanced, he might likewise advance Righteousness, justice, and the service of God, whose vassal he is: and that therefore Gods judgements and Laws, are to be preferred by them, before all human Laws: with which they should rule and cherish their godly subjects as their children: and protect them and gather them under one faith as Christ (their master) doth, who therefore compareth himself, to a Hen gathering her Chickens under her wings. The defects of which Princely duties, Eleutherius most lively expresseth afterward, in so proper applications, as if the learnedst fathers on these places be duly examined, they will be found no whit to exceed the apprehensions of this Godly Bishop. But if Robert Cowback, would have cast his eye on the modern Popes, and their Cardinal's applications of Scriptures, what would he then say? God made a greater light and a less: therefore the Pope is as much greater than the Emperor, as the Sun is bigger than the Moon. Christ said to Peter, Kill and eat: therefore the Pope may excommunicate and depose Kings (yea and kill them too for a need.) Peter said, Behold two swords; therefore the Pope hath both Temporal and Spiritual jurisdiction over the world. So God said to jeremy, he should plant and transplant: therefore the Pope may dispose and transpose all Kingdoms at his pleasure. Christ to Peter, Cephas is a stone but all serves their turn. thou art Cephas, and Cephas is a head; therefore the Pope is head of the Church. Domini sunt Cardines Terrae. The earth is the Lords: therefore the Cardinals are the Lords of the Earth. On such pillars and applications of Scriptures, is the whole Papal greatness founded, and yet these late Scribes can scoffingly cavil at the godly applications of ancient Eleutherius. But to our purpose. Capgra●e. Marianu●. (10.) This Epistle with two other Preachers, Faganus and Daminius, sent unto King Lucius, did not a little encourage him in his godly purpose, in somuch that receiving Baptism, the Temples of the Lucius his reformation of matters upon the Bishop's letter. Records of Saint Asaphs Church. Chester as saith an old Manuscript. chap. 34. S. Peter's Church in Cornhill builded by Lucius. Heathenish Flamines and Arch-flamens even thirty one in number, were converted into so many Christian Bishops Seas, whereof London, York and Carlein, now Saint David's, were made the Metropolitants of the Province. (11.) A table remaining in the Parish Church of Saint Peter in Cornhill London, recordeth that the foundation thereof was by this King Lucius, and that Church to have been the Cathedral to that Archbishops See. There be that ascribe the foundation of P●llidor. Virg●l. Wil Harrison. W. Lamb. Peramb. Saint Peter's Church at Westminster unto him; unless the places are mistaken. Others affirm that this King Lucius likewise built a Church within D●uer-castle, to the service of Christ, endowing it with the Toll or customs of that Haven. Differences there are about the time of his Reign, but none at all for his conversion and establishing of the Christian Faith. As for Fabian. those who would have this Lucius after his Baptism to sail into Gallia and other foreign parts, where subduing many pagan, he become the Apostle to the Bavarians, Emerita a Martyr in the City August●. and that his sister Emerita fifteen years after was martyred in the City Augusta: I found thereof no warrant in any sufficient writer; but in this all others agreed, that he reigned twelve years, and lieth buried in Gloucester. (12) This good Emperor possessed the Seat of Majesty, nineteen years and eleven days; wherein he always approved himself, in wit excellent, in life virtuous, very learned and eloquent, full of Clemency, justice, and Temperance, nothing inferior to most of the worthiest Emperors before him, nor T roull by On●phr. ●ion. Cassi●o. matchable in qualities by many of the Monarches that followed him: He died the seventeenth day of April the year of our Saviour one hundred eighty one, and of his own age fifty nine: leaving to the world a miss for the present, and to posterities a perpetual memory of his virtues; and happy had he been, saith Valerianus lib. 2. Capitolinus, had he not left behind him a Son. LIVIUS AELIUS AURELIUS COMMODUS ANTONINUS. CHAPTER XX. SC VICT. BRIT COS 1 SIL. M. COMMODUS. ANTONI NUS AVG PJUS BRIT. ● COP. BRITANNIA. TR. P. X IMP. VII. COS. four PP. Ann. Dom. 181. THE prudent life, and love conceived of so good a Father, gave hopeful signs Eutropius. and joyful entrance unto the Reign of young Commodus, his soon degenerating Son; who had nothing from him but Nature, and that also much suspected: The known Adulteries of Faustina, his Mother strongly confirming the opinion of Bastardy. Commodus his qualities. (2) At nineteen years of age, he was invested Emperor, his reign not long, but life as lose and impious as the worst: in sottish pride equalizing Caligula, for intemperancy another Vitellius, and in cruelties a second Domitian. Three hundred Concubines continually he kept, and upon one of them, named Martia, so doted, that he wore her painted Picture upon the outside of his Garment; and instiling his money Herculi Commodiano or Romano, which was stamped about the year 193. Sometimes (Hercules-like) would show Cassiodor. himself roabed in a Lion's skin, bearing a Club in his hand in stead of a Sceptre. Other whiles wanton clad in the habit of an Amazon woman; always costly, but seldom civil. Commodus altered the Months'. (3) The Month August, he named Commodus, September, Herculeus, and December, Amazonius, according to his own or his Concubine's names. Commendable in nothing but for his skill in darting, and for some small breathing of the persecuted Christians; Euseb. lib. 5. cap. 19 which came not of himself, but (as Xiphilinus writeth) by the mediation of Martia his beloved Concubine, who was found very favourable to their doctrine: Acts and Monuments. But the outrageous wickedness of his life made him so hateful to all, as that his death was often plotted; and once by some of the Noblest, with whom Lucilla his own Sister conspired; for which fact he put her, with the rest of the conspirators, to death. The Empire and all things else he wielded at the discretion of others, attending only his voluptuous pleasures, howsoever the State or Provinces fared under him. (4) In Britanny the Northern Borderers broke thorough the Wall, and finding the Frontiers but weakly guarded entered the Province, where suddenly they surprised the Roman General; and kill many of the Soldiers, ranged the Country, wasting (without resistance) all where they went. Commodus at Rome, hearing these stirs in Britain roused up his spirits, and sent one Vlpius Marcellus to stay their fury; who with Vlpius Marcellus sent Lieutenant into Britain. great difficulty forced them back beyond the Wall: and seeing the careless service of the Soldiers, revived again the ancient discipline of War, that by long ease had been left off by the Romans. The repressing of this incursion, as it seemeth by some revolt of the province, was about the year of Christ one hundred eighty six, as appeareth by the monies of this Emperor set in the entrance of his life, at which time in memory of some worthy expedition and victory against the Britain's he stamped them. Dion. Cas. lib. 72. Vlpius Marcellus a man of great virtues. (5) This Lieutenant Marcellus is reported to be of a marvelous great temperance and strange diet; for all the time of his abode here he would eat no Bread, but such as was baked in Rome, neither slept he more than would maintain nature, whereby both his private businesses and projects for public services were commonly dispatched by night. Severe he was in the execution of his place, not led by favour of the person, nor stayed from justice by corrupted Bribes; esteeming Money only for necessity, and riches no further then made for public good: But those his virtues though now with us they get him honour, yet then did purchase him Envy with the Emperor. Who lived (saith Lampridius) for his subjects mischief and his Lampred. own shame: For Commodus hearing Marcellus daily commended, construed his Praise to be his own Reproach; and doubting jest he should grow too high, thought good to crop him off betimes, and so sent him Letters of discharge. (6) The Army then feeling the rains lose that ere-whiles had been borne with a stiffer hand, fell strait to a disordered mutiny, and therein proceeded with such boldness as they openly refused any longer to acknowledge Commodus for their Sovereign: At which time Perennius was a chief Agent and so ruled all in Rome for the Emperor, as that he entertained Perennius the greatest substitute under Commodus. a hope to be himself (in time) an absolute and sole-ruling Emperor, and having now fit occasion offered to spread his power further; he took upon him to redress these disorders (whilst Commodus wallowed in his lascivious idleness) and displacing some worthy Captains at his own pleasure, sent other persons of mean respect or parts, to command those Legions in Britain, that formerly had been led by Noble Senators and men of Consular dignity, whereby greater mischief began to accrue and civil dissensions daily to burst forth, the Army scorning their upstarst Commanders, and the Captains insulting over the Soldiers, (of all sides) the Aides so disquieted, that had the Britain's followed the advantage, the whole Province at that time had been in hazard to be lost: upon which distractions no less than fifteen hundred Soldiers at once went out of the Land to Rome to complain their wrongs unto Commodus: where charging Perennius to be the stirrer of these troubles, with an intent thereby to raise himself or his son to the Imperial Majesty (a string that cannot be touched without sound in a Sovereign's ear) Perennius delivered to the British Soldiers to be put to death. they were so far heard and believed that Perennius was to them delivered to be put to death, which accordingly they accomplished with all extremity. (7) Then was sent for Lieutenant into Britain Lamprid. Heluius Pertinax sent Lieutenant into Britain. Heluius Pertinax, a man of low birth, but high Fortunes, being risen from the state of a common Soldier, to the dignity of a Consul, and had been Commander before that time over many Provinces. Him had Perennius discharged from Britain, and with disgrace sent and confined into Liguria where he was borne, whose credit Commodus again with such favours repaired, that he gave him the Surname Britannicus, Out of a coin of this Emperors instiling him Brit. in the 8. year of his Tribuneship and 4. of his Consulship. which glorious title also himself had taken about the year 184. At his first entrance and arivage, he assayed by rough hand to suppress the rebellions of the Army, and adventured his person so far in some tumults that he was stricken down and left for dead: but afterwards proceeding with better advice he composed those troubles with most severe punishments of the principal offenders: whereby notwithstanding Heluius Pertinax made suit to be discharged of his office. he presently grew odious to all, and thereupon so far feared his own safety, that he made suit to the Emperor to be discharged of his Lieutenantship. Histor. magna. Brit. lib. 3. cap. 7. Clodius Albinus sent Lieutenant into Britain. (8) Unto him succeeded Clodius Albinus in the Government of Britain, a man of great birth, forward enough, and fortunate, for which the Emperor Commodus either upon favour or fear, did honour him with the title of Caesar, though Albinus seemed unwilling to accept of the same, and afterwards discovered his disposition more openly in approving the Ancient and free state of the Romans. For upon a false report of the death of Commodus, he made an Oration to the Legions Clodius Albinus more affecting Senators than Emperors. in Britanny in favour of the Senate, whose kind of Government he much commended and preferred before the rule of the Emperors: Of which his affection when Commodus understood, he sent julius Severus julius Severus Deputy. in all haste, to take charge of the Army: and Albinus retired himself from all public affairs, until the death of Commodus, which not long after followed, and was wrought upon this occasion: He having assigned many to die, and to that end had enrolled their names in a scroll, it chanced Martia his Concubine to Commodu● purpose discovered by his Concubine. light on the same, wherein she saw herself allotted for one: And revealing this his purpose to others, that stood in the same li●t, and in the like danger; they together thought best to secure their own lives by his death: and with poison, stabs and strangling made him away, when he had lived one and thirty years, Eutrop. Lamprid. Maximus. four months, and viciously reigned thirteen years eight months and fifteen days, the year of Christ's nativity one hundred ninety and three: the night before the Kalends of januarie. Commodus his portraiture. (9) Of stature he was indifferently tall, of a fine constitution of Body, very fair of complexion, with clear eyes and golden locks, neither in person nor in Princely parts resembling his Father: How joyful the death of this Tyrant was both to People and Senate, their execrations pronounced against him, and their assemblies in the Temples to give thanks for their deliverance, do manifest, as is at large reported by Lampridius, Lampridius. Maximus. who wrote his life, and styled by all, Hostis humani Generis, The enemy of Mankind. The very name of the devil. PUBLIUS HELVIUS PERTINAX. CHAPTER. XXI. IMP. CAES. P. HELV. PERTIN. AUG. 5 COP. PBOVIDENT JAE. DEOP. VM. COS. I UPON the person of this An. Do. 194. Heluius Pertinax (of whom we are now to speak) Fortune (as it seemeth) meant to make the full experience of her power, and from a very slender foundation to raise the building of her own Pride: His birth was but poor, and parents as mean, whose Father from a servile condition got to be free, and traded in Mercery wares Dion. Cassi. lib. 73. for his living: himself educated according to his birth rose by degrees to mount the Chair of all worldly glory, and to be the Monarch of the whole world. (2) At first a Schoolmaster, and taught the Grammar; next a Civil-lawyer, and pleaded causes in Courts; and lastly, a Martial-man, and served in Camp: where Fortune attended him with such favourable success, that within five days, out of the rank of a common Soldier he was preferred to be Captain of a Cohort, in the Syrian wars against the Parthians, which ended, he was employed into Britanny, Missia, and Germany, and also had charge in chief of a Fleet upon the Flemish Seas: he served likewise in Dacia, with such honourable proof of his valour, as that wise Emperor Marcus Aurelius held him in high esteem, and afterward made him Senator of Rome. Then was he assigned Governor of all Syria and Asia, the greatest place of Credit and reputation that might be; and from thence sent again into Britain, chosen out as the principal man, of note for to stay the Commotions there raised against Commodus, where in the Field he was left for dead: but thence also returning after he had governed four several Consular Provinces, was created Proconsul of Africa, and immediately after Praefect of Rome. Neither yet made he his stand there, (though the greatest of any subiective degree) till he had mounted the Throne of Majesty, and had obtained the command over All: which fell to his lot by the death of Commodus; and by the means of Martia, Aelius Laetus, and other Conspirers of his end. (3) For the Murder being done in the dead of the night, Laetus in great haste repaired to Pertinax his lodging; at whose sight the Old man in bed, expected nothing but Death, as supposing him sent from Commodus to no other end. But Laetus salutes him by the unexpected name of Emperor, carrying him with acclamations unto the Army, and in the Heluius Pertinax made Emperor. morning to the Senate, where, of them all with great joy, he was confirmed Augustus. (4) His first business was to bridle the Licentious Heluius Pertinax envied by the Praetorian Cohorts. lives of the Praetorian Cohorts & injuries done by them unto the Roman Citizens, which gained him such hatred, that it was cause of his death: For these men grown disordered and lawless in the reign of Commodus, held themselves wronged, to be nowlocked under the constraint of Laws civil Government: and Sabellieus. these only envied the peace & prosperity of Pertinax, whereas all the Provinces abroad at the very hearing of his Election, and fame of his Imperial virtues, laid aside their weapons, and disired to embrace peace with a Prince so nobly qualified. (5) The first that conspired against his life, was one Falco; whom notwithstanding he freely forgave, yet punished certain Soldiers thereto accessary: whereupon, the rest assembling themselves in tumultuous Heluius Pertinax asslaulted by his Soldiers. and furious manner, with their drawn swords invaded his Palace. He seeing their purposes sought no escapes, but descending the Palace, met them in the base Court: At whose presence and Majesty they were much amazed, and a while made a stand: unto whom with great gravity, and without show of any Heluius Pertinax his speech to his Soldiers. fear, he thus spoke unto them. (6) soldiers and Companions, if you come to kill me, (as I think you do) you shall therein perform an act neither valorous, nor otherwise very commendable for you, not, nor any way grievous unto myself, for every man's life hath his limit, and to mine, by Nature's course, the last period cannot be far: Or think you that I fear death, who now am so ripened for it, and have already gotten the very height of all renown unto my Name? Surely you are deceived: but at this I grieve, that my life and short time of Government, which I had devoted to the good of all, should seem so disgustful unto any, as to deserve a violent and hastened death, especially by you, who are by office, the Guarders of my Person: you (I say) whose charge and Oath is, to secure your Sovereign from peril, and now seek to sheathe your Swords in his breast, shall either leave a Testimony of my bad life deserving it; or brand your places with such stains of Treason; as Time shall never wear away. And what I pray is mine offence? for maintaining your Laws? why; it was the charge yourselves imposed upon me. Are Laws too straight? surely, not to the virtuous, who are even a Law unto themselves: are they needless? why then were they made? and being made, why should they not be executed? If the death of Commodus grieve you, was I the cause? If he were made away by Treason, yourselves are conscious of my innocency. And this I assure you, in the word of a Prince, that his death shall deprive you of nothing, which you require, if you require nothing but that which is honest and just. My life, whilst I was a Subject, was spent with you in War, now (being your Sovereign) is consumed with cares for your Peace: which if you free me of, by taking it away, my troubles shall thereby end, but your conscience shall begin to groan under the guilt of blood and perchance be touched with too late Repentance. (7) His words were spoken with such a moving gravity, and unmoved resolution, that the foremost in the attempt gave back, and were ashamed of their audacious Pertinax killed by his Soldiers. enterprise, but the rest furiously driving forward, one Trusius with a Lance ran him into the Breast, whereupon Pertinax covering his Head with his rob, quietly yielded his body to the traitorous strokes of them all, and so died that poor, old, and innocent Emperor. The years of his life, saith julius Capitolinus, were sixty, seven months, and twenty five days: But Pertinax his reign. Dio, Spartianus and Herodian accounteth them to extend to sixty eight: Eusebius to above seventy: The like disagreement there is for the short time of his Government: Euseb. li. 5. c. 24. Eutrop. l. 8. for Eusebius saith that he reigned not fully six Months: Eutropius saith but three: julius Capitolinus and Aurelius Victor, eighty five da●eses: Dio, Herodian, and Spartianus, two Months and twenty eight days: how long so ever, thus he lived, and thus he died, the fift Calendss of April. (8) He was of an honourable and Majestical presence, strong of body, large and full breasted, long bearded, curle-headed, smooth of Speech, and indifferently eloquent. DIDIUS JULIANUS. CHAPTER XXII. IMP. CAES. M. DID. SEVER. JULIAN. AUG. 5 COP. P. M. TR. P. COS. An. Do. 194. THE state of man continually attended with uncertain chance, apparently doth show, the weak condition that nature enjoyeth, and with what unsurenesse the seat of majesty is possessed, as is seen by the precedent Emperor, who sitting at peace in his Palace at Rome, renowned, beloved, and guarded with the strengths of Europe, Asia, Africa, Egypt, and Greece, was notwithstanding surprised and slain at noon day, by a Band of Soldiers, not much exceeding the number of three hundred, and all escaping unpunished, the deed was so sudden and men's minds so distracted, that it could not be fully believed, though witnessed by sight. (2) The Senators mistrusting each others, abandoned the City, and the Citizens in secret secured themselves, all in an uproar, but none for revenge of the treason: The murderers, in as great fear as any, fortified their Camp, and with weapons in hand stood upon their guard: But seeing all in a maze, and nothing against them attempted, a further boldness (the like before never heard of) ensued: for by a Common Aelius Spartianus Proclamation for the sale of the Empire. Didius julianus buyeth the Empire of the Roman Soldiers. Crier they made Proclamation for the sale of the Empire, to any man that would give them most: which offer was readily accepted by Didius julianus (a man of much more wealth than honesty of life, and a Lawyer, saith Eusebius) who with larger promises than ever were performed, obtained the Imperial Diadem. (3) His birth was in Millen, the son of Petronius Didius Severus, his mother Clara Emilia, and himself brought up in service under Domitia Lucilla, the mother of Marcus Aurelius, by whose favours, he was first made Quaestor, next Aedile, & then Praetor in Rome. Didius julianus his employments in State before he was Emperor. In Germany as a Captain he served under Aurelius, then was he appointed Governor of 〈◊〉 Bithynia, and of the Lower Germany, and was 〈◊〉 with Pertinax, and afterwards Proconsul in Africa. These were his rise and means to that Majesty, which not long he kept: for hated in Rome and not approved abroad, Syria chose for Emperor their own General, Syria chooseth their General Germany chooseth t●eirs. Pescenius Niger, Germany, Septimius Severus By whose consent Clodius Albinus leader of the Britain Army was first elected Caesar, and then his fellow in the Empire, whereby the Eagle, the fairest of Birds become monstrous, and in one Body bore three Heads. Albinus Governor of Britain, a Competitor for the Empire. (4) For Albinus at that time having gotten again the government of Britain, where erecting his own Statues and stamping his picture in his Coins, gave great suspicion that he intended to be a Competitor, and with his Army a foot meant to have gained the Imperial seat itself, by advantage of Septimius forces, absent in suppressing of Pescenius; which to divert enforced Severus until better opportunity, to declare Albinus his companion, for he much more feared him then either of the former: Because Didius in Rome, and Pescenius in Antioch consumed their times in banqueting, and unmartial disports, whiles Albinus managed his office most soldierlike, and was highly esteemed and honoured of them. Severus wageth war for the Empire. Refuseth composition. He is proclaimed Emperor. (5) Severus hasting towards Rome, was met in Italy by Ambassadors from Didius, with fair offers of peace, and possession of half the Empire: but refusing composition and making still forward, the Senate that so lately declared him a traitor, now proclaimed him an Emperor: And the soldiers unsatisfied of the covenanted promises, and in hope to purchase favour with Severus, slew their Chapman Didius in his Palace, the Calendss of julie, being but five days ●●ter julianus slain. His reigns continuance. Eutropius. Spartianus. Dio. he had done himself as much for Pertinax, when he had reigned, as Eutropius saith, seven months: Spartianus saith but two, and Dio sixty six days: the year of his age fifty seven, and of our saviours appearing in our flesh, one hundred ninety and four. SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS CHAPTER. XXIII. Sept. Severus. SEVERUS. PIUS. AUG. BRIT 2 SIL. Clodius Albin●●. VICTORIA. BRIT severus having by this bloody An. Do. 194. accident of the giddy multitude gained with more facility than he expected, the fatal seat of government, it was his next in place to suppress Pescenius by force, and Albinus by falsehood: whose Actions & lives since they happened with this Emperor, and ended with his sword, I will record together, beginning with Caius Pescenius first, since first he fell under the fortune of this man. IMP. CAES. C. PESC. NIGERIUST. 2 GOL. BONA ESPEI. This old man in the year of Christ one hundred ninety four, was elected Emperor by Acclamation of the Syrian Army, of which (though begun but by a handful in respect of all the other Imperial forces) he had good hope, since to the honour of that Goddess he dedicated the first mark of his Sovereignty, the minting of his money. A person he was of seemly stature, lovely feature and fair skin, except his Neck, which differing so far from the rest gave him the surname of Niger: his complexion was ruddy, his Body ●at, his voice so piercing, that it would be heard a mile off: and his hair for more ornament long he wore in reflected curls upon his shoulders. A commendable soldier and well bearing himself in the military offices he underwent. In his Lieutenancy abroad he was severe, and at home he so well acted his part when he was Consul, as in his Clemency and justice he seemed emulous of Pertinax. Thus all his life he enjoyed the goodness of his merit and fortune, and had not his ambition begun, where his years were ending, had so parted: For no sooner had he put on the rob Imperial, but Severus defeated his Army at Cizicum, pursued him to Antioch, and took him at Euphrates, sending to Byzantium his head a Trophy of the Conquest, and to his wife, children, and followers (unto whom at first this Victor granted banishment) in the end denied life. (1) Now as soon as Severus made his approach near Rome, he gave command that the Praetorian Cohorts should attend him disarmed, which done, he vehemently checked them for their proditorious treachery against Pertinax, and pronouncing sentence, deprived them both of name, honour, and arms of Soldiers, and banished them from Rome, and the circuit thereof for one hundred miles distance: which act of his won him such reputation, that in Rome the whole Story of Pertinax his ruin, and Severus his aspiring to his Throne, was at large portraited in an excellent piece of work, of solid molten brass, as Herodian relateth, though he ascribeth the occasion of it, to a dream of Severus. (2) Those two objects Didius and Niger, who gave some hindrance to Severus his beginning, being thus defeated of their high hopes; the third, which was Albinus, seemed now a more dangerous cloud, which would altogether overcast his brightness & glory, if it were not dispersed or blown back in time: and therefore to make fair weather with him, he Albinus made Successor in the Empire. created him Caesar and his Successor in the Empire, but afterwards his good fortunes thus swelling in the East, and himself still courted by Ambassadors from His death practised. all parts, with their tender of subjection, he began to grow proud, and to disdain any Copartner in State: and thereupon first secretly sought the destruction of Proclaimed Traitor. He wageth war●e against Severus. his Caesar; which failing, he then proclaimed him Traitor and Enemy to Rome. (3) Clodius Albinus brought into these unexpected dangers, prepared his strengths, and with the choice of all Britain entered France, and near unto Lions took the field against the Emperor; but with no better success, than Pescennius had done in Asia the less, in the same place (as Herodian, Eutropius and Spartianus affirm) where Darius was first overthrown by Alexander. The Armies joining, a bloody Battle was fought, which through the great prowess of the Britain's went at first so sore against Severus, that being beaten off his Horse, despairing of Victory, and almost of Life, cast off his Imperial rob, and flying, ignobly hid himself. Laetus one of Severus his Captains, kept aloof all this while, of purpose as was thought, to bring the Emperor to ruin, and now upon report that he was slain, came Albinus vanquished by Severus. on most furiously with his forces, in hope of winning both the day, and the Empire to himself: whereupon the Emperor drawn again into the field, the day was his by the means, but not the meaning, of Laetus: whom on attainder of his Treason he afterward put to the sword. That day a great part of the flower of Britain was slain, together with their valiant Leader Albinus, a Captain of exemplary Severity and Martial discipline, a great admirer of Hannibal and Marius; for the Scipio's he thought them rather fortunate then valiant, and in the time of his service in this Island, there was no toil which he commanded his soldiers, but himself would bear therein a part, even in carrying of burdens on his Back: and yet so far from vaunting of his valour, as that when an Historian would have recorded his noble Acts, he willed him to writ of theirs who were already dead, whom he need not to flatter; holding it a foppery to writ of those, of whose favour or wrath the Inditers stood in hope or fear: Being such a one, no marvel if Severus so feared him, as he did, which he showed even after he was slain, by putting incredible numbers of great Personages both in the City and Provinces to death, with this one Pretence, for all, that they wished well to Albinus. After this overthrow Severus forthwith sent Heraclianus hither, to keep the rest of the Britaines in quiet, Spartianus. and to be Lieutenant in Albinus his room, as Spartianus writeth: Of whose affairs therein little remembrance is left, only it seemeth by a Coin of Severus minted in his second Consulship, which fell in the year of our Saviour one hundred ninety eight, and about the period of this his last Competitor, that the Britaines gave not at first their service and servitude to this man, until he had made the purchase of it by his sword; the brand of which he hath left to posterity in figuring th● Goddess Victory seated upon spoils, and writing in a shield, Victoria Britan. Virius Lupus made Precedent of Britain. Unto this Lieutenant, Virius Lupus succeeded Precedent of Britain, as Ulpian the Lawyer terms him, and was about the year of Christ one hundred ninety seven, as appeareth by this Inscription erected at Olinaca amongst the brigants, in memory of the re-edifying Hekely in Yorkshire. of that place by this Emperor and his eldest Son, than first designed Caesar, by which the time is discovered, and in this stone inserted. IN. SEVER US. AUG. ET ANTONINUS CAES. DESTINATUS RESTITVERUNT CURANTE VIRIO LUPO. * LEG. EORUM Legatio. * PR.. * PR. Pro Praetore. (4) This man strengthened the Province especially in the North, with many strong Castles, repairing many places ruined either by fire or fury of the bordering swords: Of which * Bowe●: under Stanmore in Richmondshire. Lavat Rae, where the first Cohort of the Thracians lay, was one, as appeareth by this Altar there erected to the Goddess Fortune, and since removed to Conington the house of Sir Robert Cotton in Huntingdonshire. DEAE FORTUNAE VIRIUS LUPUS LEG. AUG. PR.. PR.. BALINEUM. VI IGNIS. EXUST. VM. COH. I THR ACUM. REST. ITVIT. CURANTE VAL. FRON. TONE PRAEF EQ ALAEVETTO He warred against the Maeatae and North Britain's with such bad success, that he was forced to redeem his peace with money, and was so much weakened by loss of his men, that he sent to Rome for present supply, with relation of his great danger, and the Enemy's Bassianus why brought into Britain. strength: which news touched Severus to the quick; and notwithstanding his years (sixty at the lest) and gout wherewith he was continually grieved, yet would he undergo that journey in person himself, aswell to satisfy his own vain glorious humours, as to train his Son Bassianus from his licentious life, wherein he wallowed idly in Rome, who together with his brother Geta, accompanied their Father into Britain. Aemilius Papinianus a famous Lawyer. (5) The Britaines then hearing of the Emperor's approach, sent him their Embassage for entreaty of peace, whereby the Island might have been settled and secured without blood, but the old man (saith Sabellicus) had so unsatiable a desire to bear the glorious Surname of Britannicus, that he preferred war, and accepted not their proffered subjection. (6) Severus thus entered, Geta was appointed to remain in the South of the Province, and to govern those parts that stood in quiet, assisted by Aemilius Papinianus the famous Lawyer, whose Tribunal seat Fifty thousand of Severus army dead through toilsome labour and sickness. was held in York; himself and Bassianus marching further into the North against the Maeatae and Caledonians their neighbours, both which bore themselves boldly upon the advantage of their Countries, their waters brackish, and unwholesome drink for their Enemies, the air sharp and contagious to their constitutions, and the soil itself so pestered with Loughs, Bogs, Meres, and Mountains, that the Romans were forced to make way by continual Labour, in cutting Sabellicus. down Woods, in building of Bridges, and in draining of Meres, so that by distemperature of diet, continual labour, contagiousness of Air, and afflictions by sickness, fifty thousand of them perished, and that Herodian. without Battle, saith Dio: many Soldiers also, Caledonians desire peace. whose spirits were spent, and through feebleness could not keep rank in their March, were for mere pity slain by their fellows, jest they should fall into the hands of their Enemies. (7) These miseries, notwithstanding old Severus endured and fought many Battles, but (as Sabellicus confesseth) ever with more difficulties to the Romans then to the Britain's, and yet in some small skirmishes he went away Victor, and continued his courses with such resolution, that lastly the Caledonians thought good to entreat their peace; which upon these conditions was granted: first, that they should forthwith lay aside all hostile Arms, without any further resistance: next, that they should deliver into the Romans Possession, those Countries that were next abutting on their Province: and lastly, that thenceforth they should live in quiet, attempting nothing against the public Peace. (8) The State thus settled, Severus bethought himself of some further means to secure the Province, by building many Inland strengths anew, and repairing those with Stone and Cement which formerly were but of Turf and earth, as appeareth by this Inscription found in the Ruins of one of his works near unto the River VRE, in the County of Richmond erected. IMP CAES. L. SEPTIMIO PIO PERTINACI AUGV.— IMP CAESARI. M. AURELIO APIO FELICI AUGUSTO— BRACCHIO CAEMEN— TICIUM VI NE'ER ƲIO— RUM SUB CURALA SENECINON A wall from Sea to Sea. AMPLISSIMIO PERIL. VISPIUS— Herodian. Spartian. Pol. Virg. de R●b. Angl. lib. 2. Hect. B●etius. PRAELEGIO— And neglecting the uttermost and vast Northern parts of this Island, drew a Wall or Fortification, which might serve as a Rampire and division betwixt the savage and more civil people, stretching itself thorough the whole Island, even from Sea to Sea; that is, from the Bay of Itun (otherwise Solweyfrith) in Scotland, to the door of Tine or Tinmouth, containing in length One hundred thirty and two Miles, as Sextus Aurelius Victor, S●uerus surnamed Britannic●● Maximus. Eutropius, and others accounted them, and by* some more. This Wall he built of Turfs and Timber strongly fenced with Bulwarks and Turrets, near unto (if not upon) the foundation of Adrian's Wall, the tract whereof thorough the Countries of Westmoreland and Northumberland, is more pleasing to be seen, then easy in word to be expressed. For which his Acts thus here achieved about the year of grace two hundred and eleven, he assumed to himself his much desired Surname Britannicus Maximus, causing in his own and his sons Coins that inscription to be stamped. (9) And recording to posterity the glory of his first achievement here, upon the reverse of those his monies, whereon he sometimes form a Trophy erected upon spoils with two Captives, undersetting the word VICT. BRIT. sometimes a winged victory: graving a Shield, hung on that tree which is the meed of conquerors, VICTORIAE BRITANNICAE: Bassianus disloyalty. and sometimes in such a form and phrase as is expressed in the entrance of this his life. And now retired to York, he left his eldest son to finish this work of war by him begun, as being rather allayed then altogether ended. (10) Bassianus thus set in the one part of the Island, as Geta was in the other, sought rather to gain the affections Caledonians rebel. of his Army, by a lose liberty to do what they list, then to manage the trust reposed on him, by the restraint of Martial Discipline, and exaction of Military duties: hoping by such his plausibility and indulgence, to purchase to himself their best concurrence for the obtaining of the Empire, which he so thirsted after, as that he often tampered with them to raise him, by the fall of his father. A general Massacre of them by Severus. (11) The Caledonians understanding the dissoluteness of his Camp, and the want of a better Captain, suddenly assailed the Romans, putting many to the sword, and taking great booties, (which they dispersed amongst their neighbours) without any regard of the obligation of their former Covenants: whereat the testy old man was so much disquieted, and so far enraged to revenge, that he gave an express charge to make a general Massacre, without exception of any; using in his speech to his Soldiers, these verses borrowed out of Homer: Nemo manus fugiat vestras, caedemque cruentam: Non foetus, gravidâ Mater quem gestat in aluo, Horrendam effugiat caedem.— Let none escape your bloody rage; with terror let all die: Spare not the mother, nor the child that in her womb dothly. (12) This (which seemeth to have been the work of Severus second year in Britanny, Anno two hundred and twelve for so it is expressed upon the monies of himself and sons) may (and with a fit and easy inference from the same authority) seem to have been here the fortune and effect of two encounters and Conquests that same year: for whether we observe the two several coins of victory then minted, on one of which is the Statue of that armed and winged Goddess, at whose feet are two Captives prostrate bound; or the other bearing on it a double figure of that Lady, graving the sculpture of the former, VICT. BRIT. upon a Shield, it can conclude no less in probability. (13) Severus remaining in York, where the Sixth Legion called Victrix kept, (which place afterwards grew to be one of the chiefest for account among the The seed-plots of our Cities and Towns. brigants, as commonly the Stations of the Romans Colonies were the seed-plots of all our Cities, and principal Towns) grew feeble and sick, being weakened with age, and wearied with travel, his malady more Bassianus disloial. increasing by the disturbances of the Enemy, and the daily disloyalty of Bassianus his son, insomuch that despairing of life, he called his Counsel and Captains before him, and underlaid with pillows, he thus addressed his speech. Se●e●us his speech to his Counsel and Captains. (14) Eighteen years almost have I wielded the affairs of the Empire, and borne on my shoulders the burden of her encumbered estate, both at home and abroad; at my first entrance, troubled every where, now at length quiet, even here in Britain, the most unquiet and molestious Province of all: The profit of which travels I must now leave for others to enjoy, and with ●ase in peace to keep that which I with care and war have gotten. If therefore amity and mutual concord, be embraced (the only sinews of a Commonwealth) the glory of the Empire shall yet shine more bright, sigh by concord we see that small things grow to greatness, whereas contrariwise, discord is the ruin of all. I die and must leave the success of all to my Successors and Sons by Nature, though the Elder unnatural: I mean Bassianus new made Antoninus and your Emperor, who often ere this hath sought to gain that title by his sword and my death; but knoweth not the dangers that attend a Diadem, neither remembreth that high places are continually guarded with Envy and Fears. But so blind is Ambition, as it seethe not that a Sovereign's greatness is such unto others, but lest in himself, and that the things possessed are not the very things they seemed: It is not these Titles therefore can make man happy, the line of his life being drawn forth with so many uncertainties, and the height of his Spartianus. power laid upon so weak foundations. Myself at this instant may serve for example, of whom this may be said, I was all things, yet nothing, seeing I I must pay my debt to Nature, and leave my exploits in East and West to be registered (either at your disposal) for matters of moment, and good of the Empire, or blotted to the reproach of my government, with the shadowing pencil of Oblivion. That therefore my care for the welfare of this State may survive myself, and bring forth the happy first-fruits thereof when I am withered, this shall be my last and only request, that you will ever assist my sons both with your counsel and aid, whereby they may rule according to Law, and you obey according to Right, that so in you both, the good of the Empire be above all things respected. With which words he ended both his speech and his life. (15) This Emperor by Historians is ranked with the best, both for his wars, wherein he was very fortunate, and for his wisdom in governing the Empire: and yet is he taxed very sharply both by Sabellicus for sundry vices, and by Eusebius for stirring up the fift Persecution of the Christians in the tenth year of his Reign. In which Ireneus the learned writer, among many others, suffered Martyrdom: howbeit, towards his end, he become more mild to them, as saith Saint Jerome: as also that he was a diligent reader of the excellent works of Tertullian, whom usually he termed his Master. (16) This Emperor was by birth an African, to which Country his affection & graces were so much, that the illustrious City of those parts, recorded upon their coin his many favours by this Inscription, INDULGENTIA AUG. IN CARTH. and enshrined Beda. him amongst the Gods of that Nation. He was the son of Geta, his mother Pia Fulvia: himself rough, cruel, covetous, and ambitious, and his nature, relishing too much of the Punic craft and simulation: otherwise a most expert Soldier, and a worthy Prince, more battles he fought, and more victories obtained, than any other that ever had ruled before him the Roman Empire. In a word, of virtues and vices so equally composed, that lastly this grew into a customed speech: It had been good that this Emperor had never been borne, or being Emperor, that he had never died. Severus his description. (17) Of stature he was tall, and of a comely parsonage, his countenance severe and representing Majesty, his beard white and long, and the hair of his head he wore usually curled. He was very learned in the Mathematics, a good Philosopher, an eloquent Orator, and of a deep sounding voice. He reigned Euseb. E●cl. Hist. lib. 6. ca 7. eighteen years (saith Eusebius) by Dion Cassius, Herodian, and Eutropius, seventeen years, eight months, Severus dieth at York. The first Ideses of january, saith Savils Table. and odd days. He died in York, the fourth day of April, in the year of Christ two hundred and twelve, not so much of sickness, as of discontent and grief, or (if our British writers may be credited) of a deadly wound given by Fulgence, Captain of the Picts, who as the Monk of Chester saith, was brother to Martia, Polymer. l. 4. c●. 19 the first wife of Severus and mother of Bassianus. His second wife was julia Domna the mother of Geta, (though some think that she was mother to both) a woman of a surpassing beauty, and an earnest instigator of the two Brothers reconciliation, had she not been blemished with other vices, as after we shall here. M▪ AURE. BAS. CARA. ANTO. BRIT. Brethren. P. SEPT. ANTONI. GETA BRIT. CHAPTER XXIIII. ANTONINUS PIUS AVG BRIT. 2 SIL. VICTORIA PRIT. Bassianus Caracalla. Septi●us Geta. VICTORIA. P. M. TR. P. XIIII. COS. III P. P. SC P. SEPT GETA. PIUS. AUG. BRIT. 1. SIL. VICTORIAE. BRIT. An. Do. 212. BAssianus Caracalla, and his Brother Septimius Geta, together were declared Emperors by old Severus in his life time, and both of them by their father surnamed Antoninus, a name very gracious in the esteem of the Romans, the elder so styled about the year of Salvation two hundred and five, and the younger four years after, (as it appeareth by the mintage of their moneys;) were approved and applauded by people and Senate, and of all men saluted and acknowledged for Emperors. Bassianus the Elder, styling himself Britannicus Maximus, as it should seem▪ was admitted his Father's fellow Emperor at York at his residing Cod. l. 3. Tit. de rei vindicatione lege. 1. there, to quiet the Northern Britain's; wherein also he gave him the name Antoninus▪ for so implieth that famous Law, bearing jointly the names of Severus and Antoninus, enacted by them at York, touching the interest and right that masters have to the goods and possessions of their servants. His mother, the first Geffrey Monmouth. Sabellicus. wife of Severus, was Martia a British Lady (say our British Historians, though Sabellicus doth judge her to be an African) and himself better beloved of the Britaines for her sake, then for his own. Geta was the son of the Empress julia, a second wife, a woman of passing beauty and surpassing just, Some say it was ●●●erus his dream. Sabellicus. who being persuaded (by some Oracle or dream) that her husband's successor should be an Antoninus, jest her Son should loose his hope of the Empire, she importuned severus ●o bestow the name of Antoninus also on Geta; who with it gave him likewise the title of Caesar, about the year two hundred and two. And to unite the affections of his two sons, aswell as to eternise their memories, he minted their features upon one Medal, inscribing the one side ANTONINUS Herodian. Sabellicus. PIUS AUG. PON. TR. P. four the other, P. SEPT. GETA. CAES. PONT. having the year before matched them together upon the reverse of his own money, and incirculing their heads with this word, AETERNITAS IMPERI. as if the separation of their affections were the dissolution of his and the world's Empire. (2) Upon Severus his death, Antoninus Caracalla, hastening for Rome, proffered good conditions of peace to the Britain's, who long tired with wars accepted thereof, and hostages were given for conserving the same. Whereupon the Empress julia accompanied with both the Caesars, departed hence, carrying with them the funeral ashes of the deceased Emperor in a golden Vrna to Rome, where they solemnly consecrated him a God: the ceremony whereof (because it concerneth so great an Emperor and Monarch of this kingdom) is not unworthy the inserting. In the Porch of his Palace was a bedsteed all of ivory, dressed with richest bedding and furniture of gold, wherein was laid his image protraited to the life, but yet in manner of a sick man. On the left side sat all the Senators and Princes in black mourning weeds; on the right, all the great Ladies, clad in white (which then was the mourning colour of that Sex.) The Physicians diligently coming to visit him, and feeling his pulse, as if he were alive, do signify that his disease did still increase upon him. This they all did seven days together: at last, as if then he were Forum was the chief place of public meetings and plead. d●ad, all the prime of the Nobility carry him in his ivory Bed to the * Forum, where all the Patrician youth, & Noble Virgins, encompassed him with most doleful Hymns and rueful ditties. Thence again he was removed to Mars his field, where was erected a foursquare frame of Timber, of a huge height and compass, the stories still mounting to the top with sundry ascents, and richly beautified with strange varieties of gold and purple ornaments, and images of great Art and price: On the second of which ascents, was placed the Emperors said Bed and Statue, with infinite store of sweetest odours, brought thither from all parts of the City: which done, the young Nobleses bravely mounted on Horseback, rid round about in a kind of dance or measure, and another sort likewise (who represented great Princes) in their Coaches, whereupon his successor in the Empire, first setting fire to the frame, forth with all the people did the like on all sides: and when the whole began to be on flame, an Eagle secretly enclosed within, was let fly out of the top; which soaring a great height, and out of sight, the people followed it with shouts and prayers, supposing that therewith the emperors soul was carried up to heaven. And thus Severus, which was before a man of Gods making, was now become a God of man's making: and the more to preserve the memory of his father's glory, Caracalla erected a magnificent Edifice, which he instiled Severus his Porch, wherein with most exquisite Art, and admired workmanship, were portraited all his Father's wars and Sabellicus. triumphs, achieved here in Britain or elsewhere. (3) But presently after, these two ungodly sons of this new supposed God, so much emulated each others glory, that the deadly sparks of envy, blown a long time with the bellows of their ambitious desires, broke out into the flames of murder and blood, being brethren by one Father, but not by the same mother (as it is said) & in this only like, that they were both stark nought, though both in contrary kinds of Vices. And albeit the Empress julia had sought by all means to make peace betwixt them, both formerly, here in Britain, and now, after their return to Rome: yet the desire of a sole Sovereignty, had been a long time so rooted in Bassianus his heart (for which he had twice attempted his Father's life, and so much hasted his death, that he slew his Physicians, because they had dispatched him no sooner) could not endure an equal (much less a confronter) in authority, and Geta slain in his mother's arms. therefore in the Court and in the arms of the Empress, he slew her son Geta, in a time lest suspected, when he had sat with him in state and disdain, the Herodian. term of one year and twenty two days. (4) And to cloak this fratricide with show of constraint, first to the Soldiers, and then in the Senate, he accuseth his Brother to have sought his death, and that in defence of his own life, he was forced to slay the other, and flying to the Praetorian Cohorts for the safety of his life, as though further conspiracies had been intended against him in the City, & at his return Dio Spartianns. commanded Papinianus the famous Civilian, to excuse the murder in his Pleas at the Bar: which when he Papinianus slain for refusing to defend a murder. refused, he caused him to be slain, as also all those, that had been acquainted with Geta; whereby so many of the Nobility perished, that he was thereby accounted another Nero in Rome: and by his favourites the name of Geta was razed out of all monuments & imperial inscriptions, as we have seen some of them defaced upon some Altar stones found here in Brit. (5) Of nature he was subtle, and could well dissemble with them whom he feared, and make show of love where he deadly hated; always fitting himself to the humours of flatteries: Among the Germane, counterfeiting their gate and garments; In Greece, be like Alexander, bearing his neck somewhat awry; In Troy, would resemble Achilles; always so Chameleon-like, as the Romans (his followers) were therewith ashamed. In a word, Caracalla (saith Dio) never Dio. thought of doing good, because (as himself confessed) he never knew any goodness. (6) And to fill up the measure of all iniquity, as one regardless of humanity or shame, he married julia his mother in law, late wife to his own Father (a sin (saith S. Paul) not to be named among the Gentiles) 1. Cor. 5. 1. and by Sext. Aur. Eutrop. and Spar. reported upon this occasion. It fortuned that julia in presence of Caracalla, either by chance, or of purpose rather, let Sextus Aurelius. Eutropiu●. Spartianus. Sabellicus. fall the vail which she wore, discovering thereby her naked breasts and beauty, which was great; whereat the Emperor casting his lascivious eye and bewraying his affection, presently said, Were it not unlawful, I should not be unwilling: to whom she replied (without Julia her wicked speech. respect of modesty) that all things were lawful to him that made laws for others, but was subject himself to none: forgetting at once both the murder committed upon Geta her son, and the scandals that accompanied so foul a sin, the pleasure whereof they did not long enjoy, both their deaths (by God's vengeance) soon after ensuing. (7) For Caracalla remaining in Mesopotamia, and carrying (as it seemeth) a guilty conscience, and suspicion of his life, sent to Maternus, whom he had left Antoninus seeketh to sorcerers. Governor of Rome, to assemble all the Astrologers & Mathematicians (unto which learned impostors he always gave especial credit) and of them to inquire how long he should live, and by what death he should die. Maternus having so done, wrote for answer, that Macrinus his Perfect of the Praetorium (then with him in his expeditions) went about to murder him. Which is thought rather in envy of Macrinus to have been feigned, then by any Astrological directions so given forth. This letter and others coming to Caracalla his hand, at such time as he was busy about his disport, he delivered them to Macrinus to read, and give him the report at his return. In perusal whereof finding himself to be accused of Treason, and fearing jest by the sequel he might be brought into greater danger, he incensed one Martial a Centurion Sabellicus. (whose brother the Emperor had lately slain) to murder him; which was soon performed, and occasion in the fields offered: for Caracalla stepping aside from his train to ease nature, Martial, as though he had been called, ran hastily in without hindrance or Antoninus Caracalla killed. suspect, and with his dagger stabbed him to death; but being too late perceived, was yet so hastily pursued, that he was hewed to pieces before his tongue could reveal the principal Traitor. julia his incestuous wife hearing of his death, with poison slew herself at Antioch, leaving her shame to survive her life. Antoninus Caracalla his reign. Euseb. Eccl. Hist. lib. 6. ca 20. (8) Antoninus Caracalla, saith Eusebius, reigned Emperor seven years and six months, but Herodian, Spartianus, and Dio allot him six years and two months: he died the eight of April, and year of Christ two hundred eighteen. The testimonies of these many writers notwithstanding, together with the place and circumstances of his death, and the person by whom it was committed, the British Historians do contradict, reporting him to be slain in Britain in Battle against the Picts, by one Carauceus a man of a Old Man●ser. cap. 136. low and obscure birth. But by this it may seem some wounds received by him in those British wars, gave occasion to that error. He left a son not by his incestuous mother, nor by Glantilla his wife, whom he exiled into Sicily; but by a mistress, whose name was Eusebius, calls her Saeviam, alij Saenim, and her monies julia Soemius, that she was his whore, not his wife. Sabel●●cus. julia Simiamira his cozen German, and indeed no better than a common strumpet: which corrupt roots brought forth as bitter first-fruits, even Heliogabalus, of whom hereafter we shall have occasion to writ. OPILIUS MACRINUS. CHAPTER XXV. Opilius Macrinus. IMP. C. M. OPEL. SEV. MACRINUS. AUG. 2 SIL. Diadumenus. JOVI. CONSERVATORI. M. OPEL. ANT. DIADUMENIAN. CAES. 2 SIL. SPES. PUBLICA An. Do. 218. IN prosecuting our intended course, for setting down the Acts and lives of sundry Emperors, hereafter succeeding, I know I shall hardly satisfy my Readers, being no way able to give content to myself, in that, on the one side, finding very few remembrances concerning the state of this our Island, till the reign of Dioclesian, the History of that Interim may seem impertinent to our purpose; and yet on the other side, considering how unfit it is, that the Succession of all our British monarchs should be interrupted (that Royal Title being likewise annexed to those other Emperors) I suppose it will be expected, that somewhat also be said of them, though managing their affairs in places far remote. It seemeth that the continual striving for the Imperial Diadem, and their nearer hazards at home, made them contented to give Britain some peaceable breathing, and so deprive us of the Roman Records of those times: which want if I should supply out of our homebred British Writers, I might be thought, not so much to repair the ruins of our Monuments, as to heap more rubbish upon them. And therefore (necessity so enforcing) I must crave patience, if I proceed to the rest of our Country's monarch, though I cannot to the residue of our Country's Exploits and Affairs in those days. An. Do. 218. (2) Opilius Macrinus from obscure and base parentage, by favours of the Emperor, without any notable desert in himself, first aspired to the Office of a Perfect, and at last by the election of the Soldiers, to the Dignity imperial. So far from suspicion of Caracallaes' death, by the outward appearance of a seeming sorrow, that he was held of all most free from the Treason, and the second person worthy of their voice. For first, the Title was conferred upon aged Audentius, a man of good sort, much experience, and Audentius refuseth the Empire. an excellent Captain; whose wisdom could not be drawn to adventure his life under the weight of so uneasy and dangerous a Crown, but excusing himself by the privilege of his age, as far unfit to wield the troubles (much less to increase the glory) of the Empire, refused their offers, but with return of as many thanks as they had given him hands or voices. Whereupon they again consulted and determined for Macrinus, which as willingly received, as Audentius refused: unto whom they swore fealty, but not long after failed in performance. Diadumenus appointed for Caesar. Called Antoninus (3) He made for his Caesar, Diadumenus his son, changing his name (a usual custom at their election) into Antoninus, because that name was gracious among the Romans. The Senate at home confirmed all that the Army had done abroad; unto whom it seemed their right, as it were by prescription, to have the election of the Emperors. (4) His first expedition was against Artabanus King of the Parthians, that hasted against the Romans, for wrongs received by Caracalla deceased: but after three great and dangerous Battles, came to an atonement, and a peace betwixt them concluded. After this, as free from further troubles, he returned to Antioch in Syria, and there spent his time in Banquets, and other sensual pleasures, being drenched so far therein, that the Army began to dislike his Government, Antoninus' son of Caracalla. and to favour young Bassianus the son of Caracalla, then present at Emesa a City in Phoenicia, with Moesa his Grandmother by his Mother's side, who there had built a Temple consecrated to the Sun, and therein ordained him a Priest; for which cause he Antoninus' called Heliogabalus, that is, A Priest of the Sun. was called Heliogabalus, that is to say in the Phoenician Language, The Priest of the Sun. (5) To this Temple in their vain devotions resorted many of the Roman Soldiers; and seeing the beauty of the youth, alured Moesa to bring him to their Camp: where known to be the son of Caracalla, the Soldiers proclaimed him Emperor, and Herodian. maintained his right against Macrinus; who after this revolt, met young Heliogabalus in the Confines betwixt Phoenicia and Syria, where was fought a bloody Battle, and Macrinus forsaken of all, and driven Julius Capitol. to fly; who with his son hasting thorough Asia and Bithynia, came lastly to Chalcedon, where he fell sick, and was there, together with Diadumenus, put to Macrinus and Diadumenus put to death. Eutropius. Macrinus reign. death the seventh day of june, the year of Christ's Incarnation two hundred and nineteen, when he had reigned one year, one month, & twenty eight days. ANTONINUS HELIOGABALUS. CHAPTER XXVI. Antoninus Heliogabalus Emp. IMP. ANTONINUS. PIUS. AUG. 2 SIL. SACERD. DEI. SOLIS. ELAGAB An. Do. 219. YOung Bassianus, surnamed Heliogahalus, the son of Caracalla before mentioned, thus elected, and prospering at his entrance, gave hopes to his raisers, of many princely parts, and signs of those things that in sequel by better proof appeared to be only signs indeed: for nature had plentifully adorned him with the compliments of her gifts, had his mind been answerably furnished with virtue. But as the one was over-prodigall and lavish in his outward form, so was the other as sparing and defective in bestowing of her inward gifts▪ insomuch that both in mind and garment, he seemed to be that which in truth he was not. This Emperor, as appeareth by the reverse of his money, took it no mean addition of honour to his Imperial Dignity, to be styled, The Priest of the Sun; which in the Assyrian Tongue is called El, from whom he took the surname Elagabal. (2) assoon as he had settled the Empire firm upon himself by the death of Macrinus, he began to Heliogabalus exceedeth in wickedness all others before him discover his own dispositions, and in wantonness, apparel, lightness, and diet, to exceed any that had go before him in Rome; and so far differed from the manners of men, that modesty will not suffer us to record his greatest vices. (3) His apparel was rich, and most extreme costly, and yet would he never wear one garment twice: his Shoes embellished with Pearls and Diamonds; his Seats strewed with Musk and Amber; his Bed covered with Gold and Purple, and beset with most costly jewels; his Way strewed with the Powder of Gold and Silver; his Vessels (even of basest use) all Gold; his Lamps burning with no other Oil than the Balms of India and Arabia; his Fishponds filled with no other water then of distilled Roses; his Ships (in his Naumachies or Ship-fights) floated in a River of Wine; his Baths most stately built, and again after they were once used, presently plucked down; his Plate of finest Gold, but never served twice to his Table; his Rings and jewels most rich, yet never worn twice; his Concuhines many and chargeable, but not one lain with twice; his Diet so profuse, that at every supper in his Court, was usually spent a Thousand Pound Sterling: inviting the chief Citizens to a Feast, he strewed all the Rooms with Saffron, as it were with Rushes, saying, That such Cattles were worthy of such costly Litter. Near the Sea, with him no Fish was eaten: in the Land, no Flesh: whole Meals made of the Tongues of singing Birds and Peacocks, or of the Brains of most costly creatures, always saying, That meat was n●t savoury, whose sauce was not costly. And indeed so costly it was, that the revenues of Germany, France, B itaine, Spain, Italy, Sicilia, Graecia, Asia, Syria, Egypt, ●rabia, and all the islands, were not sufficient to defray the charges. (4) In his Progress, six hundred Chariots followed him, laden with Strumpets, Boys, and Bawds, for whom he built a Stews in his Court, wherein himself in the attire of an Harlot, made to them solemn and Aelius Lamprid. set Orations, terming them therein his Fellow-soldiers; Herodian. and Companions in Arms, with Instructions for them how to practise with most variety their filthy Luxuries. In regard of which kind of actions, one doth make this doubt, whether were greater his boundless Prodigality, his stupendious Lechery, or his foppish Foolery: the last of which his Imperial Virtues, he gave proof of, when he gathered in the City ten thousand weight of Spiders, professing that thereby he understood how great a City Rome was: at another time, ten thousand Mice, and a thousand Wizels, which he brought forth in a public show to the people, for some wise State-purpose, like the former. (5) In Rome he built a Temple consecrated to the Sun, (like to that in Phoenicia, whereof himself was Priest) commanding the Christians therein to worship: as also a Chatter-house for women to meet and determine of their Attires; and brought into the Senate-house his mother Semiamira, allowing her a Voice among the Senators. In modesty I forbear to writ the particulars of his unmanly libidinous filthiness, adding only that which a judicious Author speaks of him: Kings (saith he) as they have greater power to sin then other men, so have they lesser safety in sinning then any man; for being set above others in the eye of the World, they are as Marks that are aimed at, and lie open to the shoot of Revenge. And so was the state of this Superlative Monster, whose own Conscience still stung him, even in the midst of his sweetest sins, and therefore ever expecting some violent end, he prepared Silken Halters richly wrought to hung himself, if need were; and Golden Knives to stab himself, or cut his throat; and built a goodly Tower of exceeding height, adorned with Gems and Gold of invaluable cost, that thence he might cast himself headlong, having these words often in his mouth, That however he died, his death should be precious in the eyes of all men. But he failed of his hope, though not of his desert; for against him the Praetorian Soldiers suddenly arose, no wrong offered them, more than unto others, but out of a justice in God, who repaieth sin with sin, and suffereth not such outrageous wicked ones to escape unrevenged. (6) These breaking into his Palace, found him not in estate answerable to his calling, but hid (for fear) in a homely place suitable with his dirty conditions: A Privy. Sab●llicus. from whence with Acclamations thorough the streets of Rome, more like a Dog then a Man, they dragged him with his mother, saying, The Bitch and her whelp must go together: and after their fury spent, threw their bodies into the Common Sink of the City, and thence into Tiber, sinking them down with great stones, jest the carcases cast up with the waves, should either found burial, or infect the air. The Senate approving all that was done, decreed that his name should be obliterated out of all monuments in Rome, and never any Antoninus (a name before very gracious) should rule again their Empire: so odious was the remembrance of this Image of Ignominy. (7) He was aged but fourteen years when he become Emperor; by Herodians computation, he reigned six years, and died at twenty: By Aurelius Victors he died at seventeen, & reigned not fully three Euseb. Eccles. hist. lib. 6. cap. 10. years: Eusebius saith, that he reigned fully four: Onuphrius would have him to live eighteen years, & to die the 8 day of March, Anno two hundred twenty three. ALEXANDER SEVERUS. CHAPTER XXVII. Alexander Severus Emp. IMP. C. M. AUR. SEV. ALEXAND. AUG. 5 COP. LIBERALITAS. AUGUSTI. four SC An. Do. 223. BEfore the death of Heliogabalus, his Cousin German Alexianus, by the working of his mother Mammea, was made his Caesar, whose virtues daily increasing, with his age, gave hopes to the better sort of some happier times by his means: but so far incensed Heliogabalus (who hated nothing more than virtue), and so dimmed his fame, that he often assayed to take away his life by treachery: But surviving him, whom no man wished to live, he was with public blessings, and unspeakable joy elected Emperor; Lampridius saith, he was borne on the day that Alexander the great died, and had therefore his name. * his name they changed from Alexianus to Alexander, and his surname given of old Severus. (2) He was the son of one Varius, a Syrian borne, and of Mammea, sister to Simtamira, though there are who say that both the sisters attending on their Aunt julia the Empress, were gotten with child by Sabellicus. Lampridius. young Caracalla, and so he father of Alexianus: howsoever, he was brought up in learning from his childhood, having a natural propension to all human virtues, and divine pieties: He was very skilful in Herodian. the Mathematics, Geometry, Music, Carving, and Sabellicus. Painting, & composed some Books also of Poetry; so great a lover of the liberal Arts, that he allowed the professors thereof annual stipends for their further encouragement: and that which most is, he much favoured the Christians, from whom he took to himself examples of life, and urged their Precepts unto others, and this one especially * Lampridius the truest relator of this emperors acts▪ (for Herodian speaks on spleen) saith, he caused this Christian poesy to be written all about his Palace, and sometimes commanded by voice of a public Crier. Lampridius. Sabellicus. NOT TO DO TO OTHERS WHAT WE WOULD NOT HAVE DONE TOUS. Their Christ he honoured (though as a Heathen man) and would have had him consecrated among the Roman Gods: unto whom he also was minded to have built a Temple, had not his Idol-Priests hindered the same, but a place of their holy assemblies he allowed them by his Imperial warrant: for when certain Vintner's or Victuallers laid claim to the place whereunto the Christians resorted to pray, he thus decided it, That it was much fit that God therein should be worshipped, than belly-gods should be pampered to surfeit there. (A good document of a Heathen for some Christians, who turn places consecrated to God's divine service into Sheep-Coates, or to the like profane uses) This good inclination Alexander Severus in cited to Christianity by his mother Mammea Euseb. Eccles. Hist. lib. 6. cap. 20. Jerome. of Alexander the son, was undoubtedly stirred up by the instigations of Mammea his mother, who, as Eusebius witnesseth, had sent for Origen (the Christian Doctor) from Alexandria to Antioch: by whom she was so well instructed, that Jerome gives her the honourable Title of a most holy Woman. (3) Himself, though young, ruled the Empire with great Wisdom and justice: admitting only such for his Counsellors, as were men uncorrupt, sage Sabellitus. and learned, skilful in the Civil Law, and experienced in Antiquities of elder times, and preferring none to any office or charge by suit, but only by the commendation of each man's worth and fitness for the place: In regard whereof, he caused Turinus (one of his Courtiers who took money of divers, with promise to procure the emperors favour in their suits) to be put to death by smoke, the Crier proclaiming, That he had sold smoke, and therefore with smoke he should die. And likewise to cut off, in Lawyers their continual selling of justice (the bane of all Common wealths) for a fee, he granted a public & set reward to such as should pled gratis. By which courses, his civil affairs were nobly managed, and his wars likewise proved as prosperous: for he triumphed with great glory over the Parthians; The Germans also, who in furious manner had passed the Rivers Danuby, and the Rhine, in many skirmishes he put back, and forced them to their former obedience. Bountiful and liberal he was both to the people & soldiers, as by the reverse of his Coin above prefixed is seen, wherein is expressed the fourth Donatiwm and Congiarium, bestowed by the bounty of this Emperor upon the Soldiers and common people, of which Lampridius maketh mention in his life. (4) But as Envy ever attends persons of Estate, and a desire of change, breeds a dislike of the present, so the Roman Legions grown far out of order by the prodigious Government of the last Emperor, proved now unnatural to their dread Sovereign: whose wars drawing him into Germany, and thence Sabellicus●nd ●nd others. hither into Britain, he found some of his Soldiers here so tumultuous, that he thought fit to use exemplary severity towards them, whereupon they, being secretly backed, (as is supposed) by Maximinus (a potent man in the Army, raised only by the emperors Severus and his mother murdered. favour) they traitorously assailed him, and together with his mother Mammea, murdered him in a village then called Sicila, though others say he was slain in Germany, in the City Mogunce, and some in France, no other cause moving them, but only his virtue, the eight day of March; when he had reigned (by Lampridius) thirteen years and nine days, aged by Severus the time of his reign. Herodian, and julius Capitolinus, twenty nine years, three months and seven days, the year of our Saviour, two hundred thirty six. CAIUS. JULIUS. VER US. MAXI. EMP. CHAPTER XXVIII. MAXIMINUS. PIUS. AUG. GERM. 2 SIL. VICTORIA. GERM. Maximinus Emp. CAIUS. JULIUS. VERUS. MAXI. CAES. Maximus Caesar. JUL. VERUS. MAXIMUS. CAES. 2 SIL. PIETAS. AUG. Maximinus', a man barbarous by birth and disposition, (himself a Thracian, his father named Nicaea, borne in Gotland, very obscure, An. Do. 236. his mother Ababa of little better rank) spent his youth in keeping of cattle, the poverty of his parents admitting no better maintenance: yet afterwards his fortunes brought him unto great advancement, and that by working upon the outward object of his person, being for shape and strength (if the reporter deserve Juli. Capitol. Maximinus of a huge statute. credit) rather to be thought a vast Giant, then described for a goodly man: For julius Capitolinus, affirms his height to be eight foot and an half by Geometrical measure, and his Body answerable in every proportion, Capitolinus calls it Dextrocherium, being a broad plate of gold, set with rich lewels, an ornament in use amongst the Roman Ladies. insomuch, as he did wear as a Ring on his thumb, the * Bracelet which his wife used to wear on her arm, a stature thought uncredible; and yet josephus, an Author of great credit, doth confidently record, that one Eleazar a jew accompanied Darius the King's son of Persia unto Rome, (sent by Vitellius to Tiberius for an hostage) whose height, as he saith, joseph. Antiq. l. 18 cap. 6. was fully seven cubits, a measure surmounting this. (2) This Maximinus increasing strength with Maximinus' his means of rising to preferment. growth, left his trade of Cattle-keeping, and resorted to the Roman Camp then in Syria, where for his admirable height, he was admitted by Septimus Severus into the rank of a common Soldier, and shortly after, preferred to be one of his Guard. Bassianus made him a Colonel, and Heliogabalus gave him the leading of certain foot: but the last Emperor Alexander, advanced him to be a Captain of the fourth Legion, whose death notwithstanding he disloiallie Herodian and Aurelius Victor lay that this was done, Alexander yet living. practised (of such force is the desire of Sovereignty, which makes men forget all bonds of gratitude and loyal trust) and was thereupon by the soldiers elected Emperor, with fealty sworn unto him. Maximinus of a naughty disposition. (3) The ignoble Upstart thus borne from the dunghill, upon the wings of Fortune, unto the seat of Majesty, thought the increase of his pride was an increase of State; and knowing he had nothing for which he might deserve to be loved, he studied in the whole managing of his estate, how by all means he might be feared. He therefore displaced Senators, Captains, Soldiers, and whom not? with murders, banishments, and confiscations of their goods: all such especially he did cut off, whom he supposed to Eusch. Eccles. hist. lib. 6. cap. 27. Maximinus per●ecuteth the Christians. His death attempted. have knowledge of his base beginnings. The Christians likewise under him were martyred, (whereof Origen wrote a Book, not now extant) and he is by Writers accounted the sixth Persecutor of God's Saints: so that, whereas his flatterers at first called him Milo, Antaeus, and Hercules, for his strength; now they all termed him, Busiris, Phalaris, and Cyclops, for his savage cruelty. Herodian. (4) But his life being odious to God and Man, was often attempted to be taken away; first, by Maximus, a man of a Consular dignity; then by Quarcinus (whom Capitolinus calleth Ticus) set on by the old Soldiers of Septimus Severus, that had been disgraced by Maximinus; and lastly by the Army in Africa, who elected Gordianus (their Proconsul, a very Gordianus elected Emperor, and his son elected his Caesar. worthy and learned man of fourscore years old) Emperor, and his son (of the same name and Princely qualities) his Caesar: the Senate likewise confirming all that they had done. He took to himself the surname Africanus either in respect of his Pro-Consulship which he exercised in that Province, or else as descended from Scipio his family who bore that surname: His son Gordianus likewise was styled Augustus, as appeareth by his Coins, whereon he writeth himself AUG. and upon the Reverse, Liberalitas AUG. I two Emperors sitting. Maximinus then in Hungary, and hearing thereof, rather like a mad man raged at his misfortunes, then either by courage or wise forecast endeavoured to redeem them. IMP. M. ANT. GORDIANUS. AFR. AUG 2 SIL. P. M. T. R. P. COS. P. P. An. Do. 238. (5) In the mean while, aged Gordianus with the Ensigns and glory of an Emperor, entered Carthage, with blessings and acclamations of joy: whereat his old enemy Capelianus, Governor of Numidia and Mauritania (Provinces in Africa) much envied; and gathering forces in Maximinus his name, made head against him, and shortly gave him Battle, wherein Gordianus the younger slain. Gordianus the younger was slain before the walls of the City. The father seeing his Caesar's disaster, and himself an Emperor only nominal, and his new risen Sun to have passed the circle of his height, and now to approach to the setting and fall, wished again his private estate; and in despair, grief, and disdain of his enemy's success, with the Girdle which Gordianus the father strangled. he wore, strangled himself to death, when he had been styled Emperor only twenty six days: whereat Maximinus was not a little joyful, and the Senate no less perplexed, seeing themselves deprived of their hopes, and now laid open to the Tyrants will, who like a Lion came raging on, threatening revenge in all their bloods. (6) The State thus standing, all the Peers and Princes thereof assembled themselves together at Rome: and in the Temple of jupiter, after long debating of their present dangers, concluded, that Maximus Pupienus and Clodius Balbinus together should be Emperors; men of great account and favour with the people. These taking Oath and Imperial Robes, levied forces to maintain their cause: and Balbinus taking charge of the City, Pupienus marched to meet Maximinus, who in great pride had passed the Alpes; entered Italy, and now laid siege against Aquieliea; in which this was very memorable, that The Citizen's wines cut off the hair of their heads, to make bowstrings for resistance of so hateful a Tyrant: where after long assault prevailing little, his discontented Soldiers fell to mutiny: and entering his Pavilion, at noon day without resistance slew both him and his son, bearing Maximinus and his son slain. the same name whom he had created his Caesar, and whose monies, as he minted them, we have inserted at the entrance of his Empire. Their heads for a Trophy they sent before them to Rome, where with such acceptations they were received, as that the Senate acknowledged themselves to be rid of a Monster. (7) He was, as is said, exceedingly tall, his body great, and joints proportionable, fair of face, full eyes, and of such strength as is uncredible: and according Maximinus' his intemperance in diet. Jul. Capitol. Euseb. Eccles. Hist. lib. 6. cap. 27. to his limbs, so was his diet; for he daily devoured forty pound weight of flesh, and thereto drank six Gallons of wine. He died aged sixty years and odd, when he had reigned three years, in the year of our Lord two hundred thirty and eight. PUPIENUS MAXIMUS Emperors. CLODIUS BALBINUS CHAPTER XXIX. Pupienus Maximus Emp. IMP. C. D. CAEL. BALBINUS. AUG 2 SIL. Clodius Balbinus Emp. PROVIDENTI. ADEORUM. IMP. C. M. CLOD. PUPIENUS. AUG. 2 SIL. CONCORDIA. AUG. G. An. Do. 238. PVpienus Maximus and Clodius Balbinus thus elected together for Emperors, the one in action, and the other resident, a great sedition chanced betwixt the Senate and Soldiers, which grew to a bloody issue among the Citizens, and Rome itself was set on fire in sundry places; the emperors presence and authority little prevailing: which struck such fear into their hearts, that they accounted these times most unfortunate, and themselves and present estate to be most desperate. But the death of Maximinus (and his head happily brought them at the instant) gave present life to their dying hearts. And Pupienus coming to Aquieliea as much quieted the Army, sent back the Lieutenants to their places of charge, and with great pomp and praise returned to his Fellow-Emperour. (2) The parentage of Balbinus is reported to be both noble and ancient, made Citizens of Rome by great Pompey, and himself borne at Cales in Spain. Pupienus Ancestors were much latter, yet had he borne many Offices of Magistracy, and ever discharged them with wisdom and valour: both of them highly accounted of in Rome. (3) Peace thus established beyond all expectation, with shouts and applauses the Emperors enter the Senate-house, where (according to the custom and jul. Capitol. their deserts) they were styled, The Fathers of the Senate, with thanks as to the only preservers of their lives and estates: and some extolling the Senate highly for their provident foresight, in electing such sapient and worthy Emperors, contrary to the rash and undiscreet practice of such as choose their Governors to fit their own fancies, rather than the charge to which they advance them; and whose bad lives brought commonly their untimely, but deserved deaths. The Praetorian Soldiers took themselves to be taxed with those aspersions, and the rather, because the Germane Strangers were brought in to be of the Guard, as if themselves were not to be trusted: so turning their spleen against the present Emperors, sought to set up a new, which shortly after they found opportunity to effect. The Emperors envy one another. (4) For these Emperors, though aged and wise, were not so linked together in affection, as they were near joined in authority: and therefore the wind of emulation had the easier passage betwixt the chinks of their own conceits; the one prising his wisdom and government to be more judicious; the other, his birth and Nobility to be more honourable: and each of them having his own Guard, stood upon his own Guard, though one Palace contained them both: and both their endeavours ever well consorting for the businesses of the Empire. (5) At this time the Provinces of Parthia and Germany grew unquiet, and by civil discords, endangered their subjections: to repress which, the Emperors agreed to go in person, the one into the East, the other into Germany. Now whilst these great preparations were in making, the Capitoline-Games were celebrated in Rome, whereunto all (almost) resorted, but especially the newcome Guards of the Emperors. The Pretorians finding the advantageous time, which they had long waited for, suddenly in armour assailed the Court; which Pupienus perceiving, sent in all haste for Balbinus, and both their Guards for defence. But his Fellow-Emperour, upon a vain suspicion detracted time himself, and hindered the forwardness of the Guards, so that these Traitors had easy access into both the emperors Chambers, where in their rage they despoiled them of their Imperial Robes, and haled these poor aged and innocent Emperors, like two thieves thorough the midst of the City: Lastly, they slew them, and left their bodies to despiteful ignominy. (6) These Emperors reigned together one year, and somewhat more, and died the year of Christ two hundred thirty nine: in which year happened so great an Eclipse of the Sun, that the noonday thereby become as dark as the midnight. M. ANTONINUS GORDIANUS. CHAPTER XXX. M. Antoninus Gordianus Emp. IMP. CAES. M. ANT. GORDIANUS. AUG. 5 COP. TRAIECTUS. AUG. An. Do. 239. GOrdianus (for Antoninus he might not be called, a law formerly acted inhibiting the same) was the son of a daughter to old Gordianus (that had made away himself in Carthage, as is declared) at the age of eleven years was created Caesar by the Senate, with Pupienus and Balbinus; and at their deaths by the Praetorian Soldiers, elected Emperonr, not yet fully fourteen years of age. Greatly was he strengthened by the Alliance and Counsel of one Misitheus, his Perfect and Instructor, whom for his great learning he so honoured and loved, that he took his daughter for his wife; and by whose only direction, he prosperously administered his State affairs. (2) Touching the affairs of our Provinces proceed, or what Lieutenants were employed in Britain since Virius Lupus there placed by Severus (since whose death our Story hath spent twenty seven years) we find not recorded. Yet now in the reign of young Gordianus, some glimmering light for her Governor appeareth by an Altarstone found in Cumberland at a place then called * Old Carlisle. Castra Exploratorum, with an inscription for the happy health of the Emperor Gordian the third, his wife Furia Sabina Tranquilla, and their whole Family: which votive Altar was erected by the Troop of Horsemen surnamed Augusta Gordiana, when Aemilius Chrispinus a native of Africa governed the same under Nonnius Philippus Lieutenant General of Britain, in the year of Christ, two hundred forty three, as appeareth by the Consuls therein specified: whose form and inscription we have followed by the Stone itself, now remaining at Connington among many others, in the custody of Sir Robert Cotton Knight. * JOM. PROSULUTE. IMPERATORIS M. ANTONI GORDIANIS. P. F. INVICTI AUG. ET SABINIAE TUR JAE TRANQVILE CONIUGIEIUS TO TAQVE DOMV DIVIN. EORUM A LA AUG. GORDIA. OB VIRTUTEM APPELLATA POSVIT: CVI PRAEEST AEMILIUS CRISPINUS PRAEF. EQQ. NATUS IN PRO AFRICA DE TVIDRO SUB CUR. NONNII PH LIPPI LEG. AUG. PROPRETO— ATTICO ET PRETEXTATO COSS. Eutropius. Gordianus openeth the Temple of Janus. (3) In Rome the Temple of janus that long had stood shut, he caused to be opened, a sure token that wars were in hand: and departing the City, passed the Straitss of Hellespont, and took his way thorough Mysia, to stay the Goths that were come down to inhabit Thracia. Thence marching to Antioch, recovered the City, forcing Sapor to forsake the Province, and to content himself with his own domains. Homer. Invades 4. Misitheus poisoned by Philip. (4) But long this Sun went not without a Cloud, nor his favourable fortunes without a check; for Misitheus, his Nestor, paying Nature's debt before it was due (being poisoned by Philip, as Eutropius affirmeth) was wanting in counsel, & miss for trust: to supply which, Philip (an Arabian, and of ignoble parentage) was made his Perfect; wise (I must needs say) had he been moderate; and valiant in Arms, had he been true. But the glory of a Diadem beheld with the false light of ambition, so dimmed the eye of his dutiful affection, and blinded the senses of his aspiring mind, that he, who from nothing was risen to be something, thought that also nothing worth, whilst it was shadowed with the name of a subject. First therefore he sought to win credit with the Soldiers, to whom he was facible; to regard the poor, to whom he was liberal; and in all things to outstrip Philip his treachery. his Sovereign, to whom he was treacherous. Young Gordianus unable to endure his Prefectors designs, or his own disgraces, and perceiving the mark whereat he aimed, complained his wrongs in open assemblies, and to the Soldiers after this tenor. Gordianus his speech to th● Soldiers. (5) I got not this state from my Parents by birth, nor yet by any deserts (I must confess) in myself, being the lest of many that did deserve it better: but it was you, my fellow Soldiers (upon what fate I know not) that have made me what I am. If then I have defrauded your hopes, by carrying myself under your expectations, I wish to be set in the place where I first was; or rather (if I so deserve) my life, and state, may at one instant be ended by your unerring hands: For Noble minds cannot brook to be kerbed with the bit of base indignities, nor suffer their vassals to be Corrivals of their Majesty. It is a jealous object (I must needs confess) and many times casts great suspicion when is small occasion, but I, for my part, have always thought of that humour, that men causelessly jealous, do most justly deserve what they unjustly fear; and both yourselves will be my witnesses, how far I am from the touch of that stain, and also the daily occurrents of my Caesar, (if so low I may term him) doth make more than manifest. I am but young, yet elder by six years then I was; my body tender, yet exposed to the chance of war; my counsel raw, yet bettered by your wisdoms; and my conquests in myself nothing, but yet in your valours both glorious & famous. What then are mine errors, that I may amend them? or your discontents that I may redress? for by the powers of heaven I protest, it is your loves which I most esteem, and the good of the Empire, for which I only wish to live; the first is in your powers to bestow at your pleasure, but the other in me (if it be possible) shall live even after death. (6) These complaints notwithstanding, Philip so politicly, nay, rather traitorously brought his own projects to pass, as that the young innocent Emperor was displaced, and abandoned of all: in which distress he first sued to be made his Caesar, and that denied, to be his Praetorian Perfect: but neither would be had, yet at length the charge of an ordinary Captain, was with some difficulty granted him. But Philip bethinking himself of the greatness of Gordianus his blood, his love and esteem both in Rome and the Provinces, and his own virtues equalising any, he Gordianus slain. commanded him to be slain in the twenty two year of his age, and the sixt of his reign. The Senate hearing thereof, elected M. Marcius, and after him again, L. Aurel. Severus, Ostulianus. But Philip through the giddy multitude, prevailed against both. This Emperor though young, so well demeaned himself, that the Senate by authority added to his titles TUTOR REIPUBLICAE, and PARENS PRINCIPUM POPULIROMANI, and after his death even by his own murderers, his Monument of fair Stone was raised in the confines of Persia, and upon his sepulchre this inscription set DIVO GORDIANO VICTORI PERSARUM VICTORI GOTTHORUM VICTORI SARMATARUM DEPULSORI ROMANARUM SEDITIONUM VICTORI GERMANORUM SED NON VICTORI PHILIPPORUM. To the Sacred Gordianus vanquisher of the Persians, Goths, and Sarmates, extinguisher of the Roman Civil discords, and subduer of the Germane, but not of the Philippians. Gordia●us his virtues. (7) He was of condition most noble and lovely, of behaviour gentle, very studious and given much to learning; having in his Library no less than threescore and two thousand Books, as is reported. The truth is, that wicked people were not worthy long to enjoy so virtuous, so clement, so peerless an Emperor. He died in the month of March, in the year of our Redeemer two hundred forty five. M. JULIUS PHILIPPUS EMP. CHAPTER XXXI. IMP. M. JUL. PHILIPPUS. AUG. 3 SIL. LIBERALITAS. AUG. G. II julius Philip. Emp. julius Philip. Caes. M. JULIUS PHILIPPUS CAES. M. JUL. PHIPPUS. CAES. 3 SIL. PRINCIPI. IWENT. An. Do. 245. WHat man is there, who considering those forepast murders, of so many, and so mighty Monarches, would not, by the spectacle of others calamities, be induced to prefer the security of a moderate estate, before the desire of Sovereignty; whose glorious content is only in appearance, but the cares and hazards are both real and perpetual. But of so attractive virtue is the Loadstone of Majesty, through the imagined felicity thereof, that most men's desires are drawn to that one point of the Compass, and if a little fair wind of fortune shall blow on them; they will launch forth with their full sails into that Mare incognitum, a Sea of unknown calamities. And amongst others, such were the blind desires, and such the unhappy event of this julius Philippus the Arabic Bararian. Of parentage obscure and ignoble, as Victor and others affirm, who plucked off the imperial robes of his Liege-Lord, to invest himself. An. Do. 245. Victor. E●tropius. (2) Being now accepted as Emperor by the Soldiers in Parthia, he wrote to the Senate of the death of Gordianus, as though it naturally had happened, and with fair pretensions of his good purposes, but more through the feareof his Parthian Soldiers, obtained their consents; whereupon shuffling up a most dishonourable peace in those parts, and declaring his son Philip for his Caesar, (whose Coins with his, we have set in the beginning of this Chap.) Aurelius' Victor. he made all speed towards Rome: where, the year ensuing, his shows and games were exceedingly magnificent, for the Celebration of the Birthday, (as we we may term it) of Rome, that being, the thousand year from her foundation. Sabellic●ss. Orosius. Eusebius. (3) It pleased God at length to touch this emperors heart, both with such a sense of his own forepast sins, and also with the light of heavenly truth, that he hath the honour of being the first Emperor baptized into the faith of Christ, together with his son Philip, and his wife Severa: though the public authorizing of the same Profession was reserved for the blessed times of our British Constantine. The means of his conversion from Idolatry, were Fabianus and Origen, who by letters exhorted him thereunto: and for the same Profession, were both himself and son murdered by Decius his Captain, though others report, that Decius did rather hate Christianity for their sakes, then them for their Professions sake. Pomp. Laetus. And howsoever Pomponius Laetus accuseth him to be a dissembling Prince, yet Eusebius declareth the effects of his Profession far otherwise: for Philip (saith he) Euseb. Eccles. Hist. lib. 6. cap. 33. seeking to communicate with the Saints, could not be admitted, till such time as he had made open confession of his Faith; at which time he joined himself with those, who for their sins were brought to examination, and was placed in the room of the Penitents, because that in many things he had been faulty: which willingly he obeyed, and declared by his works his sincere and religious mind towards Sabellic. Ennead. 7. lib. 7. God. Which may the rather appear by Sabellicus and Bergomensis, who show, that the hatred of Decius against Philip and his son was conceived, for that they had committed the custody of their Treasures unto Fabianus the Christian Bishop of Rome, who Polychron. lib. 4. cap. 21. Goths infested Misia and Thracia. baptised them, as some writ; though others say, Poncius the Martyr did it. (4) The Goths again descending from Scythia, infested Misia and Thracia with a mighty Army, seeking their habitations in those Countries as formerly they had done: against whose eruptions, the Emperor sent one Marinus a most valiant Captain, who no sooner came into those parts, but drew the Soldiers into a Rebellion, and proclaimed himself Emperor, taking (as he said) his example from Philip, that had in like sort raised his title by his Sovereign's fall. But the Soldiers that had newly erected him, as suddenly again threw him down, and in their mutable affections slew him. Marinus slain. (5) Into whose Charge was sent Decius, a man of great experience, who also no sooner was in the Army, Decius enforced to be Emperor. but they forced the Imperial Ensigns upon him, and (as some report) against his will: he therefore sent secretly to Philip, declaring this attempt of the Soldiers, and how he meant to make escape from them with persisting in his dutiful allegiance. But the Emperor fearing this to be but policy in Decius, jest by delay he might give him more strength, omitted no time to uphold his own, and with a mighty Army undertook these affairs himself, not trusting any more to the disposal of his Captains. And immediately departing Rome, with a stern resolution, and overhard hand, held the rain of that begun Expedition, whereby he presently lost the love of the Army, and Decius was accounted the more worthy of rule, whom in Verona they forthwith proclaimed Philippus and his Caesar slain. E●trop. Capitol. Emperor, and cut off Philip's head thorough the teeth, before they had departed Italy. At news whereof, the Pretorians slew Philip his Caesar and son, a man of so observable composedness, as that he had been never seen to laugh in all his life. And thus the two Philip's ended their reigns. Euseb. Eccles. hist. lib. 6. cap. 38. (6) julius Philippus (saith Eusebius) reigned seven years: but Eutropius and Victor give him only five; whose death happened in the year of Christ jesus, two hundred and fifty. GN. MESSIUS, QVINCTUS, TRAIAN, DECIUS. CHAPTER XXXII. Q. HERALD ETR. MES. DECIUS. NOB. C. Tra. Decius Emp. 3 SIL. SPES. PUBLICA. IMP. C. M. Q. TRAIANUS. DECIUS. AUG 3 SIL. ADVENTUS. AUG. C. VALENS. HOSTIL. MES. QVINTUS. A●G. Decius C●s. Hostil. 3 SIL. PRINCIPI. IWENTVIS. An. Do. 250. Decius' elected Emperor by the Persian Legions, proclaimed in Verona by the Roman Soldiers, and in Rome confirmed by the Voice of the Senate, was of them all with wont flatteries styled Augustus. Decius his parentage. (2) His Birth was noble, of the City Cabali in the Lower Pannonia, now known by the name of Hungary: himself well experienced, wise, and valiant, and wielded the Empire as a worthy Prince, had he not blemished his reign with a stain of Tyranny, Decius a great scourge of the Christians. and persecuted Gods Saints with such a Heathenish rage, that he is rightly noted by learned Writers, to be the seventh Horn of the Persecuting-Imperiall-Beast, Apocal. 13. whose savage cruelties towards the innocent Christians, Paul. Oro●iu●. is most lamentable to be heard, but more to their smart that suffered and felt it. Ambr. l b. 2▪ de Virgin. (3) The gridiron he made the Altar, whereupon blessed Laurence offered his body in sacrifice; the Stews the Temple, wherein Theodora the unspotted Virgin worshipped her Christ; the comfortless Deserts, Euseb. Eccles. hist. lib. 6. cap. 41. Vincent. Ni●eph. lib. 5. cap. 27. the refuge of aged Chaeremon, Bishop of Nilus; and the Cave, the Sanctuarte of the seven Soldiers, fabuled by Nicephorus for seven Sleepers: and so barbarous was he that way, that he put to Martyrdom many Vinc. lib. 11. c. 52. Sabellicu●. children, as Vincentius, citing Hugo, affirmeth. Fabianus and Cornelius, both reverend Bishops of Rome, Euseb. Eccles. hist. lib. 6. cap. 38. he slew; Alexander, Bishop of jerusalem, imprisoned to death; and Great Origen, after he had scourged him at an Iron-stake, his feet he locked in the Stocks four paces asunder, where he so continued certain days, inventing such tortures and strange temptations against the guiltless Christians, as are most admirable to hear. But long he raged not, ere God in his justice Psal. 2. 9 took revenge, and broke him to pieces as a Potter's Vessel. (4) For the Goths that had invaded Mysia and Thracia, continuing their Eruptions into the bordering Provinces, drew him into an Expedition for those parts, where being betrayed by Trebonianus Gallus Pomponius Laetus. Jornandes. his own Captain, he saw his two sons, Decius and Hostilianus, (whom he had admitted in fellowship of Empire with him, and whose monies we have with his expressed) slain before his face; and himself to Decius and his Caesar their deaths. Cassiodor. entomb his body, as a last refuge, in a deep whirlpool; wherein it was so swallowed up, as it could never be after seen; having no other honour of Burial, nor place of remembrance where his bones should rest. And according to his Death, so was his Descent: for neither hath he Father, Mother, nor Wife mentioned (for aught I know) by any Writer, (for of Salustia Barbia Orbiana, it is doubtful whether to him or his son Hostilian she were wedded) nor his Acts so exactly registered, as were those of the preceding Emperors, his sins so deserving it, and God in his revenge so punishing it. Decius his reign Euseb. Eccles. ●ist. lib. 7. cap. 1. (5) Aurelius Victor and Eutropius say, that he reigned two years and odd months: but Eusebius affirmeth his reign, not fully two years: most hold him to have died at the age of fifty, and in the year of Christ, two hundred fifty two. C. VIBIUS TREBONIANUS GALLUS, Emperors. CAIUS VIBIUS VOLUSIANUS, CHAPTER XXXIII. Tre. Gallus Emp. IMP. CAESAR. C. VIB. TREB. GALLUS. AUG. 3 SIL. Vibius Volus●. Emp. ANNONA. AUGG. IMP. CAESAR. C. VIB. VOLUSIANO. AUG. 3 SIL. VIRTUS. AUGG. THis overthrow of the Romans, An. Do. 252. and death of Decius, in outward semblance was so grievously taken by Trebonianus Gallus, that no man was so forward for revenge as he, and therefore the last in suspicion of Treason. The Army he strengthened, and daily encouraged, pretending great service against those barbarous Scythians, but all to gain credit and liking of the Soldiers, whereby he soon achieved Gallus elected Emperor. His parentage. his desire, and with their applauses was proclaimed Emperor. (2) By Birth, he was descended of an honourable Family in Rome: but true honour cannot harbour where dwelleth treachery and falsehood, as it was with him, when appointed by Decius to be Governor of Mysia, and to keep the passages from the invading Goths, the desire of Rule so corrupted his mind, that he plotted with them against the Army, and betrayed the trust and life of his Sovereign. Pomp. L●t●●. Blondu●. Sabellicus. (3) Neither is he stained with the blot of Treasons only, but also with a careless and cruel government; for with the Goths he made a dishonourable peace, whereby the Romans (who were Lords of the World) become Tributary by a yearly pay to those uncivil Scythians, who nevertheless in short time broke their Truce with him, sacking and spoiling the Provinces of Thracia, Mysia, Thessalia, and Macedonia▪ the Persians then also by their example entering Mesopotamia and Syria, made spoil even thorough Armenia. (4) Gallus little regarding these troubles abroad, consumed his time idly in Rome, rather as a Bondman to his own voluptuous desires, than a Conquering Monarch; taking for his companion and Fellow-Emperour, his son Volusianus, as appeareth by inscription of Coin placed before, a very child, whose years did quit him of any Capital Crime. But himself Gallus persecuteth the Christians. Euse●. Eccles. hist. lib. 7. cap. 1. Universal Pestilence thorough all the world. Paul. Orosius. not perceiving the infortunate success of Decius for persecuting the innocent Christians, stumbled (as Eusebius saith) at the same stone, and banished them whose Prayers preserved his prosperous estate: at which time followed so universal a Pestilence, that no Province in the world was free from the same: and his wicked Life and most unfortunate Reign hastened now unto their period. Aemilian. Maurus his victory. (5) For the Goths continuing their furies begun, his General Aemilian. Maurus overthrew them with a wonderful slaughter; whereby he grew so famous, and Gallus so contemptible, that the Soldiers (ever affecting change) proclaimed him Emperor, the news whereof soon roused Gallus from the Bed of his lascivious pleasures, and with his son entered the quarrel against Aemilianus, whose fortune was to Gallus and 〈◊〉 son slain. E●trop. Euseb. Eccles. Hist. lib. 7. cap. 9 slay them both in fight, the year of Christ's Incarnation, two hundred fifty three, after he had reigned not fully two years, and lived (as Victor testifieth) forty and seven: whereupon the Armies joining their forces together, conferred the Imperial Title and Ensigns upon the Conqueror. C. JULIUS AEMILIANUS. CHAPTER XXXIV. Aemilianus Maurus Emp. IMP. AEMILIANUS. PIUS. FEL. AUG. 3 SIL. MARTI. PROPUGT. An. Do. 253. AEmilianus succeeding Gallus by the only election of the Mysian Army, was by birth an African in the Province Mauritania, of Parentage base and obscure; who being risen by the Wars from mean places of service, and no better than a Common Aemilian. Maurus his descent. Soldier, aspired to the charge and credit of a Captain General. (2) His Election at first was contradicted by the Italian Bands, in favour of Valerianus their own Leader, whom they sought to raise Emperor, the Senate also inclining thereto, the fame of the man among them was so renowned. The most voices therefore heard on his side. Some have rather accounted Aemilianus an Usurper, then ranked him in the catalogue of lawful Emperors. Eutropius. (3) But seeing Eutropius doth allow him the place, we are not to dispute his title or claim: only his short time of government admitteth no matters of large discourse, being cut off in the bud, before the graft had time to spring. For his Army disliking what themselves had done, and hearing of the worths and election of Valerianus, laid down their weapons born Aemilian. Maurus his end, and continuance of his raign●. in his defence, and tumultuously murdered him in the heat of their bloods, after he had reigned in name, without action, the space almost of four months. (4) So unconstant is the state of worldly felicity, and may be compared to a mastless Ship, which without Tackle is left to the mercy of the raging Seas, that is one while carried with the fair winds of hope towards the haven of wished desires, but straightways overwhelmed with the waves of despair: and most especially him that is borne upon the opinions of the giddy multitude, now carried aloft upon the floods of their fawning favours, and anon left in the sands of their retiring ebbs, with a sudden shipwreck of all their foregone fortunes. And these adventures too soon Aemilianus felt, who the same year that he thus put forth to Sea, lost all his adventure, and therewith his life, Anno 253. P. LICINIUS VALERIANUS. CHAPTER XXXV. IMP. C. P. LIC. VALERIANUS. AUG. 5 COP. ΕΦΕϹΙΩΝ▪ ΑΡΤΕΜΙΤ. Anno Dom. 254. IF ever the saying of the wise Athenian Solon (spoken to Croesus' the rich king Herodot. in Cli●. of Lydia) was true, That no man can be happy before the day of his death: then most truly may it be verified of this Valerianus the next succeeding Emperor: whose years were multiplied with increase of honour, until they came to seventy and seven, but then were clouded with such ignominious miseries, as the like had never happened to any Roman Emperor before him, and (I may well say) to no other Monarch in the world before living: Such is the Ordinance of our great God, sometimes from the Dunghill to raise men of low degree, and to place them with Princes in the Chair of Majesty; then again to bring down the Mighty from their Seat of Glory, & to leave them chained with the poorest Captives, & basest Vassals. For such was the State of that Great & Proud Dan. 4. 27. King of Babel, who from the height of Majesty fell into the conditions of an unreasonable Beast. And so was it with Valerianus, though not utterly abandoned from the Society of men, as Babel's King was: yet was he carried Captive unto a Nation whose Society was scarce humane, and where his usage was more than barbarous. Valerianus his descent. (2) This man was both nobly descended, and of so great esteem among the Romans, that being but a private, and then also absent, they chose him for Treb. Pollio. their Censor, an Office of high dignity, conferred ever upon the Best, as Trebellius Pollio, who wrote the History of his Life, hath declared. Eusebius reporteth his beginning to have been gracious and mild towards Valerianus a protector of the Christians. the Christians, above any of his Ancestors whatsoever; yea even those who were themselves openly accounted Christians: insomuch, that his Clemency was their Protection, and his Court the Sanctuary of Paul. Orosius. a Necromancer seduceth Valeltrian. their safeties. But Satan (whose hatred sleepeth not) stirred up an Egyptian Sorcerer against them, who so enchanted the Emperor's heart, that with great cruelty he began the Eighth Persecution, & so raged, that some Apocal. c. 13. have appropriated the sayings of the Apocalypse in the thirteenth chapter unto him, as to whom power was given for two and forty months over the Saints of Dio●ysius in Epist. ad H●rmamonen apud Eusebium. God, and a mouth to utter great blasphemies: Of which opinion is the ancient Dionysius Alexandrinus. Many Sabellicus Volateranus. indeed were the Martyrs that he caused with horrible tortures to die, and more had done, if the just revenging hand of God had not cut him off. Valerianus taken prisoner by Sapor (3) For Sapores the savage King of Persia, making great spoil in Syria, Cilicia, and Cappadocia, drew Valerian from Rome into Mesopotamia, to withstand his rage, where striking Battle▪ with him was left (either by Treason or Chance) without sufficient Guard to secure his Person, and was there taken Prisoner by the Persians, having then reigned seven years (whereof two were spent in spilling of the blood of Saints) and thence forward, the rest of his life was enthralled to a most miserable and merciless servitude: For the Trebel. Pollio. Tyrannising Persian puffed up with this fortunate gale, to an excessive swelling of pride; whensoever he was disposed to take Horse, made Valerianus his Footstool, causing this Greatest Monarch of the World to whom all Nations did homage, to bow down his neck and back for himself thereon to tread, and mount into his Saddle: In which unsufferable slaucrie, his old body Pompon. Laetus. endured without release, to the end of his most wretched life, which by some Authors account was Aurelius' Victor. full seven years more; the very time of the Babylonian Kings abasement. (4) But herein the misery of Valerianus is much greater than Nabuchadnezars' was, in that God both restored him to his former glory, and endued him with heavenly grace to confess his sins; whereas Valerianus perished in the desperate calamity whereinto he was fallen; as Eusebius showeth in these words: Eusebius in serm. ad Conuentum Sanctorum. And thou Valerian, forasmuch as thou hast exercised the same cruelty in murdering the subjects of God, therefore hast proved unto us the righteous judgement of God, in that thyself wast bound in Chains, and carried away for a Captive Slave with thy Glorious Purple and thy Imperial Attire, & at length also commanded by Sapours King of the Persians, to be slain, & powdered with salt, hast set up unto all men a perpetual Monument of thine own wretchedness. (5) How unspeakable the cruelties were which this wretched Emperor endured by that Tyrant, may hence appear, in that not only those which were Allies to the Roman Empire, but also the Barbarous Kings, and friends of Sapores were moved with commiseration, and distaste, as Treble. Pollio proveth by their own letters sent for his release, the copies whereof he there produceth. Other Princes also of the East, as of the Bactrians, Albanians, Ilberians, and Scythians, inhabiting Mount Taurus, had such sense of these ignominious usages, that they disdained to receive the letters from Sapor of his Victorious success, and sent their Ambassadors to Rome, profferring their assistance for the redemption of their Emperor; yet all availed not, and Sapor held still his Prisoner, abating nothing either of his own pride, or his Captives misery, Valerianus had his Eyes pulled out. but in the end (so hellish a fiend is revenge) commanded his Eyes to be pulled out, and so for age and grief he died, as Eusebius saith: being, as Agathus (a writer Flaied alive. of credit) reporteth, flaied alive by direction of this unhuman King. Thus did God punish one Tyrant by another, and thus himself felt those torments unpitied, which he had without pity inflicted on others. The race of whose Reign is accounted to be seven years before his Captivity, wherein he lived almost so long as Galienus his son sat Emperor, and died in the year two hundred sixty one. P. LICINIUS GALIENUS. CHAPTER XXXVI. VALERIANUS. CAES. 2 SIL. JOVI. CRESCENTI. GALLIENUS. AUG. 4 COP. COLIUL. AUG. FLL. DIVO. VALERIANO. CAES. 3 SIL. CONSACRATIO. An. Do. 261. VAlerian now Captive in Persia (while Odenatus grasping the advantage, took upon him the Empire of the East; & the now guideless Army of Rome, occupied only in spoil and mutiny, their leaders in faction, and the whole State astonished in affrighted terror and amazement) Balista (a gallant gentleman) Rome in disturbance for election of an Emperor. first of the Romans moved with the instant misery of the Commonwealth, resolved by electing anew an Emperor, to prevent the apparent ruin of his own Country: yet never in this his worthy resolution, once dreamt of Gallienus, (though before chosen Augustus in the full fortune of his father) but Marianus with his sons elected, subdued and slain. the affection of the Army forcibly settled the Garland upon Macrian and his two sons, as the most worthy; who with his eldest not long after subdued by Aureolus usurping Illyria (against galenus then received Sovereign by the Roman Senate) and his youngest betrayed to murder by plot of Odenatus, left the distracted 1. Aureolus in Illyria. 2. Gallienus in Rome. 3. Odenatus in the East. Odenatus overcometh the Persians. Empire to those three, of which the last disdaining much the indignity offered to the State of Rome, by that base captivity of Valerian, whose calamity nothing touched the sense of his unnatural son, entered a war against the Persians, and took from them their Cities Nisabis and Carras. But such was the moderation of this man, that although he had power of an independent Sovereignty, yet he held still a good correspondency and intelligence in all his actions of Government, with Gallienus, to whom he sent (as monument of Victory and Revenge) such of the Persian Nobility as become his Prisoners: and thus Odenatus did conquer, and galenus triumph. But such was the galenus seeketh Odenatus his death. baseness of the other, that when he could not by any Princely virtue in himself, eclipse the true merit of Odenatus, he endeavoured to deface by treachery what he could not suppress by valour. But in this failing, he made him then (through fear) copartner of his Empire, styling him Augustus, and stamping his face and the Persian Triumph upon the public Coin of the State, by approbation of the Senate, leaving him alone to defend those Frontiers of the Empire, whilst himself, neither regarding his old father's miseries, (most miserable that he had so unnatural a son) the dishonour of the Roman State, nor the revolts of the Provinces, whereof news was daily brought him, spent his unprincely thoughts upon fruitless devices, as in reserving sundry Fruits and Flowers, that they might grow green● and flourish all seasons of the year; and (which was worse) upon women and wanton dalliances. Yet had he a Lady of excellent beauty and allurements, Cornelia Salonina Pipara, to his wife, the daughter of the King of the Marcomanni, whose feature we find often minted upon her Monies. His son by her Saloninus he adopted Caesar, of whom there is no more remembered in Story, then that he was borne noble, trained up princely, and perished through the errors of his father, and not his own. And to his brother Licinius Valerianus (to whom the father had given the title of Caesar) he added the honour of Augustus. And therefore we have not held it improper, to adjoin to his their monies in the front of his life. (2) The calamities of this emperors time were so many, as almost exceed credit: and Signs showed both in the Heavens and the Earth, manifested his wrath, that sat upon the Throne of jasper, from whose Apoc. 4. 3. Treble. Pollio. Strange sights in the Heavens. presence issued thunderings, Lightnings, and Voices. For (by Writers of best credit) the Sun was clouded as under sackcloth, and not seen for many days together. Earthquakes great, and fearfully resounding, overthrew Great and mighty Earthquakes. Cities and other edifices, shaking the ground so terribly, that vast Caves, and hideous gaping bowels of the earth were thereby laid open, and whereout (no less strangely) flowed great streams of salt waters. The Earth roared, and seemed to thunder, when there was no voice heard in the air. The Sea overswelled her banks, and broke into many Continents, drowning Countries, Cities, and People: and (besides all these) so violent a Pestilence raged, that in Rome no less than 5. thousand persons died in a day. (3) These miseries somewhat moved this Heathenish Emperor to remorse: and thinking thereby to Galienus stayed the persecutions of the Christians. Euseb. Eccles. hist. lib. 7. cap. 12. Apoc. 1. 16. pacify the wrath of the Divine Powers, he stayed the Persecutions of the Christians, sending out his Edicts in favour of them. For not only the Heavens, Earth, and Seas declared the anger of their God, out of whose mouth went a two-edged sword, but the Provinces also seemed to be removed out of their places. The Soldiers of all parts electing their own Generals, advanced no less Thirty Emperors at once. than Thirty at once, who assumed the title of Emperors, but are recorded to Posterities by the name of Usurping Tyrants. And as they were all deadly opposite each to other, so were they jointly almost all bend against Galienus; whereby the Roman Empire was more oppressed with her own forces, than ever it had been by foreign Powers. And since six of them assumed the Purple rob in this Western Angle of the Empire, it will not be impertinent to the course of Story, with a light touch to remember them, and to express their Monies, as we have done the rest of those that held the reins of government in these parts of the Roman World. IMP. C. POSTUMUS. P. F. AUG. IP. C. VLP. GOUR. LAELIANUS. IMP. C. VICTORINUS. P. F. AUG. IMP. C. MARIUS. P. F. AUG. IMP. C. TETRICUS. P. F. AUG. C. PIVESUS. TETRICUS. CAES. 3 COP. 2 COP. 2 COP. 2 GOL. 3 COP. 3 COP. JOU. PROPUGNATORI. VICTORIA. AUG. PIETAS. AUG. SAEC. FELICITAS P. M. TR. P. III COS. II P. P. SPES. AUGG. M. Cassius Labienus Posthumus after the death of Saloninus (who was committed to his education by Gallienus) assumed the Empire, by aid and encouragement of those of Gallia, over whom he had born the office of liefetenancie by favour of Valerian the Emperor. And these again, as all Populars greedy of Innovation from him and junius Cassius Posthumus his son, took both honour and life, after ten years government. This opportunity either made by L. Aelianus, or fitly taken, mounted him up with ease into that Imperial throne, in which he sat not with like fortune of continuance, though of conclusion. To this man succeeded together, M. Aurelius Victorinus, and Lucius his son; both in a Tumult near Colayn by their soldiers murdered. And had not the inordinate lust of the elder, blemished his other virtues, he had to all the most excellent Emperors been nothing inferior, in the best of their other virtues. (7) The restless humour now of the giddy Commons, next settleth itself upon Aurelius Marius, a sovereign suitable in his mean condition to their base affections (for he was no better than a Blacksmith) yet to him a man of their own means & making, they were no less unconstant and cruel, then to the rest: after three days, setting an end of his government, with a sword of his own forging. And therefore Pivesius Tetricus, the father and son, though ascending the throne of Majesty, with the greatest applause of that people, and filling it up with much merit and happy success of their own, when they considered the insufferable insolences and desperate practices of that profane rank, chose rather to adorn Aurelians Triumph, in a voluntary captivity, then to live and rule at the devotion of a lawless multitude. And these times seemed no less fatally bend to blood, disorder, and tyranny in other parts as well as these: For the Pannonians raised Ingenuus: The Myssians, A. Regillianus: The Egyptians, Aemilianus: In Africa Celsus was Pomp. Laetus. proclaimed: In Illyricum, Aureolus: and in the East, Odenatus (a man the more famous for Zenobia, his glorious and magnanimous Wife; Whose valour was so feared of Galienus, that to make him his, he admitted him his Fellow-Emperor, with the Style of Augustus as we have remembered before.) The a Paulus Oros. Germane invade Italy: The b Cassidor. Goths waste Greece, Pontus and Asia; The Samartians seize c jernandes. Eusebius. ostrich and Hungary: The Persians rob Syria: The Saxons break into Gallia: The Apoc. 6. 4. Franks into Spain: In a word, all are in uproars, the second seal opened, and the Red-horse prepared for Battle, whose Rider had received a great and sharp Sword, with Commission given him to take Peace from the Earth: and these times of troubles are so famous in Story, and the revolutions of Acts so agreeable to the words of the Prophecy, that they may Galienus times prophesied of by the Evangelist S. john▪ seem justly a most exact accomplishment of that sacred vision. (5) Finally, when Gallienus had reigned from his first Associating with his Father the term of fifteen years, Martian, Heraclianus, and Ceronius, three of his principal Captains, (compounding together that one of them should be Emperor) plotted his death, whiles he besieged the City Milan, where they traitorously murdered him, the year of our Lord Galienus his death and continuance of his reign. two hundred sixty nine, after that he had suffered the Empire to be rend in pieces, and usurped by many Foreign and barbarous Nations. M. AURELIUS FLAVIUS CLAUDIUS. CHAPTER XXXVII. Fla. Claudius Emp. IMP. ●LAUDIUS. AUG. 2 COP. PROVIDEN. AUG. S An. Do. 269. ROME'S glory thus declining, and the Imperial Foundations thus undermined, the aspiring tops of all that beauteous frame began to shake, and to foreshow the signs of her approaching fall. And had not the Fates even at that instant raised a stay to underprop the Walls, those mounted Towers which so long had braved the Sky, had been laid level with the Ground, and made the ruins of All▪ consuming Time. (2) For whereas by the strange confusions under the late Emperor, the Eagles' body was burdened with the weight of those thirty heads at once: of which number though many of them by their own mutual ravening were consumed before the death of Galienus, yet the mightiest, as Aurelius Governor of Dalmatia, Tetricus and Victorinus, who held Britain and Gallia; and Zenobia (the Heroic Queen and wife of Odenatus) all the East; to omit the Murderers of Galienus, that durst not make their claim, (their deed so ill digested) all these were still remaining and strong, at such time as Flavius Claudius by the Soldiers was elected before the Walls of Milan, and confirmed with much joy by the Senate in Rome. His descent. (3) This Flavius was descended of noble Parentage, out of Dalmatia, by some; or as others say, of Aurel. Victor. Dardania, and sprung from the Trojan Blood. But Aurelius Victor will have him the son of Gordianus the Emperor before spoken of. Howsoever, a most worthy Flavius Claudius his virtues. man he was, an excellent Captain, of singular continence, a just judge, a lover of strangers, severe to the wicked, but most benign to the virtuous: so that we may well say, In Rome was a new world; or at lest, In the World was a new Rome. (4) His first Expedition was against Aurelius, that held Milan, whom he there slew, and joined his Soldiers to his own strength. But preferring the general good before his particular quiet, he addressed his wars for the East, against the Goths, who (as jornandes Jornandes. Goths invade the Empire. their Story-writer reporteth) had infested those parts of the Empire (for fifteen years continuance) with continual eruptions, and had now lately entered friendship with many other like barbarous Nations, Paul Orosius. invading Thracia, and the Countries before them, even unto Macedonia: and thence taking their way thorough Hungary, came down the River Danubie, Two thousand sail of Goths. with two thousand Sail of Ships, fraught with Munition and Men. To meet these, Claudius prepared: but before his Encounter, he wrote thus to the Senate: Claudius' Letter to the Senat●. (5) Renowned Fathers and Reverend Lords, understand ye for certain, that three hundred and twenty thousand men of war are entered our Confines, whose weight doth seem to burden the Earth itself, and whose warlike preparations make these parts of the Empire to tremble and quake; with whom I am now to strike Battle: wherein if the Conquest be mine, the joy will be yours. But if I fall, yet I pray remember that I fight after Galienus hath reigned, and rend the strength of the Romans in these remote Provinces, and after the Rebellions of Lollianus, Posthumus, Eugenius, Regillianus, Celsus, and others, who have so weakened the sinews of our Arms, and broken the Swords and Lances of our defence, that I may well say, we want, if not strength, yet weapons wherewithal to fight. And to our shame be it spoken, Zenobia a Woman commands all our Crossbows, and bends them against our unarmed breasts. How small soever therefore our performance shall be in this service, repute it (I pray) for great, and wish our proceeding may sort to the weal of the Empire. Goths vanquished. (6) Which done, with no daunted spirit he entered Battle, and with more than wont courage fought so valiantly, that he slew and took Prisoners, to the number of three hundred thousand fight men, with two thousand Ships laden with Munition, so that whole houses were filled to their tops with Targets, Shields, Swords, and Lances, and other habiliments for War, whereof he wrote again to Rome: and following the Enemy with success of Victory, in Thracia near Byzantium, in Macedonia near Thessalonica, drove the Goths out of those parts which they had so long infested, and restored the wont bounds of the Empire. Thence marching into Germany, near the Lake called Garda, gave that revolted Nation a great overthrow, where (as Eutropius and Victor do report) he vanquished two thousand of those strong Germane, and there established again their subjection to the Romans power. And now minding to go forward against Tetricus and the puissant Zenobia, a Fever did first cut off his purpose, and shortly Flavius Claudius died a natural death. after his life: a thing very strange and rare in that age, as by the course of their reigns we have hitherto seen; not that so great a Monarch should die, (they being all of the same earthly mould that meanest men are) but that in those days a Roman Emperor should die in his bed, as other men do, of a natural death. His parsonage and qualities. (7) He was of parsonage tall, his body well composed and strong, bright and clear eyes, his face great and full; and of life most temperate and chaste. He reigned one year, ten months, and fifteen days, and died the fourth of February, in the year of Christ, two hundred seventy one. His Statue of Gold was set up in the Capitol, and his Target of the same metal hung up in the Senate-house, himself (in honour of his admired worth) placed among the Roman Emperors that were deified for Gods: such an estimation and love did his virtuous life procure unto him even after his death. M. AURELIUS QVINTILIUS. CHAPTER XXXVIII. A. Quintilius Emperor. IMP. C. M. AUR. CL. QVINTILLUS. 5 GOP. MARTI PACIFERO. An. Do. 271. QVintilius, the Brother of Claudius, and Viceroy in his absence for the Guard of Italy, was by the Army Eutropius. whereof he had command, proclaimed Emperor immediately upon the News of Claudius his death: The Senate as joyfully confirming his Election, as they were sorrowful for their loss of his Quintilius brother to the last Emperor. most worthy Brother. Brethren indeed they were by nature, and in conditions not much unlike; so that what seemed to be passed in the one, was in the other supplied and still remaining: For this M. Aurelius Quintilius, was both wise for Civil Government, and experienced for Wars, wanting no compliments of an absolute Prince. (2) But long his glass stood not without a turn, nor his Fortune's fawning without a frown. For the victorious Soldiers which in his expeditions had followed Claudius, and thought themselves worthy of the first voice in Election, proclaimed Aurelianus for Emperor, a most valiant Captain; and of whose prowess there had been so sufficient experience, as that Quintilius knew he could not stand against him. And therefore mistrusting the strength of his Title, and affections of his Soldiers, reputed it ignominious for a noble mind, to die with less honour than he attained unto, and enjoyed by his life: and therefore resolving to die an Emperor, chose rather by a voluntary Quintilius cut his own veins, and so bled to death. cutting of his own veins, to power out his life with his blood, then to hazard the chance of uncertain wars, or to return to his private estate. He reigned but seventeen days. And thus no longer reigning then seventeen days, (which short time could minister little matter of larger discourse) he died with his brother the same month of February the twentieth day, and year of Christ his incarnation, two hundred seventy one. L. DOMITIUS AURELIUS VALERIA. AURELIANUS. CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE. Val. Aurelianus Emperor. IMP. AV NUS. AUG. 3 COP. RESTITUT. ORI ENTIS. P An. Do. 271. SO short was the Reign of the last Emperor Quintilius, that Aurelianus who followed him may be said to be the Successor of Claudius, and not of him: being elected by his Legions in the East, as soon as the other had been in Italy (though confirmed before him of the Senate in Rome) continued still his rival for Majesty, and attained the top of that high set Goal, whereof Quintilius failed, before his foot had Aurelianus his descent. well mounted the first step. (2) This Valerius Aurelianus was of parentage neither honourable nor rich, and yet his fortunes carried him to the height of both. Some recount his birth was of Dacia; others of Mysia; both so doubtful that Flavius Vopiscus, (the copious Writer of his Life) Fla. Vop. leaves it undecided, and to the censure of his Readers. His rise were by the Wars; whereunto from his childhood he had a natural inclination: and for continual carrying of his weapons, was commonly called Aurelianus the Sword-bearer. (3) His service was sufficiently known to the Generals of divers Provinces, who had forty sundry times implo●ed him in the charge of a Lieutenant: and under Claudius in Persia he was the Colonel of the Horse. In the wars of Sarmatia he is reported to have slain forty Enemies with his own hands in one day; and at other several times, to the number of nine hundred men, as both Vopiscus and Theoclius have affirmed. Aurelianus comparable with Caesar and Alexander. And generally so famous were his deeds, both before he was Caesar, and after, as that he is by some compared with julius and Alexander. (4) Upon the ratifying of his election by the Senate at Rome, he hasted not thither to be saluted and installed Emperor, but forthwith marched against the Suevians and Sarmates, who sore infested the Empire with wars: and having soon subdued them, and quieted those parts, in great haste he came into Italy against the Germane, who with Fire and Sword had go as far as Milan: and them likewise with great valour he forced thence. Then entering Rome with great pomp, caused the Walls to be repaired Aurelianus enlarged the walls of Rome. and enlarged, which was not lawful but only for Victorious Emperors. But long he stayed not, ere he returned into Syria, against the stout Queen Zenobia, whose brave resolutions, and warlike power for fight, Chap. 37. Sabellicus saith she both tired him, and put him to flight also. Zenobia her Letter to Aurelianus. her Letter in answer unto him (when being sorely tired, he proffered her wealth, life, and liberty to yield) doth manifestly declare: the tenor thereof being as followeth. (5) Zenobia, the most mighty Eastern Queen, to Aurelianus, Rome's Augustus, sendeth greeting. Never Captain to this day, in using Pen in stead of Spear, or filled Words for Weapons points, hath more sufficiently discharged the parts of War, than thou to me in Writ hast done: wherein I well perceive thy drift, and blame thee not, that seest me but a Woman: which Sex you men make subjects only by your smoothing tongues. But know, Augustus, thou dealest not with a Roman Dame, nor with her who upon base conditions will subscribe her honour; but with Zenobia, the * The great City Palmyra (saith josep●us) was built by King Solomon; whence their Nation took the name. ●t bordered upon the Parthians Kingdom in the middle betwixt it and the Roman Empire. Palmyrean Queen, in whose womanly breast the manly heart of great Odenatus doth still▪ live and lie. These courting terms do ill beseem a Camp, and worse him who would be styled a Mars. But yet thy Golden ovid. Metam. li. 6. Shower hath reigned beside our Lap; nor we a Venus to meet thee for thy sport, but with our Lance in hand to try our lawful right, and with our Sword to answer thy demands in blood. I am a Woman; so was * Tomyris was a valiant Scythian Queen, who ●lew King Cyrus, and all his Host: and filling a vessel with their blood, did cast in Cyrus' head, saying, Blood hast thou thirsted, now drink thereof thy fill. To this doth Zenobia allude. Tomyris; thou knowest the rest: in Arms against Augustus; so was Cleopatra, who rather chose to sting herself to death, then live a subject (though a Prince) under great Octavian. Art thou his better? thou art deceived: or I her worse? nothing less: who from her person do derive my Pedigree, and from her courage will maintain my cause. I am a Queen, and reign beloved, was Rome's Empress, obeyed and honoured; and the wife of Odenatus, whom all you Romans greatly feared. Are my powers weak? The Persians (whose strength you well have tried) will supply. Are my Soldiers few? The Saracens have more that will assist: and the Armenians are wholly at my command. If then thieves and Robbers in Syria were sufficient to overthrow thine Army, what hope is left thee to escape our hands, when all these our strengths shall be thus conjoined in one? Therefore the same offers that to me thou hast sent, the same to thee I here return, and will perform, if thou in time embrace this truce. (6) This haughty answer of that undaunted Queen, put more fire to the fury of Aurelianus, who took the Letter in such scorn, that he threatened death to the Inditer, (whom he supposed to be Longinus the Philosopher, who was always with her, and her Instructor) which afterwards he did accomplish: for destroying her several Aids before they could meet together, and besieging Palmyra her strong City, he brought the same to such distress, that in the end he took her Captive; and glad of such a prey, carried Zenobia vanquished. her himself to Rome, where following his Chariot of Triumph, attired in Tissues and richest Robes of price, shoe was lead his Prisoner in Chains of Gold: upon whose presence the Spectators with admirations so Zenobia her beauty. much gazed, that somewhat it dimmed the Majesty of Aurelianus: for she is said to be exceedingly fair, though not very white, but somewhat brown: her eyes black and bright, her teeth shining like pearls, Flau. Vopisc. her body tall, and of most stately proportion, her countenance modest, mild, and pleasing, her voice sweet, her conversation honest, her mind chaste, and body continent, wise, temperate, and learned in the Greek, Latin, and Egyptian tongues. Yea the atchivement of this Conquest was held so notable, that he reputed himself the Restorer of the East, as it appeareth by the reverse of his money here prefixed in the entrance of his reign. (7) These Acts of Aurelianus made him so famous abroad, and feared at home, that Tetricus which had held out against Galienus, came in under his protection, holding it more safe to be a Subject in quiet, than a Commander against an Opposite of so invincible a mind: by whom thereupon he was made Governor of Campania, and of other Provinces in Italy. (8) Hitherto this emperors successes were very prosperous (we may well suppose) for his indulgence to the Christians, whose assemblies he permitted, and whose Bishops he so favoured, that at their request he banished Paulus Samosatenus the Heretic out of their Counsels, and published an Edict in the behalf of their Synods. But afterward Satan minding to sift the Wheat, Euseb: Eccl. Hist. lib. 7 cap. 39 Paul. Orosius. Aurelianus at first a favourer, now a persecutor of the Christians. Aurelianus s●ard with a Thunderbolt from heaven Psal. 2. 10. that the Chaff might be his, stirred up this Emperor to raise the Ninth Persecution, and to sand forth his Edicts for the destruction of God's Saints: which whilst he was in perusing, and about to set his hand and seal, a Thunderbolt from Heaven struck into his presence, and so near unto his person, that all accounted him to be therewith slain, God warning him by this his Messenger to be wise, jest he perished in his own ways; as shortly after he did, being slain by his Servants, Aurelianus slain. through the Treason of Mnestheus his Secretary, the nine and twentieth day of February following, near Eutropius. Aurelianus. unto the City Byzantium, when he had sat Emperor four years, eleven months, and seven days, the year of our happiness, two hundred seventy six. His feature of body and mind. (9) He was of stature tall, of body well shaped, a pleasing countenance, and of a seemly presence, a great feeder, and very severe, whereby he was as much feared as beloved, and therefore reported to be a good Physician, but that he ministered too bitter Potions; and was Canonised after his death among the holy Emperors: Bucholcer. in the second year of whose reign, the Great Constantine of Helena in Britain was borne. M. CLAUDIUS TACITUS. CHAPTER XL. Claudius' Tacitus Emp. IMP. C. M. CL. TACITUS. AUG. 3 GOL. PAX PUBLICA. An. Do. 276. THe former seditions ended by Aurelianus, and the Aurelianus being dead no man ●ought to be Emperor. state of the Empire remaining now in quiet, no man appeared to sue, much less tumultuously to strive for that Royal Diadem; but all the great Commanders (as though they made courtesy in giving Senate and Soldiers strain courtesy who shall choose the Emperor. way each unto others) stood at the foot of Majesty; no man attempting higher to mount. The soldiers sent to the Senate, to design the man whom they best liked; the Senate requested the soldiers to elect him whom they held worthiest; in which respective compliments, and most kind correspondency of all parts, eight months passed with a peaceable Interregnum, as writers report. Eusebius Vopiscus. Orosius Oneuphrius. (2) It seemeth, the fresh sense and fearful experiences of the former heady proceed, made men more wise, then to seek their own deaths, and especially the Generals to be better advised, then to run desperately upon their own destructions. A change uncredible, that Thirty ere whiles would needs be styled Emperors, among the tumultuous Soldiers (though they were sure to buy the use of that name with their dearest blood) and not one now in peace could be found, either hasty to seek it, or very willing to accept it. Claudius' Tacitus elected Emperor (3) At last both Senate and Soldiers, having in their eye M. Claudius Tacitus, a man very Noble and of Consular degree, of great age, singular learning, & long experience in Magistracy; him by a joint and conspiring suffrage, they all elected to their Empire: but he having before hand some inkling of this their purpose, got him out of the way, living very secretly two months at his Rural Manor, flying (saith Vopiscus) that high dignity which he foresaw would prove his overthrow. And when they did by Embassages often solicit him to accept of their Election; sending him the Ensigns and Style of Augustus: he again returned them, though with hearty thanks, yet absolute denial, alleging by reason of his age and infirmity, that he was every way unable to discharge their so great expectations. (4) But after much intercourse, and many entreaties passed, at length (the necessity of the State so requiring) he accepted their offer, though not with much contentment to himself, who knew the weight of so great titles would prove heavy & always dangerous for him to bear; but with unspeakable joy, was received by the whole State, which promised all blessed hopes to the state under so worthy, so wise, so virtuous, learned, and so just an Emperor. Claudius' Tacitus his virtues. (5) For as before his advancement, he was of Exemplary composedness and virtuous disposition, so in this high Estate, his life was temperate, and without all pride, & so desirous to be a Preceder of moderation, & singularity unto others, as that he would not permit his Empress to wear any jewels of high price, nor to use other customable superfluity, or excess in his own house. For learning and learned men, whom he ever embraced in his private Estate, he now by all means endeavoured to honour and advance, and publicly professed that what Imperial virtues he had, he was to ascribe them to his study of good letters: For which cause, he was wont to call Cornelius Tacitus (that worthiest Historian of the Romans State) his Father, and commanded his works to be carefully preserved in every Library throughout the Empire; and ten times every year to be transcribed on Claudius' Tacitus his care to preserve the works of Cornelius Tacitus. public cost. All which notwithstanding, many of that worthy Authors Books have since miscarried. (6) But his virtues were too great for the world long to enjoy: and sith his Reign was but short, it is bootless to lengthen it with long discourses: For his Peace continued without any memory of Wars; and his short time (wherein he did nothing without consent of the Senate) was spent rather reforming other men's vices, and abuses of the Laws and State, then in displaying his own virtues; which doubtless (if their fair stream had not been untimely stopped) would have proved incomparable to any his foregoers, and unmatchable by any his followers. Eutrop. l. 9 What death he died is left uncertain; Eutropius thinketh him slain, by his rebellious soldiers in Asia, upon his voyage against the Persians: but Victor reporteth Aurel. Victor. that he died a natural death, and that of a burning-fever, in the city of Tharsus: And Flavius Vopiscus, (who wrote his life) saith his death came upon▪ Vopiscus. a surcharge of grief, by reason of factions; whereby (the infirmity of his age thereto helping) his understanding was crazed, and his heart broken, whereof he died, when he had reigned six months, and twenty Claudius' Tacitus his Reign. days, the year of Christ jesus, one hundred seventy six. M. ANNIUS FLORIANUS. CHAPTER XLI. M. An. Florianus Emp. IMP. C. M. AN. ELORIANUS. P. F. AUG. 2 GOL. MONETA. AVG. An. Do. 277. NO sooner was the death of Tacitus divulged, but his brother Florianus (much unlike him in that point) Florianus made himself Emperor. took● upon him the Name and Authority Imperial, without expecting any election either of Senate or Soldiers, and therefore not likely long to stand sure. And although in all other princely parts he was not much unlike his brother, yet having so great an Opposite as Probus was, on whom the Eastern Army had conferred the same Title, the blossoms of his conceited hope withered even in the bud, and perished before they had any time of growth. (2) For no sooner came to his ears the news of Probus his election, but he found that heady and precipitate attempts were pleasing in their Beginnings, but full of difficulties in their Proceed, and most disastrous in their Success: and therefore despairing both of Men and Means to raise the Building, whose Florianus his death. foundation he had so hastily (but too weakly) laid▪ he caused his own veins to be cut, as Quintilius before Chap. 3●. him in like case had done, whereby he boldly bled to death, after he had enjoyed a Titular Sovereignty Eutrop. lib. 9▪ Vopiscus. Florianus his ●aigne. only eighty days, saith Eutropius: but Vopiscus saith, not altogether two months, and thinks him killed by the Soldiers, in the City Tharsus likewise, in the year of Christ two hundred seventy and seven. M▪ AUREL. VALERIA. PROBUS. CHAPTER XLII. Val. Probus Emp. IMP. C. M. AUR. PROBUS. AUG. 3 GOL. CONSERVAT. AUG. An. Do. 277. THE Eastern Army most potent and famous at the death of Tacitus, from them was expected the new emperors election, which accordingly they did, but with much more wisdom and deliberate circumspection, than the Soldiers of those times were accustomed to do. For every Captain of the Army singled out his own Companies, and in several Assemblies exhorted, that all affections laid aside, they would apply their minds to think of the worthiest man, on whom they might confer their voices and savours. At which time, the opinion of Probus his worth had so generally possessed the hearts of all men, that the shout and cry of all was uniform, Let us have Probus for our Emperor. This being signified to Rome, the Senate with applause and thanks approved and confirmed his Election, with additions Probus called 〈◊〉 father of his Country▪ a●d the highe●● Bishop. to his Title, Augustus, The Father of his Country, and the highest Bishop. For in those times, even amongst Heathens, the sacred Title of a Bishop was accounted an additament of honour even to an Emperor. His desc●●t. (2) He was borne in Hungary in the City Sirmia, of honourable Parentage, especially by his mother's side. His father's name was Maximus, a man famous in Military Service, who died Tribune at the wars in Egypt: and himself very young, but very valorous, by the Emperor Valerianus (who so loved him for his virtues, that he used to say of him, that of all men he best Sabellicus. deserved the name Probus, that is virtuous) was made a Tribune also. In which Office, with great praise he served under Galienus, Aurelianus, & Claudius the Emperors; under whom besides other exploits he fought several single-combats to the great honour of himself and Country, and received as marks of victories, many Civicall Crowns, Collars, Bracelets, Lances, Banners, and other Ensigns of Martial device and Privilege. Preferred to be General in Africa, he subdued the Marmarides: In Egypt the Palmerines'; under Aurelianus the Sarmates and Germane; under Probus comparable with Hannibal and Caesar. Claudius the Goths; and in all places so famous for his Acts, that he was compared with Hannibal and Caesar. Probus slayeth 400000. Germane. (3) His first service after he become Emperor was in Gallia, against the Germane, that had made themselves Lords thereof, where in one Battle, continuing Henr. Muti●●. two days, he s●ew four hundred thousand of them, and recovered seventy Cities from the Enemy, as himself signified by his own Letters to the Senate. After this warring in Sclavonia, he quieted the Provinces of Muscovia, Russia, and Polonia: And entering Thracia, did no less in Greece, Syria, Arabia, Palestina, and judea; whence passing into Persia, he had honourable compositions of Narseus their mighty King. Whereupon issued so universal Peace, that there were no wars heard of in all the Provinces of the Empire; insomuch that it was a common Proverb, The very mice durst not gnaw for fear of Probus. But long this lasted not, ere he was disturbed: for the Egyptians erected one Saturninus, Saturninus chosen Emperor. a Captain both wise and valiant, for Emperor, and that so sore against his will, as he was like to be slain by them for gainsaying their desires; and by a speech delivered to his Erectors, he made known to them his adversnes from so dangerous an ambition; to this effect. His speech to his Electors. (4) fellows and Friends, by my whole endeavours I have always sought to prevent that, which now I see I cannot shun, I mean the Throne of Majesty; which howsoever to others, it may seem full of glory and security, yet to myself, I foresee it will prove, both base and dangerous. Base, for that I am no more the master of mine own affections; which hitherto in my private estate were bestowed freely, & where I thought best, but must henceforth be carried at other men's dispose, and cast upon those that deserve them least. That little time that I was wont to take, in retiring myself to myself, must now be straightened to serve others; and my thoughts wholly spent to prevent those weapons, which are borne (in show) for my defence, but are (in truth) the keys of mine Imprisonments. I cannot go without a Guard: I cannot sleep, without a watch; I cannot eat without a Taster; these are but bondages to a free condition, and never need in a private fortune. That it is dangerous, it is no less apparent: for besides the sharpe-pointed & weighty sword, hanging only by a twisted-thred over our heads, Probus is not a Galienus to compound for the Diadem, but to touch his sceptre, is to awake a sleeping Lion: What should move you then, to stir up his wrath, to seek my death, and your own destructions? For assure yourselves when I die, I shall not die alone: So all our fame purchased in so many years employments, shall be lost by this one days work: and my Conquests in Africa, of the Moors, and in Spain, branded lastly with the eternal scares and infamy of Rebellion. (5) These speeches (as Flavius Vopis. the Writer thereof received them from the report of his Grandfather, who was there present and heard them) could nothing at all divert the resolution of the Soldiers, but that they persisted and maintained their Election against Probus: who upon notice thereof hastening toward them with a mighty power, offered them pardon, as one unwilling to shed Civill-bloud, or to loose so worthy a man as Saturninus was: but upon refusal of his proffered Clemency, he gave him a most sharp battle, wherein most of the Revoulters were overthrown, Saturninus his death. and Saturninus in the assault of a Castle besieged, was slain, to the great grief of Probus, who sought to have saved his life. Vopiscus. (6) But with his death ended not all Civil Broils: for Bonosus & Proculus two monsters of that Bonosus and Proculus rebel against Probus. age (though of different kinds of vices) opposing themselves against him, and assuming the Title and Robes Imperial, usurped the Provinces of Britain, Spain and some part of Gallia, knowing that in these places Probus was not much beloved. Bonosus was borne in Britain, but brought up in Spain, without note of action, but only in his cups, for he was esteemed the greatest drinker of all men living: insomuch as Aurel. said of him, he was born, non ut viveret, Sabellicus. sed ut biberet; not to draw breath, but to draw in liquor: & yet (as it seemeth) he was in good account under the said Aurelianus, having a charge of Ships upon the german Seas, which either by treachery or negligence were burned by the Enemy, in the mouth of Rhine, and (as Probus took it) not without the privity of Bonosus: who therefore not daring to stand to the trial, made all his powers against the Emperor, but was in Battle overcome, and despairing ever again to make head, put his own in a halter, whereupon Bonosus death. it was said, that a Barrel was hanged, and not a Man. Sabellicus. (7) Proculus was a Lygurian borne, as unsatiate a vassal to Venus, as the other to Bacchus; and therewithal so impiously impudent, that as he had a heart to commit any filthiness, so a forehead to boast of it openly, as appeareth by his own Letters, Sabellicus. wherein he vaunteth, how many scores of fair Virgins he deprived of that fair name in one fortnight; but this Graund-General of Venus' Camp was suddenly forsaken by his Soldiers, and came to his deserved end. (8) Some stirs there were at that present in Britain, by the incitements of their Governor, whose name though Histories do not specify, yet he may seem to be that Cl. Corn. L●lianus, whose ancient Coins are found in this Island, and not elsewhere: and his Victorinus a Moor his Stratagem. means to the place, was Victorinus a Moor, in great favour with Probus: who taking himself not clear from suspicion got leave of his Emperor to repair unto Britain, where giving it out that he was come thither for safety of his Life, was courteously received by the General. Whom secretly in the Night, he murdered, and then speedily returned to Rome; having by this Expedition, both appeased the tumults in the Province, and approved his fidelity to Probus. About this time (as is recorded) certain Vandals Hist. Mag. Brit. lib. 3. cap. 10. Vandals and Burgundians sent to inhabit in Britain. and Burgundians that had invaded Gallia, were sent into Britain by the Emperor to inhabit, who though they had troubled the Romans peace in Gallia, yet did them good service in Britain to stay their subjection; and the Britain's themselves for Vopiscus Sabellicus. some good services were now suffered by these Emperors, to plant Vines, and make Wines, with other Wine made in England. matters aswell for pleasure as profit. (9) At length the Empire in these West parts standing universally quiet, Probus determined a journey into the East, to end at once all foreign wars; saying, he would shortly bring it to pass, that the state should need no more Soldiers: (which speech they took very indignly) & having passed Illyricum in Sclavonia, was by some of his own Army (for kerbing, as they conceived, with an overhard hand their dissolute & idle manners) conspired against & treacherously murdered, in November Probus his death. the second, and year of Christ, two hundred eighty two, having reigned five years and four months: others say, six years: where notwithstanding they erected for him a most honourable Sepulchre, wherein was engraven this Epitaph: Here lieth the Vopiscus Eutropius. Eus●bius Eccl. hist. lib. 7. cap 29. Emperor Probus, justly for his goodness called Probus, of all the Barbarous Nations and Tyrants a Conqueror. M. AURELIUS CARUS, WITH CARINUS AND NUMERIANUS HIS SONS. CHAPTER XLIII. IMP. CARINUS. P. F. AUG. M. Aurel. Carus Emp. 3 COP. VIRT US. AUGG. DIVO. CARO. PIO. 2 GOL. CONSECRATIO. M. AUR. NUMERIANUS. NOB. C. Carinus, Numerianus, Caesar's. 4 COP. MARS. VICTOR. Anno 282. PROBUS thus slain in the midst of his Army, without any apparent cause ministered, the Soldiers were stricken into a great fear and mistrusted each other to be guilty of the Treason, no man therefore diligent to find out the beginner, nor hasty to punish the bloody executors; but holding the right of Election to remain in themselves, they presently chose Carus for their Emperor, who had been the Praetorian Pr●fect valiant, sufficient, of worth and esteem; whereunto the Senate likewise consented. (2) From whence or what parents we should derive his birth, is uncertain, and of divers writers diversly Flavius. Cecilianus. Vopiscus. reported. For Flavius Caecilianus, who wrote the story of his time, as Vopiscus doth report, saith, that he was borne in Sclavonia, or as we call it Moscovia. Onesimus an ancient writer affirmeth his birth was in Rome, and that his father was a Sclavonian indeed, but held for a citizen, as he citeth by letters from Vopiscus: Aurelius Victor. Eusebius. Orosius. Victor, Eusebius, and Paulus Orosius will have him a French man, and borne at Narborne: but whence soever, his princely parts deserved these his princely preferments, and no ways for the short time of his reign, carried he himself under expectation. Two Carinus and Numerianus Caesar's. sons he had of unequal conditions, Carinus and Numerianus, these both he made his Caesars, with the Name and Power of Augusti. (3) His first proceed was to find out the murderers of Probus, whom he severely punished, which took away all suspicion of treason in himself. Then marching against the Sarmates, whose fury had pierced so far into Panonia, that they threatened Italy itself, he overthrew with the slaughter of sixteen thousand, and took twenty thousand of them prisoners. And leaving Carinus (his elder son) to govern Britain, Gallia, Illyricum, and Spain, himself with the younger, Numerianus, prepared for the East against the Persians, in which expedition he took in his way Mesopotamia, Seleucia, and certain cities whom the enemy had entered: and being surprised with sickness, and not able to travel, pitched his Pavilion upon the shore of Tigris, where in the midst of his army (about the year of our salvation 283.) guarded from all supposed Carinus' slain by a thunderbolt. dangers and assaults of man, felt the unexpected stroke of death even from the hand of God himself: for in his bed by a thunderbolt falling from heaven, he was slain, with many others then present with him in his tent, and the same consumed altogether with lightning fire. (4) The terror thereof so daunted the courage of his whole army, that no further they proceeded in their enterprise: and his death was so grievous unto Numerianus now elected Emperor, that with continual weeping (a fault in few Sons who are raised by their father's fall) his eyes were so weakened, that he could not endure any light. Upon which accident, Arrius Aper, (his wives father) took occasion to conspire his death, hoping thereby to attain the Empire himself. For having at all times free access to his presence, at length in his closet he secretly murdered him; pretending to the army, that his infirmity only kept him from sight, and so leaving his body to putrify and corrupt, in short space by the very savour thereof the treason was descried, and the Traitor slain by the hands of Dioclesian, who was both his judge and executioner. (5) His Empire thus ended before it was well begun, the Army proclaimed Dioclesian, a Principal man in the Camp for Emperor: who to uphold his election, made all his power for Gallia, against his Concurrent Carinus, a man of profuse sensuality, who there had caused himself to be proclaimed, and in his father's absence had so ruled there and in Britain, that Hi●rome. Porphyrio living at the same time, gave out this testimony, that Britain was a fertile Province of tyrants. Betwixt these two Captains, many skirmishes were fought with variable success, till lastly in a set battle, Carinus was slain by a Tribune, whose Wife he had defiled; whereby the Imperial Title was jointly conferred upon Dioclesian. (6) The time that these three, the father and two sons reigned, is reported to be two years and somewhat more; and this last to die the year of Christ's nativity, two hundred eighty four. C. AURELIUS VALERIA. DIOCLESIANUS JOVIUS AND M. AURELIUS VALERIUS MAXIMIANUS. CHAPTER XLIIII. Val. Diocles. Emp. IMP. C. DIOCLETIANUS. P. F. AUG. 4 COP. Val. Maximian, Caesar and Emp. SACRA. MONET. AUGG. ET. CAESS. NOSTR. N-AB D. N. MAXIMIANO. P. F. S. AVG 4 COP. GENIO. POP. ROM. P. LN. THe Empire thus devolved to Dioclesian, with approbation of the Senate, he every way studied to be accounted worthy of the same, as knowing well his birth was no way answerable to his present lot: and therefore chose for his Caesar, Maximianus, a man of better descent, very honourable, wise, and valiant, as was manifested in his first service against the Gauls, whom with an infinite number of peasants in that province, troubling the peace of the Romans, he with much slaughter overcame. For which exploit so fortunately accomplished, the Emperor made him his Consort in the Government. (2) Dioclesian's parentage is uncertainly reported Paulus Or●●iu●. Eutropu●. by Writers, some making him the son of a Notary, and others of a mere Bondman; but all agreeing that his Country was Dalmatia, and his offspring very base. This man being but a Common Soldier, consulted with a Witch for his future success; who told him (if you please to bel●eve the reporters) that he should become an Emperor after he had killed a Boar: to which he gave credit, and ever after was a great enemy to that beast, and in time grew under Probus to so great account for dexterity in expediting his affairs, that he was made Steward of his house, and now lastly elected to the Empire. (3) The very first thing that he attempted, was the punishment of his predecessors death: for which Arrius Aper being convicted before his tribunal seat, himself rising suddenly from the Throne, ran him thorough with his sword, in outward show for zeal of justice, as not able to endure so foul a fact: but in truth to fulfil the Prediction of his hostess, the Druid; for Flavius Vopiscus. that Aper signifieth a Boar. After which act, he held his Empire fully established. (4) To let pass many employments and troubles E●trop. Signonimus. ●●●phet. of the State, these two Emperors chose to themselves two Caesars, whereby the One-bodied Eagle become again foure-headed, and each almost of an equal authority. Dioclesian chose Galerius Maximinus, and Maximianus, Pomp. Laetus. An. Do. 286. An. Do. 291. surnamed Herculius, chose Con●tantius Clorus a Roman Senator, enforcing them to put away their former Wives, & to take their Daughters, for an assurance of love by the bonds of that Alliance; of whom the former was employed for defence of Illyricum, and the other afterwards into Britain against the Rebellions there raised by Carausius, whose coin is here set. IMP. CARAUSIUS. P. F. AUG. 3 SIL. Car●usius a Britain raiseth rebellion in An. 287. Bed▪ hist. Ang. lib. 1. cap. 6. EXERCIATEVENI. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 6. (5) This Carausius by birth a Menapian, but of low Parentage, as Beda and Eutropius saith; who being appointed Admiral by the Romans to guard the British Seas, from the Piracies of the Saxons and Lower Germane, who with continual robberies wasted the coasts, abused his authority both in suffering those Pirates to pass under Compositions, and in taking many Ships and much substance from the true Subject to his own use: whereby in short time he become very rich, and (like a cat set to keep mice from the larder) did more mischief than the Robbers themselves. Sabellicus reports, one very politic custom whereby he enriched himself; and that was by suffering the Pirates to take as much spoils as possibly they could before he would surprise them; whereby they were his instruments to rob others, and nothing to better themselves. (6) Maximianus then warring in Gallia, and fearing the greatness of his wealth and power, sent secretly to slay him by treachery; and in the mean while surprised many of his principal men at * Now called Boleyn in Picardy. Gessoriacum. (7) Carausius now rich & compassed with friends, seeing his destruction thus intended and sought, thought that death was but death as well to Prince as to Peazant: and therefore with a bold resolution, and aid of the Picts or Northern Britain's, (who had been always enemies to the Roman Subjection) put on the Purple rob, and usurped the Authority and Title Carausius defendeth his usurpation seven years. Maximianus against Carausius. of Emperor, which he most valiantly maintained in sundry Battles, and so kept it for the term of seven years. (8) Against him Maximianus set forward with a puissant Army, and marched to the British Ocean: but there understanding the power of his Enemy, and finding himself in want of men for sea-service, he pitched down his Tents: and knowing Carausius a man meet to command the Islanders, and able to defend them against the other Warlike Nations, sent him offers of peace: the making of which is remembered unto us by the Coin of Carausius before expressed, whereon are stamped the Portraitures of two Emperors joining hands. So himself returning against the Batavians, left Carausius for Britain, who governed the Province with an upright and unstained reputation, and with exceeding peaceableness, notwithstanding the incursions of the Barbarous. He re-edified the wall Ninius. (as Ninnius the disciple of Eluodugus writeth) between the months of Cluda and Carunus, fortifiing the same with seven Castles, and built a round house of polished stone upon the bank of the River Carun, which (some think) took name of him, erecting therewith a Triumphal Arch in remembrance of Victory. Howbeit, Buchanan thinks the same to be the Temple of Terminus, and not the foundation of Carausius. But the date of his noble Government was brought now to a period, by the Treason of alectus A perfidious friend. his Familiar friend, one whom he had employed in managing of the State, who thirsting after the Supreme Authority, betrayed his trust, and treacherously murdered him by a wile, putting on himself the Purple-Robe, stamping this his Image upon the public Coin as an absolute Sovereign, and assuming the Title imperial, about the year of Christ 294. IMP. C. ALECTUS. P. F. AUG. 2 GOL. SALUS. AUG. ML. (9) Constantius who had levied an Army, and was come with great speed unto Boulogne in France, (a Town that Carausius had sometime fortified and kept) hearing now of his death, determined the recovery of Britain; and after great preparations, at length passing the Seas in a dark fog or mist, landed his men without impeachment: which done, he fired his own Ships, thereby to frustrate all hopes of escape. alectus, who had lain to intercept his coming, forsook also the Seas, and meeting at unawares with Asclepiodotus; great Seneschal of the Praetorium, as a desperate man, hasted upon his own death: for encountering with him, he neither ordered his Battle, nor marshaled his men, but fought at random very unfortunately: for having put off his Purple Garment, alectus slain. he was among many other slain, when he had held his estate the term of three years. The Frankners and others of the Barbarous Soldiers escaping the Battle, sought to sack London, and so to be go: but as good hap was, the Soldiers of Constantius, which by reason of a misty and foggy air were severed from the rest, at unawares came to London, where they rescued their Allies, and making great slaughter of the Enemy, slew Gallus their Leader, casting his body into a Brook that then ran thorough the City, which thence after was called by the Britain's Nantgall, and by the English, Gallus his Brook, where now a fair Street is built, called (upon that Walbrooke in London of Gallus. Cambden Trinob. occasion) to this day Walbrooke. (10) The deaths of these two Usurpers, with the recovery of the Britaines unto their wont obedience, was accounted so great a benefit to the Romans, that it is most gloriously commended, and Rhetorically set down in a panegyric Oration ascribed to Mamertinus, Mamertinus Panegyr. Orat. in the praise of Dioclesian, Maximianus, and Constantius: where (after he had extolled the fertility of the British Soil, and the Riches that the Empire reaped thence) he set forth the strength of the Enemy, grown to so dangerous a head: and concluded with this Acclamation; OH what a manifold Victory was this, worthy The Emperors extolled for recovering Britain. undoubtedly of innumerable Triumphs, by which Victory Britain is restored to the Empire, their Confederates brought to obedience, and the Seas secured to a perpetual quietness! Glory you therefore (invincible Emperor) for that you have as it were gotten another World, and in restoring to the Romans puissance the glory of the Conquest by Mamertinus Paneg. Orat. Sea, have added to the Roman Empire an Element greater than all the compass of the Earth, that is, the mighty main Ocean itself: and afterwards now by your Victories (Invincible Constantius Caesar) whatsoever did lie vacant about Amiens, Beavois, Trois, and Langres, beginneth to flourish with Inhabitants of sundry Nations. Yea and moreover, that your most obedient City Autumn, for whose sake I have a peculiar cause to rejoice, by means of this Triumphant Victory in Britain, hath received many Many Artificers in Britain. and sundry sorts of Artisans, of whom those Provinces were full. And now by their workmanship the same City riseth up, by repairing of Ancient Houses, and restoring of Public Buildings and Temples: so that now it accounteth that the old name of brotherly Incorporation to Rome is again restored, when she hath you eftsoones for her Founder. (11) But leaving Constantius to be further spoken of in his due place, let us pursue the Reigns of these two Tyrants, who new began the Persecutions of God's Saints in all the parrs of the Empire, wherein the rage of Satan so prevailed, that seventeen thousand men and G●ldas. Damasus. Sabellicus▪ women were crowned with martyrdom, within the space of one month, besides infinite numbers of such as were otherwise punished. As in other Countries, so here in Britain the Christians Churches were demolished, their Bibles Eusebius. Beda. Rad. de Diceto. and other godly writings burned, and themselves tormented with a more cruel and longer continuance then formerly had been used: for this endured The Christians torments for ten years together. the term of ten whole years together, leaving no time of intermission, nor place free from the stain of Martyr's Blood. And amongst others, it made Britain to be honoured with the glory of many holy Martyrs, which constantly stood and died in the Confession of the Faith; whereof the first is reported to be Alban of Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 7. the City Verolanium, who was beheaded at Holmehurst (since called Derswold) where now the Town of S. Alban (bearing his name) is built, and in whose honour, S. Alban put to death at Saint Alban. Offa the great King of Mercia founded a most magnificent Monastery. Of this Alban the ancient Fortunatus Priscus in his book of the Praise of Virginity, Joh. Capgrave. maketh mention thus: Albanum egregium foecunda Britannia profert: Britain fertile of all good, Washed with glorious Alban blood. Amphibole's a Britain put to death. (12) His Instructor Amphibolus afterwards apprehended, was brought to the same place, and whipped about a stake, whereat his entrails were tied: so winding his bowels out of his body, was lastly stoned to death. Sundry others also in other places laid down julius and Aaron at Leicester. their lives for their Professions sake, as julius and Aaron at Leicester, saith Beda▪ or rather at Caer-leon in Monmouth-shire, as our Grand-Antiquarie judgeth: and in At Lichfeild great multitudes in Cambden. joh. 1●. 17. Joh Ross●● Warwicens in lib. de Wigorniens Epis. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 6. Leichfeild so many, that the place become another Golgotha▪ A Field of dead Corpse. For which cause the City doth bear an Escocheon or Field charged with many Martyrs, for their Seal of Arms even unto this day. (13) This last rage is by Orosius and Beda accounted the Tenth Persecution from Nero; and by others, the Tenth Horn of the Imperial Beast, who had received poc. 13. Dan. 7. his Power from the Dragon (the devil) and Form from those four Beasts deciphered by the Prophet Daniel, whose mouth was as the lions mouth of ashur, his feet like the bears feet of Persia, his spots as the Leopards of Greece; and these ten horns taken from the Monster of the Grecians parted kingdom, Ezek. 38. 2. the Seleucies' and the Ptolemies, called in Ezekiel, Gog and Magog, and here alluded unto by S. john, that thus made battle against the Saints. But as those four Beasts perished and were crushed by the fall of The stone cut without hands, Emmanuel borne in our flesh: so this Beast compounded of them Four, fell in the destructions of these most wicked Emperors, whereof all almost died so untimely and unusual deaths, as the like is not read of elsewhere. (14) For some slew themselves, as Nero and Otho The violent deaths of many Emperors. did; some were smothered to death, as was Tiberius; some poisoned by their wives, as Claudius and Commodus; some tugged and torn in pieces by their own Subjects and Soldiers, as Vitellius, Heliogabalus, Pupienus, and Balbinus; some stabbed by them whom they most trusted, as Caligula, Domitian, Didius, Gallienus, and many others; some tumultuously murdered, as Pertinax Severus, Maximius, Aemilius, and Probus were; some slain in battle and defence of their titles, as Macrinus and Gallus; some hanged themselves, as Gordianus and Maximianus did; some drowned and swallowed up, as Decius and Maxentius were; some slain by a thunderbolt from heaven, as Carus was; some died in most miserable captivity, as Valerianus did, whose skin was flayed off, he yet alive; some cut their own veins and bled to death, as Quintilius and Florianus did; some dying mad, as did this our Dioclesian; some few, and them somewhat favouring Christians, died in their beds, a thing most strange to see in these times, wherein the Wrath of God thus fought against them in his justice, and the power of his Gospel preached by his Apostles and Disciples, that as a Conqueror crowned, and riding upon a White horse, bore a Bow in his hand, and shot the Psal. 45. 5. The first Seal. Apoc. 6. The second Seal. sharp Arrows of death into the hearts of these the King's enemies, as in the opening of the First Seal is seen; and in the Second is described and made manifest by a Read Horse prepared for Battle, whose Rider bore a Bright sword, and had commission To take peace from the earth; which most effectually we have seen performed in most of these preceding Emperors. And as Famine in great Wars is not greatly strange; so Scarcity exceeding Plenty, was seen under the opening The third Seal. of the Third Seal; whence a Black horse sent from God, pased through the earth, whose Rider bore a Balance to weigh Corn, as it were Spice, for dearth: and in the reign of this last Tyrant Dioclesian, they that had Eagles eyes might see the threefold judgements of The fourth Seal. God in the opening of the Fourth Seal, when Sword, Famine, & Death went all together as a pale-horse, sent from the presence of the Lamb, whose rider was Death and Hell, following as his Page. These were the times of calamities, when as the Souls of the righteous in the The fifth Seal. opening of the Fifth Seal, cried for vengeance for the blood of the Martyrs, whom these ten horns had gored The sixth Seal. to death: and under the Sixth Seal, both then, and for ever the wicked are said to call for the Mountains to fall upon them, and for the rocks to hide them from the presence of Him that sat upon the Throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, before whom none could stand. But why do I (weak man) thus open the Curtains of Gods most sacred Tabernacle, to behold the Mercy-seat of his divine Mysteries in the accomp●ishmentss of these holy Oracles, when as they who have worn the Ephod, and in whose hand Aaron's Rod hath Exod. 39 Numb. 17. Budded, with a religious reverence have feared to look into the same? Therefore with the charge of joshua I josh. 3. 4. job 29 9 will not approach near the Ark, and with jobs hearers will Lay my hand on my mouth, and return to the prosecution of my purpose. Eu●●b. eccles hist. lib. 8. cap. 1. 2. 3. (15) It was the nineteenth year of his reign, in the month of March, when this Tyrant sent forth his wicked Edicts through all his Empire; That all churches should be utterly overthrown; that the Scriptures should be burnt; that all Christians for honour should be held infamous, and all Christian servants should be uncapable of freedom; that all Pastors should be enforced to offer to Idols, etc. (16) The fountain & chief cause of these miseries lighting on the Church of Christ, did arise from the Christians themselves, as Eusebius in these words declareth: After that our conversation through too much liberty Eus●b hist eccles. lib. 8. cap. 1. and licentiousness was degenerated, and holy discipline corrupted, whiles every one of us did envy, bite, and backbite each other, waging intestine wars within ourselves, and piercing one another's hearts with the sharp spears of opprobrious words; so that Bishops against Bishops, and people against people were at bitter contention. Lastly, whiles nothing but hypocrisy was in the face, deceit in the heart, and guile in the tongue, whereby mischief was even full at the brim, than began the heavy hand of God to visit us, etc. Where he proceedeth and showeth that the grievous sins of the Christians, was the cause of drawing down these judgements on their heads. (17) And so this wicked Tyrant accordingly was but as God's Instrument and Iron-threshing-flaile, to Amos 1. 3. bruise the precious wheat and seed of the Gospel, and to crush that outward glory of the Christian profession, which then was flourishing in most parts of the world. Euseb. eccles. hist. lib. 8. cap. 2●. (18) But long the Lord deferred not their release nor that Tyrant's end. For after the First year of their persecutions, and twentieth of his Reign, the thirteenth day of April, in the year of Christ's Nativity three hundred and three, he with his Fellow Emperor (both of them by the revenging hand of God, stricken with a mad humour (saith Eusebius) renounced the Empire, and descending from the Tribunal put off their Purple and Imperial robes, whereby they again become Private men. (19) Dioclesian retired into Dalmatia, where in the City Salonia, he poisoned himself, as Aurelius Victor affirmeth: and Eusebius saith, that no small disease Euseb. eccles. hist. lib. 8. cap. 14. overtook him, for that he died mad. His consort Maximianus escaped not unpunished, but died for attempting Fox Act. pag. 119. & 123. Euseb. eccles. hist. lib. 8. cap. 19 the Murder of Constantius, and as Eusebius avoucheth, he hanged himself in the city Marsillis: such ignominious deaths followed these two persecuting Tyrants, whereof Dioclesian had formerly made Dioclesian's practice. The Pope an imitator of him, and not of Christ. himself a God, and by an Edict commanded his Foot to be kissed: a practice prettily since imitated by his Successors, who have revived the wounded Head of the Beast, and have trod his steps in wounding and persecuting the true members of Christ. FLAU. VALERIA. CONSTANTIUS CHLORUS, C. GALERIUS VALERIUS MAXIMIANUS. CHAPTER XLV. Constantius, Chlorus, Emp. IMP. C. VAL. MAXIMIANUS. P. F. AUG. 3 COP. HERGULI. PACIFERO. S. M. L. G. Val. Maximianus, Emp. DIVO. CONSTANTIO. PIO. 4 COP. MEMORIA. FELIX. P. LN. Dioclesian and Maximianus resigned up the Empire the 9 Cal. of May, in the year of Christ 304. DIoclesian and Maximianus resigning up their Sovereignties (as is said) at the City Nicomedia in Bythinia, committed the charge thereof, and the defence of the Galerius and Constantius Emperors. Commonweal unto galerius and Constantius, who had been their Caesars: upon which occasion, great The Christians enjoy peace. peace followed in the Church of Christ, and most especially unto these Western Provinces. For those Emperors confirmed by the Senate, presently divided the Empire betwixt them, as two Several Estates, and not subject to one Government, as formerly had been exercised; which (as Eusebius hath noted) was the fatal end of the Imperial Glory. (2) Unto galerius fell the government of Sclavonia, Macedonia, Thracia, Egypt, and the Provinces in Asia, who took for ease of that burden these two, whose Coins we have here expressed. Maximinus and Severus made Caesar's. MAXIMIN US. P. F. AUG. 2 GOL VICTORIA. CONSTANTINI. AUG. P. R. SEU●RUS. NOBILISSIMUS. CAES 4 COP. GENIO. POPV LI. ROMANI. (2) C. Galerius, Valer. Maximinus, and Aurel. Valer. Severus his sister's sons, whom in the year of Christ three hundred and six, he elected Caesar's, and after Augusti; which honours the last enjoyed not long, for he was slain at Rome by the treachery of Maxentius, after one year. And the other, when he had four years governed as Caesar, and three as Augustus in the East, died at Tharsis in Cilicia. (3) And to the lot of Constantius, who much at one time with his Copartner, elected his son Constantine, Constantine the Great elected Caesar. (so famous in christian history) Caesar, fell Italy, France, Britanny, Spain, Germany, and most of the Provinces in Africa: which seeming to him (who rather chose to govern well then much) too spacious, gave up to galerius all that in Africa, as too remote from the Seat of his residence, and eye of his direction. (4) This good Emperor was for his Paleness surnamed Chlorus, by birth a Roman, his Father named Eutropius, his Mother Claudia, Niece to the Emperor Claudius. Himself had attained the dignity of a Senator, and was both Wise, Valiant, Noble, and Virtuous; whose parts Eusebius doth thus commend. Euseb. eccles. hist. lib. 8. cap. 16. Constantius was a man of singular clemency towards men, and piety towards God. He did not partake with him in cruelty, whose partaker he was in Sovereignty: neither staining his Reign with the blood of the Saints, nor destroying our Churches and places of Prayer, as Maximianus furiously did; but rather he reverenced and highly honoured those who truly honoured God. For which God so blessed him, that this godly Father left a more godly Son Constantine, the Heir of his well-gotten Empire. Pomp. Laetus. (5) To which his virtues, other Authors add, that he was of great affability, loving, and gentle, little regarding his Private Profit, but altogether reigning to enrich his Subjects, and to that end would often say; That it was more behoveful for the Weal public, that the wealth of the Land should be dispersed into the commons hands, then to lie locked up in Prince's coffers. In which kind, so averse he was from all superfluities, that he may be adjudged faulty the other way: for upon Festival days, and in his Entertainments of Strangers, he was feign to borrow Plate of his friends (for such many times are richer than their Sovereigns) to furnish his Table and Cupboards. (6) But above all other virtues, was his loving countenance and protection to the late persecuted Christians, making his Court their Sanctuary, and his Chapel their Oratory. And to winnow the Chaff from 2. Kin. 10. 20. the Wheat, he used the like policy as jehu King of Israel sometime had done against the Priests of B●al. For he Constantius policy to try who were true Christians. commanded all his Officers to offer sacrifice to the Idoll-Gods, pretending to dis-court all such as refused: but contrariwise those that obeyed he put from him, with this reproof, that he who is disloyal to his God, will never be true nor trusty to his Prince. Constantius his wives. (7) When he was first made Caesar, he was forced to forsake his first wife Helena, by whom he had his virtuous son Constantine, and to take Theodora daughter in Law to Maximianus, for a further confirmation of friendship. F. L. HELENA. AUGUSTA. 2 COP. SECURITAS. REIPUBLICAE. S. T. R. Eutropius. (8) Helena by birth was a Britain, the daughter of Coelus a British Prince, as saith Eutropius, though Nicephorus Nicephor. lib. 7. cap. 18. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 8. Holinsh. Chron. lib. 4. cap 26. Cambd. Brit. pa. 74 make her of Bythinia, and Beda terms her his Concubine, some an Inne-holder, and others for her person and parentage stand very doubtful: to meet with whom, let us hear the censure of Times Chief Secretary, the learned Cambden in his Britannina: Constantius (saith he) what time he served in Britain under Aurelian, took to wife Helena daughter of Coelus or Coelius a British Prince, on whom he begat that noble Constantine the Great in Britain; for so (together with that great Baronius. Historiographer Baronius) the common opinion of all other Writers with one consent bear witness, unless it be one or two petty Greek Authors of late time, and those dissenting one from the other; and a very learned man, grounding upon a corrupt place of jul. Firmicus. Howbeit, compelled he was by Maximianus to put her away, for to marry Theodora his daughter. This is that Helena which in antic Inscriptions is called VENERABILIS and PIISSIMA AUGUSTA, and for Christian Piety, A Church builded by Helena in the place where our Saviour suffered. for cleansing jerusalem of Idols, for building a goodly Church in the place where our Lord suffered, and for finding the saving Cross, is so highly commended of Ecclesiastical Writers. And yet both jews and Gentiles termed her by way of ignominy and reproach, Stabularia, because she (a Helena buildeth another Church where the Inn stood in which our Saviour was laid in a Cratch. most godly Princess) sought out the Crib or Manger where Christ was borne: and in that place where stood that Hostelry, founded a Church; for which cause she was by the Enemies of Christian Religion called an Hostess, and (because such are commonly kind to their Guests) a Concubine also. For whose defence, let the Funeral Oration of Ambrose, made upon the death of Theodosius, answer, wherein he doth rather commend her humility, then affirm any such base Offices in contempt of her person. They say that this Lady was at first an Inne-holder or Hostess, etc. Well (saith he) this good Hostess Helena Ambrose 〈◊〉 Oration upon ●heodosius. hasted to jerusalem, and sought out the place of our Lord's Passion, and made diligent search for the Lords Crib. This good Hostess was not ignorant of that Guest which cured the wayfaring man's hurts, that was wounded by thieves. This good Hostess chose to be reputed a Stable-sweeper, that she might thereby gain Christ. And verily she was the mover and only worker of her husband's conversion, who casting off all superstitious worships, willingly acknowledged the only all-ruling God, suffering the Christians that had been hid in Caves and Dens, now to exercise their Devotions publicly, and both to re-edify the old ruinated Churches, and to erect new. joseph. Antiq. lib. 20. cap. 2. Helena Queen of Ad●abena a virtuous woman also. (9) Of the like Piety we read in a Queen of the like name, Helena, Queen of Adiabena (commended by josephus) that was a Convert to the jewish Religion, who coming to jerusalem to visit the Temple in time of a grievous Famine, which happened in the days of Claudius, sent to Alexandria for great quantity of Corn, and for Dried Figs from Cyprus, which she very charitably bestowed upon the poor. And about three stades or furlongs off from jerusalem, built a Sepulchre with three Pyramids, wherein herself and her two sons (both Kings) were afterwards interred. But to proceed. (10) Constantius being here in Britain, and lately returned from his Expedition made against the Caledonians and Picts, fell sick in the City of York, where the Imperial Throne of his residence was set. At which very time, Constantine his son escaping the hands of Constantine escapeth Galerius. galerius, (with whom he had been left hostage) hasted from Rome, having belaid all the way with Post-horses His preventing pursuit. He cometh safe to York to his father. for the purpose, and left them houghed for fear of pursuit, came with all speed to York, and to his father's presence; who so much ioied at his sight, that he sat himself upright upon his Bed, and in the presence of his Counsellors spoke as followeth: Constantius his speech to his son. (11) It now sufficeth, and death is not fearful, seeing I shall leave my unaccomplished actions to be performed in thee my Son, in whose person I doubt not but that my Memorial shallbe retained, as in a Monument of succeeding fame. What I had intended, but by this my fatal period left undone, see thou perform: let those first-fruits be ripened in thee the Branch, that I thy Stock from a virtuous intent have had engraffed always in me: that is, govern thy Empire with an upright justice; protect the Innocent from the Tyranny of Oppressors; and wipe away all tears from the eyes of the Christians▪ for therein, above all other things, I have accounted myself the most happy. To thee therefore I leave my Diadem, and their Defense, taking my Faults with me to my Grave, there to be buried in everlasting oblivion: but leaving my Virtues (if ever I had any) to revive and live in thee. With conclusion of which virtuous counsel, he took his last farewell of his son, his friends, and his life, after he Constantius his reign & death. Pomp. Laetus. Socrates Eccl. lib. 1. cap. 2. had sat Caesar sixteen years, and Emperor two, as Eusebius accounteth, and died the five and twentieth day of july, the year of our Saviour three hundred and six, and of his own age fifty six. FLA. VALERIUS CONSTANTINUS MAXIMUS. CA VALERIUS LICINIUS LICINIANUS. CHAPTER XLVI. Val. Constant. Emp. IMP. CONSTANTINUS. AUG. 3 COP. ADVENTUS. AUGN. SF P. L. N. IMP. LICINIUS. AUG 2 COP. Licin. Licinianus Emp. VIRTUS. EXERCIT. VOT T. T. An. Do. 306. THE Father thus departing both gloriously and Euseb. Eccl. Hist. lib. 8. cap. 14. peaceably, in the presence of his Son and sage counsellors, the grief in the loss of the Sire was no greater than was the joy conceived that they had gained the son for his Successor, all men rejoicing at the good fortune of that journey, wherein he came to close the eyes of his dying father, and to comfort the sorrow of his mournful Countrymen. Socrat. Eccl▪ lib. 1. cap. 2. For forthwith here in Britain by acclamation of the people, assistance of the Soldiers, and advice of Erocus King of the Almans (who by the way had accompanied him hither in his flight from Rome) they proclaimed him at all hands Emperor, and Successor to all that part of the world which his father held. This election was joyfully ratified by the Senate, and of all other Provinces so gladly accepted, that they accounted this Island most happy of all other, whose chance was first to see him their Caesar, as in these panegyric Oration unto Constantine the great. Eutropius. Constantine's descent. words of the Panegyrist is seen: OH fortunate Britain, and more happy than all other Lands, that hast the first sight of Constantine Caesar. IMP. MAXENTIUS. P. F. AUG. CONS. II 4 COP. CONSERV. VRB. SVAE. AQ I IMP. MAXENTIUS. DIVO. ROMULO. NU. FILIO. 4 COP. AETERNAE. MEMORIAE. N. E. P. (3) Maxentius the son of Maximianus Herculius, who at the death of Constantius was proclaimed Augustus by the tumultuous Praetorian Soldiers at Rome, and Romulus his son (whose face we have here with his fathers from both their monies expressed) was created his Caesar (the way to that Seat of Majesty whereunto he had too hastily and most unduly climbed) for now this Usurper by his Necromancies, Sabe●●icus. Adulteries, Persecutions, and Murders, was grown so untolerable and odious, that the Senate sent to Constantine, craving his aid and redress; who sore lamenting the sores of the Empire, and the case of the Christians, first wrote: but that taking no effect, prepared his forces against Maxentius. Maximianus the father, either in true zeal or feigned pretence, (which by the sequel is more probable) took great offence at his son Maxentius unsufferable outrageousness; and under colour of dislikes and redress, repaired to his son in Law Constantine, whose daughter Fausta he had married, and notwithstanding his fair pretences before the face of Constantine, yet secretly he tampered with Fausta to make away her husband. But the good Lady well knowing that the bond of a child is great, but greater the love of a wife, revealed his treachery to Constantine, who Maximianus put to death by Constantine. caused him thereupon to be put to death, a fit end for so bloody a Tyrant. And ripe was the like destiny for his no-way-degenerating son, against whom he prepared his forces: and drawing Licinius Governor of Sclavonia, who was made Caesar, to his side, by giving him his sister Constantia to wife, (a man but of an ordinary descent, though Gallienus Maximinus had made him in Illyrica his Copartner in the East) hasted towards Rome with an Host of ninety thousand foot, and eight thousand horse; levied out of Britain, France, and Germany. (4) But knowing well that success in war dependeth more in divine assistance then human strength, yet doubtful what God he should in this blessed enterprise invocate for aid, (for as yet he was not fully settled in the Christian Faith, though the Gods of the Gentiles he observed altogether deceitful) cast up in this his holy meditation his eyes Eastward Niceph. li. 7. c. 29. Eutropius lib. 11. Zosom. lib. 1. ca 5. Socrat. lib. 1. ca 2. Vrspurgens. Chron. Paul. Diac. li. 11. to heaven, and had by divine ordinance presented to him in object the sign of a Cross, wherein were Stars (as letters) so placed, that visibly might be read this sentence in Greek, IN HOC VINCE, as divers Author's report. chi rho Euse● ecles. hist. lib. 9 cap. 9 Sabellicus. (5) This miraculous sign promising Victory, and that (saith Eusebius) not in an Inscription only, but by voice of Angels, was so comfortable to Constantine, that with great courage he went forward, bearing before him and his victorious Army, in place of the Imperial Standard, the form of this vision embroidered Constantine's repose. with gold and stones of greatest price. And as one armed from heaven, proceeded against his hellish adversary. Pomp. L●tus. Maxentius trusteth to Sorcerers. Sabellicus. Maxentius as much depending upon his Sorcerers, was no less assured of the victory. In furtherance whereof, as a stratagem of war, he framed a deceitful Bridge over the river Tiber, near to Pons Miluius, to entrap Constantine: but joining battle, and overlaid with strokes, retired and fled, and (whether for haste, or through forgetfulness) took over the same Bridge, which suddenly failing under him, he was with many more drowned, and Constantine remained Victor. In memory whereof, he caused a triumphal Arch to be erected in the midst of Rome, wherein his Statue was embossed, holding in his Right hand a Cross; according to the fashion of that which he had seen in the heavens: and upon ancient inscription in memory of this Victory, this we find engraven: An inscription made in memory of Maxentius overthrow. INSTINCTV DIVINITATIS, MENTIS MAGNITUDINE CUM EXERCITV SVO, TAM DE TYRANNO QVAM DE OMNI EIUS FACTIONE, uno TEMPORE JUSTISREMP. VLTUS EST ARMIS. Thus: By instinct of the divine power, with great magnanimity and help of his army in a lawful war, he revenged the cause of the common wealth, as well on the Tyrant himself, as on his whole faction all at once. With the like success had The memorial of his victory over the Frankners. Ca●●d. Brit. he warred against the Frankners in Batavia, whose Victory was likewise stamped in gold, wherein is a Woman sitting under a Trophy, and leaning her head upon a Crossbow, with this inscription, FRANCIA. (6) But as his fame increased in the minds of most, so was it as much maligned by Licinius his fellow Emperor and Brother in Law; who in his heart never favoured the Christians, howsoever for a time outwardly he suffered their Religion: but at last, seeking occasions against Constantine, he raised a cruel Persecution in the East, where he reigned with Martinianus, whom at Byzantium, and julius Licinius Licinianus at Arlas, he had before made Caesar's: permitting them to stamp these monies as marks of Sovereignty. D. N. M. MARTINIANUS. P. F. AUG. 3 COP. JOVI. CONS ERVATORI. X III S. M. H. B. LICINIUS. JUN. NOB. C. 3 COP. VIRTV S. AUGG. PR R. S. (7) By this affliction of God's Church, he enforced this Champion of God for their defence to prepare his forces, with which he met Licinius in Hungary, Licinius put to death at Nicomedia, and his son after, Anno 326. where he gave him a great overthrow. But he escaping to Byzantium in Asia, the less, joined again battle, and was there taken Prisoner: yet by the mediation of his wife Constantia, had his life spared, and was confined within the city Nicomedia; where for his treasons afterwards, he and his son Licinianus, that somewhat survived him, were put to death. And now the peace of God's Saints manifestly appeared, and the progress of the Gospel passed untroubled. (8) For now (saith our Gyldas) not sooner was the blasting tempest and storm of Persecution blown over, but the faithful Christians, who in time of trouble and danger, had hidden themselves in woods and deserts, and in secret caves, being come abroad to open sight, re-edified the Churches ruinated to the very ground. The Temples of holy Martyrs they founded, and erected (as it were) the Banners of victory in every place, celebrating festival holy days, and with pure hearts and mouths performing the sacred ceremonies: for the which blessedness, he ever after had the Attributes ascribed unto him of most blessed Emperor, most pious, happy Redeemer of Rome's City, Founder of Peace, Restorer of Rome, and of the whole World, most great, invincible Augustus, Sacred, Divine▪ and of sacred memory, etc. Howbeit, for admitting these praises, as it should seem, he is taxed by Eutropius and Victor of pride; as also cruelty for putting to death Crispus his son (by Mineruina his concubine, whom he had made Caesar, and permitted to stamp these monies here under inserted) as likewise his wife Fausta, Sigonius. sister to Maxentius: but others affirm that the causes of their deaths were just, though (as Paulus Orosius saith) the reason thereof was kept secret, and Zosimus In●●st. tripart. doth therein excuse him as Casstodore relateth, and so doth Rufinus and Eusebius. JUL. CRISPUS NOB. CAES. 2 COP. BEATA. TRANQVILLITAS. VO 'tIS XX S. T. R. (9) Touching Constantius affairs in this Island, it appeareth by the last Author, that after his Father's death, and his own departure out of this Country, some aspiring mind taking advantage of his absence, in other wars, persuaded the people here to withdraw their obedience. Whereupon once again he addressed himself with his Army to the re-establishing of the islands subjection: and passing (saith Eusebius) over into Britain, enclosed on every side within the banks of the Ocean, he conquered the same. The joyful memory of this expedition is registered to posterity upon his Coin set in the entrance of this Chapter, inscribed Aduentus Augusti, and by these Letters, P. L. N. the place of the Mint to be at London. Eusebius. (10) After this (saith the same Author) he began to compass in his mind other parts of the World, to the end he might come in time to secure those that wanted help▪ and when he had furnished his Army with mild and modest instructions of Piety, he invaded Britain, that he might likewise instruct those that devil environed round about with the waves of the Ocean: bounding the Suns setting as it were with those coasts. And of the Political government therein by him altered, let it not seem offensive that I, who know and profess mine own weak sight in most of these matters, do light my dim candle, at the Bright-shining Lamp of that Cambden in his Britan●●●. Illustrious Antiquary, who saith: (11) About this time (saith he) as evidently appeareth by the Code of Theodosius, Pacatianus was the Vicegerent of Britain: for by this time the Province had no more Propretors, nor Lieutenants, but in stead thereof, was a Vicegerent substituted. And again, Seeing that Constantius altered the form of the Roman Government, it shall not be impertinent to note summarily in what sort Britain was ruled under him; and in the next succeeding ages. He ordained four prefects of the Praetorian, to wit, of the East, of Illyricum, of Italy, and of Gaul: two Leaders or Commanders of the forces, the one of footmen, the other of horsemen in the West, whom they termed Praesentales. For civil government there ruled Britain, the Praefect of the Praetorium or Grand Seneschal in Gaul, and under him the Vicar General of Britain, who was his Vicegerent, and honoured with the title, Spectabilis; that is, notable or remarkable: him obeyed respectively to the number of the Provinces two Consular deputies, and three Precedents; who had the hearing of civil and criminal causes. For military affairs, there ruled the Leader or Commander of the footmen in the West, at whose disposition were the Earls or Lieutenants of Britain, the Earl, Count, or Lieutenant of the Saxon coast along Britain; and he Duke of Britain, styled every one Spectabilis. The Earl Lieutenant of Britain seemeth to have ruled the Inland parts of the Island, who had with him seven companies of footmen, and nine coronets or troops of horse. The Earl Lieutenant of the Saxon coast, who defended Amianus Mar●ill. the Maritime parts against the Saxons, and is named by Amianus Lieutenant of the Maritime tract, for defence of the Sea coast, had seven companies of footmen, two Guidons of horsemen, the second legion, and one cohort. The Duke or General of Britain, who defended the Marches against the Barbarians, had the command of thirty and eight garrison forts, wherein their Stations kept, consisting of fourteen thousand foot, & nine hundred horse. Nineteen thousand foot and seventeen hundred horsemen maintained in ordinary in Britain. So that in those days (by Pancirolus account) Britain maintained nineteen thousand, two hundred footmen, and seventeen hundred horsemen, or thereabout in ordinary. Besides all these, the receiver of the Emperor's Finances or public revenues: the Provost of the Emperor's Treasures in Britain, and the Procurator of the drapery in Britain; in the which the clotheses of the Prince and Soldiers were Woven: and the Count also of private revenues had his Rational or Auditor of private State in Britain: to say nothing of the sword-fence-schoole Procurator in Britain (whereof an old inscription maketh mention) and of other officers of inferior degrees. (12) After the settling of these affairs, to the end that he might with the more facility bridle the untamed Persians that seldom were in quiet, he removed the Imperial seat of his Residence into the East, for now galerius and Licinius both dead, the rent and divided state of the Roman Empire was in him united: and purposing to build there a City, as an eternal Monument of his name, he chose the plot at Chalcedon in Asia: but whiles they were measuring out the circuit, an Eagle scouping at the Line, fled with it over the Sea towards Byzantium in Thracia, to which place (the thing seeming ominous) he transferred his new Sabellicus. foundation, and there built a most Magnificent City, naming it New Rome) as appeareth by an inscription A jewish Doctor thus described this Ci●●e, in an epistle which himself delivered to our English Ambassador, remaining in Constantinople in Anno 1594. of his Statue). In imitation whereof, he circulated Seven hills with a Wall for Height, Thickness, and Beauty, the fairest in the world: and not only erected Temples, Towers, and most stately Palaces himself, but by his public Edicts, commanded all the Princes of the Empire to raise therein some Monuments & memorable Edifices, beseeming the Majesty of so glorious a foundation. (13) Hither also from Rome he caused to be brought many renowned Monuments of Antiquities, as the famous Goddess Pallas of old Troy, the Image of Apollo in brass of an unmeasurable bigness; the Statues of juno, Minerva, Venus, and the like: whereupon Hier. in his additions to Eusebius. Jerome saith; That Constantine to enrich this one City, impoverished all others in the Empire: and other Writers which saw it in the perfection of beauty, report it to be rather an habitation for the Gods, than the dwelling place for Earthly men. Herein also (so studious was he of good Arts) was built the Proud Palace of that Public Library, wherein were contained one hundred twenty thousand of the chiefest Written Books, and in the midst thereof were the Guts of a Dragon, in length one hundred twenty Foot, on which was admirably written in Letters of Gold, the Iliads of Homer. The New Name of this new City lasted not long; for the affection of all men to the Founder, afforded Constantinople built by Constanti●●▪ it rather the name of Constantinople. As a trophy then of this emperors renown, though now a brand of infamy to another of that name, who lost it in the year 1452. to Mahomet the Turk: and as New Rome was reared and ruined in one name, so had Old Rome in Augustus her pitch of height, and in Augustulus her period. (14) He drew likewise hither those Legions that lay for defence of the Provinces▪ as well in Germany and Gallia, as in Britain: from whence he brought (saith Wil Malm●bury. Malmesbury) a great power of British Soldiers, through whose industry and forward service, having obtained Triumphant Victories to his hearts desire, and attained to the Empire: such of them as were past service, and had performed the painful parts of Soldiers their full time, he planted in a certain part of Gaul Westward, upon the very shore of the Ocean: where at this day their posterity remaining, are wonderfully grown even to a mighty people; in manners & language somewhat degenerate from our Britain's. In which his doings, he laid open the Provinces to the eruptions of their Enemies; and is therefore by Zosimus hardly censured, as being the only man that by this means first subverted the flourishing estate of the Empire. And indeed, by withdrawing his Forces out of Britain, the Picts and other their wont Enemies had the bolder and easier entrance into the more civil parts of this Island; whereby ere long, being altogether abandoned of the Romans, it become a prey of Conquest to the Saxons, as shall be showed in due place. (15) But howsoever his policy failed (carried (as it seemeth) by a Divine inspiration to leave Rome) yet is this good Emperor much commended by all Writers for his many virtues, especially for that he so laid the foundation of the Christians security, Constantine the establisher of Christianity. that the same hath stood under the protection of Princes ever since, even unto▪ this day. And albeit that many Caesars his successors, have often attempted to shake it by their authorities, and the sharp instruments Ambrose upon the death of Theo. of heretics dangerously have undermined it, yet hath it borne out the Storms of all their boisterous assays, and stood in the strength that this Emperor first laid it. (16) And upon this foundation, that a glorious building might be raised, he congregated three hundred and eighteen Christian Bishops in the City Nice in Rufinus. Cossiod. Eusebius eccles. hist. l. c. Thracia, where himself was present▪ and also Precedent of the same Council (though now his Beadsmen (the Popes) put him & his Successors from that right) and as another Moses, he then pacified the contentions of the brethren, and re-established the authorities of the Bishops for the godly government of the Church in that Primitive age. (17) But as the clearest Sun hath his set, and the fairest day his night, so Constantine's glorious life drew to an end, though his living-glory shall be endless: for intending a voyage against the Persians, he fell grievously Hiero●●m●●. sick, and counseled by his Physicians to be carried unto Nicomedia, a City in Bythinia, to the Hot Baths that naturally there sprang (which caused some erroneously to writ that he become a Leper) he died on the way near to the place, and in great devotion commended his departing Soul to his Crucified Redeemer, Eusebius. Sigonius. Constantine buried at Constantinople. Socrates, lib. 1. cap. 26. Maij 22. the year of Christ jesus three hundred thirty seven, and of his happy victorious reign thirty one, and of his age sixty five; whose body was interred at Constantinople, in the Church of the Apostles that himself had therein founded. Eusebius in vit● Const. lib. 4. (18) Eusebius writing this good Emperor's life, saith, that he deferred his Baptism until his old age, in desire that he might receive it in jordan, where our Saviour himself was baptized. Yet others think that he was baptized with his Son Crispus, what time he created him his Caesar: for the Celebration whereof, he caused a most sumptuous Font to be made in Rome; which Platina & Sabellicus affirm to have continued Sabellicus. to their times. And the ingenuity of the same Sabellicus is much to be approved, in that speaking of Constantine's Donation, which some so much vaunt of (though the vanity of that forgery is now laid open to the view of all by sundry learned men) he acknowledgeth (himself being a Romanist) that he findeth no mention of any such matter, in any of the ancient Records which he followed, and so leaveth it to the Patronage of those Craftsmen, out of whose forges it first was form. He left to succeed him in the Empire as Augusti, (with distaste of the eldest) his three Sons, Constantine, Constantius, and Constance, whom Constantine's successors. before he had made Caesar's, & designed by Testament, Delmatius, the son of Anniballinus, (his brother) Caesar: and therefore we have inserted his money in rank of those that succeeded this great & glorious Emperor. FLA. VAL. CONSTANTINUS JUNIOR, FLA. VAL. CONSTANS,— FLA. JULIUS CONSTANTIUS, FLA. DELMATIUS ANNIBALLIANUS, Emp. CHAPTER XLVII. Constantinus junior Emp. Val. Constans Emp. CONSTANTINUS. JUN. NOB. C. 2 COP. BEATA. TRAN QVILLITAS. VO 'tIS XX S. TR. FL. JUL. CONS TANS. P. F. AUG. 4 SIL. VICTORIA. AUGUSTORUM. SIS . D. N. CONSTAN IUS. MAX. AUG. 3 SIL. VIRTUS. EXERCITUS. R FL. DELMATI US. NOB. CAES jul. Constantius Emp. Delmatius Annibalianus Emp. 2 SIL. GLOR ●A. EXERC ITUS. CONST▪ An. Do. 337. FOR the Empire being divided among these Brethren, Constantinus the eldest, whose portion was Constantinus his part of the Empire. Britain, France, Spain, and part of Germany, took himself wronged in this partition; whereas Constans his second brother Constans his part of the Empire. Constantius his part of the Empire. had Italy, Africa, Sclavonia, Dalmatia, and Greece; and Constantius the youngest possessed Thracia, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Egypt, Provinces much greater in his sight, than his own seemed to be; and therefore at last ambitiously he attempted to enlarge his upon the Frontiers of his brother Constans, at that time in Dacia, and in wars against the Goths, who there also invaded his territories, Constantinus slain. S●crates' lib. 2. c. 3. but was met with and slain by a Captain of his brothers, near to the City Aquileia in Italy, when he had held his signiories the term of three years. (2) Hereupon Constans grew exceedingly proud, and seizing his deceased brothers Provinces, joined them unto his own Possessions, and with his brother Cassiod. trip. Hist. Constantius came into this Island. This Battle, and their arrival here, by the words of julius Firmius, chanced in the winter season: for (saith he, speaking to these Emperors) you have subdued under your Oars the swelling and raging waves of the British Ocean, even in the deep of Winter; a thing hitherto never seen before. And the Britaines were sore afraid to behold the unexpected A Council against the Arrians called by Constans. face of their Emperor. This Constans was he that called a Council to Sardica against the Arrians, whither were assembled three hundred Bishops, and among them, some of the British, as formerly we have mentioned. But this Prince being youthful, cast away all care of the Empire; and drowned in his own pleasures, followed ill counsel, (the usual way to Princes ruins.) Thus grown grievous to the Provinces, and nothing acceptable to the Soldiers, was by Magnentius a Captain of his own slain, as he was Constans slain. hunting near the Castle of S. Helen's, situate amongst the Tapori, a Spanish people under the Pyren Mountains. And as hence this Murderer of his Sovereign Lord and Master, was branded with the name of Taporus, so in this Emperor there murdered was fulfilled Amianus. l. 20. c. 11 a Prophecy that he should die in his Grandmothers Lap. Olympias the Widow of this Const●rss was given to Arsaces' King of Armenia, by Constantius his brother, to be a bond and purchase of his surer friendship, of which his need was much, as the times required: for after the death of Constance, Vetranio was proclaimed Emperor by the Pannonian Army, though shortly disrobed, and sent to end his decrepit age in a private fortune. Nepohanus the nephew of Constans by his Fl. pop. Nepohanus p. F. Aug. sister Eutropia, was at Rome by the abject Rout saluted Augustus, which he enjoyed not much above twenty days, being suppressed by Magnentius, who had now made the trunk of Majesty, his Sovereign's body, the Base, whereby he meant with Decentius and Desiderius, his two brethren, to ascend the Throne. Simon Dunelm. J. Stow. (3) Simon Dunelmensis saith, that Great Constantine at his departure from Britain, left one Octavius to govern the Land, who shortly rebelled, and after divers conflicts was slain by Traherne, Commander of a Roman Legion. Galfridus makes the said Octavian a Galfridus Monm. Britain, and will have him to reign with great Victories over this Island the space of fifty four years, which (as Fabian hath accounted) doth extend to the Rob. Fabian. time of Valentinians Rule in Rome: so far do our British Historians differ from the Romans. But from them most certain it is, that Magnentius before mentioned, a Britain by his father, though borne among the Laeti in France, invested himself into the Imperial Dignity, usurping France, Spain, and Britain, thus stamping the face of himself and his brother Decentius, by him made Caesar at Milan, upon the currant Monies of such revolted Provinces as he usurped. D. N. MAGNEN TIUS. P. F. AUG. 3 SIL. VICTORIAE. D. D. N. N. AUGG. P. AR. VOT FIVE MULT X D. N. DECENTI US. NOB. CAES 3 COP. SALUS. D. D. N. N. AUG. ET. CAES PEL. C. (4) At this time the General of the Army in Britain Gracianus of admirable strength. was one Gracianus, the father of Valentinian the Emperor, by birth an Hungarian, and so strong of limb, that no five men could pull a rope out of his hand with all their force; whereof he was surnamed Funarius, the Roper. This man giving entertainment to Magnentius, was condemned in confiscation of all his goods by Constantius that now ruled sole Emperor, unto whom also the Britain's submitted themselves, Martin Deputy in Britain. and whose Deputy after Gratianus was aged Martin, a man (no doubt) virtuous and upright, as he witnessed by his death: for Constantius, whose base and distrustful heart feared the wagging of every leaf, by the slaughter of many guiltless, sought to make himself secure: and egged on by his Flatterers, Amianus Marcel. lib. 14. cap. 4. (to serve their purposes) sent one Paulus a Notary into Britain, to apprehended them that had aided Magnentius. Paulus a Spaniard his sub●i●tie. (5) The said Notary was a Spaniard of a pestilent wit and subtlety, especially in finding out▪ all quirks and devices to endanger men's estates: whose business being now to apprehended and bring away such Martial men as had entered action in the foresaid conspiracies, he under that pretence drew into danger many that were guiltless, and the emperors true Subjects: some of which he imprisoned, others Amianus lib. 15. cap. 2. Paulus called Catena for his Cruelty. he tormented, and many with Manacles and Chains so bruised, that therefore he was called Catena. Old Martin the Deputy, much lamenting their miseries, besought the Spaniard to surcease, and not with the Offenders thus to punish the Innocent; whereat the proud Catchpole so much disdained, that he threatened and sought to bring Martin before the Counsel, and that in bands in manner of a Traitor; which so much incensed the aged man, that with his dagger he assailed him; but perceiving the wound he gave was Martin killed. not deadly, he stabbed the same into his own side, and thereof presently died: unfortunate in this fact, but otherwise a most righteous man (saith Amianus) that thus attempted to ease the wrongs of these oppressed Britain's. Amianus Mar. li. 20. cap. 1. (6) But besides these their distresses, the outrodes of the Scots and Picts breaking into the Marches of the Britain's, sore molested their peace: for redress whereof, julian the Caesar wintering at Paris, and distracted into sundry thoughts, was afraid in person to pass those Seas himself, and to leave Gaul without a Ruler, especially at such a time, when the Almans had stirred up a most cruel war: wherefore he sent Lupincinus at that time Colonel of the Infantry, and Master Lupicinus sent Deputy into Britain. of the armory, to withstand their fury; a warlike man certes, and skilful in feats of Arms, but withal proud of heart and countenance, looking high, and speaking big, and in gesture demeaning himself in his charge as an Actor upon a Stage, and otherwise so qualified, that men doubted a long time whether he were more Covetous or Cruel. He from * Boullen. Bononia embarked all his men, and with a good gale arrived in the Haven * Richburrow or Ripchester. Rutupi, marching in all haste to * London. Lundinium, that from thence, after advice taken, according to the quality of the business, he might make more haste to come into the field, and give battle. But with what success his affairs afterwards proceeded, I find not recorded: and therefore I return again to the Emperor Constantius. D. N. FL. CL. CONSTANTIUS. NOB. CAES 3 GOL. GLORIA. REI PUBLICAE. SMNP. VO 'tIS FIVE Gallus chosen Caesar. (7) Flavius Claudius Constantius Gallus his cosen-german he elected Caesar, permitted him to stamp this money, and linked him in marriage with his sister Constantia. But he, designed to govern the East, and make good those Frontiers against the Persians, forgot the duty of his charge, and gave himself up at Antioch to all licentious lusts and cruelties: of which when Constantius (infected afore with some jealousy of his ambition) was informed, he so plotted, that this lost man, drowned in his own vicious security, was surprised, and with his hands bound backward (like a Felon) given up to the common Headsman for execution. Gallus executed. His brother julianus was then made Caesar, and Julianus made Caesar. this Emperors other sister Helena bestowed upon him, whose Victories against the Germane and Gauls juliani Epistola● gained him such applause, that he was against his will by the Soldiers elected Augustus, and made Consort with Constantius in Power Imperial. (8) Whose fortunes thus sticking in a tumultuous State (for, with others, Nigrinianus (whose consecrated memory is left to posterity upon this money) attempted the disquiet of this Emperor, by an ambitious affection of rule, that was both short and fatal to him) did plainly foreshow, that neither his Reign nor life would last long. DIVO. NIGRINIANO'S. 3 SIL. CONSECRATIO. L. A A. (9) These dumps notwithstanding, this new He leadeth an Army against julianus, and dieth by the way. Socrates lib. 2. cap. 37. Election he meant to disavow: and julian for his part resolved in point of honour to maintain and uphold. Whereupon wars prepared, Constantius set forward to encounter him, and coming to Tharsus, from Antioch in Syria, fell there sick of a fever, which still increased as he further traveled, and in the borders of Amianus Mar. lib 21. cap. 13. Cilicia, at the place called Mopsus Wells, situated at the foot of Mount Taurus, died the third day of November, the year of Christ by Jerome's account, three hundred sixty four: by others, three hundred sixty one; when he had ruled twenty four years, and lived forty and a few months, as Amianus Marcellinus, The time of his reigning. and Pomp. Laetus affirm. But Socrates and Zosimus say, that he lived forty five years, and reigned thirty eight, that is, thirteen a Caesar, in the life of his Father, seven a Competitor in the lives of his brethren, and seventeen years Emperor alone. Amianus lib. 26. cap. 9 He is neither accounted with the best, nor worst Emperors, his Virtues seeming to hold scoale with his Constantius perfections and defects. His wife was Faustina. Constantius a great exacter of tribute. Sulpitius Severus. Vices: temperate, courteous, liberal, and affable; not eloquent, yet desirous to speak well; blunt witted, yet a great favourer of learning; a most skilful Archer, and apt to take pains; but withal very suspicious; led by Flatterers, and most cruel to the accused, and in exacting importable Tributes, drew more hatred upon his head then money into his coffers. But especially is he stained with the heresy of the Arrians, for whose A Council in favour of the Arrians assembled by Constantius. sake he banished many of the Christians, and amongst them Athanasius, that excellent light of the Catholic Church. In favour of those Heretics, he caused to be summoned four hundred western Bishops unto the Council of Ariminum, whereof three are reported to come out of Britain. And he is by Amianus his Life-writer, Hilary calleth them the Bishops of the Provinces of Britain in an Epistle unto the Bishops. condemned for mingling foolish doting superstitions, with the sincere doctrine of the Christian Religion, given rather to a more intricate search therein, then to settle his opinions upon gravity: and stirring up schisms and discords in maintaining of words and contentious disputations, which as they spread more and more, got wing even unto this Island of Britain, as by the words of our lamenting Historian Gyldas is seen. When (saith Gyldas. he) the sweet consent of Christ the head, and his members the body, had continued until such time, as that deadly and perfidious Arrianisme, like to a pestiferous Serpent from the other side of the Sea, casting up her vename upon us, caused brethren dwelling together, to be disjoined piteously one from another. And thus the way as it were being made over the Ocean, all other cruel and fell Beasts wheresoever, shaking out of their horrible mouths the deadly poison of every heresy, inflicted the deadly stings and wounds of their teeth upon this our Country, desirous evermore to hear some novelty. Amianus Marc. lib. 11. cap. 15. (11) For parsonage, this Emperor was indifferently tall, his complexion brown, the cast of his eyes lofty, his sight quick, his hair soft, his cheeks always shaven; from the graffing of his neck to the groin very long, but from thence somewhat short and bow-legged withal. His body after death was embalmed, and in Constantinople interred near unto his Father, at Constantius his portraiture▪ Constantius buried at Constantinople. the commandment of julian, whom by his testament (for all his former displeasure) he declared his Heir and Successor. FLAVIUS CLAUDIUS JULIANUS EMPEROR APOSTATA. CHAPTER XLVIII. FL. CL. JULIAN US. PERP. AUG. 3 SIL. VIRTUS. EXERCITUS. LUG. IVlian succeeded, whose birth had as much of Nobility Julian his Parentage. as either the greatness of place; (for it was Amian. marcel. lib. 15. cap. 7. New Rome); or the high blood of parentage could add unto him; for his Father Constantius, was the brother of great Constantine, and not much his mother Basilina was lower in her birth, though most unfortunate in bearing him, her own destruction. An Orphan he was left together with Gallus his brother, long tossed between the surges of his own imperfect constitution, and the bloody jealousy of his ruling-kinsmen (not long before the fatal ruing of his Father) for being too near allied to their Crowns. His proportion and feature. Amian. Marcel. lib. 25. Mean he was of stature, yet carrying from head to foot a just proportion and uniform knitting of his lineaments, whereby he had agility and strength: big and broad his shoulders, his neck fat, bearing his head forward; lovely and graceful was the cast of his quick and clear eye, strait his nose, and no feature of his face amiss, but the greatness of his mouth, and the parting of his neither lip; the soft hair of his head he wore in a decent length, and his rough beard he cut in a pointed fashion. His education. Misopo. Iul▪ Imp. (2) His education was under many masters, of which Mardonius a Scythian Eunuch was the first. From him he was sent to the public School at Constantinople, where of Nicocles of Lacedaemon, he learned his Grammar, and of Ecebolius the Sophister his Rhetoric; and of both of them (as of Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia) the Christian Religion, in which his delight was such, that he betook him to the function of a Deacon, reading in public to the people the sacred Socrates lib. 3. cap. 1. Books; and aimed at no further mark of greatness than the reputation of a holy man: led on with the love of knowledge, he went to the Schools of Nicomedia, where, of jamblicus, who succeeded Porphyry in the Chair; he learned the Philosophy of Aristotle and Plato. There bewitched at length with the fame of Libanius Eloquence, though detesting his religion; from reading in private study his profane labours, he grew a public hearer of his invective Lectures: and imitating at first in exercise of wit only this Rhetoricians form of declaiming, he grew in the end the profanest Railer, and deadliest Enemy of all other himself against the Church. And to fill up this vessel of iniquity, Maximus, the only Impostor and Magician then of the world, (worthily after for his impious doctrine put by Valentinian to the sword) must come to Nicomedia. From him did julian learn such Astrology as setteth Nativities, and such Magic as invoketh Spirits. And here was the school of this man's Error, and Mistress of his impiety. The seeds of whose Nature and Education having thus observed, let us search with an impartial Eye into his manners and condition, and see what virtue was in fruit. His temperance. (3) His temperance is commended to us with admiration. He slept little, and could awake at pleasure: Marcel. lib. 16. In Misopo. julian. Jup. his bed was ever with the hardest, and his diet of the meanest meat, and the moderatest measure, whereby he never but once, and that by accident, disburdened his stomach by vomit; and would often say, that it was the safety of his life, that he never had any war Marcel. lib. 25. & 24. with his belly. Such was his chastity, that having lost at once in France, Helena his beloved wife, and her infant, his only Son, he never so much as in suspect, had an incontinent desire. And therefore of all the Persian beauties taken in those wars, as the richest Marcel. l. 22. spoils, Nec contrectare aliquam voluit nec videre: Neither suffer in his Army either Cooks or Barbers, as being deliciarum atque intemperantiae ministros. In Mesopo. julian. Imp. Arceo meipsum à Theatris: I force myself (saith he) from the view of stageplays, and never but once a year permit my Eye that delight in Court; wherein the distaste of my mind is, tanquam pauper agricola tributum aliquod pendens iniquo Domino. And when the action was performing; similior sum detestanti eos ludos Marcellinus, l. 22. quàm spectanti. Yet doth Marcellinus tax him of much verbosity and affectation of vain glory. And Gregor. Nazianzen. in lib. contra Julianum. Gregory Nazianzen charging him with intemperate passion as unconstability, saith; That by his ranging and furious aspect, his unsteady and halting pace, his fleering look, and immoderate laughter, Talem ante opera vidi qualem in operibus cognovi. His justice. Marcellinus, l. 22. (4) The love of justice in this Prince is remembered to us in his rules of DIRECTION: for he so amended the Laws Ambagibus circumcisis, that the judges might clearly see, Quid iuberent fieri quid vetarent: and in his EXAMPLE for imitation. For when to an innocent denial before him, Delphidius the Orator inveighed saying; Nocens esse poterit usquam sinegare suffecerit: himself replied, Et quis innocens esse poterit si accusâsse sufficit? and so discharged the party. As for his clemency and charity, which aught to attend the sword and Sceptre of a Sovereign, since the Mart. Epig. one is Magnum timoris remedium, and the other will be, post cineres tributum; Nebridius and Lucillianus are Registers of the one, whom notwithstanding their conspiracies in favour of Constantius, he not only pardoned, but defended with peril of his own person from the furies of his own followers. And for the other, those his letters to Arsacius is a sure record. Ex julian. Epist. ad Arsa. pont. Galatia. Let there be in the Cities of your charge, many Hospitals erected, that the want of the wayfaring may be relieved by our benignity: and not of them only of our Religion, but of all the rest: for it suits not well with the goodness of our Government, that when the jews permit none of theirs to beg, and the wicked Galileans relieve not only theirs, but ours, that ours should be disconsolate of other help. Some have blemished his bounty with the brand of vainglory: thus did the Antiochians for depressing In Misopogon. julian. Imp. so much the reasonable price of Grain in their Markets, by a profuse expense of his own Treasure, gaining thereby at first only the applause of the light multitude, after which he hunted, and drawing on in the end a miserable dearth, through the licentious excess of their improvidence: which often happeneth. And as the banishment of Palladias' into Britain upon a weak suspicion, Taurus to Vircillum, in whom the eye of justice could find no scar; and to death Vrsulus, with Pigmeus (the first his Treasurer, that had spent with him and on him his own means, when being Caesar, he had little of his own: the other the guide of his youth, and to whom he truly aught the greatest part of his goodness) may justly stain him with lawless severity, and ungrateful cruelty; so may his malicious spirit against the Christians, howsoever masking in more Art than many that went before him, set him up in the rank and top of the greatest Persecutors. And although there be some passages in his Government more easy then in some others that may imply a gentle disposition toward them, (sometimes taking the Gods to witness, that the Galileans (for so he named the Christians) should not undergo Ex Epist. julian. Imp. ad Artabium. Ex Edicto Julian. in Edissenos. Edict. Julian. ad Alexandrinos'. the lest of injury, neither be led to Pagan sacrifice, or forced to any thing beyond the compass of their own contents: and that he not only revoked the Edict of Constantine the Arrian Emperor, whereby those holy men stood long exiled: but taking Ex Epist. Julian. Imp. the advantage of an uproar begun by the Arrians, (their Enemies) at Edissa seized upon their goods, swollen too great in number and fortune by the gracious aspect of his Predecessors, to whom he dissembled himself a Christian): yet did he whiles he had in his own hands the rain of Government, by all his actions and ends, declare himself an heavy opposite unto them. Sometimes by allurements to assay Hieron Ruff●nu●. to corrupt them; sometimes by a subtle siding with one faction of the Church, as he did with the Catholic against the Arrians, to counterpoise their power, ut securius regnaret, that by such licence of sedition, Non timeret unanimantem plebem, he need not fear the power of their unity, as himself professed. From this unfortunate plot of earthly policy (but with worse success) he incited the jews to re-edify the Temple at jerusalem, and renew their Sacrifice, remitting to them their debt of Tribute, and vowing that at his return from Persia he would visit that holy City, and (as he saith to them) ut unà vobiscum in ea Deo optimo gratias agam; well believing that by raising such an opposite to the Christians, he should suppress their increase▪ and annihilate their Prophecy of jerusalems' desolation. To repair these cursed walls against the providence of Divine justice, Alipius of Antioch, that had been Governor of Britain, was sent: but his endeavour, and the work of all his Ministers, was interrupted by fearful flaming balls of fire, which issued from the Earth near unto those foundations, consuming very many of the jews and workmen; by reason whereof, this Element still giving fresh assault on them, the place become unaccessible, and the enterprise given over: so vain it is for Man to strive against the decreed purpose of God. And it is by others affirmed, that at the same time an Earthquake so shook those Foundations which were left by Socrates lib. 3. cap. 17. Titus untouched, that one stone thereby was not left standing upon another, but were all laid level with the ground: by which miraculous sights many jews were Sabellicus. turned to the embracing of the Christian Faith, upon whose garments fell forms of Crosses, which shined as the beams of the Sun, neither could they by any means be washed or wiped away. Alipius that had A●●anus, lib. 28. cap. 4. been chief in this business, was afterward confined into Banishment, with the loss of his goods, by Valens upon suspicion of Treason. And thus far of julian's veiled hatred: now of his open actions of despite against the Christians. Constantius not sooner dead (under whom as before is said he dissembled his Religion) but that he opened the Temples of the Pagan's Gods, repaired their Altars; declaring to future ages, the memory of this his detestable act, by minting a Bull prepared for sacrifice, upon the Currant money of the State, with this inscription; Securitas reipublicae; as if Rome's Empire should loose her security, and the fatal destiny of Command, when the Genius of that City and the Gods of her foundation should be forsaken. And where there remained any antic Monument of the Infant Christian Church, or any new erected badge of Religious devotion, those he caused to be defaced. Thus did he in Caesarea Philippi, with that Brazen Eusebius, lib. 7. ca 17. figure of our Saviour arrayed in a short vesture, and the Woman cured of her bloody issue, kneeling and elevating her hands to him; and at whose feet in the said Pillar grew a certain Herb, in height unto the Hem of his Garment, which cured all kind of maladies; placing his own figure, to the intent that it should be worshipped: but suddenly it was with Lightning from Heaven destroyed, breaking with violent force the Breast thereof asunder, and striking the Head Zosimus Eccl. lib. 5. cap. 20. julianus picture destroyed by lightning. fast into the earth; whose Relics, as Zosimus saith, remained there to be seen a long time after, a witness of man's presumptuous error and Gods just displeasure. Many laws he made against them, and many rights of Subjects he took from them. By Edict he Ex Edicto contra Christian. forbade the Christians the public Schools & study of the Arts and Tongues; jesting away the reason of this injustice with scoffs, as he did the rest; saying, that Aristotle, Isocrates, and Plato, who must be their guides in such liberal learn, adoring Mercury and the other Gods, he held it absurd that they should read and learn of their Books, that loathe and rail at their Religion. The equity of this extended power may appear by Marcellinus censure, a man of his own Religion, who of it saith, Inclemens obruendum perenni silentio; Let the Edict be damned to eternal silence. When he seized upon the goods of the Christians, which was often, and upon weak pretences, he used to invert the Letter of their own Doctrine, in warrant of his foul Ex Epist. julian. ad Ecebolum. act, saying that he did it, ut facilius in Regnum Coelorum veniant. When he had disabled the Christians of all command, either in the Field or Commonwealth, Hieron. Cossiodorus. Socrates. (as he did jovinian, Valentinian & Valens, after Emperors) he would say, he did it because their Gospel taketh from them Potestatem Gladij. And wheresoever any poor Christian implored the hand of justice against wrong and violence, they returned with no better redress, then that it was the rule of their Religion, perferre in●urias, it was the duty of their Profession to bear all injuries. And although most Authors agreed that he stained not his government with the blood of any Catholics, well knowing that gore of Persecution is the seed of the Gospel; yet some affirm Sabellicus. So●●ates'. lib 3. ca 11. that when Apollo's Oracle, near Antioch, had lost his power of answer by the holy presence of Babillaes' body (there martyred and entombed) and that the Christians in removing it away, sung solemnly the Psalm, Let all them be confounded which worship graven Images: this Emperor (although the Act was his direction, though not the order) grew so enraged, that he put then many Christians to the sword. His prudence. Of the prudence and learning of this man there be many notable monuments remaining: for in all the courses of his life he did rather labour to content the parts of his understanding, then of his sensuality, often being heard to say, Turpe esset sapienti, cùm habeat animum, captare laudes ex corpore: and therefore writing Epist. Julian. ad E●dicium pr●●. Egypt. to Ecdicius, Perfect of Egypt, to help him to the Books of George Bishop of Alexandria, he saith, Where others delighted in Horse and Hawks, I have been from my infancy inflamed with the love of Books. Many works there were of his own pen, though now raked up in the ruins of the time. Suidas. As his Oration to jamblicus, and other Volumes of various learning, remembered by Suidas: yet is there extant that witty Satire of his, of all the Caesars. Julian. Imp. Caesares. The Register of his Epistle, full of worthy observations. jul. Imp. Epist. Lib. jul. de praeclarus actionibus. Hymnus julian. in Solem. His discourse De Regno, wherein he deciphereth much of his Persian Actions. His Hymn to the Sun, a song of a high strain, and of a matchless delicacy, if the subject had not been too profane. Misopogon vel Antio●●en●is. As for his Misopogon, (where playing with his own person and beard, he sharply reprehendeth the Antiochians of their intemperance in frequenting stageplays; of their impiety, in changing jupiter and Apollo (Gods of their Forefathers) into the Christ of the Galileans; and of covetousness in their Magistrates, in selling justice) it is one of the wittiest invectives extant of those middle times. His Religion. In the course of his Religion he is by the Writers of his own affection and time rather reported superstitious then devout; and his fancies therein rather to Marcel. lib. 25. them accounted ridiculous then religious. Such was the excess and waste of Oxen in his sacrifices, that it is believed if his return had been from the Persicke Expedition, there would have been want of them to supply his Rites, and therefore they might happily say as the white Oxen did of the Emperor Marcus, Si tu viceris, nos perimus. Yet were his rules of order to the Priests of his superstitious zeal, such as may well become the most religious Churchman of our age to imitate: for he prohibited those Priests from gaze Ex julian Epist. ad Pon. Galatiae. of stage-plays, frequenting Taverns, or exercising any foul or illiberal profession, persuading them to imitate the Christians, whose bounty to strangers in distress, charity in burying the dead, and whose humble manners and sanctity of life (though but dissembled) had so much increased their Profession. His Fortitude. (6) His fortitude appeareth in the process of his Martial Actions. At three and twenty years he was Marcel. lib. 15. made by Constantine his nephew Caesar, matched to his sister Helena, and sent in person to restrain those barbarous Nations that had forced in upon the Roman Limits. But whether this employment was grounded upon the Emperors own fear to adventure his person against these Savages, a desire to nurture this mere Scholar his brother in law in more princely manners, who then was rude; or to expose him (in respect of some jealousy in State) to an assured peril: it remaineth doubtful. Only himself saith, that he Ex Epist. Julian Maximo Phylosopho. that bestowed his Title of Caesar, libenter dabat; & qui accepit, omninò recusabat: for in it he gained nothing but ut occupatior interiret, taking this his Expedition against those Inroads, as a banishment into the Hercinian Desert, ut tanquam venator cumferis bellaret: and believing himself rather thereby called out to an expected death, than intended honour. But this man then neither of opinion or hope, and who should have seemed to have effected a point of excellent service, if he had no more but defended the frontiers, and repelled the Enemies, did by his valour perform no less than deeds of admiration. He recovered the revolted Cities of Gallia, overthrowing seven of the mightiest Germane Princes in one set Battle. Amian. lib. 16. He sent to Rome Chonodomarius and Badoncarius, two of their greatest Kings, as spoils to adorn the Trophy, and attend the triumph of Constantius. He forced on every side those to fear his power, that had so long been fearful to the Roman Empire. And had he returned home▪ borne up only with the merit of this his service, and opinion of the world, and not been blown beyond the bounds of his old moderation by a new desire, he had escaped the imputation of ambition and treachery, and been esteemed a just successor, against whom he is deemed now an unjust usurper. But it may be said that it was a divine power that inspired it, and a strong hand that enforced him to it: for from above the Porch of his entrance, into one of the regained Cities, the Wreath of Laurel (reserved an ornament of that place) fell in wonder upon his head. The Genius of Rome in many apparitions chiding & reprehending his slow desire to affect the Empire, and restore the State. As touching his election, he calleth the Gods to witness his unwillingness, and the public protestation he made against it at Paris, when he was there by the tumultuous Army saluted Augustus. And although by the great provision made by him of Corn from Britanny, to hold a foot the Army against the plots of Constantius (that grew now envious of his fortune, he may seem to have intended the ruin of his Sovereignty) yet doth he by the Gods of his greatest confidence, jupiter and the Sun, protest, Quod Constantium occidere nunquam optavit, imò ne id accideret exoptavit. (7) But Constantius ending this quarrel and competition by his death, julian, whom a Pithonist had deluded with the hope of Persia, telling him that his fortunes should be as his feature, like Great Alexander, bred in him a thirsty desire after the surname Persicus: whereupon he prepared an Army for this expedition, and seeking the favour of his Gods the Moon, Sabellicus lib. 22. cap. 2. Julian his sacrifices. Fortune, and Mars, imbrued their Altars with the Blood of an hundred Bulls at once; though many ominous signs, as they were interpreted by his Philosophers and Soothsayers, forbade the same. Such was the An Earthquake. great Earthquake happening in Bithynie, that swallowed up the City of Nicomedia. rivers likewise are said to stand dry, even in the heart of winter; and Springs forgetting their usual boilings, yielded not forth their wont waters: yea and if we will believe the reporters; his success was foreshowed by the departure sabel. lib. 25. ca 2. of an Angel, and by a Meteor gliding in the Air. All which he sought to prevent, by pacifying his Heathenish Gods with multitudes of Sacrifices: and An Army reaching ten mile. with an Army extended ten miles in length, entered Persia, cutting asunder the Bridges by which he passed over his men, to add to them more of resolution, as their means were less of return, refusing all humble submission and composition offered him by their King; and at the place then called Phrygia, joined Battle against Surena, a great Commander among the Persians, and Merenes, General of their Horse, accompanied with two of the King's sons, whose powers not able to resist the Romans, gave back and fled. julian either upon a vain confidence, or sudden Alarm, had forgot to arm himself with his corselet or Brigandine; and in following the disarraied flight of the Persians, lift up his hands in sign of victory: Julian struck into the body with a Dart. at which very instant a javelin struck thorough his left Arm into the short Ribs, and stuck in the neither lappet of his Liver; which whilst he endeavoured to pluck out, did cut the sinews of his fingers: whereat altogether distracted, he fell forwards upon his horses main, and thence was carried unto his P●●ilion. From whose hand this javelin came (saith Amianus) Amianus. lib. 25. cap. 3. God only knoweth. Some report the Caster to have been a fugitive Persian: others say that from the hand of one of his own Soldiers it proceeded: and Calistus one of his own Guard, that wrote this Battle in Heroical Verse, affirmeth, that by some wicked Fiend Socr●t●s' lib 3. cap. 18. or Devil, this javelin run him thorough. Howsoever, there are that report that in pulling out this Lance, Zosomus lib. 6. c. 2▪ Theod. lib. 3. c. 25. Sabellicus. and casting it into the air with his blood, he should utter this blasphemous speech, and say, Thou hast overcome me, OH Galilean. At his setting forth he vowed to his Gods a Sacrifice of Christians blood, if he returned Conqueror, but he performed it with his own. His slain Corpses was carried to Tarsus a City in Cilicia, where with small pomp of Funeral Obsequys it was interred near to the City's side; which place himself to that purpose had formerly assigned: although Nazianzen affirmeth the earth to have opened, and in a flame of Sulphur to have sucked up his body into her Womb. (8) Thus ended this Emperor, the twenty sixth of june, in the two and thirtieth year of his age, and three hundred sixty and three of Christ's Nativity, when he had reigned Augustus near three, and Caesar full seven years. Whose wit and eloquence needs no further testimony than the Monuments of his own Pen; nor his religious zeal more than the Function his youth so worthily performed in the Christian Church. His Imperial Virtues we see match him in story with Titus, in moderation with Aurelius, and for success in war, with Traian; three of the most excellent Princes: and his fortune was to see bounded within his sole greatness, what the hand of right and sword of tyranny had so late dispersed. But now one Error, his Apostasy, disroabing him of all his Moral Virtues, leaves him an object naked to the vulgareie, but as a Monster of men, and mark of infamy. I hold it therefore fitting no less the use, than the justice of a Story, to do him (as I have done) all his right: since in him we learn that all those admirable endowments of Nature, embellished with all the moral and internal graces that Art could add, are not the base of holiness, without divine grace; nor dalliance of Fortune, and fullness of Empire (that made this man wanton and forgetful) is the centre of security and happiness, without heavenly protection: since from the sense of Sacred Piety he fell to Pagan Matth. 20. 16. Superstition: for many are called, but few are chosen; and in the seat of Presumptuous Majesty he felt the rod of Divine Revenge. Discite justitiam moniti, & non tenmere Divos. FLAVIUS JOVIANUS. CHAPTER XLIX. Fla. jovianus. Emp. D. N. JOVIANUS. P. F. PERP. AVG 3 GOL. SECURITAS. REI PUBLICAE. CONS. P. An. Do. 364. THe minds of the whole Army being much distracted by the death of julian; the next day, being june twenty seven, they met, and consulted upon a new Emperor: where for a while two factions were maintained, & with equal deserts argued, till lastly in one accord they both agreed upon * Marcellinus, saith Eutrop. Salustus, a man very honourable and wise, but withal aged and weak, and therefore he absolutely refused the election. jovianus by them then was nominated, in regard of his father's deserts indifferently commended, saith Amianus: but Rufinus, Theodoret, and Socrates Rufinus Eccl. Hist. lib. 10. attribute great worths unto himself, and confidently affirm his unwillingness to accept of that dignity, for that the whole Army had yielded to julians Idolatrous Edicts, openly professing himself to be a Christian, and withal protesting that he would not be a Sovereign over an Ethnic Empire, until by the instance of the Soldiers, which declared themselves likewise to be Christians, he did accept of the same. Jovianus his Parentage. (2) His Father was Varonianus, by birth an Hungarian, a Captain of good note, who not long before had laid down his charge of war, and retired into his Country, to a more quiet course of life. Himself served julian the Apostata in his Camp; from whence he departed by virtue of his Edict, commanding all Christians out of his pay, among whom * jovianus, his piety. iovinianus (as we have said) choose rather to cast from him his Sword and Girdle, (marks of honour to Military Professors) then to forsake the Ensign of his Heavenly Chieftain, and the Badge of his Christian Profession. (3) Not sooner was he clad in the Purple rob, but one jovianus (a Roman ensign-baerer, lately at variance with this new Elected Emperor, than a private man) fearing the danger of so powerful an Enemy stepped now above the degree of the common sort, revolted to the Persians; and having good access, informed King Sapores of the death of julian, (to them till then unknown) and disabling jovianus for an Unskilful and Effeminate Captain, both encouraged the Enemy; and gave directions how to take the advantage. The Persian as ready to execute as joyous to hear, set forward his forces, his Elephants leading the way, whose terrible brayings and fearful approach much affrighted the Roman Soldiers. A sore battle was fought, and fountains of blood drawn from the sides of both parts: wherein, with an infinite number of Persians, julianus, Macrobius, and Maximus, three Roman Tribunes, of those Legions that then were the Principal of the whole Army, were slain: in regard whereof, and especially for want of victual, (whose scarcity then was such, that for one Peck of Meal, ten pieces of Gold were given) jovianus made Peace with the Persians for thirty years, giving them Amian. marcel. lib. 25. cap. 13. Cassiod. Tripar. hist. lib. 7. five Provinces beyond Tigris, some Cities and Forts in Mesopotamia, whereof Nisibis is named for one that had been the very sinews and strength of the Confines, ever since the Wars of Mithridates: for which his doings, he is taxed by Eutropius and Amianus (who both lived in his days) and of most the deed is held very dishonourable to the greatness of the Roman Paulus Orosius. Sabellicus. Empire: how beit divers others excuse him very justly, considering the extreme misery and famine wherein julianus left the Army, which was in apparent hazard to be given over for a pray to the Enemy, to the endangering of the whole Empire, had it not been thus prevented: and therefore they highly commend him herein, as the only Preserver of the Roman Army. Socrates Scholar lib. 3. cap. 20. (4) Howsoever, he is highly commended by Socrates, (the continuer of Eusebius his History) who flourished above Twelve hundred years since; for his constant faith grounded upon the Nicen Creed, and for his Loving Reverence to the Christian Bishops, recalling Bishops recalled f●om banishment. from banishment those that Constantius and julian had exiled; among whom, Athanasius of Alexandria was one: putting down the Idolatrous Temples of the Gentiles, and restoring to their Offices both in Court and Camp, those who for their Conscience had been expulsed. jovianus adorneth julian● tomb. (5) At his departure from Persia, he visited the City Tarsus, where he caused the Sepulchre of julian (though otherwise he had found him averse both in Affection, and Religion, yet for that he was his preceding Emperor) to be richly adorned: and taking Antioch in his way for many days together was troubled with some accidents, which that age did take for Ominous signs. For the Statue of Maximianus Caesar, standing at the entrance into the King's Palace, let fall the Ball or Globe out of his hand, no force moving it: horrible sounds and noises were heard within the A Blazing star seen at Noonday. Consistory: and Blazing-starres appeared at Noonday. Thence therefore in great haste he marched, and at Ancyra, declared his son Varronianus his Caesar, a very Infant, whose Wrawling and unwillingness to ride in the Imperial Chariot, portended (saith Amianus) that which after happened. For hasting still towards Constantinople, he came to Dadastana, a place that divideth Bythinia and Galatia asunder, and there died suddenly of the obstructions and stopping of the Lungs, caused by the damp of a new mortered Chamber Sabellicus. wherein he lay; or (as others writ) by coals there set to dry the new ceiling, whose vapours having no jovianus death. His reign. Amianus Marc. lib. 25. cap. 14. Socrates' eccles. hist. lib. 3. cap. 22. issue, stifled him to death, the seventeenth day of February, the year of the world's redemption, three hundred sixty four; after he had reigned seven months, and twenty two days, aged thirty three years. jovianu● shape and disposition. (6) For his parsonage, he was of goodly presence, both tall and big, his gesture grave, his eyes grey, and countenance pleasant: an affectionate lover & professor he was of the Christian religion, of indifferent learning himself, but a most honourable imbracer thereof in others; very precise and considerate in choosing of judges and Magistrates; facile and familiar to his servitors about him. His Blemishes were these, that he was a great feeder, and given to wine; and somewhat to that other Vice which usually accompanieth such intemperancies. FLAVIUS VALENTINIAN US, Emp. FLAVIUS VALENS,— CHAPTER L. Flavius Valentinianus, Emp. D. N. VALENTINI ANUS. P. F. AUG. 3 SIL. Flavius Valens, Emp. VIRTUS. EXERCITUS TR. PS. D. N. VALEN S. P. E AUG. 3 SIL. GLORIA. ROMAN ORUM. SIS An. Do. 364 PResently upon the death of jovianus, by a secret whispering and running rumour, Amianus Mar. lib. 26. cap. 5. Equitius, Tribune of the Scutarij was nominated Emperor, a man naturally rigorous, and rude; and therefore disliked of the better advised, and no further followed. But from him, their voices turned to januarius, a kinsman to the last deceased jovianus, at that present Governor of Illyricum. But he also rejected, Valentinianus, then absent, Socrates in eccles. hist. lib. 4. cap. 1. was Elected at Nice, as a fit and meet person for the managing of their Wars, and good of the Weal-public. (2) His birth was of Pannonia, in the City Cibalas, of mean and poor parentage; the son of Gracian Chap. 47. sect. 4. spoken of before, who by trade was a Ropeseller, but of great strength; and therefore by service preferred to places of account, and had been made Ruler of Britain. His own life likewise was spent in service of War, and was erewhile a Captain over the Targatiers: but julian requiring him either to Sacrifice to his Valentinianus a Christian. Gods, or to leave his place; he chose rather to lay aside his Belt then his Faith and Christianity, as likewise jovianus had done; and so for neglecting a little honour then, he had now a far greater bestowed on him by the disposer of all Earthly Kingdoms. The Estate so urging it, he made Valens (his Brother) Partner in the Empire, the trumpets every where sounding Wars throughout the Roman World. For the Almans invaded Gaul and Rhaetia, the Sarmatians and Quadi made spoil of Pannonia: the Picts, Saxons, Scots, and Attacots infested the Britain's: the Austorians made roads into Africa: the Goths ransacked Thracia, and the Persians Theodor●t. entered Armenia. For which cause, Valens remained to defend the East, and Valentinianus took his progress into the West, where in three Battles under the conduct of jovinus, he discomfited the Almans: and Valens likewise overcame and beheaded Procopius; whose feature we have here expressed, a dangerous Usurper in the East. D. N. PROCO PIUS. P. F. AUG. 2 COP. REPARATI ☧ O. FEL. TEMP. Amian. Marcel. lib. 17. cap. 7. (3) But in Britain things prospered not so well: for by the general bandings of the foresaid Nations, their old Enemies, the Province was sore distressed and brought to extreme misery. For Nectaridius, Admiral of the British Fleet they slew, and Balchobaudes Nectaridiu● slain. Lord Warden of the Marches, by a train of these barbarous people, was forelaid & assailed on every side. The intelligence of which occurrences, when it was brought to Rome with great horror, the Emperor first sent hither Severus, Steward of his House, if fortune would happily speed his hand, to redress whatsoever had happened amiss. But he in short time being called away, had not the hap to see the wished success. Then jovinus, famous for his Wars in Germany, came into the same parts; and seeing the puissance of the Enemy, meant to crave aid of the auxiliary Forces, the urgent necessity requiring so much: at last, in regard of many (and those fearful) accidents, which rumour continually reported, touching the state of this Island, hither was designed Theodosius, a man esteemed most happy, and approved for his Martial prowess, who with a bold resolution and select power both of Horse and Foot, set forward for Britain. (4) The Picts at that time were divided into two Nations, to wit, Deucalidones and * Western Picts. * Eastern Picts. Vesturiones. The Attacots likewise a warlike kind of people, and the Scots ranging in divers parts, wasted all where they went. As for the Tracts of Gaul, the Frankners and Saxons their near confined neighbours, wheresoever they could break forth, and make Roads by Sea or Land, made havoc here by seizing of Booties, firing of Towns, in kill of men and women, and leading away Captives. To stay these woeful miseries, if the Heavens had been so benign, this valiant Captain intended a voyage to this * Britain so called. our end of the World: and coming to * Bologne. Bononia, which lieth divided from the opposite tract of Land by a narrow Channel ebbing and flowing with terrible Tides, where the waters are seen sometimes to match the highest Mountain, and again to settle with the level of the Plains, without any harm of Sailors or Passage: this Sleve with a gentle course he crossed, and arrived at * Ribchester. Rutupie, a quiet Roade and Harbour over against it: from whence after that the Bactavians, the Heruli, jovij, and Victores (Companies bold and confident in their strengths) London called Augusta. were come, he marched towards Lundinium, an ancient City, which posterities afterwards named Augusta: and having severed his Troops into sundry parts, he charged upon those companies of roving and robbing enemies, even when they were heavy laden with Booties and spoils, and were driving away before them both Men and Women bound for their Captives, besides much Cattles, and a great Prey. These he soon discomfited, and restored to the poor distressed Tributaries their Liberties and Losses, bestowing some small parcels thereof among his weary and well-deserving Theodosius joyfully received into London. Soldiers: and entered the City with exceeding great joy, in manner of a Petty-triumph, which erewhile was overwhelmed with Calamities, but now on the sudden refreshed and set in perfect safety. (5) Upon this prosperous success encouraged to greater attempts, he abode yet doubtful of the future, casting with himself many projects, which poised Fortunes Scales alike: but lastly by certain Captives and Fugitives he learned that those Companies of sundry fierce Nations, spread so far and diffusedly upon the face of the Province, could not be vanquished, unless it were by sleights and stratagems. By Edicts therefore he first proclaimed impunity to such as had forsaken their Colours, if they would return; whereby many which had run to the Enemy, or at their own pleasures had been dispersed into divers parts, came in, and by their countenance declared their resolutions in his behalf. Notwithstanding, mistrusting the event, and pensive still with cares, he thought good to call to his assistance Civilis, a man of great understanding, quick spirit, and withal an upright justicer, who was to rule Britain as Deputy, and likewise Dulcitius a Captain, renowned for his skill and deeds of Arms. Amianus Marcel. lib. 28. cap. 7. (6) After Consultation with them, having gotten courage, and departing from Augusta with a power of Soldiers, which in his politic industry he had levied and trained to his hand, he brought exceeding great succour every where unto the troubled and confused state of the Britain's, gaining before hand such places in each part, as might give advantage to annoyed the barbarous Enemy; and enjoined the Common Soldiers no service, whereof himself took not the Assay with a cheerful heart: in this sort performing as well the Offices of an Active and hardy Soldier, as the careful charge of a right-noble General, he discomfited & put to flight divers Nations, whom insolent Pride (fed with security) had incited and set on fire, to invade the Romans Territories; and so restored wholly unto their former state the Cities and Castles which had sustained many losses, and established a sure peace for a long time following. (7) Now there happened whiles he achieved these exploits, a dangerous matter likely to have broken out into great mischief, had it not been quenched in the very beginning of the enterprise: for one Valentinus of Valeria Pannonia, a man of a proud spirit, first Deputy lieutenant and after precedent, for some notable offence banished into Britain, as Frontinus immediately before had been, as one impatient of rest, like some noisome wild Beast, upon a certain swelling pride, rose up in commotion against Theodosius, whom he perceived to be the only man able to withstand his wicked designs. Howbeit, casting about many ways, both closely and apparently, as the gale of his unmeasurable desire rose higher, he solicited as well the banished persons as Soldiers, promising (as the time would afford) rewards to allure and draw them on to some actual attempt. Yet when the day came wherein it should have been effected, Theodosius having intelligence thereof, surprised Valentinus with some few of inward complices, Valentinus a Rebel put to death. and delivered them unto Dulcitius, to be put to death accordingly. But in his military skill and policy, (wherein he was reputed to have exceeded all men Theodosius an expert Warrior. living in those days) guessing at future dangers, he inhibited all Inquisitions to be made touching the rest of the Conspirators, jest so general a fear surprising at once, and spread abroad among many those tempestuous troubles of the Provinces, which were now well allayed, should revive again. (8) Therefore turning himself from this business to the reforming of such enormities as were of most consequence, now that all dangers were quite overblown, he re-edified the Cities, repaired the Garrison Castles, and fortified the Frontiers with standing Watches, and strong Fore-fenses. And thus having recovered the Province again which had yielded subjection to the Enemies, he reduced it unto the pristine Estate, so as by his means and motion it had again a lawful Governor appointed, and also named it VALENTIA, Britain called Valentia. in honour of Valentinianus the Emperor. Amian. Marcel. lib. 28. cap. 7. (9) The Areans, a kind of men (as witnesseth Amianus) instituted by those of ancient times for politic employments, who by little and little were fallen into disorders and vices, he removed from their Areans removed from their Stations. Siations, as being manifestly convicted, for that (induced with the greatness ofrewards received or promised) they had divers times discovered unto the Barbarous whatsoever was done or debated betwixt the Precedent and his Counsel: for indeed their charge was to run to and fro by long journeys, to intimate and make known unto the Romans Captains upon the Marches, what doings and stirs were among the Neighbour-Nations; whereby they had great opportunities both to know and reveal the secrets of the State. (10) And thus Theodosius having managed most excellently these affairs, was sent for to the emperors Court; who leaving the Province over-ioied for their Peace, was no less famous for his many important Victories, than was either Furius Camillus, or Papinius Theodosius comparable to Camillus. Cursor. And being honourably accompanied and attended unto the Narrow Seas, with the hearty love and favour of all men, departed, and with a gentle gale of wind passed over, and came to the Prince's Camp, where (being received with joy and praise) he succeeded in the room of Valens jovinus, who had the conduct of the Horsemen. For these his Martial deeds so happily achieved, in honour of him there was a Statue erected, resembling a Man of Arms on Horseback, as by Symmachus may be understood, thus speaking to his son Theodosius: The Author of your Symmachus. kindred and stock, Captain General both in Africa and Britain, was (among other ancient Titles) consecrated by the most honourable Order with Statues of Knighthood. And in his commendations, Claudian with full note thus poetically sang: Claudian in praise of Theodosius. Ille Caledonijs posuit qui Castra pruinis, Qui medios Libyae sub Casside pertulit aestus. Terribilis Mauro, debellatorque Britanni Littoris, ac pariter Boreae vastator & Austri. Quid rigour aeternus? Coeli quid sydera prosu●t? Ignotumque fretum? Maduerunt Saxonefuso Orcades, incaluit Pictorum sanguine Thule, Scotorum cumulos flevit glacialis Hiberne. In Caledonian frosts his Tents he pight, And Lybiaes' scorching heat endured in Field: The Coal-black Moors, and Britain's fair, in fight He quelled, and forced both South and North to yield. What then availd cold Clime, strange Seas, or Stars, When Orkney Isles he drenched with Saxons gore; When Thule did reak with Picts blood spilled in wars, And Ireland did huge heaps of Scots deplore? Dreadful sights, and fearful Earthquakes. Amian. marcel. lib. 26. cap. 14. (11) Strange and dreadful were the signs that in the third year of this Emperor chanced; as Earthquakes, Inundations, and the like; whereof Marcellinus thus reporteth: A little after the sun-rising (saith he) the weighty and steady mass of the whole Earthly Globe shook, flashes of lightning very thick and fierce going before: the Sea also driven aside, and the waves and billows so preposterously tumbling and retiring back, that the deep Gulfs of the Sea laid bore, and many Cities drowned. Gulfs being discovered and laid empty, a man might have seen sundry sorts of swimming creatures sticking in the mud: Also the vast Valleys and Rocks, which Nature had set far away under the huge Waters, did now behold the Beams of the Sun; insomuch that many Ships were bedded fast in the dry ground, and flocks of people straggled at their pleasure in the small remains of water, to take up Fish as the Sea-spoile; when on the sudden the waves disdaining to be thus dispossessed, returned with such violent beating upon the islands and Promontories, which lay far into the Sea, as that they over-flowed, and laid level an infinite number of buildings and Cities. And therefore in this furious discord of the Elements, the surface of the world being covered, represented strange and wonderful P●ulus Orosius. S. Jerome. Wool reigned from Heaven. sights. Among which S. Jerome reporteth, that there reigned Wool from Heaven so perfect and good, that no better grew upon the Sheep, the natural Producer. But to return. Amian. marcel. lib. 29. cap. 9 Fraomarius made King of the Bucinobantes. (12) Fraomarius, whom Valentinianus had ordained to be King of the Bucinobantes in Germany, was made Tribune and Colonel over a Regiment of Almains in Britain, which for number and valour in those days were renowned; where (no doubt) matter enough was ministered for him to work upon. But the death of the Emperor presently following, admits no mention of further discourse: which happened in this manner: The Quadi after many molestations done to the Roman Legions and their Confederates, sent their Ambassadors unto him, desiring pardon for their former faults committed, and an abolishment of all remembrances thereof: with whom being in earnest Socrat. Eccl. Hist. lib. 4. cap. 26. Valentiman●● death. conference, suddenly the blood gushed out of his mouth; and being laid upon his bed, shortly after died of an Apoplexy, or rather of the Plague, as the blue Marks appearing upon his dead body gave conjecture: November the seventh, of his age fifty five years, having reigned eleven years, eight months, and two days, in the year of our Christ three hundred seventy five. Valentinianus his parsonage and virtues. (13) For presence, he was Majestical, of body fat, his complexion fair, his eyes grey, and having therewith somewhat a scue cast, his hair shining bright▪ his joints strong and well knit: he was a Prince merciful and loving, and mitigated many Tributes formerly imposed on the Provinces: a wise Warrior, stern in countenance, hasty of speech, and chaste of body, a good justicer, and impatient of all delays. But these his Virtues with some Vices were accompanied: for he is taxed with envy and partiality, in punishing severely the poor Soldier for small offences, but remissive to the faults of their Captains and Leaders, and that was the cause (by Amianus his report) of the troubles in Britain, the losses in Africa, and the wasting in Illyricum. Valens Emperor in the East. (14) His Arian brother Valens surviving him, reigned Emperor in the East; by whose sufferance the Barbarous Goths entered Thracia, which presently proved to be the bane of the Roman World, for that these Goths (a strange and unknown People till then) being forced out of a secret Nook in Scythia, by the Hog-Backt Huns, rushing as an unresistible Whirlwind Amian. marcel. lib. 31. cap. 34. from those High Mountains, infested the Coasts about Danubius, and obtained licence from Valens to pass the River Donaw into Thracia, where long in quiet they stayed not, but like a violent Flood running with a full currant, they overwhelmed all before them, overcoming the Romans in many Battles, and Goths overcome the Romans. Valens slain. in one slew the Emperor Valens, with most of his approved Captains, and twenty five Tribunes that had charge of Regiments, the third part of his Army hardly escaping unslain. Some report that Valens flying the Field, took into a house near Adrianople, whither being pursued by the Enemy, and his Hold fired upon his head, was therein burned to ashes, after he had sat Emperor fourteen years. FLAVIUS GRACIANUS— Emp. FLA. VALENTINIANUS JUNIOR, CHAPTER LI. Gracianus & Valentinianus Emp. D. N. GRATIA NUS. P. F. AUG. 3 SIL. VOTIS MULTIS. TRPS. D. N. VALENTINIAUS. JUN. P. F. AUG. 3 GOL. VICTOR ●A. AUGG. TR. OB. T. An. Do. 376. GRacianus, the Elder Son of Valentinianus, by his Empress Severa, was made Amianus Mar. lib. 27. cap. 5. Gracian and Valentinian Emp. his father's Colleague in the Empire in the fourth year of his Reign: notwithstanding six days after his death, his second Son Valentinian, a Child of Four years old, by the advice of the Counsel and general consent of the Camp, Lib. 30. cap. 12. was also styled and proclaimed Emperor. These Brethren lived in much love, and ruled in the West, as their uncle Valens did in the East, of whom we last spoke. And albeit Gracian had cause of displeasure, that this his Younger Brother was thus advanced without his allowance; Gracian loving to Valentinian. yet he as a Prince kind and natural, regarded his Brother exceedingly, and brought him up in all tender affection, forgetting the wrong offered unto himself and his own Mother for Valentinians mothers sake. justina mother of young Valentinian. (2) The Mother of this Valentinian was justina, a damsel of an admirable feature and exceeding beauty, surpassing all other women so far, that the Empress herself fell in love with her, and usually conversed with her familiarly as her equal, imparting her most private secrets unto her as her trusty Counsellor, and often bathing together in the same Bath. Socrates' eccles. hist. lib. 4. cap. 25. Neither was her ardent affection contained within the measure of Womanish modesty, insomuch as she refrained not in the hearing of the Emperor (her Husband) to extol her incomparable beauty, preferring Valentinianus marrieth Justina, by whom he had young Valentinian. her far above any creature in the World. Whereupon Valentinianus so far affected this Lady, as that he took her to his Wife; by whom he had this young Valentinian, and also three Daughters, notwithstanding Severa was yet living. (3) The storms of the Goths as a violent tempest beating still against the Shores of the Roman Provinces, caused Gracian to bear Sail toward the safest Harbour, and to commit the guidance of his ship to the most assured Pilot: their forces being so great, and their outrages so terrible, that he thought it best not to adventure his own person, but to employ some other approved Captain. For which exploit, none was held more sufficient than Theodosius, the Son of that Theodosius who was so famous for his British Wars, and whose life was taken away by Valens the Eastern Emperor. Him he made first Captain General of the Roman Empire, Theodosius, Captain general of the Roman Empire, and fellow Emperor. and immediately upon his first service against the Goths, his Fellow Emperor and Augustus, allotting him those parts in the East, that his uncle Valens lately had enjoyed. Theodosius over▪ cometh the Goths. (4) In many Battles, fought to the last drop of blood, this worthy General overcame the Goths, so that their King Athanarius was lastly enforced to sue for his Peace, which upon honourable compositions was granted, and himself in most princely manner entertained by Theodosius in the Imperial City Constantinople; Aurelius' Victor. Paulus Orosius. where falling sick after three months, he died, and was both much lamented, and sumptuously buried by the Emperor. These reports caused Sapor, the most puissant King of Persia, to submit himself Sapor King of Persia. unto Theodosius, and by his Ambassadors, attending his Court, obtained his Amity. Thus gloriously reigning and perfect peace established, he ordained his young son Arcadius his Fellow Emperor in the East. (5) But the affairs in the Western Empire proceeded nothing so fortunately: for Gracian a meek and soft spirited man, balanced with Theodosius, was held without regard; and Valentinian by his Perfect Probus, held both Rome and Italy at his devotion; only Gallia obeyed Gracian. For Clemens Maximus borne in Clemens Maximus rebelleth▪ Cambden. Spain, but descended lineally from Constantine the Great, by his affability and liberal carriage, had won the affections of the Britaines to side with him; a man, no doubt, both Valiant and Wife, had he held his allegiance to his Sovereign Lord But the time fitting Ann. Do. 381. his purposes, when the Scots and Picts with their wont inroads, sore endamaged the Province, he set himself for their deliverance, and therein sped so well, that the Soldiers by constraint (as Orosius saith) forced Z●simus. Paulus Orosius. him to assume the Imperial Style and Purple rob. And Clemens Maximus assumeth the Imperial Style. so hasting into Gallia, with all the flower and strength well near of the Britain's forces, arrived in the mouth of Rhine, unto whom also the Germane Army joined, and now accounting himself an absolute Monarch, admitted Victor his son, than Caesar, to be partner of his Empire, whose Stamp therefore with his father we have here annexed. D. N. MAG. MAXIMUS. P. F. AUG. 3 SIL. VIRTUS. EXERCITUS. TR. P. S. D. N. FL. VICTOR. P. F. AUG. 2 SIL. VIRTUS. ROMANORUM MDPS. (6) Thus Maximus establishing his throne at Triers, Spread his wings (saith Gyldas) the one into Spain, the other into Italy, and with the terror of his Name, levied Tributes and Pensions for Soldiers pay, of the most fell and savage Germane. Against him Gracianus made his power, but after five days skirmishings was forsaken of his own Soldiers, and so put to flight. And now dejected and destitute of means to maintain his quarrel, he sent Ambrose (a great Doctor of the Church) his Ambassador unto Maximus, to entreat for Peace, which in outward show was granted, but was far otherwise intended, as the sequel proved. For seeking his death, he Clemens Maximus, his stratagem against Gracian. did shortly after effect it in this wise: He caused Letters, and reports to be given unto Gracian, that his Empress was in journey to visit him, and withal sent forth a Carroche stuffed with Soldiers, and with them Andragathius a murderer. a desperate Captain named Andragathius. Gracian greatly rejoicing for his Wife's approach, prepared himself to meet Her accordingly, and opening the Gracian, his death & reign. Litter, thinking to embrace his Empress, was by these Ruffians treacherously murdered near unto Lions, when he had reigned fifteen years, and lived twenty nine. Valentinian with his Mother justina, fearing the like conspiracies, become supplicants unto Theodosius in the East against Maximus. (7) He therefore preparing his forces, marched as far as Aquileia in Lombardie, where Maximus remained both confident and secure. For having fortified the straits of the Mountains with sufficient Garrisons, and dammed the Havens with strength of Ships, himself and assisters with great boldness proceeded against Theodosius, and gave him a battle before the City Syscia in Pannonia, and again most valiantly received him in another, under the leading of his brother Marcellus; but in both of them was overcome. From this last, he secretly retired unto Aquileia, where of his own Soldiers he was betrayed, and delivered to Theodosius his pursuer; and by him to the Executioner to be beheaded: of which his unfortunate, Sabellicus Enn. 7. lib. 9 An. Dom. 388. Andragathius, drowneth himself. but deserved end, the famous Bishop Martinus Turonensis being in Britain, did foretell him long before. Andragathius also, the Murderer of Gracian, whose state was now desperate, cast himself headlong into the Sea, and made an end of his wicked life. Victor the son of Maximus, made his Caesar in France, as we have said, was defeated, taken Prisoner & slain. This Victory was held so worthy and memorable, that the Romans from thence forward solemnised that day every year as festival, saith Procopius. (8) But these Britain's that had assisted Maximus, as by Writers is recorded, did forcibly invade Armorica, and there planted themselves: From whence (saith Beda, the Britain's first arrived into this Island. But surely himself is either greatly mistaken, or else we mistake him altogether, and that rather, for that by Caesar those Coasts that lie upon the Sea shores, are called Armorica, and there the Celtes seated, being the Original of our Inhabitants, as is holden, and so from thence they might spread themselves further into these British islands, long before it received the name of Little Britain. The like troubles fell to other Provinces at the same time, by the intestine Wars of the Empire: for the Gauls were molested by the franks; Spain by the Suevians; and Africa by the Vandals: the East parts by the Heruli, Ostroges, and Huns; Italy by the Lombard's, and shortly after by the Goths. (9) These troubles in the Provinces, caused the Emperors to call home their Armies, with Aides of their Allies, & all too little to support their own declining Estates, which now began to end of itself, and these Emperors reigns to be cut off by their untimely deaths. But to return into the path of our History, from whence (by the entangled occasions of these four Emperors reigning together) we have wandered; let us remember what occurrents happened upon the death of Maximus the Tyrant, and hasten to end the greatness of the Empire, which in most Provinces began to end of itself. For Valentinian being rid of his fears, unto which he had been subject; and Theodosius of his Colleague, unto whom he was enforced; great hope was conceived of a flourishing Estate, but it brought forth only the remains of their downfall: for the one returning to Constantinople in great Triumph, lived not long after; and the other left peaceably in the Western World, was (as you shall hear) soon made away by Conspiracy. (10) Valentinian remaining at Vienna in France, free from Hostile Enemies, retained in his Court those that sought his life, whereof Arbogastes, a Captain of Arbogastes a conspirator. a haughty stomach, politic, adventurous, and of great power, but withal of a base Parentage, a stranger and an Infidel, was one; Eugenius a Grammarian, Eugenius a Grammarian, another. but now bearing Arms, and of great account, was another. These corrupting his Chamberlains, compounded for his death, which they as wickedly performed, Valentinian strangled. by strangling him in his bed, giving it forth that the Emperor had hanged himself; which was so confidently avouched, that Prosperus in his Addition Prosperus. to Eusebius writing his death, saith, that it was acted by himself, after he had lived twenty six, and Valentinian his reign. reigned sixteen years, being strangled in the year of Grace three hundred eighty four. FLAVIUS THEODOSIUS. CHAPTER LII. Flau. Theodosius Emp. D. N. THEODO SIUS. P. F. AUG. 4 SIL. VIRTUS. EXERCITUS. TR. PS. An. Do. 392. WE have declared in the life of the last preceding Emperor, the Birth and Fortunes, Wars and Victories of this most worthy Theodosius, until the death of Maximus the Britain, (for so most writers term him) and now only remain his latter Acts in War and Peace to be further related. (2) This Emperor returning from Aquileia in Lombardie unto Constantinople in the East, long time Theodosius goeth against Arbogastes and Eugenius. there stayed not, but was drawn again into the West both to revenge the death of Valentinian his Fellow-Emperour so treacherously strangled, and also to oppose the proceed of Eugenius, whose Coin we have here expressed, being one of the Murderers then usurping that portion of the Empire, sided by Arbogastes the other. Eugenius usurper. D. N. EUGENIO US. P. F. AUG. 3 SIL. VIRTUS. EXERCITUS. TR. PS. (3) Theodosius marching with his forces towards the Confines of Italy found the passages stopped at the foot of the Alpss, and his Enemy's powers far surmounting his: Therefore a while to deliberate on these businesses, he pitched his Tents, and there stayed. In the mean time Eugenius and Arbogastes his associate had forelaid the Country, and hemmed him about in such a straight, that no victuals could be brought unto his Campe. (4) Not means being now left, but either to clear the passages, or be overthrown, he first become Theodosius prayeth to God for victory. supplicant with Fast and Tears unto his God, whom he knew to be the God of Hosts, and whom ever he had served, and whose aid had hitherto never failed him: whereupon boldly encouraging his men, he accepted of the Field. But the Battle furiously begun, fell so sore against him, that ten thousand of his Soldiers were presently slain; and the rest despairing ready to fly, himself at that instant had been Sabellic. Ennead. 7. lib. 9 surprised, had not God turned the heart of Arbitio, a Captain of his Enemies, suddenly to come to his side, and to rescue him. Theodosius much daunted by these unfortunate beginnings, yet conceived better hopes of the following success, trusting to the uprightness of his Cause, and the help of his God, which still he implored, till the Heavens were propitious to his earnest desires. Theodosius obtaineth victory. (5) For suddenly a violent tempest arose, and a raging wind rushed so extremely on the faces of his Enemies, that they were in no wise able to withstand it, the power thereof beating back again their darts into their own sides; whereas the arrows shot from the Emperor's part, were thereby forced with double strength to pierce through the Rebel's Iron plates, Socrat. Eccl. hist. lib. 5. cap. 24. whereby a most glorious victory was obtained; and Eugenius taken, who lay grovelling at the Emperor's feet, deploring his estate, and craving his pardon; but even as he kneeled with cries and tears, the Soldiers standing by struck off his Head. And Arbogastes Eugenius beheaded. the Author of these evils by flight escaping, two days after ran himself upon his Sword, and so Arbogastes killeth himself. revenged on himself his own wicked actions. This victory was achieved the sixth of September, in the year of grace three hundred ninety six, by Socrates' account: and was so famous, that besides the Records of Christian Historians, Claudius a Heathen Poet thus eternizeth the same in his Heroic Poem. God's darling dear, the heavens thy soldiers were in arms, And winds conspired to aid and follow thy alarms. Theodosius dieth. (6) Theodosius thus delivered, repaired unto Milan, where worn with years and travels, shortly after he sickened unto death. And sending for his Son Honorius and Arcadius made Emperors. Honorius, made him Emperor of the West, and to Arcadius gave the East, wherein he had before made him his Caesar. The Province of Africa he assigned to Gildus' Governor of Africa. the government by one Gyldus in his sons behalf, and in the Nonage of Arcadius appointed Rufinus for Rufinus Governor of Constantinople. Stilicho Governor of Italia. Constantinople, and Stilicho Tutor to young Honorius in Italy, three most worthy men undoubtedly, had the greatness of their spirits been contained within the lists of their trust and places. (7) This last named Flavius Stilicho, famous for a long time, and an inward companion with Theodosius, Stilicho sometimes employed in the British Wars. had been employed in the Britain's wars against the inroads of the Scots, Vandals, and Picts, and therein had borne himself▪ with fortunate success, as the Poet Claudian implieth, where he bringeth in Britain thus speaking: Stilicho commended by Claudian for his service in Britain●'s. Me quoque vicinis pereuntem Gentibus, inquit, Munivit Stilicho, totam quum Scotus Hibernem Movit, & infesto spumavit remige Thetis. Illius effectum curis, ne bella timere● Scotica, nec Pictum tremerem, ne littore toto Prospicerem dubijs ●enientem Saxona ventis. And I, saith she, that ready was by bordering foes to perish, When Scots did 'cause the Irish stirs, than Stilicho did me cherish. When Seas did foam with strokes of Oars, that beaten the bellows back, His force effecting with his cares, prevented still my wrack: He bade me fear no foreign powers, that Scots or Picts could make, Nor of the Saxons that on Seas, uncertain courses take. So that being by him freed from those many dangers, and all her enemies overthrown, she singeth her security by the same Poet. — Domito quod Saxone Thetis Mitior aut fracto secura Britannia Pict●. My Seas, though rough are calmed, sith Saxons conquered are, And I securely rest, now Picts are quelled in war. But this her joy through the Treasons of these three Governors, was soon turned into laments and tears, and the whole Empire's glory brought to a fatal period, as presently it will appear. Theodosius his virtues. (8) This Theodosius for his Princely parts by all writers is ranked among the very best of all the Emperors: And as he is likened to Traian for his feature and parsonage, so may he be compared in wisdom to Marcus Aurelius: In temperance with Antoninus Pius: For his Christian profession and devotion, with Constantine the Great: and for his meekness, equal to any: Whereof among many other, we have one example very remarkable, upon an offence committed by the Inhabitants of Thessalonica, he commanded most severe punishment to be inflicted, which was so unadvisedly executed, that as well the innocent, as the offenders were involved therein. He then coming to Milan, would have entered the Church to have communicated with other Christians in their sacred devotions, which Ambrose, the great Doctor, and Bishop of that Sea (though otherwise a man of admirable mildness) resisted and forbade, in which estate the Emperor stood for eight months continuance: and then with great humility & Theodosius upon his submission, absolved by th● Church. submission, acknowledging his offence was absolved, and again received into the congregation: For preventing of the like rash offences by him committed, he then enacted a Law, that thirty days should pass betwixt the sentence of death, and the execution of the Malefactor: And to suppress his hasty choler (whereunto he was much subject) his usual Theodosius, his Art to suppress anger. manner was to recite the Greek Alphabet, before he uttered any speech savouring of that humour. Socrates' eccles. hist. lib. 5. cap. 25. (9) He died january the seventeenth, the year of the world's happiness three hundred ninety five: when he had reigned seventeen years, and lived sixty, Theodosius his death and progeny. as Aurelius Victor writeth, with whom he ends his History. His first wife was Flacilia, a religious Lady, the Mother of Arcadius and Honorius, by his second wife he had a daughter named Placidia Galla, first married unto Athaulpus King of the Goths, and after his death unto Constantine, whom Honorius her brother made Augustus and his fellow Emperor. ARCADIUS Emperors. HONORIUS CHAPTER LIII. Arcadius Emp. East. DN. ARCA DIUS. P. F. AUG. 4 COP. VIRTUS. E XERCITI. ANTR DN. HONORI US. P. F. AUG. 4 COP. Honorius Emp. West. TRIUMFATOR GENT. BARB. KADPS▪ Fatal was the Act of Theodosius, Anno 395. in his Election of the three foresaid Protectors, whose greatness carried with a glutted prosperity, grew to a surfeit after his death in their ambitious thoughts, and was the downfall of the now aged and drooping Empire: Gildus rebelleth. first Gildus in Africa, not contented with the title of Comes or Earl, cast off all subjection, and as an Paulus Diaconus. absolute Lord, acknowledged neither Arcadius, nor Honorius for his Sovereign. Mastelzerius over cometh his brother Gildus. (2) Against these proceed, his own brother Mastelzerius opposed himself, and both in words and acts assayed to set him in his wont place of obedience, which by no other means could be brought to pass, but by assistance sent him from Honorius, with which, though much too weak, he marched against Paulus Orosius. the emperors Enemy, and as Paulus Orosius writeth more by force of prayers to God, than power Gildas beheaded. of men, in his encounter prevailed, and beheaded Gildus for his Treason: But himself becoming mighty, and forgetting that which in others he remembered, himself usurped the command of Africa against Honorius, casting off all subiective obedience, and as a free Prince ruled the Province: The Soldiers that had lately assisted the emperors cause, now well perceiving his aim, leveled at the Crown, Mastelzerius beheaded. thought best to cut the string before he loosed the shaft, and made him shorter by the head. Ruffinus ambition. (3) Ruffinus in Constantinople as boldly bore himself, thinking Arcadius both too weak and young to sound the depth of his designs, whose thoughts did also work upon conceited Sovereignty: he therefore secretly solicited the Goths to war upon the Empire, that so Arcadius might either be slain or entrapped, or else himself in those dangers, set up as the more sufficient. But these things thus dangerously complotted by Ruffinus, were as politically prevented by the Emperor, although a Child: for before the Seed of this Treason could bring forth either Bud or Ruffinus slain. Blade it was discovered, and the Author slain by an Italian Band, his Head (which as some affirm, first took breath in Britain) was advanced over a Gate in Constantinople. Stilicho set at hazard the whole Empire. (4) Thus Peace obtained by the Deaths of these two Traitors, the Third stood up with more danger in the West. For Stilicho, Tutor to young Honorius, thought it not sufficient honour for him to have his Daughter an Empress by the Marriage of his Ward; but set at hazard (for himself and son) his own Conscience, both their Lives, and the fatal ruin of the Now-declining Empire. For first, sowing seditions amongst the Lieutenants of the Provinces, picked also quarrels in the Emperor's Court, Casshiering with disgraces those Goths that had served with good proof of their fidelity above twenty years, since their entertainment by Theodosius. These to revenge their Wrongs, chose for their Cheiftaine a valiant Gothe named Alaricus, which Alaricus the scourge of Rome. shortly proved the Scourge of Rome: with whom joined the Vandals, Alanes, and Suevians, who jointly with great fury began to war in Austria and Hungary, increasing their Powers with such Multitudes, Paulus Orosius. that as Paulus Orosius, an Author of that time saith; The World was amazed and stood in fear. For unto Radagasius with two hundred thousand Goths. these Colonies resorted two hundred thousand Goths, more, under the leading of Radagasius their King, who together with united forces, subdued all Thracia, Hungary, Ostrich, Sclavonia, and Dalmatia, and spoiled all in such manner, that it seemed Devils and not Men had passed that way, as Saint Jerome (who lived at that Hieron. in epist. ad Paul. & Eust. time) expresseth: These brute Beasts (saith he) suffered by the wrath of God in this war, have laid Cities waste, slain the People, and left the very Fields bore and desolate, whereof the Provinces of Thracia, and Sclavonia, with the Country wherein myself was borne, bear too true, but lamentable Records. (5) The Roman Empire thus daily declining, and these fierce Nations making havoc where they came, the Armies in Britain were put in great fear, left the Flames of their Neighbour's fire might Flash out, and Marcus chosen Emperor. Marcus murdered. Sabellicus Enn. 7. lib. 9 take hold of them also. Therefore providently to prevent that danger, they elected one Marcus their Lieutenant for Emperor, yielding him their obedience some short time, and then finding his defects, immediately murdered him. Gracian chosen Emperor. Gracian murdered. In whose stead they Enthroned one Gracian a Britain: whose carriage not answering their expectations, they Murdered also, within Four Months after his Royal solemnity. The features and Imperial Titles stamped on the Romish Money of these two Usurpers, (according to the usual manner of the like in Estate) we find not, neither stands it with credit of our History to feign them at pleasure: therefore till time bring them forth, from the Caves of obscurity we have allowed them place only by these Circles inserted, that others may supply what presently we want, and accomplish by pencil what we cannot by Press. FL. NEP. CONST ANTINUS. AUG. 5 COP. VRBS. ROMA. R. C. Constantine of a common Soldier made Emperor. Ann. Do. 410. (6) Yet time to Constantine hath been more favourable in preserving his remembrance by his minted Monies, which here with his Story we present to sight. At the fall of these former, no better at all then a Common Soldier, but upon confidence only conceived of his Name, was made Emperor, who with more respect of honour, and liking of his advancers, bore himself better than the others had done. For putting to Sea, and landing at Bologne, he easily induced the Romans forces as far as the Alpss to side with him: Valentia in France he manfully defended: the Rhine, which long had been neglected, he fortified with Garrisons: upon the Alpss as well as upon the Maritime Coasts, where passages were frequented, he built Fortresses: Spain likewise he held under the hand of Constans his Son, whom of a Monk he had made Constans the son of Constantine made Augustus. Sabellicus. Augustus, & by whose valour subdued all from the Pyrenean Mountains to the Ocean. Whose Monies wanting to express his Image and Style, we have also supplied with another Blank. Honorius alloweth Constantine Emperor. (7) Constantine prospering as we have said, sent Letters of excuse unto Honorius, affirming constantly that he was compelled by the Soldiers to do what he did: whereby he so pleased the Emperor, that commending his Valour, & holding him fit, he sent him of free gift a Purple rob. Whereupon this new-growne blade began to bud fair, and at Arles planted his Imperial Seat, Commanding the City to be called Constantina from him, and ordained that the Assemblies of the affairs of Seven Provinces should be therein held. But this his Sunshine of prosperity was soon overcast with the Clouds of adverse fortunes, and his Crown & Life laid together in the dust. For in Spain against him was arreared Maximus a Vassal, whose General Gerontius intercepting Constans, (his Son and Constans slain. Caesar) at Vienna in France slew him: and Constantine himself within the Walls of Arles, besieged for Four Months, after the Reign of Four Years, laid aside his Purple rob, and entered the Church in Order of Priesthood, surrendering the City with his Style Constantine beheaded. Imperial, was lastly led into Italy, and there beheaded. (8) From that time Britain renewed her obedience to Honorius, and the Province a while was refreshed Victorinus Lieutenant in Britain. by the Wisdom and Prowess of Victorinus her Lieutenant, who often repressed the incursions of the Scots and Picts: whereupon in his praise rutilius Claudius Rutilius Claudius. Paul. Oros. lib. 7. August. de Civit. Dei. Hieron. in Epist. ad Princip. thus wrote: Conscius Oceanus virtutum conscia Thule, Et quaecunqueferox arua Britannus arat. The Ocean wide and Thule, his virtues witness will; And all the Champion Fields, which Britain's fierce do till. Jornandes in hist. Goth. (9) But Rome at this time being sore afflicted, and by Alaricus with his Goths and Vandals presently Victorinus leaveth Britain. sacked, Honorius sent for Victorinus with his Army out of Britain, to the rescue of the City, as Claudian signifieth, when he reckoneth up among other Aides, the British Legion sent thither: whereof the Scots and Picts had soon notice, and (according to their wont manner) with fire and sword molested their neighbours. (10) The Britain's therefore resolutely engaging themselves into dangers, took Arms, and freed their Cities and States from those Barbarous People: by whose example, the rest of their Nation in Armorica, with the Provinces of Gaulois, delivered themselves also from their oppressions, and all of them cast out Zosimus. the Roman Precedents, settling a form of Commonwealth to their own liking. But these our Britain's growing too weak to withstand the continual inroads of their Northern Enemies, humbly besought Britain's writ to Honorius for secure. Honorius for succour; whose return of comforts consisted only in words, exhorting them by Letters, to stand upon their own Guard. But they knowing it was not words which must help them, again deplored their miseries, & so obtained of him the assistance of one Legion, which in their aid drove back those Assailants into their own Marches, and fortified again the Wall betwixt the Frith of Edinburgh unto Cluid: so then departing, left the Britain's to defend themselves; who now, besides the Common Enemies so often mentioned, were much molested, and their Pelagius an Heretic corrupteth the Britain's. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 10. Faith corrupted by one Pelagius, by birth a Britain, by profession a Monk, by lewd doctrine an Heretic, who was brought up in the famous Monastery of Bangor in Wales, had also traveled italy, Sicilia, & Egypt, Gennadius. for the study of learning, and grew into great favour with Paulinus Bishop of Nola, and with S. Augustine also, till his Heretical Assertions, which had been by him and his disciple Coelestius (a Scot secretly taught, Innocentius condemneth Pelagius Heresy. and by Saint Jerome discovered) were afterwards condemned by Innocentius the first, Bishop of Rome. But the arch-heretic returning into Britain, began again obstinately to maintain the same, together with Agricola, one who spread the venom of that Heresy into Foreign parts: whose doctrines were, 1. That Aug●st. de Haeres. Pelagius his opinions. Man, without the grace of God, was able to fulfil all the Commandments. 2. That Man in himself had free-will. 3. That the Grace of God was given unto us according to our merits. 4. That the Just have no sin. 5. That Children are free from Original sin. 6. That Adam should have died, though he had not sinned. And therein also one Timothy most impiously Timothy his Heresy. disputed against the Divine and human Natures of Christ. Notwithstanding, at the same time flourished Fastidius, a most learned British Bishop, and Chrysanthus also the Deputy or Vicegerent of Britain, who with great honour governed the affairs of the Church and Commonwealth, and was afterwards (as elsewhere we have showed) made Bishop at Constantinople of the Lib. ●. cap. 9 novatians against his will. Arcadius' his death and reign. (11) Thus were the affairs of this Land managed under these Brethren Emperors; the elder of which, Arcadius, died in peace at Constantinople, leaving his son Theodosius, a child of eight years, to the succession Theodosius his successor. of the Empire, and to the tuition of Hisdigerdus King of Persia; a matter which seemed at first very Hisdigerdus his Tutor. dangerous, but proved at the last very profitable. He reigned thirteen years, and died the first of May, the one and thirtieth of his age, the year of Christ's birth four hundred and ten. At which time one jovinus, of an obscure beginning, had raised some Tumults in Gallia, styled himself Emperor, usurped the Purple rob, and stamped his Coins with the Title of Victory, as is seen in one which we here present. D. N. JOVIN US. P. F. AUG. 2 SIL. VICTOR JA. AUGG. S. MLD. (12) Against him Honorius made his power, and with his little loss slew the Upstart in the Field: whereby his fame was more spread in the West, though not so fortunate as his brothers was in the East, after whom he lived fifteen years, and with whom he had reigned other thirteen; and he died, saith Paulus Honorius his death and reign. Paul. Diacon. Diaconus, of an infirmity at Rome, in the year of grace four hundred twenty four, leaving no issue of his body to succeed him in the Empire. THEODOSIUS 2. Emp. VALENTINIAN 3 CHAPTER liv. Theodosius 2. Emp. East. DN. THEODOSIUS. P. F. AUG. 2 GOL. VICTOR JA. AUGG. TRO●. DN. PLA. VALENTINIANUS. P. F. AUG. 2 GOL Valentinian 3 Emp. West. ✚ COMOB. An. Do. 408. GReat have been the Wars and strange the Alterations which both here at home, and through the World abroad have chanced unto States since the first attempts of julius Theodosius & Valentinian the last Roman monarchs in Britain. Caesar unto these present Emperors, Theodosius the second, and Valentinian the third, his Associate; whose Lives and Reigns did conclude the Successions of the Romish Monarches within this Island of Great Britain, and threw down their Triumphal Arches in many other Provinces, which for long time had been obsequious to Rome's Sovereign Command. So uncertain is the Glory of this World, and her Seeming Strength so liable to Mutability, that the Powers and Periods thereof held in His hand that holdeth the Universal Ball, are suddenly turned from their high-mounted site and beauty of the Sun unto the Downfall and dark side of the Globe; and either fall again into the small Circuit of their first compass, after they have expired their Number, Dan. 2. 35. weight, and Measure: or else with Daniels Image are utterly extinct and blown away, as the chaff from the Summer flower. (2) The continuance of whose Estates, seem they The Roman Monarchies continuance. never so Great and Durable in Power, Circuit, Defence, and Multitude, hath seldom extended much the limit of Five hundred years, but that their high and mounted Flames, fall in the ashes of their own consuming decay, or else hath received some other alteration of Empire's increase, as many learned Writers have obsered in most Commonwealths. So was it in the Abraham the time between the Promise made to him, and the giving of the Law. Gal. 3. 17. State established by God himself among his Peculiar People. As from the Promise to Abraham, made of Christ the Blessed Seed and Life of Man (where ceased the World's formerly-used computation from the Ages of Men) unto the Law delivered upon Mount Sinai, declaring condemnation and death, were four hundred thirty years▪ from Israel's departure out of Egypt, when their Commonwealth began to be ruled by judges, and God's service celebrated in the Tabernacle 1▪ King. 6▪ 1. Jsrael. the time between their departing out of Egypt, and the building of the Temple of Solomon. David, the time between his Anointing and ●he death o● Ze●echiah. under Curtains unto the Building of their Glorious Temple erect by King Solomon, were years four hundred and eighty. From the Anointing of David, the first King, set upon judah's Throne, unto the death of Zedechiah the last King thereof, slain by Nebuchadnezer, and that Holy Temple consumed by fire, were years four hundred & seventy. And other Politic Estates have stood much upon the like Space of time. For the Kingdom of Athens set up by Cecrops the first King thereof, unto Codrus the last, when they changed The time between Cecrops his setting up▪ and Codrus the last. Lycurgus, the time between him and Alexander the Great. Tarqvinius, the time between him and Julius Caesar. Caesar, the time between his invasion of Britain, and Valentinian the third. Saxons, the time between their intrusions and King Egbert. Egbert▪ the time between him and Edward Confessor. Normans, the time between their Conquest, and the entrance of our gracious Sovereign King James. their Monarchy to a democracy, is said to have continued four hundred and ninety years. The Lacedæmonians State from Lycurgus their Lawgiver, unto Alexander the Great, that overthrew it, flourished the space of four hundred ninety one years. From the expulsion of Rome's Kings under Tarqvinius, unto the affected Empire in julius Caesar, were four hundred ninety and nine years. And omitting many others, to come to ourselves; from Caesar's first Invasion of Britain, unto the days of this Valentinian the third, wherein the Romans did quite abandon it, were five hundred years. From the Saxons intrusions and division of this Realm into an Heptarchy under their Government, until the united Monarchy made by King Egbert in the year eight hundred and nineteen, were years four hundred sixty nine. But from thence, until their issue failed in King Edward Confessor, were years only two hundred forty seven. And from the Normans Conquest, unto the death of that most sacred Sovereign of eternal memory, Queen Elizabeth, when began again the name of GREAT BRITAIN, and the Union of the whole Island to be brought into one entire Monarchy, by the rightful Succession and thrice-happie entrance of our most gracious King JAMES, are years five hundred thirty six. But of these three last, we are to speak hereafter; and now return to finish up the falling Estate of the Romans Greatness. Theodosius 2. under the Persian King. (3) Theodosius the son of Arcadius began his Empire in the year of the world's salvation four hundred and eight, and was governed with a special Antigonus his Tutor. protection by the Persian King during his Minority, under the charge of Antigonus an excellent man. But now grown to years, and some variance happening betwixt him and his Tutor, he was left to the dispose of himself: and his uncle Honorius leaving at his death great troubles unquenched in the West, the mightiest Potentates assayed to make themselves Emperors The dissipation of the Roman Empire. over several Dominions, and from the richness of the Imperial Diadem, each one sought to pluck a jewel to beautify his own Crown. So the Barbarous Nations out of this one Monarchy began the foundations of many succeeding Kingdoms. For in Spain the Vandals, Suevians, and Alanes, not contented with their portion therein assigned, betook themselves to Arms. The franks and Burgundians, which had been driven out of France, resolved again to return. The Goths, that were Lords of Barcelona, Narbona, and Tolosa, did as the rest. The Huns entered Hungary. john the Tyrant held Rome: and in Africa, Boniface become a Neuter. These stirs moved Theodosius to Valentinian elected Emperor in the West. nominate Valentinian his kinsman Emperor in the West; whose reign and affairs (so far as they touch Britain) we will follow, being the last of the Roman Emperors that held out the succession of our British monarch. His descent. In Chap. 52. sect. 8. (4) This Valentinian was the son of Constantine, made Augustus, as is said, and of Placidia Galla daughter to the first Theodosius Emperor: which Lady in the sacking of Rome by Alaricus the Gothe, was taken Prisoner, and by him given in marriage to his near kinsman Athaulphus, who afterwards was King of that Nation; and by her sweet demeanour, and prudent means, a Peace was concluded betwixt her Husband and her Brother, but with such dislikes to the Goths, that they presently killed him, and raised one Wallia for their King; who likewise coming to composition with Honorius, delivered Placidia according to Covenants, whom the Emperor her Brother bestowed in Marriage upon Constantine his General, in regard of his good service and Victories by him achieved. Placidia Galla her care of Valentinian her son. Aspar and Aetius chosen by her. (5) She, with young Valentinian Newmade Emperor, being sent into Italy, selected the best approved Captains to secure her sons Estate; whereof Aspar was one, that in Rome slew john the Usurper, who had there made himself Emperor, stamping this his face and stile upon the currant Money of the State, and by his Tyrannies held his fortunes for five years continuance. john Usurper. D. N. JOHAN NES. P. F. AUG. 3 SIL. VICTORI A. AUGGG. R V CONOS. Aetius likewise, that had been Governor of Spain, was employed into Gallia, where the franks and Burgundians (under the conduct of Clodius their second King) sought to establish (as shortly they did) their Kingdom in that Country, giving it the name of France not known to Caesar by that name. France, according to their own, by which name they were never known to Caesar, Strabo, Pliny, Tacitus, Mela, nor Ptolemie; whereby the great blast of their Antiquity is showed to be but a puff of wind. Britain's sore oppressed with the Scots and Picts. (6) At this time the Britain's were again sore oppressed by the Scots and Picts, who having notice that the Aides sent by Honorius were returned, passed over the Water in their Boats at both the ends of the Wall, and invaded the Province with such force, that they Britain's sorrowful embassage to Valentinian. bore down all before them. The Britaines in this lamentable plight, sent their Ambassadors to Rome, with their Garments rend, and dust upon their heads, unto Valentinian the Third, bewailing their most miserable Estates, and craving his help. The Emperor Britain's obtain some small succour. Gallio sent to aid them. moved to remorse, sent a Regiment of Soldiers into Britain, under the Command of Gallio of Ravenna, a most valiant man, who having put back the Enemy with the assistance of the Islanders, gave some small Burgundians threaten Italy. Gallio recalled, and the Britaines quite forsaken of the Romans. comforts to the distressed Britain's. But the Burgundians passing the Rhine, and threatening to waste Italy, Aetius was compelled to recall Gallio with his Legion, to secure the Country about Paris, whilst himself with his, followed the dangerous Enemy. (7) He now ready to departed for France, told the Britain's that it was not for the Romans to take so long and painful journeys, neither at that time especially when their own Empire was in danger to be overrun. Therefore he willed them thenceforth to stand upon their Guard, and to provide for their own safeties▪ and to that end, in regard of their good services done The Romans kindness at their departing from Britain. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 12. to the Romans, he taught them the use of their Armour and Weapons, as also to strengthen their Fortification, and Wall of Turf, which now they began to build with firm Stone, laid eight foot in thickness, and twelve foot in height. This Wall (saith Gildas) they Gildas. drew in a strait line (at the public charges of the State) from East to West, and from Sea to Sea, planting Bulwarks, and raising Turrets, with convenient spaces distant one from another; which gave a fair and far prospect into the Sea. And so the Romans gave a final Farewell▪ meaning never to return again; and burying part of their Treasures here in the Earth, whereof much hath The time of the Romans final forsaking of their temporal jurisdiction in Britain. been found, and more is still sought, left Britain about the year of Christ five hundred, after the first invasion thereof made under the conduct of julius Caesar. Nicephorus. (8) This unfortunate Emperor Valentinian lost not only Britain, but suffered also Africa, France, and Spain to be plucked from his Empire: and the weakness Prosperu● Aquitanus. of the Romans power (whose strength consisted most in Foreign Aides, (as Tacitus saith) was left unable Romans unable to defend their own Country. to defend itself; when they had bereft this Province of all the Flower and Choice of Men, as Gildas in that age complained, saying, Britain is despoiled of all Gildas. her armed men, with her military forces: her Rulers (cruel though they were) are wasted, her Garrisons withdrawn, and defence laid open, and an exceeding great number of her stout courageous Soldiers taken from her, to serve the Romans in their wars. With which his sayings the Roman Writers themselves agreed, and record the Musters and great multitudes of Britain's that have been transported by them out of this Island: as when Trebellius Maximus with his British Forces made strong Tacit. hist. l. i ca 9 the Faction against Otho in Germany▪ and then also Honorius Flaccus brought thence eight thousand chosen Soldiers to uphold Vitellius in his cause. I CLOD. SEPT. ALBIN. CAES. 2 SIL. Clodius Albinus. MINER. PA CIF. COS. two Clodius Albinus banding against Severus the Emperor, assuming the Title, and stamping the moneys of the Imperial Estate (as by this here inserted is to be seen▪ which coming to our hands since his Story was written, we hold it more acceptable to set here, though out of place, then to give it no place at all in this Work, being so worthy an Antiquity, and so much concerning the Britain's) under whose Banner the Flower of their Chivalry perished in Battle, when in the Fields of France, and near unto Lions, they spent their blood in his cause; whereby the sinews of their own Country's defence was sore weakened, and laid open to Foreign Invaders. Constantine the Constantine transported a great power of Britain's. Great also (as Malmesbury noteth) carried hence a great power of British Soldiers with him in his wars, by whose puissance (as he saith) he obtained Triumphant Victories, and the Empire of the whole World: and after assigned them that part of Gallia to inhabit, which Armorica a part of Gallia given to the British Soldiers. was called Armorica, lying westward upon the Sea Coasts, where they seating themselves, their posterity was increased, and continueth a Mighty People even unto this day. Armorica conquered. (9) This Country afterwards (being conquered by Maximus, and his reconciled Enemy Conan Meriadoc, Lord of Denbighland, by the prowess of those British Soldiers whom hence he carried in his quarrel against Valentinian the Emperor) was received in free gift of Conan, after the slaughter of jubates the King, and the name thereof changed to Little Britain, Armorica changed to the name of Little Britain. as being a Colony or Daughter of this our Island. The Province is large, pleasant, and fruitful, and containeth in her Circuit nine Bishops Seas, whereof three are called Cornovaille unto this day, which are Leonen●●ss, S. Paul, and Tregniers: the other six are Dole, Rhein's, It containeth nine Bishops Seas. Keepeth as yet the British Dialect. Great numbers of Britain's lent to Conan. A great multitude of Virgins sent out of Britain to Armorica. S. Malo, Nanetensis, Vannes, and Brien, whose language differeth from their Neighbours the French, and retaineth as yet the British Dialect. I omit to speak of those other Numbers of men sent for out of this Kingdom by the said Conan, whereof our British Historians make mention; besides the sending of Ursula with Eleven thousand Virgins to be matched in marriage with these their Countrymen, all of them perishing by Sea or by Sword, but none of them returning hither again; whereby the bane of the Land presently followed, her hopes being cut off, and deprived of wont Posterities. Matthew Westm. Henry Hunt. Ninius. (10) This Conquest and Plantation in Armorica, Matthew of Westminster accounteth to have happened in the year of Christ three hundred ninety two. And these Soldiers thus withdrawn, are so recorded Maximus gave many Countries to the Britaines his Soldiers. by Henry of Huntingdon his ancient; and Ninius also long before both, reporteth that Maximus gave many Countries to these his Britain's, even from the Pool which is on the Top of jupiter's Hill, to a City called Cantguic, and unto the Western Mountains. These (sayeth he) are the Britaines in Armorica, who never returned to this day, in regard whereof Britain was Geruasius. job. Anglicus. Conquered by Strange Nations. With whom agreeth Geruasius a Monk of Canturburie, john Anglicus, Ranulphus of Chester, and others. Thither also in the downfall and desperate Estate of the Britain's, many of them fled from the rage of their Enemies, as he that was borne in Armorica, and lived nearest to that age, even the Writer of the Life of S. Wingualof the Confessor, Britain's fled into Armorica in the time of the Saxons. doth sufficiently prove. An offspring (saith he) of the Britaines embarked in Floats, arrived in this Land, on this side the British Sea: what time as the Barbarous Nation of the Saxons, fierce in Arms, and uncivil in manners, possessed their Native and Mother Soil, etc. Constantine who was elected for his name, transporteth great multitudes of Britain's. (11) And lastly, in the cause of that other Constantine, who was elected only for his Name, most of the Flower and Strength of the Britaines were transported into Gallia and Spain, where in his variable fortunes many of them perished. And Malmesbury writing of these Times, saith, that the Romans had emptied Britain of all her Flower and Chivalry of War, leaving now in her Countries but Halfe-barbarous men, and in Cambden. her Cities only Epicures, unfit for service. In confirmation whereof, the most learned Cambden out of Antic Inscriptions, and the Book named Notitia Provinciarum, hath observed, that these Companies under written served the Romans in their Wars, and were dispersed here and there in their Provinces, which also were from time to time evermore supplied out of Britain. Ala Britannica Milliaria. Ala four Britonum in Aegypto. Cohors prima Aelia Britonum. Cohors III Britonum. Cohors VII. Britonum. Cohors XXVI. Britonum in Armenia. Britanniciani sub Magistro Peditum. Inuicti juniores Britanniciani Exculcatores jun. Britan. inter Auxilia Palati●a. Britoneses cum Magistro Equitum Galliarum. Inuicti juniores Britoneses inter Hispanias. Britanes Seniores in Illyrico. (12) No marvel is it then if Britain lay weak, being thus continually exhausted of her strengths, which these approved Records made so apparent, as we need not allege the doubtful Story of Irpus of S. john Prys. Irpus of Norway transporteth an incredible number of Britain's. Norway, for the depopulation of the Island, who is said by subtlety under pretence of Kindred, and Honour to be achieved, to have gotten an infinite number of Britain's to follow him in his enterprise, which never returned again: or the Book Triades mentioned by the Author of the Reform History of Great Britain, that bringeth an Army hence, consisting in Britain's one & twenty thousand transported into Aquitaine against Caesar. number of one and twenty thousand men, into Aquitaine and Gaul: which, as he saith, was the Aid mentioned by Caesar, that out of Britain assisted the Gauls against him. Which may partly seem to be gathered from Caesar himself, as hath been said: where he affirmeth, that the Britain's and Gauls were governed under the same King: and is further confirmed by the fashion and Inscriptions of antic Coins, which we have seen stamped in Gold, the Form round, and Shield-like: Embossed outward in the Face, and Hollow in the Reverse; a Form unfallible to be of the Britain's Coins, and yet the word Comes is inscribed upon the A●trebatij in Gallia and Britain. Embossed side, whom we imagine to be the same Governor of Artoye in Gallia, whom Caesar mentioneth. (13) Thus then was Britain first made Weak by the Romans exhaustings, and then quite abandoned of their help, and left as a tree in the Wilderness, to loose her fair leaves by the continual blasts of these sharp Northern winds, whose beauty before had been as the Cedars of Libanon, or like unto those in the Garden of God. And whose Riches had drawn the World's then-monarches to such liking and love, that no means was omitted to attain the same, nor care neglected to keep it in their Subjection: which, while it stood a Britain accounted the fairest plume of the Roman Diadem. Province in their obedience, was held and accounted to be the fairest flower in their Triumphant Garlands, and of some of their Emperors thought worthy the Residency of their Imperial Throne. THE ORIGINAL, INVASIONS, AND HEPTARCHY OF THE SAXONS; WITH A SUCCESSION OF THEIR MONARCHES IN THIS ISLAND OF GREAT BRITAIN, THEIR REIGNS, MARRIAGES, ACTS, AND ISSVES, UNTIL THEIR LAST SUBVERSION BY THE DANES▪ AND NORMANS. But first of the Downfall of BRITAIN. BOOK VII. CHAPTER I Britain abandoned of the Roman Garrisons. BRITAIN thus abandoned of all the Roman Garrisons, and emptied of strengths that should have supported her now down-falling-estate, lay prostrate to confusion and miserable calamities; no less burdened with the tumultuous uproars of her own great men, who strove for the supreme Government, then of the Barbarous Nations which with continual incursions made spoil where they came. These Ninius. times (saith Ninius) were full of fears, and were prolonged Great troubles in the reign of Vortigern. with forty years afflictions: wherein Vortigern then King was troubled with the violence of the Romans, the dreads of the Picts and Scots, and the oppositions of Aurelius Ambrose, who surviving his slain Parents, that had worn the Imperial Purple rob, sought their revenge upon their wicked Murderer: besides the Intrusions of the German Saxons, called in for Friends, but proved indeed the greatest Enemies. During the conflict of these tempestuous storms, some small comforts were ministered unto the Britain's by Bishop German an assister against the Pelagians. Bishop German his presence, who from France assisted them against the Pelagian Heresies, and the perilous assaults of the Scots and Picts, who in divers skirmishes overcame them. (2) These dolorous times of Britain's destruction, Gildas. Gildas the mournful Historian, who lived not long after, doth declare. As soon as the Romans (saith he) had left Britain, and were returning unto their home, forthwith hideous multitudes of Scots and Picts came swarming out of their Carroghes, (wherewith they passed the * The Irish Sea. Scitick Vale) like whole Armies of duskish vermin, which at high noon, when the Sun is in his greatest heat, began to crawl forth of their narrow holes an infinite number of hidcous Scots and Picts; which two kinds of People, though in conditions somewhat different, yet they consorted too well in greedy desire of bloodshed: and having Scots and Picts (the Romans departed) seize all the Northern parts. intelligence, the associates of Britain were now returned with utter disclaim of further assistance, with more confident boldness then ever before, they seize all the Northern and uttermost part of the Island, as if it had been their own inheritance, even as far as to the Wall. Against these attempts there were ranged in the high Forts along the Wall, Garrisons of Soldiers, but such as were both slothful, and also unserviceable for Martial Affairs: which whitelivered Lozel's with quaking hearts sat still warding day and night, till their joints were as benumbed and stupid as the stones whereon they sat: insomuch as the naked Enemies did with long hooked Engines pluck from Scots and Picts catch the Britain's with long hooks. off the wall those miserable Warders, dashing their bodies against the ground. This good yet they got by this their untimely deaths, that being thus suddenly dispatched out of the world, they escaped the imminent lamentable calamities that their brethren and children shortly felt. To be short, having abandoned their Cities and this high defensive Wall, once more they betook themselves to flight, and were dispersed in a more desperate manner then ever before. For the enemy was more hot in pursuit, and more cruel in the slaughter, the woeful Inhabitants being by their Enemies massacred, and rend in pieces like Lambs in the hands of bloody Butchers, or in the jaws of cruel and savage Beasts. In these most miserable times, (necessity so compelling) the poor distressed people forbore not to rob each other of that sustenance, which could help them but for a very small season: and so their hostile oppressions were increased by their domestic vexations, for that the whole Country by these continual direptions, was utterly deprived of the staff of food, having nothing left to prolong their life, but that only what they got in hunting. Whereupon, about the thirty nine year of Theodosius, and of Christ four hundred forty six, the distressed remains of the downcast Britain's addressed their missive Letters to Aetius, Britain's sand for help to Aetius Precedent of Gallia. whom Gildas calleth Agitius, Precedent of Gallia, in most lamentable manner, and thus inscribed. To AETIUS Thrice Consul, the groans of the BRITAIN'S. Beda Hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 13. The Barbarians drive us back to the Sea; the Sea again putteth us back upon the Barbarians: thus between two kinds of deaths, we are either slaughtered or drowned. And the more to intimate their miseries, and to move his assistance, thus they further urge: We (say they) are the Remnant that survive of the Britain's, and are your Subjects, who besides the Enemy, are afflicted by famine and mortality, which at this present extremely rageth in our Landlord And putting him in mind that it much importeth the Majesty of the Roman Empire to protect and secure their Province, seeing it had now stood upon the point of five hundred years under their obedience, whose strength of Soldiers taken from thence to serve their Emperors in their Wars elsewhere, was now decayed, and their wealths wasted by maintaining their many Legions in their own Land and abroad: All this notwithstanding the Romans either would not, or could not relieve, having enough to do to uphold their own; but returned them again with heavy hearts into the hands of their most cruel Enemies, who now knowing themselves free from the Romans interceptions, as a violent flood broke thorough the Province, and bore down all Britain's fly into France, South-wales, North-wales, Cornwall, Devonshire. before them; the Inhabitants flying like chased Deer, some taking over Seas into Britain in France; some to South-wales, North-wales, Cornwall, and parts of Devonshire, leaving the best of the Land to the will of their Persecutors, and much of their Treasures hid in the ground, which never after they enjoyed. A great Famine. Gildas, ibid. (4) But the grievous Famine still increasing, though it had this woeful issue with some, that it made them yield themselves into the Enemies bloody hands (only in hope to gain a little sustenance of food for the present) and for many years after left Beda, lib. 1. c. 14. lamentable tokens (saith Beda) of great desolations wrought by that dearth: yet with those other which were of more noble and resolute spirits it produced a better effect; insomuch as from out of the Mountains, Caves, and thick woods, they assailed their enemies, Britain's trusting in God, overcome their enemies. reposing their trust not in Man, but in God, whose help is then most at hand, when man's help faileth. These in many skirmishes gave them the overthrow with much slaughter, and that for many years together, when they made their incursions for booties and spoil; which caused these Ravening Irish to return home; and the Picts a while rested from further molestation. Notwithstanding the Britain's returned not from their own wickedness, growing strong now daily in repressing the Enemy, but stronger in their own sins and civil dissensions. By means whereof, though a surcease of Hostile Wars was embraced, and the scars of famine clearly skinned up, yet another sore as dangerous as either, secretly bred, and shortly broke forth. For the Land being free from the Enemy's wastes, yielded such plenty and abundance Beda hist. Aug. lib. 1. cap. 14. of all things, as the like before no age had seen; and therewithal such riot and excess, that the people's sins grew to a plentiful harvest, as by the words of Gyldas is apparent. Great sins among the Britain's. (5) Certainly it is heard (saith he) that there is such fornication, as the like is not among the Gentiles. Truth with the maintainers thereof is hated: Lies with the Forgers thereof highly esteemed. Evil is entertained for good, lewdness respected more than uprightness, darkness desired Gildas. before the bright Sun, and Satan accepted for an Angel of light: Kings than were anointed, not according to God's liking, but such as excelled others in cruelty; and as cruelly again by their anointers were they murdered, not for any demerit, but that they might advance others more savage than the former. If he were mild, or inclining to truth, the darts of hatred were on every side leveled against him, as the only Subuerter of the Britain's Estate. What was pleasing or displeasing to God, was all one with them, saving that the better things commonly wrought most discontent: so that rightly the saying of the Prophet, which was denounced unto the people in old time, might be applied to Esay 1 our Country: Ye lawless and corrupt children have forsaken the Lord, and provoked unto wrath the holy one of Israel. Why shouldye be smitten any more, still multiplying iniquity? Every head is sick, and every heart is heavy: from the sole of the foot unto the crown of the head, there Britain's did all things contrary to their safety. is nothing sound therein. Thus did they all things that were contrary to their safety, as if that medicine which was bestowed by that truest Physician of all, was needless for the world. And not only the profaner sort did this, but also the selected flock of the Lord, and the Shepherds thereof, who aught to have given example to the whole people. To speak of drunkenness, numbers of them lay senseless and weltering in wine, swelling with pride, contention, and griping envy, putting no difference in judgement between good and evil: insomuch that it seemeth contempt was powered forth both upon Princes and people: and all of Psal. 106. 40. them seduced by vanities, wandered in errors and by-paths, not lead in the right way. When God therefore was minded to purge his Family, and to recure them thus infected with the corruptions of sins, by hearsay only of Tribulation, Brit●ines' hear of an invasion, yet not reclaimed. the winged flight of an often-tried rumour pierced the attentive ears of all men, giving notice of their ancient Enemies, ready to arrive, and fully minded to destroy them utterly, and to inhabit (as erst they did) the whole Country from one end to another. Yet all this could not reclaim them, but like unto mad horses, which taking the bit fast betwixt their teeth, run away with their Riders, so these leaving the way which leadeth (narrow though it be) unto salvation, ran at random in the wide way of all wickedness, which leadeth directly to death. While therefore (as Solomon saith) the stubborn servant will not be amended Prou. 29. 19 with words, he is scourged for a fool, and feeleth not the whip: for lo, a pestilent contagion fell heavily upon this foolish people, which (though the enemy's sword was go) in short space destroyed such multitudes of them, that the living were not able to bury the dead. Neither yet also were they thereby bettered, that the saying of the Prophet Esay in them might be fulfilled: God called them to mourning, to Esay 22. 13. baldness, and sackcloth: but behold, they fell to kill of calves, and to slaying of Rams; lo, they went to eating and drinking, and said withal, Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we shall die. And indeed the time now drew Britain's iniquity. near, wherein their iniquities (like as those in times passed of the Amorites) should come to the fullness. And even at that instant the like measure began to be heaped upon the Britain's. The Enemy invadeth the Southern parts. (6) For the common enemy now invading the Southern parts, was entered as far as Stamford upon the River Welland; whom to resist, the Britain's assembled together, and having experience what civil jars had formerly done, they jointly unite their means and powers, and with one consent elect a Britain's unite their powers. King to manage these affairs, which was Vortigerne, by birth extracted from the British Line, nobly descended, Vortigern of the British line. had not his many vices blemished the same. The British History saith, that he was Earl of Cornwall, Earl of Cornwall. and of great command in the days of Constantine their King, whose simplicity he much abused, and The Scots and Picts set to murder Constantine. whom lastly he caused to be murdered by the Guard of his Person, the Scots and Picts by him so placed, and to that end instigated: whom nevertheless with death he severely punished, to avoid further suspicion. In whose revenge, these fierce Nations so assaulted his Dominions with rape and spoil, that he was Wil Malms. The Saxons sent for. forced for further assistance to sand for these Saxons to his aid. Whether thus, or otherwise, most true it is, the Saxons were sent for, and of hoped Friends, become the tried Enemies to the Britain's and their Estates, as out of Gildas their Historian we shall anon declare. (7) The occasion and manner of this their inviting and coming, is set down by a Countryman of their own Witichindus, a Writer of good antiquity, who thus relateth the circumstance thereof. Britain (saith Witichindus. he) by Vespasian the Emperor, long since being reduced among the Roman Provinces, and held in their subjection, stood them in no small stead: but their Legions abandoned, and destiny (as it seemeth) determining the downfall, become soon assaulted by their neighbour Nations the Northern Borderers. For the people of Rome after that the Emperor * Martial was slain by his Soldiers, being tired out Martian he meaneth. with foreign wars, were not able to assist their friends with supply of accustomed aides. And yet had they built a mighty The Romans work for the Britain's defence, razed by the Northern Borderers. piece of work for the defence of the Country, reaching between the confines from Sea to Sea, where it was thought that the Enemies would assail the Inhabitants left in the Landlord But no difficulty it was for them so fiercely bend, and ever ready to make war (especially where they dealt with a Nation feebled and left unable to make resistance) to destroy the said work. Therefore hearing of the worthy and fortunate Saxons great Warriors and fortunate. exploits achieved by the Saxons, they sent an humble Embassage to require their aid; and these having audience, spoke as followeth. Most noble Saxons, the poor and distressed * Britain's. The Britain's embassage and speech to the Saxons. Brets, outworn and tired by the many incursions of their enemies, hearing the same of those victories which you have most valiantly obtained, have sent us Suppliants unto you, craving that you would not deny them your help and secure. A large and spacious Land they have, plentiful and abundant in all things, which we yield wholly to be at your devotion and command. Hitherto we have lived freely under the patronage and protection of the Romans, next unto whom we know not any more powerful than yourselves; and therefore we seek for refuge under the wings of your valour. So that we may by your puissance be superior of our enemies, whatsoever service you shall impose upon us, that will we willingly abide. The Saxons answer to the Petition of the Britain's. To this petition the Peers and Nobles of the Saxons briefly made answer in this wise. Know ye that the Saxons will be fast friends unto the Brets, and ready at all times both to assist them in their necessity, and also to procure their wealth: with joy therefore return ye Ambassadors, and with this wished-for tidings make Saxons good service at their first coming. your Countrymen glad. Hereupon (according to promise') an Army sent into Britain, and joyfully received, which in short time freed the Land from the spoiling enemies, & recovered the country unto the behoof of the Inhabitants. (8) But how true this last clause is, may appear Gildas. out of the ancient Gildas, who thus recordeth it: To repress (saith he) many Invasions of those their ancient enemies, which with cruel slaughters and booties continually afflicted them, the Britain's fell to consult upon some convenient course therein to be taken. Lastly, all the Counsellors, together with the proud Tyrant, being blinded in judgement, devised such a protection, as in the end proved their Country's destruction; namely, that those fierce Saxons, a people savage and of hateful name, odious both to God and man, should be let into this Island, as it were wolves into sheepefolds, to repulse (for sooth) the Northern Nations; than which project doubtless nothing was ever more pernicious and unhappy unto this Landlord OH senses senseless and plunged into deepest mists of error! OH desperate dullness, and blind blockishness of mind! Those whom in absence were feared more than death, now of their own accord are invited by these Princes of Egypt (if I may so say, thus sottishly counseling their Pharaoh) to come and rest with them under one roof. Presently out of the Den of that barbarous Lioness rushed forth a kennel of her Keels. whelps, in three long Vessels, called in their Language * Cyulae, carried under full sail, and with ominous presages Saxons prophecy to possess Britain for 300. years. fore-prophecying that for 300. years they should possess that Land unto which they then directed their course, and for half of that space, (viz. one hundred and fifty years) The Saxons first arrival on the East part of this Island. they should waste and depopulate the same. These being put on shore first in the East part of the Island, and that by Commandment of this unfortunate Tyrant, there set fast their terrible paws, pretending to the Islanders, defence of their Country, but more truly intending the destruction of them. The foresaid Lioness finding that her first troop of whelps sped so well, sends again a greater Rabble of the same Litter, which here arrived in Floats, bringing with them some other Associates of bastardly and unnoble brood. And these beginnings, the slips of iniquity, and the roots of bitterness, (an accursed plantation well befitting our demerits) have sprung up, and put forth in our soil their haughty boughs and spreading branches. This barbarous Nation thus admitted, professing themselves our Soldiers, and such as would endure all hazards (so they feigned) in defence for their good Hosts, first they craved supply of victuals only; which being given them, for some time stopped (as we may say) the Dog's mouth: howbeit, afterward they complain that their wages was not bountifully enough Saxons invent occasions of quarrel. paid, devising of purpose colourable occasions of quarrel, and threatening that unless they might have more munificent entertainment, they would with the breach of covenant spoil and waste the whole Island. And without further delay, they second these threats with deeds (for our Sins, the cause of deserved revenge, were still nourished) and the fire kindled Eastward, was set a flaming by these sacrilegious men from Sea to Sea, ceasing not to consume all the Cities and Countries bordering thereabout, until such time as burning well-near all the Inland Soil of the Island, it licked (as it were) with the read tongue of the flame the very Western Ocean itself. In this violent invasion, comparable Saxons spoils comparable to the Assyrians upon the Israelites. Psal. 74. 8. to that of the Assyrians against the Land of Israel in old times, is historically fulfilled also in us that which the Prophet by way of sorrowful lamentation uttereth: They have set fire upon thy holy places, and have burned the dwelling place of thy name, even unto the ground. And again: OH God the Heathen are come into thine heritage, thy holy Temple Psal. 79. 1. have they defiled: for all the Fortifications demolished with their Engines, and the Inhabitants together with the Bishops of the Church, and also the Priests and people, with glittering swords and crackling flames, were all at once laid along upon the ground, yea and (which was a most lamentable spectacle) the stately Turrets, high mounted Walls, and the sacred Altars, lay all tumbling together (all purpled with the broken and bloody Quarters and gored Carcases mixed as in a horrible winepress. Neither were there any other sepulchres abroad, save the ruins of buildings, and the bowels of wild beasts and birds. (9) During this most woeful, desperate, and tempestuous season (saith the mournful Historian) some Britain's slain in the Mountains. poor remains of Britain's being found in the Mountains, were slain by whole heaps: others pined by famine, came and yielded themselves unto their enemies, upon composition to serve them as Bondslaves for ever, so they might not be slaughtered out of hand: which granted, was reputed a most high and especial grace. Others went over Seas into Strange Lands, singing under their spread Sails with a lamentable and mourning note, that of the Psalmist: Thou hast given us, OH Lord, as Sheep to be devoured, and hast Psal. 44. 11. scattered us among the Heathen. Yet others remained still in their own Country (albeit in fearful estate, and continually suspecting hazard) committing their lives and safety to the high steep Hills, to craggy Mountains naturally entrenched, to thick grown Woods and Forests, yea and to the Ro●kes of the Sea. (10) Thus was Britain brought to the period of her glory, and the people miserably subjecteth to a foreign Nation, about the year from Christ's Nativity 473. and after the Romans last farewell 28. In Britain's pursued with all calamities of war. which time you see they were most cruelly pursued with all calamities of war, and lastly betrayed by them in whom so much trust was reposed, as mournful Gildas hath ruefully declared. THE SAXONS ORIGINAL. CHAPTER II AS times decayed Ruins have stopped the Passage of those small Springs issued from the first fountain of Nations beginnings, and have diverted their streams far from any sure Course, or certain known Heads; so the original parent, place, and name of our English-Saxons, have been written with a pen of slight touch upon the leaves of oblivion, or else recorded in those obscure Rolls, that as yet lie bound up in the Office of Time's forgetfulness: whereby it rests Saxons, the uncertainty from whence they came. doubtful from what root these branches first sprang; some bringing them from Asia, some from Africa, some from Macedon, some from Denmark, and some without all likelihood from Britain itself. Occa Scarlensis. Saxons from Saxon a Prince of India. Occa Scarlensis a Frislander borne, affirmeth these Saxons to come of Saxon a Prince of India, who with his two brethren were banished by lot to seek their destinies abroad, their own Countries being pestered with over many people at home. These (saith he) following Alexander the Great into Greece, become Progenitors to their Countries, that from them received their offsprings and names: as that from Friso the eldest, his Frislanders descended; from Saxon the second, the Saxons upon the River Albis; and from Bruno the youngest, the Inhabitants of the Dukedom of Brunswic. Sufridus Petri Crantzius. And of this opinion also Sufridus Petri seemeth to be. Crantzius doth derive them from the Cattis in Saxons of the Cattis in Germany. Germany, and the Phrygians a Region in Asia; to omit others, who would bring them from Saxo the brother of Vandale. Saxons from Sacae a people in Asia. (2) F. Albinus a learned Author, doth think the Saxons to be descended from Sacae, a people in Asia, and that afterward in process of time they came to F. Albinus in Progym. Mr. Henry Ferrer in his progeny of English Monarches. be called Saxons; as if it were written Sax-sones, as much to say as The sons of the Sacae. To this opinion Master Henry Ferrer, a Gentleman of ancient descent, great reading, and a judicious Antiquary agreeth; whose judgement for my particular, I have always honoured, and from the Progeny of his English Monarches have taken my principal proceeding in these Saxon Successors. (3) As touching the ancient place of their abode, Ptolemy the Alexandrian placeth the people Sasones in Ptolemy Geogra. in description of Asia. Amian. Marcel. li. 23. cap. 10. the Inner Scythia, betwixt the Mountains Alani & Tapuri; and Amianus Marcellinus siteth the Sacae (no doubt the very same) a fierce and savage Nation, to inhabit overgrown places, commodious only for cattle, at the foot of the Mountains Ascanimia and Comedus, near unto which the City Alexandria, Tribatra and Drepsa were adjoining, and are so set by Ptolemie. Neither is it less probable Mi●hael Neander. that our Saxons descended from these Sacae in Asia, than the Germane from those Germane in Persia, of Herodotus. Joseph Scaliger. whom Herodotus writeth. And joseph Scaliger, a renowned Author, showeth, that these words father, mother, Persian & Saxon tongue agreed in many words. brader, toucher, band, and such like, are at this day found in the Persian tongue in the same sense, as we use Father, Mother, Brother, Daughter, and Bond, etc. a great inducement (as some think) for the Saxons original from those parts; though in my opinion the Latin, Pater, Mater, Frater, have no less affinity of sound, and in all likelihood were the Primitives to these of ours. Of these Sacae, Strabo writeth that they Strabo. made invasions into Countries lying far off, as namely Armenia, where they left the memory of their success in a part of that Country, by calling it Sacacena, after their own name. Saxons coming into Europe. (4) From these parts of Asia, as Scythia and the rest, one Band of them, consisting chief of their Youth, proceeded by degrees into Europe, and possessed the Nesse, or Forland, which the Romans called Cimbrica Chersonesus, being at this day the continent part of the kingdom of Denmark. In which place they were first known by the name of the Saxons. And here also they among themselves began first to be distinguished into other Tribes, as Holt-Saxons (for so Verstegan, Verstegan. cap. 1. Holt-Saxons. Saxons Angles & Saxons Jutes. out of their old Chronicle, saith they were called) for their keeping in the Woods: but more properly (we may say) into Saxons, Angles, and jutes. From hence afterwards they departed, and passing over the River Elbe, divided themselves into two Companies; whereof the one taking into the upper parts of Germany, by little and little intruded themselves into the ancient Seat of the Suevians, which Sebastian Munster. lib. 3. now of them is called Westphalia and Saxony: and the other encroached upon Friesland and Holland (then called Batavia) with the rest of those Countries that lie along the Germane Seas. The time of the Saxons entrance into Germany. (5) The time wherein these Saxons should thus infested Germany, by Occa Scarlensis verdict, is as ancient as great Alexander: others accounted it long after, in the reign of Tiberius. But before Ptolemy we find them not mentioned by any Author, who flourished in the days of Antoninus Pius, about the year from Christ's Nativity 140. And most certain it is by Eutropius Eutropius. Beda. Saxons fearful to the Romans themselves. and Beda, that before the year three hundred, when Dioclesian swayed the Roman Sceptre, the Saxons out of Cimbrica Chersonesus sore offended the coasts of Britain and France, with their many piracies, and were fearful even to the Romans themselves. These multiplying in number and strength, seated in the Maritime tract of jutland, Sleswick, Holsatia, Ditmarse, Breme, Oldenburgh, all Friesland and Holland: and indeed, according to the Testimony of Fabius Quaestor, Wholly all the Sea coasts from the river Rhine unto the City Donia, which now is commonly called the Denmarc; and with him Henry of Erfurd affirmeth Saxon-land to stretch from the River Albis unto the Rhine; the bounds of no one people of all the Germane extending any way so far, saith he. (6) But these spreading Boughs, are brought by others from a nearer Root, planted not in Asia or Scythia, The names of these Saxons Tribes. but rather in Europe and in Germany itself; grounding their opinion from Cornelius Tacitus, who maketh them to be bred in the same Country, though distinguished by Name from the rest, as others more beside then were. Which Saxons (say they) though they were not mentioned by Tacitus in his Description Tacit. Descr. Germ. cap. 1. of Germany, yet in Ptolemy, that wrote not much above forty years after him, they are named; as also the Gutae, and the Angli, Copartners of their Conquest, Tacitus placeth among these Germans that Tacit. Descr. Germ. cap. 6. worshipped Herthum the Mother-earth for their Auowrie Goddess; at first but one People, but afterwards divided into three several Tribes; that is, the Saxons. Angles. jutes. Saxons, Angles and jutes, who left the remembrance of their Names stamped (as it were) in the soil from whence they departed, and also coined new unto others, whereof they become possessors. Ptolem. Geogr. in descr. Ger. The place of the Holt-Saxons inhabiting. Beda Hist. Angli●. lib. 1. cap. 15. (7) Ptolemy, among the Suevians in Germany placeth the Saxons, near to the mouth of the River Albis, in the continent of Cimbrica Chersonesus. And in this Island of Britain, Beda tells us, that the Kingdoms of the East and West Saxons were of them peopled: Whose original Name, besides the Indian Saxo or the Scythian Sacae, some will have Etymologed from Saxum a Stone, because forsooth these people were hard or Stonie-hearted; and some again from the Axones in Gallia, of whom Lucan maketh mention in this his verse: Longisop leaves Axones in armis, And nimble Axones in their Armour light. Justus Lipsius and Engelhusius derivation of the Name Saxon. (8) justus Lipsius conjectureth, and Engelhusius affirmeth (as Verstegan saith) that the name Saxon, took the appellation from the Fashion of the Weapon that usually they wore; which was a Crooked Bowing Sword, somewhat like unto a Scythe, with the edge on Saxons weapons called Saisen, Seaxen and Seaxes. the contrary side, called by the Netherlanders, a Saisen, and by themselves Seaxen, and the shorter of like fashion for hand-weapons, Seaxes; such as were those that were hid under their Garments in the Massacre of British Nobility massacred. the British Nobility upon Salisbury Plain, when Hengist gave the watchword, Nem eour Seaxes, that is, Take you Swords: three of which Knives Argent, in a Field Gules, were borne by Erkenwyne King of the East-Saxons, upon his shield of Arms, as some of our Heralds have imblazed. And that their Name was so given them from their Weapons, some allege their accustomed manner in wearing thereof, which usually was to truss the same overthwart their backs when they went forth to battle; whereby notice was taken, and that name attributed unto them, as the like hath been upon like occasion unto others▪ for so in Asia the Scythians Scythians so named of Scyttan to shoot. Picards for their long Pikes. Galloglasses for their Pole-axe. were named for their skill in shooting; in France the Picards for their long Pikes used in fight; and in Ireland the Galloglasses, which bore the Pole-axe as their principal weapon: and of latter times, upon less occasions have Surnames grown both to particular men, as also to whole Societies; which may appear Such as had vowed their voyage to jerusalem, named Crossebacke. Crouchbacke. in such as having vowed their voyage and service for jerusalem, wore continually upon their backs a read Cross, whereby the name Crossebacke, or in old English, Crouchbacke, was to them attributed: in which rank, Edmund Earl of Lancaster (second son to King Henry the third) was a principal, and thereby got that name, which he could not claw off from his back ever since. So likewise those men who entered that Religion of Monastical life, wore usually upon the outside of their Garments the sign of a Cross, whereby that Order was distinguished and noted from others by the name of Crouched or Crossed-Friers. Arianu●. Zosimus. But whence or howsoever the name arose, among all the Germane there were none in reputation for military deeds comparable unto these Saxons: neither Seneca in lib. de Ira. had any adventured by Sea and Land so far to purchase renown and praise, or perhaps (and that more Eginhardus. likely) to supply their own wants; ranging often from place to place, as men always ready to enter any action: and in Germany to this day a great Dukedom retaineth from them the name of Saxony. The place of the jute-saxons inhabiting. (9) The Gutae (no doubt the jutae) Ptolemy likewise placeth in the Island Scandia, lying very near the Coasts of Germany, upon whose uttermost Promontory (as saith an ancient Manuscript) the jutes did for certain inhabit, which unto this day of the Danes is called Jutes called Gutes, Goths, orVites. jutland. These jutes, Gutes, Geteses, or Goths (or as Beda calls them) Vites, gave names to those parts of Britain which they inhabited, as to this day the I'll of I'll of Wight how so named. Wight beareth their impression. This variety of names we will no further enforce, then that these Goths were not the same that had passed Ister by Pontus Euxinus, John Maior. V●rstegan Restit. cap. ●. Sebastian Munst. lib. 3. and overranne Europe, who were also called the Getae by john Maior. Their name, as Verstegan will have it, was taken from their agility, or swiftness of foot: and some of them (as Sebastian Munster declareth) went and inhabited among the Mountains that divide Germany from Italy, whereupon their name grew to be called the Hill-Vites, which are now the Heluetians. The Angli-Saxons place of inhabiting. Ould-Anglia. (10) The Angles (by Fabius Quaestor Ethelwardus, an ancient Writer, and a Noble Person of the Saxons Royal Blood) are brought from Ould-Anglia, a Portion lying betwixt the Countries of the Saxons and the Giots, as he writeth them, whose chief Town was by them called Sleswie, and of the Danes, Haithby: but (more particularly) it lay betwixt the City Flemburge and the River Sly, which Country by Albertus Crantzius Crantzius. is called Anglia. From hence (saith H●nricus Henr. Rantzovius. Rantzovius) the Saxons, who were also called the Angle-Saxons, went to aid the Britain's. And at this day there is a little Province in the Kingdom of Dania, named Angel, beneath the City Flemburge, which Lindebergus Lindebergus. calleth Little Anglia. Their site notwithstanding A Province in Dan●a called little England. is placed by most Authors in Westphalia, where the City Engern standeth, and where Tacitus and Ptolemy rangeth them among the Sucuians; which in their times might very well be. Others would have them in Pomerania, where the Town Engloen doth somewhat Words of affinity with the name Angles. sound their name: so do Engelheim, Engleburg, and Englerute, places in Germany, bear witness, and are prints of their footing among the Longobards and Suevians. But the most glorious remembrance of that their name hath been for these many ages in this Kingdom of England: though Saxon Grammaticus (as Saxon Grammaticu●. erst we touched, Lib. 5. Cap. 2) will needs have Anglia named from Angul the son of Humblus, and Giantlike brother of Danus the first King of Denmark. But Albertus Crantzius being offended at his folly, tells Albertus Crantzius. him that England had the name of Britain many hundred years after that Angul was dead. Others there are that Verstegan. derive the name England from the manner of this islands situation, being narrow in the West and North, for that Eng in the ancient Teutonik Tongue, as well as Eng signifies narrow. in the modern, doth signify Narrow, Straight, or a Nook; and to that purpose do produce this verse of a Portugals allusion: Anglia terra ferax et fertilis Angulus Orbis, Insula pr●dives, qu● toto vix eget orb: A fruitful Angle, England thou, another world art said: An Island rich, and hast no need of other country's aid. Callepine. Beda hist. Eccl. lib. 2. cap. 1. (11) Callepine without proof deriveth the Name from Queen Angela: but on as weak a ground as those who will fetch it from their Angellike faces, alluded unto by Pope Gregory the Great. Or that of Goropius, Goropius Becca. Angle● so called of a Fishing-hooke. from the Angle or Fishing-hooke, because, saith he, they hooked all things to themselves, and might very well therefore be called Good Anglers: a very mean conceit in sooth. But howsoever, most certain Angles stole their name. Gen. 27. it is that these Angles stole the name of this blessed Island from their elder brethren the Saxons (as jacob did the birthright from Esau) and called it after their own; as we shall further show when our History hath gotten to the age of the Saxons Monarchy. Saxons both Angles and jutes descend from wooden. (12) These all claim their descents from Prince wooden, called by the ancient Latins Othinus▪ and who is deduced by our Antiquaries, as hath been said, from the eldest Son of the Patriarch Noah, and is accounted the most noble of all the Progenitors of the Saxon Kings, insomuch as they, and especially the Angle-Saxons, our Ancestors, have (in their superstitious conceit of such wooden gods) imagined wooden esteemed a God. Frea the wife of wooden. wooden to be their principal God of Battle; whose Wife named Frea, was by the like fancy held a Goddess, of whom more hereafter. Wodens five son● their names and signiories. (13) These had issue between them sundry Sons, and from five of them, all the Monarches of the Englishmen have claimed to have been descended. Wechta the first being reported to be the Progenitor to the Kings of the Kentishmen: Caser the second, to the Kings of the East-Angles: Wethelgeat the third, to the Kings of the Mercians: Wegdeg the fourth, to the Kings of the Dierians: and Beldeg the fifth, to the Kings of the South-Saxons, to the Kings of the Bernicians, afterwards Kings of Northumberland; and also the Kings of the Westsaxons: only the Kings of the East-Saxons, claiming to descend of the same race, derive not their descents from any of the Sons of the same men. This may suffice for the Originals of these three people; who, as Cisner affirmeth, retained still the same Cisner. manners after they were seated in Europe, as they had formerly done in Asia. And what those were, let us hear the reports of Tacitus, and other ancient Authors, who together with the Germane (among whom they dwelled) do thus describe them. THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE ANCIENT SAXONS. CHAPTER III THese Germane, and among them the Cattis and Suevians, (our Ancestors according Crantziu●. to Albertus Crantzius) Tacit. in descript. of Germany. were a people (saith Tacitus) well set, stern of countenance, tall of stature, grey eyed, and of a fiery aspect, and their hair yellow. Witichindus, lib. 9 cap. 2. Saxons described. Unto whom, Witichindus the Monk addeth and saith, that They were fair of complexion, cheerful of countenance, very comely of stature, and their limbs to their bodies well proportioned; bold of courage, hardy in fight, and very ambitious of glory: for which parts (saith he) the Franks had them in great admiration, and wondered at their new and strange attire, their armour and their bushy locks of hair, that from their heads overspread their shoulders, but above all, at their constant resolution and valiant courage. Their heads and Tacit. descript. of Germany. beards they suffer (saith Tacitus) to grow at length, and never put off that vowed ornament and bond of valour, until they have slain an Enemy: but then upon blood and spoil, they uncover their forehead, and say they have paid back the price of their birth, and think themselves worthy of their Country and parents. Their curled locks (saith he) they bind up in knots, and standing on end, tie it in the crown only, that is the harmless care they have of beauty, Sidonius Apollin. to seem more terrible to the Enemy. And by Sidonius Apollinaris his testimony, they used to shave off the hair of their heads, reserving only a tuft in the crown, about which they wore a hoop or plate of copper, which caused the hair to stand upright, as by these his verses appeareth. Istic Saxona caerulum videmus, Adsuetum antè Salo, solum timere: Cuius verticis extimas per or as, Non contenta suos tenere morsus, Altat lamina marginem comarum: Et sic crinibus ad cutem recisis Decrescit caput, additurque vultus. In English thus: There do we see the Saxons clad in blue, Bold on the Sea, but fearful now on land: Their heighted tops upon their crowns that show, Are not content to hold their wont band, But raised in tufts, where all the rest, doth stand Bore naked shaved, and hath no hair at all, Which makes full faced, but heads seem passing small. (2) And that they were indeed bold upon the Aegysippus. Seas, Aegysippus witnesseth. The Saxons (saith he) a most valorous kind of men, excel all others in Piracies. In Isidore. imitation of whom, Isidore affirmeth, that for their valour and nimbleness in service they had their name. A people (saith he) stout, hardy, and most valiant, and Saxons excelling all other in Piracies. far outstripping all others in Piracies, seemed more fearful to live on Land then at Sea. Whose intrusions and sudden violence both France and Britain with great damages felt: for in Gallia they seized into their possession the Country of * Baieux. Gregorius Turonensis. Baiotasses, as is to be seen in Gregorius Turonensis, who thence termeth them saxons * Baiocassions: and in Britain an Office of Charge was instituted to defend the Coasts from their eruptions, the Captain whereof was commonly called the Count or Earl of the Saxon Shore: of whose Piracies and savage Cruelties, let us hear Sidonius in his Epistle Sidonius, lib. 8. to Numantius complain: So many Rowers as you see (saith he) so many Arch-Pirates think you behold, they all of them together so command, obey, teach and learn, to rob and steal. There is no enemy so cruel as this, that setteth upon others at unawares, and as occasion serves, as warily slips himself away. He setteth at naught such as encounter him: he bringeth to naught those that take no heed of him: whom he courseth, he surely overtaketh: when he flieth, he is sure to escape. To this service, Shipwrecks enure him, they terrify him not. Be there a Tempest up, the same serveth them, and to assail others. They never weigh Ancour upon the enemy's Coasts, but with a resolution again to return: and their manner is to kill every tenth Saxons kill every tenth Captive. Captive with a lingering and dolorous torment: for to such Vows they bind themselves, and with such Sacrifices they discharge their Vows again, being indeed not so much purified by such Sacrifices, as polluted with Sacrilege: and the bloody and abominable Murderers think it a religious Saxons accept no ransom. thing, rather to torment a Prisoner unto death, then to set him free for a Ransom. But when we shall hear these unhuman and barbarous reports either of the old Britain's or these savage Saxons our ancient progenitors, let us neither be offended at Gildas, or at the reports of these other foreign Writers, who spoke thus of them as they were then Heathens, and knew not God: the time of whose ignorance seeing God regarded not, as the Apostle teacheth, Act. 17. 30. let us acknowledge with due thanks the goodness of a most gracious God, who hath brought us to An admonition to the Readers. a holier conversation, and hath made us judges of those sins in them, that we might fly them in ourselves. (3) Their Apparel was much different from others, and seemed strange to the Gauls, as Witichindus Witichindus. lib. 9 cap. 2. Tacit. Descript. German. The Saxons vesture. hath told us: and Tacitus declareth the manner thereof; which (saith he) was a kind of Cassock, called Sagum, clasped, or (for want of a clasp) fastened with a thorn, having otherwise no garments at all, but going stark naked. Nevertheless, the richer sort were distinguished from others, by their garments; which were neither large nor wide, as the Sarmates and Parthians use to wear them; but strait and showing the proportion of every part of their body: besides they wor● Pelts made of beasts skins. The homely fashion of the ancient Saxon women in their attire. Paul. Diacon. The Man and Woman's attire differed in nothing, saith he, saving that the women use linen Garments trimmed and interlaced with purple, and without sleeves, their arms bore, and bosoms naked and uncovered. Yet Paulus Diaconus speaking of the Longobards, comparing them to the Saxons, saith that their Cassocks were large and worn lose, most of linen, trimmed and set out with very broad Guards or welts purfleet, and embroidered with sundry colours, and the richer sort with Pearls: their hair bound up in a copper hoop, stood in tufts upon the crown, the rest curled and falling down upon their shoulders: their beards they kept still uncut, till they had killed an enemy; and for another note of ignominy, they wore an Iron Ring, as a sign of bondage, till they had cast it from them by the Conquest Witichindus. of a Man. Great Knives, or rather broad bending Engelhusius. Swords, they trussed upon little Shields thwart their backs, from which (as we showed) Engelhusius avoucheth they had their appellation. He that abandoned Tacit. in descript. Germ. or lost this shield in battle (saith Tacitus) was debarred from their public Sacrifices and Assemblies, the greatest disgrace that could be; for very shame and grief whereof, many, many times hanged themselves. And upon these Shields their manner was to lift up their new elected Tacit. hist. 4. cap. 6. General, and with acclamations so to carry him thorough their Campe. (4) For Wars, the Germane by Tacitus are reputed Tacit. descript. Germ. cap. 5. the best, who for two hundred and ten years held tack with the Romans. Not the Samnites (saith he) not the Carthagenians, not the Spaniards, or the Gallois, not not the Parthians have so much troubled us: for what can the East object against us, saving the death of Crassus, when he had defeated Pacorus, before trodden down by Ventidius? But the Germane having either slain or taken Carbo, and Cassius, and Scaurus Aurelius, and Servilius Cepio, and M. Manlius, have defeated also five consulary Armies, and Varus with three Legions in Caesar's time. Neither have C. Marius in Italy, or julius in Gallia, Drusus or Nero, and Germanicus molested them at home in their Country, but to their more smart. And yet these Saxons of all the Germane the valiantest. Zosimus. Saxons among those valiant Germane were accounted the best for courage of mind, strength of body, and enduring of travel, as Zosimus saith. Terrible also they were, and full of agility, by the report of Orosius: and for their sudden invasions, most feared of the Romans, Marcel. li. 28. c. 7. saith Marcellinus. (5) Their fashion was to go forth singing to the Tacitu●▪ The Saxons go singing to the wars. The Saxons use first to try by single combat. Wars, (or rather they especially are said to march to battle, where as others are said to go) carrying before them certain Images taken out of their consecrated Woods. Their manner was before they joined Battle, to try by single Combat (therein arming one of their own against some captived enemy) what success was to be expected: The custom of admitting their soldiers. and this they kept as a Law unuiolate, that none might presume to bear Arms before he was solemnly admitted, where in a frequent Assembly a Shield was given him by his Parents or Kindred: and this was the pledge (as it were) of his first honour, he being till then reputed but a particular of a Family, but thenceforward a member of The Saxons wisdom in war. the Commonwealth. They are very sensible, wise, and considerate in their service, in preferring choice Captains, in following their Leaders, in observing their ranks, in taking the advantage and benefit of the day, and entrenching in the night, holding Fortune ever doubtful, but valour always certain. joannes Pomarius. The Saxons weapons. Their weapons, as testifieth joannes Pomarius, were long Spears, broad Swords, and the Crossbow: these they held in such esteem, that with a horse furnished, Shield, Sword, and Lance, their Virgins were Their Ceremonies in marrying. Tacitus. received in marriage, accounting them for the greatest bonds, and the very Patron-Gods of Matrimony: which custom might well be taken from their neighbours the ancient Saracens, whose Maidens usually presented to their husbands a Tent and a Spear, in way of Dowry at the entrance of their Nuptials. And among these Germane those Martial habiliaments were in such use, that they did meet neither at Feasts nor in Council, but in their Armour. Ami●n. marcel. lib. 14. cap. 3. A People (saith Tacitus) whom thou canst not so easily persuade to manure the ground, as to provoke the Enemy, and adventure wounds; holding small esteem of that which is gotten by th● sweated of their brows, when it might have been obtained by the expense of their blood. A strange diversity (saith he) that the same men should so much love sloth, and hate quietness. It is with them a great shame for their Prince to be overcome in Valour; but for any one to return alive from that Battle wherein the Prince is slain, a perpetual infamy and reproach. And that their resolutions were ever noble, and their Saxons their resolute courage. courage not daunted in distress or bondage; it well appeared by a whole band of them taken by Symachus, and designed for the Romans pastime of Sword-plaiers, who the same morning that this spectacle was expected, strangled themselves rather then they would incur such infamy and baseness, as to make others pastime with the ignominious usage of their own persons. Tacit. d●scr. Germ. (6) Their Laws were severe, and vices not laughed at, and good Customs of greater authority among them, than elsewhere were good Laws; no temporizing for favour, nor usury for gain; but bounteous in hospitality, and liberal in gifts, accounting both due to be given and received, yea and that without thanks: no Nation freer from adultery, Saxons great punishers of adultery. or punishing that sin more severely. For the woman offending, having first her hair cut off, was turned stark naked out of her Husband's house, and that in presence of her own kindred; thence she was scourged with whips thorough the Town, without regard of birth, beauty, age or wealth, and never after could find another Husband. Those that were unnaturally lewd of their bodies, their manner was to drown them in filthy mud, and to cover them with hurdles. Yea and greater punishments than these the Pagan-Saxons executed upon such offenders, as by the Epistle of Boniface an Englishman, Archbishop of Chron. of Holland. Magunce, which he wrote unto Ethelbald King of the Mercians, in reproving his adulterous life, is manifest. For (saith he) in the ancient Country of the Saxons (where there was no knowledge of God) if either a Maid in her father's house, or one having a husband, become a whore, she should be strangled with her own hands closed to her mouth, and the Corrupter should be hanged upon the Pit wherein she was buried. If she were not so used, than her Garments being cut away down from the Girdlesteed, the chaste Matrons di●scourge and whip her, and did prick her with knives, and so was she sent from Town to Town, where other fresh and new scourges did meet and torment her unto death. And their severe Laws a long time remaining in the days of Christianity, do declare with what rigour (without regard of person) they both examined and Ran. Higd. in Polycr. lib. 6. cap. 23. punished this offence: whereof that of Queen Emma, the mother of King Edward the Confessor, is a sufficient example, who being accused for incontinency of body with Alwyn Bishop of Winchester, was enjoined Queen Emma her punishment. to pass over nine Ploughshare Irons glowing read hot, she being blindfold and barefooted; by which trial she is said to have acquitted herself, insomuch that having passed them all before she knew it, cried and said; OH good Lord, when shall I come to the place of my purgation? This punishment beginning in these pagan, and continuing unto the year 750. Stephen the Stephen 2. Bishop of Rome. Second, and most pontifical Pope of Rome, did utterly abolish, as too severe and overrigorous for Christians to undergo. The Saxons Virgins married but once. The Virgins of these Saxons were never to be married but once, that they might have no other thoughts, nor further desire but in case of matrimony: neither had the men plurality, excepting great Personages, and they sued unto in regard of procreation, The Saxons did highly esteems of having children. for to be without Children, was to be without reputation. So that the testimony of Saluianus, which lived among them, fitteth well our purpose, saying; Though the Saxons are outrageous in cruelty, yet for chastity they Saluianus. are to be honoured. (7) But as in these virtues they outstripped most pagan; so in the Zeal of their heathenish superstitions and Idolatrous service, they equalized any of them: for besides Herthus, the Mother-Earth, whom the Angli our ancestors accounted for a Goddess of Tacit. descr. Ge● cap. 6. Aid: they worshipped Mercury under the name of Mercury worshipped of the Saxons for wooden. wooden for their principal God of Battle: after whose victories they usually sacrificed to him their Prisoners taken in wars, and of him named one of the week days * An old Manuscript. Wodensday dedicated to King wooden. Friday dedicated to Queen Frea. Jsis a Goddess of the Saxons. Wodensday, whereon he was chiefly worshipped: whose wife named Frea, was by the like foolery held to be Venus a Goddess, unto whom another of their week days was assigned for name and service; which of us is called friday. Isis likewise with them was a Goddess of great account, so was Eoster, unto whom they sacrificed in the month of April; whence it cometh (saith Beda) Eoster a Saxon Goddess. Beda de temporibu●. that they called April Eoster-Moneth: and we still name the feast of the Resurrection, Easter. The Images of all these they still bore before them in battle, reputing no small cofidence in their aides: and yet (saith Tacitus) they thought it unbeseeming to paint their Gods in the shape of men; having even by Nature doubtless written in their hearts, a regard to that demand of the Esay 40. 25. Lord: To whom will ye liken me that I should be like him, saith the holy one jehova? They gave great heed also to the neighing of their Horses, and to the flight and singing of Birds, as ominous foreshewers of future events. (8) These Superstitions, Ethelward even in his days complained of: That they had infected the Danes, Normans and Suevians, with the worship of this God Wooden; unto whom those barbarous Nations offered sacrifices, that they might be victorious where they fought. Crantzius Nor. Hist. li. 3. ca 3. And as Crantz. recordeth, Herald the first of that name, and Norway's King, was so far over go, that he sacrificed Herald King of Norway his wicked sacrifice. two of his Sons unto his Idols, that he might obtain a tempest to disperse, and put back the Armado, which Herald King of Denmark had prepared against him. Adam Bremensis. This general defection of God's true worship, Adam Bremensis maketh mention of in this manner: In a Vbsola a Temple of the Saxons all of gold. Temple, saith he, called in their vulgar and native speech Vbsola, which is made altogether of Gold, the people worship the Statues of three Gods, in such manner, as that Thor The Saxons Gods in their Temple Vbsola, and their properties. the mightiest of them hath only a Throne or Bed: on either hand of him Woodan and Fresco hold their places. And thus much they signify: * Hence Thursday seemeth to be named. Thor, say they, beareth rule in the Air, and governeth the Thunder and Lightning, Winds, Showers, Faireweather, Corn, and Fruits of the Earth. The second, which is Woodan, that is, stronger, maketh Wars, and ministereth manly valour against Enemies. The third is Fresco, bestowing largely upon mortallmen, peace and pleasure, whose Image they devise and portray with a great virile member. Woodan they engrave armed, like as we use to cut and express Mars. (9) Their controversies and doubtful matters were decided by drawing of Lots, which they ever made of some fruitbearing tree, and was performed after this manner: If there were public cause, the Priest; Tacit. in descript. Germ. if private, the Goodman of the house, or worthiest in the company, took those slitted slips, distinguished with certain marks that had been scattered at hap hazard upon a white garment: and after prayers and invocation on their God, with eyes fixed upon heaven, and three times lifting the same lots aloft, gave their interpretations thereof according to the marks therein inscribed; which was received and believed for a most sure Oracle: as the like was observed upon other occasions, both by the inspections of B●astss entrails, and sing of Birds, after the accustomed manner of other Gentiles, that doted upon the augurations for things of future success. The government of the Saxons. (10) For the general government of their Country they ordained twelve Noblemen chosen from among others, for their worthiness and sufficiency: These in the time of peace road their several circuits to see justice and good customs observed, and they joanne● Pomarius. often of course at appointed times met together, to consult and give order in public affairs: but ever in time of war one of these twelve was chosen to be Chron. Sax. King, and so to remain so long only as the wars lasted: and that being ended, his name and dignity of King also ceased, becoming again as before. And this custom continued among them, until their wars with the Emperor Charles the Great: at which time Wittekind, one of the twelve aforesaid, a Nobleman of Verstegan Restit. cap. 3. Angria in Westphalia, bore over the rest the name and authority of King; and he being afterward, by means of the said Emperor, converted to the faith of Christ, ●ad by him his mutable Title of King turned into the enduring stile and honour of Duke: and the eleven others were in like manner by the said Emperor advanced to the honourable Titles of Earls and Lords, with establishment for the continual remaining of these Titles and Dignities unto them and their heirs. Of whose descents are since issued the greatest Princes at this present in Germany. But though they observed this said form of government elsewhere, yet here in Britain it was otherwise, as hereafter will appear. (11) And thus much out of my poor readings, I have observed of the original beginnings, the names, manners, and customs, of our ancient Progenitors, the worthy Saxons, without either amplifying or impairing their glory: who being of all the Germane so much deuouted to war, as that their only fame therein was many time's sufficieut to daunt the Enemy, were thought upon by the downcast Britain's as the fittest to support their ruived Estate, of whose Entrance Conquests, and Kingdoms, we are now next addressed to speak. THE SAXONS ARRIVAL INTO BRITAIN UNDER THE CONDUCT OF HENGIST AND HORSA. CHAPTER four An. Do. 450. WHen the state of Britain was miserably torn by the calamities of civil Dissensions, Famine, Dea●●, and Robberies, the Romans returned, their own Strength decayed, and their Afflictions daily augmented by their wont Enemies the Scots and Picts, no hope was left to their despairing hearts, that of themselves they were able to defend themselves: and therefore (as we have showed) they called to their aid the Saxons, a Nation fierce and valorous, who to the number of nine thousand, under the Conduct of The Saxons enter Britain under Hengist & Horsa. W. Malmesbury. Hengist and Horsa, two brethren, entered Britain at Ebsfleet in the I'll of Thanet, in the reign of Theodosius the second, and of Valentinian the third, Emperors of the East and West, about the year of Grace 450. Received Beda 1. 15. they were with great joy as Angels from Heaven, and saluted with songs after the accustomed manner of the Britain's, who appointed them the Island Thanet for their habitation. Saxons overcome the Enemy, and free the Britain's. (2) These Saxons in short time made proof of their Manhood. For overcoming the Enemy even in Scotland itself, seated themselves in some part thereof; so that their Conquest seemed absolute, and the Britaines freed from their former assaults. Peace thus settled, and the Inhabitants freed, a friendly Composition A composition betwixt Saxon and Britain. was made betwixt these Nations, wherein the Saxons undertook to maintain the Field, and the Britain's to sustain the Charge. In which league they abode some certain time, saith Witichindus, making use in a civil sort of the * Britain's. Brets friendship: but so soon as they perceived the Country large, the soil fertile, and the hands of the Inhabitants slow to practise feats of Arms: and further considering with themselves, that themselves and the greatest part of the Saxons had no certain place of abode, they found fault with their pay and want of victuals, making that their quarrel, as both too mean, and too little for their high deserts, threatening withal, as unkind Guests, Witichind●ss. that shortly they would reckon without their Hosts: and thereupon sending over for more of their Nation, entered peace with the Scots & Picts, who all together rose against the poor Brets. Hengist had the whole possession of Kent. (3) And Hengist, that by the gift of Vortigern had got the whole possession of Kent, sent for more supply of Saxons unto his aid, pretending employments of their service in other parts, but indeed to make strong his own designs: and these swarming Fabian. daily over into Britain got the strength of munition and command of military affairs without impeach: For the King holding himself now sure from all interceptions, gave his immoderate senses scope to The King giveth himself to security. nourish more freely their sensual pleasures, and committed more audaciously those vices, unto which his own corrupt nature was naturally addicted. This Hengist soon perceived, and to add more matter fit for flame, fed still the humours of this vicious King, outwardly showing his care and readiness for the Lands defence, his counsel and love to the Nobles in estate, and his courteous carriage to the Commons in general; but to the King an overseeming diligence, and servile obedience: by all which, ere it was long, he gave fire to the train, that blew up the foundations of the British policy. John Stow. Hengist feasteth the King. (4) For feasting the King in the Castle of Tonnge, commanded his daughter, a Lady of passing beauty, to attend the banquet, whose excellent feature and seemly behaviour, blew the sparks of desire so right into Vortigerns wanton eye, that they presently kindled a flame in his lascivious heart: for in the midst of his cups, Rowena (so was the damosel called) with a The King in love with Rowena. low reverence and pleasing grace, saluted the King with a cup of gold full of sweet wine, incharming they with these words in her language; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which is in our English, Be of health Lord King: he demanding the meaning, would be taught to answer to her own understanding, and said, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Drink health; whereof when he had pledged her (as we speak) this bowl infected his senses with no less sottishness, then that of Belus is said to do Dido, In the Fictions of Virg. Aeneid. li. 1. when Cupid played the child Ascanius betwixt Aeneas and her. And brought more bale to the Land, than afterwards did that which was presented to King john Caxton Chron. at Swinsted Abbey by Simon the poisoning Monk: for notwithstanding that he had a Queen then living, (himself not young, having sons at man's estate, in profession a Christian, whose Religion alloweth neither polygamy nor adultery) did importunate Hengist Mark. 10. Vortigern would needs have Rowena to wife. Will. Malmesb. de Regibus. that Rowena might be his wife: which at first with some show of excuse and unworthiness of person, was denied, but lastly consented unto, and the Nuptials performed. And now Fortune casting occasion daily into Hengists' lap, he gave his aspiring thoughts no rest, till he had got the Crown from Vortigerns' head, and seized all under the Saxons power. Verstegan Restit. cap. ●. (5) Hengist and Horsa in their Language, as also in the ancient Teutonic Tongue, do both of them signify a Horse, unto which beast the Saxons had great regard, and whose neighings (saith Tacitus) were their Tacit. descri. Ger. cap. 2. presages, and being white, were employed in their sacrilegious ceremonies. Virgil also maketh the Horse to be a lucky Osse or foretokened success in Battle, as in this his verse he doth intimate and writ: Bello armantur equi, bella haec armenta minantur. And Crantzius tells us, that it was a usual thing with Crantzius. the Pagan Germane, especially of their Noblemen, to take the names of Beasts, some from the Lion, some Pagan Germane account of tyrannous beasts. from the Bear, some from the Wolf, and some from the Horse, as here Hengist and Horsa are said to signify. Hengist and Horsa their Arms. (6) Which beast they bore in their shields of Arms at their entrance of Britain, and was blazed, saith Verstegan, in this manner: A Horse Argent Rampant, in a Field Gules: which was the ancient Arms, as he affirmeth, of the Princes and Dukes of Saxony. And albeit those Dukes have of latter years changed that Coat, yet doth Henry julius, now Duke of Brunswick, a most ancient Saxon Prince, who sometimes bore the White The Duke of Brunswick his Arms. Horse in a Read Field, bear the White Horse for his Crest, having for his chief Coat of Arms, the two Leopards, which by Richard Cordelion King of England was given unto his ancestor Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony, who had married Mathilda the said King's sister, and by the Emperor Frederic Barbarossa had been bereft of his Arms, and Titles of honour. Moreover, The Duke of Savoy, his Arms. Charles Emmanuel the now Duke of Savoy, who is lineally descended from the ancient Princes of the chief house of Saxony, by Prince Beral, who came out of Saxony into Savoy in the year of our Lord 998. and was the third son of Hugh Duke of Saxony, which Hugh was brother unto the Emperor Otho the Third, doth yet bear for one of his Coats the said Leaping Horse. Chron. Sax. Hengist, his Country and parentage. (7) This Hengist was doubtless a Prince of the chiefest blood and Nobility of the Saxons, and by birth, of Angria in Westphalia, wherein unto this day a Floren. Wigorn. Beda hist. Ang. li. 1. ca 15. place retaineth the name of Hengster-holt. He with his brother were the sons of one Wihtgisil, whose father was Witta, and his father Vecta the eldest son of Voden, as Beda writes him, of whose issue many Kings of sundry Provinces (saith he) had their original. Hengist, his first rising. He grown now into high favour with the King, by the marriage of Rowena, and feared of the Nobility for his strength and policy, bore himself great among all, and his supplies daily arriving, pestered (if Ninius. it not plagued) most parts of this Island. For saith Ninius and Beda, the riches of Britain, and the fertility of the soil, were such motives to their covetous and aspiring minds, that where they gotfooting, there they kept standing, and picked occasions where they were too strong. Among Octa and Ebissa a terror to the Britaine●'s. them that were sent for, by the advice of Hengist, two principal Captains, Octa and Ebissa were chief, who being embarked in forty Pinnaces, sailed about the Picts Coasts, wasting the Isles that were called the Orcadeses, and got many Countries from them beyond the Frith, whereby a further terror was stricken into the Britain's hearts. The Nobilities complaint. (8) The Nobility perceiving what was in working, and the mark whereat Hengist set his eye to aim, complained to the King of their dangerous estate, showing themselves aggrieved to be dispossessed of Offices and Charge, (as Guorong the Earl or Lieutenant of Kent, by Hengist had been) the Land pestered with strangers, that sought their subversion; reproving him much for his match with that Infidel Rowena, his own careless government and adulterous life, and in such manner, that Vodine Archbishop of Vortigern reproved by the Bishop of London. London, a man of great sanctity, feared not to tell him that thereby he had endangered both his soul and Crown; which words by Vortigern were so digested, that shortly it cost the good Archbishop his life. But he still continuing in his lascivious and careless idleness, He continueth in his folly. was lastly taught by woeful experience, what misery wilful rashness and neglected government do bring: for the Britaines his subjects no longer would be thus abused, to see themselves woven into greater danger His subjects disclaim their obedience. by show of defence, than they formerly had been by the hostility of the enemy; but forthwith disclaimed their obedience to the King, when he had reigned the They choose Vortimer. space of six years, and chose for their Governor his son young Vortimer. (9) His Son he was indeed by nature, but not his in conditions, who (besides the quarrel of his Queen mother for Rowenas' sake rejected) bore an inward love to his native Country, and an outward hate to the strangers that daily sought the subversion thereof, and presently encountered with them in a pitched Battle near unto Ailsford in Kent, wherein Catigern and Horsa their single fight. Catigern and Horsa, brethren to Vortimer and Hengist, in single fight hand to hand slew each other. In which place Catigern was buried, and a Monument John Stowe, Cits-Cotihouse, Catigern his Monument. in memory of him erected▪ the stones whereof to this day appear, and stand upon a great plain in the Parish of Ailsford, and from Catigern as yet is corruptly called Cits-Cotihouse. The like Monument the Saxons built for Horsa, which time hath now defaced, and whereof Beda maketh mention, who saith, Beda hist. Ang. lib 1. cap. 15. that a tomb bearing his name was in his days to be seen in the East part of Kent. The credit whereof is continued to this day, where the Village Horsted is reported Horsted the place of Horsa his Monument. to have received that name from him, which standeth in the very same place where that Battle was fought, as the Inhabitants report. The Battles between Britain's and Saxons. (10) Three other Battles after this with variable success were fought betwixt the Britain's and the Saxons, one at Craford, another at Weppeds-fleet, and the third upon Colmore; in which last the Britain's bore themselves so valiantly, that the Saxons were driven The Saxons driven over Seas. into the Isle of Tanet (if not over the seas) so that small hope rested for them so long as this valiant Vortimer lived, who had dispossessed them of all their footing in the Continent, and often assailed them in Tanet, as Fabian saith. After this Victory long he lived not, Vortimer poisoned by Rowena. but was made away by poison through the means of Rowena the mother of all this mischief, when he had sat King the space of four years; and the father again re-established. Leiden Castle in Holland, begun by Hengist. (11) Vortigern now was no sooner restored, but that Hengist had notice thereof, who was then in building a Castle at Leiden in Holland, as their Annals do witness, and john Dousa in his verses specify: where John Dousa. leaving all (as it were) at random, returned to follow Hengists' landing resisted by the Britain's. his fortunes further in Britain, and with a mighty Army of his Saxons thought to land without impeachment: but the Britain's grown bold by their former victories, and their blood not cooled since it Matth. Westm. was heat in fight, admonished their re-established King, who with them went to withstand his arivage. When Hengist therefore perceived their courage, and knew their hatreds to him and his Saxons, he sought by Hengist useth treachery. smooth words to gain the shore; and by some stratagem, his wished desire: therefore pretending only to visit his daughter, yea and to rid the Land of her, if so he might have leave of the King and them; and therefore desired a conference in friendly manner: after which, his Saxons should departed the Land, and rest the like friends to the Britaines as they were when first they came in. At Salisbury-Plain the Britain's and Saxons treat of agreement. Will. Malme●b. de regibu●. (12) This motion seemed reasonable to the Nobility, and ●he place and time appointed, which was the first of May, and upon the Plain of Ambrij, now called Salisbury: whither upon equal terms (as was thought) each party repaired, and a while conferred with friendly semblances; but in the end the Saxons urging their wrongs, fell from words unto blows, the watchword first given by Hengist their Leader. The The Saxons suddenly murder the Britain's. Britain's meant simply, and ware no weapons, according to covenants: but the Saxons under their long Cafsocks had short Skeines hid, with which, no sooner the words, Nem ●owr Seaxes, were pronounced, but that each slew him with whom he conferred, by which treason the Britain's lost three hundred of their disarmed Nobility, only Eldol Duke of Gloucester, as Randulph Randulp. Higden. Polychr. li. 5. cap. 1. Higden declareth, with a Stake gotten from the hedge, slew seventeen Saxons. The King they took prisoner; for whose ransom, the Countries of Kent, Sussex, Suffolk, and Norfolk, were delivered unto divers countries delivered to the Infidels. these Infidels, who shortly defiled the beauty of Christianity with their Paganism and heathenish cruelties. Then (saith Beda) the fire of God's vengeance was kindled Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 15. by these wicked Conquerors, and raged first upon those Country's next adjoining, and afterwards from the East Great spoil● and desolation over all the Landlord Se● unto the West, without resistance made to quench the same, public and private houses were overthrown and laid level with the ground, Priests were slain standing at the Altars, and Bishops with their flocks were murdered; neither was there any to bury the dead. And these are the times whereof we spoke, and wherein the miserable Britain's abandoned the Land or hid themselves in The Britain's abandoned the Landlord caves, where in they either perished for hunger, or redeemed their lives with perpetual slavery. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 17. Pelagianisme brought into Britain by Agricola. (13) Neither were their calamities greater in outward afflictions than their souls, polluted with the heresy of the Pelagians, brought by Agricola, the Son of Severianus a Pelagian Bishop, that did foully corrupt the faith of the Britain's: to redress which, Germanus Altisiodorensis, and Lupus Bishop of Trecassa in France, were by the brethren desired, and sent unto their thus troubled and declining estate. These pillars of God's truth, after they had powered forth prayers, The Heretics convicted. and convicted the Heretics, lead an Army of Britain's against the Picts and Saxons, and gained the victory; after which (like unto people that drew on God's vengeance and their own destructions) they fell to robberies and rapine, one City banding against another, and all laid waste by the Saxons and themselves. These miseries doth Gildas impute to have The principal cause of the Britain's miseries. happened to his Britain's, because they took no care to preach the Gospel of Christ unto those Infidels the English-Saxons, that in their heathenish cruelties sought the Lands destruction. Vortigern flieth into Wales. (14) Vortigern thus dispossessed, for his further security betook himself into Wales, where among Merlin the Welsh Wizard. He builded a Castle there. those vast Mountains he built a strong Castle; of whose foundation, Merlin the Welsh Wizard, with the future success that should afterward follow the Britain's, have by way of prophecy vainly spoken. This The differing opinions where this Castle was built. Castle most of our Writers have said to be in South-Wales, upon a rocky and solitary mountain called Breigh, or after others Cloaric, in the West of that Province, not far from Radnor, and near unto the River Gnava: but the inhabitants of North-Wales report (by the reports of their ancestors) that in old Bethkelert was that Castle, which Vortigern built, and is yet called Embris, from Merlin Embris, as they affirm. And surely (besides the craggy and solitariness of the place, which seemed to me rather an entrance into the shadow of death, then to be the Palace or Court of a King) the River Llynterrenny moveth much, by Faustus' spent his life in continual prayer. which Faustus his son, begotten of his own daughter Rowena, is said to spend his life in continual prayers. (15) But whilst Vortigern was busied in building this Castle, and the Saxons making spoils wheresoever they came, the Britain's under the conduct of Aurelius Ambrose Captain of the Britain's. Beda hist. Eccles. Angl. lib. 1. ca 16. Aurelius Ambrose, began to receive some breath of hopes, and to show themselves out of their Caves. This Ambrose (saith Beda) was a gentle natured man, which only of all the blood of the Romans remained then alive, his parents being slain, which had borne the name of Aurelius Ambrose and Vier Pendragon return out of Britain Armorica. the King of the Country. He with his brother Uter, commonly called Pendragon, returning out of Britain Armorica, where they had remained from the Tyranny of Vortigerne, landed at Totnesse in the West of this Island; unto whom resorted great Troops of Britain's. His first Expedition was against Vortigern the scourge of his Country, and murderer of his King: whose Castle straightways he besieged, and by the just revenging hand of God, with wild fire consumed, wherein those adulterous and incestuous persons were burned to ashes. (16) Next, following the common Enemy, he gave battle to the Saxons on the North of Humber, at A Battle at Maesbell. Hengist discomfited. Geoffrey ap Arthur. Matth. Westminst. a place called Maesbell, wherein Hengist was discomfited, and in flight taken by Earl Edol of Gloucester, and beheaded at Conningsborrow, saith he of Monmouth. Howbeit, Matthew of Westminster maketh him fight another battle upon the River Dun, in Anno 489. Polydore. wherein, saith he, Hengist was taken. And Polydore saith, that in the same battle Hengist at the first onset was slain, with many of his Germane: the fame of whose victory (saith he) is had in memory with the Inhabitants of those parts even unto this day. Yet Gildas, Beda, and Ethelward, Writers of those ancient times, and two of them Saxons, mention not the death of Hengist, neither this great victory of the Britain's. And Marianus the Scotish Monk seemeth to affirm the contrary, Hengists' reign. where he saith, that Hengist reigned thirty four years in great glory, and died peaceably, leaving his son Eske to succeed him in the Kingdom of Kent. With whom also Florentius the Monk of Worcester agreeth. Howsoever, sure it is, had not the divine power of God otherwise determined, the waning estate of Britain doubtless had recovered her former strength, both by the prayers of Bishop German, the prowess of this last spoken of Ambrose, the valorous attempts of Uter Pendragon, and the worthy industries of the Christian King Arthur. The famous resistances of this last mentioned Arthur, the Monk of Monmouth Geoffrey ap Arthur▪ Art●urs' acts augmented with fables. with such fables hath augmented, that his Acts and Travels may be compared to those of Hercules, or with the Conquests of Caesar himself; insomuch that he hath been accounted and ranged in the Catalogue of the world's nine Worthies. And surely (by the testimony of Malmesbury) he was a Prince of great worth, and did often adventure with his small power to meet the Saxons in the face and in Field. But the Britain's strength daily decreasing, and new supplies of these Saxons daily arriving, brought the one in despair to enjoy their own right, and the other to triumph in their intrusions of wrongs. For continually encroaching forward, and enlarging their limits wheresoever they came, drove the inhabitauts before them from their wont possessions, & seated themselves in the southern and best part of the Land, laying the stones (as it were) of those foundations, whereupon in short time they raised their most glorious buildings. (17) For every several Captain or Commander accounting that part his own, wherein he first entered or made conquest of, with full resolution determined to keep what he had got, and (as an absolute King) commanded his Province, whereby the Land become burdened with seven of them at the first: as Hengist of Kent; Ella, of those parts now called Sussex and Surrey; Cherdik, of the West; Erchenwin, of the East; Ida of the North; Crida, of the Middleland; Vffa, the parts now Middlesex and Essex: which Kingdoms thus begun and erected, stood not long unshaken by civil The Saxons often at dissension among themselves. dissensions among themselves, each King envying his equals greatness, and seeking to enlarge his own Dominions upon the next. In which combustions, few or none of them came to the grave in due time, but were either slain in wars, or treacherously murdered in peace, or else enforced to shear himself a Monk, and resign his Crown to another. To speak of all these together, I hold would bring too great a confusion to our History, and a needless surcharge to the Readers memory: To avoid which, I will briefly set down the Conquests, Circuits, Acts, and Descents, that in every several Kingdom happened while they stood in their Heptarchy, before they were united to an absolute Monarchy; and then (according to my prefixed purpose) continued the succession of GREAT BRITAIN'S Monarches. (18) For albeit the Land was divided into 7. several Kingdoms, and each of them carrying a sovereign command within his own limits, yet one of them ever seemed to be supreme of the rest; and that Prince who had the greatest power or success in his wars, was ever accounted and called The King of the Englishmen, The mightiest of the Saxon Kings always King of the Englishmen. as Venerable Beda in the fifth Chapter of his second Book, and History of England, ever termeth them. (19) Such therefore as held the rest under, either by Arms or alliance, in amity or subjection, swayed the whole Monarchy, and were acknowledged as Supremes in power over the rest, which succeeded not ever in the same Family, neither continued in one and the same Kingdom without reversement, but were carried upon the Floods and Ebbs of variable success, or as destiny pleased to altar the chance: whereof each Only the East-Saxons intruded not on their neighbour's dominions. of them (saving the East-Saxons only) did attain to the height of that government, as to the haven of their wished desires. See therefore (if you please) a general view of the whole, and afterwards the several Histories of every Kingdom apart, before we enter into the Succession of the English-Saxons Monarches. Heptarchy. Kingdoms. Counties.   Kings Successions. kingdoms Continuance. King's first Christians. The Saxons Heptarchy. The Kingdom of Kent contained Counties,   Kings reigning, 1. Hengist, 31. 10. Edrik, 6.       2. Eske, 24. 11. Withered, 33.       3 Octa, 20. 12. Edbert, 23.       4. Ymerick, 29. 13. Edelbert, 11. Began in An. 455.   Kent. 5. Ethelbert, 56. 14. Alrik, 34. Continued years 372. Ethelbert.   6. Eabald, 24. 15. Ethilbert, 3. Ended in Anno 827.     7. Ercombert, 24. 16. Cuthred, 8.       8. Egbert, 9 17. Baldred, 18.       9 Loather, 11.           The Kingdom of South-Saxons contained Counties,   Kings reigning, 1. Ella, 32.           Sussex. 2. Cissa, 75. 4. Berthum.   Began in An. 488.   Surrey. 3. Edilwach, alias   5. Authum.   Continued years 113. Ethelwolfe.     Ethelwolf 25.     Ended in Anno 601.   The Kingdom of Westsaxons contained Counties,   Kings reigning, 1. Cherdik, 33. 9 Kentwin, 9     Cornwall. 2. Kenrike, 26. 10. Ceadwald, 7.     Devon-shire. 3. Cheulin, 33. 11. Inas, 37.     Dorsetshire. 4. Ceaclik, 5. 12. Ethellard, 14. Began in An. 519.   Somersetsh. 5. Chelwold, 12. 13. Cuthred, 16. Continued years 561. Kingils. Wilt-shire.   6. Kingils, 32. 14. Sigebert, 2. Ended in An. 1066.   Hantshire.   Quithelin, 1. 15. Kenwolfe, 29.     Bark-shire. 7. Kenwald, 30. 16. Brightrik, 16.       8. Eskwyn, 2. 17. Egbert, 19     The Kingdom of East-Saxons contained Counties,   Kings reigning, 1. Erchenwin, 34. 7. Swithelme, 14.       2. Sledda, 10. 8. Sighere.         3 Sebert, 21. 9 Sebba, 30. Began in An. 527.   Essex. 4. Sexred, 7. 10. Sigherd, 8. Continued years 281. Sebert. Middlesex. Seward, 11. Seofrid, Ended in Anno 827.     Sigbert, 12. Offa, 4.       5. Sigebert, 23. 13. Selred, 30.       6. Sigibert, 13. 14. Suthred, 38.     The Kingdom of Northumberland contained Counties,   Kings reigning, 1. Ella,   12. Alkfryd, 20.       Ida,   13. Osred, 11.       2. Adda, 7. 14. Kenred, 2.       Elappea, 5. 15. Oswike, 11.     Yorkshire. 3. Theodwald, 1. 16. Ceolnuphe, 8.     Durham. 4. Frethulfe, 7. 17. Egbert, 20. Began in An. 547.   Lanca-shire. 5. Theodrik, 7. 18. Oswulph, 1. Continued years 379. Edwin. Westmoreland. 6. Ethelrik, 5. 19 Edilwald, 11. Ended in Anno 926.   Cumberland. 7. Ethelfrid, 23. 20. Alured.       Northumber. 8. Edwine, 17. 21. Ethelred, 57.       9 Oswald, 9 22. Alfwald, 11.       10. Oswy, 28. 23. Osred, 1.       11. Egfrid, 15.           The Kingdom of Mercia contained Counties, Huntingdon. King's reigning,                 Rutland.                 Lincoln.                 Northampton.                 Leicester. 1. Creda, 6. 11. Offa, 40.     Derbyshire. 2. Wibba, 3. 12. Egfrid 4 monet.     Nottingham. 3. Cheorl, 34. 13. Kenwolfe, 22.     Oxford-shire. 4. Penda, 30. 14. Kenelm, 5. mon. Began in An. 582.   Chesse-shire. 5. Peada, 4. 15. Chelwolfe, 1. Continued years 202. Peada. Shrop-shire. 6. Wolfere, 17. 16. Bernulfe, 3. Ended in Anno 886.   Gloucestershire. 7. Ethelred, 30. 17. Ludecan, 2.     Worcester-shire. 8. Kenred, 4. 18. Whitlafe, 13.     Stafford-shire. 9 Chelred, 7. 19 Bertwolfe, 13.     Warwickeshire. 10. Ethelbald, 42. 20. Burdred, 22.     Buckinghamsh.                 Bedford-shire.                 Hartford-shire.                 The Kingdom of East-Angles contained Counties,   Kings reigning, 1. Vffa, 7. 9 Ethwald, 9       2. titulus, 10. 10. Aldwolfe, 19     Suffolk. 3. Redwald, 44. 11. Afwald, 7. Began in An. 575.   Norfolk. 4. Erpenwald, 12. 12. Beorn, 24. Continued years 353. Redwald. Cambridgesh. 5. Sigebert,   13. Ethelred, 52. Ended in Anno 914.   Ely-Iland. 6. Egrik,   14. Ethelbert, 5.       7. Anna, 13. 15. Edmund, 16.       8. Ethelbert,             THE KINGDOM OF KENT BEGUN BY HENGIST THE SAXON, WITH THE SUCCESSION OF THEIR KINGS, THEIR ISSVES AND REIGNS. CHAPTER V. KEnt, the first Dominion of the Saxons Heptarchy, An. Do. 455. was formerly in the days of julius Caesar, the Seat of Kent in the days of Julius Caesar the Seat of four Kings. four several petty Kings, yet never called a Kingdom, before that Hengist, the first Saxon Captain, in favour of his Daughter Rowena, got it by the gift of King Vortigern, about the year of Grace 455. and in the seventh year after his first arrivage, here he first laid the foundation of those fortunes which the Saxons his Nation in this Land afterwards attained unto: for having possessed the same Hengist his reign and death. with Victory and Wealth the space of thirty one years, (some add three more) he left it in peace to his son Eske; and the rest of the Island so weakened by his means, that others of his Nation were shortly Of Hengist see more in the succession of the English Monarchy, cap. 12. planted in other parts thereof. It contained the Continent that lieth betwixt our East-Ocean and the River Thames, being bounded upon the West with Sussex and Surrey. ESke, the second King of Kent, is reported to be An. Do. 488. Petrus Albinus. Eske the second King of Kent. Retained prisoner in York. the second son of King Hengist, who accompanying his father into this Island, made proof of his great valour in all his Battles fought against the Britain's, and in one of them (as Geffrey of Monmouth rereporteth) being taken prisoner, was for a time retained in York, but thence escaping, he aided his father His reign and death. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 5. in the Battle of Crekynford; and after his decease, succeeded him in the Kingdom of Kent, from whom those Inhabitants (saith Beda) were called Eskings, amongst whom he peaceably reigned about twenty years, and died in the year of our Lord 512. OCta the son of Eske began his reign over his An. Do. 512. Octa his reign. Father's Dominions, the year of Christ's Incarnation 512. and reigned twenty two years, without mention of any memorable Act. IMerik, the son of Eske, and the fourth King of An. Do. 532. Kent, reigned twenty five years, saith Stowe; twenty nine, saith Savil in his Table collected from our Florent. Wigorn. Jmerik the son of Eske. Jmerik his children. English Writers. He had issue, Ethelbert the first Christian King of Kent, and a daughter named Rikell, married to Shedda the second King of the East-Saxons, the mother of Sebert and Segebald. EThelbert, the son of Imerik, in the year of grace An. Do. 561. Ethelbert the son of Jmerik. 561. succeeded him in the Kingdom of Kent, who by reason of his young years, was sore molested by his neighbour Princes, that sought to enlarge their Provinces upon his: for now the Saxons having made full Conquest of the Britain's, fell at variance among themselves, taking all occasions to supplant each other, as Conquerors commonly can endure no equals, and prosperity ever is looked at with an envious eye; whereupon Cheulin King of the Westsaxons, proud of his victorious successes over the Britain's, began to Cheulin invadeth his Territories. disdain all amity with his own neighbour Saxons, invaded the Territories of this young Prince, and in a set Battle slew Oslave and Cnebban, two of his Dukes, discomfited the King, and won the day. This field was fought at Wiphandun, in the year of our Redemption 567. and is noted to be the first Battle betwixt the Saxons themselves since their first entrance into Britain. But young Ethelbert grown unto years, repaired his losses with the enlargement of his Kingdom to Ethelbert the fifth Monarch of the Englishmen. His first wife, and children by her. In the life of Saint Wereburg. His second wife. the banks of Humber, and was the fifth Monarch of the Englishmen, as after we shall hear. His first Wife was Berta, the daughter of Chilperik, King of France, by whom he had Edbald, Ethelburg, and Edburg: a second Wife he had unworthy of name, for her incestuous and abominable act, in matching herself in marriage with her Husband's Son, A sin (saith the Apostle) not to be named among the Gentiles. Of this 1. Cor. 5. 1. King, as also of all the rest that attained unto the glory, to be enstiled (per excellentiam) the Sovereign Kings of the Englishmen, I purpose to be sparing in their particular Kingdoms, and to reserve the larger relation of their Acts, Matches, Issues, and continuance, to the times of their several Monarchies, whereby a more historical course may be carried, through the successions of the English-Saxon monarchs, and a needless repetition of the same things avoided, Repetition avoided in this History. which otherwise of necessity would follow. He reigned in great glory fifty six years, and was the First Saxon King that received and established the Gospel. He died the four and twentieth day of February, the year of Christ 616. after he had reigned 56. Beda Hist. Eccles. Angl. lib 2. cap. 5. Henr. Huntingdon. years, and was buried at Canterbury, with this inscription upon his Tomb: Rex Ethelbertus hîc clauditur in Poliandro, Fana pians Christo, ad Christum meat absque Meandro. EDbald, the son of King Ethelbert, in the year of Christ 617. assumed the Government of Kent; An. Do. 617. who no sooner, saith Beda, had gotten from under the awe of his father, but he refused to entertain the Doctrine Beda hist. eccles. Ang. lib. 2. cap. 5. Edbald, his father dead, refused the doctrine of Christ. He married his Mother in Law. of Christ, and so polluted himself with the foul sin of fornication, as that he married his Mother in Law, the late Wife to his own Father: which two heinous faults gave his subjects both occasion and impunity to return to their former idolatry, who under his Father, for favour, or for fear, had yielded to the Laws of the Christian Faith. But the scourge of God & vengeance from Heaven wanted Edbald often plagued. not to the punishment of this unfaithful King: for he was plagued for a season with often frenzy of Reclaimed from Idolatry by the Archbishop. mind, and raging fury of an unclean Spirit; but by Laurence Archbishop of Canturbury, he was at length converted from his Idolatry and incestuous Matrimony, His Wife. and being baptised, endeavoured to maintain the state of the Gospel. He married Emme, the daughter of Theodebert, King of Austrasie, now Lorraine, by His Daughter. whom he had issue a Daughter named Enswith, who died a Virgin at Fulkestone, a Religious House in Kent of her Father's foundation; and two Sons, whereof His Sons, and their issue. Ermenred the elder died before his Father, and left issue Dompnena, who was married to a Mercian Prince; Ermenberg that died a veiled Virgin, Ermengith a mention; Ethelred and Ethelbert, both murdered by their Cousin-german, King Egbert. His younger Son was Edbald, his liberality to the Church. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 6. His reign and burial. Ercombert that succeeded him in the Kingdom. This Edbald built a Chapel within the Monastery of Saint Peter and Paul at Canturbury, in honour of Mary the blessed Mother of God, endowing that Church with sufficient maintenance; wherein, after the continuance of twentyfoure years reign, he was buried near to King Ethelbert his Father, Anno 640. ERrcombert, the Son of Edbald by Emme his Wife, An. Do. 641. succeeded his Father in the Kingdom of, Kent, His care of God's worship. Beda hist. lib. 2. c. 8 His Wife and issue. in the year of grace 641. He was a virtuous, religious, and Christian King: for the Temples of the Heathen Idols he suppressed, and commanded the fast of Lent to be observed. His Wife was Sexburg, the daughter of Anna King of the East-Angles, by whom he had issue Egbert and Lothair, both Kings of Kent after him; Ermenhild, Wife to Wolfere King of Mercia, and Erkengode a professed Nun in the Monastery of Saint Brigets in France; where she died, and was interred in the Church of Saint Stephen. In his days the state of the Church growing to a well settled form of Kent divided into Parishes. government, the Province of Kent was divided into Parishes by Honorius the Archbishop, as testify the His reign and death. Records of Christ-Church in Canturbury. This King having reigned twenty four years and odd months, died in the year of our Lord 664. EEgbert, the elder Son of King Ercombert, in the An. Do. 665. nonage of his young Nephews, Ethelred and Ethelbert, Egbert his murder. (the sons of his Uncle Ermenred) obtained the Rule of Kent, and had not their murder much blemished his peaceable Government, he might well have held place with the worthiest of those Kings: but thirsting after an absolute sovereignty, and fearing jest his own power should diminish by their growths and rightful successions, he set his mind on that bloody, traitorous, and unnatural attempt, and with the assistance of one Thurne, found fit place and The fact revealed. Wil Malmsbury de gestis rerum Anglorum. opportunity to work that devilish design, casting their bodies into a River, that so their Murders might not be known. But God (saith Malmesbury) that searcheth the heart, revealed the act, by casting up their bodies on the shore, and to the open view of the next Inhabitants, who with great reverence there buried them, and built a small Chapel over their Monument, whose bones afterwards were removed, and Their bodies solemnly buried. Dopneva their sister. new interred in the Abbey of Ramsey in Hantshire. The Lady Dompnena their Sister, and next Heir to the Crown, that was married to Merwald, a Prince of West-Mercia, and borne him four Children, founded Her religiousness. the Abbey of Minster in Kent: Wherein, saith Stowe, she become the first Abbess herself, and Mildrith her daughter succeeded her therein, saith Capgrave. Egbert his reign and death. Beda hist. eccles. Ang. lib. 4. cap. 5. This King in great quietness reigned nine years, and died in the year of grace 673. in the month of july: leaving issue Edrik and Wigtred, both Kings of Kent, succeeding after Lothaire. LOthaire the brother of Egbert, by strong handobtained An. Do. 673. Lothaire intrudeth into the Kingdom. the government of Kent. For notwithstanding Egbert left issue Edrik and Wigtred, (as is said) yet Lothaire taking the advantage of their minorities, and the example of his brother's intrusions, made himself King against his, as he had done against the Sons of Ermenred, but did not enjoy the same with the like peace as he had done. For not only Ethelred the Mercian warred strongly against him, but also Edrik, by the assistance of the South-Saxons continually Matt. Westminst. sought to recover his right, whereby the peace of the Kentish was much molested: and lastly, in a bloody battle was Lothaire shot thorough with a dart, whereof Lothaire slain. he died▪ under his Surgeons hand, the sixth day of February, in the year of Christ 685. after he had Beda hist. Eccles. Angl lib. 4. ca 5. & 26. His reign. reigned eleven years and seven months. The punishment of the Murder committed by his brother Egbert, was on him repaid, saith Malmsbury, who derided Lothaire maketh but a jest of murder. and made jests at the laments for young Ethelred and Ethelbert, that were by the people held and accounted Martyrs. His body was buried with his Predecessors, Kings of Kent, in the Monastery of S. Peter His burial. and Paul in Canturbury, Anno 685. EDrik, the Son of King Egbert, having slain his Uncle Lothaire in battle, succeeded him in the An. Do. 686. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 4. cap. 26. Edrik his reign. His death. Kingdom of Kent, wherein he sat only two years, and those in continual wars with his subjects; in which civil broils lastly he was slain, leaving the Kentish Kingdom so torn with dissensions, that it become a prey to many Usurpers, and gave occasion to Ceadwalla the West-Saxon, to seek the annexion Ceadwalla and Mollo invade Kent. thereof to his own Kingdom; who with his brother Mollo entered Kent, and with fire and sword made waste where they came. To meet these, the Kentish assembled, and getting the advantage, burned Mollo to Mollo burned to death. death: in whose revenge Ceadwalla persisted, and wasted the most part of that Province before he departed: so that after for six years continuance no King reigned in Kent, but the Country lay exposed to the tyrannies of oppressors. WIgtred or Withered, seven years after the death of his Brother, took upon him the government An Do. 693. Wigtred his means of attaining the Kingdom. of Kent, which he purchased with the good opinion that his subjects conceived, and with a great sum of money paid to King Inas for his peace. He entered his Kingdom the year of Man's Redemption 693. the eleventh of November, and two hundred and five years, after the death of Hengist the first Saxon. With him reigned one Swebharde, as Beda declareth: but without mention from whom, or upon what occasion. He founded the Priory of S. Martin at His bounty to the Church. Beda Hist. Eccles. Angl. lib. 4. c. 26. & lib. 5. cap. 9 His reign and death. Dover, and behaved himself worthily both in War and Peace: his reign was thirty years; thirty three, saith Beda; and death in Anno 725. leaving issue Edbert, Ethelbert, and Alrick, all three succeeding successively in the Kingdom. EGbert, the first Son of Withered, succeeded his Father in his Kingdom, virtues, & valours, whereby An. Do. 726. a peaceable government is allotted him by all Writers of these affairs, for the continuance of twenty Edbert a virtuous prince. His reign. three years, without relation of any notable accident peculiar to himself and Kingdom: besides the appearances of two fearful Comets, in Anno 729. Two blazing Stars. and fourth of his reign; the one arising immediately before the Sun in the morning, and the other showing his fiery beams presently upon the Suns set, both of them striking their gleams into the North, and by West, foreshowing (it may be) the scourge and desolation that the pagan intended, who were at that His Burial. instant entered into France and Spain. EThelbert, the second Son of King Withered, and Brother to the last King Edbert, began his Reign An. Do. 749. Ethelbert his reign. over the Kingdom of Kent, the year of Man's Salvation 749. and reigned without any memorable act either of his, or of his kingdoms affairs, the space His death. of eleven years, leaving this life in Anno 759. and was buried, say some, in the Monastery of Peter and His burial. Paul in Canturbury, without issue of his body to succeed him: howbeit the Annals of Canturbury affirms him to be buried at Reculuers, in the I'll of Tanet, whose Monument is showed at the upper end of the South I'll in the Church, and is mounted with two Spires, if there be not a mistaking of him for Ethilbert his Suceessor. ALrick, the third Son of King Withered, by the Alrik the last of lineal succession. death of his brother Ethelbert, obtained the kingdom of Kent, the year of Christ's Incarnation 760. no other glory attending his affairs (saith Malmesbury) besides his unfortunate fight at Otteford against Offa King of the Mercians, wherein it seemed some honour (though with ●is overthrow) to withstand so puissant and impugnable an enemy. He is the last King All the Kings of Kent after Alrik usurpers. of Kent that held the sceptre in a lineal succession: the rest that followed, both got and enjoyed it by tyranny and usurpation. This King is said to reign thirty four years, and to die in the year of grace, seven hundred ninety three. EThilbert, surnamed Prens, usurped the Title and An. Do. 794. Authority over the Kentish Dominions, when that Province was sore oppressed with the invasion of the Mercian Kenulfe, whose wars against Kent, by succession from Offa, were continued with such rigour and valour, that the Country lay desolate where he had been, and the people distressed whither he came. His imprisonment. This Prens, Kenulfe took prisoner, and lead away with him into Mercia: but at the dedication of a Church that he had then founded at Winchcomb, in presence of ten Dukes and thirteen Bishops, he released him at the His releasement. High Altar, without either entreaty or ransom of redemption. The King returning again into Kent, could not there be received, his place either being supplied by another, or himself so disliked, as not worthy any longer to reign: and having had experience of the world's mutabilities, is left again to his private fortunes, from whence he had stepped, having His reign. held his estate but for three years continuance. CVthred, saith Malmesbury, was made King of Kent by Kenulfe King of Mercia, when he had overcome An. Do. 797. and captivated Ethelbert: notwithstanding he is accounted for an Usurper, and bore the title of King His reign. the term of eight years, without any other act worthy of remembrance, inheriting his predecessors evil hap and calamity, through factions and civil discords. BAldred, after the death of this Cuthred, took upon him the princely dignity of Kent, about the An. Do. 805. Baldred took upon him the kingdom of Kent. year of Christ's Nativity 805. But now the heavenly providence determining to bring again together that which the Saxons had divided, raised from exile little Egbert, to make him the Great Monarch of the Englishmen. His first wars were against Bernulfe King Egbert▪ Monarch of the Englishmen. of Mercia, and his second against this Baldred, King of Kent, whom in Battle he vanquished, and forced him out of his Kingdom, after he had sat on that princely Throne the space of eighteen years. This Baldred is said to have fled over Thames, and to leave Kent to the will of his Conqueror, whither again This kingdoms beginning, continuance, and end. he never returned, neither yet was heard of after his overthrow. This Kingdom then that was erected by Hengist, the year of man's happiness 455. continued her government 372. and ended her glory in the year 827. being made a Province unto the Westsaxons. SOUTH SAXONS KINGDOM, THE CIRCVIT AND CONTINVANCE, THEIR KINGS, SUCCESSIONS, ISSVES AND REIGNS. CHAPTER VI. THE Kingdom of the The limits of this kingdom. South-Saxons, containing the Countries of Sussex and Surrey, had on the East side Kent; on the South, the Sea and I'll of Wight; upon the West, Hantshire, and the North side inverged with the river Thames. This Kingdom was erected by Ella a Saxon-Captaine, that in the An. D. 488. second year of Hengists' entrance, as some say, brought a supply of his Saxons into Britain, with whom came his three sons, Kymen, Plenching, and Cissa, these landing The Inhabitants chased into a wood. at a place which from Kymen was afterwards called Kymenishore, and discomfiting the Inhabitants, that made resistance, become himself King of those Southern parts. But doubtless there are many opinions The divers opinions of Ellas first entrance. of this man's first entrance and new erected estate: for some (as M. Savile in his Table) set it in the second year of Hengists first arrival, Anno 452. Others in the second of Aurelius, and no less than thirty years after that, Anno 482. Harrison will have it forty three years after the Saxons first entrance, and fourth year after King Hengist his death, Anno 492. And M. Ferrer in his Succession of the English monarch, placeth it in the three and twentieth year of King Hengists' Kingdom, and in the fifth after his own arrival, the year of our Redemption 488. Of such uncertainty is the beginning of this South-Saxons Kingdom, whose Continuance and Successions are nothing clearer; insomuch that Malmesburie Malmesburie omitteth this Kingdom. making several Chapters upon the other six, omitteth only this of the South-Saxons: and therefore as we find them, let us have leave to relate them, and for the present to leave Ella as he was King, till we come to a fit place where more shall be spoken of him Ella his reign and death. as he was Monarch; whose reign is set by Stow to be thirty six years; by Sir Henry Savile, twenty four; and by M. Henry Ferrer, thirty two, and to have died in the year 514. CIssa the third and youngest son of King Ella, An. Do. 514. Cissa Succeeded. then only living at his father's death, succeeded him in the kingdoome of the South▪ Saxons, (leaving the Monarchy to Cherdike king of the Westsaxons, who had planted his kingdom between him and the Britain's, having taken the charge of war against them, for maintenance whereof, Cissa yielded him a yearly contribution) and living himself in long rest Chichester and Chisburie founded by Cissa. and peace, founded Chichester and Chisbury, the one a City for resort of his people, the other a place of repose for himself; which last he fortified about with a strong Trench, for a further defence against all dangers. Of any other his actions, little is recorded by Stow. Writers: only in this they concur, that he was a man of great age and small acts, some affirming that Cissaes' Reign. he reigned the space of seventy six years. EDilwach (by some called Ethelwolf and Athelwold) An. Do. 595. succeeded King Cissa in the kingdom of the South-Saxons, and was the first Christian of that Nation, converted by Bishop Wilfride, as some conceive out of Beda: yet Beda saith expressly, that the King was baptised before Wilfrides' coming. And the History Liber Historialis S. Swithun Wi●●on. of S. Swithune saith, it was done by S. Berinus, Bishop of Dorchester, who usually preaching the Gospel in the kingdom of the Mercians, in the City of Oxenford, and presence of Wulpherus King of Mercia, it happened that King Athelwold, than a Pagan, was present, who by the endeavour Beda. lib▪ 4. ca 13. of Vulpherus, and instruction of Berinus, received the Wolfere Edilbaches Godfather. laver of Baptism, whom also Wulpherus received at the Font for his Godson, and in sign of that adoption gave unto him two Provinces, to be annexed to his former kingdom, that is to say, the I'll of Wight, and the Province of Manures in the West of England; at which time also Berinus by King Athelwolds permission, baptised the chief Ebba the wife of Wolfere. Dukes and Nobles of that Province. His Queen Ebba was baptised in her own I'll, the Province of the Viccians, being the daughter of Eanfride, who was brother to Eanheres, and both of them Christians. But it is generally held, that King Edilwach gave unto Wilfride Beda loco ci●ato. Selsee in Sussex. the Peninsula (as the Latins speak) of Seoleseu, now Selsee in the West, with the demaynes of eighty seven Tenements, wherein he built the Monastery that bore the same name, and was his own Episcopal Sea. Against this Edilwach, Ceadwald a valiant young Cap. 15. Prince, of the Blood-royal of the Westsaxons, being banished his Country, making head with the assistance of friends and followers, entered his Territories with an impetuous incursion, and slew the King as he made resistance, when he had reigned twenty five His reign and death. years: in whose reign and Country raged such an extreme Famine, that both men and women in great Beda hist. l. 4. c. 13. flocks and companies cast themselves from the Rocks into the Sea. (4) Berthun and Authun, two Dukes of the South-Saxons, maintained the Wars and defence of their Country against Ceadwald, and by manly valour forced Ceadwald driven back. him to retire. These Captains betwixt them held the dominion of that Province, until such time as Ceadwald had gotten the Kingdom of the Westsaxons; who bearing in mind the remembrance of his former proceed, and thinking to enlarge his own Kingdom with the subjection of the South-Saxons, Beda Hist. Eccles. Angl. lib. 4. cap. 15. entered again that Province, and in Battle slew Duke Berthun, harrying the Country miserably before him. Which State, unable to withstand the Westsaxons puissance, was by Ive, the next King succeeding, made a subjecteth Province, their Government thence forward resting under his Successors, after it had stood one hundred and thirteen years: and ended The continuance and end of thi● Kingdom. in the year of Christ 601. by ordinary computation. But whosoever shall compare the times of the foresaid Kings, Wulpherus and Athelwold together, will easily find, that it is not easy to find the certain concurrence of times, in affairs so clouded in obsouritie, and so far remote from our preseut times. THE KINGDOM OF THE WESTSAXONS, THE CIRCVIT THEREOF, AND SUCCESSION OF THEIR KINGS UNTO EGBERT; WITH THEIR ISSVES AND REIGNS. CHAPTER VII. The West Saxons the first that brought the Heptarchy to a Monarchy. THe Kingdom of the Westsaxons, though in time later than the two former, yet in circuit and fame surmounted them both; whose Monarch was the Maull that first broke the Sceptres of the other six Kingdoms in sunder, and made one Crown of these their several Diadems, more glorious than they all, and that first worn upon Egbert the Westsaxons heads, and the Sceptre swayed in his Imperial hand; until whose time and person we will continued the Florent. Wigor. succession of their Kings, beginning with Cherdik that first made it a Kingdom, and briefly show their Acts, whilst it so stood in the Saxons Heptarchy. THis Cherdik is said to have brought a second supply of Saxons forces into Britain, in the year of An. Do. 495. The time when Cherdik entered into Britain. our Lord 495. and fifth of the Monarchy of King Ella: his landing being at a place on that occasion called Chederik-shore, who with his son Kenrik, was encountered by the Britain's, under the conduct of Natanleod An. Do. 508. a British Prince, whose Country was then called after his name; whom he slew in Battle, with five thousand more of his Britain's: the fortune of which field gave resolutions and hopes of better success; it was fought near unto a Brook upon that event called Cherdiksford, now by contraction Chardford. Hereupon establishing his new erected Kingdom, The circuit of this kingdom. (which contained Cornwall, Devonshire, Dorsetshire, Somersetshire, Wiltshire, Hantshire, and Berkshire,) he enlarged the same with the conquest of the I'll of Wight, the government whereof was by him given to stuff and Withgar his Nephews, which later slew the Britain's there inhabiting, and named the place of his victory Withgarbirg, assuming the name of King, and was buried at his City Withgar, in the same I'll. About seven years after Cherdiks' entrance, Porth a Saxon, with his two Sons, Megla and Beda, landed in the West, at the place from him called Portesmouth, whose The first King's reign, issue, and death. aid with Kent and Sussex, assisted Cherdik in his Conquests. His reign is set to be thirty three years; and his death in the year of grace five hundred thirty five: having had two sons, Kenrik and Chelwolf, the one of which died before his Father; and the other succeeded him in his Kingdom. Chelwolf had issue Cuthgils, whose son was Kenfridd, and his son Kensy, the Father of King Eskwin, who was the Successor of King Kenwalk, and predecessor of King Kentwin, in the Kingdom of the Westsaxons. KEnrik, the eldest Son of King Cherdik, having An. Do. 535. Kenrik his battles. formerly made proof of his prowess in the assistance of his Father, was after his death also very fortunate in obtaining two victories over the Britain's; Banbery in Oxfordshire. the one at Searesberige, and the other at Beranbrig; whose reign beginning Anno 534. continued twenty six years; ending in the year of our Redemption, His issue, Cheaulin, Cuthwolfe, and Cuth. five hundred sixty. He had issue three Sons, of which Cheaulin the eldest succeeded him in his kingdom; Cuthwolfe the second assisted his Brother in his Wars, and was partaker with him of his victories, who died Anno 672. leaving issue one only Son, named chel, or Cearlike, who proved nothing so virtuous Cearlike the son of Cuthwolfe, rebelleth against his uncle. and dutiful a subject as his Father had been: for he rose in rebellion against his Uncle, and by strong hand expelled him his kingdom. The third Son of King Kenrik was Cuth, famous in his issue, though mentionlesse for action in himself: for he had three sons, of which Chelwolf the eldest, was King of the West Saxons (as shallbe declared) chel the second, was father to Kingils the sixt (and first Christian) King of the West Saxons, and Grandfather to Kenwall and Kenwin, the seventh and ninth Kings of that Kingdom: and Ched the youngest, was Chedwall, the most renowned King of the Westsaxons. father of Kenbert, Grandfather to Chedwall the most renowned King of the West Saxons; of whom we are presently to speak, and of them all in the succession of the English Saxons Monarches: and now to return again to the issue of King Kenrik. CHeaulin his first son, entered upon the government An. Do. 561. Cheaulin the time when he began to reign. An unquiet and ambitious neighbour. over the Westsaxons Anno 561. and even at the first began to disturb the quiet peace of his neighbour Provinces, taking advantage at the young years of Ethelbert, who was made King of Kent in the same year that Cheaulin was, whom he discomfited, and slew his two Captains, Duke Oslave and Wimbledon. cap. 5. Sect. 5. Duke Cnebba, at * Wibbandune, as we have said. Other Victories he obtained over the Britain's, both at Bedford, Stowe. Deorham, Gloucester, Cirencester, and Bathancester. Overthrown by Cealrik. But the fortunes of wars being always variable, at length his success altered, and at Wannes ditch in Wiltshire he was overthrown, and dispossessed of his kingdom by Cealrik his brother Cuthwolfs' son, His reign. His issue, Cuth and Cuthwin. Cuth a valiant warrior. when he had reigned thirty three years. He had issue, Cuth and Cuthwin: the former served valiantly in the wars under his father at Wimbledon in Surrey, where King Ethelbert of Kent was chased, and his soldiers slain: and with the like valour and victory he Slain at Fethanle●gh. fought at Fethanleygh against the Britain's, notwithstanding that therein he lost his life, the year of our Lord 585. and the five and twentieth of his father's reign. Cuthwin his younger brother survived his father, but succeeded not in his Kingdom, being then (by reason of his young years) unable to recover his right. He had two sons, Kenbald and Cuth, the latter of which was father to Chelwald, whose son Kenred had issue, Ine the eleventh King of the Westsaxons, and Ingils his brother, whose son was Eoppa the father of Easa, whose son was Alkenmud, the father of Egbert the eighteenth King of the Westsaxons, who reduced the Saxons divided Heptarchy into an absolute Monarchy. An. Do. 592. Cearlik the fourth King of the Westsaxons. CEarlik the son of Cuthwolfe, who was brother to this last King, succeeded in the kingdom by the ejection of his Uncle, and was the fourth King of the Westsaxons. He began his reign in the year of our Redemption 592. and continued it the term of six His reigns continuance. years, without any memorable act by him achieved besides his Treason spoken of before. An. Do. 598. CHelwolfe the son of Cuth, the son of Kenrik, and Cosen-german to Cearlik the preceding King, began his reign over the Westsaxons, the year 598. on whose first entrance▪ this province of the Westsaxons Westsaxons invaded by three sundry Enemies. Hen. Huntingd. His death. was invaded both by the Britain's, and also by the Stots and Picts: and the East-Angles likewise molested his peace, under the conduct of Redwald at that time Monarch of the Englishmen. But he wading thorough these troubles▪ harried the Province of the South-Saxons with invasions and calamities, in the prosecution whereof he died, leaving the pursuit of his wars and possession of his kingdom to Kingils his Nephew, that immediately succeeded him, after he had reigned the space of fourteen years. Kingils' the Son of Chel, who was Brother to King Chelwolfe, succeeding his Uncle in the kingdom An. Do. 611. Kingils' his coming to the Kingdom. Quinchelin us his associate. Wil Malmsbury▪ Marianus. Florent. Wigorn▪ Their victory over the Britain's. of the Westsaxons, in the year six hundred and twelve, in his third year associated unto him in his Government Quinchelme his Son, who jointly managed the Westsaxons affairs both of war and peace. And fight with victory against the Britain's at Beandune, they there slew of them one thousand forty six persons, and after that against Penda King of Mercia, near unto Cirencester, about the fift year of his reign, where lastly they came to a conclusion of peace. This King at the preaching of Berinus Kingils' converted to Christianity, the first of all the Westsaxons Kings. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 7. Oswald a witness at his baptizing. His gift to Kingils. (an Italian Divine, afterward reputed for a Saint) and by the persuasions of Oswald the most Christian King of Northumberland, (who was a suitor to become his Son in Law, by the marriage of Kineburg his daughter, and was made his Godfather by receiving him at the Font) received the Word of Life, and become the first Christian King of all the Westsaxons; in witness whereof, he gave the City Dorchester, near unto Oxford, to his Converter, who therein erected his Episcopal Sea. He reigned the space of thirty one years, some say but seven and twenty, and had issue (besides Quinchelinus, who reigned with him, and died before him) Kenwin and Kenwald, that succeeded him; and Kineburg his Daughter married to Oswald, as is said. Quinchelinus had a Son named Cuthred, that was baptised with his Father at Dorchester, and is said by Stowe, to have reigned after the death of Kingils: but I take it rather to be Kenwen, whom some suppose to be his Father's Associate the term of four years, but never sole King himself. KEnwald, whom Beda calleth Senwalch, succeeded his Father Kingils in the kingdom of the Westsaxons. An. Do. 643. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 7. Kenwald refuseth the Christian faith. His beginnings by Matthew of Westminster are compared to be with the worst, and his end with the best of those Kings. At his first entrance he fought with victory against the Britain's at Pennum, whereof he become most insolent, and refused not only to receive the Christian Faith, but also put from him his lawful wife Sexburg, the sister of Penda King of Mercia, whereby he become hateful to his own Subjects, and sore assaulted by the Mercian King, who He is driven out of his Kingdom. followed the revenge so far, that he forced Kenwald out of his kingdom, who being driven to extremity, sought succour at the mercy of Anna the Christian King of the East-Angles, where he was both courteously Kenwald won to the faith of Ch●ist. entertained, and at last (won to the Christian Faith) was baptised by Bishop Foelix, whereupon he did recall his wife, according to prescript of Christianity, His works of devotion. Wil Malmsbury. His reign and death. Vita Alel. His Wife governeth the kingdom. An. Do. 674. and recovered again his former Majesty, which he much advanced by his pious works. He founded the Cathedral of Winchester, and the Abbey of Malmesburie, and when he had reigned thirty one years, gave place unto nature in the year 673. leaving no issue of his body to succeed him: whereupon Segburg his wife took upon her the government of the Westsaxons, the same year that Lothair was made King of Kent, she being a woman of great spirit and understanding, and sufficiently worthy to have managed the Kingdom, had she not been prevented by death, or rather (as some writ) by a religious devotion, that the affairs of this present life might not hinder her zealous meditations of the future, in desire whereof, She becomes a Nun, and is elected Abbess of Ely. she abandoned her Regency, and built a house of devotion in the I'll of Shepey, wherein herself become a Vowesse, and afterward was elected the Abbess of Elie. ESkwin after the departure of Queen Segburg, succeeded An. Do. 675. in the kingdom of the Westsaxons. He was the son of Kensy, the son of Kenfrid, the son of Cuthgils, the son of Chelwolfe, the son of Cherdik, Eskwin his reign not long. Henr. Huntingdon. His battle with Wulfere. the first King of that Province: his reign lasted but two years, in which time he fought a great Battle with Wulfere King of the Mercians, at the place then called Bidanheaford, and wherein many of the He died without issue. Saxons on both sides perished, leaving neither issue to succeed him, nor other matters to be spoken of him, though (as it seemeth) he had dispossessed Kenwin, who had more right to the Crown then himself; or (as Beda and Malmesbury aver) he reigned with him the space of two years, and Kenwin alone for seven years more. KEnwin the brother of Kenwald, and son to King An. Do. 677. Kenwin, when he began to reign. Kingils, in the year 677. become the ninth King of the Westsaxons, and reigned the space of nine years. He was a great scourge unto the weak and A great scourge to the overborne Britain over-borne Britain's, making Conquests of their possessions, and forcing them even to the Sea-shoare, being a people allotted unto misery, and by these strangers pursued so vehemently, that lastly they were driven into the West-Angle of this Island, and their lives defended and maintained among those waste Mountains and hard Rocks, which therein were more propitious and gentle than the stony hearts of their Oppressors. CEadwalla a valiant young man, and of the blood-royal An. Do. 686. Beda hist. Eccles. Angl. lib. 4. ca 15. of the Genisses, saith Beda, being banished from his Country through the envy of others, who maligned him only for his virtues and worthiness, succeeded Kenwin his kinsman in the kingdom of Ceadwall reigned with greater glory than any other. the Westsaxons, and with greater glory reigned then any other in that Province before him had done. He was the Son of Kenbert, whose Father was Ched, the second Son of Cuth; and Cuth was the third Son of Kenrik, who was the eldest Son of Cherdik, that His descent. laid the first stone of this kingdoms foundation. His first brunt of fury was against Edilwach, King of the His wars against the South-Saxons. South-Saxons, whom in field he slew: and in another battle Berthun, that had made himself King of that State. The I'll of Wight also he almost quite wasted: and though he were unbaptized, yet did he bind himself His vow to God. by vow to give the fourth part of the spoil unto God's use, and performed it accordingly unto Bishop The last of the Saxons that were converted to Christ. Wilfrid, who with Bernewine and Hildila converted the people from their Idolatrous superstition, unto the true service of Christ, it being the last part of the Saxons possessions that was turned from their Pagan manners. Of which his specious devotion, Malmesburie giveth this censure: although we praise An unpleasing sacrifice to God. his affection, (saith h●e) yet allow we not the example; for it is written, that who so offereth unto God the goods of the poor, doth as it were sacrifice the son in the sight of the His great bloodshed in Kent. Father. Kent also with grievous wars he twice afflicted, and therein spilled so much Christian blood, that nature herself was therein offended, and he at last His repentance. as much lamented: in repentance whereof, after he had reigned in great stoutness the space of two years, in a zealous devotion went to Rome, where of Pope His baptizing. Sergius he was baptised upon Easter Even (saith Beda, the year of our Redemption 689.) by the name of Peter, and wearing as yet the white Robes of innocency, put (as the rite than was) upon him at his laver of Baptism, fell sick, and the twentieth day of His death. April following died, having had neither wife nor child that we read of. He was buried in Saint Peter's His burial. Church in Rome, under a fair Monument, with this inscription thereon engraven: here Cedwall, otherwise Beda hist. Eccles. Angl. lib. 5. ca 7. named Peter, King of the Westsaxons, is buried, who died the twentieth of April, in the second Indiction, and lived thirty years or thereabouts, when that noble and mighty Prince justinian was Emperor of Rome, and had reigned four years in the Empire, and Sergius a true pattern of the Apostles, had sat two years in Peter Seat. What hath been written of this Ceadwall, King of The history of Ceadwall attributed ●o Cadwallader by Geffrey. the Westsaxons, by Beda the Saxon and his followers, hath been attributed to Cadwallader King of the Britain's, by Geffrey of Monmouth the Britain, john Castor, and Moore, affirming him to be the same man, and that upon the admonition of an Angel he went to Rome, took penance of Pope Sergius, there died in the twelfth Kalends of May, and was there buried with Book of S. Alban, part. 5. cap. 61. D. Powel History Camb. pag. 9 the same Epitaph, and after the same manner. But the Writer of the History of Cambria, of Cadwaladers going to Rome, and the other appendances, seemeth to be doubtful, and saith that it differed from the assertion of Bernardus Guidonius, the nearness of the names being the very cause of the like relations, and confidently affirmeth that it was edwal the son of Cadwallader, who in such devotion went to Rome, and there made such a religious end, about the year of our Lord 720. In, whom Beda calls Huu, others Ina (the son of Kenred, the son of Cuth, the son of Cuthwin, the An. Do. 688. Floren. Wigorn. Jne his descent. son of Chelwin the third King of the Westsaxons, the son of Kenrik the second, and he the son of Cherdik the first King in that Province) after Ceadwals' departure to Rome, took upon him the government of that Kingdom, which he managed with continual Victories the term of thirty eight years. His first attempts were against the Kentish-Saxons, in Ine his first wars. revenge of his cozen Molloes' death, whose wrath Withered pacified by the payment of thirty thousand Marks, saith William of Malmesbury. In the year of Wil Malmsbury. Grace seven hundred and eight, and twenty one of his own reign (as Matthew of Westminster hath observed) Matth. Westminst. His battle with the Britain's. he fought with the Britaines under their Captain Gerent, whom he victoriously subdued: and in his twenty sixth year, against Cheolred King of Mercia, with doubtful victory, at the place then called Wodenesbury: and in his thirty sixth, invaded the South-Saxons His conquest of the South-Saxons. with such success, that he reduced the same Kingdom into a Province, and annexed it in subjection to the Westsaxons: and manifesting his good desires both to the administration of justice, and the advancement His love of justice. of Divine Piety, he ordained many good Laws for the amendment of manners in his people, which are yet extant written in the Saxon Tongue, and translated into Latin by the learned M. William Lambert. His zeal to piety. He built at Wells a College dedicated unto God, and bearing the name of S. Andrew's: which afterwards Kenulph, King of the Westsaxons made an Episcopal Sea. The renowned Abbey of Glastenburie most stately he built to the honour of Christ, Peter and Paul (whereof Malmesburie maketh mention in his book of Glastenburies' Antiquities) in a fenny place sequestered from the road way, where formerly had stood the old Cell of joseph of Aremathea, and that being decayed Devy Bishop of S. David's had thereon erected a new; which time also having ruinated, twelve men well affected in the North parts of Britain had repaired, but now by this Ina was quite pulled down, and after a most sumptuous manner new built; the Chapel whereof he garnished with gold and silver, and gave rich ornaments thereto; as Altar, Chalice, Censor, Candlesticks, Basin and holy water, Bucket, Images, and Pale for the Altar, of an incredible value: for the gold thereupon bestowed, amounted to three hundred thirty three pound weight, and the silver to two thousand eight hundred thirty five pound, beside precious Gems▪ embrouched in the Celebrating Vestures. He instituted also a certain yearly payment to the See of Rome, enjoining every one of his subjects that possessed in his house of one kind of goods to the value of twenty pence, that he should pay a penny to the Pope yearly upon Lammas day: which at first was contributed under the name of The King's Alms, but afterwards was called and challenged by the name of Peter-pences. At length, by the instigation and earnest persuasion of Ethelburga his Queen, he renounced the glittering glory of his present and princely His last estate wherein he died. estate, wherein he had in great prosperity reigned thirty seven years and odd months; and professing a voluntary poverty, (so great was the zeal, and so little the knowledge of that age) went to Rome, where in the habit of a Religious Man he ended his life in poor estate; and Ethelburga his wife become a veiled Nun, and was made Abbess of Barking near London, wherein she ended her life. The brethren of this Inas, were Kenten, whose son was Aldelme Abbot of Malmesbury and Bishop of Sherborne, and Ingils that was the progenitor of Egbert the first Saxon Monarch of the whole Island: and his sister Cuthburga, married His Wife. into Northumberland, sued a divorce against Osrick her King and husband, and in the habit of a Nun ended An. Do. 726. REX AEÐELVEARD SIL. EAD 〈…〉 ✚ Matt. Westminst. Ethelard terrified by the appearing of two blazing stars. The continuance of his reign. her days at Winburne in the County of Dorset. EThelard the kinsman of King Ina (whom he ordained his successor at his departure to Rome) was the son of Oswald, and he of Ethelbald the son of Kenbald, the brother of Cuth, and both of them the sons of Cuthwin, the son of Cheaulin, the son of King Kenrik, the son of Cherdik, the first West-Saxon King. He began his reign the same year that King Edbert did his over the Kingdom of Kent, and with him was terrified by the dreadful appearance of two Blazing Stars: of whose Acts, no other mention is recorded, saving that at his entrance into regal estate, Oswald a Norman of the Westsaxons blood, emulated his glory, and troubled the quiet peace of his prosperous beginning: but not able to win fortune to favour his proceed, he quite abandoned his native Country, and so left Ethelard to rule the Kingdom in peace, who therein quietly reigned the space of fourteen years, without any mention of wife or issue. CVthred, cozen to King Ethelard, succeeded him in An. Do. 740. CU·Ð·R·E·D REX 3 SIL. ●●●●● Hen. Hunting. his Dominions, and was much disquieted by Edilbald King of Mercia, both by open war and privy practices: but these two Kings coming to a conclusion of peace, joined both their Powers against the over-borne Britain's, and in a bloody battle gave them a great overthrow. In this time, saith Beda, the bodies of the dead were permitted to be buried within the walls of their Cities, which thing before was not lawful, but their corpse were interred without in the Fields; many of whose Tombs as yet are witnesses to us, that daily find them in the digging of the grounds adjoining, and reserve them for sight, or other necessary use. The peace of this King was molested by his own Adelme a rebel. subject, an Earl named Adelme, who boldly encountered his Sovereign in Battle, and fought it out even Vanquished by Cuthred. to the point of victory; but failing thereof, and forced to fly, his life was pardoned. And he made General against the Mercian Edilbald, Cuthreds ancient foe, wherein by his valiant prowess, with the flight and Restored again to favour. discomfiture of the Enemy, he made a worthy amendss for guerdon of his life, and was ever after held Cuthred his reign & death. in great favour and honour. This King reigned in great fame and victories the space of fourteen years, Matt. West. Kenrik his son. and died in the year of our Lord's Passion 753. He had issue one only son, whose name was Kenrik, a valiant young Prince, who in the ninth year of his Father's reign was seditiously slain in his Army, for bearing himself (as it may seem) overrigorous towards the Soldiers. SIgebert obtaining the Principality of the Westsaxons, reigned therein no long time, and that without An. Do. 754. Sigebert, his reign without honour. Wil Malmsbury. Given to viciousness. all honour or fame. His parentage is obscure and unknown, but his vices are made apparent and manifest; for he wallowing in all sensual pleasures, added exactions and cruelties upon his Subjects, setting aside all laws and rules of true piety: from which vicious life, when he was lovingly admonished by his most faithful Counsellor a worthy Earl called Cumbra, so far was his mind from abandoning his impious courses, as that he caused this Noble parsonage to be cruelly slain; whereupon the rest of the Peers seeing their State and lives were every day in danger, and the common subjects, whose Laws were thus violated, His subjects rise against him. being incensed into fury, they rebelliously rose up in Arms against him, and would acknowledge him no longer their Sovereign. Sigebert, by nature as fearful as he was audacious unto vice, fled into the woods as his only safeguard, where like a forlorn person he wandered in the day, and in caves and dens lodged in the night, till lastly he was met with by a Swineherd that was servant to Cumbra, and of him known to be Sigebert, was presently slain in revenge of his master's death, in the wood that was then His death. called Andreads Walled, when he had reigned not fully His reign. two years. KEnwulfe, sprung from the blood-royal of the West Saxons, after the death of wicked Sigebert was An. Do. 755. Kenwulfe his descent. Hen. Hunting. His victories against the Britain's. made King of that Province; and appeasing some tumults that were stirred for Sigebert, obtained many victories against the overmastred Britain's: but had not the like success against Offa King of the Mercians, who at Bensington gave him a great overthrow. He founded the Cathedral Church of S. Andrew's He founded a Cathedral Church. at Wells, which afterwards was an Episcopal See, and in great honour reigned for the space of twenty four years; but then Fortune turning her face away from him, the rest of his reign did not suit to that which was spent: for he giving himself to pleasure and security, banished Kineard, the brother of his Predecessor Sigebert; who dissembling his wrong, gave place unto time, and occasion being offered, made his use thereof. For Kenwulfe coming to Merton, to visit his He is slain. Buried at Winchester. Simon Dun. Paramour, was there set upon and slain; and his body conveyed and buried at Winchester, after he had reigned twenty nine years, leaving no memorial either of Wife or Children. BRithic, lineally descended from Cherdik the first An. Do. 784. ✚ BEORMIR●CRE● ● SIL. ✚ E▪ E. L. H. E▪ ●▪ R▪ ●. Hen. Hunting. Matth. West. Simon Dun. Ran. C●st. lib. 5. cap. 25. King of the Westsaxons, a man of a soft and quiet disposition, succeeded Kenwulfe in that Principality, in the year of Christ's Incarnation 784. He married Ethelburga, the daughter of great Offa the Mercian King, by whose power he expelled Egbert that ruled a Lordship in his Province under him, whose fame increasing through his feats of wars, drove many jealousies into King Brithrics head, and the more by the instigation of Ethelburga his Queen, who bearing herself great, because of her parentage, practised the downfall and destruction of them whom she hated, and by her suggestions this Egbert was banished on suspicion of conspiracy. It afterward chanced, that she preparing poison to make an end of one of the King's Minions, wrought thereby (though unwittingly) the King's death: for he by tasting the confection, His reign and death. ended his life, after he had reigned the space of sixteen years. Wherein, she fearing the just revenge of his subjects, fled into France, & by Charles then King, was so courteously entertained, as that for her great beauty there was offered her the choice of him or his son. But she in her youthful and lustful humour, His Wife. choosing the son, was debarred from both, and thrust into a Monastery, in the habit (not the affection of a Nun) where not long after she▪ abused her body by committing of adultery, and was shortly expelled, Roger Hoveden. and in beggarly misery ended her life, as by many that so saw her, we have heard it reported, saith Asserius mine Author. For this her most heinous crime, whereby was procured the murder of her Husband, the Westsaxons ordained a Law, to the great prejudice A Law against the Saxon Queens. of all their Queen's succeeding; that none of them should have either title, majestic, or place of royalty; which was severely executed for many years after. Asser. In the days of this Brithrik, many prodigies appeared, Will. Malmesb. The prodigies that happened in this King's time. and more perhaps then will be believed. For it is reported, that in his third year a shower of blood reigned from heaven, and bloody crosses fell upon men's garments as they walked abroad. And in his tenth year were seen fiery Dragons flying in the air. Which wonders, some took to be presages of Matth. Westm. Henr. Hunt. The Pagan Danes invade this Island in this King's time. the miseries following, both by the Invasions of the Pagan Danes, that in these times were first seen to arrive in this Island, and the extreme Famine that afterwards happened: howsoever, sure it is that the Heptarchy now began to set in the West, and the rising Monarchy to appear in King Egbert, whose acts and issue shall be further rehearsed, when we shall come to the time of his succession among the English Monarches. THE EAST-SAXONS KINGDOM, THE CIRCVIT, SUCCESSIONS OF THEIR KINGS, THEIR ISSVES, AND KINGDOMS CONTINVANCE. CHAPTER VIII. The site of this Kingdom. THe site of the East-Saxons Kingdom, was the Country of Essex, Middlesex, and part of Hartfordshire, and the Circuit so far as the Diocese of London now extendeth. It was bounded on the East with the Ocean; on the South with the Thames; on the The descent of these Kings. West with the Colne; and on the North with the River Stowre. The Kings thereof claim their descent from An. Do. 527. Prince wooden, not as all the rest of the Saxon Kings, but only by a collateral line; and Erchenwine become the first King, which nevertheless he held as feodary to Malmesb. de Gest. Angl. cap. 6. the Kings of Kent. For which cause, it seemeth that Malmsbury mentioneth him not in the Catalogue of those Kings, but maketh his son Sledda the first, and tenth in descent from wooden. Erchenwine the first King of the East-Saxons. ERchenwine, is said to be the Son of Offa, the son of Bedca, the son of Sigefuget, the son of Sneppa, the son of Awpig, the son of Supig, the His descent. son of Seaxnod, from whom all these Kings fetch their original: His Kingdom began about the year of grace 527. and in the fifteenth of Eske the second King of Kent; and his reign long, but yet without His death. any memorable acts; dying in the year 586. and leaving his son to succeed in his place. SLedda the son of Erchenwine, succeeding in the An. Do. 587. Sledda the second King. His marriage. East-Saxons Kingdom, reigned peaceably without mention of any wars; for having married Ricula the daughter of Imerik King of Kent, was thereby the more favoured of them, and feared of others; and nothing left (besides his quiet reign) to be recorded to posterities; neither are many years of successions numbered, but as they are gathered from the Computations of other princes, with whom they either lived, or were linked in action. This Sledda died about His death. the year of our Redemption 596. and left issue by his wife Queen Ricula, Sebert, who succeeded him in the Kingdom, and Segebald his brother whose Sons His issue. afterward were Kings of that Province. SEbert the son of Sledda and of Queen Ricula, began his Reign in the year of Christ's Incarnation An. Do. 596. Sebert the time when he began to reign. 596. and in the thirty six year of the reign of King Ethelbert of Kent, his mother's brother, at that time Monarch of the Englishmen; who in Seberts' chief city London, a Princely Mart Town, (saith Beda) of many Beda Hist. Eccles. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 3. people arriving thither both by sea and land; new built a Church, making it the Cathedral of Bishop Miletus, and so wrought with King Sebert, that he converted him to Christianity; and assisted him in that Sebert converted to Christianity by Ethelbert. Foundation, where formerly (say some) had stood the Temple of Diana. This Church these new Converts and Saxon Kings, either new reared or enlarged for the honour and service of God, and dedicated under the name of Saint Paul: which work Ethelbert further S. Paul's Church built. confirmed with sufficient maintenance, as by this his Charter is seen, containing these words: Aethelbert Rex, Deo inspirant, pro animae suae remedio, dedit Episcopo Mileto terram quae appellatur Tillingham, ad Monasterium sive Solatium scilicet S. Pauli. Et ego Rex Aethelbert it a firmiter concedo tibi Praesuli Mileto potestatem eius habendi & possidendi, ut in perpetuum in Monasterij utilitate permaneat, etc. And that this was the Temple of Diana, some have further confirmed unto us by the incredible number of Ox-heads there digged up in S. Paul's Church aforetime the Temple of Diana. S. Peter's Church in Cornhill built: afore time the Temple of Apollo. Sulcardus. the days of King Edward the First, when the east-end of that Church was enlarged; which were supposed to be of those Beasts that were there sacrificed to this Goddess Diana. These Kings likewise founded the Church of S. Peter in the West of London, at a place called Thornye, where sometimes stood the Temple of Apollo, as Sulcardus affirmeth; which being overthrown by an Earthquake, King Lucius new built for the celebration of God's service; and that again being decayed, those Kings restored it to a greater beauty, where Sebert, after thirteen years reign, Stowe. (as some writ) with Aethelgoda his Queen were buried: whose bodies in the days of Richard the Second Th●. Walsingham. (saith Walsingh.) were translated from the old Church to the new, and there interred. He had issue by the said Queen, Sered, Seward, and Sigebert, whose lives and deaths were as followeth. SEred, Seward, and Sigbert, the sons of King Sebert, Three Kings jointly sway the Kingdom. Enemies to Christianity. Beda hist. eccles. Ang. lib. 2. cap. 5. They are put from che Communion. Miletus fled into France. reigned as it seemeth, together in the Kingdom of the East-Saxons; all three wicked irreligious men, and deadly enemies to the Christian Profession. These contumeliously presuming to the Lords Table, and holy Sacrament of his Body and Blood, were prohibited by Bishop Miletus, because they were Idolaters and unbaptized: which repulse they took so offensively, that they expulsed Miletus, who thereupon fled into France. But their impiety was not long unrewarded: for fight against Kingils, and Qinchelinus his son, (Kings Rand. Cest. The three Kings slain. of the Westsaxons) were by them overcome, and in battle slain about the year of Grace 623. as by the learned Sir Henry Savile is calculated, whose account for these times I altogether follow. SIgebert the little, the son of Seward, the second An. Do. 623. Segebert the Little. Matth. Westminst. The time when he began to reign. His successor. son of King Sebert, entered his reign over the kingdom of the East-Saxons, the year of Christ 623. of whose affairs, little matter is left for us to relate, saving that he having both a Brother and a Son, yet his Kingdom was succeeded by neither, but by one Sigibert, his Cosen-German once removed. SIgibert, the son of Segebald, the brother of Sebert, Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 22. Sigebert his descent. He restored the Christian faith. the son of King Sledda, and of Ricula his Queen, succeeded his kinsman in the Kingdom of the East-Saxons. This Sigibert reduced again his Province unto the embracing of the Christian Faith, being daily instigated thereunto by Oswie King of Northumberland, He was baptised by Bishop Finnan. and received Baptism himself at the hands of Bishop Finnan, and at the place called The Wall, procured virtuous Cedda to be his assister for the plantation Ralph Cogshall. His death. of the Gospel in his Kingdom. He was murdered by two of his kinsmen, who, as Beda saith, were Brethren, no other cause moving them, but his overmuch His reign. lenity and clemency. He reigned by the foresaid account, sixteen years, leaving issue a young His issue. son named Selred, that succeeded Seofrid in that Kingdom. SWithelme succeeded his brother in the Province of An. Do. 661. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 22. Swithelme baptised. the East-Saxons, nothing being mentioned of his life or reign, besides his Baptism by Bishop Cedda, and that his Godfather at the Font-stone was Edelwald King of the East-Angles. SIghere, the son of Sigebert the little, entered his An. Do. 664. When Sighere began to reign. reign over the Kingdom of the East-Saxons, the year of our Lord 664. and was the eighth King of that Province, in part whereof Sebba his nephew reigned, with better commendations than Sigehere at his Beda hist. l. 3. c. 30 beginning had done; for Beda reporteth, that upon a great mortality and plague, to appease the wrath of his Gods, Sighere become an Apostata, and forsook the faith of Christ, whereas Sebba continued constant with those in that Province under his jurisdiction: yet by Reclaimed by the King of Mercia. the diligent care of Wulfere King of the Mercians, Sighere and his people were reclaimed, throwing down the Temples and Altars erected to Idolatry, and opening▪ again the Christian Churches for the Saints assemblies, that so (saith he) they might rather die in hope of the Resurrection, then wallow in sin, and His Wife. live in Idolatry. His wife was Oswith the daughter of Edelfrith, King of Northumberland, whom Capgrave maketh a Saint, and Abbess of Berking near London, even in the days of her husband. SEbba, the Brother of Segebert the Little, and Son An. Do. 664. W●l. Malmsbury. of Seward, (as we have said) succeeded as sole King in the Province of the East-Saxons, and with much equity and administration of justice reigned therein Sebba his reign for thirty years. thirty years: towards the end whereof, the better to prepare his mind for contemplation, he relinquished his Princely Robes, and put on the Habit of Religious Profession in the Monastery of S. Paul's in Rad. de Diceto. London; as Radulphus de Diceto, with others affirm. Wherein this penitent King living a while in fasting His latter end▪ His death. and prayers, died the year of Christ 693. whose body was entombed in a Coffin of Gray Marble, the Cover copped, and as yet standing in the North wall of the Sebba his Coffin in Paul's. Chancel of the same Church. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 4. cap. 11. A miracle. A miracle thereof Beda reporteth, needless either then to be wrought, or now of us repeated, were it not to point at the blindness wherein even good men were then led; and thus it is: They having prepared a tomb-stone, to lay his body in, found it too short by the quantity of an hands breadth, and hewing it longer, yet would not serve: therefore they minding to bow up the knees, laid the body therein, and suddenly it lengthened of itself with more than was sufficient. But surely howsoever this tomb was then set on this Monkish tenter, it is now since shrunk again in the standing, and exceeds not in measure five His Wife. An. Do. 694. ✚ ●●CFRD●●● ● SIL. ✚ EWR●●HO foot in length. His wife (but unnamed) he likewise instigated to leave the momentany pleasures of princely State, for that which is permanent: which thing with much ado he lastly obtained, leaving her to follow him in his virtuous devotions, and his two sons to succeed him in his kingdom. SIgherd, the Son of King Sebba, whom Beda maketh a Monk with his Father, followed him also in the succession of the East-Saxons Kingdom; the time of whose entrance is set in the year of Christ's Incarnation 694. and his death in 701. no other mention being made either of Acts, Wife, or Issue. SEofrid, the Son of King Sebba, and Brother to King Sigheard, either jointly reigned with him, or Seofrid the son of King Sebba. successively after him, of whom I find nothing mentioned worthy inserting, having had neither Wife nor issue that are recorded. An. Do. 701. OFFA A. REX. 3 SIL. U. A. LL. A. ✚ L Rich Cicest. Reda hist. eccles. Angl lib. 5. c. 20. His latter end. His Wife. OFfa, the Son of Sighere, and of Queen Oswith his Wife, a man noted for his comely feature and sweet countenance, succeeded King Seofrid in the Kingdom of the East-Saxons, the year of grace 701. He both enlarged with buildings, and enriched with lands the goodly and beautiful Church of Westminster, but after he had ruled eight years, being moved with a supposed religious devotion, he abandoned Kineswith his wife (the daughter of Penda the Mercian King) his lands, kin, and Country, and with Kenred King of Mercia, and Edwine Bishop of Worcester, went to Rome, where he was shorn a Monk, and in that habit died, leaving his cozen Selred to succeed in his kingdom. His wife Kineswith after his departure, (with the like penancie) vowed herself a veiled Nun in the Abbey of Kineburg, whereof his sister was Abbess, who had been wife to Alfrith King of Northumberland. SElred, the Son of Sigebert the Good, who was murdered for his overmuch clemency, attained to the An. Do. 709. R. Grincastr. Selred the son of Sigebert the Good. Kingdom of the East-Saxons, in the year of grace 709. His reign was long, though his acts are little spoken of, either that others worther affairs filled the pens of those Story-writers, or that his time was so peaceable and unactively spent, that it ministered His reign and death. Hen. Hunting. not matter whereof to indite. He reigned 38. years, and died Anno 746. without relation either of Wife or Children. SVthred, after the slaughter of Selred, was made King of the East-Saxons, which title he retained, An. Do. 747. Suthred King of the East-Saxons. until that Egbert King of the Westsaxons, taking Arms against him, expulsed him out of that Kingdom; as also the same year he did Baldred, King of Kent, which was in the year of Christ's Incarnation 827. and made it a Province annexed unto the Westsaxons, Westsaxons stood a Kingdom 281. years. after it had stood in state of a Kingdom 281. years. THE KINGDOM OF NORTHUMBERLAND, CIRCVIT AND CONTINVANCE, WITH THE SUCCESSIONS AND ISSVES OF THOSE KINGS, UNTO THE LAST SUBVERSION THEREOF BY KING EGBERT. CHAPTER IX. Northumberland how divided at first. THis Kingdom of Northumberland consisted at first of two distinct Provinces; whereof the one was called Deira, and the other Bernicia, and were governed sometimes by their Kings severally, and sometimes under one, as success of war, or other casualties incident did afford. The royal descents of whose Kings are brought by Florentius both from the Florent. Wigorn. The pedigree of these Kings. Fourth and Fifth Sons of Prince wooden, after this manner. Ella, under whom the Kingdom of Deira began, was the son of Iffi, who was the son of Wuskfrea, the son of Wilgils, the son of Westorwalchna, the son of Seomel, the son of Suearta, the son of Saepugell, the son of Seabald, the son of Siggeot, the son of Suebdeg, the son of Siggar, the son of Weadeg, the fourth son of wooden. And the descent of Ida, the raiser of the Bernicians kingdom, is brought from Bealdeag the fifth son of wooden; for Bealdeag was father to Brand, whose sons were Beorn and Freodegar, the latter of which twain was the progenitor of Cherdik the first West-Saxon King: and his brother Beorn begat another Beorn also, and he Wegbrand the father of Ingebrand, whose son was Alusa, the father of Angengeal, and this man's son Ingengeat, the father of Aethelbright, whose son Oesa begat Eoppa the father of this Ida, the first King of Bernicia. The time when this Province become a Kingdom. Wil Malmsb. These Saxon Captains Ella and Ida, about sixty years after the death of King Hengist, changed the title of this Province from a Dukedom to a Kingdom. For Hengist having given the possession of those North parts unto Otho his Brother, and to Ebusain his son, their Successors held it, with many hostile eruptions the space of 99 years. But now the Britain's subjecteth, and no resistance made, those This Province divided into two Kingdoms. Captains divide the Province into two parts, intituling either by the name of a Kingdom; the first Deira, was possessed by Ella, which stretched from Tyne, to Deira & Bernicia. the River Humber; and the second Bernicia, enjoyed by Ida, whose Continent lay betwixt the Tyne and the Frith of Edinburgh. These together contained the Counties of Westmoreland, Cumberland, Northumberland, Yorkshire, Lancaster, and Durham, and was bounded on the West with the Irish Seas, on the North with the Wall of Severus, on the East with the Germane Ocean, and on the South with the Rivers Mersey and Humber. Ida, saith Malmsbury, reigned fourteen years: and Ella by Matthew of Westminster Jda his reign. Malmsbury. Ella his reign. Jda his issue legitimate and illegitimate. is said to succeed him for thirty years. The issue of Ida legitimate, as Huntingdon recordeth, were Adda, Bealrik, Thedrik, Ethelrik, Osmer, and Thedred; illegitimate, Oga, Ecca, Oswald, Ailrik, Sogoe, and Sogother. These (saith Matthew of Westminster) arrived at Flemisburke They arrive at Flemisburke with forty ships. Ella his issue. with forty Ships, and assisted their Father in many of his enterprises. The issue of Ella, by Florentius his record, were Acca, Wife of Ethelfrid, King of Bernicia, and mother to the most Christian Oswald, Monarch of the Englishmen, and Edwine the Monarch and first Christian King of Northumberland. Ida is said to begin his reign Anno 547. And Ella in the year Bamburge castle built by Jda and Ella. 559. No other particulars ascribed unto either, besides the building of Bamburge castle. With Ella reigned the two sons of Ida, namely Adda and Thedrik, with three others, Elappea, Theodwald, and Frethulfe, sprung from Eoppae the father of Ida, all five his substitutes over the Bernicians: but because there is no other mention of them besides their names and reigns, I will leave as I find them, and proceed to the more worthy of recital. 2. Adda reigned 7. years King of Bernicia. 3. Elappea reigned 5. years 4. Theodwald reigned 1. year 5. Frethulfe reigned 7. years 6. Theodrik reigned 7. years EThelrik the son of King Ida, having outrun his youth in pernicious obscurity, attained in his old An. Do. 589. Ethelriks' youth obscurely spent. years to the government of both the Provinces, and whole Kingdom of Northumberland, wherein his time was so spent (saith Malmesbury) that had not his son in the glass of his own worths showed the face of his father's remembrance, his acts and reign might easily have been forgotten. His issue were Ethelfrid that succeeded him, and Theobald slain in Battle against Beda hist. l. 1. c. 33. His reign and death. the Scots. He reigned five years, and died, An. 593. EThelfrid, a man very valiant, and thirsty for renown, succeeded his father in the Northumbrians Kingdom. Him Beda compares to King Saul in Israel, An. Do. 593. Beda hist. eccles. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 33. Ethelfrid very thirsty of fame. excepting only in the knowledge of God's true Religion: to whom (saith he) might be applied the saying of jacob touching Benjamin, that like a ravening Wolf he devoured his prey in the morning, and divided the spoil thereof in the evening. For he made A greater Conqueror than all the rest. greater Conquests over the daily afflicted Britain's, than all the Kings of the Angles had done; and peopling their possessions with his Saxons, held the right owners under subjection and tribute. This his prosperity, Or, Edan. Marianus. Edanaden envieth Ethelfred. Edanaden King of the Scots greatly envied, and attempting to crop it, and to plant himself upon the root of like honour, he assembled a great and strong Edanaden overthrown. Army against him, and at the place called Degsaston struck Battle with him, wherein notwithstanding he was overthrown, and his Scots discomfited, Theobald slain. yet with such loss to King Ethelfrid, that Theobald his brother, with the part of the Army whereof he was General, were all vanquished and destroyed. This battle went so sore against the Scotish Britain's, that (saith Beda) no King of that Nation durst attempt to meet the English in the Field for a long time after. And the fortune Ethelfred proud of his victory. of the day did so much augment both his fame, and also his haughty spirit, that presently he reenforced his power against the Britain's, that were at * West▪ chester. Cairlegion, where of them he made a most lamentable slaughter, and that not only of the Soldiers prepared for fight, but also of those religious and harmless Monks, there assembled for prayer. The description of Bangor Monastery. These Monks were of the Monastery of Bangor in North-wales, famous for antiquity, form of discipline and spacious circuit. It was situated in the fruitful valley now called the English Mailor; and upon the Banks of the River Dee, where it extended itself as in the circuit of a walled City, containing within it the quantity of a mile and a half of ground: two of whose Gates may at this day easily be discerned, the one of them called Port Hogen, lying by North; and the other Port Clais, situate on the South; the River Dee having now changed his Channel, runneth thorough the midst betwixt both the Gates, which stand asunder five hundred paces. This Monastery, Bernardus Clarivalentius. Bangor Monastery the first in the world. Beda hist. eccles. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 2. Her Monks divided into seven portions. Lived by the labour of their hands. Their prayer and fasting. Ethelfrid inquireth the cause of their praying. saith Clarivalentius, was the Mother of all others in the World; who in memory of the * Seven Churches of Asia, did distribute into seven portions their Monks, every one numbering three hundred souls, and all of them (as Beda saith) living by the labour of their own hands. Many of these assembling at Cairlegion, to assist their Brethren Britain's with their supplications unto God against this Ethelfrid, surnamed the Wild, and his fierce Soldiers the Infidel Saxons; with three days fasts spent their time in continual prayers. But King Ethelfrid beholding their manner, demanded the cause; and understanding that they called for assistance of their God against him and his Army, set first upon their Guarder Brockmal, a man of Arms, who He slayeth a great number. to save his own life, left all theirs to the sword, wherein perished one thousand and two hundred Christian Monks, besides the discomfiture of the Britain's Host. Many of these were interred in their own Monasteries, whose bodies, saith Leyland, have been found in the memory of man, in the rotten weeds Ethelfrid in fear of Edwine. wherein they were slain. But as his fame increased daily abroad, so were his fears augmented continually at home. For Edwine the son of Ella, and third King of Deira, a gallant young Prince, and newly seated in his Father's Kingdom, wrought many suspicions in Ethelfrids' head; and though he was brother to his Wife Acca, yet the nearness of that alliance, no whit diminished his jealous conceits, whom therefore by privy conspiracies and apparent pursuits he so Edwine forced into exile. daily molested, that he was forced to save his life by avoiding the Country, and tossed in exile from place Succoured by Redwald. to place, was lastly received and succoured by Redwald, King of the East-Angles, who in his quarrel forthwith assembled his forces, and meeting Ethelfrid in Henry Hunt. Ethelfrid slain. His reign. Florentius. His issue. Joh. Capgrave. the field, slew him near the River Idle, after he had reigned twenty three years, in the year of Christ his Incarnation 617. He had issue by his Wife Acca, (the daughter of Ella) Eanfrith King of Bernicia, Oslafe, and Oswald King of Northumberland, Oslake, and Offa, with two Daughters canonised for Saints, Oswith and Ebba the Nun; as also by his Concubine, Oswy, the tenth Monarch of the Englishmen. EDwine thus raised by the help of King Redwald, An. Do. 617. Beda hist. Eccles. Ang. lib. 2. cap. 12. The story of Edwines' banishment. returned to his Country, and was of the Inhabitants made King of Northumberland, and afterward Monarch of the Englishmen; as in their succession shall be declared. Beda (somewhat too much addicted to fabulous miracles) of him reporteth this story: That whilst he lay banished in King Redwalds' Court, Ethelfrid instigated his receiver, by promises to take away his life; or if he refused, threatened him wars: His life e in danger. for fear whereof, Redwald, partly inclining to this wicked purpose, revealed the same to the Queen his wife; which a friend of Edwins hearing, told him of his danger, and wished him to fly. Edwine thus perplexed, Edwine in doubt what to do. with troubled thoughts in the dead of the night, sat solitary under a tree in dumps, musing what was best to be done; to suspect and fly from Redwald, that had honoured him so much, he held it a wrong; and to think himself safe in other Provinces against so powerful pursuers, he thought it was vain. Thus distracted One unknown came to him, demanding the cause of his sorrow. in casting what way might be safest, suddenly approached a man unto him, utterly unknown, who after salutation, demanded the cause why he sat at so unseasonable a time, in so uncouth a place, and pensive manner? Edwine thinking him to be his Edwine his answer. deathsman, resolutely answered; It nothing concerned him at all, either to ask, or to know his estate. The man showeth him his grief untold him. O Edwine (said he) think not but that I know thy sorrow, and the cause of thy sitting thus upon that stone; thy death is pretended, and even at hand: but what wouldst thou give to rid thee of that danger, and to make King Redwald thy assured preserver? Any thing, quoth Edwine, which is in my power. But He demandeth what he would give to be ●ased. what shall be his reward (said the other) that shall set thee upon the throne of thy Kingdom, and that with such glory, as none of thy Progenitors ever attained unto? I would be thankful to that man, said Edwine his answer. Edwine, in all things, and at all times, as reason required, and of right I aught. But tell me Edwine, said he, He promiseth to show him how to save his soul. what if the same man show thee a more safe way to preserve the life of thy soul, then either thou at this present knowest, or any of thy Parents ever heard of; wilt thou consent and embrace his counsel? Yea, said Edwine, God forbidden that I should not be ruled by him, that thus should free me from this present danger, set me upon the throne of a Kingdom, and after these great favours, should also teach me the way to an eternal life. Upon this answer, laying his right hand on Edwines' head, he said unto him; When these things shall in order come to pass, then call to mind this time, and what thou hast promised, and so vanished He suddenly vanisheth away. from his presence. The young Prince thus left betwixt hope and despair, his friend that had forewarned Edwines' friend bringeth him good news. him of his death, came hastily to him with a more cheerful countenance, Come in Edwine (quoth he) and surcease thy cares, for the Queen hath not only changed Redwalds mind to save thy life, but he also hath granted to maintain thy right against Ethelfrid thine enemy. Which shortly he did, and slew him, as we have said. His wife a chaste Christian Lady. Edwine thus placed upon the Princely Throne, his first Wife Queenburg being dead in his exile, received in marriage Ethelburga, surnamed Tace, (a fit name for a woman) the Daughter of King Ethelbert, and Sister to Edbald King of Kent, a most chaste and virtuous Christian Lady, whose teacher was Paulinus, and both of them God's instruments for the Conversion of the Northumbrians to the embracement of Christian Religion. But because we shall have occasion to speak of this Edwine as he was Monarch of the Englishmen, we will reserve his Acts, Issues, and Reign, to be further related in the course of his Succession. He was slain in battle against Cadwall King of the Britain's His death. and Penda King of the Mercians, when he had prosperously reigned seventeen years, the twelfth of His reign. October, Anno 633. and was buried in Saint Peter's His place of burial. Church at Streanshall, after called Whitby. Upon whose death, the Kingdom of Northumberland was again divided. OSricke the Son of Alfrid (Edwines' Uncle) succeeding in the Province of Deira, and Eanfrith An. Do. 633. Osrike King of Deira. the Son of Ethelfrid the Wild, in the Province of the Bernicians; these, with the rest of Ethelfrids' Children, Eaufrith King of the Bernicians. for the continuance of Edwins Reign, had in banishment been preserved among the Scots and Red-shanks, and there had received the Sacrament of Baptism: but after the death of their Enemy, these They renounce the profession of Christ. Beda hist. eccles. Angl. lib▪ 3 cap. 1. C●dwald God's instrument to punish them. Princes returned to their own Country, and former superstitions, renouncing again the profession of Christ. Yet this their Apostasy (saith Beda) remained not long unpunished: For Cadwallader King of the Britain's, with wicked force, but with worthy vengeance, slew them both the next Summer ensuing. Osrike unprepared, and his whole Army penned in the Suburbs of their own City, he miserably slew; and possessing the Province of the Northumbrians, not as a King or Conqueror, but rather like an outrageous Tyrant, destroyed and rend in tragical manner, all things before him. Eanfrith unadvisedly with twelve chosen persons coming to * Cedwall. Cadwallader to entreat upon peace, were cruelly put to death. This year (saith he) continueth unhappy and hateful even unto this day, as well The British Kings tyranny. for the Apostasy of these English Kings, as also for the Britain Kings furious tyranny. Wherefore the Historiographers of that time have thought it best, that the memory of these Apostate Kings being utterly forgotten, the selfsame year should be assigned to the Reign of the next following King, Oswald, a man dearly beloved of God. OSwald, the son of Wild Ethelfrid, and brother to An. Do. 634. Oswald. King Eanfrith, began his reign over the Northumbrians Anno 634. having first embraced Christianity, and received Baptism in Scotland, wherein he was secured all the reign of King Edwin, and had withal learned some experience in war. He coming unlooked for with a small Army, but fenced His conquest of the Britain's. (saith Beda) with the Faith of Christ, obtained against Cedwald King of the Britaines a great victory: the Oswald the ninth from Hengist. manner whereof, with his other acts achieved, we will further declare in his succession among the monarch of the Englishmen, whereof he was the ninth from Hengist. Hector Boet. His care of his people for religion. His death. He sent for Aidan, a Scotish Divine, to teach his people the Doctrine of Christ, enlarged his Kingdom, and reconciled the Deirians and Bernicians, who were at mortal enmity. He was slain, and cruelly rend in pieces by the unmerciful Pagan Penda the Mercian, Reign. at Oswaldstree in Shrop-shire, quinto Augusti▪ the year of our Lord 642. when he had reigned nine years, Burial. Wife. and was buried at Bradney in Lincolne-shire. His wife was Kineburg, the daughter of Kingils' King of the Westsaxons; Issue. and his son Ethelwald, young at his death, and therefore defeated of his Kingdom by Oswy his Uncle, the Natural Son of King Ethelfrid the Wild. Notwithstanding when Oswin King of Deira was murdered by this Oswy of Bernicia, and he not passed sixteen years of age, entered by force upon Deira, and kept the same Province by strong hand so long as he lived; and dying, left it to his cozen Alkfrid, the Natural Son of the said King Oswy. OSwy the illegitimate son of Ethelfrid the Wild, An. Do. 643. Oswy the illegitimate of Ethelfrid. at thirty years of age succeeded King Oswald his brother in the Kingdom of the Bernicians; at whose entrance, Oswyne the son of Osrik, that had denied Beda hist. Eccles. lib. 3. cap. 1. the Faith, and was slain of King Cedwall, reigned in Deira. This oswin was slain by King Oswye: after whose death, seizing all Northumberland, he spread his The tenth Monarch of the Englishmen. terror further into other parts, and was the tenth Monarch of the Englishmen, as in his succession we will His wife. Issue. Death. Beda lib. 4. ca 5. further speak. His wife was Eanfled, daughter to Edwine King of Northumberland, by whom he had many children. His reign was 28. years, and death the fifteenth day of February, in the year of grace 670. and of his age 58. EGfrid, the eldest son of King Oswy by Queen An. Do. 671. Beda hist. lib. 3. cap. 24. Egfrid. Eanfled, had been Hostage in the Kingdom of Mercia, and after his father was made King of Northumberland, in the year of Christ 671. He warred, but with great loss, against Edilred King of Mercia, near unto the River of Trent, wherein his younger brother Elswyne was unfortunately slain, to the great Beda hist. l. 4. c. 21. grief of both the Kings, the one being his own brother, and the other his brother in law by marriage: whereupon a peace and reconciliation was made. But Egfred being by nature of a disquiet disposition, invaded the Irish, and destroyed those harmless and silly Beda hist. Angl. lib. 4. cap. 26. people, which (as Beda saith) had been great friends to the English. Their resistance consisted chief in curses and imprecations for revenge, which though they could not open heaven, yet (saith he) it is to be believed, that for their cause he was cut off the next year ensuing by the Picts or Redshanks, against whom he prepared, contrary to the advice of his Counsel, and by them was slain among the straight and waste mountains, 20. Maij His death. the year of man's felicity 685. and of his age forty, Reign. after he had reigned fifteen years. His wife was Etheldred the daughter of Anna King of the East-Angles: Wife, who was both a Widow and a Virgin. she was both Widow and Virgin; first married to Tonbert a Noble man that ruled the Giruij, a people Beda hist. l. 4 c. ●9. inhabiting the Fenny Countries of Norfolk, Lincoln, Huntingdon, and Cambridge-shires; and after him also in virginity continued twelve years with her husband King Egfrid, contrary to his mind, and the Apostles precept, that forbiddeth such defrauding either in 1. Cor. 7. 5. man or woman, except it be with consent for a time, and to the preparation of prayer; affirming elsewhere, that Marriage Heb. 13. 4. is honourable, and the bed thereof undefiled, wherein the woman doth redeem her transgression, through 1. Tim. 2. 15. faith, love, holiness, and modesty, by bearing of children. This notwithstanding, she obtained licence to departed his Court, and got her to Coldingham Abbey, where she was professed a Nun under Ebba the daughter of King Ethelfrid. Then went she to Ely, and new built a Monastery, whereof she was made Abbess, and wherein with great reverence she was entombed: whose virtues and remembrance remained to posterities by the name of S. Audrie, she being Canonised for a Saint. canonised among the Catalogue of English Saints. ALkfryd, the illegitimate son of King Oswy, in the reign of his half-brother King Egfrid, whether An. Do. 686. Alkfrid. willingly, or by violence constrained, lived like a banished man in Ireland, where applying himself to Matth. Westminst. A great Philosopher. study, he become an excellent Philosopher, and (as Beda saith) was very conversant and learned in the Holy Scriptures, and therefore was made King over the Northumbrians: where with great wisdom, though Beda 4. 26. not with so large bounds as others had enjoyed, he worthily did recover the decayed estate of that Province, ruling the same twenty years and odd months, His reign. Wife. Issue. Beda hist. l. 3. c. 21. and departed this life, Anno 705. His Wife was Kenburg, the daughter of Penda King of the Mercians, and by her he had issue only one son, that succeeded him in his Kingdom. OSred, a child of eight years in age, for the hopes conceived from the virtues of his father, was An. Do. 705. Osred. Beda hist. l. 5. c. 19 Will. Malmes. made King over the Northumbrians; whose steps he no ways trod in, but rather in filthy abuse of his person and place, wallowed in all voluptuous pleasures and sensual delight, violating the bodies of veiled His wickedness. Nuns, and other religious holy women▪ wherein when he had spent eleven years more to his age, his kinsmen Kenred and Osrick conspired against him, and Reign. in battle by his slaughter made an end of his impious life. His wife was Cuthburga, the sister of Inas King Wife, who become a Nun. of the Westsaxons, as by the time may be gathered, from the computation of Marianus, and the Annals Marianus Scotus. of the English-Saxons; who upon a loathing weariness of wedlock, sued out a divorce from her husband, and built a Nunnery at Winburne in Dorsetshire, where in a religious habit she ended her life, and he by Kenred and Osric, leaving his Kingdom to them that wrought his death. KEnred, the son of Cuthwyne, whose father was Leolwald the son of Egwald, and his father An. Do. 716. Kenred. Adelm, the son of Oga, the natural son of Ida, the first King of Deira, after the death of Osred reigned His reign. two years, no other remembrance left of him, besides the murder of his Sovereign Lord and King. OSrick, after the death of Kenred, obtained the Kingdom of Northumberland, and reigned therein An. Do. 718. Osrick. His reign. the space of eleven years, leaving to the world his name stained with blood in the murder of young Osred, no other mention of parentage, wife, or issue of him remaining; for want whereof, he adopted Ceolnulph, His adopted son. His death. brother to his predecessor Kenred, and died unlamented the year of Grace seven hundred twenty nine. CEolnulph, the brother of Kenred, after the death of An. Do. 729. Ceolnulph. King Osrike, was made King of the Northumbrians; which Province he governed with great peace and His reign. victory the space of eight years: but then forsaking the Royal Estate and Robes of Majesty, put on the A Monk. habit of a Monk in the I'll of Lindesferne or Holy Island. Gladsome times. These were the days (saith Beda) wherein the acceptable time of peace and quietness was embraced among the Northumbrians, who now laid their armour aside, and applied themselves to the reading of holy Scriptures, more desirous to be professed in religious houses, then to exercise feats of war, or of Arms. For not only Priests and Lay Matth. West. men vowed and performed Pilgrimages to Rome, but Kings, Queens and Bishops also did the like: so great (so blind I might say) a devotion was in their hearts, and so holy a reverence held they of the place. Unto Bedaes' book to K. Ceolnulph. this King Ceolnulph, the said Venerable Beda (a Priest in the Monastery of Peter and Paul at Werimouth near unto Durham) a great Clerk, and Writer of the English History, dedicated the same his Work, which he continued till the year seven hundred thirty one, and from the first entrance of the Saxons, containing 285. years, according to his own account. EGbert, the son of Eata, who was brother to King An. Do. 738. Egbert. Kenred, succeeded his uncle Ceolnulph in the Kingdom of Northumberland, and ruled the same with the His reign. like peace and piety, the time of twenty years; and then following his example, also forsook the world, and shore himself a Monk, as divers other Kings in Simon Dunelm. those days had done, whereof Simon Dunelmensis writeth, and noteth their number to be eight: as Inas divers Kings that become Monks. King of the Westsaxons, Ethelred and Kenred Kings of Mercia, Sigebert King of the East-Angles, Sebbi and Offa Kings of the East-Saxons, and Ceolnulph and this Egbert Kings of the Northumbrians. These forsaking the world (as they took it) left the Charge that God upon them had imposed, whose authority in earth they swayed, and wherein they might much more have advanced God's glory and Christ's Gospel, then for a more easy and private life, not warranted by Will. Malmes. his word; but rather disliked, and perhaps foreshowed Eclipses of the Sun and Moon. by those heavenly creatures the Sun and Moon, which in those days were fearfully darkened, and for a time seemed to have lost their light: for Anno 733. 18. Calend. Septemb. the Sun suffered so great an Eclipse, that the earth seemed to be over-shadowed as with sackcloth. And Anno 756. 8. Calend. Decemb. the Moon being in her full, appeared both dark and bloody; for a Star (though there be none lower than the Moon) seemed to follow her, and to deprive her of light: but passing before her, she again recovered her former brightness. This King Egbert had a brother that bore the same name, and was installed Archbishop of York, where he erected a beautiful Library (a work well befitting a Noble Prelate) and plentifully stored it with an infinite number of His issue. learned books. His son was Oswulph, that succeeded in the Kingdom. OSwulph, when his father Egbert had put off An. Do. 758. Oswulph. Simon Dunelm. Henr. Hunt. His reign. Death. the Robes of Majesty, and clad himself with a Monks cowl, ascended the Throne of Northumberland, and sat therein only one year: for before he had made attempt of any memorable act, he was traitorously murdered by his own servants at Mikilwougton, the ninth Kalends of August, leaving the Crown undisposed of until the Nones of the same month in the next year. EDilwald or Mollo was then made King of Northumberland, An. Do. 759. Edilwald or Mollo. Wil Malmes. His reign. His death. and with great valiancy defended his Subjects. Some say, that at the end of six years he resigned his government; yet others affirm his reign to be eleven years, and lastly that he was slain by Alured his Successor. ALured, the murderer of his Lord and Master, began his reign over the kingdom of Northumberland, An. Do. 765. Alured. Simon Dunelm. the year of Christ's Incarnation seven hundred sixty five, and continued the same with such dislikes, that he lastly was expelled out of the Province by his own subjects, & enforced to abandon the same. Flor. Wigor. He was the son of Tanwin, the son of Bienhom, the son of Bofa, the son of Ailrick, the natural son of Ida, the first King of Bernicia. And the sons of this Alured His issue. were Osred, afterwards King of Northumberland, and Alhnud, slain by the Danes, and canonised a Saint. An. Do. 774. Ethelred. Matth. West. EThelred, the son of Mollo, was advanced to the Regiment of Northumberland, and in the fifth year of his reign, was driven out of the same by Edelbald and Herebert, two Dukes that warred against him; who having discomfited and slain his General and soldiers in a fierce battle, so weakened the hopes of King Ethelred, that he fled his Country, and left the Kingdom in a miserable estate, through the dissensions of those ambitious Princes. ALfwald the brother of the foresaid King Alered aspiring to the Sovereignty of the Northumbrians, An. Do. 778. Alfwald. ruled the same in great justice, to his worthy commendations: notwithstanding the wickedness of his people was such, that without all guilt he was traitorously His death. murdered by the conspiracy of Siga, 23. Sept. the year of Christ's Incarnation, seven hundred eighty eight, after he had reigned eleven years, and his His reign. body buried at Hexham. His sons were Alfus and His issue. Alfwin, both slain by King Ethelred. OSred the son of King Alured, took upon him the Rule of Northumberland, the year of grace An. Do. 789. Osred. His reign. seven hundred eighty nine, and the same year finished his government thereof, being expelled by his subjects, and deprived of all kingly authority. An. Do. 794. Ethelred. EThelred the son of Mollo, revoked from exile wherein he had lived the space of twelve years, was again restored to the Crown; but he minding Will. Malmesh. Matth. West●. Henry Hunt. Simon Dun. the injuries that his Lords had formerly done him, sought the revenge by their deaths, as also to establish his Throne the surer, slew Alfus and Alfwin, the sons of Alfwald, as we have said, the right heirs to the Crown, and enticing Osred the former deposed King into his danger, commanded him to be put to death at Cunburge, the fourteenth of September, and year of Christ seven hundred ninety two. And to strengthen himself the more against all his opposities, the same year he married Lady Elfled, the second Daughter to Randul. Higden in Polychro. great Offa King of Mercia, forsaking his former Wife without any just cause given on her part. These things sat so near the hearts of his subjects, that after seven years from his second establishment, His reign. they rebelliously rose in Arms, and at Cobre miserably slew him the eighteenth day of April, the year His death. of Christ jesus 794. AFter whose death, the Northumbrians were sore molested with many intruders, or rather Tyrants, that banded for the sovereignty the space of thirty Oswald King 28. days. A●ED RE ✚ A 3 SIL. EADVINI years. The first whereof was Oswald, that held the title of King only twenty eight days, & then was forced to save his life by flight unto the King of the Picts. Next, Ardulfe a Duke, revoked from exile: then Alfwold, Eandred, Ethelred, Readulph, Osbert, and Elle, slain by the Danes in York at a place, from Elle his slaughter called to this day Elle-Crofte, and the Kingdom yielded to the protection of Egbert King of the Westsaxons, who was now become England's first absolute Monarch, (as holding all the rest of the Kings no longer for his Associates, but his subjects) in the year nine hundred twenty six, after it had stood in form of a Kingdom three hundred seventy nine years, and The continuance of this kingdom. was made a Province, and joined with the rest unto the English Monarchy. THE CIRCVIT AND SUCCESSORS OF THE MERCIAN KINGDOM, UNTIL IT WAS SUBJECTED TO THE WESTSAXONS. CHAPTER X. Mercia. THis Kingdom of Mercia contained more Counties, and the skirts of that royal Tent were spread with a wider compass than any of the rest in the The limits of it. Saxons Heptarchy: for in the midst of the Island this Kingdom was seated, and from the verge of Northumberland touched some part of Middlesex, which was the possession of the East-Saxons: the North thereof was bounded with Humber and Mersey; the East was enclosed with the Germane Ocean; the West extended to Severne and Dee; and the South part nearly touched the River of Thames; containing the Counties now known by these names, of Cheshire, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Stafford, and Shrop-shire, Northampton, Leicester, Lincoln, Huntingdon, and Rutland-shires; Warwick, Worcester, Oxford, and Glocestershires; Buckingham, Bedford, and part of Hertford-shire. The first raiser of that Title and name of a Kingdom, An. Do. 582. Crida. was Crida, the son of Kenwald, who was the son of Cnebba, the son of Ichell, the son of Eomer, the Flor. Wigor. son of Engengeate, the son of Offa, the son of Weremund, the son of Withleg, the son of Waga, the son of Wethelgeate, the third of the five sons His reign. of Prince wooden. This man, without more fame of his further acts, is said to have reigned the space of ten years, and to have died Anno 594. His issue was His issue. Wibba that succeeded him in his Kingdom, and a daughter named Quenburge, matched in marriage with Edwin afterwards King of Northumberland, with whom she lived in the Court of King Redwald in the time of his troubles, and died before him in that his banishment. She bore him two sons, Osfrid and Edfride, as in the succession of Edwins Monarchy shall be showed: notwithstanding Beda reporteth this Quenburge to be daughter of Ceorle the third King of Mercia, and grandchild to this first Crida. WIbba, the son of King Crida, not only held An. Do. 593. Wibba. Match. West. His issue. what his Father had gotten, but also enlarged his dominions by intrusion upon the weak Britain's. His issue was Penda, Kenwalk, and Eoppa, all three Progenitors of Kings afterwards in that kingdom, with a daughter named Sexburg, married to Kenwald, King of the Westsaxons, whom he without just cause divorced from him; for which cause great troubles afterwards Cap. 7. Sect. 7. ensued, as in the reigns of those Kings we have said. He in great honour reigned twenty years, His reign. His death. and giving place unto nature, left his kingdom to be enjoyed by another. CEorl, not the son, but the Nephew of King Wibba, succeeded in the dominions of the Mercians, about An. Do. 614. Ceorl. the year of grace six hundredth and fourteenth. He was son to Kinemund, the brother of Wibba, the younger son of King Crida, who was the first King of that kingdom. His reign is set to be ten years, His reign. without mention either of Act or Issue. PEnda, the son of Wibba, began his reign over the Mercians the year of Christ's Incarnation six An. Do. 626. Penda. His reign. hundred twenty six, & continued the same the space of thirty years. He was a man violent in action, and merciless in condition, cruel and unsatiate of blood: he shook the Cities, and disturbed the borders of the Saxon-Kings, more than any other in that Heptarchy before him had done. Against Kingils and Quincheline, Henr. Hunt. Kings together of the Westsaxons, he joined battle Matth. Weston. near unto the City Cirenchester, where both the parties fought it out to the utmost, with the effusion of much Saxons blood: but those coming to concord, he with Cadwallo King of the Britain's, slew in battle Edwine and Oswald, Kings of Northumberland, Sigebert, Egfrid, and Anna, Kings of the East-Angles, and forced Kenwald King of the Westsaxons out of Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 18. his Country, in quarrel of his Sister. Of these his prosperities he become so proud, that he thought nothing impossible for his achievement; and therefore threatening the destruction of the Northumber's, prepared his Army for that expedition. Oswy then reigning King of that Country, proffered great sums of money, and most precious jewels to purchase his peace: which being refused, and the battle joined, more by the hand of God, than power of man, this His death. Tyrant was slain, and his whole Army discomfited. His Wife was Kinswith, and issue by her Peada, who Wife. Issue. Jngulphus. after him was King: Vulfere and Ethelred, both Monarches of the English; Merkthel, a man famous for his great holiness, and Merwald that governed some part of Mercia, whose Wife was Edburga, the foundress of Minster in Tanet, and daughter to Egbert King of Kent; by whom he had issue Meresin, a man of noted devotion, Milbury, and Mildgith, both holy Virgins, and Mildrith also Abbess of Tanet, all four canonised for Saints. The daughters of King Penda, were Kineburg, the Wife of Alkfrid, King of Northumberland, afterward a Votaress in Kinesburg Abbey, and Kineswith, who married Offa King of the East-Angles, and become also a Nun with her sister Kineburgh. An. Do. 656. Peada. PEada, the son of King Penda, in the days of his father, and with his permission, had governed the middle part of Mercia, and after his death, by the gift of Oswy of Northumberland, all the South of that kingdom from the River Trent, upon composition to marry his daughter, and to embrace Christianity; Beda hist. Angl. l. 3. c. 21. which thing this Peada performed, and was the first Christian King of the Mercians. His Baptism received, to witness the first first-fruits of his profession, he Hugo de Peterbor. laid the foundation of a fair Church at Medeshamsted, His wife. His death. now called Peterborrow, but lived not to finish the same, for that he was slain by the treason of Alkfled Beda hist. Angl. l. 3. c. 24. his wife in the celebration of Easter, (as Beda saith) having had no issue by her. But Robert de Swapham (an Author of good antiquity, who saw the stones of that foundation to be so huge, as that eight yoke of Oxen could hardly draw one of them) saith, that Peada was brought to his end by the practice of his Mother, and not of his Wife; as in these his words is manifest. Peada (saith he) laid the foundation of a Monastery at Medeshamsted, in the Giruians or Fen-Country, which he could not finish, for that by the wicked practice of his Mother, he was made away. Whereby this blot is taken from this Christian Lady, and brands the face of her that most deserveth it. This King reigning as substitute to King Oswy of Northumberland aforesaid, by some is not accounted for a Mercian King, his regiment resting under the command of another. Wlfhere, the Brother of murdered Peada, set up An. Do. 659. Vulfhere. by the Mercians against King Oswy, proved a Prince most valiant and fortunate. For he expelled the Northumbrians Lieutenants forth of those dominions; fought victoriously against Kenwald King of the Westsaxons; conquered the I'll of Wight, and attained to be sole Monarch of the Englishmen: whereof more shall be said when we come to the times and successions of their reigns. His reign. This Vulfhere is said to reign in great honour for seventeen years, and his body to be buried in the Monastery of Peterborow, which he had founded. His His wife. Queen Ermenheld after his death, become a Nun at Ely, under her Mother Sexburg, and there died. His His issue. children were Kenred, Vulfald, and ●ufin, with a daughter, named Wereburg, a Nun in the Monastery of Ely. EThelred the third son of King Penda, in the nonage An. Do. 675. Ethelred. Simon Dunelm. of young Kenred the son of Vulfhere, (who in his tender years rather desired a private life then any public authority in the Commonweal) succeeded his brother both in the Kingdom of Mercia, and Monarchy of the Englishmen. But when he His reign. had reigned thirty years, gave over the Crown to his Nephew the said Kenred, and become a Monk in the Monastery of Bradney in Lincolne-shire, where he His wife. His issue. died Anno 716. His Wife was Osfryde, Daughter to Oswyn King of Northumberland: and issue, Chelred, that succeeded Kenred in the Mercian kingdom. KEnred the son of Vulfhere, (his Uncle Ethelred An. Do. 704. Kenred. changing his Princely Crown for a Monk's Cowl) began his Reign over the Mercians, and his Monarchy over the English, Anno 704. wherein he reigned His reign. the space of four years, and then with like devotion of those times, addicted to an easy and quiet Beda hist. Angl. lib. 5. ca 20. Religion, abandoned both Crown and Country, and went to Rome, where of Pope Constantine he received the tonsure and habit of a Monk at the Apostles Tombs, and entering a Monastery, therein spent His d●ath. other four years of his life to the day of his death, which was Anno 708. having had neither wife nor issue to revive his name, or to rule his kingdom. An. Do. 709. Chelred. CHelred receiving the resignation of Kenred his Cousin-german when he went to Rome, and of sufficient years and discretion to have succeeded Ethelred his Father, what time the said Kenred was ordained King, reigned with great valour over the Mercians, Monarch of the Englishmen. and was likewise Monarch over the Englishmen. His peace was disquieted by Inas & his Westsaxons, who for seven years continuance invaded his kingdom. His wife. His Wife was Wereburge, saith Marianus and Florentius the Monk, who ascribe to her a long life, and to die without Childten. This Chelred reigned the space His reign. of eight years, and died the year of grace seven hundred and fifteenth: whose body was buried in the Death. Cathedral Church of Lechfeild. EThelbald, after the death of Chelred, was made King of the Mercians, and Monarch of the English, the An. Do. 716. E●helbald. year of Christ's Incarnation seven hundred sixteen. He was a Prince given to peace, but withal a most lascivious Adulterer: insomuch that Boniface Archbishop of Mentz wrote his Epistle unto him in reprehension of the same; which took such effect, that in repentance of his foul facts, he founded the Monastery of Crowland, driving in mighty Piles of Oak into that moorish ground, whereon he laid a great and goodly building of stone. He was the son of Alwy, the elder son of Eoppa, the second son of King His reign. Wibba, the brother of King Penda: and reigned forty two years, in the end whereof he was slain in a battle fought against Cuthred King of the Westsaxons, at Secondone, three miles from Tamworth, the year of Christ, seven hundred fifty five, and was buried at Repton in Derbyshire, having had neither Wife nor Children. OFfa slaying Bernred the murderer of King Ethelbald, entered upon the government of the Mercians, An. Do. 758. Offa. and the Monarchy of the Saxons, An. 758. He enlarged his dominion upon the Britain's, overcame the Kentish in a battle, put to flight the Northumbrians, and vanquished the Westsaxons: the East-Angles also he seized upon, after he had murdered Ethelbert their King. He reigned thirty nine years, and died at Ofley, His reign. the nine and twenty day of july, the year of our Lord seven hundred ninety four, and was buried without the Town of Bedford, in a Chapel, now swallowed up by the River Owse. He was the son of Thingfryd, the son of Eanulfe, whose Father Osmund was the son Flor. Wigor. of Eoppa, the brother of King Penda, and son of King Wibba, whose Father was Crida, the first King of the Mercians. His Wife was Quendred, and children many; His wife. His issue. of whom, and of them we will further speak when we come to the time of his Monarchy. EGfryde, the son of great Offa, was by him made King at his return from Rome, being the only joy An. Do. 796. Egfryde. Flaccu●● Albi●us. of his parents, and heir apparent to the Saxons Monarchy, upon which he entered the day after his father's death, and lived himself but a hundred and forty days after, deceasing the seventeenth of December, in the year of our Lord God seven hundred ninety six, having had neither wife nor issue that we read of, and his body honourably interred in the Church of the Monastery of Saint Albans, founded by Offa. KEnwolfe, the cozen (a far off) to King Egfrid deceased, and both of them removed in blood no An. Do. 797. Kenwolfe. less than six descents from Wibba the second Mercian King, was the son of Cuthbert, (as the Monk of Worcester derives him) the son of Bassa, the son of Kenrowe, the son of Kentwin, the son of Kenwalk▪ the son of Wibba aforesaid, and succeeded King Egfryd in his Dominions. But of this Mercian Monarch more shall be written in the succession and time of that his government. He reigned two and twenty His reign. years, and deceased the year of our Lord eight hundred and nineteen, and his body interred in the Monastery of Winchcomb in the County of Gloucester, being of his own foundation. His wife was Queen Elfryde, His wife. the daughter (as some suppose) of Offa, who had been betrothed to Ethelbert King of the East-Angles▪ slain by her father; by whom he had issue, Kenelm, His issue. Quendred, and Burgemhild, of whom more followeth. KEnelm, the son of King Kenwolfe, a child of seven years old, succeeded in the Kingdom of Mercia, An. Do. 819. Kenelm. but not in the Monarchy, as his fathers had done, Egbert the West-Saxon at that time being grown great in his fortunes. This young King Kenelm reigned only His reign. five months, and then by the ambitious desire of Roger Higden. Quendrid his sister, who seeking the government by the shedding of his guiltless blood, instigated one Askbert his Instructor, by promises of great preferments and rich rewards, to make him away, who only His death. stood (as she thought) in her way to the Crown. This wicked practice was forth with as impiously performed: for having him forth under pretence of hunting he slew the innocent King, whose virtuous inclination promised great hopes, and whose harmless years had not attained to any worldly guile. His body he secretly buried under a bush, and (if we will Legend. Aurea. fol. 175. believe the Golden Legend, where his life is described) was thus found out: A white Dove (which belike had seen the deed done) and had got it engrossed in a scroll of parchment, posted therewith to S. Peter in Rome, and upon the High Altar laid it to be read, where in the Saxon characters thus it was found: In 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: that is, At Clenc in a Cow pasture Kenelm the King's child lieth beheaded under a thorn. But most true it is, that an obscure sepulchre the body had at the first, and howsoever found out, was afterwards with great honour and ceremony translated to the Monastery of Winchcomb, which his father had founded. The murderess Quendrid, for grief and shame of so wicked an act, ended her life, without the attaining of her ambitious desire, and hath left her name indeleblie stained with his innocent blood. CEolwulfe, the brother of Kenwolfe, and uncle to An. Do. 820. Ceolwulfe. Matth. Westminst. this murdered young King, as his nearest in blood was elected their Governor by the Mercians: but his glory was not great, nor his reign long, being still disquieted by Bernulfe, that sought his Crown; and after His reign. one years Regiment was expulsed by his people, and left the same to his pursuer, abandoning the Country for the safety of his life. One daughter he His issue. had, named Elfled, who was the wife of Wigmund, the son of Withlafe, the substitute King of Mercia, and himself the last that held the Mercian Kingdom in a lineal succession. An. Do. 821. Bernulfe. BErnulfe obtaining what he so long desired, made himself King when Ceolwulfe was go, and was BEORHWLF RE 2 SIL. ●●●O. H. the more approved for his valour in Arms, and the less resisted for his ancient descent, being sprung from Osher, a man reputed to be of the Mercian royal blood. But Bernulfe perceiving the fortunes of Egbert, accounted those his happy successes to be his own shame, and by defiance challenged the Westsaxons to the field: which Egbert accepted, and upon Ellendon joined Battle with the Mercians, which was fought to the much loss of both their bloods. Notwithstanding at last the Westsaxons prevailed, Bernulfe being forced to fly with shame. The East-Angles that then Simon Dun●lm. Wil Malmes. had yielded to Egbert, and but lately before had felt the fury of Bernulfe, thought the time fit to repay him again, and therefore in warlike manner assaulted his His death. His reign. Henr. Hunt. Territories, where he, in defending his Country against their attempts, was in a skirmish slain, after he had reigned not fully three years. LVdecan then was chosen King of the Mercians, An. Do. 824. Ludecan. whose blood was not down since their last loss, neither revenge forgotten against the East-Angles; and therefore the year following made strength (sufficient to their seeming) to meet these their enemies. But the State of Heptarchy now drawn to the period, and the supporters thereof weakened by their own divisions, the Island declined to a present alteration, & gave place to a more absolute kind of Monarchy, that in Egbert the West-Saxon was now begun; who aiding the East-Angles against the Mercians, Ludecan their King fought with no better success than Bernulf His reign. before him had done; whose reign lasted not fully 2. years, nor his memorial revived either in wife or issue. WIthlafe, the son of Oswald, the son of Osher, of the Mercian blood-royal, intruding himself An. Do. 826. Withlafe. (as it seemeth) into the government of Mercia, was unexpectedly vanquished by Egbert the Monarch that had assumed from Bernulfe that Kingdom before: him he made his Substitute and Tributary, who so continued to Egbert and his son the time of thirteen years, leaving no other relation of his acts. His issue was Wigmund, the husband of Lady His issue. Job. Capgrave. Elfled, the daughter of Ceolwulfe King of Mercia, the parents of Wystan the Martyr, and of Lady Edburg, married to one Etheland and Earl in the Province of Lincoln. BErthulf upon the like composition of Tribute, and in the like terms of subjection to the Westsaxons An. Do. 839. Berthulf. sovereignty, held the kingdom of Mercia as a Substitute, and without any notable reports of his BERHTULF RE 3 SIL. EAH ✚ ●●V LEH Acts, so reigned the space of thirteen years. At this time the Sea-rovers out of Denmark, that had often infested this Island with their many Invasions, got the head so strong, and wing so far, even to the middle part thereof, (as this of Mercia was) that they filled with terror the hearts of the Inhabitants, and stained the soil with the blood of their sides, which in a most barbarous cruelty daily they shed; whose rage was so great, and minds so unsatiable, that Berthulf was enforced to forsake the Country, and in a more private estate to secure his own life. He had a son Will. Malmesb. Berefred the causer of S. Wystan● martyrdom. named Berefred, who was the causer of Saint Wystans' martyrdom. BVrdred, the last Mercian King, was thereunto deputed by Ethelwolfe the West-Saxon Monarch, as a An. Do. 852. shield of defence against the raging Danes, that made ✚ BURDRED REX ✚ 3 SIL. MON ✚ WHNE ET A desolations where they came. In continual employments against them he spent his time, and that with such noble resolutions and manhood, that Ethelwolfe held him worthy of his alliance, and made him his son in law, by giving him Lady Ethelswith his daughter to Wife, the marriage being solemnised at Chipnham in Wiltshire, with great estate. This Burdred with Ethelwolfe, warred against the Britain's with victory, and he with Alured compelled the Danes under the conduct of Hunger and Vbba, to dislodge from Nottingham, and departed the Province. Yet lastly, after Matt●. West. The Danes departed the Province. They return with 3. Kings. twenty two years reign, he was so overlaid with their daily supplies, that three of their Kings (as our Writers term them) whose names were Godrun, Esketell, and Ammond, wintered at * Repton. Ripindon, and sore wasted his Kingdom. Burdred and his wife fly the land. King Burdred at that time distressed, and himself not able to withstand their rage, with his wife Queen Ethelswith fled the Realm, and the same year in Rome ended his life, and was buried in the Church He buried at Rome. of our Lady belonging to the English College there erected. His Queen in the habit of a Nun, fifteen years after his death, died at Milan in Italy, and was His wife at Milan. there honourably buried, the year of our Lord eight hundred eighty nine. And now the fatal circle of this Kingdom drawn to the full compass, stayed the hand of all glorious motion from proceeding any further, and with the lot of the rest fell under the government of the Westsaxons, after one years usurpation The kingdom of Mercia brought in subjection to the Westsaxons. of the Danes, when it had stood in state of a kingdom the space of two hundred and two years, and ended in title and regal authority, the year of Christ's Incarnation eight hundred eighty six. THE KINGDOM OF THE EAST-ANGLE, THE CIRCVIT OF THAT PROVINCE, WITH THE SUCCESSION AND ACTS OF THEIR KINGS, SO LONG AS IT STOOD IN THAT REGAL ESTATE, AND UNTIL IT WAS UNITED TO THE WESTSAXONS. CHAPTER XI. The circuit of this Province. THe Counties (as we now call them) that were subject to this East-Angles Kingdom, were Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge-shire, and the I'll of Ely. The bounds whereof were limited in this manner: the East and North sides were confined by the Ocean; the West, with Saint Edmund's Ditch, and the South altogether with Essex, and some part of Hertfordshire. The first raiser of the title and State of this Kingdom, An. Do. 575. The first King of the East-Angles. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. Cap. 15. was a Saxon Captain named Vffa, about the year of Christ's incarnation five hundred seventy five, whose renown was such, that he gave name not only to that his aspired Dominion, but also from him, the Subjects thereof were a long time after called East Angles called Vffin●ss. Vffines▪ though lastly, it was reduced into the name and Kingdom of the East-Angles. This Vffa (as Vffa his genealogy. Florentius the Monk of Worcester hath laid down) was the son of Withelin, and he the son of Hrippus, the son of Rothmund, the son of Trigils, the son of Titmon, the son of Caser, the second son of Prince wooden. His reign is accounted only seven years, without any mention of further matter, worthy the recording, and his death to have happened in the year five hundred eighty one. TItulus, the second King of the East-Angles, and only An. Do. 583 The second King of the East-Angles. His reign. son of Vffa that is read of, began his reign the year of Christ's Incarnation, five hundred eighty three, & continued the same for the space of twenty years. And although the Writers of these times have made no further mention of his Acts, yet may we well suppose that his days were not altogether so quietly spent, both in the infancy of that newly erected kingdom, and when such wars were commenced for the obtaining the whole Island. His issue was Redwald, Florent. Worcest. that immediately succeeded him, & from whom other Kings of that kingdom were lineally descended. REdwald, the greatest of all the East-Angles Kings, An. Do. 593. Beda hist. l. 2. ca 5. The third King of this Kingdom. succeeded his father Titulus in the Dominions of the East-Angles▪ and Ethelbert of Kent in the Monarchy of the Saxons. He received and succoured in his Court Edwyne with his wife in their Exiles, and assisted Cap. 9 Sect. 7. him against Ethelfrid King of Northumberland, that sought his life, as before we have showed, and hereafter in the succession of his Monarchy we shall have further occasion. He reigned Monarch eight See more of him in Chap 18. His reign. years, and King of the East-Angles thirty one (by the account and computation of the Table annexed to Malmesbury, and others of our English Writers) and died the year of our Salvation six hundred twenty three. ERpenwald, the younger son of King Redwald, (Reynhere his elder brother being slain in battle An. Do. 624 The fourth King of this Kingdom. by Ethelfred, in the quarrel of distressed Edwine) succeeded his Father in the Kingdom of the East-Angles, the year of our Lord God six hundred twenty four. The first of this Province that publicly pro●essed Christ. Matth. West. Beda hist. l. 2. c. 15 The people reject Christ. He was the first King of that Province, that publicly professed the Christian Faith, which he received at the friendly motion and zealous exhortation of King Edwine of Northumberland; but so much to the discontentment & grudge of the people, as thereupon they presently entered into conspiracy to practise his death, which a Pagan Ruffian named Richebert, not long after The King slain by a Traitor. His reign. most traitorously executed. His reign is placed in the foresaid Table of our Writers, (as it is compared with the other Kings of those times) to extend twelve years; after whose death, those people returned to their wont Idolatry, and for three years continuance John S●ow. embraced their former Gentility, from which they were reclaimed by Sigebert his brother in law, The Subjects reclaimed by Sigebert. who succeeded him in his Throne, he having no issue, to whom it might be left. SIgebert, the son of the second wife to Redwald, and by her born to a former husband, whose name An. Do. 636 The fifth King. is unknown, was greatly mistrusted by his Father in law, King Redwald, that he went about to aspire his Crown: the motives of which suspicion, notwithstanding all the endeavours of innocent Sigebert, were Sigebert suspected of treason against Redwald. still followed with an envious eye, and his subiective semblances, as notes of popularity, were ever conceived to aim at the supreme authority: which blot of jealousy, when it could no otherwise be wiped out, he abandoned the Court of the King, and Country of his birth, and in France as an exile, all the time of Redwald He goeth into exile. the Father, and likewise the reign of Erpenwald the son, spent his time in study of good Literature, & contemplative exercises, where learning the truth of Christ's Doctrine, and having received the laver of Baptism, after the death of this said Erpenwald his allied Brother, returned, and was made King of the East-Angles. Beda hist. Ang. l. 3. c. 18. This man (saith Beda) following the examples of Sigebert with the assistance of a Bishop do●h primore religion and learning. France, brought the light of the Gospel into his Dominions, and by the assistance of Felix Bishop of Dunwich, for a more firm plantation thereof, built a School for the education of children, appointing W●ll. ●ambert. in Peramb. of Kent. them Schoolmasters and Teachers after the manner of the Kentish-men; who are * supposed to have at that time the Liberal Sciences professed among them, in their Metropolitan City Canterbury, which was the pattern (saith that Country's Perambulator) that this Sigebert followed in the erection of his; but Mr. Caius, and Mr. Key. whether at Cambridge or elsewhere, he leaveth for Doctor Caius of Cambridge, and M. Key of Oxford, to be disputed of. And indeed Beda assigneth not the place for this foundation, nor once nameth Cambridge, unless you will say, that out of the ruins of Grantcester, an ancient City decayed in his days, the same arose, and whereof he maketh mention in his fourth Book, upon this occasion as followeth. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 4. cap. 19 Queen Etheldred (saith he) that had been a Virgin, wife to Egfrid King of North●mberland the term of twelve years, and Abbess of Ely for seven more, for her reputed holiness after her death and burial, was thought worthy by Queen Sexburg her sister (who had been wife to Ercombert King of Kent, and succeeded her Abbess in the same Monastery) to be removed out of her wooden Tomb & mean place of burial, into the Church and richer Monument: but for want of stone, which was scarce in those parts, certain brethren were sent to found out some for that Grantcester. use, who coming to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a little City left desolate and uninhabited, found by the walls a Tomb of white marble very fair, and covered with a like stone. This they thought to be found not without miracle, and therefore most fit to entomb her corpse, which accordingly they did. But that this had Beda maketh mention of Grantcester, but not of a School there. been the place of Sigeberts' School, he mentioneth not. But whether by him or not, we know it now the other University of England, a seedplot of all divine and human Literature, and one of those springs whence issue the wholesome waters that do bedew The Universities of England, above all other in Europe. both the Church & Commonwealth, both, famous for the Arts, for Buildings, and Revenues, as their like is not to be found in Europe (saith Peter Martyr) and that most truly. But to return: Sigebert being wearied Sigebert resigneth to Egricke, and liveth in a Monastery. with the weighty affairs of this world, laid the burden thereof upon Egricke his kinsman, and shore himself a Monk in the Abbey of Cumbreburge, which himself had built, & wherein he lived, until that wicked Penda, the Mercian King, with his heathenish cruelty molested the peace of the East-Angles; who after long He is constrained to resume it again, and is slain in battle. resistance, finding themselves too weak, besought Sigebert, for the better encouragement of their soldiers, to show himself in field; which when he refused, by constraint (saith Beda) they drew him forth, where in the midst of them he was slain in battle, using no His reign. other weapon for defence, saving only a white wand; when he had reigned only three years, and left no issue to survive him, that is any where recorded. EGricke, cousin to King Sigebert, and by him made An. Do. 63●. The sixth King. Penda a cruel King of Mercia. Egrick and Sigebert both slain by Penda. His reign. King, as we have said, was ●ore molested by the continual invasions of Penda, the cruel King of Mercia; who lastly in a set battle slew him with Sigebert, about the year of Christ his incarnation six hundred fifty two. And when himself had reigned 4. years, deceased, without mention either of wife or child, that is read of, further to revive his memory to posterities. ANna succeeded King Egricke in the Kingdom of An. D. 642. The seventh King. Beda hist. Angl. li. 3. cap. 18. Malmesb. de gest is Regum Angl. the East-Angles, the year of grace six hundred forty two, as the next in blood to Erpinwald, being the son of Guido, saith Beda, the son of Any, saith Malmsbury, who was brother to great Redwald; and both of them the sons of Titulus, the second King of that Province. This King, as the other two former had done, felt the fury of raging Penda, with his merciless Mercians, that sore assaulted his Territories with rapine and spoil. To withstand whose further proceed, King Anna drew the strength of his East-Angles against them, and encountered Penda in a great and mortal battle, wherein they were all discomfited and himself among them slain, when he had Anna slain in battle by Penda. reigned in continual trouble the space of thirteen years. His issue were many, and those of great holiness Anna his issue. His reign. Firminus heir apparent. or sanctity of life. Whereof Ferminus the eldest, and heir apparent, was slain by Penda in the same battle with his Father, and was with him buried in Blidribrugh, now Blibrugh, but afterwards removed to S. Edmondsbury. His other son was Erkenwald, Abbot of Chertside, and Bishop of London, Erkenwa●d Abb●t of Cher●side, and Bishop of London. that lieth buried in the South I'll, above the Choir in S. Paul's Church, where to this day remaineth a memorial of him. His daughters were these; Etheldrid the eldest, was first married unto a Nobleman, whom Etheldrid Abbess of Ely. Beda nameth Tonbert, Governor of the Fenny Countries of Nothfolke, Huntingdon, Lincoln, and Cambridge-shires: and after his death remaining a virgin, she was remarried to Egfrid King of Northumberland, with whom likewise she lived in perfect virginity the space of twelve years, notwithstanding his entreaty and allurements to the contrary. From whom, lastly, she was released, and had licence to departed his Court, unto the Abbey of Coldinghan, where first she was veiled a Nun under Abbess Ebba, and thence departing, she lived at Ely, and become herself Abbess thereof, wherein lastly she died, and was interred; remembered unto posterities by the name of S. Audrie. His second daughter was Sexburg, who married Ercombert, King of Kent, unto whom she bore two sons, and two daughters, as we in that kingdoms succession have showed: after whose death, she took the habit of a Nun, and succeeded her sister Etheldrid, Sexburge Abbess of Ely after her sister. Wi●hgith a Menchion in Ely Abbey. Abbess of Ely, wherein she died and was interred: and their youngest sister Withgith, was likewise a Menchion with them in the same Monastery, and all of them canonised for Saints. Ethilburge his third daughter was Ethilburge Abbess of Barking. Beda lib. 4. cap. 6. made Abbess of Berking, near London, built by her brother Bishop Erkinwald, wherein she lived, and lastly died. A natural daughter likewise he had, whose name was Edelburg, that with Sedrido the daughter of Edelburge Abbess of S. Brigges in France. Beda lib. 3. Cap. 8. his wife, were both of them professed Nuns, and succeeded each other Abbesses in the Monastery of S. Brigges in France. Such a reputed holiness was it held in those days, not only to be separated from the accompanying with men, whereunto women by God were created, but also to abandon the Country of their nativity, and as strangers in foreign Lands, to spend the continuance of their lives. EThelherd, the brother of Anna, the year of Christ's Incarnation six hundred fifty four, was made An. Do. 654 Ethelherd the eighth King. King of the East-Angles: the which it seemeth he had attempted in the reign of his brother, for that he had assisted Penda in his wars against him; and was the motive (saith Beda) of the wars against Oswin Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 14. King of Northumberland, wherein siding with the heathen Penda, he was worthily slain, the fifteenth day His reign. of November, when he had reigned only two years, leaving his name to the blot of infamy, and his Crown to be possessed by his younger brother. His wife was Hereswith sister of Hilda, the famous learned Hereswith the wife of Ethelbert Abbess of Streans●ale, and great grandchild to Edwyne King of Northumberland, who bore unto him Their children. Aldulfe, Elswoolfe, and Beorne, all three succeeding Edilwald in the Kingdom of the East-Angles. An. Do. 656 EDelwald the brother of Ethelherd entered his government of the East-Angles the year of our Lord six hundred fifty six, and continued the same the An Do. 664 space of nine years, without either mention of any other memorable act: from whom (as is supposed) ●VDULFI●●USFRISIN 3 SIL. VICTURI●●D▪ VLFO. issued Ethelred that succeeded King after Beorne. ALdulfe, the eldest son of Ethelherd and Queen Hereswith, after the death of his uncle King Edelwald, obtained the Kingdom of the East-Angles, and therein reigned without any honour or honourable action by him performed: only his name and time of his reign, which was nineteen years, is left of him by Writers: and affordeth no further relation of us here to be inserted, besides his Coin here set. ELswolf the son of King Ethelherd, and bother to this last mentioned Aldulfe, began his reign over An. Do. 683 His reign. the Kingdom of the East-Angles, the year of Christ his Incarnation, six hundred eighty three, and continued in the same, the time of seven years, without record of any memorable Act, Wife, or Issue, to revive his name. BEorne, the youngest son of King Ethelherd, succeeded An. Do. 714 Beorn the twelfth King. his brother King Elswolfe in the Kingdom of the East-Angles; not further mention being made of him, his wife, nor Issue, which are all together perished, and laid long since in their graves of oblivion. An. D. 714. Ethelred the thirteenth King. EIhelred, after the death of his cozen Beorne, succeeded him in the Kingdom of the East-Angles, issuing (as is supposed) from King Edelwald the brother of Ethelherd, and of Anna, both of them Kings in that He reigned two and fifty years. Province. His reign by writers is said to be fifty two years, which notwithstanding was passed over without any memorable note▪ for albeit that his government was long, and the declining Heptarchy not unlikely to have ministered matters of remembrance to posterities, yet is the same passed over by the silence of our Writers, and no further mention made of him, besides the education of his younger son His son Ethelbert. His wife Leofrun. Flores Wigor. joh● Capgrave. Ethelbert, who proved a most worthy King. His wife, and the mother of this virtuous son, was Leofrun, saith the Writer of his life, without further mention of her parentage, or other issue. This King deceased the year after Christ's nativity, seven hundred forty eight, the same year that Ethelbert entered his Kingdom of Kent. EThelbert, the son of King Ethelred, after his Father's An. D. 749. Ethelbert the fourteenth King. death was ordained King of the East-Angles, whose days of youth were spent in learning and deeds of charity, and the whole time of his government in continual tranquillity; for he is recorded to be a Prince religious and charitable, sober, profound and wise in counsel. This King being incited Giral. Cambrensis by Offa the Mercian (that still thirsted after greatness) to marry Elfryd his daughter, a Lady of great Ethelbert murdered by Offa King of Mercia. beauty, came upon that purpose to Offa his Court, then seated at Sutton Wallis in the County of Hereford and was by him there cruelly murdered at the instigation of Quendrid his unkind (intended) mother in law, no other occasion ministered, but the greatness Buried at Merden. of his Port, that much in her eyes over-heighted her husbands. His Bridebed the grave was first at Merden, After at Hereford, over ●hom was built a fair Church. John Ca●grave. north from Sutton upon the River Lug. But afterwards upon repentance, Offa removed it unto Hereford; over whom, Milfrid an under King of the Mercians built a most fair Church in memorial of him, which yet bears his name, and is the Cathedral Elfrid his espousal ●owed chastity. Os●ert de Clere. of that See. His Bride, Lady Elfrid, much lamenting his contrived murder, withdrew herself to Crowland in the Fens, and there vowed chastity all the days of her life; notwithstanding some affirm that she was wife to King Kenwolfe, the successor of her brother Egfrid. This King reigned the space of forty five He reigned forty five years. years, as is set in the Table of our English Writers, and died the year of Christ's incarnation seven hundred ninety three, the eighteenth day of May, and his Kingdom intruded upon by the Mercians, having had neither wife nor children, that Historians make mention of: after whose death the Kingdom of the East-Angles was brought to decay, both by the Mercians, Westsaxons, and them of Kent; so that by means of their violence, that Province was destitute of her own Governors, the space of seventy seven years, until lastly the assaults of the Danes, a newcome Guest and most dangerous Enemy, caused the other Kings to stand upon their Guards, and rather to defend what they already had gotten, then to seek enlargement, to the hazard of all: at which time, it is said one Offa, to whom the right of that Crown belonged, Offa heir to the Crown, adopteth Edm●nd the son of Alkmond. upon a religious devotion, took his pilgrimage to the Sepulchre of Christ, and visiting in his way a kinsman of his, whose name was Alkmund, at the City Norhenberg● in Saxony, there made his will, wherein he adopted young Edmund his heir, the son of Alkmond: and accomplishing his voyage, in his return died at the Port Saint George, from whence he sent young Edmund his Ring, and therewith ordained him King of the East-Angles. Alkmund a Prince of great power in those parts, maintained his sons rightful election, and with a sufficient power sent him to claim the kingdom. These landing in the East of England, at a place called Maydenboure, built a royal Tower, which he named, and to this day is called, Hunstantone, situated upon the Northwest point of Norfolk, that beareth likewise his own name. EDmund thus arrived, was as willingly received and by the East-Angles made their king; in whose time An. Do. 870. Edmund the fifteenth King The Danes invasion. Polydor. Virg. Hunger and Hubba, two Danish Captains, with an innumerable multitude of Heathen Danes, entered the Land at the mouth of Humber, and from thence invaded Nottingham, York and Northumberland, where (without respect of age or sex) they laid all waist, and left the Land whence they departed like to a desolate Wilderness. From thence they came with the like fury into Edmund's territories, and sacked Thetford a frequent City in those days: but he not able to withstand their violence, fled into his Castle at Framingham, Fabian. wherein he was of them besieged; and lastly, taken (saith Abba Floriacensis) in a village then called Heglisdune, of a wood bearing the same name, or rather yielded himself to their torments, to save more Edmund taken of the Danes, and put to death for the faith of Christ. Christian blood; for it is recorded, that because of his most constant Faith and Profession, those pagan first beaten him with bats, then scourged him with whips, he still calling upon the name of jesus; for rage whereof, they bond him to a stake, and with their arrows shot him to death; and cutting off his head, contemptuously threw it into a bush, after he had reigned over the East-Angles the space of sixteen years, having had neither wife nor issue that is read of. His body and head, after the Danes were departed, were buried Malmes. His reign. at the same royal Town, as Abbo terms it, where Sigebert the East-Anglean King, and one of his predecessors, at his establishing of Christianity, built a Church, a●d where afterwards (in honour of him) was built another most spacious, and of a wonderful frame of Timber, and the name of the Town, upon the occasion of his burial, called unto this day, Saint Edmondsbury. A Church at S. Edmondsbury builded in honour of Edmund. This Church razed to the ground by Suenus a Danish King. This Church and place, Suenus the Pagan Danish King in impiety and fury burned to ashes. But when his son Canute had made conquest of this Land, and gotten possession of the English Crown, terrified and affrighted (as saith the Legend) with a vision of the seeming S●int Edmund, in a religious devotion to expiate his Father's sacrilege, built it anew Re-edified and richly endowed by Canu●u● his son. most sumptuously, enriched this place with Charters & Gifts, and offered his own Crown upon the Martyr's Tomb. After the death of this Edmund the East-Angles Country was possessed by the Danes, & so continued about some fifty years, until that Edward surnamed the Elder, expulsed these Danes, and The Danes expulsed hence by Edward. joined that kingdom a Province to the Westsaxons, after it had stood three hundred fifty three years. A catalogue OF SUCH BRITISH PRINCES AS WITHSTOOD THE SAXONS IN THEIR CONQVESTS FROM VORTIGERNE THEIR FIRST MAINTAINER, UNTO CADWALLADER THEIR LAST RESISTER. CHAPTER XII. NOw as we have spoken of Hitherto the Saxons Heptarchy. every several Saxon King, that attained unto, and held possession of any part in the East & South of this Island, until such time as their Crowns were worn by their Conquerors, and the sevenfold The British Opposers. divided Heptarchy, united into an absolute Monarchy: so by order of History it is required, that their opposers (the Britain's) so long as they kept their ground, and stood in defence of their own rightful inheritance, should be showed: who with as great a disdain, and valorous resistance, underwent the yoke of the Saxons subjections, as their ancient Ancestors had endeavoured to clear themselves from the chains of the Romans captivity. And until God and destiny withdrew from them the hand of defence, they mated the Saxons in all their designs. For albeit that the Romans had rob the Land of her strength, and the aspired Vortigern, called in these Strangers for his defence: yet their purposes being wisely perceived, the execution thereof was as presently practised, and as eagerly pursued, whilst the pillars (that supported the frame of Resisters of the Saxons. their government) stood upon their own Bases. But the groundwork failing, and those props not many, the weight of all, fell upon some few, whose acts and manly resistance (Christ assisting) shall further be related, as time shall bring them to the years of their adventures, and carry our History thorough the affairs of their times. Mean while, as we have recorded the names of their Ancestors, and worthy forerunners, the resisters of the Romans: so now if you please, behold the Catalogue of their Kings, from the foresaid Vortigern (the first subdued by these Saxons) Vortigern the first and Cadwallader the last resister of the Saxons. unto Cadwallader the last of those British Princes; who left to them his Land, and went himself to Rome: whose times & stories, according to those Guides that lead us, we will declare, referring the credit thereof to our British Historians; against whom howsoever some exceptions are, and may be justly taken, yet are they not altogether to be cast off, in the affairs of these ensuing Princes, especially Gyldas and Ninius, who lived in, and presently after the times of those resisters. Neither is it to be doubted, but that many others there were of that Nation, no less careful for transferring the remembrance of their Ancestors actions to posterity, (no Nation living being more zealously devoted in that kind,) though their writings have in Times ruins been buried, and their remembrances preserved only by perpetuity of traditions. and although we have showed the ancient Coins of the Britain's, and observed a series thorough the Romans succession: yet be not offended, that I leave only Blanks for these latter Princes, as also the first Saxons, wanting the Monies of their own several Mints. A successive Series of Great Britain's Coins. Such therefore as I have found of any King's stamp, reigning whilst the Land was divided and enjoyed amongst them, I have in the margin of their remembrances affixed, with the Arms attributed to every several kingdom: and hence will observe the same order, without any invention or feigned inscription: which howsoever we want to furnish their successions, yet this am I sure of, no Nation in Europe can show the like, or can come to so true a series of their Sovereign's Coins, as England is able at this day to do. VORTIGERN. 1. VOrtigern among the many molestations of the Scots and Picts, was ordained the supreme Governor of these affairs; and to that end, with the Britain's full consent was elected their King. For as touching that Monkish Constantine, the son of Constantius, who is said to be the brother of Aldreonus, King of Little Britain in France, sent for and made King by these Britain's, whose simplicity this Vortigern is said to abuse, and lastly to 'cause his murder and death; I rather think the story to be the same that happened above forty years before, in the days of Honorius the Emperor; when Constantius among other Conspirators, was raised upon a hopeful expectation conceived in his name. This Constantius indeed had a son that bore his name, a man of a soft spirit, and no deep reach, and therefore in his youth was made a Monk. But his Father risen to his aspiring honour, created him first his Caesar, and next Augustus, till Fortune turned those smiles into frowns, and stained their purple robes in both their own bloods. For not only the same names induceth this doubt, but the place, which was Winchester, and Abbey Amphibilus, where this Imperial Monk was shorn, doth not a little confirm the same; the remains of which College, by that strong and thick wall standing to this day at the West gate of that Cathedral Church, doth not a little confirm. But wanting better directions to our proceed, we must follow for these times men of latter years, and not without some suspect of uncertainty. Saxons have concealed all victories against themselves. The rather, for that the Saxons as then the chief Actors in this Land, have purposely concealed all Victors and victories against themselves; neither but sparingly have recorded their own. The causes of Vortigerns fear, and his sending for the Saxons. This Vortigern, howsoever attaining the Crown, was overawed (saith Ninius) by the Picts & Scots, stood infeare of the Roman forces, and dread much the return of Aurelius Ambrose, with his brother Uter, surnamed Pendragon: and therefore wanting strength of his own to maintain his standing, sent for the Saxons, as we Beda lib. 1. cap. 14. have said. He (saith the British Story) was Earl of Cornwall, of an honourable Family and noble descent, his Lady every way answerable to both; by whom he Vortigern his children by his first wife. Rand. Higdon li. 5. cap. 1. His second wife a Heathen. had three sons, Vortimer, Catigern, and Pascentius. His second wife, or rather Concubine, (having cast off this first) was Rowena, the daughter of Hengist▪ which Pagan marriage proved not only the bane of the Land, but so ruinated the Church of Christianity, that a Provincial Council of the Britaines was assembled in Ann. 470. to repair those things that this marriage had decayed. His third wife was his own daughter. By this Heathen damosel he had a daughter, who (against the law of God and Nature) was his third wife, that Kings (as he pretended, to excuse his incest) might be descended from the right issue of Kings, upon whom he begot his sad lamenting son Fauslus, a virtuous Faustus the son of Vortigern by his third wife. Imp of those impious parents, that spent his life in a solitary place near to the River Llynterrenny, as we have said; who abandoning the company of men, among those mountains served God in continual tears and prayers, for remission of the fault committed in his incestuous generation, for the recalling of his parents to a better life, and for the restitution of his Country to her former liberty. Vortigern how long he reigned. Fabian. Chro. Vortigern deposed and imprisoned. This Vortigern reigned first sixteen years, and then deposed for his favours to the Saxons, was retained in durance all the reign of Vortimer his son, after whose death re-established, but oppressed by his Saxons, and pursued by Aurelius, he withdrew himself He flieth into Wales. into Wales, and among those vast mountains built a Castle by Merlin's direction, whereof we have spoken, and more we would speak, were those fantastic fictions underset with any props of likelihood or truth, which Rand. of Chester in his days utterly rejected. Polychr. li. 5. ca 1. Vortigern and his wife destroyed by fire from heaven. Henr. Hunt. Rand. Hig. l. 5. c. 1. In this Castle, Vortigern with his incestuous wife, after he had secondly reigned the space of six years, was consumed to ashes, by the just revenging hand of God, by fire from heaven, as some have written; or else kindled by Aurelius and Uter, as his Ministers to execute his wrath. VORTIMER. 2. VOrtimer, the eldest son of King Vortigern, through An. Do. 454. Vortimer the second resister of the Saxons. the abuse of his father's government, for which he was deposed by his own subjects, was erected King of the Britaines the year from Christ's birth 454. a man of great valour, which altogether he employed for the redress of his Country, according to the testimony of William Malmesbury, whose words are these: Vortimer (saith he) thinking not good to dissemble Vortimer how long he maintained war against the Saxons. Four chief battles, and the success of the first. the matter, for that he saw himself and Country daily surprised by the craft of the English, set his full purpose to drive them out, and from the seventh year after their first entrance, for twenty years continuance fought many Battles with them, and four of them with great puissance in open field; in the first whereof, they departed with like fortune, and loss of the General's brethren Horsa and Catigern: in the other three the Britaines went away with victory, and so long until Vortimer was taken away by fatal death. Huntingdon, Monmouth, Randulphus, and Fabian, name both the places and success of those Battles: The place of the first battle. Beda lib. 1. ca 15. The first was in Kent, and upon the Plain near unto Ailsford, where the memorial of Catigern to this day remaineth; & Horsted doth as yet relish of Horsa there interred. The second Battle was fought likewise in The place of the second battle. Kent at Crocanford, now Craford, where many perished as well Britain's as Saxons. The third was at Weppeds' The place of the third battle. The place of the fourth battle. Fleet, with great loss to the Britain's: and the fourth upon Calmore, where many of the Saxons, after long and sore fight, were slain, and more drowned in flight, and lastly driven into the I'll of Thanet, their first assigned habitation, (if not over the Seas) so that The Saxons quite dispossessed. small hope rested for them so long as this valiant Vortimer lived, who had now dispossessed them of all their footing in the Continent, and often assailed them in the I'll of Tannet likewise, as Fabian confidently affirmeth. But destiny going forward for the downfall of Britain, removed these rubs out of her way: for Rowena, the mother of the Britain's mischief, and the Vortimer made away by Rowena. maintainer of the Saxons residence▪ found the means to make this worthy Vortimer away, and by poison Vortimer the continuance of his reign. Fabian. Chro. par. 5. cap. 89. caused the end of his life, after he had valiantly reigned the space of four years; all which time, by the testimony of an old Chronicle that Fabian had seen, Vortigern the father remained in durance, and under assigned Keepers in the City Caerlegion, now Chester, and so demeaned himself towards his son (than his Sovereign) in dutiful obedience and faithful Vortigern re-established King. counsel, that he won again the hearts of the Britain's, and was again reestablished their King. Ninius. It is recorded by Ninius, that after his last victory over the Saxons, he caused his Monument to be erected at the entrance into Tanet, and in the same place Vortimer his monument the Stonar. of that great overthrow, which by the said Author is called Lapis Tituli, of us the Stonar, where for certain it seems hath been an haven. In this Monument he commanded his body to be buried, to the further terror of the Saxons, that in beholding this his Trophy, their spirits might be daunted at the remembrance of their great overthrow. As Scipio Africanus conceited the like, who commanded his Sepulchre to be so set, that it might overlook Africa, supposing that his very Tomb would be a terror to the Carthaginians. But how that desire of Vortimer was performed, I find not, but rather the contrary: for an old Manuscript I have, that confidently affirmeth him Vortimer supposed to be buried in London. to be buried in London: yet others from Ninius the disciple of Eluodugus, hold the place to be Lincoln. But howsover his grave is forgotten, yet let this be Sigebertus. remembered, that Sigebertus hath written of him, that is, After he had vanquished the Saxons (saith he) whose drift was not only to overrun the Land with violence, but also to erect their own Laws without clemency, he restored the Christian Religion then sorely decayed, and new built the Churches that those enemies had destroyed. AURELIUS AMBROSE. 3. AVrelius Ambrose, verily descended of that Constantine An. Do. 466. The third resister of the Saxons. who in the fourth Consulship of Theodosius the younger, was elected here in Britain, only in hope of his lucky name, succeeded Vortigern the Father in the Government of Britain, and Vortimer the son, in affection and defence of his Country. He Galfrid Mon. with Uter (saith Geffrey Monmouth) when their brother Constantine was murdered by Vortigern, fled into France, where they remained the years of his first reign; whose return (as we have heard from Ninius) he greatly feared, and whose force at his last he felt to his smart. For having again resumed his Crown, he lived in his old sins, and suffered the Saxons to Beda hist. lib. 1. cap. 16. be Lords of his Land: to prevent which (saith Beda from Gyldas) the Britaines by little and little began to take strength, and with some courage to come forth of their Caves, who with one uniform consent, called to God for his heavenly help. They had (saith he) for their Captain a Roman called Ambrose Aurelianus, a gentle natured man, which only of all the blood of the Romans remained then alive, his parents being slain, which bore the name of King of the Country. This man being their Leader, provoked the Victors to the fight, and through God's assistance achieved the victory. From that day forward now the Britain's, now the Saxons did prevail, until the year that Bath was besieged, which was forty four years after their first coming into the Island. His first expedition (as our British Historians report) Geffrey Caxton, Polych. was against Vortigern, and his Castle in Wales, wherein that incestuous King was consumed to ashes by lightning from heaven, as we have said: and then following the Saxons, made toward York, & at Maesbel beyond Humber, encountering Hengist, become his Victor: unto whose mercy (say they) his son Occa yielded himself, and obtained in free gift the Country in Gallaway in Scotland for him and his Saxons. But these his affairs thus prospering against the common Enemy, was envied at by Pascentius, the youngest son of King Vortigern, who not able either to mate the Saxons, or after his brethren's deaths to recover the Kingdom to himself, ambitiously sought to prefer his base humour before the recovery of his Country's liberty, which then lay gored in her own blood. For having gotten the aid of Gillamare King of Ireland, whether he had fled upon the death of his Father, and now returned into the west of Wales, first endamaged the City of S. David's, and thence proceeded with fire and sword. Aurelius then sick in the City of Winchester, sent his brother Uter to withstand his force, who slew both Pascentius and the Irish King his partaker, in a set & sore battle fought betwixt them▪ But before this battle, Pascentius had sent a Saxon, whose name was Eopa, in show a Britain, and in habit a Physician, to minister poison in stead of physic, Hector B●ctius. which according was effected with Ambrose his death. Aurelius Ambrose erected stonehenge. Unto this Aurelius Ambrose is ascribed the erection of that rare and admirable monument, now called stonehenge, in the same place where the Britain's had been treacherously slaughtered and interred, whose manner and form in our draft of Wiltshire we have inserted. The matter being Stones of a great The description of the Monument of stonehenge. and huge bigness, so that some of them contain twelve tun in weight, and twenty eight foot or more in length, their breadth seven, and compass sixteen. These are set in the ground of a good depth, and stand in a round circle by two and two, having a third stone somewhat of less quantity laid gate-wise overthwart on their tops, fastened with tenons and mortaises▪ the one into the other; which to some seem so dangerous, as they may not safely be passed under, the rather for that many of them are fallen down, and the rest suspected of no sure foundation: notwithstanding, at my being there, I neither saw cause of such fear, nor uncertainty in accounting of their numbers, as is said to be. The stones are grey, but not marbled, wherein great holes are beaten even by force of weather, that serve for Ravens and other birds to build in, and bring forth their young. The ground-plot containeth about three hundred foot in compass, in form almost round, or rather like unto a horse-shoe, with an entrance in upon the eastside. Three rows of stones seem formerly to have been pitched, the largest outwards, and the lest innards; many whereofare now fallen down: but those that stand, show so fair an aspect, and that so far off, that they seem to the beholders to be some Fortress or strong Castle. A Trench also is about them, which hath been much deeper; and upon the plains adjoining, many round copped hills, without any such trench, (as it were cast up out of the earth) stand like Ancient fashioned Armour found at stonehenge. great haycocks in a plain meadow: In these, and thereabouts, by digging have been found pieces of ancient fashioned armour, with the bones of men, whose bodies were thus covered with earth that was brought thither by their well-willers and friends, even in their head-pieces; a token of love that then was used, as some imagine. This Trophy, Aurelius Ambrose (in memorial of the Britain's massacre) erected, and is worthily accounted for one of the Wonders of this Island, and are in the verses of Alexander Necham called The Giants Dance, wherein this Ambrose was interred after he had reigned thirty two years, and whereof the town Ambresbury bears the name. Others report, that the Britaines erected this most stately Sepulchre over the body of Ambrose there slain by the sword of his enemies, that his Country's love, in such a costly piece of work, might remain unto posterities in this, the Altar of his virtue and manhood: for Paulus Diaconus Paulus Diacon. ●aith, that this man, in succouring his decayed Country, took upon him the Imperial rob, and against the violent rage of those Germane enemies▪ often time's overthrew their puissant armies, but was lastly slain by them upon the Plains of Salesburie. I cannot with silence let pass the ridiculous reports of the bringing of the Stones out of Africa into Ireland, and from thence, under the conduct Geffrey▪ Monmouth. Giral. ●amb. Geruas'. Dore. of Uter the brother of Ambrose, unto this Plain, by the industrious means of Merlin, surnamed Ambrose, borne in the ancient City Merdhyn, and as Humphrey Breviary of Britain. Lhuyd saith, of a noble virgin, whose father, for his skill in the Mathematics, and wonderful knowledge in all other kind of learning, was by the rude common people reputed to be the son of an Incubus, or a male Devil, which in the similitude and likeness of men do use carnally to company with women. But how this may agreed with his divine mouth, that tells us the Spirits have neither Luke 24 39 flesh nor bones; and the whole Scriptures, that man is carnally begotten, conceived and born, I leave for others further to dispute. Only I know, that such beget as Merlines is reported to be, without father, and Simon Magus also, that before him would Clemens in his Recog●itionss. needs be the son of a Virgin, do not a little contradict our Christian Profession, who acknowledge only the conception of Christ to be conceived without the seed of man, or of sin. But to our purpose: Ambrose Aurelius Ambrose, the continuence of his reign. Aurelius (by Panuinius accounted the last Emperor of the British blood) is said to reign in Britain thirty two years, and to die in that of Christ's Incarnation four hundred ninety seven. VTERPENDRAGON. 4. ✚ P●END R●EDM●NIT● REX 3 GOL▪ READ PEND An. Do. 498. VTer, surnamed Pendragon, the brother of Ambrose, succeeded him both in valour, and in the Government Mat. Westminster. of Britain. His entrance was with troubles against the Saxons, who under the leading of Eske and Octa, the sons of King Hengist, had passed with spoil to the City York, whither this newmade General presently repaired, and giving them battle, with the discomfiture of the whole Army, took both the brethren prisoners, and committed them to safe custody. Hect. Boetius. But the Britain's (saith Boetius) becoming disloyal to their Prince, seldom assisted him with preventing counsel: and the Prince enamoured upon the Duke of Cornwall's Wife, consulted more with Merline to transform himself from himself, then to give direction against the common enemy. For coming Alex. Necham. Uter Pendragon in love with Lady Jgren. to Tindagell Castle in Cornwall, possessed by Gorlois, Duke of that Province, beheld (in his eye) the Paragon of Nature, which was Lady Igren, his Duchess and wife. Uter, whose thoughts till then had been free, and from his childhood had ever followed Mars in the field, was now surprised so far with her love, that his Shield and Arms were both neglected and unworn, and all his thoughts set on work to purchase his most wished desire; which lastly, by Merline and Geffrey Monm. Magic was effected, and that after this manner (if we will believe him of Monmouth, who is the reporter.) His suits and hopes failing (saith he) to win her unto dishonour, Merline altogether new-moulded the shape of King Uter, and printed in his face the feature of Gorlois her own Lord, by which means, and without suspect the King dishonourably violated this Lady's An ancient Manuscript. chastity, in which Bed of deceit, the famous Arthur was begot. The captive Captains Eske and Octa in these lose times of his love, got lose from their Keepers, and with their rattling armour roused Uter from this wanton Lullaby; who with troops of strength, and trumpets of defiance, met these Saxons face to face in the field, where betwixt them was fought a most bloody battle, and that even almost to the last stroke, and wherein, if fatal destiny had withdrawn her hand, the Island had been rid of these Intruders Geffrey, etc. for ever. For therein (say our Authors) the Saxons perished by the Britain's swords; upon whose points also Eske and Octa paid their escapes with the John Harding. loss of their lives. This field was at Verolam, whither Uter sick, and in his Horselitter, was borne among Pendragon the continuance of his reign. his Army, and after long and sore siege, won from them that City. Finally, when this King had reigned the space of eighteen years, he died by poison put into a well, whereof usually he drank, and was buried at stonehenge with his brother Ambrose. Of his surname Pendragon, these supposals are made: At his nativity (say some) appeared a fiery Comet, in some part resembling a Dragon's Head: whereupon that great reputed Prophet Merline, attributed this heavenly Meteor unto this Princely new-born Babe, and gave him the name of Uter-pendragon. Others for his serpentine wisdom, derive the surname of this Serpent's Head, who like unto that of Dan, bitten Gen. 49. 17. the Horse heels, so that the riders fell backward. For in all his wars against the Saxons, he was most fortunate and victorious, with their great overthrows. But others will have him so named from his Royal Banner, borne ever before him, wherein was portrayed a Dragon with a Golden Head; of which Standard since, neighbour Nations have had good experience, In gold and jewels, as Harding saith. and in far Country it hath been displayed in the cause of Christianity, to the terror of the pagan, as in Syria by that invincible English King, Richard the first, surnamed Cur-de-lion; in Scotland and Wales by that conquering Prince Edward the first, and the same as yet is in field borne for an Imperial Standard in our English Camps. KING ARTHUR. 5. An. Do. 516. ARthur the son of Uter, begotten as is said of Lady Igren Duchess of Cornwall, was crowned Matth. Westm. King at fifteen years of age, about the year of Christ five hundred and sixteen; or as Matthew of Westminster hath it, five hundred and eighteen. His Scotia Chron. prosperous entrance was envied at by Lotho King of the Picts, and by Couran King of the Scots, who had married his own Aunts, Anna and Alda, the two sisters of Amorose and Uter, each of them expecting the Crown before him, through the opinion and repute of his bastardy, especially Lotho, who had issue by Anna, Mordrad, and Gawan: the latter of which spent his life in the cause of that quarrel. His first proceed were against the common enemy the Saxons, whose Captain Colgerne, he chased from Northumberland into York; which City likewise he girt with a straight siege, notwithstanding Colgerne thence escaped into Germany, and of King Cherdick got secure for his Saxons, who with seven hundred Matth. Westm. sail arrived in Scotland. Arthur advertised of his great power, raised his siege, and drew towards London, and thence sent for aid to his Nephew Howel, King of Little Britain in France, who came himself in person to join with his uncle. These from southhampton marched to Lincoln, which City Cherd●ck had strongly besieged, but was thence forced by Arthur's conquering sword. Twelve battles he fought against these Saxons (as Ninius recordeth) with great manhood and victory. The first was at the mouth of the River Gleyne: the second, third, fourth, and fifth, upon the Banks of Douglasse, in the County of Lineux: the sixth upon the River Bassus; the seventh in the wood Calydon; the eighth near to the Castle Guynien; the ninth in Wales, at the Town Cairelien; the tenth at Trachenrith, or Rithowode upon the Sea side: the eleventh upon a hill named Agned Cathergonien; and the twelfth at Bath, or Bathen-hill, where the Britain's (as Beda saith) gave the Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 16. Saxons a very great overthrow; which (by Gyldas' report) happened forty four years after the Saxons first arrivage into Britain, the year wherein himself was borne. Of Arthur's success both at home and abroad, his great magnificence in Court and Country, his Banners, and four Golden Swords borne before him, his Round Monmouth. Wil Newb. Leiland. Tables, and challenges of Martial Honour, let Monmouth the Writer, Newberry the Resister, and Leiland the Maintainer, be heard for me. But certain it is (by the report of Malmesbury) that Arthur was a Prince Wil Malmes. more worthy to be advanced by the truth of Records in warrantable credit, then by fables scandalised with poetical fictions and hyperbolical falsehoods. Whose Banner was so often spread for the cause of Christianity, and defence of his Country, being the only prop that upheld the same. And lamentable it is, that the fame of this puissant Prince had not been sounded by a more certain Of jeffrey ●p Arthur, or Monk of Monmouth. Trumpet: for to say the truth of his Writer even in a word, he was well skilled in Antiquities of tradition, but as it seemeth, not any of ancient credit, so many toys and tales he every where interlaceth out of his own brain, wherewith he was charged while himself lived, insomuch as he is now ranged among those Writers whom the Roman Church hath censured to be forbidden. This hurt therefore those overzealous Monks have done to the Subject whereof they wrote, that through an overmuch conceited opinion, with the virtue and fame of the person, they have mingled such matters as may justly be rejected, whereby their worths are not only deprived of their truly-deserued honours, but which more is, even their persons suspected to be naught else but fictions, as Hercules in Ovid, or Hector in Homer. And so hath Geffrey done by this most worthy Prince Arthur, whose wars against the Saxons for defence of this Island, he hath enlarged with the Conquests of other Kingdoms and Countries, wherein he never came: which hath made not only his Acts to be doubted of, but even his person to be called in question, whether any such Arthur ever ruled in Britain. Yet with better regard to the Recorders of his spreading fame, we grant both the man, and many honourable parts in him, though not in the like manner as they have laid them down. Neither are we strayed so far from the steps of credulity, that we can believe no more than we see, or that seeing, be forestalled with a prejudicate opinion: for though Hom. Iliad. lib. 5. Euripide●. Sophocles. we consent not to the fables of Homer, neither to the inventions that Euripides and Sophocles made upon the Battles of Troy, yet we deny not but that there were Wars and Battles at Troy, wherein many Martial acts undoubtedly were performed: neither doubt we of Seneca in his Morals. his person, as Seneca seemeth to do of jupiter's, but acknowledge it with reverence for truth, yet with this reservation, that all is not Gospel which is written in Greek. And had there not been a truth of things whereupon Poets made their fables, there had been at this day no fables of Poets in the world. And as Geffrey wondereth that neither Gyldas nor Beda do mention Arthur nor his great deeds, so saith Randulphus, may we at Geffrey, that hath augmented them above the pitch of credulity. But for the truth of this Prince, besides a Charter exemplified under the seal of King Edward the Third, wherein mention is made of King Arthur, to have been a great Benefactor to john Rouse. the Abbey of Glastenbury, who as john Rouse reporteth, had given Bren-march and other Demaines, to the value of five hundred Marks yearly, to the said Monastery. The Arms of Arthur. His Arms (being an Escocheon, whereon a Cross, with the Virgin Mary bearing Christ in her arms) cut in stone, and standing over the first Gate of entrance as yet, is said to be the Arms of that Abbey. And joseph, Josephus Iscanus. the judicious Monk of Excester, who followed King Richard the First in his war for the Conquest of the Holy Land, in his poetical verses extolleth Arthur with Alexander, Caesar, and Hercules; yea and Ninius, Arthur an Iron mal. far his ancient, calleth Arthur an Iron mal, that both bruised and broke the Lion's jaws asunder. Therefore of his person we make no doubt, though his acts have been written with too lavish a pen: neither consent we with those Historians that naturalise him for a Britain, seeing that Ninius, Beda, Malmesburie, and himself seem to speak the contrary: for Ambrose being the brother of Uter Pendragon, as we already from Beda have showed, was a Captain descended from the blood of the Romans, whose parents Niniu●. Malmesb. de gestu Reg. Angl. saith Ninius, had worn the Purple rob, and both of them the sons of Constantine, whose father in Britain against Honorius the Emperor had put on the said rob. And by his natural descent from the Romans, Arthur not only denied them Tribute, but also threatened to have a Tribute from Rome: for in his Letters to that end sent unto the Senate, thus in an old Manuscript we find it indicted: Understand among A nameless old Manuscript, chap. 154. you of Rome, that I am King Arthur of Britain, and freely it hold, and shall ●old; and at Rome hastily will I be, not to give you truage, but to have truage of you: for Constantine that was Helenes' son, and other of mine Ancestors conquered Rome, and thereof were Emperors, and that they had and held I shall have your z god's grace. Whereby is manifest his blood was from the Romans. Let not therefore any of our Britain's take exceptions against me for this, neither that I enlarge not his fame, by the enlargement of his Empire in Russia, Lapland, and in making Norway his Chamber of Britain, as if that Kingdom and Title should be given him by the Pope, that indeed cuts large thongs out of other men's Leather: his Conquests of thirty Kingdoms, and kill of Denabus the huge Spanish Giant, & his combat with Frolo Governor of France, and with Lucius Hiberus the Roman Legate, whose slain body he sent to the Senate for the tribute of Britain by them demanded: seeing that others before me, far more ripe Historians, have made both doubts and objections against them. And therefore I conclude with this Arthur, August. de Civit. Dei. lib. 10. as Saint Augustine with the Athenians, whose men (saith he) were ever greater in fame then in deeds. And with Ninius will end with his saying; Arthurus pugnabat ●ontra illos in diebus illis; & licet multi ipso nobiliores essent, ipse tamen duodecies Dux belli fuit, Victorqúe bellorum: Arthur made war against them in those days; and though many were more noble than be, yet was he twelve times General in the Field, and returned Conqueror. But more constant is the memory of his death, and place of his burial, both which are reported upon warrantable credit: for Mordred the son of Lotho, whereof we have spoken, affecting the Crown, upon a pretence of right from King Uter, and supposed bastardise of Arthur, gave many attempts, through the aid of his Picts, and assistance of the Saxons, to dispossess him of that wherein he was seated: and lastly at * Camelford. Kamblan or Cambula in Cornwall (saith Leland) this British Hector encountering Mordred, slew him outright, and received of him his own death's wound. The witness of this Field as yet are those pieces of Armour, horse-harnesse, and other habiliments of War, which are daily digged up in tillage of the ground; unless those relics of Battle be the seals of that fight which Marianus writeth to have Marianu● Scotus. been in this place betwixt the Britain's and Saxons, in the year of our Lord eight hundred and twenty. If then it be true that Arthur here died, this place we may say seemeth to be consecrated unto Mars: for Tindagell Castle, standing hard by, first brought into the world this glorious Prince, for one of her nine Worthies, and Cambula again received his last blood. But from this place he was carried unto Glastenburie in Somersetshire, where he died the one and twentieth Wal. sonuen. Antiq. Glasten. Arthur the continuance of his reign. of May, in the year of our Salvation five hundred forty and two, after he had most victoriously reigned twenty six years. His body was there buried, and six hundred years after was taken up, and found upon this occasion: When Henry the second, and first Plantagenet, had swayed the English Sceptre to the last of his reign, it chanced him at Pembroke to hear sung to the Harp certain Ditties of the worthy exploits and acts of this Arthur, (by a Welsh Bard, as they were termed, whose custom was to record and sing at their Feasts the noble deeds of their Ancestors) wherein mention was made of his death, and place of burial, designing it to be in the Churchyard of Glastenburie, and that betwixt two Pyramids therein standing: whereupon King Henry caused the ground to be digged, and at seven foot depth was found a huge broad stone, wherein a leadden Cross was fastened, and in that side that lay downward, in rude and barbarous letters (as rudely set and contrived) this inscription written upon that side of the Lead that was towards the stone: HIC JACET SEPULTUS REX ARTURIUS IN INSULA AVALONIA. here lieth King Arthur buried in the I'll of Aualonia. And digging nine foot deeper, his body was found in the trunk of a Tree, the bones of great bigness, and in his skull perceived ten wounds, the last very great, and plainly seen. His Queen Guinever, that had been near kinswoman to Cador Duke of Cornwall, a The like tresses of hair myself saw in a coffin digged up in an old house near Paul's in London, very beautiful in show, but being touched, was nothing but dust. Lady of passing beauty lay likewise by him, whose tresses of hair finely plaited, and in colour like the gold, seemed perfect and whole until it was touched, but then (bewraying what all beauties are) showed itself to be dust. Giraldus Cambrensis, a worthy Author and an eyewitness, is the reporter of this finding of Arthur's bones; and the Cross of Lead, with the Inscription, as it was found and taken off the stone, was john Stow. kept in the Treasury or Revester of Glastenburie Church, saith Stowe, till the suppression thereof in the reign of King Henry the eight, whose form and rude letters we have here expressed to thy sight. Arthur's bones in tombed. The bones of King Arthur, and of Queen Guinevar his wife, by the direction of Henry de Bloys, Nephew to King Henry the second, and Abbot of Glastenbury, at that present were translated into the great new Church, and there in a fair Tomb of Marble, his body was laid and his Queens at his feet; which noble Monument among the fatal overthrows of infinite more, was altogether razed at the dispose of some then in Commission, whose too forward zeal, and over hasty actions in these behalfs, hath left unto us a want of many truths, and cause to wish that some of their employments had been better spent. CONSTANTINE. 6. An. D. 542. Constantine the son of Cador Duke of Cornwall, and cozen to King Arthur by his alliance in marriage, Brutus book. at his death was appointed by him to succeed in his Dominions, and most joyfully received of the Commons, as the man, in the opinion of this worthy elector and themselves, accounted most fit to defend the Land from the many oppressions of the Saxons, who now began to spread the wing as far as to Tyne in the North, and to set down the limits of their several Kingdoms; which notwithstanding, these strangers daily enlarged upon the homebred Inhabitants, the civil wars of the Britaines giving way to the same, and that not only among themselves, but by the Picts also, in the behalf of the two sons of Mordred, that sought to dispossess him of the Crown. In which quarrel many battles were fought, but with such success to the attemptors, that these two Competitors Gylda●. Abor succest. were forced for refuge into London and Winchester, whither Constantine pursued them, they taking Sanctuary in the Churches, and not far from the Altars he slew them: for which deed, the Priest Gyldas, In his Book De excidio Britan. Hum. Lluyd. Bre. Brit. that flourished in those days, in his invective reprehensions thus writeth: Britain hath Kings (saith he) but they are Tyrants: judges it hath, but they are wicked, pilling and harming the innocent people; revenging and defending, but whom? Such as be guilty and robbers. They have many wives, yet break they wedlock; many times swearing, yet perjure themselves; vowing, but for the most part with dissembling lies; warring, but stillmaintaining unjust and civil broils; abroad pursuing thieves, and yet at home cherish them, even at their own Tables, and sometimes also reward them. They give large alms indeed, yet heap they up sins high as the Mountain. They sit in the Seat of sentence, yet seldom seek the rule of right judgement, despising the humble and innocent persons, and extolling up to Heaven proud and bloody Murderers, thieves, and Adulterers, yea and if he would permit them, the very enemies of God. Many they keep in prison, and load them with irons, more to serve their own purposes, then for any guilt in the person, taking solemn Oaths before & upon the Altars, and yet despise they the Altars, as altogether vile, and but filthy stones. Of this heinous and wicked offence, Constantine the tyrannical whelp of the Lioness of Devon-shire is not ignorant, who this year, after the receiving of his dreadful Oath, whereby he bond himself, that in no wise he should hurt his Subjects, (God first, and then his Oath, with the company of Saints, and his own mother being present) did notwithstanding in the reverend laps of both his Mothers, the Church, and her by nature, and that under the vesture of an holy Abbot, devour with sword and spear, in stead of teeth, the tender sides and the entrails of two children of noble and Kingly race, and likewise of their two Governors, yea and that (as I said) before the sacred Altars; the Arms of which People so slain, not stretched forth to defend themselves with weapons (which few in those days handled more valiantly than they) but stretched forth to God, and to his Altar, in the day of judgement shall set up the reverend ensigns of their patience and faith at the Gates of the City of Christ, which so have covered the seat of the Celestall Sacrifice, as it were with the read Mantle of their cluttered blood. These things he did not after any good deeds done by him deserving praise: for many years before overcome with the often and changeable filths of adultery, and forsaking his lawful wife (contrary to the law of God) being not loosed from the snares of his former sins, he increaseth the new with the old. Thus far Gyldas, for this time, and for the reign of Constantine; whose life being no Constantine's reigns continuance. better, was cut off in battle by Aurelius Conanus, when he had reigned fully three years, and without issue was buried at stonehenge. AURELIUS CONANUS. 7. An. D. 545. Mat. Westminster. AVrelius Conanus, the Nephew of King Arthur, after he had slain his cozen Constantine in battle, was made King over the Britain's in the year after Christ's Nativity five hundred forty five. He was of disposition free and liberal, but therewithal of a light credit, and very suspicious, cherishing them that accused others, without respect of right or wrong, putting some to death, and retaining others in perpetual prison, among whom his own Uncle was one, whose two sons he caused to be slain, no causes objected, but that these three were in truth betwixt him & the Crown: for which, and other the like impious parts, the said Gyldas continueth the tenor of his vehement reprehension Gyldas. in this manner. And thou Lion's whelp (as speaks the Prophet) Aurelius Conanus, what dost thou? art thou not swallowed up in the filthy mire of murdering thy Kinsmen, of committing fornications and adulteries, like to the others before mentioned, if not more deadly, as it were with the waves and surges of the drenching Seas, overwhelming thee with her unmerciful rage? dost thou not in hating the peace of thy Country, as a deadly Serpent, and thirsting after civil wars and spoils (often times unjustly gotten) shut up against thy soul the Gates of celestial peace? Thou being left alone, as a withering tree in the middle of a field, call to remembrance (I pray thee) the vain youthful fantasy, and over timely deaths of thy Fathers and thy Brethren: shalt thou being set apart, and chosen forth of all thy lineage for thy godly deserts, be reserved to live an hundred years, or remain on earth till thou be as old as Methushela? nothing less. And thus with exhortations for his amendment, turneth his speech to his Successor. The reign of this King, among the uncertainties of other proceed, is ranged by our own Historians, as uncertainly. For some hold him to rule Holinsh. only two years, and no more, being then cut off by the just revenging hand of God for his sins: others Lanqu●●. allow three years for his reign, wherein, as they say, most viciously he lived: and yet Matthew of Westminster will have him continued in government Cona●us the continuance of his reign. no less than thirty years; and john Stow addeth three more: such extremes are we driven unto, that have our relations only from them. VORTIPORUS. 8. VOrtiporus, after the death of Aurelius, succeeded An. Do. 578. him in the Kingdom of the Britain's, which then was much scantled by the intrusions of the Saxons whom in many battles (as saith the British Historians) he vanquished, and valiantly defended his Land and Subjects, from the danger of them and of their Allies: notwithstanding these reported actions thus honourably achieved, yea and his Parentage with succession of governmeut, may be both suspected and justly called in question, as by the words of Gyldas is manifest; who suffered not this King also to pass untouched in his invective and lamentable passions. And thou (saith he) Vortiporus the Tyrant of South-wales, like Gyldas. to the Panther in manners and wickedness, diversly spotted, as it were with many colours, with thy hoary head in the Throne full of deceits, crafts, and wiles, and defiled even from the lowest part of thy body to the Crown of thy head, with divers and sundry murders committed on thine own kin, and filthy adulteries, thus proving the unworthy son 2. King. 20. 21. of a good King, as Manasses was to Ezechias; how chanceth it that the violent streams of sins, which thou swallowest up like pleasant wine, or rather art swallowed up by them, (the end of thy life by little & little now drawing near) cannot yet satisfy thee? What meanest thou, that with fornication, of all evils as it werethe full heap, thine own wife being put away, with her death, which thou wroughtest, dost oppress thy soul with a certain burden that cannot be avoided? By this testimony of Gyldas, this Vortiporus could not be the son of bad Conan, as Geffrey Monmouth and Matthew of Westminster affirm him: his Father being compared to godly Ezechtas' King of judah, and Vortiporus, the continuance of his reign. himself continuing his government, as is said the space of four years, ended his life without issue to succeed him. MALGO CANONUS. 9 MAlgo Canonus, the Nephew of Aurelius Conanus, An. D. 581. Mat. Westminster. as some writ, succeeded Vortiporus in the Kingdom of Britain, a man of a most seemly presence, but withal, charged with many unbeseeming and foul sins, by ancient Gyldas, the only recorder of the Actions in these times; who calleth him the Dragon of the Isles, greater in power then many, but exceeding all in mischief and malice; a large giver, but more lavish and prodigal in all sins and licentiousness: in Arms and dominions more strong, and greater than any other British Potentate; but stronger in the destruction of his own soul, in committing the grand abhorred sin of Sodomy. In his youthful days, with sword and fire he brought to destruction his Uncle by the mother's side (being then king) together with many others, and after upon a shew-seeming remorse of Conscience, vowed the profession and life of a Monk; but returned shortly after to his own vomit, and become worse than he was before: for despising his first marriage, he become enamoured upon the wife of his brother's son, whiles he was living; and after that he had kept her Malgo Canonus, the continuance of his reign. a certain time, murdered them both. In these sins he continued the term of five years, and dying without issue, left his Crown to another. By these reprehensions of Gyldas it should rather seem that these Princes lived all together at one and the same time, unto whom he spoke personally, and mouth to mouth, which could not be, if such successions and such years had been expired, as here is laid down. And therefore not without cause some have affirmed▪ that these captains usurped authority together in divers parts of the Island, and not successively one after another; neither indeed as Kings, but rather Tyrants, polluted with these grievous sins, as you have heard▪ and are so termed by their own Historian, that bringeth * If Cerdix be not another whom Beda calleth a Britons King, lib. 4. cap. 23. one more to tyrannize, whom neither Monmouth nor he of Westminster hath spoken of, which is Cuneglasus, whom he calleth, a Lion tawny Butcher, a Bear, a Contemner of Religion, an Oppressor of the Clergy, that fought against God with his many grievous sins, and warred upon man with his martial weapons. He (saith he) did put away his lawful wife, provoked the godly with many injuries, was proudly conceited of his own wisdom, and set his whole hope in uncertain riches. If then the head was so sick, could the body be sound, that (as Beda saith) were so set to break all orders of truth and justice▪ that scant any token or remembrance Beda hist. Angl. lib. 1. cap. 2●. thereof remained? And for witness against them, calleth their own Historian Gyldas, that accused them of many impieties, and this not the lest, that those Britain's neglected the preaching of the Gospel to the Saxons. For these sins assuredly, God gave their Land to another Nation, and themselves to exile, or to the swords of their enemies. Howsoever, some latter Britain hath rather excused their sins by the overrash Hum. Livyd. Br●. Brit. zeal of Gyldas, whom he termeth a Pulpit-Priest (but no perfect Historian) that beaten down sins with an over-sharpe censure of the sinners, as the manner of many Preachers is at this day. But (saith he) let the true renown of the Britaines appear to the world: and surely so shall it do for me. And again I return to my intended purpose. CARETICUS. 10. CAreticus succeeded Malgo in the government of An. Do. 586. Britain, as destitute of virtue and fluent in vice, as any of these his preceding Kings: for it is recorded that he was a nourisher of dissensions, and sowed civil wars among his subjects; a sin audible to God and Man, and unto the unconstant Britain's gave occasion of his hatred: which when the Saxons perceived, was further instigated, and with the assistance of Gurmund an Archpirate, and Captain of the Norwegians, followed against the King, who not able to resist them, fled into the Town of Chichester for safety, but by the device of his pursuers, certain sparrows being caught, and fire fastened to their feet, were let Se● Cro. fly into the Town, where lighting upon straw and other matter fit for flaming, burnt in short space the whole City, and Careticus flying beyond Severne, secured himself among the Mountains of Wales, wherein he died, after he had unprosperously reigned Careticus, the continuance of his reign. Polych. lib. 5. cap. 6. three years: and from that time forth (saith Randulphus) the Britain's lost their whole Kingdom in the East part of the Island, and were confined in the West by the Rivers Severne and Dee. CADWAN. 11. An. Do. 163. CAdwan, after four and twenty years civil dissension maintained among the Britain's, ever since they had foregone their Country, and betaken themselves to those vast, but securing Mountains; of a Wil Malmesb. Ruler only of North-wales, was made Governor of all those parts, a man deserving well before he came to that estate, and being risen, maintained himself and subjects in great honour and peace. His first affairs against the Saxons, was to revenge the deaths of his Britain's, and harmless Monks of Bangor, slain (as we have said) by wild Ethelfrid, the mighty King of Northumberland, who in Field had assembled all their powers, wherein the fatal end either of the Britain's or Northumbrians must needs have ensued, had not the quarrel been stayed by the mediation of friends. These Kings, then, and there reconciled, embraced peace, with such true friendship, that they continued amity together so long as they lived. Cadwan, the continuance of his reign. John Harding. Chro. cap. 90. Harding saith, that this British King Cadwan, honourably received and worthily cherished Acca, whom this King Ethelfrid had put from his bed, for the love he bore unto his Concubine, but is deceived in making her the mother of Edwin, that was his sister, and Cadwan to reign but thirteen years, whereas others Paulus Diaconus. allot him two and twenty. CADWALLO. 12. CAdwallo or Cadwallin, the son of Cadwan, was An. Do. 635. made King over the Britain's, the year of Christ's Incarnation six hundred thirty five. He warred most strongly against the Saxons, and either by Conquest or Alliance joined amity with Penda the cruel King of the Mercians, a Pagan Idolater, himself by the report Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 20. of Beda, although a Christian in name and profession, yet in mind and manners so rude and outrageous, that he spared neither women's weakness nor children's innocency, but put all to death with grievous and bitter torments, to fulfil his cruel and unmerciful tyranny, wasting a long time, and raging over the Provinces, purposed to exterminate out of the borders of Britanny the whole Nation of the English, and to extinguish the very name of them. Neither did he aught esteem any reverence or honour to the Christian Religion, which those men embraced: so that even to this day (saith he) the Britain's custom is to set light by the Faith or Religion of the Englishmen; neither will they communicate with them more than with Heathens or pagan. These two cruel Kings slew the most Christian Edwin King of Northumberland, with his son Prince Osfride, in a great and bloody battle at Hethfild, the year of Christ's incarnation six hundred thirty three: and the year following, with wicked force (saith Beda) Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 1. but with worthy vengeance, Cadwallo the Britain slew Osrike and Eanfrid, Kings of Deira and Bernicia, that were become Apostates from their Christian Faiths, and that with cruelty and loss of the Saxons, as their own Historians held it fit neither to mention their names in their monthly Calendar, nor register the year wherein they were slain, in account of their government, but assigned it unto the reign of their Successor King Oswald, which was so observed unto his days; so terrible was this worthy Cadwallo, and odious the remembrance of this unfortunate Battle. But this cursed Captain (saith he) enjoyed not this felicity long: for the said Oswald, to revenge his brother's death, came with a small power, but strongly fenced in the faith of Christ, and near to the River Device gave him battle, wherein himself and late-victorious Host were all slain and confounded. But we must rememher that Beda was a Saxon, in whose behalf his pen hath somewhat passed the bounds of equity (if not verity) in charging this most valiant Conqueror with tyranny, and his Martial Sword with cruelty, that was drawn and struck in defence of his native Country, wherein the Saxons claim stood only upon unjust intrusion. So likewise himself being a Monk and Priest, hath every where blamed the Britain's for dissenting from the Roman Church, in celebration of Easter and other Ceremonies; whereas in doctrine they were as sincere, which is the true substance of the Gospel. But the Britain's record that this valiant Cadwallo died not in Hevenfeild, Geffrey Monm. neither by the hand of King Oswald, but that he reigned in great honour the space of eight and forty Cadwallo or Cadwan, the continuance of his reign. years, and in peace died 22. of November, in the year of Christ jesus six hundred seventy seven. His body the Britaines buried in S. Martin's Church in London, near Ludgate; whose Image great and terrible, triumphantly riding on horseback, being artificially cast of Brass, they placed upon the same West gate, to the further fear and terror of the Saxons, as Vortimer before had commanded his at Stovar. But this relation, as also that he married the sister of King Penda, as my often named Manuscript reporteth, I leave to the best liking of my Reader. About this time the most blasphemous doctrine of Mahomet began to infect all the Eastern World. For although himself lived some nine years before the government of this Cadwallo, yet presently after his death his doctrine was more publicly embraced. He was borne in Arabia, of a poor and base stock, and being fatherless, was sold for a bondslave unto an Ismaelite, whose name was Abdemonaples, a man of exceeding great riches, and in great trade of merchandizing, and Mahomet for his subtlety in wit, was his fit instrument, and greatly in his favour. The Master dying, left Mahomet his chief Factor, who having great riches in his keeping, married his Mistress, and so become heir of all; with whom consorted one Sergius a Monk, which for heresy was fled into Arabia, who instructed Mahomet in the heresy of the Nestorians, and now for his wealth and Magical Arts, wherewith he bewitched the minds of the people, assumed to himself the name of the great Prophet of God, and began to be famously published for the doctrine which he taught: the which was none other but a confused Chaos of all the heresies that had been before him: for with the Sabellians he denied the Trinity; with the Manichies, he affirmed but two persons to be in the Deity; with Eunomius, he denied the equality of the Father and the Son; and with Macedon, taught that the Holy Ghost was a creature. He borrowed of the jews Circumcision; of the Nicholaitans, pluralities of wives; and of the Gentiles, much Superstition; and more to cloak his devilish invented fantasies, somewhat he took from the verity of the Gospel. Of these compounded he devised a Law, An. Do. 625. and wrote this his Religion in the book called his Koran; and those his Professors he named Saracens, from Sara the wife of Abraham. He died of the falling sickness, which long time he had dissembled, saying forsooth after his trances, that the Angel Gabriel had conference with him, the brightness of whose glory he could not behold. CADWALLADER. 13. CAdwallader, the son of Cadwallo, and last King An. Do. 685. of the Britain's, after the death of his Father, succeeded him in his dominions, and with great valour fought against the Saxons, as he of Monmouth affirmeth, Geffrey Monm. of whom hear him speak in his own words. Cadwallader (saith he) reigning victoriously the time of twelve years, fell lastly into a dangerous sickness, with despair of recovery, and unable to govern. Much debate and strife arose among his great Lords, and others of high estate, insomuch that they warred each against others, to the no small annoyance and detriment of the whole Country. At which very time likewise, so great a dearth of corn and victual reigned, that herbs and roots were the Commons chiefest sustenance: whose third calamity was mortality and pestilence, reigning so sore, and so suddenly, that in their eating, drinking, walking, and speaking, they were surprised with death, and in such number, that the living were scarce able to bury the dead; which miseries lasted no less than eleven years continuance, whereby the Land become desolate, and brought forth no fruit at all, insomuch that the King and many of his Nobles were driven to forsake their native Country, and to seek relief in foreign parts. Cadwallader repaired to the Court of Alan his cozen, the King of Little Britain in France, where he was honourably received and maintained. But now the Angel of God sheathing his sword from slaughter, and the earth answering man again with her former abundance, those Saxons that were escaped, sent for more of their Nation to their further supply, who replenished the Cities, and manured the Country, at this day called Lhoyger, containing all the Land that lay on the East of Severne and Dee, dispossessing the poor Britain's of their rightful inheritance, and dividing their Lands unto their own use. Cadwallader hearing of their daily arrivage, and their unjust intrusion upon his homebred subjects, minded their redress by his present return, and to that end had wrought King Alan, for his succour & assistance. But see how it chanced: He being now ready to embark his Host, and to hoist up his sails for Britain, and in the silent night much spent in prayer & supplication, that God would prospero with good success these his great affairs, behold an Angel appeared to him, or at leastwise to his seeming he heard a voice, that forbade him the enterprise, declaring that it was not God's will that he should undergo that Voyage, or that the Britain's should rule their Land any longer; but contrariwise bade high him to Rome, and of Pope Sergius receive the habit of Religion, wherein he should die, and rest in peace. This dream (for I hold it no other) being told unto Alan, search was made into the Books of both D. Powel. Chron. of Wales. the Merlines, as also into the speech of the Eagle at Shaftesbury, pronounced eight hundred and eighty years before the birth of our Saviour Christ (if we do believe these to be true) wherein it was prophesied forsooth, that the Britain's should loose their Kingdom, and that the same should be possessed of others, until the time that the bones of Cadwallader should be brought from Rome. By such toys and illusions in those days of darkness, the ever-erring minds of men were content to be lead: for not only Cadwallader, a quiet and meeke-spirited man, was possessed with this conceit, that it came unto him by a divine providence, but also King Alan persuaded him to obey his Oracle; and thereupon preparing for his Pilgrimage, gave over his expedition for Britain, and left his distressed Subjects to be overrun by strangers, and the Land to be enjoyed by a foreign Nation: and receiving the habit of seeming Religion at the hands of Pope Sergius, died soon after in the year of our Lord six hundred eighty nine, and there was buried in S. Peter's Church, being the last King of the Britain's blood, after they had held possession thereof the space of one thousand one hundred thirty and seven years before the Nativity of Christ, and six hundred eighty eight years after his Birth, as the Chronicle of Wales, with other Britain Writers, have calculated, though (as is said) after the largest size. But howsoever this sudden alteration was wrought in Cadwallader, yet whiles he continued a King in health, he reigned (saith Geffrey) in great magnanimity, the Cadwallader, the continuance of his reign. term of three years, and fought many Battles against the Saxons, whose sword was ever sheathed with victory; for Lothaire King of Kent he slew in the Field, and Edilwach also King of the South-Saxons, with the ruin of his Country, as the British Historians report, and would have it. Beda histor. lib. 4. cap. 26. But Beda, unto whom more credit is herein to be given, tells us, that Lothaire was slain by Edrik, his Cap. 15. Nephew and Successor, declaring the manner and day of his death; and that Ceadwall, a young man of the Westsaxons blood royal, being banished from among them, fell upon the South-Saxons, harrying the Country and kill their King. But afterwards lamenting the blood he had spilled, whereat even Nature herself seemed to be offended, in great repentance Beda hist. lib. 5. cap. 7. abandoned his Kingdom, and pilgrim-like went unto Rome, where of Pope Sergius he was baptised upon Easter Even, the year from Christ's Nativity six hundred eighty nine. The times thus agreeing, their names so near, their devotions alike, Sergius the same ghostly father to both, their sepulchres in one and the same Church, do strongly confirm that they both were the same and one only man, as we formerly have said. But with this man Cadwallader, wheresoever he died, lay buried the last blood of their Kings, their government, and immediately the very Name of Britain, for many hundred years ensuing, as in the sequel of▪ this History (Christ assisting) shall be showed. And now at last, according to my first intendment, I am come to speak of the succession of Great Britain's monarch, from which (upon the foreshowed occasions of the islands division, the Saxons possessions, and these Britain Resisters) I have been overlong stayed, and am forced to return again to King Hengist, the first of the Saxons, that I may show their succeeding succession in this English Monarchy: wherein of necessity I must desire the patience of my Reader, if some things be again touched that formerly have been spoken, the Matter of History so much requiring, and the Method that to my proceeding I have herein proposed, enforcing it. Saxon Monarches. THE SAXONS SUCCESSIONS IN THE MONARCHY OF GREAT BRITAIN, WHEREOF HENGIST THE FIRST KING OF KENT BECOME THE FIRST MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN. CHAPTER XIII. An. Do. 450. Beda. Malmsb. HEngist, a Prince of the English-Saxons, having the Command over certain forces planted in the Low-countrieses of Germany, in the year of Christ's Incarnation four hundred and fifty, transported them over into Britain, where the fifth year after his arrival, he began his Kingdom in Kent; & having surprised his son in law King Vortigern, slain his Britain's, and seized into his possession the best of the Island, he laid the foundation of a Monarchy, and deserveth to be reputed the first Monarch of the English Nation. (2) He (as all the Saxon Kings besides) doth claim his original from Prince wooden, and his wife Fria, Floren. Wigorn. by Wechta the eldest of their seven sons, being the fifth in issue from them; as thus: Himself was the son of Withtgils, who was the son of Witha, and he the son of Wechta, the eldest son of the Deified wooden. Hengist, how long he reigned. This Prince held the supreme Sceptre of this Island for thirty four years continuance, and therein died honourably, saith Marianus Scotus. But Peter de Ikham, Maria. Scot Peter Jkham. Polydore, and others say, that he was slain in battle, or else taken by Edol, Earl of Gloucester, and beheaded at Conesborow. He left issue behind him two sons Geffrey M●n. Polydor Virgil. and one daughter, whose names were Hatwaker, Eske, and Rowena. Petrus Albinus. (3) Hatwaker his eldest son, is reported by Petrus Albinus of Wittenberg, a great Genealogist and Historiographer also) to be Duke of the Saxons in Germany, and there left to govern the people at his Father's departure for Britain. And if Albinus authority be sufficient, he was the Father of Duke Hatwegat, and grandfather of Hilderik King of the Saxons, ancestor to the valiant Witikindus, the principal progenitor of the most noble Family of the Dukes of Saxony. (4) Eske, the second son of King Hengist, came over with his Father into Britain, and was his assistant in all his wars, wherein he gave worthy testimony of his valour: whose Kingdom of Kent after Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 5. Eske, how long he reigned. his death he enjoyed, and gave name to that Country's Inhabitants, who were from him called Eskings, over whom he reigned peaceably twenty years. (5) Rowena, the daughter of King Hengist, was borne in Germany before her Father's departure, and afterwards sent for by him into Britain, to further his designs. At whose surpassing beauty and feature Vortigern so viciously gazed, that he put from him his lawful and loving wife, to enjoy the pleasures of her Paganish bed, and to the great decay of Christianity, and grief of the Nobility, she become the King's second wife, and the principal cause of the Lands destruction. By her he had a daughter, who contrary to all laws either of God or man, was likewise his third wife; by whom he had issue Faustus, that as virtuously spent the days of his life, as he was incestuously begot in that wicked bed. Vlitarpius. This Rowena, whom some call Ronixa, by Vlitarpius is accounted the Niece, and not the Daughter of Hengist. But seeing his opinion is grounded upon the youth of Hengist, as not sufficient in years to have a daughter so marriageable, I rather think and hold this bore testimony unable to turn the great stream of other Writers out of their usual course and received channel. Ella, Monar. ELLA THE FIRST KING OF THE SOUTH-SAXONS, AND SECOND MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN. CHAPTER FOURTEEN. An. D. 581. Beda. hist. lib. 2. cap. 5. ELla a noble Saxon, being sent for by King Hengist, about the three and twentieth year of his reign, brought a fresh supply of those Germane to the relief of his Countrymen, who with his forces landed at the haven now called Shoreham in Sussex, Matt. Westminst. where putting back the Inhabitants in many skirmishes, lastly chased them into a great wood then called Andredflege, whence often being assailed by the sudden assaults of the Britain's, wherein, as may be thought, he lost the lives of his two elder sons, was so hardly beset, that he sent for more aid of his Saxons, who came to his supply. (2) His strength thus augmented, and ambition still increased, he fought three cruel and bloody battles, but the last of them most fatal against the Britain's, Henry Huntingdon in the place then called Macrodes-burne, and besieging the ancient and famous City Andred-Chester situated in the said great forest, and chief defensible fortress in all those Southern parts, intercepted the Britain's that came to their relief, and entering the same by an assault, put to the sword all that were found within it. After which great loss, the Britain's sought rather to provide for their own safety by flying into desert places, then by making open resistance to procure their own too apparent destruction. An. Do. 488. (3) Ella in this state continued the time of five years before he assumed the name of King, or the limits of that Province assigned under his government, but then without any show of resistance laid the foundation of this Kingdom, which was the second of the Saxons; and as Hengist held Kent, so he had Sussex and Surrey for his Possession, wherein for six years space Ella, how long he reigned. with Hengist he lived, and that with such approbation of valour as that after his death he become the second Saxon Monarch of the Englishmen, in the year of grace 488. (4) He is said to be the elder son of Osa, whose genealogy Florentius of Worcester thus deriveth: Osa Florent. Wigorn. (saith he) was the son of Etherbert, and he the son of Ingengeat, who was the son of Angengiat, whose father was Alusa, the son of Ingebrand, the son of Wegbrand, the son of Beorn, the son of Beornus, the elder son of Brand, the son of Bealdeag, the sixth son of prince wooden and of Lady Fria his wife. (5) His issue were Kymen, Plenching, and Cissa, three valiant sons, that came over with him, and assisted Wil Malmsb. him in his enterprises for Britain. From Kymen, the port wherein they arrived, was called Kymenishore; by the Britain's, Cuneveshore, which time and seas hath both shortened, and altered: and now is it called Shoreham, a well known haven in Sussex. This Prince came to his grave before his Father, either by the stroke of wars, or by the course of nature, without further mention of his acts, and his succession, cut off by his death. Florent. Wig. (6) Plenching his second son, was borne unto him in the Low countries of Germany, and with his brethren assisted his Father to the attaining of the South-Saxons Crown; but being cut off by untimely death, whether by the hand of the enemy, or by nature's appointment, is uncertain. (7) The youngest son of king Ella, was Cissa, whom death spared to live a long life; but fame as sparing to adorn it with memory of his acts: for nothing of him is left memorable, besides the building of Chichester. Fortune indeed set his father's Crown on his head, but kept the Imperial Diadem in her own hand, to adorn the head of a worthier bearer, which was Cherdik the West-Saxon, unto whom Cissa gave yearly contribution, to secure him from the Britain's, as before and after hath been, and shall be showed. (8) This Ella his entrance and erection of his Kingdom, for time is uncertain; but his reign therein, as also in his Monarchy, is more certainly See Chap. ●. known▪ for he was King of the South-Saxons the space of thirty two years, and Monarch of the Englishmen six and twenty, dying in the year of Christ's Incarnation five hundred and fourteen, which was the thirty sixth after his first arrival into Britain. CHERDIK THE FIRST KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND THIRD MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN. CHAPTER XU. An. Do. 495. THe Saxons Sun, thus risen and high ascended upon the South of Britain, began now to spread his beams towards the West; for Kent being quietly possessed by King Eske, and Southsaxia, with all the subdued, at the dispose of great Ella, Cherdik a valiant Captain of the Low Country Germane, thought himself as sufficient in wars, and as able to reach at, to wear, and to wield a Crown of Estate, as either of them that had so done before him: and seeing that Britain was now the seede-plot for Diadems, set his affection and preparation that way. Mat. West●. (2) He with his forces entered in the West of that Island, where he in his first battle so daunted the Inhabitants, that apparent signs of approaching glory were added to his aspiring hopes: for therein he slew Natanleod, otherwise called Nazaleod, a mighty King of the Britain's, whereby an easy entrance was laid open Henr. Hunt. to his desired Empire, and a more easy war left to his posterity. This battle chanced about the year of Christ jesus five hundred and eight, and was fought in the region of Natanleod, (which Country bore the name of the King) and near unto a brook of water in the West of Hampshire, which from Cherdik began to be called Cherdiksford, where now a Town of the same name standeth, but by contraction and shortness of speech is called Chardford. Flor. Wigorn. (3) Florentius of Worcester, the Saxons Genealogist (as I may well term him) bringeth this Cherdik (as he doth the rest of the Saxon Kings) from the ancient Prince wooden, and that in this manner: Cherdik (saith he) was the son of Elisius, and he the son of Esla, the son of Gerisius, the son of Wigga, the son of Friairin, the son of Freodegar, the brother of Beorn, the progenitor of Ida the first King of Bernicia, and both of them the sons of Brand, the son of Bealdeag, the fift son of the foresaid wooden. (4) In the seventh year of Ella his Monarchy, was his arrivage, and six years after he began his Kingdom of the Westsaxons, seating himself and foundation thereof betwixt the Britain's and the South-Saxons, for whose further security, Cissa King of that Province, gave him an yearly contribution towards the maintenance of his charge in war; wherein he got such reputation, that after the death of Ella, and the thirteenth of his own reign, he assumed the Monarchy unto himself, and was both the first King of the Westsaxons, and the third Monarch of the Englishmen, Cherdik, how long he reigned. wherein he continued the space of twenty one years, and deceased in the year of our Lord five hundred thirty five, being the three and thirtieth of his Kingdom, and the fortieth after his first arrival. (5) His issue were two sons, Kenrik and Chelwolfe: the one immediately, and the issue of the other collaterally attained to the same possession and title that Cherdike here first laid. (6) Chelwolfe his second son (for of Kenrik the eldest we are hereafter to speak) hath little mention made among our writers▪ more than that he was the Ancestor of Eskwin the eight King of the Westsaxons, that is to say, the father to Kenfrid the father of Kensy; which Kensy had issue the said Eskwin, who was the Successor of king Kenwalk, and predecessor See chap. 7. of King Kentwin in the kingdom of the West-Saxnos. Kenrik. KENRIK THE SECOND KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND FOURTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN. CHAPTER XVI. KEnrik, the eldest son of An. Do. 534. King Cherdick (as is said) being borne in Germany, and following his father into Britain, valiantly Mat. West●. served under him, as well in the Battle fought against King Natanleod, the first day of his arrivage, as in other battles against the Britain's in other places; namely, at Cherdiksford, Cherdisley, and in the Conquest of the I'll of Wight. Immediately upon the death of his Father, he succeeded in his whole dominions, and was ordained the second King of the Westsaxons, and the fourth Monarch of the Englishmen, beginning his reign over both at one and the same time, the year of Christ his Nativity five hundred thirty four. (2) And enlarging his confines upon the Territories of the Britain's, gave them two great overthrows; the one at Searesbery in Wilt-shire, and the other An. Do. 556. at Banbury in Oxford-shire, which was fought the two and twentieth of his reign, whereby his fame grew more renowned, and his Kingdom in more quiet after. He reigned the space of twenty six years, Kenrik, how long he reigned. and left this life in the year of our Lord God five hundred sixty. (3) He had issue three sons, Cheuline, Cuthwolfe, and Cuth. Chelwin the first, succeeded his father in the Monarchy, and Westsaxons Kingdom. (4) Cuthwolfe, the second, assisted his brother in many victories, as presently in his reign shall follow. And Cuth, the third brother, famous in his issue, though mentionlesse for action in himself, whereof In Chap. 7. Sect. 2. more largely hath been spoken in the reign of Kenrik, as he was King only of the Westsaxons. Cheuline. CHEULINE THE THIRD KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND FIFTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN. CHAPTER XVII. An. D. 561. CHeuline, the eldest son of King Kenrike, served with great commendations under his father, in all his wars against the Britain's, and is specially mentioned at the Battle of Matt. Westm. Banbury in Oxford-shire; and after his father's death become the third King of the Westsaxons, and the fifth Monarch of the Englishmen. He much enlarged the bounds of his Kingdom, and increased the power and glory of the Westsaxons. Henry Hunting. (2) For continuing the wars where his Father left, did not only subdue the Britain's in many Battles, but also set himself against his own Nation the Saxons, and sought to impose the scope of his power upon the South of the River Thames: for entering Kent (whose King was then a child, by name Ethelbert, the son of Imerik) at Wiphandun or * Wimbledon. Wilbandun in Surrey, in a set and sore Battle, defeated all his forces, whence the young King was chased, and two of his greatest Captains, bearing the names of Dukes, were slain, as we have said. (3) Not long after this victory, he set his mind to enlarge his Westsaxons Dominions upon the possession of the declining Britain's, and to that end furnished forth a great Band of his Soldiers, whereof he made his brother Cuthwin chief General. These marching to Bedford, gave Battle to the Britain's, where they slew them down▪ right, and surprised four of their chiefest Towns, at that time called Liganburge, * Ailsburi●. Eglesbourgh, Bensington, and Euesham, which they fortified, to their own strength, and the Britain's great loss. (4) And following the Tract of his foregoing fortunes, about six years after sent forth again his Saxons, under the conduct of the foresaid Cuthwin, who encountered the Britain's at Diorth or Deorham, with such valour and success, that besides great slaughter of the British Soldiers, three of their Kings, whose names were, Coinmagill, Candida●, and Farimnagill, Matth. West. fell in the Field, with the surprisal of these three Cities, Gloucester, Bath, and Cirencester. Then (saith Gyldas. Gyldas) evidently appeared the Lands destruction, the sins of the Britaines being the only cause, when neither Prince nor People, Priest nor Levite, regarded the Law of the Lord, but disobediently wandered in their own ways. (5) But no greater were the sins of the Britain's, than the unsatiable desires of the Saxons were to conquer: for Cheuline about the last of Malgoe his government, met the Britain's at Fethanleah, in the face of a Tho. Redborne. Field, which was fought out, to the great slaughters of them both, and with the death of Prince Cuth, King Cheulins son: notwithstanding the victory fell on his side with great spoils obtained, and possessions of many Provinces, which himself no long time enjoyed. (6) For grown proud through his many prosperous victories against his enemies, and tyrannising over his own Subjects, the Westsaxons, fell into such contempt, that they joined with the Britaines for his destruction. The greatest against him, was disloyal chel, or Cealrik, his nephew, the son of Cuthwin his most loyal brother, whom both the Nations had elected for General. Under him they muster and march into Wilt-shire, and at Wodnesbeothe (now Wannes-ditch) Leyland. pitch down their Standards. Cheuline that thought he lead fortune in a lease, with confident boldness built his present proceed upon his former success, and in the face of his enemies displayed his colours. But the Battles joined, and the Field gored with blood, the day was lost upon the King's side, and he in distress saved himself by flight. here might you have seen the world, as it is, unconstant and variable; for he a Mars, that had over-borne the Britain's in so many Battles, and had raised his Saxons unto so great a height, is forced to flee before his conquered Captives, and to exile himself from the sight of his own Subjects, after he had gloriously reigned thirty one years, or (as some will) thirty three, and as a Cheuline, how long he reigned. mean man, died in his banishment, the year of grace five hundred ninety two. (7) He had issue two sons, which were Cuth and Cuthwin, the elder whereof had valiantly served in his father's wars, namely at Wimbledone in Surry, against King Ethelbert and his power of Kentishmen; in the year of Christ five hundred sixty seven; and lastly in the Battle at Fethanleah, where the Britain's received a great overthrow. Notwithstanding, as he was valiantly fight among the thickest of his enemies, he was there slain, in the year of our Lord five hundred eighty four, being the five and twentieth year of his father's reign, and that without issue. (8) Cuthwin, the younger son of King Cheuline, survived his father, but succeeded him not, because of his young years; or else (and that rather) for the hatred that his father had purchased of his Subjects, which they repaid him in his own expulsion, and in this his sons deprivation. But although the wreath of the Westsaxons did not adorn this Cuthwines' head, yet shone it more bright, and stood with greater majesty upon the brows of Ina, the warlike and zealous King of Westsaxons, and of Egbert the victorious and first sole absolute Monarch of the English Empire: both of them in a right line issued from this Cuthwin, as in the seventh Chapter we have said. ETHELBERT THE FIFTH, AND FIRST CHRISTIAN KING OF KENT, AND THE SIXTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS WIVES AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XVIII. EDTBEREDTU●. 3 SIL. An. Do. 561. THe flame of the Westsaxons for a time thus quenched, the Lamp of Kent began again to shine, and to assume the Title of the Monarchy, after it had been suppressed in them Wil Malmes. through the reigns of these four last Kings: for young Egberts' entrance, with the great loss of his Kentish, overthrown by King Cheuline▪ gave rather inducements to a tributary subjection, than any apparent hopes to purchase an Empire. (2) But such is the dispose of God in his hidden Counsel, that things of lest appearance many times become the greatest in substance, as in this Prince it was evidently seen, who making use of his own youth and loss, got thereby experience, both to defence himself, and to provoke others, and with such victories abroad, repaired his losses at home, that as far as Humber he made all subject to Kent. Beda histor. lib. 1. cap. 25. (3) Thus grown to be the greatest of any Saxon before him, he sought to hold it up by foreign alliance, and to that end become suitor for Berta a most virtuous Christian Lady, the daughter of Chilperik King of France; unto whom by her father she was lastly granted, but with these conditions, that she might reserve her Christian Profession, enjoy the presence and the instructions of Luidhard her learned Bishop, with the place of his Queen. (4) These covenants concluded, and many French Christians attending her in his Court, by their daily service of God, and continual practice of piety, drew many of the English to favour their Religion, yea and the King also to be inclined that way. And as these were working the salvation of Kent, behold God's proceed for the conversion of the rest. (5) It chanced great Gregory (then but Archdeacon of Rome) to see certain youths of this Island brought to that City, to be sold for slaves: His Christian heart pitying at such heathenish tyrannising, and beholding steadfastly their faces to be fair and Angellike, demanded of their Merchants, of what Nation they came; who made him answer, that they were Angles, and by that name were known unto other Nations. Indeed, said he, and not without cause, for their resemblance is Angelical, and fit it is that they be made inheritors with the Angels in Heaven. But of what Province are they? said Gregory. It was replied; Of Deira, a Country situated in the Continent of Britain. Now surely, saith he, it is great pity but these people should be taken from Dei ira, the ire of God. And farther ask what was the name of their King, it was answered, that he was called Ella; whereunto he alluding, said, that Alleluia, to the praise of God, in that Prince's Dominions should shortly be sung. Austin cometh into England. (6) And to that purpose himself, being afterwards Pope, sent Austin a Monk, with forty others, for assistance, whereof Melitus, justus, and john were chief. These landing in Tanet, in the month of july, about five hundred ninety and six years after the Incarnation of Christ, and one hundred forty and seven after the first arrivage of these Angles into Britain, had immediately access unto the presence of King Ethelbert, but yet in the open Field, for he feared to confer with them in any house, jest by sorcery (as he fond surmised) he might be overcome. (7) These preaching unto him the word of life, his answer was, that presently he could not consent to their Doctrine, neither rashly forsake his ancient and accustomed Religion. But seeing (said he) you tell us strange things, and give us fair promises of after life, when this life shall be ended, we permit you to preach the same to our people, and to convert as many as you can; and we ourselves will minister all Austin and his followers maintained in Canturbury. things behoveful for your livelihood. Which promise he instantly performed, and in Canterbury his head City, allowed them fit places for residence, and sufficient provision for their maintenance; wherein these religious men, following in some measure the examples of the Apostles, spent their times in preaching and prayers, watching for the people's conversions, and exercising the works of true piety, as examples Beda hist. lib. 2. cap. 26. Beda hist. lib. 1. cap. 26. and motives unto others, to embrace the Gospel which they sought to plant. (8) Near unto the East part of the City, stood an ancient Church, built by the Christian Romans, whiles they had dwelled in Britain, and by them dedicated to the honour of S. Martin, and is so yet called. To this Church the Christian Queen Berta, with her Communicants the French, daily resorted to pray, and unto these, and in this Church, Austin and his fellows began daily to preach: unto whose Sermons so many of the Kentish also resorted, that a plentiful harvest in short time appeared, upon the seede-plot of their Gregory lib. 7. cap. ●6. tillage; for it is reported that ten thousand of the English people were baptised there in one day, insomuch that the King himself forsook his Heathenish Idolatry, and likewise received the Sacrament of Baptism, unto his salvation in Christ: in witness whereof, he Canturbury given to Austin. gave the Lordship and Royalty of his chief City Canterbury, unto Augustine, and resigned his princely Palace therein unto him, who in the East of this City laid the foundation of that great, and afterwards magnificent Church, dedicated to the service and name of Christ, which at this day is the Cathedral of that Metropolitan See: and Ethelbert to give him more room, Wil Lambert Para●b. of Kent. withdrew himself unto Reculuer in Tanet, where he erected a Palace for himself and his successors, the compass whereof may be traced by an old wall, whose ruins remain there yet to this day. (9) Austin thus seated, and in the well deserved favour of King Ethelbert, got one request more, which was this, that whereas by the Law of the Twelve Tables, it was forbidden to bury the dead within the walls of any City, (the practice whereof, we daily find by monuments taken up in the fields adjoining) The burial of the dead granted within the City. it would please him to give to that use, an old Idoll-Temple standing without the East Wall of the City, wherein the King himself had wontedly worshipped his Idols. This obtained, and the Church purged from that profane exercise, to the service of God, being honoured with the name of S. Pancras, King Ethelbert added thereunto a most fair Monastery, built upon his own cost, and dedicated it unto the name of Peter and Paul the Apostles, appointing it to be the place for the Kentish Kings sepulchres, and Austin likewise meant it for the burials of his successors in that See. But first it become the Monument of his own name: for in regard of the Procurer, both Pancras, Peter, and Paul were soon swallowed up, and the whole called only by the name of S. Austin's. In this place, eight Kings of Kent had their bodies interred, S. Austin's Monastery. and ten of their Archbishops therein laid, until that Cuthbert the eleventh in succession, in favour of S. john's▪ a new Church by him erected, procured of King Egbert the son of Ercombert, that the succeeding Archbishops might be buried there. This Monastery▪ as all the rest did, came to her fatal period in the days of King Henry the Eighth; whose uncovered walls stood so long languishing in time and storms of weather, that daily increased the aspect of her ruins, till now lastly they are made subject to other public uses, and the whole tract of that most goodly foundation in the same place no where appearing. Ethelberts Tower yet standing. Only Ethelberts Tower, in memory and honour of the man, as yet hath escaped the verdict and sentence of destruction; whose beauty, though much defaced and overworn, will witness to succeeding ages the magnificence of the whole, when all stood complete in their glory together. (10) These his happy beginnings, Austin signified by Letters to Rome, and withal demanded directions, how he might further proceed: which questions, were they not written by the Venerable Beda, Beda hist. Lib. 1. cap. 27. we could hardly believe that such idle conceits should have place in the mind of a man so well and fruitfully busied: as, Whether a woman with child might Austin's questions to the Pope. receive the Sacrament of Baptism, or in her monthly disease, the holy Communion, or enter the Church: how long after her deliverance, the husband aught to refrain her Bed: How the Gifts that were offered on the Altar, aught to be distributed: and unto what degree of consanguinity Christians might marry: and many others such like, as though himself had never read either Moses or Paul. But of the thing then more needful, for that at that time it stirred most contention, it seemeth he was sufficiently instructed; neither among his other questions is it once named: and that was, the due time for the celebration of Easter: the difference whereof, betwixt the Britain's and the Romans was such, that it caused Lordlike Austen to prophecy (if not to seek) their destructions; and they in their opinions, to hold him no better than the Man of Sin: for thus the Story is reported. (11) Austin, by the assistance and authority of King Ethelbert, called an Assembly of the British Bishops Beda hist. lib. 2. cap. 2. Ra●d. Cest. Sigebertus. Galfr●d. lib. ●. cap. cap. 4. and Doctors, that had retained the doctrine of the Gospel amongst them, even from the first plantation thereof by the Apostles themselves, to be holden in the Borders of the Victians and Westsaxons, and at the place upon that occasion called * About South●amoton as is thought. Augustine's Oak: thither resorted seven British Bishops, and many other well-learned men (saith Beda) out of their greatest Monastery at Bangor, where at that time Dinoth was Abbot. These men now ready to go to the foresaid Synod, came first to a certain holy and wise man, which lived thereabout an Anchorets life, to ask his counsel, whether they aught at Augustine's preaching and exhortation, leave their Traditions or no: The Anchoret replied, If he be a man of God, follow him. But how shall we prove (said they) that he is a man of God? The Anchoret answered, Our Lord saith, Takeyee on you my Yoke, and learn ye of me, for I am mild and humble of heart. If therefore this Austin be mild and humble of heart, it is like that himself beareth the Yoke of Christ, and will offer you the same to bear. But if he be cursed and proud, it is certain that he is not of God, neither must we much esteem his words. Then they inquired, how they might know whether this Austin were proud or no: The Anchorites counsel. Provide (quoth he) that he and his company may come first to the place of the Synod or Council-house: and if it be so that when you approach near him, he arise courteously, and salute you, then think him to be the servant of Christ, and so hear him, and obey him: but if when you approach, he despise you, and will not vouchsafe to rise at your presence, which are the greater number, let him likewise be despised of you. And truly (saith he) as this Anchoret bade them, so did they: for it happened, that when they came thither, S. Austin was already set in his chair, and stirred not: which when they saw, forthwith waxing wroth, they noted him of pride, and therefore endeavoured to overthwart and gainsay whatsoever he proposed. And so the Synod broke up without any thing done. Thus than we see, that the substance of doctrine was embraced in Britain, before the sending of Austin from Rome: only in ceremonies they dissented, as the most of Christian Churches, without derogation to the Gospel, at this day do. And this for the celebration of Easter, a matter of no great moment (if we Galla. 4. 9 consider our Christian liberty, and the Apostles fear, that the observations of days, months, times, and years, turn the hearts after beggarly rudiments, bring again into bondage, and make his labours for Christ in vain) yet for the different observation only of this Feast from the Romans, how often are the Britaines termed by Beda, a wicked people, a cursed nation, and well deserving those calamities which the Lord did afflict upon them? This controversy for Easters celebration, thus begun, continued no less than ninety years after, and was lastly concluded in manner as followeth. Beda hist. lib. 3. cap. 25. (12) This variance (saith Beda) made not only the people to doubt and fear, jest bearing the name of Christians, they did and had run in vain, as the Apostle speaketh, but also good Oswy King of Northumberland, and learned Prince Alkfryd, with Queen Eanfled, were much distracted and perplexed: for by this variance (saith he) it often times happened, that in one year two Easters were kept; for the King breaking up his Fast, and solemnising of the Feast, the Queen with Prince Alkfrid, continued their Fast, and kept that day their Palme-Sunday. To conclude which contrariety, a Synod purposely was called, and the Question disputed by their best Divines. The place Stranshalch Synod. was Stranshalch or Whitby, whereof Hilda was Abbess. The chief parties for, and against the accustomed time of keeping that feast, were King Oswy and Prince Alkfrid his son. The Disputers for Oswy and the established orders, were Colman Archbishop of York, with his Scotish Clergy, and Hilda the virtuous and learned Lady Abbess of the place. For Alkfrid and the attempted alteration, were Agilbert Bishop of the Westsaxons, Wilfrid Abbot of Rippon, with james and Romanus, two learned men, and the reverend Cedda newly consecrated Bishop, appointed Prolocutor of the Assembly. King Oswy persuadeth to union. The Convocation set, King Oswy made a solemn Oration, wherein he urged a necessity, that those people which served one God, aught to celebrated his heavenly Sacraments alike, and should keep one order and rule in the same: the truth of which service, and surcease of that long unchristian variance, for the Christian celebration and time of Easter, was then presently by those learned men to be handled, and by best approovements to be determined; whereunto he requested their uttermost endeavours, and to that purpose commanded his Archbishop Colman first to speak: whereupon Colman with reverence Colmans' speech to the Synod. stood up and said: The Easter which I observe, I received of my Forefathers, of whom I was consecrated, and sent hither for your Bishop. They all (you know) were godly men, and observed the Feast as we do now; neither think you they kept this tradition without sure warrant from greater than themselves, which was Saint john the Evangelist, and the Disciple whom jesus especially loved, who in the Churches which himself planted, celebrated the Feast of Easter, as we do now. Therefore knowing the man so worthy, and the manner so ancient, I hope you will all confess, it is not safe for us now to reject. Wilfrides' answer. Wilfride the declaimer, appointed to answer, stood up and said: The Easter which we observe, we ourselves have seen observed in Rome, where the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul lived, preached, suffered, and are buried: and in our travels thorough France and Italy, either for study or upon pilgrimage, we have seen the same order kept: and we know by relation, that in Africa, Asia, Egypt and Greece, nay throughout all nations and tongues in the world where Christ hath his Church, that this our time and order is observed. Shall then these obstinate Picts (I mean the Britain's) and these remote islands in the Ocean Sea, and yet not all of them neither, fond contend in this point against the whole world? Colmans' temerity. But here Colman interrupted him, and said, I much mar●●ll, brother, that you term our doings a fond contention, seeing we have for our warrant so worthy an Apostle as john was, who only leaned upon our Lord's breast, and whose life and behaviour all the world acknowledgeth to be most wise and discreet. Wilfrids' moderation. God forbidden (said Wilfrid) that I should accuse john: but yet we know that he kept the decrees of Moses literally, and according to the jewish Laws; and so the rest of the Apostles were constrained in some things to do, for the weakness of them who accounted it a great sin to abrogate those rites that God himself had instituted; and for that cause S. Paul did circumcise Timothy, offered bloud-sacrifices in the Temple, shaved his head at Corinth with Aquila and Priscilla: upon which consideration also spoke james unto Paul, You see brother how many thousand of the jews have Act. 21. 20. received the faith, and all of these are yet zealous followers of the Law. But the light of the Gospel now shining thorough the world, it is not lawful for any Christian to be circumcised, or to offer up bloody sacrifices of Beasts. Saint john therefore, according to the custom of the Law, in the fourteenth day of the first month, at even began the celebration of Easters festivity, regardless whether it fell upon the Sabbath day, or any other of the week. But S. Peter preaching the Gospel in Rome, remembering that our Lord arose from his grave the first day after the Sabbath, giving thereby unto us certain assurance of our resurrection, observed the Feast of Easter according to the Commandment of that Law he looked for, even as S. john did, that is to say, the first Sabbath after the full Moon of the first month. Neither doth this new observation of the Gospel, and Apostles practise, break the old Law, but rather fulfilleth it; for the Law commandeth the Feast of Passeover to be kept from Exod. 12. the fourteenth day of that month, to the twenty and one of the same. And this hath the Nicene Council not newly decreed, but rather confirmed (as the Ecclesiastical History Ruffi●●● lib. 10. cap. 6. witnesseth) that this is the true observation of Easter, and of all Christians after this account is to be celebrated: and thereupon charged Bishop Colman, that he neither observed it according to john nor Peter. Colman. To this the Bishop replied, that Anatholius for his holiness much commended by the said Ecclesiastical History, and Columba a Father of like sanctity, by whom miracles were wrought, kept the Feast according as he then did, from whose imitation he durst not digress. Wilfrid. Your Fathers, which you pretend to follow, how holy soever they be (said Wilfrid) and what miracles soever they have wrought, yet this I answer, that in the day of judgement Matth. 7. many shall say unto Christ, that they have prophesied, cast out Devils, and wrought miracles in his name, to whom our Lord will answer, I know you not. And if your Father Columba (yea and our Father, if he be the true servant of Christ) were holy and mighty in miracles, yet can he by no means be preferred to the most blessed Prince of the Apostles, unto whom our Lord said, Thou art Peter, and upon Matth. 16. this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, and to thee will I give the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Thus said, the King asked Colman, whether our Lord indeed spoke thus unto Peter, who answered, He did. But can you (said he) give evidence of so special authority granted to your Father Columba? The Bishop said, No. Then (quoth the King) do you both agreed confidently, that these words were principally spoken unto Peter, and that unto him the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven were given? They all answered, It is most certain. Whereupon the King concluded this The Synod mildly dismissed by King Oswy. great controversy, and said, Then will not I gainsay such a Porter as this is, but as far as I know, and am able, I will covet in all points to obey his ordinance, jest perhaps when I come to the Doors of Heaven, I find none to open unto me, having his displeasure, which is so clearly proved to bear the keys thereof. And with this so simple a collection of King Oswy, concluded this long and great contention for the celebration of Easter; which here, as borne before the time, I have inserted, to continued the narration thereof together, & to avoid repetition of the same things, which I seek purposely to shun; and so return again to King Ethelbert. (13) Who now become an instrument himself for the conversions of his Nation the Saxons▪ The first first-fruits of his intendments were wrought upon Sebert King of the East-Angles, his own sister's son, whom not only he converted to Christianity, but therein assisted him in the building of the Cathedral Church of S. Paul for Miletus his Bishop; as also the Church of S. Peter's on the West of London, then called Holinsh. hist. Ang lib 5 cap. 21. Beda histor. lib. 2. cap. 3. Thorny, with the assistance of a London Citizen, as some have said; and himself at Rochester built the Cathedral Church there, which he dedicated to the Apostle S. Andrew. (14) This noble King having a care for them Wil Malmes. Wil Thorn. Register Cant. that should come after, brought the Laws of his Country into their own mother tongue, and left nothing unattempted, that might advance the glorious Gospel of Christ, or with honour adorn his own temporal reign; and is worthily an example to all succeeding Princes, in all true piety, and heroical parts Beda hist. lib. ●. cap. 5. Ethelbert, how long he reigned. of a true Christian King. He died the four and twentieth day of February, in the year of our Lord God six hundred and sixteen, being the one and twentieth of his Christianity, the three and twentieth of his Monarchy, and the fifty sixth of his Kingdom of Kent, and was buried at Canterbury in the Church of S. Peter and Paul, afterwards called S. Augustine's, in the Chapel of S. Martin's. (15) His first wife was Berta, the daughter of Chilperik King of France, as we have said, who was the son of King Clotayre, the son of Clodove, the first Christian King of that Country. She deceased before the King her husband, and was buried in the Church of S. Peter & Paul at Canterbury, within the Chapel of S. Martin's there. (16) He had a second wife, whose name is not recorded by any Writer, being, as is thought, unworthy of remembrance, because of the unnatural contract and marriage of Edbald her husband's son; a sin that both Law and Religion do condemn: and lastly by her converted husband was forsaken, without either note of her issue or death. (17) The issue of King Ethelbert by Queen Berta were Edbald that succeeded him in the Kentish Kingdom, Ethelburg, and Edburge two daughters. (18) Ethelburg, the elder, was a Lady of passing beauty and piety, and surnamed Tace, who greatly desired and intended a Virgin's life, had not her mind been averted by the entreaty of her brother, the persuasions of Bishop Paulinus, and the earnest suit of Edwine King of Northumberland; unto which Edwine lastly she yielded to be his wife, in hope of his conversion, and unto whom for that purpose Pope Boniface Beda hist. lib. 2. cap. ●1. directed his Epistle from Rome, earnestly exhorting her that she should be diligent for the King's salvation: which she soon after effected, to the great joy of both the Kings, and to the comfort and increase of the Christian Faith throughout England. Capgrave. (19) Edburg, another daughter of King Ethelbert, is warranted only by the testimony of john Capgrave, a great traveler in Antiquities, and should be most skilful in his own Country of Kent: notwithstanding he is to be suspected in this, that he reporteth her to have been a Nun in the Monastery of Minster in the I'll of Thanet, under the Foundress Domnewe, being the daughter of her nephew Ermenred, and that she succeeded in the government of that house, Mildred the daughter of the same Domnewe. He reporteth also, that she died and was buried in the same place, and that her body was from thence removed by the Archbishop Lankfrank, to his Church of S. Gregory in Canterbury. Redwald. Monarch 7. REDWALD THE THIRD KING OF THE EAST-ANGLES, AND SEVENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS WIFE AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XIX. ✚ E●DVI●I 1 COP. ✚ E●●REDRE ✚ An. D. 616. REdwald, the son of Titulus, and the third King of the East-Angles, had been a substitute under Ethelbert King of Kent, and served a long time as his Viceroy over all his dominions, whereby he gained such reputation to himself, that either for his own valour, or Edbalds' vices, (contemned of the people for his Apostasy, frenzy, and incestuous bed) become the seventh Monarch of the Englishmen, about the year of Christ his Incarnation six hundred and sixteen; and the twentieth and fourth of his reign over the East-Angles. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 15. (2) This Redwald (saith Beda) had received Baptism in Kent, but in vain, and without zeal, as it afterwards appeared. For returning to his Country, through the persuasion of his wife, returned again to his superstitious worships; and in one and the same Temple, after the manner of the old Samaritans, he erected an Altar for the service of Christ, and another little Altar for burnt sacrifices to his Idols, which stood unto the days of Beda himself. But as she was an instigator to the East-Saxons idolatry, so was she an instrument to the further spreading of Christianity (though not by her so purposely meant) in saving the life of Edwine, who afterwards planted the Gospel in all the North parts of the Saxons government. (3) For Edwine flying the rage of wild Ethelfrid, was succoured and maintained in the Court of King Redwald, unto whom lastly, the Northumbrian sent both threats and rewards to have him delivered, or else put to death: and surely had not the Queen stood for his life, he had presently died. But she alleging the law of humanity, the trust of a friend, and the royalty of a Prince, prevailed so far, that Redwald did not only save his life, but assisted him in battle, to the destruction of his enemy, and the gaining Beda hist. Ang. lib. 2. cap. 12. of Northumberlands Crown. For upon the return of Ethelfrids' Ambassadors, unto whom Redwald had yielded to make Edwine away, he with his power of the East-Angles were at their backs, and as an enemy made towards Northumberland. (4) Ethelfrid, whose rage and revenge was ready enough Henry Hun●●ng. upon lesser occasions, with such sudden preparation as he was able to make, met the East-Angles almost at Nottingham, and that not far from the River Idle, where boldly encountering his unequal enemy, at the first brunt slew Reynhere the son of King Redwald, to the great grief of him and his whole host: whose revenge was so violently sought, that they slew King Ethelfrid in the field, and established Edwine to Redwald, his reign. be his successor; which was the second year of Redwalds' Monarchy. (5) Wherein he reigned the space of eight years, and was King of the East-Angles thirty one, and deceased in the year of our Lord six hundred twenty four; the eighth of Edbalds' King of Kent; the thirteenth of Kingils' King of the Westsaxons, and the eighth of Edwins over the Northumbrians. (6) The Queen and wife of this King is not named by any of our Writers, but that she had been the widow of a Nobleman, descended of the blood-royal of that Nation, and was a Lady that had deserved great commendations for the many virtues by her possessed, had she been a Christian, or a favourer of the Christians, or had not been an utter enemy to their faith. Notwithstanding by her first husband she had a son named Sigebert, that proved a learned and most religious Prince, of whom we have spoken in Chapter eleventh. (7) His issue were Reynhere and Erpenwald. Reynhere the elder, and Prince of the East-Angles, was slain as you have heard, in the battle that his father fought against wild Ethelfrid, near unto the River Idle in Nottinghamshire. (8) Erpenwald the younger succeeded his father Redwald in the Kingdom of the East-Angles, and was the fourth King of that Nation, whose life and reign we have declared in the succession of the East-Angles Kings: Chapter 11. Edwine. Monarch. 8. EDWINE THE GREAT KING OF NORTHUMBERLAND, AND THE EIGHTH SOLE MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN, WIVES, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XX. An. Do. 617. THe Monarch reverted from the East-Angles, was next possessed by the Northumbrians, wherein it was held with greater glory and for longer time. For Edwine in King Redwalds' life grown very potent, after his death become his successor in the English Monarch, and most worthily did adorn the same by his civil justice and divine piety: his exile, visions, and obtaining of the Northumbrians Crown, we have already spoken of, and therefore without repetition will pass on to his end. (2) This Edwine, the son of great Ella, the first King of the Deirians, was the third King that possessed the same, the eighth of Bernicia, the second (and An. Do. 624. first Christian) King of all Northumberland, at the age of twenty three, and in the year of Christ six hundred twenty four, succeeded Redwald in the Monarchy, and was the greatest King of all the Saxons. For Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 9 (as Beda saith) he subdued all the coasts of Britanny wheresoever any Provinces were inhabited, either of English or of Saxons, which thing no King of the English Hebrides. before him had done▪ and added the * Mevian Isles unto his own Dominions. The first of them, and next the South, was large and fertile, gave room for nine hundred and sixty of his English Families, and the second, ground for above three hundred Tenements. (3) His first wife dead, he become suitor for Lady Ethelburg, daughter to Ethelbert King of Kent, deceased, and sister to King Eadbald then reigning: whose Ambassadors were answered, that it was not lawful for a Christian Virgin to be espoused to a Pagan, jest the faith and sacraments of the heavenly King should be profaned, by the matching with that earthly King, which knew not to worship God aright. But Ethelburgs good parts. Edwine hearing of the Virgin's beauty, integrity, and piety, was so far overgone and ravished therewith, that he condescended, she should with her place retain her own Christian Profession, and enjoy the Christian society both of her men, women, Priests, and servants, to be her attendants in his Court. These covenants thus confirmed, the Lady accompanied with Paulinus the reverend Bishop, and an honourable retinue, all of them Christian, came to King Edwins Court, and with great joy she was espoused his Queen. (4) The greatness and prosperity of this Northumbrian King, was both feared by them a far, that reigned in no such power, and beheld by his nearer, with an envious eye: among whom, Quinchelme that reigned with his father king over the Westsaxons, sent a desperate Ruffian, whose name was Eumerus, to murder Edwin the next year of his marriage; who repairing to his Court, then resident near the river Deruent, A conspiracy. at the place that is now called Aldeby in Yorkshire, with a double-edged short sword, the point thereof poisoned, and girt under his garment, upon Easter day entered his Palace, as an Ambassador, and with crafty speech retained the King's attention, where getting occasion, and stepping forward, drew his sword, which one Lilla the King's servant saw, and wanting wherewith to defend his person, put himself betwixt the King and the sword: and thorough his body so slain, the same was so far run, that it dangerously wounded the King with his point, and with the same sword, before he could be beaten down by the Guard, slew another servant, whose name was Fordhere. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 9 (5) It happened the same night, being holy Easter Sunday, that Queen Ethelburg was brought to bed of a daughter: for joy whereof, and her safe deliverance, the King gave thanks to his Idols; which Bishop Paulinus, then in presence, greatly reproved, and bade Edwin to give thanks unto God, from whom only all goodness came; and spoke unto him of our new birth in Christ: at which conference the King much rejoiced, and promised that he would ever after renounce all his Idols, and worship that Christ Bishop Paulinus. whom he preached, if that God would grant him his life, and give him victory against that King, who had sent this Manqueller to murder him; in pledge whereof, he assigned Paulinus to baptizm his daughter, the which upon Whitsunday following was performed in her, by the name of Eanfled, and she the first of the Northumbrians which received that Sacrament. At which time also, Edwin being recovered of his wound so lately received, made an Army, and marched forth against the Westsaxons, and in battle either slew or took prisoners all them that had conspired his death, and as a victorious Conqueror, returned to his Country. (6) Where continuing in honour, and his affairs prospering to his own desires, he was yet in mind distracted, and his thoughts continually perplexed, what God he should worship. The sanctity of the Christians moved him much, and the ancient customs of his Ancestors sat near his heart, betwixt whom there seemed a combat in himself. And in these dumps sitting one day alone, it chanced Bishop Paulinus to have access to his presence, where laying Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 12. his right hand upon the king's head, demanded of him whether he remembered that sign: whereat Edwine suddenly fell at the Bishop's feet, whom he in haste and reverence presently lifted up, and spoke unto him as followeth. Behold OH Sovereign (said he) by the hountifull band and power of our God, you have escaped the hand and vengeance of your most hated and dreadful enemy. Behold also, by his most gracious goodness you have obtained the sovereignty of reign and rule of the Kingdom. Remember now therefore the third thing which you promised him, and defer Edwine put in mind of covenants. no longer to accomplish the same by receiving his faith and keeping his Commandments, who hath delivered you from your temporal adversities, and exalted you to the honour and Majesty of a King; whose holy will if you hereafter obey, and do his precept which by me is preached, he will also deliver you from the perpetual torment of Hell, and make you partaker with him in his heavenly Kingdom and eternal bliss without end. (7) Whereupon conferring with his Counsel, whereof Bishop Coyfi was chief, for the establishing of the Gospel, and suppressing of Idolatry, it was then concluded, that the true God should be worshipped, and the Altars of their wont Idols overthrown: unto which action, Coyfi himself become Idolatry abolished. the first man; for mounted on horseback in armour, with a girt sword and lance in his hand (all which was unlawful for those Idoll-Priests) he broke down their Altars, Grates, and Bars, and destroyed their Temples wheresoever he came. Some ruins thereof not far from York, and near unto the rising of the river Derwent, remained to be seen unto the days of Beda, and were then called Gotmund in Gaham. And Beda hist. Angl. cap. 13. king Edwine himself, with all his Nobility, and most of the Commons, received the laver of Baptism, the eleventh year of his reign, and of Christ's Incarnation six hundred twenty and seven, one hundred and eighty years after the Saxons entrance into Britain. The king was baptised the twelfth of April, being Easter Sunday, at the City York, in the Church of S. Peter's, built then of wood, and was the king's Oratory, which he enclosed about with a deep foundation; and laying the walls with squared stones, made it the Cathedral Church, and his Converter Paulinus Archbishop of that See. (8) The Gospel thus established in these Northern parts, spread daily further into other Provinces, and with such fruit of peace, that in the reign of this Edwin, and throughout his Dominions, a weak Beda hist. Angl. lib. 2. cap. 16. woman with her new-born babe might have passed without damage or danger over all the Island, even from Sea to Sea. And so much did the King tender his Subjects, that his provident care was extended to the wayfaring passengers, for whose use he enclosed clear Springs by the ways, where he set great Basins of brass, both to wash and to bathe in; which either for love or displeasure of the king, no man defaced, or took away. And so great was the magnificence of this Monarch, that (according to Bede) he had not only in Battle the Ensigns proper to battle borne before him, but in his ordinary passages thorough the Cities and Towns of his kingdom, there always went an ensign-baerer before him. And (to use the words of the same venerable Author) he went not in any street, in which there was not borne before him that kind of Standard which the Romans called Tufa, and the English Tufa the Romans Ensign. Thuuf. That the Romans had such an Ensign, as that which here is called Tufa, justus Lipsius in his Commentary Justus Lipsius. upon that place in Vegetius (lib. 3. cap. 5.) where the several Ensigns of the Romans are recited, doth declare, correcting that place of Vegetius (where Rufa was set for Tufa) by this place of Bede, and in the same showing, that Tufa signified a Ball, as the Ball (by the example of Augustus) was an Ensign of Monarchy, or absolute government. (9) But as the Sun hath his rising, his height and descent, and ever is moving in the circle of his celestial orb; so man hath his birth time, being, and death, and till then is never stayed in one certain point. King's therefore, as they be Kings, are the Suns of their own world, but as they are men, go to the shadow of death: neither can the strength of their power, wisdom, or policy, love or applause, stay the hand here that holds the fatal knife; for so in this King Edwin we see, raised above hope to attain the Diadem, and ruling in love and liking of the people, was notwithstanding cut off in the midst of his glory and greatness of strength. (10) For Penda the stout Mercian envying his peace, and Cadwallo the Britain seeking to receive his right, joined in friendship against this Monarch, and met him as his enemies in the face of a Field. The plain was large, and called Hethfeild, where after a long and most bloody fight, king Edwin was slain, with prince Offryd his son, his whole Host put to the sword, or most shameful flight: which chanced the fourth of October, the year of our Lord six hundred thirty three, the sixth of his Christianity, the seventh of his Monarchy, the seventeenth of his kingdom, and the forty seventh of his age. His body was lastly buried in S. Peter's Church at Streanshall, after called Whitby. His Wives. (11) Quenburg his first wife, was the daughter (as Beda reporteth) of Ceorle; but as all other Writers do witness, of Crida King of Mercia. She was married unto him in the beginning of his youth▪ (and when he was dispossessed of his inheritance by the Tyrant Ethelfrid, as we have said) with him she lived a great part of his banishment, and in the Court of Redwald King of the East-Angles deceased, before her husband could recover his Kingdom. (12) Ethelburg, surnamed * Tace. Tate, was the second wife of this King, who was the daughter of Ethelbert King of Kent, and of Queen Berta his first wife. She was married unto him in the year of grace six hundred twenty five, being the second of his Monarchy, and was his wife six years: but surviving him, and desirous to live a religious life, she returning into Kent▪ withdrew herself to a place not far from the Sea side, called Lymming▪ wherein she built a Monastery of Nuns, and among them spent the rest of her life, and therein died, and was there buried. His Issue. (13) Offride, the eldest son of King Edwine, and Quenberg his first wife, was borne in the time of his father's exile among the East-Angles. He was baptised in the faith of Christ by Paulinus the first Archbishop of York, and was slain the same day, and in the same battle that his father was. He had a son named Iffy, who was baptised also by Bishop Paulinus; and after the death of his father and grand▪ father, for fear of King Oswald, was conveyed over the Seas into France, to be brought up in the Court of King Dagobert, where he died in his childhood, and was there honourably interred. (14) Edfrid, the second son of King Edwine and Lady Quenberg his first wife, was borne in the time of his father's exile, and baptised with his brother offer by Bishop Paulinus. After his father's death, for fear of King Oswald, he fled to Penda King of Mercia, who was his father's enemy, and his mother's kinsman; by whom he was most treacherously murdered. He left behind him a son named Hererik, who by his wife Bertswith had issue the virtuous & learned lady Hilda, Abbess of Streanshalch: & Queen Hereswith her sister, the wife of Ethelhere King of the East-Angles brother to King Anna, by whom she had issue Ald wolf, Elswold, and Beorne, all three succeeding Kings of the East-Angles. (15) Ethelme, the third son of King Edwine, and the first of Queen Ethelburg his second wife, was baptised by Paulinus Archbishop of York, not long after his father and halfe-brethrens; but in short space after his baptism, he departed out of this world, even in the time that he wore the white attire, which in those days was used to be worn by such as were newly baptised for a certain space. His body was with all due funeral obsequies interred within the new Church of S. Peter in the City of York, which his father had newly founded. (16) Vskfrea, the fourth son of King Edwine, and the second of Queen Ethelburg his second wife, and the last and youngest of them both, bore the name of his father's great grandfather. He was baptised by the Archbishop Paulinus at one time with his brother Ethelme. After the decease of his father, his mother carried him with her out of Northumberland into Kent; and from thence conveyed him over into France with his Nephew Iffy, the son of his half-brother offer, where he continued in the custody of King Dagobert, being his mother's cosen-german, and there died, and was honourably buried in a Church with his Nephew Iffy. (17) Eanfled, the elder daughter of King Edwine and Queen Ethelberg his second wife, was borne the Beda hist. Ang. lib. 3. cap. 15. night following that her father was wounded and baptised, he being a Pagan. She was afterwards married to Oswy, the fourth King of Northumberland, and tenth Monarch of the Englishmen, as shall be said (18) Etheldrid the younger daughter, the fifth and last-borne child to King Edwine and of Queen Ethelburge, was baptised at the same time with Ethelme and Vskfrea her brethren. She died an infant, the white clothing not yet put off, which in those days was usually worn at certain set times after their baptism, and was with like funeral obsequies buried by her brother Ethelme in the Church of S. Peter's in York, which their father had founded. Oswald. Monarch 9 OSWALD KING OF NORTHUMBERLAND, AND THE NINTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN, WIFE, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXI. An. Do. 634. OSwald, the fifth King of Deira, the ninth of Bernicia, the third of Northumberland, and the ninth Monarch of the Englishmen, began his reign the year of Christ's incarnation six hundred thirty four. He with Eanfrith and his brethren, the sons of wild Ethelfrid, and Osrik also the son of Alfrid King Edwins Uncle had been secured in Scotland all his reign, and among the Red-shanks lived as banished men, where they learned the true religion of Christ, and had received the Laver of Baptism. But Edwines' death wrought and divulged, these Princes return again to their Country, and the Northumbrians Kingdom lately governed by one, was now again divided into two several parts, as formerly it had been. (2) Over the Deirans, Osrikwas made king, and of Bernicia, Eanfrid assumed the reign; but God's justice over taking their Apostasy, neither their lives nor this division lasted long. For Cadwall the Christian, and Penda the Pagan were God's instruments, that Beda hist. Ang. lib. 3. cap. 1. with worthy vengeance in the first year of their government, cut the one off in battle, and the other by treachery; whose names and year of reign as unhappy and of hateful remembrance, the Historiographers of those times would have to be omitted. (3) But religious Oswald lamenting the effusion of his Country's blood, long slept not, their revenge. For assembling his power, which was not great, he suddenly and unlooked for came upon Cadwallo, and at Deniseburne pitched down his tents. The place (saith Beda) stood near the wall that Severus had made, where Oswald for the first day forbore to fight, and among his Soldiers for his Standard set up a Cross of wood; whereunto it seemeth those dawning days of Christianity were overmuch addicted. Here Oswald making first intercession to God, the only preserver of his people, in sore & long fight obtained great victory, with the slaughter of Cadwallo, and of all his British Army: which so accomplished, many have attributed the virtue of that Cross to be no small cause of that great overthrow. This Cross so set up, was the first we read of to have been erected in England, and the first Altar unto Christ among the Bernicians, whose pretended miraculous cures, not only in the wood itself, but in the moss and in the earth wherein it was set, let Beda report them, and Stapleton urge them, yet for my part, I hold them no Article of our canonical Creed. (4) But certain it is, that Oswald himself was a most religious and godly king, and took such care for the conversion and salvation of his subjects, that he sent into Scotland for Aidan a Christian Bishop, to instruct his Northumbrians in the Gospel of truth. And whereas the Bishops could not speak their language, Beda hist. Ang. lib. 3. cap. 3. the king himself was interpreter at his Sermons, and gave his words in the English, as he spoke and pronounced them in the Scotish, which language Oswald perfectly spoke, having been there the space Hect. Boetius. of eighteen years. Thus the godly proceed of the king and Bishop, produced such increase of their heavenly seed, that it is reported in seven days space, fifteen thousand Christians received Baptism; and many of them forsaking the pleasures of the world, to have betake themselves to a religious and solitary life. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 6. (5) At this time the whole Island flourished both with peace and plenty, and acknowledged their subjection unto king Oswald. For, as Beda reporteth, all the Nations of Britanny which spoke four languages, that is to say, Britain's, Redshanks, Scots, and Englishmen, become subject unto him. And yet being advanced to so royal Majesty, he was notwithstanding (which is marvelous tobe reported) lowly to all, gracious to the poor, and bountiful to strangers. The first-fruits whereof the same Author exemplifieth in his bounty and humility towards the poor; who upon a solemn feast day, seeing many such at his gates, sent them both the delicates for himself prepared, & commanded the charger of silver to be broken, and divided among them. The Bishop much rejoicing thereat, took the king by the right hand, and prayed that it might never consume; as after his death it did not, but was shrined in silver, and in S. Peter's Church at Bebba, now Bambrough, with worthy honour was worshipped for the many miracles in cures that it did, as likewise the earth wherein his blood was spilled: with such lavish enlargements have those writers interlined the deeds of God's Saints. (6) But as the Sun hath his shadow, and the highest tide her ebb▪ so Oswald, how holy soever, or government how good, had emulators that sought his life, and his Country's ruin: for wicked Penda the Pagan Mercian, envying the greatness that king Oswald bore, raised wars against him, and at a place then called Maserfeild in Shrop-shire, in a bloody and sore fought battle slew him; and not therewith satisfied, in barbarous and brutish immanity, did tear him in pieces, the first day of August, and year of Beda histor. lib. 3. cap. 9 Christ jesus six hundred forty two, being the ninth of his reign, and the thirty eighth of his age: whereupon the said place of his death is called to this day Oswaldstree, a fair Market Town in the same County. (7) The dismembered limbs of his body were first buried in the Monastery of Bradney in Lincolnshire, shrined with his standard of Gold and Purple erected over his Tomb, at the industry and cost of his niece Offryd, Queen of Mercia, wife unto king Ethelred, and daughter to Oswyn that succeeded him. From hence his bones were afterwards removed to Gloucester, and there in the north side of the upper end of the Choir in the Cathedral Church, continueth a fair Monument of him, with a Chapel set betwixt two pillars in the same Church. His Wife. (8) Kineburg, a most virtuous Lady, and daughter to Kingils the sixth, and first Christian king of the Westsaxons, was the wife of king Oswald, who become both his father and son in the day of her marriage, by receiving him at the Font, and her of his gift. She was married unto him in the second year of his reign, which was the year of Christ's Incarnation six hundred thirty six: no other relation made of her besides the birth of his son. His Issue. (9) Ethelwald, the only child of king Oswald and Queen Kineburg his wife, was borne in the year of our Lord six hundred thirty seven, being the third year of his father's reign; and but an infant at his father's death, was disappointed of the Northumbrian Kingdom by the fraud of his uncle Oswyn. Notwithstanding at the death of Oswin king of Deira, and then not above sixteen years of age, he took the same kingdom, and by strong hand held it against his uncle so long as he lived, and at his death left it to his cozen Alkefryd, the natural son of king Oswyne, as in the ninth Chapter we have said. Oswy. Monarch. 10. OSWY KING OF NORTHUMBERLAND, AND THE TENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS ACTS, WIFE, AND childs. CHAPTER XXII. An. Do. 643. OSwye, the illegitimate son of King Ethelfrid, surnamed the Wild, at thirty years of age succeeded Oswald his half brother in his Dominions, being the fourth King of Northumberland, Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. ●4. and the tenth Monarch of the Englishmen, entering his government the thirteenth day of October, and year of Christ's Incarnation six hundred forty three. His first beginnings were much disquieted by Penda the Heathen Mercian, by the rebellions of his base son Alkfrid, and by the oppositions of Ethelwald the son of King Oswyes envy. Oswald: but none sat more near his heart then Oswyn king of the Deirians did, whose virtuous government did much darken (as he took it) his own, and the free love of those subjects, daily to lessen his among the Bernicians. Oswyn King of the Deirians. (2) This Oswyn of Deira was the son of Osrike Oswyn King of the ●eirians. (who did apostate from his faith) and ruling his Province in plenty and peace the space of seven years, was therefore greatly envied by Oswy of Bernicia, and lastly by him provoked into the field. Their hosts met at the place then called Wilfares down, ten mile's Cataracton▪ Village. West from the village Cataracton, and there attended to hazard the day. But Oswyn finding himself too weak for Oswy, and to save the effusion of Christian blood, forsook the field, accompanied only with one Soldier, and went to Earl Hunwald his Oswyn betrayed into the hands of Oswy. friend as he thought, to secure his life. But contrary to trust, he delivered him unto King Oswy, who cruelly slew him the twentieth of August, and ninth of his reign, at the place called Ingethling; where afterwards for satisfaction of so heinous an offence, a Monastery was built, as upon like occasions, many the like foundations were laid; whose stones were thus joined with the mortar of blood. Bedas his report of Oswyns virtue. (3) Of this Oswine thus slain, Beda reporteth the Story following: Among his other rare virtues and princely qualities, his humility (saith he) and passing lowliness excelled: whereof he thus exemplifieth: Thereverend Christian Bishop Aidan using much travel to preach His gift to the Bishop Aidan. the Gospel throughout that Province, the King for his more ease, gave him a goodly Gelding with rich and costly trapping. It chanced one day, as the Bishop road to minister the word of life, that a poor man demanded his alms: but he not having wherewith to relieve him, and pitying his distressed The Bishop's Alms to a poor man. poor estate, presently alighted, and gave unto him his horse and rich furniture; whereof when the King heard, he blamed him, and said, What meant you (my Lord) to give to the beggar the horse that I gave you, with my saddle and trappingss? Had we horses of no lower price to give away to the poor? To whom the Bishop replied, And is the brood of a b●ast dearer in your sight, than this poor man the child of God? The King thus reproved, turned himself towards the fire, and there sadly pausing upon this answer, presently King Oswins repentance. gave from him his sword, and in haste fell at the Bishop's feet, desiring forgiveness in that he had said. The Bishop much astonished, suddenly lift up the King, desiring him to sit to meat, and to be merry; which the King immediately did, but the Bishop contrariwise began to be pensive and sad, and the tears to trickle down his cheeks: in which passion he burst out into these speeches, and said to his Chaplain Bishop Aidans testimony of King Oswyns pierie. in an unknown tongue, I never till this time have seen an humble King; and surely his life cannot be long, for this people are not worthy to have such a Prince to govern them. But to return to King Oswy. Beda hist. Ang. lib. 3 cap. 24. (4) Who after many cruel invasions of the merciless Penda, was forced to sue unto him for peace, with proffers of infinite treasure and most precious jewels: all which rejected, and the Tyrant coming on, Oswy sought his help by supplication to God, and with such zeal as then was embraced, vowed his Elfled the daughter of King Oswy. young daughter Elfled to be consecrated in perpetual virginity unto him, with twelve Farmers and their lands, to the erection and maintenance of a Monastery: and thereupon prepared himself for battle. (5) The Army of this enemy is reported to redouble thirty times his, all well appointed and old tried Alkfrid. soldiers: against whom Oswy with his son Alkfryd boldly marched, Egfryd his other son then being an hostage with Cinwise an under Queen of the Ethelwald. Mercians: Ethelwald the son of Oswald, took part with Penda, against his natural Uncle and native Country: so did Ethelherd the brother of Christian Anna, side with this heathenish and cruel Mercian. Jwet River. (6) The battle was fought near to the river Iwet, which at that time did overflow his banks, so that the victory falling with Oswy, more were drowned in the water then slain with the sword. And herein Penda slain. proud Penda lost his life, with the discomfiture of all his Mercian power. Herein also died Ethelherd, the East-Angles King, who was the only motive to these Ethelwald his escape. wars: and Ethelwald escaping, returned with dishonour unto Deira. The day was thus gotten the thirteenth year of King Oswy his reign, the fifteenth day of November, and year of Christ his Incarnation six hundred fifty five. (7) After this victory, king Oswy reigned in great glory the space of three years, subduing the Mercians, the south parts of the English, and made the northern parts likewise subject unto him. He it was that decided the long controversy for Easters celebration, and founded the Cathedral Church in Lichfeild for a Liber Lichfeild. Tho. Rudborne. Bishops See: which City, with all South-Mercia, divided from the north by the river Trent, he gave to Oswy his gift to Penda. Peada the son of king Penda, in marriage with his natural daughter Alkfled, on condition that he should become a Christian: all which the said king not long enjoyed, but was murdered in his own Court. And the Mercians erecting Vulfhere his brother and their native countryman for king, rebelled against Oswy, and freed themselves from a foreign subjection. Beda hist. Angl. lib. 4. cap. 5. The time of King Oswy● reign. (8) Thus Oswy ending in troubles as he began in wars, reigned the space of twenty eight years, and then falling sick, was so struck with remorse for the death of good Oswyn, and blood which he had spilled, that he vowed a pilgrimage to Rome, in which reputed holy place he purposed to have ended his life, and to have left his bones therein to rest: but his disease increasing; and that purpose failing, he left this life the fifteenth of February, and his body to remain in S. Peter's Church at Streanshach, the year after Christ's birth six hundred seventy, and of his own age fifty eight. His Wife. Eanfled. (9) Eanfled, the wife of this king, was the daughter of Edwin and Ethelburg, king & Queen of Northumberland. She was the first Christian that was baptised in that Province, and after her father's death, was brought up in Kent under her mother, and thence married unto this Oswy, whom she survived, and spent the whole time of her widowhood in the Monastery of Steanshalch, where her daughter Elfred was Abbess, Steanshalch Monastery. wherein she deceased and was interred in the Church of S. Peter, hard by her husband king Edwin. His Issue. Egfryd the eldest son. (10) Egfryd, the eldest son of king Oswy and of Queen Eanfled, was borne in the third year of his father's reign, being the year of grace six hundred forty five. In the twenty fifth year of his age, and of our Lord God six hundred seventy one, he succeeded his father in Northumberland, but not in his Monarchy: of whose life and acts, we have further spoken in the seventh Chapter of this Book. Elswyne the second son. (11) Elswine, the second son of king Oswy, and of Queen Eanfled, was borne in the year of our Lord six hundred sixty one, being the ninth of his father's Beda hist. Angl. lib. 4. cap. 21. reign; at whose death he was nine years old: and in the ninth year after, being the eighteenth of his age, was unfortunately slain in a battle, wherein he served his brother Egfrid, against Ethelred king of the Mercians, to the great grief of them both, the year of Christ's nativity six hundred seventy nine. Elfled his eldest daughter. (12) Elfled, the eldest daughter of king Oswy and queen Eanfled, was borne in the month of September, the year of grace six hundred fifty four, being the twelfth of her father's reign; and when she was a year old, by him committed to the custody & bringing up of the renowned Lady Hilda, Abbess of Streanshall, Hilda Abbess of Streanshall. wherein she lived under her a Nun, and after her death did succeed her Abbess of the place, and in great holiness and virtue, spent therein her life, unto the day of her death, which was the year of Christ jesus seven hundred fourteen, and of her own age sixty, being interred in S. Peter's Church within the same Monastery. Offryd the younger daughter. (13) offer, the younger daughter of king Oswy and queen Eanfled, was borne about the fifteenth year of her father's reign, which was the year of our Lord six hundred sixty seven: and when she was fully twenty, was married unto Ethelred king of Mercia, the twelfth Monarch of the Englishmen, in the third year of his reign, and of Christ six hundred seventy seven. Alkfryd a natural son. (14) Alkfrid, the natural son of king Oswy, did first succeed his cozen Ethelwald, son of king Oswald his Uncle in part of Northumberland, and held the same by force against his Father, which afterwards he peaceably enjoyed both with him and his half brother Chap. 7. sect. 12. King Egfrid, whom lastly he succeeded in the whole kingdom of Northumberland, as more at large in the same story we have declared. Alkfled a natural daughter. (15) Alkfled, the natural daughter of king Oswy, borne before her father was king, in the year of Christ's incarnation six hundred fifty three, and the eleventh of her father's reign, was married to Peada the son of Penda, that by his permission had governed some part of Mercia, and by Oswy his gift with this Alfled, all the South of that Province. She was his wife three years, and is of most writers taxed to be the actor of his death, being wickedly murdered in the feast of Easter, the year of grace six hundred fifty six, and the fourteenth of her Father's reign. Vulfhere. Monarch 11. WLFHERE THE SIXTH KING OF THE MERCIANS, AND THE ELEVENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN, ACTS, WIFE, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXIII. An. Do. 659. Wulfhere, after the murder of his brother Peada, advanced against Oswy by the Nobles of Mercia, maintained his title and kingdom for twelve years continuance, in the life time of that Northumbrian Monarch, and after his Beda ●ist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 24. death translated the Monarchy from those Kings, and Country, unto himself and his successors the Mercians, who now wore the Imperial Diadem without reversement, until such time as great Egbert set it upon the Westsaxons head. Vulfheres parentage. He was the second son of Penda King of Mercia, and the sixth in succession of that kingdom, beginning his reign the year of Christ his Incarnation, six hundred fifty nine, and twelve years after, Anno six hundred seventy one, entered his Monarchy over the Englishmen, and was in number accounted the eleventh Monarch of the Landlord (2) His entrance was with trouble against the Northumbrians; for unto Egfrid their King he had lost Linsey Island lost to the Nort●u●brians. the possession of the Island Linsey, and was expelled the Country: yet three years after he fought against the Westsaxons with better success, whose Country Beda hist. Angl. lib. 4. cap. 12. with conquest he passed thorough, and wan from Renwald their King the I'll of Wight, which Island he gave to Edilwach the South-Saxons King, whom he received his Godson at the font-stone: notwithstanding himself had lately been a profane Idolater, and most cruel Heathen, as by the Liger book of the Lib. Peterb●r. Monastery of Peterborow appeareth, whose story is this: (3) King Vulfhere of Mercia remaining at his Castle in Vlferchester in Stafford-shire, and understanding Vulferchester castle. that Vulfald and Rufin his two sons, under pretence and colour of hunting, usually resorted to reverend Chad, to be instructed in the fruitful faith of Christ jesus, and had at his hands received the Sacrament of Baptism, at the persuasion of one Werebod, suddenly followed, and finding them in the Oratory of that holy man, in devout contemplations, slew Vulfhere slayeth his two sons. them there with his own hands. Whose martyred bodies Queen Ermenhild their mother caused to be buried in a Sepulchre of stone, and thereupon a fair Church to be erected, which by reason of the many John Capgrave. stones thither brought for that foundation, was ever after called Stones, and now is a Market Town in the same County. But King Vulfhere repenting this his Vulfheres repentance. most unhuman murder, become himself a Christian, and destroyed all those Temples wherein his heathen Gods had been worshipped, converting them all into Christian Churches, and religious Monasteries: and to redeem so heinous an offence, underwent the finishing of * Now Peterborow. Medisham, his brother's foundation, enriching it largely with lands and possessions: notwithstanding he is taxed by William of W●l. Malmsbury. Malmesbury with the foul sin of Simony, for selling unto Wyna the Bishopric of London. (4) He reigned King over the Mercians the space The time of his reign. of seventeen years, and Monarch of the English fully four, leaving his life in the year of our Lord six hundred seventy four, and his body to be buried in the Monastery of Peterborow, which was of his brothers and his own foundation. His Wife. Ermenhilds' parentage. (5) Ermenhild, the Wife of King Vulfhere, was the daughter of Ercombert, the seventh King of Kent, and sister to Egbert and Lothair, both Kings of that County. Her mother was Sexburg, daughter to Anna, the seventh King of the East-Angles, whose sisters were many and most of them Saints. She was married unto him in the third year of his reign, and was his wife Queen Sexburg Abbess of Ely. fourteen years. After his decease, she went to her mother Queen Sexburg, being then Abbess of Ely, where she continued all the rest of her life, and therein deceased and was buried. His Issue. Kenred the first son. (6) Kenred the son of King Vulfhere and of Queen Ermenhild, being the heir apparent of his father's possessions, was under age at his father's decease; and by reason of his minority, was withheld from the government, which Ethelred his Uncle entered into, without any contradiction of this Kenred, who held himself contented to live a private life: notwithstanding Ethelred taking the habit of a Monk, left the Crown to him who was the right heir. (7) Vulfald a young Gentleman converted to the Christian faith by Bishop Chad, and martyred for Vulfald a supposed son. Water Wittlesey. profession of the same by King Vulfhere, is reported by Water of Wittlesey, a Monk of Peterborow, in a Register which he wrote of that Monastery, to be the supposed son of King Vulfhere himself, and to have been slain by him in his extreme fury before he was a Christian, or could endure to hear of the Christian faith. He was buried in Stone, as we have said, where his father built a College of Canons regular, which S. Vulfaldes College. was afterwards called S. Vulfaldes. Rufine another supposed son. (8) Rufine the fellow martyr of Vulfald, is by the same Writer reported to be his brother, and the supposed son also of Vulfhere the King. Their murders, as he saith, was committed the ninth Calendss of August, which is with us the four and twenty of july, upon which day there was yearly celebrated a solemn memorial of their martyrdoms in the same place, where they both suffered, and where their Monument was then remaining. Wereburg, the▪ daughter of Vulfhere. (9) Wereburg, the daughter of King Vulfhere and Queen Ermenhild, was in her childhood committed to the bringing up of Queen Etheldrid her mother's Aunt, in the Monastery of Ely, by whose persuasion she professed virginity, and returning to her Country in the reign of King Ethelred her Uncle, was by him made overseer of all the Monasteries within his dominions. She deceased at Trickingham (now called Buried at Hanbery. Trentham) in Stafford-shire, and was buried at Hanbery. Her body was afterwards removed to Westchester, where Leafrik the Earl built in honour of her S. Wereburgs Church. a goodly Church called S. Wereburgs, which to this day is the Cathedral Church of that City. Ethelred. Monarch 12. ETHELRED THE SEVENTH KING OF MERCIA, AND TWELFTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH: HIS ACTS, WIFE, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXIIII. An. Do. 675. EThelred, the third son of King Penda, and brother to the last declared Vulfhere, in the year of Christ jesus six hundred seventy five, began his reign in the kingdom of Mercia, and at the same time in Circumstances belonging to the beginning of his reign. the Monarchy of the Englishmen, being the seventh King among them that ware their Diadem, and the twelfth person that bore the Imperial title of the whole: his claim was not immediately nor next in succession, young Kenred his Nephew standing betwixt him and the Crown. But himself a child in years, and in them also addicted unto a private life, he gave his Uncle way to undergo so public a charge, which without contradiction was likewise accepted of the subjects. Henry H●nting. (2) His entrance was with war against the Kentish Lothaire, whose Country he destroyed, sparing neither Churches nor religious Abbeys, the King not daring to appear in field. The City Rochester felt also Putta Bishop of Rochester. his fury, whose Citizens were ransacked, their buildings ruinated, and their Bishop Putta driven to such distress, that he become a Teacher of good Arts and Music in Mercia, to maintain his aged years from Beda hist. Angl. lib. ●. cap. 12. the necessity of perishing want. These stirs (saith Beda) happened in the year of grace six hundred seventy seven; and the next following, so fearful a A blazing star. Blazing star, as was wonderful to behold, first discovered in the month of August, and for three months together continued rising in the morning, and giving forth a blazing pile very high, and of a glittering flame. (3) The remorse of conscience for the blood he had spilled, and the places of Oratories by him destroyed, (besides his intrusions into another man's right) struck so deep a wound into King Ethelreds' breast, that ever he bethought him what recompense to The occasion of founding Bradney Monastery. make. First therefore building a goodly Monastery at Bradney, and that most fruitfully seated in the County of Lincoln, thought that not sufficient to wash away the scars of his foul offence, but determined in himself to forsake the world, for that was the term attributed to the monastical life: wherein notwithstanding, in less cares they lived, and their persons more safe from all dangers attempted, then when they publicly administered their laws to their people, the just executions whereof, many times breed the overthrow of their Princes, and their People never secure amidst their own guards. (4) But such was the religion then taught, and the godly zeal of the good Princes then reigning, whose works have manifested their virtues to posterities, and faith in Christ the salvation of their souls, in whose Paradise we leave them, and Ethelred to his devout intent: who to reconcile himself first unto Kenred, bequeathed the Crown solely to him, although Ethelred resigneth his Crown. he had a son capable thereof: then putting on the habit of religion, become himself a Monk, in his own Monastery of Bradney, where he lived a regular life the term of twelve years, and therein lastly died Abbot of the place, when he had reigned thirty The continuance of his reign. years, the year of Christ's nativity, seven hundred sixteen. His Wife. Offryd▪ Beda hist. Angl. lib. 3. cap. 11. (5) Offryd, the wife of King Ethelred, was the daughter of Oswy, and of Lady Eanfled, King and Queen of Northumberland. She was married unto him in the year of our Lord six hundred seventy seven, being the third of his reign, and the twentieth of her age. She was his wife twenty years: and passing thorough the North parts of Mercia, she was set upon and Beda in Epit. Offryd slain. slain by the people of that Country, in revenge of the death of Peada their King, who had long before been murdered by Alkefled his wife, and her half sister, as we have said. And thus strangely came she to her untimely end, the year of our Lord six hundred ninety seven, the twenty three year of her husband's reign and the fortieth of her own age. His Issue. Chelred the first son. (6) Chelred the son of King Ethelred, and of Queen Offryd his wife, was the heir apparent of his father's kingdom, and of sufficient years to have succeeded him, when he entered into religion; but that it was his father's will to make amendss to his Nephew Kenred, son to his elder brother King Vulfhere, that now he might reign before his son, who should have reigned before himself. Kenred. KENRED THE EIGHTH KING OF MERCIA, AND THE THIRTEENTH Monarch 13. MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN. CHAPTER XXV. An. Do. 704. KEnred the son of Vulfhere, because of his minority at his Father's death, was defeated of his dominions by his Uncle Ethelred, and until it pleased him to resign his Crown, lived a private life, whereunto by nature he was most inclined. But King Ethelred for the wrongs to him committed, and to redeem the time that in war and wealth he had prodigally The matters pertaining to his entrance into government. spent, yielded the Sceptre unto his hand, and set his seeming over-heavy Crown upon his Nephew Kenreds' head: who began his reign at one and the same time, both over the Mercians and Monarchy of the Englishmen, which was the year of Christ's Incarnation seven hundred and four. (2) He is in accounted the eighth King of that Province, and the thirteenth Monarch since Hengist the Saxon. He reigned in peace the space of four years; The continuance of his reign. then weary of government, and desirous of contemplation, after the example of his Uncle, sought a more private and religious life: and thereupon appointing Beda hist. Angl. lib. 5. cap. 20. Chelred his cozen german to rule in his place, in the fifth year of his reign, abandoned his kingdom and Country, and departed for Rome, accompanied with Offa King of the East-Saxons, and with Edwine Bishop of Worcester; where both these Kings were made Monks in the time of Pope Constantine the first, justinian the younger than wearing the Imperial Crown▪ and in a Monastery at that city, both these Kenred and Offa turn Monks. penitent Converts in the Cowls and Orders of Monks, spent therest of their lives, and therein died and were interred; this Mercian King Kenred having had neither wife nor child, that I can read of. (3) It is not greatly to be wondered at, in that these times to much overshadowed with superstitious zeal, the holy acts of men, which no doubt were many, & the habit of Monks, the accounted holy garments of humility, were so meritoriously respected and reputed in the devout hearts of the religious, when by the Clergy (that are accounted the light of the world) in a Council at Rome held under Pope Constantine the Bale. first, it was decreed and commanded, that carved Images, which neither had action, nor life, nor could save themselves from the stroke of destruction, should be made to the memorial of Saints, and should be set up in Churches, with respective adoration, contrary to Gods most express commandment, levit. 26. and condemned for idolatry by the warrant of sacred Scripture. Chelred. Monarch 14. CHELRED THE NINTH KING OF THE MERCIANS, AND THE FOURTEENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH, HIS REIGN AND SUCCESSION. CHAPTER XXVI. An. Do. 709. CHelred, the son of King Ethelred, was of sufficient years, and well able of rule, at such time as his father resigned his Sceptre unto his Nephew Kenred, The appendances of his ingress into government. had not the prick of that sin touched his conscience, which made him to bestow the same as he did; notwithstanding the Crown being too weighty for Kenred to wear, he as freely again gave it the son, as he had received it of the father before, and relinquished his claim and title thereto. Chelred worthy of the Crown. (2) Chelred thus advanced before he it expected, entered his government with great applause of the people, in whose opinions he was held the only man worthy of their Crown. Over the Mercians he reigned the ninth King, and of the English Monarches the fourteenth in number, beginning them both in the year of grace seven hundred & nine, and the fourth of justinian the younger, Empire. Inas King of the Westsaxons. (3) His quietness was disturbed by Inas the West-Saxon, whose fame for his fortunes began then to grow great. For Kent he had forced to buy their peace with money: the Britain's subdued, and had enlarged his confines upon them. And now against Chelred this new rise Monarch, he meant to try chance, whose glory he looked at with an over envious eye. Chelred prepareth against In●●. (4) His greatness likewise Chelred suspected, who either to himself or successors, (by the foundation which he laid) would divert the Monarchy from him and his Mercians, and entail it to himself or his Westsaxons. Hereupon great preparation was made, and each set forward with all the powers, the one to attain, and the other to keep, the glory and title that Henry H●nting. both of them so much thirsted after. At Wodnesbury they met, and with undaunted spirits so fought, that the victory was doubtful, for neither could say the battle was his, or that he departed with the lesser M●●. Westminster. loss. (5) These emulations were followed betwixt these two Princes the space of seven years, and longer had done, if Chelred had lived, or Inas not been struck with remorse of conscience for his overmuch spilling of blood. Of this Chelred, some Authors have censured, that he was marvelous in prowess, john Stow. and valiant of courage, but his Country miserable The continuance of his reign. by his untimely death, whose reign lasted only seven years: and death in the year of our Lord seven hundred and sixteen: his body was buried in the Cathedral Church of Lichfield: and he died without any issue. His Wife. Inas wife. Marian Scot (6) Wereburg the wife of King Chelred, is mentioned by Marianus the learned Scotish Historian, and by Florence of Worcester, who was the follower and continuer of his History, whom we may reasonably credit in this matter, being not incredible, although she must of necessity be thought to have been married very young, or to have died very old, because they record her decease to have been in the year of Christ seven hundred eighty one, which was She died sixty years after her husband. almost sixty years after the death of her husband, and towards the end of the long reign of King Offa. Ethelbald. Monarch 15. ETHELBALD THE TENTH KING OF THE MERCIANS, AND THE FIFTEENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: HIS REIGN AND ACTS. CHAPTER XXVII. An. Do. 716. EThelbald, cozen german once removed unto King Chelred, succeeded him in the kingdom of the Mercians, whereof he was the tenth in number, and of the Monarches over the The precedents of his reigns initium. Englishmen, the fifteenth in account. He began his reign in the year of grace seven hundred sixteen, and with great honour reigned overall the Kings on the South side of Humber, whose time for the most part was spent in peace; yet some wars he had, and those with variable events. Rand. cistern. (2) For in the eighteenth year of his reign, he besieged Sommerton, and wan it; and invading Northumberland, without proffer of resistance, returned with great riches by spoil. The Britain's also that were joined confederates with the Westsaxons, he molested and overcame, for whose revenge King Cuthred Henry Hunting. gave him battle near unto Burford, where he with his Mercians received the foil, and lost the Banner, wherein was portracted a Golden Dragon, the thirty seventh year of his reign. Chron. of Holl. (3) The sins of these times both in Prince and people, were many and great, as by the Epistles of Boniface an Englishman, and Archbishop of Mentz, is most manifest, wherein he reproved his adulterous life, who refraining to marry, wallowed in filthy lecheries; by whose example the Noblemen of Mercia R●. M●i. did the like: and their women, as well Nuns as others, made away their children borne out of wedlock, whereby the graves were filled with dead bodies, as hell itself with damned souls. And in another Epistle sent unto Cuthbert, Archbishop of Canterbury, he complaineth of nuns infamy. the English Nuns, who wandering in pilgrimage under show of devotion, lived in pleasure and wanton fornications, through all the Cities of France and of Lombary. (4) This his Epistle took so good effect, that in repentance King Ethelbald released and privileged the Church from all tributes to himself, and built the Abbey of Crowland in Lincolnshire, for the pacifying Crowland Abbey built. of God's wrath towards his sins; when also it was enacted by Cuthbert and his Clergy, in a Convocation held in his Province, that the sacred Scriptures should be read in their Monasteries, the Lords Prayer and Creed, taught in the English tongue: which accordingly was done. Which Council was held in the thirty year of this King's reign, and of Christ's incarnation seven hundred forty eight. The continuance of his reign. (5) Finally, when he had ruled forty two years, fight against Cuthred the West-Saxon, in a war not prudently undertaken, he was traitorously slain by his own subjects, at the procurement of Bernred a Leader of them, who affecting the kingdom by this stratagem of Treason, sought to attain it, but was himself slain by Offa the Mercian, before that this ill sown seed could take any root. The place of this Great Ethelbalds' death, was Secondone, three miles Wil Malmsbury. from Tamworth, in the County of Warwick; and of his burial, Repton in Derbyshire, where with honourable obsequies he was interred, the year of Christ's humanity seven hundred fifty eight, having had neither Wife nor Children. Offa. Monarch 16. OFFA THE ELEVENTH KING OF THE MERCIANS, AND THE SIXTEENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS ACTS, REIGN, WIFE AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXVIII. OFF●R. EX. 3 SIL. I B B ● An. Do. 758. OFfa, the cozen of King Ethelbald, after some time of interregnum, succeeded him in his dominions of Mercia; a man of so high stomach and stoutness of mind, that he thought nothing unpossible for him to attain: and for virtue and vice, so equally composed, Wil Malmsbury. that hardly could be judged to whither of them the scale of his carriage most inclined, although Liber M. S. the Monk of S. Alban, and writer of his life, doth blanche out his graces with superlative praises. The parents of Offa. (2) His Parents he nameth Twinfreth and Mercella, and himself he saith to have been first named Pinered, borne both lame, deaf, and blind, wherein he so continued unto his man's estate. The rage of Bernred (saith the same Author) had forced all three into a solitary place, where suddenly by miracle Pinered was restored, and for that cause called another Offa, who presently assailed, and in a great battle manfully Bernred slain. fought, slew the usurping Bernred. The Nobles of Mercia being rid of that Tyrant by the valour of Offa, gladly embraced & received him for their King; who began his reign with greater show of glory, than any Mercian before him had done, being in number the eleventh that had reigned in that Province, and is accounted the sixteenth Monarch of the Englishmen. King Charles the Great. (3) His neighbour Kings foreseeing whereat his eye glanced, solicited by Letters Charles the Great, than King of France, against him, who wrote unto Offa in their behalf, and in threatening wise commanded him to desist. But he was so far from fearing of his threats, that to his contempt he was the more eager. (4) The first that felt his fury, were the Kentishmen Malmsbury. under Alrik their King, whose overthrow was the less dishonourable (saith Malmesbury) for that they were vanquished by so great a Monarch. The place was Otteferd, unfortunate to them, where their King was slain by the hand of Offa himself, their forces quite discomfited by the loss of this field, and their Country trodden down under the feet of the Mercians. (5) From South to North King Offa then marched, and beyond Humber made havoc of all that stood against him; whence returning triumphant, he set upon the Westsaxons, that had formerly joined with his enemies: the place was Bensinton, which Castle Bensinton castle taken by King Offa. King Offa took, with the discomfiture of King Kenwolfe, and all his Westsaxons, who sought their revenge by the aides of the Britaines in Wales. Their Liber S. Alban, M. S. Marmodius a Welsh King. King (saith mine Author) was then Marmodius, betwixt whom some intercourse by letters passed, & great presents to King Offa sent, only to protract time, and to work upon advantage. Offaes' ditch. (6) In this Interim of compliments, for a further security, Offa caused a great ditch to be drawn betwixt his and the Britain's borders, which work began at Basingwark in Flintshire, and North-wales, not far Chron. Wallis. from the mouth of Dee, and ran along the mountains into the South, & ended near Bristol at the fall of Wye; the tract whereof in many places is yet seen, and is called to this day Clawdh Offa, or Offaes' ditch. Marmodius, who openly bore sail to this wind, and Marmodius treachery. seemed to wink at Offaes' intent, secretly called a Counsel of State, wherein he declared how the Act thus in working, would soon prove the bane of liberty unto their country, and the mark of dishonour to themselves & posterity for ever; therefore his advice was, that by some stratagem it might be stayed by time. The Britain's accessary to it. (7) To this his Britain's consented, the truce yet lasting, and the feast of Christ's Nativity even then at hand; in the celebration whereof was held the greatest advantage with lest suspect, to put themselves in action against it; and secretly working the assistance of their allies the Saxons, both of the South, the West, Saxons assistance. and the North, upon Saint Stephen's day at night, suddenly broke down the bank of this fortification, filling up again a great part of the Ditch, and in the morning most furiously rushed into Offa his Court, putting a great number to the sword, who were Offaes' people flame. more intentive and regardful to the Feast, then to any defence from their cruel and merciless swords. (8) These wrongs King Offa delayed not to requited, first making their hostages his vassals and slaves, and then with a great army entering Wales, Marmodius vanquished by Offa. in a bloody and sore-fought battle he overcame Marmodius and all his associates in the field. Thus then as a Conqueror over all his enemies triumphantly after ten years wars abroad returned he to his own Kingdom, neither puffed with pride, nor suffering his title to be enlarged according to his conquests: yet he was not neglective of regal state, by The Ligger of S. Alban M. S. the report of the Ligger book of S. Alban, which saith, that in regard of his great prerogative, and not of any pride, he first instituted and commanded, that even in times of peace also, himself and his Successors in the Crown, should as he passed through any Cities, have Trumpeters going and sounding before them, to show that the person of the King should breed both fear, and honour in all which either see him or hear him. King Charles congratulateth Offa. (9) Unto King Charles of France he wrote in excuse of his wars, and desire of his amity; whom Charles again congratulated with letters of gladness, both for his victories, and the Christian piety in his land embraced; desiring of Offa safe conduct for such his subjects, as came to his country in devotion to God, and withal sent to him, (for a present) a Book of the Decrees of the second Council of Ro. Houed. Annal. part 1. The second Council of Nice. Nice. Which synodal Book (to use Roger Hovedens own words) was sent unto King Charles from Constantinople, wherein (alas for pity) by the unanimous assertion of three hundred Bishops or more congregated in that Council, were decreed many things inconvenient, yea and quite contrary to the true faith; as is most especially the worshipping of Images, which the Church of God doth utterly detest. Against which Book * Alcuinus. Albinus wrote an Epistle, admirably strengthened by the authority of the holy Scriptures, which together with the foresaid Book himself presented in the name of the Princes & Bishops of this land, unto the foresaid Charles King of France. Such intercourse both for State and Church had this great Offa with that great Charles. Offaes' last wars. (10) His last wars (according to mine Author) were against the Danes, whom he forced to their ships with the loss as well of their booties, as of many of their lives; and then (saith he) with the spirit of humility, both to recall himself from the trace of blood, and to the better establishment of his kingdoms peace, he joined in affinity with his neighbour Princes, upon whom he bestowed his daughters in marriage. Offa went to Rome. (11) And making Egfrid his son a King with himself, in great devotion went to Rome, where with the like zeal and example of Inas the West-Saxon, he made his Kingdom subject to a Tribute, then called Peter-pences, afterwards Romscot; besides other rich gifts that he gave to Pope Hadrian for canonizing Alban a Saint: in honour of whom, and in repentance of his sins, at his return (over against Verolanium, in the place then called Holmehurst, where that Protomartyr of Britain, for the constant profession of Christ, lost his head) Offa built a magnific Monastery in Anno 795. indowing they with lands and rich revenues for the maintenance of an hundred Monks: upon the first gate of entrance in stone standeth cut a Salteir Argent in a field azure, & is assigned by the judicious in Heraldry to be the Arms that he bore. His repentance. (12) Also in testimony of his repentance for the blood he had spilled, he gave the tenth part of all his goods unto the Churchmen, and unto the poor. At Bath he also built another Monastery, and in Warwickshire a Church, where the adjoining town, from it and him, beareth the name Off-church. Off-ley Town. (13) Finally, when he had reigned thirty nine years, he died in peace at his town Off-ley the nine and twentieth of ●uly, the year of Christ jesus, seven hundred ninety four: and with great solemnity his body was buried without the town of Bedford in a Chapel standing upon the Bank of Owse, which long since was swallowed up by the same river: whose Tomb of lead (as it were some fantastical thing) Lib S. Alban M▪ S. ●ohn Rouse. appeareth often (saith Rouse) to them that seek it not▪ but to them that seek it, is altogether invisible. His wife. EOB● 3 SIL. ✚ CENE●R●●. RE●IN (14) Quendrid the wife of King Offa hath not her parentage set down by any of our Writers: notwithstanding, the recorder of this his life, saith that her In the life of S. Alban, prefixed before the Ledger book of that Abbey. name was Drida, and that she was the kinswoman to Charles the Great King of France, and by him for some offence banished his Realm, who arriving upon the coasts of England in a ship without tackle, was taken thence, and relieved by Offa, being then Offa affectioned to Quendred. a young Nobleman, where she changed her name unto Petronilla; with whom he fell so far in love that he made her his wife, contrary to the liking of his Parents. She was a woman of condition ambitious, covetous, and cruel, as appeared specially in the death of Ethelbert, King of the East Angles, that came to her husband's Court to marry their daughter; whose port she so much envied, that she Quendred her treachery. procured him to be treacherously murdered: the manner the foresaid Author declared to be by his fall into a deep pit, purposely made in his bedchamber, and under his chair of estate. That his head was cut off, and found by a blindman, that the well which bears his name sprung up presently in the place where it lay, that the blood thereof gave the blind man his sight, and that Dryda died in the same pit which she had digged for Ethelbert, I leave to the credit of my author, and the liking of my Reader: but certain it is that God's vengeance followed this heinous fact within one year after the same was Quendred rewarded with the like pains. committed, by the death of herself, her husband, & her Son, and the translation of that Kingdom from the Mercians to the Westsaxons. An ancient Saxon coin inscribed with her name, CENEDRED REGIN. we have found and here placed, which the judicious suppose to be hers, and that not unlikely, she being so powerful, proud and ambitious. His Issue. Egfrid the only son of Offa. (15) Egfrid the only son, and heir apparent of King Offa and Queen Quendred, was the only joy and pride of his parents, who succeeded his Father in his dominions and title, and in the same year also in the shades of death. Ethelburga the first daughter. (16) Ethelburga, the eldest daughter of King Offa and Queen Quendred was married to Brithrick the sixeteenth King of the Westsaxons: she was a Lady of passing beauty, but withal of an insolent disposition, hating all whom her husband loved, and practising the deaths of them that she hated. She departed into France after the poisoning of her husband, & for that her offence, a law was enacted to the great prejudice of the Westsaxons Queens, as Cap. 7. sect. 16. in the reign of Brithrick we have declared. Polychr. Elfled the second daughter. (17) Elfled, the second daughter of King Offa, & Queen Quendred, by the report of Randulph Higden the Monk of Chester, was the second wife to Ethelred King of Northumberland, who in regard of her had put from him his former wife, for which his subjects rose in Arms against him, and slew him in the last year of King Offa his reign. Elfrid the third daughter. (18) Elfrid the third and youngest daughter of King Offa, and Queen Quendred, being promised in marriage, and assured unto Ethelbert King of the East Angles, after the murder of her hoped Bridegroom, with great lamentations, and prophesying threats of revenge, abandoned the society of men, and withdrew herself unto the monastery of Crowland in the Fens, where in contemplation and solitary sadness she spent the remainder of her life; and yet there are that suppose her to be the wife of King Kenwolfe, who was the founder of Winchcomb Monastery, & the successor of his brother Egfride. john Capgrave. (19) Fremund by john Capgrave is supposed to be the son of King Offa, who, as he saith, was traitorously murdered by one Oswy that envied his victories which he got against the Danes: his body was buried at Offchurch in Warwickshire, and near unto the Palace of Offa; alleging for his Author one Burghard, who was at his death, and wrote his life; Burghard. yet some there are that think him mistaken, for that he calleth him a young man, when as those wars happened an hundred years after King Offa his life. Egfrid. Monarch 17. EGFRID THE TWELFTH KING OF THE MERCIANS, AND THE SEVENTEENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH. CHAPTER XXIX. An. Do. 794. EGfrid, the son of King Offa, succeeded his father in the Mercians Kingdom, whereof he was the twelfth in number, and in the Monarchy of the Englishmen, ranked in account the seventeenth. He began his reign the thirteenth day of july, in the year of Christ his nativity, seven hundred ninety four. The first business that he undertook after he came to the Crown, was the restoration of ancient privileges to the Church, which his father had deprived them Egfrid restoreth antic privileges. of; and great hope was conceived of his further proceed, had not God cut him off by untimely death. For having reigned only four months, he gave place unto nature, and to another successor, the sins of the people deserving no such Prince: for whose cause, and his father's great bloodshed, as Alcuine Flecu● Albinus. wrote to Osbertus, he was taken away so soon. The continuance of his raig●●. (2) He deceased the seventh day of December, and in the first of his reign, having had neither Wife nor Issue that we read of. His body with all due obsequies was honourably buried in the Abbey Church of S. Alban, of his father's foundation. Kenwolfe. Monarch 18. KENWOLFE THE THIRTEENTH KING OF THE MERCIANS, AND THE EIGHTEENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN. CHAPTER XXX. REX M ✚ COENWLF 3 SIL. An. Do. 794. KEnwolfe, not so near in blood to king Egfryd, as he was like him in all virtuous conditions, by him was ordained to succeed in his Dominions, whereby he become the thirteenth King of the Mercians, and the eighteenth Monarch of the Englishmen, in the year of our Lord seven hundred ninety Kenwolfes' praise. seven. At home he was an example of piety, peace, and religion, & set the scale of justice without respect to all alike; abroad temperate, humble, and courteous, without vain ostentation or ambitious conceits; in wars he was stout and victorious, in peace studious to enrich his subjects: briefly, at all times so carrying himself, that envy could not touch him with her tongue. (2) Whether upon a new quarrel begun, or the old retained, (as inheritable to the Mercians against those of Kent) I cannot say; but true it is, that in the entrance of his reign, he entered that Province with a great host of men, and in a sore fought field discomfited the Kentish, and carried away prisoner their Wil Malmsb. King, whose surname was Pren. His kingdom he gave to Cuthred, and kept him captive in Mercia, to his great grief, and his subjects dishonour. Winchcomb Monastery. (3) But Kenwolfe in peace, & minding the works of true piety, gave himself to the building of a goodly Church at Winchcomb in Glocestershire; where upon the day of dedication in the presence of Cuthred (assigned his Viceroy in Kent) thirteen Bishops, ten Dukes, many Nobles, and a great concourse of people, he led Prens this Kentish captive up to the high Altar, and there without either his entreaty, or ransom for Redemption, released and set him free; showing thereby his devotion to God, and the heroical parts of a magnanimous Prince. (4) His reign was twenty two years, and death in Anno eight hundred nineteen, being solemnly Kenwolfes' burial. buried in the Church of the Monastery at Winchcomb aforesaid which himself had founded. His Wife. Elfrids' par●●●● unknown. (5) Elfryd, the wife of King Kenwolfe, hath not her parentage certainly reported by any of our Historians; yet some later upon a likelihood of her name, the place and time agreeing, have thought her to be the daughter of Offa, affianced to King Ethelbert, as hath been said: but in these obscurities, conjecture may wander astray. His Children. (6) Kenelm the son of King Kenwolfe, and of Queen Elfryde his wife, was very young at his father's death, and succeeded in the Mercians Kingdom, but not in the Monarchy of the English; King Egbert the West-Saxon King then grown too great. And in the same year that he began his reign, by the treason Kenelms death. of his unnatural sister he was murdered, and first obscurely buried, but afterwards solemnly removed and reposed near to his Father in the Monastery of Winchcomb, as in the Mercian Kings successions we Chap. 10. sect. 14. have said. Quendred the eldest daughter of Kenwolfe. (7) Quendred the eldest daughter of King Kenwolfe, and Lady Elfryd his Queen, after the decease of her father, ambitiously aspiring to compass the sway of the Mercian Kingdom wholly to herself, wickedly conspired the death of her brother King Kenelm, which was traitorously acted by Askebert her instrument, who had the charge of him: but the same turning to her reproach, for very shame of so damnable a deed, she within short time after ended her life, but not her ignominy. Burgenhild the younger daughter. (8) Burgenhild, the younger daughter of King Kenwolfe, and of Queen Elfryd, hath not been so famous to posterity as her sister Quendred was for her infamous Act; notwithstanding, she may reasonably be supposed to have lead a better life, and to have died a better death, especially of us, who found her not stained with any aspersion of misdeseruing. Egber●. Monarch 19 EGBERT THE EIGHTEENTH KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, THE NINETEENTH, BUT FIRST SOLE AND ABSOLUTE MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS ACTS, WIFE, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXXI. ✚ ECGBE●RIFIHTREX 3 SIL. ✚ DEBUSMONET● An. Do. 800. THe Saxon Heptarchy drawing now to a period, the spring of an entire Monarchy began to show itself, and the glory of the Englishmen more clearly to arise: for though they had weakened each other by their own wars, yet stood their power strong in the possession of the whole, and the overborne Britain's held still at the worst. (2) But such is the dispose of the sole disposer of Empires, that they have their rise, their fools, and their falls: never staying in one and the same point, neither entailed to one and the same Nation, how strong, politic or populous soever. The proof whereof is apparent in all the Kingdoms of the earth, and this of ours as mutable as any; whose The seven fold government mutable. change of State unto, and in, this sevenfold Government hath hitherto been seen: the several Kings thereof long contending to branch their own fountains furthest and fairest, lastly let them fall into one stream, which so meeting, made a more famous confluence in this Monarchy, than the seven heads of Nilus in the Egyptian Sea. (3) Formerly, the Kentish, South-Saxons, East-Angles, Northumbrians, and the Mercians, through no less than eight descents had worn the Imperial westsaxons ambition. Diadem, whose rays shone now so bright in the Westsaxons eyes, that they again sought to reestate themselves in so glorious a possession. For, whereas Brightrik was possessed and contented with the West-Saxon Crown, neither that worn without jealousy and fear; yet others of the blood royal from Cherdik raised the wings of their soaring thoughts much higher, among whom Egbert was one, neither the last nor the lest in the opinion of the people, or suspect of his Prince. (4) This Egbert having command of some part of that Province, so carried himself, that his fame grew fearful to Brightrik the King, and hateful to Egberts' exigents and reliefs. the envious Ethelburg his most proud Queen, by whom he was enforced first to secure himself with the Mercian Offa; and lastly constrained to fly into France: where under Charles the Great, he turned his adversity into an occasion of his valour, by serving in his wars, and learned by his politic government, how to rule a quiet or disturbed State. (5) But King Brightriks death acted, and his Queen the contriver banished, Egbert is solicited to the wearing of the West-Saxon crown, where he become the eighteenth King in number, and nineteen years after the nineteenth Monarch of the Englishmen; entering his reign the year of Christ jesus, Simon Dunel. saith 802. Mat. Westminster saith 801. eight hundredth, being the same year that Charles was made Emperor of the West, and Conwall then ruling over the Scots. (6) His first wars were against the Cornish, and their associates the Welsh, both of them a remnant of the old Britain's, who had been oftentimes vanquished, but never would seem to be subdued, and for fourteen years continuance held side against Egbert; which their resistance so provoked his fury that he enacted a most severe law against them, commanding that no Britain should presume to John Bever. pass over great Offaes' ditch, and present death to them that durst set foot upon any English ground. Their great Caer-legion (now westchester) he took from them, and at London from their West-gate cast down the brazen Image of Cadwallo there set up by the Britaines for a terror to the Saxons, as we have said. Chap. 12. (7) His wars thus prospering, his puissance grew dreadful, and his glory much envied at by the other Princes, whereof Bernulfe of Mercia was the first attempter that sought to pluck the wing of this west-Saxon Eagle, but thereby wrought his own downfall; for Egbert joining battle with him at Ellenden overthrew his power, and in that quarrel Chap. 10. sect. 16. Bernulfe was lastly slain. (8) Kent was the next, and fairest mark in Egberts' W●l. M●lmsbury. eye, whose king not gracious in his own subjects sight, was the easier to be subdued; him he chased over Thamisis, and added not only that County, but also Sussex and Surrey, for Provinces unto his own Kingdom: next were the East-Saxons, the East-Angles, and in truth all, both upon the North, and the South of Humber gave him obedience; so that the bounds of his Dominion were greatly enlarged, and his royal authority by those several Kings acknowledged. (9) Then he to confirm his estate called an assembly unto the City Winchester, where causing himself Egbert the first sole Monarch. to be solemnly crowned, become the first Saxons absolute Monarch of the whole Island, so reducing the monarchial title from the Mercians to the Westsaxons, in whose Progeny it continued without reversement until the Danes first got, and again lost it, and the Saxons issue failing, the same fell to the Normans Duke by Conquest, as in continuance of our history, Christ assisting, shall be seen. An. Do. 819. (10) His Coronation was at Winchester, and entrance in the year of Grace, eight hundred and nineteen, at which time by his Edict in that City dated, he caused all the South of the Island to be called England, according to the Angles, of whom himself came, and promising great felicity to his State and Successors, was therein not so happy as in his affairs he had been fortunate. (11) For those Saxons that by war and blood, had made themselves Lords of other men's rights, and of one Kingdom no less than seven, are now endangered to be made servants unto subjection, and by war and blood their sevenfold Kingdom brought again unto one; neither yet freed from the revenge of bloody violence: for that a fierce and cruel nation (the Danes) ceased not continually to invade them, till they had subdued and Floren. Wigorn. set the crown thereof upon their own heads, who in King Brightrick days, and about the year seven hundred eighty seven, having with three vessels landed in the West of England, at three several times, in so many several places, sought the ruin of the land in the reign of this Egbert. (12) The first was in his thirty third year, when Simon. Dun. Henry Hunting. Mat. West. with thirty five ships they landed at Lindisferne upon the North of England, where they were met and fought with at Carham, but with such loss to the English, that two chief Captains, Dudda and Osmond, two Bishops, Herefrid of Winchester, and Vigferd of Shirborne, with many Soldiers were therein slain, King Egbert himself hardly escaping by the covert of the night. (13) Their second attempt was in the second year following, when in West-Wales they landed, unto whom the Britain's there joined, and in the place called Hengistenton abode the King in field, where Egbert with prosperous fortune vanquished and slew both the Danes and the Welsh. (14) The third place of their arrivage was Sheepie in Kent, which Island they sacked, and with much a do were expelled in the last of King Egberts' reign, and but the new beginning of their savage cruelties. (15) This Egbert by Florentius of Worcester is said to be the son of Alkemund, who was the son of Eafa, and he the son of Eoppa, the son of Ingils, the brother of Ine, the eleventh King of the Westsaxons, and both of them the sons of Kenred, descended from Cherdik the first King of that Province: he was but low of stature, yet well composed and strong of limb, very valiant, wi●e and politic, a skilful soldier, and as great in mind, as fortunate in war; he reigned over the Westsaxons the space The continuance of his reign. of thirty six years and seven months, and Monarch of the whole Island seventeen: his death happened the fourth day of February, and year of Christ's Incarnation eight hundred thirty six. (16) His body was with all obsequies solemnly buried at Winchester, and his bones since taken up, remain with others in that City's Cathedral Church, bestowed in Chests set upon the Wall of each side the Quire, with these verses neither ancient, nor elegant, thereon inscribed: Hic Rex Egbertus pausat cum Rege Kenulpho, Nobis egregia munera uterque tulit. His wife. Redburgs cruelty. (17) Redburg, the wife of King Egbert, was the first of the Westsaxons, that by their new made law was deprived of title, authority, or place of a Queen; notwithstanding it seemeth she bore a great stroke with her husband, in that john Beaver the Monk of Westminster reporteth, that she procured a law to be made against the Britain's, the penalty whereof was present death for any of them to set footing within the realm of England, or to pass the Ditch that King Offa had made. His Issue. Ethelwolfe eldest son. (18) Ethelwolfe, the eldest son of King Egbert, and Lady Redburg his wife, was in his childhood committed to the charge of Helmestan Bishop of Winchester, under whom he was carefully trained up in learning and virtue, who coming to man's estate proved also a perfect Soldier, and had the leading of his father's power against Baldred King of Kent, whom he forced to fly over the Thamisis, and to abandon his Kingdom, which he subdued to the subjection of his father, and afterwards succeeded him in the Monarchy of the Englishmen. Ethelstan younger son. (19) Ethelstane, the younger son of King Egbert, and of the Lady Redburg his wife, was by his father deputed King over the Kentishmen, the South-Saxons, and the East-Saxons after he had brought them unto his subjection; which people he most valiantly defended against the invasions of the Danes, defeating their forces both by sea and land, and at Sandwich gave them a most memorable overthrow, in the year of our Lord eight hundred fifty one, being the sixteenth of his brother King Ethelwolfes' reign; in whose time he deceased, and is reported to have left a son named Ostride, who by reason of his minority succeeded not in his father's dominions, which Ethelbert the second son of King Ethelwolfe entered upon, and being Monarch reunited these kingdoms inseparably unto the Monarchy. Edgith a daughter. (20) Edgith, commonly called Saint Edith the daughter of King Egbert, was in her childhood by her brother Ethelwolfe committed to the charge and bringing up of a Lady in Ireland, greatly renowned for her holiness of life, named Modewine, by whom she was afterwards recommended to a Disciplesse of the said Lady, named Athea, and made Governess of a Monastery of the Ladies, by her planted in a place which the King her brother had given her, called polesworth, situated in Arden in the north verge of the County of Warwick, wherein she lived, died, and was honourably buried, and the place in regard of her afterwards called Saint Ediths of polesworth. Ethelwolfe. Monarch 20 ETHELWOLFE THE nineteenth KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND THE TWENTIETH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: HIS WARS, ACTS, WIVES, AND childs. CHAPTER XXXII. ✚ AEÐELWLF REX 3 SIL. ✚ OCCIDENTALIUM SAXONIORUM An. Do. 837. EThelwolfe, the eldest son of King Egbert, committed in his youth to the care of Helmestan Bishop of Winchester, and by him unto Swithun a famous learned Monk of that time, took such a liking unto the quiet and solitary life, (only enjoyed by men of Religion, all other degrees molested to withstand the intruding Danes) that he undertook the Monkish vow and profession, and was made Deacon; shortly after which degree taken, Helmestan died, in whose place Prince Ethelwolfe was consecrated, Roger Hoveden. john Brampton. as Roger Hoveden affirmeth, or at lest elected, (as john Brampton Abbot of jaruaux writeth) Bishop of Henry Hunting. Mat. Westminster. Winchester. But the death of his Father King Egbert immediately following, by great entreaty of the Nobles, and partly by constraint of the Clergy, he was made King, and was by the authority of Pope Gregory the fourth, whose creature in both professions he was, absolved and discharged of his vows. Wil Malm●b. (2) He entered his Monarchy the fourth day of February in the year of Christ's Incarnation, eight hundred thirty seven, and was the nineteenth King of the Westsaxons, and the twentieth Monarch of the Englishmen. His Bishopric he gave unto Swithun his Tutor, and according to his place, combined all his powers to withstand the dangerous Danes, that attempted the utter subversion of his fair land: whose fift invasion in his first year happened; which drew the Saxons civil wars unto a constrained peace, having more than they could well do to defend their lives from their slaughtering swords, or to save their unjustly got land from the spoils of those common enemies; who, not like Conquerors, but destroying Caterpillars, left nothing undevoured wheresoever they came, and had now begun their merciless depopulations in divers places at once, so that the distracted English were to seek where was most need first to withstand. Simon D●nel●. Henry Hunt. (3) At Hampton & Portesmouth many of these Norway Pirates had entered; at Hampton with their overthrow, at Portesmouth with victory; and the same time at Carrum, a Troop of these Danes discomfited King Ethelwolfes power. The next year at Merseware, An. Dom. 838. Lindsey, in East-Angle, and Kent, they did much mischief, and harried all the Country before them: yet in his tenth year at Pedredesmouth, the Somerset and Dorsetshire men gave them a memorable overthrow, under the conduct of Earl Enwulfe, Bishop Adelstan, and Osred their captains. (4) But in the sixteenth year of this King, the great Planet Mars seemed to praedominate continually, and Fortune to cast the chance of victory ever on his side: for two hundred and fifty ships, (some reckon a hundred more) entered into Thamesis mouth Henry Hunt. Aredus Rival. and set on shore an infinite number of these destroying Danes. London and Canterbury they had sacked and left waist, had pierced into Mercia, and chased Berthulfe their King out of his Country, and now in Southery had pitched their battle, as able and resolute to abide all the power of the English, whither King Ethelwolfe with his son prince Ethelbald repaired, and took the field at the place called Ocley; wherein after a long and sore ●ight, the victory fell to the English, with such slaughter of these Norway invaders, as is incredible to report, and the same held as great and famous, as ever had happened in the land before. (5) With the like success his Brother Athelstan King of Kent, fought with the Danes at Sandwich, where chase them to sea, took nine of their ships; and in Devonshire, Earl Ceorle at Winleshore so overthrew their whole power, that in despair they withdrew themselves into the I'll of Thanet, where they made their abode all the winter season; and if destiny had not withstood the English, the Danes had been expulsed for ever. But the Saxons seeming cleared of this common enemy, fell to their wont quarrels with the ever depressed Britain's, Simon Dun. against whom Burthred the Mercian obtained the assistance of King Ethelwolfe in his eighteenth year, whose daughter Ethelswith he had obtained in marriage; whereby for a while was increased the fame See Chap. 10. Sect. 20. and power of that valiant, but unfortunate King. (6) In this State the affairs of the land stood unto the nineteenth year of King Ethelwolfes' reign, who now remembering his former Ecclesiastic profession, ordained that Tithes and Lands due to holy Church should be free from all Tributes or Regal services; and in great devotion went himself to Rome, where he was both honourably received, and entertained the space of a whole year; in which time he new built the English School, that Offa the Mercian before had there founded, and lately was fired, bearing the name of Thomas the Holy; confirming also his Grant of Peter pence, and further covenanting in am of his kind entertainment to pay Wil Malmsbury. Simon. Dun. yearly three hundred marks to Rome, thus to be employed; one hundred to Saint Peter's Church, an other hundred to Saint Paul's Light, and the third to the Pope: the Bride that evermore must be kissed and largely paid. (7) His return from Rome was through France, and being a Widower, he there married judith the most beautiful daughter of Charles the Bald than Emperor; in honour of whom in his own Court, he ever placed her in a Chair of Estate, with all other majestical compliments of a Queen, contrary to the law of the Westsaxons for Ethelburgaes' offence, formerly made. Which his doing so disliked the Nobles, that Prince Ethelbald his eldest Son, Adelstan Bishop of Shirborne, and Enwulfe Earl of Somerset, rose up rebelliously in Arms and sought to depose Wil Malms. him; yet by mediation of friends, the matter came to a compromise, and the land to be divided betwixt the Father and Son, but with such partiality that the better part westward was allotted to Ethelbald: which unequality gave great suspicion, that this revolt was rather grounded upon ambition, than any inclination they had for the defence of their laws, which commonly is the pretence and vail for all disloyal attempts of seditious subjects against their sovereign Lords. (8) Howsoever it was, long after this he lived not, but left his Monarchy unto his eldest son Ethelbald: and by will appointed Ethelbert his second, to be King of Kent and Essex, which countries he had conquered. He reigned twenty years, one month, Ethelwolfes' time of reigning. and nine days, and deceased at a place called Stamrige, the thirteenth day of january, in the year of our Lord, eight hundred fifty seven, being the twenty one of his Reign. His body was first buried at the place of his decease, and afterwards removed into the Cathedral Church at Winchester. His wives. Osburgs parents. (9) Osburg, the first wife of King Ethelwolfe, was the daughter of a Nobleman named Oslake, who had the office of Great Butler of England, and was descended of the stock of stuff and Withgar two brethren, being noblemen of the people called jutes, who were the first Princes of the I'll of Wight, and Nephews to Cherdik, and cozen germane to Kenrik the first and second Kings of the Westsaxons, and the third and fourth Monarches of the Englishmen. She was the second King's wife that was debarred of the title and place of Queen. She deceased three years before the King her husband, in the nineteenth year of his reign, being the year of Christ's Nativity eight hundred fifty five. judith a second wife. (10) judith his second wife, was the daughter of Charles the Emperor, and King of France, as we have said: her Mother was Queen Ermentrude, the daughter of Vodon Earl of Orl●ance. She was a Lady of passing beauty, and married to this King in France; and when she came into England was received with the title and place of a Queen, in abolishment of the perverse law of the Westsaxons, made against the King's wives, as before was touched. She was his wife three years, and survived him without any issue. His Issue. Ethelbald the first Son. (11) Ethelbald, the eldest son of King Ethelwolfe, and of Lady Osburg his first wife, was brought up in his youth in the exercise of war, and served under his Father in the great victory obtained against the Danes at Ocley in Surrey, in the year eight hundred fifty one: afterwards he turned his force against his Father; and at his return from Rome, practised to defeat him of his Kingdom, and was ready to have given him battle, had not his Father parted with him his Dominion. Ethelbert the second son. (12) Ethelbert, the second son of King Ethelwolfe and Lady Osburg his first wife, was in the life time of his Father, after the decease of his uncle Ethelstan, appointed and placed his Successor in his Kingdom over the South-Saxons, the Kentish, and the East-Saxons, without any mention or meaning (as it seemeth,) that he should intermeddle further with any other part of England. Notwithstanding after the death of his brother Ethelbald, it was generally holden of all men for law, equity, and reason, that he should succeed him in the Monarchy: and so he did, with the consent of his Brethren, and without resistance, or contradiction of any other. Ethelred a third son. (13) Ethelred the third son of King Ethelwolfe, and Lady Osburg his first wife, had by the disposition of his Father in his last will, the one half of his Father's proper inheritance; which was all such land as King Egbert his Grandfather had before he was King, and was no part of the Demaines of the Kingdom, and this was divided betwixt him and his brother Elfred, as the kingdom was between their elder Brethren Ethelbald and Ethelbert: with an intent that this Ethelred should succeed his brother Ethelbald in the kingdom of the Westsaxons; notwithstanding, his brother Ethelbert, after the decease of King Ethelbald, entered into the other part, adjoining it to his former kingdom, and was king of the whole, and after left it entire to this Ethelred, who succeeded him in the Monarchy. Elfred a fourth son. (14) Elfred, the fourth son of King Ethelwolfe and of Lady Osburg his first wife, was borne at Wantage in Berkshire, in the year of our Lord God, eight hundred forty nine; and the thirteenth of his father's reign. Being a child of five years old, he was sent very honourably attended to the City of Rome, where Leo the fourth then Bishop confirmed him, was his Godfather at the confirmation, and anointed him to the expectation of a kingdom: grown in years, he grew so in discretion, magnanimity and favour of all men, that in the successive reigns of his three elder Brethren, he ruled as a Viceroy or secondary king under every of them, and after them at the last succeeded in the English Monarchy. Ethelswith a daughter. (15) Ethelswith, the daughter of King Ethelwolfe and Lady Osburg, was married to Burthred the twentieth King of Mercia, which marriage was solemnised at the town of Chippinham in Wiltshire, in the month of April, and year of Christ's Nativity eight hundred thirty five, and the fifteenth of her father's reign: but within twenty two years after, they were both forced by the Danes to abandon their kingdom, and departed into Italy, where the King died the same year in the English College at Rome: she lived after him fifteen years in the habit of a Nun, at the City of Milan, and there died, and was honourably buried in the year of our Lord God eight hundred eighty nine, which was the eighteenth year of her brother King Elfreds' reign. Neote a supposed son. (16) Neote, supposed by john Capgrave the Legend writer, to be the son of King Ethelwolfe, was in his youth brought up at Glastenbery under Dunstan, who was afterward Archbishop of Canterbury. He proved a man of great learning, and was one of the first Readers of Divinity in the University of Oxford, at the foundation, or as some will have it, the restoration thereof by King Elfred; he planted a Monastery in Cornwall, whereunto he used for devotion and studious meditations often to withdraw himself, which of his abode there, was afterward called Neotestoke, and when he was dead, his body was with great hono ur interred in the County of Huntingdon, at a place then called Anulfesbery, and afterward S. Needs Town. in regard of his interment, Saint Neotes, and now Saint Needs. Ethelbald. Monarch 21. ETHELBALD THE TWENTIETH KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND THE TWENTY ONE MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS ACTS AND REIGN. CHAPTER XXXIII. An. Do. 857. Flor●n. Wig●rn. EThelbald, the eldest son of king Ethelwolfe, having had part of the kingdom in the life time of his Father, after his death entered upon the whole, and was the twentieth King of the West Saxons, and the twenty one Monarch of the Englishmen, beginning his reign in the year of Christ's incarnation eight hundred fifty seven. His wars against the Danes. (2) His youth he had spent in the exercise of war, having made proof of valour in his service against the Danes in many battles; and likewise attempted (though not in so good a cause) to have fought against his own father. Which his assays, as they seemed violent and unnatural, yet being in the quarrel of the Westsaxons law, enacted in prejudice of their Queens, he was both sided and approved, as hath been said. (3) But howsoever unwilling he was this fair Wil Mal●sbury. Queen should sit in state by his father's side, yet contrary to all laws either of God or man, he laid her by his own, and by nuptial rites, brought her to his sinful and incestuous bed. Which act, though foul enough, some have made worse, in reporting his Wife to be his own Mother, whom King Ethelwolfe kept for his Concubine. And surely this his sin was not long unpunished by the shortness of his reign and life, leaving no other memory of his acts, besides this foul blot to his fair name. The time of his reigning. (4) His reign was only two years and an half, and death chanced upon the twentieth day of December, the year of Christ's assuming our flesh, eight hundred sixty. His body was first buried at Shirburne in the County of Dorset, where at that time was the Cathedral Church and Episcopal See; but afterwards was removed and interred at Salesbury, in the County of Wiltshire. His Wife. (5) judith, the Wife of King Ethelbald, was the widow of his own Father, a most unlawful matrimony 1. Cor. 5. 1. contracted against all law of God or of nature; which being both dissolved and punished by the hasty death of the King, and she returning towards her father and Country in Flanders, was ravished by Baldwin the Forester of Arden in France, and by him forcibly kept until she consented to become his wife, who in regard of that marriage, when he was reconciled to the Emperor Charles her Father, was by him created the first Earl of Flanders, by whom she had issue Baldwin the second, who espoused Lady Elfrid, the youngest daughter of Elfred King of England, from whom, through five descents lineally, Maud Queen of England, Wife to William the Conqueror descended, and from her, all our Norman English Kings unto this day. Ethelbert. Monarch 22 ETHELBERT THE TWENTIETH ONE KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND THE TWO AND TWENTIETH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: HIS REIGN AND ISSVES. CHAPTER XXXIIII. An. Do. 860. EThelbert, the second son of King Ethelwolfe, who had succeeded his Uncle Ethelstan in the kingdom of the South-Saxons, Kentish, and East-Saxons, and for five years continuance, ruled those Countries with great equity and valour, after the decease of his brother Ethelbald, succeeded him also both in the Westsaxons kingdom, and the whole Lands Monarchy: whereof he was the one and twentieth King, and the two and twentieth Monarch. (2) His reign began in the year after Christ's nativity, eight hundred and sixty, and was disquieted from first to last by the invasions of the bloody Danes. For presently after his coronation, these common enemies entered the Land, ruinating all before Hen. Hunting. them unto the City Winchester, which they sacked, and left it trodden under their destroying feet, even to the ground. But in their return were encountered by the Barkshire-men, under the leading of Osrick, Earl of Hampton, by whom they were vanquished, the prey recovered, and a great number of those Infidels slain. (3) In his first year also a navy of Danes and Normans entered into the Island Tanet, and began their The Kentishmen compound for their peace. wont spoils among those people: whereupon the Kentish compounded their peace for a great sum of money given. Notwithstanding these miscreants, which knew not God, gave little regard to their promised covenants, and before the days of truce were expired, like a sudden flood overbare all before them. These their eruptions to withstand, the Kentish then prepared, rather adventuring themselves upon the chance of battle, then to rest upon a seeming truce, wherein their destruction was too apparent, and forthwith assembling all the powers together, set upon those truce-breakers, and with much slaughter forced them at length out of their Country. Ethelberts time of reigning. (4) But the date of King Ethelberts life being expired, he yielded his body to the course of nature, and his Kingdoms to his next Brother, after he had reigned over the Kentish, South, and East-Saxons, the term of ten years, and had sat Monarch of the whole only five. He died the year of grace eight hundred sixty six, and was honourably buried in the Cathedral Church of Shirburne in Dorsetshire, by his brother King Ethelbald. His supposed Issue. Athelm the eldest son. (5) Athelm, the brother's son of King Elfred, mentioned in the last will and testament of the same King, seemeth by all likelihood to be the eldest son of this King Ethelbert, elder brother to the same King Elfred, although he succeeded not his father in his Kingdom. For in those days, if the King's son were under age, the succession went to the next brother; and if that brother left his son at full age, than it went unto him; otherwise it reverted to the elder brother's son. Ethelwald the s●cond son. (6) Ethelwald, surnamed Clito, which is a word of addition given to all the Saxon Kings sons of England, is mentioned in King Elfreds' will to be his brother's son, and is most likely to be the son of this King Ethelbert, he proved a most deadly enemy to his cozen King Edward, the son of King Elfrid his Uncle, destroying his towns in Dorsetshire, and being driven out of England, joined himself with the Henry H●●ting. Danes, who made him their King in Northumberland, and under his leading, grievously assailed the Countries of the East-Saxons, East-Angles, and Mercians, wherein he was lastly slain, the year of our Lord nine hundred and five, being the fourth of King Edward his cosen-germanes reign. Ethelred. Monarch 23. ETHELRED THE TWO AND TWENTIETH KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND THE TWENTY THIRD MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXXV. An. Do. 866. EThelred, the third son of King Ethelwolfe, after the decease of his Brother succeeded him in his Dominions, and was in number the two and twentieth King of the Westsaxons, and the twenty third Monarch of the Englishmen; he began his reign in the year of our salvation eight hundred sixty and six, and for the time that he was King, reigned in continual wars against the Pagan Danes, whose numbers now were greater, and footing surer in this land then formerly had been. Hunger and Hubba. (2) In the first year of his reign, there arrived upon the English coasts a huge Army of these Danes, whereof Hunger and Hubba, men of incredible strength and cruelty, were the Captains: These wintered in East Anglia, made truce with the inhabitants upon certain conditions, and forbore a time from their wont ravening. (3) But in the next year the King being busied to put back e a fresh inroad of Danes in the South and West of the Island then entered; these devourers took advantage upon the civil broils commenced among the Northumbrians, who in these turmoiled times sought to withdraw their subjections from the West Saxons, and to set up Kings again of their own. The Danes ma●ch Northward. The foresaid captains Hunger and Hubba, having in time of their truce strengthened themselves with new supplies of aid, marched further into the North, where finding the people unprovided of strength, and the two Kings Osbright and Ella of reconciled enemies to be made no sure friends, they harried the Country before them, and entering York slew the two Kings, with infinite number of the English; which City they consumed with fire, and burnt therein all those that had fled thither for succour. (4) The State thus standing, and their forces increasing every day, brought new fears upon the inhabitants, when every late victory with increase of Captives and rich spoils, ministered occasion & means of some other conquest to follow; which these pagan so pursued, till lastly they set a substitute King to reign under them, over all the North Borders beyond the river Tyne; and so retiring themselves out of Northumberland into Mercia, came to Nottingham, which City they wan, and therein wintered the third of King Ethelreds' reign, who with the aid of Burthred the Mercian King, constrained Ingul●●●ss. the Danes to sue for peace, and a safe departure, yielding the City, and again retiring themselves over Tyne, remained in York all the next winter. An. Do. 870. (5) The Summer's opportunity approaching, their wont desire for spoil was with it increased, and to cut off long travel these Danes by boats passed Humber, where Hunger and Hubba began with fire and sword to lay all waist before them, sparing neither Person, sex nor age. The places respected for public good, and sacred Temples consecrated only to God, which all other Tyrants have forborn, these savage men as the earth's destroyers cast down and trampled under their profane feet: among which for note were the goodly Monasteries of Bradney, Crowland, Peterborow, Ely, and Huntingdon, all laid in level with the ground, and their Votaries, aswell the Nuns as the Monks, murdered with their unhuman and merciless swords; to avoid whose barbarous pollutions, the chaste Nuns of Coldingham deformed themselves to their lascivious eyes, by cutting off their upper lips and noses; but to everlasting remembrance they Flores Hist●r. remain most fair, and well beseeming faces of pure Virgins. (6) These pagan piercing further into the land, came into the territories of the East-Angles, wherein holy Edmund reigned King, whose Martyrdom in most cruel manner they wrought, he constantly calling upon the name of Christ, whereof we have already spoken, and shall be occasioned hereafter to speak. (7) But in the last year of this King's reign, their raging power was most great: for with a new supply two Danish Kings Sreeg, and Halden, entered into Westsaxia, and at Reading the King's town entrenched themselves: these foraging the Country, were encountered with at Englefield by Ethelwolfe Earl of Berkshire, and his men, who in skirmish slew one of their leaders, and chased the rest back to their Trench. (8) These Danes fearing jest delays would prove dangerous, and knowing that the first success is commonly seconded with further courage of hope; four days after showed themselves in field ready to fight: their host they divided into two battalians; whereof the one was guided by two of their Assendon battle. Kings and certain Earls were leaders of the other; which when the English perceived, they also divided theirs, whereof King Ethelred had the leading of the first, and Elfred his brother was General of the second; the place was Assendon, where their Te●●ss were pitched, and the day approached for battle: King Ethelred in his Tent stayed so long in prayers that Elfred upon a forward courage hasted to encounter the enemy, and that with a most fierce and sharp fight, wherein having spent the most of their strengths, and ready to decline, and give back: Scala Chro●icon. Ethelred manfully entered the battle, and so seconded his brother, and over-tyred Soldiers, that he made way by dint of his sword through the thickest of their almost-conquering enemies, and with such loss of the Danish blood, drawn from the sides of one of their Kings, five Earls, and an infinite number of the common Soldiers, that the streams thereof seemed as an overswelling tide, altogether to cover the face of the field, and is accounted for the noblest victory that the English till then had gotten of the Danes. (9) Yet were not these pagan therewith discouraged, but gathering more strengths and supplies from other parts; fourteen days after, made Basin battle. head again against the English, and pitching down their standards at Basin, abode the coming of Ethelred and trial of battle, wherein success was altogether altered; for herein the King's part was discomfited, and the Danes the winners of the day. (10) Thus both sides borne upon rage & hope, in their heat of blood prepare for new fight. The Danes power was augmented with a further supply sent from beyond Seas, and the English confirmed with hope of success: These meeting at Merton (two months after the battle of Basin) encountered each others both boldly and bloodily; wherein at first the English prevailed, and the Danes were chased; but their numbers the greater, and fresh supply maintaining their battle; they recovered themselves, and won the day; wherein King Ethelred received his death's wound, with such slaughter of his people, that little wanted the end P●lidor. Virg. of all encounters, to have been afterwards attempted any more by the English. Wil Mal●●b. (11) Great was the valour and resistance of this Kings; for in his short time of Reign, as Writers record, no less than nine set battales against the Danes he fought in one year, to the great effusion of Christian blood, and to no little loss of the Danish power; for in his reign fell of them one King, nine Earls, and of the common sort without number. (12) He died at Wittingham of his wound received the three and twentieth day of April, in the year of our Lord God eight hundred seventy two, and was buried in the Collegiate Church of Winburne in Dorcetshire, where remains his Tomb and his Arms unto this day, with this Inscription: Scala C●ron. Marian. Scot. In hoc loco quiescit corpus Sancti Ethelredi Regis West-Saxonum Martyris, qui Anno Domini 872. 23. die Aprilis, per manus Dacorum Paganorum occubuit. His Issue. Elfred the eldest son. Elfred, the eldest son of King Ethelred seemeth to be Grandfather to the noble and learned Ethelward, who being Kinsman, Counsellor and Treasurer to King Edgar; wrote an history of his Country, beginning at the first arrival of the Saxons into England, and continuing unto his own time: which history he dedicated to his kinswoman, and cozen german the Lady Maude Abbess of Quedlingburg The Abbess of Quedlingburg. in Saxony, being the daughter of the Emperor Otho, by Edgith his wife, daughter of King Edward the elder, and sister of Ethelstane, and Edmund Kings of England. Oswald a younger son. Oswald, a young son of King Ethelred, is mentioned in a Charter of his Fathers, by which he gave lands to the Monastery of Abingdon near Oxford; and to which this son of his hath his name set down for a witness; which Charter is yet extant, recorded in a great Legier-booke, and Register of the Evidences of the lands, sometime belonging to the said Monastery. There a daughter There, the daughter of King Ethelred, is reported by the histories of Ireland to be married to Gormon King of the Danes, and to have had issue King Harald, which Harald, by Queen Gouhild his wife, had issue, Sweyn king of Denmark, Iringe king of Northumberland, and Gonhild Queen of North-Wales. King Sweyn by Queen Sigred his wife, had issue Cnute King of England and Denmark, Ostryde wife of Duke Wolf, and mother of King Sweyn the younger, and There the first wife of Earl Goodwin of Kent. Elfred. Monarch 24. ELFRED THE TWENTY THIRD KING OF THE WEST SAXONS, AND TWENTY FOURTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS ACTS, REIGN, WIFE AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXXVI. . ●LF REDRE 3 SIL. An. Do. 872. ELfred, or Alfred, the fourth son of King Ethelwolfe, Marianus. Florentius. though he had been anointed King at Rome by Pope Leo in his young years & Father's life time; yet reigned he in no part of his dominions, before the deaths of all his Brethren, under whom he served in most of their wars, assisting them likewise in all their counsels: the land now miserably torn by the cruel incursions of the bloody Danes, was left unto him, both to redeem, and to reign over, by the death and Testament of King Ethelred his last brother. (2) He began his reign in the year of his age twenty two, and of our Lord God eight hundred seventy two, being crowned in the City of Winchester, the twenty third King of the Westsaxons, and the twenty four Monarch of the Englishmen: but of some Historians he is famoused by the stile of the first absolute Monarch. Asser. (3) His reign began with troubles and wars in defence of the land which the Pagan Danes intended to destroy; and though his powers were small, yet was he forced into the field within one month after Speculu●● hist. Ricardus Cirencestrencis. his Coronation; the place was Wilton in the County of Wiltstire, on the south-banke of the river Wily: where the Danes at first gave back and fled but seeing the fewnes of their pursuers, reenforced their battle, and got the field, with whom the Westsaxons entered league, and compounded for their departure from among them. (4) These Rovers then with their associates at Reading, got themselves into London, where they wintered; with whom the Mercians likewise compounded for their peace, which proved shortly to be the destruction of their princely blood; and lastly, the lands subversion to a foreign nation. For the Mat. West. Danes having got footing in the North, the West, and the South of this land, (unto whose aid many newcome guests from their Eastern countries were arrived, under the leading of other three Kings, Gurthrun, Esketel, and Ammond) all together set their griping talents with such fast hold upon Mercia, that at Ripendon they constrained Burthred the King with his Queen Elswith out of the land, and in his stead placed a King of their own choice, upon Polychro. lib. 6. c. 1 condition to deliver up the same again unto them when they would demand it. An. Dom. 875. (5) In the fourth year of King Elfred their armies divided themselves into two parts, the one of them guided by King Halden, returned into Northumberland; where he bestowed that Country among his followers, and therein remained for two years continuance, doing much harms both to the English and Picts. The other part led by the last newcome King, came to Grandbridge, whence they wintered and spoiled the Country, and there spreading themselves as Grasshoppers upon the face of the earth, eat up all where they came; so that King Elfred Elfreds' composition. was enforced to compound for their departure out of his own kingdom in Westsaxia; to which covenants they promised and swore; yet contrary to both, took into Devonshire, and wintered at Excester, unto whom a further supply by sea sought to join themselves, but met with such boisterous blasts, that one hundred and twenty of their ships were cast away by tempest at Swanwicke upon our coasts, and their land-army marching towards Excester, were there welcomed with so sharp an encounter by King Elfred, that they gave him both pledges and oath to departed with all speed. (6) But Fortune ever dallying with them, whom she means to downcast, set the chance of loss presently upon the Saxons side: for now the three Kings Gurthrun, Esketel, and Ammond thought it not Three Kings against Elfred. good to let Elfred thus rest, and thereupon drew their forces westwards towards him, where at Chipingham (a Manor of his) they wintered, and compelled th' Westsaxons there, either to yield, or to forsake the Country. An. Do. 876. (7) King Elfred therefore, with such strength as he had, hasted towards them, and seventeen miles from Bristol pitched down his tents even in the face of the enemy; where betwixt these fierce nations a great battle was fought, to the infinite loss of blood on both sides, and that upon such equal departure, as neither could challenge to be masters of the field; yet the report went, that King Elfred was discomfited, which turned greatly to his advantage; for thereupon many of the English hasted to his succour, jest the overthrow of him should be the bane of them all; his strengths thus renewed with an unexpected supply, no time was detracted to stay the Danish rage, who were now returned further Abington. into the heart of the land, and at Abington by Oxford had pitched their standreds for fight. (8) Thither the English repaired, and the next morning he ordered his Army; neither were the enemies unprepared, but with braves stood ready to receive the encounter. The battle joined, continued with such loss of blood, that it is accounted one of the sorest that ever betwixt them before had been fought, and only parted by the approach of the night, neither party challenging the honour of the day, the loss being so great upon both sides. Seven battles in one year. Seven of these battles are reported to be fought in that year, whereby both their strengths were much abated, and their spilled blood so cooled their livers; that lastly they concluded upon a peace; one article was this, that the Danes should admit no more of their nation to arrive in this Island: but how soon that was broken, the sequels did show. An. Do. 876. Simon Dunel. (9) For in the year eight hundred seventy six, (saith Simon Dunelmensis) Rollo a nobleman of Denmark with a great Army entered into England, with no less spoil and destruction than other of those Danes before him had done, notwithstanding the truce: with whom King Elfred met, and gave him so hot welcome, that he liked not greatly his entertainment; and being warned (forsooth) in his sleep, that better fortune attended him in France, he left his countrymen to tug with the English. Elfreds' exigents. (10) The Danes then accounting the peace to be broken, like Bees from the Hive, infect all the land, insomuch that this undaunted King Elfred was oft-times brought to such extremities, that he hide himself out of sight, and in the Fens & Marsh grounds was forced with such small companies as he had, to live by fishing, fowling, and hunting of wild beasts for his food, having no more of his great Monarchy left him, but Somerset, Hamton, and Wiltshires only, neither yet them free from the incursions of the Danes. (11) The solitary place of his most residency, Edelingsey Island. was an Island enclosed with the two rivers Thone and Parrot, at their meeting in the County of Somerset, commonly called Edelingsey, where he in very poor attire disguised, was entertained into a Cowherds Asser. Spe. Histo. Ric. Ciren. house (if not into his service,) where on a time as he sat by the fire in trimming of his bow and shafts, a cake of dough baking upon the hearth before him, chanced to burn; the Cowheardesse coming in, and seeing him mind more his bow then his bread, in a great fury cast away both his bow and arrows, and checking him as her Groom, said, Thou fellow, dost thou see the bread burn before thy face, and wilt not turn it? and yet art thou glad to eat it before it be half baked? little suspecting him to be the man that had been served with more delicate cates. (12) But this Prince, the very mirror of Princes, Polydor. Virg. more minding the wealth of his subjects, than the majesty of State, disguised himself in the habit of a common Minstrel; and in person repaired to the Danes Camp, who lay like Senacheribs, wallowing Fabi●●. in wantonness, and secure in their own conceit from impeach of danger; which Elfred a most skilful physician, and an excellent Poet, did not a little egg on by his sweet music, and songs of their valour; so that he was suffered to pass uncontrolled into the company of their Princes, at banquets, or else where: whereby he both saw their negligent security, and by diligent observance learned the designs that in their counsels they intended. (13) Returning to his comfortless company, he told them the condition of the hostile Camp, and Henry Hunt. An. Do. 878 how easy it was to recover again their decayed estates: whereupon showing himself to his subjects, unto whose sight nothing could be more joyous; on the sudden set upon the careless Camp of the Danes, and made thereof a very great slaughter, to the great terror of others in other parts, that had accounted him dead long since. (14) Hubba, that had harried the English, and now roused upon the news of King Elfreds' victory and life; with thirty three ships sailed from Wales, and arriving in the mouth of Tau, where it falleth into the Severne Sea, assayed to take there the then-strong Castle called Kinwith, unto whom the Devonshire men gave battle, and slew eight hundred An. Do. 879. and eighty persons of their retinue; where died the Danish King Hubba, whose●●corps being there interred under a great heap of copped stones, gave name to the place, and was called Hubblestone. There and Asser. Men●. then was taken the Danish much esteemed Banner, called Reafan, wherein a Raven was purtraied wrought in needlework, (so Asserius Menevensis reporteth) by the three sisters of Hubba and Hungar the daughters of Lothbroke (that is Leather-breach) the Dane: In regard whereof, as also for the opinion of good luck, as they took it, it was ever born before them in their wars. (15) These adverse proceed of the Danes designs, especially falling when the game was near won, made them suspect, how fair soever the ball lay to hand, yet fortune would serve it in the end to Danes sand for peace. their loss: for Elfred now flocked unto upon every side, began to build fortresses behind his back, and forward to march with his conquering sword: whereupon the Danes sent to him for Peace, and delivered him hostages, upon assurance that they meant as they spoke: The conditions were, that their King should receive Baptism, and the great Army of the Danes quietly to departed out of the land. (16) Whereupon Gurmound or Gurthrun the Danish King repaired to the new built Castle of Edelingsey unto King Elfred, and in the place then called Alre, was washed in the laver of Baptism, whom Elfred received for his Godson by the name of Athelstane, and gave him in free gift the Country of East-Angles. In the same fountain of Grace (saith Simond Dunelmensis) thirty of the chief Danish Nobility were initiated: Simon D●●el●●. upon whom the truly Christian King Elfred bestowed many rich gifts: And that the limits of the English might be free from their incursions, thus the confines of King Elfreds' kingdom were laid forth, as we found it in the end of those Laws that Elfred published, whose words are these: Let the bounds Wil Lambert in his book of th● old English lawe●s. of our Dominion stretch from the river Thamesis, and from thence to the water of Lea, even unto the head of the same water, and so forth strait unto Bedford: and finally, going along by the river of Ouse, let them end at Watling street. An. Do. 879 (17) But so far were the Danes from performance of covenants, that in this eight year of King Elfreds' reign, and the eight hundred seventy nine Marianus. after Christ, this Gurmund and his company wintered at Chipnam in Wiltshire, and a new supply of these pagan (known by the name of the Wiccingi) wintered at Fulham near London; yet after upon better advice, the one went into their assigned circuit, and the other departed to the realm of France; and so to his twelfth year the land took some rest, that had been kept long waking by the loud sound of war. (18) In the year of Grace eight hundred eighty five, these last retired Danes finding France not fitting their purpose, returned into Kent, and put into Medway, where on his East side they began a fierce siege unto the City Rochester, before whose gate they built a strong Castle: Thither King Elfred hasted, before whose power these Danes could not stand, but were forced to their ships, and back again into France, An. Do. 889. (19) Whereupon the King removed his siege unto Asserius. Flo. Wig●●●. London, whence all the Danes fled (as Wolves abide not the presence of the Lion) the inhabitants rejoicing to see the face of their King: which City he restored to her former liberty and beauty, and Wil Malmsbury. committed the custody thereof unto Ethelred Duke of Mercia, that had married his daughter the Lady Ethelfred, whose title the King had maintained against Colwolphus, made King thereof by the Danes. Whereupon both Kent, the South-Saxons, and Westsaxons came willingly, and submitted themselves to King Elfred. The East-Angles being governed, or rather spoiled by Athelstan the christened Dane, who after twelve years reign there died, and was buried at Hadley in Suffolk. An. Do. 892. (20) But in the one and twentieth of his reign, and of Christ's Incarnation eight hundred ninety two: those roving Danes returned out of France, & again arrived in Kent in the mouth of the river Limen, with two hundred and fifty ships, which they drew four miles into the great wood, then called Andreads Weald, and there destroyed a Castle that stood for defence, building another more strong at Apulder, wherein they kept. At the same time likewise Simon Dun. entered one Hastings, a Nobleman of Norway, with eighty ships; but with a fairer show as he intended, for he sent his oath unto Elfred not to annoyed any part of his dominions, and withal his two sons to be baptised: which King Elfred accepted, himself becoming the Godfather of the one, and Duke Ethelred of the other; and both they, and his Ambassadors returned with rich gifts. Against these Kentish invaders, King Elfred fought a great Fernham battle battle at Fernham, near unto Aelesford, wherein he wounded their King, and forced his Army to flee over Thamesis; in passing whereof, through overmuch hast, and great fear many of them were drowned, and they that escaped, fled to an Island called Breklesey enclosed about by the river Colne. (21) News then being brought into the East, that the Danes from Northumberland had infested the West, and with a strong siege begirt the City Excester. Elfred left for General his son in law Duke Ethelred; whilst he with a strong power went to suppress their rage: who hearing of his coming, broke up their siege, and were go: upon the advantage of his absence, perjured Hastings then wrought, who * Beau●●e●. out of his new built Castle at Beamfield, made spoil of the King's people, and foraged all the Country before him. Whereupon Duke Ethelred assembled a power, and first assailing his well stored Castle, took thence his wife and two sons, with exceeding spoils of gold, silver and garments; all which were presented unto King Elfred at his return to London: Hastings wife and children set at liberty. who out of his princely magnanimity, sent back to Hastings his wife and two sons; because (said he) she was no warrior, and his two sons were his God-childrens: whereupon Hastings repaired his Castle, and joined with the other Danes that lay at Apulder. Excester and Chester besieged. (22) Those then that had fled but lately from Excester, in their return met with other their consorts, and roving about the coast for their prey, fell lastly upon the aneicnt City Chester, which presently they began to sack and burn. But the country inhabitants coming to the rescue, begird them about with their host, and forestalled the passages of all supply of victuals; so that for want of food, the Danes were constrained to eat up their horses, and upon composition thence to departed. An. Doo▪ 895. Flore●. Wigorn. Marian. Scotus. (23) Thence fetching a compass all along the coasts of Wales, in the same year they arrived in Essex, being the twenty four of King Elfreds' reign: and in the Winter following, drew their ships by the Thamesis into the river Lea, by which they passed in those light Pinnaces twenty miles Northward into the land, and built them a fortress at the place called * War●. Wear, thither forthwith the King repaired, and pitched his t●tss before his enemies in the same place; who seeing their strength, and the danger of long The river Le● divided and made unnavigable. siege, did that by policy, which power could not so suddenly do: for he divided the river into sundry streams, whereby the Channel was made unnavigable, and the Ships bedded in the mud, lay rather to their annoyance then defence; the former Henry ●●●●ing. experience of their hunger-starud besiege made them the more fearful to fall into the like; and therefore in great haste departed their fortress, leaving their wives and children to the mercy of the English. Neither stayed they till they came unto the borders of Wales, when at Cartbridge upon Severne they built another Castle, and lay there all the next winter. An. Do. 897. (24) Long there they stayed not, without dislike of their lodgings, and cold entertainments, but that they returned to their wont spoils, and dividing themselves, some to Northumberland, and some into East-Anglia, like Locusts eat up all as they went: whose breath as it were, so infected the air, that for three years following a great mortality reigned both upon men and beasts, and ended not much before the death of this incomparable Prince▪ which happened to the great sorrow of his subjects upon wednesday the twenty eight of October, when he had reigned twenty nine years and six months, of his age fifty one, and year of Christ jesus nine hundredth and one. (25) The virtues of this Prince are matchable to any that ever reigned before him, and exceed the most that ever reigned after him, both in service of God, whose Substitutes they are, in defence of his Seal. C●r. Regist. Hyde. Tho. Rudburne. Rog. Hig. Country, which charge they all bear, in providing good laws, the sinews of Kingdoms, and care of posterities, from which no man is exempted. The day and night containing twenty four hours, he designed equally to three especial uses, and them observed by the burning of a taper set in his Chapel or Oratory; eight hours he spent in contemplation▪ reading, and prayers; eight, in provision for himself, his repose and health; and the other eight in the affairs of his commonwealth and state. His Kingdom he likewise divided into Shires, Hundred and Tithings, for the better ordering Asserius M●●. and administering of justice, and for the abandoning of thieves, which had formerly increased by the means of long wars; whereby, notwithstanding the multitude of soldiers continually employed, it is reported that a Virgin might travail alone in his days through all his dominions, without any violence offered; and that bracelets of gold were Wil Malmsbury. hanged in the high ways, and no man so hardy as to take them away. He was a most zealous, and studious protector and provider for the Clergy, Widows, and Orphans, liberal of his goods, wise, temperate and just, valiant, patiented in adversities, and ever relgious in the service of God. A most learned Prince, a skilful Musician, and an excellent Poet: the best laws beefitting his Subjects he translated into the English tongue: as also the Pasterall of Gregory, the history of Beda, and Boetius his consolation of Philosophy, the Psalms of David (whose godly reign he proposed to Elfreds' good studies. himself for imitation) he likewise began to translate, but died before he could finish the same. And so great a desire had he unto learning, that (as Alfredus Rivallensis witnesseth) he published this Act: We Alfredus Rivalessis Twine in Apologia Oxen. will and command, that all Freemen of our Kingdom, whosoever possessing two hides of land, shall bring up their sons in learning till they be fifteen years of age at lest, that so they may be trained to know God, to be men of understanding, and to live happily: for, of a man that is borne free, and yet illiterate, we repute no otherwise then of a beast, or a brainless body, and a very sot. And for the furtherance Aserius. Grimbald. john Scot of this his royal intent, consorted with Aserius Menevensis, Grimbald, john Scot and others, neither permitted he any in office in Court, or elsewhere, unless he were learned, which incited his Nobles to the earnest pursuit of learned Arts, and to train up their children in good letters: his buildings were many, both to God's service, and other public use, as at Edelingsey a Monastery, at Winchester a New-Minster, Annals of Winton Monast. and at Shaftsbury a house of Nuns, wherein he made his daughter Ethelgeda the Abbess. But the foundation of the University of Oxford (which he began in the year of our Lord eight hundred ninety five, and whose lectures he honoured with his own presence) surmounteth all his others, to the continuance of posterities, a living spring and gracious fountain, whence issue the streams of all knowledge, that abundantly have watered both this and other kingdoms. Malms. de Reg. l. 2. c. 4. (26) His body was first buried in the Cathedral Church of S. Peter's at Winchester, under a fair Monument of most precious Purphory, afterwards because the lewd-religious Canons give it out (to work some feat of their usual imposture) that his Ghost did walk every night from house to house; both it and the Monument were taken up, and by his son the King's command (in detestation of those sorceries) removed into the Church of the new Monastery: and lastly, his body, Monument, Church and Monastery, were taken thence, and removed without the North-gate of the City, since called Hide. (27) Some allege that the malice of those Wigornesis. Th. Rudburne. Canons against him, was for displeasure that he placed over them a rude Swineherd named Denewlphus, whom he made their Bishop; but the ground of that assertion seemeth unwarrantable by the relation of Wigornensis, & also of Tho. Rudburne; the first of which saith, that Elfred caused him to be trained up in learning, and the later, that after long study, he attained to the degree of a Doctor of Divinity in the University of Oxford, and was afterward made Bishop of Winchester by the King. For doubtless at that time the Bishops of Rome had not devested our Kings of that prerogative▪ His Wife. Elswith. (28) Elswith the wife of King Elfred was the daughter of Ethelred surnamed Muchel, that is the Great, an Earl of the Mercians, who inhabited about Gainesborough in Lincolnshire: her mother was Edburg a Lady borne of the Bloud-roiall of Mercia. She was married unto this King in the twentieth year of his age, being the second of the reign of his brother King Ethelred, and was his wife twenty eight years, and living after him four; died in the year of grace nine hundred and four, and was buried in the Monastery of Nuns which she had founded at Winchester; out of which afterwards King Henry the first took to his wife Maud the daughter of Malcolme King of Scots, by whom the royal blood of the ancient Kings Malcolme King of Scots. of England become united to the Normans, whereby he wan much love of the English nation. His Issue. Edward the eldest son. Edward, the eldest son, and second child of King Elfred, and Queen Elsewith, was borne about the beginning of his Father's reign, in the year of our Lord eight hundred seventy one: he was brought up in his Father's Court, and carefully attended, and instructed by men of great virtue and knowledge, in learning, and in all other qualities, and exercises convenient for Princes. He was married, and had divers children: he was thirty years of age before his Father deceased, and then he succeeded him in his Kingdom and Monarchy. Ethelward the second son. Ethelward, the second son, & ●ift, and last child of King Elfred and Queen Elswith, was borne about the midst of his Father's reign, and about the year of our Lord eight hundred and eighty. He was in his youth by his Father's appointment, and for the Rudburn annal Santi Switburni. example of other young Nobles brought up in the study of good Arts, at the university of Oxford, where (saith Th. Rudburne, and the Annals of Winchester) he become a man very learned, and a great Philosopher: he had of his Father's gift by his last Will great livings in the Counties of Devon, Somerset, southhampton: he proved a man of great judgement and wisdom, and living until he was above forty years old; he died the sixteenth day of October, in the two and twenty year of his brother King Edward's reign, Anno nine hundred twenty two, and was buried at Winchester. Elfleda the eldest daughter. Elfleda, the eldest daughter and first child of King Elfred, and Queen Elswith his wife, was married to Ethelred Duke of Mercia, who in respect of this marriage was suffered to have all royal jurisdiction over that Country▪ in as ample manner as the Kings thereof had enjoyed; and after the decease of her husband, which happened in the year of our Lord nine hundred and twelve: she continued the government in the same sort eight years, with such resolution and valiant resistance of the common enemy (the Danes) that she stood her brother Edward in great stead, as in the relation of his life shall be further showed. She died the fifteenth of june nine hundred and nineteen, and was buried in S. Peter's Church at Gloucester, leaving issue, a daughter, named Elswin, whom King Edward her brother deprived of that Duchy, which her own mother enjoyed, and he his crown by her assistance. Ethelgeda the second daughter. Ethelgeda, the second daughter and fourth child of King Elfred and Queen Elswith, was never married, but took upon her the profession and vow of Virginity, and was by her father's appointment made a Nun of Shaftsbury in the County of Dorset, in the Monastery there founded by him: who is also accounted the first of the Town itself. She was afterward Abbess of the house, and therein spent, and ended her life, and was there also buried. Elfride the youngest daughter. Elfride, the youngest daughter, and child of King Elfred (and Queen Elswith his wife, was married to Baldwin the second, surnamed the Bald, Earl of Flanders, son of Earl Baldwin the first, and Queen judith his wife, the widow of King Ethelwolfe her Grandfather. She was his wife thirty years and more; she survived him and was a widow eleven years, she died the seventh of june, in the year of our Lord nine hundred twenty nine, being the fift of the reign of King Ethelstan her Nephew. She is buried by her husband in the Chapel of our Lady, within the Monastery of S. Peter, at the City of Gaunt. She had issue Arnulfe the third Earl of Flanders, progenitor of all the Earls of Flanders since his time, & Adnulfe Earl of Boulogne and Terwin. Edward Monarch 24. EDWARD SURNAMED THE ELDER THE TWENTY FOURTH KING OF THE WEST SAXONS, AND TWENTY FIFT MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN; ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXXVII. : DREE ✚ JEDPER. 3 SIL. NERIHONEOFER ✚ ●●R. NO greater were the griefs An. Do. 901. conceived for the death of worthy Elfred, then were the hopes of the people in his son Prince Edward, whose valour had been often approved against the raging Danes, & whose virtues were both many and princely; not so learned as his Father, neither so patiented to undergo his chance; but as glorious in martial prowess, and as fortunate in all his fights, under whose hand the Danes every where fell, and under his Monarchy all the English did stoop excepting the Northumbrians. Sp●culum hist. Ric. Ciren. (2) He entered his reign the year of Christ's nativity, nine hundred and one, and at Kingston upon Thames was crowned and anointed with holy oil. john Stow. The Danish wars continuing in a successive manner, fell as it were hereditaryly from the Father unto the Son, and ripened daily towards their wished harvest. Ethealwld his minority. Besides Ethelwald the son of Ethelbert, the uncle to this King Edward, young at his father's decease, and therefore perhaps held uncapable of government, showed now the blossoms of under-sucking plants, whose first-fruits are neither plenteous nor pleasant in taste; for his humours ever working upon discontents, drew his thought only how to make the possessor fall. (3) He then entering action of rebellion, took the Winborne taken by him. town of Winborne near unto Bath, and besides the allegiance due to his Prince, in sacrilegious manner broke the hests of holy Church, in deflowering and taking a Votarist to wife: Edward the elder so called, (it may be in regard of this his Opposite) with a selected Army repaired to Bath, and thence prepared for the field: whose sight was so cockatrice-like to his cousin-germans eye, that in the night he bade his Nun and Winborne adieu, posting to Northumberland, and proffering his service to the Danes that lay for advantage of rapine and spoil. Henry Hunt. (4) Him as a fit instrument they created their King, and forward in hope of some prosperous success, passed through the East-Saxons, the East-Angles, and the Mercians Countries: and laden with robberies came to Crikelade in Wilt-shire, whence they departed Ran. Higd. over Thamesis to Basingstoke; and harrying the land before them, with triumph returned unto East-Anglia. Edward thus endangered by these dreadful enemies, gave them no advantage by linger delays, but followed their tract unto Saint Edmund's S. Edmund's ditch. Ditch, whence in his return, the Danes gave him battle, and obtained the victory, though bought with the lives of Ethelwald and Cochricus their Kings, and loss of many English, which made Edward the readier to enter a truce with them about the fift of his reign. (5) That the English were most expert for war in these days, is witnessed by their resistance of those sturdy Danes, against whom the Commons many times with victory fought, without either King or Captain to guide them: and they were likewise famous in other lands: for about this time it was, An. Do. 905. that the Englishmen at the persuasion of the Goths, besieged the great City Argilla in Barbary, which they wan with such slaughter of the enemy, and spoil of the town, that for thirty years after it lay desolate without inhabitants, whereby it was hoped that the Saracens would have departed Europe, as joannes Joannes Leo Apher in Descript. Africa. lib. 3. Leo Afer hath told us, who according to the Saracens doth refer this siege to the three hundred and fourteenth of Mahomet Hegira, which meeteth with the year of Christ's Nativity, nine hundred and five. The Danes break truce with the English. (6) The truce yet lasting, the Danes in Northumberland were nothing quiet, to stay whose eruptions King Edward sent a great power, who harried the Country before them, and with much slaughter returned victorious. These dalliances of Fortune made the Danes very desperate, and therefore to stay the rolling ball before it should pass their goal, they gathered their powers & entered Mercia, where with victory and spoil they raged for a time. But Edward to aid Ethelred his brother in law, and Earl of that Province, mustered his men, and at Wodnesfield near Wolfrune-hampton in Stafford-shire gave them An. Do. 910. battle, wherein the English so behaved themselves that the two Pagan-Kings Cowilfus & Healidine, the Simon Dunelm. Two Danish Kings slain. two Earls Uter and Scurfa, besides other Nobles & Commons innumerable they slew: and now the clouds of these distemperatures being driven back, King Edward's Monarchy ascended the Horizon, and the Sun of his power began to shine very bright, therefore he seeking to hold what he had got, set his thoughts to secure his towns with Castles and walls of defence. (7) These his proceed caused him to be both beloved and feared; but his mind still free from any ambitious pride, as may appear by the intercourse betwixt Leolin Prince of Wales and himself, whereof Wal. Mapaeus. Wal. Mapaeus maketh mention as followeth. What time Edward the Elder (saith he) lay at Austeline, and Leolin Prince of Wales at Bethesley, intending a Parley, Leolin his homage to King Edward. Leolin refused to come down, or to cross the Severne: Whereupon Edward took boat and entered the river towards him, which when Leolin saw, and knew who▪ he was, he cast off his rich robe wherewith he was clad, and which he had prepared for that royal assembly, and entered the river breast-hie, where clasping the boat with an embrace, His admiration of King▪ Edwards mildness. submissively said: Most wise and sage King, thy humility hath overcome my insolency, and thy wisdom triumphed over my folly; come, get upon my neck which I have (fool as I am) lifted up against thee, so shalt thou enter into that land which thy benign mildness hatk made thine own this day: and after he had taken him upon his shoulders, he would needs have him sit down upon his royal robe, and so putting his hands jointly into his, did him homage. Hen. Hunting. An. Do. 912. (8) In the twelfth year of his reign, as Henry Huntingdon hath it; Ethelred Earl of Mercia, who had married Elfleda King Edward's sister, departed this life, she having borne him one only daughter named Elfleda dislike of wedlock. Elfwen, whose travel in childbirth was so grievous, that ever after she forbore the nuptial embracements of her husband, alleging that it was an over foolish pleasure, which brought with it so great pains; and thereupon changing the wont affection of her sex from the bed unto battle, governed Mercia eight years after her husband's decease, as another Zenobia, and did not a little assist her brother in his wars: for the Welsh she pursued as far at Breknoke, which she took with their Queen: from the She winneth Brecnok & Derby Danes she won the Connty of Derby, and assaulting the town upon them, put herself in great danger; for enterprising to enter the Gate, she was resisted by whole multitudes of Danes; notwithstanding, she persisted, & got entrance, in which encounter many died, and four of her chief men of war, being Warders of her person-even fast by her side were slain. The Danes in Yorkshire she constrained to be at her devotion, so that some of them become her subjects, some vowed to attend in her aid, and some promised to be priest at her dispose. Her policy in war proved ever the surest; her counsel of State was regarded with the wisest, and her providence in building, and repairing Cities for the weale-publick, or fortifying places for munition of war exceeded Many town's planted by her. others: which she extended upon Chester, Tamworth, Lichfield, Stafford, Warwick, Shrewsbury, Weddesbury, Eadsbury, Finborow, Rimcorne, Brimsbery-Bridge and others. This renowned Lady giving place unto Nature, left the wars to be continued by her brother, her daughter at the dispose of her uncle, and her body to be buried at Gloucester in the Monastery of S. Peter, which her husband and herself had formely built. Polydore. (9) The last battle of this King against these unsatiate enemies, was in the Country of the Fast Angles, whereof Edrick the Dane was King; for he intending new wars with the English; sought to incite other Danes to his aid, whereof Edward having intelligence, prevented his purpose, by his sudden approach into those parts. Edrick his doings. Edrick therefore having all in a readiness, rashly encountered with his enemy, and fought a fierce battle to the geeat loss of his Army, and damage of his life; for returning to his Court after so foul a discomfiture, become odious to his own subjects, who violently fell upon him and murdered him; and themselves brought low by civil dissension were shortly made subject to the English King Edward, and that Kingdom with Mercia, joined unto his Westsaxons. And now having reigned in great wars and The time of King Edward's reign. honour the space of twenty four years deceased at Faringdon in Berkshire, the year of Christ's incarnation, His death and burial. 924. and was buried in the new-Monastery of Winchester, which his Father begun, and himself wholly finished. His Wives. Eguina. (10) Eguina the first wife of King Edward, was the daughter of a mean Gentleman named Bercher, whose eye-pleasing feature and alluring beauty made her to be educated above the degree of her birth, and was brought up by the nurse of King Edward in tender affection and great esteem. It chanced Prince Edward in kindness came to visit his nurse, where seeing Prince Edward marrieth Eguina. the admirable beauty of the Maid, fell so far in love, that he took her to his wife without the consent or knowledge of his father: In which regard she is reputed by some Writers rather his Concubine then his Queen, no other cause moving them but her mean parentage, and secret making and keeping of this marriage, although there be some good histories and many likelihoods to induce that she was his lawful Queen. Elfleda. (11) Elfleda the second wife of King Edward, was the daughter (as Matthew of Westminster reporteth) of an Earl named Ethelhelme, and Asser the Bishop of Sherborne maketh mention of an Earl in Wiltshire among the Westsaxons of the same name, who was in great favour with King Elfred, the father of this King, by whom he was sent Ambassador to carry his Alms to Stephen the sixt, of that name Bishop of Stephen the sixt Bishop of Rome. Rome, in the year of our Lord 887 and by all probable conference of name, time, and place, he seemeth to be the man that was father to this Queen. Edgiva. (12) Edgiva, the third wife of King Edward, was the daughter and heir of Earl Sigeline Lord of Meapham, Culings, and Leanham in Kent, who was there slain in battle against the Danes, Anno 92●. She was married unto King Edward about the fourteenth year of his reign, being the year of Grace, 916. She was his wife ten years, and after his death she lived a widow all the times of the reigns of King Ethelstan her son in law, of King Edmund, and Two Kings her sons. King Edred her own sons, of King Edwy her Grandchild, and was living in the Reign of King Edward another of her grandchildren, almost forty years after the death of her husband. It is writ of her that in the year of Grace, 959. She offered her lands and evidences to Christ upon his Altar at Canterbury. She deceased the twenty fift of August in the fourth year of the said King Edgar, and of Christ, 963. His Children. E helstan the first son. (13) Ethelstan, the eldest son of King Edward, and the Lady Eguina, was borne and grown to good years in the time of the reign of his Grandfather King Elfred, who with his own hands gave him the order of Knighthood, after a very honourable manner Wil Malmsb. of creation, as William the Monk of Malmsbury, a great observer of such things, hath left in writing: who reporteth, that he put upon him a Purple rob, and girt him with a girdle wrought with pearl, and a Saxon sword in a scabbard of gold, hanging at the same. He was the Successor of his Father in the Westsaxons dominions, and the English Monarchy. Elfred the second son. (14) Elfred, the second son of King Edward and the Lady Eguina, is warranted by the testimony of the story of Hyde, to have been loved of his Father above all his other children, that he caused him in his own life-time to be crowned King, and to sit with Crowned King in his father's time. him in his Seat of Estate, as his Partner in the Kingdom, and that he enjoyed that great honour but for a small time, deceasing shortly after his creation, and long before his father's death; and was buried in the New Monastery at Winchester, which afterwards was removed to Hide. Editha the first daughter. Mac. Westminster. Polidor. (15) Editha (whom the Scotish Writers call Beatrice) the daughter of King Edward and the Lady Eguina, with great honour was married to Sythrick, the Danish King of Northumberland, in the first year of the reign of her brother King Ethelstane, being the year of grace 915. Within one year after her marriage, her husband deceased, and his son Guthfrid succeeded him in his Kingdom. Wherefore she forsaking that Country, obtained of her brother's gift, the Tamworth castle. Castle of Tamworth, in the County of Warwick, where she began a Monastery of Nuns, and therein lived, died, and was interred, and both the Monastery and Body afterwards was removed from thence unto polesworth. Elsward the third son. (16) Elsward, the third son of King Edward, & the first of Queen Elfleda his second wife, was born, as it seemeth, about the beginning of his Father's reign. He was carefully brought up in the study of Liberal Arts, and in all other princely qualities; so that it was expected he should have succeeded his Father in the Kingdom: but presently upon his father's decease, he deceased himself in Oxford, and was buried at one Buried at Winchester. time, and in one place with him in the New Monastery at Winchester, in the year of Christ jesus 924. Edwine the fourth son. Wil Malms. (17) Edwine, the fourth son of King Edward, and the second of Queen Elfleda his second Wife, was very young when his father was buried, and his brother Ethelstane crowned. Notwithstanding a deep jealousy possessing the King, that his title was too near the Crown, he caused him to be put into a little Pinnace, without either Tackle or Oars, one only page accompanying him, that his death might be imputed to the waves: whence the young Prince overcome with grief, and not able to master his own passions, cast himself headlong into the sea, and his dead body James Maier▪ in his Annals of Flanders. being driven upon the coasts of Flanders, was taken up by Adulphe, Earl of Boloine, his cousin-german, and honourably buried in the Monastery of Saint Bertin, in the Town of S. Omers. Which fact was much lamented by King Ethelstan, who grievously punished the suggestions of his own jealousy, and the procurers of his brother's death; sending great thanks to the Earl that buried him, and rich presents to the Monastery which entombed him, and to appease the ghost of his innocent brother, built the Abbey of Midleton in the County of Dorset. Elfleda the second daughter. (18) Elfleda, the second daughter of King Edward, and the first of Queen Elfleda his second Wife, entered into the orders of Religion, and took upon her the profession and vow of Virginity, in the Monastery Ramsey Monastery. of Rumsey, situated upon the River Test, in the County of Southampton. In which Monastery, she was first a Nun, and afterward Abbess during the whole time of her life, which was there spent and ended, and her body in the said Abbey buried. Eguina the third daughter. (19) Eguina, the third daughter of King Edward, and the second of Queen Elfleda his second Wife, was the second Wife to Charles the third, surnamed the Simple, King of France, son to King Lews the brother of judith, Queen of England before mentioned. She had issue by him Lewis the third, surnamed Beyond-sea, because he was brought up here in England with his Uncle King Ethelstan; and Gillet Duchess of Normandy married to Rollo the Dane: who in regard of his marriage, was allowed to be the first Duke of that Country. This Queen survived King Charles her Husband; and afterwards was remarried to Herbert, Her marriage with Herbert disliked. the younger Earl of Vermandoys; which marriage was taken for so great an indignity, because Earl Herbert the elder, father to this Earl, had caused the King her Husband to die in prison, that King Lewis her son presently pursued her, apprehended, and committed her to the straight custody of Queen Gerberge his wife: so as she had no recourse unto him, nor issue by him. Ethelhild the fourth daughter. (20) Ethelhild, the fourth daughter of King Edward, and the third of Queen Elfleda his second Wife, followed the example of her elder sister Elfleda, and become a Nun in the Monastery of Wilton, which was sometime the head Tow ne giving name to the whole County of Wiltshire, and anciently called Ellandon. Edhild the fifth daughter. (21) Edhild, the fifth daughter of King Edward, and the fourth of Queen Elfleda, was married to Hugh surnamed the Great, Earl of Paris, Grand-master and Constable of France, in the year of our Lord 926. being the third of her brother King Ethelstanes reign. This Hugh was the son of Robert, brother to Ends King of France, and father of King Hugh Capet, progenitor of the Kings of France, ever sithence unto this day: but she died before him without any issue by him. Edgith the sixth daughter. (22) Edgith, the sixth daughter of King Edward and the fifth of Queen Elfleda, was the first wife of Otho the first, surnamed the Great, Emperor of the West, son to the Emperor Henry, surnamed the Falconer. By him she had issue Ludolfe, Duke of Swabe, William Archbishop of Mentz, Ludgard married to Conrade Duke of Lorrayn, and Mechthild Abbess of Quedlingburg in Saxony: in which City she deceased the seven and twenty of August, in the year of Christ's Nativity 947. the eleventh of her husband's Empire, and the first of her brother King Edreds' reign in England. She was buried at the East end of the North side of a Chapel which herself had founded in the same City. Elgiva the seventh daughter. (23) Elgiva, the seventh daughter of King Edward, and the sixth of Qneene Elfleda his second Wife, was by King Ethelstan her brother, with her sister Egith sent to the Court of the Emperor, Henry the first King of the Saxons in Germany, who honourably entertained her, brought her up with his own daughters; and after he had married her elder sister to his eldest son, he placed her also in marriage with a Duke of Married to a Duke of Italy. Italy obout the Alpes, who is not named of our Writers, but may easily be conjectured by the honourable disposition of the maker of the match, to have been a Prince of note and account, worthy of her estate and parentage. Edmund the fifth son. (24) Edmund, the fifth son of King Edward, and the first of Queen Edgiva his third and last Wife, was borne in the twentieth year of his father's reign, being the year of the world's salvation 921. and at his father's death little more than three years of age, was Three year old at his father's death. notwithstanding by the careful provision of his mother, brought up with all princely education convenient for his years and estate, insomuch as there was generally a great expectation amongst the people conceived of him in the life of his brother King Ethelstan, under whom he learned some experience of service in war, and after whom he succeeded in the Kingdom of England. Edred the sixt son. (25) Edred, the sixth son of King Edward, and the second of Queen Edgiva his third Wife, and the youngest son of them both, was borne about the two and twentieth year of his father's reign, and year of grace 923. which was not long before the death of his father, who left him a little infant in the custody of his mother, by whom he was carefully brought up, and proved a Prince of so great virtue A good Prince. and valour, as after the death of King Edmund his brother, in regard of the minority of his Nephews, he was with the general consent, and liking of the whole nation, chosen to be his brother's successor in the kingdom and government over them. Edburg the eight daughter. Ran. Higd. polic. lib. 6. cap. 4. (26) Edburg, the eight daughter of King Edward, and the first of Queen Edgiva, in her childhood had her disposition tried, and her course of life disposed by her Father in this manner: he laid before her gorgeous apparel, and rich jewels, in one end of a chamber, and the new Testament and Books of princely instruction in the other; willing her to make her choice of which she liked best: she presently took up the books, and he her in his arms; and kissing her said, Go in God's name whither God hath called thee, and thereupon placed her in a Monastery at Winchester, wherein she did most virtuously spend her whole life, and in that Abbey was buried. Edgiva the ninth daughter. (27) Edgiva, the ninth daughter of King Edward, and the second of his last Queen, whose name she bore, is reported in the history of the Monastery of Hyde by Winchester, and other Writers of our Country, to have been married to jews Prince of Aquitane in France, which not long before had been a Kingdom of itself, sometime allotted to the portion of jews the third son of the Emperor Charles the Great; of which house it seemeth this jews was; afterward it become a Dukedom, and the possession of an other Family, by whom it came Aquitaine belonging to England. to be the inheritance after the Conquest to the Kings of England, which were descended of the house of Angeow. Ethelstan. Monarch 26 ETHELSTAN THE TWENTY FIFT KING OF THE WEST SAXONS, AND THE TWENTY SIXT MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND SUPPOSED ISSVE. CHAPTER XXXVIII. ✚ AE●EL●T●NRE ✚ 3 SIL. ND●I ✚ BY RNE●RDH L EThelstan, the eldest son of King Edward (as hath An. Do. 924. been said) for the great hopes conceived of him, was crowned with a greater solemnity than any of his ancestors ever before him. The place was Kingston Crowned at Kingston upon Thamesis. upon Thamesis in the County of Surrey, the year of Christ jesus 924▪ where, in the midst of the town a high Scaffold was built, and thereon the coronation performed to the open view of all, by Athelmus Archbishop of Canterbury, with shouts of joy as that of Solomon. (2) His beginnings were with troubles, and that rather by reason of friends than force of foes: for it is Wil Malmsb. recorded, that Elfred a nobleman, either in favour of King Edward's other sons, holding Ethelstan a Bastard, or else upon an ambitious hope blinded of himself, intended at Winchester to have plucked out the eyes of his Sovereign: but his treason being known, before the seed could show blade, he was apprehended & sent to Rome to purge himself by oath: where, before the Altar of S. Peter and Pope john the tenth, he there abjured the act, and thereupon fell suddenly Pope John the tenth. down to the earth, so that his servants took and bore him into the English School, where, within three days after he died: the Pope denying him christian burial until he knew King Ethelstans' pleasure. (3) These storms overpast, as great a cloud seemed to arise unto Ethelstans' sight, whose eye of jealousy ever followed the ascent, and his ear ever opened unto the instillations of Parasites, amongst whom his Cupbearer was a chief; who brought Parasites. daily more and more suspicion into the King's head, that lastly (as we have showed) he consented to Edwins death. young Edwins death, though with too late a sorrow he repent the same: for besides his seven years penance voluntarily undergone, to pacify The occasion of the founding of Midleton and Michelnesse Monasteries. the ghost of his betrayed brother, he built the two Monasteries of Midleton and Michelnesse, as for the most part such seed-plots were ever sown in the furrows of blood, which happened upon this occasion: It chanced his Cupbearer in his service upon a festival to stumble with the one foot, and recovering himself with the other, pleasantly to say, you see how one brother helpeth another; upon which speech the King with grief and touch of heart, called to mind the death of his innocent brother, and forthwith His Cupbearer put to death. commanded execution to be done on him the procurer, to repay his fact with deserved death: & himself was ever after more tender and careful towards his other brethren, with a more respective regard, and bestowed his sister's most honourably in marriage, as hath been said. (4) At his entrance of government, to discharge the expectations of his subjects, he endeavoured both by wars and allianuces to make them strong and rich. First, therefore entering friendship with Sithrick. Wil Malmsbury. Sithricke the Danish King of Northumberland, upon whom with condition that he should receive Baptism, he bestowed his sister Editha in marriage, he bent himself to ordain Laws for the weal-public, A law against Felons. & those to bind aswell the Clergy as the Laity, out of which first sprang the attachment of Felons, to take hold of such as stole above twelve pence, & were above twelve years of age. (5) But Sithricke the Northumbrian dying the Godfrey and Anlaffe the sons of Sithrick. first year of his marriage, and his Queen returning to a religious life, his sons Godfrey and Anlafe, offended that their Pagan-Gods were neglected, and only by the means of this their father's last wife, stirred the Northumbrians to disquiet the English, which occasioned Ethelstan to invade their country, and forced Anlafe into Ireland, and Godfrey into Scotland, which last so wrought with Constantine their King, that he undertook to side in his quarrel, with whom joined * Ludwall saith Malmsbury. Howel King of Wales. These in a fierce battle he overcame and constrained them to submit themselves to his will, who knowing the chance An. Do. 937. of war to be variable, and pitying the case of these downcast Princes, restored them presently to Mat. West. Rand. Higd. their former estates, adding withal this princely saying, that it was more honour to make a King then to be a King. King Constantine assisteth Godfrey. (6) This notwithstanding, the case of Godfrey so moved the spirit of King Constantine, that he again assisted him in his inroads into the English part, which drew again King Ethelstan into the North: & coming to Yorkshire (as he was a man much devoted to Godward) turned aside to visit the tomb Wil Malmsb. Simon. Dun. Ran. Higden. of S. john of Beverley, where carnestly praying for his prosperous success, for want of richer jewels, there offered his knife, vowing that if he returned with conquest, he would redeem it with a worthy price, and thus armed with hope, proceeded forward pitching down his tents at Brimesburie, his navy waffing along those seas. Anlafe King of Ireland. (7) To the aid of Constantine came Anlafe, called by writer's King of the Irish, and of the Isles, who had married his daughter, a man no doubt both hardy Hector Boetius. and desperate, as appeared by the Action he underwent; for it is recorded, that as Elfred the English had attempted to know the State of the Danes: so this Dane at this place did to understand the English: for, disguising himself like a Harper, he went from Anlafe his policy Tent to Tent, and had access even into King Ethelstans' presence, until he had learned what he most desired, and then returned again to his Camp, which part of his was no bolder, or more wisely performed, then was kept secret, and after revealed by a most faithful soldier: for Anlafe departed & free from pursuit, this Soldier made the act known to King Ethelstan: who being sore displeased with his enemies escape, imputed the fault unto him the Anlafe his soldiers fidelity. revealer: but he replying, made him this answer: I once served Anlafe (said he) under his pay for a soldier, and gave him the same faith that I do now unto you; if then I should have betrayed his designs, what trust could your Grace repose in my truth: let him therefore die, but not through my treachery, and by his escape secure your royal self from danger; remove your Tent from the place where it stands, jest at unawares he happily assail you. (8) The King seeing the faith of his soldier, was therewith pacified, and forthwith commanded his Tent to be removed, where presently a Bishop new come to his Camp pitched up his own, and the night following both himself and retinue were slain by the same Anlafe that sought the King's life Wil Malmsbury. in assaulting the place; and pressing forward came to his tent, who awaked with the sudden alarum, Five Kings and twelve Dukes slain. boldly rushed upon his enemies, & encouraging his men, put them back with the death of five petty Kings, twelve Dukes, and well near of the whole Army, which Anlafe had brought. (9) The memory of this man is made the more lasting by a piece of ancient Saxon coin of silver, inscribed with his name, ANLAF CYNYNE, which for the antiquity of the thing, and honour of the man, we have here imprinted, & placed though in the texture of our English Saxon Kings. A. NL. Y. FCYHYH●●● ✚ 3 SIL. RH. Y. N. MONET●. ✚ ●. ●. (10) To leave a memorial of King Ethelstans' great victory, give me leave to writ what I found; namely, Policr. lib. 6. cap 6. Dunbar Castle. that near unto the Castle Dunbar in Scotland, he praying that his right unto those parts might be confirmed unto posterities by a sign, at one blow with his sword struck an elle deep into a stone, which stood so cloven a long time after, and undoubtedly was the whetstone to the first Author's knife▪ but this is most certain, that he joined Northumberland Beverley. to the rest of his Monarchy, and returning to Beverley redeemed his own knife. The Princes of Wales tribute. (11) From hence he turned his wars into Wales, whose Rulers and Princes he brought to be his Tributaries, who at Hereford entered covenant to pay him yearly twenty pound weight of gold, three hundred of silver, and twenty five hundred head of cattles, with hawks and hounds to a certain number, towards which payment by the statutes of howel Corn. W●l. Dha, the King of Aberfraw was charged at sixty six pounds; the Prince Dineuwre, and the Prince of Powys were to pay the like sums. Wil Malmsbury. (12) The Britain's, which to his time with all equal right inhabited the City of Excester with the Saxons, he expelled into the further promontory of Cornwall, and made Tamar the confines of his own Empire; so that his dominion was the largest that Ran. Higd. in Policr. lib 6. cap. 6. The King of France his Presents to King Ethelstan. any Saxon before him had enjoyed, and his fame the greatest with all foreign Princes, who sought his friendship both with love and alliance, by matching with his sisters, and presenting him with rich and rare presents; for Hugh King of France besides other unestimable jewels; sent him the sword of Constantine the Great, in the hilt whereof (all covered with gold) was one of the nails that fastened Christ Constantine's sword with a nail of the Cross sent into England. to his Cross: he sent likewise the spear of Charles the Great, reputed to be the same that pierced Christ's side, as also part of the Cross whereon he suffered his passion, and a piece of the thorny Crown wherewith his blessed Temples were begoared, and with these came the Banner of S. Maurice so often spread by Charles the Great in his Christian wars against the Saracens: And from Otho the Emperor, who had married his sister, was sent a vessel of precious stones artificially made, wherein were seen Lanskips with vines, corn, and men, all of them seeming so naturally to move, as if they had grown and retained life: And the King of Norway sent him a Holinshed. goodly ship with a guilt stern, purple sails, and the deck garnished all with gold. (13) Of these accounted holy relics King Ethelstan gave part unto the Abbey of S. Swithen in S. Swithens Abbey Winchester, and the rest to the Monastery of Malmesbury, whereof Adelme was the founder, and his Tutelar Saint, in honour of whom he bestowed great immunities upon the town, and large endowments King Athelstans' beneficence. upon the Abbey; he new built the monasteries▪ of Wilton, Michelnesse, and Midleton, founded Saint Germane in Cornwall, Saint Petrocus at Bodman, the Priory of Pilton, new walled and beautified the City of Exeter, and enriched every famous Abbey in the land, either with new buildings, ●ewelss, Books, or Revenues. john Stow. (14) As also he did certain Cities with the Mintage of his money, whereof in London were eight houses, at Winchester six, at Lewis two, at Hastings two, in Hampton two, in Warham two, in Chichester one, in Rochester three, two for the King, and one for the Bishop; at Canterbury seven; four for himself, two for the Archbishop, and one for the Abbot, although it appeareth the Archbishop had his Ceolnothus coine● An. 831. before the reign of this King. For among these ancient Saxon-Coines, we found one of Ceolnothus, who sat there Archbishop in the year 831. which both for the antiquity & authority of truth we have here inserted. ✚ ●EOLN●●●●●HIE● 3 SIL. ✚ D●●●●MONET●DOR● Athelstan● virtues. (15) This Prince King Ethelstan was of an indifferent stature, not much exceeding the common sort of men, cheerful in countenance, his hair very yellow, and somewhat stooped forward as he went, for valour invincible, in resolution constant, and for The time of his reign. his curte sie beloved of all, he reigned in great honour the space of fifteen years and odd months, and deceased in the City of Gloucester, upon wednesday the seventeenth of October, and was buried at Malmesbury the year of Christ's Nativity: 940. having never had wife mentioned in our histories. His supposed Issue. john Rowse. Papulwicke. (16) Leoneat, the supposed daughter of King Ethelstan, is reported by john Rouse and Papulwick, writers of the mistrusted story of Guy of Warwick to be married unto Reynburn Earl of Warwick, and son to the same Guy, whose remembrance and reputation is preserved & kept with no less renown among the common people, for the liberty of England saved by his victory in single combat against Colbrand the Dane, then was Horatius the Roman for the preservation of Rome, whose history I will leave for others to enlarge that have more leisure & bettet invention. Edmund. Monarch 27 EDMUND THE TWENTY SIXTH KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND TWENTY SEVENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: HIS REIGN, ACTS, DEATH, WIFE AND ISSVE. CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE. ✚ E●●●U●●REX 3 SIL▪ ✚ E●●●U●P●● EDmund the fifth son of An. Do. 940. King Edward, borne unto him by Queen Edgiva his third and last wife, at the age of nineteen years succeeded his brother King Ethelstan in his kingdom, and Monarchy: he began his reign the year of the world's salvation 940. and with great solemnity was crowned at Kingston upon Thamesis, in the fifth year Simon Dunel. of Otho the first Emperor of that name, and his brother in law; his valour had often been tried in the wars of King Ethelstan against those stout and sturdy enemies the Danes, Scotish, Irishman, and Welshmen, that often had assayed to disturb his peace. Wil Malm. (2) Athelstan deceased, and the crown scarce set upon King Edmund's head, but that the Danes in Northumberland, disliking subjection, called again Anlafe out of Ireland to be their King; who now in the infancy of Edmund's estate, with great power of men purposed to subdue all before him; but Edmund as forwardly, with full resolution meant to keep what was got, and so gathering his power, proceeded towards the North, and at Leicester encountered with the Danes: howbeit, through the interceding of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Odo and Wolston, the matter was mitigated before it came to the uttermost. An. Do. 942. (3) The next year of his reign, the said Anlafe (whom some hold to have been the King of Norway) Mat. Westminster being dead, an other Anlafe, son to King Sithrick, of whom we have spoken, intruded upon the Kingdom of Northumberland. These heads, as Hydras, springing up each after others, drew King Edmund again into the North, who raging like a provoked Lion, subdued, as he went, those towns where the Danes kept, and got from them Lincoln, Leicester, Derby, Stafford, and Nottingham, compelling them to receive Baptism, and to become Wil Malms. his Subjects; so that the Country was wholly his unto Humber. These his proceed caused Anlafe and Reinold the sons of the Danish Gurmo, subduers of York, to yield themselves wholly to his devotion, offering him subjection, and withal to receive the Christian faith; for performance whereof, they likewise received Baptism, unto whom King Edmund was Godfather, to Reinold at his Confirmation, and to Anlafe at the Font: but how soon they fell from An. Do. 944. 〈◊〉 Dun. both, the sequel showed; for casting off the faith and fealty thus promised, they stirred the Northumbrians to another rebellion, yet with no better success than desert; for they were forced into a perpetual exile, and King Edmund adjoined that Country to his own government; without the admittance of any Secondary or Viceroy to rule there under him. King Dunmaile. (4) Cumberland also, which seldom was quiet, having been a Kingdom entire of itself, and now aided by Leolin King of Southwales, he utterly wasted: and apprehending the two sons of Dunmaile King of that Province, commanded the eyes of those overbold Princes to be pulled out, and gave their inheritance to Malcolme King of Scots, to hold the same by fealty from him. Thus by power and policy clearing those coasts whence the sharpest storms had continually blown, he returned into the South, and there set himself to ordain laws for the good of his people, the which, ● jest time the consumer of all things might chance to obliterate, were by Wil Lambert. the labours of the learned Lambert translated into Latin, and imprinted in the year 1568. next, to show his love to God, and bounty to his Church, he gave the town of Saint Edmondsbury with the liberties thereof, wholly to that Martyr, and to the Monks that lived in serving at his Altars. (5) But as each thing hath his spring, growth, & decay; so all men their dates, howsoever eminent in degree, & the shank of their Compass so set in a centre that the Circle of their lines are oftentime abrupt, before it be drawn to the full round: for so with others, we may see in this Monarch, who being safely returned from many great dangers of war, at peace in his Palace, came to a lamentable & unexpected end: Marianus. for at his Manor of Puclekerkes in the County of Gloucester, whiles he interposed himself between his Sewer and one Leove to part a fray, was, with a thrust through the body, wounded to death the twenty sixt of May, in the year of our salvation 946. Wil Malms. when he had prosperously reigned the space of five years and seven months, and his body, with no less sorrow than solemnity, was buried at Glasenbury His Wife. Elfgine. (6) Elfgine, the only wife of King Edmund, hath not her parents declared (for aught I found) by any of our Writers: but this is affirmed, that she was married unto him in the first year of his reign, which was the year of Grace, 940. and that she was his wife four years & upward, after whose slaughter she remained a mournful widow all the rest of her life, which she spent with so great virtue and opinion of the people, as by the writers of that age she is commended to posterity by the name of a Saint. His Issue. Edwy. (7) Edwy, the eldest son of King Edmund, and Queen Elfgine his wife, was borne in the second year of his father's reign Anno 942. When his father died, he was but four years of age, and in respect of his minority was not permitted to succeed him in the Kingdom, but forced to give place to his uncle Edred, under whom he lived nine years; and in the tenth, his uncle being dead, and himself then grown to the age of thirteen, was admitted to the succession of the Monarchy. Edgar. (8) Edgar the second son of King Edmund, and of Queen Elfgine, was borne in th' e third year of his father's reign, the year of Christ jesus 943, and was but three years old when his Father died; notwithstanding, he proved afterward a Prince of great expectation, and in the second year of King Edwy his brother's reign, being then but fourteen years of age, he was chosen King by the Mercians and Northumbrians, both which people he governed under the title of King of Mercia, for the space of two years before his brother's death, and then succeeded him in the whole Monarchy. Edred. Monarch 28 EDRED THE TWENTY SEVENTH KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND TWENTY EIGHTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS ACTS, REIGN, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XL. E●DREDRE 3 SIL. ●●BEI●●●●ET EDred, the sixth son of An. Do. 946. King Edward, borne unto him by Queen Edgiva his third and last wife, at the age of twenty three years succeeded his brother King Edmund in the nonage of his children in all his dominions, and was the twenty seventh King of the Westsaxons, and the twenty eight Monarch Policr. lib. 6. cap. 8. of the Englishmen. He began his reign in the year of Man's salvation 946. and was anointed, and crowned at Kingston upon Thames in the County of Surrey upon Suday the seventeenth day of August by the hands of Otho Archbishop of Canterbury. (2) His Coronation robes scarcely put off; news was brought him that the Northumbrians had revolted and stirred a dangerous insurrection; notwithstanding the Covenants that his brother Edmund had made with Malcolme King of the Scots to secure the same. Therefore jest delays might prove dangerous, with a great Army he entered into the verge of Scotland, without sight of enemy, or any resistance. But peace being concluded betwixt Edred, Edred. Malcolme. Malcolme and the Northumbrians; yea and the same confirmed strongly by oath, yet was it little regarded of the last named Iurers; for no sooner was Edred returned, but that they sent into Ireland for Anlafe, the son of Gurmo the Dane, who had been expelled the Country as we have said. (3) Anlafe gathering a fleet and forces accordingly, Anlafe cometh into Northumb. came into Northumberland, where he was with great joy received and made their King, which title he maintained for four years continuance, banding against Edred, and still holding him play, till lastly the Northumbrians disloyal to both, took their feather out of Anlafe his plume, and sent him packing to the place, whence he came, electing one Hericus King in his stead. Wil Malmsb. (4) Edred awaked with the wastes that they made, prepared a journey into those parts, where with fire and sword he bore down all before him; and albeit he was a man religiously bend, yet spared he not the Abbey of Rippon from flames, but laid all unto ashes as he went, the enemy not daring to show the face. In his return suspecting no peril, suddenly an host broke out of York, and fell upon Rand. Higd. Simon Dun. the Rearward of his Army, marching but carelessly, and broken out of their array, whereby many perished before any complete order of resistance could be made. The King seeing this bold attempt of these Rebels, struck down his standard, turning his face again to the North, and threatened the revenge, with the Country's spoil and their lives. Wolstan. (5) In this plot of sedition Wolstan Archbishop of York had sown some seed of treason, both in the assistance of action, and counsel for the enterprise, very ill beseeming a man of his rank: this Wolf therefore having thus awaked the Lion from rest, was the only man that fell in his paws; for the Northumbrians expulsing their stateless Hericus with submissive tears and golden showers, so pacified the King, that their offences were therewith clean washed away: but he good man (a Saint at the lest) was mewed up in prison (against whom accusations daily came, and namely, that he had commanded sundry of the Burgesses of Thetford to be slain) where he abode till he was by Edred upon a reverent regard of his calling, released from thence: for as this King is commended for his lenity towards the virtuous; so is he no less for his justice towards Wil Malms. the vicious, and for the practice of his Religion, as forward as any, suffering not only his manners to be reproved and corrected, (a quality truly royal, and best beseeming Princes) but also (so much below the pitch of sovereign Majesty) his body to be chastised at the will and direction of Dunstan Abbot of Glasenbury▪ unto whose custody, he also committed the greatest part of his treasure and richest jewels to be locked in his chests, and under the keys of this Monastery. (6) The stately Abbey of Mich at Abington near A sser. Oxford built by King Inas, but destroyed by the Danes, he newly repaired, indowing it with lands & fair revenues, and confirmed the Charters with seals of gold▪ he also ordained Saint Germane in Cornwall to be a Bishops See, which there continued till by Canutus it was annexed to the Episcopal See of Kyrton in Devon, both which Seas were afterward by King Edward the Confessor translated to the City of Excester: but sith the brightest day hath his night, and the highest tide his present ebb, what marvel is it, if then Edred in the midst of his strength were seized upon by sickness and death, which surprised him after he had reigned in great honour nine years and odd months, to the great grief of his Subjects, who solemnly interred him in the old Minster within the City of Winchester, the year of Christ jesus 955. whose bones with other Kings, to this day are preserved in a guilt Coffer, fixed upon the wall in the south side of the Quire. His Issue. Elfred. (7) Elfred, the son of King Edred, was borne before his Father was King; neither found I mention of his Mother, or any act by him done; only in the sixt year of King Edred his reign, which was the year of Grace, 952. he is mentioned for a witness to his Fathers grant of lands in Wittenham, to Ethelwolfe a Duke of England in those days, as appeareth by the Charter thereof, bearing date in the year aforesaid. Bertfrid. (8) Bertfrid an other, and as it seemeth an elder son of King Edred, was borne before his father was King, without any mention also of his Mother, who living in the second year of his father's reign, namely Anno, 948. was written for a witness in the same year, to his grant of lands in Bedlaking, to Cuthred one of his Barons, the Charter whereof is extant to be seen unto this day. Edwy. Monarch 29. EDWY THE TWENTY EIGHTH KING OF THE WESTSAXONS, AND TWENTY NINTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND DEATH. CHAPTER XLI. ✚ E●DVIGREX 3 SIL. RIG ✚ ✚ ✚ E: RMO EDwy, the eldest son of An. Do. 955. King Edmund, after the decease of his uncle Edred, succeeded him in his dominions, and was the twenty eighth King of the Westsaxons, and the twenty ninth Monarch of the Englishmen: he began his reign in the year of the world's salvation, 955. and was anointed & crowned at Kingston upon Thamesis, by the hands of Otho the 22. Archbishop of Canterbury. Edwyes sin. (2) Young he was in years, and vicious of life, if the Monkish Story-writers of those times his deadly enemies may be credited, not past thirteen when he entered government, and that begun with a capital sin: for they report, that upon the solemn day of his Coronation, and insight of his Nobles, as they sat in Counsel, with shameless and unprincelike lust, he abused a Lady of great estate, & his near kinswoman, whose husband shortly after he slew▪ the more freely to possess his incestuous pleasure: and to fill the pens of his further infamy ready to their hands, that wrote his life, he was a great enemy unto the Monkish orders (a sore in those days very tender to be touched, and may well be thought the cause of many false aspersions on him,) whom from the Monastery of Malmsbury Glasenbury and others, he expelled, placing married M. Fox Acts and Monuments. Priests in their rooms: Dunstan likewise the Abbot Saint of Glasenbury he banished the Realm, for his overbold reprehensions; if not rather for retaining the treasure delivered him by King Edred, Wil Malmsb. and demanded again in his sickness; when by the voice (forsooth) of an Angel from heaven, his journey was stayed, and those rich jewels not delivered the King in his life; I will not say kept back, jud. 1. 11. jest Dunstan with Balaam (whose stories are not much unlike) should be thought to follow (as he did) the wages of deceit. (3) Howsoever, the reverent opinion of the Monks single life, and the conceived holiness of Abbot Abbot Dunstan. Dunstan in those misty times, did daily counterpoise young Edwy in esteem, which made his best acts construed, and recorded to the worst; insomuch that his subjects minds, ebbing as the Sea from the full, drew back the current of their subiective affections, and set the eye of obedience upon Prince Edgar his Brother: and albeit his young years may seem to clear him from the imputation of so lustful a fact, as he is charged with, at the day of his assuming the Crown; and the separation from his wife, (as too near in consanguinity) wrought grief enough in his distressed heart, yet pitiless of his estate, and careless of their own allegiance, the Mercians with the Northumbrians did utterly cast off obedience, and swear their fealty to Edgar, not fully fourteen years aged: Ed●y then reigning in a still ● Chr▪ 2●. 20. decaying estate, was held of such his subjects, in no better esteem, than was jehoram of judah▪ ●ho is said to have lived without being desired: for very grief whereof after four years reign he ended his life, the year of our Lord 959: whose body was buried in the Church of the new Abbey of Hide at Winchester, erected without the Wall in the North of that City. His Wife. (4) Elfgine, the wife of King Edwy, was a Lady of great beauty, and nobly descended, yea, and by some deemed somewhat too near in the blood royal, to be matched with him in spousal bed: her father's name is not recorded, but her mother was Ethelgive, whom some scandalised to have been his Concubine, and the only causer of Dunstan's banishment. The subjects disliking of this unlawful marriage, & John Capgrave. further instigated by the Monks, (whose humorous pleasures, or displeasures could very much sway the state in those days,) failed by degrees to perform their duties to their King, and her they likewise enforced to a separation, in the third year of his regardless government, and of Christ jesus, 958. without other mention of her life or death. Edgar. Monarch 30 EDGAR SURNAMED THE PEACEABLE THE THIRTIETH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN; ACTS, WIVES AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XLII. N●L●● ✚ E●D●●. RRE●●. 3 SIL. ✚ LEO●●ICNO●●MT. An. Do. 959. EDgar, the second son of King Edmund having reigned two years over the Mercians and Northumbrians, in the days of Edwy his Brother, to the great impairing of King Edwyes reputation and esteem; after his death at sixeteen years of age was chosen to succeed in all his dominions, and was the thirtieth Monarch of the Englishmen, or rather now of whole England, all other titles of Kingdoms falling under his sceptre, and becoming Provinces annexed unto his absolute Monarchy. (2) He began his reign in the year of Christ's Nativity, 959. and was crowned (as some writ) the same year at Kingston, upon Thamesis, by Otho Polydore▪ Virg. Ran. Higden. W●l▪ Malm. Saxons. hron. Archbishop of Canterbury. But Randulphus Higden in his Polychronicon, referreth it to the twelfth year of his reign: William Monk of Malmesbury to the thirtieth year of his age, and the Saxon Chronicle of Worcester Church, to the year of Christ, 972, and that in the City of Bath, he was anointed and consecrated with great solemnity by Dunstan Archbishop of Canterbury. (3) The reign of this King is said to have been Edgar the Peaceable. altogether in a calm tranquillity, and therefore he was surnamed the Peaceable; his virtues were many, and vices not a few, the one gloriously augmented, and the other fairly excused, by those Monkish writers, unto whose professions he was most favourable: his Guides were Dunstan Archbishop of Canterbury, Ethelwold Abbot of Glasenbury, and Oswald Bishop of Worcester, three stout Champions against the married Clergy, (for women in those days were great bugs in their eyes,) therefore the married Priests he displaced, & brought in Monks of single life to possess their rooms, whose sins of incontinency grew after to be great, as the world did then witness, which caused Trevisa the translator of Higden, to Policr. lib. 6. cap. 9 blame King Edgar, charging him to be lewdly moved in following their counsel against married Clerks. Wil Malmsbury. (4) So do Malmsbury and Higden tax him with too favourable affections towards the Danes, who dwelled alike in every town with the English, though formerly they had sought the destruction of all, and still lay in wait attending for the spoil of his true subjects, who apt enough unto evil, learned the beastly sin of quaffing, and emptying of cups, which King Edgar was enforced to redress, by enacting a law against excessive drinking, ordaining a size by certain pings set in the pot, with penalties to any that should presume to drink deeper than the mark. (5) His policy was no less prudent (but much more successful) for the destruction of Wolves, that Cap. 38. Sect. ●. in his days did great annoyance to the land; for the tribute imposed upon the Princes of Wales by the English Cron. Wald. King Ethelstan (as we have said) he wholly remitted, and in am thereof, appointed certain numbers of Wolves yearly to be paid; and jevaf, or jage Prince of North-Wales, did for his part pay him yearly three hundred, which continued for three years space, but in the fourth was not a Wolf to be found, and so the tribute ceased. (6) His Navy royal, containing three thousand and six hundred ships, he divided into three parts, Marianus. Alred▪ Rival. Can. Higd. appointing every of them to a several quarter to waff the Seas, and secure the coasts from Pirates, and foreign enemies, wherein himself every summer would sail with those in the East parts, unto those in the West, and sending them back to their charge, would with the West sail into the North, and with the northern fleet compass again into the East, whereby the seas were scoured, and his Kingdom exceedingly strengthened. Edgar's honest vigilancy. (7) The like custom used he in the winter season in his ieysts, and circuits throughout his Country, so to take account of the administration of his laws, and the demeanour of his great men, especially of his judges, whom severely he punished, so often as he found the execution of their places balanced either with bribery or partiality; so that there was never less robbery, deceit or oppressions, th● in the reign of this worthy King. (8) His state thus flourishing in peace and prosperity, he caused divers Princes to bind themselves unto his allegiance, but perchance it may justly be doubted, whether in such performance of homage and Edgar's league with divers Kings. service, as Malmsbury, Florentius, Randulphus, Marianus, Hoveden, and other writers affirm to have been at the City Chester, where (they say) Kennadie King of Scots, Malcolme of Cumberland, Maxentius an Archpirate, with the petty King of Wales, Duffnall, Griffith, Hwal, jacob, and judithil, did with oars row his Barge upon the river Dee, from his Palace to Saint john's Church, and thence again back to his Palace, himself the while steering the helm, and saying in his glory that then his successors might truly accounted themselves Sovereign Kings of England, when they enjoyed such a Prerogative of sublimity, and supreme honour: although (saith M. Fox) he might much better, Gal. 6▪ 14. and more Christianlike have said, God forbidden that I should rejoice, but in the Cross of our Lord jesus Christ. (9) Wars he had none in all his reign; only towards the end, the Welshmen moved some rebellion, which to prevent, he assembled a mighty Army, and therewith entered into the County of Polychron. Glamorgan, sharply punishing the ringleaders thereof, but his soldiers doing great harms in the country, laden with spoils for the return, the King out of his bounty commanded all to be again restored, whereby he purchased singular love and honour of the inhabitants. Monastery built by King Edgar. (10) To his magnanimity was joined much devotion, but most especially towards the Monks, for whom, and for Nuns he built and repaired forty seven Monasteries, intending to have continued their number unto fifty, as himself testifieth in these words of his Charter. The Monasteries, aswell of Monks as of Virgins have been destroyed, and quite neglected throughout England, Ex chart Reg. which I have now determined to repair to the glory of God for my soul's health, and so to multiply the number of God's servants and handmaids: and now already I have set up forty seven Monasteries with Monks and Nuns in them, and if Christ spare me life so long, I am determined in offering my devout munificence to God, to proceed to fifty, even to the just number of a jubilee. And by this his Charter did not only approve the enlargement of S. Mary's Monastery in Worcester, M▪ Fox in his Acts and Monuments. and the restoring of Votaries in stead of married Priests, but himself either new founded or repaired many others, as the house of Ely, Glasenbury, Abington, Burgh, Thorney, Ramsey, Wilton, Wenton, Winchorne and Thumstocke with great cost, and large endowments, having the Clergy in an high and reverent esteem, and most of all his Confessor Dunstan: but with this wheat, there were tars growing, though the late Monkish Writers bind them up for good corn: for some men tell (saith Randulphus Ran. Higden. Higden) that Edgar in his beginning was cruel to Citizens, and lecherous to maidens, whereof these his actions ensuing bear sufficient witness. Wil Malmsbury. Matthew Paris. Mat. Westminster (11) The first was committed against the virgin Wolfhild, a sacred Nun as some affirm, though others somewhat mitigating that sacrilegious offence, have reported, that she to avoid his fleshly and lascivious lust, was forced to take the habit of a Menchion upon her, and in the same brought to his bed, wherein the chaste S. Edith was begot, and for Policr. lib. 6. cap. 9 whom, say they, he underwent his seven years penance without the wearing of his Crown. (12) A like offence he committed against the virgin Ethelfleda, the daughter of Ordmar a Duke among the East-Angles, who for her surpassing beauty was surnamed the White; on whom he begat his eldest son Edward; for which fact as M. Fox affirmeth, he did his seven years penance enjoined by Dunstan: and indeed by Osberne it appeareth, that Osburn in vit● Dunstan. Edward was not legitimate, where he writeth, that the child begotten of the harlot, he baptised in the holy fountain of regeneration, and so giving his name to be called Edward, did adopt him to be his son. With Nicholas Trivet. Joan. Paris. whom agreed Nicholas Trivet in his English story, written in French, johannes Paris in his French story, written in Latin, both of them calling Edward a son illegitimate; as also doth Vincentius and Antoninus, howbeit William of Malmsbury, Matthew Vincent. Antoni●. Paris, Matthew of Westminster, Randulphus and others, will have her his first and lawful wife, and Edward in true matrimony to have descended from them. (13) An other instance of his lascivious life is produced by the forenamed Writers, and thus both occasioned and acted. It chanced Edgar to hear a Edgar enamoured with a damsel. Virgin and daughter to a Western Duke, exceedingly praised for her incomparable beauty, the touch of which string from his ear resounded to his heart, and as a bait it drew him presently into those parts; where coming to Andever, commanded the damsel to his bed: The mother tender of the Virgin's honour, brought in the dark her maid, but not her daughter, who, all as well pleased the King in his sinful dalliance: the day approaching, this late laid maid made haste to arise; but the King loath to part yet with his supposed fair Lady, demanded why she made such haste? who answered him, that her task was great, and hardly would her work be done, if day should prevent her ere she rose; but yet being stayed above her hour, upon her knees she made this humble request, that she might be freed from her shrewd dame, alleging, it was not fitting, that the woman who had tasted the pleasures of a King's embracements, should endure a servitude under the rule of any other. The King perceiving the deceit, and therewith moved to wrath, yet could not recall what he had done (or rather undone) and therefore turned his conceived wrongs unto a jest; but so, that he both sharply checked the deceiver, and kept this damsel, (whose nightwork and pleasance had fully won him) for his Concubine, whereby she ruled them that lately had the command of her: and to use the words of Malmsbury, he loved this Concubine most entirely, keeping true faith of his bed to her alone, until the time he married for his lawful wife Elfrida the daughter of Duke Ordgarus. Malms. de regibus. (14) His last lascivious Act, was as David's joined with blood, and wrought in manner as followeth. Fame's lavish report of beauteous Elfrida (the paragon of her sex, and wonder of Nature) the only daughter Duke Ordgarus. of Ordgarus Duke of Devonshire, sounded so loud in those Western parts, that the Echo thereof was heard into King Edgar's Court, and entered his ears, which ever lay open, to give his eyes the scope of desire, and his wanton thoughts the rains of will: to try the truth whereof, he secretly sent his minion Ethelwold. or favourite Earl Ethelwold of East-Anglia, who well could judge of beauty, and knew the diet of the King; with Commission, that if the Pearl proved so orient, it should be seized for Edgar's own wearing, who meant to make her his Queen, and Ordgarus the Father of a King. Ethelwold a jolly young Gallant, posted into Devonshire, and guestwise visited Duke Ordgarus his Court, where seeing the Lady surpassing the report, blamed Fame's oversight for sounding her praise in so base and leaden a Trumpet; and wholly surprised with her love, himself began to woo the Virgin, yea, and with her Father's good liking, so as the King would give his assent. Earl Ethelwold retnrning, related that the maid indeed was fair; but yet her beauty much augmented by babbling reports, and neither her feature or parts any wise befitting a King. Edgar mistrusting no corrival in his love, nor dreaming false fellowship in wooing, did with a sleight thought pass over Elfrida▪ and pitched his affections the faster another way. Earl Ethelwold following the game now a foot, desired Edgar's assistance to bring it to a stand, pretending not so much for any liking to the Lady, as to raise his own fortunes Edgar a suitor for Ethelwold. to be her father's heir, to which the King yielded, and for his minion solicited Ordgarus, who glad to be shrouded under the favours of such a favourite, willingly consented, and his daughter's destinies assured to Earl Ethelwold. The marriage solemnised, and the first-fruits thereof a short time enjoyed; the fame of her beauty began again to be spread, and that with a larger Epithet then formerly it had been: Whereupon Edgar Edgar's plot to discover Ethelwold. much doubting of double dealing, laid his angle fair to take this great gull; and bearing no show of wrong or suspect, invited himself to hunt in his Parks, and forthwith repairing into those parts, did not a little grace his old servant, to the great joy of Ordgarus the Duke: but Ethelwold mistrusting the cause of his coming, thought by one policy to disappoint another: and therefore revealing the truth to his wife, how in his proceed he had wronged her beauty, and deceived his Sovereign, requested her loving assistance to save now his endangered life, which lay in her power, and of the means he thus advised: Ethelwolds speech to 〈◊〉 Like as (said he) the richest Diamond rough and uncut, yields neither sparkle nor esteem of great price, nor the gold unburnished gives better lustre than the base brass; so beauty and feature clad in mean array, is either slightly looked at with an unfixed eye, or is wholly unregarded, and held of no worth; for, according to the Proverb, cloth is the man, and man is the wretch: then to prevent the thing that I fear, and is likely to prove my present ruin, and thy last wrack, conceal thy great beauty from King Edgar's eye, and give him entertainment in the meanest attires: let them (I pray thee) for a time be the nightly curtains drawn about our new-Nuptiall bed, and the daily clouds to hide thy splendent Sun from his sharp, and too too piercing sight, whose vigour & rays will soon set his waxed wings on fire▪ that ready are to melt at a far softer heat. Pitch (thou seest) defileth the hand, and we are forbidden to give occasion of evil: vail then thy fairness with the scarves of deformity, from his over-lavish and unmastered eye▪ for the fairest face draws ever the gaze, if not the attempts, and nature's endowments, are as the bush for the wine, which being immoderately taken doth surfeit the sense, and is again cast up with as loathing a taste. Of these dregss drunk Amnon after his fill of fair Thamar, Herod 2 Sam. 13. josephus. Virgil Aened▪ Amnon and Thamar. of Mirami, & Aeneas of Dido; yea, and not to seek examples far off, King Edgar's variation in his unsted fast motion doth easily bewray itself: for could either holy Wolfhild, beautiful Ethelfled, or the wanton Wench of Andever, keep the needle of his compass certain at one point? nothing less, but it was still led by the loadstone of his ever mutable and turning affections. But thou wilt say, he is religious, and by founding of Monasteries hath expiated those sins. Indeed many are built; for which time and posterities must thank holy Dunstan, from whose devotion those good deeds have sprung: but is thy person holier than sacred Wolfhilds; thy birth and beauty greater Wolfhilds' Ethelfled. than Ethelfled the White, daughter also to a Duke? the former, of an holy Votary, he made the sink of his pollution; and the later is branded to all ages, by the hateful name of a Concubine, and her son among us esteemed for a Bastard. These should be motives to all beauteous and virtuous Ladies, not to cell their honours at so low and too-late repent a price. Neither think (sweet Countess) that thy husband is jealous, or suspects thy constancy, which I know is great, and thyself wholly complete with all honourable virtues: but yet consider I pray thee, that thou art but young, & mayst easily be caught, especially of him that is so old a Master of the game: neither persuade thyself of such strength, as is able to hold out so great an assault; for men are mighty, but a King is much more. I know thou art wise, and enough hath been said, only let me add this, that evil beginnings have never good ends: and so with a kind kiss, hoping he had won his Wife to his Will, prepared with the first to welcome King Edgar. Lady Elfrida thus left to herself, began seriously to think upon this Curtain Sermon, whose text she distasted, being taken out of an overworn and threadbare cloth proverb, as though her fortunes had been wholly residing, and altogether consisting in her parentage and apparel, but nothing at all in any parts of herself. Elfrida alone. Hath my beauty (thought she) been courted of a King, famoused by report, compared with Helen's, and now must be hid? Must I falsify and belly Nature's bounties, mine own value, and all men's reports, only to save his credit, who hath impaired mine, and belied my worth? And must I needs defoul myself, to be his only fair foul, that hath kept me from the State and seat of a Queen? I know the name of a Countess is great, and the Wife of an Earl is honourable, yet no more than birth and endowments have assigned for me, had my beauty been far less than it is. He warns me of the end, when his own beginnings were with treachery; tells me the examples of others, but observes none himself: he is not jealous, forsooth, and yet I must not look out; I am his fair, but others pitch, fire, wine, bush, and what not? Not so holy as Wolfhild, nor so white as Ethelfled; and yet that must now be made far worse than it is. I would men knew the heat of that cheek wherein beauty is blazed, then would they with less suspect suffer our faces unmasked, to take air of their eyes, and we no whit condemnable for showing that which cannot be hid, neither in me shall, come of it what will. And thus resolving to be a right woman, desired nothing more than the thing forbidden, and made preparation to put it in practice. Her body she endulced Elfridus disloyalty. with the sweetest balms, displayed her hair, and bespangled it with pearls, bestrewed her breasts and bosom with rubies and diamonds, rich jewels glittering like stars depended at her neck, and her other ornaments every way suitable. And thus, rather Angel, then Ladylike, she attended the approach and entrance of the King, whom with such fair obeisance and seemly grace she received, that Edgar's greedy eye presently collecting the rays of her shining beauty, become a burning glass to his heart, and the sparkle of her fair falling into the train of his love, set all his senses on fire: yet dissembling his passions, he passed on to his game, where having the false Ethelwold Ethelwold slain. at advantage, he ran him through with a javeline, and took fair Elfrida to his wife. (15) These were the virtues and vices of this King, little in parsonage, but great in spirit, and the first unresisted Monarch of the whole Land, whom all the other Saxons acknowledged their supreme, without division of Provinces or title. He reigned sixteen years and two months in great tranquillity and honour, and died upon tuesday the eighth of july, the The fifteenth, saith Higden. thirty seventh of his age, and year of Christ 975. whose body with all funeral solemnity was buried in the Abbey of Glasenburie. His Wives. (16) Ethelfled, the first wife of King Edgar, was surnamed in the Saxon English Eneoa, in Latin Candida, which with us is White, because of her exceeding Ethelfleds parents. great beauty. She was the daughter of a Duke amongst the East-Angles, named Ordmar, and was married unto him the second year of his reign, and the eighteenth of his age, being the year of Christ's Nativity 961. She was his wife not fully two years, and died the fourth of his reign, in Anno 962. Elfrida●s' second wife. (17) Elfrida, the second wife of King Edgar, was the widow of slaughtered Ethelwold, of whom we have said. She was daughter to Ordgarus, and sister to Ordulfe, both of them Dukes of Devonshire, and the Founders of Tavestoke Abbey in that County: a Lady of passing great beauty, and as ambitious as fair: for after the King's death, she procured the murder of King Edward her son in law, that her own son Ethelred might come to the Crown: and afterwards Wil Malmsbury. to pacify his and her first husband's ghost, and to stop the people's speeches of so wicked a fact, she founded the Abbeys of Ambresbery & Whorwell, in the Counties of Wiltshire and southhampton. His Children. Edward the eldest son. (18) Edward, the eldest son of King Edgar and Queen Ethelfled his first wife, was born in the fourth year of his father's reign, and a little before his mother's death, in the year of Christ jesus 962. He was a child disposed to all virtue, notwithstanding great means was made by his mother in law for the disinheriting of him, and the preferment of her own son to the succession of the Crown; yet by provident care taken in the life time of his father, he succeeded him after his death, as right heir both of his kingdom and conditions. Edmund the second son. (19) Edmund, the second son of King Edgar, and the first of Queen Elfrida his second wife, was borne in the seventh year of his father's reign, being the year of grace 965. He lived but four years, and died in his infancy, in the twelfth year of his father's reign, and was honourably interred in the Monastery of Nuns, at Ramsey in Hampshire, which King Edgar had founded. Ethelred the third son. (20) Ethelred, the third son of King Edgar, and the second of Queen Elfreda his second wife, and the last of them both, was borne in the eighth year of his father's reign, and year of salvation 966. He was virtuously inclined, beautiful in complexion, and comely of stature; at the death of his father being but seven years old, and at his brother's murder ten: which deed he sore lamented, to the great discontentment of his mother, who for his advancement had complotted the same, and wherein at those years he unwillingly succeeded him. Edgith. (21) Edgith, the natural daughter of King Edgar, had to her mother a Lady named Wolfhild, the daughter of Wolshelm, the son of Byrding, the son of Nesting, the two latter bearing in their names the memory of their fortunes: the last of them being found in an Eagles' nest, by King Elfred as he was on hunting. This Edgith was a veiled Nun in the Monastery of Wilton, and according to some Authors, made Abbess thereof by her father at fifteen years of age, saith her Legend. She died the fifteenth day of September, the year of her age twenty three; the sixt of her brother King Ethelreds' reign, and of Christ jesus 984. By all which accounts it is manifest, that she was Acts and Monuments, i● vita Edgar. borne before Edward, and by Master Fox proved, that for him, and not for her, King Edgar did his seven years penance. She is greatly commended for her chastity and beauty, which later she somewhat augmented with more curious attire then to her profession Polychr. lib. 6. c. 9 was beseeming: for which Bishop Ethelwold sharply reproved her; who answered him roundly, that God regarded the heart more than the garment, and that sins might be covered as well under rags as robes. john Capgrave, in vita sancta Edith●. This Edgith, as john Capgrave reporteth, after the slaughter of her brother Edward, the holy Archbishop Dunstan would have advanced to the Crown, & invested her against Ethelred the lawful heir, had she not by the late experience of Edward's fall, utterly refused that title, which neither belonged to her right, nor was safe for her person to undertake. Her body was buried at Wilton, in the Monastery and Church of Saint Denisse, which herself had caused to be built. Edward. Monarch 31 EDWARD SURNAMED THE MARTYR THE THIRTY ONE MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN, AND DEATH. CHAPTER XLIII. ✚ EADWEARD REX 3 SIL. HERE ✚ ✚ ✚ MODM GReat were the troubles & An. Do. 975. Simon Dunel. Roger Hoven. sidings that presently ensued the death of King Edgar, about the election of one of his sons to succeed; Queen Elfrida with Alferus Duke of Mercia, and many other Nobles combined for young Ethelred, disavowing Prince Edward as illegitimate, and therefore not reputable for succession: against them and Ethelred stood Dunstan and the Monks, holding their states dangerous, & their new-gotten footing unsure, if in the nonage of the Edward the son of Ethelfleda. King, these their opposites should rule all under him; whereas Edward was altogether wrought in their mould; whose title they abetted, as being lawfully borne, and begot in the nuptial bed of Queen Ethelfleda. Their claims thus banded amongst these Statesmen, began to be diversly affected among the Commons, and had put the game to the hazard, if the wisdom of Dunstan had not seen to the chase; for a Council being assembled to argue their rights, the Archbishop came in with his banner and cross, and not staying for further debating de iure, did de facto, present Prince Edward for their lawful King; and the assembly consisting most of Clergymen, persuading peace, drew the approbation of the rest, and so was the Prince admitted and proclaimed their Sovereign. An. Do. 975. (2) He began his reign at twelve years of age, in the year of Salvation 975, and was soon after by Archbishop Dunstan crowned King at Kingston upon Thamesis: being the thirty one Monarch (since Hengist) of the Englishmen. His beginning was miserably afflicted with barrenness of the ground, famine amongst his people, morraine of cattles, and to A blazing star. their further terror, a fearful Comet appeared: which men thought to be signs from heaven, as sent from God, for the sins committed against the married Clergy, whose cause was much pitied, especially of the Nobles, & whose complaints of wrongs they instantly urged, that without deserts they were expulsed from their ancient possessions; a thing which neither God nor goodmen ever allowed, and Wil Malm●b. Fox. was contrary to the prescript rule of Christ, that wils us to do, as we would be done unto: whereto the Monks answered, that Christ respected neither the person nor place, but only them that took up the Cross of Penance and followed him, as themselves in their single life pretended to do. But they good men little knew the encumbrances of wiving; for otherwise they would have felt, that the condition of the married, was more truly a suffering of the Cross, and enduring of Penance. (3) These Church men thus divided and rend, were diversly sided as affection did move, and that not only of the meaner sort, but even of the Nobles Wil Malm. Simon Dun▪ Ran. Higd. John Capgrave. jornalensis in vita Edgari. & great One's; for the Mercian Duke Alferus favouring the just cause of married Priests, destroyed the Monasteries in his Province, cast out the Monks, and restored again the ancient revenues to them & their wives: contrariwise, in East-Anglia the Priests went to wrack, where the Monks were maintained by the authority of Edelwin their Duke, who in their quarrel, with the assistance of his brother Alfred, and of Brightnoth Earl of Essex, raised a mighty Army, and stood with that power for their defence. (4) The fire thus blown from a spark to a flame, was feared to mount higher, if not quenched in time, and therefore by mediation, arms laid aside, the cause was referred to be heard in Council, & at Winchester first the assembly was held, where after long dispute, and much against the Monks, it was greatly suspected their side had go down, but that the matter was referred from them to the Rood, placed upon the refectory Wall, where the Council sat. To this great Oracle S. Dunstan, desired them devoutly Dunstan's counsel. to pray, and to give diligent ear for an answer: who, with as great bounty, as they in devotion, made it not squeamish to give them this advice; God forbidden it should be so, God forbidden it should be so (said he,) you judged well once, and to change that again is not good. This was authority sufficient to suppress the Priests, who now with their wives went down the wind; and indeed too blame they were to suspect this their judge, who never was heard to give wrong sentence before: but they unsatisfied men, thought once more to blow the coal, though therewith they were likely to burn their own lips; for persuading the people, that this was but a subtle practice The Priest's suspicion of the Monks. of the Monks, in placing behind the wall a man of their own, who through a trunk uttered those words in the mouth of the Rood; it was therefore instantly desired, that the cause might once more come to scanning. An. Do. 977. (5) This lastly was granted, and a great assembly congregated at Cleve in Wiltshire, whither repaired the Prelates with most of the States of the land, besides Gentlemen and Commons an innumerable sort. This Synod being set, and the controversy propounded, a hot and sharp disputation ensued, and a while was maintained with many bitter invectives, ill beseeming such persons: But whether through the weakness of the foundation, or the A heavy mischance. over-presse of weight, or both, the ioysts of this upper-loft, wherein the Council was held, suddenly broke, and down fell the floor with all the people thereon, whereof many were hurt, and some slain outright, only Archbishop Dunstan then Precedent▪ and mouth for the Monks remained unhurt: for the Post whereon his chair was set (and not Polychr. lib. 6. c. 12 without miracle) stood wholly untouched. Thus by this fall, fell the cause of the secular Priests; and the Monkish foundations underpropped with more surer pillars, Dunstan vuburdened of many imputations, the people's affections drawn to the Monks, and the Priests at liberty now to accompany Priests without cure, but not without care. their wives without any cure, though not without care; and all this was wrought by the providence of Dunstan, and his strange preseruarion on the post; no less wonderful than that which with the like truth is related of him, how when a huge beam of a house was sunk out of the frame, and like to ruinated the whole building, with only making of the sign of the Cross thereon, with his fingers he made it return to his former place: so wonderfully potent was he in such wooden miracles. To which, why should we not give credit▪ since the very Harp which he had touched could work Wil Malmsbury. miracles? as when of itself it sounded melodiously that Hymn, Gaudent in coelis animae Sanctorum, etc. Yea sigh the blessed virgin Mary herself, is Malms. de gestis Pont●. l. 1. said to have come to solace him with her songs, Cantemus Domino Sociae, etc. For, as for Angels singing familiarly unto him, and Devils in shape of dogs, foxes and bears, whipped by him, that was but ordinary; as likewise his making the shee-divel Malmsb. to roar, when coming to tempt him to dalliance, in shape of a beautiful lass, he caught her by the nose with hot burning pincers, and so spoiled a good face. But to leave those figments wherewith our Monkish stories are stuffed to the deluding of their Readers, and dishonouring of those, whom thereby they think to magnify; let us look back to young Prince Edward. (6) Who in all princely parts was an imitator of his Father, and for his modest gentleness worthily favoured of all men: but as envy is always the attendant of virtue; so had he them that much maligned his life, namely, the favourites of Prince Ethelred, whereof Queen Elfrida his mother was chief, who lastly betrayed him, and that in this manner. Wil Malm●b. Polydore: Ra●d▪ Chest. john P●k. (7) King Edward for his disport was hunting in a forest near unto the sea, upon the southeast shore of the County Dorset, and in the Island Purbeck; not far off, upon a small river, stood pleasantly seated a fair and strong Castle called Corfe, where his mother in law Queen Elfrida, with his brother Prince Ethelred, Alfredus ●e●er. Flores Hist●r. Rich. C●recest. Speculum hist. were then therein residing: Edward that ever had been loving to both, held it a kind office, now being so near to visit them with his presence, and thereupon either of purpose or chance singled from his attendants, he secretly stole from them all, and came alone to the castle gate. (8) The Queen who had long lain in wait for occasions, now took this as brought to her hand, Queen Elfrid●● perfidy. and therefore with a face as meaning no guile, she humbly and cheerfully gave the King welcome, desiring him to grace her and her son with his presence for that night; but he with thanks refused the offer, as fearing lest his company would soon found him missing, and craved only of his mother a cup of wine, that in his saddle he might drink to her and his brother, and so be go. The cup was no sooner at his mouth, than a knife in his back, which a servant appointed by this treacherous Queen stroke into him; who feeling himself hurt set spurs to his horse, thinking to escape to his more faithful company. (9) But the wound being mortal, and he fainting through loss of much blood, fell from his Mat. Westminster. Simon Dunel. Fa●ian. horse, and one foot entangled in the stirruppe, he was thereby ruefully dragged up and down through woods and lands; and lastly left dead at Corfes-gate: which happened the eighteenth day of May, after he had reigned three years and six (some say eight) months, the year of his age sixteen, and of Polydor. Wil Malm. Christ jesus 979. His body found, was first buried at Warham without all funeral pomp, but after three years by Duke Alferus removed, and with great celebrity interred in the Minster of Shaftesbury: and for this untimely death, he gained the surname of Martyr. Almesbury and Worwel Monasteries founding. (10) Queen Elfrida sore repenting her cruel and step-motherly fact, to expiate her guilt, and pacify the crying blood of her slain son, built the two said Monasteries of Almesbury and Worwell in the Counties of Wilt-shire and Southampton, in which later she lived with great repentance and penance until the day of her death, and in the same lieth her body interred. These and other the like foundations built upon the occasion of rapine & blood, howsoever they may show the sorrowful repentance of their founders: yet their stones being laid with ●he simmond of murder, and the mortar tempered with blood, have felt the wrath of him, who by his Prophet hath pronounced, that from the wall the stone shall cry, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it; Woe unto him that buildeth a town with blood, and erecteth a City by iniquity. Habaeve 2. 11. Ethelred. Monarch 32. ETHELRED COMMONLY CALLED THE unready, THE TWO AND THIRTIETH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS WARS, REIGN, WIVES AND ISSVES. CHAPTER XLIIII. ✚ AEDELREDREX I LOR 3 SIL. ✚ FOLCE RDM. ONOR. D. An. Do. 979. EThelred the son of King Edgar, & brother to King Wil Malmsbury. Specul. Histor. Edward the Martyr, at the age of twelve years entered his government over the Englishmen, the year of man's salvation, 979, and was the two and thirtieth Monarch since King Hengist: he was crowned King at Kingston upon Thamesis the fourteenth of April, being Easter day, by the hands of Dunstan Archbishop of Canterbury, who did it much against his will. (2) He was a man neither forward in action, nor fortunate in proceed, and therefore commonly called the Unready: his youth was spent in idleness, Ethelreds' life, maliciously reported. feeding his senses with all voluptuous baits, his middle years with a careless government, maintaining civil dissensions, and his latter end deservingly in continual resistance of the bloodthirsty Danes. With these imputations by writers he is taxed, though we found no such just cause in recording his life; but to such extremes are even great monarchs themselves brought, that their breath and dignity once left and laid down, they are subject to the censures of every affectionate and malignant reporter. And that this King lay liable to such men's humours, the working of Dunstan ever against him, is a sufficient witness, who not only did refuse to act his Coronation, but would have Edgith. preferred Lady Edgith a bastard before him to the Crown, as we have said. And besides the general quarrel of the Monks and married Priests, to which later himself and his Abetters were better inclined; Bishop of Rochester. his just indignation conceived against the Bishop of Rochester, and that not pacified without the Bishop's submission and payment of money, was cause enough for those Monkish Writers to brand the Lords Anointed with their marks of infamy, unto whom they impute the miseries of those times, and the destruction of the English by the intruding Danes. (3) These Danes had kept quiet ever since the disliked reign of King Edwy, without any notable attempts, for the space of twenty two years: but now perceiving the hearts of the subjects to be drawn from their Sovereign, they thought it a sufficient occasion to forward their intendments; and An. Do. 980. omitting no time, in the second of his reign with seven ships they arrived upon the coast of Kent, spoiling the Country; but most especially the Island Thanat, from whence they did great hurt likewise to the town of Southampton. The English led in dislike of young Ethelreds' government, were the rather drawn to impute these and other adversities to this unfortunate Prince, by reason of a prediction of Dunstan, who had prophesied, That they should not be free from blood and sword, Polycr. lib. 6. c●. 13 till there came a people of an unknown tongue, that should bring them to thraldom: and that opinion was skrewed deeper into their fearful conceit, by a cloud appearing of blood and fire, immediately after his unaffected Coronation. An. Do. 981. (4) The next year, those roving Danes entered the British Seas, and coasting to Cornwall destroyed there the Abbey of Saint Patrick, Porland in Devonshire, Simon Dun. and many other places upon those shores; the like was done unto Cheshire by the Norway-Pirates, Ran. Higde●. which broke into those parts in the same year. (5) And these calamities were seconded with others as fearful; for in the year 982. the City An. Do. 982. London was miserably destroyed and defaced by fire; whose beauty then chief extended from Ludgate Th' R●dbur●●. John Stow. westward; for, that within the walls, and where the heart of the City is now, was then neither beautiful, nor orderly built; what time also raged a sickness till then unknown in England, which was a strong Polychron. lib. 6. cap. ●3. burning fever, and bloody flux, as also scarcity of victuals, and murrain among cattles. This hand of God thus correcting the sins of all, was received as sent for the offences of some few, and wholly imputed to the King and his Raiser's; Dunstan still prophesying further woes to the land, when himself should be dead. Wil Malmsbury. (6) The Danes hereupon more boldly assaulted each shore, and in so many places at once, that the Mat. Westminster English were to seek, where first to withstand. In Simon Dun. the West they were encountered by Goda Earl of An. Do. 989. Devonshire, as saith Simon Dunelmensis, by whom they were overthrown, though with the loss of his life, as also of Sternwold a man of great esteem and valour in those parts, who served there under him. An. Do. 991. (7) In the East their leaders justine and Guthmond warred with better success; for at Malden in Essex they gave Brightnod the Earl, a great and bloody battle, wherein himself with most of his people were slain. The Danes thus prospering, more boldly went forward; and where they set their talons, there they held fast, and lay on the land like unto Grasshoppers. These evils King Ethelred could not redress, his strengths being small, and his subjects affections less; therefore calling to Counsel his Statesmen & Peers, demanded their advice what was best to be done. Some few of these proffered the King their assistance, but more of them Malmsb. de gest. Pontif. l. 1. Polycr. lib. 6. ca 13. persuaded unto a composition, whereof Siricius Archbishop of Caterbury was chief; and in fine, ten thousand pounds paid to the Danes for their departure. (8) This golden Mine once entered, was more eagerly digged into, by these still-thirsting Danes, who finding the branch so beneficial at first, hoped the vein in following, would prove far more bountiful, and therefore regardless of promise, the An. Do. 992. next year prepared themselves again for England, and with a great fleet dispatched to sea: the news Wil Malmsbury. whereof struck such terror into the English hearts, that despairing of hope, they accounted themselves the bondslaves of misery: The King therefore with much ado prepared a Navy, whereof he made Flfrick Earl of Mercia. Elfrick Earl of Mercia Admiral; who setting from London unto the seas, had power sufficient to put back the enemy: but he once a traitor could never prove true; for, having been banished, forgiven, and now taken into favour, found means to be false, and to betray his charge; and sending the enemy intelligence of his power and intents, gave the way to their escape; and another fleet of Danes encountering with the Kings, at first he feignedly and faintly fought against; and lastly, turned to their side; through which treason many Englishmen died, and the King's Fleet and power was greatly weakened; but he escaping due punishment himself, left his son to answer the fault, whose eyes King Ethelred caused to be put out. An. Do. 993. (9) About which time also another Danish Fleet entering Humber, wasted the countries of Yorkshire Simon Dun. Polydor. Mat. West. and Lyndsey: against these King Ethelred sent his power, under the charge of three valiant but treacherous Captains, namely, Frena, Godwin and Fredegist; for the battle but begun, these with their followers fled away, which was the occasion of a great overthrow of the English; notwithstanding the country people not able to digest their intolerable dealings, fell upon the Danes, slew some, and chased the A Fleet of Danes on the Thames besiege London. rest. At what time also other of the Danes with ninety four ships sailed up the river Thamesis, and laid their siege against London, giving it a great assault; but the Citizens thereof so manfully defended themselves, that they chased the Danes thence to their shame and great loss: yet fell they so foul upon Essex, Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire, that the King was enforced to compound a peace, with the payment of sixteen thousand pounds: for confirmation whereof, Ethelred sent to Southampton for Anlaf these Norwegians King, and honourably entertained him at Andever, where the same time he received Baptism, King Ethelred taking him at the Matt. West. Simon Dun. Font for his Godson, and with great gifts returned into Denmark without any further harm done to the English. (10) But God and destiny suffering it, (that would have the Saxons to fall before the Danes, as formerly the Britaines had done before them) no covenant could be so surely made, but was as slackly in them performed; for albeit this Anlaf honourably kept both faith and promise, yet others of his Country continued their invasions, and as an other Hydra showed their still-reviuing heads. An. Do. 997. (11) For the nineteenth year of King Ethelreds most troublesome reign, and of our salvation 997. the Danes with a great fleet sailed about Cornwall, and came into the mouth of Severn, robbing, as they went, Devonshire, Cornwall, and South-Wales: and marching further into the Continent, consumed Lydford, and the Abbey of Saint Ordulfes at Essingstocke, thence passing through Dorsetshire with fire & sword, found not a man in the way to resist them, and wintering in An. Do. 998. the Wight lived by spoils gotten in Hampshire and Sussex. An. Do. 999. (12) The next Spring they put into the mouth of Thamesis, and so by the river Medway arrived at Rochester: thither the Kentish with their strengths repaired, but unfortunately fought, and left the field to the Danes, who shortly after hoist their sails, & with a merry gale arrived in Normandy. An. D. 1000 (13) King Ethelred thus rid of these his unlooked for guests, sought to remove those leigers that lay in Cumberland, whither he repaired, and with sore war wasted the Country, before whose sword the Danes were not able to stand; which somewhat encouraged the spirits of his people, and bettered their conceits towards him: but far this sun passed not without a cloud, nor was his success entailde to be fortunate. (14) For the next year, those Danes that departed from Kent, came now from Normandy with their full sails, and landing in Exmouth, their first and greatest fury was against the City of Exeter, which when they fiercely besieged, they were so valiantly Roger Houed. Annal. parsprior. beaten by the Citizens, as that enraged above measure with the ignominy of that repulse, they thence as a sudden flood bore down all that stood in their way; and then plainly began to appear the rise of the Danes, which every where lorded it, where they had to do, and the fall of the Saxons, whose overtopped Monarchy, and weak walls now wanted props to hold up the weight; for the Captains of the English (saith Higden) wanting lore in deeds of Arms, their direction never prospered; if ships were made they never sped well, but were either chased of the enemy, or destroyed by tempest; if the Nobles ever assembled to consult of the State, that time was rather spent in whetting the spleen each against other, then jointly agreeing how to redress their present danger, or to repress the common enemy: for Higden. Caxton. most of the Nobles were allianced into the Danish blood, whereby not only the secret of those consultations were revealed, but being employed in service, many of them revolted to the enemy. The Clergy as backward as any, denied the King their The Clergies covetousness. assistance, pleading their exemptions from war, and privilege of the Church, when the land lay bleeding and deploring for help, and scandalised all his other proceed for demanding their aid: to these were joined scarcity, hunger and robberies. These miseries caused the sums of their compositions to be augmented, whose last was sixteen thousand, now twenty thousand, immediately twenty four, then thirty, and lastly, forty thousand pounds, until the land was emptied of all the coin; the Kingdom of her glory; the Nobles of courage; the The effects of it. Commons of their content, and the Sovereign of his wont respect and observance. (15) The Danes thus prevailing, did not a little glory in their fortunes, and grieved the poor English, whose service they employed to ear and till the ground, whilst themselves sat idle, & eat the fruit of their pains, abusing the wives and daughters of their hosts where they lay, and yet in every place for Hector Boetius. fear and reverence were called the Lord-Danes, (which afterwards became a word of derision to such sturdy and lazy lozel's) so that the like days of misery the land never felt. To redress which, the careful King Ethelred was far too weak, and therefore intending to do that by policy, which he could not by Ethelreds●ad ●ad policy. strength, he devised a desperate stratagem that proved the destruction of the Saxons royal blood, and conquest of the land to another nation. (16) For seeking to disburden the Realm of these devouring Danes, which by open force he could no ways do; he attempted in a bloody massacre to destroy them, giving a secret commission unto Polycr. li. 6. ca 15. The massacre of the Danes. every City within his dominions, that at an appointed time they should set upon, and kill all the Danes; the day was the thirteenth of November, being the festival of S. Brictus, the year of Christ jesus 1002, and presently after his marriage with Henry Hunting. Emma, the flower of Normandy; in confidence of which affinity, he presumed to do what he did. His command was accordingly performed, and with such rigour, that in Oxford the fearful Danes for refuge took into the Church of S. Frideswyd, as into a Sanctuary of venerable antiquity and privilege Matth. West. among ancient Kings; but they in fury regarding neither place nor person, set the Church on fire, Register of S. Frideswides. wherein were burned a great sort of those Danes with many rich ornaments, and the Library thereof utterly Malmsh. defaced. At which time (if Malmsbury say true) King Ethelred himself was in that City, and had summoned a Parliament both of Danes and English, with which even the King was much grieved: and therefore at his very great cost beautifully repaired the Church, and all the losses accrueing by the fire, endowing Ethelreds' Charter it with large privileges and donations, as appeareth by his own Charter, mentioning the tenor of that Danish slaughter. In this massacre, Lady Gunhild, sister to Swain King of Denmark, a great and continual friend to the English, with her husband and son, together were slaughtered, although she lay in hostage upon conditions of peace, whose husbands name was Palingus (saith Malmsbury) an Earl of great might, & both of them Christians. Hen. Hunting. (17) News brought into Denmark of this sudden stratagem, no need there was to urge them to revenge, Simon Dun. or to add more fuel unto that over kindled fire; King Swains invasion. for preparation being made, the year ensuing, Swain with a great Navy landed in the West, spoiled An. D. 1003. the Country, and gave assault to the City of Exeter, which by the treachery of one Hugh a Norman (whom in the favour of the Queen, King Ethelred had made Governor of that City) he razed and leveled with the ground, all along from the Eastgate to the West. This treason and stirs great of themselves, but made much more rueful in the relating, caused Ethelred Earl Edrick for his avarice surnamed Streton. presently to muster his men; over whom he made Earl Edrik (for his covetousness surnamed Streton) his General, who bore a brave show till it came to the push, and day of battle▪ but than to cover his treason, he feigned himself sick, and left his soldiers to shifted as they could. The Danes hereupon rifled Wilton, and passing forward took Salisbury in their way, to which they were as welcome as water into ships; but hearing that the King himself in person was preparing to give them battle, they left the land, and took again to sea. An. D. 1004. (18) The next year following, (which was the twenty four of King Ethelreds' reign, and of grace, Simon Dun. one thousand and four,) King Swain with a mighty fleet of ships arrived upon the coasts of Norfolk, where landing his men, he made spoil of all before him, and coming to Norwich sacked the City, Norwich razed. with great slaughter of the Citizens▪ then took he Thetford, and set it on fire, notwithstanding he had entered a truce with them: but for want of victual which then was scarce in the land, he returned An. D. 1005. to sea, and so into Denmark. (19 Where making preparation for another expedition, increased his Navy and number of men, Henry Hunt. and the next Spring arrived at Sandwich, miserably An. D. 1006. desolating the Countries along the sea side, never staying in any certain place, but to prevent the King's Forces roved from coast to coast, ever carrying to their ships their booties and prays, and to increase the calamity, the harvest was neglected, and in many places spoiled, both for the want of labourers, & by the feet of the soldiers which lay in field all that season, who from place to place travailed, although in vain▪ The Danes in the I'll of Wight. Towards the Winter the Danes took into the I'll of Wight, and in the deepest time thereof, passed through Hampshire, into Berkshire, unto Reading, Wallingford, Colesey, and Essington, making clean work wheresoever they came; for that which they could not carry they consumed with fire, with triumphs ever returning to their ships. An. D. 1007. (20) The King lying in Shrewsbury, unable to resist, called to him his Council, to consult what was best to be done; whereof Edrik was a principal, and in so high esteem with the King, that he created Edrick an untrusty Councillor. him Duke of Mercia, and gave him his daughter Egith in marriage: notwithstanding, these gluts of favours wrought only the digestion of falsehood in him, who could taste nothing unless it was saused with treason. This man, than the King's only Achitophel, persuaded him to pay thirty thousand Simon Dun. pounds to the Danes for their peace, whereof no doubt some fell into his own Coffers. (21) This intolerable imposition extorted of the Subjects especially at that time when the land was least able, made many suspect great matters against Edrik, and some did not fear to accuse him to his face, to be the only causer of this payment; charging him as over-affectionated to the Danes, and to have bewrayed the King's secrets and designs unto His accusations. them: but he seated in the heart of his Sovereign, rubbed off this stain with a few fawn, and a fair His subtlety. show, being a man in wit subtle, in speech eloquent, and for riches inferior to none, (a stone that could turn even great streams aside) so that these supposals of treasons (as proceeding from envy to him for his good services) wan him greater trust, and sent he was Ambassador to the Danes to mediate for peace: where revealing the weakness of the land, and the fears which the English conceived of a conquest, treacherously dissuaded them from giving His treachery. ear to any motives of Truce. An. D. 1008. An. Reg. 30. (22) The State of the land thus standing, or rather hanging at suspense, King Ethelred gave order, that out of every three hundred and ten hides of land a ship should be built, and of every eight hides a complete Armour furnished. These meeting Henry Hunting. Simon Dun. at Sandwich, and furnished with soldiers, made show of such resistance, as had not been seen, although the event was nothing but a show. For Wilmot a Noble man of Sussex (banished for some offence Matth. West. by King Ethelred) with twenty Sails roved upon the coasts, and by Piracy did much hurt among the English Merchants: wherefore Brithrik the brother of Edrik to win himself honour, got the King's consent to pursue this grand-Pirate, with fourscore sail of the foresaid ships, threatening to bring in Wilmot either dead or alive: but his sails Brithrick (chase Wilmot) crossed by tempest. being spread under a fair wind, a violent tempest suddenly arose, and outrageously drove his ships upon shore, where distressed and torn, their beaten huls lay unable to recover themselves, or the Sea: Wilmot taking advantage of this present mishap, fell fiercely upon them, and after much slaughter of their weatherbeaten warders, set them all on fire; so that all this preparation proved not only vain, but Money paid the Danes. also very hurtful. (23) At the receipt of the said thirty thousand pounds, the Danes departed, in semblance satisfied, and friends with the English; but how long that lasted the sequel showed: for the next harvest, and An. D. 1009. year of salvation 1009. a great fleet of their ships Three Danish Captains. strongly appointed landed at Sandwich, under the conduct of three Danish Princes, Turkil, Henning and Anlafe: these coming to Canterbury, were compounded Money paid the Danes. with by the Citizens, paying a thousand Three thousand P●u●d▪ ●ai●h Simon Dun. pounds for their departure; who thence in the Wight, Sussex and Hampshire made havoc of all. King Ethelred seeing no truth in their promises, nor quietness; in State, his land thus exhausted of provision and coin, thought it best to adventure once for all, and to commit his cause unto God, by the fortune of war. To which end he gathered his power, and coming unlooked for, when the enemy was altogether unprepared, and taken at disadvantage, he had made an end of the quarrel if wicked Edrick had not persuaded him from fight, and Edrick again perfidious. put him into a causeless fear with his forged tales. The Danes thus escaping returned to Kent, and the winter following lodged their ships in the river Thamesis, whence often they gave assays for London, though to little purpose. (24) Then took they though the Chiltern woods An. D. 1010. unto Oxford, which they fired, and in their return wasted all the countries on both sides of Thamesis, but hearing that London was prepared against them, they crossed over at Stanes, passing through Surrey into Kent, where they fell to amending their ships, ●nd thence sailing about the coasts of Suffolk, took Henry Hunt. Ipswich, and pitched their battle upon Rigmer, against Vikel (Governor of Norfolk) and his English, upon the fift of May; where they won the day with a great slaughter made of the Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridge-shire men, and after harried those Countries with the borders of Lincoln and Huntingtonshires'; burning Thetford and Cambridge, and ●●fling all the Abbeys and Churches that stood in their way, and then through Essex returned unto their ships. The Danes forage the Countries before them (25) Neither rested they there long in quiet, ere, as people wholly devoted to spoil, they broke into Buckinghame, Bedford, and Northampton-shiers, the chief Town of which last, they set on fire after much slaughter of the Inhabitants; and thence entering Wiltshire depopulated all before them, which was the seventh Shire in number that they had laid waist like a solitude. An. D. 1011. Henry Hunt. Vincentius. (26) And now not satisfied with spoil nor bloud-spilling, they prepare a new expedition for Canterbury, and in September beleagered the City, which by treason of a Churchman they won, took Elphegus the Archbishop, and slew nine hundred Monks and men of Religion, besides many Citizens, without all mercy▪ for they tithed the captive multitudes Addit. ad Asserium. after an inverted order, slaying all by nine, and reserving only the tenth to live; so that of all the Monks in the town there were but four Wil Lambert. in Peram. saved, and of the lay people four thousand eight hundred, by which account M. Lambert collecteth that there died in this massacre forty three thousand and two hundred persons. Polychr. li. 6. c. 16. An. D. 1012. The Archbishop Elphegus, for that he refused to charge his Tenants with three thousand pounds to pay for his ransom, they most cruelly stoned to death at Greenwich the nineteenth of April following. Turkillus the Leader of these murderers, took into his possession all Norfolk and Suffolk, over whom he tyrannised in most savage manner. The rest Money paid the Danes compounding with the English for eight thousand pound sojourned a while quiet among them. (27) But King swain hearing of the dissensions, An. D. 1013. and weakness of the land, in the year of Grace, 1013, with a great number of ships arrived in the Simon Dun. mouth of Humber, and entering Trent landed at Gainsborough; whose terror struck so deep into the Northumbrians conceits, that they with them of Lyndsey yielded themselves to the yoke of his subjection, so that now over all the North from Watling-streete he reigned sole King, and exacted pledges from them for their further obedience. From the North he sought to spread his wings further into the South, and leaving his son Canute to take Canute. charge of his ships, and new conquered countries, sped himself through Mercia to Oxford and Winchester, bringing all under the power of his command: with which gales of his fortunes, he was so puffed up, that thinking nothing unpossible for him and his Danes to do, in the heat of his courage he came unto London, and presently begirt the walls London besieged with a straight siege. (28) In the City lay unfortunate King Ethelred, who (as Simon Monk of Durham reporteth) had Simon Dunel. Mat. Westminster. Henry Hunt. with him, and under his pay Turkillus the Danish Prince before spoken of, and forty five Danish ships to defend the coasts. King Swain at his first coming fiercely assaulted the City, hoping his fortunes would have proved as before; but the presence of Polyd●●. the King, and London the eye of the land, made the Citizens above measure courageous, who beaten the Danes from their walls, and sallying forth of the Gates, slew them on heaps, so that Swain himself was in great danger, had he not desperately run through the midst of his enemies, and by flight escaped their swords; marching both day and night in great fear until he had entered Bath, where Ethelmere Earl of Devonshire with his Western people Wil Malms. Mat. Westminster. submitted themselves unto him. But this last overthrow, and want of victuals, caused him after he had received a certain sum of money, to hast into Denmark, minding with more power, and better advantage to prosecute the quarrel. (29) Not long it was ere he returned, and immediately was met by the English, where betwixt A Battle between Danes & English. them was struck a fierce battle, which had been with good success, had not the treasons of some hindered it, in turning to the Danes. King Ethelred therefore seeing himself, and land betrayed in this manner, to those few true English that were left, he used this speech as followeth. Ethelreds' Oration. (30) If there wanted in me a fatherly care, either for the defence of the Kingdom▪ or administration of justice in the common wealth, or in you, the courage of Soldiers for the defence of your native Country; then truly silent would I be for ever, and bear these calamities with a more dejected mind: but as the case stands (be it as it is) I for my part am resolved to rush into the midst of the enemy, and to loose my life for my Kingdom and Crown. And you (I am sure) hold it a worthy death that is purchased for the liberties of yourselves and kindred; and therein I pray you let us all die, for I see both God and destiny against us, and the ruin of the English nation brought almost to the last period; for we are overcome not by weapons and hostile war, but by treason and domestic falsehood; our Navy betrayed into the Danes hands, our battle weakened by the revolt of our Captains, our designs bewrayed to them by our own Counsellors, and they also enforcing compositions of dishonourable peace, I myself disesteemeed, and in scorn termed Ethelred the unready; your valour and loialties betrayed by your own leaders, and all our poverty yearly augmented by the payment of their Dane-gilt, which how to redress God only knoweth, and we are to seek; for if we pay money for peace, yea, and that confirmed by oath, these enemies soon break it, as a people that neither regard God nor man, contrary to equity and the laws of war, or of nations: and so far off is all hope of better success, as we have cause to fear the loss of our Kingdom, and you the extinct of the English nations renown; therefore Pains taking for safety. seeing the enemies are at hand, and their hands at our throats; let us by foresight and counsel save our own lives, or else by courage sheathe our swords in their bowels: either of which I am willing to enter into, to secure our estate and nation from an irrecoverable ruin. (31) This lamentable Oration delivered from the passions of a iustly-pensive King, touched the hearers to the hearts, and as much distracted their afflicted minds: to abide battle they saw it was bootless, the treason of their leaders so many times defeating their victories; to yield themselves to the enemy, would but begin their servitude and misery; and to flee before them, their eternal ignominy and reproach. Thus their opinions were canvased, but nothing put in practice, whereas mean whiles the Danes went forward with victories, and had got the most Henry Hunting. Simon Dun. part of the land, yea and London also by submission; wherewith unfortunate Ethelred more and more dejected, sent his wife Emma with his two sons by her, unto her brother Richard Duke of Normandy, and for his own safest refuge committed himself An. D. 1014. An. Reg. 35. unto Turkil the Dane, in whose ships he remained a while at Greenwich, and from thence went into the Isle of Wight, where he abode most part of the winter, and thence sailed into Normandy to his wife and brother, leaving the Danes lording it in his rea me. (32) These were the days of England's mourning, she being unable to maintain her defenders, Swain and Turkils domineering. and yet enforced to nourish and cherish her devourers: for the Danes in two factions most cruelly afflicted the land like two millstones crushing & grinding the grain. Swain as an absolute King, extorted of the English both victuals and pay for his soldiers: and Turkil on the other side▪ in defence of the English, commanded the like for his ships and men; so that the Danes had all, and the English maintained al. Neither were churches free from their spoils, (whom other Conquerors have held most impious to violate,) but either suffered the flames of their consuming fire, or were forced to purchase their standings with great sums of money. Such composition King Swain demanded for the preservation of S. Edmund's Monastery in Suffolk; which because the Inhabitants refused to pay, he threatened spoil both to the place, & to the Martyr's bones there interred; Hoveden. Annal. pars prior. Fabtan. Chron. par. 6. cap. 200. Polychron. lib. 6. cap. 1●. in the midst of which jollity (saith Hoveden) he suddenly cried out that he was struck by S. Edmund with a sword, being then in the midst of his Nobles, and no man seeing from whose hand it came; and so with great horror and torment, three days after upon the third of February ended his life at Thetford (others say at Gainsborough:) but with his death died not the title of the Danes, who immediately advanced Canutus his son for their King. (33) The English that liked nothing less than An. D. 1015 bondage, especially under such tyrannising intruders, thought now or never the time to shake off the yoke; and therefore with great joy and hast sent into Normandy for their native King. Ethelred now not unready for the recovering of his right, foreslowed no means either to hasten or strengthen the enterprise, and having the assistance of his brother of Normandy, in the Lent following landed in England, unto whom resorted the people from all parts, accounting it their greatest joy to see the face of their King. (34) Canutus then at Gainsborough, soldier-like Canutus winneth love of the English. mustered and managed his men, and holding it good policy to keep that by bounty, which his father had got by tyranny, made no spare to purchase the hearts of the English; by which means those of Lyndsey become his Creatures, with an agreement to found him both horse and men against their own King and Country. Ethelred therefore now raging for revenge, with a mighty host entered Lyndsey, where he burned all He is chased by Ethelred. the Country, and put the inhabitants to the sword. Canute not able to resist this puissant Army, held the sea more safe for him then the land, and entering Humber, sailed to Sandwich, where being sore grieved at the miseries of these his confederates, requited King Ethelreds' friends with the like, and Matth. West. commanded that those pledges which had been Wit. Malm. delivered by the Nobles unto his Father, should have their noses slit, and their hands cut off: which cruelty acted, he sailed to Denmark, as hopeless of any good issue in England. (35) But Turkil the Dane, retained (as we said) into King Ethelreds' pay, seeing success so suddenly Turkil inciteth Canut against England. altered, sore repent him of his revolt from the Danes, and knowing now the time to recover his reputation, with nine of his ships sailed into Denmark, instantly importuning Canut to address again for England; alleging the fears and weakness of the people, the beauty and fertility of the land, an Eden, in respect of their own barren seat, and (which did most move) himself would assist, when the English lest thought it: with these and the like he spurred him on, who of himself was forward in a full curriere. Canutus therefore with the aid of his brother Harrold, rigged forth a Navy of two hundred sail, all furnished with soldiers and habiliments of war▪ Conuttis and his Navy. whose terror landed in England before him, and his power by report made greater than it was; and to increase the terror of this fearful enemy, the sea with a springtide broke into this land, and destroyed both towns and many inhabitants; a sign foreshowing (as was thought) the success of that fleet, borne hitherward upon those waves; and to increase the English miseries, thirty thousand pound was Money collected for the Danes. then collected by way of Tribute to pay the Danish auxiliary Navy lying before Greenwich. The States also convening in a grand Council at Oxford to determine upon the great affairs of the Kingdom, were divided into factions, and two Noblemen of the Danes there murdered by practice of Edrick the Traitor. These (I say) were accounted ominous amongst the English, that made each molehill to seem a mountain, and every shadow the show of an enemy. Wil Malmsbury. Henry Hunt. Mat. West minster. Simon Dunel. (36) In the mean while Canutus had landed at Sandwich, and given a great overthrow to the English; entered Kent, and by his sword had made way through the Countries of Dorset, Somerset, and Wilton. Ethelred lying dangerously sick at Cossam, the managing of these wars was transferred to Prince Edmund his son, who preparing to meet the enemy with his Army in the field, had suddenly notice that Edrik his brother in law meant to betray him into his enemy's hands; which news struck a great astonishment unto his heart, and caused him to retreat his host into a place of security; whereby Matth. West. Edrik perceiving his treacherous purposes were disclosed, gave more open proof of his intendments, flying to the enemy with forty of the King's ships; whereupon all the west Countries submitted Simon Dun. themselves unto Canutus. (37) By this time King Ethelred had recovered his sickness, and minding revenge on his most wicked An. D. 1016. son Edrik, with purpose to try his last fortunes by hazard of fight, summoned all his forces to meet him at a certain day and place; where being assembled, he was instantly warned not to give battle, for that his own subjects meant to betray him. London's fidelity. King Ethelred ever unfortunate in this, to found treasons amongst them that aught him most trust, withdrew himself to London, whose service against the Danes he had lately seen, and therefore accounted his person most sure in their walls. Prince Edmund with his power posted over Humber, where obtaining Earl Vired to side in his quarrel, entered the Countries of Stafford, Leicester, and Shropshires, not sparing to exercise any cruelty upon these inhabitants, as a condign recompense for their revolt. Canutus' devastations Neither did Canut for his part spare the King's subjects, but through Buckingham, Bedford, Huntingdon, Nottingham, Lincoln, and Yorkeshires, made spoil of all, so that the miserable English went to wrack on all sides; insomuch that Vtred also forsaking Edmund, become subject to Canut: whereupon Edmund hasted to London to join his strength with his Fathers, and Canute with no less speed sailed about the Coasts into Thamesis, preparing his Army for the siege of London. Ethelred dieth. (38) At which time King Ethelred, either fallen into relapse of his last sickness, or tired with the many troubles, and daily renewed treasons against him, gave up his ghost, and found rest by death, which never he could attain by life, the twenty third of April, and year of our Salvation 1016, when he had The time of his reigning. most unfortunately reigned thirty seven years, and nine days: his body was there buried in the Cathedral Church of S. Paul, and bones as yet remain in the north-wall of the Chancel in a chest of grey-Marble, His Tomb in S. Paul's in London. reared upon four small pillars, covered with a copped stone of the same, adjoining to another of the like form, wherein Sebby King of the East-Saxons lieth entombed. (39) Of Parsonage he was very seemly, and of countenance gracious, affable and courteous to his Subjects, and a maintainer of justice among them, Fox martyrologue in King Egelreds' life ex Hist. jornalens. as by his excellent Laws which himself made, and by his sharp, but godly and wise censures against unlearned, bribing, delaying, partial judges & Lawyers, and their purloining officers (at large set down by M. Fox) is very apparent. Very loving and tender affectionated he was to his brother King Edward; for whose death he made such lamentation, that his mother beaten him with a taper of wax that stood before her, yea and so sore that he could never after well endure the sight of a taper. Favourable he was to the married Priests, and lest esteemed the opulent Polycr. li. 6. ca 13. and idle lives of the Monks, whose pens therefore (as in such cases we ever found them partial) have been very lavish in his dispraise, accusing him with sloth and unreadiness of Arms, of voluptuousness and lechery, covetousness, pride and cruelty: whereas in following the records of his life, laying aside the Danish massacre, we found no such sins, neither any mention of Concubine that ever he kept, or name of child unlawfully begot, having had many by his wives, which were as followeth. His Wives. Elgiva the first wife, by some called elfled. (40) Elgiva, the first wife of King Ethelred, was the daughter of an English Duke named Thored, who is reported in the history of that time, to have done great service against the Danes. She was married unto him when he was seventeen years of age, in the sixt of his reign, being the year of grace 984. and was his wife seventeen years, who dedeceased in the twenty four of his reign, and of Christ jesus, 1003. Emme the second wife. (41) Emme, the second wife of King Ethelred, was the daughter of Richard the second Duke of Normandy, and sister of Duke Richard, and Duke Robert Father to William the Conqueror; her mother was sister to Herfast the Dane, Grandfather of William Fitzosbert afterward Earl of Hereford. She was a Lady of passing beauty, and therefore commonly called the flower of Normandy; married unto him in the twenty and fift year of his reign, & year of Salvation, 1003. with whom she lived thirteen years, and surviving him was remarried to King Canute the Dane. His Issue. Ethelstane the eldest son. (42) Ethelstan, the eldest son of King Ethelred and of Queen Elgiva his first wife, was borne about the eight year of his Father's reign, and year of Christ, 986: he lived unto the age almost of twenty five years, (being then by great likelihood) cut off by untimely death in the wars of the Danes, raging then most extremely, which was the thirty third of his Father's reign, and of Christ's Nativity 1011. Egbert the second son. (43) Egbert, the second son of King Ethelred, and Queen Elgiva his first wife▪ seemeth to have been borne two years after his brother Ethelstan, in the tenth year of his Father's reign▪ and year of our Lord 988, and to have deceased in the very prime of his youth before the death of his father, or of his elder brother, and before he had done any thing in his life worthy of remembrance after his death. Edmund the third son. (44) Edmund, the third son of King Ethelred & Queen Elgiva his first wife, was borne in the eleventh year of his father's reign, and of Grace 989 and of all his father's Children proved to be the only man that set his helping hand to the redress of the estate of his Country distressed by the miserable oppressions of the Danes, which he pursued with such exceeding toil, and restless hazards of his body, as he was therefore surnamed Iron-side; and when he had followed those wars with great courage the space of seventeen years under his Father, being come to twenty seven of his own age, he succeeded him in his Kingdom and troubles, as presently shall be showed. Edred the fourth son. (45) Edred, the fourth son of King Ethelred, and of Queen Elgiva his first wife, was born about the fourteenth year of his father's reign, being the year of Grace 992. His name is continually set down, as a witness in the testees of his father's Charters, until the thirty fift year of his reign, by which it appeareth that he lived unto the two and twentieth year of his own age, although I found no mention of him, or of any thing done by him in any of our histories, and it seemeth he died at that time, because his name is left out of the Charters after that year. Edwy the fifth son. (46) Edwy, the fift son of King Ethelred, and Queen Elgiva his first wife, survived his father and all his brethren, and lived in the reign of Canute the Dane, who being jealous of his new-gotten estate, and fearful of the dangers that might accrue unto him by this Edwy, and such others of the English blood royal, practised to have him murdered, which was accordingly done by them, whom he most favoured, and least suspected, the year of our salvation, 1017. Edgar the sixt son. (47) Edgar, the sixt son of King Ethelred and of Queen Elgiva his first wife, was borne about the twentieth year of his father's reign, being the year of our Lord God nine hundred ninety and eight. He seemeth by the Testees of his father's Charters, to have been living in the one and twentieth of his reign, but being no more found in any of them after, may be supposed by all conjectures, to have died in, or, about the same year, being but the eleventh after his own birth, and the seventh before his father's death. The eldest daughter. (48) The eldest daughter of King Ethelred and Queen Elgiva his first wife, although her name be not to be found in any writer of those times, appeareth notwithstanding, to be married to one Ethelstan, a Noble man of England, who was the principal Commander of Cambridge-shire men, at the great battle fought between them and the Danes, wherein the Englishmen had the overthrow; and this son in law of King Ethelred, with the rest of the chief Leaders, were slain in the year of Christ's Nativity 1010. being the two and thirtieth of his father in laws reign. Edgith the second daughter. (49) Edgith, the second daughter of King Ethelred and Queen Elgiva his first wife, was married to Edrik Duke of Mercia, who for his covetousness in getting was surnamed Streattone: This Edrik was the son of one Egelrik surnamed Leofwin, an elder brother to Egelmere the grandfather of Goodwin Duke of the Westsaxons; and being but meanly borne, was thus highly advanced by this King; notwithstanding he was ever a traitor to his Country, and a favourer of the Danes, betraying both him, and King Edmund his son to King Canut, that he thereby might get new preferments by him, who worthily rewarded him as a traitor and put him to death. Elfgine the third daughter. (50) Elfgine, the third daughter of King Ethelred and of Queen Elgiva his first wife, was the second wife of Vtred surnamed the Bold, son of Earl Waldefe the elder, Earl of Northumberland, by whom she had one only child, a daughter, named Aldgith, married to a Nobleman called Maldred, the son of Crinan; she was mother of Cospatricke, who was Earl of Northumberland in the time of William the Conqueror, and forced by his displeasure to fly into Scotland, where he abode and was ancestor to the Earls of Dunbar and of March in that Country. Good the fourth daughter. (51) Good, the fourth and youngest daughter of King Ethelred and Queen Elgiva his first wife, was first married to one Walter de Magne a Nobleman of Normandy, greatly favoured by King Edward her brother; who lived not long after the marriage, and left issue by her a son named Rodulfe, whom King Edward his uncle created Earl of Hereford. This Earl Rodulfe, died the one and twentieth of December, in the thirteenth year of his uncles reign, and was buried at Peterborough; leaving issue a young son named Herald, created afterwards by King William the Conqueror, Baron of Sudeley in the County of Gloucester, and Ancestor to the Barons of that place succeeding, and of the Lord Chandois of Sudeley now being. This Lady Good, after the decease of the said Water de Magne, was remarried to Eustace the elder, Earl of Boulogne in Picardy, a man of great valour in those parts of France, and a most faithful friend to King Edward her brother; which Earl was grandfather to Godfrey of Boulogne, King of jerusalem, albe●t it seemeth he had no issue by this Lady. Edward the seventh son. (52) Edward, the seventh son of King Ethelred, and his first by Queen Emme his second wife, was borne at Islipe in the County of Oxford, and brought up in France all the time of his youth, with his uncle Richard the third of that name, Duke of Normandy, mistrusting his safety in England under King Canute the Dane, although he had married his mother; but he found the time more dangerous by the usage of his brother Elfred, at his being here in the reign of King Herald son of the Dane. Notwithstanding he returned home, when Hardiknut the other son (being his half brother) was King, and was honourably received and entertained by him, and after his death succeeded him in the Kingdom of England. Elfred the eight son. (53) Elfred, the eight son of King Ethelred, and his second by Queen Emme his second wife, was conveyed into Normandy for fear of King Canute, with his eldest brother Edward, and with him returned into England to see his mother, then being at Winchester, in the second year of King Herald surnamed harefoot; by whose practise he was trained towards London, apprehended by the way at Guildford in Surrey, deprived of his eyesight, and committed prisoner to the Monastery of Elie: his Normans that came with him most cruelly murdered, and he himself soon after deceasing, was buried in the Church of the said Monastery. Edmund. Monarch 33 EDMUND SURNAMED IRONSIDE THE THIRTY THREE MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS WARS, ACTS, REIGN, WIFE, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XLV. ✚ E●DM●NDREX 3 SIL. ✚ E●D●●RII. II R●●T EDmund, the third son of King Ethelred, and the An. D. 1016. eldest living at his Father's death, succeeded him both in his dominions, & in his troubled estate against the Danes; entering his government in the month of April, and crowned at Kingston upon Thamesis, by Livingus Archbishop of Canterbury, the year of man's salvation 1016. Notwithstanding, a great part of the English, considering the puissance of the Danes, both feared and favoured Canut, especially, a great part of the Clergy, who at Southampton ordained him their King, swearing to him the fealty of true subjection; but the Londoners Polycr. lib. 6. ca 17. stood most firm to Prince Edmund, and were principal Actors for his election. (2) In revenge whereof Canutus who had besieged Henry Hunting. Simon Dun. the City before the death of King Ethelred, caused his ships now to be towed, and drawn up the Thamesis unto the west side of the bridge, and from the river with a deep and large Trench encompassed the City, shutting up all entrance or egress of any: but the Citizens manfully stood in resistance, whereto the coming of their new King for their succour, did not a little encourage them, and daunted the Danes, who now thought it best to break up their siege and be go: and the rather (saith the Author of Encomium Emmae) for that Proffer of single combat. King Edmund sent Canute a peremptory challenge of single combat, which he neither accepted, nor yet stayed the siege to try his chance; but weighing his anchors failed along the Coast to the I'll of Sheepie, where he wintered with his Navy and men. (3) But loath to loose opportunity, when time served for war; on the sudden he assailed the west of England, and brought much of those parts under his command: to meet whom the restless Ironside prepared, and with such small power as his leisure would admit to levy, he hasted into Dorsetshire, where Canut was forwarding his own fortunes, An. D. 1016. In the Rogation week. and at Penham near Gillingham, each met other in the field, wherein a sore battle was fought, and bloody to the Danes, where many of them were put to the sword, and the rest to flight. (4) Canute immediately took into Winchester, Polydor. to secure himself from danger, and the rest escaped towards Salisbury, and there begirt the City with a straight siege. King Edmund as ready to save, as they to destroy, made presently thitherward with his small and overtired company; whom Canut, waiting for advantage, followed with a great host, and in Worcestershire, at a place called Sherostan, in the sight of his enemy pitched his battle. To the aid of Edmund came many of the English, so that his Army was greatly increased, and their courages inhaunsed, which made the Danish soldiers somewhat to droop. (5) Notwithstanding, upon the twentieth of june, 1016. their battles joined, and with equal Simon Dun. Matt. West. fortune continued all the day, until the night constrained them to part. (6) But their blood not cold, the next day they buckled together again with no less courage than before, till at length the Danes were going down, & the English in great forwardness of victory: which when the Traitor Edrik perceived, he cut off the head of a soldier, whose name was Osmearus, like Wil Malmsbury. Edricks treason. unto King Edmund both in hair and countenance, and shaking his bloody sword with the halfe-gasping head, cried unto the host of the English: Fly ye wretches, fly, and get away, for your King is slain, behold here is his head, therefore seek now to save your own lives. (7) But Edmund having present notice of this treacherous stratagem, and seeing his men ready to give over the fight, hasted himself where he might be best seen, encouraging his Army to stand to it like true Englishmen, and posting from rank to rank, both performed the parts of a wise General, and underwent the dangers of the meanest soldier: his men seeing his presence, & the apparent treachery of Duke Edrik, bend their bows against the traitor, and had shot him to death, had he not presently avoided to the enemy: but the night approaching, parted again the battle of this second day: Duke Edrik excusing his fact, as being merely mistaken Edriks' excuse. in the countenance of the man, and thirsting to save the blood of the English; was taken again into favour, and bore himself outwardly fair for his Country. (8) The third day appearing, both the Armies prepared for battle, but yet stood still without any attempt, only refreshing their wearied▪ and almost tired bodies, and burying the dead slain in the two days fights before. (9) The night following, Canutus in great silence broke up his Camp, and marched very fast Canut marcheth to London. towards London, against whose Citizens he carried great spleen, and most earnestly desired the conquest of the City, which in a sort was still besieged by the Danish ships. (10) The Sentinels the next morning certified King Edmund (who was addressing himself for the battle) of the sudden departure of his enemies, whereupon he as ready to prevent their designs, followed them by tract even unto London: where with small ado, he removed their siege, and entered Dislodged by Edmund. the City in manner of triumph. The Danes thus discomfited, great hope was conceived, that these fair proceed would have a prosperous end. (11) Edmund, therefore following the advantage of their discouragements, two days after at Brentford bade them battle, and that with their great overthrow; notwithstanding, in passing the Thamesis at the same place, he lost many of his men, who were drowned before they could recover the shore: upon which loss the Traitor Edrike played, who erst had much feared the downfall of the Danes. For hereupon he persuaded his brother in law Edriks' wicked counsel. King Edmund to come to truce with Canute, which as he confidently affirmed, should be to the great benefit and contentment of Edmund: Canute himself so plotting it, that by his means he might continued his hopes, and bring his enemy into his Henry Hunt. danger. (12) The affairs thus standing, King Edmund returned into the West, and Canute with spoils unto his ships that were in Medyway, not far from Rochester, where he a while lay still to learn what Edmund meant to do; who contrariwise loving Edmund's preparations. nothing less than to linger his businesses, made preparation against those truce-breakers that had wasted the Country in their return, and with a great Army entered Kent, where he pitched down his tents near unto Oteford. Canut, who had prepared himself in most warlike array to meet his approach, began the battle in a furious manner, which continued very bloody for four hours space, until the foot of his vaward began to shrink, which when he perceived, he drew his horsemen for their aid▪ but Polydor. Fabian. Ra●. Higd. Mat. Westminster. Henry Hunt. Wil Malms. whilst the one gave hastily back, & the other made as slowly forward, the array of the whole army was broken, and the Danes slain on all hands▪ for it is reported that Canute lost four thousand five hundred men▪ and King Edmund only six hundred; the rest of these Danes trusting to their legs: whom if Edmund had pursued in chase▪ it is thought, that day had ended the wars betwixt those two Nations for ever: but Destiny, that would have the Saxons down, who had raised themselves by the falls of the Britain's, made Edrik her instrument, & maul of the English, who kept King Edmund's hasty foot from following his enemies, by guileful urging the danger of ambush, and the overwearied bodies of his soldiers, so that Canute thereby had leisure in safety to pass over into Essex. A battle between Edmund & Canute. (13) Where beginning again, with the increase of his power to despoil all the Country before him, brought fear to the inhabitants, and to himself submission of many English. King Edmund therefore made preparation thitherward, and at Ashdone three miles from Saffron-Walden, gave battle to Canute, wherein a bloody slaughter ensued, though a while with equal chance of foil or of victory, until lastly the Danes began to give back, which when the ever-traiterous Edrik perceived, he went with his strength, unto their side, and maintained their battle, which otherwise was at point to be lost, whereby the Danes regained the day, and the betrayed English, the overthrow. There died of Edmund's Nobility, Duke Alfred, Duke Goodwin, Wil Malm●b. Simon Dun. Ran. Higden. Duke Athelward, Duke Athelwin, and Earl Vrchell, with Cadnoth Bishop of Lincoln, and Wolsey Abbot of Ramsey, besides other of the Clergy that were come thither to pray for the preservation of the King and his Army. The remembrance of which field is retained unto this day, by certain small hills there remaining, whence have been digged the bones of men, Armour, and the water-chaines of horse-bridles. Edmund put to retire. (14) King Edmund thus traitorously forced to retire from the field, on foot marched unto Gloucester with a very small Army, leaving Canut overswollen in conceit for this his great victory, unto London yieldeth to Canute. whom then the Londoners submitted, and so did many other great towns of Name; after which he followed Edmund into the West; who now like a Tiger rob of her Whelps, seeking the revenge of his lost day, gathered a most puissant Army, meaning to try the uttermost chance of Fate, or Battle. Their hosts meet at Dearhurs● Mat. Westminster. Polydor. near unto the river Severne, where they were resolvedly bend to establish the one's title with the others downfall; and now being ready to join, a certain Captain of uncertain name, stepped forth (as is reported) betwixt the two Armies, and uttered in effect this speech. (15) Many battles have been fought, and The advice of a Captain for single combat. too much blood already spilled for the sovereignty of this Land, betwixt these two fierce Nations, and the valours of the Generals, Captains and Soldiers sufficiently tried; wherein even fortune herself seemeth to have been conquered; for if one Battle were won, it was not long kept, neither the loser so weakened, but that he had both courage and power to win the next: what is the mark then that you aim at? is it honour and fame? Titles indeed which accompany war; but neither long enjoyed, nor much attained unto by the common Soldiers, by whose valours and blood it is for the most part won. Let him therefore that would wear the Diadem, bear the hazard himself, without the confusion of so many men, and either try the fortune of a single combat, who shall command, and who obey, or divide betwixt them the Kingdom, which may suffice two, that hath maintained seven. Matth. West. (16) Some affirm that this speech was Duke Edriks'; but I hardly believe so good a motion should proceed from so bad a man; by whom so ever uttered, it was acceptably received by Edmund and Canut, who thereupon in sight of their Armies, entered into a small Island, embraced about with the arms of Severn, called Alney, adjoining Edmund and Canute at single fight. unto the City Gloucester, where those princes in complete Armour at first assailed each other most dangerously on horseback, and after as valiantly on foot. The Ironside was strong, and fought for his Kingdom; the Dane not so tall, but every way as stout, fought for his honour, and so the combat continued with an absolute resolution▪ till Mat. Westminster. at length Canute having received a dangerous wound and seeing himself overmatched in strength, wished a compromise, and thus spoke to Edmund with a loud voice. Canut to Edmund. What necessity should thus move us most valiant Prince, that for the obtaining of a Title, we should thus endanger our lives? better it were to lay malice and Armour aside, and to condescend to a loving agreement: let us therefore now become sworn brothers, and divide the Kingdom betwixt us, and in such league of amity, that each of us may use the others part as his own; so shall this land be peaceably governed, and we jointly assistant to each others necessity. Whereupon they both cast down their swords, embracing as friends with the great joy and shouting of both their Armies, who stood before doubtfully wavering betwixt hope and fear, and looking for their own fortunes, according to the success of their Champions. Thus was the Kingdom divided betwixt those The Kingdom parted between them. two Princes; Edmund enjoying that part that lay coasted upon France, and Canute entering upon the rest. (17) Thus then the Saxon Monarchy spent to the last period, and their tottering crown fast grasped with a hard Danish hand, was suddainelyy torn from the Ironssides helmet, by his complotted and hastened death. For Duke Edrick a very compound of treasons, glutted with the favours of both these Kings, to screw himself deeper into Canut his conceit, contrived the end of renowned Edmund: who Edmund murdered. being retired to a place for nature's necessity, was thrust from under the draft into his body with a A Spit, saith Higden. sharp spear; which done, the treacherous Edrick cutting off his Sovereign's head, presented it to Canut with these fawning salutations. All hail, thou now sole-Monarch of England; for, here behold the head of thy Copartner, which for thy sake I hau e adventured to cut off. Canutus punisheth the traitors Canut, though ambitious enough of sovereignty, yet of princely disposition, abashed, & sore grieved at so unworthy and disloyal an attempt, replied, and vowed, that in reward of that service, the bringers own head should be advanced above all the peers of his kingdom. Which high honour whiles this prodigious Wil Malmsbury. wretch greedily expected, (and indeed for a time, saith Malmesbury, he found some show of favour with the King:) soon after, by the King's command, his head bad his shoulders farewell, and was placed upon the highest Gate to overlook London. Old Manusc. Fabian. Ran. Higden. (18) The traitorous death of this worthy Prince, as some affirm, was acted at Oxford; yet the Author that wrote Encomium Emmae, and lived the same time, blancheth the matter, saying that he died of a natural death in London: God minding his own doctrine, that a Kingdom divided in itself, cannot long stand, and pitying the English, took away Edmund, jest if the Kings had continued long together, they should both have lived in danger, and the Realm in continual trouble. Simon Dunel. Marian. Scotus. Edmund's reign. Polychr. That he died in London, Simon the Monk of Durham agreeth, and saith further, it chanced about the Feast of S. Andrew: and Marianus is of the same opinion, being the year of Christ, 1016. Whensoever, or howsoever, his Reign was but seven months, and his body buried at Glastenbury; near unto his Grandfather King Edgar. The feature of Edmund. (19) He was of parsonage tall, for courage, hardy, strong of limbs, and well could endure the travels of war, insomuch that some deem the surname Ironside▪ given him only upon that occasions. With him fell the glory of the English, and the aged body of their sore bruised Monarchy seemed to be buried with him in the same Sepulchre. His Wife. Algith. (20) Algith, the wife of King Edmund, was the widow of Sigeferth, the son of Engrin a Danish Nobleman of Northumberland; which Sigeferth, with his brother Morcar, was murdered at Oxford by the treason of the never-faithfull Edrick: & this Lady being of great beauty, and noble parentage after the death of her husband, and the seizure of his lands, was by King Ethelred, committed in charge to the Monastery of Malmesbury, where Edmund seeing her, grew in great love, and there married her against the liking of his father, in Anno 1015. His Issue. Edward the outlaw. (21) Edward the eldest son of King Edmund, and Queen Algith his wife, was surnamed the Outlaw, because he lived out of England in Hungary as a banished man, through the reign of Canut, and of his sons the Danes. But when his uncle King Edward the Confessor, had obtained the English crown, he was by him recalled, and most honourably in his Court entertained, till lastly, he was taken away by death in the City of London, the year of His wife. Christ, 1057. He married Agatha sister to Queen Sophia, wife to Solomon King of Hungary, and daughter to the Emperor Henry the second; by whom he had Edgar, surnamed Etheling, confirmed heir apparent by Edward Confessor, his great Uncle; which title notwithstanding, proceeded no further, for that he was deprived thereof by Harold his Protector. The daughters of this Edward, as after shall be His daughters. said, were Margaret and Christian, the younger of which become a vailed Nun at Ramsey in Hampshire, where she in that devotion spent her life, and was there interred. Margaret the elder, and afterward sole heir unto the Saxon Monarchy, married Malcolme the third of that name, King of Scotland, and commonly called Canmore▪ from which princely bed in a lineal descent, our high and mighty Monarch, King JAMES the first, doth in his most royal person unite the Britain's, Saxons, English, Normans, and Scotish imperial Crowns in one. (22) Edmund, the second and youngest son of King Edmund, and of Queen Algith his wife, after Edmund. his father's decease being a Child, was with his broth Edward, sent by Canute to Olaue King of Swedon his half brother, to the intent, that he by murder should make them both away: but this King taking pity on the innocent children's estate, sent them to Solomon King of Hungary, to the intent to have them saved, where they were received with great favour and honour: and Matthew of Westminster reporteth, that this Prince married the daughter of the same Mat. Westminster King; and other Writers of these times, that he died in the same Country without any issue of his body. (23) These two sons of the Ironside thus posted away, and the crown already set upon the Danes head, had not the means of themselves to displace it, nor the English, hearts to assist them to their right: so that they rather secured themselves from violent deaths in this their exile, than made claim to that which was unrecoverable; and left the Danes quietly to possess the land, which so long they had molested with their sturdy Arms. The End of the Seventh Book. THE ORIGINAL OF THE DANES, THEIR MANNERS, RELIGION, AND INVASIONS OF ENGLAND, THE REIGNS OF THEIR KINGS HERE, UNTIL THE CROWN REVERTED AGAIN TO THE SAXONS; WORN BY KING EDWARD THE CONFESSOR, AND AFTER HIM BY HAROLD THE LAST KING OF THEIR RACE. CHAPTER I THe Spirit of God in his sacred writings, to show his all-commanding power over Kingdoms and Nations, compareth the transmigrations of people from country to country, unto the transfusion I●r. 48. 11. of wine from vessel to vessel: and those that are at rest with sin, to the settling upon their leeses, as Moab did, against whom he cursed that hand that was negligent in his work of revenge, and the sword that was not sheathed in their blood. Even so the sins of the Saxons grown now to the full, and their dregss as it were sunk unto the bottom, they were emptied by the Danes from their own vessels, and their bottles broken that had vented their read & Esay 51. 17. bloody wines: in am whereof, the Lord then gave them the cup of his wrath, whose dregss he had formerly (by their own hands) wrung out upon other nations. (2) For these Saxons that had enlarged their kingdoms by the blood of the Britain's, and built their nests high upon the Cedars of others, (as the Prophet H●bac. 2. speaketh) committed an evil covetousness unto their own habitations, and were stricken by the same measure that they had measured unto others. When as the Danes often attempting the lands invasion▪ and the subversion of the English estate, made way with their swords through all the Provinces in the realm; and lastly advanced the crown upon their own helmets; which whiles it so stood, was worn with great honour, especially of Canutus the first and their greatest. (3) As touching this Nations original, and first place of residing, seeing themselves know nothing at all, we cannot determine, but supposing them with Franciscus Irenicus, to be a branch of the ancient Germane, and knowing them by the testimonies of all others, to inhabiter in the same Country among them, we need not to doubt, but that their conditions and customs were much alike. Of the former, what we have observed, is already set down, where we spoke of our Saxons; & now of these later, what is supposed for truth shall be produced. And. Vellelus. (4) These Danes so often mentioned by our historiaus, for the great afflicters of the English state and Dudo. S. Quint. peace, were a people descended from the Scythians, as Andrew Velley a learned Danish Writer reporteth● but Dudo of S. Quintin (an ancient Author) will have them to come from Scandia, an Island situated northward, not far from the continent of Denmark: which his opinion seemeth unto some to be strengthened by Ptolemie the Alexandrian, who in his Ptol. Geograp. where some read Dauciones. Geography placeth the people Dauciones (the supposed Ancestors of those Danes) in this Island Scandia, at such time as himself wrote, which was in the reign of Hadrian the Emperor, and about the year of Christ's nativity 133. But wheresoever the root had beginning, the branches did far spread themselves into the upper Germany, and parts of Norway, and Sweyden, whose fair fruit more particularly filled that promontory, which tongue-like lieth into the Ocean on the north, being anciently called of Tacit● Dost▪ Germ. the learned, Cimbrica Chersonessus, where, (as Tacitus saith) was the uttermost end of Nature, and of the world; a strange conceit indeed; and yet more strange was their opinion, who were persuaded that the sound and noise of the Sun was there heard at his daily rising and setting in those seas. But from more warrantable witnesses it is reported, that this was the very place which the jutes and Angles abandoned, when they removed their Colonies for Britain. (5) In this place then the Danes laid first the foundation of their Kingdom; which, from the word Marc, signifying not a limit, but a region, was named Denmarc. But touching the former part of that compounded Vndrew Vell●●. name, the truth and original occasion is not so soon found out: for the searching eye of truth hath long since seen into the received fable of Danus their first King, and Giantlike son of Humblus▪ Verstegan. Ant. cap 6. though Verstegan of late holds it more certain in the search of originals, to follow the grounded opinion that ancient Tradition hath held, then at random to seek them elsewhere: as these Danes (saith he) from Dan, and the Britaines from Brutus; which truly for truth I hold much alike, and will herein make doubt as many more of riper judgement before me have done. (6) For Goropius Becanus deduceth the name Dane from Da-hen, signifying a Hen, or rather (as some will) a fight Cock; junius, from Den, signifying fir-tree, which do there abound. Andrew Velley from a people in Scythia named Dahae, josephus Antiq. lib. 18. cap. 6. of whom josephus maketh mention in his eighteenth book, and placeth them by the Sacae. Ethelward our English historian will have them named from the fair City Donia. And jonas jacobus Ionas jacob. Venusinus, a diligent searcher of Antiquites, out of Pomponius Mela, findeth the names of certain Bays, opening into those parts, which now the Danes inhabit, to have been anciently written CDAN and CDANONUM; which Orthography and Pronunciation to the Latins was both harsh and hard, and therefore they added a vowel, and wrote it CODANUM and CODANONIA, whereof (it may be thought) these people given much to piracies, were known and called by that name, as breaking out of those Codanian seas. Cambd. Brit. Some others from Ptolemy have thought, that from his Dauciones placed in Scandia, and corruptly so written for Danciones; the name of these Danes hath been derived; whereto the nearness of the place induceth much. (7) For Nations Originals may well be compared unto a spring, whose current surcharged with continual supply of more, first filleth the near Channels; which done, they pass further, and at length are (oftentimes) divided into many and great Dudo. streams: and even so these Danes, (saith Dudo of S. Quintin's) after they had in heat, and lascivious lust engendered an innumerable offspring, swarmed out of Scandia like bees out of their hives, & that both on divers occasions, and in very barbarous manner; for grown to ripeness of years, & falling at strife with their Fathers and Grandsires', yea, and most commonly, among themselves for lands and livelihood, necessity compelled them to disburden the land thus overflowed, for the better maintenance of the residue, and to banish by lot (after their ancient custom) a multitude of their youth, that might conquer by their swords, in foreign Realms, places to live in. These than thrust out of their own, fell upon other lands with no less danger than the falling of a sword out of the sheath, or rather, as the breaking in of a tempestuous sea upon the neighbouring grounds, sore distressing their neighbour nations, & among them England not the lest, as shallbe said. (8) And yet their name was not much notified Cambd. Britan. to the world before the reign of justinian the Emperor, about the year of man's salvation, 570, but then roving upon the coasts of England, & France; in exercising Piracies, were noted by writers by the name Wiccingi, for that Wiccinga in the Saxon tongue, as Alfricus witnesseth doth signify a Pirate; they were also called Pagani, for that they were not Christians; but by the English Deniscan, and also Heathon-mon, as being Ethnics. The Religion of the Danes. (9) The manner of their Religion, or rather superstition and Idolatry, was much like unto the other Germane and Saxons, whose principal God and national reputed-Patron, was Thur, unto whom the fourth day of the week for his service was assigned, whereof as yet it beareth his name Thursday; who in his robes was set upon a sumptuous bed, the Canopy whereof was bespangled with stars of Verstegan. gold; unto him they performed their chief devotions, and ascribed all their fortunes in their affairs; as the foresaid Dudo doth more particularly relate. They (saith he) sacrificed unto Thur, whom they worshipped Dudo. in old time as their Lord, for whom they killed not many sheep, oxen, or other cattles, but offered unto him mens blood, thinking that to be the most precious oblation of all others; whom, when the Priest by casting of lots had destinated to death, they were all at once deadly smitten upon the head with oxeyokes; and every one thus chosen by lot, having at one stroke his brains dashed out, was laid along on the ground, and there with a narrow prying was sought out the Fibra, or vein of the heart on the left side, whence drawing the blood, as their custom was, and therewith besmearing the heads of their dearest friends, forthwith they hoist sails, thinking their Gods well pleased with such sacrifices, and fore-deeming happy success to their intended voyage. Cambd. Brit. (10) Ditmarus the Bishop (somewhat ancienter than Dudo) recordeth another detestable superstition used by the Danes to purchase the favour of their Gods. Because (saith he) I have heard wonderful reports of the ancient sacrifices which the Danes and Normans used, I will not let them pass untouched. In those parts there is a place, and the chief it is of that Kingdom, called Lederum, in a Province named Selon, where every ninth year, in the month of january, after the time in which we celebrated the Nativity of our Lord, they all assemble together, and there they kill and sacrifice unto their Gods ninety and nine men, and as many horses, with dogs, and also cocks, in stead of hawks, assuring themselves that hereby their Gods are fully pleased and pacified. And thus much may serve for a taste and view of their customs, names and originals. THE DANES FIRST ATTEMPTS AGAINST ENGLAND. CHAPTER II An. Do. 787. THough many were the Piracies of the Danes on the coasts of France and this our Island in former times; yet their arrival here, which gave first breath to their ensuing conquests, was not till the wane of the Saxon Monarchy, about the year of Christ's Incarnation seven hundred eighty seven, in the reign of Brightrik King of the Westsaxons: in Cambden in Danmonijs. John Stow. Lambert in Peramb. mentioneth their Landing at Tynemouth in the North, the nearness of the name (it seems) deceived him. whose dominions, after some proffer at Portland, they first came to land at Teigne-mouth in Devon-shire; being sent then with three Ships only, to espy the wealth of this Country, the forces of the Inhabitants, the commodities of the Havens, and advantage of arrival for a greater power, which was to follow them. The King's Lieutenant and Perfect for that place, understanding of their landing, went himself to demand the reason thereof; and attempting to lay hands on some to carry them to the King's presence, he was there slain; which they took as a fortunate presage of the victories wherewith they afterward overran this Kingdom; though for the present the inhabitants enraged with the loss of their Chief, addressing them in great numbers to revenge, forced some to loose their lives by the sword, the rest to save them by flight to their ships. An. Do. 800. (2) Notwithstanding their former preparations, See the seventh Book chap. 31. they were contented to defer their return till the days of King Egbert; whose reign (as elsewhere we have touched) they disquieted with three several invasions; the first in the North,, the second in Wales, the last in Kent; in all which, the King though with many losses, and hazards of his own person, yet with great resolutions persisted, till he had disburdened his land of so dangerous guests. But Hoveden. l. 5. ●. 1 those Flesh-flies having once tasted the sweet, though often beaten off, would not long be kept away, but could easily take, or make occasions of fresh attempts; insomuch that after their first footing they continued here their cruelties, rapine and spoil the Fabian. cap. ●58. space of two hundred and eighteen years, never intermitting, till they had got the garland upon their own heads. The way whereunto was made upon this ensuing occasion. (3) Osbright a Northumbrian Viceroy, deputed by the Westsaxons, by chance, as he followed his disport in Hunting, came to the house of a Noble man, named Beorn-Bocador, whose Lady of passing feature (in his absence) gave him honourable entertainment, and entreated both himself and train, to repose themselves there a while, after their wearisome delights. The Viceroy already ensnared with her beauty, accepted her courteous offer, not so much to taste her meats, as to surfeit his eyes with her rare beauty, and lasciviously to dote in his own affections. The dinner ended, and all ready to departed, as though some weighty matters were to be handled, he commanded an avoidance from the Presence, and taking the Lady into a withdrawing Chamber, under pretence of secret conference, greatly tending to the advancement of her Lord & self, most unnobly, being not able to prevail by smooth persuasions, did by force violate her constant chastity. Which dishonour thus received, and her 2. Sam. 13. 19 mind distracted like to Thamar's, at her husband's return, all ashamed to behold his face whose bed had so been wronged, with floods of tears she thus set open the sluices of her passions. (4) Had thy fortunes accorded to thine own desert, or thy choice proceeded as by vow was obliged, then had no stain of blemish touched thine honour, nor cause of suspicion once approached thy thought: or had myself been myself, these blushing cheeks had not invited thy sharp piercing eye to look into my guilty and defiled breast, which now thou mayst see disfurnished of honour, and the closet of pure chastity broken up; only the heart and soul is clean, yet fears the taineture of this polluted cask, and would have passage (by thy revenging hand) from this loathsome prison and filthy trunk. I must confess our sex is weak, and accompanied with many faults, yet none excusable, how small soever; much less the greatest, which shame doth follow, and inward guilt continually attendeth; yours, is created more inviolable and firm, both against allurements and enforcements: by whose constancy as our flexible weakness is guarded, so our true honours by your just Arms should be protected. OH Beorn, Beorn, (for husband I dare not call thee) revenge therefore my wrongs, that am now made thy shame and scandal of my sex, upon that monster, nay Devil, Osbright, (OH that very name corcorrupts my breath, and I want words to deplore my grief) who hath no law but his lust, nor measure of his actions but his power, nor privilege for his loathsome life, but his greatness, whiles we with a selfe-feare, and servile flattery mask our baseness with crouching obedience, & bear the wrongs of his most vile adulteries. Thou yet art free from such dejected and degenerate thoughts, nor hast thou smoothed him in his wicked and ever-working vices: be still thyself then, and truly Noble as thou art. It may be for his place thou owest him respect; but what? therewith the loss of honour? thine affection, but not thy bed; thy Love but not thy beloved, yet hast thou lost at once all these, and he thy only bereaver: thou wast my stay whilst I stayed by thee; and now being down, revenge my fall: the instinct of nature doth pity our weakness, the law of Nations doth maintain our honour, and the sword of Knighthood is sworn by to be unsheathed for our just defence; much more the link of wedlock claims it, which hath locked two hearts in one; but alas, that ward is broken, and I am thy shame, who might have been thine honour. Revenge thyself therefore both on him and me▪ else shall this hand let out the Ghost that shall still attend thee with acclamations, till thou revenge my stained blood. (5) Beorn unwonted thus to be welcomed, much amazed at his wives maladies, with gentle words drew from her the particulars of her inward grief, who revealed (as well as shame, and tears, and sobs, would suffer) the manner of the deed, still urging revenge for the wrong. Beorn touched thus to the quick, to pacify his distressed wife, did not a little dissemble his wrath, and excusing the fact, with the power of a Prince that might command, and her own weakness unable to resist the strength of a man: Commended much her love and constancy; and alleging his wrongs to be equal with hers, if not greater, in regard of their sex, willed her to set her string to his tune till fit opportunity would serve to strike: but she distasting that sweet consort, wrested her passion into so high a strain, that nothing couldbe heard but revenge & blood. (6) Beorn thus instigated by the continual cries of his wife, whose rape already of itself had given sufficient cause of wrath: first consulting with his nearest friends, was offered their assistance against that wicked and libidinous Prince, and then repairing to his Court, in presence of them all, made known his unsufferable wrongs, and with utter defiance departed, threatening his death. This Nobleman in his youth had been brought up in Denmark, and is reported to have been allied into the Danish royal blood. He therefore accounted this nation the surest unto himself, and the fittest in will and power to enter his quarrel: so coming to Goderick King of that Country, made his case known, instantly desiring his aid against the villainy of Osbright. Godericke glad to have some quarrel to enter Britain, levied an Army with all speed, and preparation made for all things necessary, sendeth forth Inguar and Hubba two brethren to command in chief, over an innumerable multitude of his Danes: which too he thought at this time the fittest for the attempt, not only for their well approved resolution and valour, but also for that he knew them to be, on particular motives (which usually more affect then doth a common cause) implacably enraged against the English, on an occasion unfortunately happening, but most lamentably pursued: which it will not be amiss here to annex. Flores historiaruns (7) A certain Danish Nobleman of the royal lineage named * That is Leather-briche. Lothbroke, Father to this Inguar & Hubba, being upon the shore, his Hawk in flying, the game fell into the Sea, which to recover, he entered a little Schiffe or Cockboat, nothing foreseeing the danger that immediately did ensue: for a sudden tempest arising, carried the boat into the deep, and drove him upon the coast of Norfolk, where he came to land at the Port called Rodham, and was no sooner seen, but he was taken for a spy; and presently sent to Edmund, King then of that province, who in his answers sufficiently cleared that suspicion, when also declaring his birth & misfortune, he was honourably entertained in the Court of the East-Angles: whom the King much esteemed for his other good parts; but for his dexterity and expertness in hawking, held him in a special regard; insomuch that the King's Falconer named Bericke, conceived both such secret envy and deadly hatred thereat, that haviug him alone in a wood, he cowardly murdered him, & hide his dead body in a Bush. (8) Lothbroke in the King's presence and Court was soon missed and diligent inquisition made could not be found until his Spaniel, which would not M●rther will our. forsake his dead Master's corpse, came fawninglie unto the King, as seeming to beg revenge on so bloody an Act, which he did more than once, & at length being observed, and followed by the trace, the dead body was found; and Bericke convicted for the murder, his judgement was to be put into Lothbrokes' boat, and that without either tackle or Oar, as he therein arrived, and so left to the seas mercy to be saved by destiny, or swallowed up by just desert. But behold the event; the Boat returned to the same place, and upon the same coast arrived from whence it had been driven, even in Denmark, where Bericke being known, and hands laid on him, to free himself from the punishment of his butcherly fact, he added treason to murder, laying it to the charge of innocent King Edmund. (9) In revenge whereof, and likewise in Godericks quarrel, Inguar and Hubba, sons to the murdered Prince, being now made Generals of the Army of the Danes▪ first arriving at holderness, burnt up the Country, and without mercy massacred all before them, sparing neither sex, nor calling, nor age; and surprising York, which Osbright had taken for his refuge, there slew that lustful Prince with all his forces, and possessed that City; and afterwards bursting into Norfolk, sent this message unto King Edmund. That Inguar the most victorious Prince, dread both by sea and land, having subdued divers Countries unto his subjection, and now arrived in those parts where he meant to winter, charged Edmund to divide with him his riches, and to become his vassal and servant. The King astonished at this strange and unexpected embassage, consulted with his Council, where one of his Bishops (than his Secretary, and a principal man) used persuasions to him to yield, for preventing greater mischief; who notwithstanding returned this answer: Go tell your Lord, that Edmund the Christian King, for the love of this temporal life, will not subject himself to a Heathen and Pagan Duke. Whereupon Inguar and Hubba, with the furious Rob. Fabian. cap. 169. Polycr. li. 5. ca 32. Abbas Floriacensis. troops of then Danes, pursued the King to Thetford; and (as Fabian saith) to Framingham, others to Halesdon; where he pitying the terrible slaughter of his people, yielded himself to their persecutions; and for that he would not deny Christ, and his Christian faith, was bound to a tree or Stake, and with their arrows so shot to death: whose body was afterward there buried, and thereupon took the name of S. Edmunds-bury; as we have formerly touched in his reign, Lib. 7. cap. 11. (10) Whether these were the very true causes, or some other, which drew these Danes hither, most certain it is and too lamentable experience showed, that hither they came (by Writers accounted) about the year of Christ eight hundred, and in the days of King Brightrick. Neither want there Authors who ascribe certain predictions to have forerun the year 800. made unfortunate by their first attempts; foreshowed seven years before, by showers of blood falling from heaven, and bloody Crosses marked therewith upon the garments of men, reported by the learned Alcuinus, who was instructor Alcuinus. to Charles the Great, and borne in the county of York, where this wonder happened: which himself saw & testified unto Ethelbert King of that Wil Malmsb. Roger Houed. Ran. Higden. Rob. Fabian. Province, as Malmsbury hath written, and was thought by Hoveden, Higdon, Fabian and others, to have been sent for signs before their bloody assaults, which began at the dayspring of the Saxons Monarchy, when it promised a most fair ascent to their heirs succeeding, but mounted to the highest, again declined as the setting Sun, and fell under the clouds of their own ruins, so carried by the just revenging hand of God: for those Saxons having by blood and war unseated the Britain's of their land and right, by blood and war, were by these Pagan-Danes so uncessantly molested, that no place was freed from their tyranny, nor any Blood revenged with blood. state sure, long to hold that, which they enjoyed, nor their lives secured from a daily expectation of their savage swords. (11) Whose many invasions and cruel proceed against this land and nation, are already showed in the reigns of these Saxon Kings, who then felt their heavy strokes in war, having nothing almost memorable otherwise, to enlarge their fames and stories with, besides these their valours in resisting so mighty and almost unrepugnable an enemy. Therefore omitting to repeat such things as in their successions are handled, we will fall nearer the time of the wished harvest of their full Conquests: some what remembering the Reader here, of those bloody affairs, which the English at several times felt and endured. (12) Such was the murder of holy Edmund King of the East-Angles, with Danish arrows martyred to death as he stood bound unto a stake, ever-calling on the name of jesus: Of Ella and Osbright Governors of Northumberland by them slain, and that Province for a long time after by them enjoyed, and made subject to their furies: Of Burdred King of Mercia, by them expulsed, who with his Queen Ethelswith, were forced to abandon their Kingdom, leaving it to the possession of these Pagan intruders, and to seek their securities in foreign Countries, where at Rome in Italy he died, and at Milan his wife, as hath been said: Of Ethelred King of the Westsaxons, that in one years continuance fought nine bloody battles against them, in the last whereof at Merton he received his death's wound, and this Kingdom an uncurable blow: Of Elfred that most famous and learned King of the Westsaxons also, driven by them to such distress, that he was forced to leave his Princely Court, and to remain secret in a poor Cowherds house unknown and disguised, in the Isle of Ethelingsey in the County of Somerset, and thence to adventure himself among the Danish Henry Hunt. hist. Angl. lib. 15. Rand. Hig host, as a base Minstrel and Contemptiblemakesport, till he had perfectly learned their secrets, and after with his sword through the thickest of those Enemies, made a way to his own most glorious Monarchy. (13) To speak nothing of the desolations left in every Province, Town, and Place, where they came, laying all leavell with the ground, as prints of their footsteps where they had trodden: Their cruel and merciless dealings towards holy and religious persons, with the ruination of Churches, and other places for Oratory, is most lamentable to be rehearsed or remembered: and among many others, the fair & beautiful Monasteries of Bradney, Crowland, john Stow. Flores histor. Peterborow, Ely, and Coldingham, were made subject to their desolations: In the last whereof, Lady Ebb with her chaste Nuns, to avoid their savage and filthy pollutions, cut off their own noses and upper-lippes, lest the bait of their beauties should prove the bane of their honours & honesty. Some say forty eight thousand. ●●●g●ess saith fifty. The most grievous tribute and exactions laid upon the poor Inhabitants in general, and great sums of money, paid in such afflicted & unseasonable times, imposed by the name of Dane-gilt, did from ten thousand, arise to forty thousand pounds, yearly gathered for them in England. Their sturdy behaviour and Lordlike carriage against the English, in all places where ever they sojourned, was with such subjection of the poor Owners▪ that they abused both wife, daughter, and maid, and were of all called the Lord-Dane, till lastly they were Lords indeed of the Land, and swayed the Sceptre at their own pleasures; which how it was attained unto, we have before declared, and how it was worn and continued, we are now presently to speak. CANUTUS THE FIRST DANISH KING REIGNING INENGLAND AND THE THIRTY FOURTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS ACTS, REIGN, WIVES▪ AND ISSVE. CHAPTER III RE● ✚ ✚ KNUT: 3 SIL. ✚ NODP INIIONIIR'AT THe sails of the Danes An. D. 1017. thus over-filled with the gales of their swelling fortunes, and themselves arrived at the Port of their long sought sovereignty, cast anchor as it were at the haven of their wished desire, and prepared themselves to a settled rest: for Canutus possessed of half the Kingdom by composition Polychr. li. 6. c. 18. with Edmund, now after his death seized upon the whole▪ and that all things (as was pretended) might proceed with justice, and concord, he called a Counsel of the English Nobility at London; wherein was propounded, whether, in the agreement betwixt Edmund and him, any claim of title to the Crown, had been reserved, for King Edmund's brethren or sons. The English that had paid a very dear rate for their overbold resistance before, not daring now Fear makes flatterers. to buy, with too late repentance, the wrath of this Dane, absolutely answered, Not; and having learned to appease Princes with flattery, offered their swords against any such claims, and took themselves the Oath of allegiance unto Canutus; who being a very wise and politic Prince, thought never the better of them for such their doings; whose truths thus failing towards their natural Princes, could never (he well knew) stand firm for him or his foreign posterity. (2) But being thus cleared of all other opposites, he prepared with great royalty for his Coronation, which was performed at London, by the hands of Lyvingus surnamed Elstane, Archbishop of Canterbury, in the year of Christ jesus 1017. being the second King of Denmark of that Name, the first of England, and the thirty fourth Monarch of this Landlord His first designs for the establishment of the Crown to Canutus' care and policies to settle his Crown. himself and Danish issue, was a care to prevent others near unto the claim, and therefore, taking counsel with Edrike, banished Edwin, who for his melancholy and regardless deportment, was commonly called, the King of Churls, son of King Ethelred, and brother of Edmund; notwithstanding, he was guilefully recalled, and treacherously murdered by his own men, whose body they buried at Tavestocke in Devon-shire. (3) One cloud thus overblown, two others appeared, far more dangerous in Canutus' sight; namely Edward and Edmund the sons of the Iron-side, whom albeit their yongue years might have freed from suspicion of conspiracies, and their gentle dispositions from envying his glory, yet the bright rays of a Diadem so dazzled his jealous eye, that ever he saw (to his own seeming) the reflection thereof shine from their faces: but ashamed (saith Higden) to lay hand on them himself, sent them to his half brother of Sweden, to be made away, as we have said. In Book 7. cap. 44. sect. 20. the doubtful times between Edmund and Canute, when the scale of war was held of either hands alike, Wil Malms. Henry Hunt. C●●ten. Fabian. Queen Emma had sent Edward, and Alfred (her sons by King Ethelred) unto her brother Duke Richard of Normandy; whereby (we see) the Land was emptied of the English blood Royal, and the Crown left for the Dane without competition. Canutus marrieth Queen Emma. (4) Who now seeking to hold fast the Sceptre thus grasped, sought the alliance of the Norman Duke by the espousing of his sister, fair Emma; a suit sounding but harshly in the ears of the English, yea and most of all unto herself, as deeming the link of love very slender, that might be broken by the same hand, which was the death of her Husband: Notwithstanding, after good deliberation, knowing him childless of any lawful successor, upon covenants Emma a very prudent Lady. agreed, that the issue of her body by him, should inherit the English Crown: the suit was granted, hoping also, if that failed betwixt them, to establish her other sons by King Ethelred. This provident respect so pleased the subjects, that it both drew the hearts of the English unto Canutus, and their love unto Emma in a surpassing measure, as the book penned to her praise, and written in that age, entitled Encomium Emmae, sufficiently doth show. Matth. West. (5) Neither was her loving care limited only to her sons, but further extended towards the Commonwealth, being much pestered then with his Danes, that lay lazy and idle as drones in the hive: who at her instigations were sent into Denmark; & jest they should through discontents make any stirs either here or there, had a largesse (to buy their contentment) of fourscore and two thousand pounds. (6) Canutus his next care for the maintenance of his own safety, and the continuance of his new got Empire, was the establishment of good laws (which if duly executed, are the very sinews and strongest A Parliament at Oxford. guards of all States) to be administered and practised both on the English and Dane alike: wherefore calling a Parliament of his Peers unto Oxford, there established many wholesome Acts both for the Clergy Wil Lambert. and laity to observe; some of which were divulged by the praiseworthy care of a studious Antiquary, and a few as touching Religion, as a relish of the Canutus' his godly Laws. rest, we think it not amiss to give the Reader a taste of. (7) And first, for the celebration of Gods most divine service it was ordained, that all decent ceremonies tending to the increase of reverence and devotion, should be used, as need required. That upon the Lord's Sabbath, public Fairs, Markets, Synods, Conventicles, Hunt, & all secular actions should not be exercised, unless some weighty and urgent necessity required it. That every Christian should thrice in the year address himself to the receiving of the blessed sacrament of the Lords Supper. That if a Minister of the Altar killed a man, or else committed any notorious crime, he should be deprived both from his order and dignity. That the married woman convicted for adultery should have her nose and ears cut off. That a widow marrying within the space of twelve months after her husband's decease should loose her jointer. (8) These & many other were made, whereby sin was much restrained, and this realm peaceably and justly governed. As likewise sundry other Countries were by his godly and royal care; as in especial is recorded of a young Gentleman of the Danish royal blood, named Odin, whom King Canute brought over with him into England, to be here trained up in Aiu●●ndus. learning, where he profited so well, as also by his travail through France (whereby he much increased both his knowledge and experience) that he attained the surname of Sapient, and the Philosopher, and therefore was called Odin-char, for the dear esteem wherein all men held him. This man by his preaching in Finland, Zealand, Scandia, and Sweuland, converted great multitudes to the faith of Christ. An. D. 1019. (9) But in Denmark things proceeded not so well; for in the absence of Canutus, and year of Christ's humanity Wil Malmsbury. 1019. the Vandals sore annoyed his subjects: Mat. Westminster. he therefore, in the third of his reign, with a great host of the English passed over the seas, and bad his enemy's battle, which, as Matthew of Westminster writeth, went sore against him the first day; and Earl Goodwin good service to Canutus. preparing again for the next, Earl Goodwin, who was General of the English, attempted a great enterprise: for in the dead of the night, he with his soldiers set upon the Camp of the Vandals, and with a great slaughter of their soldiers, made the two Princes, Vlfus and Anlave to fly the field. Canute ignorant of this acted enterprise, had notice in the morning that the English were fled, for that their station was left, and not a man found: wherefore following the tract, even to the enemy's camp, Henry Hunting. Polydor. Fabian. by streams of blood, and dead bodies of the Vandals; he saw the great overthrow that the English had given them, for which he ever after held them in great estimation. Alb. Krantius. (10) Albertus Krantius, the Danish historian, reporteth that Olanus King of Sweyden, having assisted Canute against Edmund the Ironside, and seeing himself to be neglected in the▪ composition betwixt them, moved such stirs in Denmark, that Canutus was forced thither again; where by the prowess of his English he repulsed Olanus, who lastly was slain by his own subjects. An. D. 1028. Wil Malmsbury. Mat. Westminster (11) William of Malmesbury and Matthew of Westminster record, that in the year 1032. he undertook an expedition into Scotland, with prosperous success against Malcolme the King thereof, with two other Princes called Melbeath and jeohmare. But being at length overburdened as it were with his own greatness, and surfeited with glory, which sometimes he had so greedily desired (as even the greatest earthly delights have their fullness) he resolved on a more placable course of life, and to affect a higher and heavenly glory, which hath never satiety or end. And therefore his devotion being great unto Godward, Rom. 10. 2. on a zealous intent, (such a zeal as S. Paul commended in the devout Israelites) he took a journey to Rome, to visit the sepulchers of S. Peter and Paul in the fifteenth year of his reign; & thence sent his letters to his English Bishops and Nobility, beginning thus. (12) Canute King of all England, Denmark, Norway and Sweyden, to Ailnothus Metropolitan, etc. Wil Malmsb. Wherein having first set down the reason of his pilgrimage to Rome, which was especially to honour S. Peter, as he had been taught by Wisemen, that S. Peter had received from Christ the great power of binding and losing, and was also the Key-bearer of heaven-gates, for which cause (jest S. Peter should not open the same unto him when he should come thither) he held it most behoveful for him to procure his Patronage more than all the rest of Saints; then making relation of his honourable entertainment with the Emperor▪ Pope, and other foreign Princes, showeth what complaint he had made against Can●tus complaineth of the Pope's extortions in England. the excessive exactions and huge sums of money extorted by the Pope from the English archbishops, at such time as they received their Palles from Rome; for redress whereof, and of other abuses, the Pope in a solemn assembly of four archbishops, twenty Bishops, and an innumerable multitude of Princes and Nobles obliged himself: And thence proceedeth His godly resolution touching his own actions. in vowing the whole remainder of his life and reign, to the only service of God, and due administration of justice to his people; to which end, he first gives Touching his counsellors. command to his counsellors, that thence forward they dare not, for whatsoever respect, to give way or connivence to any the lest injustice in his Kingdom; and next to his Officers of justice, that as they tender Touching hi● judges and justiciaries. his royal favour and their own lives, they swerver not from Equity in execution of their places, in respect of any man whosoever, not not, for the enriching of the Kings own Coffers, because (saith he) I hold it not needful, that treasure should be heaped together Touching hi● Treasure. for me, by any unjust exactions: and so concludeth with a strict charge to all his Bishops and justices, upon their allegiance both to God and himself, to take order in his absence, that God's Church, and his Ministers, be not defrauded of their Tithes and Touching God● Church. rights, whereof he vows at his return to take a most severe account. (13) By this his great care of his own salvation, and his people's tranquillity, we may see the zeal of those dark days, to have been accompanied with the works of true piety; whose carnal applications of the spiritual texts, may well condemn these clearer times, and days of more brightness, wherein we Apocal. 3. 7. know, that this Key-keeper of heaven, is no other but the very Christ, who hath the Key of David, which openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth. And that this King's zeal might be further seen, by his magnific works, he began to manifest His Munificence it even at Rome, where giving many large gifts unto S. Peter's Church, he also made free the Saxons School from all tributes. His magnificent buildings, etc. (14) In Essex he built the Church of Ashdon, where he had the victory against King Edmund. In Norfolk the Abbey of S. Benet's, which Saint he greatly reverenced; and in Suffolk with an especial devotion built and endowed the Monastery of S. Edmund, which Saint he most dreadly feared: for Joss●lin. de Brank●●nd. it is reported, that the seeming-ghost of Edmund often affrighted him; for which cause, as also to expiate the sins of his father, who had done great damage to his possession, he inverged the same with a deep ditch, and offered up his Crown upon the Martyr's Tomb. Most rich and royal jewels he gave the Church of Winchester, whereof one, is recorded to be a Cross, worth as much as the whole revenue of England amounted to S. Augustine's arm at a high rate. in one year: unto Coventry he gave the Arm of S. Augustine the great Doctor; which he bought at Papia in his return from Rome, and for which he paid an hundred talents of silver, and one of gold. Canutus' his flatterers. (15) The magnificent greatness of this glorious King, so overflowed in the mouths of his flatterers, that they extolled him, with Alexander, Cyrus, and Caesar, and to be possessed with power, more than human: to convict these his fawning overprizers, being then at Southampton, he commanded (saith Henry of Huntingdon) that his chair should be Henry Hunt. set on the shore, when the sea began to flow, and then in the presence of his many attendants; spoke thus to that Element. Thou art part of my dominion, and the ground whereon I sit is mine, neither was there ever any that durst disobey my command, or breaking it, escaped unpunished; I charge thee therefore presume not into my land, neither Mat. 8. 26. 27. Exod. 14▪ 21. wet thou these robes of thy Lord: but the Sea (which obeyeth only one Lord) giving no heed to his threats, kept on the usual course of tide, first wetting his skirts; and after his thighs; when suddenly rising to give way for the still approaching His humility. waves, he thus spoke in the hearing of all: Let the world's inhabitants know, that vain and weak is the power of their Kings; and that none is worthy the name of King, but he that keeps both heaven, earth and sea in obedience, and bindeth them in the everlasting law of subjection. After which time he would never suffer the Crown to be set upon his head, but presently crowned therewith, the picture of our Saviour on the Cross at Winchester: unto such strong illusions were those godly Princes lead, by the guides that ever made gain of their devotions. (16) From the example of this Canutus (saith Peter Peter Pictau. Pictaviensis Chancellor of Paris) arose the custom to hung up the Armour of worthy men in Churches, as offerings consecrated unto Him, in whose battles they had purchased renown, either by victory and life, or in their Country's service attained to an honourable death. And surely, howsoever this King is taxed of ambition, pride and vainglory, for which some have not stuck to say, that he made his john Cast●r. journey to Rome, rather to show his pomp and riches, then for any humble devotion or religious intent, yet by many his intercurrent actions and laws of piety enacted, he may justly be cleared of that Simon Dun. imputation; as also by the testimony of Simon Monk of Durham, who reporteth his humility to be such, that with his own hands he did help to remove the body of S. Aelphegus at the translation of it from London unto Canterbury, whom the Danes (notwithstanding his archiepiscopal & sacred calling) before had martyred at Greenwich: and by the testimony of Polydor hist. Angl. lib. ●. Lanquet. Guido, Polydore, Lanquet, and others, he was a Prince of such temperance and justice, that no other in this West of the World was so highly renowned, or might be compared unto him in heroical virtues, or true humility. Saxon Grammaticus. Al●er. Crantius. (17) Saxo Crammaticus, & Albertus Krantius the Writers of the Danish histories, deduce Canutus by a line all succession through the line of their Kings in this manner: He was (say they) the son of King swain (surnamed Things keg) by Sigred his wife, the widow of Erick, by whom she had Olafe Scotconning King of Sweyden: unto▪ which Sweyne she bore also Almund●ss. Bremensis. Ostrid a daughter, the mother of Thira, the mother of King Sweyne the younger. The elder Sweyne was the son of King Harold, surnamed Blaatand, by Gonhild his Queen, who bore him also Iring King of Northumberland, and Gonhild Queen of North-Wales. The father of Harold was King Gormond, whose Queen was Thira the daughter of King Ethelred, the twenty third Monarch of England, who bore unto him the said Harold, and another Canute both most valiant Princes; which two Gallants invading this land, were (for their brave resolutions) by their Grandfather proclaimed heirs apparent to all his dominions: the credit of which relations I leave to my forenamed Authors; but Canute (the elder brother) died very soon after, being Holiness. invasion of Ireland. deadly wounded in the siege of Dublin in Ireland; where perceiving death at hand, he gave strict charge to his attendants, to keep the same very secret till the City were taken, that so neither his own Army should be daunted, nor the enemy encouraged by the loss of the General. Gurmo, his aged Father, (to digress but in a word) so incredibly loved him, that he had vowed to kill with his own hands any person whosoever that should tell him the news of his sons death: which when Thira his mother now heard of, she used this policy to make it known to the King her husband. She prepared mourning apparel for him, and all other things fitting for funeral exequys, laying aside all Regal robes, and ceremonies of princely state, without intimating any cause of this sad solemnity; which the old King no sooner perceived, but he lamentably cried out, woe is me, I know my son is dead; and with excessive grief he presently died. But to return from that Canutus, to close up the reign of this our Monarch in hand. (18) In whom the Danish glories having ascended to the highest, began now again to decline towards their wane by the death of this great King; who, after he had in great glory reigned above nineteen years, deceased at Shaftesbury in the county of Dorset the twelfth of November, the year of Christ's Incarnation, 1035, and was buried in the Church of the old Monastery at Winchester, which being after new built, his bones with many other English Saxon Kings were taken up, and are preserved in guilt coffers fixed upon the walls of the Choir in that Cathedral Church. His Wives. Albert. Cran●ius. (19) Algive, by most writers, a concubine to King Canutus, was the daughter of a Mercian Duke named Elfhelme, who is said to have been Earl of Northampton; and her Mother's name was Vlfrune, Inheritrix of the Town Hampton in Stafford-shire, from her called Vlfrun-Hampton, now Woller-hampton: This Lady Alfgive to make Canutus more firm to her love, herself being barren, is reported to have feigned Childbirth and to have laid in her bed the son of a Priest, whom Canute took to be his own, and named him Swain; him afterwards he created King of Norway, which lately he had conquered from Olaffe called the Martyr. The like policy, saith Higden and others, she used in bringing forth Harold her second son, who was (say they) the son of a souter; notwithstanding I think the condition of the mother, who lived in disdain, and died in disgrace, rather caused this report to be blazed, than any such baseness of birth in the sons. (20) Emma, the second wife of King Canute, was the widow of King Ethelred the Unready; and from the time of her first marriage was called in England, Elfgive, after the name of most of the former Queens, which had succeeded Saint Elfgive. She was married Poly●hr. unto him in the month of july, and year of Christ jesus one thousand and seventeen▪ being the first year of his reign: whose wife she was eighteen years, and surviving, kept still at Winchester, unto which Church she gave nine Manors, Ran. Higden. lib. ●. cap. 23. Wil Malm●b. according to the number of those fiery plowshares that she was forced to go upon, for her purgation, in the reign of Edward her son, as shall be said. This Church she adorned with many goodly vestures, and very rich jewels: and deceasing in this City the sixt of March, the year of Grace one thousand fifty and two and ninth of her son King Edward's reign, was buried in the Church of S. Swithine near unto Canutus her husband. His Issue. Albert. Crant. (21) Sweyn, the eldest son of Canute by Lady Alfgive, was borne before his father was King of England, and before his father's death, was constituted King of Norway, lately conquered from King Olafe the Martyr; where he began his Reign, in the year of man's salvation one thousand thirty and five, being the eighteenth of his father's Reign in England; and after he had with dislikes ruled that Realm, the space of five years, he was rejected of the Norwegians his subjects, and deceasing without heir of his body, left the Kingdom to the native heir, Magnus, the son of Olaffe, who had been wrongfully dispossessed by Canute. (22) Harold, the second son of King Canute and of Lady Alfgive▪ was also born before his father obtained the English Crown, & for his exceeding swiftness was surnamed Harefoot: He remained with his father in England, after he had disposed of Denmark to Hardicanute, and Norway to Sweyne, his brethren, expecting something in reversion. But perceiving at his father's death, that England was also appointed to his brother Hardicanute, he took the advantage of his absence, and assumed the Sovereignty of this Kingdom to himself. (23) Hardi-Canute, the third son of King Canute, and his first by Queen Emma his wife, was borne about the beginning of his father's Reign, and towards the end of the same, was constituted King of the Danes, and designed to succeed him after his death in the Kingdom of England: But being absent then in Denmark, was disappointed by his brother Harold, who succeeded his father, after whose death he also succeeded him. (24) Gunhilda, the daughter of King Canute, and of Emma his Queen, was the first wife of Henry the Wil Malmsb. de▪ ge●●▪ r●●um. Angl. cap. 12. Third, Roman Emperor, son of the Emperor Conrade, the second of that name surnamed Salic: she was a Lady of a surpassing beauty, which either moved her husband's mind unto jealousy, or the over-lavish report thereof to breed surmise of incontinency; for accused she was of adultery, and to defend her cause by combat, none could be found, till lastly her Page, brought with her from England, seeing no other would adventure for her innocency, entered the list, himself but a youth, in regard of the other Combatant being a Giantlike man; yet in fight at one blow, cutting the sinews of his enemy's Ran. Higd●n. in Poly●●. lib. 6. ca 21. leg, with another he field him to the ground, where presently with his sword, he took his head from the shoulders, and so redeemed his Lady's life. After which hard usage, the Empress Gunhilda forsook her husband's bed, and by no means could be brought again unto the same, but took the holy vail of a Nun in the Town of Burges in Flanders; where she spent the rest of her life, and after her Henry Hunt. lib. 6. Mar●an. Scot Rob. Fabian. death was buried in the Collegiate Church of S. Donatian, being the principal of that town, where her Monument remaineth besides the north door of the same Church unto this day. (25) Another Lady of the like sanctity, is reported to be the daughter of King Canut, and the second wife of Godescalke Prince of the Vandals, by whom he had Henry King of that Nation. They both are said to have suffered Martyrdom for the faith of Christ; he first at the City of Lenzim, and she after at Michelenburg, being most cruelly tortured to death with whips. This Lady upon sundry strong inducements cannot be reputed legitimate, which moved Andrew Velley, a Danish Writer in our time, to be therein of a divers opinion from Adam of Breme, and Helmoldus who lived five hundred years before him. HAROLD, THE SECOND DANISH KING REIGNING IN ENGLAND, AND THE THIRTY FIFT MONARCH OF THE LAND, HIS REIGN, AND ACTS. CHAPTER four DRE●●H ROL. 3 SIL. PINE O●●EO ▪ LI. An. D. 1036. CANUTUS being dead, & Hardicanute his son by Queen Emma then in Mat. Westminster. Denmark; Harold his Wil Malms. elder (but base brother) foreslowed not the opportunity offered; for seeing himself in his father's life time neglected, and by will at his death, England Petor de Jo●an. with that of Denmark heaped upon Hardicanut: as quick in apprehension, as he was of footmanshippe (whereof arose the surname Hare-foot,) made strong his side by the Londoners, and Danes, Mercians, & Northumbrians very many, yea and some great Personages amongst them, affecting his claim: Henry Hunt. but Goodwin of Kent who had the Queen and her treasure in keeping, stood in his way, pretending himself Guardian of her Children, & the will of Canutus, who appointed his son by her to succeed. (2) The opposition grew strong, and the factions ripened, even ready to seed, only the linger of Hardicanute gave leave unto Harold to better his side by daily supplies, and the fears of civil sedition moved the Nobility to argue with words and not weapons, the title depending betwixt these two brethren. At Oxford they met, where the presence of the one, downe-peized the absence of the other, so that their voices went only with Harold, and presently proclaimed and consecrated him King. Floriacens●●. (3) He began his reign the year of Christ's humanity, 1036. and was very solemnly crowned at Oxford by Elnothus Archbishop of Canterbury, though for a time, he was very unwilling to perform that service; for it is reported, that he having the regal sceptre and Crown in his custody, with an oath refused to consecrated any other for King, so long as the Queen's children were living; For (said he) Canutus committed them to my trust and assurance, and to them will I give my faith and allegiance. This Sceptre and Crown therefore I here lay down upon this Altar; neither do I deny, nor deliver them to you; but I require by the apostolic authority, all Bishops, that none of them presume to take the same away, neither therewith that they consecrated you for King: as for yourself if you dare, you may usurp that which I have committed to God on this his Table. Notwithstanding that great thunderclappe was allayed with the showers of golden promises, of his just and religious Government intended, though present experience manifested the contrary. Encom. E●●●. (4) For saith the ancient Writer of the book called Encomium Emmae: Harold no sooner was established King, but that he sought means how to rid Queen Emma out of the way, and that secretly, for openly he durst not attempt any thing against her: She in silence kept herself quiet, looking for the issue of his designs. But Harold maliciously purposing, took counsel how he might train into his Hay the sons of Queen Emm●, that so all occasion of dangers against him might at once for all be cut off: many projects propounded, this lastly took effect; that a letter should be counterfeited in Queen Emmas name, unto her sons Edward and Alfred, to instigate them to attempt the crown usurped by Harold, against their right, the tenure whereof we have thought good here to insert. (5) Emma, Queen only in name, to Edward and Alfred her sons, sendeth motherly greetings. Whilst severally we bewail the death of our Sovereign, my Lord and your Father, and yourselves (dear sons) still more and more dispossessed from the Kingdom, your lawful inheritance; I greatly marvel what you determine to do, sigh you know, that the delay of attempts gives the usurper more leisure to lay his foundation, and more safely to set thereon his intended buildings; for incessantly he posteth from town to town, and from City to City, to make the Lords and Rulers thereof his, either by threats, prayers, or present rewards. But this in private they signify, that they had rather one of you their Natives should reign over them, than this usurper & Danish stranger. Wherefore my desire is, that either of you secretly, and with all speed come unto me, whereby we may advise together what is to be done in this so great an enterprise: than whose good success, I desire nothing more. Fail not therefore to sand word by this my messenger, how you mean to proceed: and so far ye well, my dearest bowels, & very inwards of my heart. (6) These letters thus carried and cunningly delivered, were digested as savouring of no falsehood; and by the bringers, others returned, that Alfred should come shortly over to attend his mother's designs: these, brought unto Harold, the coasts were forelaid, and longing expectation attended the prey. Alfred as forward to set on his voyage, Enc●m. Emm●. made Baldwin Earl of Flanders his; and some few Bullogners increasing his Fleet, he took the seas for England: where coming to shore, Earl Goodwin met him, and binding his assurance with his corporal oath, become his liegeman, and guide to Queen Emma; but being wrought firm for Harold, treacherously led these strangers a contrary way, and at Guildford lodged them in several companies, making known to the King what he had done: who forthwith apprehended them even in their beds, and in the morning as chained prisoners, committing them to slaughter, contrary to the wont manner of military decimation, did spare and exempt only every tenth man for service or sale: Prince Alfred himself was sent prisoner to Ra●d Higden, in Polychr▪ lib. 6. cap. 21. the Isle of Ely, where having his eyes inhumanly put out, lived not long after in torment and grief. (7) Some add unto the former, an other, much more horrible kind of cruelty, as that his belly was opened, and one end of his bowels drawn Wil C●●●on. out, and fastened to a stake, his body pricked with sharp needles, or poniards, was forced about till all his entrails were extracted, in which most savage torture he ended his innocent life. Henry Hunting. (8) Harold thus freed from one, the other he thought would no further attempt; and therefore the more boldly set himself against their mother Queen Emm●, whose goods he confiscated, and banished her out of the Realm: who thus distressed, was honourably received, and for three years space maintained by Baldwin Earl of Flanders. (9) The Dane then seeing his hazards thus prevented, sought so to secure himself, and with sixteen ships of the Danish Fleet kept the seas, which continued ever in a readiness, and waffed from Port to Port; to the maintenance whereof, he charged the English with great payments, to their no little grudge & repining; whereby he lost the love of his subjects before it had well taken root in their hearts. 10) Neither yet held he on long in these disroiall courses, for that his speedy death did cut off Malmsb. Hen Hunting. Stow. the infamy of a longer life; and is said to have died at Oxford in the month of April, the year of Christ jesus, 1040, after he had reigned four years & some months: whose body was at first interred at Westminster, having been neither in wars so hardy, nor in government so prosperous, as his Father Canut before him had been, nor left behind him either wife or children, to survive his person, or revive his name. Hardicanut. Monarch 36 HARDICANUTE, THE THIRD DANISH KING THAT REIGNED IN ENGLAND, AND THE THIRTY SIXT MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN, AND DEATH. CHAPTER V. CNUTRE ✚ H R 3 SIL. ✚ EL PINEONPICE: THe States of the land, aswell An. D. 1040. English as Danes, that had stood for Harold, both Simon Dunel. in obtaining and keeping Mat. Westminster. the Crown, now seeing him fallen, thought it best to make way for their peace, before Hardicanut by his sword should purchase their subjection; therefore with all hast they sent into Denmark, with proffers of the sceptre, and their forward allegiance only unto him. Those parts beyond seas, were not then so subiective, as to build his hopes there upon any sure ground; for the Norwegians had thrust out his half-brother Sweyne, and had elected Magnus the son of Olaffe for their King; so that small assurance could he perceive of any quiet commonweal among them: and therefore foreslowing not the offer, immediately embarked his men of war, and with so favourable a wind took seas, that he arrived upon the coast of Kent, the sixt day after he had set sail out of Denmark; and with great pomp conveyed to London, was there proclaimed England's King. (2) He began his Reign in the year of Grace one thousand and forty, and was crowned in London by Elnothus Archbishop of Canterbury, being the thirty sixt Monarch of the Englishmen: his reign was spent in doing nothing, unless you will say, in doing evil he did something. (3) For no sooner had he a power to command, but he forthwith commanded the body of his half-brother the deceased King, to be digged up, and with spiteful disgrace to be thrown into Thamisis, where it remained until a Fisherman found it, and buried it in the Churchyard of S. Clement without Temple-bar, commonly called Saint Clement-Danes, John Stow. in his Survey of London for that (saith Stow) it was the burying place of the Danes: this cruelty showed, was pretended for the hard usage of Queen Emma his mother, though partly spiced with revenge for his usurpation of the Crown against him. (4) Yet is worthily to be commended, for the reverent regard he bore to his Mother, and loving affection to his Brother; for no sooner was he risen out of the throne of his Coronation, but that he sent honourable Embassage unto Earl Baldwine, with many thanks to him, for her princely usage, and for her to return into England to her former estate, and place of Queen. His brother Prince Edward coming over to visit them both, was most honourably received, retained, and dismissed; and these are the virtues regardable in this King. (5) But his vices were more, and concerned more personnes; for a great Epicure he was, and given much unto Cups, whereby he trained the body to belly cheer, and sense to be subject to sloth and drunkenness; four times every day were his tables Henry Hunting. spread, and plenteously with all Cates furnished, ever Wil Malmsb. de rer. Ang. R●nd. Higden. in Polycr. li. 6. ca 22. commanding that his courtiers, guests, and servants, should rather leave, for superfluity, then call, for lack: which howsoever it was in him accounted for Royal bounty, yet it caused in the people (who use to praise the Sovereign's virtues, but imitate his vices) a riotous looseness, and the Commonweal to lie sick of consumptions, bred by such excess of those gross humours in her body. (6) This wrought in him a careless neglect of government in State, so that the whole managing thereof was committed to his mother Queen Emma, a woman extremely covetous, and to Goodwin, Wil Malmsbury. the rich and politic Earl of Kent; who seeing the present state carried wholly away with present pleasures, thought that a fit subject for him to work upon; for the King not married (unless it were to his lewd will) and Edward likely to succeed, of an over soft temperature; he thought these both might prove advantageous to his ambition, and therefore bethought him, how the crown might be worn by him or his. (7) Therefore, to separate the hearts of the subjects Goodwins devilish policy. from the Prince (than which, there can be no greater a wound unto both,) he caused the King Henry Hunt. Wil Malmsbury. Mat. Westminster Simon Dun. to impose heavy tributes upon the English, only to pay the Danes in his Fleet, appointing every common Soldier and Mariner, to receive eight marks in money, & every officer and Master twelve; which amounted to the sum of thirty two thousand, one hundred forty seven pounds: for the payment whereof, there was so great a grudge, that two of the Collectors, Thurstane and Feader were slain by the Citizens of Worcester; which caused their City to be burnt, and part of the country spoiled by the King's command, and their Bishop Alfred expulsed the See, till with money he had purchased his peace. This Bishop's hands (as was said) were deep in the murder of Prince Alfred, the King's half brother, whom we spoke of; yea, and Goodwin himself was put to his purgation by oath, for the clearing of his suspicions in that treacherous and brutish fact: which oath was the lighter urged, and the easier received for his rich and bounteous gifts, immediately Goodwins gifts. before presented to the King, and that was a ship, whose stern was of gold, with fourscore soldiers therein placed, all uniformly and richly suited. On their heads they all wore guilt Burgenets, and on their bodies a triple guilt habergion, a sword with guilt hilts girded to their wastes, a battaile-axe (after the manner of the Danes) on their left shoulders, a target with guilt bosses borne in their left hands, a dart in the right, their arms bound about with two bracelets of gold, containing sixteen ounces in weight. Aimundus Bremensis, M. S. cap. 108. (8) Aimundus Bremensis writing the Stories of those times; showeth, that the three sons of Canute were possessed of the three Kingdoms, England, Denmark, and Norway, though the father by Will, had disposed of the first otherwise; which moved Hardi-Canute much to malign the royalty of Harold, whose Crown by birth and covenant belonged to him; and therefore with great preparation, intending to recover his right, he entered the Sea, and came into Flanders, where having notice of the usurpers death, his rage was stayed, and he peaceably came in, and received the Crown. (9) And that Swein (called the Younger) King of Denmark, to assist his uncle Hardi-Canute against Harold the usurper of England's Crown, with a great Army prepared thitherward; and taking the Seas, were by tempest driven upon the coasts of Hadeloe, where his Army doing some hurt, was set upon and Idem. cap. 109. discomfited by the soldiers of the Archbishop: himself amongst them being taken prisoner, and brought into the presence of the Archbishop, was by him most honourably received, and conveyed unto Breme, who there entered a league with him, and with gifts and other compliments, after a few days▪ suffered him to departed; who likewise hearing of the death of King Harold, returned back to his own Country, where shortly after he was much molested by Magnus the son of Olaf, then reigning King over the Norwegians. Idem. M. S. ●. 1ST▪ (10) Hardi-Canute in England, hearing of those stirs, thought it his part to aid his Nephew King Sweyn, against the invasions of Magnus: and therefore he sent one Sueno his kinsman, with an Army of the English, to re-establish King Sweyn in his Throne. These entered Norway, and the Field against the Norwegians, but by them were so overlaied▪ that he left Magnus the vanquisher, and returned again for England; but before he could arrive the Shore, King Hardi-Canute was dead, with whom died the issue of that war; whose death was sudden, and after this manner. Simon Dun. Matth. West. (11) At the celebration of a great marriage, contracted betwixt a Danish Lord, called Canut-Prudan, and Lady Githa, the daughter of a Nobleman, whose name was Osgot Clappa; in a solemn assembly, & banquet at Lambeth the eight of june, reveling and carousing amidst his cups, he suddenly fell down without speech or breath: whose loss was the less lamented for his excess, riotousness, and unwonted exactions: but chief because a much better was then to succeed him; having himself had neither wife nor child that is read off. Yea, so far Lambert. Peram●. in Sandwich. were all sorts from bewailing him, that in regard of the freedom from the Danish yoke, which they attained by his decease, ever since among the common people; the day of his death is annually celebrated with open pastimes in the streets (as the old Romans kept their fugalia, for chase out of their Kings,) which time is now called Hoctide or Hucxtide, signifying a time of scorning or contempt, which fell upon the Danes by his death. His body with all due obsequies was interred at Winchester by his fathers, after he had voluptuously reigned two years lacking ten days, and departed his life and kingdom the year of Christ jesus, 1042. (12) With the death of this King died all rule of the Danes in this land, and the sacred spark of the Saxons fire (through three of their successions) buried in their own ashes, began now to take flame and to burn most bright, which was Prince Edward (now commonly called the Confessor) the son of King Ethelred; and albeit there were others betwixt him and the crown, as namely, Edward and Edmund the sons of the Iron-side, yet the one dying in Hungary without issue of body, the other there living as a banished man (by surname the Outlaw) was See book 7. cap. 44. sect. 9 neither so well regarded, nor thought so worthy of government, as this other Edward was, whom therefore they sent for, and with so great applause and acclamations proclaimed, that the present joy seemed to prognosticate a perpetual happiness to the English, who had been most miserably afflicted by the Danes, for the space of two hundred forty two years; though this line again failed, before it was well begun. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR, SON OF KING ETHELRED, THE THIRTY SEVENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: HIS REIGN, virtues, AND MARRIAGE. CHAPTER VI. ANGLOR BASIL I ✚ SIGILLV ADWARDI ANGLORV BASIL I ✚ SIGILLV ADWARDI EDP RD NGLOR 3 SIL. RIHONEFRPI O●●G An. D. 1042. Henry Hunting. EDward, the Third of that Name before the Conquest, half-brother to the deceased Hardi-Canute, and son to King Ethelred by Queen Emma his wife, was by the provident care of a Mother's affection, (when the variable success of War, doubtfully depended betwixt Edmund the English, and Polydor. Canutus the Dane) sent into Normandy to Duke Richard Rand. Higden. her Brother, there to be secured from all domestical stirs: and now, before the dead corpse could be interred, with a general consent of the Nobles was elected their King. Legend. Au●. i● vit. S. Edward. (2) I know well that in the legend of this holy man's life, more things are recorded, then with safety of truth may be either believed, or delivered; as that he was chosen King by consent of Parliament, when as yet he was in his mother's womb, Ethelred his Father at the same time having many other sons alive; as also when the destroying Danes had extinguished by their wars almost the whole Royal issue of the English, the holy Monk Brightwold, of Glastenbury deploring their loss, and the Lands miserable estate, had Wil Malmsbury. Henry Hunt. lib. 6. Polycr. li. 6. ca 18. in vision this Edward, than an Exile, presented unto him by the Apostle S. Peter himself, who then anointing him King in his sight, telling him that his Reign should be peaceable, and twenty three years for continuance; Brightwold yet unsatisfied who should next succeed, demanded the resolution, and was answered by Peter, that the Kingdom of England was God's own Kingdom; for whose successors himself would provide. With such vain predictions our otherwise true Stories are overcharged; which moved Philip Comineus. Comineus the worthy French Historian, to tax the English with over much credulity that way. (3) But most true it is, that the English Nobility disclaiming all Danish subjection, presently upon the death of King Harold▪ enacted, That none of their blood should any more reign over them: putting this their decree in execution by cassiering all Danes from the Castles, Forts, and Garrison Towns throughout all the Land, whence some even of their Blood Royal were forced to departed. Then sending security into Normandy, with proffer of the Crown unto Prince Edward, had his consent, and assistance of Duke William his cozen german. (4) This Edward (as elsewhere hath been said) was borne at Islip near unto Oxford, and tenderly educated by Queen Emma his Mother; and after his Father's death; for safety sent into France; where, by his sweet conversation he gained the love of all, and as much himself affected those strangers, which was some blemish of policy in the face of his government, when he had got the Diadem, as being of disposition over-soft, and ever too pliant (an imperfection in a Sovereign) to take the impress of any stamp. In which mould, the aspiring Goodwin Earl of Kent, doth cast the fabric of his own designs; who had made away Alfred, his younger, but of a more resolute spirit, that so the basis of his own pillar (whose top in time he hoped to crown) might be set, if not upon, yet with the nearest to the Throne. Rand. Higden. Marian. Scot●s. (5) He therefore, the for most both in will and power, used both to establish Prince Edward in his right, being seconded by Leofrick Earl of Chester, and Lyvingus Bishop of Worcester, and indeed with the general assistance of all the English▪ who now were so jealous of all foreign powers, that they forbade an overgreat train of Normans, (though coming for his aid) to attend their new-chosen King. Alfred Beverel. John Rouse. (6) His Coronation was at Winchester, with great concourse of people, and the celebration performed by Edsine, Archbishop of Canterbury, upon the very day of Christ his resurrection, (being also a new-rising day to the English Nation) the year of grace 1042. himself being aged then towards forty, and was in number the thirty seventh Monarch of England, where he reigned with such justice & Piety, that he obtained the venerable name of Saint, and unto posterities is distinguished from the other Edward's, by the adjunct Confessor. Rand. Higden, in Polyc●r. lib. 6. cap. 24. (7) In the entrance of his government, to witness his love to his people, he sought every way the furtherance of their wealth, and afterwards remitted the most heavy Tribute of forty thousand pounds yearly gathered by the name of Dane-gilt, which had been imposed by his Father, and paid for forty years' continuance, out of the lands of all, except only the Clergy, because, (say our ancient laws,) the Kings reposed Cambd. Britan. de Danis. more confidence in the prayers of holy Church, then in the power of Armies. Then, from the divers Laws of the Mercians, Westsaxons, Danes, and Northumbrians, he selected the best, and made of them one body certain, and written in Latin, (that all men of any learning might know whereon to rely) to be the touch of his commonwealths Pleas, and the squire by which he would have every right to be measured; being (in a sort) the fountain of those, which at this day we term the Common Laws, though the forms of pleading & process therein, were afterward brought in by the Couquest. (8) The reign of this King by most writers records, was more spent in peace & works of true piety, them in wars, and blood, though some dissensions happened both domestical, and foreign: for about the year one thousand forty five, and third of his Reign, a royal Navy was rigged in Sandwich haven, against Magnus' King of Norway, who then intended to invade England, and indeed had so done, if the wars of Sweyn King of Denmark had not diverted his purpose. Albert. Crantius, (9) This Sweyn was the son of Duke Wolf by Ostryd his Duchess, sister to Hardicanut, who as I found Aimundus Bremensis. written in the manuscript of Aimundus Bremensis, being in possession of two kingdoms, prepared his Navy for the conquest of England also. But, (saith he) King Edward governing that Kingdom with great justice and Love, chose rather his peace with proffers of Tribute, and promises that after his death the Crown should be his, yea though himself should have children: howbeit this seemeth not to sound for truth; For Sweyn sending his Ambassadors unto Edward to crave aid against Magnus (his grievous and mortal Enemy,) could obtain none; and Harold Harfager, the successor of Magnus, and enemy to Sweyn, presently thereupon sent unto Edward for a league of amity, which was ratified firmly betwixt them. (10) Neither may we think that ever he meant his Crown that way; for that besides the decree enacted against all Danish claims, his desire to establish it in the English blood is most manifest, by sending for Edward his Nephew, the son of Edmund Ironside, Matth. West. remaining in Hungary, and that so long out of England that he was called the Outlaw; who coming over, brought with him his wife Agatha, and children, Edgar a son, and Margaret and Christian King Edward d●signe●h the Crown to an Englishman. his daughters; him Edward meant to have made heir to the Crown, had he not been prevented by hasty death, whereupon the King designed young Edgar, his son, the heir apparent, and gave him the surname of Adeling, a name of great honour appropriated to the Princes of the blood, and men capable of the Crown. In the ●ixt year of his rain. Henry Hunt. (11) Besides these former attempts, certain Danish Pirates entered the Port of Sandwich, which with all the Seacoasts of Essex they spoilt, and in Flaunders made Merchandise of their prey. The Irish likewise with thirty six ships entered Severn, and with the assistance of Griffith king of South-Wales burnt or flew all that they found; against whom Alfred Bishop of Worcester went and fought; but with such success, that many of his Soldiers were slain, and the rest put to flight; which made the Welshmen far more An. D. 1053. Mat. West minster. Chron. of Wale●. bold, and Rese, the brother of Griffith, make many incursions to fetch preys out of England, till at length he was slain at Bulenden, and his head presented to king Edward at Gloucester. (12) His domestical molestations, were chiefly by Earl Goodwin and his sons; and those first springing upon this following occasion. Eustace the elder, Earl of Boulogne, who had married Goda, sister Wil Malmsbury. by the father's side to King Edward, came into England to visit him then lying at Gloucester, and returning homeward, at Canterbury his Harbinger dealing roughly with a Burgess for lodgings, caused his Rand. Hig. own death; which when his Lord heard of, thirsting for revenge, he slew eighteen Citizens in the heat of his fury: the Canterburians in as great a rage got them to armour, and slew twenty of his retinue, wounding many more, and made the Earl to recoil; whose grievous complaint coming to the King, he commanded Goodwin to see execution done upon the offenders. Earl Goodwin not hasty to follow his commission, advised the King to examine the cause before he massacred his true subjects at the instigation of Strangers; whereat King Edward was highly offended, and Goodwin thereby gained great love of the Commons. This occasioned Robert Gemeticensis a Norman, first made Bishop of London, and after Archbishop of Canterbury, to spread the Curtain of disfavour betwixt Goodwin and the King, urging his refusal as an Act of Contempt, wherein more dangers might lie hid then were to be suffered; whereupon Edward called an assembly of Estates, appointing a day of meeting at Gloucester. Mal●s●. (13) The Commons (whose common guise is, deadly to hate all strangers, though many times well deserving) now seeing Earl Goodwin in danger for their good, were easily drawn▪ to assist him and his cause, and in warlike manner guarded his person, at Beaver stane not far from the King. The Estates assembled, and Goodwin sent for, he refused to come, pretending service against the Welsh, then ready to make inroads, and that his presence was more needful there, then at Court; albeit the welshmen cleared themselves by sending their Ambassadors unto the King. The suspicions increasing, great preparation on both sides was made; to assist the King came Leofricke the worthy Earl of Chester, Siward the stout Earl of Northumberland, and Rodulfe Earl of Hereford his sister Godas' son, by her first husband Walter de Magne. Rand. Higden. Matt. West. Simon Dun. (14) To Goodwin repaired his people of Southerie and Kent, and to him were brought by Swain his son, the men of Oxford, Somerset, Hereford, Gloucester, and Berk-shires; unto whom, Harold his other son, joined those of Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, and Huntingdon-shires, so that his host was exceedingly great, and his mind thereby so inflated, that from Langton, where he lay, he sent a bold and Traitorous demand to the King, to have Earl Eustace of Boulogne with all his French and Normans (that kept then in the Castle of Dover) to be delivered unto him, and his sons: which being (as good reason was) refused, the Battle was prepared, and brought to the very point of hazard and ruin of all: For in that quarrel were assembled the greatest Peers, and Lords of the Land, the King's love swaying very much with many, but yet the hatred towards Strangers possessing the hearts of more. The beginning thus doubtful, and the end like to prove dangerous; the matter both with great foresight and providence was referred unto Parliament, to be holden at London with all convenient haste, whereunto pledges were both given and received on either parts. (15) King Edward strongly guarded with an Army of the Mercians and Northumbrians, entered London, and Goodwin with his sons in warlike manner came into Southwark to his own house. But his Army wavering, and (as bad causes & consciences make men do) suspecting the worst, by little and little shrunk away from him; which known to the King, he presently pronounced sentence of banishment unto Goodwin and his five sons, without further proceeding by way of Parliament, as was determined. Goodwin therefore with great riches and his three sons, Swain, Tostie, and Girth, sailed into Flanders, and Harold with his brother Leofwine, from Bristol passed into Ireland; who were no sooner go, but the King proclaimed them Outlaws, and gave the Earldom of Harold unto Algar, the son of Leofrick, Earl of Chester. This Leofricke is he, which at his Countess' request freed the City Coventrie of their importable Book 1. chap. 27. tribute imposed, as we have elsewhere said. (16) In the second year of Goodwins banishment, Henry Hunt. both himself and those his sons with him, having gotten ships convenient for war, in manner of Pirates came upon the coasts of Kent and Sussex, doing much harm, and returning with spoils: the like did Harold and Leofwin from Scotland, upon the western coasts of Somerset and Devonshire's, who thence coasting Simon Dunel. about the point of Cornwall, joined their Fleet with their Fathers, in the I'll of Wight. (17) Against them King Edward prepared, & himself, though aged, with a Navy of sixty ships well furnished for war, meant to have made an end of that business, by the destruction of his adversaries: but the Navies ready to join battle, God took the cause into his own hand, and with a thick fog so overspread the seas, that one Fleet could not thereby see another; in which, Goodwin and his complices by contrary winds were driven to the place from whence they came. King Edward still in jealousy of Goodwins return, rigged forth forty tall ships to secure the seas, which kept not so strong a watch, but that Goodwin got by them, soliciting the people of Kent, Sussex, and Surrey unto his aid, and entering Thamesis, did the like unto them in London, who accepted of his arrivage, though King Edward lay there: so that without disturbance his Navy fell up with the tide, through the south Arch of the Bridge, & a mighty army to his aid mustered upon the same side of the river. (18) The Nobility then seeing side against side, and all of them mere English, ready to hazard their blood in the quarrels of strangers, wrought so with Edward and Goodwin, that they came unto peace, and pledges were again delivered for the performance, whereof Wilmot the son of Earl Goodwin, and Hacun the son of Swain his eldest, were sent to Duke William of Normandy; so great a trust he ever reposed in strangers. This Swain, upon a remorse of conscience Wil Malmsbury. Ran. Higden. Mat. Westminster. Simon Dun. for the blood he had spilled, and especially for the slaughter of Beorne his cozen & intercessor, who sued to the King for his peace, undertook a pilgrimage to jerusalem, and in his return died in Licia, whether through an extremity of cold, or by the hands of Saracens, that spoilt all they met, it is uncertain. (19) Goodwin now restored, and in great credit with the King, cast the eye of disdain upon the Archbishop Robert (as commonly favourits emulate each others,) and himself being a man eloquent and politic, so possessed the King both against him and his Normans, that he requited his own banishment, with all theirs out of England, some few excepted, that were favoured by the English▪ and now promising himself much honour and authority; was suddenly cut off by the stroke of death, surprising him as he sat at Table with the King upon Monday in the Easter week, but died not till the Thursday following, which happened at Winchester, where he was buried. Ran. Higden. (20) Besides these former foreign and civil molestations, other calamities happened to the land; for in the year of Grace 1047. and month of january, there fell so great a Snow, which covered the ground unto the middle of March, that Cattles & Fowls perished abundantly: and on the first day of that Month the year following, a strange and terrible Earthquake happened, which seemed to rend the ground asunder, and withal such Lightnings, as burnt up the Corn, growing in the fields, whereby an excessive Dearth followed: so that his reign was neither so peaceable nor prosperous, as Brightwold the Monk dreamt it should be. But as all these were scourges sent from God upon the Land for sin, so both Prince, Pastors, and people, had all severally their part thereof, as being jointly the causers of the same. (21) For the King, in case of these Strangers, put the Land more than once in danger to be lost: and himself refraining the bed of his virtuous wife committed thereby the offence forbidden by the Apostle, and caused her his Queen, either to commit or be accused to have committed adultery. The Clergy 1. Cor. 7. 5. likewise altogether unlearned, wanton, and vicious: for the Prelates neglecting the offices of Episcopal function, which was to tender the affairs of the Church, and to feed the flock of Christ, lived themselves idle, and covetous, addicted wholly to the pomp of the world, and voluptuous life, little caring for the Churches & souls committed to their Holinsh. Rand. Higden in Polycr. lib. 6. ca 24. charge: and if any told them (saith Higden) that their lives aught to be holy, & their conversation without Covetousness, according to the sacred prescript, and virtuous examples of their Elders, they would scoffingly put them off with, Nunc aliud tempus, alii pro tempore mores; Times have mutations, So must men's fashions: and thus, (saith he,) they plained the roughness of their doings with smoothness of their answers. Briefly, the whole people were so lose and riotous, that as Geruasius of Canturbury. Geruasius Dorobornensis recordeth, they fell so fast to commit wickedness, as to be ignorant of sinful crimes, was then held to be a great crime itself. And by the testimony of Malmesbury, the sins of those times evidently Wil Malmsb. foreshowed a general destruction: for the Englishmen (saith he) transformed themselves into the strange manners of the French, and that not only in speech and behaviour, but in their deeds, and Charters: their use was then to go fantastically appointed, their garments reaching but to the mid knee, their heads shorn, and their beards shaven all but the upper lip, which grew with long moustaches; continually wearing massy bracelets of gold about their arms, carrying marks upon their skin pounced in of sundry Colours; and the Clergy contenting themselves with trivial literature, could scarcely hack and hue out the words of the Sacrament. These than were England's dolorous times both of blindness & lewdness, drawing down God's wrath for their destruction. (22) But howsoever this King is reported to be loving and facile towards strangers, (which in itself is a princely virtue if it be opportunely and warily used:) yet to his own Mother, and Wife, unnaturally over rigorous, imprisoning and bereaving them both of all Princelike honour. Against Queen Emma, his Mother, were instigators Robert Archbishop of Canterbury, and Earl Goodwin of Kent, the two greatest favourites of the King. The causes objected were, her Polycr. li. 6. ca 24. Scal. Chron. marriage with Canut the Capital enemy of England; her regardlessness of succouring himself and his brother in their exiles, whom (as was alleged) she contrived to have made away; and that under colour of private devotions, she had used the company of Alwine Bishop of Winchester over familiarly, to her great dishonour and the King's disgrace: for these and the like, he took away all her jewels, and other substance, and committed her to safe custody in the Abbey of Werwell. Wil Malms. (23) Indeed Malmsbury doth tax her to have been insatiably covetous, and that she was more tenderly affectionate to her Danish, than English children, whereby her love was measured to their fathers. But for the imputation of her incontinency, she washed it Ordalium, a trial of offenders by fire. off with as sharp a trial as any that is recorded for truth, by undergoing that overhard law Ordalium, when in presence of the King her Son, & many of his Peers, she passed over between nine ploughshares glowing read hot, barefooted & blindfolded, without any hurt; using this speech to her leaders, as not Rand. Higd. knowing she was past all danger, OH Lord when shall I come to the place of my purgation: but having her eyes uncovered and seeing herself clearly escaped, fell upon her knees, and with tears gave thanks to her Deliverer, whereby she recovered, both the love and her former estate of the King, with the good esteem and applause of the people: in memory whereof she gave nine Manors (according to the number of ploughshares) to the Minster of Winchester, (wherein she had that trial,) and adorned the same with many rich ornaments; as likewise the King repenting the wrong he did her, bestowed on the same place the Island (so than it was) called Portland in Dorsetshire, being about seven miles in compass: for so the chance, in those days, was set, that whosoever lost, the monks did win. Wil Malmsb. vita Edwardi. Marian. Scot 1. Cor. 7. 5. Egitha some call her. (24) Neither were this King's proceed better with his own Wife, howsoever some have cloaked that Fraud (so the Apostle terms it) under the fair rob of Chastity. For he marrying Editha, a Lady incomparable both for beauty and virtue, in whose breast (saith Malmesburie) there was a School of all Liberal Sciences, refused her Bed: but whether it were for his debility, or hatred to Goodwin her father, or love of Virginity, I determine not; but am fully persuaded, that the accusation of Adultery Chro. Wal. wherewith Robert the Archbishop did charge her, was more upon envy to her father, than truth of so foul a fact in her, whose virtues were so many, and so memorable, by report of Authors, that were eie-witnesses themselves; for Ingulphus that had oftentimes conference with her, doth thus of her relate. Ingulphus in hist. There was given (saith he) unto King Edward for his Queen and Wife, the daughter of Goodwin, a most beautiful damosel, Egitha by name, excellent well learned; in her demeanour, and whole course of life a Virgin most chaste, humble, and unfeignedly holy, no way savouring of her Fathers, or brethren's barbarousness, but mild, modest, faithful, and innocent, nor ever hurtful to any; insomuch, that this verse was applied to her: Sicut Spina Rosam, genuit Godwinus Egitham. From prickled stalk, as sweetest Rose: So Egith fair, from Godwin grows. Wil Malm●b. All these notwithstanding, the King expulsed her his Court and Bed, and that with no little disgrace; for taking all her goods from her, even to the uttermost farthing, committed her prisoner to the Monastery of Wilton, attended only with one maid, where she, for a whole years space almost, in tears and prayers expected the day of her release and comfort: All which unprincelie, and un-spouslike usage, as the King pretended, and said, was, because she only should not live in comfort, when as her Parents and Brethren were banished the Realm: an unjust sentence surely, and unbefitting a Saint, thus to punish the sins of the fathers upon their children, contrary to the prescript rule of God, who by his Prophet complaineth against such injustice, and regulateth it with this just verdict, Ezek. 18. 4. That soul that sinneth shall die: and for her pure and unviolated chastity, himself on his deathbed spoke, Edwardi vita. saying, that openly she was his wife, but in secret embracings as his own sister. (25) Yet behold the blindness, and partiality of those times, wherein for this his only refusal of nuptial duties, the penciles of those that should have showed his true face to posterities, have so enbellished the portraiture and lineaments, that unto the beholder he seemeth now no mortal creature; his miracles and foresayings answerable to most of the Prophets. Which here to insert in so worthy a subject and holy King's life, were both to fill up with a needless surcharge, whole leaves of Times waste abuses, and to breed a suspicion of those other things in him, which we know for sound truth; as was his gift from God, through his holy invocations, and touch of the place affected, to cure the disease called Struma, now the King's Evil, which unto this day in his successors, hath been experienced upon many such healings, by the touch of those gracious hands who have held the Sceptre, as God's Vicegerents of this most blessed and happy Kingdom. That he had the spirit of Prophecy, many have thought, as also the notice of his own death, some constantly affirm; by a Ring sent him from jerusalem, the same that he long time before had given to a pilgrim: but these with his other miraculous cures, his sight of the Danes destruction, and the Seven Sleepers in the Mount Cellion besides Ephesus, Edwardi legend. eiusdem vita M. S. with infinite others, I leave to his Legend-writers, and Aluredus Rivalensis to relate, who have written his many miracles with no sparing pen. Most true it is that of a little Monastery dedicated to S. Peter in Saint Peter himself came down from heaven to the first dedication of that place, if the foresaid M. S. ●r not. T. Clifford. the west of London by the river of Thames, he made a most beautiful and fair Church, where he likewise provided for his own Sepulchre; and another dedicated to S. Margaret, standing without the Abbey: this of Westminster he endowed with very rich revenues, and confirmed their Charters under his Broad Seal, being the first of the Kings of England, who used that large and stately impression in their Royal Charters and Patents: the very true form whereof, according to the rude sculpture of those elder times, we have portraited in the front of this Chapter, as we intent likewise to do in the rest succeeding; whereof this use at lest, (if no other) may be made, that by benefit of those patterns, men may know from what Princes they first received the Charters of their ancient possessions, and Patents of their honours, which the Prince's stile (many being of one name) cannot sufficiently make known. The said Church of Westminster he built for the discharge of his vowed pilgrimage to jerusalem, & that in Simon Dun. such sumptuous manner, that it was in those days the Pattern to all other stately buildings. He founded also King Edward the founder of S. Marry Otery College. Stow 124. the College of S. Marry Oterie in the county of Devon, and gave unto it the Village of Otereg, and removed the Bishops See from Cridington to Excester, as a place of far more dignity; where the King taking the right hand, and the Queen the left, led Leofricke from the high Altar, and installed him the first Bishop of that See: Finally, when he had reigned the space of twenty years, six months, and twenty seven days; he died the fourth of january, the year of Christ jesus one thousand sixty six, and was with great lamentations and solemnity buried in his Church at Westminster, the morrow after the feast of the epiphany. He was of person well proportioned, of countenance sober, and of complexion fair; naturally courteous and gentle to all (and thereby too prove and credulous to suggestions) loving to his subjects, and overloving unto Strangers. A Prince of much virtue and integrity of life, notwithstanding which, had it not been veiled under the faire-shew of Chastity, he had not so easily been canonised for a Saint; wherein yet the seeming wisest taxed his wisdom, whilst under a goodly pretext of Religion and vowed Virginity, he cast off all care of having issue, and exposed the kingdom for a prey to the greedy desires of ambitious humours. His wife. Editha, the wife of King Edward, was the daughter of Goodwin, Duke of the Westsaxons, and Earl of Kent: her mother was Gith the sister of Sweyne the younger, King of Denmark; she was married unto him the year of Christ's humanity, 1045. and fourth of his reign. She was his wife eighteen years; and surviving him lived a widow eight more, and in the eight year of King William the conquerors reign, died in December, the year of Christ's birth, 1074, and was buried by her husband in S. Peter's Church at Westminster. HAROLD THE SECOND OF THAT NAME, THE SON OF EARL GOODWIN, AND THIRTY EIGHT MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS LIFE, REIGN, ACTS, WIVES, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER VII. OLDREX ✚ H●R 2 SIL. ✚ SP●F●ONLINCOLN: THe people sorrowing for the death of their King, and the Statesmen perplexed for choice of a new, Edgar Athelings title was worthy of more unpartial respect than it found: for him they held too young for government: besides, a stranger borne, scarce speaking English: and withal, the prophecies of Edward touching the alienation of the Alluredus Rivallensis. Crown, the Interest of the Danes, and the claim that Duke William made, (both by gift and consanguinity,) bred great distraction of desires, and opinions; but nothing concluded for settling the State; no man either assuming or proffering the monarchial diadem, because none had the power, or right to adorn therewith his own head. In this Calm conference Mat. West. Polydor. a sudden gale arose, which bl●w all the sails spread for that wind into one Port. And that was Harold son to Earl Goodwin, a man (duly prising his many worthy parts) not unmeet for a kingdom, who first succeeding his father in his Dukedom, and Vit. S. Edward. next Edward (his brother in Law) in his Kingdom, in patience, clemency, & affability bore himself most approvedly towards the virtuous, but with a Lion's courage, and fierce countenance chastised the disordered, and indeed become another Maccabeus unto the distressed Landlord Whose kingly state before we touch, it shall not be amiss to lengthen his short reign with his Acts and Life, as he was a Subject, both with, and against his Lord and Predecessor. (2) That he took part with his Father against Eustace of Boulogne, and King Edward's hasty commission, we have showed; himself then enjoying the Earledom of Oxford, and so affected by those of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, Cambridge & Huntington-shires, that they sided in his cause against the King; But these designs failing, (as commonly it is seen all attempts of Subjects against their Sovereigns do) he learned by banishment, what was the loss of true honour, and by forbearance of battle (when half the Kingdom stood for him,) his duty obliged unto the Commonwealth. And grown again into favour with the King, carried himself answerably unto both. An. D. 1055 Matth▪ West. Simon Dun. (3) Some jealousy conceived, Edward without any cause, banished Algar the son of Leofrike Earl of Chester, who with the help of the Irish and Welshmen, under the conduct of Gruffith ap lewelyn Prince of North-Wales (who had married his daughter,) did much hurt to the English, putting Rodulph Earl of Hereford to flight, with the slaughter of five hundred men, spoiled the City, burned the Minster and become Masters of misrule in those parts. Against these was Harold sent, and with such manhood pursued his flying enemies, that passing through North-Wales, upon the Snow-downes he pitched his Field: The Earl, and Prince Gruffith, not daring to abide his presence, fled thence unto South-Wales, and again took into Hereford; whereof Harold having intelligence hasted thitherward (leaving sufficient in the Snow-downes to mate the Welsh), and recovering the City, with a deep trench and high rampire fortified it about, where for the saving of more blood (and not ungrateful to Algar, who without grudge had resigned to him his Earldom, and whole Revenues at his return from exile) a peace was concluded, and at Harold's request, Earl Algar and Prince Gruffith were pardoned. An. D. 1058 (4) But Algar being again accused, & again aided by his old associate Gruffith, recovered his Earldom by Simon Dun. force, whereat King Edward was highly displeased, but most against Gruffith, who ever was ready to assist any against him: whereupon Harold the second time appointed General, with a great host entered North-Wales, without sight of enemy, where he only burnt down the stately Palace of Prince Gruffith, & An. D. 1063. so returned to the King. But long the Welsh were not quiet, nor the Prince pleased of the harms to him done. Wherefore making his forces very strong he again molested the English. Mat. West. (5) To restrain whom once more was Harold set forth, who with such terror burst into Wales, that Prince Gruffith, in secret stole from his Camp, leaving Chro. Wal. his Soldiers (if they would) to fight for themselves, whereupon his whole army yielded themselves to Harold's mercy, and having Prince Gruffith in their hands, cut off his head, and sent it to Harold, giving him pledges for assurance of peace, and the payment of the ancient tribute which for a time had been retained: yet ever after he carried so heavy a hand on the Welsh, that as john of Salisbury in his Policraticon writeth, he ordained a law, that what Welshman soever, should with weapon pass over Offaes' ditch, should have his right hand cut off by the King's officer. Wil Malms. Mat. Westminster. (6) All now in quiet, and Harold withdrawn to his Manor of Boseham upon the rivage of the sea in the confines of Sussex, there for his recreation, one day he took into a Fisher's boat with small attendants, neither those very skilful Mariners, when no sooner were they launched into the deep, but a contrary wind came about, and drove the boat upon the coast of Ponthieu in France, where he was taken by the Country people, and presented to Guido their Earl, who a while retained him his prisoner, in hope of gain by his ransom, but Duke William requiring it, he was conveyed into Normandy, where he cunningly Matthew Paris, in W●ll. Hen. Hunting. persuaded the Duke, that his secret coming out of England, was purposely to enter a league of amity with him. The Duke then having present wars with the Britaines in France, took this his new friend and guest with him for his companion at Arms; whose ready policies followed with forward practice, won him great estimation with the Duke; whereupon betwixt Rand. Higd. them a covenant was made for the reservation of the English Crown to the Norman, if it chanced King Edward to die without children; and the same ratified by Harold's corporal oath, with the affiancing of Lady Adeliza, the Duke's fift daughter, Gemeticensis. than a child and Harold a widower; which afterwards fell to his own destruction, and the lands subversion, as shall be said. Wil Malmsbury. (7) His last employment by holy King Edward, was against the tumultuous Northumbrians which had expulsed Tosto their Earl, and Heralds own brother, where a peace was concluded without shedding blood, but with condition that Tosto should loose his Earledom: whereupon in great displeasure, he with his wife & children fled into Flanders, and ever after hated the person, and emulated the glory of Harold. The original of these two brethren's quarrels began at Windsor, where in the presence of the King they fell from words unto blows, and that in such manner, as if rescue had not come, Tosto had died; Mat. Westminst. for which disgrace, he secretly hied him into the Marches of Wales, and near the City Hereford Marian. Scotus. Mat. Westminster. at Portaflyth, where Harold had a house, then in preparing to entertain the King, he slew all his brother's servants, and them cutting piecemeal into gobbets, salted some of their limbs, and cast the rest into vessels of the meath and wines, sending his brother word, that he had furnished him with powdered meats against the Kings coming thither; which barbarous act caused deservedly his name to be odious unto his Northumbrians, and was lastly repaid with his own death. M. Thomas miles in Harold. (8) Now albeit some Heralds make Harold by birth but a Gentleman of one, and the first descent, which, were it so, should no whit blemish him who was more truly ennobled with princely virtues; yet therein also it may seem he is misesteemed, seeing his Father was Goodwin a Duke by degree, the son of Wolnoth, and he the son of Egelmar, who was the son of Egelricke, surnamed Leofwine, and brother of Edrick Duke of Mercia, that married the daughter of King Ethelred of England, of whom we have spoken. The mother of Harold was Githa the daughter of Duke Wolf, and sister to Sweyne the younger, King of Denmark, by Ostrich his wife, who was sister to Canute the great King of England; and himself the second son of her borne; whose elder brother was Sweyne, that died on pilgrimage in his return from jerusalem, and his younger were Tosto, Wilnod, Grith, and Leofrick. Wil Malmsb. (9) A former wife Earl Goodwin had, whose name was Thira, the sister of Canute, a woman sold unto wickedness for making merchandise of England's beauteous virgins into Denmark; she sold them there at dear rates, to satisfy her own unsatiate avarice, and the lusts of the lascivious Danes, till a just reward of God's wrath fell on her by a thunderbolt falling from heaven, wherewith she was slain, Rand. Higden, in Polychr. lib. 6. cap. 25. to the great terror of the beholders. One son by her Earl Goodwin had, who when he was past child's age, riding upon a horse (the gift of his Grandfather the King,) proudly giving him the rain and spur, was violently borne into the river Thamesis, and so suddenly drowned. Thus much being premised of Harold before he was King; his reign, life and death, we will now address to declare. Alur. Rival. (10) Edwards life ended, and nothing determined touching his successor, Harold the second day after, being the day of his burial, made himself King, none of the Nobility disliking what he had done; for courteous he was of specch and behaviour, and in martial prowess the only man, as Wales well witnessed, more than once; friended by Ran. Higden. Polycr. lib. 6. ca 29 affinity with many of the Nobles, and by his new marriage with Edgitha the daughter of Algar (sister of the Earls Morcar and Edwin, and late wife to Gruffith ap Lhewelyn Prince of Wales) he expected to be both sided and assisted, if his cause came either to trial or voice. (11) And the time he well saw fitted his entrance; for Sweyne King of Denmark (most dread by the English) was entangled with the Sweden wars; and William the Norman (that made claim from King Edward) at variance with Philip the French King; the friends of Edgar in Hungary, and himself a stranger, over young for rule: all which concurrents made Harold, without deliberation, or order from the State, to set the Crown on Matth. West. his own head, regardless of all ceremony and solemn celebration; for which his act, as a violator of holyrites, he too too much offended the Clergy. (12) The day of his Coronation was upon Friday, the fifth of january, being the feast of the Epiphany, and year of Salvation 1066: none either greatly applauding, or disapproving his presumption, except only for the omission of manner and form; to redeem which, and to regain the Simon Dun. Holinsh. good will of all; no sooner attained he the seat royal, but he remitted or diminished the grievous customs and tributes which his predecessors had raised, a course ever powerful to win the hearts of the Commons; to Churchmen he was very munificent and careful of their advancements; and to grow more deeply into their venerable esteem, he repaired their Monasteries; but most especially that at Waltham in Essex, which he most sumptuously new built, and richly endowed, giving it the name of Holy Cross; upon occasion that such a Cross found far westward, was brought thither by miracle, Camb. Brit. ut tradunt: and therefore he chose out this place to power forth his supplications, before he marched to meet Duke William in the field. Moreover, to satisfy such Nobles as affected young Edgar's juster title, he created him Earl of Oxford, and held him in special favour: in brief, unto the poor, his hand was ever open, unto the oppressed he ministered justice, and unto all men was affable, and meek: and all to hold that upright which on his head he had set with an un-even hand: and deprived him of, unto whom he was Protector. (13) Three several reports are affirmed of Edward's dispose of the Crown: the first was to the Alfred Beverley. Speculum Histor. Rich. Circest. Flores Histor. Norman Duke, who made that the anker-hold of his claim; the second was to young Edgar, unto whom he was great uncle; and the last unto this Edmerus. Marianus. Polycr. li. 6. ca 28. Harold himself: for so saith Edmerus, and also Marianus, who lived at the very same time, and writeth that Harold thereupon was sacred and crowned by Aldredus Archbishop of York; so that hereby he is freed by some from the imputation of intrusion and wrong. (14) His State thus standing, and his subjects contentment daily increasing, presently it was somewhat perplexed by an embassage sent from the Norman, putting him in mind of his covenant, and oath, aswell for the custody of the Crown to his behoof, as for the solemnazion of the marriage contracted betwixt his daughter and him. (15) Harold, who thought himself now surely seated in the hearts of his Subjects, and therefore also Subjects love the Sovereign's strength. sure in his Kingdom, answered the Ambassadors, That he held their Masters demand unjust, for that an oath extorted in time of extremity, cannot bind the maker in conscience to perform it, for that were to join one sin with another; and that this oath was taken for fear of death or imprisonment, the Duke himself well knew: but admit it was voluntarily, and without fear; could I (said he) than a subject, without the allowance of the King, and the whole State, give away the Crowns succession to the prejudice of both? surely a Kingdom is of a better account then to be so determined in private only betwixt two. With which kind of answers he sent the messengers away. (16) The Norman, who till then thought England sure to be his, and had devoted his hopes from a Duke to a King, stormed to see himself thus frustrated on the sudden, and in stead of a Crown to have scorns heaped on his head; therefore nothing contented with this sleight answer, returned his Ambassadors again unto Harold, by whom he laid his claim more at large; as that King Edward in the Court of France had faithfully promised the succession unto him, and again afterwards ratified the Rand. Higden in Polyc. lib. 6. cap. 29 same to him at his being in England, and that not done without consent of the State, but confirmed by Stigandus Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earls Goodwin and Syward, yea and by Harold himself, and so firmly assured that his Brother and Nephew were delivered for pledges, and to that end sent unto him into Normandy: that he had no way been constrained, he appealed to Harold's own conscience, who besides his voluntary offer to swear, contracted himself to Adeliza Gemeticensis. his daughter (than but young, and now departed life) upon which foundation the oath was willingly taken. (17) But Harold who thought his own head as fit for a crown as any others, meant nothing less than to lay it down upon parley; and therefore told them flatly, that howsoever Edward and he had tampered for the Kingdom, yet Edward himself coming in by election, and not by any title of inheritance, his promise was of no validity; for how could he give that whereof he was not interessed, nor in the Danes time was ever like to be? And tell your Duke (said he) that our kingdom is now brought to a settled estate, and with such love and liking of the English, as that they will never admit any more a stranger to rule over them. And as touching the contract with his younger daughter, he well seethe, that God hath taken away that occasion of alienating the Crown; and surely his Law hath likewise provided remedy against such rash vows; whose precepts I mean to follow: and therefore (said he) will your Duke to weigh my estate with his own, both his and mine now in quiet, & sufficient for two, and either of them, employment enough for one man's Government, and therefore both of them too much to be well governed by one, seeing that God himself had set a sea betwixt them. With these and the like speeches he shifted off the Duke's Ambassadors; without all princely entertainments, or courteous regard. (18) The messengers returned, and Harold's answers declared, William lion-like enraged, casteth his thoughts about plotting revenge, and making some odds even that might impeach his designs, prepared all things for open war. Harold likewise not sleeping his business, made ready his Fleet, mustered his soldiers, and planted his Garrisons along Bishop of Mentz. the Sea-coast. But in these his proceed, behold a great and fearful Comet appeared (seldom Roger Houed. Simon Mont of Durham. Gualther Coven. a sign to Princes of fortunate success) upon the twenty fourth of April, and lasted only seven days, which drew the minds of the English, into great suspense, now ready to enter into a double war. (19) For as William the Norman for his part claimed England by gift; so Harfager the Dane did by succession; the ●umorss of both which, greatly terrified the hearts of the inhabitants: and yet behold, a third terror unexpected, contrary to nature, and most men's opinions, suddenly arose: for Tosto the cruel Earl of Northumberland, and brother to Harold, expulsed by his people, and proscribed by King Edward, fled into France, where by the instigations of William, whose wives sister he Mat. Westminster. had married (both of them the daughters of Balwine Earl of Flanders,) he got for his revenge a Fleet furnished with men at Arms; and thus prepared, his first fury was showed in spoiling the I'll of Wight; Ran. Higden. then coasting the shore, shrewdly endamaged Kent, whence hoising sail, fell foul upon Lincolnshire; where Morcar and Edwine Earls of Chester Wil Malmsb. and Yorkshire, aided with the King's Navy, drove him from thence, though with some loss of their men. (20) Tosto for more succour fled into Scotland, where of King Malcolme he had but cold comfort, Mat. Westm. Simon Duncl. himself being busied with civil broils; but howsoever his expectation there failed, yet his purposes were continued with the assistance of Harold Harfager (that is, the Faire-lockes) King of Denmark, who with three hundred ships had entered the river Tyne for England's invasion, after his conquest of the Isles of Orknes. Tosto therefore joining his Fleet to these Danes, in warlike bravery, both of them enter the mouth of Humber, and drawing up the river Ouse, at Richhall landed their men, making spoil of the Country wheresoever they came. To meet with these, the foresaid Earls Edwin and Morcar, in a tumultuous hast raised their powers, but were so overlaid by the Norwegians, that many were slain, and more drowned, in passing over that river. (21) The enemy grown proud by this late victory, hasted towards York, the chief City of the North; where planting his siege, it was presently yielded up, and hostages delivered upon both parts for the performance of covenants. The Danes thus prospering, had most strongly encamped themselves; for backed they were with the Germane Ocean, flanked on the left hand with the river Humber, wherein also their Fleet rid at Anchor, and had on their right hand and affront the river Derwent; so that it seemed impossible to raise this siege. (22) But Harold thinking the coasts clear from all danger, the Equinoctial at hand, and Navigation now past, the victuals in his Fleet spent, and notice from Earl Balwin of Flanders, that Duke William meant not his voyage that year, was about to disband his Army. When this sudden news from the North pierced his ear, no need it was then to bid him make haste thither, the case standing so near him as it did. Therefore recalling his Army, posted to York, and from thence marched against the Norwegians, who lay secured with such advantage, as we have said. Notwithstanding Harold▪ courageously ordered Wil Malmsb. Henry Hunting. Mas. Westminster. his battle, and assayed to pass the Bridge called Stamford, built over Derwent, which one only Dane made good for a time against his whole host, and with his Axe slew forty of his men, till lastly this Dane was slain with a dart. (23) The Bridge gotten, and the English reduced into their ranks, Harold most boldly set upon his enemies▪ even in their Camp; where the battle with equal valour and fortune, was maintained a time, till lastly the Norwegians disarraied and scattered, were slain outright; and among them the two Chieftains, Harfager and Tosto, with may others of worth and account, lost their lives. Olaue the son of this Harfager, and Paul Earl of Orkeney, who kept their Fleet & Seas, whilst his Father and followers fought upon land, were brought to King Harold, and to have their lives spared, abjured the Land, and thenceforth to attempt no hostility against the English Simon Dun. peace▪ and with twenty small vessels to carry away their slain and hurt, were suffered to departed, bringing heavy news into Denmark of the loss of Mat. Westm. their King, and overthrow of his Army. (24) By this victory thus happily obtained, fell unto Harold an exceeding rich booty, both of gold and silver, besides the great Armado of Tost● and Harfager; whereby his mind was soon set aloft, and he began to grow both proud, and odious unto his Army, the rather, for that he divided not the spoils unto them that had deserved it; a wrong that the common Soldier doth continually murmur at, and commonly endure. (25) Now in this current of King Harold's fortunes, William the Norman had the more leisure to Cambd. Brit. strengthen his own, and often conferring with his Captains about England's invasions, found them ever resolute and cheerful that way; the difficulty only rested, how to provide money enough, the very sinews whereby the vast body of an Army must be knit, & strengthened: for a subsidy being propounded unto the assembly of the Norman States, it was answered, that a former war against the French had impoverished much of their wealth, that if new wars were now raised, & therein their substance spent to gain other parts, it would be thereby so wasted, as that hardly it would be sufficient to defend their own; that they thought it more safety to hold what he had, then on hazard of their own to invade the territories of others; & that this war intended, just though it were, yet seemed not necessary, but exceeding dangerous; besides (said they) the Normans were not by their allegiance bound to Military services in foreign parts, & therefore such payments could not be assessed upon them. And although William Fitz-Osberne, a man in high favour with the Duke, and as gracious among the people, endeavoured by all means to effect it, yea, and (to draw on others by his example) proffered to set out forty tall Ships upon his own Charges towards this war; yet would it not be: Therefore Duke William bethought him on another way. (26) The wealthiest men among all his People he sent for, and severally one by one conferred with, showing them his right and hopes of England, wherein preferment lay even to the meanest amongst them, only money was the want, which they might spare; neither should that be given, nor lent without a plentiful increase: with such fair words he drew them so on, that they strove who should give most, and by this policy he gathered such a mass of money, as was sufficient to defray the war. Then went he to his neighbour Princes, namely to the Earls of Anjou, Poictou, maine, and Boulogne, promising them fair possessions in England; yea and unto Philip the French King, in case he would aid him, he voluntarily offered to become his vassal and Leigeman, and to hold England by oath and fealty under him. But it being thought nothing good for the State of France, that the Duke of Normandy, who already was not so pliable to the French King as was wished, should be bettered in his estate by the addition of so mighty a Kingdom (the power of Neighbour Potentates being ever suspected of Princes) so far was the King from yielding any help, that he secretly maligned, & openly dissuaded this his attempt of invading England. This French jealousy, the Norman soon perceived, which made him to cast about yet another way. (27) For making his claim known unto Alexander the second, than Pope of Rome, with the wrongs done unto Robert Archbishop of Canterbury, by Harold Henry Hunt. and his Father, (a text that might not be read without a gloss,) he was so favoured of his Holiness (whose See was ever glad to interest itself in disposing of Crowns, that he both allowed well of his enterprise, and sent him a consecrated Banner, (Saint Peter Fox, Acts and Monuments. himself had none such in his Boat) to be borne in the Ship, wherein himself in that expedition should take sail for England; and accursed all them that should oppose themselves against him: for even then the Popes had began to usurp authority over Princes, & with their leaden blades to hack into the iron swords of Emperors. (28) Thus furnished on all sides, he assembled his forces, and with a mighty Navy came to the Town of Saint Valeries; which standeth upon the mouth of the River Some: where a long time he lay wind bound Rand. Higden. to his great discontentment, and with many vows importunating the favour of that local Saint, heaped daily a number of gifts and oblations upon his Altar; till lastly his desire was obtained, and then with three hundred Ships fraught full of his Normans, Flemings, Frenchmen, & Britaignes, weighed Anchor, and with a gentle gale of wind arrived at Pevensey in Sussex, upon the twenty eight day of September, where Landing his men, to cut off all occasion or hope of return, he fired his own fleet, and upon the Shore erected a Fortress to be if need were, a retiring place for his Soldiers. Rand. Higden in Polychr. li. 6. c. 29. (29) At his arrivage from Sea, as our Historians report▪ his foot chanced to slip, so that not able to recover himself, he fell into the mud, and all to bemired his hands; which accident was presently construed for a lucky presage: for now (said a Captain) OH Duke, thou hast taken possession, and holdest that land in thy hand, whereof shortly thou shalt become King: As Suetonius in vita Caesar. Caesar is said to have done, when he entered into Africa, who from shipboard at his landing fell into the sands, and merrily said, I do now take possession of thee, OH Africa. (30) From Pevensey Duke William departed towards Hasting, where raising another fortification, divulged to all the causes of his coming, as pretending to revenge both the death of his Normans, slain by the treachery of Goodwin & Harold, and the wrongs and banishment of Robert Gemeticus Archbishop of Canterbury, pretences very slender, and enforced out of season: but surely had not a third sat nearer his heart, the two former would have passed without the spleen of revenge; namely, the donation of King Edward deceased, whereon he built his claim to the English Crown. And there also by his Edict, he straightly charged his soldiers not in hostile manner, to wrong any of their persons, who shortly were to become his Subjects. (31) Harold in the North hearing of these news, hasted with his Army (whose Armour yet reaked with the blood of the Norwegians) towards the south and with such power as possible he could make, entereth London, where immediately a messenger from Duke William was presented unto him, demanding no less than the Kingdom, and Harold's vassalage; urging the same with such instant boldness, that Harold's furious indignation could hardly forbear, against the law of Arms, to lay violent hands upon the Ambassador; so great a pride and confident hope had entered the heart of this late Victor: to sh●w both, with very great boldness, he dispatchet● his Ambassadors to William, and by way of ireful checks menaceth him, unless forthwith he departed back into Normandy: when presently mustering Wil Malmsb. his men at London, he found them much lessened by his battle against the Norwegians; notwithstanding, many Nobles, Gentlemen, and others, whom the love of their native Country inflamed, did engage themselves for the field, against his common and dangerous enemy. He therefore with an undaunted courage, led forth his Army into Sussex (against the importunate suit of his mother, who sought by all means to stay him) where on a large and fair plain, scarce seven miles from the enemy, he pitched down his battles, and sent forth his Spials to descry his power. (32) These coming into danger, were caught by the Normans, and presented to their Duke, who commanded them forthwith to be led from Tent to Tent, to be feasted, and dismissed, without any Mat. Westminst. Rand. Higden. harm or dishonour done. These returning to Harold told what they had seen, commending the Duke in his Martial Provisions, and his clemency to them-ward, only said they, his Soldiers seem to be Priests, for their faces were all shaven, whereas the use of the English was then to reserve only the upper lip uncut, retaining or renewing the old manner of the ancient Britain's so described by Caesar: but King Harold, Caesar in Comment. who had been in that country, well knowing their error, replied that they were men of great valour & stout Soldiers in fight. Upon which speech, Girth, his younger brother, a man much renowned for martial exploits, took occasion to advise the King from being present at the danger of the Field: for (said he) it stands not with the rule of policy, to hazard all in the trial of one battle, nor to depend upon the event of war, which ever is doubtful, victory being as often gotten by fortune, as valour; mature deliberation doth often produce the safest issues, & a provident delay is held to be the greatest furtherer of martial projects; neither will any thing strike greater terror into the Normans, than thou to be levying, & enrolling a new Army, whereby they may ever expect, and fear succeeding Battles. Again (said he) thou best knowest what oath thine own mouth hath made unto William; if lawful, and willingly, then withdraw thyself from field, jest for that thy sin the whole Host perish; for there can be no power against God. I am free from such guilt, and therefore may the bolder fight, and either defeat this dangerous enemy, or more cheerfully die in the defence of my country; & if thou wilt commit the fortune of Battle into my Governance, assure thyself I will perform to thee the part of a loving Brother, and to my Countrymen of a valiant Captain. (33) This wise advice notwithstanding, destiny so driving him, he gaine-stood, imputing it a part of dishonour, and not befitting a Soldier, (as he always had been,) to leave the field Cowardlike, when greatest glory was to be won, or in case of fortunate success, to be deprived of a part, and therefore reproved his brother for making this motion, and with disdainful speeches, underualued and embased the worth of the Normans. (34) Duke William now entered the field, & both the hosts standing ready for fight, the Norman, to spare the effusion of Christian blood, upon a pious affection sent a Monk as a Mediator for peace, with offers to Harold of these conditions, either wholly to resign the Kingdom unto him, and from thence forth to acknowledge the Duke for his Sovereign▪ or else in single combat to try the quarrel with him, in sight of the Armies; or lastly, to stand to the arbitrement of the Pope, touching the possession and wearing of the English Crown. But Harold, as one whom the heavens would depress, accepting neither domestic counsel, nor the Normans offers, referred the deciding of the matter unto the Tribunal of God, and answered, that it should be tried the next day with more sword than one. (35) That next day was the 14. of October, which upon a credulous error, he held ever to be fortunate, because it was the day of his Nativity, and with hopeful assurance, desired greatly the approach of the same: His soldiers likewise as men whose heads were to be crowned with the Laurels of victory, gave themselves to licentious revels, and in riotous banquets, with clamour, and noises, spent the night; whereas contrariwise, the Normans, more wisely, and seriously weighing the business in hand, bestowed the time in prayers and vows, for the safety of their Army, and victorious success: neither had the morning sooner spread itself but their battle was ordered, and prepared for fight. Tho. Mills. (36) Harold also with the like forwardness, marshaled his battle, placing in the Vanguard the Kentish men (who by an ancient custom had the front of the battle belonging to them) with their heavy axes, or halberds. The Middlesex-men & the Londoners were in that squadron, whereof himself with his brother had the leading. 37 His enemies Vauward was led by Roger of Mountgomery, and William Fitz-Osberne, the same consisting of Horsemen out of Anjou, Perch, and little Britain. Their Maine-Battaile consisted of Poictovins and Germane, Geffrey martel, and a german Pensioner commanding them: In the Rere-guard was the Duke himself with the whole manhood of Normans, and the flower of his Nobility & Gentry; all which battalions were intermingled with companies of Archers. (38) The Normans without any confused, or disorderly shout, sounded the battle, and advanced forward, discharging a fierce volley of arrows like a tempestuous hail, a kind of fight both strange, and terrible unto the English, who supposed their enemy had been already even in the midst amongst them; when presently a furious charge was given to the Vanguard of the English, who resolutely had determined to cover the place with their bodies rather than to give one foot of ground, and bending all their forces, kept themselves close together, whereby they valiantly, and with the slaughter of many, put back the enemy: which was so far from daunting the Normans, that by it they were more whetted to reinforce themselves upon them: when with an horrible noise, the battles of both sides gave the stroke; and now come foot to foot, and man to man, coped together in a most cruel fight. The English standing thick, and close, as if they had been stuck one to another, abode the brunt, and charge of the Normans, and with such welcomes, that after many a bloody wound received, they were at point to recoil, had not Duke William, whose crown lay now at stake, both bravely performed the part of a Leader, and with his presence, and authority restrained them. The fight thus continuing, the Normans horsemen broke into the troops of the English, and sore distressed the Soldiers on foot, yet notwithstanding they still held out, and kept their array unbroken: for Harold (not less careful to keep, than the other to gain a diadem,) as a most valiant Captain bore himself worthily every where. The Duke well perceiving that with fine force, and true valour, Wil Malmsb. Henry Hunting. no good end could be got, betook himself to a stratagem, and commanded his men to sound the retreat, but kept them still in such order of array, that they gave back in as good discipline as they came on. (39) The English supposing the Normans to have fled, and themselves the masters of the field, began in eager pursuit carelessly to untwist, and display their ranks; when on the sudden, the Normans having their wished opportunity, and winding about, charged the enemy a fresh; who now being scatteringly disranked, and out of all order, were slain down on all sides, not able to recover their battle: many thus borne down, and slain, none by flight sought to escape the field, but rather to maintain their honour in Arms, cast themselves into a round, choosing there to die in the cause of their Country, then cowardly to forsake the Standard of their King▪ and therefore with bold resolutions encouraging one an other, they turn head and resist a long time: but showers of arrows like a stormy tempest falling Chron. de bello. Wil Gemes. thick among them, one, most fatal, and unlucky for the English, wounded Harold into the brains Mat. Westminster. through the left eye; so that falling from his horse to the ground, was under his own standard slain. (40) And yet Giraldus Cambrensis (I know not by what inducement,) relates the issue of this Battle Giral. Cambr. some what otherwise, affirming, that Harold with loss of his Eye, but not of his life, from the field fled to the City of Westchester, and there long after led a holy life, and made a godly end, as an Anchoret in the Cell of Saint james, fast by the church of S. john. With Harold died his Brethren Gyth, and Leofwin, with most john le Tailor in his history of Normandy. Aimund. Bremensis. cap. 169. Marianus. of the English Nobility, besides the slaughter of sixty seven thousand, nine hundred seventy four of their Soldiers: Bremensis saith an hundred Thousand. (41) Duke William in this Battle had three horses slain under him; God (saith Marianus) so defending his person, that though multitude of darts were thrown against him, yet not a drop of his blood was spilled by the Enemy, and this Battle won with the loss only of six thousand, and thirteen of his men. Whose wooden bows (as john Rouse is of opinion) Io: R●s●. gained the Normans that great victory; for the Arrows shot level, or directly forward, wounded the English that stood in the front, and upright; the other shot on high, galled at the fall, those that were more remote, and the backs of such as stooped to shun the danger. (42) This battle was fought in Sussex 7. miles from Hastings, upon Saturday the fourteenth of October, and year of Grace 1066. Wherein the doleful destruction of the English fell, and the glorious Sun of the Normans even in the shutting of the day did arise; when perished the Royal blood of the Saxons, Math. Paris. whose Kings first had made this Kingdom into Seven, and afterward of them so glorious a Monarchy, that it was not inferior to any in Europe, and her Monarches so renowned for princely magnanimity, as that many of them were ranked with the best in the world: But now the all-ordering hand of God (unto whose beck not only this Ball of the Earth, and the Rulers thereof, but even the Heavens themselves, and all the powers thereof must bow) either for the sins of the English which were many, and great, or to graff one more fair and longer-continuing bud upon this dried, and decayed stock, brought that foreign offspring into this his nursery of Britain, whose branches, as the vine, have spread both fruitful and far; and whose roots are fastened as the trees of Libanon: the Kings thereof, even from the loins of this Great Conqueror, holding on a royal succession for Hose. 14. 6. the space of these five hundred forty five years, their issues topped with the highest Cedars of the world, & their branches spread throughout all Christendom; which we pray may still proceed and continued, whilst the Sun and Moon have their being. (43) This victory thus obtained, Duke William wholly ascribed unto God, and by way of a solemn supplication or procession gave him the thanks; and pitching for that night his Pavilion among the bodies of the dead, the next day returned to Hastings, there to consult upon his great, and most prosperously begun enterprise, giving first commandment for the burial of his slain Soldiers. (44) But Morcar, and Edwin, the unfortunate Queen's Brethren, by night escaping the battle, came unto London, where with the rest of the Peers, they began to lay the foundation of some fresh hopes, posting thence their messengers to raise a new supply, & to comfort the English (who through all the Land were stricken into a fearful astonishment with this unexpected news) from a despairing fear, showing the chance of war to be mutable, their number many, and Captains sufficient to try another Field. Alfred, Archbishop of York, there present, and Precedent of the Assembly, stoutly, and prudently gave his counsel forthwith to consecrated, and crown young Edgar Atheling (the true heir) for their King; to whom consented likewise both the Sea-Captaines, and the Londoners. But the Earls of Yorkshire and Cheshire, Edwin & Morcar (whom this fearful state of their country could not dissuade from dissoyaltie and ambition) plotting secretly to get the Crown to themselves, hindered that wise and noble design. In which while, the sorrowful Queen their sister was conveyed to westchester, where, without state or title of a Queen, she led a solitary and quiet life. (45) The Mother of the slain King did not so well moderate her womanly passions, as to receive either comfort, or counsel of her friends: the dead body of her son she greatly desired, and to that end sent to the Conqueror two sage Brethren of his Abbey at Waltham, who had accompanied him in his unfortunate In the Library of the learned Knight, Sir Robert Cotton. expedition. Their names (as I find them recorded in an old Manuscript) were Osegod and Ailrie, whose message to the Conqueror not without abundance of tears, and fear, is there set down in the tenor as followeth. (46) Noble Duke, and ere long to be a most great and mighty King; we thy most humble servants, destitute of all comfort, (as we would we were also of life) are come to thee as sent from our brethren, whom this dead King hath placed in the Monastery of Waltham, to attend the issue of this late dreadful battle, (wherein God favouring thy quarrel, he is now taken away, and dead, which was our greatest Comforter, and by whose only bountiful goodness, we were relieved and maintained, whom he had placed to serve God in that Church. Wherefore we most humbly request thee (now our dread Lord) by that gracious favour which the Lord of Lords hath showed unto thee, and for the relief of all their souls, who in this quarrel have ended their days, that it may be lawful for us by thy good leave, safely to take and carry away with us the dead body of the King, the Founder and builder of our Church and Monastery: as also the bodies of such others, as who, for the reverence of him, and for his sake, desired also to be buried with us, that the state of our Church, by their help strengthened, may be the stronger, and endure the firmer. With whose so humble a request, and abundant tears, the victorious and worthy Duke moved, answered. (47) Your King (said he) unmindful of his faith, although he have for the present endured the worthy punishment of his fault, yet hath he not therefore deserved to want the honour of a Sepulchre, or to lie unburied: were it but that he died a King, how soever he came by the Kingdom, my purpose is for the reverence of him, and for the health of them, who having left their wives and possessions, have here in my quarrel lost their lives, to build here a Church and a Monastery, with an hundred Monks in it to pray for them for ever; and in the same Church to bury your King above the rest, with all honour unto so great a Prince, and for his sake to endow the same with great revenues. (48) With which his courteous speech and promises, the two religious Fathers comforted, and encouraged, again replied. (49) Not so, noble Duke, but grant this thy servants most humble request, that we may, for God, by thy leave, receive the dead body of our Founder, and to bury it in the place which himself in his life time appointed; that we cheered with the presence of his body, may thereof take comfort, and that his Tomb may be unto our Successors, a perpetual Monument of his remembrance. (50) The Duke, as he was of disposition gracious, and inclined to mercy, forthwith granted their desires: whereupon they drew out store of gold to present him in way of gratulation; which he not only utterly refused, but also offered them plenty to supply whatsoever should be needful for the pomp of his funeral, as also for their costs in travel to and fro; giving straight commandment that none of his Soldiers should presume to molest them in this their business, or in their return. Then went they in haste to the quarry of the dead, but by no means could find the body of the King, for that the countenances of all men greatly altar by death; but being maimed and imbrued with blood, they are not known to be the men they were. As for his other regal Ornaments, which might have showed him for their King, his dead corpse was despoiled of them, either through the greedy desire of prey, (as the manner of the Field is) or to be the first bringer of such happy news, in hope of a Princely reward; upon which purpose many times the body is both mangled and dismembered: and so was this King after his death by a base Souldire, gashed and hacked into the leg, whom Duke William rewarded for so unsouldier like a deed, casshiering him for ever out of his wages and wars. So that Harold lying stripped, wounded, bemangled, and gored in his blood, could not be found or known, till they sent for a woman named Editha, (for her passing beauty surnamed Swan-shals, that is, Swans-necke, whom he entertained in secret love before he was King, who by some secret marks of his body to her well known, found him out; and then put into a coffin, was by divers of the Norman Nobility honourably brought unto the place, afterward called Battle-bridge, where it was met by the Nobles of England, and so conveyed to Waltham, was there solemnly, and with great lamentation of his mother, royally interred, with this rude Epitaph, well beseeming the time, though not the person. Heu cadis host fero, Rex ● Deuce Rege futuro, Par paris in gladio, milite & valido. Firmini justi lux est tibi, luce Calixti; Pronior hinc super as, hinc superatus er as. Ergo tibi requiem deposcat utrumque perennem: Sicque precetur eum, quod colit omne Deum. A fierce foe thee slew; thou'a King, he King in view; Both peers, both peerless, both feared, and both fearless; That sad day was mixed, by Firmin and Calixt, Th'one hell p thee to vanquish, t'other made thee languish; Both now for thee pray, and thy Requiem say; So let good men all, to God for thee call. Sigebertus Wil Gemitticen Gualt. Coven. Li▪ Woodbridge. (51) This King's reign was not so full of days as of great troubles: being but the space of nine months and nine days, in whom was completed the Period of the Saxons Empire in Britain, after they had continued from their first erected kingdom by Hengist in Kent, the space of six hundred and ten years, without any reversement or interruption saving the small Inter-Raignes of these three Danish Kings, of whom we have spoken. And although Aimund of Aimund. Brem. chap. 169. Breme, in the favour of his Danes, sharply taxeth this Harold as being an impious man, and for that by usurpation he aspired to the Crown, yet doth Ealred the Abbot of Rivauxe, (the Legender of S. Edward's Alured Rivallensis. life) much commend him for his courteous affability, gentle deportment, and justice, and for his warlike prowess none matchable unto him; and was reputed (saith he) verily a man passing well furnished with all virtues befitting a Sovereign commander, and borne even to repair the decayed state of England; had he not, in the haughtiness and opinion of his own valour and prudence, so much addicted himself to his own resolutions, and too much neglected the wise deliberations of his best friends and counsellors. His Wives. (52) The first wife of Harold, whom he had married and buried before he was King, I found not named by any of our writers; but that he had such a one, appeareth, where it is recorded that he was a Widower, what time he contracted the Conqueror's daughter; and that also he had children of such age, that they made wars against King William in the second of his Reign; which it is probable, he had not by Editha, his swans neck, but were legitimat, and by this lawful, though nameless Mother. (53) Algith, the second wife to King Harold, was the widow of Gruffith ap Lhewelyn King of North-wales, the sister of Edwine and Morcar Earls of Yorkshire, and Chester, and daughter of Algar son of Leofrick, son of Leofwine, all Earls of Chester, Leicester and Lincoln: She was married unto him being then but Duke, in the last year of Edward Confessors reign, and of Grace 1065. neither did she long enjoy him, or her Queenly title, after his aspiring to the Crown; for being resident in London when he was slain, from thence she was conveyed by her brethren to Westchester, where she remained in mean estate, and in good quiet (which usually most attends the meanest) without any princely show or name, during the rest of her life, which lasted a great part of the Conqueror's reign. His Issue. (54) Goodwin the eldest son of King Harold, being grown to some ripeness of years in the life of his Father, after his death and overthrow by the Conqueror, took his brother with him, and fled over into Ireland: from whence he returned, and landed in Sommersetshire, slew Ednoth (a Baron sometime of his Fathers) that encountered him, and taking great preys in Devon-shire and Cornwall, departed till the next year. When coming again, he fought with Beorn an Earl of Cornwall, and after retired▪ into Ireland, and thence went into Denmark to King Swain his Cosen-German, where he spent the rest of his life▪ (55) Edmund, the second son to King Harold, went with his Brother into Ireland, returned with him into England, and was at the slaughter and overthrow of Ednoth, and his power in Sommersetshire; at the spoils committed in Cornwall and Devonshire; at the conflict with the Cornish Earl Beorn; passed and repassed with him in all his voyages, invasions and wars, by sea and by land, in England and Ireland; and at the last departed with him from Ireland to Denmark; took part with him of all pleasure and calamity whatsoever, and attending and depending wholly upon him, lived and died with him in that Country. (56) Magnus the third son of King Harold, went M. Ferres Camb. in Sussex. with his brothers into Ireland; and returned with them the first time into England, and is never after that mentioned amongst them, nor elsewhere, unless, (as some do conjecture)) he be that Magnus who seeing the mutability of human affairs, become an Anchoret, whose Epitaph pointing to his Danish original, the learned Clarenciaux discovered in a little desolate Church at jews in Sussex, where in the gaping chinks of an Arch in the wall, in a rude and overworn Character, certain old imperfect verses were found, which he supposeth should be thus read; Clauditur hic Miles Danorum regia proles, Magnus nomen ei, magnae nota Progeniei. Deponens Magnum, prudentior induit agnum: Praepete pro vita, fit paruulus Anachorita. Here lies a Knight of Danish regal race, He * Great. Magnus height; great name note of great place: But Magnus left, an * A Lamb. Agnus mild he proved, From world bereft, an Archorite beloved. (57) Wolf the fourth son of King Harold, seemeth to be borne of Queen Algith his second wife, for that he was never mentioned among his other brethren, and having better friends by his mother's side, was left in England, whereas they were forced thence; neither is he spoken of, during all the reign of the Conqueror, and therefore at his entrance may probably be thought to have been but an Infant: yet after his death he is named among his prisoners with Earl Morcar (his uncle, if Queen Algith were his mother) and was by King William Rufus released, and honoured by him with the Order of Knighthood. John Capgrave. (58) Gunhild a daughter of King Harold is mentioned by john Capgrave (the Writer of the English Saints) in the life of Wolstan Bishop of Worcester, reporting her to have been a Nun in a Monastery of England; who, among the many miracles done by the said Wolstan, (which he numbereth by tale, according to the superstitious manner of the time wherein he lived) declareth, how he restored this Lady to her perfect eyesight, whereof by a dangerous infirmity, she was almost wholly, and in most men's opinions, uncurably deprived. (58) Another daughter of King Harold not named by any Story-writer of our own nation, is mentioned Saxon Grammaticus lib. ●1. by Saxon Grammaticus in his Danish history, to havecome into Denmark, with her two brethren; to have been very honourably entertained by King swain the younger, her kinsman: and afterwards to have been as honourably placed in marriage with Gereslef, called in Latin jarislaves, and of the Danes Waldemar, King of the Russians: and by him to have had a daughter, that was the mother of Waldemar, the first of that name King of Denmark, from whom all the Danish Kings for many ages after succeeded. The end of the eighth Book. A catalogue OF THE ENGLISH monarchs FROM WILLIAM THE CONQVEROUR, un TO KJNG JAMES, NOW SOLE MONARCH OF GREAT BRITAIN, WHOSE ACTS ARE ENTER EATED OF IN THIS ENSVING HISTORY. KINGS. BEGINNINGS. REIGN. DEATH. BURIAL.   Years Month's Days years months days Years Month's Days   WILLIAM I 1066. Oct. 14. Sat. 20 10 26 1087 Sept. 9 Thurs. Cane. WILLIAM II 1087. Sept. 9 Thurs'. 12 10 22 1100 Aug. 1 Wedn. Winchester. HENRY I. 1100. Aug. 1. Wedns. 35 3 1 1135 Decem. 2 Montanus▪ Reading. STEPHEN. 1135 Dec. 2 Monday 18 9 17 1154 Octob. 25 Montanus▪ Feversham. HENRY II 1154 Oct. 25. Mon. 34 8 12 1189 july 6 Thur▪ Fonteverard. RICHARD I. 1189 july 6 Thursd. 9 8 00 1199 April 6 Tues. Fonteverard. JOHN. 1199 Apr. 6 Tuesd. 17 7 13 1216 Octob. 19 Wedn. Worcester. HENRY III 1216 Oct. 19 Wedn. 56 0 27 1272 Nou. 16 Wedn. Westminster. EDWARD I. 1272 Nou. 16. Wedn. 34 7 21 1307 july 7 Frida. Westminster. EDWARD II 1307 july 7 Friday 19 6 15 1326 depo. jan. 22. Sa. Gloucester. EDWARD III 1326 jan. 25 Satur. 50 4 27 1377 june 21 Sund. Westminster. RICHARD II 1377 june 21 Sunday 22 2 7 1399 dep. Sep. 29. mn. Westminster. HENRY four 1399 Sept. 29 Mond. 13 5 21 1412 March 20 Sund. Feversham. HENRY V. 1412 Mar. 20 Sund. 9 4 11 1422 Aug. 31 Mun. Westminster. HENRY VI 1422 Aug. 31. Mon. 38 6 4 1460 deposed. Mar. 4 Windsor. EDWARD four 1460 Mar. 4. 22 1 5 1483 April 9 Windsor. EDWARD V. 1483 April 9 00 1 12 1483 murdered.   Tower of Lond. RICHARD III 1483 june 22. 2 1 0 1485 slain Au. 29 More▪ Leicester. HENRY VII. 1485 Aug. 22 Mon. 23 7 0 1509 April 22 Sund. Westminster. HENRY VIII. 1509 April 22 Sund. 37 9 5 1546 jan. 28 Thur. Windsor. EDWAD VI. 1546 jan. 28. Thurs'. 6 5 9 1553 july 6 Thur. Westminster. MARY. 1553 july 6 Thursd. 5 4 11 1558 Nove. 17 Thur. Westminster. ELIZABETH. 1558 Nou. 17. Thur. 44 4 6 1602 March 24 Thur. Westminster. JAMES. 1602 Mar. 24. Thur. NOS, TE FLORENTE, BEATI. THE SUCCESSION OF ENGLAND'S monarchs FROM THE ENTRANCE OF THE NORMANS UNDER WILLIAM THE CONQVEROR: UNTIL THE REGAL RIGHTS OF THE WHOLE ISLAND WERE BY GOD'S PROVIDENCE UNITED UNDER ONE IMPERIAL DIADEM, IN THE PERSON OF OUR PRESENT SOVEREIGN KING JAMES, SOLE MONARCH OF GREAT BRITAIN: THEIR SEVERAL ACTS, ISSVES, REIGNS, ARMS, seals, AND COINS. CHAPTER I WHat hath been spoken touching the Originals, Laws, and Customs of the Saxons, and Danes, the ancient Conquerors, and possessors of this our ●land, may in like sort be said of the Normans (being a branch from the same root) of whom we are now to writ, saving only that the name is not so ancient, and therefore their Manners may be thought more civil. Through the misty-darke times of which Stories, together with that of the Romans, and of our Britain's, (wherein no brighter Sun did shine unto us) by the ●. Cor. 4. ●. assistance of the allseeing power which bringeth light out of darkness, I am lastly approached to these times of more light, and unto affairs of more certain truth: whose Current to my seeming is made now Navigable, by the many writers that have emptied their full channels into this Sea: wherein, though in respect of my own defects, and that so many Master-Pilotes have sailed before me, it may seem but presumption for me to direct another course, with a purpose to better what they have so well performed: yet to make a complete History from the first to the last▪ give me leave to continued, as I have begun. (2) These Normans then, being anciently a mixed Nation with the warlike Norwegians, Swedens, & Danes, took their Name of that Northern Climate from whence they came first, which was that Coast of Germany, anciently called Cimbrica Chersonesus, and Nor-way, for that it tendeth in respect of situation so far Northward; and from hence, and the parts adjacent, the Saxons, jutes, Angles, and lately the Danes, made their incursions into this Landlord (3) This Tract therefore as the womb of conception, by the dispose of the Omnipotent, after it had produced those Nations which formerly made Conquests of Britain, now again brought forth (as it were) her last-borne Gen. 49. 27. Benjamin, who devouring the prey in the morning, hath divided the spoil in the Evening, and hitherto continued their glorious fame achieved; which I pray, may extend to the last period of Times being: For these Normans first by force got footing in France with the Dominion, and Style of a Duke, and next the Diadem of this fair Empire, the last and most famous monarchs of the same. (4) These, formerly practising Piracies upon the Coasts of Belgia, Frizia, England, Ireland, and France, proceeded in their hardy courses even to the Mediterranean Sea: insomuch that Charles the Great seeing their roving tall Ships, and considering the bold attempts they undertkooke, with a deep sigh, and abundance of tears, is reported to have said: Heavy am I at the very heart, that in my own life time, these Pirates dare to come upon my Coasts, whereby I foresee what mischief they will work upon my Posterity. Which indeed proved so great, that in their public Processions, and Litanies of the Church, this Petition was added, From the rage of the Normans, Good Lord deliver Cambd. Brit. us▪ This fear, and prayer notwithstanding, they drove the French to such extremity, that King Charles the Bald was forced to give unto Hasting a Norman, Archpirate, the Earldom of Charters, for to assuage his fury exercised upon his People; and again, King Charles the Gross, granted unto Godfrey the Normane part of Neustria, with his Daughter in marriage: Yet all this sufficed not, but that the Normans by force of Arms seated themselves near unto the mouth of Sein, taking all for their own that lay comprised betwixt that River and the River Loire: which * Country afterwards took the name of Normanny Camb. Brit. de Norma●. from these Northern Guests, at what time King Charles the Simple, confirmed it unto Rollo their Captain. (5) This Rollo, as say the Danish Historians, was Rollo. Albert Krant. the son of Guion, a great Lord in Denmark, who with his brother Gourin were appointed to departed the Country (according to the Danish customs) to seek their adventures abroad, and leave more room for Polyc●. lib. 6. ca 1▪ the rest at home; but these refusing the order made war upon the King, in which, both Guion the Father and Gourin the son, were slain, and Rollo forced to fly for safeguard of his life, with whom went a number of Gallants to seek Fortune's Court, and not a few misdoers, or out-lawedmen: whose Acts in England registered by Albertus Krantius, seeing they vary from our own historians in circumstances of times, and names, I have chosen in this place to insert, leaving the credit thereof to him the Reporter. (6) Rollo, a Nobleman of Denmark, (saith he) and too powerful in his King's eye, was forced with a Navy to adventure his Fortunes into foreign parts, whose first arrivage, as he saith, was in England, where many of the Danish nobility had formerly tried their valours, and some of them attained to the Sceptre, if not of the whole, yet of a great part of that kingdom Indeed, (saith he) England from the beginning was not governed by one King, as now it is, for the Angle-Saxons had their province, and the Mercians theirs, both governed by Provincial Deputies, but the Northumbrians had a King; as the Scots and Picts also, in the same Island, had kept their own limits under the like Government. Among these Northumbrians the Danes had their chiefest abiding, and in this Province Rollo the Dane brought first his men on Land, where making war upon that Nation, he built both Castles and Fortresses to fortify himself, his Navy lying upon the Seas: and proceeding forward into the Continent, took great booties both of men, cattles, and other spoils, lading their ships as they lay at Anchor: the Inhabitants of the Country making head against him, had still the worst. (7) Rollo yet doubtful and in suspense what to do, desired indeed to return to his Country, but that the King's indignation was an obstacle that way: next he affected to try his Fortunes in France, yet feared the issue would be dangerous, the People being exasperated against him, for the harms he had done them: but chiefly the Diadem of England ran most in his mind, though he knew the hazard was great, to match his small Forces with an host of a King: in which perplexed thoughts, it chanced him (saith my Rollo his dream. Author) to fall into a sweet slumber, and in his sleep he seemed to sit in the Kingdom of France, upon a high hill, Alb. Crantius. bending his head forward to a River which issued from the top of a mountain, at the foot whereof beneath him, he saw many kinds of Birds, which washed their ruddy left wings in the same water, where they all fed together, flew about, built their nests, and at times appointed, brought forth their young. (8) Rollo awaking from his pleasing dream, imparted the same unto his consorts, desiring their judgements for interpretation; which no way satisfying him, he called a Christian of his English Captives, a man industrious, and of great Capacity, and of whose deep understanding he had a great opinion: this captive then boldened, (and willing in likelihood, to divert Rollo from infesting England) told him, that his dream was significant and good, and did prognosticate the The dream expounded by an English Christ●an Captive. happy success of himself and whole Nation: for by this he saw that he was shorrly to receive a quiet possession, and a land of great renown in the Continent of France, and that himself should be cleansed in the Laver of Baptism, wherein also the ruddy sins of his People should be washed away, as the water had done the wings of the Birds. (9) This interpretation pleased Rollo well, and he easily believed that which he most affected, as in the like kind dreamers commonly do: therefore providing all things for France, he set his countenance only that way; yet because he had already performed great matters in England, he thought to follow Fortune for Rollo sendeth to sound King Alstan. his best Leader, and before he departed from so fair a land, intended to sound the King by an embassage, that so, i● he might found him inclinable to a league, he might have a refuge against future chances; if not, then was he resolute to go forward with his journey: therefore making choice of certain active persons, sent them to the English king Alstan, a Prince of a special religion and holiness of life: these having audience, uttered their message as followeth. (10) We being men distressed, and driven from our Country, sought out in banishment an habitation to rest in, and going forth, very many followed us, who encouraged us to seek and win a land by Conquest, supplying us with strength, and giving us great hope of victory: which thing when we resolved to take in hand, a Tempest of weather drove us (OH King) into these English Ports, where staying a ●it season to put again forth, the Winter withheld us, and our wants made us to seek further into the Land: whereupon our men, evermore brought up to the war, being evil entreated of those inhabitants, were moved by such injuries to provide for their own defence; wherein some small skirmishes have passed betwixt them. Our Prince therefore and General Rollo doth humbly require peace of thee, and to be permitted to sojourn in thy Land for a time, and to relieve his company with things necessary, we paying sufficiently for it: these things when thou shalt grant, he shall rest content and pacified, until the next spring, at which time he means to take his intended voyage. (11) Alstenus, not ignorant of the Danish cruelty, and with how great Armies they might oppress the English shores, did readily grant what they required: And also added a further courtesy, saying withal, I do greatly desire to see your Duke himself: and let him not think much to repair to our mansions, for he shall found Rollo cometh to Alstans' Court none amongst us but his most loving friends. When this was signified to Rollo, choosing out the tallest and goodliest persons of his company, and such as were of greatest wisdom, with them he very joyfully meeteth the King, is entertained, presents him with great gifts, but receiveth greater: Then sitting down to talk and common: (12) I am (saith King Alstenus) right glad, most worthy Duke Rollo, to see you in this my Court. The renown of your Nation hath been related to me, a Martial kind of People ye are, and in fight unconquerable. And you yourself also for your prowess, are not unnoted among the rest of your famous Worthies: your valiant exploits are Will. Gemetic. lib. 2. cap. 6. Alstans' bounty to Rollo. well known unto us: It is right pleasing unto us to enter with such men into amity. Behold our whole kingdom is before you, choose out a seat for yourself, and your people wheresoeur you best like, for we will have an everlasting league between us. (13) Rollo, glad of so fair promises, replied: Most worthy and renowned King, I highly esteem of your bountiful and most liberal proffers: God grant a happy success of our affairs. I do think myself most bounden & devoted to your worthiness; and if destiny ever answer to our desires, we will not be unthankful for this your so great benignity. To seat ourselves in your kingdom, though indeed we are very willing, and your Royal proffers do much more incite us, yet Fate doth not permit it. I have determined (and will certainly perform,) to go into France. For your gifts bestowed on me, I esteem them in the highest degree: and right well content I am to have a perpetual League with you, that the like Fortune may betide us both, the one to be a safeguard to the other. This I both offer, and accept of. This League God grant may to us both prove happy and fortunate. (14) With such like interchanges the time much spent, and night drawing on, they were brought to banquet: And early the next morning, coming forth of their lodgings, most lovingly embraced each other, when each gave & received presents best suiting with their estates and occasions. Neither doth Krantzius stay his pen there, but proceedeth to particular affairs betwixt these two Princes, without the concurrence of any of our own writers. (15) As how the English rose in Arms against Alstenus their King, taking opportunity of the time, for that Rollo (whom they knew to be joined in a most straight confederacy with their Sovereign) being then employed in the wars of France, could not come or sand to his aid: Alstenus therefore oppressed with a tumultuous kingdom, remembered Rollo his faithful Alstans' faith to his friend. friend, and sending Ambassadors declared unto him what distress he was in; who not unmindful of the firm league betwixt them, left his French wars, and prepared for England with all his Forces; where entering the Island, he easily quieted the tumultuous rebels, ransacking their Cities, kerbing their wildness, and so reducing them at last to an orderly subjection. For which his great love, care, & pains, the King not unthankful, resolved to requited him with the half of his kingdom, appointing the Cities and limiting the bounds, which each of them should rule and govern as their own possessions. (16) Rollo in the mean time, as careful of the pieces continuance, as regardless of so great remunerations, taketh pledges of the Rebels for securing their loyalty to the King, and peaceable bearing towards himself; upon accomplishment whereof, repairing to Alstenus he thus bespoke him. (17) Seeing (King Alstenus) you have so highly rewarded me, both with princely entertainment, and bountiful presents, I can do no less, then willingly bestow upon you these my pains for your safety: it is no more than your deserts do challenge; neither will I accept, or seem so uncourteous as to expect, for my pains, any part of your dominion. Yourself now may well govern it; for France calls for my presence: keep therefore those your Pledges, brought to you by your Subjects, and there is no doubt but you shall henceforward govern your Kingdom in a settled and contentful quietness. (18) The King could not contain those his eyes, which now beheld in a stranger so strange and unexempled kindness, from resolving into tears; giving him both hearty thanks, and rich gifts, seeing he could not fasten on him any portion of his Kingdom: of whom, all that Rollo desired was this, that he would give licence to such voluntary Soldiers as would go with him into France: whereto Alsten, ready in all things to gratify his desire, gladly condescended, and furnished him with attendants. (19) But leaving Krantius the Dane, as likewise Gemeticensis the Norman, to favour their Country, & these their reports, to the best liking of the judicious; most certain it is, that the French King Charles, commonly Rollo the first Duke of Normandy. Angiers Records. M. S. called the Simple, gave the Duchy of Normandy with his daughter Gilla (whose mother was Aeguina, the daughter of Edward the Elder, King of England) unto Rollo the Dane, as is recorded in an old manuscript belonging to the Monastery of Angiers. And when Rollo was baptised, Charles receiving him for his Godson at the Font, he was there required to do Rand. Higden. lib. 6. cap. 1. homage for his Dukedom received, and enjoined therein to kiss the King's foot, which he did, but with some disgrace to King Charles, and bound it with an oath that he did not receive it upon courtesy. (20) This Rollo by his second wife Popee, (for Gilla died childless) daughter to the Earl of Bessin and Baileulx, had a son named William, surnamed Longespee, and a daughter called Girlota, who was afterwards married to the Duke of Guyan. William Longespee, second Duke of Normandy. (21) William Longespee (so called of the Long Sword he usually wore) the second Danish Duke of Normandy, took unto wife Sporta the daughter of Hubert, Earl of Sentlis, by whom he had only Richard his son: this William receiving baptism, received therewith a new name, and was thenceforth called Robert, who having governed his Dukedom with great moderation the space of twenty years, was guilefully murdered by the working of jews King of France, to the great grief of his people, who so far followed the revenge, that they intercepted jews in Polycr. the City Rothomage, and detained him their prisoner, till he agreed to these Articles: That young Richard should succeed his slain Father in the foresaid Dukedom; and that thenceforth when the King & Duke should confer together, the Duke should be gi●t with his Sword, and the King disabled either of Sword or knife: to which jews yielded upon his Richard● ●. the third Duke of Normandy. corporal oath. (22) Richard thus established, governed his Dukedom the space of fifty two years. He was a man of an admirable fortitude, and therefore was called Richard the Hardy. His first wife was * Emma. Walsing. Ypodig. Noust. Agnes, daughter to Hugh le Grand, Earl of Paris, Lord Abbot of Germane, and Father to Hugh Capet of France; but she dying issueless, he secondly married Gunnor, a Gentlewoman of the Danish blood, (whom he had kept his Concubine before) by whom he had three sons and three daughters: the first was Richard that succeeded in his dominions; the second was Robert Archbishop of Rouen; and the third was called Maliger: his daughters were Hawisa, the wife of Geffrey Earl of Britain, and mother to Alane and * Or, Endo, Walls. ibi. guy his sons. Maud espoused * Or, Edo. ibi. Euldes Earl of Chartiers and Blais: and Emma called the Flower of Normandy, was Queen of England, both by the English King Ethelred, and Canutus the Dane, to both which she was married. Richard 2. th● fourth Duke of Normandy. Ran. Higden▪ calleth him Richard the third. (23) Richard the second, surnamed the Good, was the fourth Duke of Normandy, and ruled the same for twenty four years: In whose time the Normans began to be great, and gracious in England, the marriage of his Sister making their way: his first wife was judith the Sister of Geffrey Earl of Britain, by whom he had issue, Richard, the first Duke of Normandy, and Robert the sixt, William a Monk, and Nicholas Abbot of S. Andrew's: his daughters by her were, Alice, that died young, and another of the same name married to Reinold, Earl of Burgoine, and Eleanor espoused to Baldwin the fourth Earl of Flanders▪ who bore unto him Baldwin the fifth, father of Maud that was Queen of England, and wife to the Conqueror. (24) The second wife to Duke Richard the second, was Estrike, Sister to Canute King of England, from whom he purchased a Divorce, without any issue begotten on her body; and then taking for his third wife a fair Gentlewoman named Pavia, had issue by her William Earl of Arques, and Maugre Archbishop of Roan. Richard 3. the fifth Duke of Normandy. (25) Richard the third of that name, and fifth Duke of Normandy, in the second year of his Dukedom died an untimely death, not without suspicion of Poison, ministered by Robert his younger brother, who presently was invested in the Duchy, for that he left no issue of his body to succeed. Robert 1. the sixt Duke of Normandy. (26) This Robert (Duke Richard's Brother) was a man of a magnanimous spirit, and of such bounteous liberality as is uncredible. He coming to the City Phalesya in Normandy, chanced to see a most goodly and beautiful damosel, dancing among others of her familiar consorts; her name was Arlet, of Ran. Higden. in Polycr. lib. 6. c. 19 mean parentage (the daughter of a Skinner, saith Higden) whose pleasing feature and comely grace so pleased the Duke, that taking her to his bed, he begot on her, William his only son, (who proved the only man of the Normans blood) and after upon a remorse of conscience, undertook a pilgrimage unto jerusalem, from whence he never again returned. Arlet in Robert's life time was married to Herlaine a Norman Gentleman, but of mean substance; to whom she bore Odo Bishop of Baion, by his half-brother William created Earl of Kent; and Robert created Earl of Mortaigne, a man of a dull and Wil Taelyur of Rouen. gross wit; & a daughter named Emma, wife to Richard count of Auranches, (a Province in Normandy,) the mother of Hugh Lupus Earl Palatine of Chester. And thus far briefly I have thought good to prosecute the Line of the Normans, for the better illustration of our English Stories. Wil Malmsb. li. 3. ca 1. (27) Duke Robert intending his pious pilgrimage unto the holy land, assembled all his Nobility unto the City Fiscan, where he caused them to swear fealty unto his son William, being then but seven years old, committing him to the Governance of one Gilbert, an Earl of much integrity and prudence, and the defence of that Government unto Henry the French King, and so in the eight year of his Dukedom, set on his voyage for jerusalem; who entering jury, and not able to travail, was born in a litter upon the Saracens shoulders, and near unto the City, Rand. Higden in Polyc. lib. 6. cap. 19 meeting a returning Pilgrim, desired him to report in his Country what he there saw, which is, (said he) that I am carried to Heaven upon the devils back: but so far was he borne that he never returned, being prevented by death: which the Norman Peers hearing, made use thereof for their own ambitious ends, without any regard of young William their Pupil and Sovereign, and grown into factions, greatly troubled the Peace of their Country, wherein Earl Gilbert the Protector was slain, by Randulphus the young Dukes Cosen-Germane. Wil Malmsb. lib. 3. (28) The beginner of these stirs was another of his kinsmen, even Guy of Burgoine, the son of Duke Richard's daughter, brought up with William in his youth, and ever in his most especial esteem; who, upon a vain hope to aspire to an Earldom, got the aid of the viscounts, Nigell, and Randulph, but took such a fall before he could ascend the highest step, that in losing his footing he lost therewith his head. (29) Strife also arose betwixt young William, and his Uncle William the base-born Earl of Archis. Whereupon King Henry of France, who till then had held this Wolf by the ear, fearing some hazard to himself, if he should now let him go, thought it best to aid the Earl in his cause, and therefore sent him supply under the leading of some men of note; but William so begirt his Castle with straight siege, that he caused the Earl by famishment to yield up his Fort, and drove the French with disgrace out of the field: where, with such success he still prospered, that Henry now, to secure his own Confines, sent Odo his brother for Perfect, into those Parts, that lay betwixt the Rivers Reyn and the sayne. (30) William as watchful as the French King was jealous, sent against Odo, Robert Count Aucensis, Hugh Gornacensis, Hugh Mountfort, and William Crispin, all of them stout Soldiers, which so bravely bore themselves, that Odo was the first man that made away, and the rest of the French saved themselves by flight. (31) William that had sworn a league with King Henry, and in his Minority had ever found him his gracious Guardian, was loath to endanger the breach of his Oath, or the duty that love and deserts had obliged him unto; and therefore by this Stratagem he sought to dislodge the French. In the silence of Night when in the King's Camp all were at rest, he caused to be cried aloud, the flight of Odo, and his discomfiture, with no less terror than it was; which rang so shrill in the ears of the French, that Henry thought best to be go: leaving William the absolute Lord of Normandy. (32) Which he valiantly defended, and uprightly governed all the days of King Henry: whose death presently caused an alteration of State; for he leaving Baldwine surnamed the Gentle, and fifth Earl of Flaunders, Tutor to his young Son●e Philip, the quarrel betwixt those two Princes had an end; Baldwine on the one side so working his Pupil, and on the other the Normane, (who was his son in law) that a most firm League was ratified betwixt them, and kept unviolated so long as William was a Duke: where we will leave him in prosperity and peace, and proceed in our intendment, as he did in his Conquest here in England. William the Conqueror. Monarch ● WILLIAM SURNAMED THE CONQVEROUR, THE THIRTY NINTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: AND FIRST OF THE NORMANS: HIS LIFE, REIGN, ACTS, WIFE, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER II ✚ HOC. ANGLI●. REGEM. ●IGNO. EATEARI●. EUNDE M. ✚ hOC. NORMANNORUM. WILLELMUM▪ NO●CE. PATRONUM. ● I ✚ PILLEMRE ●●ANGLOI 3 SIL. ✚ JESTHNONHEREFOR BAttle Field won with An. D. 1066 the loss of little less than sixty eight thousand men, and Harold in soldier-like exequys borne unto Waltham in Essex, & there honourably interred, as we have said: William the Conqueror, (for so now may we style him) returned Simon Dun. to Hasting, and thence set forward with spoil of the Country, over Thamesis towards London. (2) Where Edwine and Morcar, the Brethren of the Queen, were in working the English, that one of them should be King, or rather, saith Simon of Durham, to crown Edgar Etheling, the rightful heir, in Lib. S. Alban. such esteem with the People, that he was commonly called England's Darling; unto whose side most of the Nobles adhered, with the Citizens of London, and the Naval forces; to which part also joined Aldred Archbishop of York, though presently he fell off The Pope powerful to depose Princes. and stuckt to the stronger; for the Prelates, though secretly affecting the right claim, yet terrified with the flashing thunderbolts of the Papal curse, durst not go forward with their purpose (so powerful was the Pope, even then to defeat the rightful heirs of Wil Malms. kingdoms) but refused to side with the Lords, whereupon all their designments were suddenly quashed. (3) For William having wasted through Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire, came unto Wallingford, and crossing there the Thamesis, passed through the Counties of Oxford, Buckingham and Wil Ge●iti●, Hertford, where staying at Berkhamsted, Aldred Archbishop of York, Wolstane Bishop of Worcester, Walter Bishop of Hereford, with the Earls Edwin and Morcar, yea and Edgar himself, yielded their allegiance unto the Duke: This curse so prevailing, Trees cut down to hinder William's passage. far engaged William to the Pope. (4) William intending for London, being on his way, found the passage stopped up with multitudes of great trees, which by the policy of Frethericke Abbot of S. Albans, (a man descended from the Saxons noble blood, as likewise from Canutus the Dane) to secure his Monastery from the destruction of the Normans, were so cut down: whereat the Duke both wondering and fretting, sent for the Abbot, under his assurance of safe return, and demanding the cause why his woods were so cut; Frethericke answered john Stow. very stoutly, I have done (said he) the duty both of my birth and profession; and if others of my rank had performed the like (as they well might and aught) it had not been in thy power to have pierced the land thus far. (5) William hearing the bold answer of this Prelate, and knowing it was now a time fit to pacify, then exulcerate the English spirits, gave way to the present necessity, and withal hastened (as good policy required) his coronation, which at Westminster was solemnised upon Monday, being the day of King Williams Coronation. Christ's Nativity, and year of salvation, 1066. where he received the crown at the hands of Aldred Archbishop of York; causing the Bishops and Barons to take the oath of allegiance unto him; and himself likewise at the altar of S. Peter's, took a solemn oath to defend the rights of the Church, to establish good laws, and to see justice uprightly administered, as become a good King; and thereupon chose for his counsel, such men as he knew to be of great wisdom and experience: next, applying William fortifieth against invasions. his thoughts for the security of his new got Empire; fortified such▪ places as lay open to danger, bestowed strong Garrisons upon the coasts, & ships to ride in those Harbours which were most exposed to invasion. (6) And the better to assure the south of the Polydor. land, (best serving his purpose, if any new troubles should arise) he took his way towards Dover, the lock and key of the Kingdom, as Matthew Paris terms Math. Paris. it; that so he might command the seas from his enemy's arrivage, and over-awe the Kentish a most strong and populous Province. When Stigand therefore Archbishop of Canterbury, and Eglesine the Politic john Stow. Abbot of Saint Augustine's (being the chiefest Lords and Governors of Kent) understood of his approach, they assembled the Commons at Canterbury, laying forth the perils of the Province, the miseries of their neighbours, the pride of the Normans, and the wrongs of the Church; all which now Archbishop Stigands persuasion of the Kentish. were too apparently seen: the English till then, (they said,) were borne free, and the name of bondmen not heard of among them; but now servitude only attend us, if we yield (said they) to the insolency of this griping enemy: These two Pre ate's therefore, after the example of the undaunted Maccabees, offered themselves to die in the defence of their Country; whose forwardness drew the people unto the like resolution, which by their advertisements were assigned to meet at a day, the place was Swanscombe, two mile's west from graves end. Thom. Sprot. (7) Where accordingly convening, and keeping secret in the woods, they waited the coming of the Kentish policy against King William. the Conqueror, all jointly agreeing, for that no way lay open save only a front, to carry in their hands great branches of trees, wherewith they might both keep themselves from discovery, and (if need were) impeach the passage of the Normans: which device took so strange an effect, that it daunted the Duke even with the sight at his approach; who being, as he thought, free from the enemy, was now suddenly beset on all sides with woods, whereof seeing some before him to move, he knew not but that all the other vast woods were of like nature, neither had he leisure to avoid the danger. The Kentish enclosing his Army about, displayed their banners, cast down their boughs, and with bows bent prepared for battle; so that he which even now had the Realm to his seeming in his fist, stood in despair of his own life; of which his sudden amazement, the reverend Prelates Stigand and Eg●esine taking notice, & also advantage, presented themselves before him, and in the behalf of the Kentish thus spoke. Stigands' Oration (8) Most noble Duke, behold here the Commons of Kent are comeforth to meet and receive you as their Soucraigne, requiring your Peace, their own free condition of estate, and their ancient laws formerly used: if these be denied, they are here presently to abide the verdict of battle, fully resolved rather to die, then to departed with their laws, or to live servile in bondage; which name and nature is, and ever shall be strange unto us, and not to be endured. The Conqueror driven into this straight, and loathe to hazard all on so nice a point, their demands being Wil Thorn. not unreasonable, more wisely then willingly granted their desires; and pledges on both parts given for performance, Kent yieldeth her Earldom; and Castle of Dover to their new King William. (9) All things established for England's security, and subjection now to the Normans; he ordained Simon Dun. Odo Bishop of Bayeux made Earl and governor of Kent. his half brother by the surer side, Odo Bishop of of Bayeux, (whom he created Earl of Kent) and his cozen William-Fitz-Osburne (by him made Earl of Hereford) to be Governors in his absence over the Realm; and in the Lent following sailed into Normandy, leading with him many pledges for their fidelity, besides other Nobles, especially such as he Henry Hunt. Polycr. feared to be too potent; amongst whom, Stigand the Archbishop of Canterbury, the two great Earls Edwin and Morear, Edgar surnamed Etheling, Fretherik Abbot of S. Alban, Agelnothus Abbot of Glastenbury, Ypodigma Neust. Walteof the son of the warlike Siward Earl of Northumberland, Roger Earl of Hertford, Marianus. Rainulph Earl of Cambridge, and Gospatricke Earl of Cumberland, were the men of greatest note; yet was he no sooner go, but that Edrick surnamed Syluaticus (son to Alfrick, the brother of Edrick Streona, the treacherous Earl of Mercia,) a man of great spirit, and of no little power, aided by the Welshmen, The Welshmen took Arms against William. took up arms and denied subjection to the Normans, so that by either party (as in civil discords it ever fa●leth out) great spoils were made in many places; but most of all in Herefordshire, where Robert Fitz-Scroope left to man the Castle, did much hurt upon the Tenants of Edricke, and he to requited him with the like, calling to his aid Blethyn and Rywalhon Matth. West. lib. 2. Kings of Wales, wasted all to the mouth of Wye. An. D. 1067 (10) These stirs in England called William out of Normandy, and were so distasteful to his great, but ill digesting stomach, that he began to hold the rain straighter, and harder to curb the headstrong English, giving the possessions of their Nobles unto his Normans, and laying unwonted taxes & heavy subsidies upon the Commons, than which nothing The lands of the English given to the Normans. bred him more hatred, in so much, that many of them, to enjoy a barren liberty, forsook their fruitful inheritance, and with their Wives & Children, as outlaws, lived in the Woods, preferring that naked name of freedom, before a sufficient maintenance possessed under the thraldom & tyranny of their Conquerors: but in short time, to sustain their wants, (easily conceived, but hardly endured) they so fell to spoil and rob, that the high ways wars even in peace. lay untrod from town to town, yea and private houses every where so guarded with bows, bills, pole-axes, swords and clubs, as if they had been not harbours of peace, but fortresses of war; when praies were made at the shutting in, and opening of their doors, as in times of open hostility. On the other side, such as preferred vassalage with some hope of tolerable (yea, or untolerable) usage, they to Mat. Paris. curry favour with the Normans, seeming to forget who the● were, become as strangers themselves, and did shave their beards, round their hair, and in arment, behaviour, and diet, a ltogether unfashioned The English become strangers. themselves to imitate them: it being a shame in those days, even amongst Englishmen, to be an Englishman. (11) Unto these Malcontents, and voluntary Outlaws, joined Morcar and Edwine, the stout Earls of Chester and Yorkshire, setting up again for their Captain Edgar Etheling (which if in due time at first they had done, might have proved successful) who with their complices right valiantly Many Nobles fly out of England. for a time resisted the Normans, and in their proceed put many of them to the sword. King William as careful and sedulous to prevent further mischief, collecting his forces, and not without danger of his life, dissolved their power, so that every Mat. Paris. Mat. Westm. man sought how to save himself by escape: among whom Edwin and Morcar, Welthersus and Merther, with some of the Bishops and Clergy went into Scotland. Marleswin, and Gospatrick, Noblemen of Northumberland went into Denmark: Edgar Atheling, with his mother Agatha, and his sisters Christian and Margaret, took the seas for Hungary; but by contrary winds were driven into Scotland, where they were most courteously entertained by Malcolme (surnamed Cammor) King of that Country, King Malcolme mar●●eth Lady Margaret. who so affected the person and qualities of Lady Margaret, that he entered with her a Nuptial contract, and the rather in respect of her possibility and nearness to the English crown; whose marriage was solemnised about the feast of Easter, in the second of King William's reign, whereby Scotland become a sanctuary to the English, which daily fled thither from the pressures of the Normans. (12) The Conqueror now perceiving the occasion King William sendeth for Edgar out of Scotland. of new stirs, sent unto King Malcolme for the delivery of Edgar his enemy; which if he refused, he threatened to denounce open war against Scotland. But Malcolme minding more his own honour, than King William's threats, returned this answer, That he held it an unjust thing, yea and (in a Prince) a wicked part, to betray him to his enemy, that came unto his Court for protection, as Prince Edgar was forced for fear of his life; whose innocency and demeanour toward William, his An honourable saying. greatest adversary, could not touch with the lest suspect: alleging further (besides the respect of ordinary humanity, in this case ever religiously to be observed) the strait bands of their near alliance, The love of alliance. which required him to tender the afflicted estate of his most loving wives, most loved brother, coming under his Canopy, as it were for defence. (13) William thus frustrate of all hope from king Malcolme, and daily perplexed at the flight of the English unto his kingdom, feared a revolt & dangerous rebellion; to prevent which, he caused four strong castles to be built, one at Hasting, another at Lincoln, the third at Nottingham, & the fourth at York, wherein he bestowed strong Garrisons: and disarming the English of armour, commanded every Fire and candle forbidden at certain hours unto the English. householder to put out both fire and candle at eight of the clock at night; at which hour, in every City▪ town and Village, he caused a bell to be rung, of the French then called Coverfew (that is, (Coverfire) partly yet in practice, and in name very near, commonly called Curfue: to prevent nightly tumults that might happily be done. Mat. Westminster (14) All this his circumspection notwithstanding, could not prevent the troubles that presently arose; for Goodwin and Edmund, the sons of Goodwin and Edmund out of Jreland invade England. the late King Harold, coming with some forces out of Ireland, and landing in Sommersetshire, fought with Adnothus, (sometime master of their father's horse, but now a Normanist) whom they slew with many others, and taking great booties both in Cornwall and Devonshire, departed again for Ireland. Excester likewise, seeking to shake off the fetters of the Normans bondage, as also Northumberland, to recover their former liberties, took Arms: against whom, King William in all hast possible, sent Robert Cumin, and went himself strongly prepared against Excester, which he most straightly beleaguered; at which time the Citizens thought it not enough to shut their gates against him, but contemptuously taunted Cambd Damon. and flouted him, until a great piece of the wall falling down by the especial hand of God, (as the Excester yielded to King Willia● Historians of that age report) they immediately set open their gates, and submitted themselves to his mercy. The chief instigator to their disloyalty was Githa the mother of King Harold, and sister to Swain King of Denmark, with others siding against the Normans; who now seeing the yielding up of that City, shifted themselves out of danger, and got over unto Flanders. An. D. 1068 (15) But fortune to Cumin was not so favourable in the North, nor himself so circumspect as va●iant; for lying securely, as he thought in the City Durham, he was on the sudden surprised in The Normans slain in the north. the night by Edgar Atheling and his followers, where Robert and seven hundred of his Normans were slain, one only escaping, who brought the bloody news Polydor. thereof to King William, which happened in the third of his reign, the twenty eight of january, and year of Christ, 1068. The depth of Winter notwithstanding, he posted into the north; whose only terror daunted all further attempts, so that taking some of the Authors of this rebellion, he cut off their hands and some of their heads, conceiving hereupon more hatred against the English, and in that spleen of displeasure returned to London. An. D. 1069 (16) While these insurrections were on foot in England, the fugitive English in Denmark so far prevailed with King Swain, that they procured his aid to recover their rights, and the rather, as they alleged, for that the Crown of England was his, descending Math. Paris. Mat. Westm, lib. 2. from those that had before made conquest thereof: he therefore sent a puissant Navy of three hundred sail well fraught with soldiers, under the conduct The Danes with English fugitives invade England. of Osburne his brother, and Harold and Canute his sons,: who arrining in Humber, landed their men for York, and wasted the Country all the way as they went; unto whom shortly joined Edgar and his associates out of Scotland, so that their Army was exceedingly strong. Whose approach so terrified the Lib. ●●or. M. S. Yorkers, that for very grief thereof their Archbishop Aldred, (who was wholly become the Normans favourite) died, and the Norman Garrisons York set on fire by her own soldiers. that there kept, jest the enemy should have any shelter or succour, set their suburbs on fire; the flame whereof carried with an over-high wind, soon consumed a great part of the City itself, and therein, the fair Cathedral Church of S. Peter's, with a famous Library thereto adjoining. (17) The Citizens, and Soldiers thus beset with sudden flames, thinking to secure their lives from the fire, did enhazard them on the fury of the sword; for coming unawares upon these hardy and well appointed Danes, were forced to come to a disordered The Danes victors over the English. fight, wherein though for a time they behaved themselves most valiantly, yet being overlaid, were discomfited with the slaughter of three thousand of their men. The Danes, swelling with this prosperous success took into Northumberland, bringing all to their obeisance where they came; and the two young gallants were thereby so fleshed, & encouraged, that they intended to have marched to London, had not the extremity of winter (enemy to all warlike enterprises) hindered them; yea and William as willingly William's policy to weaken the English. would have been doing, if the same cause had not kept him back: but when the time of the year was fit for war, he gathered a great host, whereof the English were chief, this being his policy, to use their weapons each against others, whereby their strengths might be lessened, that so whosoever Wil Malmsb. lost, his Normans might win: these joining battle with the enemy, fought it out manfully; and lastly, making a breach into a wing of the Danish army therewith so daunted the rest, that all of them gave back and fled; Harold and Canute to their ships, & Edgar Atheling by swift horse into Scotland. Earl Waltheof, who with his own hands had slain many a Norman that day, was reconciled to King William, now left conqueror of the field; whose wrath was so kindled against these Northern disturbers, that he wasted all the fair Country betwixt The North miserably wasted. York and Durham, leaving all desolate for threescore mile's space, which nine years after lay untilled & without any inhabitant; when grew so great a famine, that these Northerns were forced to eat the flesh of men. An. D. 1070 Polydor. (18) The Conqueror after these troubles bore more hatred unto the English, whose inconstancy (so he accounted their unquenched desire of liberty) he daily dreaded, especially the Nobles, and men of power; whereupon he began to deal yet more roughly for light causes, thrusting out some of them into exile, and depriving more of their lands and The English hated and banished goods, seizing most part of every man's revenues into his own possession, as gained by a lawful conquest, causing them to redeem them again at his hands, and yet retained a propriety thereof unto himself, by receiving an annual rent, and other provisions and services, whereof if they failed, their lands were utterly excheated to the crown; neither spared he the Corporations of Cities, Towns, Monasteries, or Episcopal Seas; but took from them their ancient liberties and privileges, whose redemptions set at what rate it pleased himself, soon weakened their estates, which was the only thing he aimed at, and therefore often blamed Canutus for his overmuch gentleness extended towards those, whom he had conquered, whose steps therein he Math. Paris. meant not to tread. (19) He charged the Clergy with armour, horse and money, for the maintenance of his wars, wherein the Bishops and Abbots were taxed at very great sums, which he caused to be registered and laid up in his treasury: so that he did not only bereave their Abbeys and Monasteries of all their gold Roger Wind. and silver, but, by the report of Roger Windover, laid hands upon their Chalices and rich shrines, and for their further undoing established by decree, that Will▪ Malmsb. no English Scholar should come to promotion. In Ex Archiu. Colleg. Vniversit. O●o●▪ Tun. Apol. l. 2. which respect also, whereas King Alfred had, for the maintenance of many learned Divines, (which might instruct his people in the Faith, in their own vulgar tongue) founded a goodly College in Oxford, to be maintained wholly at the King's charges, which was accordingly performed, and royally continued in all his successors reigns: King William, desiring utterly to destroy the English tongue, and preaching therein; decreed, that the said annual expense, should never after be allowed out of the King's Exchequer, to the great impairing both of Wil Thorn. learning and religion. To further all which proceed, his holy Father Pope Alexander the second, set in a foot, sending two Cardinals, and a Bishop Marianus. from the See apostolic, who in a Council degraded Stigand Archbishop of Canterbury, Egelwine Bishop Gerua. Doraber. of the East-Angles, besides divers other Bishops and Abbots of the English nation; deprived for no evident cause, but only to give place to the Normans in favour of the King. M▪ Mils in Will. Conq. (20) The ancient laws of the land he abrogated for the most part, ordaining new, nothing so equal nor so easy to be kept; which his laws although Hard laws imposed upon the English. they nearly concerned the English & therefore aught of them to have been familiarly known, were notwithstanding written in the harsh Norman tongue, which they understood not; so that many persons, partly by the iniquity of the law itself, partly by ignorance in misconstruction, & often also by the sleights of Pleaders and judges, who might pretend for law what they list, were wrongfully condemned, in forfeiture of goods, lands, yea and also of life, and generally so entangled with their unknown interpretation, and tortured with their delays, turmoils and traverses, that they rather chose to give over their suits, then to follow them with their endless vexations. He caused likewise his Broad seal, wherewith he confirmed his Deeds and Charters, to be inscribed on the one side, to acknowledge him for the Normans Patron, and on the other, for the English King, King William his Seal. as in the sculpture thereof, at the entrance of his history is seen, which beareth this sense; This Sign doth William, Normans Patron show: By this the English him their King do know. An. D. 1072 Wil Malms. (21) These snares of his laws accounted the fetters of the Natives, were by the Nobility sought to be cast off: for Edwin and Morcar, (the two stout Earls so often mentioned) feignedly reconciled to the King not long before, combining with Fretherike, the bold and rich Abbot of S. Albans, set up Edgar Atheling their General once again, and fell into a new conspiracy: William Lion-like storming at the lose, and regardless allegiance of these unsufferable subjects, daily with fresh attempts so disturbing his peace, with a mighty power hastened against them, and armed aswell with the spiritual sword of Lanfranck, (than advanced to be Archbishop of Canterbury) as with mail of Iron, or coats of steel, laid all barren wheresoever he came: his opposites The English rise against William. for their parts knowing his purpose, as desperately maintained what they had begun, and fully were resolved to make the sword their judge. (22) The King by his Spials hearing the increase of their power, and knowing to his restless trouble, the unwilling subjection of the English, entered consultation with his Archbishop; who as Rhehoboams Sages, gave him counsel somewhat to bear 1. King. 12. 6. with their abuses, rather than to hazard the ruin of all in fight; and so far prevailed in this his advice, that an assembly was appointed to meet at Berkhamsted in the County of Hertford, where the King entering parley with the English Nobility, so far did wind himself into their good opinions, (being a very politic, and fair-spoken Prince) that they all forthwith laid down their weapons. King William sworn unto King Edward's laws. (23) And he for his part fearing to loose the crown with shame, which he had gotten by the effusion of so much blood, gave his oath upon the holy Evangelists, and the relics of Saint Alban the Martyr, (the same being ministered unto him by Abbot Fretherik) swearing to observe, and inviolably to keep the ancient laws of this land; & most especially those compiled by King Edward the Confessor, though (as the event soon showed) he little meant to do as he pretended. (24) Peace thus established, among other conferences beseeming such estates, it chanced King William to demand the reason how it came to pass, that his fortune should be in one days battle to subdue the English, which the Danes before him could not do in many; to which question whilst each Lib. S. Alban. M. S. in vita Fretheric. stood looking on others, expecting what to answer, the stout Abbot Fretherick stepped forth and said: (25) The reason thereof may easily be given, if the occasion be well weighed; for wontedly the land was defended A good speech ill taken. by dint of swords, until that their warlike wearers upon their godly devotions, laid them from their sides upon the Altars of Orisons, which through overlong rest are grown very rusty, and their edges too dull now for the field: for, (said he) the maintenance of martial men, with a great part of this lands revenues, are daily converted to pious employments, to maintain and defend these holy votaries, whose prayers pierce more deeper than the sword: and therefore thou art obliged o King▪ to maintain their peace, that have been the cause of thy so easy purchase. (26) But William before the words were well out of his mouth replied and said, Is the Clergy sor●ch and so strengthened that the land thereby lieth weakened of her King Williams angry answer. men at Arms, and to keep only the religious in safety shall the laity lie exposed to the invasions of the Danes, Lib. S. Alban. and other foreign Enemies? surely out of your own mouths I will judge you, and for redress will first begin with thee: whereupon he took from the Abbey of Saint Albans all the lands and revenues that lay betwixt Barnet and London-Stone. Abbot Fretherick, whose overbold answers had now offended the King, without delay called a chapter of his brethren, showing them their approaching dangers, and to avoid the present storm, went himself to Ely, where he desisted not from his wont machinations against the Conqueror. (26) This conference ended, and the King's oath received, the English Armies disband themselves, as dreaming they had now good Fortune by the foot and hoping the greatest storms of their dangers Simon Dun. Math. Paris. were passed; which presently proved but a Vain surmise: for King William having compounded with the Danes that lay all this last Winter in Northumberland, and paid them a great sum for their departure, King William worketh upon advantage. began extremely to hate the rebels, and with full resolution of their destruction, suddenly set upon them apart, which he durst not attempt, when they were united, so that slaying many, imprisoning others, and prosecuting all of them with fire & sword, well was he that could be first go. (27) Edgar Etheling got again into Scotland, and Ran. Higden. Henry Hunt. Math. Paris. Edwin Earl of Yorkshire following with the like intent, was slain in the way by his own soldiers; Egelwin Bishop of Durham, Morcar Earl of Chester, The I'll of Ely fortified against William. Siward surnamed Brancha, and Hereward (a very valiant Knight) got into the I'll of Ely, relying wholly on the advantage of the place. This Hereward had received a hallowed sword, and benediction of his uncle the Abbot of Peterborow, Ingulphus. and had most valiantly defended his own inheritance against the Normans, and with no less couragewithstood the Conqueror, being made captain of those now assembled. (28) But the King jest delay should give them advantage, and harbour more of such his unbridled King William assaulteth the I'll of Ely. subjects, with a great power hasted thitherward, & stopping up the East passage from all flight, or relief, drew a causy on the west through the deep Roger Wind. Fens, even two miles of length, where likewise he then built the Castle of Wisbech: against which, they in the I'll raised another of timber and turfs, and called it according to the name of their Captain, Hereward: at which place, many assaults & bicker being made, but yet no entrance gotten, Morcar by boat escaped out of the I'll, and in Scotland obtained by price, what these distressed could not by prayer; so that Malcolme the King, in rescue & revenge The Scots invade Cumberland of them, invaded Cumberland, and foraged all Theisdale: Hereward also went out of the I'll, and got a gallant crew of choice and youthful soldiers, which stood most stoutly for the defence of their liberties. (29) In the mean while▪ the Monks, oppressed with miseries, sued for mercy unto the King, & Thurstan The Abbot would hold his, howsoever the rest fared. the Abbot repairing to Warwick, where William then lay, offered him entrance unto the I'll, if he would restore to their Abbey the ancient possessions: the King then rejoicing, to obtain that by wit, which Canutus could not do by main strength, accorded to the request, and in great haste, but no little difficulty, got into the I'll, where slaying a thousand of the Common sort, he used great cruelty against the better, imprisoning many, and dismembering others, some of their hands, some of their eyes and some of their feet. Egelwine Bishop of Durham he imprisoned, first at Abington, then at Westminster, whose diet was either so sparing, or stomach so great in forbearance, or both (for both are reported) that ere long he died of hunger. (30) Howsoever the Monks of Ely kept their John Stow. promise with William for betraying of the I'll; he contrariwise broke his for their preservation and peace; for by no means their prayers would enter his ears, till the sound of seven hundred marks had opened A small piece of money wanting made more to be paid. the way; to collect which, they were forced to cell both the jewels and ornaments of their Church; which being brought to his receivers, there wanted (whether by error or deceit) a groat in weight▪ (for in those days greater sums passed by weight, not by tale,) whereof when the King understood, he in great (but captious) rage, denied them all composition for peace, whereupon with much suit he was entreated to accept of a thousand Marks more, to raise which, they disfurnished their Monastery even of things of necessary use. (31) But the English Fugitives, who had gotten the Scots to stick to them, were not yet pacified, but entering into Cumberland, they wasted the Country before them unto the Territories of Saint Cuthbert, & city of Durham; to meet whom, King William sent Gospatrick, who lately reconciled to his favour, and created Earl of Northumberland, showed the like measure of cruelty upon the Scotish Abetters, as The English enter into Scotland but with small success. they had done against the English. The Conqueror therefore not a little moved against King Malcolme, for that his Country was a receptacle of his Rebellious Subjects, and himself now the chief Leader of the Malcontents into his Kingdom, hasted into Scotland with a desire and purpose, to have done much more than he was able to accomplish: Polydor. for entering Galloway, he more wearied his Soldiers in passing the Marish grounds and mountains, then with encounter or pursuit of the Enemy, so that he was forced to give over his enterprise, and then drew his forces towards Lothiam, where King Malcolme and his English la●e, being fully resolved, there to end by battle, either his troubles, or his life. Matth. Par●. (32) But Malcolme wisely considering the event of war and that the occasion thereof was not for his own subjects, but for a sort of foreign fugitives, began to think, that the wrongs therein done to another he could hardly brook himself, and sent therefore to William proffers of peace; whereunto Henry Hunt. Gemeticensis. lastly the English King inclined and hostages delivered upon further Conferences, what time (as I take A stone Cross erected for a Meere-marke to both th● Kingdoms. it) upon Stanemore, not far from an homely hostilerie called the Hospital, a Stone-Crosse (on the one side of whose shaft stood the picture, and arms of the King of England, and on the other the Image & Hector Boetius. arms of the King and Kingdom of Scotland, upon * That is, Kings▪ Cross. that occasion called the Roicrosse) was erected, to show the Limits of either kingdom; some ruins of which Metre-marke are yet appearing; for King William, granting Cumberland unto Malcolme, Cambden Brit. to hold the same from him, conditionally that the Scots should not attempt any thing prejudicial to the Crown of England, (for which King Malcolme did him homage, saith Hector Boetius the Scotish writer) Hector Boet. lib. 12. cap. 10. and the English being reconciled to his favour, after he had built the Castle of Durham, returned as cleared from all Northern troubles. An. D. 1074 (33) But his Norman Dukedom, stirred somewhat unto rebellion, called King William into those parts, where, by the prowess of the English, he soon brought all things to peace, and returned for England, better conceiting of that Nation, especially Wil Malms. Math. Paris. of Edgar Etheling, whom he courteously received and honourably maintained in his Court, allowing him The bounty of King William towards Edgar Etheling▪ a pound weight of Silver every day to spend; a rare example of a victorious Conqueror showed upon a man so unconstant, (who twice had broken his oath of fidelity) and dangerous to be so near unto his person, being, as he was, a Competitor of his Crown. (34) While the King was in Normandy, Ralph de Ware Earl of Suffolk and Norfolk, took to wife Emma the daughter of William Fitz-Osberne, and sister to Roger Earl of Hereford cozen to King William, and that without his consent; by whose affinity he conceived no small pride, and even on the wedding day, when wine had well intoxicated the brain, with a long circumstance persuaded his Guests unto a Rebellion; unto whom yielded Roger Earl of Hereford, john Stow. his Bride's brother, and Waltheof Earl of North-hampton, A conspiracy intended and razors evealed. with many other Barons, abbots and Bishops: But the next morning, when Earl Waltheof had consulted with his Pillow and awaked his wits to perceive the danger whereunto he was drawn, repaired straightways to Archbishop Lanfranke, who was left Governor of the Land in King William's absence, revealing unto him their Conference and Treasons intended, by whose advice he went over into Normandy, and there with submissive repentance, showed the King what these Lords and himself had intended. (35) The Earls therefore of Norfolk and Hereford, whose state now lay open to chance, as desperate men took themselves to Arms, & sought how to unite their two powers into one. This sudden Mat Westm. Henry Hunt. Simon Dun. found of war soon roused the Subjects, so that Wolstane Bishop of Worcester, and Egelwine Abbot of Euesham having called to their aid Walter Lacie, and Vrse the Sheriff of Worcester, so manfully withstood Earl Roger that he with his Army could not pass over Severne to join with his brother Norfolk: And john Pike. he again was so sore laid at, by Odo Bishop of Bayeux, and Geffrey Bishop of Constance, (who had assembled a mighty Army both of English and Normans) that they constrained him first to Norwich, where, in the Castle he bestowed his Countess, and thence fled himself into Little Britain, whither shortly she followed. An. D. 1075 (36) William now returned from Normandy and some relics of Rebellion remaining in the West, he William returning useth severity against the English. hasted thitherward, where, with small ado he got Earl Roger into his hands, and condemned him to perpetual prison; the Welsh his Aiders (of whom also were many at the said Marriage) he used with great severity; for of some he put out the eyes, of others he cut off the hands, hanged some upon gibbets, and he that scaped best, went into banishment; neither Earl Waltheof, notwithstanding he revealed the conspiracy, escaped unpunished; for after that the King had taxed him with ingratitude (he having formerly restored the Earldom unto him) he caused his head Wil Malmsb. to be chopped off at Winchester▪ (although he had before promised his pardon and life) his great possessions being his greatest Enemies; for he is reported to have Henry Hunt. been Earl of Northampton, Northumberland and Huntingdon, thought by the King to be fit dignities for the Normans his followers; and the desire of a new A kindhearted Wife. Marriage, moved judith his wife not a little to set forward and hasten his death. An. D. 1076 Mat. Paris. Matth. West. (37) These beginnings against the Welsh, King William prosecuted farther, entering into Wales with a strong Army, as purposing a final end of those Domestical wars, having so replenished England with his Normans, that he now promised himself security and happiness of State: To him therefore The Princes of Wales do homage to William the Princes of Walls unable to resist, performed their Homages at Saint David's, and with their Hostages he returned as a victorious Conqueror. But the Seas of these troubles now grown quiet and calm, and he at some leisure to think on future success, all on the sudden a cloud arose in the North, which hastily came on and threatened a storm. Math. Paris. Henry Hunt. Simon Dun. (38) For Swain King of Denmark, whose title (to his seeming) stood firm for the Crown, manned forth two hundred tall Ships, whereof his son Canute and Earl Hacon were Generals; for his brother Osborne he had banished Denmark, that basely took money to departed England some few years before, notwithstanding his claim he made still, though▪ for money, still stopped by his Danes: For so saith their own writer Adam Bremensis, that continual contention Will. Malmes. Math. Paris. Polydor. was betwixt Swain and the bastard, although (saith he) our Bishops by bribes would have persuaded peace betwixt the two Kings: Yea and Malmesbury, our writer, affirmeth, that William gave bribes to Earl Hacon to begun; though Paris and Polydore report, that when these Danes heard that their favourites here were vanquished they turned their Sails for Flanders, and durst not fight with King William. An D. 1077 (39) But now a less suspected, but much more unnatural war arose; for Robert, his eldest son, Robert warreth for Normandy. (set on by Philip King of France, who did greatly dread this so hasty growth of the Conqueror) claimed Normandy by gift of his father, promised to him immediately after his Conquest of England; a Noble Gentleman surely, but of an ambitious and hasty nature, prodigally spending and maintainiug his followers above the compass of his private estate; him Will. Malmes. Philip, & his own ill-nurtured Ambition, thrust forward, & Q. Maud his mother supplied under hand, out of her own Coffers, and King William's Revennewes, so that with banners displayed he entered Normandy in hostile manner, and there by force seized upon divers places to his own use, and so without respect of dutiful patience gained by force the free-gift of his father. (40) King William hearing of his son Robert's proceed, was not (as great cause there was) a little Mat. Paris. Simon Dun. offended thereat, and with a powerful Army hasted to Normandy▪ where near unto the Castle of Gerbory, at a place called Archenbraye, he joined battle with his son; where the fight was sore and dangerous on both sides, the General's being such men as they were: but in the heat of the foot battles that fought it out resolutely, Robert commanded a power of horse to break in upon the Rearward of his enemies, and himself valiantly following, chanced to light against his own Father, and with his lance King William wounded and unhorsed. thrust him through the Arm, bearing him off his horse to the ground▪ King William thus wounded & fallen, called for help to be remounted, storming to see his blood spilled in his own land, and against his own son, which never had been in battles of other countries, nor drawn by the weapons of foreign enemies, and in great rage threatened the revenge: Robert that knew his Father by his voice, hastily alighted, and in his Arms took him from the earth, humbly desiring his pardon for this unknown fact, and forgiveness of his overhasty attempt; then mounting him upon his own horse, brought him in safety out of the press; who having He bandeth his son. escaped so great a danger, and seeing himself for the present too weak to withstand the enemy, left the honour of the field unto Robert, with the loss of many his soldiers, slain there both in the battle and chase, besides a great number that were hurt & wounded; among whom, William Rufus his second Will. Malmes. son was one, a man of a better temper, and more filial regard to his parents, and therefore more deservedly and tenderly beloved then Robert; for which dishonour now done to his Father, and disloyalty for his unnatural arms, he bitterly cursed him, and execrated the time wherein he begat him: howbeit, others do writ, that for his most undaunted courage at that time, issuing and ending in such dutiful and tender care of his father's safety, he presently forgave his former offences, and ever after had him in better respect. (41) These stirs thus qualified, and King William returned, he went forward with his former determination; for settling a further assurance to himself An. D. 1708 The Tower of London built. john Stow. Regist Epist. Ro●f. and successors of the English crown; to which end, first on the east side of London (the mother City of the land) he laid the foundation of a stately & strongly fenced Castle, or Magazine of warlike munitions, entrenched with a large and deep ditch, now called the Tower of London; the surveyor of which work, was Gundulphus Bishop of Rochester; about the twelfth year of the Conquerors reign, so much is lessened the antiquity of that Citadel, & credit of such, as would have it founded by julius Stephenide. Caesar; unless (perhaps) we would think that King William did only add some new fort to the former; being built (saith Fitz-Stephen) with mortar tempered with the blood of beasts. Will. Malmes. (42) Then to enrich his own coffers (for he is taxed by Malmesbury to be exceeding covetous) he Floren● ius Wigor. England's Survey and general judgement. laid great subsidies upon the land: and that the same might amount to his great benefit (though with the greatest grievance of the people) he caused an exact survey to be taken of the whole kingdom, yea and of every particular part and commodity thereof; so that there was not an hide of land, lake, water, or waste, but he knew the valuation, the owners, and possessors, together with the rents, and profits thereof, as also of all Cities, Towns, Villages, Hamlets, Monasteries, and Religious houses; causing also all the people in England to be numbered, their Jngulfus. names to be taken, with notice, what every one might dispend by year; their substance, money & bondmen recorded: how many yokes of oxen, and plough-lands were in the Realm, and what services they owed, who held of him in Fee; all which was certified upon the oaths of Commissioners. This done, he exacted six shillings to be paid him Higden. for every hide of land; which amounted to an huge mass of money. The Book thus made of every Stow calleth that book, Domus Dei. several survey, was commonly called the roll of Winchester, (as being there at first kept) but for the generality, and inevitable censure thereof, is by Authors Jngulfus named Liber judiciarius, by the English, doomsday Geruasius Tilburiens. Robert Glocestrens. book, kept to this day in the King's Exchequer at Westminster: of which collection Robert, a Poet at Glou●ester in ancient time, and rhyme wrote thus: The King William, warrant to wit the worth of his land, Let enqueri stretlich thoru all Engelond, How moni Plou-lond, and how moni Hiden also, Were in everich sire, and wat hij were wurth yereto: And the rents of each town, and of the waters e●hone, The wurth, and of woods eke; that there ne lived none, But that he witted wat hii were wurth of all Engelond, And wit all clean, that wurth thereof ich understand, And let it writ clean inou, and that scrit dude twis; In the treasury at Westminster; there it yut is, So that ure Kings such, when hii ransom took, Yredewatfolc might yive, hii fond there in your book. England's exactions. (43) This exaction was gathered with such extremity, & paid with such impoverishing of the English, that they grievously groaned under their miserable estate, whereby more hatred grew daily to the john Castor. john Rowse. Englishmens reproach. King, and his Normans; whose love again to them-ward was so little, that he sought by all means to bring the English name, and Nation to ruin: for it is noted by Castor, and Rouse, that no English man was Mat. Paris in Gu●l. Conq. permitted to bear any office of Credit, or Countenance in this Conquerors days, and accounted it was a great shame to be called an Englishman, or to marry into their blood. Simon Dunel. Malcolme invadeth England. (44) These grievances seeming unsufferable, the English incited Malcolme King of Scotland once more to enter King William's confines, wasting all before him unto the River Tyne; against whom the Conqueror sent Robert his son, surnamed Courtoise, who marching with a mighty Army, made show of doing much more than he did; this only being memorable, that near to the mouth of Tyne he laid the foundation of a Castle, whereof the town of Newcastle did afterward take both her beginning, and Name; Cambden in Ottad●●is. though long before that time there was a place called Monk▪ Chester, because (as it should see me) it had been either the habitation, or possession of some Religious Order. Simon Dun. Danes prepare against William. (45) Neither was Swain, King of Denmark, so quailed by his former expeditions, but that he had a mind once more to grasp at the English Crown, preparing a mighty Armado that way, as was constantly reported and believed; King William therefore Mat. West. The English charged with the maintenance of foreign Soldiers. retained a great power of French Soldiers with others, which he had lately brought with him from Normandy, to disburden himself of whose Charges, he appointed them to be maintained at the costs of the English, both for their wages, and other provisions, which was an other great burden unto the English, though it long lasted not; for that the Danish King better advising himself, gave over the enterprise, and thereupon these Soldiers were discharged. King Williams depopulations. (46) Another grief and offence he ministered against both God and man, for the fruitful Country lying South from Sarisbury unto the Sea, he dispeopled, pulling down Towns, and Villages, with 36. Cambd. in 〈◊〉 shire▪. Mother-churches, from man's use, & Gods divine service; & for 30▪ miles, laid open the country, some say out of policy, to have safe arivage from Normandy in time of need: others say, for beasts, & for his own game in hunting, or to use the words of Gualther Mapes, who lived immediately after, to dedicated the same unto wild Beasts and Dogs-game; which place called anciently Gualther Mapes. Ytene, was ever since named the New Forest: imposing great penalties both pecuniary, and corporal on all such as offended in hunting his Game: in so King William the father of wild Beasts. much that he was then called the Father of wild Beasts, more favouring them then the People his Subjects. But Gods just judgement not long after followed this so unreasonable, and cruel act: for in this Forest, Richard his second son being gored by a Dear, (others say, blasted with a pestilent Air) was judgements of God on King William's issue in New▪ Forest Cambden. untimely slain: And Rufus his other son mistaken for a Dear was by chance shot thorough with an Arrow, by Walter Terrell. Henry likewise his Grandchild by Robert Curtoise▪ whilst he hotly pursued the chase, was strucken by a bough into the jaws, and as Absalon left hanging until he died. Thus, no doubt, God punished his sins (even on his children, and children's children) who had both taken away the places, and use of his service, and also disherited multitudes of Christian people to their extreme poverty, for his unsaciat and superfluous pleasure: so that (as some then thought) the Earth itself also seemed to cry Revenge, when as upon the Matth. Paris. sixt of April, and fifteenth of King William's Reign, a most fearful Earthquake, with a warring noise, did shake the ground. Calamities faling on the Landlord (47) Other great calamities are noted to have happened upon his people, as burning fevers strangely consuming the people: Murrens devouring infinite numbers of Cattles; abundance of rain, and concourse of water-floods beyond credit, whereby the hills were so softened to the very foundations, that some of them fell, and overwhelmed the villages which were in their way: most of the principal Cities of England much endamaged by fire, and London especially, where the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul (as much as was combustible) was consumed All things degenerate to ashes; and if that may also be noted (which caused not the lest wonder) tame, and domestic fowls, as hens, geese, peacocks, and the like fled into the forests, and woods, and become very Roger Wendover. wild, in imitation of men, degenerating then into savages: for in those times even the Churchmen Marianus. (and therefore less marvel of others) become unlike themselves: Walter Bishop of Durham, bought of King William the Earldom of Northumberland, maintained murderers, and was murdered himself. Odo, another Bishop, and Earl also, to revenge his death, made Northumberland desolate, beheading Pope Gregory's Bulls against married Priests. and dismembering the poorer sort, and at great ransoms fining the rich, and Pope Gregory for his part played Rex in this land, sending hither his Bulls with damning curses against the married Clergy: commanding that none should hear their Masses: Matth▪ Paris. in Guil. Conq. which how it was digested, either by God, or man▪ let us hear Paris an ancient Monk (and therefore herein no partial man) speak his mind. Inhibiting of married Priests a new device, and inconsiderate. (48) Pope Gregory in a general Synod excluded the married Priests from execution of their holy offices, and forbade the Laymen to hear their Masses; a precedent new, and proceeding (as it seemed to many) out of inconsiderate judgement, contrary to the sentence of the holy Fathers: which have written, that the Sacraments of the church by the invisible operation of the holy Ghost, have their due effect, whether they are dispensed by Popish Continency hypocritical. men good or bad, etc. By which fact so grievous a scandal is arisen, that holy Church was never rend with a greater schism in the time of any heresy whatsoever; while some stand for the right, and others strive against it. Moreover, whereas few observe this chastity enjoined (for that though some for gain, or vainglory, do hypocritically pretend it; yet many do heap up incontinency with perjury, and manifold adulteries) by this occasion the Laymen shake off all due respect to sacred orders and ecclesiastical government; they profane the holy mysteries, they baptise Infants, anointing them with the sordid humour of their ears in stead of holy oil, they burn the tithes due to the Priests; our Lord's body consecrated by a married priest they tread under their feet, and often do wilfully cast forth the blood of our Lord upon the ground. (49) This Gregory (before called Hildebrand) sat in Peter's chair with such pranks of impiety, that his government was odious to the Romans, who wished an end of his reign and life, so that certain Odo King william's brother, affecteth the Papacy. Soothsayers employed in that business gave forth, that after Gregory, Odo should be Pope. Odo, our said Earl, the conquerors brother, fed with full hope that he was the man, sendeth to Rome to buy him a Palace, adorning it with stately and over-lavish trim; Salutes the Senators with great gifts & compliments, stuffeth bags with money, and letters to such as might do much in the election, and provides honourable personages to attend him to Rome. Among the which for chief, was Hugh Earl of Chester, with many great men and Knights of the land: for the Normans variable, and desirous to see foreign Countries, were contented to forsake their fair lands in the west climate, to accompany this proud Prelate over the river Poo. This jolly train was set forward into the Isle of Wight, and there in great pomp ready to set sail into Normandy, when on the sudden King William unlooked for, was even among them, and in his great Hall in presence of his Nobles thus spoke: King william condemneth his brother's Ambitions. (50) Excellent Peers, I beseech you harken to my words, and give me your counsel: at my sailing into Normandy, I commended England to the government of Odo my brother Bishop. In Normandy many foreign foes have risen up against me, yea and inward friends I may say, have invaded me: for Robert my son, and other younglings whom I have brought up, and given Arms, have rebelled; unto whom my false Clients, and other bordering enemies have given their assistance: but they have not prospered, God (whose servant I am) ever defending meet neither have they gotten any thing of mine, besides iron in their wounds: They of Anjou prepared against me, whom with the only fear of war I have pacified. These businesses you know have drawn me into Normandy, where I have stayed long and employed my painful endeavours on public behoofes. But in the mean time, my brother hath greatly oppressed England, spoiling the Churches of Lands and Rents, hath made them naked of Ornaments given by our Predecessors, and hath His sacrileges. seduced my Knights, with purpose to train them over the Alpes, who aught to defend the Land against the invasions of the Danes, Irish, and other Enemies over strong for me; but my greatest dolour is for the Church of God, which he hath afflicted, and unto which the Christian Kings that reigned before me, have given many gifts, and with their loves honoured, for which now (as we believe) they rest, rejoicing with a happy retribution in a pleasant State: Ethelbert, Edward, Saint Oswald, Althulph, Aefred, Edward the Elder, Edgar, and my cozen and most dear Lord Edward, have given Riches to the Church, the spouse of God: But my Brother to whom I committed the whole Kingdom, violently plucketh away their goods, cruelly grindeth His Oppressions. the poor, and with a vain hope stealeth away my Knights from me, and by oppression hath exasperated the whole Land with unjust taxations; consider thereof, most Noble Lords, and give me (I pray you) your advice, what is herein to be done. (51) At which pause when all stood mute, as fearing to give their opinions in so weighty a point, concerning so great a Person, the King thus continued hisspeech. Hurtful rashness is ever unsufferable, and must at length be repressed. This man hath oftentimes His Treacheries. banded himself against his own father, and upon a stomach, blown up with pride and folly, hath fallen off to the King of France: therefore jest with overmuch lenity, we buy too late a repentance, he shall remain Prisoner, yet not as a Bishop, whose name I both honour and reverence, but as an Earl, His imprisonment. subject to the Laws and Censure of his King. Which accordingly was done; upon seizure of whose estate, this Prelate was found so well lined in purse, that the heaps of yellow metal did move admiration His Avarice. to the beholders, and many of his bags were taken up out of the bottom of Rivers, where they were hidden full of gold ground into powder. (52) Soon after, some displeasure having arisen betwixt King William, and Philip King of France, he having first generally caused to be taken the Oath of English Allegiance to himself and successors, with a Wil Malmsb. Matth. Paris. mighty mass of money (fitted for some great attempts) departed to Normandy; where falling sick, and keeping his Bed more than his wont, the French King hearing that his disease was in his belly, gave him this stump; Our cozen William (said he) is laid Some writ King William took Physic to take down his great fat belly. Higden. now in Childbed: O what a number of Candles must I offer at his going to Church? surely I think a hundred thousand will not suffice. King William hearing thereof, is said to make this answer; Well, our cozen of France I trust shall be at no such cost; but after this my childbirth, at my going to church (swearing by the resurrection and brightness William Malmes. King Williams Oath. of God) I will (said he) found him one thousand candles, and light them myself. And accordingly towards August following, when both the trees, fruits, corn, and ground, was most flourishing, he entered France with a mighty Army, spoiling all the west parts thereof before him; and lastly, set the City Meux or Mauntz on fire, wherein he consumed the fair Church of our Lady, in the walls whereof was enclosed an Anchoret, who might, but would Stow saith two Anchorites. not escape, holding it a breach of his religious vow to forsake his Cell in that distress. The King busied in these attempts cheered his men to feed the fire, and came himself so near the flames, that with the heat of his harness, he got a sickness, and the same increased by the leap of his horse, that burst the inward rimme of his belly, and cost him his life. (53) At which time feeling death to approach, he deferred not to address his last Will, wherein he King Williams last Will and Testament. commanded all his Treasure to be distributed to Churches, God's Ministers, and the Poor, limiting to each their several portion and quantity, which he caused to be engrossed in writing by Notaries before him: Among which, he bequeathed to the Church and Monks of Saint Stephens at Cane in Normandy, Ex Libro Cadomensis Monast. two Manors in Dorsetshire, one Manor in Devonshire, another in Essex, much Lands in Berkshire, some in Norfolk, a Mansion house in Woodstreet of London, with many Aduowsions of Churches; yea, which is to be wondered at, he gave his Crown, and Regal Ornaments thereto belonging to the said Church, being of his own foundation; for the redemption whereof, King Henry his son, gave the Manor of Brideton in Dorsetshire, to prevent any danger that thereof might arise; and unto the Churches by fire destroyed in Meuxe, he gave great sums of money to repair them: and so preparing himself for God, briefly ran over the carriage of his former life; the sum whereof (as much as best fitteth this place) we will declare as he spoke it to them that were present. His last Speech▪ on point of▪ death. (54) Being laden with many and grievous sins, (OH Christ) I now tremble, who am ready to be taken hence, and to be tried by the severe, but just examination of God. I that have always been brought up in wars, and am polluted with the effusion Of his Sins. of blood, am now utterly ignorant what to do; for I cannot number my offences, they are so infinite, and have been committed by me now these sixty four years: for which, without any delay I must tender an account to that most upright judge. From my tender infancy and age of eight years, I have hitherto sustained the weight and Of his Norman troubles. charge of Arms to defend my Dukedom, governed by me now almost fifty six, both in preventing those snares that have been laid for my life, and in vanquishing those conspirers which would have usurped my right: a stiff necked people I may say, my arm hath still managed; I mean the Normans, who with an hard Of his Normans qualities. hand, if they be kerbed, are most valiant, and in hazardous attempts invincible: for, as they excel all men in strength, so do they contend to overcome all men by valour. But if the rain be once let lose, and laid in their necks, they will tear and consume one another; for they are ever seditious, and desirous of new stir; experience whereof sufficiently I have had, not only of Of his friends & Kindred's unkindness. my confederates and allies; but even of mine own kindred, denouncing me to be a bastard, degenerate and unworthy of government: against whom, I have been forced to put on armour, before I was by age ripe to wield it: all which I have vanquished, and some of them captivated, God so Of his English Conquest. preserving me, that they never had their desires. A royal Diadem, which none of my predecessors ever aware, I have gotten, not by right of inheritance, but by heavenly grace. What labours and conflicts I have sustained against those of Excester, Chester, Northumberlands, Scots, Gauls, Norwegians, Danes, and others, who have endeavoured to take the crown from me, is hard to declare; in all which the lot of victory fell ever on my side: which worldly triumphs, howsoever they may Outward triumphs leave inward horrors. please the sense & outward man, yet they leave an inward horror, and fearful care which pricketh me; when I consider, that cruel rashness, was as much followed, as was the just prosecution of the cause. Wherefore I most humbly beseech you, OH ye Priests and Ministers of Christ, that you in your prayers will commend me to God, that he will mitigate my heavy sins, under whose burden I lie pressed, and by his unspeakable His works of devotion. mercy make me safe among his elect. Nine Abbeys of Monks, and one of Nuns which my Ancestors founded in Normandy, I have enriched and augmented; and in the time of my government, seventeen Monasteries of Monks, and six of holy Nuns, have been founded by myself & my Nobility; whose Charters I have freely confirmed, and do by princely authority confirm against all emulations and troubles; in them God is served, and for his sake many poor people relieved; with such Camps both England and Normandy is defended, and in these Forts let all younglings learn to fight against the Devil and vices of the flesh. These were the studies that I followed from my first years, and these I leave unto my heirs to be preserved and kept. In this then (my children) follow me, that here and for ever you may be honoured before God and Men: And chief, OH you my very bowels, I warn His Counsel to his Children. you to frequent & follow the company and counsel of good and wise men, and govern yourselves accordingly, so shall ye long and happily prospero. Do justice to all without partial affection; for it is a true wisdom indeed that can discern betwixt good and evil, right and wrong. Shun wickedness, relieve the poor, secure the weak, but suppress the proud, and bridle the troublesome. Frequent the Church, honour the religious, and without weariness be obedient The dispose of his States. unto the law of God. The Dukedom of Normandy, before I fought against Harold in the vale Senlac, I granted unto my son Robert, for that he Of Normandy. is my first begotten, and hath already received homage of all the Barons almost of his Country: that honour given cannot again be undone; but yet without doubt, I know it will be a miserable region, which is subject to the rule of his government; for he is a foolish proud knave, and is to be punished with cruel fortune. I constitute no Heir to the Realm of England, but do commend it to the Of England. everlasting Creator whose I am; for I possess not that honour by any title of inheritance, but by the instinct of God, the effusion of blood, and the perjury of Harold; whose life bereaved, and his favourers vanquished, I made it subject to my dominion. The Natives of the realm I hated, the Nobles I dishonoured, the vulgar I cruelly vexed, and many unjustly I disherited. In the County of York, and sundry other places, an innumerable sort with hunger and sword I slew: and thus that beautiful Land and noble Nation I made desolate with the deaths of many thousands, (woe worth the grief.) These than my sins being so great, I dare not give the offices of that land to any other then to God, jest after my death they yet be made worse by my occasion. Yet William my son, whose love and obedience from his youth I have seen, I wish (if so be the will of God) may flourish in the throne of that Kingdom, with a long life and happy reign. (55) Henry his youngest son, surnamed Beauclerke, hearing himself utterly neglected in his Father's King Williams Legacy to his son Henry. distribution, with tears said to the King: And what Father do you give me? to whom he answered, five thousand pounds of silver out of my treasury I give thee. But what shall I do with treasure, said Henry, if I shall have no dwelling place or habitation? His Father replied, Be patiented my son, and comfort thyself in God, suffer quietly thy elder brother to go before thee: Robert shall have Normandy, and William England: but thou in time shalt entirely have all the honour that I have gotten, and shalt excel thy Brethren in riches and power. He 〈…〉 England. After which speeches, he presently called his son William, to whom he delivered a letter signed with his own seal, written unto Lanfrank Archbishop of Canterbury, and commanded him therewith to haste for England, jest in that spacious Kingdom some sudden troubles should arise; and so with a kiss blessed him in Christ. His prisoners he commanded to be set at liberty, affirming that he had done Earl Morcar much wrong, whom as he then confessed, he had imprisoned more for fear then for fault; only his half brother Odo he would have had to remain a perpetual prisoner, but that by the importunate intercession of friends he was released. (56) The period of this Great Conqueror now come near to his last, when this Sun so gloriously raised to the height of his course, must now of force King Williams death. set in the West, the dying King (for Kings must die) having raised his weak body upon the Pillows, heard the sound of the great Bell in the Metropolitan Church of Saint Geruis near Rouen, and demanding the cause, one replied that it did then ring prime to our Lady; whereupon with great devotion lifting his eyes towards heaven, and spreading abroad his With such doctrine was good devotion abused contrary to the prescript of God Isai. Chap. 33. 16. hands, I commend myself (said he) to that blessed Lady, Marry, Mother of God, that she by her holy prayers may reconcile me to her most dear Son our Lord jesus Christ; and with the words yielded up his Ghost, upon Thursday the ninth of Septemper, the fifty sixth of his Duchy, the twenty one of his Kingdom, the sixty four of his age, and year of Chtist jesus 1087. (57) Wherein; as we see the instability, both of Man's life, and Glory, (a point fitting for great Princes Prince's friends. ever to think on;) so by the sequel we shall perceive, how ill-rooted and ungrounded the friendship is, which attends the greatness of Soveragnes, whose Favourites chief or only ends are their own Ambition and Gain, the fuel whereof once beginning to decay, the fire of their seeming-devotion will be quickly cold. For no sooner had this late-glorious His Corpse forsaken of all sorts. Prince's Soul bidden farewell to his Body, but his dead Corpse was presently abandoned by his followers of nearest place, and best means, who posted homewards apace to defend their own; and by the The qualities of Court-Kites. meaner and his inferior servants, he was despoiled of Armour, Vessels, Apparel, and all Princely furniture, even so far from all wont and due respect, as that they left his dead Body naked upon the floor; like true Kites, praying whilst any thing was to be had. The sudden fame of his death struck such fear into the Commons hearts as was admirable, every man shifting for one, but all neglecting the funeral rites of their King, until that one Harluins a poor Country Knight, undertook the Carriage of his Corpse unto Cane, and at his own cost, both by Sea and Land, unto Saint Stephen's Church, which this dead King had formerly founded. At his entrance into Cane, the Covent of Monks came forth to meet him, and to celebrated the burial His Hearse also abandoned of al. with all Ceremonies beseeming; but behold even at that instant, a sudden chance of fire happened, which presently invaded a great part of the Town, that, as his Corpse before, so now his Hearse was of all forsaken, whiles they addressed themselves to repress that furious Element: which done, and the Funeral Sermon ended, the Stone-Coffin set in the earth, in the Chancel betwixt the Chorale and the Altar, and the body ready to be laid therein, one Ascelinus Fitz-Arthur, a man of some Note, stood up His burial place denied him. and forbade the burial: This very place (said he) was the floor of my Father's house, which this dead Duke violently took from him, and here upon part of my inheritance founded this Church: This ground therefore I challenge, and in God's behalf forbidden that the Body of my despoiler, be covered in my Earth, neither shall it be interred in the precincts of my right. Whereupon they were enforced to compound with him for a present sum of money then delivered, and with consent of his son Henry, for a hundred pound weight of silver after to be paid, and so the Exequys went forward; Annoyance at his funeral. when, behold again the Corpse laid into the Tomb, was with the largest, which being pressed, the belly Hence Stowe notes their report for fabulous, who wrote that his Body was found uncorrupt 500 years after his death. (not bowelled) broke, & with an intolerable stench so annoyed the bystanders, that neither Gums, nor spices fuming from the Censures, could be any whit sensible to relieve them, insomuch that all with great amazement hastening away, they left the Monks to shuffle up the burial, and they were soon glad to get them to their cells. (58) This than was the life and death of this great Monarch, the Conqueror of Men, but not of Death, nor surviving Envy; a bright example of the dim glory of man, who in life had the possessions of Kingdoms and Dukedoms, men at Arms, riches and honour, and all things thereto adhering; but after his death, neither Ornaments, nor Attendants, nor place of burial, till it were bought; all which, private men seldom want: so vain is the pomp of this world, and so uncertain the state of her darlings. (59) He was for stature indifferent, of countenance stern, his forehead high, and hair very His description for lineaments and qualities. Will. Malmes. thin, fat and corpulent of body, with his belly bearing out, so strong of joints and arms, that few could bend his bow; of wit ready, and very politic, in speech eloquent, resolute in attempts, in Rand. Higd ●n Polyc. lib. 7. cap. 4. hazards valiant, a great soldier, and as great in success; rough and covetous towards the English, in his taxes, laws, and in giving to his Normans their lands; whose Charters were of a far other tenor, form, & brevity, than those tedious and perplexed conveyances, since in use, as by these few inserted may appear. Stow ex libro Richmond. King Williams Charter to Hunter. I William King, the third year of my reign, Give to thee Norman Hunter, to me that art both lief and Dear, The Hop and the Hopton, and all the bounds up and down, Under the Earth to Hell, above the Earth to Heaven, From me and mine, to thee and to thine, As good and as fair, as ever they mine were, To witness that this is sooth, I bite the white wax with my tooth, Before jug, Maude, and Margery, and my youngest son Herry: For a bow and a broad arrow, when I come to hunt upon yarrow. Lambert. Peramb. (60) At the suit of William Bishop of London, he granted the City (whose chief Magistrate was then called the Portreve) their first Charter written in the Saxon tongue, confirmed with green wax, whereas Jngulfus. the Saxons before used only to sign with guilt crosses, and such like marks: the Copy thereof is this: William Cyng greit William Biscop. & Godfreges Portgerefan. & ealle that Burhwaren the on Lunden beon, Hollins. Lamb▪ Peramb. etc. William King, greeteth William Bishop, and Godfrey Portreve, and all the Burgesses that in London be, French & English, friendly. And I do you to wit, that I will, that you enjoy all the law which you did in the days of Edward King. And I will that each Child be his Father's inheritor after his Father's days. And I will not suffer that any man you any wrong offer. God you keep. John Leland. (61) In the like Charter, granted to his Nephew Alane Earl of Britain for lands in Yorkshire, he writeth himself William surnamed Bastard; and yet it seemeth, he was offended at Guy of Burgundy for terming him Nothus; perhaps, because that word signifieth such a one, whose Father is unknown, whereas King Williams was not only known, but renowned also. (62) Howsoever he was stern and hard to the English, yet to his Normans he was facile and too indulgent, much devoted to Religion, and frequenting the Church, both morning and evening; The Clergy that lived according to their rule and profession he both honoured and richly endowed; Wil Malms. but to the licentious was very rough and hard handed: his uncle Malgerius Archbishop of * Rotomage, Roan. for his dissolute life he disgraded: his brother Odo Bishop of Baieux, he imprisoned, and many of the English deprived, as we have heard. (63) Besides his many other stately buildings, both for fortification and devotion, three Abbeys of chief note he is said to have raised, and endowed with large privileges and rich possessions. The Battel-Abbay so called of a battle there fought against Harold. first was at Battle in Sussex, where he won the Diadem of England, in the valley of Sanguelac, so called in French, for the streams of blood therein Will. Newberry. spilled: but William of Newberie deceived in the soil itself, which after rain showeth to be read; affirmeth, that after any small shower of rain, the earth sweateth forth very fresh blood, as by the evident sight thereof (saith he) doth as yet plainly declare, that the voice of so much Christian blood there shed, doth still cry from the earth to the Lord (64) But most certain it is, that in the very same place where King Harold's Standard was pitched, & under which himself was slain, there William the Conqueror laid that Foundation, dedicating they to the Holy Trinity, and to Saint Martin, that there the Math. Paris in Will. Conq. Monks might pray for the souls of Harold and the rest that were slain in that place: whose Privileges were so large, that they, and others of the like condition, were afterwards dissolved by Act of Parliament, when it was found by experience, that the fear of punishment being once taken away, desperate boldness, and a daring will to commit wickedness, grew still to a greater head: for it was enfranchised with many freedoms; and among others, to use the Charta de Bello. words of the Charter, were these: If any Thief, Murderer or Felon, for fear of death, fly and come to this Church, let him have no harm, but let him be dismissed, and sent away free from all punishment. Be it lawful also for the Abbot of the same Church to deliver from the Gallows any thief or robber wheresoever, if he chance to come by, where any such execution is in hand. The Standard itself curiously wrought all of gold and precious stones, made in form like an armed man, Duke William presently upon his victory, with great compliments of courtesy, sent to Pope Alexander the second; as good reason it was, the Pope's transcendent pleasure and power, being the strongest part of the Duke's title to the Crown, and his cursing thunderbolts the best weapons whereby he attained to wear it. Selby Abbay. (65) At Selby also in Yorkshire, where his youngest son Henry was borne, he founded the Abbey of Saint Germane: at Excester, the Priory of Saint Nicholas; and to the Church and College of Saint Exeter Priory. Martins le grand in London, he gave both large privileges, and much land, extending from the corner john Stow. of the City wall, by Saint Giles Church without Cripplegate, unto the common Sewer, receiving the waters, running then from the Moore, and now Saint Stephens in Cane. Morefields. (66) At Cane in Normandy, he founded the Monastery of Sant Stephen the first Christian Martyr, adorning it with most sumptuous buildings, and endowing it with rich revenues; where his Queen Maud had erected a Nunnery for the society of veiled Virgins, unto the honour of the blessed virgin Mary. Thus much of his Acts, and now of his marriage and issue. His Wife. (67) Maud the wife of King William, was the daughter of Baldwine the fifth, surnamed the Gentle, Earl of Flaunders; her mother was Alice, daughter of Robert King of France, the son of Hugh Capet: She was married unto him when he was a Duke, at the Castle of Angiolella in▪ Normandy, and in the second year of his reign over England, she was crowned Queen upon Whit-sunday, the year of Grace, 1068. And although she maintained Robert in his quarrel for Normandy, and out of her own coffers paid the charges of war against his Father, William Malmes. and her own Husband; yet, because it did proceed but from a motherly indulgence for advancing her son, it was taken as a cause rather of displeasure, King William regardful of matrimonial agreement. then of hatred, by King William, as himself would often avouch, holding it an insufficient cause to diminish the love, that was linked with the sacred band of a matrimonial knot. She departed this life the second day of November, the sixteenth year of his reign, and of Christ's humanity, 1083. for whom he often lamented with tears, and most honourably interred her at Cane in Normandy, in the Church of S. Mary's, within the Monastery of Nuns▪ which she had there founded. His Issue. Robert. (68) Robert, the eldest son of King William, and of Queen Maude his wife, was surnamed Curtuoise, signifying in the old Norman-French, Short-Bootes: he succeeded his father only in the Duchy of Normandy, and that also he lost afterwards to his brother Henry King of England, at the battle of Ednarchbray (in that Dukedom) the year of our Lord 1106. A cruel revenge of one brother on another. where he was taken prisoner, and having his eyes put out (an unbrotherly punishment) was committed to the Castle of Cardiff in South-Wales; and after twenty eight years imprisonment, there deceased, the year before the death of his said brother, Anno 1134. and was buried at Gloucester, in the midst of the Quire of Saint Peter's Church; where remaineth a Tomb with his Carved Image at this day. He had two wives; the first, Margaret daughter of Herbert, Earl of Maygne, both married in their Childhood, and she died before they came to years of consent: The other was sybil, daughter of Geffrey, and sister to William, Earls of Conuersana in Italy, and Niece of Robert Guiscard, Duke of Apulia: By her he had two sons Henry slain in his Grandfather's New-forest. William and Henry; this Henry was he that was slain by mischance, as he was hunting in the New-Forest in Hampshire. William the Elder, surnamed in Latin Miser, was Earl of Flanders, in right of Queen Maude his Grandmother, succeeding Charles of Denmark in that Earldom; he also had two wives, the first sybil, (whose Mother, called also sybil, was the daughter of Fowlke Earl of Anjou) after divorced from him, and remarried to Terry of Alsac, his Successor; the second was joan, the daughter of Humbert Earl of Morien, now called Savoy, sister of Queen Alice of France, wife of King Lewis the Gross: he died six years before his father, of a wound received at the Siege of the Castle of Angiolella in Normandy, the 27. of july, in the 28. year of the Reign of King Henry his uncle, and of our Lord, 1128. he was buried at Saint Omers in the Monastery of Saint Bertin, and left no issue behind him. Richard. (69) Richard the second son of King William and Queen Maude, was born in Normandy, and after his Father had attained the Crown came into England, where, being then very young, as he was hunting in the New-Forest of Hampshire, he came to a violent & Richard slain in his father's New▪ Forrest. sudden death, by the goring of a Stag; (others say, by a pestilent air,) and is noted to be the first man that died in that place, the justice of God punishing on him his Father's dispeopling of that Country: his body was thence conveyed to Winchester, and there buried on the Southside of the Choir of the Cathedral Church, where there remaineth a monument of him with an inscription entitling him a Duke, and some suppose of Boulogne. William Rufus, or, the Red. (70) William, the third Son of King William and Queen Maud, was borne in Normandy, in the 21. year of his Father's Dukedom, ten years before he was King, 1159. he was surnamed of the Read colour of his hair, in French Rows, in Latin Rufus; he was brought up under Lancfranke the learned Lombard, who was Archbishop of Canterbury, of whom he received both instructions of knowledge, and the order of Knighthood; he served under his Father at the battle of Gerberoth in Normandy, 1079, wherein he was wounded: and he always framed his actions so pleasing to his Father's humour, as that he thought him much worthier than his elder brother to succeed in his Kingdom. Henry Be●-clerke (71) Henry, the fourth, and youngest son of King William and Queen Maud his wife, was borne in England at Selby in Yorkshire, the third year of his Father's reign, and of our Lord God, 1070, his childhood was trained up in learning; at Cambridge john Caius Cantabrig. saith Caius; but the ancient Annals of Saint Augustine's Annals S. August●● Can●●ar. M. S. in Canterbury, say, he was Philosophiâ peregrèinformatus, instructed beyond Sea in Philosophy; where for his notable knowledge in the Liberal Sciences, he was surnamed by the French, Beauclerk▪ that is, the fine Scholar. Upon his return he was made Knight, being 16. years old, by his Father at Westminster, in Whitsuntide, the nineteenth year of his Reign▪ Anno 1086. and though at his Father's death he had nothing bequeathed him but Treasure, yet afterward he succeeded his Brothers, both in the Kingdom of England and Duchy of Normandy. Cecily. (72) Cecilie, the Elder daughter of King William and Queen Maude his wife, was borne in Normandy, brought up in England, and carried again into Normandy, where in the ninth year of the King's Reign, and the year of our Lord 1075. she was by her Father on Ester day, with great Solemnity offered up in She is veiled a Nun. the Church of Feschampe, & veiled to be a Nun in the Monastery there; but was afterward elected by the Nuns of our Lady at Cane, to be Abbess of their Monastery, founded by her Mother, which she governed, Cons●an●e. and where she died, and was interred. (73) Constance, the second daughter of King William, and Queen Maud, was the first wife of Allayne Earl of little Britain, surnamed in the British, Fergent; in English, Red. In regard of which marriage, and his service done at the conquest of England, his Father in law gave him all the lands of The Earldom of Richmond erected. Earl Edwine, whereon he built the Castle, and whereof he made the Earldom of Richmond, which long after, belonged to the Earls and Dukes of Britain his Successors; although he had his children by an other wife; for she died very young and without issue; and was buried in the Abbey of Saint Edmundsbury in Suffolk. Alice. (74) Alice, the third daughter of King William & Queen Maud, was married to Stephen Earl of Bloys in France, and had issue by him William an Innocent, Thibaud surnamed the Great, Earl of Blois, and Champain, Stephen Earl of Mortain and Boleine, (who was King of England) Henry a Monk of Clunie, after Abbot of Glastenbury, and Bishop of Winchester, Mary married to Richard Earl of Chester, and Saint William Archbishop of York. Emme, wife of one Harbert, an Earl of France, and mother of Saint William Archbishop of York: She survived Earl Stephen her husband, and in her widowhood took upon her the profession of Religion in the Priory of Nuns at Marciguy in France, where she ended her life. Gundred. (75) Gundred, the fourth daughter of King William, and of Queen Maud, was married to William of Warrein, a Nobleman of Normandy, who was the first Earl of Surrey in England; by whom she had issue William the second Earl, Progenitors of the Earls that followed; and Rainold of Warren, her second son, who had also Issue. She died in Childbed, three years before her husband, at Castleaker in Norfolk the 27. of May, in the 20. year of her father's reign, being the year of our Lord, 1085. and is buried in the Chapterhouse of Saint Pancrase Church within the Priory, at the town of Lews, in the County of Sussex. Ela. (76) Ela, the fifth daughter of King William, and his Queen Maud, in her Childhood was contracted in marriage to Duke Harald, when he was in Normandy, being then a young Widower. Notwithstanding, he refusing her took an other wife, and usurped the Kingdom of England, after the death of King Edward, whereby he occasioned his own ruin, and Conquest of his Country, which afterward ensued when her Father sought revenge: so much (as some writ) to the discontentment of this Lady, that for grief of these mischances, she ever after refused marriage, and led a single and solitary life; though others upon better warrant collect, that she died young, and before William her Father set forth for England; Harald himself pleading, that he was free from all covenants and promises to Duke William, by reason of the death of this his daughter. Margaret. (77) Margaret, the sixth and youngest daughter of King William and Queen Maud, was in her childhood given in marriage to Alphonso King of Gallicia in Spain, that afterward was so renowned for the Conquest of the City Lysbon, for his victories against the Moors, and for the slaughter of their five Kings, and was the founder of the Kingdom of Portugal, the first King thereof, and the first bearer of the five Shields of the said five Kings, which are to this day the Arms of the same. But this Lady being thus contracted, deceased before those things happened, and before she came to years of lawful consent to the marriage. William Rufus. Monarch 40 WILLIAM THE SECOND SURNAMED RUFUS, THE FORTIETH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH: HIS ACTS, REIGN, AND UNTIMELY DEATH. CHAPTER III : ✚: WILIELMUS: DEI: GRATIA: REX: ANGLORUM: ✚: WILIELMUS: DEI: GRATIA: DUX: NORMANORUM: ✚ ●ILLEMRE JINIIS 3 SIL. ✚ ●●●I CO●●II●ONOR An. D. 1087 William Rufus comes into England. WIlliam posting for England, & Archbishop Lanfrank his earnest solicitor by liberal gifts given, and promises made to abrogate the over hard laws of his Father, had the readier passage into the opinions of them that could do most: and the more to notify his intended mild government, with other his noble inclinations Ypodigm●. Neustri●. to princely virtues, as eye-witnesses of his favours towards the English, he brought with him from Normandy, Morcar, the stout Earl of Chester, Simon Dunel. and Wilnoth the son of King Harold, both of them The Peers wish well to his Elder brother. Mat. Paris. Ypodigm. released out of prison, and then held in especial favour with him. But most of the States standing for Robert Curtoise his elder Brother (a man deemed of a more liberal disposition, and better temperature towards the Subjects) their titles had been● tried by Lan●ranke and Wulstan● s●ay the Pe●reses for Ruf●s. swords, had not Lanfrank and Wulstan, both wise & reverend Prelates, by their Counsels and Mediations stayed their hands. William Gemit. Matth. Paris. Hi● Coronation. (2) Consent thus gotten, and all voices given for William, he was crowned their King at Westminster, upon Sunday the twenty sixt day of September, and year of Salvation, 1087. by the hands of Lanfrank Archbishop of Canterbury; under whom he had been educated even from his Childhood, and by His disposition. him made fit both for War and Government, had not the variable inclination of his own mind carried his actions past the limits of any stayed compass. An. D. 1088 R●nd. Higden. in Polyc●r. lib. 7. cap. 5 Robert possessed of Normandy. (3) Robert upon discontents that Normandy was still detained, before his Father's sickness, was go into Germany, to solicit their assistance for his right to that Duchy: but hearing of his death, hasteth into the Province, and was there peaceably received, and made their Duke: which title notwithstanding, seemed to him dishonourable; his younger His disposition. brother being invested to a Kingdom, and himself disinherited; no other cause moving, but his overmuch gentleness, being by nature composed nothing so rough, as was Rufus. Odoes' emulation against Lanfrank. (4) The like emulation incited Odo, Bishop of Baieux (his uncle) against ●anfranck the Archbishop, Polyc. lib. 7. cap. 5. who now ruled all, and had worn him out of favour with the Conqueror his half brother, whom he taught the distinction of imprisoning Odo, as an Earl, not as a Bishop: now therefore seemed the time most fitting for a just revenge: & albeit that Rufus brought him from Normandy, where he had been captivated, and restored him his honours & dignities in England; yet he, ungrateful man, envying that Lanfranck should go before him, complotted the downefal He conspireth against the King. aswell of the one, as of the other. And drawing into this conspiracy, Robert Earl of Mortaigne and Hereford his brother, with many other of the English inviteth Robert to try for the Crown. Nobility, wrote his letters into Normandy unto his Nephew, hastening him to repair into England, and recover his right, which by his means he promised should soon be effected. Duke Robert's hopes for England. (5) The business thus wrought to Duke Robert's hand, and the English resorting daily into Normandy, assured his hopes of a happy success, only the hindrance was want of money, and that very much as the world than went with him, having ever borne His wants. himself no less than his birth, nor ever had made his bags his summum bonum. In these extremes, he well saw the less was to be followed, and to set a Dukedom at stake to cast at a Kingdom, he thought it odds sufficient, though the chance were doubtful: Therefore to his younger brother Henry, who had His supply by mortgage of his Landlord store of gold, and wanted land, he mortgaged the County of Constantine, a Province in Normandy, & then sent to Odo, that he should expect his landing on the West-coast of England by a day prefixed. Odo the ringlealeader for Duke Robert. (6) The Bishop now grown bold upon Duke Robert's great power, showed himself the first in the Action; and fortifying Rochester, began to molest Rob. Mowbray and o●her his associates. Wil Malms. Simon Dun. the peace of Kent, sending to his complices abroad to do the like, which was not long in performing: for in the West, Robert de Mowbrey Earl of Northumberland, assisted by Geffrey Bishop of Constance, sacked Bath, and Berkley, with a great part Bristol fortified. against King William. of Wilt-shire, and strongly fortified the Castle of Bristol against King William: In Norfolk, Roger Bygod, in Leicestershire, Hugh Grentemeisnil did shrewdly waste those Countries: Roger Mountgomery Earl henry Hunt. of Shrewsburie with his Welshmen, assisted by William Bishop of Durham (the King's domestical Chaplain) Barnard of Newmerch, Roger Lacie, and Ralph Mortimer (all of them Normans or Frenchmen) with fire Duke Robert ver●e fair for the Kingdom. Wil Gemetic. and sword passed through the Country of Worcester: and surely, the stirs were so great, and Duke Robert so favoured, that by the judgement of Gemiticensis, had he hasted his arrivage, or followed the occasion, the Crown of England had easily been set upon his head. King William promiseth to mollifi● his Laws. (7) All in an uproar, and Rufus thus turmoiled, he appointed his Navy to scour the seas, and to impeach his brother's arrivage: then gathering his forces, and knowing well how to please the vulgar, promiseth again to abolish their overhard laws, & presently to put down all unjust Imposts and Taxations, whereby the People were soon drawn to He waxeth strong. stand in his defence; and among them Roger Mountgomery was reconciled to the King. Thus now grown strong, & his enemies decreased, he led his Army into Kent where the sedition first began, the Castles of Tunbridge and Horn he recovered, as likewise Pemsey, wherein his uncle Odo had strongly immured himself, whose lack of Odo his great heart taken down. victual, by King William's straight siege, allayed the pride of that great-hearted man; so that he not only surrendered the same, but promised the delivery Simon Dun. of Rochester also strongly manned, with Eustace Earl of Boulogne, and a sort of other gallant Gentlemen, even the flower of Normandy and Flanders. An. D. 1089 (8) Odo coming to Rochester for the delivery of the * This Castle some ●ay was built by Odo, but it appears to have been built by William Conqueror. Domesday-book. Will. G●met. Castle according to his promise, was by them surprised, and laid in straight prison, whether in displeasure, or under colour, and with consent of Odo, I will not say; but certain it is, that the King took the matter so to heart, that he sent forth his Proclamation through England, commanding that every man should repair to that siege, whosoever would not Niding a word of Reproach. Ca●b. in Kent. be reputed a Niding, a word of such disgrace, and so distastive unto the English, that multitudes seemed rather to fly, then run to that service; whereupon Matth. Paris. Odo leaves England. the Castle was surrendered, and Odo banished into Normandy, ●ost all his livings and honours in England. (9) Whilst these things were in acting betwixt King William and his Barons, Duke Robert with his Rufus pretendeth submissiveness to his brother. Normans was landed at Southampton, having passed some conflict with the King's ships at the sea: whom Rufus so feared (if mine Author say true) that he sent Polychr. lib. 7. c. 3. Messengers unto him in most submissive manner, protesting that he took not the crown as his own by any right; but rather to supply the time in his absence: neither did he accounted himself King, but as his substitute to hold the crown under him; yet seeing the matter had been so far passed, and the Imperial Crown set on his head; he most humbly desired that it might so rest, proffering to pay him three thousand Marks by year, and to resign it to him at his death: whereat Duke Robert shaking his head (belike he saw no other remedy) easily consented, and returned forthwith into Normandy. Math. Paris. William Rufus, a cunning Time-seruer. (10) And, if we compare this with the Monk of Saint Alban report, we may well believe, that William was forward enough in his offers, though ever as unready in performance; for the Barons then being up, and he not able to alloy them, did that by his word, which he could not by his sword, protesting to them that he was willing to resign the Kingdom, Fair words appease fools, and often deceive the wise. and would be content either with Money or Possessions, if those that were his Father's Overseers should think it meet; and for any Ordinances touching the affairs of the Common weal, he would refer it wholly to themselves, provided always his own honour should not thereby be impeached. But when the Clouds of these fears were altogether overblown, no bud once appeared from these fair planted grafts. Lanfrank● dirth. (11) For Lanfrank deceased, and both King deprived of a politic director, and Commonwealth of a principal Statist, he presently showed the bent of his inclination, lavishly giving where no deserts had engaged, and exacting extreme tributes, when no Necessity required; always covetous, yet never thrifty, and still gathering, yet never enriching his King William an ill manager of Ecclesiastical promotions. G●ru. Dor. Coffers: All Ecclesiastical promotions then vacant he assumed into his own hands, and kept the See of Canterbury without an Archbishop above four years, setting to sale the free-rights of the Church, and he that would give most came soon to preferment, whereby both the Lands and good esteem of the Clergy was daily diminished. Pope Vrbane not at leisure then to remedy Church wrongs. These grievances were complained of unto Pope Vrban, but he over. busied to forward an expedition of Christian Princes for the winning of jerusalem, had no leisure seriously to think upon their estates, or else less mind to divert Kings out of their own bias, whose people he meant to reserve for his own gain. An. D. 1090 (12) The Storm thus cleared without any thunder; King Rufus set the eye of desire upon Duke Ypodigma Neustriae. King William enters Normandy. Robert's dominions, who lately had done the like with his; and suddenly burst into Normandy, as Scipio did into Africa, pretending revenge of injuries done to his Kingdom; first therefore surprising the Castles of Saint Valery and Albemarle, he stored them with his own Soldiers; then piercing forward did great spoil in the Country. Robert destitute of means and knowing his Normans ever unfaithful, sent to Philip the French King, desiring his assistance against this Brother-Enemy; who preparing towards Normandy, Peace made betwixt the King and Duke. was stopped with such golden showers from King William that he could not pass, so that Duke Robert was constrained to make a peace with his brother, Will Gemet. Matth. Paris. though for himself a very sorry one, as saith Gemeticensis; which, as Paris reporteth, was effected by twelve Princes upon either part, and the conditions as followeth: that King William should retain and enjoy the County of Ewe with Fescampe, the abbacy of Mount Saint-Michael, and all the Castles he had gotten in Normandy: for the Duke it was agreed, that his brother King William should aid and assist him, to recover thoselands & territories beyond Ypodig. Neust. Math. Paris. the seas, which had been belonging to their Father; That all such Normans as had lost their livings in England, in taking part with Duke Robert, should be restored: and lastly, whether of them should die first, the survivor should be his heir. Both Brethren oppugn Henry the younger brother. (13) Peace thus established, and both their powers united, they bent altogether against Henry their youngest brother, who fearing afterclaps, had strongly fortified the Castle of Mount Saint-Michael, situated upon the confines of Normandy and Britain: Willi. Gemet. him, whom they aught to have provided for, (saith Gemeticensis) they went about to expel, and all the Lent long laid siege against him. It chanced one day as his men sallied out, & made King William endangered in a Siege. a bravado in the face of their beleaguers; King William alone, more bold than wise, road against them, thinking none so hardy as to encounter him single; but presently a Knight slew his horse under him, & his foot entangled in the stirrupe he was overthrown; his enemy therefore with drawn sword, was ready to have slain him, had he not revealed himself by his voice: the armed men with great reverence than took him up, and brought him another horse; when the King not staying for the stirrup, King William prefers him that overthrew him. sprang into the saddle, and with an angry countenance demanded, who it was that overthrew him? the Knight as boldly answered, and showed himself William's Oath. ●dmerus saith, his oath was, By Godsface. who he was; by Luke's face, quoth William (for that was his oath) thou shalt be my Knight, and be enrolled in my Cheek, with a Fee answerable to thy worth. An. D. 1091 Ran. Higden in Polychr. lib. 7. c. 5. (14) During this siege, Prince Henry being sore distressed for water, and knowing Duke Robert to be of the milder temperature, sent him word of his want, desiring to hau● that permitted, which God A friendly Enemy. had made common, and given even to brute beasts, aswell as to men; Duke Robert therefore commanded him to be supplied, whereat William was wroth, telling his Brother he wanted discretion, & policy in An un▪ brotherly Brother. war, which allowed all advantages to surprise the Enemy: And dost thou (said Robert) esteem more of water, which is every where to be got, then of a Brother, having no more but him and me? In Will. Gemet. The three brethrens reconciled. Ypodigm. Neustr. which dissension, Earl Henry got thence; and by policy took a very strong town called Danford, where presently was a reconciliation made amongst these three brethren, who thereupon forthwith took the Seas together for England. Chron. walliae. (15) About this time, in the year of Grace, War betwixt Rise Prince of Southwales, and ●neon. 1091, and fourth of King Rufus his reign, one Eneon the son of Cadivor Lord of Dyvet, moving rebellion against Rees ap Tewdor Prince of Southwales, drew to his side jestyn Lord of Glamorgan, upon promise to become his son in law by the marriage of his daughter: jestyn notwithstanding, judging their faction too weak, sent Eneon into England, where he was well acquainted, to procure aid against Rees: who entering conference of his Rob. Fif●z▪ ham. ●●n aides Eneon. business with Robert Fitzhamon a worthy Knight of the King's Privie-chamber, wrought so far with him, being a man easily drawn to the exercise of war, that for a Salary he undertook the service, and with twelve Knights, and a competent number of Soldiers went into Wales, where joining with jestin, in battle slew Prince Rees ap Tewdor, with Conan his son. Robert Fitzhamon, now minding to Rob. Fitzhammon and his follower's possessions in Wall●ss. return, demanded his pay according to covenants, which jestine in some part denied, alleging that Eneon had go beyond his commission: whereupon such discord arose, that these friends fell out, and Eneon thus touched in his reputation, sided with the English against his own Countrymen; whereupon a battle was fought, and ju●●in with most of his Welsh slain, so that Robert with his followers obtained a fruitful possession in those parts, (which by their poste●tieses are enjoyed even to this day) whose names, as they are found written in a British record, were as followeth. The Knights who attended Fitz hammon. NAMES. POSSESSION. 1 William de Londres. Ogmor. 2 Richard de Grana Villa▪ Neth. 3 Pagan de turbervile. Coity. 4 Robert de S. Quintin. Lhan Blethyan▪ 5 Richard de Syward. Talavan. 6 Gilbert de Humfrevile. Penmarke. 7 Roger de Beckrolles. East Orchard. 8 Raynald de Sully. Sully. 9 Peter de sore. Peterton. 10 john Le Fleming. Saint George. 11 Oliver de Saint john. Fonmon. 12 William de Estirling. Saint Donats. An. D. 1092 ●●met. Malcolme King of Scotlnad enters England with a power. (16) As these things were commenced betwixt England, Normandy, and Walls, Malcolme King of Scotland entered into the English Marches as far as to Chester in the Street, doing much harm; whose farther outrage to prevent, William incontinently hasted, sending by sea a great Navy of Ships, and by land his brother Robert, though with much loss of either: for his Fleet was torn by tempest, and his horsemen through hunger & cold perished in those King William & Malcolm● mee●e, & enter League. barren parts: at length the Kings come to an Interview, where by the means of Edgar Atheling, a peace was concluded to both their contents: for William restored unto Malcolme twelve Villages, which he Ypodigm. Neu▪ striae. had held in England under his Father, and gave him yearly twelve Marks in gold: And King Malcolme for his part promised to keep true peace with him, as he had done with the Conqueror, whereunto Mat. Paris. he gave him his Oath, as saith Matthew Paris. King William and Duke Robert at variance again. (17) But as these two Kings of Enemies were made friends, so the two Brethren of reconciled friends become again enemies: for Duke Robert well perceiving, that King William meant nothing less than performance of covenants, (protracting time upon some secret purposes, as his jealous head conceived) in great displeasure returned into Normandy, taking with him Edgar Atheling, whom he held in an especial account. (18) King William then repairing those Castles which the Scots had destroyed, new built in Cumberland Carlisle re-edified. the City Carlisle, which two hundred years before had been spoiled by the Danes; and having Peopled with a Southern Colony. Endowed with large Privileges. defenced it with walls, built there the Castle, Churches, and Houses, wherein he placed a Colony of Southern Soldiers, with their wives and children, granting large privileges to the place, which the City enjoyeth even unto this day. An. D. 1093 (19) And having settled his affairs thus in the North, returneth with triumph into the South, King William falleth sick and voweth amendment. where immediately he fell dangerously sick, in the sixth year of his Reign, at the City of Gloucester; whose sins began to sit so near his heart, (not looking to continued to commit many more) that he sore repent him of the same, making king many promises to amend his life, if God would Matth Paris. Henry Hunt. be pleased to give him longer life: the hard laws against the English, he vowed to reform, as also his own vices, and to settle peace and good order in the Church, then far out of frame, almost all Polychron. lib. 7. acp. 6. the Monks in England, lived rather like Consuls, being Hunters, Hawkers, Dicers, & great Drinkers (saith Higden●) little regarding the rules of their profession. Those Bishoprics & Monasteries that were vacant, and in his own hand, he forthwith, and (much against his wont) freely bestowed: the archbishopric Ger. Dorob. of Canterbury upon Anselme a learned Godwin in his Catalogue of Bishops. Hoc hum●lis, dives: (●es mira) potens, p●us: ultor, Compa●iens● mitis, cum pateretur, erat. Ypodig●▪ Neustri. King William regaineth his health, and loseth his good purposes. Goodwin in the life of Anselme. Norman Abbot: the See of Lincoln he gave to Robert Bluct his Chancellor, a man of mean learning, and some other touches, but otherwise of many singular parts. (20) But the danger past, and health recovered, he began to be more sick in mind, soon repenting him of his too-soon Repentance: for as in spending his own wealth, he was very prodigal, so was he very diligent to enter into other men's estates, and to gain from them what he could, and therefore tampereth with Anselme, persuading him, that the trouble of the Archbishop's place was very burdenous, especially for a man wholly brought up within the walls of a Monastery, devoted to contemplation, and unexperienced in the manage of great affairs of State. But all this Art could Polychron. lib. 7. cap. 7. not induce him to let go his holdfast of the Kings absolutely passed promise, nor yet to satisfy his great desire with money, and therefore the King paid himself out of his Lands. Likewise from Roger Rand. Higd. of Lincoln he exacted five thousand pounds; and the Commons he fined for transgression of his penal laws; and in truth molested all for money: None were rich but Treasurers and Collectors, none in favour but unconscionable Lawyers, and none rewarded but Promoters: so that his over-haled subjects King Malcolme cometh to Gloucester. fled daily out of the Realm; against whom he published Proclamations, with an inhibition that none should departed without his safe Conduct. Will. Gemet. (21) Soon after this, Malcolme King of Scotland came unto Gloucester, to confer with King William touching the Peace of both the Realms; but conceiving a grudge, for that he was not entertained Departeth discontent. William Malmes. Polydor. Raiseth a power. according to the Majesty of his estate, departed in displeasure without speech with the King; and immediately raising a power against England, destroyed the Country unto Alnewicke Castle. Robert Mowbray then Earl of Northumberland, a most valiant Soldier, seeing his Country thus overrun, William Gemet. Is slain with his son the Prince. Simon Dun. made head against him, not staying for directions from his King; and lying in Ambush for his return, so sore and suddenly distressed his forces, that both King Malcolme himself and his son Prince Edward were there slain. (22) Hereupon Earl Mowbray growing proud Earl Mowbraies greatness suspected by the King. and greatly suspected by King William, began to fortify the King's Castles, with Munition for Arms against the like invasion, and indeed against the Kings will; who sent him word somewhat roughly, to desist from his doings, and presently to repair to his Math. Paris. Presence; which whilst he lingered and neglected to do, King William sent his brother Henry to spoil Northumberland, and immediately followed Is taken and imprisoned. after himself, where without much ado, he took the Earl, and committed him prisoner to Windsor Castle. (23) These stirs in the North are diversly reported: Y podigm. Neustr. for Walsingham in his Ypodigma Neustriae, saith, that Robert Mowbray and William of Anco with others, conspired to deprive the King both of crown and life, and to have set up Stephen de Albamarle his Aunt's son: the issue of which treason was prevented by surprising Mowbray, who died a Prisoner. William of Anco was punished with loss both Hector Boetius lib. 12▪ cap. 12. of his eyes and his virility; and William Aluerie (the King's Godfather, Kinsman and Sewer) cruelly whipped, and all naked gored in blood, though guiltless, was hanged. Hector Boetius, the Scotish, Historian relates somewhat otherwise of the death of King Malcolme; as that the English having gotten the Castle of Anwike, King Malcolme with a strong siege environed it about; when, the English distressed, and ready to surrender, a certain Knight amongst them attempted a very desperate enterprise, for mounted upon a swift horse, unarmed, excepting only a light Spear in his hand, upon the point whereof he bore the keys of the Castle, he rod directly to the Scotish Camp, and was with great applause brought unto their King, where couching his staff, as though he meant with submission to deliver him the keys, suddenly ran him into the left eye, and through Malcolme slain under show of submission. swiftness of his horse escaped, leaving the King there dead: for which act King William (saith he, though erroneously) changed the Knight's name into Perceeye, The name of Percyes' ancienter then Perceing of Malcolmes eye. Vide Cambd. in Northum. Geme●●ice●sis. Saint Margaret (Edgar Ethelings Sister) dieth for grief of her husband's death; few such Saintlike wives. Hector Boetius Math. Paris The English, Monarches of Wales. whence that Noble Family is descended. Gulielmus Gemeticensis saith indeed, that it was reported that King Malcolme was slain by a guile, declaring not the manner, but by the hands of morel, Nephew to Earl Mowbrey, where likewise died Prince Edward his son, and the greatest part of his Army: with which doleful news (saith Hector) his Queen Margaret (called the Saint) within three days after died of grief. But Paris hath set it down, as is said; and in the same year makes William the Conqueror of Wales; since which time the English monarchs have been accounted their chief Governors. An. D. 1094 Wil Malmsb. Ran. Higd. Simon Dun. (24) Grudges now grown betwixt King William and Duke Robert his brother, each accusing other of breach of oath and of Covenants; William from Hastings set sail into Normandy, where some bickering fell betwixt the two Brethren, but by the mediating of A breach again betwixt the two Brethren, but made up for a time. certain grave persons, their quarrels were comprimised, and Princes chosen to be their Arbitrators; which hearing indifferently all allegations, adjudged King Rufus in the fault, who thereupon (as King William refuseth the censure of his Arbitrators. thinking nothing right, but what went with him) was so far from following their award, that being offended with their censure, he presently assaulted, and took the Castle of Burren; neither did Robert for his part sleep the while, but surprised the Castle of Argenton, which was by former covenants given to King William, drawing likewise Philip the Bothparts again in Arms. French King to his side, who with his Army entered Normandy for his assistance. (25) King William then weighing into what danger he had brought himself, (all approving Duke King William prevails by money. Robert, and disallowing his Acts,) he sought to do that by money, which he could not by sword. Therefore to those soldiers, which in heat of his fury, he had commanded to be sent him into Normandy, (even twenty thousand, now in readiness, and at Hastings staying for a wind) he sent a countermand, exacting of every common soldier ten shillings in money for the release, and so without further trouble Math. Paris. to return to their homes; with which sum he so pacified the French King, that he now left Robert to The French King leaves his friend for money. look to himself, who thus forsaken, was constrained to come to an unreasonable peace. (26) And the more willingly, for that the holy wars for jerusalem, deliberated of five years before, were The wars for the Holy Landlord now hotly pursued by Pope Vrbane the second, (whom Bibliander blameth to be the causer of much Christian bloodshed) only to set up that, which Theod. Biblian. Christ by prophesy had laid in desolation. Among Duke Robert going to jerusalem morgageth his Dukedom. Henry Hunt. Will. thorn. Paul. Aem●l. these Christian valiant Captain's Duke Robert would be one, but wanting money, (no news at all to his coffers) he sent to his brother King William to be supplied, and for the sum of six thousand, six hundred, sixty six pound of silver, (Paulus Aemilius saith, six thousand nine hundred thirty four more) Will. Gemet. mortgaged his Duchy unto him, giving him the possession thereof before his departure. (27) To make up which sum, he did not only oppress and fleece his poor subjects, but rather (to King Williams extreme exactions Math. Paris. use the words of Paris) with importunate exactions did as it were slay off their skins; for the Churches Not sparing Churches and Monasteries. and Monasteries, having sold away their jewels and Chalices to satisfy his appetite, and answering they could make no more; the King replied, with some scorn; And have you not, I beseech you, Coffins of Gold and Silver for dead men's bones? Accounting the money laid out upon this holy Expedition, to be better employed then to garnish the relics of the Aedmerus. dead. An. D. 1095 (28) The King thus finding his fortune in all things pliable to his wishes, and his heart therewith greatly puffed up, his purpose was now at his return His expedition for Wales. from Normandy, to make a full conquest of Wales; therefore redoubling his forces he drew into the Marches, where piching his Tents he consulted The Welsh fly to their Mountains. with his Captains what was best to be done. The Welshmen finding themselves overweake, fled according to their accustomed manner, into the Woods and Mountains, taking thereby such advantage against their pursuers, that the King returned An. D. 1096 without any notable deed done; and with the like success he undertook an other Expedition against them the year following. Anglesey invaded. Mat. Paris. An. D. 1097 (29) But bearing a mind still to subdue all Wales, he had first in his eye the Island Anglesey, against which he sent Hugh Mountgomery Earl of Shrewesburie, and Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester, who there executed their Cruelty there used. Girald. Cambr. Conquests with very great cruelties, cutting off the Noses, Hands, and Arms of their resisters, without regard of age, or sex, nor sparing either places or persons, sacred or profane. At which very time it Norwegians assault Anglesey. An. D. 1098 chanced Magnus' King of Norway, the son of Olanus, (the son of Harold Harfager) to have made his Conquest of the Isles of Orkeney, and then wafting along the Seas, sought to come on Land in Anglesey, whom to impeach, these Earls made all their powers: Mountgomery killed in the Eye. where Hugh Mountgomery armed at all parts, but only the sight of his Beaver, was shot into his right eye, whereof he died eight days after. An. D 1099 Synodus Claromontana. The Holy voyage. Peter, an Hermit, the Captain. (30) The holy voyage now set forward, (unto which Pope Vrbane was a chief instigator) thirty thousand Christians took the Sign of the Cross, wearing it on their garments as the cognizance of their devoted warfare: The chiefest Captain of which Princely Army, was Peter a poor Hermit, who returning from jerusalem, certified the Pope of the Christians great misery under those merciless Infidels: The number of the Army. Math. Paris. The Generals of the Army. Henry Hunt. lib. 7. but the good man more exercised in prayers (the weapons of Votaries) then expert to guide an Army, was soon entrapped among the Bulgares, and slain with most of his soldiers. But yet the business still prosecuted, the number of all degrees and ages flocking to the service, is reported to have amounted (a thing almost incredible) unto seven hundred thousand. In chief command of which huge Army, were employed many brave Princes of Christendom; as Godfrey the famous Duke of Lorraine, with his brethren Eustace and Baldwin: Bohemund Duke of Naples, and his Nephew Tancredus: Robert Earl of Flanders; Hugh le grand, brother to Philip the French King; Raymund, Earl of S. Egidius; and besides many other great Princes, the foresaid Robert Duke of Normandy, not the last in Mat. Paris. esteem for his renowned service; as his memorable prowess in that employment did afterwards make apparent unto the world. All these meeting at Constantinople (where Alexius was Emperor) Their fortunate successes. passed over Hellespont, and proceeded with better success than the Hermit had done, subduing Cities and Countries before them, with the slaughter Th. Lanquet. jerusalem taken by Christians. of an hundred thousand Infidels, and purchase of great spoils: and lastly, took jerusalem the holy City, in the thirty ninth day after the Siege thereof. But let us from jewrie return into England. An. D. 1099 (31) King William at rest whilst his Brother and the rest were in wars, thinking now both of fortifying and beautifying his Kingdom, caused new walls to be built about the Tower of London, and at Westminster ( * Jngulfus. where before was the ancient Palace of Saint Edward and his Ancestors) laid new foundations of a most large and Princely Palace; the Math. Paris. Stow●s' survey. Hall whereof, by the testimony of Paris, should have extended (if he had lived to finish it) from the River Thamcsis even unto the common high way, as might Westminster Hall bu●●t. appear by the first ground works, at the time wherein Paris wrote: but that stately Building, which now we call the Great Hall, he finished as it now standeth, containing in length two hundred and seventy foot, in The length and breadth thereof. breadth seventy four: yet (when some praised the largeness thereof) he found fault that it was not made bigger, accounting it scarf worthy the name Rand. Higden. of a Bedchamber, in respe●●f that which he intended to build. And certes, of a right magnanimous disposition was this Rufus, as appeared at such time, when sitting at dinner, purposing forthwith to take his pleasure in hunting, a messenger brought him sudden news of maine in Normandy besieged. Henry Hunt. the Siege of maine, a City in Normandy▪ whereto when the King answered, He would take advice what to do: But thy Subjects (replied the party) are in distress, and cannot be delayed; whereat the King swore The King's readiness to relieve them. his wont Oath, that if they could not, they should not, and that he would not turn his back till he were with them; and thereupon commanded to break down the wall that he might go forth the next way to the Sea, leaving strait Commission for his Nobles to Wil Malms. follow him with all celerity. (32) But the winds being contrary, and thereby both the Sea and the King in a great rage; his Pilot misdoubting hazard of Shipwreck, desired him humbly to expect a while, till those boisterous Elements were calmer, and passage more safe. Whereunto he answered, as no whit daunted: Hast thou ever heard that any * Yes King Pharaoh was drowned, if the Pilot durst have so replied. Wil Gemetic. King hath been drowned? therefore hoist up the Sails, I charge thee and be go. The City upon this unexpected speed of the King, was soon released, and Helias, Consul of Cinomannia, who did beleaguer it, being taken by a train, was by King William jested at to his face, as a man neither of Martial prowess nor policy: at which indignity the Noble Helias The courage of Helias a Prisoner disdainingly storming, with great boldness said unto Rufus: I am now thy Prisoner, not by thy prowess, but by chance of war, and my own misfortune: but were I at liberty, thou shouldest well know, I am not the man thus to be laughed at. The King well-liking the confidence of his spirit: Well then (said he) King William releaseth him. I give thee full liberty, go thy ways, do what in thee lieth; I am the man that ever will mate thee. His great valour. (33) And surely, howsoever he might be blemished with many stains of bad Government, yet for his valour and resolutions in wars he is greatly commended; and so much by some, that, if it were not against the faith of Christianity, it might be thought Will Gemot. lib. 4. His praises much impaired by partial writers. (saith Malmesbury) that the Soul of Caesar had entered into the body of this Rufus, as that of Euphorbus is said to have done into Pythagoras: yea, & those stains (we may well think) were no whit lessened by his story writers, who were dependents of the Romish See: for that he little favoured their Holy Father, or any such as adhered unto the See of Rome, against the His opposition to the Romish Church. Prerogative of his Crown; as especially appeared in his Offence conceived against Anselmus Archbishop of Canterbury, for his too Romish humour. There was at that time a Schism in the Roman Church, which Monsterlike had then two heads on one Body, the Two Popes of Rome. Mat. Paris. Emperor (who claimed that as his right) placing one, and the Roman Clergy abetting another, Vrbanus by name, with whom consorted Anselme, against the King's command. Not English B. subject to the Pope. Eadmerus. Holins●. The King of England hath as great privileges as the Emperor. The King alleged, that no Archbishop or Bishop of the kingdom should (or aught) be subject to the Pope or Court of Rome, with whom they had naught to do: that he and his Realm had as large franchesies, ever since the receiving of the Christian faith, as the Emperor had in his Empire; and that therefore none aught in his Realm to be received for Pope, whom himself and his State should not first approve: that without his licence none should go or appeal to Rome in any cause: that Anselme could Matth Paris alibi except also Ranulphus Cestr●nsis Episc. not keep his Allegiance to his Sovereign, and also to the Pope. Upon all which points the Prelates of England, excepting only Gundulphus B. of Rochester, assented to the King against Anselmus, that he was guilty of High Treason, for attempting to deprive the Crown of these prerogatives. Pope Gregory was ●ustly by all men's judgements (saith Paris) deposed for Treason against the Emperor. (34) And because the King then urged, that herein he did no more than his Father had done before him, it shall not be impertinent to observe here, how that, as Vrbanus used Anselmus for his instrument to draw the King to his beck; so Pope Gregory before him used Archbishop Lanfrancks' help for undermining of William the Conqueror, and to subject him and his State to the Papacy; which that it may appear the better, I will here insert the Conquerors own Letter to the Pope. To Gregory the most Excellent Pastor of Holy Among Lanfranks Epistles, M. S. vetust▪ The Pope would have William Conqueror to swear him allegiance. Church, William by the grace of God, King of England and Duke of Normandy, wisheth health and friendship. Your Legate Hubert (Religious Father) came unto me, exhorting me, in your name, to make Allegiance to you, and your Successors, and to take better order for the money which my Predecessors were wont to sand to the Church of Rome. The one I have granted; of the other I have not admitted. Fealty to you, I neither would nor will make; for I neither promised you so much, neither find I that ever This money was the Peter-pences or Romescot, which Edward Confessor calleth Eleemosynas, as given of Alms to the Church of Rome. my Antecessors did perform it to yours. The * money hath been negligently gathered, myself almost these three years being in France; but being by God's mercy returned into my Kingdom, as much as is Collected is now sent by the said Legate: the rest shall be sent when it may conveniently, by the messengers of Lanfrancke our faithful servant. Pray for us, and for the good estate of our Kingdom; for I have loved your Predecessors; and my desire is above all others sincerely to love you, and to hear you obediently. His Holiness was then very wrath, that things did not cotton better to his desires in England. But janfranke counseleth the King to subject himself to the Pope. Epist. Lanfran. M. S. Lanfranck cleared himself of the blame, showing him how diligently (but indeed traitorously) he had bestirred himself, in counseling the King to yield to swear obedience to the Pope: Suasi, sed non persuasi (saith he) I have so advised him, but I could not persuade him. (35) By which incredible pride and Popish encroachments, attempted by the means of these chiefest Will. Rufus prudently treads his father's steps. Eadmerus. He denieth the Pope's power, Soluendi & Ligandi. Hollins. Prelates of the Kingdom, King William Rufus (no doubt) saw it was high time for him to prevent farther mischiefs to his State, by following his Father's steps in timely repressing such Papal intrusions: yea so far was he from yielding his neck to that yoke, that he avowed, that the Popes, though boasting of Peter's Chair, had not from him any power of binding or losing, whose godly steps they wholly neglected, following Against praying to Saints. only after Lucre and worldly Honours: that also it was but imposture to teach Intercession, and bootless to use Invocation to Saints, even to Saint Peter himself. And as for the rest of the Romish Clergy, who then gave themselves strangely to worldly and Rand. in Polychr. lib. 7. cap. 9 fleshly pleasures, wearing their guilt girdles and spurs, and trimming their bushy Locks; their lose lives the King much detested, and sought to punish; which most incensed their Choler: and these were the hairs no doubt in those Monkish writer's Pens that ever blotted his fair name, under their fast-running, and uneven hands. For so much Gemet●ic. l. 7. c. 8. may we gather from Gemeticensis the Recorder of his life, who having reported many Acts of this Kings, seemeth lastly to check himself for going so far: A very wise reason. where (he saith) These and many other like things we could truly report of him, were it not we think it unconvenient largely to relate his actions, because he persecuted very many of God's servants, and the holy Church not a little, for which it is thought by the most part of wisemen, that he repent too late and unprofitably. (36) And true it is, that some of them have taxed him for great Pride and Covetousness, whereof yet Rob. of Glouc. Chron. S. Alban. some pregnant examples to the contrary are not wanting; as, (though the instance be somewhat familiar) An example of Will. Rufus his wonderful Pride. Every base knave will now go costlier. when his Chamberlain bringing him a pair of new hose, and he demanding the price, was answered that they cost three shillings; Away base fellow (quoth he) are those beseeming a King? bring me of a Mark price: his servant went, but brought him an other pair of no greater cost, yet told him (as great Man's reckonings usually are made) that they were of the rate appointed: wherewith the King was very well pleased, and disbursed that great Price to fulfil his own pride. His avarice. Polydore Virg. (37) His Covetousness what it was, may hence appear, that when two Monks whose Abbot was lately dead, repaired to his Court, and each in large offers out-uied and overbad the other, to succeed in the abbacy; a third Monk very sober, and poor in show, accompanying them in their business, stood by; whom the King asked what he would give to be Polych. lib. 7. c. 11. made Abbot? Nothing, said the Monk; for I entered my profession to be poor, and hitherto have been, little esteeming the pomp or riches of the world. Then thou art the man (replied the King) A princely choice. I would all Simoniacs might so be served. and shalt be their Abbot, more worthy in thy poverty, than they for their price; and so conferring on him that high honour, checked the others to their open infamy and reproach. As the like he also did to Hugh a Norman Knight, and Soldier by profession, who of a sincere devotion A preferment bestowed unlooked for. had entered the Monkish Order in the Monastery of S. Augustine's at Canterbury, and at the death of Vido the Abbot, was but a Probationer; when coming with others to the King for the election of another, was chosen himself (though sore against his will) without any request or proffer; whose penitency and unfeigned humility so moved the King, that in this his Election he burst forth into tears. Of King William's incontinency. (38) Other faults I grant he is charged with, wherein we have not and cannot utterly acquit him: as this besides others, that his chiefest Consorts were Effeminated persons, Ruffians and the like, and himself said to have delighted continually in Adulteries, and the Company of Concubines, etiam coram Sole, Math. Paris. No Issue Illegimate of his, known. shameless and in the sight of the Sun; though none of them be named, nor any his illegitimate issue known; and yet only, or especially for his sins, many strange signs of God's wrath are reported to have happened in the time of his reign. An. D. 1089 Strange accidents of his time Earthquake. (39) For in his second year a terrible and most dreadful Earthquake happened: And in his fourth, a vehement Lightning pierced the Steeple of the Abbey at Winscombe, tent the beams of the roof, cast down the Crucifix, broke off his right leg, Lightning. and withal overthrew the Image of our Lady standing hard by, leaving such a stench in the Church, that neither incense, holy-water, nor the singing of the Monks could alloy it. And not long after, so great a tempest of wind happened, that in London it Winds. bore down six hundred Houses, and blew off the roof of Bow-Church, which with the Beams were borne into the Air a great height; six whereof being john Stow. twenty seven foot long, with their fall were driven twenty three foot deep into the ground, the streets of the City lying then unpaved. An. D. 1096 Uncouth Stars. In the ninth of his Reign a blazing Star appeared with two bushes, and other Stars seemed to shoot darts each against others, to no little fear and Deluge. amazement of the beholders. The last of his Reign, the Sea breaking over his limited banks, drowned an innumerable multitude of people in many Countries, and in Kent overwhelmed the lands that sometime Goodwin Sands. Hector Boetius. were Earl Goodwins, which as yet are called Goodwins Sands, lying very dangerous for all Navigators. But most fearful was the Well of blood, which A Well of blood for fifteen days rose up out of the ground at Finchamsted Wil Malmsbury. Mat. Westm. Henry Hunt. Rand. Higd. near Abington in Berkshire. His own dream, wherein it seemed the veins of his Arms to be broken, and abundauce of his blood streaming Presages of his death. on the floor; as likewise that Monks, who in his sleep saw the Crucifix to spurn the King to the ground: these with many like, were held as presages of his death, which presently followed. Of all which, or the most part, what better censure can we give, then that which King William himself (when this last vision was told him) did deliver; saying, Well, a Math. Paris ad An. ●100. Monk he is, and can dream (Monachiliter) as Monks use to do, only for to gain. Give him an hundred shillings, jest he should think he had dreamt bootless. (40) Whatsoever force those presages had, it is true, that upon the second day of August, as he was hunting in the new Forest, and in the place called Chorengham▪ all his Company being scattered from Matth. Paris. Gemeticensis. him, saving only a French Knight, whose name was Walter Tirrell, the King with his arrow struck a Stag, which yet not greatly hurt ran away; to mark therefore the course that it took, he held up his hand betwixt his eye and the Sun, when unawares also Walter Tirrell so shot, that his Arrow glancing against King William slain with an Arrow in hunting. a tree, struck the King in his breast, who hastily breaking off so much as stuck out of his body, with one only groan fell down and died. Of which sudden chance, his followers soon understanding, most of them made away, but those few which remained, laid his body (basely God wots, but as necessity suffered) into a Collier's Cart, which drawn with one silly lean Beast, through a very foul and filthy way, the Cart broke, and there lay the spectacle of worldly Math. Paris. glory, both pitifully gored, and filthily bemired, till afterward he was thence conveyed unto Winchester, and buried under a plain flat Marble stone in the Choir of Saint Swithens, the Cathedral Church of the City, whose bones were since taken up, and laid Years of his age and Reign. into a Coffer▪ with the bones of Canutus. He died after he had reigned twelve years, eleven months Will. Malmes. lacking eight days, being the year of his age forty three, and of Christ jesus, 1100. His description of mind and body. (41) He was of person indifferent, not of any great stature, yet very well set, his belly (like his Fathers) somewhat bearing out: of complexion * Boetius thence surnames him Red-face▪ ruddy, whereof he took his surname, and his hair somewhat yellow, his forehead flat and square, and his Eyes diversely coloured; a stammering tongue, especially in his anger; gorgeous in apparel, and of no sparing diet; very bountiful to Soldiers, often hard to Churchmen, burdensome so his Subjects, an expert Soldier, that could well both endure labour of the Body, and put off cares of the mind; in his affairs circumspect, of his word steadfast, and in His works of devotion. his wars no less diligent, then fortunate. He gave to the Monks called de Charitate, the great New-Church of Saint saviours of Barmondsey in Southwark, which he built, with his Manor of Barmondsey itself, and all the appurtenances, together with the Town of Charleton: confirming all that had been Lib. Bermond. given them before. He also of an old Monastery in York founded a new Hospital▪ to the honour of Saint Peter, for the sustentation of poor men and women: dying as we have said, without Wife or Issue, or without respite of time for dispose of his Crown, or other worldly affairs. He●●y I Monarch 41 HENRY, THE FIRST OF THAT NAME, THE FORTIETH ONE MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: HIS ACTS, REIGN, WIVES, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER four ✚ HENRIC US DEI GRATIA REX ANGLO RUM H 1. ✚ HENRIC US DEI GRATIA DUX NORMANNO RUM ✚ ●E ●I● R▪ E. 3 SILIUS▪ ✚ LEFP●RDO●SV HEnry, the youngest son of An. D. 1100 Wil Malms. john ●owse. annal S. Aug. Ma●h. Paris. the Conqueror and third King of his race, was born here in England, and brought up in learning even from his childhood, whereby he gained to himself the high honour very rare in those days, especially in Princes, to be, and to be styled the Beauclerk: whose portion of Treasure was not a little, given him by his father, neither any whit spared by himself to purchase friends at the death of his Brother, * This was the first Earl of Warwick from the Conquest, so to continued only ad placitum. M. Tho. Miles. Th. Rudb●rne. Henry of Newburgh the right Noble, virtuous and learned Earl of Warwick, ever making his way both with the Clergy and Nobles, who * A pol●●●cke but traitorous course of capitulating. Math. Paris. refused to admit any King but with capitulation and covenants to their own like. (2) The steps then by which he mounted the Throne of Majesty, were the dislikes of Williams overhard Henry's helps to the Crown. Will. Gemet. kerbing of his Natives, as he ever called the English: the rash and giddy head of his brother Robert; his absence in Syria, for whose return to stay was dangerous, and whose election for King of jerusalem, Idem. was likely to employ his person there▪ his English-birth, having both a King and Queen to his Parents; Roger Houed. his fair promises for reformation of bad and rigorous Laws, imposed by his Father and Brother▪ the restoring of the Clergy from exile, and to their church-livings; remission of Taxes exacted on the Subjects; and due punishments of such persons as Henry Hunt. were the chief Causers thereof, in which behalf to satisfy the People he committed Ralphe Bishop of Ralphe Bishop of Durham imprisoned. Math. Paris. Durham to the Tower. Then promising by Oath to frame just Laws grounded on those of Saint Edward (than which nothing was more desired) did wind himself so far into the loves of all, that with a general concurrence he was saluted King. His Coronation. Ger. Doro● (3) He began his reign the second of August, the sacred rites of whose Coronation were celebrated at Westminster, by Maurice Bishop of London (in the absence of Anselme Archbishop of Canterbury) the sifth day of the same month, the year of Christ William Malmes. 1100. When Henry the fourth possessed the Imperial The foreign Princes reigning in his time. Diadem, Philip the first swayed the Sceptre of France, Edgar wore the Crown of Scotland, and paschal the second sat in the See of Rome. The reformation of his Court. Rand. Hig. in Poly●br. lib. 7. ca 12. (4) His first business was to put in execution what he had promised; and because he might be thought unfit to guide a large kingdom, who cannot reform those who are ever at his elbow, began (as a good Prince aught) with his own Court and Household (as knowing that to be the pattern and warrant of others enormities) whence he cashiered all Court-minions and nice or effeminate wantoness, and enacting a decree against his Courtier's Rapines, Adulteries and Robberies, punished their Thefts with * Hoveden. Wigorn●ens. death, and Lechery with the * Malmes. lib. 5. de Regibus. Public Liberties by him granted. Stows annal. loss of their Eyes, and other parts peccant. Then he restored to the English the use of Lights, which his father forbade by the ringing of a Bell, and had now continued for the space of thirty three years, ordaining likewise many good Laws, and common Liberties, exemplified at large in Matthew Math. Paris. Paris, which summarily may be thus abridged. 1 The Freedom of the Church from oppressions, or reservation of their Possessions upon vacancies. 2 That the Heirs of his Nobility should possess the Lands of their Fathers, without redemption from him, which favour the Nobles likewise should afford to their Tenants. 3 That the Gentry might give in Marriage their Daughters and Kinswomen without his licence, so it were not to his Enemy. 4 That the widow should have her jointer, and not be compelled to marry against her own liking. 5 That the Mother or next of kindred, shall be Guardian of the Lands of her Children. By loss of right hand, saith Malmes. Of Hand and Genitalss, G●meticens▪ lib. 7. cap. 23. Of Eyes and Genitalss, Hoveden. Malmes. lib. 5. Simon Dun. Wil Malms. King Edward's Laws revived again. 6 That Coiners of false money should be * punished; and likewise ordained a measure to the length of his * Arm to be a standard for Commerce among his People. 7 Then did he forgive all debts to the Crown before his own time, and murders committed before the day of his Coronation: with some other like indulgences: But, to the greatest content of the People, he gave power and strength unto King Edward's Laws. (5) To these his Ordinances he set his Name and His Charters sent to be kept in Monasteries. Math. Paris. Seal, with the subscription of sundry Peers, commanding as many Copies as there were Counties in England to be transcribed and kept in the Monasteteries of every Province. Then did he recall Anselm Ger. D●r. Archbishop of Canterbury forced out of the Land by Rufus, and bestowed all vacant Church-livings upon Ypodigma Neustri●. the worthiest persons. But to ground his new planted affection more deep in the hearts of the English, he become a su●er to Edgar King of Scotland, to have his sister to wife, which was Maude the daughter of His Marriage into the English blood. Wil Gemetic. cap. 25. Math. Paris. Queen Margaret, Sister to Edgar Etheling and Grandchild of Edmund Ironside, whereby his issue might merely be both of the English blood and of the ancient English Kings. (6) She by report of some writers had vowed Virginity, and was brought up in a house of Religion at Winchester (having entered the profession of a His Wife first a vo●a●y. Nun under her Aunt Christian) whose sanctity and knowledge both in matters human and divine▪ with her mother Margaret's▪ are highly commended (saith Ge●e●ic. cap. 10. Gemeticensis) in a book written of their lives: Notwithstanding others hold that she veiled herself but for a shift, to put off some unworthy matches, which her Eadm●●us. father Malcolme would have imposed her; and indeed this scruple was such a Core in Anselm his mouth that Rand. Higden. i● Poly●hron▪ lib. 7. cap. 16. he would not pronounce the words of Contract until herself had cleared the doubt by her open confession. Math. Paris. Duke Roberts n●ble service in th● Holy wars. (7) Duke Robert, who now had been five years in the holy wars, and therein borne himself with such valour that he of all the Christian Princes was thought the worthiest to be anointed King of jerusalem, had their voice and election standing in the Temple before the Altar, upon Easter-Eue: and that the rather Duke Robert elected King of Jerusalem. by a miracle of his Taper, which took light of itself, or from Heaven (if we will be so light to believe it:) but he hearing of the death of Rufus▪ refused that, in hope to have England; for which his neglect Ran. H●gden. in P●lychr. l. 7. c. 12. Math. Paris. of Divine appointment, it is said God never after prospered him: then returning from Syria into Normandy was there joyfully received, and assumed a-again He returns into Normandy. Will G●met▪ cap. 12. His attempts for England. Math. Paris. Roger. Houed▪ his Dukedom (which he had engaged to his brother William) without repayment of any money: where hearing that Henry his younger, was stepped into his throne of England, laid projects in his mind how to defeat him. And to further these his designs, Ralphe Bishop of Durham, corrupting his keepers, broke out of the Tower of London & got into Normandy, where he instigated Duke Robert against his brother of England; Wil Malm●●. Henry Hun●. others also delighting in alterations, solicited Robert to make into England, with promise of their assistance to recover the Crown. King Henry strengtheneth himself against Duke Robert. (8) King Henry for his part resolving to hold what he had got, neglected no means to keep the Diadem as it was set, and therefore rigged forth his Navy to secure the Seas, manned his fortresses, and with a great Army repaired towards the Coast, where near unto Hastings he lodged his Camp, relying more upon his own strength and valour of his People, than any just title he had to the Kingdom. An. D. 1101 An. Reg. 2. The English fall off to Duke Robert. (9) Duke Robert by this time had taken the Seas, and was upon the King's fleet before they were ware, where preparing for Conflict, the most of the English fell to the Normans, either by the persuasion of the Duke or in hatred of Henry, that then began to tyrannize over them as they did imagine: By which Math. Paris. The Duke landeth in England▪ Will. G●met. cap. ●2. means the Duke, had safe landing at Portesmouth, and did not a little rejoice in this his fortunate beginning▪ threatening his brother to be revenged for his wrongs, & blaming the Nobility for suffering him thus to be abused, whilft he for the common good of Christendom, was employed in the Holy-Lands war. King Henry, as wise, as the other was valorous, wrought K. Henry labour▪ for a peace. under hand for an agreement of peace; for he very well saw, that the event of war hath commonly issue from the first success, and at one and the same time doth bolden and weaken the courage of the multitude; therefore certain Noblemen on both sides so travised the businesses, that the Brethren in Henry Hunt. Agreement made Betwixt the Brothers. short time become friends, and a composition made to both their contents. The agreement was thus, that, because Henry was borne after his father's Conquest of this Land, and stood now the Crowned King with common consent, he should during The covenant of Pea●e. his life, enjoy the same, paying Duke Robert in way of fealty three thousand Marks by year: and the survivor to be heir to his brother deceased, if he died without a son. In which it was also concluded, that all, either English or Normans, which had Will▪ Thor●●. Matth. West▪ G●ru. Dor. taken part with the King or Duke, should be pardoned of all offences, and their livings again restored: for the Confirmation whereof, and the performance accordingly, twelve Princes upon either parties took their Corporal Oaths; and the Armies presently dissolved. Duke R●ber● entertained in King Hen●ies court. Will Gemet. Cap. 13. (11) The Norman Duke princely entertained the space of six months in the Court of King Henry, showed himself rather open & credulous, than any way suspicious, in all his carriages, & so with much liking, & love to his brother, departed unto his own Country. But the Sunshine of these fair days, began forthwith to be overcast, by the incitation of such as endeavoured to sow discord betwixt the two Brethren: and not only those in Normandy, which ever buzzed jealousies into Duke Robert's ears, but even in England also, some fell in dislike of King Henry, and affecting alteration, with the malignant eye of envy beheld the glory of his beauteous Crown. Rob. Belias●e against the King. An. D. 1102. (12) Among whom, Robert Beliasm Earl of Shrewsbery, the eldest son of Roger Mountgomery, strengthened the Towns and Castles of Shrewsburie, Simon Dunel. An. Reg. 3. Bridgenorth, Tichile, and Arundel, with victuals, munition, and men, against the King; alluring likewise the fickle Welshmen unto his designs. Henry therefore in Roger Hoven. rage & haste, marched thitherward with a great pow●r; Matth. Paris. against Arundel Castle, he raised another of wood: and took it; besieged Bridgenorth, which presently yielded, and Shrewsbury sent him their keys and pledges of their obeisance: when Beliasme with his Henry Hun●. brother Arnul●u●, and Roger de poitiers, were constrained to abjure the Land for ever, and thereupon went into Normandy, where they ceased not to raise more sparks from that brand which others before them had blown. (13) Neither were those men busier to raise stirs Mat●. Paris. abroad, then was Archbishop Ans●lmus to do it at home; who being a man of a stiff resolution, in a Council holden at London, drew on him the offence both of the King and Clergy: for therein, first, he excommunicated all married Priests, * Goodwin in vi●a Anselmi. ●adm●ru●. half the Clergy of England at that time, being either married or the sons of married Priests; next he inhibited all lay men to hear their masses. But this thing (saith Paris) howsoever it seemed good to some, yet unto others very dangerous, le●t while they affected after a purity which was above Matth. Paris their strength, they might fall in●o imp●rity of a higher quality. Contention about investi●ureses In this Council also Anselme, peremptory upon the Pope's assistance, deprived many great Prelates of their promotions, because they had accepted their Inuestures from the King which was done by receiving of a Pastoral staff and a ring, an ancient rite, testifying that their donation was from their Sovereign, (as S. Wulstan received his Staff from S. Math Paris in Will. Ruf●. Edward, and therefore professed he would resign it only to him:) in which number were the Abbots of Ely, of Ramsey, of Perscors, of S. Edmund's, of Tavestock, Peterborrow, Burch, Bodiac, Middleton, and Stoke: for which his bold parts, and for refusing to consecrated certain Bishops, advanced by the King, great contention fell betwixt him and the Archbishop, who taking The Archbishop goes to Rome. himself much wronged by the present overbearing power, appealed unto his Holy Father, Pope paschal, and soon after went in person to Rome unto him. (14) Unto whom likewise the King sent his Ambassadors, An. D. 1103 An. Reg. 4. Will. Thorn. Polyd●r. The King sends Ambassadors to Rome. namely Herbert Bishop of Norwiche, with Robert Bishop of Lichfield, both of them of his privy Counsel, and William Warenast his procurator a Clergy man, of a very bold spirit and speech, who in debating his sovereigns cause before the Pope and cardinals, with threatening language and countenance avouched, The King will not loo●e his investures for his Kingdom. Math. Paris. that the King his Master would not loose his right in the Inuestitures of the Church, for the loss of his Kingdom: whereto the Pope, (no Cravant to be dared on his own dunghill) as stoutly answered; If, as thou sayest, the King will not loose the donation of Churches, The Pope will loose his head rather than suffer kings to have investures. for the loss of his Kingdom; know thou for certain (before God I speak it) that I would not suffer him to enjoy them without punishment, not not for the saving of my head: notwithstanding which brave words against the King, yet the degraded Abbots were restored through Silver and gold best mediators to the Pope. Parisi●●sis. the Clemency of the Papal see, which is never wanting to any, as long as the white and read, (to use the very words of a Monk) make intercession for them. But from the Church to the State. Duke Robert entertained in England. An. D. 1104. W●ll. G●met. Henry Hunt. (15) Robert Curtuoise, either to sound his brother's designs, or to congratulate him in a brotherly love, came into England; where he was so royally entertained, that all suspicion was quenched, and himself so well contented, that at the only motion and request of Queen Maud, he remitted the three thousand Marks, covenanted to be paid yearly unto him, though he were less able to forbear, than King Henry He remi●● 3000. marks a year to K. Henry. An. Reg. 5. to give. But when his wants told him of this his over lavish releasement, he openly exclaimed against King Henry, that he had craftily circumvented, and deceit fully cheated him; and now giving open ●are and credit to such as sought their disunion, gave his Brother all occasions of enmity, who was ready enough of himself, to make the least very great. For besides this present displeasure conceived against D. Rober●s patrimony wasted. William Gemet. Duke Robert, he added others, and this especially, that he had wilfully wasted the Inheritance which his father had left him, to wit the Dukedom of Normandy, having nothing now almost in that Dominion besides the City of Roan, which he would have parted with also, had not the Citizens thereto denied their consents. (16) Neither was it the lest motive to King Henry's displeasure, that his traitorous subjects were so willingly received by his brother; for besides Robert Beliasme and others, William, Earl of Mortaigne in William Earl of Mortaign against the King. Ypodig▪ Neustri. Normandy, and of Cornwall in England, the son of Robert, half brother to the Conqueror, because the Earldom of Kent (which he made claim unto, as heir to his uncle Od●) was denied him, in a discontent got him into Normandy, where besides his valiant assaults of the King's Castles, and Soldiers, he much Math. Paris. Rand. Higd. lib. 7. cap. 13. Wi●. Malmsb. endangered the possessions of Richard Earl of Chester, than a child and the King's Ward: so that the flames of war raised by these seditions, seemed to be blown from England unto the parts beyond the Seas, and to fire the territories of the English there; neither is it easy to declare (saith Hoveden) what misery (the mean Math. Paris. K. Henry all●res the Normans to side with hi●. An. D. 1105 Rog. Hoveden. An. Reg. 6. while) by exactions the land felt here at home. (17) For the King incited into Normandy upon these occasions, by large distributions of money carried out of England, won the Normane Nobility to revolt from their Lord, and took the Town and Castle of Cane by composition, and burned Bayon with the beautiful Church of Saint Maries, whereupon Henry. Hunt. Forts of Normandy yielded to the King. the Priories of Normandy yielded themselves unto his Protection; by whose example the Britain's and those of An●ou did the like; so that their Castles and forts were filled with the Garrisons of King Henry, Duke Robert in no wise able to resist; which done Henry with triumph returned into England. An. D. 1106 Duke Robert leaves force and trusts to persuasion. An. Reg. 7. Math. Paris. Henry Hunt. D. Robert's submission. (18) The Curtuoise by his Normans thus uncourteously dealt with, saw it was bootless against so great a stream to strive, and therefore thought best to lay away weapons, and to become himself a Mediator for Peace. With which resolution taking the seas, he followed his brother unto Northampton; where humbling himself in a more deiective manner, then either his birth, or own nature could well brook, desired the King's peace, both in respect of their brotherly union, and the regard of his own accustomed clemency; willing him to consider, that war was not only unnatural betwixt brethren, but that a reproach ever follows the chariot of the Victor, desiring him not to triumph in his overthrow, who was now ready to tender all that K. Henry respects it not. he had into his hands: but King Henry muttering to himself, turned away from his brother without any answer. Math. Paris. ) 19) For God (saith Paris) not pleased to give the effect, though the Beauclearke felt a remorse in conscience, for usurping his Kingdom (being indeed very learned, K. Henry resists the counsel of his own conscience. and well understanding the duties both of equity and law) and thereupon began both to fear some violent insurrection of the subjects, and also the revenging wrath of God upon him, for his treacherous and unjust dealings towards his elder brother, to whom undoubtedly the Kingdom by all right did appertain: yet stood he rather A presumptuous ground to defer repentance. in fear of men than God (whose favours he cunningly laboured to keep) whom he meant to please another time by building of an Abbey for his satisfaction. Duke Robert then seeing and detesting the King's swollen pride, posted back unto Normandy to gather his powers. Henry also held it good policy, not to give King Henry wins his Nobles with fair words. passage unto Robert's wrath, knowing him a Soldier, and well weighing his desperate estate▪ and therefore calling his Lords unto London, in an assembly tickled their ears with these delectable and smooth words. Mat. Paris. (20) My friends, and faithful Counsellors, and native Countrymen, you know by true report how my Brother Robert was elected, and by God himself called to be the fortunate King of jerusalem, and how unfortunately, or rather insolently, he refused that sacred estate, whereby he is now most justly reprobated of God: you also know by many other experiments, his pride and arrogancy; for being a man of a warring humour, he is not only impatient of any peace, but also wilfully desireth to trample upon you as men of abject and contemptible disposition, upbraiding you for idle drones, for belly▪ gods, and what not? But I your King, naturally inclined to be both humble and peaceable, take delight in nothing more than to do you good, to maintain your tranquillity and ancient liberties, (as I have often sworn unto you,) and meekly and willingly to yield myself to your advises, whereby I may circumspectly govern you as a clement Prince: and to that end even now will I confirm (if your wisdoms so think fit) your overworn and undermined Charters, and will roborate them most firmly with a new oath and ratification. Mean while, all the laws which the holy King Edward by God's inspiring did establish, I do here command to be inviolably observed, hereby to move you to adhere steadfastly unto me, in repulsing cheerfully, willingly, and powerfully, the wrongs offered me, by my brother ●hal I say? nay, by my most deadly enemy & yours, and of the whole English Nation: For if I be guarded with the valours and affections of Englishmen, King Henry's confidence of the English. I shall scorn the threaves of him and his Normans, as forceless, and no whit to be feared. And with these fair promises (which yet afterwards he utterly neglected) he so won the hearts of them all, that they would die with him, or for him, against any hostility whatsoever. Math. Paris. King Henry invades Normandy. (21) Duke Robert go, and preparing for war, Henry thus settled in his people's affection, followed him with all expedition, having in his company the choice Nobility of England, Normandy, Gaunt, and Britain, so that he was exceedingly strong. With Robert, for men of chief account, were Robert Beliasme, Earl of Shrewsburie, and William Earl of Mortaigne, in like displeasure with the King, and therefore armed with the like desperate boldness. (22) Henry with his Army had pierced into Normandy, even as far as * Tenerchebray, a Castle of the Wil Gem. Earl of Mortaigne, using all means possible to Mat ●ari● calls it He●chebray. surprise the same; for whose rescue, the Duke with these his Consorts, made all diligence to dissolve the siege, and after some few skirmishes joined a bloody battle, bravely fought on each part, where A fierce battle betwixt the Brethren and their forces. Mat. Paris. Duke Robert taken prisoner. E●dme●us. Mat. Paris. at the first onset, the King's power (though, much greater in number) went down; but by their multitude and manhood (especially through the * King's example and encouragement) they soon prevailed; where Duke Robert, with Earl William, and sundry others of good note, manfully fight in the very press of their enemies, were taken prisoners; but * Yet ●e also long after was taken and cast into perpetual prison. Wil Malmsbury. Mat. Paris●aith ●aith, it was the 8. Caend. Ma●j. Robert Beliasme escaped by flight. And thus (as Matthew Paris observed) God's justice & Mercy took effect; his justice upon Robert, for his refusal of jerusalems' title, and unto Henry his favour, according to the prophesy of King William his Father. This battle was fought, and Normandy won, upon Saturday, being the Vigil of S. Michael, even the same Normandy conquered. Will. Malmes. day forty years that William the Bastard set foot on England's Shore for his Conquest; God so disposing (saith Malmsbury) that Normandy should be subjecteth to England that very day, wherein England was subdued to Normandy. Wil Ge●. (23) Robert Curtuoise, that now unfortunate Prince, and William Mortaigne, that valiant, but headstrong Earl, were forthwith sent into England and imprisoned; the Earl in the Tower of London, and the Duke in Cardiff Castle in Wales, after he had governed the Duchy of Normandy nineteen years; and was for esteem in Chivalry accounted among the best Captains that the world then afforded, had he not been (as commonly martial spirits use to be) too rash and unstaid in his other enterprises; which headiness did now draw upon him a penance of twenty six years continuance, in the afflicted Robert's rashness overthrew him. state of a forlorn Captive. And Henry now no longer as a brother, receiving the keys of Normandy, as a Conqueror returned into England. An. D. 1107 (24) But long it was not ere Duke Robert, weary of this unwonted duresse, sought to escape; and having liberty to walk in the King's Meadows, Forests, Mat. West●. and Parks, broke from his Keepers without any An. Reg. 8. Assisters, or means for security; who being missed, was presently pursued, and taken in a quag-mire, Math. Paris. wherein his Horse lay fast: whereupon the King hearing of this his attempt, considering that woods were no walls to restrain the fierce Lion, and that to play with his claw was to endanger a state, commanded him not only a greater restraint and harder durance; but also (a thing unfit for a brother to suffer, but most unworthy for Beauclearke Duke Robert's eyes put out. Mat. Paris. to act) both his eyes to be put out, causing his head to be held in a burning basin (to avoid the deformity of breaking the eyeballs) until the glassy tunicles had lost the office of retaining their light. An. D. 1108 (25) Having thus quieted all foreign oppositions, King Henry set his mind to prevent Domestic; and therefore (about this time) those Flemings▪ Fleming's placed in Wales. whose Lands the Seas had devoured some few years before, and place was granted them in Cumberland, An. Reg. 9 first by King Rufus, and afterwards by Henry; were now by the King, upon better advisement, removed into Wales, both to disburden his Inland of such guests, and that so they might be a defence betwixt him and those ever-stirring people. Which project nothing deceived his expectation; for by the Giral. Gam●. testimony of Giraldus, They were a Colony stout and strong, and continually endured the wars of the Welsh; The conmendation of the Flemings. a Nation most accustomed to seek gain by clothing, by triffique also and Merchandise by Sea and Land, undertaking any pains, or perils whatsoever. A people of very great power, and as time and place requireth, ready by turns to take plough in hand and till the ground, as ready also to go into the field and fight it o●t; and that I may add thus much more (saith he) a Nation most loially devoted to the Kings of England, and as faithful to the Englishmen. The Flemings great helps for restraining the Welsh. (26) By the which his policy, he attained that which his brother Rufus could ●ot, who many a time had but small success in those parts though otherwise, ever sped most fortunately in all his adventures King Rufus had little success in Wales. of wars: But it is thought by some, that as the Mountainous cragginess of the Country; and sharpness of the Air, encouraged them in their rebellion; so the same impeached Rufus his success. Will. Malm●s▪ lib. 5. But King Henry (saith Malmesburie) who with many a warlike expedition went about to force the Welshmen, ever stirring unto Rebellion, for to yield and to submit themselves; in the end resolved upon this wholesome policy; for to take down the●r pride, he brought thither all the Flemings that dwelled in England: a great number of which Nation in those days, in regard of his mother's kindred by her Father's side, flocking hither, were closely King Henry disburdened England of the Flemings shrouded in England, in so much as they for their multitude seemed burdensome unto the Realm: Wherefore he sent them altogether with their substance, their Wives, and Children, unto Rosse a Country in Wales, as it were into a common avoidance, thereby both to purge his own kingdom, and also to quail and repress the desperate boldness of his Enemies. (27) And now being free from all fear of subverters, The King violats his promise to the Peers. Math. Paris. King Henry, growing disdainful (saith Paris) refused to fulfil what he had so often promised to his Nobles, heaping threats upon threats; for God had bestowed on him three bounties, wisdom, victory, andriches, above any of his Predecessors: but for all these he showed himself to God most unthankful: And of his Clergy (we may say) too regardless, in suffering Anselm, Ansel. still molests married Priests. newly reconciled, to lay heavy punishments upon the married Priests, putting many from their places, because they denied to put away their Lawful wives, whereof great contention followed, and grievous Eadmerus. sins in short time committed, both against God and Nature. (28) Among these proceed in England, King Philip of France dieth, and Lewis succeedeth. Polydor. King Henry strengthens Normandy. Philip King of France deceased, and his son Lewis surnamed Crassus succeeded in his government, which how he stood affected to Henry was doubted, and therefore to make sure work, the King sailed into Normandy, furnishing his Towns, Castles, and Fortresses, with all habiliments of war, with provisions befitting such suspected times; and so returning, he found attending his coming, the Ambassadors of Henry the fourth Emperor, as suitors from An. D. 1109 Hi● daughter married ●o the Emperor. An. Reg. 10. their Master to obtain Lady Maud the King's daughter in Marriage, than not past five years of age, which was willingly granted, and the espousals by way of Proxy solemnised, with great feasts and magnificent triumphs. (29) About which time the death of Archbishop Archbishop Anselme dieth. An. D. 1110 Anselme happening, gave no small hope to the Clergy, as themselves conceited, again to enjoy the liberty of matrimonial society; wherein they were not a little deceived: for the King seemed willing that the Ecclesiastical Ordinance before made should be more nearly looked into; whereupon An. Reg. 11. men for fear, and in the sight of men, carried themselves Appearing Chastity did breed secret impurity. accordingly, but if in secret they did worse (saith Eadmerus) let the charge light on their own heads, sith every man shall bear his own sins: for I know, (saith E●dmerus. he) that if Fornicators and Adulterers God will judge, the abusers of their own Cousins, (I will not say, their own Sisters and Daughters) shall not surely escape his judgement. An. D. 1111 (30) The King's peace, which seemed to be secured by his new affinity with the Emperor, and his glory raised to the high, began now to be envied, and his brother Duke Robert's extremities greatly to An. Reg. 12. be pitied, both by some English and also Normans. For Foulke Earl of Anjou both threatened the revenge, and by corrupting the inhabitants wan the City of Constance, from his obeisance. To stay whose eruptions King Henry passed into Normandy, King Henry goes into Normandy against Rebels. Math. Paris. where he used great extremity, and put to death Helia Earl of Cenomania, who held that County against him; for which cause Godfrey Earl of Gaunt took such displeasure that he entered into that Earldom, and marrying the said Helia his daughter, kept the County perforce against Robert Beliasme an old Traitor taken. King Henry's great power. But Robert de Beliasme that had escaped at Duke Robert's overthrow, was then taken and committed prisoner to Warham Castle, too gentle a punishment for so blood-thirsty a man, whose nature was such, that he delighted himself A bloody father and a cruel pastime. only in cruelty, an example whereof he showed upon his own son, who being but a child and playing with him, the father for a pastime, put his thumbs in the boys eyes, and thrust out the balls thereof. Chro. Walli●. An. D. 1112 An. Reg. 13. (31) These wars somewhat assuaged, King Henry returned into England, where the people conceived much grudge at his importable taxes, and the Clergy no less at his reservation of Church livings in their vacancies, under pretence of keeping them for the worthiest; but how unworthily he oftentimes bestowed th●, maybe gathered by that pretty reproof of Guymundus his Chaplain, who grieving to see unworthymen (for the most part) advanced to bishoprics and other dignities; when on the Rogation day he celebrated divine service in the King's Chapel, Regist. S. Frides'. Wida. Oxon. being to read that lesson out of Saint * james 5. 17. james, it reigned not on the earth III years, and VI months, he purposely read it, it reigned not, one, one, one, years, and five, one, months. All men either laughing or wondering at his reading; the King checked him for it, and asked him the reason; marry (quoth he) I see you bestow your preferments only on such, as can read so: which secret touch the Kingwell weighing, did both presently prefer him to the government of Saint Frideswides in the University of Oxford, and afterward was more careful in all other his choices. An. D. 1114 Floren. Wigorn. Math. Paris. Mat. Westminst. john Castor. Chron. Walli●. (32) The King had not been long in England after his return from Normandy, before the Welshmen (than a restless people) were in Arms against such English, as had set footing in that Country, which were Gilbert Strangbowe Earl of Strygil, and others, whose lands in the south part Owen ap Cadogan sore molested and spoiled; the like did Gruffith ap Conan Prince of North-Wales upon Hugh Earl of Chester's County, and both of them denied King Henry either service or tribute. These Earls so incensed the King, touching these and other outrages The King goes with a power against the Welsh. of the Welshmen, that in a rage he vowed not to leave one alive in all North- Wales, nor in Powysland; and strait repairing thitherward, divided his Army into 3. parts. The first was led by Earl Gilbert against South-wales; the second band by Alexander King of Scotland, and Hugh Earl of Chester against North-Wales; Henry Hunt. and the King himself lead the third, under whose Standard was the chief strength of middle England. But the Welsh seeing themselves far unable Flor. Wigorn. to withstand this present preparation, took into the Mountains and Woods, (their surest holds) where being followed, with great difficulty, many of them were slain, and the rest yielded to King The Welsh subdued. Henry; who now as a Conqueror in triumph returned to London. (33) Wither immediately resorted unto him, the Ambassador of his son in law the Emperor, Math. Paris. Henry Hunt. to have his wife Lady Maud now marriage-able, to be sent unto him; to which request the King most willingly condescended, and to furnish her forth accordingly, laid a * Lawyers call this Aid a file merrier, & Polydor. Hist. lib. 11. saith this was the first precedent: but falsely▪ for both this, and that other at knighting of the King's children, are mentioned in the grand Custumier of Normandy; and was in use amongst the Roman Emperors: Suetonius in Caligula. The English Kings Elder Sons Dukes of Normandy. tax upon his Subjects, taking three shillings for every Hide of land: whereupon she was presently conducted by his greatest Pears into Germany, and at Mentz married to the Emperor Henry the fourth, being there consecrated and crowned his Empress. (34) Shortly after King Henry took the Seas for Normandy, and there created his son William (about the age of twelve years (Hoveden saith but eight) Duke of that Country, causing the people to swear him fealty, whereof grew a custom that thenceforth the Kings of England made evermore their eldest sons Dukes of Normandy; which done, he returned, and nothing recorded of his next years adventures, but only that the Sea gave place to the Sands, and by low Ebbs restored some part of her treasures that long had lain hid and buried in her Will. Thorn. depth; the rivers likewise forgot their wont swiftness▪ and as it were seemed unwilling to pay their An. D. 1115 Math. Paris ancient tribute into that dejected Element, and among them Thamesis not the lest, whose waters so failed for two days, that betwixt London Bridge and the Tower she become passable and scarce two foot deep. An. D. 1116 Polydor. lib. 11. (35) King Henry free now from all foreign & domestical trouble (only Gruffith ap Rees somewhat unquiet in Wales) gave his thoughts to assure the Crown into his line, and to ordain laws for the well governing of his people; for calling an assembly Ger. Dor. at Salisbury, caused the Estates both Spiritual and Temporal, to swear fealty to himself, and to his son Willam, the Hope of succession: then reforming many abuses, and ending certain contentions The beginnings of our Parliaments. both of his Nobles and Prelates, laid here the first foundation of our High Court of Parliament: for the English Kings in elder times, ordered the affairs of the Commonwealth, by their Edicts, The difference betwixt this and the Ancient use of the State. by their officers, and by the Governors of every Country, and seldom had the joint advice of their people; saving only at beginning of their government, and in time of war; whereas now the Subject, best understanding his own grievances, hath both liberty in choice of their Knights and Burgesses, as also free voice to complain thereof in that honourable assembly. campaign. (36) At this time Theobald Earl of Blessis, Nephew unto King Henry, upon occasion of displeasure Henry Hunt. Offence and cause of debate betwixt King Henry and King Lewis of France. rose up in Arms against the French King, to whose aid King Henry sent; whereat jews found himself sore aggrieved, and drew to his side Baldwine Earl of Flanders, and Foulke Earl of Anjou, who together took oath to dispossess Henry of Normandy, and to make William the son of the Attempts to dispossess K. Henry of Normandy. Curtoise Duke thereof, to whom it belonged by right and descent; to which also many of the Nobles of Normandy consented; pitying the wrong of the noble spirited Child, and the wretched captivity of the blind, and over-borne Father. Henry goeth to secure Normandy. (37) Henry as wisely wrought against their designs, and levying a great tax upon his Subjects, passeth therewith into Normandy, where uniting the aides of the foresaid Theobald, as also of the Earl of Britain, with his English, he made a great show in the field: at which time King jews with the Earls Math. Paris. of Flanders and Anjou being entered Normandy, and hearing of King Henry's approach and power, stayed scarcely one night, but as men without hart or courage returned, and left the Country for him: so that all things seemed well quieted for a year or two; nothing An. D. 1117 disturbing King Henry's peace, excepting only the expectance of the Pope's Legate, whom he Flor. Wigor. An. D. 1118 prohibited to enter England, and the death of his Queen Maud, the very mirror of piety, humility, and princely bounty. An. D. 1119 A pitched field betwixt the Kings of England and France. An. Reg. 20. Malmes. lib. 5. (38) But coals of displeasure kindled betwixt King Henry and jews of France, were not quite extinct, though they had lain for a while, as raked up under cold ashes. For the next year following, and twentieth of his reign, jews came into Normandy as hot in rage to do somewhat, as before he departed thence calm and cold; where forthwith he began to molest the Country; which K. Henry for a while suffered, till his friends noted him of cowardice; to whom he replied; that he had learned of his Father, to break the fool hardiness of the French, by patience, rather than by force: that they should not wonder, if he were loathe to be prodigal of their blood, whom he found so fast friends unto him: that he would not gladly win a Kingdom with their deaths, whose lives he still found devoted to all hazards for his cause: that he used this backwardness, only to stay them, whom he saw so forward to testify their zeal voluntarily, even with their blood: which to proceed from providence, and not from dastardliness, they should soon perceive. This accordingly he made good; and a pitched field Math. Paris. The Army of the French King. was fought betwixt the Kings of England and France; whereof let us hear the Monk Paris report. The French King (saith he) having ordered his Army into two Battalions, in the former of them placed William the son of Duke Robert the brother of King Henry; the other, jews 〈◊〉 consisting of his The Army of the English King. special and chiefest Soldiers. King Henry also disposed his forces into three Battles, ●he first, consisting of his Peers and men of Normandy: In the second, himself kept among his own guard, and daily attendants: and in the third, he marshaled his sons with the main strength of the Footmen. The Armies thus ordered, the troops on both sides gave assault, whereof the first Battalion of the French brake through the ranks of the Norman Nobles, overthrowing their Horsemen, and forcing them to scatter; in which violence they likewise broke into King Henry's battle, and put it much out of order: but he taking courage, and comforting his men began a most bloody and bold conflict: wherein himself Henry Hunt. The King dangerously assailed. was twice struck upon the head by William Crispin County of Eureux (whom for his offences Henry had before banished) whose sword and strokes were so sure and so heavy, that albeit the King's helmet was impenetrable, yet with fine force was it beaten flat to his head, insomuch that the blood came forth in abundance: but Henry feeling himself to be wounded, gathered with his rage more strength, and struck the said County Ypodig. Neustri. in such sort, that at one blow he overthrew both him and his horse, and took him prisoner; by which example And as bravely acquits himself. his Soldiers were led to fight like Lions, and the French to betake themselves unto flight. In this battle Baldwine Earl of Flanders slain. died many thousands, and among them Baldwine Earl of Flanders: King Henry returning victorious, was received triumphantly into Rouen. An. D. 1120 (39) Foulke Earl of Anjou having lost Baldwine his martial Companion, and seeing it was bootless Geru. Dor. Prince William marrieth the Duke of Anious daughter. Roger. Houed. to bandy against the Beauclarke, fell to an agreement with him; which was confirmed by giving his daughter unto his son Prince William (now seventeen yeerts old) whom Henry made inheritor of all his Kingdoms, whereupon both France and Prince William doth homage for Normandy. Flanders become his reconciled friends, and William did homage to King jews for his Duchy of Normandy. These things thus ordered King Henry upon the twenty fift of November, loosed from land at * Harefle●●. Barfluit, and prosperously arrived in England. Prince William puts to Sea. (40) Prince William, who now wanted but only the name of a King, commanded another ship to be prepared for himself, his Brethren and Sisters, with many other Nobles and Gallants Courtiers, both of England and Normandy, who plying the Mariners with pots and wine (therein being instruments of their own calamity approaching) made them brag to outsail the King's ship go before; and in the night putting forth from land, with a merry gale made way over the dancing waves, as swift as an arrow: but (as if the Heavens would have King Henry's too great felicities allayed, and tempered with sense of Courtly variety, in the midst of their jollity A most lamentable shipwreck. William Malmes. and singing, (alas they sang their last, and little thought on death) for suddenly the ship dashed against a Rock, not very far from the Shore, at which fearful disaster, a hideous cry arose, all of them shifting (and yet through amazedness not knowing how to shifted) to save themselves from the danger: For God repaying the reward for sin, suffered not those * Sod●miti●d labe i●fecti fer● omnes, saith Paris. unnatural wantoness (for such were many of them, ●aith Paris) to have Christian Burial, but were so swallowed up of the Sea, when her waves were most calm. Prince William Prince Williams pity to his sister cost him his life. got speedily into the Cockboat, and might well have escaped, had he not pitied his sister the Countess of Perch, crying unto him for help; when turning the boat to her aid, so many strived to get in (every man in such a case esteeming his life as much as a Prince) that with their weight it presently sunk, and of so princely a Train no one Malmsb. lib. 5. de Reg. Only one of all his train escapeth. escaped to relate that doleful tragedy, save only a base fellow (a Butcher some say) who swam all the night upon the Maine-maste, and got shore in the morning with much danger of life. (41) This was the most unfortunate Shipwreck that ever happened in our Seas, bringing an inconceivable The chief of those who then perished. Math. Paris. john Stow. Rand. Higden. heaviness to the King, and whole State: for therein perished Prince William Duke of Normandy, the joy of his Father, and hope of his Nation; Richard his base Brother, his Sister Maud Countess of Perch, Richard Earl of Chester, with his wife Lady Lucy, the King's Niece by his Sister Adela, Otwell the Earl's Brother, the young Duke's Governor, divers of the King's chief Officers, and most of the Princes, Geffrey Riddle, Robert Manduit, William Bigod, Geffrey Archdeacon of Hereford, Walter de Crucie, and many other of prime note and esteem, to the number of one hundred and sixty persons, none of their bodies being found, though great search was made for them. An. D. 1121 Eadmerus. (42) King Henry thus at once deprived of all his lawful Posterity (only Maude the Empress excepted) upon the tenth of April and two and twentieth year of his Reign, married his second King Henry marrieth again. Gemiticensis. Geru. Dorob. Henry. Hunt. Mat. Paris. wife Adelicia, a Lady of surpassing beauty, the daughter of Geffrey first Duke of Louvain, in hope (though it proved otherwise) to have repaired his late losses by issue of her; whose Coronation was appointed to be celebrated by Roger Bishop of Sarisbury, the infirmity of Palsy so troubling Ralphe Archbishop Rand. Higd. in Polyc. lib. 7. ca 15. of Canterbury, that himself could not perform it; yet because Roger was not appointed by him, he forbade his employment; and the King wearing his Crown, saith the Monk of Chester, this testy old A Choleric Prelate. man could hardly be entreated by the Lords, to withhold his hands from striking the same from the King's head: of such Spirits than were those spiritual Prelates, and jealousy to lose their pompous pre-eminence of honour: but his high top was somewhat born down by the boisterous blasts of Pope Calixt, from whose holy hand Thurstan Archbishop of York (contrary to the King's command, Eadmerus. and his own * Math. Paris ad An. 1119. Oath) having received consecration, and thereupon forbidden by the King to put foot again within his Dominions, his holiness commanded his New-Creature should be installed ( * Polyc. lib. 7. c. 15. against all right and custom) without professing any subjection to the See of Canterbury; and threatened with his curse to interdite both Provinces till that was performed. The cause of the Pope's indignation against Ralph is supposed to be, for that he had received his * Paris An. 1113. Romae sub Vrbano, Anno 1094. investiture of the King, who contrary to the Canons of the late Roman * Paris there calls it Their ancient Custom and An. 1112. it had continued 300. years and under 60. Popes. Synod, did still challenge and practise that▪ * Regal prerogative. Will. Malmes. (43 Whether it were about this contention of Investing, or about a Friar of the Holy Sepulchre, whom (as Malmsb. saith) the King had imprisoned, or about Goodwins Catalogue. Thurstans' hard usage; certain it is, that the Pope much desiring to have private talk with the King, came to him into Normandy, and so at Guysors Math. Paris. conferred (saith Paris) the Great King and the high Priest: but notwithstanding the Pope's threats or entreats, Thurstan was kept in banishment full five years, and then for the Pope's pleasure was restored. But at this meeting the King was so liberal of rich gifts to the Pope and his Cardinals, that therefore the Wil Malmes. Pope (saith a Monk) held him a most wise and eloquent persuader, and his actions very justifiable: But it seemeth the Cardinals were neither so eloquent nor learned as they should be, for that (saith he) two Wil Malmsb. Rand. Higden. youths in the King's Company, sons of the Earl of Mellent (learned both, and therefore fit to be with that learned King) reasoning of some points with them, and disputing Scholarlike with Logical Syllogisms, the Grand Rabbis (used to other exercises at Rome, then studying) were quite graveled, and had naught to say, but that more learning was in these Western parts, than Chron. Wall●● they had thought. But as these Church-stirres did not a little disquiet the King, so also did new Welsh tumults, raised by Meredith ap Blethyn, who with New attempts in Wales the three sons of Cadogin, Encon, Madoc, and Morgan, sore troubled the King's people and peace, by breaking into the Marches, and especially into Cheshire, An Army conducted against them. where they burned two Castles. The King therefore making towards them, had sent his main Army to conduct the Carriages, whilst himself with a small Company took a nearer way through the Mountains and Straitss; which being forelaid by the Enemy, was with great courage set upon, and through the advantage of the Place, many of his men slain, and more hurt, by the Welsh Archers, whose showers of Arrows reigned thick upon them from the higher ground: amongst which, one was so leveled at the King, that it struck him on the breast, The King struck with an Arrow. yet being surely armed, did him no hurt; but he therewith all wonderfully dismayed, and by likelihood fearing some treason amongst his own, (for, than he swore by our Lord's death, his usual oath, King Henry's usual Oath. Malmes. lib. 5. that no Welshman shot that Arrow, but one of his own Provincials) and considering that by these his overrash proceed his glory purchased in more famous parts, might again be lost in this wild and rude Country; came to a Parley & Peace; A Peace concluded. receiving of the King a thousand head of Cattles, and leaving Kord Fitzwarren Lieutenant of the Marches, john Castor. Chron. Wallia. returned to England, where he held three Parliaments in the same year, one at Norwich, another at Northampton, and the third at London. An. D. 1122 The Normans●et ●et up Duke Robert's son. (44) The Normans still repining at the Captivity of Robert their late Duke; and standing well affected unto his Son, thought now the time fitting, (Prince William being dead) to raise the other William his cozen German into his place: who, as the Monk of Chester affirmeth, married He marrieth Sibyl daughter to the Earl of Anjou. Rand. Higd. in Polyhc. lib. 7. c. 16. Sibyl the other daughter of Foulke, Earl of Anjou, with whom he received the Earldom of Cenomannia, upon displeasure that King Henry withheld the former's dowry in England. The chief in this action was Robert Earl of Mellent, who was lately fallen off from the King: Henry therefore An. D. 1123 Roger Wind. Math. Paris. King Henry repairs the Castles of Normandy. hasting into Normandy, besieged his Castle Pont-Audomar, and took it, and at that time built a large and high wall with many Bulwarks about the Tower of Rouen, repaired the Castles of Caen, Arches, Guysors, Faleise, Argenton, Damfort, Vernon, Ambres, and sundry others. An. D. 1124 (45) In the mean time, Earl Mellent desirous to be revenged upon the King, associated Hugh Earl of Montfort and others unto his aid, who entering Normandy with fire and sword, did much harm as they went, thinking to bring all to their Henry Hunt. Math. Paris. tankerville takes the Traitorous Earls in Normandy. obeisance: against whose outrages, William tankerville the King's Chamberlain, and Lieutenant in those parts, addressed himself, and training them into danger of an Ambush, laid for that purpose, after long fight took them both prisoners, and presented Mat. Westm. them to his Master, whereby the wars ceased for a time in those parts. An. D. 1125 Cardinal Cremensis, the Pope's Legate to restrain Priests marriages (46) In this the King's absence, but yet with his licence, johannes Cremensis the Pope's holy Cardinal, came into England, sent by Honorius the Second, there to redress the still continued sinne-seeming abuse of the Clergy▪ in retaining and using, according to Gods own Ordinance, the Society of their Polychr. lib. 7. cap. 1●. wives. This Pontifical Prelate was entertained by all the Bishops and Abbots with great and costly Presents, and afterward being solemnly set in a Council at London, upon the birthday of the Blessed Hen. Hunting. lib. 7. Houed. in Henr. 5. Virgin, made a solemn Oration in praise of Virginity and Chastity, with a terrible invective against the married Priests: and to amplify their sins the more, he showed what extreme impiety it was, to rise from the bed of unlawful lust, (for so was their chaste Marriage termed) and with polluted hands to touch the Sacrament of the body of Christ: but the same night following he * having that very day consecrated Taken with a whore the same day he celebrated the Sacrament. Mat. Paris. Huntingdon. Rog. Higden. that holy Sacrament, was himself taken with a Whore, the matter being so apparent, that it could not be hid, (neither aught it to be silenced, saith Huntingdon) to the great reproach of those most unchaste boasters of Chastity, as both Paris and Higden themselves do confess: and so he returned to Rome with shame enough, but with little success in that intended business; till some few years after * Viz. An. D. 1129. Polydor. Math. Paris. Huntingdon. Roger Houed. King Henry, seeming very desirous to settle his pretenced continency in the Clergy; in a Council held at London, obtained (through simplicity of the Archbishop of Canterbury, saith Paris) that himself should have the execution of justice and punishments of the Priests, that offended either in keeping of their wives, or using of Concubines, (for likely those that liked not the one, loved the other, as well as Cremensis;) but even then also, the King's end being only to get in sums of money, which he had still occasions to use, every man redeemed his liberty by his purse, and matters rather proved worse, than any whit reform. An. D. 1126 Emperor Henry (the King's Son in law) dieth. The Empress comes into England. The Peers swear fealty to Empress Dowager the King's daughter. Malmes. Novel. lib. 1. Huntingd. lib. 8. (47) Whilst King Henry about his said affairs lay in Normandy, news was brought him that Henry the Emperor his son in law was dead; whereupon he presently sent for his Daughter the Empress; and with her he returned into England, where calling a Parliament, in the presence of himself, and of David King of Scotland, he caused the Nobles, (and first before all other, Stephen his Sister's Son who first did violate it,) to swear fealty to her, as to his lawful, and now only heir, by whom they should again come to be governed by the ancient English Royal blood, from which he showed her to be descended: which Oath was this, that they should, as much as in them lay, after King Henry's decease, (if he died without Heir-male) establish Gemetic. p. 680. her Queen of the Monarchy of Great Britain, now called England. But whether they did or no (saith Gemeticensis) belongs not to me to tell: but this our Story shall hereafter relate, and make known. Antiq. Manuscr. Giral. Jtiner. Polych. lib. 7. c. 16. Houed. in Hen. 1. Henry the Emperor supposed not to be dead. (48) Giraldus and Higden, and some ancient Manuscripts affirm (but with very little probability or credit) that Henry the Emperor died not at this time (as was given forth;) but that rather upon a * remorse of conscience, for imprisoning his own natural Father, Henry the third unto death; and also his Spiritual Father the Pope with his Cardinals; repenting these outrages, he laid aside his Imperial Robe, and secretly fled into England, where at Westchester he become an Hermit, changing his name unto * As being now called of God, saith Trevisa. Godscall, where he so lived the space of ten years, and was buried in the Cathedral Church of Saint Werburga the Virgin. Upon which his sudden flight and missing, the Empress Maud * John Stow. The Empress falsely suspected. some say, was suspected to be guilty of his death, and for that cause was kept continually in the Queen's Math. Paris. Chamber Indeed, that she abode still in Chamber with the Queen, Paris records; but he gives a wiser reason thereof, for that her Father did love her exceedingly, as being now his sole Heir; and where should an Empress rather live then with a Queen? a Daughter, then with her Mother? a fair Lady, a Widow, and an Heir of so great a Kingdom, then where her Person might be safest from danger, her mind from inveigling, and her carriage from suspicion? But as for that other idle conjecture, it is razed out, both by those Writers, who record his Burial, and Monumentat Spire, (as * Polycr. lib. 7. c. 16 Higden himself signifieth) and also by the pen of William Gemeticensis, who reporteth her to be a woman generally well thought of, and Will. Gemet. The good esteem 〈◊〉 Empress. approved among the greatest Princes of the Empire, for her prudent and gracious behavionr towards the Emperor her husband; insomuch that they become suitors unto her, seeking by all means to attain her to govern them, and to that end attended her to King Henry in Normandy to solicit the same; to whom in no wise he would give his consent▪ meaning to make her his Successor in the Kingdom: Whereunto Malmsbury (who Malmes. Novel. lib. ●. then lived) accordeth; saying, she was very unwilling to have come out of those parts of the Empire, where both her dowry and acquaintance lay, and that the Princes of those Countries came more than once into England, to have her for their Empress, but that the King would not part with the Heir of his Crown. (49) But King Henry afterwards desirous to be An. D. 1127 free from the variances of these foreign Princes, and hearing that Foulke Earl of Anjou had given his Earldom, with the territories of Gaunt and Turyn, unto his Son jeffrey martel, surnamed Matth. Paris. Will. Gemet. Plantagenet, (himself minding to abide at jerusalem, whereof he was King in right of his wife Milissent, The Empress married to the Earl of Anjou. the daughter of Baldwine de Burge lately deceased) thought him the fittest to be linked into his alliance, & therefore concluded a marriage betwixt the said jeffrey, and his only lawful daughter Lady Maude the Empress, though partly against her liking, as both Gemeticensis. Ger. Dor. Gemeticensis and Geruasius of Canterbury doth declare; which was solemnised in Normandy the third of April accordingly. (50) That William, son to the Curtoise, was formerly favoured by Earl Foulke, we have showed, William (son to Duke Robert) made Earl of Flanders. but now he was further followed with increase of Fortune, and the French Kings aid, only for a rub in King Henry's way; for Charles Earl of Flanders, being traitorously murdered by his own People Mat. Paris. without any his issue to sueceed him, Lewis of France (to make William faster to him) set him in possession as the next heir in blood unto that Larledome: William being the son of Duke Robert, and Robert William's title to Flanders. the Elder of Queen Maude (the wife of the Conqueror) and she daughter to Earl Baldwin the fifth; whose issue Male now failing, the right was from her derived unto this her Grandchild William. An. D. 1128 (51) This Groundwork unto greatness King Henry disliked, lest by his nephews height, himself might be over topped, and his blind father's wrongs the sooner redressed: therefore having by King Henry invaded France. his daughter's marriage made Anjou his, from Normandy he invaded France, even unto Hespard, where Mat. Paris. for eight days he remained as secure as in his own Kingdom, and partly by fear, partly by fair payments, wrought Lewis to withdraw his aid from young William: neither so ceased, but that he instigated He useth means to disturb Flanders. William de Ypres to disturb William's state, and did also draw a cerraine Duke named Theodorick out of Germany with a band of Flemings, who entered Flanders in Hostile manner. Earl Williams great valour. (52) With these last, Earl William (a Prince for his age of incomparable prowess) soon met, and giving them battle, with an invincible courage broke through the enemy's troops, in such sort that they were discomfited, and the Earl had the day; whence in this heat of blood, he marched unto Angiolella, a Math. Paris. Castle of King Henry's, which after a strong siege, being upon the surrender, by a small wound which Earl William received in his hand, he shortly died, He dies of a small wound in his hand. but not without immortal fame, for magnanimity and valour. Huntingdon. lib. 7. Will. Malmes. in Novella Historia. Higden. (53) Were it not reported by some Writers of note, I might here well pass over certain presaging dreams (as the Monks interpreted them) which King Henry had, being ready now to go into Normandy: for to his seeming he saw a sort of rustic ploughmen with their Instruments of husbandry; after them Soldiers with their weapons of War: and lastly, the Bishops with their Crosiers staves, all of them angrily threatening, and attempting his death: wherewith he was so perplexed, that leaping out of his bed, he called for help: but seeing it but a dream, as a dream he esteemed it, and passed over into Normandy▪ where The Empress departs from hi● husband A. Do. 1131 Roger Houed. long he stayed not, but that his Daughter Maud upon some displeasure departed from her husband, and came with her Father into England. Some writ that she was the provoker of certain displeasures betwixt her husband and Father, which so affected his mind with Hoveden. in Henry. 1. Huntingdon. Hist. lib. 7. Malmes. novel. lib. 1. passions of wrath and grief, that many thought it was a great hastening of his end; and indeed Malmsburie witnesseth, that the King upon his deathbed passionately mentioned the wrongs and indignities wherewith her husband had disquieted his mind. The Empress to her husband. Hen. Huntingdon. lib. 7. An. D. 1131. Howbeit soon after this her departure from him, by consent of the States, who met at Northampton; she was reconciled to her husband: sent unto him upon his entreaty: and bore him a son, Ger. Dor. whose name was Henry; for joy whereof, King Henry assembled his Lords, and again made his said Math. Paris. Daughter, and the lawful Heirs of her body his Successors in his Dominions. An. D. 1133 (54) And then preparing again for his last and fatal passage into Normandy, took shipping upon the Nones of August, (the very day wherein he first Will. Malmes. in novel. lib. 1. received the Crown,) when happened so wonderful an Eclipse of the Sun, that Malmsbury the reporter saith, himself then saw the stars plainly The King's last voyage into Normandy, presaged to be fatal. in the Firmament about the Sun, and that two days after, so great and fearful an Earthquake happened, that the house wherein himself sat, was lifted up with a double remove; and others say, that out of riffes in the earth, burning flames arose, that Polychron. lib. 7. cap. 17. could not be quenched, which divers judged to be fatal prodigies of the deaths of those Princes that soon after ensued. An. D. 1134 Robert Curtoise dieth in prison. (56) For Robert the Curtoise, after twenty six years imprisonment and blindness, through grief conceived at the putting on of a fair new robe, (too little for the King, and therefore in kindness sent to Duke Robert to wear) grew weary of his life (as disdaining to be mocked with his brothers cast clothes,) and cursing the time of his unfortunate Math. Paris. Matth. West. Nativity, refused thenceforth to take any sustenance, and so pined himself to death. His body was buried at Gloucester in the Church of Saint Peter, and middle of the Choir, where to this day remaineth his Tomb, with a carved Image of his feature, as the monument of a most unfortunate man. King Henry dieth in Normandy. 57 And not long after K. Henry in Normandy coming scarce very well from Hunting in the Forest of Lions, and Town of Saint Denys, made his repast of a dish of Lampreyes (which meat he too well Hoveden. Wil Malms. Math. Paris. loved, but could never well digest;) whereupon he fell more grievously sick, and the same still increasing, after seven days sickness, upon the first of December, the sixty five of his age, and year of An. D. 1135 Christ jesus, 1135. when he had reigned King of England, thirty five years, four months, lacking four days, & Duke of Normandy, twenty nine years and four months: he died in the said town of Will. Gemet. Math. Paris. S. Denys, and from thence was conveyed to Rouen, where his Bowels, Eyes and Brains were taken Polychr. l. 7. c. 17. out, and buried; the body also sliced, and powdered with much salt, was wrapped in a Bulls hide Math. Paris. Henry Hunt. l. 8. to avoid the stinch, being so intolerable, (a point fitting for such great Princes to think on, & in their great glory and pleasures to remember their frail and human condition,) that the Physician who took out his brains was poisoned therewith, and presently died: whereupon some observed, that other Kings killed men in their life; but Mat. Westminst. Math. Paris. Simon Dun. he also * after he was dead; thence was his Corpse carried into England, and honourably buried upon the day of Christ's Nativity, at Reading in Berkshire, in the Abbey that himself had there founded, and endowed with large possessions. Huntingdon. l. 8. Hovedn. Rand. Hig. in Polychr. lib. 7 ca 17. (58) After his death (saith Huntingdon and Hoveden) men spoke their mind as freely of him, as of any other dead man: some commending him for these three glorious felicities, * His especial pre-eminence. Wisdom, Victory, and Wealth: others condemning him for three especial * His especial vices. vices, Covetousness, Cruelty, and Lechery; some instances of which we have touched in the relation of his life; the first three, in obtaining and keeping the Crown: the last, in his most grievous taxations, cruel handling and imprisoning his Brother; and his incontinency of life shall presently appear, by his many illegitimate issues, the fruits of his wantonness, and witnesses of his shame: in that Princes who are to punish such sins in others, aught themselves especially to be free from them: for though their living fortunes stop men's tongues from upbraiding: Prince's vices come to light after their deaths. yet after their death the tongues of the vulgar, and pens of the learned, will make the infamy of their vices to be immortal. Description of his person and qualities. William Gemet. cap. 10. Math. West. (59) He was for parsonage of a reasonable stature, broad breasted, well jointed, and full of flesh: amiable of countenance, sharp and fair eyes, black of hair, and that somewhat carelessly hanging on his forehead; his mind was enriched with many virtues, a follower of justice, a lover of Religion, severe against thieves, and all effeminate niceties; So that he commanded men's long hair (which 1. Cor. 11. 14. against God and Nature's law was matchable at that time with women's) to be cut off: temperate of diet, Higden. l. 7. c. 12. Malmes. lib. 5. and never drinking but for thirst; valiant in battle, yet very circumspect, seeking rather to win Wil Gem. cap. 22. by wise care, then by effusion of blood: and by the report of most Writers excelled all the Princes of the World in his time, in Mercy, Wealth, and Bounty, unto Monasteries: the land he defended by Garrisons of Soldiers planted on the Confines of his neighbour Princes, building many Forts, Bulwarks and Castles; besides twenty five Towns and Cities: whatsoever was wisely or virtuously performed in his Government, is chief ascribed to his younger years institution in true Learning and Philosophy, which was * Malmesb. lib. 5. in Hen. 1. the great furnishment of him unto the Science of Regality; being often heard to say, that he esteemed an unlearned King but a crowned Ass. In which regard (saith * Rossus, that Palace he called Beaumount, where afterwards King Richard the the first was born Rossus, he took chief pleasure to reside in his new Palace, which himself built at Oxford, both for the delight he had in learned men, himself being very learned, and for the vicinity of his new Park at Woodstock, which he had fraught with all kind of strange beasts, wherein he much delighted, as Lions, Leopards, Lynxes, He built also the Castle at Woodstock. Camels, Porcupins, and the like. His delight also in works of devotion, shows itself both in the erection and endowment of the Collegiate and * Paris. An. ●132 Episcopal Malmes. lib. 5. Seas of Carlisle, and * Higden. l. 7. c. 14 Goodwins Catalogue of Bishops. Ely, as also of the abbeys of Hide, Circester, Reading, and the Priory of Dunstable: His Wife Queen Maud founded the Priory of Holy Trinity within Algate, and the Hospital of Saint Giles in the Fields: so that by himself, his Queen, and other devoted persons, twenty four foundations to religious uses (if not more) were erected in the reign of this King. His Wives. His first Wife. (60) Maude the first Wife of King Henry, was the daughter of Malcolme the third, surnamed * Great head. Canmoir, King of Scotland: her mother was S. Margaret, daughter to Edward, son of Edmund the Ironside King of England. She was married unto him at London in the first year of his reign, Anno 1100. by Malmes. lib. 5. Anselme Archbishop of Canterbury: having formerly vowed herself a Nun, which some swore she did not for love of single life, but to avoid some unworthy matches, which her Father would have imposed on her. Her Coronation was at Westminster Wil Malms. Ibidem. by the same Anselme, on Sunday the eleventh of November in the same year. She was his wife seventeen years and more, famous for her learning, love to learning, charity to the poor, and all virtuous dispositions; and deceased at Westminster the first of May, in the eighteenth year of his reign, and year of our Salvation, 1118. where she was buried in S. Peter's Church, on the right side of King Edward the Confessor. His second Wife (61) Adelicia, or Alice, the second wife of King Henry, was the daughter of Godfrey the first Duke of Louvain, by the daughter of the Emperor Henry the fourth, and sister to Duke Godfrey, and jocelin of Louvain. She was married unto him the nine and twentieth of january, in the twenty one of his reign, and year of Christ, 1121. and was crowned the morrow after being Sunday. She was his She was ever barren. wife fifteen years, but ever childless, and surviving him, was remarried to William Daubeny Earl of Arundel, and was mother of Earl William the second, Rayner, Godfrey, and joan, married to john Earl of Augi, etc. His Issue. (62) William, the son of King Henry, and Queen Maud his first wife, was born the second of his Father's Reign, and of Christ, 1102. When he came to age of fourteen years, the Nobility of England did him homage, and swore their fealties unto him at Shrewsburie. The third year after, he married the daughter of Foulk, Earl of Anjou; and the same year he was made Duke of Normandy, doing his homage for the same to jews the Gross, King of France; and received the homage and oaths of the Nobility of that Country: but in his return for England, he was unfortunately drowned near unto Barbfleet upon the twenty sixt of November, the year of Grace 1120. and eighteenth of his own age, without any issue, to the great grief of his Father. Maud. (63) Maud the daughter of King Henry, and of Queen Maud his first wife, was borne the fourth year of her Father's reign. She was the second wife of the Emperor Henry the fourth, espoused at six years of age, and at eleven with great solemnity was married and crowned his Empress at Mentz in Germany, 6. january, Anno 1114. the ninth of her husbands; and fourteenth of her Fathers Reigns. She was his wife twelve years, and survived him without any issue of him; & coming into England a widow, she had fealty sworn unto her by the Nobility, and was remarried to Geffrey Plantagenet Earl of Anjou, son of Foulke King of jerusalem, upon the third of April, and year of Grace 1127. by whom she had issue, Henry, the Second, King of England, Geoffrey Earl of Nant●s in Brittany, and William who was called Earl of Poyto: she was his wife twenty three years, and surviving him also continued a widow the last seventeen years of her life, which she ended in the City of Rouen the tenth of September, 1167. the fourteenth of the reign of King Henry her son, and was buried in the Abbey of Bec in Normandy. Richard. (64) Richard a second son to King Henry, and Queen Maud, by the testimony of Geruasius the Monk of Canterbury, who maketh Maud their eldest Child, William the second▪ and lastly, Richard; and then (saith he) she left bearing: but Malmsbury saith, she had but two Children, one of each sex. Eufem. (65) Eufem also another daughter, and fourth Child (by Hector Boetius the Scottish Historian) is said to be borne unto the Beauclearke by Queen Maud; the credit of the two last, I leave to the reporters, who only thus name them without any further relation. His Natural Issue. Robert. (66) Robert, the natural son of King Henry, was Earl of Gloucester, and married Mabil daughter and heir of Robert Fitzhamon Lord of Glamorgan, by whom he had issue William Earl of Gloucester, Richard Bishop of Bayon, Roger Bishop of Worcester, and Maud the wife of Randolph Gernon, the mother of Hugh Keveliot Earl of Chester, and Richard his brother: Earl William married avis daughter of Robert Bossu Earl of Leicester, and had issue three daughters and heirs of that Earldom, which by avis the second of them, in the end descended to Clare Earl of Hertford. This Earl Robert died the last of October, in the twelfth year of King Stephen, and was buried at Bristol in the Church of S. james, which he had founded, and his body laid in the midst of the Choir; unto him William Malmsbury dedicated his Book called Historia Novella. Richard. (67) Richard another natural son of King Henry, was as it seemeth by an ancient Register of the Monastery at Abington, borne in the reign of King William Rufus, of the widow of Anskill, a Nobleman of the Country adjoining to the said Monastery; and it seemeth he is that Richard that was drowned in the Norman Seas near Barbfleet, among the rest of King Henry's children. (68) Raynold the natural son of King Henry, Raynold. was borne of a daughter unto Sir Robert Corbet, Lord of Alcester in Warwickshire, by the gift of the King in favour of her, who was after married to Henry Fitz-herbert his Chamberlain. This Raynold was created Earl of Cornwall, and Baron of Castle comb, with consent of King Stephen, and had issue four Daughters, of whom have sprung many fair branches. Robert. (69) Robert another of that name, was borne of Edith, the sister of Ive, son and daughter of Forne, the son of Sigewolfe, both of them great Barons in the North: which Edith afterwards King Henry gave in marriage to Robert Doilie; Baron of Hook-Norton in Oxfordshire; and with her gave him the Manor of Eleydon, in the County of Buckingham; by whom he had issue▪ Henry Doylie Baron of Hook-Norton, who oftentimes mentioneth this Robert in his Charters, ever calling him Robert his brother the King's son. Gilbert. (70) Gilbert another natural son of King Henry is named in the additions to the story of William Gemeticensis the Norman Monk, in the Chronicle of that country, written by john Taylor being a Translator of that work out of Latin into French; and lastly, in the Treaties betwixt England and France, written in the French tongue by john Tillet, Secretary to their late King Henry the second, and yet in them, not any other mention is made, but only of his name. William. (71) William also a natural son of Henry the King, had given unto him the Town of Tracie in Normandy; of which he took his surname, and was called William of Tracie: But whether he were the Progenitor of the Tracies, sometime Barons in Devonshire, or of them that now be of the same surname; or whether Sir William Tracie, one of the four Knights, that slew Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury, were any of his posterity, is not certainly reported: nor any thing else of him, more than that he died a little after his Father, which was in the year of Christ, 1135. Henry. (72) Henry another natural son of King Henry, was borne of the Lady Nesta, daughter of Rees ap Tewdor Prince of South-Wales, who was the Wife of Sir Gerald Windsor, and of Stephen, Constables of the Castles of Pembroke, and Abertivie in Wales, and Progenitors of the Families of the Fitz-geralds, and the Fitz-Stephens in Ireland; he was borne and breed, and lived, and married in Wales, having issue two sons, namely, Meiler and Robert, of which Meiler the elder married the daughter of Hugh Lacie, Lord of Methe in Ireland; he was at the conflict in the I'll of Anglesey, between Magnus the son of Harold, Harfager King of Norway, and Hugh of Mountgomery, Earl of Arundel and Shrewsbury, wherein he was slain, as some say, with the said Earl, Anno, 1197. Maud. (73) Maude the Natural daughter of King Henry was Countess of Perch, and the first wife of Earl Rotroke the first of that name, son of Arnolfe de Hesding the first Earl of that County: She had issue by him one only daughter named Magdalen wife to Garcy the fourth King of Navarre mother of King Sanches, surnamed the wise, from whom all the Kings of Navarre are descended: She died upon Friday the twenty sixth of November, in the twentieth of her Father's reign and year of Grace 1120. being drowned in the Sea with her brother Duke William. Maud. (74) Maude another of that name and natural daughter of King Henry, was married to Conan the first of that name surnamed the Gross, Earl of little Britain in France, son of Earl Alan by Ermengard his second wife; by Alan she had issue howel, pronounced illegitimate, and disherited by his supposed father Constance, that died without issue, and Bertha the wife of Eudes' Earl of Porrohet, mother of Earl Conan the younger, who by Margaret sister of William King of Scots had issue Constance married to Geffrey son of King Henry the second. julian. (75) julian likewise an other natural daughter of King Henry was married to Eustace the illegitimate son of William Lord of Bretevil in Normandy, who was the son and heir of William Fitz-Osborne and elder brother of Roger, both Earls of Hereford in England, and this Eustace had he been lawfully borne in wedlock, had been heir to the Earldoms of Hereford and juerie: notwithstanding he had as small a part in that inheritance of the Town of Peace from which he took his surname, being commonly called Eustace of Pacy, and had issue by this julian his wife, William and Roger of Pacy his sons. (76) A natural daughter of King Henry recounted by the continuer of the History of William Gemeticensis, and by john Tillet his follower, is reported by them to have been married to one William Goet a Norman; but in neither of these writers is any mention made of her name, or of his estate, issue or other relation. (77) Another natural daughter of King Henry is without name, recited by the said Authors, and by them reported to be married to the Viscount of Beaumond, which is a Town within the County of Maygne. She had issue by him, as Roger of Hoveden writeth, Richard Viscount Beaumond, Father of Queen Ermengard the wife of King William of Scotland: and Robert the Abbot of Mount-Saint Michael mentioneth another of her sons, named Ralphe, who (as he saith) was Bishop of Angiers. (78) Another natural daughter also of King Henry is recited by the Normane and French writers before avouched, and reported by them to be married to Matthew of Mountmorancy, the son of Bouchard of Mountmarancy, from whom perhaps descended the House of Mountmorancy, who after came to be Earls and Dukes, being grown to be one of the greatest houses in France, next to the Princes of the blood, for possessions, alliances, and honour. Elizabeth. (79) Elizabeth the last natural daughter of King Henry recounted by the former Authors, was unmarried in the time of the one, and her husband unknown to the other; but both of them agreed, that she was borne of Elizabeth the sister of waleran Earl of Meulan, who was sister also of Robert Bossue Earl of Leicester, wife of Gilbert Earl of Pembroke, and mother of Earl Richard Strangbow, the Conqueror of Ireland. Stephen. Monarch 47. STEPHEN THE TWO AND FORTIETH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN: HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER V. ✚ STEPHAN US DEI GRATIA REX ANGLO RUM ✚ STEPHAN US DEI GRATIA DUX NORMAN ORV ✚ STIEFN EI 3 SIL. ●● ✚ SPTI●ETS●D●. An. D. 1135 THough the Empress Maud had fealty sworn unto King Henry's Issue defeated of the Crown by Stephen. her, in the life time of her Father: and again both herself, and issue ordained to be his successors in England's Throne, as hath been said; yet so powerful is Ambition, where the object is a Diadem, and so weak are all assurances which are built on the wavering Multitude, that King Henry's providence, was soon defeated, and with his death all fealties reversed, Malmes. Novel. lib. 1. Wil Walsingham. Floriacensis. King Stephen his descent. and that by him only who had * contended to be the foremost of the laity in taking that oath, even Stephen Earl of Mortaine and Bolloine; a man whose descent was very Noble, being the third son of Stephen Earl of Bloys and champaign, who was the son of Earl Eudes, and he of Earl Theobald, the son of Gerlon the Dane, the companion of Rollo Duke of Normandy; his mother was * Some 〈…〉 Adela, othery Alice. Adelicia the third daughter of William the Conqueror by Queen Maude his wife: And himself was advanced to be Earl of Mortaigne by King Henry his uncle, whose Crown he now endeavoured to usurp, being otherwise for his many princely parts, worthy to wield a Sceptre, if his claim thereto had been just and warrantable. Wil G●m. (2) For as soon as Nature's course had brought King Henry, where Princes and poorest Subjects are all equal; forthwith he was working to dispossess his Issue, which only now rested in Maud Stephen's brother his chief Agent and her Children; in which attempt it happened fortunately for him (if any thing may be counted fortunate, which is joined with impiety) that his younger Brother Henry was then Bishop of Winchester, & Malmsb. Novel. lib. 1. Math. Paris. Henry Hunt. Archbishop of Canterbury Stephens abettor a very potent man in the State, who had industriously stirred himself in making way to his entrance; and (upon assurance of all liberties to the Church and Commonwealth) had drawn on also William Archbishop of Canterbury, the very first man that had sworn unto Maude the Empress: by whose example many others were wound into the like periutie, A traitorous position. Rog. de Wendover. Math Paris▪ Malmsb. Novel. lib. 1. Idem. * traitorously avowing, that it was baseness for so many, and so great Peeers, to be subject unto a Woman. And to help forward those audacious beginnings, Roger Bishop of Salisbury, the late King's Treasurer protested (Malmsburie, who reports it, himself heard it from him) that they were free from the oath made to the Empress; for that without consent of the Barons she had married out of the Realm; but that which wrought most, was the testimony of Hugh Bigot, * Or high Stewrd Mat. Paris. Tho. Wal. Ypodigma. Neustriae. Senescall unto King Henry departed, who coming over with Stephen, took his corporal▪ oath, that the King on his deathbed, upon some offence taken against his daughter Maude, disinherited her, and appointed this Stephen his nephew to be his successor. These colourable instigations so moved the * Idem. Fealty sworn to Stephen. too credulous Archbishop and the Peers, that they all swore fealty unto him and become his Liegemen. (3) His first landing in England, (being at Whitsand-bay) Malmes. Novel. lib. 1. Mat. Westm. by a tempest of thunder so wonderful & terrible that the people thought verily the end of all was at hand, did prognosticke the storms of troubles which his perjury brought with him; for even then both Dover & Canterbury fortified themselves against Stephen's lovely▪ qualities. him, though London gave better leave to his entrance, whose Person and presence drew ever the affections Will. Malmes. Ibidem. of the beholder, being in all parts complete with nature's endowments, of parsonage passing comely, of disposition loving, cheerful, and affable to the meanest, always very liberal; but now especially, knowing his Purse the best Lawyer to pled for his Title; and in Martial prowess gave place to none of that time wherein, though his whole reign was continually spent, yet (by reason of King Henry's great Treasure left) never burdened he the Commons with any exactions, a thing that ever gaineth the love of the common sort: neither is he taxed with any other observable crime, save only his perjury against the empress Dowager and her son. (4) He entered his government the year of Rand. Higden. Roger Houed. Christ jesus, 1135. the second day of December, and was crowned at Westminster the twenty sixt of the same month, being Saint Stephen's day, by William corbel Archbishop of Canterbury, who with the rest of the Prelates doing him homage, and knowing now he would yield to any conditions (for performance whereof his * Brother of Winchester did there Will. Malmes. lib. 1. novel. engage himself for a pledge) they all took their oath of allegiance conditionally, (traitorously, I might Allegiance sworn conditionally to the King. Idem. say) to obey him as their King, so long as he should preserve their Church Liberties, and the vigour of Discipline: And that the Lay-Barons made use also of this policy, appeareth by Robert Earl of Gloucester, who swore to be true Liegeman to the King, as long as the King would preserve to him his dignities, and keep all Covenants, whereupon the King King Stephens fair promises. promised for the present, that he would speedily reform the overhard laws of his Predecessors, and mollify the extremes thereof to their own like, under his Seal and Charter: and so thence hastening to meet the Corpse of his deceased uncle, Huntingdon. lib. 8. Hoveden. (which was now brought into England) he honoured that pompous funeral, with his own, and all Hen. Huntingdon his great Prelates and Peers, attendance at Reading; whence presently he went to Oxford, where he sealed his forepromised Charter, of many indulgent favours: * Malmes. novel. lib. 1. Kings Stephens Charter. prefacing therein, that he attained the Crown by Election only; and that Pope Innocentius confirmed the same; whereby may be conceived, that his Holiness, either out of hatred to the Empress, (whose husband * This Henry imprisoned the Pope. Henry was no friend to the Papacy) or for some other holy ends, had no small hand in advancing Stephen's perjured and disloyal intrusion. The Tenor of the * Dated apud Oxenford. 1136 reg. 1 Charter itself is; That all Liberties, Customs, and Possessions granted to the Church, should be firm and enforce; that all People and Causes Ecclesiastical should appertain Wl. Malmsbury. Huntingdon. Roger Houed. only to Ecclesiastical judicature: that none but Clergy men should ever intermeddle with the vacancies of Churches, or any Church-mens goods; that all bad usages in the Land touching forests, exactions, etc. should be utterly extirpate; the ancient Laws restored, etc. As Stephen well knew, that they had chosen him their King, only to make their uses of him, so these immunities Wil Malmsb Hoveden. he granted, rather to blear their Eyes, then * with any purpose to manacle his own hands with such Parchment-Chaines. Geruas'. Dorob. (5) This his entrance was very peaceable (saith Geruasius of Canterbury) but by little, and little civil discord increased, to the lamentable destruction of men, and the land: whereto Robert Earl of Gloucester, Math. Paris. half-brother oh the Empress, whose wisdom and Malmes. Novel. lib. 1. power King Stephen much feared, gave a secret beginning, when amongst them that swore him fealty, he concluded his (as we said) with this reservation, that his own authority should be nothing impaired, meaning no longer to respect him as his King, than the King should him as a Peer: and a Castles generally raised in England▪ general sufferance, to erect Castles for strength throughout the land, was no security to his peaceable estate. Intended indeed to strengthen the Kingdom against Maud the Empress; but proved the bane of all subiective obedience: which was politicly Walsingham. Ypodig. ad Ann. 1151. considered by Henry Fitz-Empresse, in the conclusion of Peace betwixt King Stephen and him, when a thousand one hundred and fifteen Castles so raised, were again razed and cast down. Excester first resists King Stephen. (6) The first man that professedly set himself opposite to Stephen's usurpation, was Baldwin de Reduers, who fortified the City and Castle of Excester against him; the Welshmen also, bearing in mind the harms that K. Henry had done them, desired revenge, and made many slaughters upon the King's people: Against these, Stephen proceeded with his band of English and Flemings, and after a strong and chargeable siege, by famine drew forth Baldwin, his wife, and children, all which he disherited and expulsed the Land, using so great lenity towards all other offenders Hen. Hunting. lib. 8. Flor. Wigorn. there, that it gave great encouragement to others rebellions. But in Wales the business prospered not so well, where at Cardigan a great battle was fought, with such slaughter and overbearing of the English, that the men by women were taken and led away Captive, and so many drowned by the fall of a Brige over Temd, that a passage was made over the water with the dead Carcases therein heaped. Polydor. A. Do. 1138 Ypodigm. Neustr. (7) Neither thus only, but some of the English also distasting King Stephen, secretly instigated David King of Scotland, to revenge the wrongs done to the Empress Maud, a service as they urged it very grateful unto her, and even pleasing to God and Man. He therefore consenting, invaded the borders, Math. Paris. and took from the English both Carleile and Newcastle, which he stuffed with Garrisons. Against these, King Stephen prepared, and with a great power came into those parts, where divers accidents by divers reporters are related, yet all agreed that ere long peace was concluded, Carlisle still enjoyed by King David, and the Earldom of Huntingdon by Prince Henry his son; for which he did homage Will Gemet. at his father's command, David himself refusing so to do (as Hector Boetius the Scotish writer affirmeth) Hect. Boetius. lib. 12 cap. 17. for that he had given his faith before unto Maud the Empress. (8) King Stephen returned, and all in good quiet, he suddenly fell sick of a Lethargy, yea & in such danger Simon Dun. of life that the common report gave forth he was dead, which stirred great troubles both in England and else where, for thereby his friends were stricken into great fear, and the factious more bold Math. Paris to prepare for Queen Maude; for Hugh Bigot one of Henry. Hunt. lib. 8. his chiefest and first raisers fortified himself in the Castle of Norwich, and would not deliver it unto any save only to the King, yea and very unwillingly also unto him: and in Wales, Owen and Cadwallader Chron. Walliae. the sons of Gruffith ap Conan Prince of that Country, carried great spoils from the English, as of other Tumultuous attempts in Normandy. Parisiensis. Walsingh. Ypodig. Malmsb. Novel. lib. 1. goods; so also of Horse and Armour, and habiliments for war; likewise in Normandy, Conspiracies began to bud forth; for Geffrey Earl of Anjou, who in right of his wife made claim unto all, easily got the hearts and endeavours of many to adhere unto the true heir; possessing himself of certain Castles; but entering further on the Demaines of one Talevaz, a man of note (proscribed for some offence or displeasure by King Stephen) the Normans disliking that, and some other his doings, sent for Stephen's elder Brother lays claim. Theobald Earl of Bloys (Stephen's elder Brother) offering him both their Dukedom, and their swords, and lives to defend him in it; who coming to Luxonia, Robert Earl of Gloucester, (not unwilling any way to weaken King Stephen) delivered unto him upon composition, the County of Falesia, himself carrying no small sum of money thence out of King Henry's Treasury, and very thoroughly, (though Idem. secretly) watching all opportunities to advance the title and designs of the Empress. Stephen goeth into Normandy. Will. Newb. (9) Stephen recovered, and hearing these stirs, prepared himself first into Normandy, at whose approach, after some small attempts, the people (distracted betwixt fear, and sense of their duty) yielded themselves unto his power; surrendering Ger. Dorobor. their fenced Cities, and other strong holds. This He makes league with France. Huntingdon. lib. 8. Hoveden. Math. Paris. His son Eustace Duke of Normandy. good success thus fortunately begun, he hoped further to prosecute, by means of a league, which he lately had made with Lewis the seventh King, of France: and hereupon created Eustace his eldest son living, Duke of Normandy, commanding him to do his homage for the same to Lewis. (10) Earl Theobald seeing himself thus defeated of his hopes and purposes, stormed at the wrongs done by King Stephen; for he, (his elder by birth, Stephen buyeth his elder brother's Title. Ypodigm. Neustr. Roger Weud. Hoveden. Huntingdon. lib. 8. Mat. Paris. and Bloyses' Earldoms lawful heir) laid his title both for Normandy and England also, now usurped by Stephen his younger: notwithstanding (rage's naught availing without power) he came to a composition, and remitted his Claim for two thousand marks annually to be paid. Geffrey of Anjou likewise, whose title by his Wife was better than them both, not able at the present (being so far over-matched by the King's He stoppeth the Empresses husbands mouth with money. power, wealth, & confederates) to do what he would, yielded to necessity, and for five thousand marks yearly to be paid, suffered Stephen quietly to enjoy the Crown. An. D. 1138. (11) Having thus at once swept the two greatest rubs out of his fortune's way, he well hoped that Ann. Reg. 3. all clouds of displeasure, and opposition, were now overblown, when unexpectedly news came, that Geru. Dorob. England was in tumults, the sparks of conspiracy, England again in tumults. kindled secretly before in the hearts of factious Peers, now openly breaking forth, upon advantage King Stephen returns into England. of his absence in Normandy: therefore, having not altogether composed his business in those parts, he took ship for England in the depth of the winter; and even Roger Hoveden. in the Vigil of Christ's Nativity, besieged, and after took the Castle of Bedford, that was manned against him in the behalf of the Scots; about which time Math. Paris. The King of Scots against King Stephen. David their King having entered Northumberland in the quarrel of Queen Maude, the ruder sort of his Army (as commonly the best governed is not empty of such) revenged too tragically the wrongs of the Ypodig. Neustri. Houed. in Steph. Huntingdon. lib. 8. Empress, in ripping up the wombs of women with child, and tossing their infants upon the points of their spears, slaying the Priests at the Altar, and dismembering the slain bodies in most unhuman manner. The English Nobles against King Stephen. Simon Dun. (12) Against these, King Stephen made hastily forward, affirming it no policy, to give one hours rest unto the Enemy: and threatening more than he accomplished, entered Scotland; whence after some small revenge wrought, he was hastily recalled; so many of his Nobles in England now in Arms against him, that he was in a sort beset on every side. And what other could he, a Usurper, expect from them, but Treason, whom himself had formerly taught to be Traitors to their rightful Sovereign? But yet (as no Rebellion was ever without pretence of Reason and justice) they alleged, that he had * Huntingdon. l. 8. violated his Oath touching their Forests, and other Immunities of Church and Commonwealth: but Church and Commonwealth, were but public colours for private Malmes. Novel. lib. 2. pag. 1●5. grudges, (as Malmesburie, who then lived, well vnfouldeth) which the Great-Ones conceived against their King, because he would not grant them such Castles, Commands, and Lordships, as themselves Idem. li. 1. pa. 102. liked and expected of him, whom they thought to be so obliged unto them, that he aught deny them nothing. The endless and shameless importunities of these men, sometimes he put off, Idem. alleging thereby, the impair of his Crowns revenues; sometimes he was feign to satisfy, distrusting their falling from him: whose loyalty notwithstanding being built on so un-noble grounds, was but coloured, Earl Robert sends threats to King Stephen. and therefore could not long be permanent. Neither was it. For Robert of Gloucester (the Empresses half-brother, and now her chief Counsellor and Captain) finding those particular dislikes apt to be wrought on, and made serviceable for a common behoof; whetted on with the touch of conscience, and counsels of religious learned men, (who urged him, with the hazard both of his credit, and soul, for Jdem. neglect of his first, and only-lawfull, Oath to the Empress) Malmesb. Novel. lib. 1. sent threatening messages unto King Stephen, charging him with his Oath of Allegiance unto Lady Maud his Sovereign, against whom he had showed himself a most perfidious man, and had impiously drawn him with others to do the like; and so denouncing Stephen an open Enemy to the State, and himself unto Stephen, made strong his faction with the assistance of many Nobles; among whom, Milo, Geruas'. Dorob. Wil Malmsb. a chief man of war, and High Constable to King Stephen, revolted from him, and become a great help to their proceed. English Peers fortify against the King. (13) Earl Robert (whom eftsoons the enraged King discharged of his honours and possessions in England) took into the Castle of Bristol, and made good also his Castle of Slede; his complices likewise Henry Hunt. lib. 8. Hoveden. did the like in other places: for William Talbot manned the Castle of Hereford, William Lovel the Castle of carry, Paganell the Castle of Ludlow, William de Mount the Castle of Dunestor, Robert de Nichol the Castle of Warram, Eustace Fitz-Iohn the Castle of * De Maltona. Meltune, William Fitz-Alain the Castle of Shrewsburie, and Walkelinus the Castle of Dour. And thus those forts which were erected to defend the Crown, first offended the King, some few whereof as he recovered, he flatted to the ground, and wished King Stephens usual Oath. Malmes. Novel. lib. 1. the other no higher walls; still swearing by God's Birth (his usual Oath) he would not so slightly be unseated of his Crown, and wondering what should move them, who had so readily advanced him, so speedily to unstate him. One fresh motive to these noblemen's discontents was the Kings * seizing on Malmesb. Novel. libro secunds. some great men and their lands, on bore suspicion of their loyalty; and on the other side, the extraordinary favour, which Stephen showed to William de Ypre, Ger. Dor. and his Flemings (which they interpreted as a contempt of themselves and their Nation) whose counsels he generally followed, and chiefly relied upon: In disdain whereof, they sent word to the Empress, An. D. 1139. that within five Months, she should have the Realm at command, according to their Oaths made to her Father. The King of Scotland his attempts against Stephen. (14) These turmoils thus working in the bowels of the Kingdom, David King of Scotland had better opportunity to assail the sides and skirts thereof; and following what he had begun, with a very great Army entering Northumberland, made great slaughter of the English, and destruction of their Country: Against whom the Northern Lords prepared, at the command of Thurstan Archbishop of Simon Dun. York (left by King Stephen Lieutenant in those parts) who being by sickness kept from the Field, appointed Ralph Bishop of Durham his General; whose Hoveden. Wendover. Hen. Hunting. invective Oration before their joining of battle, occasioned upon the foresaid misdeameanors of some undisciplined Scotish, is at large set down by Hovedon, Huntingdon, Wendover and others; in the close whereof, he absolveth from punishment of sin, all such of his side, as should die in this battle: which made the English more desperate in fight, who so This field was fought in August An. 1138. near the mouth of Humber. Mat. Paris. sorely pressed upon their enemies, that they forsook their King, he notwithstanding valiantly persisting, till his dearest friends earnestly urged him to avoid. But his son Henry, esteeming more of glory than life, rushed in amongst his retiring soldiers, and with undaunted courage, persuading them to regard themselves and The great valour of Prince Henry of Scotland. his presence, with threat of shameful deaths to all such as fled, he held them in for a time; till at length over-laid with the maine-battaile of the English, the Mah. Paris. Hoveden. & alij. Polyd. Virgil. magnanimous Prince Henry, likewise quitted the field, bitterly cursing the frowardness of Fortune, and the mischance that happened that day. (15) With like fortunate success, proceeded Stephen against his disobedient Barons, and wan Rand. Higden. Earl Robert leaves England. from them the Castles of Hereford, Gloucester, Webley, Bristol, Dudley and Shrewsbury, whereby he weakened Earl Robert so much, that he was constrained to fly into France, and there instigated his sister the Empress to come into England. (16) These domestic opposites thus removed out of his way, King Stephen readdressed himself for the North, to prosecute that which Thurstan had begun: first therefore winning the Castle of Leids, he went into Scotland, where by the persuasion & A Peace betwixt the King of England and Scotland. Math. Paris. Henry Hunt. prowess of Mars and Vulcan (saith Paris) a Peace was concluded betwixt the two Kings; and Stephen thence returning, brought Prince Henry (whom he created Earl of Huntingdon) with him into England, Hoveden. Henry. Hunt. and at the siege of Ludlow Castle, the adventurous Prince was almost surprised, where the besieged with an Iron Grapple plucked him from his horse, and so had taken him, but that King Stephen himself, with great valour and honour recovered him: who having won the Castle, went presently to Oxford, whither news was brought him that the Empress was preparing for England. (17) To make all sure as he went, Stephen thought A. Do. 1140 King Stephen plucks down the Castles. it good to demolish, and race those Castles lately built, (having had experience to what troubles they had brought him) and to prevent the building of new; and namely, that of the Divise, now (as he surmised) in fortifying against him: he therefore sent for Roger Bishop of Salisbury (the Founder both of that Castle, as also those other of Sherborn & Malmsbury) a man who in a bad cause had stood King Stephen Malmes. Novel. lib. 2. in good stead, howsoever some envying his greatness, had incensed the King against him, and other Prelates, as if they were fallen from his side. The Henry Hun. Hoveden. Bishop standing peremptorily on his innocency, yet mistrusting the event, craved the company of Alexander Bishop of Lincoln, and of Nigell Bishop of Ely; so with a great and well appointed train, repaired to Oxford unto the Court, where Stephen A great Council at Oxford. had summoned a Grand-Councell of the States. (18) The King who expected of Churchmen Geruas'. Dorob. humility, seeing them now armed as men for the field, commanded his attendants to take armour likewise, and so entering communication of divers Malmesb. loco ci●at●. matters with his Peers and Prelates, their Soldiers casually meeting, fell at variance, where the Bishop's friends had the worse, so that many of them were wounded, and the rest forsaking their masters The King's usage of his Prelates. ran away. This great assembly thus disturbed, the King required the Bishops to satisfy his Court for these outrages of their servants, which satisfaction should be, to deliver the keys of all their Castles to Idem. the King, as pledges of their fidelity, which they refusing, the Bishops of Salisbury and Lincoln were laid hold of; but Ely escaped to the Castle of Divise: Alexander was imprisoned, till he had yielded him his Castles of Newwarke, and * ●a●ford. Paris. Slaford; Roger the Castles of Sherborne, and the Diuises (accounted then Wendover. Paris. one of the goodliest Castles of Europe) besides forty thousand Marks in silver; (which losses the Bishop did not long survive). The King employed the money Polychr. lib 7. cap. 18. to purchase Lady Constance, sister to Lewis King of France, to be wife unto his son Eustace: all which Roger Houed. was to strengthen himself against the Empress Maud, whose coming he continually feared, & The Empress arrives in England. Malmesb. Novel. lib. 2. Huntingdon. Rog. de Wendover. now before his expectation she was landed in England, at a fit time for her designs, when all the great Prelates (who formerly were his chiefest friends) were highly incensed against the King for such oppression of their Brethren. (19) The place of her arrivage was at the * At Portsmouth saith Geruas'▪ port of Arundel, into which Castle she was joyfully received by William de Albeny, who had married Queen Adeliza, the late wife to King Henry, whose Dowry it was; from hence Earl Robert diverting his course Math. Paris Earl Robert brings but 140. men, to the winning of the Crown of England. only with ten horsemen, and as many Archers, (for in all he brought over but one hundred and forty with him for so great an exploit) passed through the Land unto Wallingford and Gloucester, soliciting his Complices for the aid of his sister the Empress. * Malmesb. lib. 2. A man who then lived, holds him, in this bold attempt with so small forces, no way inferior to julius Caesar, whom Livy reports to have begun his civil war, and to have set himself against the whole world, only with five Cohorts of Soldiers. (20) King Stephen as then lay in siege of Marleburgh Castle, but having intelligence of this more dangerous an enemy, dislodged thence, and with all Stephen hastes to the Empress. expedition made towards Arundel; whereat the Empress, wanting her Counsellor, was wonderfully perplexed; yet wanted not a woman's wit to help at need; insomuch that by the report of Geruasius, Her politic excuse. Ger. Dor. jest her dignity and right might any way be endamaged, she took an oath, that none of these the King's enemies by her advice or consent had entered the land, but with condition to carry themselves orderly without impeachment of the honour and allegiance due to the King; by Roger. Houed. Henry Hunt. which policy (to give it no worse name) she so satisfied King Stephen (whom all do censure for too much credulity and facility towards his foes) that he caused her to be conveyed honourably unto Bristol, where she remained the space of two months, and then got thence unto Wallingford. The Empresses power increaseth Geruasius. (21) Earl Robert in the mean while dispersed the news of the Empresses approach, unto whose aid so many gathered, that the same Monk reporteth, no man was able to set down their multitudes in context of history, much less by way of Computation: then began (saith he) both labour and dolour, which brought the whole Realm to a most grievous division, and in a manner to an utter ruin: for those that favoured the King, what evil soever could be wrought or imagined, they did against them, that took part with the Empress: and contrariwise, Earl Robert, whose power daily increased, tortured with cruelties all those that stood for the King; and to augment a more mischief, the Flemings Flemings came to King Stephen's aid. left their own Country, and came over by multitudes, like unto a Company of hunger-starved Wolves, seeking to bring the Lands felicity unto nothing. King Stephen besieges Wallinford Castle. Geru. Dor. (22) Stephen, whose head was now full of troubles, delayed no time to forward his Fortunes, but straightways besieged Maud and her brother in Wallingford Castle; notwithstanding, wearied with long labour and profiting little, he caused a Tower of wood to be there erected, which he strongly fortified with men and munition, and then removed to the siege of Malmesbury. His brother also of Winchester, a stout and politic Prelate indeed, bestirred all his wily wits in Stephen's behalf; for inviting certain Noblemen The Bishop of Winchester entraps the Nobles Math. Paris. to his Palace at Winchester, retained them prisoners, till he had compelled them there, to resign their Castles to the King. In the mean while Earl Robert subdued and spoiled Worcester: Ralph Painell, in the Empresses favour, burned Nottingham; and Ranulph Earl of Chester, joining in wishes with Robert (whose daughter he married) showed himself not unwilling to annoyed King Stephen, though he had received great honours at his hands. The Empress herself, the better to secure her own person, and to give access unto her favourites, took into Lincoln, where she meant to make her abode, storing the City with all provisions necessary. Simon D●n. Roger Houed. (23) King Stephen, as vigilant as the other was politic, made straightways thitherward, and begirt the City with a strait siege, where he had surprised his greatest Enemy, had she not found means thence to escape: & so possessing himself of the City, settled it, & the whole Country in very good quiet. Soon after whose departure, Ranulph Earl of Chester, with his Countess, and Brother, coming to Lincoln, to keep their Christmas; the Citizen's knowing the King's jealousies, and desirous to curry favour Malmsb▪ Novel. lib. 2. with him, sent secret intelligence, that if he would surprise both those Brethren, he had now the fittest advantage: whereto the King giving ear, came thither with great expedition; and whiles they, thus circumvented, stood on their guard in the Castle, the Earl escaped forth, and went to crave aid of the Empress, for rescue of his wife and brother whom he left besieged. Earl Robert, hearing the news, and glad of so fair an opportunity, joined with Ranulph, and they both gathered all their powers both of Welsh and English, for the relief of their friends in Lincoln: where, resolutely first wading through the River, (which parted them from the King's Army, and was then deep) upon Candlemas Niger. Polydor. Nic. Trivet. King Stephen and his adversaries pitch their Battle day and year of Christ jesus one thousand one hundred forty one, they pitched their Tents, and in the King's sight ordered their Battle: One Squadrone whereof, was lead by Earl Ranulph: the Disberited were the Guiders of another; in the third was Earl Robert himself; and the welshmen served for the Wing. Their troops thus marshaled, Ranulph appointed in rich Armour, and full of brave resolution, Ran. Higden. spoke thus to his followers, in the presence of Robert of Gloucester. (24) I yield you unfeigned thanks, (Invincible Ranulphs' Oration before the Battle Roger Hoveden. Captain, and you, our companions in Arms) which here so resolutely witness your loves unto me, upon my sole request, even to the hazard of your own lives. Sigh then, I am the chief cause of this your peril, it well befits me, that I myself be foremost in the hazard, and give the first onset of battle against this faithless King; who made us a show of truce, one lie to take advantage for our ruins; and therefore both mine own courage, and the King's unjust dealing, give me cause to hope, that I shall forthwith break asunder the strongest array of his Army, and make my way through their midst, by dint of this my sword. It shall be argument of your prowess, to follow me, leading you the way, and to imitate me, giving you example. My thoughts already tell me, that even now I am breaking through his Battles, trampling on the necks of his Chieftains, and piercing with this my sword the very sides of the King himself. His speech though short and headdie, as more fitting a Soldier then an Orator, yet well suited with the time, and was seconded with great applause of the Soldiers: Whereupon Robert Earl of Gloucester, stepped forth and said. (25) It is not against right, most Noble Earl, Henry Hunt. Earl Robert's Oration before the Battle. Roger Hoveden. Henry Hunt. Polychron. that the honour of this days service, and first assault, should be permitted unto you, in regard of the greatness both of your descent, and your martial achievement; but yet, if Descent be stood on, I myself am both the son, and nephew, of a Mighty King; if Valour, here now are many of choicest worth, of whom none living can challenge precedence for prowess. But other reason aught now to sway. For sigh the King, contrary to his Oath made to my Sister, impiously usurped the Kingdom, he hath made a confusion of all things, both in causing the blood of many thousands to be spilled, and in making many Owners (as himself was) of that which was not their own, by depriving other of their rightful inheritance: These therefore thus disherized, aught of right (in assurance of help from their righteous judge and revenger) give first assault on their unrighteous oppressor; and God who justly judgeth his people, will (doubtless) look down from his heavenly habitation, and will not leave us succourless, whiles in a just cause, we impugn a most unjust Intruder. But one thing, (most resolved Captains and soldiers) I would have you throughly to consider, that through these Fens (which with so much a do you have passed) there is no way fit for escape: here must we either vanquish, or leave our lives, for hope of flight is none at all, nor is there any other way, left us now to go, but by our swords into the City: and (if I guess aright) even this, that we have no means to fly, will be to us the means (by divine assistance) to get the Victory; because they must needs trust to their Manhood, who see no hope to thrive by their Cowardice. Indeed, the Citizen's of Lincoln keep nigh to their houses, and in the brunt of the Battle, there will their minds be, and thither will their heels follow, whiles you victoriously shall keep the field. And consider farther with me, what kind of Captains they have: First Alaine Duke of Britain, he comes armed, not against Alain Duke of Britain. you, but God himself, a furious person, spotted with all filth of sin, in malice unmatchable, who thinks it his greatest dishonour, to see any man excel him in cruelty: with him cometh the treacherous Earl Robert Mellent, the very craftes-master Robert Mellent. of fraud, in whose heart dwells impiety, guile in his mouth, cowardice in his actions; high of mind, vainglorious in words, degenerous in performance; last in the fight, first in the flight. Next, comes Hugh Bygod, his name nearly sounding his Hugh Bigod. perjury; who thought it not sufficient to break his oath with the Empress, but that he must be once again forsworn (as all the world doth know) that Henry at his death bequeathed the Crown unto Stephen, to the prejudice of his own daughter; a man (in a word) who accounts Treachery Earl Albemarle. a Virtue, and Perjury a courtly quality. Among these Gallants marcheth the Earl Albemarle, a man of a singular constancy in evil; very ready to attempt, & very loathe to leave any mischief; whose wife, through irksomeness of his unsufferable filthy qualities, is go from him; & the Earl that keeps her, he cometh against us too, a notorious adulterer, and the Non-pareill of impurity, a true Soldier of Bacchus, a stranger to Mars; to whom the sight of all blood, except of the Grape, is very fearful. Then setteth forth Simon Earl of Earl Simon▪ Hampton, whose deeds consist altogether in words, and whose liberality only in promises; for when he hath said, he hath done, and ye get no more. Lastly, you see here gathered a knot of Peers, all like to their Prince, accustomed to robberies, enriched with rapines; fattened with manslaughters, and all tainted with perjury▪ You therefore (Noble spirits) whom great Henry advanced, and this Stephen hath cast down, whom Henry made wealth, and Stephen hath impoverished, be now courageous, and upon assured confidence of your great valours, yea, of God's justice, seek both your just Revenge, which God even puts into your hands, on these ungodly wretches; and immortal Glory, which shall henceforward attend both yourselves, and your posterity for ever. If you are all of this mind, for executing this judgement of God now upon them, then vow yourselves unto God, and this his service; and forbear, nay rather forswear, to show your backs to your foes. At which words, all jointly lifting up their hands, and acclamations unto heaven, with a terrible shout abjured all thought of ●light, and quickening up their brave spirits, advanced gallantly towards the enemy. (26) King Stephen, the mean while, was far King Stephens address to the Battle. from being idle, who also ordered his Army into three several Battalions: the greatest part and best harnessed, whose horses he had sent away (perhaps also to deprive his men of all hope of flight) he appointed to remain on foot with himself, and certain Math. Paris. Simon Dunel. of his Nobles, all● under one Banner. The horsemen he disposed into two several wings, the one commanded by Alaine Duke of Britain, Hugh Bigod Earl of Norfolk, Simon Earl of Hampton, witthe two Earls of Mellent and Warren; and the other Wing was governed by William de Ypres the Fleming. Then the King, because his voice was not very pleasing or audible, commanded Baldwine Fitz-Gilbert, a man of great honour and prowess, to utter his mind unto the Army, who standing conveniently to be heard, spoke unto them as followeth. Henry Hunt. Roger Hoveden. (27) All such as address themselves, and expose their lives, to the hazard of battle, have three things advisedly to be thought on: The equity of their cause; the Number of the Forces; the sufficiency of their men. The first, jest they endanger the state of their Souls; the next, jest they be overlaied with multitude of their enemies; and the last, jest while they presume upon numbers, they found them but fainthearted, to their utter ruin. But in all these, we know ourselves to be sufficiently furnished. The justice of our cause is, for observing the vow made before God unto our King, to withstand them that have falsified their faith, even to the hazard of our lives. For our Number, in Horsemen; 'tis not inferior to theirs; in Footmen we far exceed them: and for sufficiency, what words can equal the noble valour of so many Earls, Lords, Captains and Followers, trained up ever in the wars? But above all, the incomparable prowess and presence of our King, will be in stead of thousands to us. Sigh then this our Lord, and the Lords Anointed (to whom you vowed your faith) is in field here amongst you; now perform this your vow unto God; assured, that the more constant you prove in this your Prince's service, and faithful against those faithless perjured persons, the more shall your reward be at the hands of God, and of him. Therefore be both courageous, and confident; the rather, Earl Robert. considering against whom you fight: even against Robert the Base-born General, whose utmost worth is well known; for he can threaten much, and Earl Ranulph. perform as little: a Lion's tongue, and a Hare's heart: his fair speech is his credit, his foul actions are his shame. Chester's Earl what is he? a man audacious, but without all judgement; heady to plot a treason, but still wavering in the pursuit of it: ready to run into battle, but uncircumspect in any danger; aiming beyond his reach, and conceiting things merely impossible; and therefore hath he few with him that know him, but leads only a rout of vagrant rascals: so there is nothing in him to be feared; for whatsoever he begins like a Man, he ends it like a Woman; unfortunate in all his undertakings; in his encounters still either vanquished, or if he chance (rarely The Welsh. God wots) on a victory, it is with far greater losses than the conquered. The Welshmen he bringeth, are fit for our contempt then fear▪ their rashness you may easily see, for it is naked and unarmed, who wanting both military Art and Practice, run headlong, like brutes upon the Hunter's javelins. The rest aswell Nobles (if such they may be termed) as common Soldiers, are but stragglers and runagates: of whom I would wish their number greater; for the more they be, the more successless will be their service. You therefore (great Peers and Worthies) it now behoveth (and indeed it much behoveth you) to be very mindful, both of your Valours, and Nobleness: this day advance your prows to the height, and following the foresteps of your famous Ancestors, leave to your posterities both a noble pattern, and an everlasting renown. Your daily success of victories, should quicken your hearts this day to achieve bravely, and the continual miscarrying of our enemies, will quicken their heels to fly as speedily: and (I dare say) they already repent of their coming hither, and 〈◊〉 by this time casting how to be go, if the nature of the place would give them leave. Then sigh it is unpossible for them either to fight, or fly; why come they hither, but even by Gods own appointment, to offer themselves, and all their provisions into your hands? and here you see their horses, their Armour, yea and their bodies, to rest at your pleasure: reach forth therefore your warlike hands to seize on that joyfully, which God hath freely brought you. Which exhortation he had scarcely closed, when the noise of Trumpets, and shout of the enemies coming on, was Rhetoric enough to incite them The Battles ●oine to their tasks. Henry Hunt. Wil parvus. Mat. Paris. (28) A sore battle was fought, and with equal success a long time maintained: for the band of the disherited, whose particular wrongs whetted their courage, (and were therefore politicly placed in the front) broke terribly into the King's Vanguard; and contrariwise William of Ypres into Polydore. the Welsh, until the Forward of the King's horsemen began to shrink back, and (not without suspicion of treason) galloped away; when presently the Earl of Chester encountered the King's battle of foot, in whose strength he reposed most trust; but it being overlaid with Assailants, began also to Ger. Dor. faint and to fly, leaving the King enraged, both with his friends faint▪ heartedness, and with his foe's success. A very strange sight it was (saith Paris) there to behold King Stephen, left almost alone in the Mat. Paris. King Stephens great valour. field▪ yet no man daring to approach him, whiles grinding his teeth, and foaming like a furious wild Boar, he drove back with his battle-axe whole troops assailing him, & massacring the chiefest of them to the eternal renown of his courage: If but a hundred such had there been with him, a whole Army had never been able to surprise his person: yet as he was single, he held out, till first his Battle-axe broke, and after that, his sword Huntingdon. King Stephen taken prisoner. also, with the force of his unresistible strokes, flew in pieces; and he now weaponless, and (by an unknown, doubtless, an un-noblehand) stricken down Ypodig. Neustr. Malmesb. Novel. lib. 2. with a great stone thrown at him, was seized on by William of * Alias de Kains. Huntingdon. Kahames, a most stout Knight, and by An. Reg. 6. Earl Robert's command, preserved from any violence to his person, was carried prisoner unto Maud the Empress at Gloucester, & thence was sent bound Math. Paris. unto Bristol, where in the Castle he remained in safe custody. (29) The Empress having thus got the Lion in her hold, triumphed not a little in her own fortune, The Empress absolute governor of the Kingdom. & now as sole Sovereign of England's Monarchy, commanded all business, elected her Counsellors, and bestowed many dignities where she most favoured. Notwithstanding, that she altered not her stile of Empress, or Queen of Romans, may Charta Matild. Imperatricis. appear by this her Broad-Seale ensuing; under which she granted the custody of the Tower of London unto Geffrey de Mandevil, and his Heirs, covenanting with him therein, that she would not make peace with the Citizens of London, without the said Geffreis' consent, because they were his mortal enemies: but this Earl being afterwards unawares apprehended Geruas'. Dorob. in the King's Court at Saint Alban, could not be released, till he had surrendered both the Tower of London, and other his Castles to the King. Upon these happy successes of the Empress, the Statesmen stood not any longer for King Stephen, but their Faiths turning with his Fortunes, all of them surrendered their allegiance unto her; the Kentish only Huntingd. l. 8. excepted, where Stephen's Queen, and William de Ypres, maintained his quarrel to the uttermost of their powers. THE TRUE SCULPTURE OF MAUD THE EMPRESSES BROAD SEAL, APPENDENT TO HER CHARTERS. ROM●NORUMREGIN● ✚ ●●THILDIS DEI GR●TI● Geru. Dor. The Clergy approves the Empresses title. Wil Malms. (30) But the Empress conducted in State to Winchester, had the Regal Crown of the Kingdom there delivered her; no man more forward than Henry the Bishop▪ and Brother of Stephen, who upon the vowing to be ruled by his advise in Malmesb. Novel. lib. 2. affairs of Estate, being then the Pope's Legate, solemnly in a Synod of the Clergy, accursed all such as withstood the Empress, and blessed all them that assisted her interest: but both he, and his friends forgot not to add that wont traitorous clause of their oath, so long to keep faith to her, as she kept her Covenants with them: and so with applause The Empress received into London. of the people, she came to London, and after much persuasion and mediation (for that the Citizens were very stiff against her) was received into the City with a royal Procession. (31) Neither was King Stephen thus defeated of Normandy falleth from King Stephen. Will. parvus. England only, but Normandy also cast off the yoke of subjection: for Geffrey of Anjou, husband of the Empress, having some intelligence of this achieved victory, induced the Normans to incline unto him, by publishing the captivation of Stephen, unable now to relieve them, or himself; and David King of Scotland for his part was not behind, to set forward the claim of Lady Maud, assuming in her behalf the County of Northumberland. (32) Maud thus established, all now esteemed her as Fortune's dear darling, and beheld her as their only rising sun; the Prison walls overshadowing the Presence, feature, and favours of the now dejected unfortunate Stephen, whose sorrowful Ger. Dor. wife Queen Maud, incessantly solicited the Stephen desires liberty, and not the Crown. Empress in her husband's behalf, desiring his liberty, but not his Crown, which he was now contented to let her enjoy; and thereunto offered for pledges many great persons, who protested for him to the Empress, that he thenceforth would devote Ypodig. Neustr. King Stephen would be a Monk or Pilgrim. himself unto God, & either become a Monk or a Pilgrim: Henry of Winchester also become a suitor unto her in the behalf of his Nephew Eustace, King Stephen's son, that the * Bolloigne and Mortaine. Counties belonging before to the Father, might be conferred upon the son. (33) The Londoners likewise having received her into the City as their Lady, thought now (as most do with new Princes) they might have what they would ask, and become her importunate Suppliants, The Empress not facile to grant suits. that the over hard laws imposed by her Father, might now be remitted, and those of King Edward might wholly be in force. But she rejected all these Petitioners, out of pride, say some; but it may seem rather of policy, holding it safest, to passeaffaires of importance, not upon entreaty, but by due advice, and to govern the subject with a severe austereness, rather than an indulgent lenity. Her stiffness incommodious. But this too regular strictness, which might have done well in a settled government, in this her yet green, and unsecured estate, proved not so behoveful. For first, Queen * King Stephen's wife. Maud sent to her son Eustace, that their suits must be obtained only by war; willing him to make strong his The Nobles offended, fall off from her. Malmes. Novel. lib. 2. party by the assistance of the Kentish: the Nobles likewise, Stephen's undertakers, repined, that they were so slightly regarded, or rather rejected▪ and the Londoners also storming at the repulse of their desires, The Londoners conspire against her. Nic. Trivet▪ devised how they might take the Empress their Prisoner, and so redeem King Stephen, to whom their affections were ever firm: but she hearing of their conspiracy, fled secretly in the night, and took into Oxford, which in all her difficulties she ever found true unto her, out of their love, both to her cause, and to her Father; & threatening due revenge for her late wrongs, wrought it upon the Nobles in prison, and (more than was due or decent) upon Stephen himself, whom she commanded to be laden Roger Hoveden. with Irons, and to be abridged of all princely services. Ger. Dor. (34) Winchesters high mind not brooking the Empresses denial of his suit, in behalf of his Nephew Eustace, upon secret conferences with Queen Maud, by her lamentable entreaties, began to melt in his Malmesb. Novel. libro secund●.. affection towards the distressed King his brother▪ & in fine, resolving to try the uttermost for him, absolved Henry of Winchester recalls his Excommunication. all those whom before he had excommunicated; pretending, that the Barons had all kep● faith with her, but she had not kept touch with them; and thinking this a fit time to work for his brother, solicited the discontented Londoners in his behalf, and stored the Castles of Waltham, Farnham, and Winchester with Munition and men; mean while the Empress came speedily to Gloucester, to confer with Milo her chiefest friend, and presently again returning to Oxford ( * Idem lococitato. which she chose for her Court The Empress maintained at Milo his charges. and chief place of abode) was there maintained only at his charge, not having one days diet, or provision of her own; to requited which fidelity, and other noble services, she there created him Earl of Hereford. (35) Her forces recollected, & thither assembled, she went forthwith to the City of Winchester, accompanied with David King of Scotland her uncle, Earl Robert her brother, and many other Nobles; where sending for the Bishop being then in the City (whose aid she could hardly spare, and therefore was desirous of his reconcilement) though he mistrusted some peril, yet not daring to sand a denial, returned the Messenger with this equivocal answer, that he The Bishop of Winchester equi●ocateth. * Ego p●rabo me. Will Malmsb. would with all speed address himself, as if he had meant to follow them: so forthwith issuing secretly out of the City, did indeed address himself to work her ruin: for, sending for Queen Maude her son Eustace, the Londoners, and William Ypres, (afterwards created Earl of Kent) made strong his part, himself and friends abiding in the City, whiles Will. Malmes. Geruas'. Dorob. the Empress and her Nobles defensed themselves in the Castle, not adventuring to go forth amongst so many their mortal enemies: and soon after, to work his wrathful will, knowing the Citizens to be more affected to the Empress then to him, commanded He fires Winchester. the said City to be set on fire, where in the Monastery of Nuns, above twenty Churches, * Alias The Covent at Hyde. Malmesb. the Covent of S. Grimbald, and the better part of the City, were consumed to ashes. Ger. Dorob. The Bishop of Winchester entrappeth the Empress. (36) Seven weeks thus spent, in this counter-siege of the City and Castle, the Bishop, to deceive the Empress, commanded peace to be proclaimed, and the Gates to be set open towards evening. The Empress then, who had endured such troubles and so long a restraint, greatly desired to change her lodging, and to recreate her perplexed spirits in some other place; so taking horse, accompanied with her brother, Reinold Earl of Cornwall, her servants, and many others her friends, besides Earl Malmsb. lib. 2. Robert, who followed behind with a troop of Nobles and Knights; presently at the bishops commandment, she was pursued by his Soldiers, and many of her train wounded and taken prisoners; the Empress by good providence escaped into the Castle of Lutegareshall, and thence to the Castle Divize: where understanding that she was still in hazard to be surprised, she was contented, (as what will not necessity endure, & a woman's wit devise?) The Empress carried as a dead Corpse. Wil Walsingham. Ypodigm. Neustr. to be laid in a coffin bound fast with cords; and so, as if it had been her Corpse, carried in a horselitter to the City of Gloucester: in which bonds of her own distress, she had good occasion to remember the chains of King Stephen's captivity. To such extremities were these two Princes at the self same time subject, that whiles they turmoiled for spacious Kingdoms, brought themselves to the very extreme wants, of air, and of elbow-room; but with such dalliance doth Fortune (we see) oftentimes follow her game, that she maketh even Monarches the Balls of her play, and tosseth them lastly into the Hazard, whence hardly they escape with safety of life. Yet this was not the worst; for Earl Robert her brother, whilst he was busier in providing for her safety, then Malmes. Ger. Dor. for his own, was taken by his pursuers at Stoubreg with others; brought back to Winchester, and there presented by the Bishop unto Queen Maud, King Stephen's wife, who committed him to the custody Earl Robert taken. of William Ypres, and he for more safety to Gloucester; but others taking sanctuary in the Nun's Monastery Malmes. lib. 2. of Warwell were burned together with the place: Thus than the King on the one side, and the Earl on the other, were kept in safe custody; but the Queen labouring for the King's release, and the Countess for the Earls, many Articles were propounded, and many messengers employed: at length, this was thought fittest, that Stephen should be restored to his kingdom, and Robert under him to have the whole government of the Land; so that both of them should now jointly uphold that, which they (the two Ringleaders) by opposition had cast down. But Earl Robert as he was no whit dejected in mind, with any frown of Fortune whatsoever, so reserved he his fidelity to the Empress unstained, and unmoved either with fear or fair enticements, Will. Malmes. still refusing to capitulate for his freedom, but to his Sister's liking; who likewise bore so brave a mind, that were her state never so weak, she would not consent nor give the lest ear to any composition for the Crown. Wil Malmsb. An. D. 1142. The King and Earl Robert redeem each other out of prison. Roger Hoveden. (37) Then was enmity increased, the Kingdom divided, and the people's hatred kindled in mainetaining the factions, all forerunning the ruin of the Land: For these two Chieftains wearied with irksomeness of irons, and hard imprisonment, made exchange the one for the other, without any farther mention of peace, and so studied not only to renew their former designs, but to increase the lands misery Math. Paris. by more eager wars. Stephen in England wrought the people for him, & Robert * Malmesb. taking pledges of the Nobles to attend and guard the Empress at Oxford The wars renewed. till his return, went into Normandy to solicit Geffrey her husband for her defence. But the Earl having troubles with his own Nobility, and the Normans scarcely brought to any subjection, thought it not convenient by his own absence for a state in hope, to hazard that in hand; and therefore sent with Robert some strength of Arms, and with them his young son Prince Henry into England. The Empress besieged in Oxford. Geruas'. Dorob. (38) The Empress in his absence, had well fortified herself in Oxford, whom Stephen (using the benefit of Robert's absence) followed with an eager pursuit, and wan the Suburbs even unto the City gates; then girt he the Empress with so strait a siege, (meaning never to give over, till he had now made her sure in his possession) that for two months whatsoever Strength or Stratagem could perform in assault or defence, was there put in practise, Nic. Trivet. till at length great penury enforced to think of a Will. Neu●. surrender: but she, a woman (whose sex hath often deceived wise men) resolved once again to overreach Higd●n. her foe by wit, whom she could not by force: whereto the time did fit her wishes; for being a winter, sharp above measure, the River Thamisis that Walsingh. Ypodig. runs by the City walls, was then congealed with a Ger. Dor. strong crusted Ice, and besides a great snow did then continued, and had covered the ground. Maud upon these advantages, put in practise a most dangerous Math. Paris She escapes by a wile. attempt: for clothing herself, and some choice of her company, in white linen garments, to deceive the eyes of the Sentinels, issued secretly by Wil Malmsb. Simon Dun. night out of a posternegate, and passing the frozen River, ran on foot, through ice, and snow, ditches, and valleys, for five miles, even to Abingdon, the falling snow still beating in their faces; and there taking Ypodig. Neustr. Geru. Dorob. horse, the same night got to the Castle of Wallingford, to the great joy, and also admiration, of all that were therein. Prince Henry arriveth. Geruasius. (39) In the mean while, Earl Robert, with Prince Henry, were arrived in England at Warrhame haven, and presently besieged the Castle there, (so to withdraw the King from siege of his sister;) but hearing of the happy escape of the Empress, came with young Henry unto his mother, whose sight An. D. 1143. made her forget the grief and sorrows that she had long endured. Then was Oxford upon conditions An. D. 1144 yielded to the King; and Wilton fired by the bastard Earl Robert: The Tower of London, with the Castles An. D. 1145. Math. Paris. of Walden, Pleises, and Lincoln, yielded to Stephen; the Castles of Warham, and Portland, yielded to Robert: The Earls of Chester, and Essex, surprised by the King; William martel the great favourite, An. D. 1146. taken and imprisoned by the Earl. Thus sundry years passing with variable successes to and fro, and every year heaping on each side, fresh calamities, to The Empress and the Prince return to Normandy. An. D. 1147. the great ruin of the whole land; the Empress, even wearied with those wars and uncertainties of success, went into Normandy, choosing rather to be under the protection of her husband in peace, then to reign in England perplexed with troubles: and to Ger. Dorobor. the same end she had not long before, sent her young son Henry to his father, who desired to have him rather heir of a Dukedom with safety, then of a Crown with daily hazard. Kings durst not enter Lincoln before King Stephen. (40) Stephen, that by a fresh surprisal of randal Earl of Chester had got Lincoln, and entering thereinto (which no King before him durst do, for that certain wizards had prophesied evil luck unto such) Geruasius. at christmas did there wear the Regal Crown on his head, and after the Empresses departure, caused the Barons of England, to swear allegiance unto Prince Eustace his son; by which two compliments, he supposed all had been sure on his side; and the rather, for that the most faithful, puissant, Earl Robert and Earl Milo die. and ever-renowned Earls, Robert of Gloucester, and Milo of Hereford the two great and glorious pillars, which had by many Conquests supported their Aniou●ians' cause, were now conquered by death; and the rest of the Nobles, applying themselves to the An. D. 1148. Prince Henry returneth into England. An. D. 1149 Ger. Dor. Times, kept themselves quiet in the absence of these Competitors; all which gave no little assurance unto Stephen's estate. (41) But Henry Fitz-Empresse, grown now from a Child, thought it best a while to leave Mercury, (for it is said he was Bookish) and to follow Mars; so knowing his presence would prefer much his purposes (for men would be loath to hazard all for one, who himself would neglect all) hasted again into England, with an Army of valiant and choice Soldiers; to whom joined the discontented Earl of Chester, Roger the son of Miles deceased, with many more Knights and Gallants of the Roger Hoveden. Ger. Dor. English: he therefore took into the North, and met with David his cozen, King of Scotland, of whom he was most honourably received, and solemnly sacred with the Military honour of Knighthood: and thence forward sought all occasions to provoke both King Stephen, and his son Eustace against him: and having settled some courses with certain Peers for the pursuit of his designs in England, he returned Prince Henry returneth into Normandy. into Normandy to compose & set forward some other businesses, which might be available for these his ends. An. D. 11●0 (42) Where long he stayed not, but that Geffrey his Father departed this life, and left him his Heir Math. Paris. both of Anjou and Normandy; and the year following, he matched in marriage with Eleanor Duchess Henry Hunt. of Guien and Aquitane, lately divorced from Lodowicke's King of France for consanguinity, and adultery (saith Paris) after she had borne him two Prince Henry marrieth Eleanor, divorced by K. jews▪ daughters; Lodowicke fearing issue-male by this marriage to the disheriting of his said daughters, greatly impugned Duke Henry; and Stephen suspecting his greatness, now being Duke of Normandy, An. D. 1151 Anjou, Aquitane, and Given, both of them sought each way to impeach his peace: Lodowicke, with Prince Eustace, in the parts beyond seas, and Stephen in England, to make sure his succession, sought to invest the The Archbishop of Canterbury refuseth to consecrated Eustace King. Ger. Dorob. An. D. 1152. Henry. Hunt. said Prince Eustace with the English Diadem; both to prevent, and utterly deprive Henry Fitz-Empresse for ever: for calling a Counsel at London, King Stephen commanded Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury to consecrated Prince Eustace for their King; which he refused to do, and that by commandment from the Pope (whose holy See can deal on Geruasius. both sides, as makes most for their advantage) alleging now, that his Father was an usurper, and perjured Intruder: whereupon the honest Archbishop fled into Normandy, and the King seized upon all his possessions. It may seem, that one cause of the Jdem. Pope's inclining to young Henry's title, was to strengthen him against his enemy King Lewis of France, who had highly offended his Holiness, for casting the Pope's K. jews casts the Pope's Bulls into fire. Bulls (whereby he required the first-fruits of Vacancies of all Cathedral Churches in France) into the fire, saying, he had rather the Pope's Bulls should roast in the fire, than his own soul should fry in hell. (43) King Stephen thus defeated of his purpose, and seeing his Title questioned by the Church, who had before approved it, resolved to make it good by the sword: for winning the Castle of * Fort● Newberry. Muby, fortified Malmesbury, and laid a straight siege unto Wallingford; against which, he erected the Castle Cranmerse, An. D. 1153. to stop the passages of their relief, or coming Henry Fitz-Empresse comes again into England. forth. But Henry after he had calmed the boisterous storms of war, in the parts beyond the seas, came over into England well appointed, unto whom also resorted many of the Nobility, who yielded up themselves, and above thirty strong Castles to the young Duke; now well furnished, hasted to raise the siege of Wallingford, and there undertook a great enterprise; for he encircled the Besiegers with a great and deep Trench, whereby he kept them from relief, as they did keep the Besieged. Ger. Dorob. cap. 14 King Stephen and Fitz-Empresse ready to join battle. Henry Hunt. (44) Stephen following hastily to secure his men, (though with the less edge, for that he never sped well in any assault of that Castle) pitched down his Tents, even near his enemy; and ready on both sides to give battle: the Winter storms were suddenly so troublesome, that nothing could be done; but those somewhat overblown, and the Armies scarce three furlongs asunder; as King Stephen was busied in disposing of his host, and giving direction for order of the battle, his horse under him rising with his forefeet, fell flat upon the earth, Unlucky presages to K. Stephen. not without danger to his Rider; and thus did he thrice ere he left; which thing his Nobles secretly muttering, interpreted for an unlucky presage: when William Earl of Arundel, a bold and eloquent man, went to him and advised him to a peace; affirming the title of Duke Henry to be just; that the Nobility on both parts there present; were nearly linked in Alliances & Blood, and how these stood affected, was very doubtful; yea, that Brethren were there assembled▪ the one against the other, whereof must needs follow an unnatural war betwixt them, & of dangerous consequence, even to him that conquested. With these and the like allegations at last Stephen began to bend, and a parley for peace was signified unto the Duke. Henry already warm for A Pa●ley betwixt K. Stephen and Fitz-Empresse. the battle, and his thoughts fixed on nothing less than peace, could hardly moderate his youthful affections; yet at his friend's importunity, he yielded to confer with King Stephen. Geru. Dorobor. (45) The place for conference was so appointed; that the river Thamesis parted the presence of these two Princes; so that from either bank they saluted each others, and after a long conference, agreeing A truce concluded. Math. Paris. on a truce, and upon fair terms of amity departed, commanding all weapons and attempts of war to be laid aside. (46) But Eustace, who hitherto had attended Fortune for the Crown, and now hopeless to have Eustace K. Stephen's son likes not the truce. as his Father's Successor, was greatly displeased with this new moulded friendship, and in a fury departed the field, purposing to raise himself by his own john Textor. means; and coming to Bury, urged the Monks of Saint Edmunds for money, to set forward his heady designs: But the wiser amongst them unwilling to be wagers of new wars (which though ill for all sorts, yet proved ever worst to the Clergy men's possessions) denied his request; wherewith Polychr. enraged, he commanded his men to carry their corn and other provision into his own Castle, situated hard by. But being set at dinner, we read of him (saith mine Author) that even the very first bit Ger. Dorob. Prince Eustace dieth. that he put in his mouth, drove him into a frenzy, whereof shortly after he died; whose body was interred at Feversham in Kent. (47) The death of Prince Eustace so much advantaged Duke Henry, that thereupon (the truce in likelihood expiring) many fell off unto him, and many Castles were delivered, as Bertwell, Reading, Warwick, Stamford, and others; whereat Stephen was not a little displeased, and thinking to entrap the young venturous Duke, with a strong Army followed Polydor. him unto Wallingford: But God himself looking down from heaven (saith Matthew of S. Alban) made Math. Paris. there an end of those long calamities, by stirring the minds of chief men in the land to labour for peace: such was Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury, and Henry The King and Fitz-Empresse accorded. Bishop of Winchester, who having troubled the realm with fire and sword, moved now to repentance, wrought so effectually with his brother, that he inclined unto a wished peace, contented to adopt the Duke for his Son and Successor; and so coming both together to Oxford (a blessed sight to so distressed Geruasius. and distracted a Kingdom;) there did all the Nobles do fealty to him, as to the undoubted Heir of the land; and the Duke to acknowledge this as a favour, yielded him the honour of a Father, and the royalty of all Kingly power during his life. An. D. 1154 Prince Henry in danger by treachery. (48) Notwithstanding, the clear Sunshine of these fair days, was somewhat darkened with a cloud of treachery, and lewd attempts of the Flemings; who envying England's peace, upon Barham Downes, intended to surprise Prince Henry in his return from Dover, and presence of King Stephen. In this conspiracy was William the King's son, though but young, who himself meaning to have one cast at the Crown, instantly before it should have been effected, was through the wantonness of his horse cast to the ground, and with the fall broke his leg; to whose assistance, whiles every one gathered and Prince Henry goeth into Normandy. King Stephen dieth. lamented, Henry upon secret notice of the treason hasted unto Canterbury, and thence to London, and soon after over the seas into Normandy. (49) And Stephen now after he had reigned eighteen years, ten months, and odd days, departed this life at Dover, in the Monastery of the Monks, Paris. Book of S. Albans. of an Iliacke passion, mixed with his old disease the emrod's, the twenty five of October, and year of Christ's Nativity, 1154. A most worthy Soldier, saith Paris▪ and (in a word) one who wanted nothing but a just title to have made him an excellent King; in his ordinary deportment very devout; the fruits whereof were showed in erecting with sufficient endowments, the Abbeys of Cogshall in Essex, of furnace in Lancashire, the houses of Nuns at Carew, and Higham, an Hospital at York, and the Monastery of Feversham in Kent, where his Queen, john Stow. his son, and lastly, himself were interred: but since, his body for the gain of the lead, wherein it was coffined, was cast into the river. So uncertain is man (yea greatest Princes) of any rest in this world, even after burial; and restless may their bodies be also (who for filthy lucre) thus envy to the dead, the quiet of their graves. His Wife. (50) Maud, the Wife of King Stephen, was the daughter of Eustace Earl of Boulogne, the brother of Godfrey, and Baldwin Kings of jerusalem: her Ger. Do●. Mother was Mary, sister to Maud Queen of England, wife of King Henry, her husband's Predecessor. She was crowned at Westminster upon Sunday, being Easter-day, and the two and twenty of March, in the first year of her husband's reign, and of Grace, 1136. and being Queen fifteen years, she died at Heningham Castle in Essex, the third of May, and year of Christ, 1151. and was buried in his Monastery at Feversham in Kent. His Issue. (51) Baldwin, the eldest son of King Stephen and Queen Maud (bearing the name of King Baldwin his uncle) was born in the time of the reign of K. Henry his father's uncle; and died in his infancy, during the reign of the same King. He was buried at London in the Church of the Priory of the Trinity within Algate, which was a house of black * The first Canon Regular in England was of this place Ann. 1108. and the Prior thereof was Alderman of London. Stows, Survey. Canons of the Augustinian order, founded by Q. Maud, the first wife of the foresaid King Henry the first. (52) Eustace the second son of King Stephen, & of Queen Maud his wife, being the heir apparent to them both; when his Father was King, was created Earl of Bolloigne, which dignity was the inheritance of his mother. He married Constance sister of Lewis the seventh King of France, daughter of King Lewis the Gross: who afterward was remarried to Raimond the third, Earl of Tholouze: for Eustace died before her without Issue by her, the tenth day of August, in the eighteenth year of his Father's reign, and of Grace, 1152. He was buried by his mother in his Father's Monastery at Feversham in Kent. (53) William, the third and youngest son of King Stephen and Queen Maud, married Isabella daughter and heir of William Warren, the third Earl of Surrey, with whom he had that Earldom, he was in his Father's life time Earl of Surrey, Lord of Norwich and Pevensey in England, Earl of Mortayn●, and Lord Eagle of Normandy. After his father's death, King Henry the second made him Knight, resumed those things that he held of the Crown, restored him to all that his Father held before he was King. And so he was Earl of Bolloigne, Surrey▪ and Mortaine, and being with him in his journey to Tholouze, died without issue, in his return homeward, in the month of October, the seventh of King Henry's reign, and of Christ jesus, 1160. (54) Maud, the eldest daughter of King Stephen and Queen Maud, was borne before her father was Stows Survey. p. 105. King, in the reign of King Henry the first, her uncle; in whose time also she deceased, being but yongue, (though some report she was wife to the Earl of Millen) and was interred at London, with her brother Baldwin, in the Priory of the Trinity aforesaid, then commonly called Christs-Church, and now lately named the Duke's Place within Algate. (55) Marry, the younger daughter of King Stephen and Queen Maude, was a Nun, and Abbess of the Nunnery at Rumsey in Hampshire; notwithstanding, when her brother William▪ Earl of Bolloigne, was deceased without issue, she was secretly taken from thence, and married to Matthew the younger, son of Terry of Alsac, and brother of Philip Earl of Flanders, who in her right was Earl of Bolloigne. She was his wife ten years, and was then divorced from him, by the sentence of the Pope, and enforced to return to her Monastery, having had issue by him two daughters, which were Ide and Maude, allowed by the censure of the Church to be legitimate. Lady Ide, the elder, was married to Raymond of Damp-Martine, in her right Earl of Bolloigne; and Maude, the younger, to Henry Duke of Lorraine. His Natural Issue. (56) William, the Natural son of King Stephen, is mistaken of some to be the same William, that was Earl of Bolloigne. Others, who know that William Earl of Bolloigne was lawfully borne, do think that his father had no other son named William but him; wherein let William Earl of Bolloigne, the lawful son of King Stephen, be himself a lawful witness of the truth, who having best cause to know it, doth best prove it,; and in an ancient Charter of his, being written in those days, and extant in these, doth name him for a witness, and calleth him his Brother. (57) Geruais, another Natural son of King Stephen, begotten on a gentlewoman named Dameta, and borne in Normandy, was brought into England by his father, the fifth year of his Reign, Anno Dom. 1140. He was the same year, by his father's means, made Abbot of Westminster, and so continued for the space of twenty years: he deceased there the twenty sixt of August, in the sixt year of the reign of King Henry the second, the year of Grace 1160. and lieth buried in the South part of the cloister, within the said Monastery, under a flat stone of black marble, which is remaining there until this day. Henry second Monarch 43. HENRY THE SECOND, DUKE OF NORMANDY, GVYEN AND AQVITAINE, THE FORTY THIRD MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN, ACTS AND ISSVE. CHAPTER VI. ✚ hENRIC US ●●EI GR●TI● REX ●N GLORUM H 2▪ DUX NORM●NN OR ET●QIT●NNO RETCOMES ●NDE●●VOR ✚ hENRIC US▪ E●●hENRICVSR▪ 3 SIL▪ ORIM saint: NOT HEnry of that name the second, by the double interest of descent and adoption (as you have heard) succeeded in the Kingdom of England, Add A. D. 11●5. whose Pedigree, (which Matthew Paris extendeth by the mother's side, in a right line up to Noah) and former fortunes, having already been touched; his counsels, acts, and other affairs of greatest importance, after the death of King Stephen come now to be handled. The great expectation of King Henry. (2) He came not to the Crown unexpected, nor undesired; for the opinion of the man, and hope conceived of his future government, had the force Math. Paris. Henry Hunt. to hold England in good obedience without the presence of a King, about six weeks, whose entrance like that of the Soul into the Body, did quicken, and enspirite the Realm, as then (in the person of England) this clozing verse, or Epiphoneme Henry Hunt. spoke: Spiritus es, caro sum: te nunt intrante revixi. Thou, Soul; I Body am: by thee to life I came. Neither did his presence diminish the expectations His access and Coronation. Ypodig. Neustr. Mab. Paris. raised, but was saluted King with general acclamations, and with no less joy at Westminster by Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury, anointed and crowned: the sum of whose first courses for settling his State was this. His first actions▪ Mat. Paris. (3) Sundry Castles (nests of Rebels) he flatteth to the earth, some others he fortifies or resumes at his pleasure; chief such estates, as had been alienated from the Crown, as the hire and unjust reward of those who withstood his claim. Others Lib. Monast. S. Albani. writ, that he promiscuously took all such lands into his own possession, as were by jurors found Polyd. Vir. lib. 13. upon oath to have belonged at any time unto the Crown. Some Earls unduly created, he reduceth Pseudo-Comites, saith Mat. Paris. to private condition, and purgeth the Realm from foreign Soldiers; chief from the Flemings, whose mercenary swarms most pestered the same, and had most infested him. And because Government is the Soul of State, and Wisdom the Soul of Government, he chooseth to himself a Body of Counsel out of the most eminent persons of both sorts: such was Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury; and for that self consideration, he laid the Chancellorship Roger Hoveden. of England upon Thomas Becket, and held in special favour john of Oxenford, with sundry other Prelates of chiefest note: of the Laity, he had Roger. Houed. Robert Earl of Leicester, chief justiciar of England, Richard de Luci, jocelin de Bailull, Alan de Nevile and others: but for a Cabanet-Counsellour at all times, he had his own mother, Matildis the Empress, one of the most sage and experienced Math. Paris. ad A. D. 1155. Ladies of the World. Thus then furnished, and assembling a Counsel at Wallingford, he aswell Ger. Dorob. for his own securing, as for the assurance of his Children, swears the Realm to the succession of his sons William and Henry, the one being in remainder to the other. (4) But quiet consultation did not take up the most of his time, even in the days of these Sunshining Lib. Monast. S. Al. beginnings: for the reign of Stephen, a most gentle Prince (who thought, out of the necessity of his own estate, that it was not safe for him to be severe) having given way for many of the mighty, to maintain sundry insolences; these now feeling a restraint, began not a little to repined: but Hugh Math. Paris. de Mortimer, wanton with greatness, and the most arrogant man alive, stuffed his Castles of Gloucester, Wigmore, and * Powel in hist. Camb. p. 222. mistakes a Bridge for a Castle. In old Records indeed Bridge-North, is called Bruge, which caused that error. Bridgenorth with rebellious Garrisons; which Henry notwithstanding reduced to subjection, though in the siege of the last-named, not without imminent peril of his person, had not Hubert de S. Clare, cast himself between death and the King, taking the arrow into his own bosom to preserve his Sovereign's life. It bond Tiberius Powel writes that it was a Welsh man, who shot the arrow at the King, ibid. to Sejanus most of all, when a part of the banqueting Cave in which they were, suddenly falling, Sejanus was found to have borne the ruin from the Emperor, with the peril of his life: but Sejanus survived that adventure, which our Senclere did not, save only in the better renown thereof, which deserves to be immortal, being an Act of piety, worthy of a Statue, with Codrus, Curtius, Manlius, or whosoever else have willingly sacrificed themselves for their Country, or for the Father of their Country, the King. (5) Henry thus having in some sort settled England, Roger Houed. Annal. p. 2. hasteth into France to King Lewis in the first year of his reign, and there did homage unto him for Normandy, Aquitane, Angiou, Main and Tourain, which partly were his patrimony, and partly the inheritance of Elinor his wife. Math. Paris add an. Dom. 1561. (6) His domestic enemies being subdued or appeased, he put his brother Geffrey by force to a pension, the sum whereof (if it be any thing to the purpose to know) was 1000 l. English, and Polyd. Virg. in H. 2. 2000 l. Anjou by year, wring out of his possession all such territories, as by their Father's last Will and Testament, were bequeathed to him in France. But Geffrey did not long enjoy the said annuity, or his brother's friendship: for in the third year, death brought a discharge, and Henry was disburdened of those payments. For his violence in taking away those lands, King Henry might allege he was eldest brother: but that allegation might be avoided with his own consent, which once he gave: but the great Elixir, called Reason of State, (though falsely so called, unless it be seasoned with justice, and Religion) hath so transmutative a faculty, as to make Copper seem Gold, right wrong, and wrong right; yea, when all Pleas fail, it will stand for good, while there are forces to support it. (7) This accord between the two brethren, being thus (howsoever) established, the King repairs into England, and at Chester enters amity with Malcolme Rog. Houed. fol. 281, pag. ●. Annal. par. po●tr. King of Scots, on such terms, as his Grandfather had done, yet Saluis omnibus dignitatibus suis, saving to himself all his dignities: and the said Malcolme Math. Paris. Ypodig. Neustri. Hector Boetius. lib. 13. C. 1. saith it was at London. restored to Henry the City of Karleol, Newcastle upon Tyne, etc. and Henry restored to him the Earldom of Huntingdon in England. And, so justly dreadful did the growing puissance of this young Monarch appear to his greatest enemies, that Hugh Bigod Earl of Norfolk, who had potent means to do mischief, rendered his Castle to be at his disposal. (8) The Welsh notwithstanding forsook not themselves, but did some memorable matters under conduct of the valiant Prince Owen against the English, in defence of North-Wales, and their Hist. of Camb. Country's liberty, to the loss of the English, and extreme danger of the Kings own person, whose john Stow. Standard royal was cowardly abandoned, and the King reported to be slain: for which Henry de Essex, the King's Standard-Bearer at that conflict, was afterward accused by Robert de Montford his near Kinsman, and in single battle within lists was vanquished at Reading, where the said Henry de Math. Paris. Essex was shorn a Monk, and died. Matthew Paris relates the whole voyage of King Henry summarily thus: That Henry prepared a very great Army against the Welsh, with full purpose to overcome them both by land and sea; that he cut up the woods and forests, and laid open a way; that he recovered the Castle of Ruthlan and other fortresses taken from his Ancestors; that he repaired the Castle of Basingwerke, and that having brought the Welsh to his will, he returned with triumph into England. (9) After this, himself and his wife Queen Elienor being openly crowned upon Christmas day, Math. Paris. Ypodigm. Neustr. ( * Roger Hoveden. some say Easter day) at the City of Worcester; they both at the Offertory laid their Diadems upon the high Altar, vowing never to wear them after; Rog. Houed. this being now the third time in which at three several Guliel. Tyr. Hoveden. places, Westminster, Lincoln, and Worcester, he had been crowned. This devout act of his, did flow perhaps out of some such speculation as that of Canutus, who thought none truly worthy the name of King, but God alone; or that, upon which Godfrey of Buillion, refused to wear a crown of gold in Jerusalem, where our Lord and Saviour had been crowned with thorns. For this King had at times the pangs and symptoms of mortification and piety, and did herein acknowledge the only giver and taker-away of kingdoms God-almighty; putting himself and Realm, under the protection of that Majesty of whom he held paramount; and professing (as it were) that from thenceforth he would direct his actions to the glory of his omnipotent Master, which is indeed the only final cause of all true monarchy. An. D. 1158. Mah. Paris ab A. D. 1158. usque ad A. D. 1163. (10) Not long after, having established his affairs in England, he crossed the Seas into Normandy: where successively sundry matters of importance fell out: as the seizure of the City of Nants in Britain after his brother Geffreis' death; his journey to Paris, being invited thither by Lewis and his wife the Queen; the unprofitable siege of Tholouze laid Rog Houed. by King Henry, where Malcolme King of Scots was in company with him; the unripe marriage of his son Henry to Margaret the French Kings daughter, whom Thomas Becket then Lord Chancellor had formerly conducted with very great State from Paris, by consent of parents for that purpose; the offence taken at those spousals by Lewis, for that the children were but infants, and that himself was a loser thereby; the war hereupon attempted by Lewis, fortifying Chaumount, which (the French having quit the Field by flight) King Henry recovered with advantage; the Armies of both these great Kings, being afterward at point (as it were) to join, dispersed upon reconciliation of the two Kings, by reason of a marriage concluded upon, between Richard, King Henry's second son, and Alice the French Kings daughter: All which and some other, not drawing with them any extraordinary sequel, nor offording much matter for civil document, must not preponderate the handling of things more rare and considerable. An. D. 1163. (11) For after these accidents, began the famous The great contention between the King and Becket Archbish. of Canterbury. controversies between the King and his Archbishop Becket, a man of an invincible stomach and resolution in his life, and after death reputed by some for a great Saint or Martyr; as is likewise noted of Henry, * Mat. Paris, & alij. Legend. aur. in vita tho. that he was the most politic, martial, rich, and honoured Prince of all his time. This Prelate by birth a Londoner, (though his mother, a Sarazen, * Polydor. l. 13. but M. Fox denies it. say some) by profession a * Gul. Wigorniensis saith he was Doctor Oxoniensis. Civilian, was by Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury, both made his Archdeacon, and also placed about the person of Duke Henry, who being now King, advanced him in the very first year of his reign to be Lord Nubrigensis, pomell 2. c. 16▪ u● conregnare videretur. Geruasius ad An. 1154. Regis Rector & quasi Magister. Chancellor of England, in which high honour he carried himself like another King, and afterward upon the death of Theobald, though the * Fox in Acts. lordship 264. Monks objected against Becket, that neither a Courtier nor a Soldier (as * Nubrig. l 2. c. 16. Hoveden. he had been both) were fit to succeed in so high and sacred a function, yet the King gave him that Archbishopricke, partly in reward, and partly in further hope of his ready and faithful service. Which to be true, Chron. de Passione & mirac. beati Th. MS. Fox. p. 287. a Legender of his Miracles can best relate. Nonnullis tamen etc. Many (saith he) judged his promotion not Canonical, because it was procured more by the importunity of the King, then by the voices of Clergy, or People; and it was noted as presumption and indiscretion in him, to take upon him to guide the Stern, who was scarce fit to handle an Oar, and that being skilled only in worldly affairs, he did not tremble to ascend unto that sacred top of so great dignity. Whereto agreeth the reports of two learned Monks who then lived, (for such Authors only we will herein follow, as shall be unpartial) * Gul. Nubrig. l. 2. c. 16. Math. Par. ad An. 1163. permissione, Regia, etc. one of which testifies, that the Pope about that time calling a Council at Tours (and the King giving Licence to his Archbishops and Bishops to go thither) Becket secretly surrendered his Archbishopricke, which he had received from the King's hand, into the * Nubrig. per operam, manumque Regiam. Geru. Dorob. Pope's hands. The other saith, Becket himself confessed, that, not Canonical Election did call him, but public power drove him in, nor the will of God, but man's pleasure, placed him in the room. Howsoever, these being memorable arguments of the Kings exceeding love; let us now see how this great Prelate endeavoured to deserve it, or how he chanced to loose it. (12) Great and flourishing was the state of the English Church & Commonwealth at this season; the The causes of the debate betwixt the King and Becket. quiet of both which, the King studied & hoped to establish by the undoubted assistance of his great favourite Becket, whose counsel & authority he knew might Nubrig. loco cita. much further his princely designs, especially touching affairs of the Church, and abuses of Church men, which then were grown to a dangerous height: whereof let us hear the Monk of Nuborough speak: Gul. Nubrig. l. 2. c. 16. It was declared in the King's presence, how that Clergy men had committed above a hundred murders under his reign; wherewith the King highly offended, he was in punishing of them somewhat too vehement; but the blame of the Kings too much earnestness, must lie on the Prelates, in as much as they gave the cause thereof: for, whereas sacred Canons ordain, that Clerks found guilty, not only of heinous and grievous sins, but also of lesser, should be degraded, and thousands of such were in the Church of England, like innumerable chaff amongst a little good corn; yet very few such, for these many years have been deprived. The Prelates forsooth, while they bestir themselves, rather to uphold the liberties & dignities of Clerks, then to chastise, and cut off their vices, think they do God and his Church good service, in protecting from public Discipline such heinous offenders, whom (by duty of their places) they aught to correct according to the Canon's censure, whereby they through their impunity, having liberty to do what they list, have neither fear of God, (whose judgement they think is far off) neither of men in authority, sith on the one side their Prelates neglect to reform them, and on the other side, they are thus exempt by their order from the temporal jurisdiction. (13) This being the state of the Church and Realm, wherein some were so injured without remedy, and others so injurious without coercion, as if neither sort were in condition of Subjects; the King (who was a man of excellent Wisdom, Constancy, Idem Nubrig. l. 2. cap 1. and Zeal) took especial care of quickening the public Discipline, and the rigour of ancient laws, which thus lay neglected; for which end he had settled choice Ministers of justice through all parts of his land; and upon complaints brought him by his Subjects of the remissness, and other defects of his judges, he accordingly by his princely providence applied remedies, and chastised the delinquents. The like remissness (to censure Hoveden. M. Fox. it no harder) was complained of in his Spiritual judges, occasioned by a murder, committed by a Priest of Sarum Diocese, whom the Archbishop commanded to be deprived, & put into an Abbey; whereby he was freed from sharper punishment, intended by the King's justiciaries: with which (and some other like affronts of his Archbishop) the King M. Fox. p. 264. conceived no little displeasure, as requiring, that justice Nubrig. l 2. c. 16. sine delectu. should be ministered to all alike without partiality, & seeing this apparently to tend unto the ruin of all royal government: the Archbishop on the other side, stood no less peremptory on the immunities Geruasius. ad An. 1163. c●● gestiret iura Cant. Ecclesi● re●ocare. of his Clergy and See: yea so far, as that he challenged from the Crown (to the King's great offence) the custody of Rochester Castle and other Forts, which the Jbidem. King for securing his state had resumed into his own hands. (14) This main controversy betwixt Regnum, & Sacerdotium, the Crown and the Mitre, Hoveden Rogor Hoveden. ad An. 11●●. (who then also lived) thus summarily delivers: The King would that all such of the Clergy as were deprehended in any Robbery, Murder, Felony, burning of houses, and the like, should be tried and adjudged in his temporal Courts, as Laymen were: against which, the Archbishop's resolution was, that all Clergy men sooffending should be tried only in the Spiritual Courts, and by men of their own coat, who if they were convict, should at first be only deprived of their office and benefice: but if they should again be guilty of the like, they should then be adjudged at the King's pleasure. The King finding himself to be hereby but a Demi-King, deprived of all Sovereignty over one half-deale of his Kingdom, and perceiving Beckets stiffness, in thus contesting with his Sovereign, to be no way mollifiable by whatsoever his old favours, or fresh persuasions; notwithstanding resolved to put nothing in execution, which should not first be ratified and strengthened with consent of his Bishops; of whose ready Nubrigensis. assent to so just demands he had no cause to doubt: who thereupon assembling at Westminster, the King, took both offence there, at the Archbishops thwarting his desires, and occasion also to establish sundry other Articles, which he called his Grandfather's Customs, peremptorily urging Becket Ger. Dorobor. to yield thereunto, without any such reservation of saving in all things his order, and right of the Church, wherewith he would have limited his assent. Points which the Archbishop would not consent unto. (15) The points in those Ordinances which the Archbishop principally stuck at, as * Ep. Tho▪ add Alex. 3. PP. Ep. Th. ad Suff●. suos. apud Roge. Houed. himself did set them down in his letters to the Pope, and his own Suffragan Bishops within the Diocese of Canterbury, were principally these; 1. That none should appeal to the See of Rome for any cause whatsoever, without the King's licence. 2. That it should not be lawful for any Archbishop or Bishop to departed the Realm, and repair to the Pope upon his summons, without the King's licence. 3. That no Bishop should excommunicate any one whomsoever, holding of the King in chief, or put any other of his officers under Interdict, without the King's licence. 4. That Clerks criminous should be tried before secular judges. 5. That it should not be lawful for a Bishop to punish any one for perjury or faith-breach. 6. That the Laity, whether the King or other, should hold pleas of Churches & Tithes, etc. (16) These points so nearly touched the Papal Sovereignty, and Church-Liberties, that the resolute Metropolitan mainly opposed his whole powers against them. Henry also persisted, as his Grandfather Henry the first had done, who having a * See before in Henry the first. like war with Anselm his Archbishop, was so vehement therein, as he would not suffer him to return into England (though after some years banishment) vnlesle he would absolutely bind himself to observe, not his Father's Customs only, but his brothers also, who were the two fatal Williams, the Conqueror and Rufus. Reason's moving King Henry to urge the Archbishop to assent. (17) Many reasons moved Henry to attempt this business; as first, the enlargement of his Regal authority: Secondly, to exempt his State by degrees, from the dependency on any external Government, as lineally claiming both from a Conquest, and from absolute-soveraigne Antecessors, and so to introduce that free Empery, to which he saw no way lie open, but by subordinating the People and Causes of Churchmen to the secular sovereignty, in a few points first, and then in other. And that this was the secret, will not obscurely appear in * Act. & Mon. pag. 265. that Article, which was summarily this: That Appeals should be made from the Consistory to the Archdeacon, from him to the Bishop, thence to the Archbishop, and so Math. Paris. to the King. Thus far M. Fox; but Matthew Paris hath more: That the King should command the Archbishop to end the suit, and that it should proceed no further without licence of the King. (18) A third reason was, for that he had by his own persuasions, and by the Counsel of one Ernulph a * Hoveden. Bishop, drawn unto his purposes the Archbishop of York, and all the other Bishops in a manner, who were now sure unto him, & ready to yield to his demands, which, they saw, did tend to the good of the State wherein they lived. Moreover, he was persuaded of great facility in obtaining his desire, both in regard of the * Epist. Th. apud Rog. Houed. advantage which the Schism then upholden by Frederick the Emperor against Alexander the third did give, which might make that Pope afraid to lose or hazard his friends: as also for that the King, till he found the contrary, thought himself assured of his Thomas, whom (if * Ep. ad Th. apud Rog. Houed. Gilbert Bishop of London said true) he advanced to that dignity against the will and liking, aswell of Matildis the Empress his mother, as of the Clergy and people. An. D. 1164 A. Reg. H. 2. 10. (19) Besides these and other reasons encouraging the King, Pope Alexander very desirous to keep the King's love (though secretly wishing well to Beckets attempts) sent one Philip his Almoner purposely Hoveden. to compose the controversy, by whom the Pope and Cardinals required the Archbishop to make promise unto the King to the keeping his said Ordinances absolutely, and without any save or exceptions: whereupon Thomas seeing his scrupulosity thus disapproved Nubrig. l. 2. c. 16. calls him Hominem Scrupulosum. by his Sovereign, by all his Brethren the Bishops, and by the Court of Rome itself, he road to Woodstock to the King, and there promised, that Rog. Houed. he would keep his said laws, bonâ fide, & sine malo ingenio, in good faith, and without mal-engin. (20) The King afterward (supposing now all The Council at Clarendon. contradiction had end, & that Thomas would not waver in his faith) called an Assembly of the States at Clarendon (of which place in Wilt-shire and not in Normandy, as * M●. Fox. some have mistaken, the said Customs called by the King, Auitae, were denominated) to collect and enact those Laws: where john of Math. Paris. The Archbishop violates his promise. Oxenford sitting Precedent, Becket, relapsing again from his promise given to the King, said, that he had grievously sinned in making that absolute promise, and that he would not sin therein any more. (21) At which, the King was so vehemently stirred and inflamed, that he threatened banishment and destruction to him and his. But the Archbishop, having definitely resolved to undergo any peril, The Archbishop would not relent so forre as to subscribe. was yet so softened with the tears, prayers, and kneel of so great and honourable personages, as the Bishops of Salisbury, and Norwich, the Earls of Leicester, Roger Hoveden. and Cornwall, and two knight's Templars, Richard Ger. Dor. de Hastings, and another, privately repairing unto him, that before the King, the Clergy, and people, Idem. he swore in verbo Sacerdotali, in the word of a Math. Paris. Priest, and de plano, sincerely, that he would observe the Laws, which the King entitled Auitae, and all the Bishops, Guil. Nubrig. Hoveden. Geruasius. abbots, Priors, and whole Clergy, with all the Earls, Barons, and Nobility, did promise and swear, the same faithfully and truly to observe and perform, to the King and to his heirs for ever. But when the King, not so contented, would have him (as every one of the Bishops had done before him) to subscribe, and affix his seal to an instrument, in which those Customs or Vide Geruasium, where they are all verbatim recited. Becks again starts from his word. Ger. Dor. Ibidem. Laws (being in number sixteen) were comprehended; he once again starting from his faith, did absolutely refuse, alleging that he did promise' it, only to do the King some honour, verbo tenus, in word only, but not with intent to confirm those Articles; neither could the example of the whole State move him, nor the credit of Rotrod, Archbishop of Rouen, (though sent from the Pope) compose the difference, because Henry would not otherwise agreed then as the Pope did by his Bull confirm those Laws, which would not be granted. The King dispatcheth Ambassadors to the Pope. (22) Henry hereupon sent in embassage john of Oxenford, and one ridel, his clerks, to the Roman Bishop, praying that the Legatine power for England, might be committed to Roger Archbishop of York, that so yet he might at last bring Thomas under: but neither did this plot thrive: for that the Pope (knowing that the cause was his own more than Beckets) would not be an Author of any grievance unto him, (who in sorrow for that he had so yielded in promising, suspended himself from use of his priestly function, till upon suit he was * Mat. Paris. repermitted) yet somewhat to gratify the king, he by his Bull granted Geruas'. Dorob. Hoveden. a sleight authority; which when the King saw to be but superficial, and not well horned for his purpose, with great disdain, he sent the Bull back again to the Pope's stall. The Archbishop called to account (23) There followed now upon Thomas sundry molestations: for first, he was * Rog. Houed. condemned in damages for a Manor, which john de Marshal claimed; notwithstanding the Archbishop had enjoyed the same for a long time, without interpellation or disturbance. Then was there at Northampton, (where the king had summoned a Parliament) an account demanded of him for the king, to the value of thirty thousand pound, which came to his hand during his Chancellorship. Whereunto his answer was, * Mat. Paris. Rog. Houed. That seeing he had formerly accounted, and that the king's eldest son Henry, on his Father's behalf, and all the Barons of the Exchequer, and Richard de Luci justitiar of England, had acquitted him toward the king of all accounts, and that he came free from all actions and dangers to the archbishopric, that now therefore he would not answer, as a Layman, having heretofore had so sufficient discharge: which refusal of his was aggravated with divers accusations laid upon him, as of contempt towards the king, in denying to come to his presence, being thereto commanded by him, & the like: whereto though he made excuses (reasonable enough, if true) yet the Peers and the Bishops condemned Mat. Paris. Geruasius. all his movables to the King's mercy: and the Prelates perceiving the king's displeasure, to tend yet to some farther severity, premonished him to submit himself, for that otherwise the king's Court intended Idem. to adjudge him a perjured person, and also a Traitor, for not yielding temporal allegiance to his Temporal Sovereign, as himself had sworn to do: and accordingly the Prelates themselves by joint consent adjudged Idem. him of Perjury, and by the mouth of the Bishop of Chichester, disclaimed thenceforward all obedience unto him, as their Archbishop. The next day, whiles Nubrig. Hoveden. Dorobornensis. the Bishops and Peers were consulting of some further course with him; Becket, not as yet daunted, caused to be sung before him at the Altar: The Princes sit and speak against me, and the ungodly persecute me, etc. And forthwith taking his silver Crosier Dorobornensis. in his own hands, (a thing strange and unheard of before) enters armed therewith into the King's presence, though earnestly dissuaded by all that wished him well: where with the King enraged, commanded his Peers to sit in judgement on him, as on a Traitor and Perjured person; and accordingly they adjudged Hoveden. Geruasius. him to be apprehended, and cast into prison. The Earls of Cornwall and Leicester (who sat as judges) citing him forth with to hear his sentence pronounced; he immediately appealed to the See of Rome, as holding them no judges competent: whereupon all reviling him with the name of Traitor, and the like; he replying, That were it not for his function Geruas'. Dorob. he would enter the Duel or Combat with them in the field, to acquit himself both of Treason and Perjury, sped Mat. Paris. An. D. 1164. from the Court, and from thence without delay into Flaunders, disguising himself under the name of Dereman. (24) The King on the other side, to leave nothing Another Embas. sage from the King to the Pope undone, whereby to achieve his desire, forthwith dispatched away Gilbert, Bishop of London, & William, Earl of Arundel, to the French King, that he would not harbour, nor cherish one, that was fled as a Traitor; but prevailed not: for he, upon Rog. Houed. Geruasius. the contrary dealt with the Pope, That as he loved the Roman Church and the aid of France, so he would support the cause of Thomas against the King: which whether he did it out of Faction, rather than Devotion, let others judge: for as we may easily think that the French would gladly incommodate the king of England: so this is not to be denied, that Lewis was * Mat. Paris. Rog. Houed. & aly. often afterward a Mediator for peace, and undoubtedly held the man himself in great estimation both alive and dead. (25) The Archbishop growing thus in favour The King sends▪ Ambassadors to Rome against Becket. with the Pope, King Henry sends an embassage unto him of many great Personages, as Roger Archbishop of York, the BB. of London, Winchester, Chichester, john of Oxenford, William Earl of Arundel, etc. Geruasius. whose whole employment being prece velpretio, by Hoveden. requests and gratifications to procure disgrace unto Becket, their final suit was, That the Pope would sand two Cardinals into England, fully to end the matter; but the Pope denied it, as holding it derogatory to his own absoluteness, saying (like God's Vicegerent at lest) * isaiah chap. 42. ver. 8. I am the Lord, this is my Name, and my glory will I not give to anyother, etc. Hoveden. That is my own glory, which I will not give to any other; but when he is to be judged, I will judge him myself: For he knew the King of England was mighty both inspeech and means, and that Legates might easily be corrupted, as being men, more thirsty after gold and silver, then after justice and equity: and the Pope Ger. Dorobor. and Cardinals wisely resolved (saith the Monk of Canterbury) that as, if this Archbishop were now upheld in his cause, it would be a pattern for others in like case to resist Kings; so, if he should sink, no Bishops ever after would dare oppose themselves to their Sooner aignes pleasure, and so the State of the Catholic Church would be shaken, and the Pope's authority be crushed. The incensed Kings proceed. (26) The King having received this foil, and impatient of repulse, where his own subject was a party, thought the indignity offered by the Pope unsufferable, and to let him understand how he took it, directs his Writs unto the Sheriffs in Math. Paris. ad Ann. 1164. England, commanding them to attach such as did appeal to the Roman Court: the fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, nephews, and neices, of all such of the Clergy, as were with the Archbishop; and to put them under sureties, as also to seize the revenues, goods, and chattels, of the said Clergymen. Again, by other his letters to Gilbert Bishop of London, he sequestered the profits and livings, which within his Diocese did belong to any of the Clergy, who were fled to Thomas, that (without the King's leave) they might have no part thereof. Lastly, to his justices he signified, that they should safe-keepe whosoever did bring any interdict into England till the King's pleasure were further known: he also caused the Church of Canterbury, and all the Archbishop's goods to be confiscated, grounding himself (as may probably be supposed) upon the judgement given against Becket at North-hampton, notwithstanding that the said sentence was expressly nullified by the Pope's * The Original Bull itself, I have seen in the custody of Mr. John Bar●ham of Lamb●●h. Bull, and not only by word of mouth, as* Matthew Paris seems to mistake it. Neither was this all, for he banished out of the Realm * Math. Paris. Ann. 1164. Rog Houed. Parisi●nsis. Ger. Dorob. An. D. 1166 Rog. Houed.▪ Ep. Thom. all the kindred of the Archbishop, man, woman, child, and sucking babes; and forbade that he should be any longer publicly mentioned and prayed for in the Church as Archbishop of Canterbury. (27) The Archbishop on the contrary part (the contention being now whither the power Ecclesiastical or Secular, should work most) did solemnly in France where he abode, excommunicate all such as obeyed, defended, or had occasioned the said laws, and Auitall Customs, and some of the parties by name, as Richard de Luci, Richard of Poictou, jocelin de Bailull, Alan de Nevile, and other, who presently appealed; but the King having further notice, that Becket * Ger. Dorob. saith Comminatorium ●●isit. after his public sermon, on a great Festival day, had solemnly threatened the like thunderclap against his Royal Person; either to terrify his adversaries, or to revenge himself, if any such sentence should * Geruasius saith ut declinaret senten●iam etc. be against him, gathered a mighty Army under pretence of subduing Wales, where yet he did little. The mean while john of Oxenford (who not only followed the King's cause stoutly, but also * Bale Cent. 3. writ a learned Book in justifying of it against Becket) prevailed so far at Rome, that two Legates à later, should be sent into England, to reconcile the King and Thomas▪ but when they were go, the Pope hearing that they were resolved * Geruasius. utterly to confounded the Archbishop, sent letters after them to rebate * Auram & aur● s●tiebant. Geruas'. their absolute power, they being men (saith Gervasius) who too much thirsted after gold and glory. Ma●. Paris. (28) When these two Cardinals came to Thomas, he refused to put his cause to them, unless there were first a plenary restitution made to him and his of all that had been taken away: but being then counseled by them to submit himself to the king, his answer was, he would, saving God's honour, and the Church's liberty; saving his own honour, Acts and Monuments pag. 284. Col. 2. Ibid. and his Church's possessions; and saving his own and his friends right: being further demanded, whither (to resettle peace in God's Church, which he seemed only to desire) he would renounce his Bishopric, if the king would renounce his customs: he answered, The proportion was not alike: for that with the honour of his Church and his Person, he could not renounce his Bishopric; whereas on the other side, the King was bound, aswell for his Souls health, as for his honour, to renounce those ordinances. (will you know the reason?) because the Pope and he had condemned them. And so that design for peace was frustrate. (29) The King of England tempestuously storming at these affronts, and daily increase of new Math. Paris. Roger. Houed. * Saluo ho●ore Personae sua, sal▪ vispossessioni●us, salu●●usti●●a, etc. salves, wherewith like a guileful Chirurgeon, he still made the wound more to fester; menaced the Monks (which in their Abbey at Pontenei, had now for two whole years entertained him) to thrust all of their order out of England, if they durst relieve his enemy any longer: Whereupon they dismissing him, Lewis the French King took him to Sens with himself, where for four years he remained and was (if we may credit King Henry) a * Ger. Dor. Ann. 1167. great instigator of the French King, and also of the Earl of Flaunders, against the King of England; * Cardinal▪ litter. Fox. p. 284. as was also by divers Evidences most certain; if the two said Cardinals told not a lie to the Pope: But, that Geruasius. Maxim▪ propter Thomam, ut credi potest. the Peace was broken, and wars renewed betwixt the the two Kings, chief for Thomas his sake, Gervase the Monk himself doth record it as most credible. (30) Howbeit, by mediation at length, the two Geruasius, A. 1169 Kings were again reconciled, and at their friendly * Apud mon●em mir● bil●m. interview, Beckets well-willers advised him to submit himself in the presence of both kings, * Tacita omni cond●●●one. Geruas●bid. without any more reservations; which he seeming to yield to, presented himself very humbly, and referred the cause to the king, not now, Saluo ordine suo, but yet on a new point, Saluo honore Dei; Idem. wherewith the king exasperated, told the French king, such was the humour of the man, that whatsoever disliked him, he would say it was against God's honour, and so would be never the nearer to conformity; with which, and other speeches, King Lewis offended Idem. with Becket, asked him whether he thought to be greater or holier than Saint Peter? and the Peers of both Nations accused him of much arrogancy, as being himself the wilful hinderer of his own, and the Church's tranquillity. An. D. 1168. (31) Notwithstanding, the Pope forgot not his Math. Paris. faithful Thomas, and therefore after he had graced him with a confirmation of all the Privileges, and powers, which any of his Predecessors in that See did enjoy (to the daring and defiance as it were, The King goes about to forsake the Pope, and join with the Antipape. of the kings utmost indignation) the king sent a letter into Germany, declaring that he would forsake Pope Alexander, and join with the Emperor, and Antipape. Whereupon, when the Bishop of The Bishop of London commanded to admonish the King. Rome had commanded Gilbert Bishop of London to admonish the king to give over his courses, and customs preiudicious to the Church, the said Bishop obeyed, and in his answer sought to persuade the Rog. Houed. Pope to a connivency, and forgets not to justify his Sovereign, as That the King was ready to obey the sacred The Bishop of London's defence of the King to Pope Alexand. 3. hests of the Church, saving to himself his own & his kingdoms dignity: That, as for Appeals, he claimed that honour, by the ancient institution of his Kingdom, that is to say, That no Clerk should for a civil action departed the same until right could not be had in his Courts at home, and then he would hinder no man. That he did not banish the Archbishop of Canterbury, who might return at his pleasure, so as he would observe all those his Grandfathers customs, which once he had given his faith to do: That the King thinks himself greatly justified, in that he is willing to stand to the judgement of the whole Church of his own Kingdom, etc. The Bishop of London excommunicated. (32) But when mediations, letters, messages, or other ways, would not prevail; the Pope admonisheth the King, that he meant no longer to restrain An. D. 1169 the Archbishop from revenging his own, and his Church's injuries with the sword of censure, and thereupon (for a beginning) the Archbishop excommunicates Gilbert Bishop of London, and proceeded so far with others, that there was scarce found in Geru. Dorob. the Kings own Chapel and presence such as might perform the wont ceremonies. (33) The King both touched with his own Comforted by the King. wrongs, and tender of their case, who for his sake underwent that severity, animates Bishop Gilbert with most loving offers to bear the charges of prosecuting his appeal against Becket, and desires the Ger. Dor. Pope to sand him Legates which might absolve his excommunicated Subjects, and settle a peace, or else he should be compelled to provide otherwise for his own security and honour. Cardinal's attempt to make reconcilement. (34) Two Cardinals therefore, Gratian and Vivianus, coming into France to end the contention, return notwithstanding without possibility of doing good; for that Becket would not yield in any point to those Customs, at which he had once excepted, but with his ordinary limitations. At last yet by the pope's mediation, the two kings of England and of France met at Paris, whether the Archbishop Dorobornensis. repaired, and yet no peace ensued: for that the king refused the kiss of peace with him, and Becket would either have a sound and full peace, or none at all; where, though the king of England refused to satisfy any thing under the name of restitution, as being against his honour (because all restitution Math. Paris. implied a wrong) yet in the other main matter of his Auitall Customs, offering to stand to the judgement, not of his own only, but even of the Parisian Divines, and Church of France; he came The King offers his cause to be judged by the Divines and Church of France. off from that conference with some advantage & favour, in the opinion of the hearers. (35) King Henry (for all this) seeing no issue of his long disquietness, and unregall usages, understanding also that the Archbishop of Seins in person had solicited the Pope, to put the Kingdom of England under Dorobornensis. A strange devise of Christ's Vicar to forbidden a whole Kingdom to live like Christians. Interdict, (which is the prohibiting of the public use of Christ's Religion, & Christian Burial throughout the whole land) he being then in Normandy, sends forth his Edict: That if any man bring from the Pope or Becket, any letters of Interdict, he should presently Hoveden. suffer as a Traitor to the King and the State: The King's Edict to match the Popes Interdict. That no Clerk whatsoever go forth of the land without a Pass from his justiciaries, and none return again without letters of licence from the King himself. That none receive any message from the Pope or Becket, nor make any appeal unto them, nor hold any Plea by their mandates; That if any Prelate or Clerk, or Layman shall obey any sentence of Interdict, he and all his Kindred shall be forthwith expulsed the land, and all his goods escheated to the Crown. That all Clerks who have rents in England, return home within three Months, or else all their rents to fall to the King. That certain Prelates specified, be cited to answer in the King's Courts for interdicting Earl Hugh's lands. That Peter-pences be not paid to Rome, but reserved. Thus, (as Gervase the Monk lamentably complaineth) all Geru. Dor. from the eldest to the youngest throughout England were made to abjure obedience to Pope Alexander and Becket. The 〈…〉 his 〈…〉 ●o be crowned King. (36) After all this, it came into King Henry's mind, to sweeten these his many cares with some solace, and to crown his eldest son, yongue Henry, King of England, now in his own life time: A counsel not more temerarious, then infortunate: but of which yet he did hope to reap this consolation, that it was done in contempt of Becket (whose office it was to have crowned the King,) with some advantage also toward the perpetuation of the Auitall Customs, and that also without scruple of conscience, Ep. Alex▪ Pap. apud Roge. Houed. his son receiving the Crown without caution, to preserve the Church's liberty, either by him put in, or by others exacted. Yea rather, an Oath ministered, and by the yongue King taken, to maintain those Auitall Customs to the uttermost. (37) This solemnity was performed, at Henry the father's commandment, by Roger Archbishop of York, (the anciently rival See of Canterbury) contrary to the Pope's express Inhibition, the father himself King Henry, being present thereat, though without any fortunate presage in coming, or cause of consolation in the action. For * Roger Hoveden. he, in his inauspicious passage out of Normandy, arriving not without very great peril, at Portsmouth, the best and newest ship he had was sunk in the storms, and therein, besides Henry de Agnellis and his two sons, Gilbert de Sullemni, Mr. Ralf de Bealmunt, the King's physician and favourite, with about four hundred men and women more, were devoured of the working waves. And at the feast, the joyful father himself, carrying the first dish, and the Archbishop of York saying in pleasance to the yongue King: Rejoice my fair son, for their is no Prince in the world, hath such a servitor attending at his table as you. The unnatural Polyd. Virg. in H. 2. yongue man answered; why? wonder you at that? my father knows he doth nothing that misbecomes him, for so much as he is royal borne but of one side, but ourself are royal borne both by father and mother. (38) Add hereunto, that this unlucky Coronations triumphs, were celebrated with bonfires kindled by the furies in Normandy; which Lewis the French King invaded with fire and sword, because his daughter Margaret was not crowned aswell as the yongue King her husband: but the father speeding into those parts, quenched this flame with a promise to recrowne his son, and then his daughter Margaret should be honoured with like ceremonies. Thus the father's patience was exercised on every hand, and worse things were feared. Math. Paris. (39) So now yet at last, in the seventh year of The last meeting for a peace between the King and Archbishop. Beckets banishment, another meeting was had at Sens, whither, the two great Kings, and the Archbishop of Sens, and Bishop of Nevers, being together, the Archbishop of Canterbury repaired, and the treaty of Peace was entered into, which at Ambois, in an other meeting (at procurement of Rotrod Archbishop of Rouen) was finished; and the Archbishop (knowing the King was terrified with the expectation of the foresaid imminent Interdiction) was restored to the King's favour, and permitted to have full use of his Metropolitan See, and all the profits thereof with the arrearages. Which conclusion, the King signifies to his son into England, whither the Archbishop returns, and lands at Sandwich: And thus the controversy between the King and his Archbishop seemed to be ended. (40) But the Archbishop had not been long in The Archbishop publisheth new censures. England, before he published the Pope's letters, by which, Roger Archbishop of York, and Hugh bishop of Duresme, were suspended from the use of their Math. Paris. Roger Houed. Episcopal function, for crowning the yongue King in prejudice of the See of Canterbury; and the Bishops of London, Exeter, and Salisbury, cut off from the Church by censure, for assisting the said Archbishop at that Coronation; whom Becket would not, but under conditions, at the yongue King's request, absolve. Whereupon a great complaint was carried into Normandy, to the father King, * Polydor. Virg. l. 13. by some of the Bishops: and in the mean time, the Archbishop Thomas, putting himself upon the way to visit the Lib. Mon. S. Alb. MS. yongue King, at Woodstock▪ in Oxford-shire, was commanded not to approach. The king's wrath fatal to the Archbishop. (41) At the news of these late censures, the father King was so sore displeased, that some words slipping from him, and arguing his great discontent, moved Hugh Moruill, William Traci, Hugh Brito, Ger. Camb. l. 1. c. 20. calls them Aulici Canes. and Richard Fitz-urse, knights and courtiers, topost into England, and there in a fury, (without either warrant, or privity of their Sovereign) to murder the Archbishop (being then about * The printed Legend saith, he was 53. years of age. forty and eight years old) in his own Church of Canterbury; which sacred Place, and Time, besides his high Calling, might * In the festivals of Christ's Nativity. Scil. 5. Natalis Dominici, Nubrigensis. Erasmus. Guil. Cambd. Stow in H. 8. have pleaded for pity, had not the men been wholly transported with barbarous rage. For howsoever we are far from their fancies, who, for his zeal to the Pope's Sovereignty, have so mounted him to the top of Martyr's glory, that not only the basest part of his Shrine was pure gold, and his * old Shoe was devoutly kissed by all * Erasm. in Dial. de Peregrinat: Religionis ergo. passengers, but also shameless and numberless Miracles are blindly ascribed unto him, and his * Lambert Peramb. of Kent, in Harbaldowne. Blood almost matched in virtue with our euer-blessed saviours: yet we no * Tuper Thom● Sanguinem, quem pro te impendit, Fa● nos Christ scandere, quo Thomas ascendit. less condemn their butcherly execution, who (how great so ever his offence was against the King and State) had no lawful authority to bear them out, or acquit them, from the guilt of Blood▪ (42) To shut up this long contention (which, as you see, would not be extinct but by blood, nor take end but by his death,) because any censure of our Guil. Nubrig. l. 2. c. 16▪ own will be said to savour of Time-seruing, or State-pleasing, we will only annex the bore judgement of the forecited learned Monk of that time, who thus speaks. Indeed though most men's custom is, in those, whom they love and praise, to extol whatsoever they have done, (an argument of their great affection, but slender wisdom) yet in plain truth, those things, which the venerable Archbishop so acted, that no profit at all thence proceeded, but the King's wrath only was kindled (whereby so many mischiefs afterward arose) I do not think to be praiseworthy, though they sprang from a laudable zeal; as it was in the blessed Prince of the Apostles, who attaining the top of Apostolical perfection, taught the Gentiles by his example to judaize; for which the Doctor of the Gentiles * Galat. 2. declares that he deserved to be reprehended, though he did it with a praiseworthy and pious intent. And in another place. The Archbishop was hot in zeal of Nubrig▪ l 2. ca▪ 2●. justice, but whither fully according to knowledge, God knoweth, (for it is not for a man of my mean quality, rashly to judge of so great a man's actions,) but I think, the blessed Pope Gregory would have dealt more mildly, and winked at those things which might have been borne, without any hazard of the Christian faith, etc. and then concludes: Therefore, that which the venerable Archbishop than did, I neither judge that it is to be commended, neither presume I to condemnett, etc. For good men are so to be loved, or lauded by us, that we neither love nor laud those acts wherein they show themselves to be frail men, but only those things wherein without scruple we aught to imitate them: and therefore they are wisely and warily to be praised, that God's prerogative may be reserved entire to himself. (43) Some other learned men there were, who lived near to that time, whose censure was far An. 1220. sharper than that Monks: Such were some of those Divines of Paris, mentioned by * Caesarius Dial●g. l. 8. cap▪ 69. Bale Script. Brit. Cent. 2. Caesarius the Monk, who saith, The Question was debated to & fro amongst the Doctors, in the university of Paris, whether Thomas Fox. p. 28. were damned or saved: amongst whom, Rogerius the Norman avowed, that he deserved death and damnation, for his contumacy against his King, the Minister of God: but Petrus Cantor alleged, that his Miracles were signs of his salvation, etc. An indeed if all be true, which * Monach. Cant. de miraculi● B. Thom●. one man hath written in five books, containing his 270. Miracles, we cannot but acknowledge him, both the greatest Saint, and the merriest too, that ever got into heaven; so ridiculous are many things recorded of him. As that of Ailwardus, who for stealing of a great whetstone (which the Author that writes it, best deserved) being deprived of his Eyes and * MS. P●ndenda perhaps for Pudenda. Malmesb. de, Reg. l. 5. Virilities, by sentence of Law; upon prayer to S. Thomas he had all restored again: Yea even a * The printed golden Legend. in vi●. Thom. Bird, having been taught to speak, flying out of her cage, and ready to be seized on by a Spar-Hauke, said only, S. Thomas help me, and her Enemy fell presently dead, and she escaped, and (belike) reported it. Of which great power in this Saint, how can we doubt? sith we read, that even in his life time the * Virgin Marie herself was contented to be his Jbidem. Sempster, and sowed his shirt with read silk? Many of which kind of follies, (if that word be sharp enough) might be here inserted, were not our present argument more serious, and these forgeries fit only for Monks to indite, children to read, and fools to believe. The king's sorrow for the murder, and his difficulties thereupon. Math. Paris. Ypodig. Neustr. (44) The report of the tragical outrage on the Archbishop, coming to the old King, at Argenton in Normandy; there was no kind of sorrow, into which, (without respect to Majesty, or State) he fell not; and not without cause, as knowing how plentiful an Hydra of mischiefs (upon the opinion of his privity with the fact) would rise, if not prevented. But the murderers, fearing lest this their Guil. Nubrigens. l. 2 c. 25. Mat. Paris. fact woulddisplease the king, in whose revenge they did it, fled into the North, and abode one whole year in the king's Castle of Knaresborough in Yorkshire; perhaps by favour of the yongue king: none of them dying for the fact, by way of justice, because, the Clergy exempting themselves from the bonds of Nich. Trivet. Vowel, and Hol●sh. p. ●9. Math. Paris. saith it was granted to Cardinal Petro ●eoni, by King Hen. Math. Paris, ad A. D. 1176. civil Laws, the punishment of a Priest-killer (as by some it appeareth) was not then the death of the Body by execution of capital sentence, but of Soul by Excommunication, till about the twenty third year of this king, it was (at the instant suit of Richard Archbishop of Canterbury, and of the Bishops of Winchester, Elie, and Norwich) yielded, that such persons should also suffer loss of life. 45 The king therefore, upon protestation to submit himself, to the judgement of such Cardinals, Legates, as the Pope should sand to inquire of the fact, kept his Realm from Interdiction, though the king of France, the Archbishop of Sens, and Theobald Earl of Blois, had outgone his Ambassadors with their inflaming letters, containing the description of that Parricide. King Henry projects the conquest of Ireland. (46) Henry therefore, among so many perplexities rising out of the Archbishop's murder, saw no way so ready for the calming his own perturbations, or for the averting men's thoughts from the consideration of that scandalous tragedy, as to undertake some great and noble enterprise, which now offered itself very seasonably. For Ireland, a very spacious and plentiful Island, and lying commodiously Girald: Cambr. de expug. Hib. for the uses of the English, burned in itself with civil divisions, kindled among the petty Kings and Princes thereof: while Rotherick the Great, called O Conor Dun, Prince of Connaught, abusing his power and the advantage of the times, to the oppression of his Neighbours, sought to make himself the universal King thereof, having already invaded the Annalib. Hiber. apud Cam. pa. 794. An. Dom. 1166. Title & Style of KING AND MONARCH OF IRELAND. And this his purpose was much advanced by the fatal and familiar error of proceed in like cases▪ for the Irish Princes, either through distrust or pride, forbearing to unite their forces against the common enemy, while each provides for one, they are all as it were, overcome. (47) Moreover * Annalib. Hiber. Jbid. Dermot Mac Murrgh (in that time of the Irish Pentarchy, or fivefold Kingdom) Girald. Cambr. lib. 1. cap. 1. in Hiber. expug. having secretly stolen away the wife of Rotherick (a light woman, and consenting or plotting rather, & urging the rape itself) added to Rotherickes ambition, a just desire of revenge, for so notable, impudent, and public injury, so much the more▪ odious in Dermots person, for that he was old: neither was this all▪ for the causes of this change were higher. (48) The only disposer and translator of Kingdoms is God; & in Ireland to move him to offence (without which no Kingdom is transferred) against the people thereof, all such sins abounded, as commonly forego the greatest changes: for not only the manners of the Nation were extremely corrupted, but the Christian faith itself decayed; barbarism overrunning the one, and * polygamy, etc. Polydor. Vir. l. 13. more than superstitions the other. But it may seem by some * Girald. Camb. Hib. expug. l. 2. c. 7. Edmund Campians Hist. of Ireland. l. ●. c. 2. M. S. Rossus Warwic. MS. Authors, that King Henry's particular inducements to that Action, were both an ancient title unto that Kingdom, derived from his ancestors (the kings of England) for many ages before him; and * Campian. l. 2. c. 1. MS. many unsufferable wrongs (by their Piracies) unto the English Nation, buying and selling their Captives, and using Turkish tyranny on their bodies: which made the Irish Idem. ibid. Clergy themselves confess, that they had deserved no other, then that their land should be transferred to that Nation whom they had so cruelly handled. Notwithstanding, king Henry, who knew how great and dangerous tumults the Popes had raised on small occasions, thought his way would be much easier, if he went onward with the Pope's good favour, which he easily obtained (so liberal is his holiness of that which is none of his) for a fee; viz. a penny Bulla Hadrian. apud Mat. Paris. yearly to be paid to Saint Peter of every house in Ireland. Touching which point, Rossus of Warwick (no Protestant, I assure you,) saith, That England's Rossus Warwic. MS. King is not bound to rely on the Popes grant for Ireland, nor yet to pay that tax, because he had claim to that Kingdom by an hereditary right: and that the Pope had no temporal interest therein (as his favourites pretend) the often-mentioned Monk of Gul. Nubrig. l. 2. c. 26. Newborough can tell us, who saith, that Nunquam externa subiacuit ditioni, Ireland was never subject to any foreign command. (49) God Almighty therefore did now put it into the heart of Henry, for the reforming of that kingdom, to make a Conquest thereof, having in his infinite wisdom before hand fitted all circumstances needful to concur, for inducing so wary and frugal a Prince to such an enterprise, which thus took beginning. (50) Dermot Mac Murgh, being in possession of his fatal Helen (the adulterous wife of Rothericke) was pursued so eagrely with the revenging sword of his enemy (who, howsoever wounded in heart with the abuse of his Bed, rejoiced in the colour and occasion ministered thereby, for him to seize upon the flourishing Provinces of Leinster) as he was driven to fly from place to place, and at the length to quit his kingdom also, the subjects whereof his tyranny and vices had unsettled, lin their affections toward him. Thus desperate of help at home, his last deliberations were to draw in foreign aides, the necessity Camb. pag. 730. of his case requiring it; and for that purpose, finally Giral. Camb. resolves to repair to the court of the wise and potent Henry, King of England, being then in Aquitain: neither could Dermot but know, that it had Giral. Cambr. in Hiber. Exp. cap. 1. heretofore been in Henry's designs, at such time as he meant to subdue it for William of Angiou, his youngest brother, and also, because his present Dominions did half (as it were) environ it. In which hopes he was not deceived; for Henry listened thereunto very willingly, as to a thing which he had indeed * Mat. Paris. Ann. Dom. 1155. some years before projected. (51) King Dermot therefore was heard in his suit. But, because the thing, as at that time, neither Dermots suit for aid liked by Henry. seemed great enough, for such a Prince as Henry to undertake directly, nor as yet was held sufficiently discovered to his hand; that therefore the Ice might be broken by inferior means, and aswell the conveniences, as inconveniences, sounded to the depth, (without engaging the royal person, name, or power,) it was by the King's letters permitted to Dermot (the exiled Prince) to draw what * Giral. Camb. l. 2. 6. 1. Hib. expug. adventurers, or voluntaries, either the commiseration of his estate, or other respects, of piety, profit, or delight in arms, could allure to the action. Now whether Dermots first succoures. it were, for that he, whose Countries lay toward the coasts of Wales, (and within ken upon a clear day) by commodity thereof might entertain intelligence, aswell as traffic, with the inhabitants of those parts; or, for that the same of their Chivalry did invite; or, for that his acquaintance at his arrival grew there first; or, for that these and many other circumstances met in this accident: sure it is, that Dermot raised his first, and principal succours from among the English Colonies there. Robert Fitz-Stephen. (52) The Welsh had then in their hands a valiant Gentleman of Norman race, one Robert * Authors call him Stephanides. Fitz-Stephen, who by Gilbert de Clare was entrusted with the defence of the town of Cardigan, but through * Camb. p. 518. treachery the Town being surprised, Robert was also delivered up to Rhese ap Gruffin, Prince of South Wales, who would harken to no other endentments of his liberty, but only, that he should for ever abandon his possessions in Wales. Whereupon (the opportunity of Dermots quarrel giving hopes of new fortunes) immediately he entered into contract with the Irish king, promising by a certain day to come to his succour, with as many Voluntaries, as his remaining fortunes, or the hope of the voyage could stir: which he * annal Hiber. apud Camb. & Giral. Cambr. did accordingly perform, leaving it very disputable, whether with more success or courage. But Dermot well knowing that the fortunes of this Gentleman (to whose valour nothing seemed Richard Earl of Pembroke. impossible) were unable to undergo the whole weight of the unknown work, had formerly dealt with that renowned Lord, Richard of the house of Clare, * He is commonly called (of his chief seat in Monmouth-shire) Earl of Chepstow or Strigil. Earl of Pembroke, surnamed Strongbow: the man whom the Fate of Ireland did expect. (53) Dermotes persuasions to the Earl were of this kind: That the enterprise, besides the faculty thereof, was full of piety, honour, justice, and commodity: That it appeared so to King The sum of Dermots persuasions Henry himself, by whose leave he was free to gather what forces he could: That he was driven out by the cruel ambition of Neighbours, & treachery of wicked Subjects. That Leinster was a Kingdom, and though but a part, yet clearly the best and richest part of Ireland. That multitudes offered themselves to his aid; but his cares were not only for a General to lead them, but for one to whom he might leave his kingdom also: That the Earl was he, as the only man, in whose person all the respects of birth, honour, bounty, valour, youth and fortunes did happily meet▪ That the Earl (in his conceit) did devil but narrowly (considering what he was worthy of) pent-up in the straits of an Earldoms title, for whom a great Kingdom was not great. That they who would not allow Leinster for a kingdom, did forget, that England once was broken into lesser states; and if Dermot were not a King, neither then were Ella, Cissa, Vffa, Sigbert, Crida, and the rest in the Saxon sevenheaded government: that the quantity of Dominion made more or less strong, but not more or less a King. That he was rightful King of Leinster, as Son and Heir to Murgh King of Leinster▪ that if he must forego his inheritance, it should be to such as had done him no wrong, and were worthy of it; to Richard Strongbow and his followers, and not to Rothericke and Rebels. That he was not unkinged, though vnkingdomed: that Eva his daughter (Eva the pearl and star of Ireland) should indeed be Eva to his enemies to bring upon them death, and just confusion: that yet in defeating the Tyrant Rotherick of his hopes by planting Earl Richard and his Forces, he should provide for his Country, not destroy it. That if it did fall out otherwise, yet his disloyal people had their just deserts, who objecting vices to their Sovereign, did themselves commit vile treasons. Indeed (quoth he) I was never such a King, as that I was not also a Man. But for those matters between God and me, here is now no place to accounted, for though his justice hath found me out, yet his mercy hath left me more friends at home, than the number & measure of my sins deserve: My quarrel is most just, as against most wicked rebels and usurpers: Restore me then (my Lord) by your puissance to my native soil, and my lawful rights therein: restore with me Religion and Discipline to the ancient splendour thereof, which was not greater in any Realm about us then in Ireland; reduce the stray, enlighten our ignorance, polish our rudeness, and let not such abundant matter of merit and immortal glory escape you. God himself will▪ prospero the enterprise; holy Church hath long since approved it: and upon such Authors what can miscarry? And though in thy noble and * The Irish phrase to use thou and thee. Christian courage nothing can weigh so much, (and these I see work mightily) yet to satisfy all respects, Thou shalt have far larger territories than here Thou canst possess, and goodly lands to distribute for reward among thy friends and followers. My last offers now shall not show a more desire to use thy forces, than a love to thy person & virtues. They are not trifies I propose, but that of which God himself doth seem to me to have laid the ground; seeing it is his holy will that thou at this time shouldst be without a wife. Know thou then, that I have that one daughter Eva, the heir of my Crown, and comfort of my age: let thine own eye tell thee how fair and worthy: this I dare avouch, that thou wilt think far broader seas well crossed, for view of so honest beauty: she in the first blossom of her youth, a virtuous virgin, and by both Parents borne of Princes, shall at thine arrival, with this right hand, be made thine, and with her after my death, my whole realm, and other my rights whatsoever: which were they infinitely more; (despise not such love, nor the alliance of one distressed, but nevertheless a King,) I would repute them far too little for such a son in law: who though thyself as yet no King * This seemeth to be spoken, because his mother Jsabel was Aunt (by the mother) to Malcolm King of Scots: Cambd. annal Hibern. Ann. 1169. Earl Richard agrees. , art come of Kings, and it is my whole and last ambition, that I may live to make thee one. The Earl accepted the conditions, resolute to set up Dermot again, and for that purpose bound himself by solemn contract, to the full performance of his part within a certain time. (53) Dermot having thus negotiated his affairs and set it in so good forwardness, while his friends in England prepared themselves and their Forces, jest he should seem to rely upon foreign aides, and so to diminish with them the reputation of his own valour and alliances at home; he sails back into his Country; carrying with him the promises of confederates, and there▪ both by his presence and persuasions did the best he could to facilitate the entrance of the English; whose honourable entertainments, devotions, civility, riches, valours, wisdom, and victorious greatnesses he spared not to celebrated, as instruments advancing his own designs: which raised no little expectation, mixed with contrary affections of desire and fear. Robert Fitz Stephen sailed into Ireland. (54) The next year, when the season grew fit for an Army to take the field, Robert Fitz-Stephen accompanied with Maurice Fitz-Gerald his half brother by the surer side▪ & * Triginta Militibus. a competent number of Soldiers, reposing (under God) their chief hope in their swords and courages, set sail for Ireland; & Manusc. Clonmel. in Custod. Patrit. White. An. D. 1170 They were Soldiers of all sorts 390. Stows Annals. ad An. Dom. 1170. in the beginning of May came on shore, at a place called by the Irish, ban (by the English at this day commonly, Bag and Bunn) which in our language signifies Sacred: a word which (so much as names may be presages of things) did as it were hollow the attempt of the English with a lucky and gracious omination, whereof the Inhabitants at this present retain this rhyme. At the head of Bag and Bunn, Ireland was lost and won. (55) The next day after, Maurice de Prendergast also, with * Manuscr. Clonmel, ibid. other men of Arms, and many Archers in two ships arrived there, being parcel of Fitzstephans Forces and Companions of his Fortunes, who joining themselves together, immediately marched to the City of Weisford under their Banners, and that in the greatest bravery they could, (the Knights and Men at Arms, in their * The name of Pendergast yet remains in Ireland: taken first (as seemeth) from a Town of that name in Penbrokeshire. Coats of Arms & Colours) to draw thereby now at the first the greater reputation to themselves, and with opinion so gotten, to fill up the smallness of their numbere: in which manner assailing the City, the Irish therein rendered themselves, and in reward of the service, being also * Pendergasts coat Armour, was Gules, a Salto●r Vary, as my learned friend, M. Bolton (whose notes have given me much light in this King's life, and divers others) himself observed in the friars Church at clonmel. according to capitulation, and encouragement of others, who were to proceed in this war, Dermot, to whose use the English General had taken it, * Girald. Cambr. in expug. Hiber. bestowed the City itself, and the Country about upon Robert Fitz-Stephen, at his pleasure to be disposed off: and there the first Colony of our Nation was planted, which hath ever since immoveably maintained their abode among innumerable changes in the world, retaining at this day the ancient attire of the English, and the language * Camb. p. 748. The first English Colony. also itself, though brackish with the mixture of vulgar Irish, which therefore by a distinct name is called Weisford speech, current only in that City, & the County about. Weisford speech. (56) But Robert Fitz-Stephan thus advanced, for his more assurance, began to raise a * Camb. ibid. Town at Carrack, making the place which nature had already fortified, much more by Art defensible. This entry into Ireland being by him now made (under the name of Henry King of England) and the success exceeding hope, Richard Strongbow receiving advertisement Earl Richard prepared for Jreland, from Dermot, and the new Lord of Weisford, of all occurrences; thought fit, first to dispatch * Annal. Hibern. apud Camb. p. 795. Raimund sent before with supplies. some supplies to Fitz-Stephen, which about the beginning of May, under the conduct of Raimund le gross (a Gentleman of the Earl's family) were accordingly sent: and after Raimund the Earl himself in the same year set forth: His Forces were about * Annal. Hibern. apud Camb. p. cad▪ An. 1171. Chron. Regum Manniae apud Cambd. Manuscr. Clonm. Annalib. Hiber. apud Cam. ubi perperam 'pon. 1169. pro 1171. ut patet ibid. ad An. 1185. two hundredth men of Arms, and a thousand other Soldiers, with whom he came safe to Anchor in the Bay of Waterford, upon the Vigil of Saint Bartholomew, August, 23. Ann. 1171. Earl Richard the General, knowing that expedition did carry with it terror and advantage, presently marcheth to Porthlarge, Earl Richard's first attempts. Waterford taken (the Irish name of Waterford) and upon the very next day took the City by force, and sacrificed the armed Inhabitants to the revenge of Dermot, so the rather to make room, and security for themselves, to the exceeding terror, and just dismay of all about, as they who found, that, howsoever the pretence was to resettle Dermot, the purpose was to seat the English for ever. (57) But Dermot, Author of this calamity to He marrieth the Lady Eua. his Nation, resolute in his purpose, in full compliment of his Contract, doth openly in solemn manner bestow his promised daughter Eva, upon the Conqueror in marriage, with his own right hand giving her in the Church: at which time, the famous Strongbow did not celebrated his particular Wedding-day, but the indissoluble knot of the Irish allegiance to the English Sovereignty, with the same Ring which circuled his wives finger, affiancing that Island to this our Country. (58) The Marriage performed, it was far from the mind of the Earl to spend much time in revels Earl Richard march th' to Dublin. and feasts, but consults with his men of war what was next to be done for the settling his Father in law King Dermot, and for finishing the Conquest which was now so happily begun, in two several parts of Ireland at once. Leaving therefore a sufficient Garrison to make good the places already gained, & to secure the landing of fresh supplies, he sets forward with his selected Companies, to whose victorious weapons the whole Realm lay open, so far forth, that Rotherick himself was very well contented (notwithstanding his lately usurped, & swelling title of Monarch of Ireland) to hold himself within the bogs and fastenesses of his peculiar Realm, the wild, and mountainous Connaught; mean while, Strongbow keeps on his way over the bosom of Ireland to the principal City thereof, Dublin, taking in (as he marcheth) all the places about, and securing himself by pledges, of their loyalty, or otherwise, as he saw most fit. In which journey, pleased with the delight and fertile situation of * Camd. p. 752. Kildare, he resolved there to settle his abode, and to erect a seat to his posterity. The conquest of Dublin being speedily, and most Dublin taken. happily achieved; not long after, Dermot Mac Dermot King of Leinster dieth. Murgh, Father in law to the Earl (whom the Irish for his affection to the English, call Dermot Ningall, that is, Dermot the Stranger's friend) breathed his last at Fernys, dying, ( * Annal. Hiber. pr●fat. plenus dierum.) (59) The fame of these successes wafting over the Irish seas, and coming to the King, made him resolve to pass in person thither, that he might have the honour of the Conquest: and not approving such forwardness in the Earl, who (as * Will. P●rnus. Nic. Trivet. Holinsh. p. 83. some say) went against his express commandment, (and indeed * Giral. Cambr. cap. 13. lib. 1. Giraldus, who lived at that time, calls his leave no better than an Ironical leave) and for that he knew not to what insolency such fair fortune might in time allure, as also for that they seemed to handle the Natives too rigorously; * Idem lib. 1. c. 19 thereupon he forbids by his proclamations, any vessel▪ to carry any thing out of his Dominions into Ireland, and commands all English to return before Easter, and leave off their attempts, or their estates in England should be seized for the King. By which Edict these affairs were brought into fearful extremity, which was changed into better condition by the travel of Herueius de Monte Marisco, on the behalf of the Earl, and the adventurers, who finding the King in Glocestershire with an Army for Ireland, appeased his displeasure upon these terms: That the King should have the head City of the Kingdom, Dublin, with the adjacent Cantreds, with all the Coast towns and Castles, the rest to remain to the conquerors to hold of the King, and of his Heirs, and so to be under his protection, as Subjects aught, and as they were before; which subjection it seemed to the King they meant to have renounced. (60) The King's goodly Navy lay in Milford haven, Giral. Camb. to which as he journeyed, he thundered against the Welsh Nobility, coming to entertain him, for suffering Strongbow to departed: At last being embarked, he had a fair Gale which set him safe in Ireland with An. D. 1172. all his Forces at Waterford, where first he commits to prison Robert Fitz. Stephen, whom the Citizens King Henry's doings in Ireland presented bound, having held him in custody, under colour of doing good service, because he had entered Ireland without the King's particular leave; yet soon after the King released him, but deprived him of Weisford and the territories. Then takes he the homages Girald. Camb. lib. 1. Hib. exp. Ca 31. 32. etc. of such petty Kings, and principal persons of the Irish as repaired, dismissing them in honourable sort, meaning to winme them by gentle, and not exasperating courses; and marching through Ossyrie to Dublin, he takes o Rotherick the King of Connaughts homage by Hugh Lacie, and William Fitz-Aldelm: lastly, at Dublin he kept his Christmas in Royal state, which to behold, very many of the Irish Princes came thither. (61) Mindful now of his duty to God, the Island being calm, and silent through the presence of Religion established by a Synod at Cashell. such a mighty Monarch, the most noble King of England, and triumphator of Ireland (as * Idem. cap. 33 & 34. mine Author styleth him) causeth a Sin ode to be holden at Cassils' for reformation of the Irish Church, where amongst sundry other constitutions, to which the Irish Clergy did willingly submit, it was decreed, That all the Church-lands, and their possessions should be altogether free from the exaction of secular men, & that from thenceforth, all Divine things should be handled in every part of Ireland in such sort, as the Church of England handleth them. For (saith the Constitution) it is most just, and meet, that as Ireland hath by God's mercy obtained a Lord, and King out of England, so also that from thence they should receive a better form of life, and manners, than heretofore they used. (62) The King continuing his politic jealousies, and thinking Strongbow to be as yet too great, draws from his dependency Raimund, Milo Cogan, William Makarel, and other of the best Captains, & makes them his own by bounty. But before he could fully establish that Kingdom (the inseparable evil fate thereof, which would never suffer it to enjoy the blessed benefit of exact civility) other affairs which he esteemed more necessary, call him away, and therefore having left Hugh Lacie at Dublin, he sets sail for England upon Easter * Easter day afternoon saith Math. Paris & Ypodigm. Neustr. Monday, and landed happily at Saint David's in Pembrookeshire, from whence with all speed he posteth into Normandy. (63) In Normandy there attended for his arrival two Cardinals, sent as Legates at his own request, Giral. Camb. Hib. exp. lib. 1. c. 38. for taking his purgation concerning the death of the Archbishop of Canterbury, whereof, upon oath that he was no way consenting to that cruel, and sacrilegious revenge, and declaring withal his infinite sorrow for having in his anger given occasion by rash words for others to do that deed, and giving further oath to perform enjoined penances, he was by them absolved. The condition of his absolutions were, That he Math. Paris. Sabellicus Ennead 9 lib. 5. should at his own charge maintain two hundredth Soldiers for an whole year for defence of the holy land. That he should suffer Appeals to be made freely. That he should suffer Appeals to be made freely. That he should revoke all customs introduced to the prejudice of the Church's liberty. That he should restore and make up the possessions of the Church of Canterbury. That he should freely receive all such as were in banishment for Beekets cause, etc. Not long after Thomas was canonised Mat. Wistm. Nic. Trivet. Holinsh. pag. 83. by Pope Alexander, and so not only the victory clearly given him against King Henry, but a triumph also. (64) Now began the womb of rebellion, and unnatural conspiracies to disclose the mischiefs which were ordained to exercise this right redoubted King and Warrior, hatched here at home by the malice (some say) of Eleanor his Queen, at such time as he was absent in Ireland, so that as * Math. Paris one writes, God stirred up the Kings own bowels against himself. Causes of this unhappy dissension, there were many: First a Queen and Wife, violently vindicative for wrong done unto her Bed by the King, who was immoderately addicted to variety of loves: then Ambition in an evill-naturd Child, and lastly, pernicious Actors and instruments, who, for their own ends, nourished this cursed mischief; so as if we should out of our stories recapitulate the several occasions taken by the son against the father, we should rather show you the colours, than the causes: For none of those causes which his Son pretended, seemed great enough with men that fear God, to bear out such continual divisions as followed. (65) The head of this conspiracy was very great, and justly very terrible: for on the side of King Henry the son, there were the Kings of France and Scotland, * Ypodig. Neustr. Richard and Geffrey, two younger sons of the King of England, whom by their mother's persuasions they forsook, to follow the yongue King; David the Scotish Kings brother, Philip Earl of Flanders, (a Peer of France, and a potent Prince,) Matthew Earl of Boulogne, Theobald Earl of Blois, Hugh Earl of Chester, Robert Earl of Leicester, Hugh Bigot Earl of Norfolk, Roger Mowbray, and other great ones, in great numbers, so as nothing seemed wanting, but only a good cause, which (such as it was) Queen Elinor, like an Allecto, kept alive, so much as lay in her, with perpetual fomentations. And indeed the scope of these confederates did require no less a combination, it being to depose the Father, whom it pleased them (for countenance of their ungodly arms) to repute no King, because he had crowned his son. (66) Though nothing then could come more grievous, to the bleeding heart of a most loving father, than such a war; yet not to be unprovided, he (like a soldier) prepares himself, when fair means failed, and found multitudes ready to live, and die with him; the indignity of the unnatural revolt, did so much inflame all honest courages, which acknowledged him their Sovereign. (67) The particular accidents of the wars would fill a volume. At one time Normandy, Guien, and Britain were invaded by the confederates in France, and at the same time Cumberland by the Scots. But the King of England had friends in all those parts, and himself hearing that Vernuil was * Roger Hoveden. besieged by the French King in person, he began at last to kindle, having, like a sleeping Lion, sitten still all that while, and (for that the place had, upon parlea, agreed to tender if aid came not by a day) he arrived to their succour within the time, * Math. Paris. Ypodig. Neustr. sending King Lewis word that he should get him forth of Normandy with speed, or he would without fail, come, and see how he did upon that very day. Lewis, meaning nothing less than to put his own Crown in danger, while he sought one for his son in law, (and therefore in all the warre-time, would never set up his rest upon a battle,) but willing otherwise to do to King Henry the father, all the harm he could, by countenancing the faction, and supporting the revolted malcontents with his best means, and knowing King Henry was a sour and terrible Prince when he came indeed to fight, immediately raised his siege, and with as much haste as he might, abandoned the place * Th. Walls. in Ypodig. Neustri. leaving his Camp, tents, and warlike provisions behind, and retired into France. (68) And though King Henry, beginning now An. D. 1173. indeed to shake his dreadful sword, had many fair days of his enemies, mixed with some losses both of men and other strengths, though not great, nor many, in regard of the overthrows which on his behalf were given: For that in Britain his forces had * Roger Houed. in battle vanquished Hugh Earl of Chester, & Ralph de Foulgiers, and slain about one thousand and five hundred of their army; & in England, Reignald Earl of Cornwall, and Richard de Lucy, had in bloody battle * Math. Paris overthrown the insolent Earl of Leicester, and * Polydor. Virg. entered the town of Leicester by force; and that he had the persons of the said * Ypodig. Neustr. Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester, Ralph de Fulgiers, and very many other prisoners of especial note and Nobility; yet Lewis the French King moving a parlea, the father desirous to use the good fortune of war, to reclaim his rebels, was so willing to make peace, that he might seem to have outgone expectation in the quality of his * Hoveden. offers, but through such wicked persuasions, as were used, prevailed not. (69) A violent firebrand in this division, was Robert Earl of Leicester, being matched with a Lady * Math. Paris. The outrageous and disloyal behaviour of the Earl of Leicester no less proud, and stomachous than himself; who at this meeting, was not contented to have affronted King Henry the father, on the behalf of his yongue Lord, and Master the son, but (after many * Roger Houed. Holinsh. words of reproach) is said to have laid his daring hand upon his sword, with purpose to have strucken the King, had he not been withholden: (and where such spirits had to do, it is easy to guess what kinds of counsel were like to be embraced and pursued;) * Ypod. Neustr. having forsaken the father, not for that the others cause was more honest, but for that (saith Thomas Walsingham) the father King, labouring to enlarge the regal power, sought to set his foot upon the necks of the proud and haughty. (70) But God, who meant to chastise the King▪ and not to deliver him up into his enemy's hands, The King's victory in England he being absent. destroyed those hopes, that moved the sons to their unnatural attempts; for it was not long after, when news came into Normandy, that his faithful friends and servants, * Polyd. Virg. Henry Hunt. Holinsh. in H. 2. Richard de Lucy and Humphrey de Bohun high Constable of England, together with the powers of Reignald Earl of Cornwall the King's uncle, Robert Earl of Gloucester, and William Earl of Arundel, not far from Bury, courageously encountered with the Earl of Leicester, and his * Gallos' quida● vocat. Flemings, of whom above * Hoveden. and Polyd. Virg. saith 10000 were there slain. five thousand were slain, or taken, and among the prisoners was the Earl himself, and * Math. Paris. his Amazonian Countess, whose persons at his commandment were not long after, brought over into Normandy. Lewis King of France conclude● a truce. (71) This * Polyd. Virg. great victory and other good success, did so much advantage the King, that Lewis beginning to distrust the enterprise, sought for six months truce for himself, and had it granted: but because there were yet in England, two principal men, * Mat. Paris. the Earl of Norfolk, and Roger Mowbray, which held out; having Leicester for their Rendezvous, and seat of war, with no small numbers of partakers, notwithstanding that Geffrey (the Elect of Lincoln, the King's base son) had taken two of Mowbrays Castles, and done other good service for his Lord and Father, the truce served the enemy for no other purpose but to breath, and to repair himself. * Ypod. Neust. (72) The father (of whom Lewis said, that, he seemed not to go, but to fly, he went with such celerity from one place and Kingdom▪ to another) in the mean while, recovers Xaincts from Richard his violent son, weakening that party by so much, and would have weakened it far more, but that advertisements came post, declaring such matter, as made him speed into Normandy. (73) Thither * Math. Paris. Great new dangers against the King. came unto him out of England, Richard (the Elect of Winchester) sent with all haste by the King's justiciaries, to lay open unto him, the dangerous estate wherein the Realm at that time stood. For after that Philip Earl of Flanders had solemnly sworn to invade England, in supportation of yongue Henry's quarrel, sundry forces arriving and joining with Hugh Bigot Earl of Norfolk, had taken and spoiled the City of Norwith, and done otherwise much harm, whereby the yongue King and his faction had taken great encouragement, as if the die of war were turned, and aswell the yongue King as the Earl of Flanders, were come with forces to the Coasts, there to transport for England: * Rog. Houed. Moreover, Robert Earl Ferrer of Derby (who was fallen from the father) had suddenly entered upon Nottingham, burned the town, beaten out the King's Garrison, slain the people, and (enriched with spoil) retired to Leicester, whether about the same time, Anketill Malorie (Constable thereof) had also brought about two hundred prisoners taken at Northampton, which he (with slaughter of the like number of the Townsmen) had also suddenly surprised and taken: so that the Realm stood doubtful, and in extreme peril; to the increase whereof, William King of Scots (being deep in the confederacy) invaded England, dividing his Forces, himself with part wasting Northumberland, and Duncan (a very cruel Captain) with the other destroying the western Borderers. (74) The Father wonderfully stirred herewith, leaves Normandy in as good assurance as the time King Henry sails into Normandy. would permit, and sends before him to the Ships, Eleanor his own Queen, and Queen Margaret his sons wife, his son john, etc. the Earl of Leicester and his Countess, with many other prisoners, and a mighty Army; but the wind changing, and he compelled to stay in harbour at Barbefleet in Normandy, where he had taken shipping, he is said (God touching his heart) to have uttered these words with much remorse, in the presence of all; If my purpose in this voyage be for the peace of the Clergy and people, and if the King of heaven shall vouchsafe to quiet and calm these troubles at my arrival, then for his mercy's sake we beseech him to sand us a prosperous wind: But if he be against it, and hath resolved to visit the Kingdom of England with the rod of his fury▪ ●●t him grant me never to touch the shore of that Country more. His Prayer thus uttered from the depth of soul, was secunded with a fresh perie of wind: whereupon setting sail, he arrived safe the same day with all his Navy at the Port of Hampton in England. (75) The next day he took his journey towards Canterbury, where (as it appeareth) the residue of his penance enjoined him at his Absolution, was to be performed. For, besides the forementioned conditions, the Legates enjoined him (saith the * Vita B. Th. l. 4. c. 5. Author of Beckets life) some other thing secretly, which came not to our knowledge; yea the * Epist. ad Archi. Raven. apud Hoveden. Legates themselves wrote in their own letters, that he then promised to do (voluntarily, if ye list to believe it) some things which was not fit for them to lay open in writing. And well might they be ashamed thereof; but if it were so unfit to be written, how unfit was it to be imposed on such a Sovereign Prince? what it was, let * Rog. Houed. in H. 2 p. 308. Hoveden report. The King coming towards the Church, where the late Archbishop was buried, clad all in woollen, went three miles barefooted; insomuch, that the very ground where he went, was bloody, as was evidently seen, much blood running from his tender feet which were cut with the hard stones. Neither yet was this the worst; for after all this, He received Discipline at the hands of the Bishops, of a great many Priests, and of the Monks. Geruasius names Abbots also, whereby appears, that every several sort were Mat. Paris. Ann. 1174. Walsingh. Nubrigensis. Capgrave. Geruas'. Dorob. etc. to have a hand in that service. Matthew Paris can tell you more plainly what that Discipling was: viz. he received the Discipline of rods on his bore flesh, receiving of every religious man, (a great multitude of them being there gathered) 3. or 5. jerks a piece: whence we may easily believe, Baronius and his * Apud Baron. An. Dom. 1174. Author spoke within compass, who acknowledge he received 80. lashes. To such height was the Papal tyranny and pride grown towards those, of whom God had said expressly, Touch not mine Anointed. (76) Yet some Monks of that age, attribute the happy and great success which ensued, to the reconcilement which King Henry thus made with Math. Paris. Rog Houed. Ypodig. Neust. Hector Boetius. 13. li. c. 3. saith the King was taken, 13. ●ul. Ann. Dom. 1174. God for the blood of Thomas, because it pleased God to deliver his enemy William King of Scots into the hands of his soldiers about that very time, & did also with storms beaten back into France his disobedient son the young King, being now under sail for England, scattering the whole Fleet, and almost sinking it with tempest. (77) The Kings other actions till his next return into Normandy, which was not long after, (because Lewis King of France, and his son in law the young King Henry, the head to which all this putrefied humour drew, with the Earl of Flanders had laid a strong siege to the City of Rouen) * Ypod. Neust. Thomas Walsingham comprehends in these few words; He tamed his Rebels, put his enemies to flight, seized on their fortresses. And so having in a manner miraculously quieted the Realm, he takes with him the King of Scotland, the Earls of Leicester and Chester, with other his chief Prisoners * Rog. Houed. (whom he afterwards first imprisoned at Caen in Normandy, & then at Faleis) but leaving his seditious wife behind him under strait custody, he arrives with his puissance in Normandy, which being understood in the Confederates Camp, the same * Mat. Paris Ypod. Neust. broke up, and first setting fire on all the engines of war, retreated into France in such sort, that the English soldiers laid hold upon much munition and warlike furniture. Roger Hoveden (a very sure Author) saith * Rog. Houed. that the confederates had only besieged Rouen upon one side, and that Lewis hearing that the victorious King Henry was within Rouen, did first sand away the weak, and worst of his Army, and then deceiving the English with a solemn promise of returning the next day, to enter into a conference with the King about making a final agreement, did departed; so that Hoveden aggravates the dishonour of the retreat, with the note of faith-breach. The great felicity▪ of King Henry. (78) Let the greatness and felicity of this King be now but slightly looked upon, and it will appear, that no Prince of those times was hitherto so much bound to God for manifold favours as he. The King and power of France, after so many attempts with the young King of England, and all their forces, flying at his presence without any stroke strucken, the valiant king of Scotland prisoner, and the chiefest of his Rebels under his foot, England assured, Scotland dismayed, Ireland retained, Wales ministering soldiers, Normandy in possession, and all the coasting Regions, Britain, Angiou, Poictou, Main, Tourain, Limosin, Gascoign, Guien, etc. from thence as far as the Mountains which separate Spain from France, under his dominion; and the blessing of Peace shortly after ensuing, upon such terms as himself could reasonably wish, made An. D. 1175. him like another Solomon to be sought unto: his Wisdom and Magnificence being in such high credit through the Christian World, that the Kings of Castille and Navarre chose him sole Arbiter in their debate, which to both their contentment he most wisely determined; and then * Mat. Paris. Ypodig. Neust. at one time in his Palace at Westminster were seen together, the Ambassadors of Manuel Emperor of Constantinople, of Frederick Emperor of Romans, of * Rog. Hove. William Archbishop of Triers in Germany, (a mighty Prince) of the Duke of Saxony, and of Philip Earl of Flanders. Moreover he had the government of France for a time, the Kingdom of jerusalem offered him, but refused, and two of his daughters married to the two Kings * Math. Paris. of Castille and Sicily. (79) There was first therefore a truce taken betwixt the three Kings, Lewis and the two Henry's; wherein Richard (who stood out) was left to his Father's prosecution, who seeing himself thus destitute after many flashes of preparation to resist, and great conflicts with himself, put himself most humbly into his Father's mercy, and throwing himself * Roger Hovede. with tears at his feet, obtained the pardon he begged, and a full restitution to his most inward grace and favour. A most christan, fatherly, wise & happy Act; for Richard overcome with this unexpected and incredible goodness, never desisted till he had brought the young King to a final atonement, arms being laid apart upon all hands. The An. D. 1175. The Articles of Peace. chief points of that wished peace were: 1. That Henry the young King with Richard and Geffrey his brethren should return, freed from all oaths of confederation, to the King their Father's obedience, as to their Lord and Father. 2. That Prisoners should be set at large without ransom on all hands. 3. That William King of Scots, the Earl of Leicester and Chester, Ralph de Fulgiers, & other, who had compounded for their ransom, before this conclusion, should have no benefit of this exemption. 4. That King Henry the Father should take assurance of loyalty toward him by hostage, or oath of such as were enlarged. 5. That King Henry the son should ratify that Grant which his Father the King had made to his son john, of some Castles, & yearly rents in England, etc. The Seal itself, wherewith the young king made this mentioned Ratification, we have here annexed. HENRICUSREXANGLOR●DUXNORA●●ETCOMESADEGAU● (80) Touching King William of Scotland, his forementioned compounding: our Historians all agreed not, * Hoveden. Math. Paris Nic. Trivet. Walsingh. etc. some saying more, * Polyd. Virg. Hist. Angl. lib. 13. some less: but * Hect. Boe. transla. lib. 13. cap. 5. Hector Boetius (a Scotish Historian of some credit with that Nation) writes; 1. That King William was to pay 100000. l. Striueling for his ransom▪ the one half in present coin, the other 50000 l. upon The points according to the Scotish Authors. time▪ 2. That for assurance of that sum the Earldoms of Northumberland, Cumberland & Huntingdon should rest in mortgage 3 That K. William should move no war against England for the retention of those lands. 4. That, for the more security of the premises, the Castles of Berwick, Edenbrough, Roxbrough & Striueling should be delivered to the English. (81) In the mean while, King Henry according to Covenants, dischargeth out of captivity nine hundred sixty and nine men of Arms, taken in those late wars; and King Henry the son discharged above one hundredth; and having accomplished whatsoever might content or secure his Father, they prepared for England, where the joyous letters of their coming written by the Father, had begotten great and longing expectations in the subjects; Math▪ Paris. which he did, (saith Paris) That whom the general danger of war had afflicted, the common gladness might recomfort. In their travail thitherward the confidence was such upon this fresh reconcilement, that one Chamber and table served both, for whom before one Kingdom was not wide enough. They landed at * Rog. Houed. An. D. 1175. Portsmouth upon Friday, 20. Maij, 1175. (82) The face of England at this present, was like that of a quiet sky and sea, no blast, no billow, no appearing sign of discontentment; which the better to continued, King Henry the Father accompanied with the King his son, omitted no office of a just and prudent Governor, visiting a great part of his Realm in person, consulting, ordering and enacting such laws and courses, as might most establish Constitutions at London the King's being present. the good of Peace. Hence it came, that at London both the Kings were present in a Synod, in which Richard lately chosen Archbishop of Canterbury, did publish ( * Geruasius. Rog. Houed. with the King's assent) certain Canons for the better government of the Church of England, beginning thus; At the true fountain of all Hoveden. in H. 2. fol. 310. Simony was loss of Patronage for ever. happy rule, that is to say, at the honour of God, and establishment of Religion & Discipline, etc. & amongst the rest, this one Canon in especial words is enacted, both by authority of the King & Synod, (and indeed worthy for ever to be in force) That every Patron taking reward for any presentation, should for ever lose the Patronage thereof. And the same Kings not long after being at Woodstock, in accomplishment of such holy purposes, by advise of the Clergy provided men to such Bishoprics, Abbacies, and principal cures as were vacant, where King Henry the Father forgot not his true friend john of Oxenford, whom he preferred to the See of Norwich. (83) From hence coming to York, he set those parts in peace; whither William King of Scots* repairing, sundry matters of importance were handled The Kings at York. between the two Kings: as likewise afterward at Windsor (where the King had called a great assembly of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal) Rotherick King of Connaught in Ireland (at the suit of his Ambassadors, the Archbishop of Thuamon and Toomund, & others of that nation, subjects to Rotherick) was received into protection & favour, and become Tributary: K. Henry being unwilling * Polyd. Virg. Parliament at Northampton. to fish with an hook of gold, which in warring upon Ireland he should seem to do. In an other Parliament, not long after at Northampton, he caused England to be divided An. D. 1176. The first justitiars Jtinerants. Holinsh. in Hen. 2. Hoveden. into six circuits, & to each Circuit three justiciars Itinerants deputed; and aswell to give his laws more free passage, as also the better to secure himself he threw to the earth sundry * Math. Paris Roger Wend. Manusc. Castles which had been formerly kept against him, as Leicester, Huntingdon, Walton, Groby, Stutesbury, etc. and had the rest both in his English and in his French Dominions committed to his disposition. (84) The young King * Rog. Houed. Polyd. Virg. about these times discovered fresh alienations in his mind against his Father; who yet dissembling all, did arm notwithstanding upon the defensive, and replenished both England and Normandy with Garrisons, which drew the son the sooner to come in. (85) But the old King not unwilling perhaps (jest the brethren's concord might prove no better than a conspiracy against the Father) that his warlike Children should contend, * Tho. Walsingh. in Ypod. Neust. did nourish debate among them: Certain it is, that to divert the war from himself, he appeased his son the King with an increase of maintenance for himself, amounting in the whole to an hundredth pounds Aniovin by the day, and ten pounds of the same money for his wife the Queen: and whereas Alice (daughter of Lewis then King of France, who was married at three Polyd. Virg. in Hen. 2 calls her Adela. years of age to Richard (second son of King Henry) when he was but seven, and now demanded of King Henry the Father, to the intent that Richard her husband might enjoy her, the old King who was * Rog. Houed. suspected to have deflowered her, for that time shifted of the delivery of her person, in such sort that peace was not hindered thereby. An. D. 1183. (86) But while the young King by his Father's * Rog. Wend. Math. Paris. Th▪ Walls. in Ypodig. Neustr. instigation sought by force to constrain young Richard to do homage to him for Aquitaine, and King Henry the Father for the same cause commanded Geffrey his third son, Duke of Britain (whom*some for his extraordinary perfidiousness in this service toward his Father, and manifold sacrilege, calls the * Rog. Hove. Child of Perdition) to aid and assist his said elder brother; while also the jealous Father (out of the strife of his sons) sought his own safety, and in nourishing it, had by the treachery of the said sons been twice endangered, and had at both times been wonderfully preserved; and while the young King by profound dissimulations, plotted to bring both his Father and Brother Richard into subjection; behold the hand of God by taking away the young King at martel not far from Linoges, where his Father lay at siege, gave an end to this odious, fowl and intricate contention. King Henry the son dies in the flower of his youth. (87) Thus was his life cut off like a weavers thread (say * Rog. Wend. MS. Math. Paris. Thom. Walls. Ypodig. Neust. Authors) who had by dying cut of the hope of many: But whatsoever his life was, which God thus shortened at his age of twenty and eight years; certainly his death was not inglorious, but worthy to be set out in Tables at large as a pattern to disobedient Children: for his Father refusing to visit him (fearing his own life,) but sending his Ring in sign of forgiveness; the dying Prince most humbly with floods of tears kissing the same, made a most sorrowful confession of his sins, and feeling death approach, would needs be drawn (as an unworthy sinner) out of his own bed, and laid upon another, strewed with ashes, where his sold departed in a most penitent manner from his body; which being related to the Father, he fell upon the earth, * Rog Houed. weeping bitterly, and (like another David for his Absalon) mourned very much, OH quam nefandum est, saith one most gravely: OH how heinous a thing it is for sons to persecute the father! for neither the sword of the fighter, nor, the hand of an enemy, did avenge the father's wrong: but a fever and a flux with excoriation of the bowels. His body was buried (by his own desire) at Rouen; (which yet was not done without trouble, as An. D. 1183 if the factions, of which he was the cause in his life, did by a kind of Fate, not forsake him being dead; for the Citizens of Mauns having interred it, they of Rouen without menaces, and the father's express commandment, could not obtain it, who thereupon was taken up again,) but his wife Queen Margaret was sent back into France, and his surviving sons were once again reduced to due obedience, not any enemy daring to appear. (88) Who would not have thought, that this stirring Prince, should have had opportunity to end his days in peace and glory? but it was otherwise ordained by God, and ancient writers hold, he was principally scourged, for being drawn, by seeming reasons of State, to put off an holy enterprise, the An. D. 1184. occasion whereof, was laid as it were at his foot. For Heraclius patriarch of Jerusalem, drawn with the supereminent fame of King Henry's wisdom, valour, riches, and puissance, travailed from thence into England, where, * Math. Paris. Roger Wend. at Clerkenwell by London, in an assembly of the States purposely called, the king made known to them: That Pope Lucius had by earnest letters, commended the lamentable state of the Holie-land, and the patriarch Heraclius unto him: That Heraclius (there present) had stirred compassion, and tears, at the rehearsal of the tragical afflictions of the Eastern world, and had brought with him (for memorable * Rog. Houed. signs, that the suit was by Mat. Paris. common consent of the Country) the Keys of the places of Christ's Nativity, Passion, and Resurrection; of David's Tower, and of the holy Sepulchre; and the humble offer of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, with the Ensign or Standard of the Kingdom, as * Roger Houed. fol. 358. duly belonging to him, who was right heir thereunto, to wit, the son of Geffrey Earl of Anjou, whose brother Fulke was king of Jerusalem. King Henry refuseth the kingdom of jerusalem. (89) Nevertheless, (the King having, at lestwise formally, adjured the Lords to advise him, that which should be most for his soul's health) it was thought fit, to aid the cause with money, but not to employ his person, north person of any child he had, which was the patriarchs last request; and thereupon (to the unspeakable grief of the said patriarch, and of the whole Christianity of the East) he refused the said Kingdom, and abandoned as noble an occasion of immortal renown, as ever any King of England had been offered; but gave leave * Rog. Houed. fol. 35●. to all such as would, to take upon them the Cross and serve. This Heraclius is he who dedicated the Temple Church in London, as by this Inscription over the Church door in the Stone-worke doth appear. An Inscription upon the Temple Church. ANNO AB INCARNATIONE DOMINI M. C. LXXXV DEDICATA HEC ●CCLESIA IN HONOREM BEAT MARIE A DNO ●RACLIO DEI GRATIA SANCTER●SURRECTIONIS ECCL●SIE PATRIARCHA two IDUS FEBRVARII. Q ⁱ EAM ANNATIM P●TENTIBUS DE INIUNCTA S ⁱ PENITENTIA LX DIES INDULSIT. Heraclius departs (90) Thus the sorrowful patriarch being dismissed (not forgetting as * Ran. Higden. Polyd. Virg. in Hen. 2. some do writ, to thunder against the King for abandoning the cause) brought back nothing but discomfort and despair, the Western Princes (by the devils malicious Arts) being wrapped and knotted in mutual suspicions and quarrels indetermined, whereupon shortly after, ensued, with the loss of jerusalem, the captivity of Guido King thereof, and of innumerable Christians besides; whom Sultan Saladin, Prince of the Musulmanss or Saracens, to the grief and disgrace of all the Christian world, did vanquish. An. D. 1185. (91) But, King Henry's mind was more fixed on settling the state of his already-possessed Kingdoms, Roger Houed. King Henry gives John his son Ireland. and therefore in a great Parliament, held at Oxford, (unto which came Rhesus and David, Kings of South-Wales and North-Wales, with other their chief Nobles, which all did there swear fealty to the King) he being desirous to advance his son john (whom he exceedingly loved, and commonly in sport, he called Sans-terrae) having assured upon him certain Lands and Rents in England and Normandy, did there very solemnly give him also the title & Kingdom of Ireland; for, (besides the foresaid Bull of Pope Adrian the fourth, who for sign of investiture had also sent a * Giral. Camb. lib 2. exp. Hib. c. 5. Hoveden. ring of gold, which were laid up in the Records at Winchester) Giraldus (who lived in that age) tells us (to omit what he writes of one Gurguntius) that Guillomar King of Ireland, was tributary to the famous Arthur: that Baion (whence (saith he) the Irish came) was at that present under King Henry the second; and that the Irish Princes had voluntarily submitted themselves, as unto him who by the * Law of a social war, was become their Jus Belli socialis, is that right, which accrues to Princes or States, who aid one another. Sovereign. But that Author had not seen belike, or did not remember (when thus he went about to prove a legal right in the King) what others writ of * Beda. Egfrides' ungodly spoils in Ireland, or of * Cam. pag. 730. Edgar's Charter, in which is said to be contained, that he had under his rule the chief City of Ireland Dublin, and the greatest part of the kingdom also. But King Henry strengthening his other rights with Grants of the Popes, Adrian, and Alexander, obtained also of urban the third (for Lucius the third, who was Alexander's successor, would not gratify the the King therein) that it should be lawful for him, to crown which of his sons he would, King of Ireland, to whom he sent a crown of Feathers woven with gold, in all their Grants reserving to the Roman See, the Peter's pence, and rights; where upon the King gave the same to his son john, whose Coronation (stung with the like before) his father only did delay, at such time as two Cardinals offered to celebrated that solemnity. (92 At Windsor▪ therefore his father giving him the * Chr. Hib. apud Camb. pag. 795. Order of knighthood (at which time he was about * Houed. fol. 359. pag. 1. & ●. twelve years old) sent him forthwith into Ireland, where the Archbishop of Dublin and the State, entertained him, but (by reason of such parsimony toward his soldiers as was used) he returned the same year without doing much, but not with out having wasted the most part of his Army, in skirmishes with the Irish. His Style in his seal of Ireland (though Hoveden saith, his father made him Regem, a king) was only, Sigillum johannis filij regis Angliae Domini Hiberniae, Lord of Ireland. (93) King Henry, hearing now that his martial son, Earl Richard, had fortified in Poictou against him, and vanquished Geffrey Earl of Britain, * Hoveden. fol 359. pag. 1. prepares a puissant army, upon terror whereof, Richard came in, rendering up Poictou to his mother Elienor, (whose inheritance it was) at his father's commandment. The same year wherein the West was thus defiled with unnatural divisions, the East was likewise polluted with the cursed Apostasy of one Richard de S. Alban (whom we shame to think, was English) who renouncing the Christian belief (upon the patriarchs uncomfortable return) become a principal Commander under the Sultan of Babylon, Salandine, whom the Christians drove, with loss and slaughter of his army, from Jerusalem. But on the An. D. 1186. other side, revenge of disobedience still pursued Geffrey, son of King Henry, who was in a * Idem. pag. 360. Militari conflicts saith Hoveden. Torneament at Paris trodden to death under the horse feet. A miserable end, and a fearful. (94) About which times, between the French and English all things stood unsure, now war, than peace, and war again, by reason that Philip (who had been crowned King some years before, during the life of Lewis) challenging the custody of Arthur, the Posthumus son, and heir of Geffrey Earl of Britain, and sometimes one thing, and sometime another, could not have his will: While Earl Richard turning to Philip against his Father, but obtaining a truce for two years, such amity (if there be any amity among mighty Princes) grew between king Philip and Earl Richard, Heir apparent of England and Normandy, etc. that one bed and board served both. The Father perplexed, calls his son home, who pretending many griefs, as the detention of Alice his Spouse, the doubt of disinherison, and other things, stood out again; and again after a while submits to his Father. Then bursts forth Philip into Arms; and things so standing, the heavy news of jerusalem lost, flew into Christendom. When this City was formerly recovered by Godfrey of Bolein, an urban was Pope, a Frederick was Emperor, an Heraclius Patriarch; so now when it was lost, an urban was Pope, a Frederick was Emperor, and an Heraclius Patriarch. An. D. 1188 (95) Upon these news Henry and Philip meet, and for the honour of God, laying down displeasure, in presence of William Archbishop of tire, at which time some say a Cross appeared in the air, take upon them, as Soldiers of Christ, the badge of the Cross, and there the better to distinguish themselves, it was agreed that the * Roger Houed. fol. 365. Math. Paris. French should wear read Crosses, the English White, and the Flemish Greene. And this determination was seconded with warlike preparations, levies of money, and institution of martial Discipline: all which notwithstanding nothing went forward. (96) At Richard began the breach of this honourable confederation, who taking revenge upon certain Rebels of his in Poictou, who brooked not his hard hand; one mischief drew another, and at the last both the Kings of England and France become parties to the quarrel, greatly against the mind of K. Henry, whose heart was firmly settled (as it seems) to revenge the cause of Christ upon Sultan Saladine: for that in his * E pist. Henr▪ 〈◊〉 ad Patriar▪ Antioh. apud Rog. Houed. pag. 367. answer to the Patriarch of Antioch, imploring aid, he concludes, That among other Princes himself; and son, rejecting this world's glory, and despising all pleasures whatsoever, and setting behind, all things which were of this World, would in their own person with their whole Forces by the favour of the Lord speedily visit him. And sure the state of those parts required it, Saladine having slain many of the Knight's Templars, and Nobles, and above thirty thousand footmen, with innumerable other in Cities and Towns by him subdued. Among all which grievous accidents, we cannot (to season sour thereby with sweet) omit one noble protestation made by the chief crossed Lords, Philip Earl of Flanders, the Earl of Bloys and other, who being required to take parts, made answer; That they would not contrary to their promise to God, put armour on, against any Christian, till they had done their devoir against Saladine. (97) In the treaties therefore between Henry and Philip; the demands of Philip on the behalf of Richard were such, and so unsafe for the King (as that all his subjects should swear fealty to Richard during the Father's life; but yet reserving their allegiance to the Father) that Richard apparently fell off, and become Liegeman for Normandy, etc. to Philip King of France; and at a new Treaty (by mediation of a Cardinal Legate▪) the demands of Philip being more hard than before, as that King Henry should not only settle the Kingdom upon Richard, but take john also with him into Palestine, or that otherwise Richard would not go (being jealous of his brother's grace with his Father): Henry would consent to none of those insolent propositions, but disdaining to seem to be enforced, they betook themselves on all sides to their swords. An. D. 1189. An. Reg. 35. (98) The effect whereof was, that former good fortunes forsaking King Henry, he sustained many losses by the Armies of King Philip and Richard, & was driven out of Mentz in Main; (the city where he was born, & which he loved above all other places) by firing of the Suburbs before the enemy came, being casually consumed, he was glad to yield to such conditions as it pleased Philip to prescribe. It is written * Rog. Houed. that at the meeting of these two Kings, the sky being clear, a thunderbolt stroke between them, and after a little pause coming together again, it thundered more terribly, so that Henry had fallen off his horse, but that his people sustained him; whereupon he came presently to an end, though it were to his unspeakable grief; his Kingly heart being used to give, and not to take conditions. King Henry's death. (99) Fearful was the speech which King Henry, when he abandoned Mentz by reason of the fire, uttered against Richard; which was, That sigh he had taken from him that day the thing that he most loved in this world, he would requited him, Holinsh. pag. 119. in Hen. 2. for after that day he would deprive him of that thing which in him should best please a Child, to wit, his Heart. But after the peace concluded, (upon mediation) between the sides, another thing struck nearer; for finding the name of his son john first in the Catalogue of the Conspirators against him in that action, he bitterly cursed the hour of his birth, laying God's curse and his upon his sons, which he would never recall, for any persuasion of the Bishops and others: but coming to Chinon fell there grievously sick, and feeling death approach, he caused himself to be borne into the Church before the Altar, where after humble An. D. 1189. confession, and sorrow for his sins, he departed this life. Accidents after his death, which was, when he had reigned 34. years 7. months and 4. days, being 63. years of age. (100) It shall not (in contempt of human glory) be forgotten, that this puissant Monarch being dead his people presently left him, and fell to spoil all he had, leaving him naked; of whom * Roger Hovede. one saith truly and gravely, Veremelmuscae, etc. Surely, these flies sought honey, these wolves a Carcase, these Aunt's grain; for they did not follow the Man but the spoil and booty. Neither must it be unremembered, that the fierce and violent Richard (now heir of all) coming to meet his Father's body, royally adorned for the burial according to the Majesty of his estate; the very Corpse (as it were abhorring and accusing him for his unnatural behaviours) gushed forth blood; whereat Richard pierced with remorse, melted into floods of tears in most humble and repentant manner, He was buried at Fonte●erard. attending upon the remains of his unfortunate Father to the Grave. His Wife. (101) Eleanor, the Wife of King Henry, was the eldest of the two Daughters, and the sole Heir of William Duke of Aquitaine, the fift of that name, & the ninth in succession, son of Duke William the fourth, her Mother was Daughter to Raimund Earl of Tholouse, and her great Dowry was motive first to King Lewis, (who had two daughters by her, Mary and Alice) and after to King Henry, to marry her. There are of the * Serres in Lewis the younger. French Historians who report that king Henry had a former wife, and that she ba●e unto him Prince Henry: but Writers of our own affairs (and * Paulus Aemylius in Ludovic. 7. who calls her Leonora▪ some also of the French,) acknowledge but only Eleanor for his Wife. Certain it is, that king Henry's times were much famoused by two Women of much differing qualities; the one was his renowned Mother Matildis, whose Epitaph thus comprised part of her glory: Ortu magna, viro maior, sed maxima prole: Hic jacet Henrici Filia, Sponsa, Parens. Here Henry's Mother, Daughter, Wife doth rest: By Birth, much; more, by Spouse; by Child, most blessed. The other was this Eleanor his Wife; the first cause of these bloody Wars, which long after continued as hereditary betwixt England and France, yea and the bellowss of that unnatural discord, betwixt her husband and his sons. She much outlived her husband (as a bad thing sticks longest) being so happy as to see three of her sons, advanced to the Crown, and so unhappy as to see two of them in their graves: for she lived till King john's time. His Issue. (102) William, the eldest son and first child of King Henry, and Queen Eleanor his wife, was borne before his father was King, and while he was but Duke of Normandy, in the eighteenth year of the reign of King Stephen, 1152. and the fourth year after, (his father being then King, and in the second year of his reign) the Nobility of England swore unto him their fealty, as to the heir apparent of the Kingdom, at the Castle of Wallingford in Berkshire; but he deceased the year following, being the third of his father's reign, and the fift of his own age 1156. He was buried in the Monastery of Reading at the feet of his great Grandfather, King Henry the first. (103) Henry, the second son of King Henry, and Queen Eleanor, being borne the last of February 1156. was their heir apparent, after the death of his brother William; was Duke of Normandy, Earl of Anjou and Magne; and was crowned King of England, at Westminster, by Roger Archbishop of York, the fifteenth of julie 1170. His wife was Margaret, daughter of Lewis the Younger, King of France, married to him at Nuburgh in Normandy, the second of November 1160. crowned Queen at Winchester, by Rotrocke of Warwick Archbishop of Rouen, the 21. of November 1163. and surviving him was remarried to Bela, King of Hungary: He died without issue, before his father, at marcel in Touraine, the eleventh of julie, the twenty six year of his father's reign 1182. and was buried in the Church of our Lady at Rouen. Rossus Warwic. & alij. (104) Richard, the third son of King Henry, and Queen Eleanor, was born at Oxford, (in the King's Palace there, called Beaumount,) in September the fourth year of his father's reign 1157. He proved a Prince of great valour, and was therefore surnamed in French Cuer-de-Lion; in English Lions-Heart: he was created Earl of Poytou, and had the whole Duchy of Aquitaine, for which he did his homage to King Lewis the Younger of France, in the eighteenth year of his father's reign 1170. yet afterward he conceived some discontentment against his father, and maintained wars upon him, but was reconciled again into his love, and succeeded him in his Kingdom. (105) Geffrey, the fourth son of King Henry, and of Queen Eleanor, was borne the twenty third of September, in the fifth year of his father's reign 1159. He married Constance daughter and heir of Conan Duke of Britain, and in her right was Duke of Britain, and did his homage to his brother Henry for the same Duchy, and received the homages of the Barons of the same: he died at Paris, in the thirty two year of his father's reign 1186. the nineteenth of August, and is buried in the choir of our Lady's Church there: he had issue Arthur Duke of Britain, borne after his father's decease, the heir apparent of King Richard, and by some supposed to be made away by King john; and also Eleanor called the Damsel of Britain, who died in prison in the reign of King Henry the third. (106) Philip, the fifth son of King Henry, and Queen Eleanor, may be mistrusted, to be mistaken by Antiquaries of our time, as misunder-standing the ancient writers, who mentioning the birth of Philip the King's son, might by good likelihood, be thought to mean, Philip son of Lewis the Younger King of France, who was borne about this time, and was after King of the same Country. But Mr Thomas Talbot, an exact travailer in genealogies, hath not only set him down in this place, amongst the children of this King, but also warranteth the same, to be done with good authority: howsoever, it is apparent, his life was very short. (107) john, the sixth and youngest son of King Henry, and Queen Eleanor, was borne in the thirteenth year of his father's reign, in Anno 1166. he was iestinglie surnamed by his father Sans-terre, in English without Land, because he was borne last, as if there had been nothing left for him: Notwithstanding soon after, he was created Earl of Mortaigne, and had moreover by degrees, the Earldoms of Cornwall, and Gloucester, the Counties of Derby and Lancaster, the Honours of Wallinford and Nottingham, the Castles of Tikhill, Marlborow, and Ludgar●all, with many other great signiories, and (above them all) was also Lord of Ireland, and at the last succeeded his brother Richard in all his Dominions and was King of England. (108) Maud, the eldest daughter of King Henry, and Queen Eleanor, borne in the third year of her father's reign, married to Henry, surnamed the Lion Duke of Saxony; Lothar that died young, Otho the fourth Germane Emperor, and William borne at Winchester, progenitor of the Dukes of Brunswick, who bore for their Arms, the Coat of England, with the two Lions, as King Henry his Grandfather bore, before the match with Queen Eleanor, and Maud married to Geffrey Earl of Perch: She survived him, and died in the first year of the reign of her brother King Richard, and was buried by her husband, in the Church of S. Blaze at Brunswick. (109) Eleanor, the second daughter of King Henry, and Queen Eleanor, was borne at Rouen in Normandy, in the eight year of her father's reign, 1162. She was married to Alfonse, the ninth of that name, surnamed the Good, King of Castille in Spain, and had issue by him Sanches, that died in his infancy: Ferdinando that died in his youth, Henry King of Castille after his Father, Blanch Queen of France, wife to King Lewis the 8. and mother of Saint Lewis. Berengar married to Alfonso king of Lion: Vrraca Queen of Portugal, and Eleanor wife of james king of Arragon. (110) joane, the third and youngest daughter of king Henry, and Queen Eleanor his wife, was born at the City of Angiers in France, in the month of October, the 13. year of her Father's reign, which was the year of our Lord, 1166. when she was eleven years of age; she was with great honour conveyed to the City of Palermo, and there married to William the second of that name, king of Sicil, Duke of Apulia, and Prince of Capua, upon Sunday the 13. day of February, 1177. and was crowned Queen the same day at the same place. She had a son by him named Boamund, whom his Father when he was returned from his Christening, created Duke of Apulia: but the child died first, and the Father after, leaving no issue. And she surviving, married again, and was the third wife of Raimund the fourth of that name, Earl of Tholouz, by him she had Issue Raimund the last Earl of that house, Bertrand Lord of Branquell, Montelore, and Saluiac, and a daughter married to Berald of Elbeine, Prince of Orange. His Natural Issue. (111) William the Natural son of king Henry, born of Rosamund, the daughter of Walter Lord Clifford; which Lady for her incomparable beauty was reputed (with allusion to her name) Rosamundi, the Rose of the world: the dear affection the king bore her, caused both burning jealousy in the Queen, and fatal ruin to herself, albeit the amorous king, for her secrecy and security, (but what walls will not a jealous eye pierce through?) had built for her a most artificial Labyrinth at Woodstock in Oxfordshire, with such cunning windings and intricate passages, as had not Fate, and heavens revenge on Adultery, showed the way, the enraged Queen had not so soon been rid of her Rival, nor that wanton Dame of her life. She was buried in the Nunnery of Godstow by Oxford with this Epitaph. Hac jacet in Tumba Rosa mundi, non Rosa munda; Non redolet, sed olet, quaeredolere solet. This Tomb doth here enclose the World's most beauteous Rose, Rose, passing sweet ere while, Now naught but odour vile. But Hugh (called the Saint) Bishop of Lincoln, thought the Hearse of a Harlot no fit spectacle for a Choir of Virgins to contemplate, & therefore himself in person caused her bones to be cast forth of the Church; which yet those chaste sisters afterward recollected, and placed there again with much honour, erecting a goodly Cross, thus inscribed to the honour of her memory: Qui meathac, oret, Signumque salutis adoret, Vtque tibi detur requies Rosamunda, precetur. All you which pass this way, This Cross adore, and pray, That Rosamunds' Soul; may True rest possess for ay. The first Son which by her King Henry had, was the said William, surnamed in French, Longespee, in English, Long-Sword. He was Earl of Salisbury, in right of Ela his Wife, Daughter and heir of William Earl of that County, son of Earl Patrick, by whom he had Issue William Earl of Salisbury, Stephen Earl of Ulster, Ela Countess of Warwick, Ida Lady Beucham of Bedford, and Isabella Lady Vescie: his son Earl William the second, had Earl William the third, Father of Margaret, Wife of Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln: he died in the Castle of old Salisbury, and was buried in the Cathedral Church of the New City, in the ninth year of the reign of king Henry the third. (112) Geffrey an other Natural son of king Henry, was borne of the Lady Rosamund aforesaid: This man in his tender youth, was (by his Father's procurement) made Archdeacon of Lincoln, and after Bishop of that See, which he held above seven years without consecration: and then resigning Geru. Dorob. it, in the year, 1181. into the hands of Richard Archbishop of Canterbury, and his Father; he An. D. 1181. was made Chancellor of England, and afterward by his brother king Richard, he was advanced to the archbishopric of York, (being consecrated at Tours in France, An. 1191.) which See he governed with good approbation. But in the time of his Brother King john, he underwent many difficulties, by opposing the King's purposes, who therefore made seizure of his whole state, and An. 1207. he left the Land and after five years banishment, died, viz. Ann. 1213. (113) Morgan, an other Natural son of King Henry, is thought by * Mr Ferrer. some (because so small mention is made of him) to have been of no long life after his birth, and to have been borne of some woman in Wales, where this Christian name is most commonly used, and whither this King upon many occasions, sometimes resorted. But * Goodwin of the BB. of Durham. john Stow in the life of King john. some others (whose studious pains, deserve much thanks of posterity) report, that he was gotten on the wife of one Rodulph Bloeth (or Blewet) a knight, and lived both to be Provost of Beverley, and to be elected to the Bishopric of Durham, when coming to Rome for a dispensation (because his Bastardy made him otherwise uncapable) the Pope willed him to profess himself Blewets lawful son, and not the King's Natural, promising to consecrated him on that condition: but he, using the advise of one William Lane his Clerk, told the Pope, that for no worldly promotion, he would renounce his father▪ or deny himself to be of royal blood: so blind were some Prelates of those times, who esteemed spiritual functions, to be but worldly promotions. Richard 1 Monarch 44 RICHARD THE FIRST, DUKE OF NORMANDY, GVYEN AND AQVITAINE, etc. THE FORTY FOURTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISHMEN, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER VI. ✚ RICARD US DEIGRACIAREXAN GLOW RV R. 1. ✚ RIC●ARDUSDUXNORMANNORUMETAQVITANORUMETCOMESANDEGAVORUM RICUSR SR●●X 2 SIL. NICO ●●AV. ON. N RICHARD succeeding to his deceased Father An. D. 1199 King Richard order his estate. Henry, brought forth that wonder, which a Writer ofthat age thus celebrated, * Reg. Houed. Mat. Paris etc. Mirabel a cano; Sol occubuit, Nox nulla secuta est. A Wonder strange I writ, the Sundid set, yet was no Night. Meaning, that though Henry were dead, yet the glory and happiness of the land was not thereby clouded, for that Richard was another Sun, and in some respects far the more bright, and farther shining of the two; as having for honour of Christian Chivalry, wholly consecrated his warlike mind and actions to the service of God, and readvancement of the Cross of Christ, dishonoured by the Infidels in Asia: in which enterprise he was so fervently zealous, that from the time of his Father's death (in whose vows it had been) he meditated scarce any thing else, disposing the affairs of his Estate (but not * carelessly, as some would impose) as Rand. Higden. in Rich. 1. of things which did but only under-serue, and conduce to the main and principal end of advancing his saviours glory, whereunto he judged that action did tend. (2) Having therefore ordered his weightier businesses in Normandy, and other his transmarine Dominions, & in England by his letters, set * Ger. Dorob. the Queen his Mother at liberty from that captivity, wherein her late husband the king had long detained her, (who sensible of others woe by her own, did afterward exercise many works of mercy in that kind) he cuts over hither, aswell to receive all the rights of Sovereignty, and to settle the same; as also to levy means for proceeding in his intended holy voyage, together with Philip king of France, and other Christian Potentates. Kingly power before Coronation. (3) And though before his Coronation, most Writers do not call him a King; yet sure it is, that he and others did immediately, and unquestionably, upon the first accruement of the interest, (which * Rog. Houed. fol. 374. was at his Father's last gasp) exercise all the offices of the royal power; for so he restored Robert Earl of Leicester to his whole estate: So plain it is, that our Government allows not the dangerous convulsions, & empty spaces of an Interregnum, such as in mere elective States are common, if not continual. (4) But in nothing more could this noble Prince King Richard's choice of friends and servants. show his judgement (though he were otherwise * Ger. Dorobor. Sagacis ingenij, of a sharp and searching wit) then in this: That he banished from his familiarity, & (as my Author saith) hated all those of what profession so ever they were, who had forsaken his Father, and both retained, and enriched those other, who had loially stood for him against himself in all assays. (5) At his Coronation, which was most magnificently performed at Westminster, by * Radulp. de Diceto apud Too. Walls. in Ypod. Neustr. Baldwyne Chief matters at the Coronation of Richard. Archbishop of Canterbury, the points of the Oath which he made to God, and the Kingdom of England, at the Altar upon the holy Evangelists, before the Prelates, Nobles, and whole people, * Rog. Houed. fol. 374. were these: 1. That all the days of life he would bear peace, honour, and reverence to God, and holy Church and the Ordinances thereof: 2 That in the people to him committed, he would exercise right, justice, and equity. 3. That he would blot forth naughty laws, and perverse customs, if any were brought upon his Kingdom; and would enact good laws, and the same in good faith keep, and without malengyn. Which oath being most solemnly taken, and the sacred unction performed; the Archbishop standing at the Altar forbade him, on the behalf of Almighty God, to assume that honour, unless he had a full purpose to keep what he had sworn: whereto Richard assenting, and with his own hands, humbly taking the ponderous Crown Imperial from off the Altar, in signification, as is probable, that he held it only from God; he delivers it to the Archbishop, who thereupon accomplished all the Ceremonies of Coronation. (6) Which Act was accidently hanseld, and auspicated jews slain at the Coronation. with the blood of many jews (though utterly against the King's will) who in a tu mult (raised by the * So martial calls the multitude. Ocean) were furiously murdered, which (though it were afterward punished by the Laws) might seem a presage, that this Lionhearted King (as his byname Ceur-de-Lion did import) should be a special destroyer of the Enemies of our Saviour. (7) After counsel therefore (first mover in all worthy enterprises) Money was in his first, and chiefest Richard purueis for the Holy Land cares; for raising whereof, to furnish the intended pilgrimage, he sold, mortgaged, estated, and (by a thousand princely skills) as if he should never have come again, added incredible heaps to those huge sums, which he had scruzed out of Stephen de Turnham, his father's Treasurer (amounting to eleven hundred thousand pounds sterling, if some say true) all hoardward by King Henry. What could indeed be said enough for such a voyage? and it was a cogitation worthy so glorious a purpose, so to order his estate, as if he were not to return at all; because, looking-backe doth unbend and soften resolutions. (8) As for men and soldiers, the Prelates, Friars, and other Preachers, had stirred up innumerable, by their manifold exhortations (the Archbishop of Canterbury having * Gir. Camb. travailed through Wales in person for that purpose, going afterward with the King to Palestine, where also * Rog Houed. Math. Paris. he died) in pulpits and private conferences, sounding nothing but the Cross and Passion of Christ, calling the world to revenge his cause upon the pagan, and setting souls on fire with vehement gestures, actions, and persuasions. But the kingdom of England he ordered thus. (9) The only main danger of the State in his His provision for England. absence, was in his brother john Earl of Mortone, of whose ambition he was somewhat jealous, as * Geruasius. knowing that King Henry, not long before his death, had intended the Crown to him: to conquer therefore his appetites, with bounty, and munificence; and to take away all murmuration in him, for want of Princely competencies, King Richard did as it were share the Realm with him; giving him six Earldoms, Cornwall, Dorset, Sommersette, Nottingham, Derby, and Lancaster, besides Castles, Honours, Manors, Forests, and much other riches, and finally, the Earldom of Gloster, with the Heir of that County to be his Wife, though the Archbishop of Canterbury forbade the Nuptials▪ alleging she was within degrees of consanguinity. (10) But jest, through evil nature or advise, Earl▪ john should convert those so great gifts to the subversion of the bestower, He entrusted him with no part of the Regal power, as the Key, and secret of his proper safety: but laid the main burden of Government upon William Longchamp Bishop of Ely, * Mat. Paris. & alij. chief justitiar, and Lord Chancellor of Roger Houed. England, and Papal Legate, (a person out of all suspicion for aspiring to the Crown) whereby was conferred upon him, whatsoever either King or Pope could grant, for accomplishment of his authority; so that he might well be styled * Rex & Sacerdo●. Mat. Paris. Prince and Priest of England; as he was one, the most powerful subject for the time, that perhaps this Realm hath had: for, though the King had (as it were) joined with him in Commission, one Hugh Bishop of Durham, for the parts of England beyond Humber; yet, as it * Sue●o. li. 1. c. 20. happened in the Consulship of Caesar and Bibulus, that nothing was reported of Bibulus, but all of Caesar, so did Long champ in a short time easily make himself sole and absolute, his sway burying in silence, the name, and endeavours, of his Colleague. (11) Thus the sum of command, or the Sovereign power itself, was in the Chancellor as Viceroy, but for defence and preservation of his justice, Rog. Houed. he * did subordinate or associate to those Bishops, William Earl of Arundel, Hugh Bardolfe, William Martial, Geffrey Fitz-Peter, William Brwer, Robert de Whitfield, Roger Fitz-Remfrey, wherein he did show his love and care of the English Nation, as also of justice itself: for that many of these, were justice is best where it brings Honour rather than riches. of the most honourable Peers of the Land (and not men bred-up or formerly enured to make justice, or their own Tongues venal, for a fee:) honour being the rule of their proceed, and strength of private fortunes, with their Prince's favour, the pillar to sustain that honour. (12) There remained to provide for (before he left England) the neighbourhood of Scotland and Wales, which might otherwise make use of his absence to his prejudice: But Rhese ap Gruffith (of whom there is extant a short but elegant Panegyris) Prince of South-Wales (being already in amity) came as far as Oxford toward him; but because the King (who was there) came not in person to meet him (as his father King Henry had done) the Prince (notwithstanding Earl john the King's only brother, had conducted him from the Marches with special honour) took it in so high scorn and indignation, (for even the meanest, from whom service or love is expected, will again expect regard) that he forthwith returned into his Country, without once saluting the King; who by this neglect, lost Rheses' love, as, upon the like omission, and unrespectivenesse, Augustine (the too supercilious Monk) did lose the affections of the Monks of Bangor, Rheses' own countrymen, in another part of Wales. Rog. Houed. The agreement between the two Kings of England. and Scotland. (13) As for william King of Scots (a very worthy Prince) he iourneied hither to King Richard into England, and here concluded a firm friendship, which he kept very religiously, even in the greatest troubles of King Richard, to the glory of himself and his Nation, and as some writ, sent his Brother Hector Boetius lib. 13. cap. 7. David with 5000. Scots, to serve him in the sacred wars. The chief points of their convention were. Hector Boetius saith 10000▪ l. 1. That for ten thousand Marks Sterling, (then paid) the Castles of Rockesbrough, and Berwicke (cautionary Castles, or gauge places, for part of his ransom) should be restored. 2. That he should have all such deeds, instruments, and charters, made by him to the late King Henry, which had by constraint Hoveden. or duresse been obtained: and himself to be freed from all encumbrances, claims, or pretensions whatsoever. 3. That he should have all such dignities, as his brother Malcolm held in England, (for which King William did there make fealty) and all such Lands as his Ancestors did hold of the English Crown. The agreement between the Kings of France and England. (14) The State of England being thus in the main, and other mean points established, King Richard crossed the Seas into France to Philip king thereof, according to appointment, that from thence, with minds & forces united, they might set forward under the Ensign of the Cross; which after some stay (occasioned by the * Ger. Dor. death of the French Queen) they did, upon these Christian and friendly terms; 1. That each of them preserve the others honour, and bear faith to him for life, and member, and earthly dignity. 2. That neither of them shall fail the other in their affairs; but that the King of France shall help the King of England to defend his land, even as he would defend the City of Paris, if it were besieged; and Richard King of England, shall help the King of France to defend his land, even as he would defend his City Rouen if it were besieged. This * Hoveden. being fairly engrossed, and afterward ratified The agreement solemnly ratified on all parts. with oath, and sent by the kings themselves in person, the Earls and Barons swore in solemn manner, that they would not trespass against their fealty, nor stir any war in either of the king's Dominions, so long as they were in that pilgrimage: on the other side, the * Math. Paris. Archbishops and Bishops did firmly promise (in verbo veritatis, in the word of truth) that they would accurse and excommunicate all such as did transgress this agreement. The Kings of France and England set forward to the Holy▪ Landlord (15) Thus (after some necessary stays) these two the greatest monarchs of the West, set forward over land (toward the public service of Christianity) with such numbers as themselves thought best; which were so great, that having advanced (not without some little loss of people by the * Roger Houed. Math. Paris. fall of the Bridge over the river Rhine at Lions, which broke by reason of the throng) beyond the said violent stream, they parted company; Philip passing over the Alpes into Italy, and Richard to the Seaside at Marsilia, there to meet with his Navy, which being compact of all the chief Ships in England, Normandy, and other his French Dominions, was there appointed to attend. The City of Messana in Sicilia the Rendevou of the Kings. (16) But the voyage being very long, and King Richard coming ●o the Port before his Fleet, after eight days expectation there, waxing impatient of delay, embarked himself * Act & Mon. pag. 314. in twenty hired Galleys, and ten great hulks or Busses (a kind of shipping as it seems peculiar then to the Mediterranean seas) and set sail toward Messana in Sicilia, the Rendevow of both the kings and of their Armies: in which Roger Wend. Math. Paris. passage, lying at Anchor (on occasion,) in the mouth of the river Tiber not far▪ from Rome, * Octavianus, the Bishop of Hostia repaired unto him, desiring him in the Pope's name, that he would visit his Holiness; which the King denied to do, laying to the Pope's charge many shameful matters touching the Romish Simony, and Covetousness, with many other reproaches, alleging that they took 700. Marks for consecration of the Bishop of Mains, 1500. Marks for the Legative power of William Bishop of Ely; but of the Archbishop of Bordeaux an infinite sum of money: whereupon he refused to see Rome. Thus (after sundry accidents Rog. Houed. and come on land) hearing that his Navy was safe, he * stayed for them by the way, and then came to anchor not long after (to wit, 23. of September) before the City of Messana, with so great a show of power, and sound of Warlike Instruments, and other signs of Majesty, in the sight of Philip and his French, and of many other Nations there assembled, that it struck horror into the Inhabitants, (saith Hoveden) and moved no small envy in the hearts of his confederates. (17) From this time forward, as it may seem (the Enemy of Concord feeding the malevolent passions of men with perpetual matter of debate) the king of France was never truly king Richard's friend in heart, but upon the same day (whither straightened in provisions or otherwise) he left the king of England; but by contrary wind was driven back before night, where (after many troubles and quarrels between the English and Sicilians) the two kings peaced again, and settled a new & as firm a league, as they could, during that martial pilgrimage. King Richards Sicilian affairs. (18) Tancred was at that time king of Sicilia by usurpation, after the death of William, who had married joan sister of king Richard, whom (at that time upon displeasure and quarrel being prisoner) Tancred set at liberty, sending her in honourable manner to her brother, and did yield to sundry Articles, Rog. Houed. fol. 383. and also present payments of ample sums. Fear wrought on both parts; for Richard being among strangers, and not very sure of the French, seized upon a strength of the Griffons (people much redoubted in those parts, till the arrival * Idem ibid. of the English) & in a tumult took the City of Messana itself, where he displayed his Ensigns, till for the French Kings love he was content to disaduance them, and to entrust the City to the Knight's Templars and Hospitalers, Act. & Mon. in R. 2. until Tancred had fulfilled all such things as Richard did challenge to be due, being many. The accord between King Richard and King Tancred. (19) Upon great deliberation therefore, the Sicilian King made answer▪ that he had already paid to his sister, late Queen of that Island, a very great quantity of coin in recompense of her Dowry or jointure, and would satisfy all his other demands (concerning the Legacies intended by his Predecessor king William, to the Father of king Richard) as far as he aught according to the custom of that kingdom, and thereupon gave unto him for the quit-claime of his sister's jointure, twenty thousand ounces of gold: and farther to be acquitted of all other claims & pretences, as also in consideration that Arthur Arthur King Richard's next heir Duke of Britain, nephew & next heir of king Richard (if Richard died without issue) should take towife the daughter of K. Tancred, he paid him other twenty thousand ounces of gold▪ and of his own accord, and for King Richard's love, and for the love of the English Nation (which, saith our * Rog. Houed. fol. 386. Author, was then in greatest reputation through the kingdom of Sicily) as also to be the more assured of performance, Threescore thousand ounces of gold given to King R chard. he gave him other twenty thousand ounces of gold, besides afterward four great Ships, called Vrsers, and fifteen Galleys. King Richard's sureties or Sponsors. (20) King Richard on the other side, not to be wanting to any matter, which in honour and equity might be expected of him, besides letters Patents, he put in upon their Oaths for his sureties, two Archbishops, and two Bishops of his own there present, and twenty great Lords, and principal men his subjects, whose names▪ because many of their posterities do yet stand) are here inserted out of the said letters Patents, as they are upon record in Hoveden. jordanus de Humez his Constable, Wilielmus de Curci, Richardus de Camuilla, Girardus de Talebot, Robertus Sabluil, Guido de crown, Guarinus filius Geroldi, Bertramus de Verdun, W. Chamberlangus de tankerville, Robertus de Novoburgo, Hugo Bardolf, Wigain de Cheresburg, Gilbertus de Wascuil, Hugo le Bruin, johannes de Pillar, Amauri de Muntford, Andreas de Chavenni, Wilielmus de Forz, Gaufridus de Rancune, Amauri Torell, and other not named. The Pope King Richard's surety. (21) Moreover for final assurance, he offereth that Pope Clement should undertake for performance of his part in the said agreement; and that the said Clement would accordingly undertake, he requests him by most officious letters, giving him leave without any reluctation) to put his dominions (upon any his breach) under severest censures. (22) This peace and accord being happily thus concluded, King Tancred (having most royally and lovingly feasted the King of England for three days and three nights in a Castle of his) discovered, upon the way at Tavernium in his return, a foul and unprincely conspiracy of Philip (whom one of our * Ger. Dor. Writers calls the vainglorious King) against the head and safety of King Richard; which coming to be scanned between the two Kings, the French charged the English with picking of quarrels; and added, that unless Richard married his sister Alice, according as he aught, having been contracted long before together, he would be his enemy while he breathed; whereunto King Richard (being pressed) did reply: That his * Rog. How. fol. 392 Act. and Mon. p. 316. sister during the time of her abode in England, had a child by his Father Henry King of England, which he was ready to prove by many witnesses there present: so that King Richard had far more cause than a suspicion of dishonesty (which * John Stow. in Rich. 1. some writ) to refuse the marriage. This falling out so shamefully, Philip (upon certain conditions between Richard and him) left him at liberty to take a wife where he thought good, but never (as it may seem) forgave him his evil will while they two lived together. (23) And because acts of Christian remorse and A Christian example of King Richard. humility are too rare among the Great ones of this vain world, it were a crime to pretermit the exemplar humiliation of this famous General K. Richard, at this time, who (to use my * Ro. Houed. f. 388 Author's words) inspired with divine grace, and studying to fit himself for the great attempt he had in hand, was stung at the soul with so just compunction for his sins, that calling before him his archbishops and Bishops into a Chapel, at the house where he was Holin▪ p. 12●. col. 2. lodged without the walls of Messana; he blushed not to make a penitent confession of his manifold excesses, humbly praying God of mercy, and them (as his subordinate Ministers) of Absolution; & God (saith Hoveden) respected him with eyes of Mercy, and gave him a penitent heart, so that from thenceforth he proved a man fearing God, eschewing evil, and doing good▪ * Ro. How. ibid. O foelicem illum, etc. OH happy he, who so falls, that he may rise more strong: OH happy he, who after penitence, relapseth not into fault and ruin. (24) Whereupon addicting his mind to divine contemplations, & meditation of the christian Church, whose Champion now he was; he desired conference Ro. Houed. in Ric. 1 Paulus Aemilius in Philippo. 2. of one joachim (a Cistercian Abbot) whose great learning and deep understanding in the Scriptures, with an opinion of a Prophetical inspiration, made him so famous over the world, that King Richard sent for him, being then in Calabria near Sicily, whom Houed pawn 388. at his coming he heard preaching and expounding the Apocalypse of S. john, touching the afflictions of Not new opinion that the Pope is Antichrist. the Church, and of Antichrist, which (saith he) was then borne, and in the City of Rome, and shall be advanced in the See▪ Apostolic, of whom the Apostle said, he should extol himself above all that is called God; and that the seven Crowns were the Kings and Princes of the earth which obeyed him. Surely, near about this very time happened that in Rome, which might seem to give great probability to that Abbot's opinion, especially, if Emperors and Kings be truly called Psal. 82. v. 1. & 6. * God's, over whom Antichrist also should extol himself: Houed. p. 392. for in the same month that Richard left Messana, was the Coronation of Henry the Emperor, and his Empress Constantia, in S. Peter's Church; where Pope Celestine, the very next day after his own consecration Idem. to the Papacy, sat in his Pontifical chair, holding the Imperial golden Crown betwixt his feet: and the Emperor (●s likewise the Empress) stooping low, received on his head the Diadem from the Pope's feet; Hovedens printed Copy hath cum, as if the Pope had thrown do●ne the Emperor, but ea● is more probable with relation to Coronam. A. D. 1191. The King of France let's sail for the Holy-Land. and presently again the Pope strake the Emperor's crown with his foot, and dasht* it to the ground; signifying that he had power to throw him (upon his demerits) out of his Empire: but the Cardinals catching up the crown, put it again on the emperors head. (25) The same day in which Philip & his French Forces set sail out of the Haven of Messana, arrived Alienor King Richards mother, accompanied with Berengaria his new intended Spouse, daughter to* Sanctius King of Navarre, whom afterward he took to wife in Cyprus; but his Mother after a short stay returned by Rome into England, leaving the young Lady with joan Queen Dowager of Sicily, both which accompanied the King toward the holy Land, his whole Navy being * Ro. Hou●f. 392. one hundred and fifty great ships, and fifty three Galleys well appointed for the war, and * Ypod. Neust. many other Sails and Vessels: and (not to omit the same because it is recorded as a singularity) he had among all these, * thirteen Buces Mat. Par. ad A. D. 1191. Ypod. Neust. or Buscies, which had each of them three course of Sails to sail with: but no Writer (so far as we yet found) declares what numbers of Soldiers were in the English Army. * Houed. King Richard's Navy scattered. (26) This Navy royal between the Isles of Rhodes and Cyprus, (for the honour and good of King Richard) was scattered by God with a terrible tempest, some one or two of which suffered wreck upon the Isle of Cyprus, whom * Ypod. Neust. Math. Paris. Cursac (or as other call him Isakius, Emperor of the Griffons) being a * Houed. Ger. Dor. Hect. Boet. l. 13. cap. 7. tyrant did spoil, and contrary to Christian Religion, (which was his profession, though*some mistake) and all honour and humanity, he would not (among other his unprincely, or rather barbarous behaviours) suffer the King's sister, and Lady Berengaria, with other of that tender society, to come into harbour, * Houed. fol. 392. to their great discontentment and peril, a * Ship or two sinking there: but neither would God, nor King Richard forgive it him. King Richard subdues the Isle of Cyprus. Ro Houed. Mat. Paris. Ypodig. Neust. Ger. Dor. Act. and Mon. p. 320. Holin. p. (27) For the said unworthy Prince having thrice refused to make restitution of his unlawful seizures and prisoners, was entered upon by the English, driven from the shores with great dishonour and slaughter; the City Limeszun left for a prey to the victors, and himself beaten again out of his Camp, and taken, and after an escape made by him, his only daughter and heir yielding herself, and her Father lastly coming again of his own accord (as despairing to lie hid) under custody, and thrust into fetters of gold and silver, the whole Island (with all the people, strength, and riches thereof) become subject to the King of England, and both Father and Daughter led away into captivity. (28) There arrived at Limeszun, to salute and honour King Richard within three days after his first victory, Guido King of jerusalem, Geoffrey de * Lusignian. Lenizant his brother, Raimund Prince of Antioch, Earl Boemond his son, etc. offering their services, and swearing to be his against all men; with whose privity King Richard seized the flourishing and spacious Island of Cyprus, by antiquity celebrated as the very seat of Venus, which that it might so prove to himself, in the joyous month, he solemnly took to wife his beloved Lady Berengaria. (29) The person of the Emperor (for by that lofty title Writers call him,) was sent to Tripoli in Syria, under the custody of Ralph Fitz Godfrey, Lord * Rog▪ Houed. pa. 392. Act. and Mon. p. 319. Chamberlain to King Richard: his daughter was committed to the two Queens Berengaria and joan: the Island itself was entrusted to Richard de Camuile, and Robert de Turnham his Viceroys, with competent force and provisions, and the Islanders suffered to enjoy all such laws and liberties; as they held in the time of Manuel the Emperor of Constantinople, or (as now they call it) of Stamboli. (30) This fame of Richard was much enlarged by his conquering a mighty * Rog Houed. Mat. Paris Ypod. Neust. Argosy, called a Dromond, wherein were aboard one thousand and five hundredth Sarazens (though disguised under French Flags) furnished, besides all other provisions, with fireworks, barrels or cages of venomous serpents, and the like, for the use of the Saracens at Acon, (anciently called Ptolomais, to the siege whereof he was then sailing,) thirteen hundredth of which Miscreants, he sacrificed to Mars & Neptune, keeping the rest for ransom. (31) Philip King of France, (in hope perhaps to conquer Acon before the English could arrive, and to win thereby that glory entire) came safe before that City in Easter week; but as yet had not forced the same: at which time (that the Reader may observe the general disposition of the western Christians in those days) there engirded Accon (omitting the many great Prelates, Princes, Earls, and Honourable Cheifes) these Nations following; the Genoese and Florentines, the English under Hubert Bishop of Salisbury, afterward * Gerard▪ Dorob. Archbishop of Canterbury, Flemings, Almains, Danes, Dutch, Friselanders, Pisans, Lombardes, besides the Knight's Templars (collected out of all Nations) and beside the aides of the Asians: all which lay quartered at the Siege in order, as here they are placed, at that time in which the King of France arrived. But Richard King of England with his victorious and triumphant Navy (which when it went out of Cyprus, being much belike augmented* did contain 254▪ tall Act▪ and Mon. p. 318. ships, and above 60. Galliots) brought terror & dismay to the besieged, and comfort to the Christians, Rog. Houed. * upon the Sunday after Pentecost, being about the midst of june. (32) The siege was so vehemently plied, that The City of Acon rendered. (notwithstanding sundry dissensions between Philip and Richard, the two competitors of glory in this voyage) after several breaches and assaults, the last whereof was made by the Pisans and English, upon the twelfth of july following, many offers of composition made by the Saladine, being utterly refused, the City of Accon was rendered to the Christians upon Mat. Paris Ypod. Neust. these conditions. 1 That Saladine (Prince of Miscreants) should by a certain day restore the holy Cross. 2 That he should set at liberty fifteen hundredth Christian Captives. 3. That the City with all the things contained therein should remain and be to the Christians. 4. That the Turks or Saracens should have their lives only saved, if these conditions were performed. 5. That they should pay twenty thousand Bizants, (pieces of gold) ●●ward * Rog. Houed. fol. 395. the charges of the Kings. To take possession for the French, there was sent in Drogou de Merlou, and one hundredth men of Arms, and for the English, Hugo de Gurnay with the like number, who equally parted the City, goods, and people, between them. (33) And even now Philip King of France, aswell King Richard upon certain conditions permits the King of France to departed Roger Houed. fol. 394. p16. because the Earl of Flanders died at the siege without issue, whose countries he long had coveted, as for evil will to Richard, whose noble Acts so far outwent his, and because, as some * write, he had taken bribes of Saladine, meditates nothing but return, ask licence of King Richard to departed, being then but the tenth day after the City's surrender; so badly his envious eyes could, as it seemed, endure the splendour of his companions glory. The chief commanders of his Army hearing this, showing themselves true Frenchmen, and sensible of their obligation to God, and honour, with many tears besought him not to forsake that holy affair, itaimpudenter, so shamelessly. In what Prince would not this have kindled a desire of a better resolution? But impotent passions carrying him, and miscarrying him, he persisted to get leave of Richard, who but two days before, would have had him swear to a stay of three years longer in that service; but he who had other cogitations far more unworthy of a King, would needs departed, giving his oath upon the holy Gospels, without which oath King Richard would not grant his good will. That he would well and faithfully keep the lands and subjects of the King of England, and neither do damage nor Ran. Higd. in Polycr. lib. 7. cap. ●7. july ultim●. grievance to them by himself, nor suffer it to be done by others*till his return. (34) The King of France thus leaving Accon, in the Castle whereof King Richard, his Queen and Sister were lodged, and the Duke of Burgundy remaining behind with the French host, (to whom King Philip, not without sundry secret instructions, had with it committed a great part of his treasure) king Richard in the same day set forward upon a new enterprise; but it is true which one writes, * that by Ger. Dorob. reason of the dissension between the Kings, which of them should seem the greater, little or nothing prospered; & just cause had King Richard to complain in * Rog Houed. his letters, that Philip to the eternal reproach of himself and Kingdom, had foully forsaken his purpose and vow unto God. (35) But when the Saladine could not by any means obtain a longer day for performance of the said Articles of composition, he cut off the heads of all his Christian Captives; in revenge whereof King Richard brought out his Turkish Captives, (being about two thousand and five hundredth) and in the sight of the Saladines host caused their heads to be chopped off; the Duke of Burgundy doing the same to the like number, near unto the walls of Acon, seven only being kept alive by the Christian Generals, whereof Karakeys Salaadines' * foster Father Math. Paris. was chief. But Richard proceeding in his undertaken action, and in his march to joppa, being set upon by Sultan Salaadine (who had put the Duke of Burgundy to flight▪ and slain the valiant jaques de Auennis, who only with a few in the Rearguard made resistance) so courageously encountered him, that the Salaadine with the loss of three thousand his choicest Soldiers was glad to turn his back and fly: whiles therefore this Champion is thus employed in the Holy-land, let us look back a little how the affairs of his Kingdom are managed at home. (36) john the King's brother, making use in England of such discontentments, as the incredible insolences, Disorders in England. Guil. de Newburgo. l. 4. c. 14. Rog. Houed. Mat. Paris. Nubrigens. l. 4. c. 18 and intolerable tyrannies of the Chancellor (who carried himself both like a Pope and a King) had bred among the Nobility and people, to advance thereby his own designs, stirred against him (though strengthening himself like a General in the field,) so powerful opposition, that in the end, (upon warrant of a new * Houed. in Rich. 1 p. 3●1. Nubrig. l. 4. c. 18. Commission sent from the King his Brother) he with the rest of the Peers suddenly thrust him out of all command, and shortly after most reproachfully (as it happened, for he fled, and was taken in a Courtesans attire, il beseeming a Pope's * V●lut delicate muliercula. Nubrigens. l. 4. c. 17 Hoveden. p. 401 Legate) out of the Kingdom also, upon occasion, as of other foul demerits, so particularly of a sacrilegious and barbarous outrage▪ committed by the Chancellors command, upon the person of * Nubrigens. l. 4. c. 17. Hoveden▪ p. 399. Geffrey Elect Archbishop of York (natural brother to King Richard and the Earl) on pretence that he entered England contrary to his oath given to his brother King Richard, where as he then came to take possession of his See, to which he was advanced by the * King's own procurement, and by Queen Eleanors Hoveden in Ric. 1. p. 392. own travail to Rome in his behalf. And albeit this punishment & shame deservedly followed the Chancellor's pride and oppression, yet in one main point of opposing the Earl's Ambition, (who sought to assure to himself the remainder of the Crown, which in right of blood belonged to his Nephew Arthur) his service to the State had been very commendable, if it had proceeded from loyalty of affection, and not from a swelling desire of greatness, which he hoped still to enjoy, if Arthur Guilford▪ de Newburgo. l. 14. (a child) should succeed in the kingdom, whereas he knew Earl john's advancement could not be without his apparent ruin. (37) But Philip King of France in all places labouring by * Guil. Nubrig. l. 4. c. 25. wrongful and unprincely aspersions to deface the renown of King Richard, though finding small credit to his words (because the man had done nothing himself) devised after his return how to trouble and endamage his friends dominions; and had effected it, if the Lords of France whom he solicited to that wicked work, upon pretence of the composition made with King Richard at Messana, had not (to their immortal glory) * Ro. Houed f. 408 Nubrigens l. 4. c 25. refused to assist him therein, till Richard's return, aswell in regard of their own oaths, as because the sentence of excommunication was denounced against all such as did attempt to endamage him in his absence. (38) King Richard notwithstanding that the relation of these things greatly troubled him, gave not over as yet, but after sundry other matters of importance performed, did march up within the sight of jerusalem, where he skirmished with the enemy, & overthrew the Convoy or Caravan of the Salaadine, which came laden from Babylon, guarded with Mat. Paris saith they were 7000. Camels, and makes no mention of Mules or horses. ten thousand men; whom King Richard valiantly encountering with five thousand selected soldiers, put most of them to the sword, and took three thousand Camels, and four thousand Horses and Mules, besides those that were slain, and so gained the rich spoil of all the Carriages. (39) After this, and many other worthy things done, as the rescue of joppa, and repulse of Saladine from thence, etc. the King indefatigable in his brave attempts, desirous to regain jerusalem, and the City Baruck, was abandoned in that enterprise by the Math. Paris in Rich. 1. Duke of Burgundy (who is * said to have been apparently corrupted with gifts from Saladine, and the regiments of French under his conduct;) whereupon he was the rather persuaded by the Knight's Templars, and chiefs of the Christian host, not to refuse Saladines' offers for a surceasance from hostility, considering that he had a purpose to return with reinforced numbers and means; that his present powers by divisions, by sickness, by battales were wasted, and that the dangerous estate of his own Dominions did require his presence, (the greatest motive, for he had supplies of money for his soldiers wages from Pope Celestine) by reason of some undue practices at home, and the rancour of King Sab●llic. Enn. 9 l. 5 Polyd Virg. l. 14. Philip his unreconcilable adversary abroad. Whereupon a truce was taken for three years, and Saladine repaid such charges as Richard had been at in fortifying Askalon, which was brought to the same estate, as in which King Richard found it. (40) But the King of England, though he had very far excelled all the Christian Princes in great Ger. Dor. exploits at that journey, because * he had neither conquered Salaadine, nor jerusalem, did mourn, and parted pensive. In the holy-land he left Henry Earl of Champain, (who upon taking the said Baruck was to have been crowned King of jerusalem, which Guido had resigned) and he le●t Guydo de Lusignian (the late King of jerusalem in Cyprus, to whom he had passed it, in exchange for the other, to advance his Kinsman the said Earl of Champain; which, upon that Title, the family of Lusinian for Poly. Verg. lib. 14. * many descents after did possess and enjoy. Thus Richard having ordered his affairs in the East parts, * Rog. How. f. 417. sets sail homeward. The Queen's Berengaria his wife, and joan his sister, with the Captive Lady, Daughter of the Cypriot Emperor, under the conduct of Stephen de Turnham (hearing of the Kings most heavy fortune) sojourned at Rome about six months, for fear of Richard's enemies, & afterward came safe by Marsilia in Poictou. (41) God▪ whose cause was only pretended in this voyage of the Christians, did not seem to approve the said truce; for he * Mat. Paris. scattered the English with a terrible tempest, and the * Polyd. Verg. lib. 14. opportunity of Conquest was so lost, that hitherto it could never be regained, and the King of England letting it slip when God had almost put the same into his hands, did miserably fall into his enemy's hands. Certainly, the name of Richard was at that time grown terrible to Saladine, who had received divers losses, foils and overthrows at his hands: Moreover, the Saladines whole estate being endangered by such of his own sect as reputed him a mere usurper, he could not long withstand the double impression of the Christian Chivalry, and of his own Allies and Countrymen; as indeed not long after* he died, leaving his Empire foully, but justly, Rog. Houed. f. 414. distracted by civil confusions: whereas by this Truce the crafty Turk made the world see, that the powers of two so potent monarch had in a manner effected nothing; & Richard could never have time to return for accomplishment of his designs; for which all Christendom hath at this hour reason to be sorrow full, and hereof himselfe* was very sensibl e, Polyd Verg lib. 14 so that he would oftentimes cry out, that he was not always wise, alluding to this occasion lost. An. D. 1193 (42) But the noble King, hoping to pierce with speed through Germany in disguise, took to him the name of * Mat. Paris. Hugo a Merchant, the hair of his * head and beard grown very long, being the fit Rog. Houed. f. 408. to conceal him; but in his journey over land, was near to Vienna unhappily discovered by the profuseness of his expenses; when he saw he could not escape them, * Polyd. Verg l. 14 in contempt of his fortunes, he put on royal garments, and refused to yield but * Math. Paris. only to the Duke himself, who came with joy as to a prey which he sore longed for: but the rascal multitude* cried things worthy of themselves, calling him (OH barbarism) Traitor, and some saying, * Ger. Dor. stone-him, some cut off his head, & others hung him▪ and because the inhumanity of this usage may be suited with rhymes as rude and ragged, you shall in such hear the cause of this archdukes * Hardings Chr. cap. 138. malice, growing first at Accon, where the Author speaking of King Richard saith; He gate it soon with his great Ordinance, And on the walls his Banners full high set, The King's Arms he set up also of France, And King Guyes Arms of jerusalem well bet, The Duke of Oistrich Limpold without let, Set up his Arms after above them all, Which King Richard did cast down from the wall. Pretences for the detinue of King Richard. (43) And though it is certain that this Author feigns not this fact, for that some such matter (and told by * some with more disadvantage to Richard's cause) is by others * Mat. Paris ad An. D. 1192. Ger. Dor. who writes that the Archduke set up his Standard in the chief place of the City of Acon to the injury of King Richard. Guil. de N●uoburgo. lib. 4. cap. 24 & lib. 5. cap. 16 This description fitteth a like sect now in the west. related, yet the gravest Authors agreed (that next to the common envy at his virtues) the greatest pretence was the murder of the marquess Conrade committed at tire, by two cursed Assasines, a* certain sect in the East, living under a Senior or Ruler, whom they honour as a Prophet, by whom they are sent forth to murder such Princes as favour them not, promising themselves the reward of immortality by obeying him in all things, though with the loss of their own lives. Of which barbarous fact Henry the Emperor, and Leopold the Archduke (whose near kinsman Conrade was) would seem to believe that Richard was the Author, though therein they touched his princely reputation and integrity, * most injuriously, for that the chief of that sect by their own Ypod. Neust. p. 455. Edit. a, D. 1603 The copy of the said letter see Nubrig l. 5. cap. 16 public * letters (written with the blood of the shellfish called Murex, wherewith Scarlet used to be died) acknowledging the fact, declared the true cause thereof, which was a particular Act of injustice in Conrade himself: There wanted not sundry other pretences, as in such cases is usual, as * that Richard had entered league with Tancred King of Sicilia the Mat. Par. ad An. Dom. 1193. emperors enemy, and that he had thrust the Cypriot (their kinsman) out of the Empire, and kept his only daughter Captive. But this booty, being too great for a Duke, the Emperor got into his custody, meaning to coin much gold and silver out of his most unjust affliction, by sharp imprisonment▪ which could not make him in any act or speech, or gesture of his, show beneath the Majesty of a victorious Prince and King of England. The face of England in her King's captivity. (44) The dismal news thereof flying through the world, presently disclosed who were sound or unsure; sorrow and dismay was every where among his own: * Ger. Dor. Rog. Houed. f. 40● His careful mother and other his fast friends swear the realm to be true to King Richard, watch the coasts, and provide for the security of the State with singular vigilancy, assuring the Cities & The attempts of John King Richard's brother good Towns with Bulwarks, Walls, and Munition. On the contrary, Earl john being (by the cunning inveigling and suggestions of his brother's professed foes) not only put out of all hope of his releasement, but also incensed against him for intending the Crown to his Nephew Arthur, entered into an unbrotherly attempt against his Sovereign Lord▪ the sum whereof, take in the words of Thomas * Ger. Dorob. Rog. Houed. Math. Paris. Walsingham, who saith, that john with promises alured many to him through the whole Kingdom, * Ypod. Neust. did carefully and speedily fortify his holds in England, and passing the seas, entered into league with the King of the French, that he might utterly put his Nephew Arthur, Duke of Britain from that hope, which the Britain's had conceived of his promotion. The * Rog. Houed. Normans giving any way to his disloyal practices, he swears fealty to Philip King of France (his brothers most mortal enemy) and also that he would take to wife the Lady Alice King Philip's sister, though polluted by his own Father, and for that cause rejected by King Richard▪ Out of Normandy he posts into England, solicits Peers and people, and was loyally resisted: but he not quieted so, labours to stir the Scot and Welsh to join in an invasion with him: the French and Flemings assuring them that his Brother King Richard would never be set at liberty: but William King of Scots would neither Ger. Dor. give assent, nor countenance to such undutiful practices, or rather madnesses. (45) In this most perilous time the valour and loyalty of the City of Rouen (the choicest of Normandy) did most clearly show themselves to the everlasting commendation thereof: for Philip coming before it with a puissant Army solicited them to revolt, promising mountains. In stead of answer * Rog. How▪ f. 412. they set open the gates, telling him that he might enter if he would, for no man hindered him: but the * Ger. Dorob. vainglorious King being better advised, (for the inhabitants, yea & the damsels of the City, whose heads were polled like as men's, powered Martial women in Rouen. melted pitch, and such like matter upon the besiegers) retreated from the walls, and marched away confounded: and being certainly advertised that the Emperor and King Richard were agreed, he sends over to Earl * john, bidding him look to himself, * Rog. Houed▪ f. 414 for the Devil was now let lose. He thereupon Lanquet ad A. D. 1191. crossed over the seas to Philip, who * excited him to usurp the Kingdom of England. The Articles of King Richard's liberty. (46) Nevertheless by Queen Elianors negotiation (who in person traveled to the Emperor) the King her son was come to be assured of his liberty upon these conditions. 1. That he should pay to the Emperor one hundredth thousand Marks sterling. 2. That he should pay fifty thousand Marks of like money to the Emperor and Duke. 3. That he should marry his Niece, (sister to Arthur Duke of Britain) to Duke Leopolds son. 4. That the Emperor should secure him, till he were under sail with a forewind. 5. That he should set the Cypriots person at liberty, and deliver his daughter to the Duke of Austria, who was her uncle, and should deliver 67. hostages for assurance of all. (47) But to colour this unreasonable and unprincelie extortion, the Emperor by his Imperial Charter gives unto King Richard, Province, and sundry other ample territories, containing 5. Archbishoprickes, King Richard crowned King of Province, etc. and thirty three bishoprics (sometime parcel of the Empire, but both then and a long time before out of possession) & thereof crowns him King, writing magnificent letters into England, with such like offices. A new and foul treason of Earl john discovered. (48) Now when King Richard (who had won to himself wonderful honour and respect, even of the covetous Emperor, by the proof of his innocency, and by his most noble and constant carriage) did ex pect his liberty at an assembly or diet, where the greatest Princes and States of the Empire were in person, to wit, The three Archbishops of Mentz, Colon and Saltzburg; The three Bishops of Worms, Spire, and lieges; The three Dukes of Swave (the emperors brother) Ostrich, and Lwain; The Count Palatine of Rhine▪ etc. which had undertaken for the Emperor, whose officers had already received the greater part of the ransom: behold even then the Emperor shows a willingness to break off, producing the letters of Philip King of France, and of john Earl of Morton, in which they offer an huge sum etc. too impious and devilish to speak of: but the Princes who had undertaken to King Richard for good dealing, went to the Emperor reproving him for his avarice, who would so dishonourably traverse and start back from the agreement: * Ro. Houed▪ f. 418. In january saith Nubrig. di● Purifi. B. Mariae, saith another. upon the fourth of February therefore being Friday, the archbishops of Mentz and Coleine restore him * Rand. Higden in Polycr. lib▪ 7. cap. 28. Fabian. after fifteen months imprisonment, to Queen Alienor his mother, free from the Emperor, all that were present weeping thereat for joy. (49) This Archbishop of Coleine was he, who entertaining the King in the Dominions of his archbishopric; with great joy for his deliverance did celebrated divine service in this manner: Now Roger Houed. know I truly that the Lord hath sent his Angel and taken me out of the hand of Herode, and the expectation of the common people of the jews, etc. (50) And indeed it was God's Angel did it: for after all this, whiles the King stayed for a wind, and other preparations at the Seashore, the Emperor repenting him of his release, sent speedy guarders to Nubrigens. l. 4. c. 41 apprehended him again, vowing he should never be freed from bonds whiles he lived; but some secret message (as Princes Courts never want Spials) speedily Mat. Paris. Ypod Neust. premonished him, and so by a very little time he prevented his surprisers, landing happily at Sandwich, in April the Sunday after Saint George's day▪ where in stead of all other triumphs, or particulars of joy for his return, we will content ourselves with only one, as sign of the rest. When the King drew near to Rochester, the venerable new Archbishop The joyful meeting between the King and Archbishop. of Canterbury Hubert (who had been with him at Accon in the Holy-land) went joyously forth to meet him; whom when the King saw, he dismounted * Ger. Dor. from his horse, and having bowed his knee, fell upon the earth, in like ●ort the Archbishop lay right against him; at the last both of them rising from the ground, they ran into each others arms, comforting themselves with mutual embraces & weeping with joy. (51) The justice of a true history will not suffer us here to forget, in what sort the injustice of this King Richards wrongs revenged upon the Duke of Austria. unnoble captivation of Richard King of England, was punished by God, and on God's behalf. The Duke of Austria's Country, and people, being visited with these five plagues, Fire, Water, Barrenness, Worms, Mat. Paris. Ro. Houed f. 425. & Pestilence: the Fire, casually burning his Towns▪ the River of Danubius drowning ten thousand of his Panui. Cestr. Polichr. l▪ 7. 6 27. Subjects, in an overflow; the earth waxing dry and sear; the Worms destroying such fruit and grain as grew; and the stroke of Pestilence kill the principal Nobles and Gentlemen of his Dominions: The Duke for all this continued obstinate like another Pharaoh, swearing to cut off the heads of K. Richard's Hostages, unless all Covenants (though extorted by cruel Duresse) were exactly and speedily performed. Baldwin de Betun (one of the Hostages) is sent to the King with this bloody message; but before his return, upon S. Stephen's day in Christmas, the Duke * Ger. Dor. spurring his horse in sport upon a Castle of snow among youths, which were counterfeiting a siege, and an assault, with the slip of his horse, broke his foot in such sort, as it came to be * Ypod. Neust. John Stow in Rich. 1. Holin. pag. 147 ad A. D. 1●95. cut off, and within a while feeling himself perishing upward, so that his death was certain, could not be absolved of his Bishops from the sentence of Excommunication which had by the Pope been denounced, till he and his Lords had sworn to release all the said matters between the King of England and him; but his son after his death refusing the performance, his Father's body lay stinking above ground eight days, for that no clergy man durst bury Polyd▪ Virg. l. 14. it, being but conditionally absolved▪ till the son did yield to the performance; yet (if* some may be credited upon his bore word) the son did voluntarily condescend, and not upon this compulsion. King Richard's injuries revenged upon Henry the Emperor. (53) But albeit the Emperor * to declare himself wounded with some remorse for his ungodly violence, or to engage others in the impiety, gave * Mat. Paris ad Ann. Dom. 1196. three thousand Marks of King Richard's ransom to make silver Censers through all the Cistercian order, Roger Houed. fol. 431. who generally refused the gift, as parcel of an accursed spoil (for as for those* seventy thousand marks, which he forgave to King Richard, with as bad a purpose (being to hinder peace between him, and the French) as he had taken the other unjustly, they are not to be accounted as restitution, but as the wages of sin); revenge forsook him not, being pursued by his own wife (the Heir of the Crown of Sicilia) in revenge of some cruelties done to her Countrymen; and after reconcilement with her, falling dangerously sick, he died at Messana, excommunicated for King Richard's cause. And albeit he had in his life time sent his Chancellor out of Burgundy, of purpose to offer King Richard recompense for the injuries he had sustained, and although Constantia the Empress had sent the Archbishop of Messana (while the emperors body lay above ground without burial) to Pope Celestine in humble manner, praying Christian burial, yet * Rog. How. f. 440. unless the money which he had extorted from the King of England were restored, he could by no entreaties obtain it: which accordingly was promised. (54) Neither were the King of England's afflictions unprofitable unto him, for they gave him occasion to reform his life, taking home to him his * john Stow in R. 1 Queen Berengaria, whose society for a long time he * Rand. Higden in Polycr. lib. 7. cap. 26. had neglected, though she were a royal, eloquent, & beauteous Lady, and for his love had ventured with him through the world. King Richard's doings after his return. Mat. Par. Ro. Houed. f. 39●. (55) King Richard after his joyous return into England, having at the Abbey of Saint Edmunds, in performance of his vow (as may seem) offered up the rich Imperial Standard of Cursac, Emperor of Cyprus, which he took among the spoils of the Griffons Camp: thence he marched, and took in by surrender such Castles as the servants of his brother john (believing that the King was no●●eturned) held against him; but Henry de Pumeray, who had fortified Saint Michael's Mount in Cornwall, hearing for certain that King Richard was come, died Houed. fol. 418. for very fear. And now, forty days of summons being expired, which were allowed to Earl john, & Hugh Bishop of Coventry, for making their appearance, to answer to such heinous matter as was prepared, and they not appearing, john was adjudged by the Peers and States of England, to have forfeited all that he might forfeit in the Realm, and the Bishop to be punishable by the Ecclesiastical censures; as he was a Bishop, and likewise as an Officer of the King, by the laity. Richard afterward bestirs himself to draw in money more greedily, than did become so great a Majesty, wherein yet Math Paris. (saith * one) he was rather to be pardoned then accused, for that he was presently to lead a mighty Army against the French. (56) But first of all, to wipe away both the sadness and contumely of his late restraint, for a better fortunes beginning, he caused himself to be crowned again at the City of Winchester; which celebrity was honoured with the presence of William king of Scotland, who bore a word before * Rog Hove. f. 420 Hect. Boet. l. 13. cap. 8. King Richard: between which two Princes, there*followed great amity and tenderness of love; then being granted to him, and his successors Kings of Scotland, Ro. Houed. f. 419. a certain pension, with sundry other allowances, and princely attendances, from the first day of their friendly entrances at any time into England, till their return. (57) The King likewise caused a new broad Seal to be made, requiring that all Charters granted under his former, should be confirmed under this, whereby he drew a great mass of money to his Treasury, subscribing such renewed Charters thus: This was Jnter Chartley as in Cnstod. D. Rob. Cotton Equitis. the tenor of our Charter under our first Seal, which because it was lost, and in the time of our being captive in Almain was in the power of another, we caused to be changed, etc. Some have observed, that as this Richard was the first of the English Kings who bore Arms on his Seals, as appeareth by the * Wherein are 2. Lion's rampant combatant: well fitting t hat Ceur-de Lion. former: so was he the first who carried in his shield, three Lions passant, borne ever after for the Regal Arms of England. And whereas we see here the Moon in her full, which in the other was but a Crescent, (which is the Turkish Ensign,) it may seem to be done Emblematically, in that sense, as we read of another Prince (who going against the Turks) gave a Crescent with this word, Plenior redibo, I will return more full. The true draft of this second Seal we have here annexed. ✚ RIC●RDUS DEIGR●TI● REX ●NGLORUM ✚ RICh●RDVS DU●NORMANORUM ET●QVIT ●NORUM ETCOMES ●ND EG●VORU● (58) A good * Walsing. Ypod. Neust. Author reports, that after this, the King being at dinner at Westminster, and receiving advertisement of the siege laid to Vernoil, by his restless enemy Philip of France; swore that he would never turn his face, till he had gotten thither with his Army to fight with the French; whereupon he caused the wall to be cut through, (the sign of which breach appeared * In Walsinghams' days who lived under Henry 5. above two hundred years after) never resting, till with an hundred great Ships he had crossed the seas from Ro. How f. 411. Mat. Paris. * Ypod. Neust. Portsmouth into Normandy, where the only rumour of his approach made the French King raise his siege, and without stroke or sight of his magnanimous Enemy, (but not without loss and shame) to quite the field. King Richard forgives his brother john. (59) Neither was his clemency less than his courage, whereof needs no greater testimony, then when upon Earl john's * Nubrigens. l. 5. c. 5 dutiful submission, & his mother's intercession, he so freely forgave him, as that he calmly said, * Tho Walls: in Ypodig. Neust. fol. 456. Would that thy fault may so be forgotten of me, as that thyself mayest keep in memory what thou hast done▪ and * Houed. fol. 428. afterward restored his possessions unto him; the Earl from that time forward becoming his * Nubrig. l▪ 5. c▪ 5 Ran. Higd. in joh. li. 7. c. 29. true Knight, & doing him very noble services, (especially against the French who had seduced him) as a loving brother, & faithful Leegeman, whereby he made amendss for his former excesses, and fully recovered the hearty affection of his Lord and brother. (60) There were after this sundry skirmishes, take of Prisoners and Towns, and conferences between the French and English, moved belike, by such as religiously tendered the effusion of Christian blood, so as no great matter was yet effected; that which was, being rather by Stratagems and starts, then by battle; but within * Ger. Dor. Ypod Neust. thirty seven days after the French men's flight from Vernuil, King Richard (in revenge of that desolation which the French King had brought upon the City of Eureux, where he neither spared age, sex, nor Church) coming to Vendome, with purpose to surprise the King of France, had the spoil of the French Camp, their King (a thing almost incredible) now the second time flying without battle. Many of the French were Rog. Houed. f. 421. slain, and taken, together with * Ypod. Neust. fol. 456▪ Nubrig. l. 5. c. 2. much treasure, the Chapel royal, the Indentures of such as had left Richard to serve King Philip, and all the * tents, carriages, and other furnitures for war: and from hence marching in Poictou and Engolisme, he had such successes (howsoever the silent partialities of foreign Writers smother them) that * Rog. How. fol. 422 himself wrote over to his dearest Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury, That by God's favour, who in all things considers the right, he had taken Tailburg, Marsiliac, and all the other Castles of Geoffrey de Rancune, the City of Engolisme, and all the Castles and Territories of the Earl thereof, and almost three hundredth Knights, or men of Arms, and about forty thousand armed Soldiers. (61) We will not here overpass, that which A. D. 1195. Ro. Houed. 418. Hoveden reports, (being an example of Christian repentance in Princes) of a poor Hermits coming to this noble Monarch, and preaching to him the words of eternal life; and bade him be mindful of the subversion of Sodom, and to abstain from things unlawful, otherwise (saith he) the deserved vengeance of God will come upon thee: The Hermit being King Richard's amendment of life and daily exercise. go, the King neglected his words: but not long after falling sick, he more seriously bethought himself, and afterward waxing sound in soul, as well as body: his daily exercise was to rise early, & not to departed from the Church till divine service were finished: whereupon (saith Hoveden) how glorious it is for a Prince to begin and end his actions in him, who is beginning without beginning, and judgeth the ends of the earth. Moreover, he bountifully relieved every day much poor both in his Court and Towns about: and restored gold and silver vessels to such Churches, from which to pay his ransom they had been taken away. (62) After this passed sundry interchanges betwixt the French and English, sometimes of wars, with wastes and spoils, sometimes of truces with interviews and Parleys; in one of which, the Lady Alice, (cause of much mischief) K. Philipss sister, was restored (according to the contract of Messana) to her brother, who forthwith bestowed her in marriage, upon john Earl of Pontif. In the mean while the Kings sought to make friends upon all sides; but King Richard by his munificence, and other means, drew from King Philip a mighty party of his nearest Polyd Virg. l 13. neighbours: * Rog. Houed. pa. 436. Baldwin Earl of Flanders, Raimund Earl of Tholose (to whom also King Richard gave in * Mat. Paris. marriage, his sister joan Queen of Sicilia) the * Champanois and others: so that Philip was feign to trust wholly upon himself: for whereas he had lately married the sister of the King of Denmark, of purpose to use the Danish shipping against the English, that affinity proved enmity: for the * Nubrig. l. 4. c. 26 Vide ibidem, with Picardus his notes. Nubrig. l. 5. c. 16. next day after his wedding, he put her away, pretending (besides*other things) that she was of too near a propinquity of blood; albeit most untruely, as her brother, the King of Denmark proved before the Pope, though he could not be heard, the King of France more prevailing, either by fear or favour. Antonio▪ D. 1197 (63) About this time, john the King's brother & Markadey Captain of the Brabanters, called the * Ro. Houed. f. 438 Rowtes, had made an incursion up to Beavois, where * Ot Rutters who served on any side for wages, therefore calledby Hoveden, nefanda gens, and accursed in the Lateran Counsel. Ger. Dor. Guil. Nubrig. l. 5. c. 30. the Bishop, being also an Earl of the Royal Blood, and the eleventh Peer of France, valiantly fight, was * taken in the skirmish, armed at all points, and bravely mounted; on whose behalf the Pope (up on the Bishop's humble suit, * pleading the Clergies immunity) wrote somewhat earnestly to King Richard, to set his very dear son, for so he called the Bishop, at liberty; The King in a kind of pleasant earnestness, caused the Habergeon and Cuirasses of the Bishop to be presented to the Pope, with this question (alluding to that of * jacob's children Gen. 37. 33. to their father, concerning joseph's garment,) * Holin. in Rich. 1. Vide an tunica filii tui sit an non, See whether it be thy Mat. Paris. sons coat or no. Whereupon the Pope replied, that he was neither his son, nor the son of the Church, and therefore should be ransomed at the Kings will, because he was rather judged to be a servitor of Mars, than a Soldier of Christ. Whom the King of England (in * Nubrig. l. 5. c. 30. revenge of many evil offices, especially in the time of his captivity with the Emperor) handled sharply. The Bishop at length waxing impatient, writes a passionate letter to the Pope; whose answer in part is here set down, for that it notably defends the King of England. If (saith the Pope) thou hast had ill success, it is no marvel, The Popes answer to the Bishop. Holin. for putting off the peaceable Prelate, thou didst put on the warlike Soldier, and rashly tookest a shield in stead of a cope, a sword for a Stolen, a Cuirass for an Albe, an Helmet for a Mitre, a Lance for a Bishop's staff, perverting the order, & course of things: neither meant you (as you allege) to repel violence but virtue, nor did you fight for your Country, but against it: for of your France we can now publicly pronounce; Woe to that land whose King is a * Child in discretion, not in years, for Philip was old enough. Child. For your King was strictly bound by corporal oath to the King of England, not to damnify his territories, etc. at lest wise till his return from the journey of his Pilgrimage: nevertheless, contrary to his faith and oath, he without all shame seized by force the good towns of the said King, and cruelly wasted his Dominions with hostile hand: but that King returning at last out of captivity, manfully encountered your King, not reposing his hope in multitude, but in Almighty God, etc. Humility therefore against pride, right and equity against wrong, measure and modesty against intemperance and arrogancy, have certainly hitherto fought for the King of England, etc. We have notwithstanding directed our supplicatory letters to him on thy behalf, etc. for in such a case we neither can nor aught command, etc. Mean while bear your bands and sorrows patiently, etc. (64) While thus sundry warlike matters passed between the English and French, the King of England increaseth his side with new associates, Arthur Duke of Britain, the Duke of Lwain, the Earls of Gynes, Boloine, Perch and Blois with others: and * Hoveden Houed pawn 443. recites three several times within a short space, in which the King of France was driven with loss and dishonour out of the field by King Richard, beside the loss of Saint Omers, of Air, and of other Towns won by Baldwin Earl of Flanders, and besides the waist of the French Dominions by many invasions. But the greatest of the three victories was the second, which King Richard gained at the battle between Curceles and Gysors, where the K. of France himself fell into the river of E'the, the bridge breaking under him, with the throng of people which fled for their lives before the English Lion: neither was he easily saved (twenty of his men of Arms being drowned by that ruin) but before he could be drawn out, water had gotten into his belly. (65) This was a famous victory; for besides a long The famous victory of Guysors. Catalogue of great names extant in Authors; there * Houed. Math. Paris. Ypod. Neust. were taken by the King's Army, 100 Knights and Servitors on horseback, and footmen without number, besides thirty men of Arms, and other inferior Soldiers not countable, which Markadey (General of the Rowtes) had for prisoners. There Ger. Dor. M. S. Rog. Wend. M. S King Richard's warlike handiwork. In his letter to Philip Bishop of Durisme. Ro. Houed▪ f. 445. were also taken 200. great horse, whereof sevenscore had barbs, and comparisons armed with iron. King Richard in his own person did most nobly, for with one spear he threw to the earth Matthew de Mummerancie, Alan de Rusci, and Fulke de Giseruall, & took them. So have we vanquished the King of France at Gysors (saith the King) howbeit we have not done the same, but * Dieu & mon Droit: the motto of the English Kings seems hence to be derived. God and our right by us: and in this fact we did put our own head and kingdom in hazard above the counsel of all that were ours. Howsoever therefore the French or others may slubber over such a noble journey, we have not doubted upon so good warrant to record the same. (66) The war continuing still, many virtuous men laboured to make a final accord; and the new Pope Innocentius the third, having proclaimed a new undertaking of the Holy-warre * Ro. How. s. 447 sends a Cardinal Deacon to atone the two mighty Kings of France and England. At length Articles of peace were drawn; but Richard (being far before hand) was nothing hasty to conclude, and therefore put it off, till his return from Poictou, whether he went to Math. Paris. chastise his rebels, though * some say, he did then conclude the peace. (67) At this interview or treaty, Philip King of France, * (the sour of strife, though he sought peace) An. D 1193 Rog. Houed. f. 449 showed to King Richard a deed, in which Earl john * Mat. Paris. newly yields himself Liegeman to King Philip, against his brother. A wonderful thing (saith Hoveden) that Richard should believe it (being perhaps but a Copy of that device or trick, if it were a device which they once had jointly put upon the same john, as in the end of King Henry the second you heard) who thereupon forthwith disseised the Earl his brother every where. But the Earl having searched and learned the cause of the King's sudden displeasures, (whose love he had before redeemed with many loyal services) He sends two men of Arms Houed. ibid.. to the French Court, who should on his behalf, in what sort soever, defend his honour and innocency, against any his accusers: but there was no man found in that Court, neither King nor any other, who would undertake the proof or maintenance thereof; whereupon ever afterward Richard held his brother more dear, and gave less credit to King Philip's words. (68) But now ensued the fatal accident, which drew the black cloud of death over this triumphal and bright shining star of Chivalry, the unworthy occasion of which misadventure makes it the more lamentable; which notwithstanding, for a document to the Great ones, against the outrage of Avarice and Cruelty, God suffered thus to fall on him. Widomare, Viscount of Lymoges having found a great * horde of gold and silver, sent no small portion Houed. f. 429. thereof to King Richard, as chief Lord, with which being not contented (as pretending that treasure troue, was wholly his by virtue of his prerogative royal, or else misliking that the Viscount should make the partition) came with a power to a Castle of the viscounts called * Chaluz, where he supposed This Chaluz the English did call Castle Galliard saith Fabian. the Riches were; the Garrison of which place offered to yield the same, and all therein, if only their lives and limbs might be saved: but he would not accept of any conditions, bidding them defend themselves as they could, for he would enter by the sword and hung them all. It grieves me to think that such a Prince should so forget himself: but behold the severity of God's judgement. An Arbalaster (or Archibalista) standing upon the wall, & seeing his time, charged his steel bow with a square arrow or quarrel, * Ger. Dorob. making first his prayer to God▪ That he would direct that shot, and deliver the innocency of the besieged from oppression. Whereupon discharging Roger Houed. Mat. Par. Ypod. Neust. it, as the King was * taking a view of the Castle within the danger and distance of such an Engine, & the King ( * Ger. Dorob. upon hearing the bow go off) stooping with his head, was mortally wounded in the left shoulder; the anguish & peril whereof was extremely augmented by the butcherly and unskilful hand of the Surgeon, who having drawn out the wood Houed. calls him Car●fex. and not the * Ro. Wendover. envenomed iron, * Rog. How. f. 44●. mangled the arm with cruel incisions before he could prevail; the pain whereof hastened his end. (69) Concerning the name of this tragical Archer, there is so much variety, as that we could willingly take that uncertainty for a warrant to silence it: being loath to ennoble him with our pen, it being a thing worthily punishable with uter oblivion, to have shed (though defensively or but casually) the blood of such a King. Matthew Paris * Mat. Paris in calling him Peter Basilij, seems to allude to some ominous conceit in Basilii (which with the Greeks signifies a King;) him Thomas Walsingham follows therein, as Matthew Paris Ypod. Neust. Rog. Wendover. Ger. Dor. followed * another: there want not * some who also give him a third name; but Hoveden who delivers this accident, as all the rest of this King's life, in the most probable and fullest manner, calls him Bertram de Gurdonn, applying unto him certain * Constitit ante pedes Regis, vultuq▪ minaci, etc. verses of Lucan, in commendation of his unapalled constancy, when he came before King Richard: where thou mayst perhaps (for satisfaction of thy mind, with beholding some revenge) desire to know what become of the Actor. After that the Castle by continual assaults was taken, and (by the King's command) none left alive but he (as being reserved * Rog Hove. f. 44● perhaps to some more shameful death) the king (upon a christian magnanimity) for gave him the fact, which the party (without show of dismay) did neither deny nor excuse, but alleged the necessity of his case, and the justice of God's work in it, for that the king had slain his Father and two Brothers with his own hand: being hereupon set at liberty, and one hundred shillings sterling given him by the king: Markadey (Captain of the Mercenary Rowtes) after the Idem fol. 450. king was dead, took him, flayed him quick, & then by hanging ended his life. King Richards will. (70) King Richard feeling the approach of certain death, disposed his worldly estate, thus: to his brother john he gave the kingdom of England, and his other dominions, with three parts of his Treasure, Houed. fol. 449 commanding such as were present to swear him fealty: to his Nephew Otho king of Almain, he bequeathed (as it * Omnia Baubella sua, saith Ho●●d. seems) all his goods and chattels, money excepted, and the fourth part of his said treasure he gave to his seruant●, and the poor: And having thus discharged his last cares toward the world concerning his transitory state, he prepared himself for the presence of God, strengthening his soul * Rog. Wendo. Math▪ Paris. with hearty contrition, confession, and participation of the holy Sacrament: commanding further, that when he was dead, * Ro. Houed. his bowels should be buried at Charrou, among the rebellious Poictovins, as those who had only deserved his worst parts: but his Heart to be interred at Rouen, as the City, which for her constant loyalty had merited the same▪ and his Corpse in the Church of the Nunnery at Font-Ebrard in Gascoigne, at the feet of his Father King Henry, to whom he had been sometime disobedient: and God affording him gracious leisure till he had thus disposed of all; the venomous vapour ascended to his heart, and drove the spirit Mat. Paris. forth, with whom (say * Author's) the glory and honour of Military skill expired. (70) There hath been an opinion, or fancy, that this King was called Cordelyon, because he encountered a Lion in prison at the emperors Court: but (saith * Fabian. one very truly) these are fables imagined by English tale-tellers to advance their King Richard, as the Britain's, by the like, advanced their King Arthur. The like device (though more lofty and Mathematical) may theirs seem, who conjecture, he was called so of the famous * And yet a Star he gave in his devise, as is seen in both his Seals. Star called Cor Leonis. But how the conceit of kill of a Lion should come up, as it is not worth the while to inquire, so certainly, Hugo de Nevile (one of King Richard's special familiars) is recorded to have slain a Lion in the holy-Land, driving first an arrow into his breast; and then running him through with his sword: whence perhaps that achievement is transferred from the man to the master; and the story applied to the byname of King Richard, whereof Ypod. Neust. the true reason is that which * Thomas Walsingham mentioneth, saying; That for the magnanimity of his heart (grossitudinem praestans, saith an * Ger. Dorob. other, meaning, as it seems, that his material heart itself, was big and massive, which * Math. Paris, in Rich. 1. and his Epitaph. Neustria tuque tegis Cor inexpugnabile Regis. another also saith was inexpugnable) this King was both by the English & Normans styled Caeur de Lion. His Wives. Alice the daughter of Lewis the seventh, King of France, by Queen Alice daughter of Earl Thibald of champaign, is by * Mr. Ferrer. some reputed the first wife of King Richard, though indeed she were * Aemilius. only contracted to him (being both children) and committed to his Father, but when he demanded her, his father refused to deliver her, or she to come to him, or both▪ Wherefore being King, conceiving displeasure against Hove●●●. King Philip her brother, and more than suspecting her continency with his own father (by whom he alleged she had a child) he refused to take her: yet * Mat. Paris p. 113 gave a hundredth thousand pounds to Philip, pro quieta clamantia, to be quite freed from her. She become the wife of William Earl of Ponthieu, and had issue Queen joan of Castille, the mother of Queen Eleanor, wife to King Edward the first. Berengaria the second wife of King Richard, was the daughter of Sanches the fourth of that name, King of Navarre, son of King Garcie the fourth: her mother was Beatrice daughter of Alphonso, the seventh King of Castille, called the Emperor of Spain. She was conveyed by Eleanor the king's mother unto the king in Sicily, and married to him in Cyprus, whence she accompanied him to the Holy land. The king (upon what cause we found not) neglected her company for a while, but upon more settled thoughts, he resumed her again to his love and society, but had no issue by her. His natural Issue. Mr. Ferrer. Philip, the natural son of king Richard, seemeth to have been begotten, while he was Earl of Poytou, of a Gentlewoman Poytovin, and to have had of his father's gift a town in Poytou named Sumac, to have taken also his surname, and title of the same town; and to have been the Progenitor of a family of Gentlemen of the same surname & title, in the same Country. Mr. Milles. Isabel (by * some who mention not Philip at all) is reputed the Natural Daughter of king Richard, (whose mother the Author nameth not) and that she was married to Leoline Prince of Wales. King Richards three Metaphorical Daughters. Three other Daughters, (Bastards no doubt) he is said to have, of whose names and matches we will report as we find recorded. While he was in France employed in his wars against king Philip, Fulco a French Priest, came unto him, telling him he had three very bad Daughters, which he wished him to bestow away from him in marriage, or else God's wrath would attend him: when the king denied, he had any daughter, yes (quoth the Priest) thou cherisest three daughters, Pride, Covetousness, and Lechery. The king apprehensive of his meaning, called his Lords there attending, and said: My Lords, this Hypocrite hath found that I have three Daughters: which I maintain, viz. Pride, Covetousness, and Lechery, which he would have me bestow forth in marriage; and therefore (if any such I have) I have found out most fit husbands for them all. My Pride I bequeath to the haughty Templars & hospitalers, who are as proud as Lucifer himself: My Covetousness I give to the white Monks of the Cisteaux Order, for they covet the Devil and all: But for my Lechery I can bestow it no where better than on the Priests and Prelates of our times, for therein have they their most felicity. Doubtless these marriages proved so fruitful, that their issue hath now overflowed all kingdoms of the earth. An. 1199. Monarch. 45 JOHN DUKE OF NORMANDY GVYEN AND AQVITAINE, etc. THE FJRST STYLED LORD OF IRELAND, THE FORTIE-FIFTH MONARCH OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER VIII. ✚ johannes: DEI: GRACIA: REX: ANGLIE: DOMINUS: hiberny IOhS: DUX: NORMANNIE: ET AQITANNIE: COLIES: ANDEGAVIE ✚ IOhA NNES REX 3 SIL. ROBG ✚ R●QII ●●DIUG THe lustre of Diadems, and Sovereignty, so dazzleth the eyes, and bewitcheth the hearts of Greatest happiness not in greatest dignities. ambitious beholders, that whiles they fondly deem the greatest content to be in highest Titles, running after a seeming Happiness, they often cast themselves headlong, and whole Kingdoms, into irreparable ruin; as the calamities, which after the death of the noble Ceur-de-Lyon, lighted on the Pretenders to his Crown, and on this miserably distracted State, will yield us too rueful a Precedent. To The principal Actors in K. john's tragical reign. the full acting of which Tragedy (for such it was, and so we must now present it in this our Theatre) concurred as principal Actors, the two (though these Patients rather, as the issue proved) unfortunate Corrivals for the Crown, john Earl of Moreton Brother to the late King, and his Nephew Arthur, the a Born after his Father's death, who died at Paris 1186. Cal. Aug. Ypod. Neustria. Giraldus, Hib. expug c. 22. Posthumous son of Geoffry Duke of Britain, the Earl's eldest Brother: their two Female (and therefore more emulous and restless) Solicitors, Queen Eleanor and Lady Constance, each ambitious of their own, in their sons advancements: their two revengeful Abettors; Otho the Emperor for john, and Philip King of France for Arthur: thereupon, Philip the 2. of France. the two unjust Intruders on the Crown; Lewis the French Kings Son, and Innocentius the Pope, the one by unprincely forces, the other by unpriestlie Innocentius the 3. fraud: and lastly, their two sorts of treacherous Instruments, of the laity for the one, and Clergy for the other; all which, like so many Tragic fire-breathing Furies, set this State in so horrible combustion, as that the b In Bellar and other Jesuits. smoke is not as yet, so many ages after, quite allayed. Earl john's preparatives to the Kingdom. (2) Earl john (the very Centre in which those calamities met,) had from his infancy been fed with high and royal hopes, as c Quem tenerrime ●iligebat. Guil. Nubrig. being his Father's only darling, from whom he had the d Gerald Hib. expug. l 2. c. 31. possession of the Irish, and e Ger. Dorob. M. S intendment also of the English Kingdom: and in his brother's time ( f Guil. Nubrig. whose return from the holy wars all men despaired) had by gracious deportment towards the Subject, obtained an g Rog. Houed. in Ric. 1. oath of Fealty to himself, in remainder, in case his brother should die childless: having now therefore the way to those his designs made smother by the h Trivet. M. S. Roger Houed. Ypod. Neust. and all, except wilful Polydor. last Will of King Richard, and i Rog. Houed. & alij. allegiance of his Nobles then attending; (for these courses may facilitate, but The titles of both competitors. not make a just claim;) we may not think, that either he was cold now, for the accomplishment of that, which so hotly he had before pursued, or so nice, as to neglect a Kingdom, upon scrupulous points of Titles and Right. k jure propinquitatis, & Testamento Successor. Walfing. Ypod. Anno 1199. Trivet. Propinquity of Blood pleaded for john, as l jure communi Paul. Aemil in Philip. 2. Lincall descent for Arthur, the King's Brother being nearer than his Brother's son; but john, who knew that the weaker use to argue their Titles, whiles the stronger hold the possession, resolved to try the strength of his claim by no other Law then of Arms; and therefore, being at time Earl john's helps for the Kingdom. of King Richard's death in those foreign parts, he makes it his first care to fasten to himself, by present m Rog. de Wendover. M. S. largesse, and large promises of future favours, (the usual Rhetoric of Competitors) all the Stipendiary Soldiers, and other Servitors of his deceased Brother. To win himslfe the like assurance of love at home, and n Rog. Houed. in joh. to settle (if it might be) an universal quiet, he o Math. Parisiens. Hist. Maior. forthwith despeeded into England (there to concur with Queen Eleanor, his experienced mother) three of the choicest men of the State, Hubert Earl john's Agents. Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, William Marshal a potent Peer, and Geoffry Fitz-Peter the great justiciar, by whose several interests, the three States of Clergy, Chivalry, and Commonalty, might best be either alured to him by favours, or awed by fear; himself, the while p Wendover M S. in joh. posting to Chinon, where King Richard's great Treasure was kept; as knowing that he should hardly get or keep a Crown by Forces or Friends, if he wanted Coin & Crowns, to win and hold such needful Aiders. Duke Arthur's Adherents, (3) The Treasurer, though q Hoveden in joh. himself with his Store, Castles, and Fidelity, thus assured to the Earl, had yet a powerful * Thomas de Furnes. Nephew, the Castellan of Angiers, wholly r Paris Hist. Maior devoted to Duke Arthur, to whose use he yielded up that City and Castle, with whom also s Idem. The beginnings of hatred betwixt Earl john and the Provincials. sided the Nobility of Anjou, main, and Turaine, surrendering those large Territories, as to t Rog. How. in john. their liege Lord, jointly avowing it to be the u Judicium & consuetudo, ib. Mat. Westminst. saith judicium, Jus & consuetudo Law and Custom of those Signiories, that the heritage which was to accrue to the elder Brother, if he had survived, should descend unto his Son. But Constance Arthur's mother, no less x Polyd. Verg. l. 15 desirous to be Regent to a King (for her son was but y Walsing. Ypodig. Born An. 1187. die Pasthae, his father dying before in August. twelve years young) than Queen Eleanor z S●la invidia, etc. Polyd. ibid. disdainefnll to go below a Duchess, did not dare to build her high hopes on so low grounds, for that such subordinate Princes as favoured her cause, might easily be corrupted by fair means, or crushed by foul: and therefore upon news of King john's successes in England (for with general applause and a Hoveden. john proclaimed King in England. homages he was now proclaimed King,) distracted with violent and womanlike Passions, Ambition of her sons Right, Rage for his Wrong, Fear of his Safety, and (not the lest) Emulation that Queen Eleanor (whose Prudence and Grace with the English, had b Polyd Virg. l. 15 swayed exceedingly) should effect more in a wrong, than herself in a just cause; c Rog. de Wen. MS Constance committeth Arthur to Philip King of France. she flies to Turon to the French King Philip, (to seek a Wolf to whom she might commit her Lamb,) to whose Protection she wholly surrenders his Person, his Cause, his Countries. Philip * Magnificis ver●is, etc. Polyd Verg▪ l. 15. pretending (as Princes use) a tender care of his Neighbour Prince's state, but d joh. de Serres in Phil. August. meaning indeed out of so wished a prize, to raise advantage to his own, forthwith ( e Nich. Trivet. MS. The beginning of hatred betwixt K. John & King Philip. without regard of Truth, or Truce sworn to King Richard) reenforceth all Arthur's Cities and Castles with his French Garrisons; some of which had scarce put their foot into Maunz, but f Math. Paris, King John●aketh ●aketh and ruineth Maunz. King john was at their heels, to provide them their last lodging, sacking that City, and demolishing it to the ground, for a terror to all others, which after fealty once sworn unto him, (as g Rog. Hoveden. they had done) should dare to revolt. Queen Eleanor comes to her sons aid. (4) Queen Eleanor, who having settled England in Peace, was now come over to forward her son in the Wars, and was h Wendover, MS. Mat. Paris. present at the surprising of Maunz, is i Hollensh. Polydor. censured to have too much sharpened his edge against her Nephew Arthur and his friends, out of her implacable disdain, and Envy towards Constance her Daughter in-Law, and appears no less; for the King passing thence into Anjou, left there his k Marchadium cum ru●● sua. Rog. Houed. Queen Eleanor taketh & ruineth Angiers. Captains and Forces with his mother, who made Angiers participate the Fortunes of Maunz, the City ruined, the Citizens captivated; whiles himself coming to Rouen, l Mat. Paris. was there by the hands of Walter the Archbishop, in the Cathedral Church with great pomp on Saint Marks Festival, girt with the m Gladio Ducatus. Nic. Trives. M S. ducal Sword of Normandy, and crowned n Hoveden. King john crowned Duke of Normandy. with a Coronet of Golden Roses, (taking his Oath for faithful administration in that Dukedom) which was the pledge or earnest of his unquestionable admittance to the English Diadem, which every day now expected him. Neither yet may we think, albeit King john's l An. ●tat. 32. Walsing. Ypodig. The fittest age, as 2. Sam. c, 5. u 4. David was 30. year old when he began to reign. mature & experienced age, his homebred, and well known education, his reannexing of Ireland's Kingdom to England's, made his person more gracious than Arthur's, that yet his Agents all this while in England found no rubs in their way, before m Rog. Houed. King john's hindrances how removed. all the Earls, Barons, Burgesses & freeholders could be induced to disclaim Arthur's apparent Right, and to swear fealty to King john against all men living: yea, many of the * Ric. Earl of Clare. Ranulph Earl of Chester. William Earl of Tucesbury. Walram Earl of Warwick. Wil de Mowbray, etc. Pretence of liberties, the plague of the State. English Peers (who through their last King's absence, and others connivences, had habituated in them a conceit of uncontrolled Greatness, which they miscalled Liberties and Rights, under veil whereof, they after drew, not only undue restraints upon the regalty, but also infinite calamities and massacres on the people, whose good they pretended,) in the great Assembly at Northampton, yielded only to swear a * Sub bac convent●●ne, Houed. Conditional Fealty, to keep n Rog. Houed. The first seed of the ensuing troubles. Faith and Peace to King john, if he would restore to every of them their Rights: which was the first seed of disloyalties▪ which after grew to so great a height. Thus howsoever, all domestic difficulties overblown, and Queen Eleanor o Vergil. hist. l. 15. left in Aquitane to provide against Foreign▪ King john arrived at p In Sussex. 8. Cal. ●un. Houed. john crowned King of England. True honesty is only true▪ policy. Shoreham, and the next day comes to London, preparing for his Coronation to be at Westminster, the morrow following being Ascension day. (5) Strange it was to consider, (if aught be strange in State-plots) how men, otherwise very prudent, transported once with Worldly, and seemingpoliticke respects, can so wilfully cloud their Reason, as to attempt those things, which leave both a present stain on their Souls, and a lasting disreputation both of their Integrity and Wisdom, wherein so much they glory. For what else did Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury, the man so q Mat. Paris. famoused as the r Singularis Columna stabilitatu. ibid. Pillar of the commonwealths stability, & s Vir prof●ndss pectoris, Jncomparabilis sapieuti● ibid. incomparable for deep-reaching Wisdom, when in that sacred and celebrious Assembly of t Omnium qui Coronationi interest d●buerant, Wendover, M S. all the States, addressing for the royal Inauguration, he added to those Lay-Peeres Conditionals, his Clergy-Sophismes, and u The second root of ensuing treasons. second Seede-plot of Treasons; persuading them by a cunning, but disloyal speech (which yet x Polydore forgeth a sleight speech of his own brain, and holinsh. as idly follows him. Archbishop Hubert's Sophistical Oration verbatim. some by transforming, have more deformed) that the English Crown was merely Arbitrary and Elective at the people's devotion? That y Mat. Paris. Hist. Maior. they all in discretion were to know, how that no man hath Right or any other fore-Title to succeed another in a Kingdom, unless first (with invocation for Grace and Guidance of God's Holy Spirit) he be by the Body of the Kingdom thereunto chosen, and be indeed some choice man, & picked out for eminency of his virtues; by the Precedent of Saul, the first Anointed King, whom God made Ruler over his own people, though neither the Son of a King, nor yet of any Regal descent. So after him likewise David the Son of z Printed Copies read Seme● falsely for Ishai, 1. Sam. c. 16. Ishai: the one for being valorous, and a parsonage fitting royal dignity, the other, for being Holy and Humble minded. To a The examples do not show it: for they were of God's particular commandment, which was not now. show that so he, whosoever in a Kingdom excelleth all in Valour and Virtue, aught to surmount all in Rule and Authority: yet so, as that, if any of the Offspring of a deceased King surpasseth others, it is fit jointly to consent in election of such a one. Thus he spoke (as he professed) in favour of john, who then was present, whose most illustrious Brother King Richard dying without any Heir from him descending, Him they had all (first imploring the b He ascribes that to the Holy Spirit, which after he confesseth to proceed from his own devil. Holy Ghosts assistance) as being a Provident, Valiant, and c For, his Father, and two Brethren, Kings, his Mother, Queen, first of France, after of England: Arthur nothing so. undoubtedly-noble Prince, unanimiously Elected, as well in regard of his Merits; as of his Royal Blood. So unjust a speech from so great a Person, could not but move both Offence and Wonder to many, even to john himself, who doubtless meant to stand to d john de Serres, i● Phil. August. his right of proximity by blood: e Mat. Paris. Non ausi a●●igere. but they durst not then and there move Questions thereof, as afterward f Idem, ibidem. some did, to whom he gave a reason of it, as strange as the speech itself; saying, g Rog Houed. Mat. Paris. Hubert forecasts to bridle the King. that he was assured by some divining foresight, that King john would work the ruin of the Kingdom, and that therefore, to h Giraldus Camb. saith he was Principis frenum. See vit. Archiep. Cant. in Hubert. bridle him from so doing, he had affirmed his Admission was to be by Choice, and not Hereditary Succession: implying that as by Election he got the Crown, so by ejection on demerit he might as justly lose it. But for that present, the Ceremonies all pompouslie accomplished, (where i Rog. Wendover▪ Tripli●i Sacramento involutus Rex. King John first doth reward his three Agents. three Oaths were ministered to him; To love Holy Church, and preserve it from all oppressors; To govern the State in justice, and abolish bad Laws; Not to assume this Royal honour but with full purpose to perform that he had sworn:) the first act and bounty of his kingly Power, was to reward those, whose hands had lifted him to it, making William Martial and Fitz-Peter, Earls of Pembroke and Essex, and the Archbishop, Lord high Chancellor; who seeming l Rog. Hoveden, dum gloriaretur in potestate illa. to glory in that addition of honour, was told by the Lord Bardolf, that the height archiepiscopal dignity. of archiepiscopal dignity was such, as it was ever reputed a great advancement for a Chancellor to be made Archbishop, but none for an Archbishop to be made a Chancellor. (6) The King's Enemies, m Polydore, Francus rem dissimulavit. who kept their heads in, whiles he was there in Arms, found opportunities n Pol. Verg. to impeach him, while he was here settling his Peace: the ᵘ French King in Normandy surpriseth the City Eureux, & recovers the County of Main; the Britain's regain the City Angiers with other strong holds: the news whereof caused King john with all speed o From Shoreham to Deep, (13. Cal. july.) Nich. Trivet. to pass the Seas, to give stoppage to that current; where on his arrival, his Army of p Rog. Houed. Friends and Voluntaries was so increased, that King Philip was soon content to take q In Crastinum Assumptionis, Houed, ib. A Truce with the French. truce for fifty days; on expiration whereof, an Interview was agreed on to establish a lasting Peace. But Philip a r With Henry the second, and Richard, vide supra. Double dealing most unseemly in a Prince. long time noted of doubling, (ill beseeming any, but chief a Prince) the s Crastino Assum. Math. Paris. very day before the two Kings should meet, giving Duke Arthur the t Militari Cingulo, ibid. Belt of Knighthood, and taking of him Homage for the Signiories of Anjou, Poytou, Turaine, maine, Britanny, and Normandy, he made him faithful vow, to yield him powerful helps, for acquiring those possessions. Neither was King john behind him in that kind of prevention, when Philip Earl of Flanders, the French Philip's professed Enemy, u Feria 6. a●te Assumptionem. Hoveden. coming to x Rog. Wendover, MS. A League betwixt England and Flanders. Rouen, and dissuading King john from trusting any French friendship, did there swear unto him both faithful Help and Homage. Yet the two Kings keeping touch for the day, though not for the purpose of amity (and yet making fair show of that too) held Parley betwixt Butavant and y Hoveden, which Wendover and Paris call Wailun. An Interview of the Kings of England and France. Guletun, z Weudover. two days by Commissioners inter-current, the third by presence and privatie, that not one of their Nobles or Attendants (who on each side lay far aloof for the space of an hour) understood any passages betwixt them. This much yet came to notice by after-relation, that a Rog. Hoveden. King Philip then required for Himself the large Country of b Vegesinum. Wendover. Wogesin. Houed▪ V●llo-casinum. Polydor. V●lo-Casium. Paul Aemil. King Philip's unreasonable demands. Veulguessine, pretending that Geoffrey Earl of Anjou granted it to Lews le gross, for aiding his Son King Henry the second against King Stephen: and for Arthur, all Po●ctou, Anjou, main and Turayne: both which immoderate demands with others, King john (conceiving with l 1. Reg. 2. 22. Solomon, Why doth he not also ask for Adoniah the Kingdom?) m No●uit, nee debuit, Paris. The Patley end● in discord. neither would nor aught to grant unto him; whereby their amities intended, ended in more hostile defiances. But Philip's capitulating then for Arthur, was only perfunctory and complemental, as his own words, (and afterward his actions) bewrayed: when being questioned by his Favourites of his implacable n Rog. Houed. hatred against King john, who had never harmed him, professed it was only, for that he had (not, defeated Arthur, but) possessed himself of Normandy, and the other Demaines, without ask him leave, or offering him Homage. (7) The flames thus on all sides breaking forth the stronger, by how much the more they had been for a time kept in, o Hoveden. many Earls and Barons of France (who formerly adhered to King Richard) become Homagers to King john, they swearing, never without his assent to revert to Philip, and he, never to make Peace with Philip, but they therein to be concluded. In the heat of which sidings (if not before) a p Math. Paris. chief adherent of the foresaid Earl of Flanders (now colleagued with King john) being the Bishop Elect of Cambray, fell into the hands of the French, at which time also q Of whom, see in Richard the 1. Philip Bishop of Beavois, (a great French Peer) was held in prison by King john; and neither of them willing to forego their mitred Champions, r Mat. Paris. Petrus de Capua, the Legate, interdicted France for the one, and Normandy for the other, till they, as persons sacred & inviolable, should be dismissed: yet King john (whose Person and Title the Pope and Papals as yet much tendered) had the favour to wring out of his prize, s Paris, Hoveden, saith but 2000 six thousand Marks for his release, and an Oath, never whiles he breathed to bear Arms against any Christian. t Nic. Trivet. M. S Rog. Hoveden. This Legate in King Richard's time, had made agreement with King Philip for a five years Truce, which expiring with Richard's last breath, he still laboured to establish it betwixt the now▪ Kings: but King Philip's great heart would not so come down, which was likely to have cost him dear. For pursuing whither his Fury (a bad guide) did lead him, after his King john pursues Philip from place to place. siege of Lavardin ( u Rog. Hoveden fol. 452. Whence upon King john's approach with his Army he fled to Maunz, and thence again fled, King john coming thither;) seized the Castle of Balun (which belonged to Arthur) and to prevent his enemy (as is likely) x Rog. Houed. he leveled it unto the very ground; which fact Duke Arthur's y Princeps Exercitus Arthuri, Houed. 18. General, William de Rupibus wrathfully expostulating with King Philip, as having done therein contrary to Covenants with his Lord Arthur, he as scornfully answered, that he King Philip's wrongs to Arthur would not for his Lord Arthures pleasure, forbear his own, in doing as himself listed, with such forts as he took. The General seeing Arthur was but the outward mask, under which Philip revelld for his hidden ends, z Mat. Paris. Rog. Houed. seriously persuaded his Lord to reconcilement with his uncle King john, and rather to hazard his hopes on the clemency of a Generous Foe, then on the guiles of a false hearted Friend: & so making his peace with King john, he presently Arthur reconciled to King john. yielded up to him both Maunz, & (with Lady Constance) the young Duke also, the important matter of so great contentions. But Heavens were not so propitious to these Reconciliats, as so to hold them long: some Philippines buzzing such needless a Rog. Houed. terrors of Imprisonment into the Noble Child's ears, that the next night, Fear giving wings to his flight, Arthur flieth from King john. as Love did to his Mothers, (for leaving her husband b Paul. Aemil. saith Guydo was her second Husbband: but it appears otherwise by Hoveden and others. Ranulph Earl of Chester, she was amorous of, and married Guido a gallant Gentleman, who then fled with her,) they escaped into Angiers. Arthur neither sure of K. Philip, nor sure to K. john, had now cast himself betwixt two Millstones; but (howsoever) Philip meant the greist in the end should be his. King Philip and the Emperor's hatred, increaseth the malice betwixt King john and Philip. (8) The breach betwixt these two great Kings, was the more irreconcilable, by reason of the hatred betwixt King Philip and the Emperor c Otho the fourth son of Henry Duke of Saxony, and Maud daughter of K. H. ●. Otho, King john's Nephew, whose advancement to the Empire (himself perhaps d Rog Houed. f. 457. aiming to it) Philip still endeavoured to impeach, e Mat. Paris. not regarding that the Pope (whose power Kings then regarded only, while it made for their purpose) had thundered his Anathema against all his Opposers: and Otho in f Mat. Paris. gratitude to King Richard, who g Mat. Westmin. An. 1198. procured him the Diadem imperial, and in tender regard of his uncles honour, sent him advise, h Rog. Houed. f. 452. The Emperor offers his aid to K. john. not to hasten any final atonement with the French King, for that himself would bring him his utmost Imperial assistance. Notwithstanding, by the Cardinall-Legates assiduous interceding, a Truce was concluded till the i Jdem. ibid. An. 1200. The King's interview again. Feast of Saint Hilary: at which time, the Kings coming to a Treaty betwixt Wailun and Butavant Castles, k Rog. de Wendover, M. S. Paris. Houed. Articles of atonement. it was agreed: that Lewis the Heir of France should marry King john's Niece, Blanch, Daughter of Alfonsus King of Castille; that King john should give for Dowry the City and County of Eureux, with sundry Forts in Normandy, and thirty thousand Marks in silver; vowing also not to aid his Nephew Otho with men or means to attain the Empire: & further, l Nich. Trivet. MS promising to leave (if he died without Issue) unto Lewis all the Territories he held in France; all which Articles were m Vide Chartam apud. Houed. p. 463 formerly engrossed, but finally concluded betwixt Butavant, & Guletun (the * Houed. f▪ 456. one, K. john's, the other, King Philip's Castle) the n Paris. 11. Cal. jul. Octaves of Saint john Baptist, when, these Counties were actually surrendered to Philip; the Lady Blanch o Walsing. Ypod. A. 1200. espoused to Lewis his son; Duke Arthur (Philips once vowed, but now unualued charge,) yielded over, and made p H●m● johannis. Houed. Servant and q Ypod. Neust. Loco cit. King Philip yields up Arthur to King John, against his vow. The Emperors two Brethren sent to King John. Homager to K. john for his own Dukedom; whom yet his uncle was content to leave with King Philip, who had now so left him, and erst had upheld him, only as the bait of his own advantage. If Princes can be thus unprincely degenerous, what trust can men repose in base vassals? King john hereupon proved much more steadfast to Philip, then either Philip was to him, or himself to Otho the Emperor, who sending his two Brethren Henry Duke of Saxony, and William (surnamed of r Houed. f 456. Winton) to demand the Counties of s Eboraci, saith Houed perchance for Ebroic●, Eureu●. York and Poictou, with the Treasure and jewels which t Nich. Trivet, in Rich. 1. M. S. King Richard bequeathed him: King john denied to yield thereunto, u Rog. Houed. King John's care of his oath to K. Philip. only in regard of his Oath which he had passed to Philip, to yield no kind of aid to the Emperor. And further to testify, (yea further than he aught) his faithful meaning to preserve entire this amity with Philip, x Wendover. Houed, f 457. by his advise he divorced y So called by Wendover, Paris. Mat. Westminst. Houed, etc. but ou● Heralds (Glover, miles, Ferrer, etc.) call her Isabel. Hawisia his wife, as too z Grandchild to Rob. base-brother of King john. near of Blood, by sentence of the Archbishop, and Bishops of Bordeaux, Poictoirs, and Xanton, and by the Archbishop's hands espoused Isabella, a job. de Serres. Heiretrice of Ailmar Earl of Angolisme, a fair young Lady, but b Ypodigma. dedestined to another bed. (9) This Final Concord (so c Apud Houed. called, but not proving so) with Philip, who now acknowledged john the d Ibid. f. 463. rightful Heir of King Richard's Crown, gave him more leasur, to receive peaceably all e Idem f. 457. Submitties, and bring in forcibly all f ib. f. 458. out-standers of those his transmarine Dominions, and after to look home to the affairs of his Kingdom, from which he had been (and we there following him,) too long absent. Yet in the heat of those foreign employments, he on occasions had his recourses hither to settle his State-affairs, and g Ib. Consuet. Scaccarij. 463. Crowne-revenewes; to enact wholesome h Idem f. 439. laws for foreign and domestic▪ Commerce; to collect an i Houed. Aid for his nieces great Dowry, and Martial uses; which later (being three shillings on every k See the description of Huntingdon shire. Carrucata,) though his first and only Subsidy since his coming to the Crown, caused much heartburning; especially by means of his l Son of H. 2. by Rosamond. own brother Geoffrey Archbishop of York (touching whom the King was m Houed. f- 453 forewarned, that he would bring a Sword, & not Peace into England) who bearing himself too bold on his blood and place, n Wendover. M S. forbade the Collectors of that Aid in his precincts (though it were o Wendo. granted to the King generally for all England) and also being required by the King to attend him into France, to conclude the Peace, and his nieces Espousal, he very undutifully denied his service. The King p Causa multiplex erat. Paris. justly moved with those his disloyalties, caused all his Temporalities to be seized on by his Sheriff; whom therefore Geoffrey (adding fresh fuel to the fire) did solemnly excommunicate, caused the King's Officers to bear blows, and interdicted the whole Province of York. So partial, and unhistoricall, is the report of q Polyd. Virg. l. 15. one; (a Stranger by birth, but more strange for bold untruths) who feigns the only incentive of such indig nation in the King, was that Prelate's reprehension of his Rapines on the people. For (to give a further taste of that Author's r Grafton, l. 3. vehement fond malice, justly so taxed) what ancient judicious Writers call an s Wend. Houed. Aid necessary for Wars, that he enstileth Rapines and Spoils; where they make john his Brother's Heir by Will, he makes Arthur; they say he was a t Stren●●s Anim●su●. Houed. Cambrens. valiant man, he saith he was a Coward; where they make him u Houed. pursuing, and Philip flying, he chargeth him to have made only plaints, when he should have drawn swords; where they charge the Peers for x Suis detrectantibus Militiam. Trivet. MS. drawing back from his Wars, he makes them the only Hasteings, and john the Hinderer; briefly, if a y Polyd. l. 15. fire-shooting Meteor appear above, it portends heavens fury on john; if the z ibid. watery Element overflow, it bodes john's fury on his Landlord But surely that part thereof, which fell on Geoffry, it was (you see) not undeserved: notwithstanding, upon the King's * 8. Id. Octob. Paris. return into England, and Geoffreys to his more loyal carriage & submission, his Peace was made, at the very time, & for the more celebrity, of Queen Isabella's * Dominica ante festum Dionys. Coronation, with whom the King himself was * Paris. Hoveden. again crowned at Westminster by Archbishop Hubert. (10) The Pomp of that solemnity ended, the King resolved of ending a long depending controversy with King William of Scotland, who formerly The Interview of the Kings of England and Scotland. (before john was proclaimed King) had challenged, as a Hoveden. his patrimonial Right, the Counties of Northumberland, and Cumberland; and afterward seeing he got but words and delays, was ready, (King john being then in France) with an hotter and more forcible argument, to win, what he could not crave: but being in dark b At Dunferli●. Hoveden. devotion all Night at Saint Margaret's Hearse, the still true c She was Grandchild to King Edmund Jro●side, and wife to King Malcolme 3. of Scots. English-hearted Queen persuaded him by a Dream (for certainly it was no other) not to infested England her native soil; who thereupon sent back his Army. But now he cometh with a more friendly train, upon King john's sending to him, in Honourable d Hoveden. Embassage, the Earls of Huntingdon and Hereford, King William's Brother and Nephew, his three Sons in Law, Lacie, Vescy and Rosalura with others, to desire him to give him meeting at e So Hoveden, Walsing. Westm. but Hector and Polydore by error say at London. Lincoln, where accordingly they both f 11. Cal. Decemb. Houed. meet with kingly courtesies; and the next day, King john to auspicate his Temporal affairs with Spiritual devotions, (and yet to show what he thought of some superstitious follies of those times) went g Idem. undauntedly into the Cathedral Church, being much dissuaded by many, (for Monkish Impostures persuaded many it was very ominous for a King to enter that, and certain h As Saint Friswides Church in Oxford. other places) and there offered a golden Chalice on Saint john's Altar, which i King Stephen before dared to enter the City. Paris. in Steph. no King before him durst do. Where his Devotions performed, the two Kings (in presence of * Cant. Dublin▪ Raguse. three Archbishops, thirteen Bishops, the King of South-Wales, with a multitude of English, Scottish, French, and Irish Princes and Peers,) ascending the top of that conspicuous & high * Now called Bore-hill. hill, on the North side of the City, did there in a glorious solemnity, swear amity and faithful love, k Trivet. M. S. Walsing. upon the Crosier of Archbishop Hubert. (11) That Spectacle so royal to the beholders, was seconded with another no less Honourable to K. john, (for Humility in such great ones is more glorious than their glory,) when the King having lately The funerals of Hugh Bishop of Lincoln. left Hugh Bishop of Lincoln (called the Saint, for the opinion of unfeigned integrity, though l See Polydore l. 15. blemished with some obstinacies, and surcharged with Legends of m In Wendover. Paris. & Legend. of S. Hugh. feigned Miracles) at London very sick, (where himself with gracious care n Paris hist. mai. went to visit him, and both confirmed his Testament and promised the like for other Bishops after,) now hearing he was * Negligent Polydore saith he died, A●. 1207. Reg. Joh. 6. dead, and his Corpses then bringing into the gates of Lincoln, he, with all that princely Train, went forth to meet it; the o Rog. Houed. three Kings (though the Scottish was to departed that very day) with their royal Allies, carrying the Hearse on those shoulders, accustomed to uphold the weight of whole kingdoms: from whom the Great Peers The manner of Bishop's funerals in those days. received the same, and bore it to the Church Porch, whence the three Archbishops and Bishops conveyed it to the Quire, and the next day (it there lying the mean time p Mat. Paris more Pontificum, p. 197. King john's great humility. open faced, mitred, and in all Pontifical Ornaments, with Gloves on his hands, and a Ring on his finger) interred it with all solemnities answerable. Yet here the King rested not to give proof, in so great a height, of his lowly mind, and then benign (how ever afterward averted) to the Clergy; when twelve Abbots of the Cisteaux Habit (whose q See holinsh. in K. john The Cistercians deny aid to K. john. whole Order had displeased him, by refusing to give Aid towards his great payment of thirty thousand pounds) r Houed. f 462. came now to Lincoln, and all prostrate at his feet, craved his gracious favour, for that his Foresters had driven out (for so the King had given command) of his Pastures and Forests K. john's facility to pardon offenders. all their Cattles, wherewith themselves, and Christ's poor were sustained. The King touched with remorse on so venerable a troup of Suppliants, (though so great offenders) commanded them to rise, who were no sooner up, but the King s Rog. Houed. ib. inspired with divine Grace, fell flat on the ground before them, desiring pardon, adding, that he not only admitted them to his love, & their * The great wealth of that Order consisted in cattles and wool. beasts to his Pastures, (a special favour which Kings had granted that Order,) but would also build an Abbey for men of their sort, (if they would design some choice seat) wherein himself meant to be enshrined. Neither did he promise' then more than he performed, nor were those wily Humiliates regardless of choosing a delicate plot for the purpose, where he built a goodly Abbey of their Order, deservedly for the pleasance of the place, named t The Beauteous place an Abbey in Hampshire by New▪ Forrest. Beaulieu, and of u valued (at the dissolution under H. 8.) at 428. l. 6. ss 8. d. q●. yearly. rich Revenue, and excessive Privilege; continuing long of great renown, as a Castle of refuge inviolable; our Ancestors thinking it most heinous sacrilege, thence to draw any, though wilful Murderers or Traitors: wherein the Founders of such unsanctified x Cambdenin Hampshire. Sanctuaries, & Temples of Mercy (so they called them) throughout this Kingdom, seemed rather to take Romulus for their Precedent, them Moses, who granting favour to casual Manslaughters, yet y Exod, 21. u 14 commanded wilful Murderers to be drawn from the Altar to the slaughter. (12) By what degrees, men not only of such reputed-religious The first breaches betwixt the King and his Clergy. habit, but also of the Secularclergy, fell afterward more and more from such favours of the King, and he from theirs, a man that will not purposely wink, may easily behold, both sorts standing so stiff on their persons, and their possessions Exemption from Regal command, that whiles The Clergy stand on a threefold exemption. 1 Of their People. 2 Of their possessions. 3 Of their Prelacies▪ the a Apud Mat. Paris, passim. Pope could have all for any superfluous employment, the King could get nothing, though his Kingdom were in hazard, as you heard by the disloyal obstinacies both of the Archbishop of York, who denied the King his personal attendance, and those Cisteaux Monks, whose Coffers were thus locked against him. The like pretended Exemptions of their Clergie-Prelacies (as well as of their People and Purses) wrought also like offences, both with former Kings, and now with King john, who on the death of Bishop Hugh, resolving to confer by gift, (as his b See in K. Henry the 1. Ancestors did, and c Successi● johanni de Oxenforda, in Epatu Norrwic. joh. de Gray. Dono Johannis regis. How. f 458 Epatum Hereford. Rex dedit Aegydio ibid. himself elsewhere lately had) that See, on some whom either merit of affection had endeared to him, (the rather, because d Mat. Paris▪ in Guil. 2. men of those places, in those days, were usually their Sovereign's bosom-Counsellors) e Rog▪ Houed. he was with peremptory affronts withstood by the Cannons there, who very bold on the Pope's upbearing, recked very slenderly their Offence taken by the King against Archb. Hubert of Cant. Princes displeasing. It is not unlikely that Archbishop Hubert (jest Canterbury might be thought inferior to York in daring boldness,) as being Papal Legate, in secret bolstering them had a hand, though closely carried in a glove: for that the man, who lately, f Rog. Hoveden. gloried the King was wholly his, now finding he had not the sway he expected, and thought he deserved (by obligement of his first Agency about the Crown,) not only studied to make up that by his Legatine Glory which he wanted by his Prince's countenance, but further, Hubert's hollow heart to K. john. (as g Polyd. Verg. l. 15 one who thinks he extolles his virtue, paints forth his disloyalty) he repent now, more than any thing in all his life, that he had so advanced King john to the Crown. Certes, about this time, he showed slender respect to his Sovereign, (for as God is in Hubert resisteth the King's chief officer. his, so are Kings dishonoured in their Ministers disgraces) when being prohibited by Fitz-Peter, the King's great justitiar and Minister (in the King's absence) of regal command, h Hoveden. from holding a General Council of his Province, (never used to be held, but by Sovereign permittance) his pleasure scorned to take any countermand, but from him especially, who, in i Archiepiscopal in Regno a Rege secunda persona. Mat. Paris. calling his inferior, by * As fellow agents for the King's advancement. Hubert outbraves the King himself. An. 1201. joint deserts towards the King, but his Equal, was now, in nearness and fastness to the King, become far his Superior. But what speak I of confronting a subordinate power? did he spare to out-beard his Sovereign himself? It seems no. For having notice, the Feast of the Nativity now approaching, that the King intended with his Queen, at Guildford to keep that feastivity with great magnificence; he whose Palace ordinarily, for Splendour, multitude of Attendants, and sumptuous entertainments did strive with the Kings (as one of his own k Mat. Parker in Antiq. Ecc. Ang. in vit. Hubert. Successors avows) thought this a fitting time, to show, both his great state, and little regard of his Prince's discountenance, by l Mat. West. Quas cum Rege a pari contende●s. paraleling to the Kings, his own sumptuous preparations, m Wendover, M. S with rich attires, and costly gifts for his Attendants at Canterbury. The King (as Kings brook not to be braved by Subjects, nor is it wisdom for disfavourites to do it,) moved n Mat. Paris. with great indignation, thought the man had too much riches, & too little Discretion (which seldom lodgeth in the brain, where Pride dwells in the Heart,) and therefore to abate somewhat the one, and learn him more of the other, having first been in the o Stow erreth in saying he then went into Ireland. North parts to gather money for his better uses, he meant not to lavish it in keeping his Easter, which he chose rather to do at the cost of Hubert the p Mat. Parker Antiq. Ecc. Ang. Godwin. in. vit. Hubert. Rich; & not to spare him, who spared not himself, he there increased that great expense with a greater, of His, and his Queen's solemn q Rog. Wend▪ M. S. crowning again on Easter day, in the Cathedral Church; where, in am of his expense, Hubert had the formal honour to set on their Crowns, but yet not the grace to sit near the King's Heart. The first breaches betwixt the king and his Lay Peers. (13) Such being the first overtures of hart-burning betwixt the King and his Clergy, which after by additament of daily fuelling, braced forth into a more fearful flame; the Lay-Peeres were so far from labouring to quench it, that they made it the fiercer: for these bellows of Rebellion, which before their Homages did condition for their Rights & Liberties, were not all this while sparing of their breath, to inflame other Nobles with the like heat of fury. Hell itself (whence all Rebellions spring, and thither fall again) could not wish a fit occasion to broach and actuate such a mischief. For the r Rog. Houed. Poytovins with King Philip's connivence, (taking advantage of King john's absence, and Springs approach) were up in Arms, dislodged his Garrisons, beleaguered his Castles; tidings whereof recalled King john's thoughts from his Domestic pomps, to his Transmarine Affairs; for the present, he gave command to his * Warin. de Clapium Houed. Seneschal of Normandy, to attempt on them some Counter-seruices, to withdraw the Seigers, (whom also King Philip, s Houed. f. 465. hearing King john was in person coming over with an Army, forthwith recalled,) and published his general t Apud Teuks●urie, die Ascensionis. Paris. summons, that his Earls, Barons, and all that held by Knights-seruice, should be ready at Portsmouth with Horse and Arms, on Whitsonday then Liberty's the cause of contention. instant, to cross the seas with him. The tumultuous Earls knowing, that the King then needed their present helps, and therefore might be forced to any Capitulations, in a conventicle held at Leycester, by a u Hoveden. joint conspiring, sent an audacious message to the King, that they would not attend him, unless he would first restore their rights; with which disloyal refusal, the King justly incensed, * Malousus con●●lio. Houed. by some men's too praecipitate advise, (considering the hazardous time which needed a salve rather than a corrosive) seized into his hands some of their Castles, to prevent their further attempts, of some he took their children for pledges, and others, whose Purses were likely to do him truer service than their owners, he x Wendover. MS. released upon payments. At which prefixed time, he dispatched before him William Earl of Pembroke, and Lord Roger Lacie with y Houed. two regiments to join with Normandies' Seneschal. What a * Rog. Hoveden. grave Author judged of those bold Barons here, and other turbulent Great-ones then abroad, may be gathered by this; that as soon as mention fell in of those refractory Lords, he straight fell off, to show how in that very year, Pope Innocent then reigning in Rome, Saffadine the Turk in jerusalem, * By Houed. so named, but Alexius by Nic. Trivet. Alexander the z Nich. Trivet. MS showeth he deprived his brother Cusath of Empire and eyes not of life. Fatricide in Constantinople, (for so he yoketh those three together, with some others following them;) the great Doctors preached, that then was the time ( a Apoc. 20. u 7. prophesied by Saint john) when after a thousand years restraint, the Devil was let lose, to seduce the Nations like a b u 2. & 8. Serpent, and trouble the world like a c Ibidem. Dragon: which how true it proved in this our Nation and little-World, (in whose Tragedy the Devil also, amongst the d Supra § 1. first named Actors, comes now to play his part,) the Diabolical ensuing practices, both of fraud and fury, will hereafter demonstrate. (14) The King, though thus disfurnished of his principal home-helpes, yet e Houed. f. 465 entrusting the custody of the land, especially those Southern parts, with f Parker in vit. Arch. Cant. erreth in saying it was Hubert the Archbishop, whose name was Hubert Walteri. Hubert de Burgo Lord Chamberlain, and receiving to g Houed. f 465. full reconcilement (for more security of the Northern,) Geffrey Archbishop of York, whose h Ibid. Churches large Privileges than he ratified; without delay at Portesmouth he put forth to sea, with Isabel his Queen, though in sundry Bottoms, and with differing success, a i Hollins. sudden gust disparting the Fleet, whereby the King was driven back on the Isle of Wight, but the Queen k Mat. Westmin. Walsing▪ and yet Houed. saith, prosperis ventis gavisa. with much ado, arrived safe in Normandy, whom soon after the King followed thither. Upon whose arrival, the French King l Paris Hist. minor MS. perceiving the power of his adversary, presently condescended to another personal (but very m Nemine conscio Houed. private) Parley; wherein each gave and received such reciprocal satisfaction in their desires, that thereupon, not only the former bonds of Amity seemed to continued strong, butwere also more strengthened with a new knot of n Wendover. MS. Association, wherein sundry great Lords of either side were by indentment of Writing, made sureties to the counterpart, with condition, that whither of the two Kings did first violate the Covenants, all his cautionary Lords should be released of their allegiance to him, and become Leegemen and Assistants to the Prince offended. And that the world might take more notice of their combined loves, they o Houed, f. 471. both agreed to contribute to the Holy-Warres, (which now began to be on foot) the fortieth part of the whole Revenues of their Crowns; sending their p Epist. Galfredi Apud Houed. f. 471. letters abroad into their Dominions, to encourage all their Nobles & people, by their examples to do the like. With which intercourses, & other compliments, three days being spent betwixt them, King Philip the deeper to serve himself into King john's good opinion, (the * Tuta frequensq▪ via est, per Amici fallere nomen. surest way to overreach another in any commerce) by entreaty obtained his company, first to S. Den●ses' Palace, q Hollins. where he entered with a pompous Procession of the Clergy, and lodged with royal entertainment by the King, and the next day, to Paris, where he was received with r Ypod. Neust. Holins. very rich Presents of the City, and great applause of all sorts, to see so noble arguments of affection betwixt two so great princes, lately so mortal enemies: where the French King betaking himself to a more private mansion, left his own palace to accommodate and honour England's King. After some days there bestowed in princely delights, and entertainments, King john conducted forth of the City by King Philip, and parting with mutual attestations of love never to be parted, took his journey towards Normandy, in full hope to enjoy thence forward the contentment of quiet to himself, and peace to his Dominions: but those windy hopes soon changed with his change of the air. (15) For whiles at Chinon he was royally entertaining Queen Berengaria his a K. Richard's wife sister (whom b Rog. Houed. he A new conspiracy. there also bounteously satisfied in performing the jointure promised her by King Richard, giving her the c Mat. West. Ann. 1202. City and Signiory of Baion, two Castles, and their Demaines in Anjou, with a thousand Marks yearly for term of life,) and at c Mat. West. Ann. 1202. Argenton in Normandy, where he kept his Christmas, was solacing himself with his fair Queen Isabel; the Earl of March, Hugh, surnamed Le-Brun, a d P. Aemyl. in Phil. 2. Peer of great power and alliance, to whom Isabel was first promised (though for her e Nondum a●nos nubiles a●●igera●. Hoveden. unripe years he never bedded her) inflamed with love of her, who was now thought worthy to be a Queen, f Aemil. lo. citat. drew on other Poictovine Nobles, to think that he was unworthy to be a King, who wrongfully had taken her g Houed. saith her father gave her to King John. fol. 457. from him, and would, if not prevented, do the like in time with them. So, h Ypod Neustriae. once again young Arthur, whose former hopes were all cold, is rekindled by these firebrands, and set up by their malice, to supplant his uncle, but by heavens Decree, to overthrow himself; howsoever the i Mills his Catalogue of honour in Richmond's Earls. Britain's, than fascinated with his ominous Name, dreamt that the ancient Great Arthur was risen again in him, and The French king breaks amity with K. john. that the Translation of the English Kingdom was now by him to be effected. Neither was the k Wendover MS. French King, for all his late painted pretensions of love, deaf to their suggestions, who laboured to incense his hatred against john; whereto he had these further inducements; that King john might quickly wax too potent a Neighbour in that Continent, if his quiet and power were not timely rebated; that now the means to work it, were more than before, the l Rog▪ Houed. English Peers being alienated in affection from him, for denying their claimed Liberties; but chief, that the m Nich. Trivet, M. S. profit (such base ends can some propose of so Noble a Band) which he hoped for by his amity (being the n Walsing. Ypod. enjoying of those Signiories in the Continent, if he died sans Issue) was now in a manner cut off, Queen Isabel beginning to give apparent hopes of some fair fruit from so fair a stem. Thus whiles Earl Hugh out of his love, Duke Arthur out of Ambition, King Philip out of Avarice, (ah that the noblest person should have the basest end,) but all out of Hatred, were contriving King john's ruin; he was farthest from suspicion, when nearest his danger, and yet they, who thus were forwardest to undermine his Greatness, were themselves foremost to be crushed with the weight another interview of the two kings. thereof. (16) But these sly Serpents shrouded in secret their envenomed heads, till the warmth of the o Mat. Paris. hist. min. M S. saith in Lent. Spring (a time suiting for martial mischiefs) called them forth; when King Philip (having newly cast his skin, and as most able, so was p Mortali armatus odio. Wend. M. S. most willing to break the way) desired another interview with King john: who commlng thither (the q Nich. Triu. MS. Mat. Paris saith it was near Gulutun Castle. place was twixt Vernon and Lisle Dandale) with expectation of some first-fruits of those lovely courtesies which their last meeting seemed to have engrafted; he there found that this last winter had nipped all those fair blossoms. For Philip, r Hist. min. Paris. MS. forgetful of all former Compacts, and s Trivet. M. S. pretending some imaginary wrongs, in outrageous manner t Mat. West. Wendover, M. S Paris hist. min. M. S. required him without delay to redeliver into Arthur's hands, all his Transmarine dominions, Normandy, Turayne, Anjou, Poictou; or otherwise as Lord Paramount of those Countries, which john held by Homage, he peremptorily u Walsing. Ypod. cited him personally to appear in * In quindena Paschae, ibid. Easter Term at Paris, there to x Nich. Trivet. M. S. answer what should be laid to his charge, and to abide the Arrest of his Court of justice. The colour on which he thus did cite him, was (say y Ralph Cogshall. john Stow. some) King john's sharp repressing of some rebellious attempts of Hugh le brun the former year, whereof the Earl complained to King Philip, as to the chief Lord King john much amazed to see, not only honey so soon distempered into gall, but the French King also turned into an Apparatour, z Hist. maior. Mat. Paris. disdained both his Citation and Commands, as very unnoble for England's King to accept, or the French to offer; neither indeed did Philip thus put the matter to daying, as intending any such legitimate proceeding, but only to make his adversary secure of any other assaults, then by Pettifoggers. For whether it be true or not, a Ralph Cogshell. john Stow. that King john for his non-appearance, was by sentence of the French Peers adjudged to lose all his Territories in the Continent: certain it is, that * Die sequenti, say Mat. Westm. & Rog. Weud. M. S. no sooner was the Conference with indignation broken off, but Philip (he had before prepared to effect what he had projected) with power and fury assails Butavant Castle, whose Turrets (high-reared by * Stows Annals King Richard) he b Hist. minor. Mat. Paris. MS. leveled with the Foundations, and thence suddenly like a flash of lightning, began to involve the c Mat. Westm. King John forceth King Philip to raise his siege. neighbouring parts with ransaking and ruins, till giving an assault, (which had held him eight days) to the Castle of Radepont, d Confusus recessit. Wendover. MS. King john coming to the rescue, forced him with shame to speed away. To repair which dishonour, and to impair the English forces by distraction of employments, returning to Paris, he there e Paris. min. hist. MS. appoints for Arthur (to * Stows annal. whom he had now affianced his younger daughter) both certain selected Nobles to be protectors to secure and guard his person, & also bands of Soldiers to attend his command, amongst which were 200. the f Mat. Westminst. choice Knightsof France; all which in g Mat. Paris hist. maior. very pompous Troops followed him, (with Philip's h Paul. Aemil. in Phili●po 2. directions, and also supply of i Tho. Walsing. great sums of money) into Poictou, to reduce those parts to his Allegiance; which was no hard matter to effect; the greater part of Commanders there (being fore-wrought) expecting nothing more, and the better part suspecting nothing less, than these perfidious assaults. (17) Queen Eleanor Regent of those provinces, attended with a k Mat. Paris. hist. min. very slender guard, yet strong enough for days of quiet, (which both her l Magno natu mulier, Aemil. Age did now desire, and her m Idem. Homage done to Philip, and Philip's fair shows to her did promise;) having no speedier notice of those incursions, than the unpleasing effects thereof, (for on Arthur's good successes, n Paulus Aemil. K. Philip proclaimed him Lord of those Dominions) betook herself into Mirabeau, one of the most tenable towns in o Polydor saith Andegavensis agri munitissimum. Poictou, sending to King john, (whose forces were then in p Mat. West. Normandy and q King John's letter▪ see holin. Queen Eleanor besieged in Mirabeu. maine, repressing or preventing Philip's attempts) for present aids. Which yet could not so speedily come, but Arthur (who knew that upon seizure of such a prize as Eleanour, he might draw her son to any conditions) had prevented them, besieged her, and r John Serres Paulus Aemil. possessed himself of her town, though not of her person, as s Aemil. Polyd. some by misunderstanding have mis-related. For she t Westmin. Paris retiring into the Castle, made it good u Wendover, MS. against her Grandchilds incessant battery; about which, whiles he, with his x Paris. ma. continual supplies of Poitovine and y Mat. West. Aniovine princes, was z Paris. min. MS. indefatigably busied, King john's Army near at hand (for his expedition both by day and night to his mother's rescue, is recorded as a W ndover, MRS.▪ King john's letter in holin. admirable) brought the news of their own approach; which caused b Mat. West. the great Army of the Leaguers so industrious before to impeach others, no less solicitous now to defend themselves. Both Armies c Wendo. M. S. martially ranged, & Arthur's Battalions not only d Paris hist. min. MS. undauntedly, but also very e Wendover. pompously coming on to the shock, the fight proved f Mat. West. most fierce and terrible, each side resolving, by reason of both the Competitors presence in the field, that the End and upshot of all their designs, depended on that days success: which in the end by the fortunate g Paris. hist. ma. prowess of King john and his English, fell disastrouslie on Arthur, his French, and other Assistants, who after a h Polydore, great slaughter made amongst them, i Trivet. MS. turning their backs to him, from whom they had before turned their Faiths, took their flight k Mat▪ West. towards the Town▪ to shelter their lives within those walls, which so late the Seat of their triumphs, become now the cage of their captivation, and the Tomb of all Arthur's ambitious hopes, though himself so unhappy as to survive them: for l Wendover. MS together with the tumultuary flyers, the victorious King & his Army entered, renewed a m Mat. West. most bloody fight, repossessed the Town, freed his mother, enthralled his Enemies, and recovered all the provinces which had revolted. (18) This victory was so glorious to King john, and so dreadful to his Enemies, (for King Philip's two chief confederates, n Paris. Arthur and Hugh Brun, o Literae K. joh. Raymund, Father to Guido the husband of Constantia, p Rog. Wend. all the Peers of Poictou and Anjou, q Literae Regis. above 200. French Knights and others of command, besides the vulgar multitudes were taken prisoners) that both then King Philip, though very hot in the siege of Argues in Normandy, presently cooled and r Mat. West. confounded with▪ news thereof, broke up his fortnight's siege, and returned home; and since, the French●awning ●awning favourites, and King john's maligners have sought to extenuate the matter, averring against s Wend. Paris. Trivet. Walsing. West. all truth of record, that it was exploited t So Aemelius, before the French were come to Arthur's aid, and u So Polydor. when all his Soldiers were both unarmed and unordered. But, as others highly extolling king john's valour herein, x Trivet. Walsing. interpret those fore-doomes of Merlin to have been meant of him, y Merlini Vatic●nia. that he should he crowned with the head of a Lion, should cut out the tongues of Bulls, and lay iron chains on the backs of roaring Beasts (and indeed he z Wendou. chained them hand and foot, and so conveyed them away in Carts, a kind of riding till then unusual with them,) so King john himself, a Literae Regis apud Hollins. duly acknowledging the greatness of God's goodness therein, sent his Letters to all his Barons wheresoever (thereby to encourage the loyal, and hold in awe the tomultuous) inciting them to tender all praise unto God for so admirable a work, and so gracious assistance: and soon after b Paris min. MS. he dispersed his noblest Captives into sundry Castles in Normandy and England; Arthur's sister Eleanor, called the damosel of Britain, being c Ypodigma. Neustr. committed to Bristol Castle, where she d She lived till 1241. Paris in H. 3 long lived with e Walsing, Anno 1203. very honourable usage. And though the king's displeasure was justly incensed against her brother Arthur, for so frequent wavering in his faith, yet meaning to try all means of winning him who had thus lost himself, f holinsh. he sent for him (being then at Falaise in the custody of g Paris. Hubert L. Chamberlain) and entreated him very gently, promising him all honourable respects, if (as yet) he would re●olue to forsake the French kings amity, and frame both his mind for hearty love, and his Actions for peaceable observance towards him, his uncle and Liege Lord Which exceeding clemency, the ill-advised young Gentleman (for what wisdom is it to show pride where we need mercy, and to give threats beyond possibility of performance?) h Mat. West. requited only with arrogant and undutiful language, furiously obraiding the king with violent and fraudulent detention of the English Crown, which menacingly he there required of him, and all other King Richard's Countries, as his lawful inheritance, affirming with an Oath, that unless he did forthwith restore them, he should not long live in peace. With which incorrigible pertinacy the King provoked, as seeing no place left to better hopes, i Mat. Paris. committed him to stricter custody k Stows Annals under Robert de Veypont, in the Castle of Rouen. (19) The Britain's fury and conspiracies, which King john hoped to abate by this their Prince's durance, l Rad. Cogshall. were thereby much more augmented; like Serpents, most struggling with their trains, when they feel their head in pressure. Which moved the King, who was now returned into England, (and in triumph of his late victory, m Wendover. MS wore his crown again at Canterbury at the cost of his former host) to take advise of his Council touching his troubled affairs, whose sentence was (if we will credit the o Rad. Cogshal. reporter) that Arthur should lose his eyes. But the escaping of such tortures, is by p Holins. some ascribed to the commiseration of Lord Hubert▪ by q Paul. Aemyl. others, to the mediation of Queen Eleanor, who interceded with her Son for her Grandchild as long as she lived, which was not long; deaths unpartial hand (and r John de Serres grief of heart, some say) laying that great & prudent Queen, (the wife of * jews of France & Hen. of Eng. two mighty Kings, and mother of * Hen. Rich. john 3. sons of H. 2. three) where Princes and Peasants are all equals. Her Nephew much behind her in age, soon overtook her (if not s By Paris it seemeth she outlived him. outwent her) in destiny; whose death divulged on King john's return from England, t Paris. min. hist. M. S. gave his maligners fresh coloured occasion, both to molest his quiet, and to distain his estimation, as if he had not only been the Causer, but also the executor of it with his own hands. King john slandered about Arthur's death. (20) As the Tongues of Parasites are no true scales to weigh the worth and virtues of Great men; so neither aught we to judge of their (or any man's) blemishes, by the deforming pencils of Envy or Rancour; with one of which, no eminency, either of place or of virtue, was ever unattended. And that this bloody aspersion on the King, came from no other fountain but malignity; such as then lived, and might therefore best know the truth, and were also (as Monks gnerally were) his most bitter Taxers, and therefore far from saluing his infamy with partial falsehood, can best witness. It was (saith u Paris. hist. min. MS. one) by certain persons avowed that Arthur attempting to escape secretly out of hold, was by casualty drowned in the River Seyne (on which the Castle of Rouen is seated;) and yet the Frenchmen, the King's mortal enemies (and therefore plenary credit not to be given them) give it out, that he was murdered by the King's command, yea and by his own hands: thus by the malice of slanderers, England's King become not a little defamed. With whom other the approvedst Authors accord (though differing in the * Some saying he died of grief, some of wilful abstinence from food. manner of his death) that this imputation sprang only from the x Trivet. Walsing. French emulation, as since it hath been kept on foot, only by y Serres, Aemylius, P. lydor. French, or Italianate spirits, z Sabellicus Ennead. 9 l. 5. one of which hath not blushed to charge King john with murdering of his own Brother King Richard, and b Paris ad Ann. 1241. another with kill Arthur's sister, who yet outlived him 24. years; so shamelessly will the pen blur the truth of Actions, where a john Harding. Chron. c. 142. erring also in his Sister's name, saying: Thus slay he both Arthur and Isabella, To joy the Crown of England, as men tell. it's once dipped in gall against the person. But sharper showers then of tongues (which being undeserved, are to be unregarded) were sequels of Arthurs death: it seeming to give new life to King john's troubles, & King Philip's hatred, which yet once again must go masked under the robe of justice. For Philip cites john as Duke of Normandy, to appear at a set day, to be tried upon point of c Mat. West. Treason by his Peers; Constance Arthur's mother (well brooking her name for her immutable hatred to King john) is made the d john de Serres. plaintiff, requiring justice of Philip, as both their Sovereign; King john not appearing, is condemned e Paul▪ Aemil. in Philippo 2. The Peers sentence upon King john. of a traitorous outrage, for that careless of his oath made to the French, he though an uncle, had murdered his elder brother's son, being an Homager to the French, and that within the French Territories; without any legal course, nor by cognizance of those to whom it appertained; whereupon he is adjudged to be held an enemy to the French State, to forfeit all his Signories which by Homage he held of the French, and those to revert to the Crown of France, and a reentry to be made by force of Arms, if any deny possession. Thus now the second time, by solemn sentence the King & Peers of France disherited and condemned King john, though absent, unheard, neither confessing, nor convicted of the Action; albeit at that time f Ex Combed any Brit. in Richmund●● Comit. he sent them his royal promise to come, (if they would give him public faith and safe conduct for his coming & returning) and answer at Paris touching the death of Arthur, though he was his Leegeman, had sworn him fealty, had violated the same, had raised a rebellion, and was taken in battle. Upon which grounds, if King john had caused the pretended execution on so capital a Complotter both against his Life & Crown; and one, who had caused so much bloodshed of his people, and more would if he had escaped; in g Ingenia Regum prona ad formidinem, Sallust. which cases Princes are and aught to be very jealous; what understanding Statist can justly condemn him, or justify the French injustice? Especially it being questionable, and even then h Cambd. lac● citato. much debated, Whether the Peers of France were competent judges on a King anointed, and so their superior, the King of England and Duke of Normandy being but one person, & maior dignitas absorbet minorem, the greater dignity was to swallow up the less. But when the will of a Ruler, is a rule, or ruled-case to his judges, no other could be expected then by these Peers was performed. Ann. 1203. (21) Neither did they here stay; but (as in most States, the Acts and Decrees advantageous to the Princes, are carefully pursued, though others seldom or coldly executed) that heady sentence was i Joh. de Serres. seconded with as hasty force, on Philip's part, and on johns (if some Authors say true) as much neglected. It is no rare thing to see Princes (because on their safety depends the State of their Kingdoms) often suspicious of dangers where there is no cause; but it is unexcusable in them, under a show of resolution to be secure, where they see their Person or State may be near unto hazard. An intelligent man would think, that whiles so vast indignities were in hatching (yea and now on wing) by so insatiate enemies, King john had been whetting his revenge, levying his forces, strengthening his confines, combining his friends and Allies, so to regret their pride and malice, who thus proceeded to unstate him of that k Paulus. Aemil. in Phil. 2. goodliest portion of France, l joh. de Serres saith ab An 885. part whereof for above three hundred years had been the inheritance of his Ancestors. But whether it were the * Male filijs infatuatus. Wendover. bewitching dalliances of his fair Isabel, with whom he was in arms, when he should have been in Arms, as m Paris hist. min. some Authors tax him; or his deceived expectation of Aides from his Barons, as n Apud Wendo. himself alleged; or promised redress by the Pope, as the o Ypod. Neust. sequel showed: too true it seemeth, that beginning his Christmas at Cane in Normandy with festival pleasures not unfitting the season, he continued them so unseasonably and unreasonably too, that he gave both to the p De Serres. French leisure to execute their Peers sentence, and q Paulus Aemil. to the Britons and Poytovins, an edge to prosecute their old rebellions, now new-quickned with the loss of their young master: whereby his strongest Towns and Castles daily fell away, either by force of Assailants, or treachery in defendants, or on despair of needful aides. (22) Treachery as it was foremost (for it gave beginning and means to the rest) so did it most in undermining King john's possessions, which stirred him to take sharp revenge r Th. Walls. by hanging up all his Hostages of Poytou for their Countrimens' treasons. But such a death (though of all other most disgraceful) is not so hateful to a Spirit truly ennobled, as is the stain of dishonour, especially for Treachery or Cowardice: from either of which I wish I could with truth acquit s Saer▪ de Quincy. Rob. Fitz▪ walter. Paris. hist. 〈◊〉. those two great Barons (whose names we will here forget) to whom King john entrusted the defence of the ᵗ famous Castle called Vall-de Ruill; who no sooner saw King Philip u Rog. Wend. M. S. engirding it with his great host, and mounting his Engines of battery against it, but eftsoons, before one stone of the walls was shaken, or any one of their men had lost the lest hair of their heads, they dishonourably surrendered the Fort (a matter of very great consequence) to King Philip's pleasure: who though abundantly pleased with the deed, yet so x Mat. Paris. contumeliously (but most justly, and princelike) recompensed the Doers, for Traitors always become odious, though the Treason be commodious,) that, for so base a part he commanded them to be fettered in chains, and basely entreated in close prison, till they had dearly redeemed their liberty, though they could hardly their reputation. Another noble Baron, * Hugh Gur●y. Polyd. l. 15. Captain of Castle Galliard (which being built on a very high Rock over Seyne, y Ypod. Neust. King Richard had made impregnable) by his undaunted prowess, and z Pol. Virgil. great slaughter made upon Philip's host, lying a Walsing. Aemil. 6. months in siege about him, was far from any suspicion of dastardy; but yet b Wendover. M. S. escaped not the blemish both of ingratitude and infidelity, in that at length he not only yielded up that Castle to the enemies, but also c Mat. Paris. ma. hist. secretly by night brought them into the Castle of Montfort, which he betrayed unto them, not weighing his faith to his Liege Lord, who had bestowed on him that Castle, with all the honour and domains thereto belonging. Otherwise for his first surrender, his case had been more excusable, the famine (an unresistible enemy) in the Castle being so great, that, as the d Paul. Aemil. French Recorders themselves confess, when the Women and others of the unserviceable sort were put forth for sparing of provant, and being betwixt the Castle and the Enemies, found pity and relief of neither, in the sight of them all a Woman great with Child was delivered, and her infant presently eaten up. Among those, and other of King john's revolting Barons, like so many falling Stars, if we should pretermit that fixed and bright Star of unmovable fidelity and resolution, the Lord * Constable of Chester. Robert de Lacie, we should be guilty of high offence against true honour; who having received of his Prince the custody of the goodly▪ Castle Rocke-Andely ( e Rog. Wed. MS. which was builded also by King Richard) f Paris. ad Ann. 120●. did bravely bear of the siege and power of King Philip and his host almost a whole year; in which space, though by their continual batteries and underminings g Wend. MS. a great part of the walls were flatted, yet they could never make entry upon him, but were repulsed with slaughter, till his provision of victuals being now spent to the last hour, he called his Soldiers together, encouraging them, after so long proof of their Manhood not to faint now in the last Act; but to consider, that though it were better for them to die by famine, then to live with reproach of false or faint-hearttednesse, yet it is more noble for soldiers to die fight, then famishing, and together with their own lives, to sacrifice to their Country's honour the blood of their slaughtered enemies. Whereupon fiercely * Pridie Non. Mart. Paris. sallying forth with his Resolutes, after a bloody shambleses made in the midst of his beleaguers, he was by multitude overborne and taken; but h De Wendo. MS in regard of his exemplary faith and prowess, in maintaining his charge by King Philip's express command, (a second princely and prudent fact, to discipline his Subjects by thus entreating his foes,) he was honourably used, and * Sub libera custody, Paris. without restraint of a prisoner. (23) But as the fact of this Peer was peerless, so was this Clemency in that King, but rare and unaccustomed towards such Cheiftains as stiffly outstood his assaults; i Paris. hist. ma. some of whom formerly he had caused to be dispiteously dragged at horse-heels, for the terror of others. Of which indignities, & other irksome extremities, (the inseparable companions of war) endured by his people, when King john had notice by Messengers sent unto him for relief and aides, no marvel is it, if k Polyd Virg. his grief were above belief or measure, finding himself utterly destitute of means to relieve their wants, or his own losses; albeit for the time he bore it out with a manly show, saying, l Virg. l. 15. that these were but the French pilfer, of which he meant in due▪ time to exact an account with interest. For what else could he do? The Normans (to omit those others in open Rebellion) m Mat. Paris. ma hist. either wholly fallen away from him, or but dissemblingly adhering to him; his n Paris. min. hist. MS. in ipso articul● deseruissent. Barons from home, failing him at his need; his o Wend. MS. Nobles there about him, being under pretext of a speedy coming again, returned into England: by which means the King p Paris. hist. ma. was left very dispeopled, having only a small train, which could in so great a need do him but very small service: but that these important and unportable matters q Mat. West. did no whit move him, nor could retrieve him r Wend. West. from the bosom of his too-dear Enchantress, (which occasioned some to think him infatuated with * Sortilegijs vel male fi●ijs. ibid. sorcery) is a thing past capability of belief. The Pope interposeth betwixt the two Kings. (24) The King thus disfurnished of all helps, Innocentius, the stirring Bishop of Rome, made fair show to salve these temporal wounds with a spiritual plaster; which doubtless made King john more secure than stood with his good: for, as in so great distresses, there was no foreign Prince fit for the King to combine with, then Otho the Emperor, his own Nephew▪ and Philip's professed enemy: so the Pope on the one side beginning to be jealous of Otho's greatness, mistrusted the concurrence of two such great friends, and therefore undertook to umpeere the debates betwixt those two great Enemies: and King john on the other side, willing to make use of the Pope's favour, durst not yet comply with any, whom his Sanctitude any whit dissavoured. His Legates for this business, were the Abbots t De Cas. Marij▪ & Trium Jontium. Ypodig. of Casmer The Pope's Nunces. and Troisfons: his motive, that u Polydor. these dissensions of Christendom weakened the wars against Turkey: his colour, x Paul. Aemil. that this contention being a matter of faith-breach (as of Leagues, Oath and Covenants) the cognizance thereof did properly appertain to his sacred judicature; whereof he made so little doubt, as that the y Aemilius in Phil. August. very letter then sent to the French Peers, is to this day registered for z Ep, Decretal. l. 2. Tu. 24. deiure▪ iur. c. 29. a pontifical decree: and this audacious Law then by Innocentius first brought to the world for current, * Blondus Decad. 2. l. 6. That whensoever one Prince is delinquent against another, the correction thereof appertains to the Pope. Their Commission was, a Trivet. MS. to call the Bishops and Princes of both Kingdoms, for settling a Peace; to inhibit all hostility; to reserve the further trial of the Right to the Pope as b joh. de Serres. Sovereign judge; c Ypod. Neust. to enjoin that all Religious places by the wars destroyed, or impoverished, should be restored to their due State; d P. Aemil. if either of the Kings should be refractory, his whole Kingdom presently to be put under Interdict. Philip, albeit the Pope was then offended with him upon other terms, (for that he e joh. de Serres. imposed towards his wars a tax of certain tenths upon his Clergy, (against the Pope's will) alleging it was necessary that out of their private abundance, they should bear a charge in the common preservation,) yet knowing the Pope had need of his friendship about settling the Empire, he meant so long to side with the Pope's authority, as the Pope would stand with his commodity, & repining to have so fair a prey taken out of his talents, made bold f Walsing. Polyd. to despise both the commands and the curses: yet this he did in smother fashion than he had done once before, when he rigorously punished all the g Trivet. MS. ad An. 1201. Bishops and Prelates, whom, for consenting to such a Papal censure, he turned out of their Sees and dignities; for now, he h Gaguinus. appealed from the sentence for a fashion's sake, i Polydor. but yet violently proceeded with his wars, and k Wend. MRS.. did swim with the full current of his victories. The waves whereof so fast surrounded King john, that * Grafton, Stow. fearing also further treason of his own men, he thought good, till some better days would shine upon him, (especially winter season enforcing surcease of wars) to abandon the place of his injurious foes, to expostulate in England with his perfidious friends. (25) For that was the first work he did, after his arrival, ( l Paris. hist. ma. which was at Portsmouth on Saint Nicholas day in December) when m Mat. West. laying to the charge of his Earls and Barons, that in his wars they suffered him to be destitute of requisite aides, and n Wendou MS. Paris. min. hist. MS. had left him in the midst of his enemies, by which their defaults, he was thus despoiled of his Castles and Countries; thereupon, by o Paris. hist. ma. advise of Hubert Lord Archbishop, and Lord Fitz-Peter Chief justitiar (who knew these were no p A●ud Mat. Westmin. occasiones cavillatorias. forged cavillations) he put them and other delinquents to their Fines, (for his Wars made him desire their money more than their lives) wherein these two great Counsellors were q Wend. MRS., overseers for the receipts, the one for the Clergy, the other for the Laity) of both whom they received no less sums of An. 1204. curses, then of Coin. The like repining among the people, (who judge of the goodness of a King only by sparing their purses) ensued on the grant of a large Subsidy (two Marks and half of every Knight's Fee) in a Parliament * In crastino circumcisionis. Paris. presently after held at Oxford, where the King & Peers convening about redress of those remediless mischiefs, the issue ( r Rand. Cogshal. as seemeth) was, that Ambassages should be addressed into France, two Prelates, Canterbury and Norwich, with two Earls marshal and Leicester, to treat from the Body of the Kingdom, touching those Provinces, which being incorporated with England's Sovereignty, could not without apparent injustice▪ be abstracted from a Nations common interest, upon coloured pretences against any particular. Philip, having s Mat. Parri, upon King john's departure thence used his whole Forces and wits, to weary, or to win divers other Cities & Forts; which had till then stood faithful (for which purpose he also employed sundry t Polydor. l. 15. instruments, themselves first corrupted, that they might corrupt others to defection, with great rewards and greater promises,) he meant not now to re-commence Questions of Right, having already near decided that point by the point of his sword: yet because he was to deal with a mighty Nation, he would not abruptly refuse to capitulate, and yet again by proposal of u Stow. holinsh. conditions King Philip's demands. exceeding either Reason or Possibility, he dammed up all passages to peaceable agreement: x Rad. Cogshall. Stows annal. his demands were to have either Arthur, whom he knew to be dead, redelivered into his hands alive, or else, his Sister Eleanor in marriage with all those Countries in that Continent: but those Statesmen easily perceived that Philip's heart, aimed farther than his tongue, and that with Eleanor he hoped to purchase a higher dowry, even the English Diadem, whose claim glided down from her brother to her; which perchance was the secret ground of his y holinsh. Oath, that he would never linne to pursue that quarrel, till he had deprived King john of his Kingdom. (26) This embassage was not only thus issueless, but produced also effects tending to further irritation: for this seemeth to be the time when a annal Hiberniae, apud Camb. in Brit. Philip sent a braving Champion, to justify by Duel before the States here in England, what his Master had done in France against their King in open war; and b Campians hist.. of Ireland. l. ●. c. ●3 though it was not deemed expedient to jeopard a Title of such weight on the Arms and Fortune of one man; yet it was resolved the Challenger should not pass unanswered, whereto none was held fit than john Curcy Earl of Ulster, (for c annal Hiber. rebellion and denying his homage to the King, condemned to perpetual imprisonment in the Tower,) a man of Giantlike limb▪ and strength, and of some dispositions not despicable, if they had not been savaged with a too careless rudeness: which appeared not only in his d Jbidem. wild speeches, touching the King's misusage of his Nephew Arthur (which e Campion hist. of Ireland, john Stow Anna. some by error allege as 'cause of his indurant durance,) but even now, when the king demanding him, whether he would combat in his quarrel? f annal Hib. Not, (quoth he) not in thy quarrel, nor for thy sake, but▪ for the kingdoms right I will fight to the death. Against which day, whiles he repaired with large diet his impaired limbs and sinews, the Frenchman hearing of his excessive feeding, and strength answerable thereto, thereby fearing he had been some Monster of Nature, rather than a man, he secretly sneaked away g Campian la. citat. into Spain ashamed to show his face in France again▪ Curcy finding the King gracious, was hereupon released, and h annal Hib. is said (if this be not to digress) to have crossed the seas for Ireland fifteen times, and evermore beaten back to the shore: i Campian ibid. (acknowledged himself herein justly punished of God, never again to see his own seat, for displacing God out of his, when he converted the Church of Prebendaries in Doan consecrated to the blessed Trinity, into an Abbey of Monks, to the honour & name of Saint Patrick, k annal Hib. whose Image was erected in a stately seat, wherein before the Trinity was deportracted, which was thence rejected into a private Chapel. The l Jbidem. Irish relate, that the two Kings being afterward together (belike when they made the next truce in Erance) King Philip hearing Curcy to be in the English Camp, entreated to see some experience of his so much feared and reported strength: where a Helmet of excellent proof The great strength of Curcy. full farced with Mail, being set upon a great wooden block, the Earl lifting his trusty Skeyne, first louring round about him with a dreadful aspect, cloven so deep quite through the steely resistance, into the knotty wood, that none there could draw it out but himself, who did it with ease, and being asked by the Kings, why he frowned so irefully before the stroke; he told them, that he then intended if he had failed of his blow, to have killed them all, both Kings and others the lookers on. (27) But what Philip could not in England by one Champion, he accomplished in Normandy by many; where having a m Paris. hist. ma. mighty power attending him from City to City, yet he thought fair words would be for himself both cheaper and safer, and with the Provincials more forcible than force itself; especially, where such troops of armed Orators were at hand, and where golden preparatives had made way with the chiefest. Philip told them, n Wendover MS their late Lord had quite forsaken them, and that therefore himself, as their supreme Liege came to provide that his own Countries might be indemnified, desiring, them lovingly to admit and embrace him as their Lord, sigh now they had no other to protect them from skath; but menacing with all, that if they forced him to use force, they should die no other death then hanging, or to be flayed alive: with which fawn and fears, though many well munified places were fetched off without any resistance, o Walsing. Ypod. Neust. their Captains violating their▪ faith to curry favour with the French; yet Rouen, the p Polyd. l. 15. place ever honoured for fidelity to the English Crown (and q Supra in King Richard's reign. therefore worthily selected by King Richard to be the Shrine of his Leonine Heart,) was better fortified both in affection and munition, then to wave upon parties. Which neglect incensed Philip to turn his Oratory into Battery, (it being the chiefest City, and therefore of greatest consequence for cons●mating his victories,) which he continued in a most fierce & r Pol. Virgil. l. 15. horrid manner of siege, the space of two months; but finding it to be with small advantage, he fell again to * Donis & promissis ad defectionem, Ibid. golden Eloquence, attracting some in special with present pay, and all in general with s Paul. Aemil. promises of future enjoying all their wont laws, and liberties without impairment of any their commodities whatsoever: advising them t Polydor. not to reject those proffered conditions, which ere long they would gladly get, when they should not be granted. The Roanists, seeing their dangers, feeling their wants, fearing their ruins, yet desired respite till King john might know their State: who finding himself at home as ill bestedde as theirs abroad, his Barons u Rog. Wend. Suis detrectantibus militiam. refusing to follow the wars, returned them answer, he could not presently relieve them. Whereupon the x Paul. Aemil. in Phil. August. Great men who could sway the multitude with cheaper reasons, than Philip's open hand had swayed with them, persuaded Rouen lost, circa omn. Sanct fest. Mat. West. them to weigh, that in truth they were all originally Frenchmen, though now called Normans, of that noblest and richest part of all France, and the French king being Supreme Lord thereof, there was no cause at all of continuing this new hostility, but very many of renewing that antic amity. (28) The y Caput totius Normaniae Rothomagum, Polydor. Head, yea and Heart of all Normandy thus fainting; who can expect that those few inferior members, yet untainted should so continued long? neither did they. So as eftsoons all that Normandy fallen from English allegiance. Dukedom, one of the goodliest gems in the English Diadem, and disbranched from France z joh. de Serres. so that Aemyl. much erreth in saying Rollo had it but 270. years before. since the year eight hundred eighty five, was again rend away, ingloriously for them who lost it, injustly by them who got it, but perfidiously by such as should, and might have kept it. For whatsoever necessity then, or malice since hath laid on the King; this Eulogy, and memorial thereof, written by a Walsing. Ypod. ad An. 1203. Trivet. MS. unpartial pens, will stand indelible on his Subjects, A rege Angliae, Normannia fraudibus suorum alienata, England's King lost Normandy by treachery of his own people. And no less treacherously dealt Philip with them, when he had caught them with the trap of his glozing proffers (as such Princes more usually then princely, square their promises to others liking, their performances to their own) causing without delay their Cities goodly walls b Trivet. MS. Walsing. to be utterly demolished, and giving strict charge that they should never be built up again. The other neighbouring Countries, Main, Turaine, Poictou, who were all forerunners in the rebellion, would not be now behind in the final revolt; Angiers in this more happy, that she fell away by others falsehood, not her own, when standing on her guard, c Ypod. Neust. William de Rupibus clad his choice Soldiers upon their armour in the habit and other furniture of market-men, who so getting access into the City gates, made easy entrance for a greater host; which soon after become absolute Lords of all Anjou. (29) Woeful experience had now taught King Ann. 1205. john a lesson fit to be learned of all Princes, whom the fawning world enstyleth most Mighty, that this their might is not only liable to the check and dispose of that Highest all-ruling power, who unthrones them at his will; but even depends of the waving humours, and wills of those * Involuntate obsequentium potestas Principum. Trivet. MS. inferior vassals, of whom they think themselves unresistible Commanders. But King john was not unsensible either of his foreign dishonours, (though as d Nic. Trivet. MS often as he endeavoured to redeem it, by levying any Army, suitable to so great a design; so often was he crossed by his own Nobles) or of those his domestic affronts; which notwithstanding, by counsel and assistance of his better affected, & truer hearted friends and subjects: at length e Circa Pentecost. Paris. he gathered a Royal Host and a mighty Navy, (therein 14000. Mariners f holinsh. some say) with full resolve to revenge his wrongs, and repair his losses. Which great enterprise managed with unmovable determination (for now with full sails, and fuller hearts at Portsmouth they were ready to embark) brought to the King's further knowledge, and to the worlds, who had been all this while the secret underminers of his fortunes, and hinderers of his employments. For Hubert g Wend. MS. Paris. hist. min. M. S. the Archbishop, and Papal Legate with many others, (amongst whom, h Cogshall, some found William marshal Earl of Pembroke numbered) thither comes unto the King, and flatly i Wendover. Paris forbids him to proceed in the voyage. Some k Cogshal. holin. Writers have laboured to conject the true cause and reasons of this audacious Prohibition; but if we consider on the one side the Pope's use of Philip's Forces, to counterbalance if need were Otho's greatness; on the other, the interest which both the Pope and * Hub. de nimia familiaritate Philippi suspectus ha●ebatur. Paris. Philip had in Hubert's affection: we may without Hubert's l Supra §. divining Spirit pry into the mystery of his secret workings, as an Archbishop, and now open command as a Legate to hinder King john, for fear of hindering King Philip. (30) But whatsoever was the reason, Hubert was the Instrument that so resolute projects, so m Cogshal. Stow, inestimable charges, so necessary an action fell suddenly to the ground, whereby, besides the self mischief which therewith fell on the King, many fresh grudge accrued unto him, for suffering himself to be thus violently repulsed from so behoveful a purpose. The Archbishop and Marshal as principals were rewarded with the n holinsh. curses of the dismissed multitudes, as the just fee for their unjust counsel; and the King himself was so little pleased with so unexpected a countermand, that albeit at the present, (either awed with the authority of the Papal Legate, or with the weight of his coloured motives, or with hazard which he might leave behind him) he durst notwithstand it; yet o Ibidem. the very next day, checking himself for overprizing the command of any man, above the value of his kingly honour and state, he p Rog. de Wend. resolved to recollect his disparkeled troops, and to * Idibus julij, Paris. put forth to Sea. To which end, taking order for his Nobles to follow, they gave him leave q Mat. Paris. ma. hist. with a small company to waff up and down two days in expectance of their attendance, till seeing them more obsequious to Hubert's command then his, ( r Mat. Paris. hist. min▪ MS. the Archbishop also sending his Inhibition after them on the sea) he was forced to come again to land. How a King of any royal sparkle, could brook such Sea-and land-Tempests, without disgorging his Kingdom of the causers thereof, I cannot conceive; and yet so unevenly doth some men's judgement poised, whose affection guides the Beam, that this defeating of the King's weightiest affairs, is censured as s apud Mat. Par. too light to deserve the punishment which ensued, when the King put many of his Earls, Barons, Knights, yea and Clergy men to a grievous pecuniary redemption▪ for thus refusing to follow him for recovery of his Inheritance. Archbishop Hubert dieth as his Manor of Tenham, Paris, (31) The Archbishop though their Ringleader, might well have been exempted from this judgement, by his passage to a higher, dying, (if t Windover, Paris some err not) the very same week, either of u Polydo. grief, or of a x Vit▪ Arch. Cant. fever, which killed him in four days: but the y Ibidem, king forthwith in person at Canterbury seized upon all his wealth and possessions, showing himself z Paris hist. ma. right joyful, that now he was rid of him, whom men suspected of too familiar practising with the French King; & saying, a Mat. Paris. min. hist. MRS.. b Idem, he was never a King till now, by reason of Hubert's too presumptuous daring to cross his royal resolutions as late he did. But this joy and hope of happier days, was soon choked and buried in the same Archbishop Hubert's end the beginning of greater troubles to King John, Tomb with Hubert; out of whose Ashes sprang up a root yielding more, and more bitter fruits, than King john had as yet tasted, by how much more lamentable are the wounds which are in the bowels and heart of a State, than those which only light on the skirts or more remote members. The first seeds of which fast growing mischiefs, were to the eye, (as are the beginnings of all kingdoms ruin) very small and contemptible, and the Sowers of little The Monks of Canterbury the seedmen of England's troubles. better regard, being but Cloistered monks, who craftily factious to advance a private friend, (which once mounted into Hubers chair, might befriend them again,) they gave a deadly blow, both to themselves, their Sovereign, and the State in general. The * Adolescentiores▪ Paris min: MRS., Wendover MS. younger heads amongst them (whose unexperience makes them in acts of Societies more forward and daring) having secret notice of Hubert's death, c Mat. Westmin. meant by a slight (whereunto they doubted not to found the Pope's furtherance) to defeat their Sovereign's interest in that Election, (and perchance in all other, ever after) of a Primate for the See of Canterbury, the most important place of his Kingdom. * Trivet MS. calls him Reynerus, Reginald, the Subprior of their Covent, One (as you shall hear) fit for their projects, then for that place, was the man they chose, and that at d Wend. MS. Paris West. etc. midnight, when singing Te Deum, they lifted him first upon the High Altar, and after into the Metropolitan chair. They aught to have first obtained the King's assent, and leave to elect, and therefore to prevent both his e Paris. hist. ●a. interposing and displeasure, till it were too late for him to redress the wrong; the same night they caused their Elect to enter * Praestita cautione iuratoria, Westmin. caution by oath, never to carry himself as Archbishop, nor to make it known to any man living, till he had further especial warrant from them, upon proof of the success it might found at Rome, whither forthwith they sent him for his dispatch. (31) Reginald taking Flaunders in his way, was both so f Vit. Arch. Cant. proud, g Wendou. MS. perjurious, and h Westmin. impudent, (the virtues of their most choice man) that he could never conceal the purpose of his journey, and boast of his dignity from any man's Ears, nor from their Eyes the Conuentuall letters ratifying the same. Whereof when the Covent had notice, vehemently incensed against him who had thus divulged their secret, and providently casting how to evade the King's offence, i M. Fox mistaketh saying, it was the next day after Reginald went, also Polydore, Holinsh▪ and Mils saying, it was not till they heard from Rome. out of hand they despeeded certain of their Crew, to crave both k In vit. Arch. Cant. pardon of their fact, and licence for choice of some worthier Primate. There was then in high grace and employment about the King, john Gray Bishop of Norwich, a l Godwins▪ Catal. man of great wisdom, learning, and Integrity, (qualities truly befitting that high place) whom the King much desired to advance, commending him, as one m Paris. hist. ma. most dear unto him, and of his secretest Counsels (of n Grafton, holin. which, some say, he was Precedent) most behoveful for the Commonwealth, for Himself, and them: which message from the King faithfully delivered, o Wend. MS. all of them glad thus to redeem the favour, which they had hazarded, with unanimous consent elected him; and sending for him from York (where he was in the King's affairs) the p Mat. Westm. King himself graced his entrance into Canterbury with his presence in great pomp; and the next day, the King with a multitude of People assembling in the Metropolitan Church, the Prior did there publish his Election solemnly, and in due form performed; where the Monks carrying him with Te Deum to the high Altar, did forthwith enthronize him in the Chair of his Primacy; The King there in presence of them all, giving him actual possession of his Temporalities. This loving correspondence betwixt the King and his Clergy, gave great hope of more blissful fortunes henceforward unto them both; but the Infernal Author of debate, and his chief Agent, took a hint hereby to intrude a Tyranny both upon Clergy, King and all. (32) Little thought false Reyner what was doing at Canterbury, whiles he was trotting to Rome; whither when he came, and showed his letters of Ratification to his Holiness and his Cardinals, q Wendover MS he received this short answer, that it was a business which asked mature deliberation and better informations; the Pope soon finding, that the Subprior was too slight an instrument for him to work with, and for King john to be wrought with, and therefore bethought him of some fit hammer for so hard an anvil. But sundry stops were in the way, which wisely and by degrees were to be removed. The first was (which Reginald in likehood had imparted to hasten his own dispatch) that the Bishops of the Province claimed a joint interest with the Monks, in choice of their Primate: a point which could no way suit with the Pope's advantage, because Bishops were generally much obliged to their Sovereigns, and so likely still to Elect a Royalist, whereas Cloyster-men, professing ignorance of worldly affairs, and obedience to one Superior, might more facilly be swayed to bend as the Pope would bow them, in preferring his creatures. Which was the Motive (we may suppose) of the Pope's * Dated 6. Jdus Decemb. letters, soon after sent to the Suffragan Bishops, exhorting them by r Paris hist. ma. sacred example, and precept of filial obedience▪ to desist from vexing, like undutiful sons, their Mother Church with such undue claims. The Bishops notwithstanding, who knew themselves in sacred writ to be styled Fathers, would not thus acknowledge the Monks for their Mothers, till Innocentius to his light Reasons added the weight of his Keys, and by his power swept both that and other rubs out of his An. 1206. intended way. For the King keeping his Christmas at Oxford, (attended as it seemeth by his Bishops) s Mat. Westmin. Wendover MS. Paris. hist. min. MS. meaning not to pretermit any fair means to work the Pope's inclination towards the new Elect, he sent for t Mat. Parri, hist. ma. add an. 1207. twelve of the Monks, whom with some other of his own Clerks (which carried his letters to the Pope) he put in trust for transacting this business at Rome; allotting them very bountiful expenses out of his Exchequer for their whole journey. They to leave with the King (who knew well the trains of Rome, and the overreaching fetches of Innocentius,) a pledge of their duty, and assurance of his hopes, u Jbidem. entered with him x Prastito juramento, ib. a covenant by oath, that no man, nor means should remove them from him, whom the King & themselves had already appointed. The Bishops sent y Mat. Westmin. the same time their Procurators also, to pled their right of Co-election; so as, four obstacles stood at once in the Pope's way, (the two elections of the Monks, and the two claims of the King and Prelates, he for his Royal assent, they for their joint consent, in the choice) which all must be done and voided before the Pope can have his full forth. But because these will ask long time for contriving, (which moved his Holiness to adjourn the hearing to the very z 12 Calen. Jan. Wendover. Paris end of the year,) we will see the while how the King and State of England is employed. (33) The dorer, which deceased Hubert did put upon K. john and his late design, gave both K. Philip advantage, to take surer footing in his new possessions, and King john greater stomach and edge to recover his old. The last task (almost) of the one, and hold of the other, was Chinon a place of great strength, but in nothing more, then in the ever-trusty valour of her Captain, Roger Lacie; who (if a Polydo. some mistake him not in steed of b holinsh. Hubert de Burgo) being redeemed from the French, resolved here to give Philip another taste of his prowess, and King john of his fidelity; had not others faithless fear defeated his brave resolution. For the besieged having c P. Virgil. no rest night or day, from a long and incessant battery, their Commanders invincible constancy against yielding, which enheartned the better sort, dismayed the base, as more prising their ease, than their faith or fame; some of which by night slipping over the walls, so instructed the enemy of all secret advantages to possess the town, that by a sudden assault, both it and Lacie (more worth than it,) was again surprised. Here seemed to have been the Garland of Philip's conquest; had not news been thither brought unto him of some new rise in Britain, where Guido, the husband King john strengtheneth himself with new Leaguers. of Constantia, Arthur's Mother, (sensible belike of the false-grounded wrongs offered to King john, under pretence of Arthur,) d Paul. Aemil. returned gladly both into Amity and a strong league with the English: and with him also Savary Malleon, and Almerick Lusignian, e Polyd. Aemil. two Peers of heroic valour and great command, whom King john of his * They were taken when Arthur was. prisoners, had made by prudent and lovely usage his trusty friends. The French King fuming to see his unjust intrusions thus prejudiced, (especially by Arthur's own father in law) was hastening from Chinon into Britain, to work revenge on them, whose exemplar equity should have been his mirror of amendment; England's King on the other side, was no f Polid. less heartened with this new consideration, g Mat. Paris. levying once again a puissant Army, which he * 7. Id. julij. landed at Rochel, being the only noted place, which in all these turmoils and mutabilities of Fortunes, kept herself entire from entrance either of enemy, or of disloyal thought. King john's successes. (34) The King having his Army much augmented h Paris. hist. ma. with great concurses of his best-affected Provincials, marching confidently forward, subdued a great portion of that Country; till coming to Mount-Alban, a i Wend. MS. Castle of much renown, (as being reputed k Westmin. inexpugnable, and now the Rendeuou of his most potent enemies, and all their flower of Chivalry, he gave a terrible assault thereto for 15. days together; where at last his l Paris. Englishmens▪ valour was so adventurous in scaling the walls, and both giving and taking blows unportable, that in those few days he entered Conqueror into that very place, m Mat. Westmin. which Charles the great, could not get with his seven years siege. The n Wend. MS. multitude of Nobles therein taken was so great▪ that he sent into England a bedroll of their names, for a memorial of so great a victory. Which auspicious beginnings he seconded with no less expedition, providence, and prowess, in the siege of Angiers, where on his first approach, he o Les annal de Frane. Polyd. gave present instructions to his main Army, suddenly to environ the whole City, & by assault to seek entrance at the walls on every side, whiles himself and his selected band, with fire and Engines would assail the Gates; where with great celerity, and no less hazard than hardiness, breaking through, he become Lord of his own. But whatsoever were the Citizen's demerits, piteous it was, that their offences, and the Conquerors wrath, lay so heavy on those stately walls, as p Paul. Aemil. Polydor. to throw them flat to the ground; which hasty doom, (it being the q Jdem. cradle of his birth, and City of his chief delight;) he as hastily (and very dearly too) repent, when with excessive expenses he encircled it again with a beauty far beyond the former. These fair successes; humbling all the Country before him, cleared his passage into Picardy, whither King Philip was now converting all his power to oppose himself against the violence of this Torrent▪ which r P. Aemil. now more facilly he might stop, having in his way by laying * Insidijs excepti. secret ambushments, laid hands upon Duke Guido, Savary, and Almericke, King john's principal hopes, as they were busily advancing his present affairs: by which surprise, though the English forces missing their Provincial aids, were greatly impaired, yet their * Fractus animo Anglus, saith Aemil. great hearts were not much amated, as the Frenchmen s Polyd. Verg. found, when both the Armies near approaching over night, the next morning alacriously they addressed to the fight, and with great spirits on each side expected the Signal. Notwithstanding, the day likely to prove dreadful with expense of blood, upon earnest interceding of t Mat. Paris. foreign Prelates and religious persons, who undertook equably to compose all things; both Kings condescended to a two-yeeres * In festo om. Sanct. Westmin. Truce, King john chief out of affection to his Captive friends, whose liberty was foremost in the conditions. K. john returns to England. (35) Having thus settled those Countries in far better terms than last he found them, he embarked for England; where he laid not aside a careful (though distasteful) providence, for still bettering those his successes: for which ends, whiles from his Ann. 1207. Subjects (both Lay and Clergy) he u Wend. MS. gathered money, the Sinews of war, he lost their affections, the joints of Peace; whereof Geoffrey Archbishop of York (his Natural and unnatural brother) was a principal incentive; who x Mat. Paris. hist. min: MRS., solemnly cursing all the kings receivers within his Province, fled secretly out of the land. Which pervicacie, * Paul. Aemil. a bitter enemy of K. john, yet bitterly taxeth, saying, y In Phillppo Augusto. the English Bishops were far from that dutiful observance towards their Sovereign, which the French Bishops performed to theirs, at whose command they maintained Soldiers in his wars against King john, acknowledging they were so bound to do, as often as the King pursued the wars in person; though now also they did it, where he was not in person. And indeed how hollow-hearted to the State those money-murmurers were, their * Mat. Westm. own friend bebewraieth, showing, how with curses they wished, and prayed to God, that these exactions might never have any good success, though they knew it was purposely for preserving a main part of the Kingdom. A disloyalty the more unsufferable by the King, knowing that but a z Paris. very little before, the Pope's Legate, Io. * Jo. de Florentia. Trivet MS. Fiorentinus, nicknamed * Paris, a ferendo, holinsh. Ferentinus, for bearing away so much money,) had a Mat. West. Mat. Paris. MS. gathered of the Clergy a huge mass of money which in full chests he conveyed to Rome. Yet all these domestic grudges abated not the King's due care, nor yet his good hopes, which were soon after much augmented by the encouragements of Othoes' Imperial presence, b Idem. who in person arriving here in England, to project for his own and his uncles wars, was with great joys met by the King, and conducted through London The emperors entertainment. by night, where all the City was seen in her glory, & all the streets adorned with richest hangings, beautified all along with the lustre of pendant Crowns, and burning lamps: who after some days of royal entertainments, hence departed not unfurnished with helps to defray his wars. The Pope's beginning of wrongs towards King John. (36) While King john is thus busied about his open hostilities, Pope Innocentius is plotting his secret Stratagems against him at Rome: where, like unto that * Q. Lab●o inter Nolan. & Neapolit. arbiter. other old Roman, who, being chosen umpere touching some marchlands betwixt two neighbour Nations, unpartial to either, c Cicer. office l. 1. adjudged it from them both to the Roman State; so he now, being Arbiter betwixt the King, Bishops, & Monks, concerning their choice, he means to defeat them all, and * Hoc decipere est non judicare. ibid.. adjudge the right of disposing thereof to his Romish See. Therefore, at the * 12▪ Cal. jun. fore-limited day of hearing, his first care was, that the d Paris. Bishop's lips for ever should be sealed up, (notwithstanding their e Wendover. M. S. allegations of Law, Reason, Decrees, and Practise,) from intermeddling in choice of their own Primate. Will you hear the main reason? because himself, and some other Popes would have it so. Which definitive sentence being f Dated 12. Cal. jan. Paris. sent to the Prelates into England, it was thought a point of prudence also, to g Mat. Paris. prepare the King and work him pliable before hand, to entertain that which was to follow: which must be done by amiable lines, and gems, wherewith▪ he knew the King was much delighted. His Present, being 4. gold Rings, The Pope's present and letter to King john. with four precious stones, an Emerald, sapphire, Ruby, & Topaz, he so vainly & childishly (though * john Stow in Annal. ignorance enstile it eloquence) celebrateth in his * Epist. Innocent. apud Paris. Epistle, for their number, form, and colour, that no man will question whether it were dictated with an Apostolic Spirit. The Ring's Roundness must remember the King of Eternity; the Quadrat number of Constancy, and of the four Cardinal virtues, justice, Fortitude, Prudence, Temperance; the Golds price, of Wisdom; the Emeralds greenness, of Faith; the sapphires brightness, of Hope; the Rubies readiness, of Charity; the Topazes clearness, of operative Sanctity etc. Which, though toys, were yet accepted as pledges of love for a while, till at last, the King finding by the sequel, they were but baits to beguile him, esteemed the Pope's Gold as dross, his jewels as * Gemmat gemitus. ib. jewish frauds, and his love as most rancored hatred. For shortly after came to his notice, the most indignious injury, which the Pope meant to obtrude upon him and his Kingdom, having not only hunted both Reynard and Gray out of their holds, but also imposed upon him, for the chief place and managing of his State, one whom he reputed a chief and dangerous Enemy to himself and it: which thus was fetched about. (37) The Monks freed from the Bishops impugning, were hot now in the strife amongst themselves; the g Paris. one side against Reyner's election urged, it wanted Royal assent, the greater and sounder part of Electors, due solemnities, due * Being by night. time: the other, against Norwich, that no second election could be validous, unless the former were first annulled. Both their Reasons pleased well the Pope; who (as prepossessed judges often use) made show of h Wend. MRS.. great diligence in pondering the Plead, whereas himself long before had resolved on his Sentence; which was, that by Apostolical definitive doom, neither of the Elects should ever be capable of that See. So great rubs hath the Pope with so little breath blown out of his way. The man whose advancement all this while he had aimed at, was now commended to them, who must be there presently chosen for their Primate, Stephen de Langton, a Cardinal, English by birth, i apud Mat. Par. hist. ma. French by education and affection, one of so k Mat. Paris. min. hist. MS: transcendent power in the Roman Court, that the Pope was thought not for love▪ but for envy, (as being himself eclipsed by his nearness) to have wished his service in some remoter dignity. But the Monks ill apaid with what was done already, and very tremulous to enter matter of new intrications, alleged against all further courses, that l Mat. West. Paris no Canonical Election could be there made, they having consent neither of King nor Covent; at which word the Pope snapping them up, bade them know, that * Nos, Wendover MS. Westminster saith vos as of the Monks. he had there plenitude of power over the Church of Canterbury; and besides, that no consent of Princes used to be expected in Elections celebrated where the Pope was: he therefore charged them under pain of his high curse, (a terrible bugbear in those days) there presently to choose him for their Primate, whom himself thought good to nominate unto them. Thus trembling under the crack of his Thunderbolt, they (all m Idem, excepting one Helias de Brantfield (whose constancy shall perpetuate his memory,) durst not sore fear but elect him, though very unwillingly, and with murmurations: whose * 10 Cal. Jul. Paris 15. Mat. Westmin. Consecration followed by the Pope's own hands at Viterbium, and his earnest recommendation by the Pope's n Rog. Wend. MS. flattering letters, to the King's favourable acceptance. And this was the unblessed beginning of those new miseries which brought the King to his ending, and his Kingdom to un-reportable calamities▪ all which, little did his Holiness or his Charity reckon of, so his desperate Policy might take effect. Yet not unduly fell those judgements on many Princes of those times, who neglecting the domestic execution of Supreme justice, suffered their Subjects, at so high a rate both of expense and travels, to buy such arbitrary and dangerous forms of a foreign, and falsly-named justice. (38) Two very presumptuous Laws hath o Blondus Decad. 2. pomell, 6. Pope Innocentius his three strange laws. one observed to have been first hatched by this lawless Pope, the one occasioned by King john's and Philip's formet strife, that Prince's delinquent must be liable to correction from the Pope; the other, upon the choice of the Emperor, that where in elections voices are equal, or concord wanting, the Pope may gratify whom he please: unto which we now may add a third no less arduous & insolent, that the Pope may strike up Elections, both where, and of whom, and with, and without what consent him listeth. Which lewd obtrusion, that it galled the King to the quick, we need not The wrongs offered unto King john. marvel, if we balance in one scale, the Pope's mere will and pleasure; in the other, the dishonour to the King (thus to be triced out of that, which so vehemently, and with his own presence he took care to see effected;) the prejudice to his Crown, to be defeated of Sovereign assent; the hazard to the State, to have his * Publicum inimicum; Regi Franc. familiariss. Mat. Paris. hist. min: MRS., Enemy (a Phillippine, and French favourite) the * In regno secundum, ibid.. chief man over his English: besides wrongs more particular; as both the disgrace to his best-deseruing Counsellor, the disloyalty of the Monks, first, to choose without his licence, then to mock him with a second choice, next, to beguile him with oaths, after to travail upon his excessive charge, and lastly to do, and undo all, with their perjury. With all which so far the King's patience surfeited, that he began on them to disgorge his wrath, who with him began these affronts; proscribing first all those Monks as p Mat. Westm. Traitors, and afterward writing his q apud Wendover, & Paris. letters to the Pope, with relation of those great wrongs to Himself, and exceptions to Langton; vowing immutably to stand for his own Elect, and to die in defence of the Liberties of his Crown; putting the Pope in mind, that Rome reaped more gain from England, then from all the Trans-alpine Regions; threatening also, if he were now crossed in this, he would stop all from crossing the Seas to Rome, nor would any longer emendicate their foreign justice, sigh his own Kingdoms, so abounded with Bishops and learned men of most accomplished perfection in all professions. (39) If, when this King's Father uttered some such threats to Gratian the Pope's vassal, he then replied r Paris. in H, 2, Sir do not threaten us, for we fear no menaces, because we are of such a Court as useth to be imperious over Emperors and Kings, (which as a remarkable apothegm, s Baron An. 1169. Baronius sets forth in greater letters;) we may then guess, how this great Lord of that Court did himself brook such tart salutations. Nay the effects bewray it: when in his sublimed t Literae Innocentij apud Paris. Reply, he snebs the King for comminatory obrayding, and contumacious malapartness; and thteatens him, that if he do not, by referring himself wholly to his good pleasure, seek to deserve his Grace, he should plunge into those difficulties, whence he should hardly ever get forth; intimating, that himself (being unworthy vicegerent to him, unto whom every knee in Heaven, Earth, & Hell must bow,) must in the end needs have the upper hand; and that to resist him is to oppugn God himself and his Church, for which glorious Becket spilled his blood. These were indeed bloody words; to affright the King with expectance of more such blows, and bloody stripes from Rome, as had lighted on his Father. And he threatened no more than he acted; for thereupon, he u Wend. MS. sent An. 1208. his doubled Apostolical command, the one general to all the Prelates, for submitting and adhering resolutely to Langton, the other, to some * BB. Lond. Ely, Wigorn. particular Bishops, for x Paris. hist▪ ma. conventing the King, and Interdicting his whole Kingdom, if him they found still contumaciously rebelling. Neither was he more insolent in the command, than they in the execution, whereby (on y The Monday in Passion week, Paris. on Easter day, saith Polyd. a day ill suiting so unchristian an Action) this flourishing Church (though the King had sworn their banishment, and confiscation if they did it) was deprived of the very face of Christianity for many ensuing years; as if, not Innocentius Christ's Vicar, but julian his professed Enemy, had mured up the Chron. Angl. MS. doors of the Christians Temples for despite of their God. (40) But this Highpriest had forgotten what another * Caiphas, john c. 11. v. 50. taught him, and z Rog. Houed. 456. he himself sometimes thought, about interdicting France for their kings offence; that better it was one should suffer then a whole Nation perish: whereas now, for the Kings only crossing the Pope's good pleasure, God is censured to lose his worship, and all the People to hazard their souls, a Vide apud Wend. & Paris living almost like Infidels, without God's service and blessed Sacrament, yea and dying * Moore Canum. Mat. Paris. like dogs tumbled into every ditch. But what? did such woeful effects fasten only on the Laity? The Clergy bore their part too; whom the flames of the Kings justly incensed wrath did so scorch, that his Dominions were too hot for their abode: for, their b Mat. Paris. persons he proscribed and sent packing to the Pope▪ their revenues, he confiscated, their bishoprics, Abbeys and Priories▪ he deputed to laymen's custody: their women (for such as had not wives, had Lemen) were dearly ransomed: and every where they suffered wrongs without ordinary protection of justice. Whereof, though our * holinsh. Stow. etc. vulgar perfunctary Writers produce no other reason, but the only overflowing of the King's gall, as if first stirred by some few delinquent Bishops, through furious revenge it overwhelmed the whole Clergy; yet indeed these were but the due chastisements of their generally disloyal hearts. As (to instance) when the King sent his c Ex libro S. Alban in vita joh. Abbot. MS. mandate to S. Alban, that not regarding the Pope's command in the Interdict, they should continued the celebration of God's service; the Abbot calling his Monks into the Chapterhouse, persuaded them to obey God rather than Man (meaning the Pope rather than the King) and to bear resolutely the King's anger, * Dabit Deus huie quoque finem. a cunning speech indifferently touching the King's end or his anger. whom God in due time would bring to an end. What marvel then, if the Clergy carried so generally with this stream of a foreign usurped power, against God's service, and their Sovereign's godly desire, and due authority, were likewise generally involved in that reward of their disloyalty. And yet, even in the Clergy, many of eminency detested these cruel and irreligious courses of the Pope; d Mat. Paris, Godwins Catalogue. of BB. Lib. S. Alban▪ in vit. Abb. joh. MS. Philip the Bishop of Duresme, and his Successor, with the Bishops of Norwich and Winchester, heartened the King to contemn the Papallcurse; the e Mat. West. Cicestertian Abbot's (neglecting the Interdict) continued their divine celebrations, till the Pope suspended them for their contempt; Alexander * Bal●us. Abbot of the Benedictines, a Divine of * Literarum plenitudine imbutus, Mat. West. exquisite learning f Wend. MS. published in his Sermons, that their present calamities were no reproach to their Sovereign's proceed, but due rewards of the Subjects heinous trespasses, because kings aught to govern, yea and strongly bridle all disobedient Subjects whomsoever; but as for Popes they aught not to intermeddle in the civil affairs, and regiment of any Princes over their vassals, seeing Peter himself received no power, but only in matters appertaining to the Church. And though the * He was deprived of his dignity and livings. Pope were revenged on him for his plain truth, and some Monkish humours have aspersed other such men with bitter reproaches, yet what may be thought both of these the Pope's courses, & of such his opposers, a late jesuite (no partial man to Princes) showeth, saying, g Parsons against Cook, part, 2. c. 9 that many, and godly wise men at that time did wish, that Pope Innocentius had not stood so hard with King john in such a point as this was, for contenting him with a person grateful unto him in that See. And no marvel they so wished, seeing that was the grand cause of such infinite confusions, factions, and wrongs, hurrying so indignly the Prince, Peers, Clergy & Commons; the very contemplation whereof to all godly wise men must needs be ghastly and rueful: yet welfare those Anathematizing Bishops, the Instruments of all these evils, who patiently endured under the name of Exile, h Paris. Omnimodis viventes in delieijs. Ann. 1209. to live the while abroad in all variety of delights. (41) Such perplexities in the People could not but breed as great hatred and hazards to the King; who therefore to prevent the issue of such discontents, (which though causeless, yet kindling in the multitude prove often unquenchable,) he i Mat. Paris. Westmin. required of his Nobles new Oaths of allegiance, pledges of such as he most suspected, and homage of all Freeholders, k Paris.▪ hist. ma. even of twelve years old, whom he dismissed with a kiss of peace. Misdoubting also the Pope's further intent to absolve his Subjects from their due allegiance, he gathered about him (by * Supra in H. 2. example of his Father Henry on the like ground) a mighty Army for all occurrents. The terror whereof he first displayed in the North, offended (saith l Trivet MS. one) with * Not Alexander as Polyd. mistaketh. William King of Scotland, for marrying his daughter to the Earl of Boulogne; for receiving (saith m Paris hist. ma. another) Fugitives, and enemies of his State: for throwing down (saith a n Hector Boet. l 13 third) a Castle built by King john against Berwick: but whatsoever were the breach, the close was amiable, each accompanying other to York, where King Williams o Boet. ibid. two daughters were promised to King john's two sons, and p Wend. MRS., delivered as pledges of united love, with a q Paris. hist. mi. M. S. but Wendou. MS. saith xi, (not ix.) millia. gift of nine thousand marks. The dread of this his power so glided out of the North into the West, that upon his return, the r Mat. Paris. Princes of Wales, and others rich & poor came to him at Woodstock (the like thing never heard The King excommunicated by name. of before) to do him homage. But all these links of allegiance were soon cracked by another thunderclap (from Rome) of Anathema on the King by Name, with strict injunction for all men to abandon his presence: s Rog. de Wend. MS. which sentence being sent to be divulged by the Bishops and Prelates in England, all of them for fear or favour of the King, were content to neglect the Pope's command, and let the apostolic process escape without execution. The fame yet thereof was in all men's mouths, but came first (as seemeth) to the Kings▪ Ears, t Paris. hist. ma. by a servant of his own Exchequer. Geoffrey Archdeacon of Norwich, who secretly persuading his fellow-officers, that they were boundin conscience to relinquish the King's service, gave them example himself by leaving his duty and charge; for which hote-braine trick, he was put in a * Cap● Plumbe●, Paris. Cool of lead, the weight whereof (as a punishment of his levity) soon hastened his end in prison: but the greater and wiser sort, both of u Westmin. Ann. 1210. Nobles and others, continued their due attendance on their sovereigns Court and person, without * Non obstante Sententia, ibidem. regard of the censure. (42) Those Romish furies thus infesting all at home, gave also courage & opportunity to ill-affected The King settleth the State of Ireland. members further off; some of which in Ireland having surfeited long of the King's Indulgence or absence, x Gyrald▪ in Proem▪ and Reg. joh. began now to play the Kings themselves. The noble spirit of this Prince in his tender years y Idem Hibern▪ expug▪ pomell▪ 2. c. 26. made choice (on bended knees to his Father, in presence of Heraclius Patriarch of jerusalem) rather in devotion to conduct an Army against the Turks, then in Ambition to take possession of that goodly Kingdom. But being now possessed thereof▪ and intending (by a kind of compensation for his losses in France) to annex and assure that Kingdom to the English Crown, he resolves with a powerful Army to quell the disturbers, and reform the disorders, of his first, and long unuisited charge. Whose approach such fame and dread did forerun, that z Paris. hist. ma. more than twenty Petty Kings of that nation hastened to Dublin, there to honour his * 8 Idus julij, Paris. arrival with their submissive attendance, homage and oath of allegiance; others, either upon confidence of their good holds, or diffidence for their ill deserts, flying his presence, and some of them▪ the Country. The * Walter & Hugh the sons of Hugh. Campians hist. of Ireland, two Lacies (whose only praise was, that they were the sons of a nobly-deseruing Father) having been, through ambition of Sovereignty, the fountain of dangerous garboils, ( a annal Hib. Campians. hist. of Ireland. tyrannising over the Commons, and making away such of the Nobles, as stood either in their light, or in the King's favour) fled into France, where they lived in * S. Taurim. an Abbey as poor Gardinars, until the Abbot descrying by their deportment some state above their habit, upon penitent humility reconciled them to the King. The Lord William de Breuse, (a * Hist. Cambraia. Baron lately of great command and wealth in the Marches of Wales,) showed not the like penitence, nor found the like grace; who, upon * Wend. MS. refusal to deliver his son as a pledge of his fidelity, sped into Ireland to fly the kings wrath, and now, to avoid his pursuit, fled also into France, than the common Sanctuary of all traitorous fugitives; but * Famished (some say) in Windsor Castle. sharp revenge overtook both his Son and his Lady (taken in a strong Castle of Meth) whose virulent and railing * tongue had more exasperated Paris. the fury of the King (whom she immodestly reviled as a Tyrant and Murderer,) then could be pacified by her strange present,▪ * Old Chron. of Flaunders. holin. (four hundred Cows, and one Bull, all milk-white, except only the ears, which were red,) sent unto the Queen. (43) But b Ypod. Neust. Catalus, the unquiet King of Connaught, trusting to his own Forces, King john subdued by strong pursuit: c Walsing. Paris. annal Hiber. Campian. hist. of Ireland. and after all carried him captived in triumph, imprisoned the English Fugitives, took pledges both of English and Irish Inhabitants, punished by death malefactors, turbulent persons by ransoms, established all their Laws, Coins, and Officers, to the English form, and deputed (which was worth all) a wise, stout and upright * justiciarium, Paris. Governor over them, the Bishop of Norwich, Langtons' competitor: thus settling on that barbarous Island so noble and ordered a face of government, as was the stay thereof in those tumultuous times, and a pattern even to more peaceful ages to imitate. By which both glorious and * Redijt 3. Cal. Septemb. speedy conquest and reformation, he better merited that Style of Ireland's Lord, then when it was confirmed to him by a Crown of * Walsingham▪ Ypodig. So the Pope sent Tyrone a Phoenix feather Cambden. in Hiber. peacocks feathers from the Pope, at what time (long before) he enjoyed it by his Father's gift, as his Broad-Seale (here not unfit to be annexed) will show. This Seal is at a Charter granted to Dublyn, before john was King. ●NGLIE ●O●INI ●IBER. ✚ SIGILLU● JO●●NNIS FILII REGIS An. 1211. King john subdueth Wales. (44) The Banks of King john's estate, were not unlike to those in Grounds ill-neighboured with an encroaching Sea, where before one breach is well made up, another no less dangerous is laid open: which endless turm oils kept his Body still in Action, his Mind in passions, and his Prowess in ure. The vast expenses of his Irish expedition were no sooner repaired (by a * 140000. ●. whereby they redeemed their possessions from laymen's custody, Lib. S. Albon, MS. great tax charged on all the Conuentuall houses) but Lewylin Prince of North-Wales, with his great spoils on the English Marchers, made new matter of charge and exploit for the King; d Hist. of Cambria. having, to prevent due revenge, caused his Wallians to convey all their cattle and better substance to the scarce-accessible refuges of Snowdowne Hill. These difficulties much more whetted and excited the King's resolution; neither had the virtual power of the Pope's fulmination as yet so blasted his good fortunes, but that hence also he e Jbidem. returned in great Triumph, as Conqueror of all Wales, where, with wonderful celerity and valour, he f Paris. hist. mi. MS. subdued all their Princes and Chiefs, whom he received upon Oath, homage, and hostages, with an absolute g Hist. of Camb. grant of all their Inland unto the King for ever. Notwithstanding, perceiving that h Pol. Virgil. very many slipped away for dread (at lest for colour) of the Pope's curse, from those his martial and other civil services, (though i Paris. hist. ma. he punished by fine all such Revolters) whereby his person could never be free from danger, nor his State from trouble; he resolves (seeing the Pope unflexible, & unsensible of so many Christians calamity) at length to relent from his vowed stiffness against the Pope's Elect, in hope so to settle his own and his subjects tranquillity, though with unsufferable indignity to himself. In his k Rog. de Wend. MS. return from Wales, two Nunces from the Pope, Randulph a Subdeacon, and Durand a Knight Templar, meet him at Northampton to make the atonement: l English Chron. MS. compared with Paris his min. hist. MS: whereto he was so propense, that he accorded to assure under his Seal, that Archbishop Langton with the Bishops, Monks, and others, should be restored both to his favour, and to their possessions; that, holy Church should have all the Franchises, as in Edward the Confessors time: that he would never take any thing of holy Church against the owners will: but, because he m Rog. Wend. MS. would not also make The Kings offers rejected. full satisfaction for all confiscations, and other emoluments received of the Clergy, (nay, he could not having expended all his treasure in his continual wars,) the Clergy and their Factors (the Legates) more prising their private gain, than the weal public of their Native Country, contemned the sweet proffer of peace, & exposed all to the bane of a revengeful contention. For hereupon they did not only n English Chro. MS. denounce the curse upon the King by name (which the Prelates before durst not do) and upon all other who conversed with him; but, as if he had most o Paris. hist. ma. contumaciously contemned quietness, by their relations they incensed The Pope absolues the kings people from allegiance. the Pope (too proclive of himself to set forth his own greatness) to put on him a far more indignous wrong and contumely than Interdiction, by p Paris min: MRS., absolving all Kings and People, poor and rich, having dependence on him, from all Fealty and Subjection to him. Ann. 1212. (45) This being the third step, whereby, both the Pope ascended to the height of his usurped power, and merciless revenge, and the Subjects * Paris hist. min. MS. daily descended from their loyal observance, made king john more circumspect to strengthen himself, both with an Army no less faithful than powerful, & also with the love of his Neighbour-Princes. King William of Scotland, q Hector Boet. l▪ 13 at this time infested with a dangerous rebellion, (stirred up within his Kingdom by one Gothred, r Lib. de Bernwel laying claim, under colour of some antiquated title, to his Crown) being himself infirm with age, sent his son Prince Alexander into England, to crave assistance of King john, who (by his own princely love and readiness, to demerit theirs,) resolving with his Army in person to chastise the disturbers of his trusty Confederate, before his setting forth, did s Paris. hist. ma. on the Table in a solemn feast, (which he kept in the Hospital of Clerken-well) adorn Prince Alexander with the belt & Order of Knighthood; and t Lib. de Bernwel. afterward with his host vanquishing the Rebels, advanced their Chiefe-leader far higher Cothred hanged by King john. than his own Ambition expected, and left that Kingdom in a settled peace. But whiles he is thus Fruits of the Pope's curse. kindly careful in suppression of another's Rebels, his own at home are as unkindly vigilant to undermine his State; the Pope's Absolution, like magic spells, having let lose many tnmultuating Spirits, which will not easily be laid again. For the * Mat. Paris. Chiefs among the Wallians, whom neither breach of their 28 Welsh hostages hanged as Nottingham. Paris. Oaths, nor loss of their noble hostages, (* which soon after perished for their parents sins) could deter, suddenly fell off from the King, and fell on his Subjects with u Wend. MS. much slaughter of men, burning of Towns, and surprisal of Castles: whereof, whiles the King meaning to take sharp revenge, was on his way at Nottingham with an unresistible Army, letters of great speed and secrecy were delivered to him (as he sat at meat) from his faithful and grateful friend the Scottish King, & instantly others from his daughter joan, Prince Lewylins, Lady, both giving him intelligence of imminent Treasons * Mat. Paris. plotted by sundry of his Peers, who meant either to murder him, or betray him to the butchery of his foes. Which dreadful notices from so true-harted Informers, could not yet affright his manly heart, till coming to Chester, he there understood by sundry other Intelligencers, that his Nobles * Idem. held themselves quite discharged from his allegiance; and knowing that they wanting fidelity, he himself could not but want security, he dismissed his host, took hostages of his Barons, pursued the detected Conspirators, and * Fitzwalter, Vesci, Ridel. apud Paris. & Trivet. MS. the three principal of them flying the land, he prosecuted their persons, demolished their Castles, and confiscated their possessions. But many of as vile and virulent affections they left behind them, as that * Apud Mat. Par. Wendou. & alios. traitorous Act of those Nobles bewrayed, who sent to Philip of France their sealed Charter, promising to settle on his head the Crown of England, if he would come to receive it. And that the minds of the vulgar should not be unpossessed with like expectation of john's uncrowning, the prophecies of an * Peter of Pom. frait. Wend. MS. Heremitical wizard (foretelling, that on the day of Ascension, King john should be no King) were buzzed into their ears. Whether by Gods inspiring, or the devils, these were revealed, * Polyd. Verg an magicis artibus. some do doubt; but he that considers the quotidian impostures of these times, and the secret machinations of the Pope, the French King, and the English Barons, all for divers ends, complotting against King john, will easily perceive both what use there was of suborning such a Prophet, to deter the popular maynie, from sticking to the King, and to beguile their credulity, as if the thing were to be done, by God's fore-appointment, and ordinance, and also * Wendover. Paris. that his punishment by death as a Traitorous Impostor, was no other than he deserved. (46) Neither is the Pope's revenge thus appeased, some higher greeces yet remain, on which his Greatness, and greatness of his holy rage must display itself: the underprops whereof (a thing almost incredible) were not only Englishmen, but English Bishops also. For Stephen Langton with the BB. of London and Ely (thirsting after revenge though with the destruction of their Country, & bloodshed of innumerable their Compatriots) going to Rome with complaints on the King, y Paris, Trivet. Westmin. Polydor. made humble supplications to the Lord Pope, that he would vouchsafe in a touch of pious compassion, to support the English Church, being at the point of ruin. At whose Sentence of deposition of King john. earnest solicitation, the tenderhearted Pope (grievously lamenting the desolation of the Kingdom of England,) decreed by solemn sentence: That King john should be deposed from his Kingdom, and that the Pope should provide some other, who should be deemed worthier to succeed. To effectuate the former clause, Innocentius eagerly pursued the latter, sending speedy letters to (whom but King john's most mortal enemy?) Philip King of France; z Rog. de Wend. MS. requiring him to undertake the labour of the dethroning King The Pope bestows john's Crown of Philip. john, with no less reward then pardon for all his sins, and enjoying of the English Crown to him, and his heirs for ever. A goodly large patent both for a Spiritual and Temporal Kingdom, which (more like Mars his Priest, than Christ's Vicar) he means to seal, with a deluge of Christians blood. For not thus yet satiated, he transmits' his Letters general: a Paris. hist. ma. Wendover. MS. To all Potentates, Soldiers, men of war of allnations, to sign themselves with the Cross, and to follow their Captain Philip for the dejection of King john, assuring all that their assistance (whether in Person or Contribution) shall be no less meritorious, then if they visited our saviours Sepulchre. That this Pope under colour of such Crusadoes, did formerly cloak his own Avarice, his b Wendover MS Mat. Paris. ad an. 1202. own Monks aver; but here he cloaks therewith both his Pride, and a far more savage vice, the thirst, not of men's gold but of their blood. In which service with King Philip, he used the same English Prelates for his Negotiators, which were before his Solicitors thereunto; with whom also he sent his Factor Pandulph; c Mat. Paris. giving him in private, secret instructions how to manage every particular of The French king prepares for England. the whole design, to the most behoof of the holy See. (47) The French King likewise receiving * Mense jan. Paris. from the Archbishop and his Associates (in a d Rog. de Wend. M. S. council) the apostolic sentence; was very apprehensive of that employment, whereto not so much the Papal command, as his e Mat. Paris. own ancient malignity, and the English Barons traitorous requests, had prepared him; both which he was now f Trivet. MS. willing to mask with the speous pretext of justice and devotion. Under which colours he had * Octavis Pas●h●. speedily marshaled an immense Army at Rouen, & drew a mighty Navy richly furnished to the mouth of sayn, * Wend. MS. all his Dukes, Earls, Barons, Knights, & soldiers being summoned to theexploit under painof hic Treason and disherizing▪ who therforeboth in fear & hope of spoil cameflocking without number. (48) A preparation of so great importance, that all Christendom took notice of, could not long be King john's preparation for resistance. hidden from King john; whose care, by reason of his now doubled opposition (foreign & domestic) could be no less for his own and his Kingdom's safety, than was his Enemies for impugning both. Wherefore his Summons being * 3. Martij. Paris. sent to all his officers both for Sea and land▪ for speedy furnishing both of a Navy, & an Army, equivalent to encounter so powerful an Invasion, such g Wendo. MS. innumerable multitudes swarmed to Dover, and other harbours for landing, that the Chiefe-leaders for want of provision, dismissing the rest, h Paris. hist. ma. encamped at Barham-Downes, only with 60000. choice, valiant, and well appointed men, who, if they had carried all one mind, and true affection towards their King, and safeguard of their Country, there breathed not any Prince under heaven, whose assault England had not been able to repel. And being no worse appointed for a Sea-fight, his intent was to grapple first with the French Fleet, * Wend. Paris. making no doubt of sinking them all: so secure and confident was he in expectation of all Invaders. In which brave address, whiles both shores of the Sea are thus belaid with both those Kings puissant Armies, the one waiting for the Enemy, the other for fair winds, and more forces, behold Pandulphus (the Pope's Pragmatic) having Ibidem. first desired safe conduct of King john, arrives at Dover, to put in execution those i Mat. Paris. secret Instructions which his Lord (who made his advantage of the Foxe-skinne, as well as of the Lions) * Papa formam evidenter expressit Paris. had expressly prescribed. He there unfoldes to the King, the innumerable multitude both of King Philip's ships, and of his soldiers Horse and Foot, (all in readiness to Pandulphus persuasion to King john. pass, and yet more expected to follow) to bereave him of his Kingdom by Apostolical authority, and to enjoy it himself with his Heirs for ever. That with him were also coming all the English Exiles, both Clergy and Lay, they, by his forces to repossess their estates (maugre the king) and he from them to receive allegiance, as from his sworn Subjects. That he had the fealty of almost all the English Peers obliged to him by their own Charters; which made him distrustlesse of attaining easily his wished success: which calamities (the more unsufferable, because imposed by his insulting enemy, and his own Subjects) he might yet evade and retain his Crown, which by Sentence he had already lost, if penitently he would submit himself to the Church's judgement. Doubtless the straitss whereinto the King saw himself plunged, were very dreadful; so many deadly enemies abroad to assault him, so few trusty friends at home to guard him: which drove him into this sad cogitation k Rog. de Wend. MS. Mat. Paris. that those his perfidious Peers would now with their followers abandon him in the field, or betray him over to the Sword of his Enemies. Yet not unlikely other motives also might forciblyperswade him to relent: the remembrance of the Emperor Otho whom this very Pope (not without foul blot of l Paris. hist. ma. Injustice and m Mat. Westm. Levity) had both eagerly advanced, and furiously dis-empyred; the boundless furies of the Crusado promulged against him, wherewith this Pope n AS Serres showeth in Ludou. 8. touching the Albegois, and Paris touching Otho, etc. used to overflow, as with a merciless Ocean, all such Princes as withstood his will, which once broken in would never end, but with the end and ruin of all. Thus thinking it better to yield to the time, with assurance both o Wendover. MS. of his Crown, and of the p Mat. West. Pope's favour, then desperately to hazard Life, Crown and all, to his immortal foes; he redeems his safety on such conditions, as Necessity and the Pope (both which have no law) listed to impose; and so presently swore to submit in all things * judicio Ecclesiae p●riturum. Paris. to the judgement of the Church. By virtue of which farre-stretching Oath, Pandulphus afterwards exacteth his subscription to a * Dated at Dover, 13. Maij. an. reg. 14. Paris. Wendo. Form of Peace prescribed by the Pope, wherein King john, though q Mat. Paris. hist. min▪ MS. with an unwilling, yea a bleeding heart, and weeping eyes, yet will he, nill he, must acknowledge r See Wendover. Paris. Westmin. Trivet. Walsingh. that touching all things for which he was excommunicated, he had absolutely sworn * Stare mandatis Domini Papae. to stand to whatsoever the Pope should command. Secondly, that the Archbishop, Bishops and Monks, with all the rest of that list, should (with satisfaction also for all damages) beerestored both to their possessions and the King's favour, so that they also would swear not to attempt any thing against the King's Person and Crown. Wherein we see that King john in swearing to obey the judgement of the Church, was concluded to have sworn performance of whatsoever the Pope commanded; and how great matters the Pope can command, King john, with much more * Vsque ad Spiritûs intimi cruentam amaritudinem Paris hist. min. MS. bleeding amaritude of spirit, shall quickly see and feel. For two days after (being the * In V●gilia Ascensionis, Maij 15. Paris. period of the Hermit's prophesy) the King at the house of the Knight's Templars, in Dover, f Perinde, ac Innocentius mandavit, Polydor. by the Pope's command in his t juxta quod fuerat Romae Sententiatum. Wend. MS. preordination at Rome, taking off his Crown from his head, surrendered it into the Pope's hands by his Attorney Pandulphus (at whose feet he u joh. de Serres. in Phal. Augusto. also laid his Sceptre, rob, Sword and Ring, the Royal Ensigns;) subscribed also to another x See Wend, & Paris. Charter, whereby he resigned his Kingdoms to the Pope, professing he did it * The Pope commands the king to aver untruths. neither for fear, nor force, but of his own free will, and in the common Council of his Barons, as having no other way to make satisfaction to God and the Church for his offence, and that thenceforward he would hold his Crown as Feodary to the Pope, paying a pension annual of 1000 Marks for both the Kingdoms of England & Ireland: whereupon doing homage and swearing fealty to the Pope, he did withal deliver some money (as the earnest of his subjection) unto Pandulph, y Paris. hist. ma. who throwing it to the ground, did thereon trample with his feet, to manifest his Master's greatness. That these things were done in presence of some Peers, who gave no consent thereto, appears by Henry Archbishop of Dublin (the very principal man in that Assembly) who z Mat. Paris. both inwardly grieved thereat; and openly disclaimed and gainsaid it. (49) The Pope formerly pretended he sought a Nibil sibi iucundius. Polid. nothing more than john's repentance, and b Gravi m●rore confectus, Paris. grieved at nothing so much as England's desolation: but these his circumuentions bewray he sought somewhat else, which bred both repentance and desolation to King john and his Successors long after. Which fact cannot be livelier paralleled, then by another doleful accident of the former year, c Ex Record. S. Mariae de South. Paris. hist▪ min. MS. when a dreadful fire in Southwark, consuming the Church & buildings near London Bridge, suddenly (whiles numberless people flocked on the Bridge, either to bring succour or seek safety) the fire by a wind seized also on the hither end of the Bridge; wherewith * Wil Packington writeth that 3000 were found dead and half burnt, besides those who were quite consumed. multitudes thus encompassed on both sides, miserably perished; where at length some bringing their Barges to save the rest, their crowd was so great, that the vessels sinking, more perished in the water, then by fire. King john, like those, was in the midst of two inevitable flames, on this side, his faithless Nobles, on that, his merciless foes; when the Pope thus proffering him S. Peter's Boat, for a safeguard from both, drenched him into as great misery, certainly greater Ignominy than both the other. Wherein The Romanists censures touching the Popes thus dealing. yet the Pope doth not want his share and shame; amongst his own favourites, some accursing that his prescribed Charter, as d Lugubrem, detestabilem. Mat. Westm. Paris, & alij. lamentable and detestable; e Sabellicus Aenead. 9 l. 5. some, denying it was of the Pope's procuring, but that K. john had long before made a vow of devotion, that if God settled him in those Kingdoms he would dedicated them both, and make them tributary to the See Apostolic. But some other (great pillars of the Papacy) stepping further, f Sir Thomas Moore in the supplication of Souls. avow it to be utterly untrue, that King john did make his Realms thus tributary to the Pope; or g Campians. hist. of Ireland. l. 2. c. 3. Sir T. Moor. that ever such pensions were paid to Rome; or h Rossus Warwic. M. S. Sir Tho. Moor. Edm. Campian. if he so did, or any other English King should so do, such an Act to be of no validity at all; or if it were of any force; i Polyd. Virg. l. 15. it aught only to lie on King john, who so offended, and not on any his Successors. Doubtless, if the Papal Sword had power to cut off King john's regality for any offence, his Crown was to have descended to the next Heir (whether Henry his son, or Eleanour Arthur's sister, then alive) who, as they were not guilty of the fault, so neither consenting to the resignment. Some therefore have imagined, that k Edmund Campian hist. of Ireland, l. 2. c. 3 such Instruments might happily then be motioned and drawn, and yet die unratified, though the copies stand recorded; but whatsoever were then done, that the Pope himself (not only those his friends) were thereof ashamed will hereafter appear. (50) While Pandulphus is thus chaffering about the Crown for his Master the Pope, Philip is fitting his head to wear it, and was now setting forth his Navy to win it, for himself; which made the Legate (having after l P. Aemilius in Phil. 2. five days seysin redelivered the Crown, but m Paris. hist. mi. MS. not yet released the Censures, till conditions were performed) to hasten into France, carrying with him eight thousand pound, as part of restitution to the exiled▪ Bishops; where, coming to King Philip, he advised him to dismiss his host, & enterprise against King john, as being now an obedient and reconciled Son to the Church. But Philip who was of the Pope's mind, not caring for john's repentance, but for his Kingdom, which now he lost before he had gotten it, n Mat. West. fretting exceedingly to see himself not only set up for a stolen, and made to the World an object of scoff, by the Nunces guileful collusions, but also by the o Mat. Paris. min. hist. MS: & ma. hist. Pope's own enticements, plunged into so excessive a damage, (having spent, beside his great travail in this preparation, 60000. Crowns, wherewith he purchased naught but scoffs; resolved, and professed, that sith the Pope himself, had so far thrust him on, his Legates suggestions ( p joh. de Serres. in Phil. August. Ypod. Neust. no nor his threats of excommunication,) should not draw him back from his intendment. In which resolution q Paul. Aemil. in Philippo 2. calling his Peers and Nobles into a consultation at Suessouns, all the rest approving the course, Ferdinand Earl of Flaunders (part of whose Country Philip by force detained) told him tartly, that r Serres. as the attempt was both unjust, and impossible, so s Aemyl. it was fit, every man's right should at home be restored, and justice embraced, before they attempted to teach duties of piety to others abroad. And, that he t Paris. hist. min. MS. aught rather to think, of making restitution to King john of those transmarine Countries, which he withheld unjustly, then of invading his Realm, whereto he had no right at all. With which unexpected reclamation, u Serres. the chief Peers began to waver, & Philip enraged, bidding him defiance, forbade him his Court. The like rough usage (not * Aemilius and Serres suppose Ferdinand and Reginald fell off at one time, but our English Writers, Paris, Trivet, etc. show the contrary. long before) found x Paul. Aemil. Mat. Paris. Reginald the most valorous Earl of Boulogne (though his daughter was married to Philip's younger son,) whom the French King perceiving to wish well to King john, y Rog. Wend. MS. drove him unjustly out of his Earldom; but King john, receiving him with honourable compensation of z Paris. Trecentis libratis terr●. fair revenues in England, held both with him and Earl Ferdinand, a sure (though secret) confederacy: So that now Philip's rage, and fear to hazard his own Crown, if seeking another's, he should leave so near an Enemy at his back, diverts the course of his Ambition into the stream of his Revenge, and resolving first to subdue the Earl, (after which success he might more safely pass into England,) he commands his mighty King Philip's great Navy defeated by the English. prepared Navy to set forth from the mouth of Seyne towards Flaunders, where himself with his forces (meaning to subdue the country in their way) would meet them byland. Whereof King john having speedy intelligence from the Earl (who, knowing his means too slender to bear off the Kings so long prepared power, desired his present aid) without delay dispatched his * Of 500 ships▪ Mat. Paris. MS. Fleet, to pursue them who intended to pursue him, under the conduct of a Paris hist. min. MS. three brave Generals, his brother William Earl of Sarisbury, William Duke of Holland, and Reginald Earl of Boulogne; b Aemilius. Mat. Paris. Trivet. MS. who with happy gales surprising the French Navy at the port of Dam, (whiles most of the French Soldiers were on land, dispoiling the Earl's Country,) seized on them all; c Paris. hist. min. MS. three hundred of which Ships, laden with provision, Arms, and other costly fraught (for whatsoever the King and all his Nobles held dearest was therein,) they sent for England (whither at first they were bound) and above one hundredth other they burned, or sunk for France. (51) This Naval victory produced effects in King john's resolution to turn the wars upon France. the two Kings so opposite as were their affections; the d Trivet. MS. Wend. MS. one, with anguish of his irreparable loss and ignominy, hasting back into France, to prevent further danger; and e Paris. hist. min. MS. the other (joyful of his own success and his confederates) dismissing his power, as▪ secure of any French attempts in haste. Wherefore now, with full purpose to found him work at home, who so busily sought it abroad, he forthwith sent (with large rewards to his Flaunders Army) f Mat. Paris▪ hist. maior. Serres. instructions also to the Earls, how to infested Philip on that side of France, whiles himself entering Poictou, would the like on the contrary side, and Otho the Emperor on a third part. A dangerous plot and league, if the issue had been answerable to the designs. For prosecution whereof, g Wendover MS Paris. hist. maior. King john attending at Portsmouth with a noble Army, in hope now that all true English, would gladly embrace so fair an opportunity, to recover their hereditary Provinces Foreign troubles ended, domestic begin by the Barons. from the false French; his Barons restless themselves in procuring his unrest, and envying that his foreign vexations being thus passed, he should want domestic, flatly oppose themselves both to his command and their Country's good, h Wendover, MS. Paris. denying him (until he were assoiled of his excommunication,) their attendance in so behoveful a service. Those men in the heat of his former troubles with the Pope, thinking such troubled waters most advantageous for their fishing, i Nic. Trivet. An. 1212. MS. recommenced their contention with the King for their long-desired Liberties, wherein because they found him still as immovable, as themselves were immoderate, it seemeth, though the cloak of their now▪ refusal were Religion, yet their spur was Revenge; having withal an eye to the good of the king of France, whom so well they had before loved, as to wish him King of England. But King john, being no less earnest to further the present general cause, than they their particular ends, delayed not their desires; and k Wendover. Paris despeeding his Charters and safe-conducts to the Archbishop and his fellow-Exiles, he as speedily▪ * Apud Doverum, 17. Cal. Aug. Wen MS. arrived: l Libr. S. Alban. in vit. job. Abb. Archbishop Langton arriveth in England. at whose presence the earth is said to have trembled; but (doubtless) King john did; who hearing of his coming towards him (than at Winchester) went to meet him and those other Bishops; at whose sight m Paris. Wend. he fell down at their feet with floods of tears, entreating them to commiserate His, and his kingdoms miseries. Upon which n jidem. great humility in a King (moving them likewise to bedew their eyes,) they lifted him from the ground, and leading him by each Arm to the door of the Cathedral Church (where, at rehearsal of the 50. psalm, all his Nobles and others The King absolved from the sentence of Excommunication. wept for joy,) after in the Chapterhouse they did absolve him; but with such guileful Appendices of Oaths imposed on him, that this assoilement was not so much the Epilogue of his old, as the Prologue of his new Tragical vexations. The Archbishop sides with the Barons against the King. (52) For the Prelates, whose best abettors the disloyal Barons had formerly been, meaning now to be the like to them, amongst other Oaths then taken of the king (to o Mat. Paris. hist. ma. defend holy Church & Churchmen; to make due restitutions to the Clergy; to bear fealty to the See of Rome,) cunningly also inserted this, p Wend. MS. A guileful oath imposed on the king. to establish the good Laws of his Predecessors, & to abolish all bad, proceeding with all his Subjects according to the just judgements of his Courts: out of which generalities, what good stuff the Prelates & Barons can pick, sequels will show. Now all exceptions seeming to be taken away, which might hinder the King's design for France, he once again The King again deluded by fresh shifts. at Portsmouth hastens to embark his host; where, at the point of passage new impediments are pretended, q Mat. Paris, hist. ma. that the people having spent their money with long attendance could not befitted for the service except the King would do it out of his Treasure; which moved the King in anger, with a small train of his own attendants, to set forth to sea, and his Barons (Philip's true friends) to departed home, leaving The Barons leave the king. the king (who at Gersey expected their coming) destitute of their service. With these so often treacherous delusions, what marvel, or blame, if a King, and in so important an Action, thus defeated, were inflamed to take due revenge? On which purpose the The king rerurneth for want of his Subjects aid. King thus r Paris. enforced to return, resolving to chastise those rebellious Spirits (the causes thereof) and to reclaim them to due obedience by force of Arms, the Archbishop (resolute to be as tough a Bridle to the Regal power, as ever Hubert his predecessor was,) came unto him, to divert him with Argument, that it was a breach of his Oath, for him to take Arms against any man whomsoever, without the judgement of his Court. But the s Rog. de Wend. MS. next day, seeing he could not thus prevail with reasons (the King forbidding him to intermeddle in matters of lay-iudgements, and t Paris. hist. min. M. S. swearing that he would not for bear for one * Propter unum Clerigastrum. ib. clerks pleasure to tame his own vassals) he followed the King (who was on his way earnestly following his intendment) deterring him with threats, and vowing, u Paris▪ hist. ma. if out of hand he did not desist from his purpose, he would excommunicate all (except the King himself) who durst take Arms against any whomsoever, till the Interdict were quite released. So quickly did this Prelate on his coming into England, show himself not only a faithful Philippine, (as the King foresaw,) and a faithless Baronist (as these his dare prove) but even another Pope, to threaten and persecute the King, sith Innocentius had left to do it. (53) But these threats of sacred Censure, though they dash the whole course of regal government, The Archbishops conspiring against the king. may seem the more excusable, he having some colour (though but a colour) thereof by reason of his vocation and place: the courses which soon after he pursued, will not admit the like plea or pardon with the King. This English Pope, having in a x Apud Templum S. Pauli London. Mat. Paris promiscuous Synod of Clergy men and Barons, granted by Indulgence, that in this time of Interdict, both Conuentuals and Seculars, might in their Churches celebrated divine service, so it were with a very low voice; singled out the Barons into a y Rog. de Wend. very private conference, (more cordial perhaps to them then serving of God,) relating with much ostentation, what an Oath at his assoiling the King, he * jurar● compuler in. ib. compelled him to take, for restoring good laws, and antiquating bad; to which end, a Charter of King Henry the first being lately found (which there he showed and caused to be read) by it, they might, if themselves would reduce, to the pristine estate, those Liberties which long they had lost. Both Charter and Counsel being received with * Gavisi sunt gaudio magn●. great applauseand joy, a z Paris. Confederacy was stricken betwixt them they all swearing to him to strive for those liberties to the spending of their lives, and he promising them his most faithful and uttermost assistance. Among so many false to the State, probable it is, that some were false among themselves, by whom these secrecies might come to the King's ears; who finding himself by both Clergy and Lay-Peeres combining against him, unable to revenge his foreign, or repress The king's plot to overmaster both Prelates and Barons. such domestic indignities, knew no surer way to overtop them all, then by that high Hand, by which himself was first subjecteth to them all. How this must be fetched about, because it concerns his Holiness, a learned Monk shall relate in his own Language. a Math●us Paris. The virtues of Pope Innocentius. The King knew and had learned by manifold experience, that as the Pope, both for Ambition, and Pride, went beyond all other mortal men: So likewise, he was in his greedy desire of riches so unsatiable, that with money either paid or promised, he might be wrought like wax and made pliable to all wicked actions. Thus having the true length of the Pope's foot, he fits him accordingly with rich presents, and golden promises, craving (by such moving Rhetoric) not his aid only, but his Curse also against the Archbishop and Barons, who so uncessantly distressed him. But Innocentius (forward of himself without any Motives, to put in ure those his Papal virtues, and the execution of his late-usurped power,) upon the first gladsome news of England's Vassalage to his See, had presently dispatched The Pope's Legate cometh into England. for England an Agent of greater port than Pandulph, a Subdeacon, Nicholas Bishop of Tusculum, with no meaner credence and instructions for preserving what the Pope had guilefully gotten, than Pandulph had to purchase, what he ambitiously gaped for: by whose b Circ●f●stum S. Micha●l●s. Rog. Wend. MS. arrival the King seemed to be possessed of those his desires, before his golden letters arrived at Rome to crave them. The new Legate sticks close to king john. (54) For this Legate was infected with the like itches ( c Paris hist. min. MS. Ambition and Avarice) as his Master, and therefore King john knew how to demerit his fastness and love, by supplying him with like d Donati●a preciosa, ibid. ointments; whereby the Archbishop and Barons soon perceived, that the Legate was e Summo opere regi placere, etc. ibidem. wholly Regal, and the King Papal; which jealousy made both their Actions more distasteful. The overt and professed end of his coming, being to release the Interdict, he first tampered a little to accord the King and Prelates upon covenants of Restitution; towards which, though the king offered ten thousand marks, yet the Prelates ( f Mat. Paris MS. repining at the Legates * Plu●●qu● parti, regiae, etc. ibid. partiality to the King in approving that offer,) g Nic. Trivet. MS. chose rather to suffer the whole land to groan under that unchristian, and truly-styled Curse, * ●i●ro interdict 〈◊〉 relaxari nolente, usque satisfactum esset ad plenum. ib. then to defalcate any jot of their covetous demands. Under which colour, the Pope's Agent, (a fit helue for such a hatchet,) broke his mind to the King of a more secret & principal cause of his Legacy, which was h Wend. MS. for the contriving of a more validous and unexceptionable conveyance of his Kingdoms to the yoke of Romish Sovereignty; pretending doubtless, (as Pandulp● had done) that i Westmin. Trivet. MS. he could never be safe or quiet, but under them powerful protection of the Pope's wings. Exceptions to the first grant. What just exceptions the World might take to the former Grant, his Holiness was not ignorant; it being an Act in the King, both of manifest* Perjury against his oath at his Coronation, and also of Constraint, * circumvention, and * Fear; he being driven thereto by the Pope himself, who had set up both the French power, and his own Barons against him; an Act of one * actually excommunicate, as also were the * Witnesses conversing with him in that action, whereto, as neither the * next Heirs, nor the * Clergy, nor * Body of the Kingdom, gave any consent, so an * open disclaim thereof was made by the very k Archbishop of Dubleyae. Principal man there present, in the name (as is likely) of all the rest: and that Gross untruths prescribed by the Pope in that grant. The Pope renounceth his first Charter, & seeks a new. all was engrossed with so many gross * untruths, as if done most voluntarily; without any fear or force; in a general Assembly of the Barons; only by a divine inspiration, and because the King had nothing fit to pacify God for his sins, but the giving away of his Kingdoms: Well might the Pope blush at these shameless abusions; and therefore if now the King, standing on calmer terms, can be wrought to ratify his former Grant, though the dealing Bee more fraudulent, yet the Act will seem more colourable, because savouring of less constraint, and more free devotion. King john's present condition. But if we look with an unpartial Eye, we shall see both the plight of King john, and the action of Innocentius, still like itself: the Interdiction still burdening his land; his Barons more molestious to him then foreign foes; his Prelates greedily grating on him to impoverish his means; his Archbishop stopping all proceed against foreign or homebred enemies; and if he had thwarted the Pope's command herein, he foresaw far greater storms at hand, than he had hitherto escaped. Thus in desire to settle his kingdoms quiet for his own time, and in hope, perchance, that his Successors would (as since by divine blessing they have) vindicate The new Charter to the Pope. it again from such an enforced slavery, he condescended to renew his * Dated 3. Octo. Charter of Subjection, knowing belike that his express * Sal●●s nobis & ●●redibus. See the Charter. Mat. Paris, Westmin. etc. reservation to himself and his Heirs, of all due administration of justice, all Liberties, and Regalties, (as being excepted out of the Grant,) was forcible of itself to make it unforceable. For how hath he his wont power of justice, who was supreme, and is made subordinate? how his wont liberties, who was absolute, & is made Homager and Pensioner? how his fore-used Regalities, whom another may name, and command as his vassal? Yet this Charter, adorned with a Golden Bull, (fit for the Roman * Phalaris tortured men in a brazen Bull. Phalaris, whereas the former was but sealed with wax) was at a meeting in Saint Paul's Cathedral Church ( l Paris. hist. maior. pretended for other businesses about the Interdict) presented for more authentic solemnity at the High-Altar, where, in the King and Legates presence, the Archbishop of Canterbury, himself also both a Cardinal and a Legate The Archbishop of Canterbury appeals against the King's subjection. (in this, acting the office of a stout Patriote, and noble Prelate, as the Archbishop of Dublein had done at the first Grant,) stepped forth, and in the * As appeareth in Mat. Paris. ad An. 1231. juri & appellationibus Steph. Cant, and in Rossus Warwi●. name of the whole Clergy and Kingdom, m Paris. hist. min. MS. saith also Procaciter. ad Ann. 1214. boldly and earnestly presented n Paris. hist. ma. in Henrico 3. and Ann. 1231. Rossus Waruicanus. at the same Altar in solemn manner, his Appeals against that Charter so execrable to the whole world, as likewise formerly o Paris. hist. min. MS. he had used all possible endeavour to divert the king's hart from that subjection to the Pope and Court of Rome. That the Peers of the land accorded with the Archbishop in the Appeal, (and more than in Appeals) both the Kings own p Dated at Dover, 5. Septemb. Citat. in respons. ad Apolog, Bellarmin. cap. 3. letters to the Pope saying, they openly professed, that they forcibly made head against him, because he had so enslaved his land, and their own bitter exclamations against it, so frequently in q In Wendover, Paris, Westmin. & alij. Authors reiterated▪ do demonstrate: and yet both the Archbishop and other Barons, are so cunningly named in the Pope's r In Original. in custod. R. Cotton ●aronetti. Transcript, as if they had not only been present and witnesses at the doing, but also approvers of the deed. What comfort then had Innocentius of renouncing his old Charter, and thus shuffling for a new? Surely but little, it seemeth; especially when he saw both his own Creatures in England thus oppugn it, and Christian Princes abroad; yea King john's * King Philip & the Peers of France. mortal enemies, who not only denied, that England (notwithstanding this Transaction) s Paris hist. min. MS. was any patrimony of S. Peter, and condemned the Pope for holding an error so pernicious to all Kingdoms; but also vowed to die before they would yield, that any King can of his own will, make his Kingdom Tributary, and his Nobles slaves to others. By which universal detestation, of this the Pope's usurping, it is not improbable (though for the present he flourished the Transcript thereof, t Ex original Transcript. Dat. Octob. 3. 1214. which he sent into England, with the ʳ Preface of Christ, and Melchisedech being Kings and Priests, and that therefore in one person of Christ's Vicar, as the Soul and the Body, so both Kingdom and Priesthood did now concur,) that yet ere long he was no less ashamed of this latter, then of his former Charter. Whereto well suiteth his testimony, who writes that a u Author. Eulogij. Citat. in Tortura Torti, per Epis. Cicestrens. Parliament was held at London the year 1214. Where the Archbishop sat as Precedent with all the Clergy and laity: wherein by commandment of the Pope, the Charter, Fealty, and homage by which the King was obliged to the Pope, was absolutely released on the 7 day of july: which if be true, no marvel if the Court of Rome cannot produce, though often challenged thereto, this Charter whereof so much they vaunt. Notwithstanding some unquiet Spirits, aspiring long after to the Papacy, though pretending (perhaps) the x Mat. Paris, hist. maior. Au; 1245 Original Charter was consumed at Lions (where the y idem ibid. Pope causing, some say, his own Conclave to be set on fire, so have a pretence to extort a contribution from the Prelates there in council, the fire went farther than * Can t●e Pope rule Purgatory fire, and not this. he meant it should) they made some flourish to z See Parliament Rolls, temp▪ Edelbert▪ 1. & Ed. 3. renew their claim of homage and pension, till in a General Parliament, the Prelates, Lords, and Commons, severally and jointly a An. 4. Ed. 3. Parliament Rolls. N●. 8. enacted, that for somuch as neither King john, nor any other King, The like answer to this was made, Ann. 3. Ed. 1. Rot. Claus. m. 9 ●n Schedula. could bring his Realm and people to such thraldom, but by common assent of Parliament▪ (the which was never done,) and that in so doing he did against his Oath at his Coronation; besides many other causes of just exception; if therefore the Pope thence forward should attempt See Cambden in Hibernia, p. 732. any thing therein, the King with all his Subjects should with all their Forces and powers resist the same, and rather hazard all their lives and livelihood, then endure that usurpation. If Pope paschal (in the b Hoveden in Henric. 1 time of King john's grandfather) having with much solemnity made some grants to the Emperor Henry, and confirmed them with an c Florent. Wigorn. ad an. 1111. Anathema, with the d Houed. ib. oaths of thirteen Cardinals, and with e Idem. ib. religious receiving of the blessed Sacrament; yet, because such grants were thought prejudicial to his See, f Paris in H. 1. Houed. solemnly disclaimed his own Act, and such his doing was approved by a Clergy Council, as pretended to be done g Boetius Florent●us. by fear: how much more justly might King john's Successors and his State, by such approbation of their grand Council, free themselves of those servitudes wherewith by another's unjust, forced, unwarrantable Act, they were supposed to be enfettered? (55) Though the Archbishop were so unkind An. 1214. The Pope's displeasure against Stephen Langton. against the Pope (the Advancer of his Fortunes,) as to give by his appeal so fatal a blow to his desired Crown, yet the Pope was not so ingrate as to die in his debt; as quickly he found in h Mat. Paris, hist. ●a. another Appeal which he made to the Pope against his Legate, for that he, relying on i See Innocentius his letters in Paris. Apostolical indulgence, not only disposed of all Spiritual dignities to k Regijs nutibus, Paris. hist. min. MS. such as best liked the King, but also to his own l Idem. Italians, and Kinsmen, though absent, unknown, unsufficient, unworthy, yea, and some m Ibidem. unborn. Which Legatine * Legati Tyrannis. ibid. Tyranny unsufferable in a Christian State, though Simon Langton (the Archbishop's brother and Proctor) urged earnestly before the Pope, yet the Legates * Contra factam subiectionem procaciter appellasse. Paris. MS. Agent Pandulphus▪ so displayed both the archbishops ferventness in using such▪ eager persuasions and appellation against the King's subjection, and the Prelate's * Rigidos & a●aros, f Mat. Paris. hist. ma. avarice, in their unreasonable exactions for restitution from the King; being the most benign, modest, and humble Prince that his eyes ever beheld; that his Holiness not only conceived n Paris, hist. min. MS. exceeding hatred against the Archbishop and his cause, but sent also his Authentic Letters for repealing the Interdict, upon restitution only of 13000. Marks * The King had paid 27. thousand before, and was to make it up 40000. more to the Prelates (the King before had voluntarily offered them 100000) and that but by equal portions of o Nic. Trivet. five years payment. But the King, who knew the Pope's pleasure before these letters came to impart it, having found that his French affairs had sustained unreparable impeachments by his hitherto enforced delays, p Wendover. MS. entrusting his Kingdom to the Legate and Earl Marshals custody, was with his Forces passed into Poictou, (whiles in his absence, the relaxation of the Interdict, after q 6 Annos menses 3. 14. dies. more than six years continuance, was by the Legate in a Parliament solemnly promulged) where his Successes were so fortunate, that r Lit. Regis joh. apud Wendou. it being powerfully subdued, great hope was conceived the other Provinces would follow. Whence breaking with s Mat. Paris. like victories into Britain, being there at the point to give t Rog. Wend. MS. battle to Lewis the Dolphin, his everfaithlesse Poyctovins suddenly u Paris min. MS. forsook him, and made him forsake his purpose. But a greater impayrement of those his hopes, was the x Paul. A●mil. defeature of his Confederate Otho the Emperor, at the renowned Battle of * Ad Pontem de Bovines. 6. Cal. Augusti, Paris. MS. Bovines, where King y Paris hist. mas. See in Aemylius this battle at large. Philip, stricken from his horse by the hand of Reginald Earl of Boulogne, had there with his life ended the quarrel, if a faithful Soldier had not covered him with his own Body, and bravely sacrificed his life, to save his Sovereigns; who thereupon recovered both his footing, and the victory. The heavy news whereof, concurring with his Baron's outrages at home, drove King john on z D●tis 8000. marcar. Paris MS. dear conditions, to capitulate on a five years ●ruce, and return to bridle them at home, The Barons new d●sloyaltieses. whose attempts he ever found most dangerous, when he was most busied abroad. For under a * Oratio●●s' grati●● Wendover, MS. pretext of Devotion (the usual mask for Treachery) the Barons assembling at Saint Edmunds a Mat. Paris▪ hi●●. ma. did every man on the high Altar severally swear, to renounce their sworn fealty to the King, and pursue him by Arms, till they had enforced his consent to the Charter of liberties formerly by the Archbishop recommended to them. Which An. 1215. when b Wend. MS. afterward they came in person to challenge of the King, as a part of his Oath taken at his Absolution; he c Mat. Paris. seeing both their forces and affections addressed for violence, was enforced with gentle language and promised satisfactions, to desire, till after Easter, mature deliberation on so important a matter; in which breathing time, both in policy, he took new oath of loyalty through all the land, and d Idem. in devotion, undertook the Vow and Sign of the holy Wars, choosing belike to die against faithless Turks, rather than to live amongst such unfaithful Subjects. But neither Oaths, nor holy vows e Literae Innocentij ap●d Wend. & Paris. (than esteemed the supreme privilege of protection) could be sufficient Bucklers to protect against such desperate attempters; who at the prefixed week of Easter, preparing themselves not for a Conference, as with their Prince, but for a Battle, as against some hostile power▪ trouped together at Stanford, with f Paris. Wend. MS. an Army inestimable for number, whose * Coniurati principalem consentameu● habuerunt Stephanum, ibid. very principal Abetter and conspirer was Stephen the Archbishop, the more pernicious person, because (to hide his false entendementes) most assiduous in attendance about the King. And g Idem. him the King selecting to sand to the Baron's Army (who were come on as far as Brackley, not far from the King, residing now in Oxford) to know the contents of their desires; he brought a h Rog. de Wend. MS. Schedule of their claimed liberties, with a message of their resolutions, if presently he sealed not a Charter thereof unto them, they would compel him thereto by forcible entrance on all his possessions. Whereat his great heart * Cum maxima indignations. ibidem. highly disdaining, he demanded, why they also demanded not his Kingdom? those their exactions being grounded on no colour of reason, and swearing never to enslave himself to them by such a concession, he dismissed his Archbishop to return them his peremptory answer. The Barons in open rebellion. (56) Neither were the Barons less resolute in performance of their vow and message, appointing for Head unto that huge and heady rout, Robert Fitzwalter, whom they enstyled i Rog. Wend. MS. The Marshal of God's Army and holy Church: who first assailing Northampton Castle, after fifteen days fruitless fury, departed to Bedford, whose * Will. de Bell●. Campo. Castelan being a Confederate gave them easy entrance; but the Londoners (displeased with the King for burdening k Mat West. them with taxes) not only admitted them, but l Missu nuncijs. Paris. invited them by request, to enter their City by night: where having that Key (as it were) of the land in their dispose, they by their m Wendover. MS. threatfull letters not only drew most of the Nobles from the King, but also had almost locked him out of his Regal Seat. To prevent which outrage, by gentle messages entreating of the Barons a place and day of meeting, who thereto designed * Betwixt Windsor & S●an●s. Runingmead, ( n Glover Catalogue of honour. p. 95●. but Mat. West. saith quod interpretatu●, Pra●um consilij. since called Counsel-mead, for such consultations of State,) they thither came o Rog. de Wend. M. S. with armed multitudes out of all the Kingdom beyond all number, that the King, p Paris. hist. ma. seeing his power far inferior unto theirs, was constrained to * 15. ai● Junii. Paris. grant them their uttermost desires, not only for Liberties, (specified in * See these Charters at large in Wend & Paris. Magna Charta, and Charta forestae,) but also for a kind of sway in the Government, by twenty five selected Peers, to whose commands all the other Barons also were bound by oath to be obsequious. Thus one of the greatest Sovereigns of Christendom, was now become the q Paris. twenty sixth petty king in his own Dominions; as appeared that very night, when all the rest following the pompous stream of the new upstart▪ Kings, left their Sovereign * vix 7. Eq●●tibus. V●●nd●●. MS. only with seven Gentlemen to attend him. What marvel, if high disdain hereof pierced his swelling heart, and filled his mind with revolving thoughts, how to unwind himself out of those servile fetters? And so he did: r Paris. hist. ma. sending his letters overnight unto certain his trustiest Castellans, strongly to fortify and victual their Castles; and the s Rog. de Wend. MS. next morning before break of day, very secretly retiring into the Isle of Wight▪ (whence seeking redress both by the t Paris. hist. ma. spiritual and temporal sword) he sent Messengers, both to the Pope, and other his foreign friends, to crave the Censures of the one, and succours of the other, against such outrageous Rebels. In both which, his Agents were so sedulous, and his Friends so compassionate, that at u Paris. hist. min. MS. Rome by definitive sentence, the Baron's Charters were speedily canceled, the King and Barons x Bulla Innocent. dat. 9 Cal Sept. apud Mat. Paris. accursed, if either of them observed the composition, (which Excommunication was soon after upon their continued rebellion put in execution, for that y Paris. hist. min. MS. the Pope, Fortune's wheel being turned, did mortally persecute them whom himself had first whetted and incensed against the King,) z Mat. West. Trivet. MS. Wendover. MS. and from Fla●nders, Gascoigne, Brabant and other parts, such competent aids came in, as encouraged the King (after a Mat. Paris. three months secrecy and retiring,) to show himself in the face of his enemies. His sudden coming, with so unexpected attendance, to the siege of Rochester Castle, so amated both the * Wil de Albineto. Captain thereof, and all the Barons ( b Rog. de Wend. who had sworn to assist him against any siege,) that the one not daring to approach to his rescue, the other was enforced to yield up his charge; and all his company had received, * Suspendio, etc. Mat▪ Paris MS. what they deserved, had not Savary de Malleon entreated for their lives. The Gales of King john's fortunes seemed from this time, to blow from some happier Angle; & c Mat. Westm. dividing his great host into two parts, with the one, conducted by himself Northward, he * A mare Australi usque ad mare Sc●●icum. Paris. every wher● from the Southern to the Scotish Sea, victoriously subdued his Rebels, as likewise did the Earl of Salisbury with the other foreigners Southward. In which most deplored state of this land, all things were in confusion, & all men set on mischief, d Lib. S. Alban. in vita Wil abbot. Fathers against their Sons, Brother against Brother, Kinsmen and Allies, against their nearest ●riends, by assailing, surprising, pursuing, burning, spoiling, disherizing, tormenting, murdering; all the Kingdom, by the combustion of so universal a Rebellion, becoming like a general shambleses, or place of Infernal torture. And yet, as witnesseth one who then lived, e Rog. Heued. MS. cited by Fox. in Martyr. the Fathers and aged men (likely to be the wiser, and better affected,) stood on the King's part, but the younger on the contrary; though some again forsook the King for love of their kindred, and other like respects. The Pope's Censures contemned. (57) Which certain miseries, and uncertain sydings, in civil wars, are not so strange, as is the savage madness of disloyal dispositions, who to attain a shadow of seeming Liberties, immerge themselves and their abetters into bottomless servitudes By the Barons. and distresses. Yet more strange it is, that those Barons, & their adhering impugners of the king, whose pretext formerly was, that they durst not obey the King because of the Papal Curse, being now themselves by virtue of the same f W●nd●uer MS. commanded to obey and assist him, could without any scruple contemn both it, and him, g Paris. hist. mai●r. pretending, it concerned them not, because particularly they were not named. Yea the Archbishop By the Archbishop. himself, who with his rufflings had made the World believe, that the Pope's censure, (yea and his h Vide s●pra. own too,) were of virtue to deprive the king of all Sovereign command over his Subjects, now being i Bulla Innocentij, apud Paris. by name, and under that fearful penalty, required by the Pope to denounce the same, against those perturbers of the King's peace; he esteeming thereof, but as a vizard to affright children, told the Pope's messengers, k Paris hist. mas. he would not do it for any cause whatsoever, till himself had inperson conferred with the Pope; for which enormous contempt, the Bishop of Winton and Pandulph, l Idem. folemnly denouncing the curse themselves against the Barons, did likewise suspend him from all Episcopal authority. Stephen thus coming to Rome (for Innocentius had then called a General m Concilium Lateranens. mense novemb. Wend. Counsel, and therein n West●in. excommunicated all either French or English who impugned King john) was in that great assembly ( o Idem. of 61. Archbishops, 412. Bishops, 800. Abbots and Priors,) accused and convict of p Paris. hist. mai. treason against the King, and contempt against the PEA ope and Church's censures; for which the Pope q Paris hist. min. MS. The Archbishop suspended. fully resolving to depose him from his See and Dignity, by the Cardinal's earnest intercession for him (as being their Brother-Cardinall) was entreated to deal some what milder; but yet there by * Laterani pridie Non. novemb. Paris. public sentence confirmed his suspension, commanding by his r Innocentij lit. apud Wend. letters all his Suffragan Bishops to withdraw their obedience from him. And for a farther revenge, whereas Simon Langton (his brother,) by his procurement had been elected to the See of York, (a strange example to s Westmin. have a whole Kingdom rulea by two Brethren of so turbulent humours) the Pope not only did t Rog. de Wend. cassate his Election, and made him incapable of any Episcopal Dignity, but also placed in that See, Walter Gray, u Westmin. Godwins Catalogue (a trusty friend to the King, and a professed enemy to the Langtons) whose x Wend. MS. Pall cost him no less than a thousand pound. By the like covetous grating at the breaking up of the Council, the Pope y Paris. hist. ma. extorted of every Prelate there, an infinite mass of Money z Eiusd. min. hist. MS: before he would give them leave to departed home; amongst whom William Abbot of Saint Alban was one, a Lib. S. Albani. in vita Wil Abb. MS. who coming to take his leave of the Pope without any present; what? saith he) Art thou the Abbot of Saint Albon to which place so often favours have been done by our See; and doth it become thee, to go hence without respect to me who am Pope? whereupon he offering fifty Marks, was checked and enforced before he went out of the Pope's Chamber, (which he repent he ever entered) to pay an hundred Marks: which yet he brooked the better, because the Pope so handled all all other Prelates; the fashion being, for every man to lay down his money ready told before the Pope's feet, and so to take a b Mat. Paris. hist. min▪ MS. dear bought Benediction and be go: but if any wanted present cash, the Pope's Merchants, that is his Usurers, were at hand, but on very hard conditions to supply them. The Barons excommunicated by name. (58) But how ever the Clergy fared, King john had cause of contentment in the Pope's proceed in that Council; especially for that now his disloyal Barons were c Innocent. lit. Laterani, 10. Cal. jan. Wendover. MS. all excommunicated by Name, & all their lands together with the City of London, Interdicted: which, though it gave a deadly blow to the Baron's faction▪ & made their case plainly desperate, yet they standing on their guard still in London, * Adeò contemnendo despexit. Mat▪ Paris. held those censures in so high contempt, that they decreed, neither themselves or Citizens should observe them, nor the Prelates denounce them, alleging, d Rog. Wend. MS. Mat. Paris. ma. ●ist. that they were on false suggestions procured; but chief, for that it appertained not to the Pope to deal in secular affairs, sigh Peter received of our Saviour only a Power The Barons rail on the Pope. of matters Ecclesiastic; And what should the Roman insatiable avarice extend itself hither to us? What had Prelates to intermeddle with Wars? Such are Constantine's Successors not Peter's, whom as they represent not in good Actions, so neither do they in authority. Fie on such * M●rcidi ribauldi, Paris. rascal ribaulds, who knowing little of Arms or ingenious courses, being but base Usurers and Simoniackes, will now by their Excommunications domineer over the whole world: O how unlike are they to Peter, who now usurp Peter's place? The Barons (the causers themselves, of what they so detested) had leisure thus to reason, for now they had near lost all; and therefore e Paris. cursing both the Pope (who cursed them, and endeavoured f Wend. MS. to draw all into the bottomless gulf of the Roman avarice,) and the King, g Paris. hist. min. MS. betwixt whom like two millstones, they were now grounded to pieces; being hopeless (by reason of their disloyalties) to found any favour of their Prince, if they should submit themselves unto him, h Paul. Aemil. in Philipp● Aug. in these straitss, they resolve on a project, (suitable indeed to their former designs, but otherwise so execrable, as well may justify King john's exorbitances,) for betraying The Barsn● betray the Kingdom to the Dolphin of France. the Crown of England unto Lewis the Dolphin of France. In which ungodly message sending the * Rob. Fitzwalter. Marshal of God's Army, and some others, with their letters of allegiance, firmed with i Wendover. Paris. all the Baron's Seals, to implore King k P. Aemilius Philip's favour for sending his Son; and his Sons, for the acceptance of the Crown; they receive ( l Mat. West. Paris saith but 24. upon delivery of fifty English hostages) a * 3 Cal. Martij. Paris. present supply of French Gallants, with speedy expectance of their new French-English King. Lewis his preparation for England. (59) Lewis not so voided of Ambition, as to lose a Crown for want of fetching, was not long behind them; though the Pope (upon notice of the design) had purposely sent his Legate Cardinal walo, with m Walsing. Ypod. Neust. Mat. West. Apostolical commands to Philip, to stay his son from entering on Saint Peter's patrimony; n Trivet. MS. who declared the Great curse in the Council on all men combining with those persons excommunicate, against king john. Upon which speech, Philip replied, that England was no * Ne● f●it, est, nec er●t, Paris. patrimony of Saint Peter, no King having power of himself to alienate his Kingdom, King john especially, who o Mat. West. Paris. Wendou. & alij. being never lawful King, had no power to dispose thereof, and that it was an Error, and a pernicious example in the Pope, and an * alectus novae dominationis libidine. Mat. West. itching lust after a new kind of domination: his Peers swore, p Mat. Paris, hist. min. MS. by Christ's death they would spend their lives rather than suffer that a King should of himself, or with a few flatterers, pass over his Crown, and enthrall his Nobles, especially to the Pope, who should follow Saint Peter's steps to win souls, and not to meddle with war, and murder of men's bodies: and Lewis himself q Mat. Westmin. he beseeched his father, not to hinder him from that, which he had not given him, and for which he was now resolved to spend his blood, and r Trivet. M S. Paris hist. ma. would choose rather to be excommunicated by the Pope, then to falsify his promise to the English Barons. With which * Spreta monitione. Walsing. West. slender respect & scorn to his Holiness, the Legate, s Mat. Paris. min. MS. seeing such stern looks, and fearing also they would presently have done him some mischief, got thence in haste; and Lewis as speedily set forth for England, with his Fleet of six hundred Ships, and fourscore * Coggas, Paris. boats, (Eustachius an t Trivet. M. S. Apostatate Monk thereof being chief,) wherewith * 12. Cal jun. Mat. West. arriving first in the Isle of * At Stoaner▪ ib. Thanet, and afterward at u Trivet. Sandwich, thither came the Barons and joined with him. King john (whose great Navy, x Stow. wherewith he meant to encounter him, was driven down Southward by a sudden tempest,) lying then at Dover, y Mat. West. with an Army consisting most of stipendiary Foreigners, better affected (as afterwards appeared, to Lewis a foreign Prince, then unto him, he deemed it a point as of necessity, so of greater wisdom, to divert towards Winchester, and z Paris. hist. min. MS. for a time to forbear battle, rather than commit his whole fortunes to the hazard of their sudden defection. Lewis hereby had free scope to take in all those parts (Dover Castle only excepted, which King john committed to the most valiant Hubert de Burgo,) till he came to London, where * 5. feria in hebd. Pentecost. Nic. Trivet. MS. entering with solemn Procession, and * Ingenti tripudio. Paris MS. incredible applause of all, he took in Paul's Church (whither he went to pray) oaths of the Citizens, and after at Westminster, of the Barons, himself a Trivet. MS. Paris. swearing to restore all men their right, and to recover to the Crown, whatsoever had been lost by King john. There he b Wendover. M. S. chose for his Lord Chancellor, Simon Langton (so lately disgraced by the Pope,) by c Mat. Paris. hist. ma, whose preaching, the Citizens of London and Barons, though being all exommunicated, did celebrated divine service, and drew on Lewis to do the like; all which, (Lewis and his Chancellor especially, and by name,) Gualo the Legate (being now with King john) did solemnly d Wendou. MS. Paris. accurse, and caused to be so denounced throughout the whole land; making great advantage thereof, by e Mat. Westmin. Paris. converting the profits of all their Church livings to his own, and his Chaplains uses. But both French and English had now experimentally learned, that the Pope's Curse was no such deadly and dreadful Hag, as in former times they deemed it; nor could it so fascinate the Lewysians, and their successes, but that all these parts were soon humbled before him; though some where not without resistance, as at Odiam Castle, f Mat. Paris. hist. ma. wherein 13. English men alone, not only braved Lewis and his whole Army fifteen days, but also sallying forth upon them, every one took an enemy, and so carried them to the Castle, and after with great admiration of the French, and honourable conditions surrendered the Castle. Dover, with * Wallingford, Windsor, Bristol▪ etc. few other Castles only now stood out; where g Mat. West. Paris, hist. ma. whiles Lewis employs incredible cost and toil in a furious but bootless siege, ( h Paris, hist. min. MS. whither Alexander King of Scots in amity repaired to him, but soon returned,) & his Confederates do the like at Windsor Castle; King john and his mighty host, breaking forth with a sudden violence like a furious tempest, overrunneth the Country all about, i Rog. de Wend. MS. to the ruining of the Baron's Castles, and possessions every where. Thus setting forth from Linne in Norfolk (where for their faithful services he k Cambdeni Brit. in Norfol. bestowed large Franchises and his own Sword, and a Gild Bole, for testification of his affection,) with a full l Nich, Triu. MS. Walsing. Ypod. resolution to address his mighty Army for to give Lewis battle, as he was passing the Washes with his Army and rich carriages toward Lincolnshire, in those sands (by reason of the oftenchangeable channel, ever dangerous,) all his m Mat: Paris. Carriages, treasure, and provision, (himself and his Army hardly escaping) were irrecoverably lost. (60) Many likewise were the grievances into which the Barons, the mean while were plunged; to see their Native Country by their own wilfulness thus horribly massacred, their own Castles and possessions ruined and rifled by the King, and which bred in them most anxiety, n Wendover, MS. their faithful services (in this their faithless adherence) not so respected by Lewis, as he, and their own forerunning hopes had promised them, whiles he conferred only on his French all such Territories and Castles, as the hand of Victory had lent unto him. But their distresses were yet far greater, than those their jealousies could comprehend, o Mat. Paris, hist. ma. till a Noble Frenchman (Viscount de Melun) a man of great esteem with Lewis, having his soul in his sickness deadly wounded with the sins of his health, desired private conference on his deathbed in London, with those English Barons, to whom Lewis had committed the custody of that City. To Viscount Melun bewrayeth the Frenchmens' treacherous intents. them he imparted what lamentable desolations and unsuspected ruins hung over their heads, for that Lewis with sixteen other his chief Earls and Barons, whereof himself was one, (averring it on the Salvation of his now departing soul,) had taken an Oath, if ever England's Crown were settled on his head, to condemn unto perpetual exile all such as now adhered to him against K. john▪ as Traitors to their Sovereign, and all their kindred in the land utterly to extirpate. So counseling them timely to prevent their miseries, and to lock up his words under the Seal of Secrecy, presently his penitent Soul being thus in peace with men, went to The Barons determine to return to the King. rest with God▪ What strange amazements so rueful a relation might work in the hearers, we may imagine, but only men in like perplexed estate can fully and sensibly conceive. The operative power whereof was such, that though many of the Barons then doubted, p Rog. Wend. MS. whether, if they returned to their Sovereign's due allegiance, he (whose hatred against them with so many indignities they had provoked) would accept them upon their repentance▪ q Paris. hist. ma. yet presently forty of them addressed their letters of submissive suit unto the King, in hope that true r Paris. hist. min. MS. kingly blood is ever ready to yield mercy, to such as are ready to yield themselves prostrate. (61) But these Solicitors for mercy came too late, either to receive, or yield any contentment, The king sickneth and dieth. by their submission to the King, himself (now at Newarke) lying at the mercy of a higher Sovereign, and by the stroke of death near to some rest, which in his life he had seldom attained: vexations being commonly the attendants of Crowns, but quiet and content the Privileges of more private States. On deaths approach, with penitent s Paris min. MS. confession of his sins and great devotion he received the blessed Eucharist, having the Abbot of * To which Abbey he gave a Legacy, Decem Libratas terrae. Paris. Croxton for his physician both bodily & ghostly: and not only forgave gladly all his mortal persecutors (holding that a matter, though very difficult to flesh and blood, yet salutary to the Soul) but also sent command to Henry his son to do the same: to whom he caused all present, to t Jdem. swear fealty, as to the Heir of his Crown, and sent his letters to all his Officers abroad, exhorting them to assist him. And u Jbidem. thus he commended his soul to He died on S. Luke's night, 14. Cal. Nou. Godwins Catalogue o● BB. God, and his Body to be buried in Worcester Church, where the Bishop solemnly interred it, by the King's appointment, near the Body of Wolstan, a sainted Bishop renowned for constant fidelity to his Prince against the rebellious Nobles of * In the Reign of William Rufus. his time: with which kind of men, King john's government had been miserably encumbered. (62) This, being the Catastrophe of his Tragical The manner and cause of King john's sickness. Reign, might also have been the close of his Story, had not the suddenty of his death, exacted some search into the cause of his sickness. Such Authors as touch the matter but in general, content themselves with saying, he died of a a Joh. de Wallingf. grief, or a b Polydor. fever, or a c Tho. Otterborne flux, or a d Mat. West. surfeit; but those who have entered into the particulars, insist on such a Surfeit, as whereof both grief, fever, and flux were most probable effects and Symptoms. For coming (say e Chronicle of S. Alban, MS. Sundry English Chronicle●, MS. Caxtons Chron. they) from the Washeses to Swinshed Abbey, (being of the Cisteaux Order, which of old he had much incensed) he added new matter of offence, as he sat at meat, when, in speech f English Chron. MS. of his enemies too large provision, he swore, if he lived but half a year longer, he would make one halfpenny loaf as dear as * As dear as 12. ob. Lecestrensis. as 12. d. Otterborn as 20. d. Polychron. as 20. 1. Caxton. twelve: which to prevent, a Monk of that holy habit, whither in love to Lewis, or hate to the King, or pity on the Land, presenting him with an envenomed Cup, (whereof the King commanded him to be his Taster) become the Diabolical Instrument of his own and his Sovereign's destruction. This relation, delivered by Monks, and men of Monkish humour, as a thing so undeniable, that they avow (at what time they wrote this) g Chron▪ of S. Al●●●s, MS. Caxton & alij. five Monks in that Abbey did sing for this their Brother's soul specially, and so should whiles the Abbey stood, which if it had been forged every Child might easily have refuted; and the rehearsal of all circumstances thereof, (of the King's speeches, of the Monks conference with his Abbot, of his preparing the drink with a Toad in the garden, of his dying in the Firmary) might deserve credit with the greatest patrons of Monkery; yet h Parsons in his Warn-word, Enc. 2. cap▪ 15 one of them (as if by acquitting Simon of Swinshed, all * Yet jacobus Clemens a Monk did kill Henry 3. of France. other of such Orders were cleared from assasinating of Princes) striveth eagerly, to asperse some late * M. Fox his Martyrolog; Sir Francis Hastings his Ward-word▪ Parsons censure of Fox's pictures in his Mart. Relaters hereof, with the blots both of malice & forgery. Wherein is the malice? in adding to the narration, Pictures also of the fact, so to move hatred to Monks and their Religion,; whereas of truth, either Monks, or men of that Religion, were the very first, who not only so depictured, but also lively and richly depainted it in their i Where the king is limmed with his Crown and rich robes, fitting at a banquet and four Monks in their habits coming to him, whereof one presents him with the poisoned cup▪ Vide MS. of S. Alban. in Bibliotheca Archiep. Cant. goodliest Manuscripts. Wherein then the Forgery? in adding to Caxton, that k Parsons ibidem. his Abbot gave him absolution for the same before hand, there being no such matter at all, nor any mention thereof in the story? Not? let the very story speak; l Caxtons' Chron. The Monk went to the Abbot, and was shriven of him, and told the Abbot all the King had said; and prayed his Abbot to assoil him▪ for he would give the King such a drink that all England should be glad thereof and joyful: though yode the Monk into the Garden, etc. Yea farther, n Lecestrensis. one Monk allegeth, an inducement for the Abbot's assent thereto, for that the King had sent for the Abbot's sister (a fair Prioress) with purpose to have deflowered her. Yea, but the Story itself is charged with o By Parson's loco Cit●●. novelty, the first author thereof being but An. 1483. and all other former Writers making no mention of it. This if ●rue, were somewhat, and doubtless, it is as true as the former: for how could he be the first Author, when not only p Born in the reign of Henr. 3. Ranulph the Monk of Chester, q Clarust, A. 1336 john of Tynmouth, and r He ended his story An. 1420. Thomas Otterbourne the Franciscan Friar, recorded it as * Fama vulgate. a f●me generally received; but sundry other ancient stories, as john of Lichfield, the Monk of Leicester, & Scala Mundi (to omit other s Hist. de ●estis Reg. Joh. MS. in cu●●odia D. Rob. Cotton. English Chronicles, MS. nameless Authors before Ann. 1483,) so confidently avouch his poisoning at Suinshead, that unpartial t joh. Maior. Georg lilius Caxton & alij. after-Writers, though friends to Monkery, made no scruple to believe it. And why should they not, sith an * K. Henry the 3 Author, more ancient and unexceptionable than all the rest, (even king john's Son and Successor in his Kingdom) averred it, u Paris. hist. ma. when, the Prior of Clerken-well saucily telling him (being then in that house) that as some as he ceased to do justice towards his Prelates▪ he should cease to be a King; the King enraged with his traitorous K. Henry 3. acknowledge●h hi● Father was murdered. threat, replied; What? mean you to turn me out of my Kingdom, and afterward to murder me, as my father was dealt with? (63) But not to trouble ourselves with refuting a Goose's gaggling against Foxes true relation; easy it is to observe the hatred of Monks against that Monkish slanders against K. john. King, both in thus procuring his death then, and his dishonour (a second death) in their slanderous inventions ever since. For▪ whereas he * Rog. de Wend. MS. writ by some of his Bishops to certain foreign Princes, for aides against his faithless Rebels; the Monks charge him, that he counterfeited his bishops Seals, and writ abroad, that all Englishmen were become Infidels and Apostates from Christ's faith, and therefore such should come to subdue them and take their possessions: y Mat▪ Paris. when he said, a Stag which he killed, had never the less fat, though he never heard a Mass; they charged him he doubted of the Resurrection of the dead; z P. Vergil. and in saying, he never sped well after his yielding to the Pope, that he said he was unfortunate since he was reconciled unto God: that, a In Record. T●rr. London. when he gave leave to a servant of his own, to enter any religious Order, he gave him leave to be of what Religion and Faith he list. That moreover, b Mat. Paris. he offered his Kingdom to a Sarazen, and would embrace the Turkish faith, though this tale were told by one Robert of London (a c Lib. S. Alban. MS. in vit. joh. Abb. wicked masspriest, or rather a Monster, d M. Paris. having a face like a jew, with one arm long, and another short, his fingers deformedly growing together two and two,) with such senseless improbabilities, as, e Ibidem. that he found that Moorish King reading of Saint Paul's Epistles, and that he refused the Kingdom of England being offered him, with the like. That lastly f Paris A. 1226. it was revealed to a Monk, King john was in Hell; though a Poet for so saying, is by M. P. ( g Idem in vit. johan. who made no doubt of King john's salvation) censured for a * Reprob●● versificator. Paris. in vit. joh. K. john's princely deserts. Reprobate. These all are demonstrations of so incredible hatred, as should rather alleviate their Author's credit, than the Kings; whose Reign had it not fallen in the time of so turbulent a Pope, so ambitious Neighbour- Princes, so disloyal Subjects, nor his Story in●o the hands of exasperated His Acts of▪ devotion. Writers, he had appeared a King of as great renown, as misfortunes. His works of devotion inferior to none; as his Foundations declare at h Ni●. Trivet. MS Beauley, i Cambd. Brit. in Berkshire. Farrington, k Cambd. Brit. in Willshire. Malmsbury, and l Campian hist. of Ireland, l. 2. c. 1. Dublin, and that other for Nuns, at Godstow by Oxford, m Trivet. M. S. Walsingham. His civil Acts. for which, some have interpreted that prophesy of Merlin as meant of him; Sigh Virgin gifts to Maids he gave,▪ 'mongst blessed Saints God will him save. His Acts and Orders for the Weal-public were beyond most: he being either the first, or the chiefest, who appointed those noble Forms of Civil government in o Hoveden. Polydor. Stow. London, and p ●x Record. & Chartis Ci●itat. most Cities, and Incorporate Towns of England, endowing them also with their greatest Franchises; The q Cambd Brit. i● Striueling. first who caused Sterling money to be here coined; The r Cambd. Brit▪ in Ordinibus A●g. first, who ordained the Honourable Ceremonies in Creation of Earls; The first, who s Houed. Paris, Vit▪ Arch. Cant. in Hubert. settled the Rates and Measures for Wine, Bread, Cloth, and such like Necessaries of Commerce; The t Wendover MS. Paris. first, who planted English Laws and Officers in Ireland, and both annexed that Kingdom, and fastened Wales to the Crown of England, thereby making amendss for his losses in France. Whose whole course of life and actions, we cannot shut up with any truer Euloge, then that which u Rog. Houed. MS. Citat. ●x hist. cui Titulus Eulogium, a●ud Fabian & Fox. an ancient Author hath conferred on him: Princeps quidem Magnus erat, sed minus foelix; atque ut Marius, utramque fortunam expertus; Doubtless, he was a Prince more Great then happy, and one, who, like Marius, had tried both sides of Fortune's wheel. His Wives. (64) Alice, the first wife of King john, was the eldest of the two daughters, and heirs apparent at that time of Humbert the second, Earl of Maurien, now called Savoy: her Mother was Clemence daughter of Berthold the fourth, Duke of Leringen, who had been the divorced wife of Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony. This marriage was in their childhood concluded by their Parents at Mountferrant in Avernus, in February, Anno, 117●; he should have had with her, her Father's Earldom, but all altered by her untimely death; and after ensued the death of her Mother, the new marriage of her Father, and issue male of the same, whereof the Dukes of Saxony are descended. (65) Isabel, his second wife (by * Hoveden in K. john. some called Hawisia or avis) though the * See glovers Catalogue of Honour, p. 363. & ●. 134. youngest of the three Sisters, yet was in regard of this marriage, the sole Heir of William Earl of Gloucester, son of Earl Robert, the Natural son of King Henry the first; her Mother was Hawis the daughter of Robert Bossu Earl of Leicester. She was married unto him when he was Earl of Mortaine, in the first year of his brother Richard's reign▪ and after ten years having no issue by him, was (the first year of his Reign) divorced from him, under pretence of Consanguinity, and married to Geffrey Mandevill Earl of Essex, and lastly, to Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent▪ but died without any Issue by them. (66) Isabel also his last wife, was daughter and heir of Aymer Earl of Angolesme; her Mother was Alice daughter of Peter, Lord of Courteney, fifth son of Lewis the Gross, King of France. She was married unto him in the first year of his Reign, & crowned by Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury, 8. Id. Octob. Anno▪ 1200. and surviving him, was married to Hugh Brun Earl of March, and Lord of Lusignian and Valence in Poytou, to whom first she should have been married, but yet (as seemeth) continued her affection to him till now. By him she had divers Children, (greatly advanced by the King, Henry 3. their half brother, and as greatly maligned by his Subjects) Hugh Earl of March and Angolesme, Guy of Lusignian, slain in the battle at Lewise, William of Valence Earl of Pembroke, Aymer of Valence Bishop of Winchester, Geffrey of Lusignian L. of Hastings. His Issue. (67) Henry, the eldest Son of King john, and Isabella his last wife, was borne at Winchester, 1. October, 10▪ of his Father's Reign, Anno, 1208. K. john dying at Newarke, ( * Mat. Paris. Wendou. whither he was brought in a Horselitter from Swynshead,) the Baron's malice was ended, their offence amended, Lewis of France rejected, and the young Prince seated on his Father's throne. (68) Richard, his second son by the same Queen, was borne the next year after Henry; by whom afterward he was made Knight, created Earl of Cornwall, and appointed Earl of Poytou. After the death of William Earl of Holland, Emperor of the West, he was by the electors chosen to succeed him in the Empire, and crowned King of Romans, & of almain at the City of Acon in Germany, by Conrade Archbishop of Coleyne, Maij 27▪ being the Ascension day, Anno 1257. deceasing at the Castle of Berkhamsted, April 20. Ann. 1271. the 13. year of his Empire, his body was buried in his Monastery of Hails in Gloucestershire, but * R●ssu● Warwicanus. his Heart at Oxford in Reuly Abbey (founded by him) under a Pyramid of admirable work. He had three wives, the first was Isabel daughter of William Martial Earl of Pembroke, widow of Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloucester; by whom he had issue, Henry slain at Viterbo in Italy, and john, both dying without Issue. His second wife was Senches, (daughter of Raimond Earl of Province, & sister to Queen Eleanor his brother's wife) who was crowned with him at Acon, and had issue by him Edmund Earl of Cornwall, and others. His last wife was Beatrice, Niece to the Archbishop of Coleyne, who seemeth to have survived him, and to have no Issue by him. (69) joane, the eldest Daughter and Child of K. john and Queen Isabel his last wife; was the first wife of Alexander the second, King of Scots, married unto him in York, Junii 25. Anno 1221. who returning into England to visit her Brother, deceased at London, and was buried in the Nunnery at Tarent in Dorsetshire, 4. Martij, in the 21. year of her Brother king Henry's reign in England, and the 23. of king Alexander her husbands in Scotland, Anno 1236. (70) Eleanor their second daughter, was first married to William Martial▪ the younger, Earl of Pembroke: and after his decease without issue, and seven years Widowhood remarried to Simon Montfort Earl of Leicester, (son of Simon Earl Montfort in France, by Amice Daughter of Robert Blanchman Earl of Leicester) who maintaining the Baron's wars against King Henry her brother, was slain at the battle of Euesham, in the 19 year of her brother's reign, 1265; after whose death, she and her Children were forced to forsake England; she died in the Nunnery at Montarges in France. Henry her eldest son, was slain with his father at Eueshan: Simon, the second, was Earl of Bigorre, and ancestor to a Family of Mountford's in those parts of France. Almaricke, her third son, was first a Priest, and Treasurer of the Cathedral Church in York, and after a Knight, and a valiant servitor in sundry wars beyond the Seas. Guy the fourth Son was Earl of Angleria in Italy, and Progenitor of the Mountford's in Tuscaine, and of the Earls of Campo▪ bachi in the Kingdom of Naples. Richard the ●ift son, remained privily in England, and changing his name from Mountford to Wellesborne, was ancestor of the family of Wellesbornes in England. She had also a daughter named Eleanor, borne in England, brought up in France, and married into Wales to Prince Lewellen ap Griffith. (71) Isabel, their youngest daughter, was born, An. 1214; when she was 21. years of age▪ she was married (being the 6. and last wife) to the Emperor Frederick the second, at the City of Worms in Germany, 20. of july, 1235. She had issue by him, Henry appointed to be King of Sicily, and Margaret wife of Albert, Landgrave Thurin: she was Empress 6. years, and died in Childbed, Decemb. 1. of her husband's Empire 31. of her brother's reign 38. Anno, 1241. (72) jane, or jone the daughter natural of King john (by Agatha Daughter of Robert Ferrer, Earl of Derby) married to Lewin Prince of Wales. Anno 1204. her Father gave with her the Castle & Lordship of Elinsmore in the Matches of Southwales; she (like a most loving Child) gave her Father secret intelligence of the Treasons intended against him by the Welsh and English. (73) Geoffrey Fitz-Roy, a base son, who transported some Soldiers into France, when Archbishop Hubert forbade the King his father to go thither. (74) Richard, who married the daughter & heir of Fulbert de Dover, who built Chilham Castle in Kent, which Castle he had with her, and had Issue by her, of which some families of good esteem are descended. Monarch 46 A. D. 1216. HENRY THE THIRD, LORD OF IRELAND, DUKE OF NORMANDY, GVYEN, AND AQVITAINE, etc. THE FORTIE-SIXTH MONARCH OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER IX. HENRICUS DEI GRATIA REX ANGLIE DO●INUS ●●BER NIE H 3 HENRICUS DUX NOR●ANNIE ET AQVITANNIE COMES●NDEG●VIE ●E●ICUS REX. JI● 3 SIL. ●T ●●OI●●●●T ●●RO● HENRY, the eldest Son of King john, was when his Father died about * Ypod. Neust. ten years of age: which state of Childhood, being most unfit to succeed in so troublous a state, (the furious waves whereof seemed far from being appeased) God Almighty, in favour and pity of his Innocency, strengthened with the service of great and worthy men, whereby The succours of King Henry's Childhood. the free and noble Realm of England was graciously preserved from French servility; from whose Continent as it was naturally disparted with a Sea, so could it as badly have endured to be joined thereto by subiective government. Howbeit the difficulties were not few nor sleight, which did at first impeach this happy preservation, though they did not hinder it long; for, * Lib. Monast. S. Alba. MS. he disposing the matter, who ordaineth all things wisely, and moderates them sweetly, fair weather was restored after storms, and quiet being established through the Kingdom, the peaceable servants of God had space to breath in. (2) To effect so great a benefit, walo the Pope's Legate stood wholly for advancement of Henry, and expulsion of the French; the authority of whose persuasions, * joh. Sto. Annal. in Henr. 3. joined with his other power and example, drew many of the Prelates so far; that (although their lands and goods were therefore spoiled) they would not do any homage to Lewis; as likewise the loyal care of William Martial Earl of The great prudence and care of Wil Marshal. Pembroke, did gain (in time) and settle the hearts of the secular Lords. Great was the wisdom, courage and diligence of that Noble Gentleman in so broken and jeopardous estate; for he, knowing that the main hopes of his Country rested in the safety of their persons, in whom the right of Succession was, he first of all secured them within the City of Gloucester, which was at Henry's service: There were with the young King, his mother Queen Isabel, his brother Richard (afterward King of Romans,) his sisters, the said Earl, and many others in great numbers of the chief and principal men of all sorts; who upon perfect notice of King john's death, repaired thither to their young Prince, with a purpose to consult and concur in one, for the reunion of minds and bodies to the obedience of the true borne king. The Earl of Pembroke therefore bringing forth his precious charge, and placing him with all due honour and ceremony in view of the assembled States, is reported for the pleasing of all sides, to have used Hect. and Monim. in Hen. 3. Holinsh. words to this effect. Albeit the father of this Prince whom here you see before you, for his evil demeanours hath worthily undergone our persecution, yet this young The Earl Marshals speech to the Lords. Child as he is in years tender, so is he pure and innocent from those his Fathers doings: Wherefore, sith every man is to be charged with the burden of his own transgressions, neither shall the Child (as Scriptures teach us,) bear the iniquity of his Father: we ought of duty and conscience, bear ourselves milder towards this tender Prince, and take compassion of his age. And forsomuch as he is the King's * They have it his natural son, a word of old bearing no stain of Bastardy, as since it hath. lawful and eldest Son, and aught to be our Sovereign, and his Successor, let us with one joint assistance appoint him our King and Governor; let us remove from us this Lewis the French Kings son, and suppress his people, which are a confusion and shame to our Nation, and the yokes of their servitude let us cast off from our shoulders. (3) The entertaining of persuasions among the wise, is an effect of Truth, not of painted Phrases; and these plain words of the Earl, (the young King's Brother in Law) were received with general The King's Coronation. applause of all that were present, so that Henry was immediately proclaimed, and speedily crowned (upon the day of SS. Simon & Jude) in the presence both of walo the Pope's Legate, (who imposed on his unexperienced years some undue Oaths of service to the Roman See,) and of Queen Isabel, with many of the Lords Spiritual and Secular, and store of all other sorts of People. The speed of which royal Ceremony (for it was the ninth day after King john's death) was not greater than the necessity of the State required: for his Enemy (nor only his, but the enemy of the English name, Prince Lewis) had (as yet) London, the chief seat of the Empire, at his devotion, many potent Earls, Barons, and martial malcontents, subject to his command, and an Army in the field with which he sought to constrain that mirror of constant loyalty, Hubert de Burgh, to tender him the most important Castle in England, that of Dover, committed to his much-approved trust: The young King on the other side was environed with many difficulties, want of money not the lest, the most part of his Father's treasures being drowned. To encounter all which mischiefs, the said Earl of Pembroke was by common assent of Prelates and Peers constituted Guardian of the young King's person, and Vice-governor of the Kingdom. (4) Letters hereupon issuing in the new kings name, and for his affairs, to all such as had charge in the commonweal, (with many promises of reward and favour,) were accordingly in most places obeyed: for the evil will borne to King john, seeming to die with him, and to be buried in the same grave, the loyal blood waxed warm about the coldest hearts, rekindling in them the honest desire of showing themselves true Englishmen. It was also a great help to the King's party, that Prince Lewis his followers and abettors, were, on every Sunday and Holiday, pronounced to stand accursed and excommunicated. The actions of Lewis after King john's death. Lewis perceiving (contrary to his expectation) that King john's death was to him nothing available, but rather detrimental, dwells no longer about Dover Castle, but raising his siege, enters London, and provides the best he can for his tottering estate, which he sought to support, by putting French Garrisons into Castles; The * Ypod. Neust. Tower of London being rendered to him; he besiegeth Hertford Castle, which after the slaughter of many French, being delivered upon fair composition, the custody of that piece was demanded by Richard Fitz-Walter, as by ancient right belonging to him; but Lewis put him off with this answer, that he should have patience, till he had conquered the Realm, at which time he would restore their rights to every one. The secret reason which moved Lewis to give this answer, was: for that, consulting with his French upon Fitz-Walters demand, they gave it for their common opinion: That the English were not worthy to have such The judgement of the French touching the English Barons. places entrusted to their charge, who were betrayers of their natural Lord A just reason to move Lewis so to answer, but a far better to teach others to continued ioyall. The Castle of Berkhamsted (whose Captain was one Waleran a valiant Dutch Knight) hopeless of succours was likewise rendered, which as the rest, he stuffed with French Garrisons▪ wherein, howsoever he provided for his own Nation during that present, he took no wise course for the main of his enterprise: for so apparent jealousies (seconding & confirming the Viscount Melunes predictions) could not but utterly unsettle the affections of such great ones as had called him in. His next March being to Saint Alban, where he would have constrained the Abbot to do him homage, he was encountered with this honest answer: That he would * Lib. Monast. S. Alban. MS. do him no homage, unless he were absolved from the homage which he had made to the King of England: yet to purchase respite of homage, or rather his, and Mat. Paris. the Towns peace till Candlemas▪ he was forced to use the mediation both of his * He paid 80. marks to Lewis. purse, and of his noble friends. Motives and helps for King Henry's behoof. (5) But those intestine causes for which the Barons had called Lewis in, falling now to the ground by the death of King john, and the French by their natural insolence, suspicions and vanity, ministering new reasons of aversion, were all of them strong motives to dispose the minds of the English Lewisians to return to due obedience; yet finding themselves Paul. Aemil. in Phil. 2▪ August. bound in honour, not so to leave him suddenly destitute, (who upon affiance of their oaths and hostages had put himself among them) that he should thereby fall into Henry's hands; they desire therefore his absence, but not his destruction. The more handsomely to compass the rest, an abstinence from war was (for a time) concluded between Mat. Paris. holinsh. p. 199. the King and Lewis; the rather for that Lewis had intelligence from Rome, that the curse which walo had denounced against him, should shortly be confirmed by the Pope, unless he left England. As this Truce gave Lewis liberty to sail back to Lewis goeth into France but soon returneth. France for new supplies from his Father, (who greatly desired to confer with him;) so his absence gave opportunity to his English, to consult more freely of their best way; that from thence forth Lewis was never potent in their affections, but * Mat. Paris. presently lost many chief Lords and others, who again become true English. (6) Lewis upon his speedy return out of France, minding to make a speedy dispatch, sets out of London his Army of more than twenty thousand Soldiers, with a purpose not only to free * In Leicestershire Montsorrel (then besieged by his enemies) but to subdue the whole country adjoining. Odious and grievous The French Soldiers brave marching. to the Countries was this passage of the French, which reach as far as Lincoln, there were among them so many ragged rascals, the * Mat. Paris. very scum and filthy froth of that Nation, whose beggary was so base that they had not clothes to hung on their backs, to supply the which they made many go naked in all the places where they marched. The Earl of Pembroke Governor of the King * by the Counsel of walo, and the Bishop of Winchester resolving The King gathers an host to fight with the French to set the cause upon God, and the fortune of a field, is now with the young King and his Assistant Lords, at Newarke, where the General assembly Mat. Paris. for that service was appointed. The whole Army after the Musters, rested there some days, which they spent not in vanities, but in devotions & receipt of the Sacrament, humbling themselves before the offended Majesty of God; and so all of them (saith Paris) being prepared, resolve either to return victorious, or to die in defence of their country, their Sovereign's right, and their own Liberties, and possessions, all which seemed now to lie at Lewis and his followers accursed. stake. To give them the greater edge and spirit, walo with great solemnity accurseth Lewis and his Coadjutors; and thus the Army marcheth towards Lincoln, and the Lewisians there in siege of the Castle: Holinsh. the King himself being left with a strong guard at Stow (about eight miles short of Lincoln) accompanied with walo and others, there without peril of his person to attend God's pleasure, in the event of the enterprise. (7) Upon their approach, if the Counsel of * Saer de Quincy & Robert Fitz-Walter. some English Lords had been followed, the Lewisian Army had issued forth of the City, & given them battle in the open field; but the Earl of Perch (the French General) thinking the King's party to be greater than it was, for that the Noblemen and Bannerets The policy of K. Henry's friends in their march. thereof had each of them two Ensigns, the one born with themselves, the other advanced among the Carriages, which doubled the show of their numbers; they did thereupon change that course, closed the Gates of the City, and plied their endeavours against the Castle more fiercely than before. The Earl of Pembroke therefore lets Falcasius slip in at the Castle-posterne with his Arbalasters, whiles others break up the South-gate of the City, at which the King's Army most courageously entering, and they of the Castle sallying out in Flank of the Enemy, scattered and utterly defeated the Lewisians. The Earl of Perch their General, being ewironed with the Royalists, and willed to tender himself, swore that he would never become Prisoner to any English: upon which refusal he was run through The fearful end of the Earl of Perch. the sight of his helmet into the brains, and so died without speaking any word. In this conflict (being on Saturday in Whitson-weeke) the force of natural The King's Army hath a strange victory, called Lewis Fair. propension was apparent; for notwithstanding the fiery resolutions of the King's People, yet when they saw the faces of their kinsmen, friends & countrymen on the other side, that fury relented so strongly, that the most part of the revenge fell upon the Horses, and not upon the Horsemen, whom only they laboured to make their Captives. The whole riches of the Lewisian Camp, & of the City of Lincoln, become the booty and spoil of the King's Army, whereupon this discomfiture was called Lewis Fair; Neither did the Clergy of the place escape, for the Pope's Legate had commanded that they also should be rifled to a penny, as persons excommunicated in partaking with Lewis. The Chase was but Rog. de Wend. A. S. coldly & feignedly followed upon the flying Barons, otherwise not a man could have escaped; wherein yet the chiefest Barons were taken, with about * Mat. Paris. 400. Knights, besides esquires, and of other sorts without note or number, though * Walsingham. Ypodig. Neust. some say that this number of Knights were slain, & matrons and women of the town flying by boat, which they had no skill to govern, were drowned. Such as escaped the fight were not therefore past the danger; for the Country people fell upon them as they fled, kill great numbers, so that almost all the footmen took up their last lodgings before they could reach The perilous estate of Lewis. to London, where Lewis was. The Marshal of France, the Chastellan of Arras, and about two hundredth Knights came safely thither, but were not otherwise then sourly welcome of the Prince, who laid upon their cowardice the loss of all the rest. His fear of being taken Prisoner justly increasing, he fortifies London by the best means he can, and dispatcheth Posts into France for more relief. This great victory was much the stranger, if (as * Wend. MS. 〈◊〉 hist. some writ the fame went) that only three were slain upon both sides, the Earl of Perch, one of Du-Brents Knights, and an obscure fellow belonging to some, or other of the Barons. (8) The King's Governor after the victory road presently with the gladsome tidings in the height of speed to the King and Legate, who with tears of joy gave God thanks. But the noble Earl not leaving his work imperfect, seeks to embarre Lewis from foraging about London. Mean while by the diligence of Lady Blanch the wife of Lewis, Eustace the ruffianly Apostata, (who of a Monk becoming a * Ypod. Neust. Demoniac) was now upon the Sea with a fresh supply of men and munition bound for London; But God was no better pleased with these, then with the other scatterlings at Lincoln. For the English Rog. de Wend. MS. Mat. Paris. Navy, having the wind of the French, sunk divers of their ships by tilting at them with the iron prows or beaks of their Galleys; using also vnslaked Eustace and the French succours defeated at Sea. lime in dust or powder, which they threw into the faces of their enemies, and blinded their sight: so were the hopes of Lewis for any present succours absolutely frustrated. Eustace himself, found after long search, and drawn out from the bottom of the Pump in a French ship, at Dover had his head cut off, though * Stow in Henry 3 some say he was slain by Richard, a base-sonne of King john. The news of which success being brought to the King, did not more rejoice him, than they wounded Lewis, for the loss was not only great in men, but in all sorts of riches and provisions. To give now no rest to Lewis his declining fortunes, the Earl of Pembroke with a mighty Army besieged London, and Lewis therein, aswell London besieged. by Water as by Land; seeking to drive him by penury to tender the City. It came to capitulation, and in an Eyelet in the River of Thames, not far from Stanes, the King, walo the Legate, and William Marshal the King's Governor, met with Lewis & the Barons to finish the Peace: for Lewis had promised to do as walo and the Earl would devise, so that it might not tend to his dishonour or scandal: Heads or Articles of the agreement which Articles of peace between Henry and Lewis. Lewis swore upon the Gospel to perform, were, 1. That Lewis, the Barons, and other his partakers should stand to the judgement of the Church (whose censures they had now some years contemned) and from thenceforth be and remain true to the same. 2. That he and his should forthwith departed the land; never to return again with a purpose to do harm. 3 That he should do his best to draw his Father to make restitution of all such things in France as belonged to the King of England, and that Lewis when himself was King should quietly part with them. 4. That Lewis should immediately tender to King Henry all holds and places taken in the war. On the other part, the King, the Legate and the Earl swore; I That the King should restore to the Barons and others, all their rights and inheritances, with all the Liberties formerly demanded of his Father. 2. That none (of the Laity) should suffer damage or reproach for taking part on either side. 3. That Prisoners should be released, etc. Whereupon Lewis with his adherents was formally by walo absolved from the sentence of Excommunication, and so they ran on all sides into embracements, and parted in the kiss of Peace. The * Doct Pow. hist. Cambr. p. 278. Welsh, who had held with the Barons, were left out of this Conclusion, being thereby laid open to spoil. Thus was Lewis * joh. Til. Chron. driven out of England, whom the Earl of Pembroke brought to the Seaside, and the Realm was cleared. (9) There are * Paul. A●●il. in Phil. 2. who writ how that Lewis had a great sum of money paid him for restoring the Hostages; but Mat. Paris whom * holinsh. in H. 3. some cite to that purpose, affirms no such matter in any printed Copy. Reason surely is utterly against it; for Lewis had no money granted to him by this composition. when even the life of Lewis was after a sort in King Henry's hand, with what sense can it stand that the King should set all the French free without ransom; and yet himself pay money for the Hostages? which also were not his, but the Hostages of his enemies the Barons; so that, if money were due, it must have come from them, not from the King, who both in honour and profit was rather obliged to the contrary. Writers of that very time do in plain Rog. Wendover. MS. Math. Paris. The same Math. Paris. at A. D. 1227. Says that King Henry charged the Londoners for having given Lewis 5000 marks at his departure forcing them to give him as much. wordssay, The Poverty of Lewis was such, that he was compelled to borrow five thousand pounds of the Londoners, to set him out of England: and therefore that other seems nothing else but a vain gloze to salve the honour of Lewis, who was plainly driven out of England, after so high hopes with loss, sorrow, and eternal disgrace, which the French are so sensible of, that they scarce seem to writ of the whole action, otherwise then * Enguer de Mon. Gagwin. Paul. Aemil. joh. Tili. laying the misfortune of Lewis upon the Baron's mutability. (10) The Realm of England purged of those foreign dregs, was not therefore presently freed from other manifold encumbrances, such as after so great An. 1218. a tossing of all laws and things divine, and human, do ordinarily float up and down, like the froth & working of a troubled Sea. For divers men presuming upon their former services to the State, or thinking the old bad world would either continued still, or soon return, if justice grew confident against Trespassors, or for what other corrupt motives soever, did dare intolerable things. The * Rog. de Wend. M. S. Mat. Paris. principal Lords of this misrule, were William Earl of Aumarl, Falcasius de Brent with his Garrison Soldiers, Robert de Veipont, with others, who having had the Castles and possessions of certain Bishops and Great men, either to keep in trust, or otherwise by iniquity of the times converted violently to their uses; did still withhold the same, both against the minds of their lawful owners, and the King's express Prohibition. Among others, Robert de Gaugi defended the Castle of Newarke (being the Fee of the Bishop of Lincoln, as was also the town itself) against the King's Army, conducted by the * So ancient Writers call him and well might. Great Marshal Earl of Pembroke, for eight days, and did not first yield the place, before (by mediation of friends) the Bishop paid to Gaugi one hundredth pounds. There was in that great Earl, a perpetual care to conclude things without bloud-shedde, wherein shined his Christian piety and moral wisdom, there being no other so safe way to settle disordered humours. The greater was his loss both to the King and State by his death * An. 1219. soon after ensuing, whose * In the Temple-Church in London. monument yet remaining, doth not so much eternize his memory, as that well-deserued * Paris ad an. 1214. saith. Geruasius de Melkeley made these verses. Epitaph, the Epitome of his noble virtues; Sum quem Saturnum sibi sensit Hybernia, Solemn Anglia, Mercurium Normannia, Gallia Martem. Ireland's Saturn, England's Sun am I, The Mars of France, and Normans Mercury. He left behind him five Sons, all Earls of Pembroke successively, and dying without issue; his five Daughters advanced by great marriages, brought as great advantage to their husband's issue, by the inheritances of their issueless brethren. Ann. 1220. An. Reg. 5. (11) The King (governed after Marshal's death, by Peter Bishop of Winchester, and such * holinsh, p. 202 other, whom the Bishop had procured to join in administration of public affairs) seeming now to have a settled and calm estate, resolves (for good hopes King Henry crowned again. sake) to be crowned again; which was performed by Stephen Archbishop of Canterbury at Westminster with the attendance and confluence of all the Prelates, Peers, and People. Upon the* Saturday before his Coronation, the * Mat. Paris. Walsingham. Westminster Church enlarged by Henry 3 new work of the Abbey Church at Westminster, (Paris calls it the Chapel of our Lady,) was begun, whereof the King himself in person laid the first stone, as if he meant the world should know, his intention was to Ann. 1221: consecrated his future actions to raise the glory of God. This calm but new beginning, was almost as speedily distempered and disturbed by sudden storms; by reason that, while the King kept his Christmas with great royalty at Oxford, in the company of the Prelates and Peers of England, William de Fortibus, Earl of Aumarl▪ incited by Falcasius de Brent, and the like riotous Gentlemen, suddenly departed from the Court without leave, & (whither it were upon discontentment, because the King had against the Earls will the last year taken * Wend. MS. Paru. hist. ma. some Castles into his hands, or out of an evil ignorance how to live in quiet) he mannes the Castle of Biham, victuals it with the Corn of the Canons of Bridlington, spoils the Town of Deeping, and under show of repairing to the Parliament, seizeth on the Castle of Fotheringhay, committing many other furious riots in contempt of the King, and breach of his peace; many * Ypodig. Neust. others in other places following his lewd example. Yet at length the Earl coming in under the conduct of Walter Archbishop of York, was at the suit of Pandulph (who succeeded walo in the place of Legate) pardoned; and the like hurtful clemency was extended toward his Complices and Retinue, whom the King (in regard belike of some former better deserts) set free without punishment or ransom. And to prevent any further disturbances of that nature, Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent, for his rare integrity and fidelity (approved in all King john's troubles) was also made governor of the King's Person, and Chief justitiar of England, with the general allowance of all the States. What need the land than had of a severe proceeding, we may judge by this, that Foulk de Brent Mat West. held the Earldoms of Northampton, Oxford, Bedford, and Buckingham, with the Castles and Holds; Philip de Marc, the Castles of Peke and Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Darbishire; and others detained other portions, without any other right, then that which the iniquity of the late tumults gave. (12) It was no small addition to the troublesomeness of this time, that certain * D. Pow. hist. Camb. Lords of Wales, and (as * Mat. Paris. some say) Prince Lewelin himself, desirous to rid their Marches of the English, rose in Arms, & laid siege to the Castle of Buelt, which invited king Henry to draw thither with an Army; but the work was made easy by the voluntary departure of the Welsh; upon the fame of the King's approach: which appearances of some ensuing stirs, moved the king to think of strengthening himself with faithful alliances; and not long after, Alexander King of Scots came to York, (who in the year * Ro Wend. MS. Mat. Paris. hist. ma. before had met King Henry at the same place) and there took to wife the Lady joan King Henry's sister; and Hubert de Burgh, in presence of both the Kings married the Lady * Polyd. Vergil. Margaret sister to Alexander; Boetius * Hist. Scot 13. saith, that two great Lords of England married two sisters of King Alexander at that place. About which time, * Tho. Walsing. in Ypod. Neust. Isabel Queen Dowager of England, without the leave of her son the King, or of his Council, crossed the seas, and took to husband the Earl of March in France. The young King supposing his estate at home now somewhat settled, and his eyes beginning to grow clear-sighted by the benefit of experience, forgets not to look about his affairs abroad: and first sends * Polyd. Verg. lib. 16. holinsh. p. 203. Savarie de Malleon to be his Lieutenant in Aquitaine, where yet the English held the greater part, and dispatcheth Ambassadors to Philip King of France, for restitution Rog Wend. and Mat. Pa●. place this embassage at An. D. 1223. according to the Articles with Lewis: whereunto answer was made that nothing aught to be restored which by right of war had been achieved; but (as it seems) there was a Truce for * Ypod. Neust. four years agreed upon between the two monarchs, concerning the County of Poictou. (13) The State both of Church and Commonwealth in those troubled days, seem to have much resemblance; every man daring to attempt in either, what his own audaciousness would suggest, or others connivency permit. But Stephen Archbishop of Canterbury (who himself was lately the ringleader of disorders both in State and Church) is now become very diligent in his Provincial Synod at Oxford, An. 1222. * though Walls in Ypod▪ Neust. Ranul Cestr. Mon. l. 7. 6. 34. about reformation of the Clergy; where also was convented before him an execrable Impostor, who seeing how current all grossest delusions passed in those days of blindness, was emboldened to suffer himself to be wounded in his hands, feet, and * Mat. Paris. side, (an horror to think) that by the resemblance A Pseudo-Christ discovered and immured. of those bloody impressions, he might persuade the people (apt to believe any thing) that he was their very Saviour: whose deserved punishment was by * joh. Stows Annal. Ypod. Neust. immuring between two walls, as a monster too impious and unworthy to die by any humane hand. There was immured with him a cursed old Beast, Death by immuration. who pretended to be Mary the mother of this Christ, and well might be, if their manners be compared; Antiquit. Brit. in vit. Steph. some add a third also, who named herself Mary Magdalen. The punishment by Crucifixion which * M. Paris. vit. Archiep. Cant. in Steph. some think was executed upon the man at Arborbery, is neither so credible nor tolerable, as in which Christianity itself might seem to sustain reproach; it being also against the * Eusebius in vita Constan. Ranul. Cest. ancient law of Constantine, the first famous Christian Emperor, that any should from thence forth die by crucifixion; but it may be, that it was first so judged (which might 'cause the relators error,) though afterward upon sounder deliberation changed into a more fitting censure. But strange it is, that this man deserving (as he did) so severe a judgement at Oxford, Saint Francis, whose fiction and imposture was the very same (for the * Mat. Paris, in Hen. 3. wounds, though not for the name, of Christ) * An. 1227. apud Mat▪ Paris. so soon after deserved for it to be canonised at Rome, for a Chief of Saints; and perhaps if this Monster had been at Rome, he had been likewise Sainted, or if Saint Francis had been at Oxford, he had been likewise immured. (14) In the State of the Commonwealth incredible The treasonable uproar of Constantine Fitz-Arnulf. dare (though of inferior quality to that former) were not wanting, against the majesty of the King; as appeared by Constantine Fitz-Arnulf, a Citizen of London: who upon colour of a popular tumult, by him purposely cherished, (which rose at pastimes of wrestling, and like masteries between the Citizens of London, and others of the Suburbs,) attempted to set up a Lewis again, and in the heat of the sedition, he traitorously cried, * Paris. hist. Mountioy, Mountioy, God for us and our Lord Lewis. Though the * Robert Serle then L. Maior. Lord Maior, a discreet man, earnestly persuaded dutiful behaviours, yet Constantine had made the people incapable of good Counsel with his seditious Proclamations, which he there caused to be * This was done 16. Aug. published. The secret of this conspiracy was * Fabian. revealed by * By one Walt. Bokerel. another Citizen, and without question was farther spread then the compass of one City, even as far as into the hearts of all such turbulent people, to whom war was beneficial, and Quiet baneful. The chief justiciar hearing of these matters, with forces assembled, entered * Rog. de Wend. MS. the Tower, whither he commanded the principal men of the City to come, who easily put off the blame from themselves upon Fitz-Arnulf. But he as resolute in his answer, as desperate in the sedition, complained of himself in the hearing of all, that he had done Constantine and his Crier hanged less therein than he aught; yet fifteen thousand Marks sterling he offered for his life, when he saw the halter about his neck, (for with his Crier, and his Nephew the next day he was hanged,) but no price could redeem him out of the hand of justice. * Mat. Paris. It is said, that he so confidently answered, upon trust of the Articles and Oath between the King and Lewis, that the partakers of Lewis should not be troubled; and that, upon this occasion, Lewis denied restitution of such things, as the Articles did mention, pretending that Henry had herein broken first his faith, and thereby made the whole contract frustrate. Execution thus done without noise, or the Londoners privity, the justiciar accompanied Hands and feet of offenders cut off. with Falcasius and his armed troops, enters London, apprehends such others as were culpable, and for a terror to the rest, causeth their * Wendover MS. Paris. hands or feet to be cut off, and then set them at liberty. The King deposed the Magistrates, though some writ that the tumult was appeased by the Mayor; but when the King found, that only the * Polyd. Vergil. lib. 16. Fabian. base sort were interessed in the disorder, he was reconciled to the City, having first thus weeded this chief Garden of the English Empire, and plucked up by the roots the master bramble. An. 1223. Liberties again demanded. (15) This dangerous beginning might have had far worse proceed, if the King, though in years tender, yet had not been so provident, as to have foreseen it, and so, with patiented connivence at some particular indignities, prevented a public disquiet. For the Barons, still minding their long desired Liberties, and requiring a confirmation of them by the King, who, at the concluded peace with Lewis had sworn thereto; William Briwere, one of the King's Council answered; that the liberties which they demand aught not to be observed, because they were violently extorted. But words growing hereupon, and Archbishop Stephen (the Baron's ancient abettour) kindling thereat, the young King prudently shut up the whole strife with this speech; All of us have sworn to those Liberties, and that which we have sworn, all of us are bound to observe. His Deed immediately sealed his Word, (for he saw he durst do no other,) and Writs were sent forth, to inquire upon Oaths, what Liberties or free customs were current, in, and from the time of King Henry his Grandfather: by which act, all men's hopes were raised to expect the full conclusion of all those grievous contentions, which had so long encumbered the Kingdom. The like hope was conceived of better successes then before, in foreign affairs, upon news of the death of King Philip of King Philip of France dieth. France, the ever-deadly (and now-dead) Enemy of England's welfare; which moved the King to sand the Archbishop of Canterbury, and three other Bishops to Lewis, now crowned King of France, there King Henry demands his Signiories of Lewis. to demand the Duchy of Normandy, and such other Lands on that side of the sea, as before his departure out of England he had sworn to restore: but his answer was; 1. That he held those possessions by a just title, as he was ready to show King Henry, if he would come to his Court to make his demand; 2. that the King of Lewis pretends care of England's liberties. England had violated his Oath, for that such as were taken at Lincoln were grievously fined; 3. that such Liberties of England, for which the war was first moved, & had been granted at his departure, and since confirmed by oath, were not only not observed, but the old wicked ones reduced, and generally far worse ordained in their place. With which solutions to their demand, the Ambassadors were feign to return, and Henry left to come by his own as he could. An. 1224. The politic course used by the King to recover his lands from the Lords without civil war. (16) The king well perceiving, how unable he should be either to recover those his Transmarine Dominions, or almost to maintain his own royal estate at home, if such, as by the unrulynes of former times having gotten possession of Crowne-lands might still withhold them, resolved to resume them; by advise principally of Stephen Archbishop of Canterbury and Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent, who thereby drew upon themselves no small loads of envy. Which recovery of such parcels of the royal Patrimony, though it were no less needful than lawful; yet by reason the interessed were so many (and such as wanted no will to toss the whole Kingdom, rather than forego their holdings,) they wisely used all the strengths which Religion or human policy could give. First therefore * Wend. MS. Mat. Paris▪ hist. there was procured a Brief from the Pope, by which both the King was declared to be at liberty to choose his own Council, and govern by himself, (which, who doubteth but he might have done without the Excommunications used to strengthen the secular authority. Pope's Bull?) and all men commanded under pain of Censures to restore such things as against law and the Kings will, they detained from him. This put the interessed into a will to raise Arms; meeting for that purpose at Leicester, where the Cestrian Falcasius de Brent and others. Earl and his * Confederates consult, how they (under the specious pretext of removing the Earl of Kent, as one whose predominating greatness, and evil offices against them, were not to be by them endured) might detain the Castle and other possessions demanded. But upon notice, that (if forthwith they did not tender back what they unjustly held) they should by name be presently excommunicated; and that the King (now at Northampton) had with him not only an honester cause, * Ro. Wend. M. S. Mat. Paris. hist. ma. but a greater number of Soldiers (which they much more feared than all their flashes of Excommunication) they following a * Saluberrim● us● consilio, saith Paris out of Wend. wiser course, repaired forthwith to the King, rendering up into his hands all that belonged to the Crown; but did not lay down their displeasure, for that, on their petition, the King would not put from him his chief justitiar, the object of their Envy. (17) Mean while Lewis King of France not contented to deny the demanded restitution upon his alleged pretexts, invades such other parts as * Tho. Walsing. in Ypod. Neust. King Henry peaceably held in Poictou and Xainctoing; the best colour and reason given for it, * Paul. Aemil. in Ludou. 8. is, That whereas Aquitain (whereof Xainctoing and Poictou were part) was holden of the Crown of France by homage, the King of England, being not hindered by sickness nor other necessity was not present at the Coronation of Lewis, nor excused his absence by Ambassadors. In prosecution of which pretence he took * Ypod. Neust. Mat. Paris. Rochel (the principal Port of Xainctoing) with other places, and overthrew in a Battle, Savarie de Malleon also, Lieutenant for king Henry in Aquitaine: upon which overthrow the loss of those foresaid Towns with the whole Country of Poictou (as * Pau. Aemyl. in Lud. 8. one ●aith) ensued. Withal, the king lost the service of the said Savarie, a valiant commander, who for some indignity offered unto him Pol. Verg. H. l. 16. by William Longspe Earl of Salisbury, (* sent over by King Henry, upon some distaste of Savaries doings, with commission to overuiew his courses,) suddenly turned French, among whom he had great credit and preferment. King Henry ill brooking so great a defalcation of his foreign estates, determined to have recourse to the general aid of his people, for means to recover his losses, but while (for that purpose) he held a * At Northampton. Parliament, the whole assembly was suddenly troubled with just complaints of an unsufferable outrage. Rog. Wend. MS. Mat. Paris. (18) For Henry de Braibrocke, a justice Itinerant, who with other held the Assizes at Dunstaple, A strange outrage against execution of justice was suddenly surprised (and imprisoned under strong Garrison in Bedford Castle) by the commandment of Falcasius, enraged, for that thirty verdicts had there passed against him, upon trials of title for lands which he had forcibly entered. The judges wife with her tears so moved the whole Parliament to indignation and pity, that all other * Mat. Paris. businesses set a part, the Clergy aswell as the Laity forthwith attended the King to the siege. Falcasius himself flying into Wales, there to contrive a greater body of rebellion, did leave his brother, Lieutenant in the Castle with a desperate crew, having victuals and munition for an whole years resistance. Yet after two months siege the Castle being taken, the judge was enlarged, the Lieutenant and his whole retinue hanged, the pile itself (as a den of thieves) demolished; and an example given what others should trust unto, who did not in due time submit themselves to their Sovereign▪ This * Mat. Paris. Falcasius was a Norman by birth and a bastard, who coming over in poor sort under King john, so behaved himself in the King's services, that in regard of his all-daring forwardness, Bedford was given him to defend against the Barons; where by rapine and violence he had drawn together the show of a great fortune, besides that which he had in marriage with Margaret de Ripariis a great inheritrix, whom King john, to her no less discontentment, Bedford Castle razed by the King. than disparagement had bestowed upon him. But now when this Castle, beyond his imagination was thus beaten to the earth, and all other his possessions seized by the King, he procures Alexander Bishop of Coventree to safe conduct him to Bedford, where he throws himself at the kings feet, imploring mercy for his former good services. He was, after pardon of life hardly gotten, sent into perpetual * He died afterward in Rome, in extreme penury and sorrow, Paris. Polydor. banishment; at which time he with tears desired the Earl of Warren, (who had in charge to see him shipped away) That he would commend him to the King, and let him know (a secret fit for the king to take notice of) that all the troubles which he had raised in the Realm, were by the only instigation of the Barons. Notwithstanding the king was so incensed for the keeping this Castle against him, that he commanded all * Lanq. Chro. Strangers to departed the Realm within a time there limited under great penalty. An. 1225. (19) The interrupted Counsels of Parliament, and purposes of the King for recovery of his Poictovine inheritances, were now again resumed; yet the King could not there (but upon condition * Rog. Wend. M. S. that he should grant their Liberties, the string which was ever harped on,) obtain a fifteenth, nor the good will of the States to furnish him in his French hostilities: Thus the king, * Mat. Paris. drawn with desire of money (whereof his want was very urgent) grants those his Charters under his Seal, and was so further wrought on, that oaths were (by royal commandment) taken, to tie all men to the observation of the said Grants, according to the very letter, if that be the meaning of * Mat. Paris, who A. D. 1227. doth use Literato●iè nunciare, to signify by letter: so this may be an Oath in writing, which they were to swear unto word for word, o● a written oath signed or sealed by them. Tho. Walsingham. literatorium juramentum, and not something else. Upon the strength of this money (whose daily expense, like vital nourishment, keeps all great actions alive,) Richard Earl of Cornwall the King's brother, William Longspe Earl of Salisbury, and above threescore Knights with competent forces were sent into Gascoign in the Spring; where they safely arrived at Bordeaux, and were honourably entertained. This timely arrival had good effects, for it confirmed the well-disposed, settled the irresolute, and reduced much which had been extorted by the French. Hugh Earl of the Marches of Polyd. Verg. l. 16. calls him Earl of Champaign, and might be both. Poictou, coming by the French Kings direction to remove Earl Richard and the English from the siege of the Riol, was with all his Forces intercepted * Rog. Wend. MS Math Paris. Polyd. Verg. Paul. Aemil. in Ludo. 8. by an Ambuscado, and discomfited with no small loss of men, munition and carriages. All sides were in the end * contented to pause without parlance, and the English held Aquitaine despite their force or practices. But William Longspe the King's uncle An. 1226. survived not long his good services in those parts; who returning (upon business of State) into England, soon ended his days at his Castle of Salisbury, with so great humility and piety, that at point of death he would not receive the holy Eucharist in his Polyd. Verg. lib. 16 Bed (which devotion is also reported of King Henry the eight) but upon his bore knees on the ground, which he moistened with abundance of penitent tears. Upon which great Earl this Epitaph was made: Flos Comitum Vilielmus obit, stirps regia; * Longspee or Long-Sword. Longus Ensis, vaginam coepit habere brevem. Royal-born William, Flower of Earles lies here; A sheath thus short, doth Long-Sword serve to bear. (20) About these times the Pope (say * Mat. Paris. hist. ma. his Monks) sent abroad into the world his Nunces, requiring euerie where undue exactions, with purpose to settle a certainty of contribution to his See of Rome, out of all the Cathedral and conventual Churches in Christendom; alleging, * Literae Papa, apud Mat. Paris. that he did it to wipe away from that See, that ancient scandal of Avarice and Bribery, which otherwise their penury must still enforce them to use. Nevertheless, aswell the Messenger, as the Message found but slender welcome here. For (by procurement of the Archbishop of Canterbury) the Pope's Agent Otto, received letters from Rome, commaundiug him presently to return: Otto, in rage of this unexpected revocation, like a brave Roman threw the Pope's letters into the fire, yet durst not disobey the Contents. And whereas the message itself had been scanned and sifted to the very bran, both here and in * In Concilio Bituricensi. Mat. Paris. France, and judged to savour of so universal an oppression, as might 'cause a general discession from the Church of Rome; the King The King puts off the pope's demands. Mat. Paris. in presence of his Prelates and Peers, turned off the Pope's covetous demand with this thrifty answer: The things which the Pope would persuade us unto, do stretch themselves as far as the Christian world is wide, and because England is but an Out-Angle thereof, therefore when we see other Kingdoms give us an example, he shall then find us the more forward to obey. (21) That difficulty so avoided; the King was earnestly bend to make a voyage in person to the aid of his brother Earl Richard, who pursued the affairs of Gascoigne; which though by the late Earl of Sarisburies' death it received some maim; yet by the fortitude and counsel of other noble persons, it did still prospero. This intention and desire was staid by the receipt of letters out of France, which declared the Earl his brother's health, and the good success of affairs. The King (some say) among his Counsellors of State, had one William de Perepound a great ginger, who foretold that Lewis King of France should not prevail; and this affirmation did the rather withhold him at that present. There is who * Polyd. Vergil. l. 16. Mat. Patis. writes, that King Henry (upon the Pope's letters) forbore to attempt any▪ thing in France at that time, jest he should hinder Lewis, who was then upon an enterprise against the remains of What kind of Heretics the Albigenses of Waldenses were. Frater Raynerius, de Valdensibus. the Albigenses in Languedoc, Province, and the parts about. These men were traduced for Heretics, and so condemned by the See of Rome; but what their Heresy was, a * Friar (who writes against them,) reports, saying, they were of all other the most pernicious Sect; for antiquity, some holding they were from the Apostles time; for generality, there scarce being any Nation where they are not; and lastly, for show of piety, in that they live justly before men, and believe all things touching God aright, & all the articles of the Creed, * The Master heresy of the Albigenses. only they blaspheme and hate the Church of Rome. Not marvel if this horrible heresy did trouble his Holiness; and therefore, whereas his Predecessor, and himself had kept much ado in Christendom, to excite men to take the Sign of the Cross, and war against the Turk▪ (which the Friars did persuade men unto, teaching, that * Apud Auentinum. whosoever were polluted with any heinous offence, as Parricide, Incest, Sacrilege, he was presently acquitted both from the sin, and the punishment of it, if he thus took the Cross upon him,) now, The holy wars denounced against Christian Princes. because the Earl of toulouse, and his people entertained the foresaid Heresy, the Cross, and holy wars were by the Pope denounced against them. Of which Earl yet let us hear the judgement of another * Math. Paris. Friar then living. Those (saith he) who thus took the Wars and Cross against him, did it more for fear of the French King, and the Pope's Legate, then for zeal of justice; it seeming to many a wrong thus to infested a faithful Christian man, and one who with many tears desired the Legate to examine the faith of every one of his Cities, and if any one held against the Catholic saith, he would punish him, according to the judgement of the Church, and if any City should resist him, he would enforce it to make satisfaction. As for himself, he offered to be examined by the Legate touching his faith, and if he were faulty, he would make satisfaction to God and the Church. But all these things the Legate scorned, nor could that Catholic Earl found any favour, unless he would forsake his Inheritance, and abjure it both for himself, and his heirs for ever. These were the Heretics against which Lewis was now employed by the Pope, and King Henry the while * Math. Paris. commanded to surcease from impeaching his holy enterprise. Wherein Lewis had spent a month in the siege of Auinion▪ and endured (for all his sacred Cross) marvelous losses, by a terrible plague dedevouring his Army, by a strange kind of venomous The Pope's cross attended with few blessings. flies, dispatching many, by a sudden drowning of a great part of his Army; and lastly, by being himself * Mat. Paris. poisoned by * The Earl of campaign, and the Pope's Legate, were publicly charged of adultery with Lewis his Queen. apud Mat. Paris. one of his Earls (an unchaste Rival of his Bed) though it was given forth of him (as * of his late Enemy King john, whom some think that Lewis his friends did make away) that he died only of a Flux. (22) The news of the French Kings death seconded with sure relations of sundry discontentments, and open factions under the young King (who was but * Ranalphus Otterbourne & alij. Roger W●nd. M. S. Math Paris. about twelve years of age) bred an hope in King Henry's mind, that now the time was come, wherein he might recover those ancient inheritances which his Forefathers held in France: * Tilius. Aemylius. Walsing: saith 14. Paris. scarce 10. and to advance his hopes, he had his mother Queen Isabel (wife to the Earl of March in those parts,) an earnest solicitor. Peter Duke of Britain was the principal man who took offence that himself had Likelihoods for a war with France. not a chief hand in directing the young King Lewis; but his prudent mother Queen Blanch * Paul. Aemil. ●n Lud. 80. weakened his party by drawing his brother Robert Earl of Dreux from him; and albeit the Duke had repaired the breach, by affinity with the Earl of Champain, (one of the twelve Peers of that Realm, to whom the Duke marrieth the Lady Blanda his daughter and heir,) yet was the Earl driven by a short war to continued quiet. The Duke hereupon casts himself upon King Henry; Sed sera auxilia Aemylius. Anglica, the English aides come▪ slowly saith Aemylius. These and the like inducements moved the King to sand Walter Archbishop of York, with others, to the chief men of Normandy, Angiou and Poictou, that by large promises they might procure them to acknowledge Henry for their King, or by partake, facilitate their reduction to the English Sovereignty; who accordingly prosecuted their employment. (23) These opportunities for that design, moved An. 1227. The King begets enemies at home by raising money to make war abroad. the King to bethink how to gather money, to furnish so chargeful an enterprise; whereby while he sought to provide to recover that which was lost, he ministereth occasion to hazard that which he had. The only great man in Court now was Hubert de Burgh: For the King protesting himself of age to govern without a Tutor or Protector, did principally confer with him about all his most weighty affairs. Hence grew more envy against Hubert, and peril to the King. From * Rog. de Wend. MS. Mat. Paris. the Londoners (besides the granted aides of a fifteenth, which all degrees were subject unto) he wrung five thousand Marks, for that they had (as was alleged) to his prejudice, The King perhaps had this sum for the things which Fabian saith he granted. The Charters of liberties revoked and canceled: given Lewis the like sum. In the Parliament at Oxford, by advice of Hubert his Lord Chief justice, he revokes the Charters of Liberties, which now for about two years had been practised through the Realm: pretending, that at the time of their Grant the King was under age, and had then no liberty either of his person or Signature; though otherwise, the royal power of the English Monarchy never pleads pupillage or minority. It served the turn for the time, and all men were feign to pay, what Hubert's * pleasure was to assess, for obtaining the new Seal. The fortune of such Arts, whereby they were wont to fill Princes Treasuries, was not always without repentance to the Authors, and Authorisers. The Clergy was compelled (under pain of Papal Censures) to pay the Fifteenth, not only for their temporal goods, but also for their Ecclesiastical; and yet in the end, (after so much tossing of the People,) the King's Ambassadors return out of France, without having effected that which they went about, so that the whole enterprise * Mat. Paris. Peace in France frustrates the English designs for France. quailed. For Queen Blanch by sweet and prudent courses, so prevailed among the factious, that there was left no place for Henry to take sure hold upon. The Duke of Britain (who expected the English succours not till the Spring,) was so nearly priest, and almost oppressed, with a winter war, that he thought himself beholding to his brother Robert Earl of Dreux, for procuring his peace though it were with such a condition, as ever after, left upon him, the byname of Mauclerk or Maledoctus. He * Mat. Paris, ad An. 1234. Scriptores Brit. apud Paul. A●mil. in Ludou 9 acknowledged the Duchy of Britain, to be the Fee of the Crown of France, and that by right it aught to hold thereof; this acknowledgement, because against all apparent truth and Record, procured to him that Byname. Such conclusion at this present had King Henry's French designs. Our * Rog. de Wend. MS. Mat: Paris. at A. D. 1234. ancient Authors writ, that this dishonourable homage was done long after, and with an halter about his neck, at such time as the King of England refused to go in person to his succours, but offered four Earls, and other competent Forces, which he refused, as harbouring a revolt in his bosom, and turned Pirate. (24) The evil will which the other great Lords secretly harboured against Hubert, (whose Envy the King's favour in * Yet Walsingham names him Earl of Kent before that Ceremony of girding him with th● Sword. creating him Earl of Kent had lately increased,) now openly discovered itself, upon this occasion. Richard Earl of Cornwall, the King's brother, (lately returned with honour out of Gascoigne,) had seized into his hands a certain Manor, then in the tenure of one Waleran a Dutch-Gentleman, (to whom King john, for his good services had formerly given it,) which he alleged was parcel of his Earldom of Cornwall. The King hereupon directs his letters to his brother, commanding him to come immediately, and show a reason of his fact. He doth so, and without any pleaders help defended, as just, the seizure which he had made, concluding, among other words, that he was ready to stand to the judgement of the King's Court, and Peers of the Realm. When the King, and the Chief justitiar heard him name the Peers of the Realm, they (suspecting his bent that way) were exceedingly offended; and (said the King) either restore the Manor to Waleran, or thou shalt departed out of the Kingdom, never to return: at which peremptory sentence, the Earl boldly (but too rashly) answered; that he neither would give his right to Waleran, nor without the judgement of the Peers departed the Realm. The * Wend. MS. Mat. Paris. Earl in this heat returns to his lodging; thence (upon surmise that Hubert had persuaded the King to lay The Barons in Arms at Stamford. hold on him) he posts to Marlebourgh, where finding William Marshal the young Earl of Pembroke, he enters into a fast confederacy, ratified by oath; and Ranulf Earl of Chester is easily drawn to make another. Letters thence flying about to all their friends, at Stanford there assembled unto them, the Earls of Gloucester, of Warrenn, of Hereford, of Warwick, Earl Ferrars, many Barons, and an huge multitude of armed men. Their strengths being in likelihood able to bear out their dare, they address a bold message to the King, by which they require The Barons rebellious message to the King. him in lofty Phrase, to make present amendss to his Brother for the wrong he had done; the fault whereof they imputed not to him, but to the chief justitiar: and that if he did not without delay restore the Charters of Liberties, which he had canceled at Oxford, they would drive him by dint of sword to give them therein competent satisfaction. The King seeing it no fafe time to deny their requests, appoints to meet at Northampton in August next; where the Earl of Cornwall (upon his Associates resolute demand of the King) had large amendss of any injury sustained, his Patrimony being augmented with large accessions. The moderation and equanimity of the King (terrified by his Father's example) peaceably finished this contention (the matter of the Charters being for the time hushed, as seemeth) which might otherwise have cost many thousand lives, and have hazarded the ruin both of King and kingdom. The Welsh in Arms. (25) That danger was not a little augmented by the insurrections of the Welsh. The King had given the Castle of Mountgomery to his most trusty Counsellor Hubert de Burgh; the Garrison of which place, issuing out, meant to stock up the Trees, and shrubs, which grew near upon an highway leading through a great wood of * Quinque 〈◊〉 Mat. Paris. five leagues long▪ that travailers (ordinarily there spoiled) might pass more safely. The Welsh not suffering that waste, violently assailed the Workmen, and not without slaughter on both sides, drove them into the Castle; which drew the King (who even in little matters used to make one) to come thither in person, who, with a competent strength, gives not over, till he had with fire, and other force, consumed the whole Forest. From whence he pierceth farther into Wales, and consumes with fire a place called * Rog. Wend. MS Math Paris. Ceri saith D. Powel in Hist. Cambr. Cridia; where whiles the King is building a Castle to bridle them, * Mat. Paris. Lewelin drew thither his forces, where many were slain on both sides, and a man of special worth William de * Hist. Cambr. Brausia (or the Bruse) by the Welsh intercepted, as he went to forage in the Country; * Rog. Word. MS. Mat. Paris. many great persons there in the King's Army being secretly confederated with Lewelin. By which treacherous practice, victuals grew so scarce, that the king was compelled to yield to a very dishonourable peace, the conditions whereof were: that the King should raze to the ground the new Fort now almost finished; that * This William was afterwards hanged by Lewelin for lying with his wife, as is reported in Mat. Paris. ad An. 1230. though elsewhere he saith it was by reason of Hubert de Burghs letters to Lewelin. Mat. Paris. ad An. 1232. William de Bruce should still remain Prisoner till the Welsh thought good; that Lewelin should give the King toward his expenses three thousand Marks. (26) These home-bredde garboils thus appeased; whereas Ambassadors had formerly repaired to the king out of Gascoigne, Poictou, and Normandy, to offer him their services for recovery of those his inheritances, if himself would come in person with a royal Army, he about Michaelmas is now ready at Portsmouth for the exploit; whither all his Nobles were come with so great a multitude, not only out of England, but out of Ireland, Wales and Galloway, as none of his ancestors ever had. Many were the motives which encouraged the king to this attempt, but none greater than the busy workings of Queen Dowager his mother. Lewis king of France had created his brother Alfonse Duke of Poicto●, commanding the Lords of that Country to do their homages to him; one of these was Hugh Earl of March, now husband to Queen Isabel, who because she had once been the Wife of a King, and now the Mother, disdained that even her present husband, though but an Earl, should do homage to a Subject, and thereby herself (bearing the stile of a Queen) seem inferior to the Lady joan, Queen Isabella's practices for her Son against the French. wife of Duke Alfonse. The Earl was hereupon drawn to a refusal of homage; and the like spirit she had breathed into the hearts of the princely family of Lusinian, whose Ancestors had been Kings of jerusalem and Cyprus. Nor thus contented to have plotted a party, for her Son among the French, she is charged to have sought by poison to make riddance of Lewis himself, and that her Agents for that purpose were discovered, and executed. But Queen Isabel falsely charged. Aemylius shall pardon us, if we herein credit not his judgement, as also in thinking her the Author of suborning Assasines to murder the King; for that we found him singular therein, the * Nich. Guilles Chr. Fran. received opinion being, that they were sent underhand by the Saracens out of Asia, to take away the danger which they foresaw was coming, in regard King Lewis was so devoutly addicted to Christian piety, and the hatred of Mahomet's Infidelity. There were The noble form of war among the old English praised by strangers. also at the same time great Divisions among the French Nobility; but the English (saith Aemylius himself) wrought not by treachery, but after the manner of fair war, which they first by defiance denounced, and then did openly prosecute with sword in hand. (27) The King of England being thus provided of men, munition, and other necessaries fit for the field, and now ready to embrake; there was not shipping sufficient to transport half the Company. Earl Hubert in the King's displeasure. Which enraged the King so far, that turning himself to Earl Hubert, (upon whom he charged the blame,) he called him rank old Traitor, affirming, that he had of purpose been slack herein, as in other things, in regard of five thousand Marks, with which the Queen Dowager of France had (as he said) embribed him, and withal ran at him in great fury with his drawn sword, but Ranulph Earl of Chester and others stepped between, and saved the King from so foul a blemish, who soon after received him into grace again. But that assembly was dispersed by the arrival of a * Mat. Paris calls him Henry Earl of Britain, Walsing. Peter Duke of Britain. great man out of Britain, a principal confederate with the English against Lewis, who showed the unseasonable time of the year, and other reasons; and the enterprise thereupon adjourned Ann. 1230. to the Spring. So after Easter he transports from Portsmouth with a full Army into Britain. The * The great humility and charity of K. Henry. Ypod. Neust. same day in which he set sail from England, himself did in person, visit the poor and feeble, and dealt large Alms, not refusing to kiss the sick and leprous. The success of this voyage is so diversly reported, that without prejudice to an observant Reader, it might be all left out. Much certainly was not done. The King of England's purpose * Rog. de Wend. MS. was to have marched through Britain (where many received him) into Poictou; and as * Polyd. Vergil. li 16. Lib. Statut. ad A. R. 20. Hen. 3 some writ he did so, and took homagein Gascoigne. To impeach this passage, the King of France lay with a great Army at Angiers, and the King of England at Nants in Britain, expecting the repair of more force. Fulk Paganel a noble Norman, with about * Polyd. Vergil. l. 16. saith but forty. sixty valiant Knights persuaded the King of England, it was easy for him to reduce Normandy to his obedience; but Hubert de Burgh diverted the King from acceptance of that enterprise. The Normans therefore made an ill journey and an unlucky, for * Mat. Paris. they prevailed not with King Henry, and for their conspiracy were disseised at home by King Lewis. But whether it were by loss in battle (wherein, if any battle were at all, some say the * Paul. Aemil. French had the better, taking about four thousand of the English,) or otherwise, this is agreed on, that after the waist of infinite Treasures, and the great diminution of his numbers, the King of England returned * Roger W●nd. M. S. Math. Paris. Walsingham. in Ypodig. Neust. without accomplishment of his purpose; leaving for the defence of Britain, the three great Earls of Chester, Pembroke and Aumarl, with forces answerable. (28) It is not unlikely that the dangerous rebellion of the Irish, hastened his return; for the King The Irish attempting to recover their Country from the English, misearry. of Connaught and his Irish, seeing the King and the Earl of Pembroke (who as Heir to the great Strangbaw had goodly possessions in those parts) wholly embusied in the enterprise of Britain, had invaded the King's people, with a purpose and hope, utterly to expel and amove our Nation from among them: but their devices proved mischievous to themselves, that rebellious King himself being taken Prisoner, not without the loss of many thousands of the Irish. The Welsh also soon after brake out again, An. 12●1. whose Prince Lewelin, (in revenge of those Welshman's heads, which Hubert de Burgh had cruelly caused to be strucken off in cold blood, and presented to the King,) had burnt certain Churches and Gentlewomen in them; for which, at * Math. Paris. Oxford in the presence of the King, all the Nobility, and Clergy, he was solemnly excommunicated; and the King there gathering a great Army, in person went to repress the Welsh, though not without loss. (29) Another Garboil thereafter no less disturbed the whole land, the * Math. Paris. Insolency of the Romans (who were charged to have wrought innumerable confusions and infinite grievances to the King, his Kingdom, Peers and People) stirring up multitudes through the Land, by a common consent, to seek by force to shake off the importable yoke of their oppressions. It was alleged by these reformers, * Idem ibid. that they had under hand the King's Letters Patents, the Lord Chief justices assent, the Bishop of London's countenance, and the sheriffs aid in sundry Shires, whereby the armed troops took heart every where, violently to seize on the Romans Corn, and their other wealth; which booties they employed to * Rog. de Wend. M. S. good purposes▪ and for relief of the poor, the Romans the while hiding their heads, for fear of losing them. And though the King, on the Pope's complaint thereof, seemed to mislike the outrage, yet had the King himself no less 'cause to be moved with the insolency of the Pope, than were his subjects of those Popelings. For that very time the See of Canterbury being voided, Ralph Nevil Bishop of Norwich was elected by the Monks, and gladly approved by the King, whose * Mat. Paris. most faithful Chancellor he was, an unshaken pillar of truth, doing right to all without delays, especially to the poor, without declining to the right hand or the left. But the Pope being told he was a Royalist, and one that would join with the King and whole Kingdom (who now all struggled to shake off the Pope's servitude,) and would to the death stick to that law, and those Appeals, which Stephen Langton solemnly before the Altar in Saint Paul's Church urged against King john's submission to the See of Rome; his Election (as being a person very dangerous) was presently pronounced voided. Whereupon the Monks choose a second, and him the Pope misliked, for being too old, and soft spirited▪ then a third was elected, a man of eminent learning, a Student in the University of Oxford, and him also the Antiquit. Britamnicae in vit. Edmundi Pope rejected; never resting till they had chosen Edmund of Abington, a man more pleasing to the Roman palate. But the King seeing the Great Emperor Frederick, even this very time whiles he Mat. Paris. in Hen. 3. was winning the Kingdom of jerusalem from Infidels, so Turkishly in his absence deposed from his own Empire by the Pope, upon a private spleen; no marvel, if in this his unripe age, and distracted government, he feared to draw on himself by any opposition, so merciless an enemy. So that for the time these indignities were winked at in these parts: in France also by the wisdom of * Paul. Aemil. Queen Blanch, and mediation of the Archbishop of Reims, and Three years truce with France. Ro. Wend. MS. Mat. Paris. An. 1232. The memorable dejection of Earl Hubert. Philip Earl of bolein of one part, and the Earls of Britain and Chester on the other, a three years cessation from mutual hostilities was ratified by oath, between the French and English. (30) Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent, Chief justiciar of England, having with few rubs hitherto, enjoyed the most inward love and favour aswell of this King, as of King john, seems now to have run the Stage of his best fortunes. For the King (upon occasion of such inroads and spoils, as the Prince Lewelin continually made in the Marches of Wales) being advertised by Peter Bishop of Winchester, and certain other of the Council, once for all to give an end to those braves and insolences of the Welsh, complained; that he was not able, in regard of his wants; saying, that his Treasurers told him, all the rents of his Exchequer would do no more then scarce maintain apparel, household and ordinary Almsdeeds. This was not unknown to the Bishop, and the rest of that faction, who watched this opportunity of purpose to lift the Earl of Kent out of favour: wherefore they boldly answered the King: that if he were poor he might thank himself, who gave away to others such Honours, Custodies, and Dignities, The causes of the Kings wants seen into. as were vacant, alienating them from his estate; that he was only to be called a King in name, rather than for any riches which he had; that his Ancestors, magnificent Princes, abounding in all sorts of worldly glory, and wealth, heaped to themselves inestimable treasures, out of no other means, but the Rents and Profits of the Kingdom. (31) The King stung with this just reprehension, began (by their instructions) to call the Sheriffs of Shires, Bailiffs, and other his Officers to a straight account, for all such receipt, as appertained to the Exchequer, thrusting some out of their places, and wring out of all their full * Polyd. Veng. lib 16. Wendover. MS. sponges, store of coin, till he satisfied himself both for the arrearages and interest. Out▪ of Ralph Briton * Mat. Paris. Pol. Verg. l. 16. Treasurer of his Chamber he screwzed a thousand pounds, and also put him from his place, into which (by the Bishop of Winchester's suggestion, who now predominated in Court) he substituted Peter de Orivail a * Wend. MS. Poictovine, the bishops * Mat. Paris. Nephew or Son, if Paris say true; and so, saith he, the King's coffers otherwise empty and lean, were by these means stuffed again, though not to their full surfeit. For these were but preparatives to a farther scrutiny and ransack, intended against the Earl of Kent, whom (upon the * Wendover. MS. bishops suggestion) the King removed from the * Mat. Paris. Proto-Iustitiarishippe (or high office of his Chief justice) and put in his place Sir Stephen Segrave a Knight only in name. Then is a strict and captious account demanded of the Earl of Kent, for all such things as he was in any sort chargeable The principal cords in the scourge prepared for the Earl of Kent. with; as, 1. For such receipts or debts, as were due to King john, or to this King Henry himself: 2. For the mean profits of such lands, as the King was seized of, from the day of the death of the first great William, Earl of Pembroke, his justitiar and Marshal, whither those lands were in England, Wales, Ireland, or Poictou: 3. For such Liberties or free Customs which the King had in Forests, Warrens, Counties and else where, and how they were kept or alienated. 4. For such things as the King lost by Hubert's negligence: 5. For the wrongs and damages offered to the Roman, and Italian Clerks, and to the Pope's Nuncios against the King's will by authority of Hubert, who would take no order to correct the misdoers, as by virtue and nature of his place he was obliged: 6. For the many escuages coming by Carrucages, gifts and presents, or for the rents of Custodies belonging to the Crown. The Earl of Kent's defence disallowed. (32) To all which heads, the Earl answered, that he had the Charter of the King's Father, by which he was freed from giving any account either for things passed, or to come, and that he had given such proof of his fidelity unto King john, as he would not endure to hear him make an account. Peter Bishop of Winchester replied hereunto, that such a Charter after the death of King john had no force, and therefore the Father's Charter, and grant of Privilege, was no reason why he should not stand accountant Articles or calumniations of treason objected. to the Son. This defence for money dangers in this sort traversed or avoided, they laboured to draw him in for his head, by charging him with sundry Articles sounding treasonable; as, ●. That Hubert had dissuaded the Duke of Austria from matching his Daughter with the King who sought it; 2. that he had hindered the King from entering upon foreign lands to him belonging, whereby the King, Peers, and People consumed their Treasures vainly: 3. that he had enticed the Daughter of the King of Scots (whom King john had entrusted to his custody, meaning himself to marry her) & traitorously defiled the noble young Lady, whom he married in hope to be King of Scotland in her right, if she A precious stone to make a man invincible, if you list believe it. survived her Brother: 4. that he had stolen out of his jewel-house a precious stone of wonderful value, whose virtue was to make him who had it, invincible in Battle, & that he gave that stone to Lewelin prince of Wales, the King's enemy: 5. that he by his letters had caused Lewelin to hung William de Breuse. (33) The Earl much perplexed with these accusations (whither true or false) could hardly obtain The Earl takes Sanctuary: a short respite to make his answer: Thus; that Hubert (say * Wendover. Mat. Paris. the Monks) who for love of the King, and defence of the Kingdom, had provoked the hatred of all the great Lords, now being forsaken of the King, is left sole and solitary, without friends or comfort. Only Luke Archbishop of Dublin, never fosooke him, but with prayers and tears besought the King on his behalf, but could not be heard against so great opposites, on so great pretences. When the cry was thus up, and that the world saw it was no superficial displeasure, into which the Earl was fallen with the mutable King, there rise forth many accusations (savouring of much malignity) round about, Other malicious Articles objected upon hope to oppress & bury Hubert under them for ever; as, 1. that he had poisoned the two noble Earls of Salisbury and Pembroke; 2. that he had also procured Falcasius de Brent, and Richard Archbishop of Canterbury to be made away; 3. that by Sorceries and Enchantments, he had drawn the King to favour him above all other; 4. that in the victory gotten against the French by Sea, he forcibly took many Prisoners from the King's Sailors, and made his benefit of their ransoms, contrary to right, and that he had spoiled and disinherited many; 5. that he had without trial unjustly put to The hanging of Constantine objected. death Constantine, for which excess the Citizens of London required justice against the said Hubert. The King hereupon makes Proclamation through the City, that all such as could charge Hubert with any wrong; should repair to Court, and there receive immediate redress. This strange course of proceeding did so appall and terrify the Earl, that he forthwith fled to the Priory Church of Merton in Surrey, The Earl of Kent takes Sanctuary. where among the Canons, he sheltered his head for a time. (34) The King with his Prelates and Peers meeting at Lambeth, at the * On Halyrood day▪ 14. Sept. day appointed for Hubert's answer, he (being made to believe that the King would put him to a most soul death) durst not appear, or peep forth of his sacred refuge. The Londoners were assembled in Arms (by the kings command) to the number of about twenty thousand under banners displayed to drag the Earl out of Sanctuary: but upon the Earl of Chester's wiser Counsel, the prey was taken out of the hands of a bloody multitude (who mortally hated him for Constantine's death) and they returned again to their City. The Archbishop of Dublin still performing the office of a true friend, overslips not this occasion, and by his importunity obtained day for Hubert, till about Twelfe-tide than next ensuing, and the King for his assurance, during the Interim, gives him letters Patents. Hubert thinking himself secure for the present, is now upon his way toward his wife at the Abbey of Saint Edmund in Suffolk, but his enemies so prevailed by their suggestions, that Sir Godfrey de Crancumb Knight, with three hundred armed men, was sent to apprehended the Earl in Essex. He having intelligence of their The Earl ag●●n takes Sanctuary. approach, fled into a Chapel at * Fab. Conc. MS. Brentwood, which adjoined to his lodging; from whence those rough Soldiers haled him (he holding in one * Rog. Wend. M. S. Mat. Paris. hand a Crucifix, and in the other the Sacrament) and sent for a Smith to make for him shackles of iron. But when the Smith understood, that it was for Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent, he refused, uttering The honest and noble mind of a poor Artificer. such words (if Matthew Paris do not Poetize) as did well show that honourable thoughts are sometimes found in the hearts of men, whose fortunes are far from honour; for having first drawn a deep sigh, he said; * Addi●an M. Par. ad Wendou. Do with me what ye please, and God have mercy on my soul; but as▪ sure as the Lord lives, I will never make iron shackles for him, but A pithy speech of that Artificer. will rather die the worst death that is. For is not this that most loyal and courageous Hubert, who so often hath preserved England from being destroyed by strangers, & restored England to England? He who faithfully and constantly served his Sovereign Lord King john in Gascoigne, Normandy, and else where, that he was compelled to eat the flesh of horses, whose high courage even Enemies admired? he, that so long defended Dover Castle, the Key of England, against all the exquisite sieges of the French, and by vanquishing them at Sea▪ brought safety to the Kingdom? What need I rehearse his excellent doings at Lincoln and Bedford? Let God be judge between him and you, for using him so unjustly and inhumanly, repaying good with evil, nay, requiting his most excellent deserts with the worst recompense that can be. But Sir Godfrey, and his black band regarded not such speeches, but otherwise binding the Earl hard, they set him on horse back, and so conveyed him to the Tower of London. (35) This breach of Sanctuary being made known to Roger Bishop of London (whose Diocese it was) he confidently tells the King, that if the Earl were not restored to the Chapel, he would excommunicate all the Authors of that outrage. The Earl restored to the Sanctuary from whence he was taken. The Earl is accordingly restored: but the Sheriffs of Essex and Hertford, at the King's commandment, with the powers of their counties besiege the Chapel so long, that at last (they having cast a Trench about it that none might go in or out) the Earl was compelled to come forth and tender himself, bearing all things with an equal mind, as one that * Ro. Wend. M. S. Mat. Paris. had a clear conscience before God, which he professed to have. While the Chapel was thus beset round, the King's indignation was so violent, that he forbade all men once to make mention of Hubert in his hearing. No marvel then if it be said, that the The Archbishop of Dublin a faithful friend to Hubert. Prince's indignation is death. The Archbishop of Dublin nevertheless was not dejected, but with prayers and tears besought the King, who remained as yet inexorable, Hubert's enemies possessing his The Earl's treasure delivered to the King. soul and senses. Hubert therefore is again imprisoned in the Tower. There was no sacrifice as it seems could appease the King's ire, but that of the Earls Hoord of gold, and other riches, which the Knight's Templars had in their custody upon trust, & without Hubert's consent refused to deliver. Hubert therefore willingly yields; which when the Depositaries did give up, the value seemed incredible. This hoarding perhaps was Hubert's crime, whereof being thus purged, he had hope to recover out of these deadly pangs and convulsions of fortune, and himself to be made capable of curing. Well, the king obtains this precious booty, but his enemies would have his blood also; saying, sith he was convicted of theft and fraud, it was meet he should die a most shameful death. It seems, they thought, that the very finding of so much treasure was a conviction of fraud in the getting, and that the King must be interpreted to have lost, whatsoever the Earl had gained. But the displeasure of the King was mollified with this golden balm, for he answered The King relenteth towards the Earl, and will not take his life. them thus; Hubert from his childhood hath (as I have heard) faithfully enough served my uncle King Richard, and my Father King john, and if he have done ill towards me, he shall never therefore die an evil death. For I had rather be reputed a foolish or a negligent King, than a cruel Tyrant, or a bloody man toward him, who hath long served me and mine ancestors; nor will I weigh more his evil deeds, which are not as yet manifest, nor proved true, than all his good deeds, which are plainly known to the Realm, and to us all. Hereupon Hubert had all such lands granted unto him, as either King john had given, or himself had purchased. There undertook for him to the King (as sureties) the Earls of Cornwall, and Warrenn, Marshal & Ferrars, and himself was committed to the * In Wiltshire. Castle of Devises, there to abide in free Prison, under the Custody of four Knights, belonging each of them to one of these four Earls. This Court-storme thus in part overblown, let us take our standings, to view what other weather followed, and what countenance of things in this Kingdom did next present itself to the world. (36) The King being naturally, as it seems, addicted An. 1233. An. reg. 17. to repose himself upon some one man's counsel, was now wholly swayed by Peter de Rupibus Bishop of Winchester, who had therefore wrought the Earl out of grace, that he might solely reign, and predominate in the gentle King. Which the better to effect, the Bishop procures him to displace the * Wend. MS. English Officers, and in their rooms to surrogate Poictovines and Britons; who coming over to the number of about two thousand, he stuffs his Castles with them; and (in brief) did as it were wholly entrust himself, his treasures, strengths, and the Realm to them. So that * Math. Paris ex Rog. Wend. Juditia committ●nt●r iniustis, leges, ex legibus, pax discordantibus, justitia i●iuriosis. judgements were committed to the unjust, Laws to the Outlaws, Peace to Wranglers, and justice to wrong-doers. Such as would have prayed redress for these abuses, were interrupted, and put off by the Bishop of Winchester. Among them who were removed from their places in Court, was one Sir William de Redune a Knight, and Deputy Martial to Richard Earl of Pembroke. This The king by advancing strangers discontents his Nobles. was to the Earl very displeasant, which joined with a consideration of the public cause and danger, he associates unto him certain of the great Lords (as was the fashion of those Lording times, upon every discontent,) and in the Company of them advanceth confidently to the King, whom in the hearing of many he reproveth; for that he had, through sinister advise, called in the Poictovins, to the oppression of the Realm, of his natural subjects, of their Laws and Liberties: humbly therefore he beseecheth him that he would speedily reform such abuses, which threatened the imminent subversion both of the Crown and Kingdom: which if he did not, himself and other Lords, would so long withdraw their attendance, as he entertained Strangers. The Bishop hereunto makes answer; That the King might well and lawfully call in what Strangers himself thought good, for the defence of the Crown and Realm, and such, and so many of them, as might be able to compel his proud and rebellious The English Peers confederate against the strangers. people to due obedience. When the Oracle would speak no otherwise, they departed from Court greatly discontented; firmly promising one to the other, that in such a cause which did so touch them all, they would like men stand together while any breath was in their bodies. (37) Those who were now most potent about the King, nothing sorry for the discontentment of so great a Peer as the Earl Martial, but counting it a part of their strengths, to use the regal power toward the weakening of the English, nourish in the King his aversion. The minds of men sufficiently inclining of themselves, to doubt the worst upon such divisions, had their fear increased by sundry prodigies of strange thunders and rains, but especially of four red Parhelions (or resemblances of Five Suns in the sky in April. Wend. MS. Mat. Paris. the Sun) besides the Sun itself, (appearing about the parts of Hereford and Worcester) from morning till night in the Skies: and indeed much trouble immediately ensued aswell in England as Wales, & Ireland. The Poictovins, and other Strangers thus bearing the sway, so as the King's person went guarded with troops of such, the Earls and Barons being by the Kings command summoned to another The Barons contemn the king's Summons. Parliament at Oxford, refused to come. While the King was there, one * Paris cal● him Bacum. The frank speech of a Preacher. Robert Bacon, who used there to preach before the King and Prelates, freely told him, that if he did not remove from him Peter Bishop of Winchester, and Peter de Rivallis, he could never be in quiet. The King did hereupon a little come to himself, & Roger Bacon a Clergyman also of a pleasant wit, did second Robert's advise, telling the King that * That i●, Rock● and Stones. Petrae and Rupes were most dangerous things at sea, alluding to the bishops name, Petrus de Rupibus. The King therefore (as he had the happiness in his mutability, to change for his more security) taking that good advise of Scholars, which he would not of his Peers, summons a Parliament to be holden at * In July. Westminster, giving the world to know withal, that his purpose was to amend by their advise, whatsoever aught to be amended. (38) But the Barons, considering that still there arrived sundry strangers, men of war with Horse The Barons second contempt of the king's command. and Armour, and not trusting the Poictovine faith, came not, but presumed to sand this traitorous message to the king, that if out of hand he removed not Peter Bishop of Winchester, and the Poictovines out The traitorous errand to the king. of his Court, they all of them, by the common assent of the kingdom, would drive him, & his wicked Counsellors together out of it, and consult about creating a new Sovereign. The king (whom his father's example made more timorous,) could easily have been drawn, to have redeemed the love of his natural Liegemen, with the disgrace of a few strangers; but the Bishop of Winchester and his friends infused more spirit into him. Whereon, to all those whom he suspected, the King sets down a * In August next. day, within which they should deliver sufficient pledges to secure him of their loyalty. Against that day the Lords in great numbers make repair to London, but the Earl Martial (admonished of danger, by his sister the Countess of Cornwall) flies back to Wales; and chief for want of his * R●g. de Wend. MS. presence nothing was concluded. The King not long after is at Gloster with an Army, whither the Earl▪ and his adherents required to come, refused; the King therefore burns their Manors, and gives away their inheritances to the Poictovines. The Earl Marshal in Arms. (39) This Rebellion had not many great names in it, but took strength rather by weight then number: the known Actors were the Earl Marshal, the Lord Gilbert Basset, and many other of the inferior Nobles. The bishops Arts had plucked from him, the King's Brother, and the two Earls of Chester and Lincoln, (who dishonourably sold their love * Mat. P●ri●. for a thousand Marks,) and otherwise, as it seemed, secured the rest: nevertheless, these may well be thought, not to have borne any evil will to their now forsaken confederate, the Earl Martial, who took himself to handle the common cause; certainly Confederates himself with Lewelin Prince of Wales. he handled his own safety but ill, as the event shall demonstrate. The Earl hearing these things, contracts strict amity with Lewelin Prince of Wales; whose powers thus knit together, by advantages of the Mountains, were able to counterpoise any ordinary invasion. To the King's aid, Baldwin de Gisnes with many Soldiers came out of Flanders. The King now at Hereford in the midst of his Forces, sends from thence (by Winchester's counsel) the Bishop of Saint David's, to defy the Earl Martial; how far soever this word defy extends itself, sure it seems that the Earl hereupon understood himself discharged of that obligation, by which he was tied unto the King, and freed to * Rog. Word. MS. Mat. Paris. make his defence. The King notwithstanding after some small attempts, and better considerations, did promise and assume, that by advise of his Council all that was amiss should (at a * The Sunday after Michaelmas. Hubert de Burgo escapes into Wales. day appointed) be rectified and amended. About which time, Hubert de Burgo, having intelligence that the Bishop of Winchester (who was a Poictovine) * Thom. Westm. Roger Wend. Mat. Paris. plotted his death, escaped out of the Castle of Devises (where he was prisoner) to a neighbour Church, but was haled from thence by the Castle-Keepers. The Bishop of Sarisbury (in whose Diocese it happened) caused him to be safe-restored to the same place, from whence by the Earl Martial, and a * Ypod. Neust. troop of armed men his friends, he was rescued and carried into Wales. (40) The King, at the day and place appointed, holds his great Council or conference with the Lords; but nothing followed for the peace of the Realm; it was not an ordinary passage of speech, which happened there between the Lords, and the Bishop of Winchester. For, when the English Bishops and Barons humbly besought the King, for the honour of Almighty God to take into grace his natural Subjects, whom (without any trial by their Peers) he called Traitors: the Bishop (offended it seems, at Peers) takes the words out of the King's mouth, and answers; That there are not Peers in England, as in the Realm of France, and that therefore the King of England, by such justiciars as himself pleaseth to ordain, may banish offenders out of the Realm, and by judicially process condemn them. The English Bishops relished his speech so harshly, that with one voice they threatened to excommunicate and accurse by name the King's principal wicked Counsellors; but Winchester appealed; then they accursed all such as alienated the heart of the king from his natural subjects, and all others that perturbed the peace of the Realm. (41) The Earl Martial, this while had by force resumed a Castle, which he had a little before surrendered to the King, which stirred the King to gather his forces at Gloucester, and thence to advance towards Wales. But the Earl had politicly barred the Country of all Provisions, for man and beast, that the King was feign to strike aside to Grosmont Castle; where the Earl, with his Confederates and the * Doct Pow. hist. Cambr. p. 289. power of Wales, so awaited their time, that assailing the King's Camp unawares, there were taken about five hundredth horse, with the Sumpters, riches, and carriages of the Army; upon which loss (his men also greatly scattered) the King leaving * Viz. jo●. de Monmouth. Ralph. de Thorney. two noble Gentlemen with the Poictovins, to make good the Marches against the Welsh, returned more empty and inglorious then before. The Earl found them work, whom the King had left behind; and (as he was a man of no less courage then deep wit,) whereas Baldwin de Gisnes (the valiant Flemish knight) with a thousand Horsemen, thought to have surprised him, who having but a tenth part of that number, came to view the Castle of Monmouth; the Earl alone defended himself against The Earls great courage and agility. twelve of his enemies; and when his horse was cowardly slain by them, he pitched one of them by the leg out of the Saddle, and leapt into it himself, never giving ground till his Army came to the rescue, and obtained a fair victory, with the slaughter and captivation of many Poictovines and others. His other exploits in and about Wales, were not few nor unfortunate; if it were not only in this, (as what indeed could be more grievous or unglorious to a noble mind?) for that his Sovereign was upon the contrary side. (42) The King about this time, to strengthen his life and State, with the prayers of Beneficiaries, and other devoted affections, founded the * Now the Rolls in Chancery Lane, Stows S●r●ay. house of Converts, where such as forsook the judaical Superstitions, had provisions for maintenance under a sober rule and ruler; he also erected and endowed a * Saint john's Hospital by Magdalene College, the first stone whereof was laid by the king himself. Rossus Lowliness opinion of K. Henry's Almesdeedes. Mat. Paris, D. Powel. hist. Camb. pag. 292. famous Hospital at Oxford, both for the entertainment of Foreigners and Pilgrims, (who thither much frequented,) and for relief also of such as were diseased: So that Leoline Prince of Wales, (the Earls chief Confederate) when he was threatened sore, if he would not live in quiet, did not speak more magnificently of charity, then honourably of the King; I more fear (quoth he) the Almesdeedes which the King doth, than all the men of war which he hath, and the whole Clergy, put together. (43) The Earl marshal increasing in strength and hatred against such as were the King's reputed An. 1234. An. reg. 18. Seducers, makes spoil and booty on their possessions, and joining with the power of Leoline, puts all to fire and sword, as far as Shrewsburie, part whereof they burned to Ashes, and sacked the residue. The * Rog. Wend. King then at Gloster for want of sufficient Forces, departed thence (greatly grieved) to Winchester, abandoning those other parts as it were to waste and ruin. It therefore seems, that he was not The King gives way to the fury of the rebellious. grown stronger or richer, by the displacing of Hubert Earl of Kent, and the rest, and by taking new into their rooms, who commonly bite and suck hard till they have glutted themselves, (if at leastwise there be any satiety in avarice) whereas the old officers, having provided in a sort▪ for the main chance, have the less reason to be grievous. (44) Therefore the Lion's skin not being large enough for the Bishop of Winchester, and his factious purposes, they piece them out with the Fox's case; an inevitable stratagem is devised. The Earl Martial had in Ireland all the ample Patrimonies of his Grandfather, the famous Strangbow. To make that member of his strengths improfitable, if not also pernicious, they devise certain letters directed to Maurice Fitz-Gerald (Deputy justice of A practice to ruin the Earl Marshal. Ireland) and other principal men, who held of the Earl. In them they signify, that Richard, once marshal to the King of England, was for manifest treason by the judgement of the King's Court, banished the The pestilent tenor of the letters. Realm, his Lands, towns and Tenements consumed with fire; other his Hereditaments destroyed, and himself for ever disinherited; that if upon his coming thither, they did take him either alive or dead, the King did give them all the Earls lands there, which now were forfeited by virtue of his Attainture; and for assurance that the said gift should continued firm and good, they, by whose advise the King and Kingdom were governed, faithfully undertook. To these letters (which the Monks call bloody) they caused the King to set his Seal, as they themselves also (being eleven) did theirs; upon receit of which lines, the parties signify back under the seal of secrecy, that if the Contents of those letters were confirmed by the King's Letters Patents, they would perform that which was desired. The Letters patents be made accordingly, and * Ro Wend. MS. Mat. Paris. having fraudulently gotten the Great Seal from Hugh Bishop of Chichester, Lord Chancellor, who knew not thereof, they make them authentic with the impression. (45) The King's mind therefore being still exulcerated Alexander Bishop of Chichester cleareth himself from disloyalty. towards the Earl Martial, he grievously charged Alexander Bishop of Chester, that he had too much familiarity with the Earl, affirming that they sought to thrust him from his throne; the Bishop to clear himself from so heinous a scandal, puts on his Episcopal habit, and solemnly pronounceth all those accursed, who did but imagine a wickedness of so foul a nature, against the Majesty or person of the The English Bishops deal with the King about redress of the common evils. King: and thereupon by the intercession of other Prelates, he was received into grace. The King was then at Westminster; where Edmund the Archbishop of Canterbury elect, with other his Suffragan Bishops, bewailing the estate of the kingdom, present themselves before him, telling him, as his loyal Liegemen, that the Counsel of Peter Bishop of Winchester, and his Complices, which now he had, and used, was not ●ound nor safe, but cruel and perilous to himself and Objections against the Bishop of Winton and the Poictovines. his Realm. First, for that they hated and despised the English, calling them Traitors, turning the kings heart from the love of his people, and the hearts of the people from him; as in the Earl Martial, whom (being one of the worthiest men of the land) by sowing false tales they drove into discontentment; 2. that by the Counsel of the same Peter, his Father King john first lost the hearts of his people, than Normandy, than other lands; and finally, wasted all his treasure, and almost England itself, and never after had quiet; 3. that if the Subjects had now been handled according to justice and law, and not by their ungodly counsels, those present troubles had not happened, but the kings lands had remained understroyed, his treasures unexhausted; 4. that the King's Council is not the Council of Peace, but of perturbation; because they who cannot rise by Peace, will raise themselves by the trouble, and disinherison of others; 5. that they had the treasure, Castles, Wardships, and strengths of the Kingdom in their hands, which they insolently abused to the great hazard of the whole estate, for that they, made no conscience of an Oath, Law, justice, or the Church's censures. Therefore we, o King (said they) speak these things faithfully unto you; and in the presence both of God and man, do counsel, beseech, and admonish you, to remove such a Council from about you, and (as it is the usage in other Realms) govern yours by the faithful and sworn Children thereof. The King in brief answered hereunto, that he could not suddenly put off his Council, and therefore prayed a short respite, till The outrages of the Marshalline faction. their accounts were audited. Meanwhile the behaviours of the Marshalline faction (having this backing at Court) grew more and more intolerable: for while the King was at Huntingdon, the Lord Gilbert Basset and others, set fire upon Alckmundbury, a Town belonging to Stephen de Segrave, the flames whereof were seen of the owner, being then with the King at Huntingdon. They also took prisoners upon the Welsh Marches, and according to the Law of War (which, saith one, is * Qu● exlex est. Math. Paris. lawless) did put them to their ransoms. The King facile in taking and leaving favourites. (46) Nothing had hitherto preserved the King more, then that he could, without great grief forego any favourites, if he were nearly pressed; the contrary quality whereof hath been the cause of final desolation to so many Princes. For albeit the choice of Counsellors aught to be free, yet by common Of Prince's Counsellors and Favourites. intendment, they should be good; or howsoever they are, or are not, it is madness to hazard a Crown, or lose the love of an whole Nation, rather than to relinquish or diminish a particular dependant. The rights of amity aught nevertheless to remain inviolable, but in such distance, that the public be not perverted, nor interuerted for a private. The King therefore, in this point not unfortunate, commanded Bishop Peter to betake himself to his residence at Winton, without once meddling The king remove● the Bishop of Winch●ster and others from hi● Council. England purged from Po●●●ovineses. in affairs of State; but against Peter Rivallis his Treasurer, he was so vehement, that he swore, he would pluck out his eyes, were it not for reverence of holy Orders; commanding also their Poictovines to departed the Realm, never to see his face more. (47) Then are the Archbishop of Canterbury with the Bishops of Chester and Rochester sent into Wales to pacify things there. But the invincible Earl Martial had now crossed the Seas into Ireland, to take revenge for the spoils and disseisures, which his hired enemies had made in his lands there; by whose plots, according to that secret agreement, he was The Earl Martial dieth in Ireland. finally taken, and died of a wound given him in the back, as he with admirable manhood defended himself. His Body was buried in Kilkennie, (which pleasantly-situated Town our Sovereign, King james erected into a City,) where himself in his life had appointed, in the Oratory of the Minorites: in which Town, as yet some small tokens of this great name are remaining; for in the East window of the Abbey-Church of S. john Baptist, and in the Abbey of S. Dominicke, the ancient Armouries of * Party per pale, Or & vert, over all a Lion ram▪ pant, gules. Marshal, Lord of Kilkenny, are yet extant. The Patrimony of this Earl was shared by the Contractors according to the purport of the Letters patents: but when the King heard of his death, he (to the wonder The king laments the Earl's death. of all that were by) broke forth into tears, bewailing the loss of so brave a Knight, affirming that he had left no Peer behind him in the Kingdom. A blessed King, saith Paris; to love even those who had offended him. Ann. 1235. (48) The Archbishop of Canterbury with the other Bishops, repaired to the King at Gloucester, upon their return from Leoline Prince of Wales, who pretended he could not conclude, till the King had received into grace such of the banished Nobility, with whom himself had been confederated during the late displeasures. The King hereupon The king calls home his rebels. moved with Pity, sends forth his Proclamations, that all such as were outlawed or proscribed, should be at Gloucester upon a certain day, there to be received into the King's favour again, and to have restitution of their inheritances; but jest they might suspect any evil measure, it was ordered that they should be in the Church's protection, and come under the safeconduct of the Archbishop and the other Prelates. Thither at the time and place limited Hubert de Burgh is reconciled. doth Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent (and lately chief justiciar of England) repair; upon whom, by mediation of the Bishops, the compassionate King looks graciously, receiving him in his Arms with the kiss of peace; in like sort was the Lord Gilbert Basset, and all others of that fellowship, received into favour, their several livings and rights fully restored; and both Hubert and Basset admitted to be of his Council. And, that nothing might be wanting to make the joy universal; Gilbert, Brother Gilbert brother to the late Earl Martial hath his brother's lands & honours. to the late Earl Martial, had the whole Earldom conferred upon him with all the lands and rights thereof wheresoever, notwithstanding the foresaid treacherous conveyance; whom also the King made Knight at Worcester, and delivered into his hands the Rod of the Marshalship, according to the custom. Howbeit in all these points the King may seem but to have temporised (as thereto driven by overbearing inducements) or else greatly afterward to have changed his judgement, because he openly at one time * Math. Paris. ad An. 1239. called the said Richard a bloody Traitor, and caused this Gilbert to be forcibly kept out of the Court upon a Christmas day. (49) Upon this reconcilement the practice, by The practice to destroy the late Earl Marshal openly read. which the late great Marshal was destroyed, and his possessions dismembered, came to light; the copy of the letters, which had been sent into Ireland, being by commandment of the Archbishop of Canterbury, openly read in the presence of the King, the Prelates, Earls and Barons. It moved tears in all of them; the King with an Oath affirming that he knew not the contents of the said letters, though by the urging of the Bishop of Winchester, Rivallis, Segrave, Passeleu, with other of his Council, he had caused his Seal to be put unto them. At the sound of Summons to make their several appearances, the Malefactors take Sanctuary, the Bishop and Peter de Rivallis in Winchester Church, Segrave in Leicester Abbey, Passeleu in the new Temple, and others otherwhere. In the end, upon the intercession of Edmund Archbishop of Canterbury, who piously endeavoured to extinguish all occasions of further dissension in the Kingdom, and undertook they should have a lawful trial, the delinquents appeared at Westminster before the King, who * Rog. de Wend. M. S. Math. Paris. sat in person with his justiciars upon the Bench. Peter de Rivallis was first called (for the Bishop came The king sits in Westminster with the judges on the Bench. not,) whom the King shot through with an angry eye, saying; OH thou Traitor, by thy wicked advise, I was drawn to set my Seal to these treacherous letters for the destruction of the Earl Martial, the Contents whereof were to me unknown; and by thine and such like counsel, I banished my natural Subjects, and turned their minds and hearts from me. By thy bad counsel, & thy Complices, I was moved to make war upon them to my irreparable loss, and the dishonour of my Realm, in which enterprise I wasted my treasure, and lost many worthy persons, together with much of my royal respect. Therefore I exact of thee an account aswell of my treasure, as of the custodies of Wards, together with many other profits and escheats belonging to my Crown. Peter denying none of the accusations, but falling to the ground, thus besought him. My Sovereign Lord and King, I have been nourished by you, and The king himself gives sentence on the Bench. made rich in worldly substance, confounded not your own Creature, but at leastwise grant me a time of deliberation, that I may tender a competent reason for such points as I am charged with. Thou shalt (said the King) be carried to the Tower of London, there to deliberate till The Bishop of Winchester went to Rome, for he was in Pope Gregory's Army against the mutined Romans, say both Wendover and Paris, ad An. 1235. I am satisfied. He was so, Stephen de Segrave, the Lord Chief justice (whom the King also called most wicked Traitor) had time till Michaelmas to make his accounts, at the Archbishops and other Bishop's humble entreaty; and for other matters, he shifted them off from himself, by laying the blame upon such as were higher in place than he: into whose office of Chief justice, Hugh de Pateshull is advanced. The like evasion Robert Paslew had, by leaving the fault upon Walter Bishop of Carlisle, who was above him in the Exchequer: and thus were these civil enormities reform, not without reducing store of Coin to the King. (50) As those continual turmoils, and plagues of the Sword, much afflicted the land, so this was the third year, wherein God inflicted also for sin, The divine virtue of charity actually commended by God. the plague of famine, whereby the poor did miserably perish, there being no Samaritan to pay for their harbouring, or to anoint their wounds with the oil of consolation. Our Authors, to make manifest, how odious the merciless heart is in the sight of God, relate a story of that time with protestation, that they do it, jest so memorable an example should be in time forgotten. Certain * Of Albolde●●ea a village in Cambridgeshire. poor, while as yet the Corn was green, plucked the ears in the common fields, to sustain their lives; whereupon the Owners call on the Priest, to curse all such as had so done: but one in their company adjured A miraculons confusion of hard heartedness toward poor Christians. the Priest in the name of God to exempt his corn from the sentence, saying, it pleased him well, that the poor driven with famine, had taken his corn, and so commended that which they had left to God. The Priest, compelled by importunity of the rest, was entered into the sentence, when by a terrible interrupting tempest of thunder, lightning, wind, hail, and rain, all the corne-fieldes about were desolated, as if they had been trodden down with Horse and Cartes; that no kind of beast or fowl would feed upon the corn thus laid. But (as say our Authors out of the * Mat. 5. 7. Scripture) seeing * God hath a care of the liberal. they who are piteous found mercy, that honest and compassionate hearted man, found all his corn and grounds (though interlaced with theirs,) altogether untouched and unharmd. Whereupon (say they) it is more clear than any light, that as glory to God on high is sung of Angels, so there is peace on Earth to men who are of goodwill. This dearth was in An. 1235. An. reg. 19 France and Gascoigne aswell as in England. A jewish impiety may well be annexed to want of Christian Charity. There were brought before the King at Westminster seven jews, who circumcised a Child, and purposed in contempt of The jews conspire to crucify a child. Christ and Christianity) to have crucified him in Easter at Norwich. The Emperor marrieth the king's sister. (51) These now calmer times, were made more happy, by the marriage of the Emperor Frederick with the Lady Isabel, the King of England's sister, a beauteous young Lady about twenty years of age. The messengers arrived in March with the emperors letters, closed under a Seal of gold; and there were sent to conduct her over, the Archbishop of Colein, and the Duke of Louvain. The King brought her to Sandwich with about three thousand horse in his train; and being imperially furnished with all worldly abundance, she took shipping in May, and in one days and one night's space arrived at Antwerp, a City of the Empire, & was every where most magnificently entertained; The magnificence of the Nuptials. her sweet humility, and excellent beauty, drawing all to love and honour her. At the solemnity of her * At Worms in August. marriage were present three * Rog. de Wend. MS. Mat. Paris. Kings, eleven Dukes, thirty Marquesses & Earls, besides the number of great Prelates. On whether superstition, or observation, of the Emperor is noted at this marriage, that he forbore the Empresses company, till a Marriage consummated by calculation of the Stars. certain hour, which his Wizards or Astrologers had assigned, and in the morning he caused her to be carefully tended as a woman with child, and sent word to his brother the King of England, that he should have a son, so skilful or confident he was; and God did favour his judgement, for it proved so. This Imperial affinity gave a * Rog Wendover in hist. MS. in Biblioth. D. R●bert● Cotton. Baronet●i. worthy Historian occasion here to display and emblazon the Majesty and glory of the English Princes; but amongst them all, none were higher advanced than the Children of King john, one of whose sons was now a * K. Henry 3 of King, the other afterward chosen to be an * Richard king of the Romans. Emperor, and one of his daughters a * Joan Queen of Scots. Queen, this other (here mentioned) an * Isabel. Empress. And here doth Wendover end his history, to whom we have hitherto been beholding for his labours, sorry we can enjoy his good company no longer. (52) There were spread through England about this time certain Roman Usurers called * Quasi Capiente● ursi, devouring Bears, quoth Paris. Caursini, who had entangled the King himself, most of the great men, and all others as had to deal with the Court of Rome, in their cunning snares. Their first entrance into England was some few years past, when the Pope requiring the * Mat. Paris. tenth of all movable goods in England, Ireland and Wales, towards his wars against the Emperor Frederick, sent Stephen his Nunce hither to collect it, * Idem ad An. 1227 who brought with him that race of devo●ring-monsterss under human shape, called the * Jbidem. Pope's Merchants, under colour of supplying with money such as wanted present pay. The * Paris ad an. 1234. Pope's continual angariations and extortions, under colour also of the Turkish wars, kept these men (if men) still in use here in England, to the * Mat. Paris. extreme beggaring of infinite numbers, who were inveigled (either by persuasion, or craving, or commanding or comminating, or excommunicating,) to give way to the Pope's unsufferable extortions, all men wondering into what bottomless gulf that huge Mass was put, which the Pope's Factors had gathered, wherewith all men's hearts were deeply wounded, for that all this unvaluable A zealous course to repress cruel Usury. treasure never was employed to any public use, or honour of the Church. Roger Bishop of London (a learned and religious Prelate) burning with zeal of Christian charity, seeing the numbers and mischiefs of these execrable Usurers, thus still to increase, first admonished them (whom he reputed no better than schismatics) to repent, and leave that wicked trade of life. But when he found them deaf to all advise, armed with the weapons of spiritual justice, A time when Londoners were not Usurers. Mat. Par. he openly pronounceth them accursed, precisely commanding them to pack out of LONDON, WHICH TILL THAT TIME KNOWN NOT WHAT SUCH A PLAGVE MEANT, lest his flocks should be infected therewith. But so Apostolical and holy a remedy Paris. took not such effect as it deserved; for they swelling with pride and presumption on the Pope's patrociny, easily procured from the Court of Rome, that the old sickly Bishop should be peremptorily cited to appear in the remote parts beyond the Sea, there to answer for that injury An. 1236. An. reg. 20. which he had offered the Pope's Merchants. (53 The King being now in the best strength of his years, took to wife the Lady Elinor, second The King marrieth. daughter of Raimund Earl of Province, which he had by the daughter of Thomas Earl of Savoy. A Ypod. Neust. Mat▪ Paris. Lady about twelve or thirteen years of age, and altogether as beautiful and princely, as she was young. Her father, by * Paul. Aemil. in Lud. 9 reason of wars which he had with the Citizens of Massilia his subjects (who upon pretence they were oppressed, sought to drive him out of all his territories) was but a poor Prince. Nevertheless it was the happiness of his four daughters (whose Parentage adorned with The Queens other three Sisters had Kings to their Husbands. rare beauty, and fashioned with excellently-vertuous education, made them fit Brides for any Princes in the world) that each of them had * Io. Til. Cron. a King to her Husband. The Elder was married to Lewis the ninth King of France; Elinor to the King of England; Santia (or Cynthia) to Richard his brother King of Romans; Beatrix to Charles the French Kings brother, King of Sicilia. The Nuptials were accomplished at * Ypod▪ Neust. Westminster; where also she was crowned Westminster in London. Mat. Paris. Queen with incredible state and splendour, the King himself wearing his Crown also. The Citizens of London are noted of much serviceable forwardness and magnificence at this royal feast. The City was adorned with silks, banners, Crowns, Pals, Tapers, Lamps, and with * Prodigiosis ingenijs & portent●. certain wonders of wit and strange shows; the Citizens richly attired and well mounted, met the King on horseback. At the Nuptial dinner, the Trumpets sounding before them, they came in, carrying three hundredth and threescore Cups of gold and silver, to serve the King and that noble Company with wine, according to their duties at Coronations. The King had twice or thrice before attempted to marry, but God ordained otherwise till now; and it was a match made principally after the manner of honest private persons, for love; and not as heads of public Bodies use to do, for seeming worldly strengths and profits. It was also begun and concluded without the privity of the States. The Emperor soon after requested the King to sand him his brother Richard, Earl of Cornwall, to make him General against the French, whereby the English also might recover their right: but the Emperor was desired to choose any other; for him the States of his Realm, (which were assembled to consult thereupon) would not forego, because he was but young, and next heir to the Crown, if the King should die without children. This answer was given to the emperors Ambassadors at Merton near London; Now corruptly called Martin Abbey in Surrey. where also the Statutes, called of Merton, were at the same time enacted. New alterations in Court. (54) The humorous Lords began now again to relapse into their wont giddiness, taking it in great indignity, that the King was so much ruled by his wives uncle, William de Valentia; in so much that the King withdrawing himself into the Tower of London, thither none of the Lords would come. Upon better advice therefore he returns to his Palace; where some great Officers and others were Mat. Paris. put from the Privy Council and their places, not without the admiration of many. But the Bishop of Chichester, chosen Lord Chancellor in the King's minority, being required by the King to deliver up the Seal, refused; alleging more stoutly then loyally, that as he had received it with the public allowance of the Parliament, so without the same assent he would not resign it. Which thwart of his Peers and Prelates, incited the King (it seemeth) to resume again into his favour some of those his Counsellors Rivallis and Segrave taken again into grace. which he had formerly discourted, as Peter de Rivallis, and Stephende Segrave. But (whether on discontent hereof or not) Richard the King's brother (whose service was formerly denied to the Emperor,) the Earl's Marshal, Chester, * Hist. Camb. pag. 296. Mat. Paris. Lincoln, and Sarisberie with many other honourable Soldiers assumed the vow to fight in Palestine against God's enemies, for accomplishment whereof they departed thither * Ypodig. Neust. the second year after. Meanwhile the King to secure himself from dangers nearer home, travails toward York to settle a peace between himself and Alexander King of Scots; who, the rather upon Confidence of Leolins' amity, (which toward the English was but * Vmbratilis & semper suspecta Mat. Paris. shadowy and always suspected) demanded Northumberland. Nevertheless by the wisdom of friends, & moderation of both the Princes, they parted in peace, the King of England being elsewhere to lay out lands to a certain * Fourscore marks ye rely saith Paris in one place, but in another three hundred pounds lands (of assize.) value, lest he should dismember his kingdom by foregoing so great and necessary a frontier. The Scottish King claimed that County from King john, who by his deed enfeoffed him thereof, as in portion with his daughter which King Alexander had married. (55) Peter Bishop of Winchester (removed formerly from Court by the working of the English Bishops and Lords) being crazed and sick in body returned about Michaelmas from foreign parts; soon after which (as if that Bishop had brought them with him) Paris notes, there ensued great rains, and extraordinary land-floods: Though * holinsh. p. 223. indeed he was a man of great wisdom, and dexterity in handling weightiest affairs: he also built sundry Monasteries, and besides other his worthy deeds, he left his Bishopric so furnished at his * He died An. D. 1238. having been Bishop 32 years. death (a precedent which few of his successors have followed) that there was not so much diminished of that which he found at his entrance, as the very * Then belike he left very poor and old Cattles. Cattles which served to draw the plough. An. D. 237. (56) The King whose treasures were exhausted with payment of his sister's portion ( * john Stows Annal. thirty thousand Marks) to the Emperor, and otherwise, called a Parliament at London, where he could not obtain any * Tricesimam bonorum partem supplies from the States, but upon * Mat. Par. confirmation of the national Privileges of England formerly granted, and upon acceptance of the Earls of Warren and Ferrars, and john Fitz-Geoffrey into his most inward Counsels; whom the King (merely enforced to satisfy his People) caused to swear The King for supply of money drawn to severe conditions. to give faithful Counsel, and to forswear all corruption or sale of justice; and finally he conditioneth, to rely wholly upon his natural Subjects for advise, leaving all others. The money gathered (the severest and most mistrustful point of all,) was not to be paid into the Eschecquer, but to be deposited in some religious house, or fortress of every County, to be expended in the general services of the Kingdom, as occasion required; so that if the king Leoline Prince of Wales makes voluntary homage. failed to perform his part, every man should have back what he had disbursed. One great and ordinary cause of waste, seemed now taken away, for that Leoline (who had * Hist. Camb. pag. 297. first taken homage of all his own Barons) did * Mat. Paris. voluntarily yield to hold his whole Principality of the Kings of England; moved thereunto (though with much mislike of the Welsh) to strengthen himself against his son Griffin, who greatly infested him, being also assailed with a palsy. (57) There is in Matthew Paris much complaint Complaint of the Kings reign more grievous than just. of the State of England at this time, which by the King's flexibility (saith he) was become the ordinary prey, sometime of one sort of strangers, and sometime of another, Poictovins, Italians, Alemaines', and Provincois. Indeed the Genius, and common humour of a Nation, is not easily alterable: and our Misoxenie (or hatred to Strangers) was no new quality, for * Britanni hospitibus fe●i. Horace noted it before or about Christ's birth: and Englishmen can hardly see when they are well to keep them so. But no kind of Strangers at that time more infested England (saith our * Paris. hist. ma. Monk) than the Romans, of which here swarmed three sorts, Usurers, which were the Pope's Merchants, Italian Clerks, most vile and illiterate persons, which armed with the Pope's Bulls possessed themselves (against all right of Privileges) of spiritual revenues, and if any withstood them, they were by the Pope's own warrant excommunicated; lastly, the * Firmarij & Procuratores Rom. Paris. Farmers and Proctors for the Romans, who cunningly scraping together whatsoever was of price in the Land, sent it over Sea to the Masters, who there lived in deliciousness on the Patrimony of him that was crucified, and in pride on other men's goods. Insomuch, that holy men with heart-breaking●, tears, and * Singultu cruentato. Paris. deadly groans, professed it was better for them to die, then to see those miseries on their Nation and holy men. So that the daughter of Zion was become like an impudent Harlot. And as these Papal Engines dealt here in England, so did they with others * A Monk's testimony of Rome's usages. at Rome, the Governors of that Church not seeking to win men's souls, but their money, oppressing the religious by punishments, usuries, & Simony, without any care of justice and honesty. Which made the Greek Church at this time to fall quite away, and oppose itself against the Roman. Doubtless England had no less cause so to do, than had the Greeks; but as Pope Gregory knew that his only way to keep England fast, was to hold close with the King; so the King also saw no way to strengthen himself against his Barons, but by holding in with the Pope, though with so many unsufferable mischiefs. And for some such purpose of the Kings, Mat. Paris, newly now arrived Cardinal Otto, the Pope's Legate, greatly against the liking both of the Peers, and of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who not only reproved the King thereof, as of a thing dangerous to the Kingdom, but soon after also took his journey to Rome, to make some complaints, neither would he stay, though the Legate recalled him by his authority, which ever after caused much hatred betwixt them. Yet sundry good offices were at first performed by the The king of Scots a peacemaker between the king and his mutinotis Barons Legate. The treaty of peace begun between the two Kings of England and Scotland at York, was again resumed in the same City, where Otto interposed himself toward making a final agreement, which ensued. There were also assembled the Earls and Barons, who by the princely offices * Hector Boetius lib. 13. saith it was at London. of Alexander King of Scots, were reconciled to the King their Sovereign, if this be the time which Boetius means, and not the next year. Otto had formerly accorded many of them among themselves, whose disagreements had emperild the State of the Realm, so that for a time nothing but calmness and amity appeared. Yet soon after they stormed to see the King so * Mat. Paris. addicted to the will of the Romans, especially the Legate, for which, Richard Earl of Cornwall reproved him, as carrying himself more like the Pope's Pensioner then a King. Notwithstanding the King was so provident of his State, that the Legate calling his * At Paul's in craft Oct. S. Martini. national Council, thither came from the King, john Earl of Lincoln, john Fitz-Geoffrey, & William de Kele a Canon of Paul's, to forbidden the Legate The king forbids him to touch the rights of the Crown. on the behalf of the King and Kingdom, not to attempt any thing against the Clown or royal dignity. An. 1238. (58) Simon de Montfort (afterward created Earl of Leicester) had now wrought himself into such favour, that the King with his own hand secretly gave Elienor, (widow of the last William Martial Earl of Pembroke) to him in marriage, notwithstanding that she had vowed herself a Nun. Ypodig. Neust. ad An. D. 1239. When this was once known to Richard Earl of Cornwall, and the angry Lords, they all took such snuff thereat, because they were not first consulted with, in regard the King had promised to do no weighty matter without them, that none but Hubert The Earl of Kent only stands for the King. de Burgh Earl of Kent adhered to the forsaken King. The head of this defection was the Earl of Cornwall, of whom men generally had hope, that he would now free the Land from the miserable oppressions both of Romans and other Strangers. Him therefore the Legate undertakes, but found him stiff and untractable at first. For when he truly and fatherly told him: That if all the people of the land rose against the King, yet he being his own brother aught always to stand fast with him against the whole world, and not to make himself Captain of the enemies, etc. The Earl roundly replied; * Mat. Paris. p. 451. & 452. That none aught to marvel, if he being the only Heir apparent, had a care of the kingdoms state, when there was no treasure in the public coffers for defence thereof, though it were environed with enemies: That it was moreover wondered at, for somuch as the King his brother did most stand in need of help, and good discretion, that he would not take example by such as were wise; as neither of the Emperor, who having married their sister, retained her with him, but sent back all that attended her, not giving to any of them either lands or money, although himself did abound in both; nor the example of the King of France, who took the same course though he married the eldest sister of the English Queen, etc. The Legate upon these and many other shrewd sharp speeches, takes with him Peter Bishop of Winchester, and deals with the King, who required time to answer; which the Lords granted, and met at London strongly appointed upon the day. There, while the quarrel hung in suspense, Simon de Montfort had with money, fair words, and much entreaty of Mediators, reconciled himself to the fierce young Earl, and so also had john Earl of Lincoln, another mark of the public envy. This practice (which Earl Richard The combination of the Lords broken. entertained without his Confederates privity) had profitable effects; for the controlling Lords lost thereby their General, and he greatly weakened himself in the opinion of the Lords and People; both which were points of advantage and safety for the King. But Simon feeling himself as yet upon no sure ground, left his wife with child at Kenilworth, not ceasing, till by the favour of the emperors letters and * So said the king himself of that dispensation Paris. excessive bribes, (by which justice was overcome, and made captive to the Roman avarice) he had obtained at Rome a dispensation for that marriage, which yet was * William de Abendune, & Peter Lombar. apud Mat. Paris. doubted, whether it could be lawful, because she had taken the * holinsh. p. 222. colum. 6. ring, though neither the habit of a Nun, nor the vail. Howsoever, the King did afterward suddenly break with him, objecting that Montford had * Mat: Paris. p▪ 480. first corrupted her, and he to cover his Sister's shame, was content to give her in Marriage. The King in danger to have been murdered. (59) While the King and his Queen abode at Woodstock, a Traitor was apprehended, who upon examination, confessed that others had vowed the same, and that he was sent out of Ireland from William the son of Geoffrey de Marisco (one of those Patentees, which hoped to share in the lands of Richard late Earl Martial) to commit that * Math Paris useth this word. assassinate upon him. This execrable wretch having been a Courtier, and one of the King's * Polyd. Virg. lib. 16. Armiger quidam literatus, saith Paris, but pag. 566 ●the same M. Paris aith his name was Clement, and a Clerk. Knights, supposing to have found the King in his own retiring Bed, had about midnight gotten in at the Chamber window; but God (in whose special protection, the lives 〈…〉 are) disappointed him, for the King was elsewhere in bed with his Queen. Nevertheless he gave not over, but with naked knife in hand, sought up and down in some other Chambers. One of the Queen's * Margaret Biset. gentlewomen (sitting late and very devoutly at her book by candlelight,) at sight of the furious villain, with her The Traitor drawn in sunder with horses. shrieking noise wakened the King's servants, who starting out of their Bed, laid hands upon him; & afterward he was drawn in pieces with horses at Coventree. And worthily: for (as * Holinsh. p. 123. a vulgar Chronicler hereupon saith truly,) in wounding and kill a Prince, the Traitor is guilty of homicide, of parricide, of * Because Kings are anointed. Christicide, nay of * Because in holy Scriptures they are called Gods. Deicide. William de Marisco, who was said to be the instigator of this Treason, knowing his danger, become a Pirate & fortified the Isle of Lundey in Severn, where he did much mischief, the situation of that little Island being * Mat Paris. ad A. D. 1242. inexpugnable. At length he was surprised therein, and sixteen of his Complices, who all of them after conviction were put to death at London. William to the last gasp denying his privity to the former▪ treasonous attempt of kill the King. About the time of the King's danger at Paris. Woodstock, the Legate was in very little better case at Oxford, where being at first honourably by the University entertained in Ousney Abbey, the pride of his Romans there proved so intolerable, that a troop of the younger Students, provoked therewith to arm themselves, not only slew the Legates own brother, but would have done the like with the Legate himself, Idem. whom they termed an Usurer, Symonist, Rentraker, Money-thirster, perverter of the King, subverter of the Kingdom, enriching strangers with spoils of the English; but he lurking in the Belfry, at midnight escaped over the river (not without danger of drowning) and fled to the King for his protection. For which outrage, the King sending the Earl of Warren with an armed band, * In Walling ford Castle. imprisoned about 30. of the offenders, and the Legate interdicted the University, till all the Bishops of England (purposely * 16 Junii, Lon●ini. Paris. meeting in a Synod) pleaded for the University, as being the second of Christendom: to whose importunity the proud Legate would not condescend, unless all the Bishops would yield to go on foot with the Students from Paul's Church to the Legates house, (which was about a mile,) who there ungowned and unshod, should humbly crave absolution; which accordingly they performed. Ann. 1239. (60) The Legate was (not long after) called home by the Pope, * Mat. Paris. upon notice of the scandal daily given in England, by the unsatiable avarice of the Romans; but by the earnest workings of the King, who feared jest his great ones would rise against him, he was detained as a necessary evil to establish the good of Peace. For it was in a manner taken up for a fashion among the Lords, to glorify themselves with the senseless multitude, by seditiously disparaging and taxing the King's discretion and government, being far too gentle and amiable for spirits so perverse and insolent; which might well force his loving nature, to seek kindness Great faults in the Lords towards the King. and advise among strangers, seeing he could not have it for any his deserts among the home-born. A great reason why (perhaps) he did some few things rashly and passionately enough: it being a thing forcible to distemper a very wise man, to have so many imperious censors to observe his actions, and few to humble their abilities to obsequious services, all bearing themselves rather like Tutors or Controllers, then like Subjects or Counsellors. About which time, one William an ordinary Calumniator, and accuser of great men to the King, was for that impious practice condemned to die; though he sought to piece out his days by the help of new appeachments and Worthy justice done upon a Court-Rat or Promoter. false criminations; but that being discovered, he was hanged upon a Gibbet in London. Now also the King began to smell out the undirect and faise dealing of his beloved Legate, whose familiar friend (Peter Saracen) being taken Captive by the Math. Paris. Emperor, and to pay 10000 l. Sterling for his ransom; the shameless Legate counseled the king to bind himself and his Crown for that payment. Whereby the King perceiving what toils were laid to entrap him, (the Romans not caring what loss happened to the Kingdom, so they might be gainers) (wore in great rage, that it repent him he had ever admitted the Legate into the land, to dissipate the wealth thereof. But the Bishops of the land meeting in Council at London, to redress the oppressions of the English Church, told the Legate flatly, that the Romans importunity had so long exhausted their church-good, that they would no longer endure it. These English repentances seem somewhat too late; but that providence which the King of Scotland soon after used, was, as more tempestive, so more commendable, when meeting the same Legate (for now into Scotland he is going to gather coin) he denied him entrance into his Kingdom, telling him, he was the first Legate which ever entered that Kingdom; yet by entreaty to save the Legates credit, he was permitted; first making a declaration, that his entrance should never go for a Precedent of any after; whereto the Legate should put his Seal at his departure; but having gotten what he came for, he suddenly stole away without leave of the King, and carried his writing with him. By all which vile and indign usages, a man might thiuke the Church of Rome did purposely strive to draw the hatred of all nations against her; especially, sith (as we showed) the Greeks were fallen from the Roman union, so now the Church of Antioch had both excommunicated Allegations for Antioches Primacy above Rome. the Pope, the Church and Court of Rome, and challenged the Primacy above the Pope and the Roman Church, as being an ancienter See, wherein S. Peter first sat Bishop for seven years; and more excellent and dear, sith there Peter lived with love and reverence, whereas both he and Saint Paul were continually persecuted in Rome; which Church was now also defiled with Simony, Usury, Avarice, and other heinous offences. (61) But (doubtless) it was worthy of reproof in the King; that after so manifold trials of faith Hubert Earl of Kent tossed with a new Court-storme. and constancy in Hubert Earl of Kent, he should now again afflict his honourable old-age with reviuall of accusations, when he rather aught to have tendered him as a Father. Among other the Articles (engines of vexation) which the King bend against him, these were 3. new ones, by which any reasonable man may take a scantling of the rest. 1 That Hubert had taken the money out of the barrels Strabo. which were sent for the relief of Rochel and Poictou, and stuffed them with sand. 2. That to dissuade a great Lady A strange description of a king. from marriage with the King, he had said the King was a squint-eyed fool, a lewd man, and a kind of leper, deceitful, perjured, more fainthearted than a woman, only terrible to his own friends; and utterly unfit for any fair or noble Lady's company. 3. That at Wodstocke, when the King was alone, he rushed in with a naked knife to murder him: Which and many other accusations the Earl did modestly and clearly refute. But with the last (being most wicked of all) he was so grieved, that making low obeisance to the King, he could not forbear to say, that he was never traitor to his father, nor to him, which by God's grace did well appear in the King: as if he should have said, (quoth Paris) That of the Earl would have been a Traitor, the King had never obtained the Crown. This seems to have been a public trial, upon a Suit or Action of trespass, brought against the Earl by the King in the King's Bench, at which trial the King himself was also present. But howsoever the Earl answered, he was condemned to give to the King * Ypod. Neust. four his * Mat. Paris. dearest Castles, Blanch Castle, Grosmount in Wales, Skenefrith and Hafeld; and then also (as it seems) he was * Cambden Brit. in Kent. this man died An. D. 1243. deprived of his Title of Earl. An. 1240. (62) After so many mischiefs patiently brooked, at last the King upon receipt of letters from the Emperor (whom as his brother in law, he was loath to offend,) commanded Otho the Pope's Legate, in regard of the great enmities between England a most Christian Country. the Pope and Emperor, to departed out of England. There was also straight commandment given to the Italian Usurers, to leave the most * Mundissimam terram. Paris. pure earth of his Realm (meaning that his own people was most innocent and free from such a sin,) but (saith * Paris. one, who durst writ any thing he thought) by giving the King money, which is too much used to justify the wicked, they for a great part remained still, as loath to forsake such fat pastures. And the Legate himself also stayed so long, till the Pope by wily inducements▪ and * Jmperatoris literae apud Paris. forged calumniations had drawn the King, both to relinquish the Emperor his brother in law, and to suffer the Papal Excommunication to pass here against him, and money also to be gathered to his impeachment. A brief taste of all the Pope's proceed against this glorious Emperor, An. 1241. we may take from the Nobility of France, who (when the Pope offered the Empire unto Robert the French Kings brother) in their grand Council refused to accept it, charging the Pope with the Spirit of audacious rashness, for deposing the Emperor, not convicted of any fault, and whom a Geverall Council only aught to censure, not the Pope, to whom no credit aught to be given, being his Capital Enemy. For that themselves knew he was a virtuous and viclorious Emperor, and one who had in him more religion than the Pope had. Our Legate Ottho (who now at length is go) was no sooner departed, but Peter of Savoy the Queen's Uncle arrived, to whom the King gave the Earldom of Richmond, and entertained otherwise most magnificently. This and the like largesse to strangers, drew on the King much evil will, who also in favour of his Queen, procured her Uncle Bonifacius to be chosen Archbishop of Canterbury in place of * Edmund a Saint, thoughdying an Exile in detestation of the Pope's oppressions. edmund, who weary of his life in England, by reason that he could not redress the Pope's detestable exactions and oppressions, made choice of a voluntary Exile at Pountney in France, where he died with the honour and opinion of a Saint. An. 1242. A. reg. 26. The King goes to recover Poictou. (63) The King's employments hitherto have (almost wholly) been taken up either in the impatiency of civil disturbations, or in the too-patient sufferance of some foreign grievances, nourished within his Kingdom; which gave him perhaps little leisure, mind, or means, to pursue any transmarine design. But now better provided with money, then with men, (and yet not sufficiently with money) he takes ship immediately after Easter towards Poictou, where the Earl of March (now husband to Queen Isabella his mother) expected his arrival. He committed the Government of the Realm in his absence to the Archbishop of York. Thirty Hogsheads or * Cadum. Barrels fraught with sterling money were shipped for that service. There also went with him Richard Earl of Cornwall, (who was returned with much honour out of the Holy-land not long before) and seven other Earls with The French Kings preparations to resist. about three hundredth Knights, besides other soldiers. To resist the English, the King of France (who had given Poictou to his brother Alfonse) assembled an Army royal of four thousand men of Arms, excellently well appointed, and about twenty thousand choice Soldiers; with a thousand Carts to carry their other necessaries. King Henry understanding that the King of France lay before Frontenay, (a Castle belonging to the Earl of March,) seeking to force it by assaults, sent a messenger of defiance to him as a breaker of Truce. Lewis a most just and valiant Prince, denied that ever he broke the truce, but that the King of England by maintenance of his Rebels, did rather seem to infringe the Peace. Nevertheless he offered (so as the English would not protect his enemies the Earl of March and others) to give him Poictou, and a great part of Normandy, in satisfaction of his * Vide supra at his departing from England. Father's Oath, and moreover, to enlarge the last truce with a longer term of years. These so honourable, safe, and profitable conditions, by the practice of the Poictovines (who feared the French Kings indignation would prove too heavy for them to bear, if the English abandoned their cause) were unfortunately refused. (64) When the French King heard hereof, it repent him that he had humbled himself so far; telling his Lords, that he neither feared his cozen A most Christian fear of the Christian King. of England, nor all his forces, but only that Oath, (for restoring of the lands in France) which his father made when he was in England. This scruple did so trouble the King's mind, on the behalf of his dead Father, that he would admit no comfort till one of his Lords told him, that the King of England, by putting Constantine Fitz-Arnold to death, for having spoken some words in honour of King Lewis (his Father) had first broken the truce. This satisfied the French. That whole business is thus concluded by * Jo. Tili. Chron. Tilius; Hugh Earl of March overcome with the pride and persuasions of his wife Isabel, would not do homage to Alfonse the French Kings brother: for she was a cause to draw the English thither, where things thriving on his part but meanly, Hugh is constrained in the end to do both homage and fealty unto Alfonse. This only must be added, that he did unfaithfully provide for his private safety without the knowledge of the King of England, at such time as he * Math. Paris. pretended otherwise. Jsabel Queen Dowager forgeth writings to draw her son the King into France Mat. Par. p. 570 (65) This treachery lost the King all Poictou, for whereas he principally took care for money, presuming upon the Earl for men, when it came to the point, the Earl was not only not provided, but swore by the throat of God, he never promised any such matter, and denied he had set his Seal to any writing concerning such promises, and that if any such sealed writing were (as the King and his brother the Earl of Cornwall affirmed) their mother his wife had forged it. They were now in sight of the French Host before Tailbourg in Xainctoing when this improvident expostulation was made. The King of England manifestly seeing his peril, and having by his brother Earl Richard's mediation (whom many of the Poictou lost by the English. French did greatly honour because he had by composition been a mean at his arrival to free them from the Saracens in the holy-land,) raised his camp by night, and retreated with much more hast then good speed. Not long after this, the fair City of Xainctes in Xainctoing, upon displeasure conceived by the Citizens against the King, because he had given the same to the Lord Hugh his half-brother Xaincts' also and Xainctoing (son to the Earl of March) first contrived a perfidious revolt so closely, that if first the said Lord Hugh, and then Guy de-Lusinian his elder brother, had not in good time signified the danger, the King and all the English had been surprised by the French. There was none (among all the mutable Poictovins) found respective of honour and loyalty, but only one called Hertold, Captain of the famous Castle of mirabel, who in great sorrow repaired to the King of England, praying counsel and assistance, where the King with a downcast look gave him this answer: Thou dost see (o Hertold) that my forces The French Earl of March compared by the King to judas. Her●old an example of loyalty. are scarce sufficient to defend myself. Our Lord and Saviour was betrayed by his Disciple judas, and therefore who shall be safe? Behold the Earl of March, whom I took and reverenced as my Father, hath given a pernicious precedent. I have trusted in a staff of reed, and the splinters thereof have wounded my hand. Thou art the only man who haste behaved thyself honestly: whatsoever therefore thou dost possess of mine by any just title, take it to thee as thine own, I give it thee: Provide otherwise for thyself, as thou dost think it most expedient. The King of France, in whom all magnanimity, bounty, and Christian virtues did shine, hearing what Hertold had said and done, commended the man, and manner so highly, that, saying, He loved and allowed such as he. The Castle was entrusted back to the same Captain, when with many tears and other signs of sorrow, he had surrendered himself and it to Lewis. The farther prosecution of that war was impeached by sickness and penury which sore afflicted the French army. An overture The great Lords return and leave the King. therefore for five years truce being made, Lewis returned into France, and Henry to his City of Bordeaux in Gascoigne, where his Queen Elinor (who bore him Prince * Prince Edward borne at Westminster, An. 1239. in July. An. 1243. An. reg. 27. Edward about two years before) bore to him a daughter called Beatrix. (66) Mean while the King looking carefully into the double dealings of the Poictovins, who were the limitanie or border-subiects of the English dominions in Aquitaine, and by a nature proper to free Marchmen which lie between the hammer and the Anvil, are enured to all sorts of devices how to save themselves and delude others, wisely withdraws his * 7000 I sterling besides the Earl of Marches huge sums. The Poictovins policy in this last war to deceive the king of his money. large Pensions, which they by deep dissimulations and improfitable shows of assistance had shared among them, for which they repaid nothing but secret scoffs of their Patron and Paymaster. The Earl of March whatsoever his Fees were from the King his Son in Law, made but an evil bargain in the end: for, besides that the French King took from him no small portion of his Estate, he was openly appeached of Treason in the French Court, by a valiant Knight, who offered to prove the truth of his accusation by Battle. Isabella, whom the French in passion called jezabel, because her pride and turbulent practices had procured all those evils, fled upon the news to a Nunnery. In the end yet her husband being aged, by the diligence & care of friends avoided the Combat, and was suffered to return home. The king (whose coming had been long expected in England) having ordained one Sir Nicholas de Molis his * The King lands at Portsmouth in October. Lieutenant in Aquitain, is now under Sail, although the Gascoigns, because his presence was greatly beneficial, had sought all the ways they could to detain him longer. Being returned, by reason of that unadvised and losseful voyage into France, he was compelled to be burdenous to his Subjects, aswell by the levy of Escuage, as of loans and otherwise. The jews also The prodigality of king's ends in the rapine and spoil of the Subject. felt the gripe of his wants so far, that even Christians commiserated: whose gold he received with his own hands, but their silver by others. These and other importunate corrasions, were not made only to fill up such breaches as the French affairs had produced, but also to spend in entertainments and shows. (67) Neither will the Majesty and honour of the Kingdom permit, that such kinds of expense should be wanting, when public occasions do require; in which respects they are not only useful, but absolutely necessary, because Commonweals are partly founded upon the opinion which Subjects and neighbours have of their power and riches, and their estimate is commonly made by that which is outwardly seen at such times. This care, besides the great love he bore to his wives kindred and Countrymen, made him purvey for money in this manner; for in December the Lady Beatrix Countess of Province * Stow in his Survey, p. 367. saith she was mother to 5. Queens, adding to the 4 forementioned, joan married to Philip king of Navarre. Richard the king's brother marrieth the Queen's sister. mother to the Queens of England and France, having with her the Lady Cincia, Cynthia, or Scientia (for by all those names she is called in Authors) and a princely train in all points excellently well furnished, landed at Dover, where innumerable of the best sorts gave her welcome and attendance. London was hung with rich Ornaments, from the Bridge thereof to Westminster This noble young Lady Cincia, was brought hither to be married to Richard the King's brother Earl of Cornwall: At whose Nuptial feast, there were thirty thousand * Fercula. Messes provided in the Cookery only, and of all other things there was incredible plenty. All which notwithstanding did manifestly prove (as Paris saith most truly) that the world A mortifying truth concerning the world's vanity. is but a very juggler, and the pomp thereof but an idle shadow, seeing the next morrow blew away the whole variety of so great preparations, like as if it had been a Cloud. Nor much unlike is the life even of greatest An. D. 1244 Princes, which hangeth on very untrusty terms, as Griffin, eldest brother of David Prince of Wales did Griffith elder brother to the Prince of Wales casually broke his neck. found, when hoping by a chain of Blankets, and such like stuff to escape out of the Tower of London, where the King had imprisoned him, the line breaking, he pitched upon his head, which the weight of his great body drove (as it were) into his shoulders, and miserably slew him. The King therefore punishing the Keepers for their sloth, commanded that the Son of Griffith (prisoner with his father) should from thenceforth be more narrowly watched. Not long after the which, David Prince of Wales provoked by wrongs, (chief done by the * Mat. Paris. p. 62● Trouble's upon the Marches of Wales. Earl of Hereford) invaded the English Marches, whom the Earls of Gloucester and Hereford, and other mighty men in those parts, having the King's consent and assistance, did withstand, yet fight but with variable fortune. It was Prince David's purpose to have freed himself from the obedience or tenure which he had acknowledged to the King; for which purpose he exhibited his * D. Powel. in hist. Cambr. p. 308. complaint to the Pope, pretending that the King of England compelled him unjustly to hold his Principality and Lands of him. But the King's credit, cause, and workings, easily overweighed the Prince of Wales, and prevailed. (68) The States of the Realm were in those days nothing suppling, when the King sought to handle them for money: for he about this time labouring to draw some from them, upon faithful promise to keep and observe the liberties, unto which he had sworn at his Coronation, and whereof he had granted his Charter, they besought him to remember, The free answer of the Lords to the King's demand for money. how often he had wrung from his faithful liege people (whom he aught to cherish, not utterly impoverish) without performing his promise. That forthwith after the taking of Bedford, he had Carrucage, that is, two shillings upon every Ploughland; the next year after, a fifteenth of all their Movables: upon his passage into Britain, no small sums of money from the Prelates, Religious orders, Burgesses and jews: after his return, he had Escuage, that is, upon every Shield (or knight's Fee) three marks: then a fortieth part of all their Movables: within a while after a thirtieth part; The Catalogue of pecuniary aids in 28 years reign. By and by, for the marriage of the Lady Isabella to the Emperor, two Marks upon every Ploughland; at his sons birth, he by Presents heaped up no small store of money. Again, when he went into Gascoigne, he raised almost infinite heaps of money from all sorts of Subjects: upon his return, where he had been deluded and dishonoured, he fleeced all manner of Subjects. They now also (under the name of aid for the They grant him new supplies. marriage of his eldest daughter) granted him upon every Knight's Fee, which held of the King in chief, twenty shillings, the one half to be paid at Easter, the other at Michaelmas. But (say they) how well the King will keep and fulfil his undertakings and promises, in requital of the past and present contributious, he only knows to whom nothing is unknown. But such as traveled to strengthen the Pope's designs▪ with collections of money among the English Clergy, found a stern and constant opposition, no● only for that they were unwilling, but also for that the Emperor had written to the King in 〈◊〉 phrase, that if he suffered any such matter, he would not fail in grievous sort to punish all the English he could get, in revenge of that partiality. (69) About which time many seditious persons were in the Court of England, which * Hect. Boetius lib. 13. & cap. 15. in Bellind. trans. hoped that war with Scotland would bring them this commodity, that the oppressions they did to the people should rest unpunished; for Laws and justice have no place in time of battle. Their hope thus took Mat. Paris. beginning. Alexander King of Scots had married the Lady Mary, a goodly Gentlewoman daughter to the Lord Ingelram de Cowcie, who (as all Frenchmen) being a deadly enemy to the King of England, had laboured to weaken that strength of amity, which was between the two Kings of England and of Scots, as a point necessary or profitable for the tranquility of France. Their hope thus had ending; the said Ingelram by the stumbling of his horse in a Ingelram de Cowcy hanged in his stirrup, drowned, and run through with his own sword all at one time. Ford, being cast out of his Saddle, and pitched into the depth of the river, while his foot hung fast in the stirrup, his sword at the same time falling out of his sheath, and running him through, did most strangely end his life by a triple death, with whom it seemed the humour of battle between the two sister-Nations likewise died: for not long after, (notwithstanding the great preparations on both sides) all quarrels were absolutely * At Newcastle upon Tine. concluded, with relation to such Articles as had been formerly made between them at York. The King of England had with him five thousand horsemen most fairly armed and appointed; besides a most puissant number of serviceable men on foot. The Welsh troubles. Welshmen feared and expected that upon this agreement, the King would turn all his forces against them; but he knowing it needless to use such numbers for that service, sent only three hundredth men of Arms, under the conduct of Sir Hubert Fitz-Mathew, to repress their attempts, but through their own rashness, & the Welshman's valiancy, he and his people were with loss at that time scattered. The news of this bad success troubled the King nearly, for final remedy whereof, he resolved to lead a full Army thither. But when, The King seeks in vain to draw the grant of more contribution. to furnish this design he prayed more Subsidy of the States of his Realm, they with one voice and with one mind contradicted; though also his debts to Merchant-strangers for wines, and other necessaries, were so many and so continually called for, as he could scarce pass abroad without their clamours. Nevertheless, the news which he received out of Aquitaine, where his Seneschal Nicholas de Molis had won the day in a battle against the King of Navarre, did somewhat mitigate the sourness of these overthwarts; and for replenishment The Kings wants supplied by rapine. of Coffers, Robert Passeleu so ordered the matter, by fining such as had encroached upon the King's Forests, that he unexpectedly began again to make them overflow. (70) The great helps which the King found by An. 1245. the new supply of his Treasure, made him daily consider, how to augment the same, and how to stop all undue Outlets, by which it was ordinarily impair●●. Upon the departure of Ottho the Pope's Legate, who had well stuffed his own and his Master's Coffers, (and had no less filled the People's hearts with repine, and their mouths with curses of him) there was some hope the Romish Horseleeches would for a while have left sucking the best juice of the land; but it proved otherwise, new Agents, Legates, & Factors, Mat. Paris. still coming over, as if England had been a Well which could never be drawn dry, and Rome a bottomless gulf which could never be filled full. Whereupon, before this, the King writ his letters both to this Pope, and to his Predecessor Gregory 9 desiring Idem. them to surcease from thus afflicting England with their exactions; but neither one nor other of them would vouchsafe to bridle their own wilful motions, as if God and Saint Peter (whose steps they follow not) had even bend their bows against that Church of Rome. With which contempt the King had the more reason to be incensed, because the Pope had endeavoured to free David Prince of Wales from his homage Then by the Pope's own rule K. john's submission was of no force. made to King Henry, pretending that if it were done by fear or force, it was of no force but utterly voided. Notwithstanding the Pope seeing the King and State resolved to the contrary, was desirous not only to hold fast the King's goodwill, but also to The Pope desireth to come into England. come into England; to which purpose he caused his Cardinals to writ their persuasory letters to the King, as a thing tending much to his safety, and to his kingdoms Mat. Paris. immortal glory, to enjoy the Lord Pope's presence, who did long to see the delicacies of Westminster, and the riches of London: but the king's Council told him, that the Romans rapines and Simonies had enough stained England's purity, though the Pope himself came not personally to spoil & prey upon the wealth of this Church and Kingdom. The like denial of entrance he had found both in France and Arragon, it being said, that the Pope was but like a mouse in a sachel, or a snake in ones Idem. bosom, who did but ill repay their Hosts for their lodging, & the infamies of the Pope's Court deserved no other whose filth (saith our Monk) sent forth a esteem & stench as high as the very Clouds. The Pope, though he could not come himself, yet he had his pipes & conducts to convey this stench into this land, and the wealth of it back in am thereof. Which was now so factoured by his Chaplain Martin, that certain of the Peers commiserating the incessant depredation of the land, took order for strict watch at all the Ports in England, that all letters coming daily from the Pope to pick men's purses, should be stopped. But soon after a more general redress was intended against so unmerciful tyranny: the King finding by diligent inquiry in every Shire that the annual revenues here, wherewith the Court of Rome had fraudulently and violently enriched Italians, amounted to threescore thousand Marks, to the great both wonder and anger of the King; which made him now begin to detest the insatiable greediness of the Court of Rome. Hereupon, for that the Pope had now summoned a General Council at Lions, Ambassadors were thither sent, there publicly in the name of the whole Kingdom, both to complain and crave redress of the Popes too long suffered extortions, (which were particularly there rehearsed, and which as being detestable to God and man, they would no longer endure;) and to disavow all subjection unjustly pretended from King john, as whereunto both the then Mat West. Mat. Paris. Archbishop openly contradicted, and the Nobles and State never consented nor ever would. The Pope (ashamed belike to be so taxed in so great an assembly) is noted to have sat long silent, not so much as lifting up his eyes from the ground, till at length he cut off their importunity with this brief answer, that so difficult a matter would ask longer deliberation; which vain delay so enraged Earl Bigod, and the rest of the King's Agents, that with threats and terrible oaths, they swore to remedy that themselves, which the Pope would not. And indeed the Nobles at home had already begun so to do; having commanded Martin (the Pope's Agent) to departed out of hand, for if he stayed, he and all his company should be cut in pieces; who presently packing away, (the King also wishing the Devil to take him, having thus preyed upon his land) so enraged the Pope with tidings of this usage, that his Holiness said; it is high time that we make a quick end with the Emperor, that so we may crush these petty Kings (meaning the English and French, who both denied him entrance into their land) who spurn against us; for the great Dragon being once crushed, those lesser poor snakes will soon be trodden under. (71) The Welsh affairs by reason of the casual death of Fitz-Mathew growing daily less tractable than other, the King again prepares to repress their insolences in person. Before he sets forward, he came into London to the Church of Saint Paul, The King preparing to invade Wales, useth the Londoners familiarly. to the intent that before his departure he might take his leave of the Citizens in a popular and loving manner. And because neither war nor want could make him forget his magnificence, and bounty, he caused the East-part of the great Church at Westminster to be taken down, and by advise of expert Workmen newly to be builded The effect of the king's journey into Wales. and joined to the West. The effect of the King's expedition into Wales was, that after he had fortified the Castle of Gannocke in North-Wales, upon the passage into Anglesey, and by the Irishmen wasted that fertile Island, he was himself enforced by sharpness of the weather, and for want of victuals to return about the end of October, having taken all courses he could to starve the Welsh, forbidding the Irish upon pain of death to bring any relief into Wales; and jest that they of Cheshire, or the neighbour parts should give them any succour, he so spoiled them of all their provisions, that they were scarce able to feed themselves; and if the Welsh compelled by famine ventured out of their strengths or fastnesses, in or about Snowdon, the Garrison Soldiers of Gannocke were ready to intercept and kill them; and on the other side the Lords of Brumfield and Powys, though Welshmen, * Hist. Camb. held with the King, so that they were miserably straightened. The King pawned his jewels to his brother Richard at this journey for 3000. Marks, which holp to piece out the charge thereof. Paris hath a long list of great names, which dying about this time, left neither name, nor issue to preserve the memory of their Greatness; but none so strange as of the Marshals, five brethren A judgement of God on a withholder of church lands. of them successively Earls of Pembroke, and all dying issueless; which he attributeth to the judgement of God, for the iniquity of their Father, and of themselves, who would never restore certain Manors, which their Father in warre-time had taken in Ireland from the Bishop of Ferns, an holy Irish man, who often required restitution, and for want thereof, did put them under God's curse and his. * Gyrald. Cambren. One doth indeed observe, that the Irish Saints are vindicative; but certainly the examples of punishments for Sacrilege, and violent extortions are terrible in holy Scripture; and most fearful was the sentence itself which Gods Prophet pronounced against Ahab for * 3. Reg. cap. 1. vers. 21. Naboths vineyard; agreeing with the very plague which this year fell upon the house of Martial. An. 1246. A. reg. 30. (72) The Pope's fury was now so much inflamed against King Henry and the English, for so disgracing him publicly in the General Council, * Mat. Paris. that he used lofty threats, if once the Emperor were quelled, to tame England also; and whetted on the French King, to enter on the land, promising him all the helps of The French King rejecteth the Pope's motion as unchristian. the Church and Papal power. But the just King, not only refused so unjust an offer, (as having no title to England, themselves also knit by kindred, and by truce, their Queen's being sisters, the attempt bloody for Christians, etc.) but further ratified the former truce, and enlarged it with the addition of more years, because King Lewis was prepared to make war against the Infidels, which voyage King Henry would not hinder, but advance. And that nothing might disturb the peaceful life, with which the King of David Prince of Wales. England was most delighted, David Prince of Wales departed out of the vale of the dying, (as Paris elegantly saith) into the vale of the dead. The King seeing all things quiet and safe about him, doth now convert his whole cares to the reformation of the inward maladies of his dominions, calling the estates of the land together for that purpose. To whom he there delivered in writing, sundry * Articuli super Gravamin. apud Paris. Articles of the grievances and oppressions of his Kingdom and the Church. 1. that the Pope extorts great Contributions of the Clergy, without the King's assent, against the rights and liberties of the Kingdom. 2. that Patrons cannot bestow Church livings on fit men; but the Pope gives them to his Romans, who can speak no English, (nor celebrated divine service, nor preach, nor keep hospitality, nor care for souls, etc.) but only beggar the Land with carrying away the Coin. 3. that the Pope's Provisions and Pensions are unsufferable. 4. that Englishmen are drawn forth of the Land to end their causes. 5. that the Pope by his non obstante overthrows Oaths, Customs, Charters, grants, Statutes, Privileges, Rights, etc. whereupon, the King, Bishops, Nobles, Abbots, and Priors, did all writ * See their several Letters in Paris. their several complaints to the Pope, requiring speedy redress of those infinite wrongs to the King, the Kingdom, the Clergy, the Nobles, and the People, who would rather die, than thus daily endure those oppressions. Notwithstanding sundry Prelates (either out of ambition or fear) underhand furthered the Pope's desires, when secretly he craved an annual tallage of the Clergy for maintenance of his Soldiers; and that the State should take no notice thereof, the Pope caused his Agents to make them * Math. Paris. swear not to reveal this their Contribution to any man living for the space of half a year. Yet the King came to the knowledge thereof; and sent forth his writs, forbidding under great penalty that the money should be carried forth of the Landlord This the King's displeasure was much augmented upon the return of his messengers from the Council of Lions, who related how proudly the Pope rejected the just complaints of the State, saying, the King himself did Frederize, and holding his People as Schismatics. Which incensed the King to publish his Proclamation in Every City and Town, that none of his subjects should dare to contribute any money to the Pope: but it came to no effect, for that some * Pâpalium Episcoporum. Mat. West. Popizing Bishops and ambitious Clerks (of his Council) fearing the Papal threats, where no cause of fear was, drew him to leave his purpose womanly, which he manfully undertook. (73) The Bishop of Worcester (a principal worker herein) was said to * Paris. have had authority from the Pope to interdict the land, which perhaps was it which the King so greatly feared, and which the Monk said, was not worth the fearing. The Earl of Cornwall also with others (who favoured not the Emperor Fredericks cause) laboured to change the King's mind, so that the wont extortions were as current as ever; insomuch that a * Johannes Anglicus. Cardinal truly told the Pope, that England was to the Pope as balaam's Ass, which being so often wronged, spurgalled, England the Pope's Ass. and cudgeled, it was no marvel, if at length she opened her mouth to complain: and for themselves and their Roman Court, they were like Ishmael, * Genes. 16. 12. every man's hand against them, and theirs against every man. But if we Ann. 1247. should so often insist on the relation of this kingdoms distresses, as the pope's endless Corrasions from year to year, and the States remediless complaints give us occasion, we should but cloy the Reader with rueful matter, which * Mat. Westm. Math. Paris. joh. London▪ etc. Monks themselves have mournfully and copiously indited unto us, and set forth the too servile affections of our own Ancestors, who still entered new consultations about the disease, but never brought the medicine unto a perfect receipt. For upon fresh angariations from Rome, the King * Ju Crastino Purificationi●. again assembles his State to think of redress, * Ibidem. the commonwealth, as well of Laity as Clergy, being brought to the point of utter desolation, as the like was never heard in any age, whereof they again made their lamentable complaint to the King, whose duty it was to protect the land from such wrongs and dangers. Their only remedy was, again to writ letters to the Pope, which slender means he could as slightly put off; and though (to stop the clamour for the present) he promised never to sand any Legates into England, but on entreaty of the State, yet daily did he sand his raking Clerks, with the power, though not the Title, and Ensigns of Legates, both into England and Ireland, so to delude the King, and still purloin his Subjects. An. 1248. A▪ reg 32. (74) The State of the Kingdom still requiring reformation, there assembled again at London certain Prelates, Earls and others, at the King's commandment, where after so much purloining by others, now the Kings own errand and affairs was to get money for himself. But they (who gave such way to the Pope's collections) were now all The seditious Nobles expostulate their grievances with the King in stead of granting money. close-handed, and open mouthed; for, besides their undutiful upbraiding the King with some oversights▪ they untruly and seditiously charged him to have done contrary to the example of his magnificent Predecessors, in that his chief justice, Chancellor and Treasurer were of his own choosing, and not by the Common Council of the Realm, as they aught. The King inwardly touched herewith, yet seeing no other help, promiseth redress and change for the better. Whereunto they answered; that they would expect a while with patience, and as the King shall carry himself toward them, so will they perform their obeisance to him. So the meeting was adjourned from that Candlemas till Midsummer; at which time also there was nothing done, but all parts rose discontented. The cause of that discontentment was, for that the King, in stead of satisfying their audacious demands, answered them, That they sought to bridle him at their surly pleasures, proudly forbidding that in him, which was lawful for themselves. For that every private man may use, what, and whose Counsel he list; every master of a family prefer or remove what officers in his house he list; which yet they saucily denied unto him, their Lord and Sovereign, as if Servants and Vassals were to rule their Lords; whereas indeed he is no King but a servant, who must bow at others beck. That therefore he would neither place nor displace either Chancellor, justiciar, or Treasurer as they thought good. Nevertheless he required money at their hands, to recover such foreign lands as concerned aswell them as him, to see it done. The king driven to cell his jewels and Plate to the Londoners. Hereupon the Parliament broke up, and the King was left to furnish himself otherwise so well as he could, even by sale of his jewels, Plate and other precious stuff, after a dishonourable manner. A. D. 1249. An. reg. 33. (75) The affairs of Gascoign (which one Guasto de Biard had greatly troubled) by the manhood and Simon Earl of Leicester returns with honour out of Gascoign. wit of Simon Earl of Leicester were now brought into better quiet, which made his presence (being returned, as it seemeth for more supplies, which went again with him) very acceptable in the Court of England. The King intending to furnish that enterprise afresh against the coming spring time, left no means unthought of, which either by Art or strong entreaty he could use, to replenish his exhausted Coffers. In which he embased too much the Royal name and dignity, telling some (and perhaps truly) whose bounty he craved, that it was more alms to aid him with money, than one that went begging from door to door. Meanwhile the king neglects not his administration of justice; for, whereas the Hampshire purged of thieves by the King himself sitting in judgement. whole County of Hampshire swarmed with felons and murderous robbers, himself so ordered the matter, sitting in person in Winchester Castle, that the infamy and danger of those places were cleared by hanging the Offenders; many of which were very wealthy, and some the kings own servants. Walter de Clifford also (a Baron of the Marches of A. D. 1250. A. reg. 34. Wales) for enforcing an officer (whom he had otherwise handled badly) to eat the kings writ, wax and Walter Clifford makes an officer eat the kings writ, wax and all. all, ran so far into the king's displeasure thereby, that while he lived, he was made the less able to feed himself; paying to the king a very great sum of money, and hardly escaping without confiscation of his whole patrimony. The king desirous to be friends with the Citizens of London, to whom of late he had been overhard, publicly reconciled himself unto them, whom for that cause he had commanded to appear at Westminster, and there immediately received the badge of the Cross at the hand of Boniface Archbishop of Canterbury; but whatsoever his intention was, it never came into action on his part. In the mean time contrary to his Forefathers example, he so much abridged the The king lesseneth the charge of his Household. expenses of his house, and his Alms, that he underwent some dishonourable imputation. Nevertheless he wisely wound himself out of many a Merchant's debt; whereto he wrung great helps from the jews, (as the ordinary Clippers and defacers of his Coin,) and the forgers of seals and Charters; from one of whom he had at times drawn thirty Thirty thousand marks wrung from one jew in a few years. thousand marks Sterling, besides two hundredth marks in gold. (76) It seemeth an inseparable quality in his nature, to be extremely violent, in doing whatsoever he had a mind to do, and that sometime without the due respect to secular Majesty; as in the Course he took for advancing his half-brother Aethelmare to the Bishopric of Winchester. For not contenting himself to have sent his messengers to the Covent by them to work the election, he came thither in person, where the Chapter being set in the Cathedral Church, he entered, and placing The king preacheth to the Covent. himself in the Precedents seat, makes to them a speech in the nature of a Sermon, taking for his Theme those words of David: justice and Peace kiss each other. Whereon he showed them, That, whereas justice belonged to him, and to such as had the rule of Nations, and to the Clergy calmness and Peace, both these should that day kiss together, if they elected his brother for their Bishop: For which he gave them many reasons, but concluded, if they did otherwise, they should feel his Princely displeasure. When therefore they published to the King their Choice, they did it with this reservation (because Aethelmare was to remain under the title of the Elect of Winchester, for that he was not a Priest) if such an election might stand by law, or lawful favour. But the Pope, who meant to make his advantage hereof, as well as the King, exacted of him for confirmation of the same election, five hundredth Marks of Church revenues, to be passed over unto the Earl of Burgundy's son a child; which makes * Paris. the Monk to break forth into this bitter lamentation; OH Pope, the Chief of Fathers, why dost thou suffer thus the Christian world to be defiled? worthily, worthily, therefore art thou * The pope was now fled from Rome 〈◊〉 fear of the Emperor. driven out of thy own City and See, and like a runagate and another Cham, art enforced to wander up and down. o God, thou God of just revenge, when wilt thou draw forth thy sword to imbrue it in the blood of such oppressors? Though in these universal abuses, the Pope would neither redress himself nor others, yet God raised up a stout and learned Prelate, Robert Grostest, Bishop of Lincoln, who undertook to reform the Monks and Friars; but they (who knew Rome was from the beginning * Livy. Asylum Latronum) appealed to the Pope. Whereupon the aged Bishop going to his holiness, told him that all offenders escaped, by his opening his bosom to such as brought him bribes; who snapping ●im up with angry Countenance and speech, sent him home with reproach. The Pope was at this time at Lions, where not long after the Council breaking up, Cardinal Hugo made a Sermon of farewell to the Citizens; wherein, amongst other benefits which the Pope's lying in their City had brought them, he told them this was a * He calls it a profitable Alms. deed. Paris. Principal, that whereas at their coming there were three or four Whore-houses in the Lions, now at their departing they left but one, but indeed that reached from the East-Gate of the City to the West. Whereby we see, France had some part of the Pope's Alms, as well as England. An. 1251. A strange description of the King's parsimony or poverty. (77) The King now wholly intent upon increase of treasure, neither gave any rich presents according to the ancient Custom of England, and also shorteneth yet more the allowances of his household and entertainments, without any regard to Majesty or rumour. And to spare his own charge the rather, he invites himself sometime to this man, and sometime to that, but no where contenting himself with his diet & hospitage, unless both he, his Queen & son Edward, yea and chief favourites in Court, were presented with great and costly gifts, which they took not as of Courtesy, but as due. This was the unhonourable face of the King's estate at that time. But in the depth of his wants and rigour of his parsimony, he could not shut up himself against the suits and advancement of his Poictovines and Provincois, so that it was become a common murmur in England; Our inheritance is converted to aliens, and our houses to strangers. The matter seemed the more grievous, for that their pride and violence were intolerable. About this time the clause Non obstante (brought in first by the Pope) was taken up in England by the King, in his grants and other writings, as * Notwithstanding any former commandment. Non obstante priore mandato, Non obstante * Or former privilege. antiqua libertate, etc. This our ancient Author calls an odious and detestable clause: and Roger de Thurkeby justitiar, fetching a deep sigh at the sight thereof, cried out both of the times and it, saying, * Mat. Paris. it was a stream derived from that sulphureous fountain of the Clergy. (78) Another of the King's justiciars, and a learned Knight, Sir Henry de Bath, (whose Lady, because herself was well descended, filled him with pride,) was so confidently greedy, the better to satisfy her ambition, that in one circuit, he appropriated to himself above two hundredth pound lands. Corruption in justice (which must needs be suspected to be there, where excessive wealth is gotten by the Officers of justice) is but a sandy groundwork of a vainely-hoped greatness, and may well be reputed Sir Philip Darey appeacheth Sir Henry Bath a bribing sudge of treason. in the number of crying sins; and this moved a Knight, Sir Philip de Arci, to appeach him before the King, both for unfaithfulness in his office, and treason against the King. The King had no hold of himself, after he was once thoroughly kindled. Bath knows it, and therefore writes to his wives friends to come strong in his defence, that the King should not dare to call him to his trial; yet withal he seeks all secret means how to appease the King; who understanding of this combination, was the more inflamed. The Earl of Cornwall his brother could not appease him; not, not though he knit up his intercessions with these minatory words; We must not forsake Gentlemen in their right, nor in preserving the peace of the tottering The disorderly weak and violent carriage of trials. Kingdom. In March there was holden a Parliament at London▪ there the King caused Bath to be sharply prosecuted. Thither Sir Henry Bath repairs, strongly attended with Knights and Gentlemen of his own friends, and his wives, to daunt the edge of justice, which he deservedly feared. The accusations were many, (for all men were called to say what they could against him,) and among all, these two, most heinous: that he troubled the whole Realm, and stirred all the Barons thereof against the King, so that a general rebellion was to be feared, (which one of his fellow-Iusticiars did openly testify:) that he had for reward discharged a convicted Malefactor out of prison without punishment, in prejudice of the King, and to the peril of his associate justiciars. The King was so enraged herewith, that seeing no other way to punish him, being so strongly backed, he mounted into The King proscribes Sir Henry Bath. an higher place than before, and cries out, Whosoever kills Henry de Bath shall be quit of his death, and I here do acquit him; and presently departs. Nevertheless▪ although he left behind him many men, who would have readily executed the King's terrible doom; yet by the wisdom of Sir john Mansel, (one of the King's private Councillors) they were restrained. His words are worthy to be remembered; Sir john Mansel stays the King's servants from kill Bath. Gentlemen, and friends, it is not necessary for us to put that presently in execution which the King hath in his anger commanded. It may be when his wrath is overblown, he will be sorry he said it. Moreover, if any outrage be done to Bath, lo here are his friends who will take all sorts of revenge. Sir Henry escaping thus from so present a danger, found means upon promise of * Two thousand Marks. money and great mediation of friends, to obtain his peace & safety; for at this time, justice and all things grew saleable. The northeast part of Wales was committed to Alan de Zouch, who had it in Farm for eleven hundredth Marks yearly, whereas john de Gray (whom he supplanted in the place) paid but five hundredth: so * Additam. ad Math. Paris. An. 1252. miserable Wales was let out to such as would give most. (79) Alexander the third, succeeding his Father in the Kingdom of Scotland, coming in Christmas to York, there espoused, though very young, Alexander the third King of Scots espouseth the Lady Margaret. the Lady Margaret, daughter to King Henry. There were present the two Kings in person, with a most choice multitude of either Nation, the English being in number above a thousand Knights, beside greater States, as Prelates, Earls and Barons, and of the Scots about six hundredth Knights and Gentlemen, all of them well appointed. There was also two Queens, the Mother of the Bride, (who was to be Queen) and the widow ●or Queen Dowager of Scotland, who for that cause was returned out of France, attended upon in royal manner with many Lords and Gentlemen of France. The Scots were lodged in one place of the City by themselves. Upon Christmas day the King of England gave the order of Knighthood to the King of Scots, and at the same time to twenty others richly appareled. Upon the next day the princely couple were espoused. Take a scantling of the cheer and multitude of guests by this. The Archbishop of York, who was Prince (as it were) of the Northern Six hundredth Oxen spent at one meal●. parts (and the common host of all that most noble fellowship, which cost him about four thousand marks) gave toward that feast six hundredth fat oxen, all which were spent in the first general service; and whatsoever the vain * Mat. Paris. Stage-play of the world might afford either for pomp or delight, was there all enjoyed. Moore worthy to be remembered, than that magnificent gluttony, (the natural vice of these our Nations) was the orderly and no childish action of the young Bridegroom, in reconciling Philip Lovel (whom King Henry had lately fined and discourted for taking Bribes) to the King his Lord K. The young King of Scots a surer to the King for bringing Philip Lovel into favour again. Alexander undertaking the business, and finding a fit time, presents himself to the King of England upon his knees, holding up his hands, neither would he rise, though earnestly requested, but with a gesture which seemed to draw tears of joy and love from the eyes of such as * Circumsedentium sat round about, prosecuting his intent, saith; My Lord King, your Majesty knows, that though I myself am a king, and through your goodness honoured with the girdle of The most witty and princely insinuations of the young king, to the king his father in Law. Knighthood, yet that I am withal both a Child, aswell in age as in knowledge, and also an Orphan, my father being dead, and my mother leaving me, though at your sending for, she is now pleased to be present; therefore from henceforth, and for ever after, I here do take you, both for Father and Mother, that you may supply both their wants, and with your paternal care help & protect all mine insufficiencies. The King scarce able to refrain from tender tears, or to hold down his throbbings, said no more but only this one word, Willingly. The princely Child replied thereupon: I will make experiment of that, and know it by proof; seeing you have graciously heard me hitherto, in Philip Lovel reconciled to the king. trying whether I shall reap the effect of my first suit. Then he declared his request, and had it; so that Lovel was afterward Treasurer. (80) The State and fidelity of the Gascoignes was so desperately shaken and plunged by the revenges which Simon de Montford (to whom the king had given the government of their Country for six years,) had exercised upon them, for that they had accused him to the King of tyrannous & proditorious Simon Earl of Leicester rather to be called Sinon, as the Gascoigns said. dealing, and affirmed, that his name aught rather to be Sinon then Simon, that but for the vent of their wines, (in which respect their subjection to England was very beneficial to their Commonweal) it was thought they would generally have revolted. But the King though ready thus to lose Gascoigne, would yet needs hope to obtain Normandy, and his other lands in France without blows. The King of France (whose conscience was wonderfully tender and sincere) had indeed written out of Palestine to that purpose, as thinking King Henry's title was better than his own: but the French, among whom their King's misfortunes in the loss of Damiata in Egypt, (which was wholly * Per Papa a●aritia● tot●● e●e●it infortunium. Paris ascribed to the Pope's avarice, who for money released those who should have aided him,) had brought him into less regard than his excellent The Kings hope to recover Normandy frustrated. virtues merited, did universally and constantly refuse, adding, that before the King of England should have any more land among them, he must pass through a thousand sharp Lances, and a thousand bloody Swords when the Lances were burst. On the other side, the King of England was but in little credit with his people▪ for, whereas (by an agreement between the Pope and him,) the Tenths of the Clergy through England during three years should have been received toward his charges in his pretended journey to the Holy-Land, yet in a general assembly at Westminster very few were drawn to give their names to that service, notwithstanding that two Bishops and the Abbot of Westminster laboured in their Sermons all they could to stir the people to that martial Pilgrimage, and though the King himself in all their view took a most solemn oath, that within three year he would set forward; the only reason of their unwillingness growing upon suspicion, that he only sought (as the Pope had given him example) to draw by this colour the treasure of the Realm into his hands. This their diffidence of sincerity in him, made him the rather incline to foster and favour strangers, & that with a kind of pervicacie, though himself by manifold neglects of his word, had worthily bred that diffidence. (81)▪ The King could more hardly found followers The common opinion of the King's design for the holy Landlord in such an enterprise, for that his people had no conceit of his valour, but said: What reason encourageth him, who was never trained up in Martial discipline, nor hath managed an horse, nor drawn a sword, nor charged a staff, nor shook a Target; to hope for a triumph over the Saracens, against whom the Chivalry of France hath miscarried? or wherefore dreams he of recovery of more land, who could not keep that which he had in foreign parts? concluding, that he was a man only borne to drain their purses, to empty his own, and to multiply debts. This was the opinion of men, & behind his back; but not only of men, for Isabel Countess of Arundel, widow of Henry Earl of Arundel, a young Lady receiving the repulse at the A perilous bold Dialogue between the Countess of Arundel and the King. King's hands in a matter which she alleged to be hers in equity, durst say thus to his face: OH my Lord King; why do you turn away from justice? we cannot now obtain that which is right in your Court; you are placed as a mean between God and us, but you neither govern us, nor yourself, neither dread you to vex the Church diversly, as it hath not only felt in present, but often heretofore. Moreover you doubt not manifoldly to afflict the Nobles of the Kingdom. The King fired at so free a speech, with a scornful and angry countenance, answered with a loud voice; OH my Lady Countess? What? have the Lords of England, because you have tongue at will, made a Charter, and hired you to be their Orator and Advocate? whereunto the Countess replied: Not so my Lord, for they have made to me no Charter, but that Charter which your Father made, and which yourself confirmed, swearing to keep the same inviolably and constantly, and often extorting money, upon promise that the Liberties therein contained should be faithfully observed, you have not kept, but without regard to honour or conscience broken. Therefore are you found to be a manifest violator of your faith and oath. For where are the Liberties of England so often fairly engrossed in writing? so often granted? so often bought? I therefore though a woman, and all the natural loyal people of the Land, appeal against you to the Tribunal of the fearful judge, and Heaven and Earth shall bear us witness, that we are used unjustly, and God the Lord of revenges right us. The King abashed at these words asked her, if she did not look to obtain her suit upon favour, in regard she was his Kinswoman? whereunto she answered: That seeing he had denied that which the Law gave, how could she hope to obtain her suit by favour? Therefore (said she) I do appeal to the presence of Christ, against also those your Councillors, who bewitch and dull your judgement, and draw you out of the path of truth, gaping only after their own commodity. But the King (saith Paris) remained incorrigible, and the Lady lost both her charges, hopes and travel. An. 1253. An. reg. 37. (82) Thus harsh were the former years to the King and Kingdom: let us see what more gentle or rougher accidents rise unto us in the next. But it then the first little better appears; for the King having bought out the time which Simon de Montfort had in the government of Gascoigne (which now he gives to Prince Edward) was truly advertised, The king of Spain claims Gascoign. that Guasto de Biard was turned Spanish, and laboured by all the means he could to pluck that part from the English obedience. Alfonse K. of Spain, claimed the same by virtue of a Charter made thereof by Henry the second, confirmed by Richard and john Kings of England. Simon Earl of Leicester thus Simon Earl of Leicester refuseth high honour in France to avoid the suspicion of disloyalty to England. displaced, to let the world see that he would not for any preferment incur the suspicion of disloyalty, refused most honourable offers, which, (after the death of Lady Blanch, Queen Dowager, and Rectrix of France,) the French Nobility made him, if he would with his counsel and Force help to sustain that Monarchy, while Lewis their king was absent. In the mean time the king of England (all old matters being buried in oblivion, upon hope of future amendment) for advancement of his martial Pilgrimage had large aides granted him in Parliament; but upon condition that he should now at last, once for all, submit himself to govern by a Law, not at his pleasure, confirming the Charters of Liberties, against the breakers whereof a most solemn curse was pronounced by the king's assent. Magna Charta confirmed, helps the king to money. The Archbishop, Bishop, and the rest of the Prelates pontifically appareled, pronounced that curse with Tapers burning, which when they had thrown away upon the pavement, where they lay extinguished and smoking, the King (having laid his hand on his breast all the while,) swore to keep all Liberties upon pain of that execratory sentence; The king's oath to observe that confirmation. as he was a Man, a Christian, a Knight, and a King anointed and crowned. The businesses of Gascoigne soon after called him to a nearer war, whether upon his promise made to the Gascoigns, he set sail, leaving his son Prince Edward, and his kingdom to the government of his Brother, the Earl of Cornwall, and the Queen his wife: his arrival there giving a light and stay to all the affairs thereof. Such Holds as held against him he reduced to obedience, but with too faulty a Clemency sparing most open Traitors, whereas if an Englishman had offended, he was sure to smart for it, and that rather more than less. The king requesteth the king of Spain's sister to be given for wife to his son Edward. (83) His fear now was, jest the Gascoigns should draw in the Spaniards, and relinquish his Sovereignty. To prevent this, he very prudently and seasonably sent Ambassadors to Alfonse King of Spain and Castille, to desire that the Lady Elinor his sister, might be given in marriage to Prince Edward. The motion was well approved, and besides that they brought Letters Patents from the King of Spain, in which, among all other Clauses it was contained, that the King of Spain did quit his claim and whole right, which by virtue of any Grants from The King of Spain quitteth his claim to Gascoigne. Henry, Richard and john Kings of England, he had, or aught to have. Hereupon he sends both for his Son (whom the king of Spain desired might be conveyed to him, only with a noble intent to see and do him honour) and for his wife the Queen. Among other Acts of sincerity and love, Alfonso sent to the King of England good advise: that, after The king of Spain's advise to the king of England. the example of good Kings and Princes, he should be a Lamb toward his Subjects, and Servitors▪ and a Lion to Aliens and Rebels. Simon Earl of Leicester with a gallant Troop of Soldiers offered his service to the King, who admiring the Earl's charity, received him with all joy possible: at which reconciliation the Gascoignes * Mat. Paris. who feared him like lightning, were so appalled, that they came * St●ll●●im. ib. droppinglie in, and become good Subjects. That valorous Earl was thereunto moved by that great, free, and noble Prelate, Robert Grosted, called the * Rom●norum malleus & contemptor. Paris. Maull of the Romans, as being a great curb in those days of the Pope's ungodly courses towards his State of England; against which he writ a * This letter is verbatim in Paris. famous letter to his Holiness, learnedly proving, that his detestable, abominable, soule-murdering actions, did cuince him to be an Heretic, worthy of death, to be Antichrist, and to sit in the Chair of pestilence, as next to Lucifer himself, and that he had no power to excommunicate such as resisted those his actions. With which Catholic Letter, the Pope was besides himself for rage, swearing by Saint Peter and Saint Paul, that he could found in his heart to make that doting Prelate a mirror of confusion to all the world for his sauciness. But some wiser Cardinals advised him from any sharper course against him; telling the Pope that all was true he said of their Courts abuses; that he was holier than any of themselves, and one who had no Peer amongst all other Prelates for sanctity or learning; and therefore it were best to hush the matter, for fear of stirring coals, especially sith it was known, that at length there would be a departure from their Church. This noble Prelate died this very year, with opinion of a Saint (in despite of the Pope, who would have had his bones thrown out of the Church) leaving this * Mat. Paris. Prophetical farewell at his very last gasp; that the Church would never be set free from such her Egyptian servitude, but by the dint of bloody sword. (84) Soon after the Queen's arriving in Gascoigne, Ann. 1254. Prince Edward married the king of Spain's sister. when all things were rightly prepared, Prince Edward was thence sent into Spain, where, at the City of Burgos he married the Lady Eleanor, sister to the King with great honour, having first received Knighthood at his hand; which done, he returns with his Bride to Bordeaux, from whence they all together came safe through France into England. What treasure this noble young Princess The estate which the king gave him in present. brought in portion to her husband, we cannot say; but the King forthwith gave his son Gascoigne, Ireland, Wales, Bristol, Stanford, and Grantham. The king's debt. He had drawn upon himself a debt, in this and other his actions of above three hundred thousand Marks; the King of France being not long before The king of England most honourably entertained in France. returned from the Holy-Land, gave them both safeconduct in their passage, and did to him, & his whole noble company all the honour which the wit of man, or the most goodly kingdom of France could afford. There were at Paris in this entertainment Beatrix the Countess of Province; and four Queens her Daughters. The King of England had in his own Household train, a thousand choice & excellenthorse, beside Carriages, Sumpters, and Coursers. He was lodged in the Palace of the old Temple, being an house almost capable of an Army, where the next morning he commanded that all sorts of poor should be relieved with his charity and Alms. The magnificence of the great Feast of the Kings, at the King of England's charge, shall be expressed in our Authors own words, who is bold to affirm, that Assuerus, Arthur, Charles the Great, had never any such. After dinner, the King sent to the French Lords, and men of Arms, Plate, Buckles of Gold, and other royal presents. The King of England sat at the Table on the right hand of the French King, and the king of Navarre on the left. But the French King contended much in courtesy to the contrary, till K. Henry obstinately refused saying, the King of France was his Lord, & should be▪ for there was reason, meaning, because he held his Lands in France of him. To whom the most just and gracious King Lewis with a soft voice answered; Would to God every one had his right without offence, meaning such other lands as the English Crown had right unto. At another time he gave the reason, why the Peers of France would not consent to the restitution of Normandy, for that the Normans would never learn to keep their Borders in quiet. The English King did to himself, and to the English name great honour, in his whole behaviour and carriage, which was full of Charity towards the poor (a virtue for which in those days Kings chiefly sought to be commended) of Majesty, Magnificence, and all sorts of royal liberality and gentleness. The King and Court of France brought him an whole days journey upon the way. He staid a while at Boulogne for a wind, but returned safe, having peaceably measured a way through France, out of Gascoigne, which his martial Nephew's kings of England trod afterward in another manner, drawing lines of blood and fire over all France, the most pleasant, rich, and spacious realm of Christendom. An. 1255. Edmund the king's second son king of Sicilia. (85) Elinor Prince Edward's wife landed at Dover in great State. On the other side, Edmund the King's second son, by a Ring, which the Pope sent (so to engage King Henry in his wars against Manfredus, the son of the late Emperor Frederick) was solemnly invested in the kingdom of Sicily. The Ambassador was a Bishop, who forth with departed, for indeed his errand was in show glorious, but in truth both delusory and unprofitable, aswell because the King had already unreasonably interessed himself in this quarrel, (the Pope having changed his vow against the Turks, into this against Christians,) as also, for that the Roman Army which (by the Pope's fetches) warred most at his charge; was (notwithstanding the Pope's blessings) utterly overthrown, before this airy honour could be settled in the Lord Edmund, whom yet his Father (whose credulity the Pope for his own ends had shamefully inveigled, by drawing him into obligations of * Paris two hundredth and fifty thousand pounds) openly termed and used as the King of Sicily, (for which also he used this annexed Seal) highly pleasing himself in the variety of a wasteful Title to his own, and his whole Kingdoms * In totius regni exterminium irre●taurabile. Paris. extreme impoverishment. Edmund ●●DMUN●US ●●D●I ●●GR●●I●●●SI●ILI●●●R●X ●●MU●●US: N●TUS: R●GIS: ●NGLI●: JILUSTRIS: King of Sicil. A. D. 1256. A. reg. 40. (86) The Calamities of the Kingdom▪ in these exhausting, was the more lamentable, because they were countenanced by the King, who should have repelled them. But the Pope having no so easy way to be supplied as by the King, nor the King any but by the People, both Pope and King were well accorded to grind the people each for the others uses; the King to satisfy the Pope's Avarice; the Pope to advance the King's Ambition. The gaining of the Kingdom of Sicily must be the colour, for which the King was resolved to go in person; and therefore Rustandus (the Pope's Agent) sent to gather the Tenth of all England, Scotland and Ireland, for the Pope's use and the kings, indifferently, had called a great Council the former year, and adjourned it * Ad se●tum S. Hilary. Paris. till this; where he also required all the Prelates to bind themselves to the Pope's merchants, as having received of them a great sum of money, which was employed to the use of their Churches. At which guileful and untrue devise the Prelates replied they would rather die then suffer such oppression, and that they held it a manifester Martyrdom to die in such a cause, than was the death of Thomas Becket. The Nobles also peremptorily refused either to recover Sicily, or to bear the charge thereof, being both impossible; the one for the strength of Manfredus, the other for the present poverty of England. And indeed soon after the Pope and manfred were made friends, and so King Henry and King Edmund beguiled one of his great expenses, the other of his high hopes. The King was herewith wakened out of a sweet dream wherein till then he continued, feeding his mind with the hope to leave to either of his sons a kingdom; though neither so he rested quiet till he had almost thrown the Crown into the gulfs of irrecoverable debts and usury. The young King of Scots and his Queen, about this time came into England to visit their best friends, the King and Queen of this Kingdom, which lay wholly open to their honour and uses. The King to let his son Alexander king of Scots and his Queen highly entertained in England. in law see how welcome he was, did bestow upon him the Earldom of Huntingdon; They and their Queens with almost all the great Lords and Ladies of England met at Woodstock by Oxford, from whence they came to London. The King was unwilling to deny his son in law and daughter any thing, for at their earnest suit he pardoned Sir William de Lile, Knight Sheriff of Northamptonshire, who was proved to have practised by most foul suborned treachery to spoil another Gentleman of his Practise to compass another's estate wickedly, judged worthy of death. estate: for which the said Lile had died a shameful, but a worthy death, by drawing and hanging, had not his wives tears and prayers made the King and Queen of Scots their intercessors. Thus the young Princes returned into Scotland, worthily well contented. (87) The King much the fresher to undergo The King comes in person to the Court of Eschecquer and makes orders there. serious affairs, by reason of the late comfort he had in his Child the Queen of Scots, bestirs himself, and comes in person into the Exchequer among the Barons thereof, when the Court was set, and made sharp▪ orders against all Sheriffs and Baylives of Towns incorporate, who did not yearly appear at the▪ Eschecquer, to pay such money of the Kings as was come to their hands. At the same time all the Sheriffs of England were amerced, because they had not distrained all those which had such estates in land, as the law limiteth to take the order of Knighthood, or pay their fines. Which of the Lords could say now, that the King would not prove a good husband? Howbeit the case of the people seemed nothing relieved, for (saith Paris) there were so many petty Tyrants by the negligence or connivence of one, that the ancient State of England, when it had many Kings, seemed to be brought in again. (88) Occasions of expense like the heads of Prince Edward having no help of the King for his Welsh wars borrows of his vucle Richard. Hydra daily increased. The Welsh (oppressed by Geoffrey de Langley an officer upon the Marches) rose in arms, and ministered one of those occasions, but that Prince Edward, to whom his Father had given Wales, was left therein to himself, for his Father could spare no money. The Prince therefore borrows some thousands of marks of his uncle Richard▪ and with his own and them wageth Soldiers; his servants behaved themselves most violently every where, taking without payment, or paying with blows; and it was the humour also of their young Master, who had store of martial and stirring fire in his bosom. The Welsh therefore would not for any persuasions be drawn to lay down weapons, but having about ten thousand of their country horsemen, and many more on foot, took a The high and noble resolu●io● of the Welsh. solemn Oath, that they would stand together for their liberty and ancient laws, holding it better to die with honour, then to live a wretched life in shame and servitude. And indeed they did great things under Prince Lewelyn ap Gruffith, by whose means they valiantly recovered all the Inland-countrey of North-wales, with other places; and in one fight slew above two thousand Englishmen, and drove the rest out of the field. They also spoilt the land to the very * Ypodig. Ne●s●. gates of Chester. This they had the greater opportunity to do, for that the King, while he built Kingdoms in the Clouds, and plunged himself into the Abysses of Usury, suffered some few, his son, his brother, the Earl of Gloucester, and his halfe-brothers with their families to trample right and reason underfoot, and with his hatred to enrich themselves, his own means daily consuming, and men's minds more and more alienated from him, as men that despaired of redress and justice. The Welsh also persisting in their enterprise, made Prince Edward retire in a battle, and he complaining to his Father, had no other comfort but this▪ What is that to me? the land is thine of my gift. Put forth thy strengths at first, and get honour in thy youth, that from thenceforth thy enemies may stand in fear of thee. As for me I have somewhat else to do. (89) The greatest worldly foreign honour that (since Constantine) ever fell upon any English subject, A. D. 1257. was at this time, in regard both of his birth and riches, derived and tendered to Richard, Earl of Cornwall, brother to the King, to whom was sent an honourable embassage out of Germany, who, in humble manner declared, that the Princes of the sacred Roman Empire had elected him King of Romans, beseeching him to accept of that their common choice. In testimony whereof the Archbishop of Colon, high Chancellor of the Empire, Prince Elector, and other great Lords of Almain had sent their writings under seal, affirming, That never was any one with so general consent and universal good liking elected to that place as he, his name carrying it clearly without any contradiction among them. Upon receipt of this most honourable invitation and offer, there was much debatement in the Chapel where they sat upon the Earl's behalf, whether he should accept thereof or no; but while all of them stood in doubt the king puts in a deciding voice, saying: Jest my brother be thought faint hearted, my opinion & request is, that he would not refuse to accept this honour, which God & man have tendered unto him. This made the squadron of the negatives to give way, and at leastwise to become Neutrals, till all objections were answered, as they were all of them by one or other, concluding in their speeches to the Earl; That he should be warned, and withal stirred up to the service of God, in acceptance of this highest place, by the example of Robert Curthose Duke of Normandy (eldest son of William the first, King of England) to whom the Kingdom of jerusalem, for the intent to rule the inheritance of Christ, was offered, which he refusing to accept, did afterward feel the grievous wrath of God, and never had happy days after. To these and many other reasons, the King, his half brothers, and specially the Elect of Winchester encouraged him with one voice, affirming, that this honour would exalt the English name for ever: The Earl therefore putting on the man with a free and The Earl accepts the election. cheerful voice answered: And I relying upon the goodness of Almighty God, though I am insufficient, & unworthy, to avoid the note of faintness, do thankfully accept this burden and honour, which Heaven (I hope) hath put into my hands. And then turning himself to the Bishops who were present, among which Richard Bishop of Bangor (from whose mouth our * Mat. Paris. wh● had al●o many historical dictates from the King himself. pag ●15. edit. 1606. author wrote those things) was one, he concluded and said. Let me before I departed out of this Chapel, die, and sodeinely be burnt with the fire of Hell, if I do accept thereof either for ambition, or avarice; but only to restore the Empire (which God grant) His most noble protestation. to a better estate, and to govern them, who have willingly elected me▪ for their Lord, in modest, just and honourable manner. These words exhaled joyful tears from off many of the hearers, and the Ambassadors returned to deliver the news of this acceptance▪ who from thenceforth was King of Romans, that is Emperor elect, which title is used till they receive the Crown imperial; though to all other purposes The king of Romans what and who. he is Emperor, so that King of Romans seems to answer to the Title of Caesar, which under the ancient Roman Emperors was given to the heir apparent of the Empire or Coadjutors. After the Germane Ambassadors were go, the King permitteth his brother to sand some over to sound the The English tongue in the days of Mat●●w Paris agreeable to the Duchess. truth of the Electors and People's affections, which (in regard the English were originally Germane, and by late affinity incorporated, and for that English (saith Paris) was in a sort agreeable to the Almain tongue) they found entire, and with that certitude return. The King of England hereby seemed to have his designs for recovery of Normandy, greatly strengthened, the Almains and French hardly brooking one the other; but howsoever, sure it is that his brother the new King, ●ad occasion to spend the golden Oil, which was so long in gathering, to maintain the light of this Imperial lamp; and without question he might be liberal, for he was reputed to possess so much ready coin, as would every day for ten years afford him an The huge sums of ready money which Richard King of Romans had of his own at his Election. hundredth marks upon the main stock, without reckoning his rents & revenues in Germany, and the English dominions. The Earl * 6. Cal▪ jun. di● Ascensionis. was soon after crowned King of the Romans, at Aquisgrave, by Conrade Archbishop of Colein, with great pomp & solemnity. RIC●R●●S●●●●I●●GR●●I●●●RO●●nORV● R●X▪ S●●P●R AUGUSTUS (90) In the mean time, while his brother's royal preparations were in hand, the King being for a weeks space at the Abbey of S. Alban, certain masters of Oxford brought a great complaint against the Bishop of Lincoln, for some encroachments upon the * C●ntra ●ntiqua s●atuta & liberta●es. Paris. ancient liberties of that University, to whom the King was gracious and assigned a day; & Matthew Paris, whom the King in honour of his learned pains, admitted every day to his table, and Chamber, said to him upon this Complaint; * Mat. Paris. in hist. ●a●ori. The University of Oxford the second School of the Church next Paris. protected by the king My Liege, for Gods love have a care of the shaken State of the Church. The University of Paris (the Nurse, and mother of so many holy Prelates) is not a little disquieted. If at the same time the University of Oxford should be disturbed, which is the second School of the Church, yea the fundamental base thereof, it is greatly to be feared, lest the whole Church do fall to ruin. Whereunto the King made answer, God forbidden that should happen at all; but chiefly in his days. Which the Parliament then at hand, he accordingly provided for, to their contentation. The memory of the King seems by this to have been excellent, for beside that he recounted to Paris all the Kings of England which had been Canonised Saints, all the Prince's Electors, and great Princes of Germany and France, he called to mind the names of about two hundredth and fifty Baronies in England. (91) At this Parliament, (which was exceeding great) holden at London, the King in sight and view The King comm●nd● the cause of his son Edmund for the kingdom of Sicili●. of all the people, brings forth his younger son Edmund attired like an Italian of Apulia, (which Country is a member of the Kingdom of Sicilia) and used this speech: Behold here good people, my Son Edmund, whom God of his gracious goodness hath called to Note that by this i● appears edmund was not desormed a● Henry 4. did afterward allege. the excellency of kingly dignity; how comely and well worthy he is of all your favours, and how cruel and tyrannical they are, who at this pinch, would deny him effectual and timely help, both with advice and money. The sum of all was to draw a vast contribution from the Clergy for achievement of this shadow (it proved no better) into his Coffers. Nevertheless he obtained a grant of above fifty thousand Marks, upon covenant that the liberties of the Realm should be really and finally once for ever established: which was done. There were present in this Parliament six Archbishops, Canterbury, York, Dublin, Colin, Messana in Sicilia, and Tarentum in Apulia. The politic Germane knew what they did in choosing Richard their King, for they saw a cloud of gold and silver would dissolve itself into showers among them at his arrival; and all elections of strangers turn to their profit, because none is chosen that relies wholly upon the rents of the Empire. A. Do. 1258 A. reg. 42. (92) It was a worthy care in this King, that when by the provision of his brother Richard King of Romans, there arrived in the river of Thames fifty sail of Germane Ships, laden with corn to relieve the great dearth, which then reigned through the Land, he caused proclamation to be made, That no Citizen of London should buy any of that corn to store up, which they were wont to do, to the intent they might cell it the The practice of Londoners to engross corn forbidden by the king. dearer afterward, to such as wanted. But no warning, prayers, advises, nor sense of wants were able to make him frugal of his expense; whereby he was miserably straightened, neither would the laity in Parliament contribute any thing, but (hammering some great attempts in their thoughts) in plain words concluded, That they neither would, nor could any longer endure such (they called them) extortions. Moreover they there uttered many grievances, and Simon Earl of Leicester complained of the dishonour and injury done him by William de Valence, calling him Traitor; so that against the Session to be holden upon prorogation, he, the Earl of Gloucester, and Marshal, confederated themselves and (pretending the fear of strangers the King's favourites,) determined to come strong to Oxford at Saint Barnabas day. The Barons combine. They also sent messengers to the King of France, praying at lest so much assistance, as that he would not hinder the good purpose which they held of ordaining and settling the troubled estate of England. They had also taken order to watch the * Mat. Paris. pag. 940. Ports against strangers. Thus they prepared to abate (as it seemed) or banish the loftiness and insolency of Poictovines and of other Foreigners, by whom the King was powerfully lead, for they despaired of redress at his hands, who like another Proteus (as Paris saith) took all shapes upon him to serve his turns, and then slipped out at his pleasure, no promises, or ties being strong enough to hold him. These were the beginnings of bloody evils, and the seedesparks of those factious fires which afterward broke forth, from the sight and sense whereof, many thousands were taken by death, whose mortal stroke of pestilence raged over England, specially among the poor through scarcity of food. (93) When the time appointed for the Parliament at Oxford was come, the seditious Earls and Barons (with whom * Pontisices, ●e dicam Pharisai, etc. Mat. West. sundry Bishops had taken Counsel against the King the Lords anointed) repaired thither, and sternly propounded sundry traitorous Articles to the King, to which they required his assent. The chief points were, That the King would unfeignedly keep and observe the Charter of liberties, which he had so often granted, and sworn to maintain inviolable; That such a one should be in the place of Chief justitiar who wouldiudge according to right, without respect to poor or rich, etc. Then they renewed their confederacy, solemnly swearing, That neither The Barons take an oath among themselves. for l●fe nor death, nor love nor hate, they would be drawn to relent in their purpose, till they had cleared England (in which themselves and their Forefathers were borne) from upstarts and aliens, and had procured laudable Statutes. Those turbulent Nobles had yet a further plot, than all this; which was first broached (saith Mat. West. Mat: Westminster) by the disloyal Bishops, which was, that 24. persons should there be chosen, to have the whole administration of the King and State, and yearly appointment of all great Officers, reserving only to the King the * Prim●s accubitus in caenis etc. Mat. West. Ibidem. The provisions of Oxford. highest place at meetings and salutations of honour in public places. And because they would not be crossed in their purposes, they * came exquisitely armed and appointed, that so the King and his Aliens should be enforced, if they would not willingly assent. To all these their ordinations the King and Prince Edward was enforced to swear, for fear of perpetual imprisonment, the traitorous Lords having by an Edict, threatened death to all that resisted. Whereupon all the Peers and Prelates took their Corporal Oath to be faithful in this their infidelity, and made all who would abide in the Kingdom, to swear they would stand to the trial of their Peers: the Archbishops and Bishops solemnly accursing all that should rebel against it. The * Mat. West. Mat. Paris. Monks themselves detesting this impudent treason, ask with what forehead, especially Prelates, durst thus impair the Kingly Majesty, expressly against their sworn fidelity to him? This conjuration they so prosecuted, that when William de Valence the King's half-brother, denied with Oaths to tender up any Castle which was given him, the Earl of Leicester, and the rest of the Barons answered, they would either have his Castles or his head. This violent proceeding so terrified the Poictovines, that sodeinely they left Oxford, and shortly fled into France, where also the Barons had made them odious. Hugh Bigod, brother to the Earl Martial, was made chief justitiar. The people, seemed wholly theirs, which made the Barons so rough and peremptory in all their conferences, that when the Lord Henry son to the King of Almain, refused to combine or take their oath, without his Father's consent, they roundly bade him know, That if his father himself would not hold with the Baronage of England, he should not have a furrowre of earth among them. And lest any thing which might tend to their security, should seem to be omitted, they using the King's name, commanded London to stand upon her guard, by keeping their City's gates carefully shut, & by maintaining strong watches night by night, upon pretence of danger to the Realm through the practices of strangers; and after they dispatched thither certain fit Agents, who in the Guilde-hall made known their commission, which was directly to understand, Whether The City of London joins with the Barons to redress the kingdom. they would immutably adhere to the Barons and obey their constitutions, by manfully aiding and effectually supplying them in the common cause. Whereunto the Citizens condescended, binding themselves thereunto under the public seal of London. (94) The Barons did as yet forbear to declare, what those reformatorie Provisions should be, because the Earl of Gloucester (a principal man among them) was in danger of death, whose sickness did perplex & suspend their proceed, & the manner of his malady did put them in doubt of their own safeties, making them grow in distrust of their Cooks, their butler's, and sewers, for the Earl his body breaking out into pustules, and his hair, nails, teeth and skin itself, falling away, was (as many others, of which some died) thought to be poisoned. But whither they were or not, the Poictovines and strangers had the blame laid upon them, to make them the more odious to the Commons. But the Earl partly recovered his health in time by the benefit of medicines and diligent attendance. The * Mat. Paris p. 951. poisons were said to have been tempered in the house of Eltas a jew afterward baptised. The King himself perhaps would not have been sorry, if that he, Simon Earl of Leicester and some few others of the Barons had been with God, for howsoever his body was among them, yet his heart was not at quiet, which in this wise well appeared. For being in the month of june upon the river of▪ Thames in his barge, the air suddenly grew dark, and there ensued a terrible shower with thunder and lightning, of which the king impatient commands himself to be set on land at the next place which was Durham house, whereas then, the Earl of Leicester lay. The Earl being thereof certified The King fears the Earl of Leicester more than thunder and lightning. came out to entertain him, saying, Sir why are you afraid? the tempest is now past: whereunto he answered with a severe look: I fear thunder and lightning above measure, but by the head of God, I do more fear thee then all the thunder and lightning of the world. Whereunto the Earl replied: Myliege, it is injurious and incredible, that you should stand in fear of me, who have alwa●es been loyal both to you and your Realm, whereas you aught to fear your enemies, such as destroy the Realm and abuse you with bad Counsels. The Barons therefore remaining firm in their first purpose, sand messengers abroad to will all such as had been wronged by the King's halfe-brothers and other Poictovines and strangers to present their grievances to the Barons, and to prosecute them. Moreover (because sundry other petty-tyrants of the English nation, encouraged by their example, had exceeded their limits, in oppressing Commissioners to certify what oppressions in every County. their inferiors) they procured the King to appoint four Knights Commissioners in every shire, to inquire of all such injuries, and certify the same under their seals within a certain time limited. Officers put from their places. (95) The Barons in the mean time neglect not their enterprise, at whose instance (principally of Hugh Bigod the new chief justitiar) Philip Lovel the King's Treasurer, for abuses committed in the King's Forests and game about Stony-Stratford, and many Officers of the Exchequer, were likewise removed, to give room to such as the Barons better liked. The Sheriffs likewise of Shires, their practices, The abuses of Sheriffs noted and provided against. and extortions, were diligently seen into, and it was ordained, that as well the givers as takers of bribes should be severely punished. The welsh seeing these round proceed in England, the peace & reflorishment whereof they feared, laboured for reconciliation but could not then obtain it. A. Do. 1259 A. reg. 43. The King of Romans suspected of the Barons, arrives in England & takes an oath. (96) Richard King of Romans, having a desire to see the King his brother, and his lands in England, not without a purpose to bring an Army, or such a number of men as might greatly strengthen the King against the Barons, as they suspected, was advertised that they provided for his resistance aswell by land as sea. This▪ made him, his wife, and son, to lay aside that purpose, and to arrive in a private manner at Dover with a small train, in which there were only two Earls, and about nine Knights. The king The King not suffered to enter his own Castles. met him with great congratulation at the Sea side, but nor King, nor he could be suffered to enter into Dover Castle, because (forsooth) it was the principal Key of England; for the safeguard whereof they openly exacted an Oath of him at Canterbury in this manner. The holy Gospels being laid upon the Pulpit in the Chapterhouse of Canterbury, the Barons reverently brought in thither the Kings of England and of Almain; than Richard Earl of Gloucester (for Simon Earl of Leicester was go with others into France, to deal with the King and States thereof about perpetual league) standing in the midst openly, and in humble sort calls Richard King of Romans unto him, by the name only of Richard Earl of Cornwall, who obeyed accordingly, to whom he distinctly ministered the Oath following: Hear all men, that I Richard Earl of Cornwall swear upon the holy Gospels, to be faithful and forward to reform with you the Kingdom of England, hitherto by the counsel of wicked men too much deformed. And I will be an effectual coadjutor to expel the * Then the Barons too. Rebels and troubles of the Realm, from out the same. This oath will I observe upon pain to forfeit all the lands I have in England. On the other side (had the King known how to use it) there fell out such dissension between the Earls of Gloucester and Leicester, that Leicester departed from England discontented, saying, he took no joy to live among men so mutable and deceitful. Nevertheless such means were used, that these two chief Captains of the Barons, broke not forth into any farther division. Thus whiles the Barons using the King's name, disposed of all things, and Simon de Montfort Earl of Leicester, was go with others * Polyd. Vergil. lib. 16. to transact with the French about an indissoluble league; the King himself through desire not to * be interrupted with foreign matters, if war should rise at home, or through want of money or better advise, was induced (if not betrayed) to an act of little honour, though it carried with it the face of profit and settled quiet. The King sails over into France to demand restitution of Normandy. (97) For (the affairs of the realm thus strangely managed) the King in person sails over into France, there to demand a peaceable restitution of such Signiories as Philip & Lewis (Father of this Lewis) had injuriously withdrawn from his father King john. The French replied, that no restitution was due for many respects, specially, because the * Guil. Gemetic●s. ancient grant made to Rollo the first Duke of Normandy, was not voluntary, but extorted by fear and force of Arms, in the days of the weak state of France. The King having * Ypodig. Neust. no disposition to recover his claims by battle, and destitute of money wherewith to wage an Army, but principally for that his own Peers and people stood on their guard against him, did * Pol. Verg. l. 16. unwillingly ratify a conclusion; the Articles whereof were, that the King of France should quietly hold the Dukedom of Normandy, and Earldom of Angiou ( * Paul. Aemil. ●ohn Tiliu●. Ypod. Neust. Mat. Paris. Main also, Tourain and Poictou) for * Polyd. Verg. saith 150000. Crown● in hand, and 10000 Crowns yearly, in name of Tribute. three hundr●● thousand small pounds of Tourain, and upon promise to receive other lands to the yearly value of twenty thousand pounds. Polydor saith, that the reputed limits of the English Pale in France, were from thenceforth the river of Ch●rent in Xanctoing, and the mountains Pyrenaees; and that he should peaceably have Angoumois, Quercy, and Limain, being Countries marching upon Gascoigne, in am of the rest, yet so as the King of England should * john Tilius. hold them of the Crown of France by homage and fealty. Upon these Articles the king acquitted, and for ever renounced all his challenge to Normandy & the other lands, and thenceforth abridged his Style, and changed his Seal, using a Sceptre in place of a Sword: whereon these Monkish and mockish verses were written. Est M. CCLIX. utinam concordia foelix, Andegavis, Picta-uis, Neustria, gente relictâ Anglorum, dantur tibi France, Sig●lla novantur, Nomina tolluntur▪ fugit Ensis, Sceptra geruntur. M CCLIX, God grant firm peace thou fix, Poictou, Angiou, Normans, to France range you, New Seals are made▪ old Styles forsaken▪ Downe laid the Blade, Sceptres up taken. nI● ✚ h●nRIC●S: D●I. GR●CI●. R●X ●nGLI●. DOMInVS. hYB●RnI●. DUX. ●QVIT●n H 5. nI● ✚ h●nRICUS: D●I: GR●●I●: R●X: ●nGLI●: DOMInVS: hYB●RnI●: DUX: ●QVIT● A. D. 1260. A. reg. 44. (98) The King (at these unworthy rates) having secured himself from the French, labours to vindicate the Regal power out of the usurping Barons hands (whose over-toppings at home had driven him to those foreign indignities,) alleging, that the Oath which his son and he had taken at Oxford, was void, in regard it was compulsory, that the Barons also, who pretended the profit of the Ann. 1261. An. Reg. 45. Realm, sought only their own honour and gain, contrary to their decrees. For his more security * Polyd. V●rgil. l. 16. he takes the Tower of London, preparing force by the help of his brother King of Romans. There followed a grievous perturbation of the Realm, although at this time it broke not forth into the extremity, Arms being laid down for a little space. Edward the King's eldest son would not traverse the oath he had made at Oxford, but held with the * Ypod. Neust. A. D. 1262. An. Reg. 46. Barons for the present. The King, the Queen, and his selected friends, still remain upon their guard in the Tower; where he (in the year before) had burst The King seizeth the ancient stock of the Crown. up the locks of the ancient Depositum, or dead stock of the Crown, to employ against the Barons. Peace was notwithstanding brought about again by the Queen's special diligence; and Dover and Rochester Castles (whither he went in person) are delivered unto him. This makes him resolve to pursue the Barons; the rather also for that the French King (who much condemned the Barons unjust courses) had promised his assistance. Henry therefore thrusts out the Baron's Chancellor, & Chief justiciar, placing Walter Merton & Philip Basset, men of much more loyal affections in their rooms. The Barons hearing of this, hasten in Arms to Winchester▪ where the King was, who (having intelligence by his faithful The Barons drive the King from Winchester. A. D. 1263. An. Reg. 47. Clerk, Sir john Mansel) got back into the Tower of London. The King of France was made Umpire in the quarrel. The * Addit. ad Pa●. cause was heard at Amiens, where he gave judgement with the King of England against the Barons, pronouncing all the Statutes and Acts made at Oxford, to be utterly voided: provided nevertheless, that the Charter of Liberties which King john had made to the English nation, Simon Montfort in apparent fault. should in no sort be thereby infringed. This proviso animated Simon Earl of Leicester, and the Barons, to maintain all the Statutes of Oxford, (because they were pretendedly founded upon th●t Charter) notwithstanding that just judgement which King Lewis had given. The secret confederacy with Lewelin Prince of Wales, ministered to the Barons no little encouragement; who about this time wasted the Dominions of Prince Edward in the Marches of Wales. This judgement of the French King did much disadvantage the Barons, of whom divers being drawn with persuasions, gifts, and promises, revolted from Simon Montfort. There was now a taking of Towns and Prisoners on all hands. Prince Edward (who now was wholly for his Father in despite of the Barons) takes the castle of Bristol, and fines the City at a thousand pounds. Simon Montfort executeth his greatest revenges upon A. D. 1264. An. Reg. 48. the Queen's friends which were Aliens, not sparing the Kings. Marching forward, he recovers Gloster castle, enters Worcester and ●ridgenorth; lastly, surpriseth the I'll of Ely, subduing that fastness or fenny strength to the Barons use. Sir john Mansel the King's councillor, fearing the event of things, flies secretly from the Tower where the King was. Henry son to the King of Almain, was after this taken by the Barons. Meanwhile Prince Edward fortifies Windsor Castle with strangers. Mutual weariness at length begat a desire of peace, and the * Addita●. ●d Mat. Paris. King had yielded that the Statutes of Oxford should stand: but the Queen was utterly against it, not without cause; for it did enfeeble the arbitration which the French King had made. The Queen's An intolerable villainy offered by rascals to the Queen. opposition in this point was known to the Londoners; which put the base sort into so lewd a rage, that she being to shoot the Bridge from the Tower toward Windsor, they with dirt and stones and villainous words forced her to return. Prince Edward under the conduct of the Bishop of Worcester, came from the Castle of Bristol (by reason of quarrel between his men of war and the Burghers) and contrary to his promise entered into Windsor Castle; but afterward going forth to meet Simon Montfort at Kingston upon Thames, with purpose to offer peace, the said Simon got Windsor Castle, & would not permit him to departed. At London yet in a Parliament, matters were pieced again, and the King's side grew stronger daily. (99) There were with him his brother King of The Scots aid the King. Romans, his son Edward, William de Valence (whom Prince Edward had brought out of France) john common of Scotland with a multitude of valiant Scots, (whose King was Henry's son in law,) john de Balliol Lord of galway, Robert de Brus, etc. with whom The king takes Northampton & many chief m●n. he marcheth from London to Oxford, where the Rendevou of his friends and forces was appointed. The King meaning to make that place (where his chief blow was given him) his chief seat to consult for remedies, dismissed thence all the Students, by reason of their multitude, * W. Rishanger MS. in Bibliotheca D. Ro●. Cotton Baron●tt●. being above 15000▪ (saith William Rishanger who then lived) of those only whose names were entered into the Matriculation book, amongst whom being so many young Nobles, the King doubted how they might be affected to the Barons. Whereupon many of them went to Northampton, where then the Barons were strong; and thither the King coming with his host, and breaking in at the Towne-walles upon Passion Sunday, encountered his enemies, amongst whom the * Chron. M. S. Fo● in Martyr●log. holinsh. Students of Oxford had a Banner by themselves advanced right against the King, and they did more annoy him in the fight, than the rest of the Barons: which the King (who at length prevailed) had vowed sharply to revenge▪ but that his Councillors told him, those Students were the sons and kindred of the Great-men of the Land, whom if he punished, even the Nobles who now stood for him, would take Arms against him. The King there took Simon Montfort the younger, and fourteen other principal Barons and * Milites u●xilliferos. Knights Banerets, forty other Knights, besides esquires, etc. Encouraged with this success, he advanceth the Standard royal toward Nottingham, burning and wasting the Baron's lands wheresoever he came. To divert this tempest, Simon Montfort hasteneth to London, and attempts the taking of Rochester Castle, which john Earl of Warren defended for the King: who coming to raise the siege, takes Kingston Castle, which belonged to the Earl of Gloucester; then unexpectedly falling upon such as maintained the siege of Ro●hester, while Simon was absent, kills very many, and scatters the rest. Then seizeth he the Castle of Tunbridge, and therein the Countess of Gloucester, whom, notwithstanding he nobly set at large, as professing not to war against Ladies; from thence the Cloud of power borne upon the wings of indignation, speeds to Winchelsea, and receives the Cinque-Portmen to grace, settling at last in Lewis, where himself rested in the Priory, and his son in the Castle, whither the Barons sent letters to him, The Baron's letters. protesting their loyal observance to his person, but all hostility to their enemies which were about him. The king's letters (100) But the King flaming with desire of revenge, sets slight by these vowed (but feigned) fidelities; and returns a full defiance as to Traitors, professing that he takes the wrong of his friends, as his own, and their enemies as his. The King of Almain, Prince Edward, The king of Almains letter, & Prince Edward's. with other of the King's chief friends, sent their like letters of defiance. The Barons, loathe to let it come to the hazardous and unkind trial of steel, (though The Barons sand the second time. they then encamped about six miles from Lewis,) not acquitting themselves in this repulse, iterate their message, with an offer to pay to the King thirty thousand pound●, in satisfaction of such hurts as their people had done through the Realm; so as the Statutes of Oxford might stand. The king of Almain (whose honour they had touched, and spoiled part of his inheritances) hindered all hearkening to any their offers. Simon Earl of Leicester takes the kings of England and of Almain in the battle at Lewis. (101) It came to a battle; wherein Simon de Montford commands his traitorous Army to wear white Crosses on breast and back, to show they fought for justice; great was the effusion of blood on both parts; chiefly of the Scots upon the King's side, & of the Londoners upon the Earl's side; whose Battalion, (lead by the Lord Segrave,) Prince Edward most furiously charged, and had the execution of them for about four miles, which he pursued the more bloodily, in revenge of the extreme disgrace which they had offered upon London Bridge to the Queen his Mother, and after that the Garrison of Tunbridge follows, and slew many at Croyden. But while the Prince spent himself in that revenge, his Father (who, having his Horse slain under him, had yielded himself prisoner to Simon de Montfort) his uncle the king of Romans, and others great Peers were taken, and the whole hope of that day lost. There fell in all on both sides, about five thousand. Prince Edward returning from the slaughter of the Londoners, Prince Edward and Henry son to the King of Romans yield by composition. would have reenforced the Battle, but the Barons offered peace; which upon the next day was concluded for the present, so that Prince Edward and Henry son to the king of Romans, should also tender themselves prisoners, and the two kings, till such time as all quarrels might receive an happier conclusion by calm deliberation. Thus was Simon Earl of Leicester in possession of both the kings and of their elder sons; so fortunate may Treason and Rebellion be for a time, but in the end it speeds as it deserves. An. 1265. An. reg. 49. The Earl of Leicester carries the King about till he had gotten all the chief strengths of the Realm. (102) By this advantage this Kingly Rebel got all the chief Castles of the kingdom into his hand, leading his Sovereign as his Prisoner about the Country (yet with all outward respect and honour) the rather to procure a more quiet surrender. The King of Romans he imprisoned in the Tower, Prince Edward and the Lord Henry in Dover. The Earl feeling now his own greatness, began to be less tractable; neither could the Pope's authority interposing itself for the King, prevail. For as the Pope by apostolic sentence before had absolved the King and others from his Oath to the Provisions of Oxford, so now he sent his * Episcopum Sabinensem. Cardinal Legate to excommunicate all th● Favourers of those Acts, & impugners of the King; but these men * Mat. West. having the material sword to trust unto, made no reckoning of the Spiritual, pretending they appealed to the Pope, or to better times, or a general Council, or to God himself: so great account made these crossed soldiers of the Pope's curse. Notwithstanding the loyal blood of Roger de Mortimer, and many other high spirited men of Arms, could not brook their Kings so base usage and dangerous estate, but make head, in vain. For Simon treacherously combines himself with Lewelin Prince of Wales, and with their joint forces takes Hereford Castle; thither they remove Prince Edward from Dover. The loyal band was hereby compelled to capitulate, and deliver hostages. o the fearful point, to which England was brought at this present, but God (in whose protection it was) delivered The Earls of Leicester & Gloucester fall at debate in a good time. it. Simon and the Earl of Gloucester fall at debate about their Dividend and shares in the spoils, (for what ever they pretended for the Kingdom, their own greatness and gain was the motive,) and somewhat also the unequal altitude of his said partner the Earl of Leicester, together with the peril of his Country moved him. Who thereupon confederates, with Roger Mortimer and his associates, to whom not long after, john Earl of Warren, Surrey and Sussex, and William de Valence Earl of Pembroke with others are joined; and not long after, Prince Edward by escape from the Castle of Hereford, cometh in safety to Wigmore. There were that laboured to atone the two Earls of Leicester and Gloucester, but offence and indignation had taken too deep root. Meanwhile thou, o Henry art showed up and down by the Arch-rebellious Earl of Leicester, to countenance thine own destruction. Prince Edward having escaped, joins with the Earl of Gloucester. (103) The Prince therefore seeing that he must resolutely stand for the liberty of the Realm and of his Father, friends and posterity, raiseth an Army, confederates himself with the people and Counties of Hereford, Worcester, Shropshire and Chester. Gloucester he enters by force, and drives the defendants into the Castle, which after yields. Simon Montfort with Lewelin Prince of Wales, do in the mean time spoil their enemy's lands in * Nic. Trivet. apud Holinshead. Mommouth & Glamorganshires', the King in person, not in spirit being present. Prince Edward, and the Earl of Gloucester on the other side, speed to the Castle of Kenelworth, kept against them by Simon, son of the Earl of Leicester; there they intercept the Earl of Oxford with about thirteen Knights Bannerets before they could reach the Castle, whither they were hastening. News came then that the Earl of Leicester was returned with the King in his company out of Southwales, near to Worcester. Thither the Prince advanceth to fight with him. The Earl hearing of his approach, encampes at Euesham with his whole power. Upon the third of August the noble Edward sets out of Worcester, and strikes between Simon Montfort and his way to Kenelworth, Simon Earl of Leicester enclosed by the Prince's Armies, is slain at Euesham in Worcestershire. and the next day turns back toward Euesham; the Earl of Gloucester with his force, and Roger de Mortimer (〈…〉 had agreed) with his battalion, drawing thither by two other ways; so that Simon thus shut up and enclosed, must either fight or yield. They join in battle in a goodly large field before the Town of Euesham; where the Earl's host being assailed on all sides, was with much slaughter (of the Welsh especially) utterly in the end distressed and discomfited. At the hour of his death it thundered and lightened, and so great a darkness spread the sky that men were amazed. The Earl's head, (which was sent to Worcester Castle to the Lady Mortimer) his hands, and feet, were chopped off. In this cruel Battle the King himself (being wounded unawares with a javelin) was almost slain. Let us now behold how this victory is used. The King being thus restored to liberty, calls a Parliament at Winchester, by authority whereof he seizeth into his hands the Charters and freedoms of the City of London, and of many other Towns for their Rebellion. Those that were taken in the battle are committed to safe Custody, and all such as had been upon the Earls side were disinherited, a rateable distribution being made of their estates to the Kings well deserving friends. Simon and Guy de Montfort, the Earl's sons, were chief of the attainted; their mother the Countess with all her goods was sent in safety out of England never to return. Simon the eldest brother sought to preserve himself, and the remains of his Father's misfortunes in the I'll of Axholme. An. 1266. A. reg. 50. (104) The King meaning to take all refuge from him, is together with his brother the King of Romans, Ottobon the Pope's Legate, (who was lately arrived) and a puissant are mie, at Northampton, with purpose to oppress him by war. Simon had friends about the King, but the Earl of Gloucester maligning his restitution to full grace, it was concluded (upon his submission) that he should live in exile, and for his maintenance receive only five hundredth marks by the year. But the Castle of Kenelworth would not yield, driving the King to an half years siege; who also in the end was content to give the garrison pardon for life and limb, licensing it to part with bag and baggage. In the mean while the other outlaws and disinherited men, made sundry excursions out of the I'll of Elie. Temperate men, desirous to pacify all these evils, would gladly have had the king to pardon those transgressions, and restore their lands upon reasonable fines. This proposition found a sour enemy of Roger Mortimer, who had by the king's gift gotten much of their land; which moved the Earl of Gloucester (who favoured the other course) to indignation and distrust, so that he withdrew himself. Not long after which, he by his messengers An. 1267. A. reg. 51. The Earl of Glocesters' message to the King. besought the king, to remove strangers from about him, to see that the Statutes of Oxford were observed through the kingdom, and to keep such promises as he had made at Euesham. Otherwise the king must not marvel, if he did that which himself thought best. The Legate Cardinal Ottobon, about the same time (to hinder the growth of any new rebellion) excommunicated the Bishops of Winchester, Worcester, London and Chichester for having adhered to Simon Montfort, and also declared that the Clergy were to pay their tenths, for seven years next ensuing, to the king. On the other side, all the undone and disinherited men (except the sons of Simon Montfort and Robert Earl of Derbie) were offered to be put to ransom, and for certain fines to be restored to their lands; but they required to have them without redemption, expostulating with the king and Legate many grievances. When words had no An. D. 1268. A. reg. 52. The Earl of Gloucester in arms against the king taketh London. better operation, the King and Prince Edward besiege the I'll of Ely on all sides. This being known to the Earl of Gloucester, who (although he had under his seal promised never to take arms against the King and Prince, but only in his own defence) gathers a force in Wales in favour of the disinherited, marcheth up to London and taketh it, the Citizens favouring him. Then commands he the Pope's Legate, who lodged in the Tower, to yield up the same; but he, as taking no knowledge of any such matter, repaired quietly to Paul's, there, by preaching to stir up people against the enemies of Christ in the Holy-land. Peace ensued not long after, by mediation of the King of Romans, and the Noble Lord Philip Basset▪ the Earl binding himself in ten thousand marks to the King, never to move any tumult. Lewelyn Prince of Wales, who had greatly supported the Earl of Leicester's rebellion, for * Histor. Cambr: saith but 30000. marks. The Prince of Wales reconciled to the King. thirty two thousand pounds sterling was restored to four Cantreds▪ which the King had taken from him in the war, and reconciled. A. D. 1269. An. Reg. 53. (105) Domestic peace now beginning to shine in the English Hemisphere, Prince Edward his brother, the Lord Edmund, the Earl of Gloucester with many other Noble men of England, with intent of a more honourable warfare, take the Cross upon them The State of England settled again. at Northampton, by the delivery of Ottobon, who not long after returned into Italy. Then was the King's peace proclaimed through England, all men being upon pain of death commanded to forbear to make spoils, or take booties violently, as they of late had been accustomed. The Prince, seeing the Realm thus acquitted, doth the more willingly (having his Father's consent) yield to go with Lewis King of France, into the holy land, who, toward his furniture in that voyage, lends him thirty thousand marks: for assurance whereof the Prince morgageth Aquitaine unto him. But what true settled peace may we judge The chief justice slain in Westminster Hall. it, when john de Warren Earl of Surrey the King's half-brother (upon the increase of words between them) durst kill Alan le Louch the chief justice, with his own hand in Westminster Hall? A plain and fearful example of favourites potency. That all things yet might not run out of square, the King held The King's late years spent in quiet repose. A. D. 1270. 1271. 1272. 1273. a Parliament at Marlborough where the Statutes called of Marlborough were enacted. The old King and his Queen henceforward enjoyed the blessing of a quiet estate at home, with the more leisure to pray therein for their sons fair success in Palestine, whose virtues had there raised an admiration of him among the Infidels. That quiet nevertheless The Priory Church of Norwich burnt in a tumult. was a little interrupted by an incendiary outrage at Norwich, where the Citizens set fire on the Priory Church. The king being kindled with another kind of fire, swore he would in person see a revenge taken; and dispatching first away Sir Thomas Trivet, (before whom a great multitude were found guilty, and condemned to be drawn and hanged) himself, having in his company one Bishop and the Earl of Gloucester, followed; where beholding the deformed ruins, he could hardly refrain from tears. The Bishop having therefore excommunicated the nocent, and the King condemned the Town in three thousand Note the proportion then, between the value of gold and silver. marks, toward the reedification of that Church, as also to pay one hundredth pounds for a Cup weighing ten pounds in gold, he purposed to return toward London. This public act of zeal to religion and justice, was the last which he did, as a King; for now he was come to that, which he was to enter into as a mortal man: At the Abbey of S. Edmund in Suffolk, he fell grievously sick, where while he lay, * Libr▪ Trinit. apud john. Stow. Annal. he caused the Earl of Gloucester to be sworn to keep the Realm for his son; the Prelates, Earls, and Barons King Henry the third dieth, having reigned fifty six years and twenty days. of the land, being assembled to be present at his departure. Therefore after he had in Christian manner prepared his soul, by acknowledging his sins, and receiving fit spiritual consolations, he rendered up the same to his Redeemer. His will was short, for his Creditors and the Poor shared all his goods. The space of time which he reigned, is almost an old man's age, and absolutely the longest number of years, that ever any King of England reigned, not excepting Ethelbert the first Christian King, if (which is * Additam. ad Mat. Par. written by some) he reigned fifty six years, and as many days more, as are between the feast of Simon & Jude, and * Saint Edmund the Archbishop, which are about twenty. A Prince whose * Rainulf. Higd. Polychron. Ypodig. Neustr. devotion was greater than his discretion, as we see in his permitting the depredation of himself and his whole kingdom by Papal overswaying, the error of whose Government, concurring with the tumultuous treasons of his Nobles, did precipitate him into many mischiefs, out of which yet God almighty did strangely deliver him; for if he had not been divinely protected, there is no cause for a reasonable man to doubt, but that his end had proved as headlong, as some of his own, and his Baron's actions seemed to threaten. The royal remains of this happily-dying Prince were with all the due pomp of exequys interred in Westminster, the great and sumptuous new work whereof he began, but finished not; the description of whose life, being full of diverticles and abrupt passages, as a maze or labyrinth, here at last hath found a place of rest for itself and us. His Wife. (106) Eleanor the wife of King Henry, was the second of the five daughters, of Raymond Earl of Province, son of Earl Alfonse, son of Alfonse the first king of Arragon; her mother was Beatrice, daughter of Thomas Earl of Savoy, sister of the Earls Amee, and Peter, and the Archbishop Boniface of Canterbury. She was married to him at Canterbury, january 24. An. 1236. regn. 20: Crowned at Westminster the 19 of the same month: was his wife 37. year, his widow 19 died a Nun at Almesbery, the 25. of june, in the 20. year of her sons reign 1291, and was buried in her monastery, the 11. of September following. His Issue. Edward their eldest son was borne at Westminster, the 28. day of june, the 24. year of his Father's Reign; 1239, he was surnamed Longshancke, of his tall and slender body, made knight in Spain of Alfonse king of Castille, created Earl of Chester by his Father, after the Issue male extinct of the former Earls, and succeeded his Father in the kingdom of England. (107) Edmund their second son, borne jan. 26. A. 1245. and of his Father's reign, 29. was surnamed Crouched-backe, of bowing in his back, say some, but more likely of wearing the sign of the Cross, (anciently called a * So we call the wooden supports of impotent men, made like a cross at the top; and Crouched Friars for wearing a Cross. Crouch) upon his back, which was usually worn of such as vowed viages to jerusalem, as he had done. He was invested titular King of Sicilia and Apulia, and created Earl of Lancaster, (on whose person originally the great contention of Lancaster and York was founded) and having of the grant of his Father, the lands of Simon Montfort and Robert Ferrer, (disinherited in the Baron's wars) was by virtue of the same grant Earl of Leicester and Derby, and high Steward of England. He had two wives, the first was Auelin, daughter and heir of William Earl of Albemarle, by whom he left no issue, the second was Queen Blanch, daughter of Robert Earl of Artoys, (brother of Saint Lewis King of France) widow of Henry of champaign, King of Navarre, and mother of joane Queen of France and Navarre, the wife of Philip the fair. By her he had issue three sons and one daughter. Thomas who after his Father was Earl of Lancaster, and having married Alice, daughter and heir of Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln, was beheaded at Pomfret without issue: Henry Lord of Monmouth, who after his brother's death was Earl of Lancaster, and father of Henry, the first Duke of Lancaster: john, who died without marriage: and Marry, married to Henry Lord Percy, mother of Henry, the first Earl 〈◊〉 Northumberland. This Earl Edmund died a● Bayon in Gascoigne, june. 5. An 1296. and of King Edward his brother's reign 24. when he had lived fifty year, four months and nineteen days; whose body half a year after his death, was conveyed into England, and lieth entombed at Westminster on the Northside of the high Altar, under a fair monument of stone, with his Portraiture, and the arms of him and others of his house, and many noble houses of that time. (108) Richard the third son of King Henry and Queen Elinor, (bearing the name of his uncle Richard, King of Romans Almaign,) deceased in his youth, and lieth at Westminster, interred on the southside of the Quire. (109) john the fourth son of King Henry and Queen Eleanor, (bearing the name of King john his grandfather,) deceased young, and at Westminster his bones lie interred with his brother Richard. (110) William the fift son of King Henry and Queen Eleanor, is mentioned by Thomas Pickering, (a Priest of the monastery of Whitby in Yorkshire, who lived in the time of King Henry the sixt, and wrote a large Genealogy of the Kings of England, and their issues,) and that he dying in his childhood, was buried within the new Temple, by Fleetstreet in London. (111) Henry the sixt son of King Henry and Queen Eleanour, is also reported by the same Pickering, to have died young, and to be buried at Westminster. (112) Margaret the eldest daughter of King Henry and Queen Eleanor, borne the twenty sixt year of her Father's reign. 1241. was the first wife of Alexander the third, King of Scotland, married to him at York, An. 1251. by whom she had issue, Alexander and David, (who died both before their Father without issue,) and Margaret Queen of Norway, wife of King Erike, and mother of Margaret the heir of Scotland, and Norway, that died unmarried: she was Queen twenty two years, lived thirty three, deceased before her husband, in the twenty third year of his Reign, the first of her brother Edward's in England, and was buried at the Abbey of Dunferinling in Scotland. (113) Beatrice the second daughter of King Henry, and Queen Eleanor, was borne at Bordeaux in Gascoigne, june. 25. An. 1242. of her Father's reign 27. At the age of eighteen years, she was married to john the first Duke of Britain, (son of john the last Earl of the same,) and had issue by him, Arthur Duke of Britanny, john Earl of Richmont, Peter, and Blanch married to Philip, son of Robert Earl of Artoys; Eleanour a Nun at Amsbery, and Marie married to Guy Earl of Saint Paul: when she had been his wife twelve years, and lived thirty years, she deceased in Britain, in the first year of the Reign of her brother King Edward, and was buried at London, in the Choir of the Grey Friars within Newgate. (114) Catherine the third daughter of King Henry and Queen Eleanor, was borne at London, An. 125●. of her father's reign 37. novemb. 25. being Saint Katherine's day, whose name was therefore given unto her, at the font, by Boniface Archbishop of Canterbury, her mother's uncle, who christened her, and was her Godfather. She died young and at Westminster her▪ bones lie interred, with her brother Richard and john, in the space between the Chapels of King Edward and Saint Bennet. Edward I Monarch 47 EDWARD THE FIRST, LORD OF IRELAND, AND DUKE OF AQVITAINE, etc. THE FORTIE-SEVENTH MONARCH OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER X. ✚ EDWARDUS: DEI. GRACIAREX. A●GLIE. DOMINUS. ●YBERNIE. DUX: AQVIGANIE ✚: EDWARDUS: DEI: GRA●IA: REX: ANGLIE: DNS: ● Y BERNIE: DUX. AQVIGANIE ✚ EDWARDUS: ●I: GRA: REX: ●●GL 4 SIL. ●IBR EDUX AQUT DNS' JAC IVI LON DON EDward, who followed K. Ann. 1273. Henry in wearing the English Crown, but far outwent him in all regal virtues, was abroad at the time of his father's death, still pursuing his high desires for the Holy Wars: wherein what he performed, (being yet but a Prince,) against the public enemies of Christians, it shall not be impertinent to touch, before we come to his actions as a King; having already remembered, with what valour and felicity he had subdued his Father's domestic enemies, settled the peace of his Kingdom, and re-established the rains of Sovereignty in his Father's hands, which those potent Rebels had formerly extorted. (2) King Lewis of France, whose persuasions had inflamed this noble-spirited Prince to associate him in this glorious quarrel, having first set forth for the enterprise, lay now in siege of Tunis in Africa; where Prince Edward with all his forces arriving, the French King (greatly rejoicing in his wished Prince Edward at Tunis in Africa. presence,) together with the King of Navarre, and other Princes of his Army, went forth to meet him, and received him in the kiss of Peace. This place which they beleaguered, was (as then) not great, yet by reason of the situation, * Paul. Aemy●. in Lud. 9 it greatly impeached the Christians in their passages through those Seas; being built out of the scattered ribs, and wasted ruins of that mighty and famous City Carthage▪ rival once in Majesty and Ambition with ancient Rome, as contending with her about the Empire of the World. Continuati● Mat. Par. Therefore to secure the Mediterranean Seas, it was thought necessary to begin that enterprise for Asia, with this in Africa; but not long after Lewis yielding up his holy Soul to God at the siege, and sickness (by reason of the heats in those Regions, for it was August) reigning in the Christian Camp, Charles King of Sicily, whom Lewis (before his decease) had sent for, to take charge of the whole enterprise, arrives; and after sharp reenforcement of the siege, (where Edward gave frequent proof of his great valour and prudence,) Charles is content to forbear extremity, Prince Edward unwilling to any truce with the Saracens. (to which the Saracens were brought) upon capitulations with them, contrary to Edward's mind, being wholly set to subdue, convert or root them out. Paul. Aemyl. (3) Yet the points of the treaty & truce (though granted for many years) carried show of honour, being these: 1. that all Christian Captives should be set free without ransom: that in the Cities of that Kingdom, the Christian faith might freely be taught: 3. that all such as were willing, might freely receive sacred Baptism: 4 that the Sarazens should repay to the Christian Kings, their charges: 5. that the King of Tunis should remain tributary to the King of Sicily. The siege hereupon was raised, to the grief and indignation of Edward, who would not (as is reported) partake nor share in any of the treasure, which by reason of the truce was paid by the Saracens, as accounting it to be wickedly gotten, and contrary to the Tenor of the vow, which for the honour and advancement of Christian Religion had been made. The event also seeming to confirm no less; for the wrath of Heaven (saith our * Continuatio. Mat. Par. Author) pursued King Charles, brother to the late King Lewis, and finding him out upon the sea in his return toward Sicily, took severe revenge by terrible weather, aswell upon him, as almost his whole Army, which perished in the waters, together with the impious treasure brought from Tunis, and all other his furniture of State and Prince Edward's high resolution to hold on his enterprise. Household. Which when Prince Edward understood, he swore by the blood of our Lord, that though all his Companions in Arms and Countrymen should abandon him, yet he and Fowin his * Custos Palsredi. Lackey alone would enter into * Acon or Acres. Ptolomais, and keep the vow which he had made, whiles soul and body held together. A noble resolution, and as faithfully performed; but not with so small attendance; for the English hearing his withdraw asseveration, promised with one heart to accompany him, and that (in all likelihood) the more willingly, because it is not observed, that the tempest had any He arriveth safe at Acon. way d●nified Edward, or his fellowship. He forthwith therefore sets sail toward Acon, into which he entered safe not above four days before the City should have been yielded to the Saracens, from which precipitation these succours out of England withheld it. The Sultan of Babylon, who lay about Acon with a puissant host, and had begun to assault the breaches; hearing this, not long after raised his siege, and without the fruition of his desire withdrew to his own Dominions. (4) Edward undoubtedly was not more tall of parsonage then stout of courage, and upon trust thereof, doing some things, which perhaps a Prince of his hopes, and fortunes, might with good reason have forborn. His undaunted courage against those Infidels may be guessed by the like against a domestic Rebel. Among those who were outlawed for Rebellion & Treason, after the battle of Euesham for partaking with Simon Earl of Leicester, was one Edward's voluntary single fight with Sir Adam Gurdon. Sir Adam Gurdon a Knight of the parts about Winchester, who with certain his Complices kept out of the way of the King's officers, but made the King's highway between Wilton and Farnham (which by reason of woods and windings was fit to shelter enemies) very dangerous for such as meant to pass, but doing most mischief to the lands and goods of such as were the King's friends. Edward hearing of this man's singular courage, gets intelligence of a fit time, and comes upon him with a strong band of followers, but he, nothing terrified, prepares himself to fight for his life to the last gasp. The Prince hereupon commands that none of his men should dare to interrupt their Combat, and forthwith with equal courage exchanged mighty blows without winning ground each of other. Edward delighted with the bravery of Adam's spirit, and proof of his manhood, bade him yield, promising him life, and his lands again; who presently throwing away his weapons, enjoyed the full benefit of Prince Edward's promise. The happiness of that age, wherein Sword and Shield were the ordinary weapons, and afforded much assurance in fight, might somewhat excuse the Prince from the note of temerity, which otherwise, in hazarding his princely person against a private Gentleman, he could hardly have escaped. But here at Acon he refused no occasion of putting forth the natural strengths of his firme-compacted body, till by the Sultan's retreat the most honourable opportunities were subtracted. Edward's wife delivered of a daughter at Acon. (5) All this while did that renowned and virtuous Lady, Elinor, wife of Prince Edward, endure with him an inseparable companion of all his fortunes, and was at Acon delivered of a daughter, baptised there by the name of joan. But if God had not better provided for him, she was not likely to have enjoyed any longer the dear company of her loving Lord and Husband. Among that bloody Sect of Saracens, called Assassini, who, without fear of torments, undertake (upon command of their * or Senior. Superior) the murder of any eminent prince, impugning their irreligion, was one Anzazim, often used by the Sarazen Admiral of joppes, as a Messenger between him and Edward, whom the Admiral pretended exceedingly to honour for his heroic parts of mind and body. The desperate wretch by this employment getting credit and access, upon his Prince Edward traitorously wounded by an Assassin. insinuation of certain secrets to be imparted, Prince Edward commanded all men to void the Chamber, when looking out of a window, the Assassin suddenly with a poisoned knife gives him three wounds, two in the arm, and one near the arme-pit; whom Edward presently with his foot threw to the earth, wrung the knife from the Traitor, (not without wounding himself in the hand,) and with the tressel of a Table smote out his brains. Then calling in his people, he commands that the body of the villain should be hanged up over the City's Wall, and a live dog with him. The Admiral hearing of this traitorous attempt, is * Continu. Math. Paris. said to have sighed for sorrow, for that he never knew thereof, but meant himself to have become a Christian. But when the Christians understood of this cursed assault upon the person of so renowned a Prince, they meant in revenge thereof, to have forthwith invaded the pagan wheresoever. But the Prince (whose first care was the safety of Christians) said, I forbidden you on the behalf of God, that none of you yet presume to infested the pagan Army, because many of our people are go to visit the holy Sepulchre, who shall every one of them be murdered by the Saracens, if they shall now sustain any (though but small) vexation at our hands. The second care was of his wounds, which by reason of the enuenemed blade were feared to be mortal; wherein the Lady Elinor gave so rare example A rare example of wively affection of conjugal affection, as her immortal memory doth justly impart glory to that whole Sex. For when no medicine could extract the poison, she did it with her tongue, licking daily, while her husband Rodericus Toletan. lib. 1. Cambd. in Midlesex. slept, his rankling wounds, whereby they perfectly closed, and yet herself received no harm; so sovereign a medicine is a wives Tongue, anointed with the virtue of lovely affection. (6) Thus while Edward abode in foreign parts for the general service of Christianity, against the increasing Enemies thereof, (contending then to that lamentable Greatness, wherein our unhappy times behold them;) his Father king Henry dies, and Prince Edward had the defect of his presence supplied by the faith and care of such venerable and noble persons, as his Father left behind him at his Tho. Walsing. death. Therefore Robert Kilwarby Archbishop of Canterbury, Gilbert Earl of Gloucester, with other the chief Prelates and Peers of the land, assembling together at the New-Temple in London, acknowledged and proclaimed absent Edward for their Sovereign Liege Lord; and by the assent of his Mother, the Queen Dowager, provided for the common affairs of the King, and the good estate of the Kingdom. The first news of his Father's death were brought unto him, when after his return from the Holy-Land (which service he was * Paul. Aemyl. in Lud. 9 enforced to forsake, having long in vain expected the promised aids of Christians, and Tartars,) he rested himself in Sicilia, with Charles the King thereof; where to the immortal commendation of his piety, and filial affection (rare in Princes) it is recorded, that the death of his Son and Heir, coming first to his ear, and afterward of the King his Father, he much more sorrowed his Father's departure, than his Sons: whereat King Charles greatly marveled, and demanding the reason, had of him this answer; The loss of Sons is but light, because they are multiplied every day: but the death of Parents is irremediable, because they can never be had again. (7) Now, whether it were the terror of such revenge A. D. 1274. as followed the captivation of his valiant Predecessor King Richard, or his own wiser carriage, or the calmer condition of the times, or all of them together, which secured him in his return: certain it is, that he traveled in great safety and honour over land from Sicilia to Rome, where he was met upon the way with all the Cardinals, gratulating the honourable success of his Chivalry against the Turks, his safe return, and new Kingdom. At his instance Pope Gregory * Tho. Walsing. excommunicated the bloudy-handed Guy Montford (because * Polyd. Verg. l. 17. his person could not easily be gotten, by reason of his Greatness, and power) with all his receivers, and (until amendss were made) put their whole Dominions under interdict, for that the said Guy, (son to Simon, late Earl of Leicester, slain at the battle of Euesham) in revenge of his Father's death ( * Paul. Aemyl. in Philipp. 8. for which he mortally hated all King Henry's race,) had most butcherly murdered * The son of Richard king of Romans. Henry of Almain, King Edward's near kinsman, upon his return toward England, in the reign of the late King Henry, as he was devoutly serving God in the Church at Viterbo in Italy; which horrible act induceth a * Paul. Aemyl. in Lud. 9 judicious Author to suspect, that Guy also had a hand in that Assassination on Edward, who had slain his Father. This Guy being afterward taken by the Admiral of Arragon, to gratify King Edward, was kept in prison, & the death of Henry revenged * Polyd. Verg. l. 17 with his. From Rome he journeyed through the Cities of Italy, where he was generally entertained with exceeding joy and honour; and as he was * Ypod. Neust. per Tho. Walsingham. entering into Savoy, at the stoop, or descent of the Alpes, very many of the Prelates, and Peers of England met him, acknowledging their gladness for his safety, and their duties to his Sovereignty. In his passage, he gave notable proof of his great prowess and strength at a Tournament (or rather * Act. and Mon. p. 124. battle) against * Tho. Walls. in Edward. ●. The marvelous strength of body in K. Edward. the Earl of Chabloun, and his Burgundians: for the said Count being a gallant man at Arms, after many blows with the sword between King Edward and him, throwing away his weapon, grasped the King about the gorget, and hung upon him with the weight of his massy body, in hope to cast him to the earth; but the King, sitting upright, without any bending, put spurs to his lusty horse, and lifted the Count so hanging about his neck, quite from his Saddle, carrying him away, till he had forcibly shook him off to the ground, who recovering himself, & coming to redeem his disgrace, had such entertainment, as he was contented to yield. In our effeminate and degenerous age, to omit such an atchivement of a King of England in his own person, had been heinous and piaculum. Thus his renown increasing with his progress, he had magnificent entertainment in France, of Philip the king, to whom (upon condition to have such territories restored, as were promised to his Father King Henry▪ when he sold Normandy to the French) he did homage for such Signiories, as he held of the Crown of France. (8) And as well to show his own moderation & princely temperance, (a virtue which makes every man a King in himself, and Kings like to Gods) as also his reverence to the Crown of France, whose Homager he was for his transmarine Dominions, Guasco de Biern, a valiant man of Arms, being in actual rebellion against K. Edward in his Duchy of Gascoigne, was admitted to appeal for trial of his pretended causes to the French King, as the superior Lord Many of King Edward's friends and counsellors were utterly adverse to this favour; aswell because the said Guasco had drawn the King to no small charge, and labour, as also for that now he was brought by straight siege to such extremities, as that he could no longer hold out, and himself, having all that while put his confidence in walls of stone; and the weapons point; there was also little reason to allow him an ordinary civil trial of his pretexts for taking arms; and many perhaps, both thought the example preiudicious to King Edward and his Successors, by giving way to such appeals, and disinherited the justice of the French Court: Contrary to all which, the king decreed, and it was fortunate with him; for Guasco (not long after) was condemned in France, and sent with * Ypod Neust. per Tho. Walls. an balter about his neck, to prostrate himself to justice, or mercy at King Edward's feet in England, who pardoned him the forfeiture of life, & (when he had for certain years kept him prisoner Mercy well placed. at Winchester) set him at liberty, and sent him back to his own, who remained for ever after gratefully firm and loyal. (9) King Edward (his transmarine affairs thus being settled) arrived in England, where he was after so long desirings most joyfully welcome, and there, in the Church of Westminster (the magnificent new work of his deceased Father, who had with great cost, and after above fifty years spent therein, almost finished the same) he and his dearest Elinor were anointed, and crowned by * Tho. Walsing. Robert Kylwarby Archbishop of Canterbury. There were present at this solemnity Queen Elinor the King's mother, * Hector Boet. transl●. lib. 13. Run Higden. in Polychr l. 7. Alexander King of Scots, the Duke of Britain, with multitudes of Peers and others: where (as * john Stow. one saith) for the more royal celebration of this great feast, and honour of so martial a King, there were five hundredth great Horses let lose, every one to take them for his own, who could. The Welsh affairs, and destruction of their government. (10) The final abolishment of succession of the Welsh blood in the Principality, or chiefedom of Wales now ensued: but yet (as great matters use) not first without some time, and certain degrees. The original was this; King Edward having sent for Lewelin The Prince of Wales summoned to do his homage & service. Prince of Wales to his Coronation, there to do him homage; he, excusing the same, was again (for that cause) admonished to repair to the King's Parliament at Westminster: whither likewise he forbore to come, pretending it was danger to his person, but * Da. Powel p. 331 directing his excuse to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and their Suffragans, professed his readiness, if it would please the King, either to sand a Commission for taking his Oath, and fealty, (who bore him a deep displeasure, ever * Idem pag. 328. in his history of Wales. since Lewelin had put him, being then but Earl of Chester, to the worse) or else, to appoint some indifferent place, or give to him for hostages the * Tho. Walsing. King's son, and Robert Earl of Gloucester, with Robert Burnell the King's Chancellor. But King Edward dissembling the arrogancy of the demand for the present, went forward in The statute of Mortmain first enacted. his Parliament, where the first Statutes, called of Westminster, and among them the Statute of Mortmain were enacted. But after the Parliament, the King repaired to his City of Chester, being very near to Wales, and Lewelin foreslowed his coming thither also; wherefore the King, resolving (for denial of homage) to seize upon the whole Fee of the said Prince, marched with an Army into Wales; his good fortune there was accidentally augmented by a prize, which four ships of Bristol took about the Isles of Silly, wherein the daughter of Simon Montfort late Earl of Leicester, (who, according to a secret contract between their friends, went to be given in marriage to Lewelin) and Aimericke her brother were surprised, but she found honourable usage of the King her near kinsman. A. D. 1278. (11) Meanwhile, Lewelines affairs, by the manhood and diligence of Pain de * Alias Cam●rcijs Canusijs, and others, who had taken West-Wales in, & brought it to the King's peace, thriving but poorly, and the said Prince feeling the foundations of his safety beginning manifestly to fail, and shrink from under him, * Lanquet. in Epit. Chr. ex Tho. Walsing. sued for peace, and had it upon such terms, which in likelihood were not (as * Hist. Angl. l. 17. Polydor Virgil would have it seem) granted by King Edward, jest he should lose his cost, and care, by warring against bogs and mountains. In the conditions of Peace (which was procured * Fabian. with great difficulty) the most remarkable (as carrying the show of a far greater riches in the possession of the Welsh, even at that time, than some preiudicated can easily believe) * David Powel. Pag. 334. & 335. were these. 1. That the Prince should pay to the King for his peace and goodwill, fifty thousand pounds sterling, the * Thom. Walsing. in Edw. 1. and in Ypod. Neust. payment whereof, should be in the Kings will and grace; that is (as we conceive it) how much thereof the Prince should pay or not pay, and when. 2. That the said Prince should have the Isle of Anglesey in Fee-farm of the King, to him, and to the lawful issue of his body in general tail, for five thousand Marks ready money, for * Or in Garsuma, as some use the word. gressom, or a fine in hand paid, & the yearly rent of a thousand Marks. The rest of the articles (being about eight,) amounted to so much as a plain Conquest, or dissolution of the Principality of Wales, after Lewelins' death, who was to enjoy the same, during his time upon conditions. (12) Now whereas the said Lewelin had three Brethren, David (whom King Edward favoured) Owen, and Roderick, it was enjoined to him at this conclusion (made by the Lord Robert Tiptoft, and certain other * Da. Pow. p. 33▪ Commissioners, upon either side appointed) that he should appease and satisfy his said Brethren: but because David was afterward a principal Actor in the calamities which fell upon himself, his house, and his Country, we must not neglect to speak somewhat particularly of him. This Gentleman for some causes, * Tho. Walls. flying into England from his Brother Lewelin, for his faithful service to the State of England, was there honoured (contrary to the manner of his Nation) with the order of Knighthood, and received also, by the bounty of King Edward, for his maintenance, the Castle of Denbigh, with lands to the yearly value of one thousand pounds, and the Daughter of the Earl of Derby (being then a Widow) to wife: with all which bounty, the King did but entertain a revealer of his secrets, as * Fabian. in Ed. 1. An. 1279. some (not improbably) do affirm. The State of Wales thus composed, and the Castle of * Da. Pow. p. 336. Aberistwith (which seems to be the same, that by * Tho. Walls. Fabian. another is said to have been built in West-Wales at Lampad●r Vaur) being built by King Edward for assuring those parts, the King (as he was munificent, and royal) the more to tie Lewelins' faith, gave unto him the Lady, of whose surprise at Sea we have mentioned, to be his consort, honouring the Nuptials with his own presence, and his Queens. And whereas Alexander King of Scots came about the same season into England to treat with Edward concerning important affairs, and had formerly sent to the Welsh wars, certain aides of the Scots, the said Alexander being jealous (on his Country's behalf) that those Scottish aides protested not to be sent of duty to K. Edward, but of love. An. 1282. aides might be interpreted, to have been sent upon duty, obtained letters testimonial from King Edward, declaring that they were not sent of duty, or in respect of service due. (13) Though King Edward were thus desirous to gain the Welsh-Nation rather by his largesse, than puissance, having so honourably used Lewelin, he could not yet retain their hearts; for whether it were (which * Da. Pow. p. 336. some, to amove the note of ingratitude, & turbulence from them, affirm) for that there was partiality used by the English officers in distribution of justice upon the Marches, or (which seems to some as likely) for that they aspired in vain to their ancient liberty (being miserably seduced with certain * Poly. Verg. l. 17. blind prophecies) the Welsh betook themselves afresh to Arms: for David himself, whom the King▪ had laden with so many benefits and graces, become to them a principal leader, and to give them full assurance of his fastness to their cause (reconciling himself to his brother the Prince) he suddenly and treacherously upon Palme-Sunday seized the Castle of * Tho. Walsing. Hawardin, surprising Roger de Clifford, a noble & famous Knight, whom the King had dispatched into those parts, as justiciar of all Wales, and slaying such unarmed men as offered to resist that violence, whence marching, he laid siege together with the Prince his brother, to the Castle of * Ruthlan. Da. Pow pag. 337. Rodolan, doing many outrages, and kill all such as they could reach, yea some (as it is said) whose ransoms * Archb. of Cant. apud Da. Powel. Pag. 339. they had taken, though against Lewelins' mind. And while King Edward spent his Easter at the Vises in Wiltshire, and afterward visited the Queen his mother, who lived in the Nunnery at Ambresberie, the Welsh, under divers Captains, had taken sundry of the King's * Tho. Walsing. strengths and Castles in divers parts. There are extant the * Da. Pow. p. 336. Copies of certain grievances, exhibited to john Archbishop of Canterbury by the Welsh, at such time as of his own accord (so say the said Copies) he interposed himself (without the King's leave) to settle their quiet; which Articles in show, (for the answers of the English are not set down) contain indeed sundry great abuses; but the fate of Wales had now involved them all in a desolating war, and made them uncapable of relief. For after the Archbishop had traveled in person to the Prince of Wales, being then in * Tho. Walsing. Snowdon, and returned without any Conclusion made, * Antiq. Brit. in vit. joh. Peckam. coming unto Oxford, he there sent out the lightnings of * Polyd. Verg. l. 17 excommunication against him and his seduced adherents: We say seduced, because they did capitulate in such sort, as if they had been able to make their party good. A. D. 1283. (14) But though the old British Principality was now to expire, yet it must be confessed, that as Lewelin had an end unworthy of his blood, being rather unfortunately slain, then otherwise, so on the other side the same happened not without revenge: for at one encounter in open field, Gilbert Earl e of Gloster lost William Valence (a younger cozen of the Kings) slain in the fight, and four other Knights, though at the same time also, many of the Welsh left their bodies dead upon the earth, together with the victory to the English: but the day certainly which they had of King Edward himself, may not be forgotten, in which the Welsh slew the * Tho. Walsing. King Edward repulsed by the Welsh. Lord William de Audeley, and the Lord Roger Clifford the younger, and got fourteen Ensigns from the English Army, K. Edward being enforced to enter into the Castle of Hope for his safety. These things, though not contemptible, but rather certain deceitful favours, usual when the ruin of a Nation is by God decreed, could not uphold the cause. For first the Prince, having upon some occasion withdrawn himself with some few others from his Army, which then was in the land of Buelth, was set upon by two principal Gentlemen, john Giffard, and Edmund de Mortumar, with their Forces, and there by the hand of one * Dau. Pow. p. 374. Adam Francton was run through with an horseman's staff, who at the first being unknown, had his head strucken afterward off, and presented to King Edward, at whose commandment it was * Tho. Walsing. crowned with ivy, and set up for a certain time upon the Tower of London. (15) This (saith the * Pag. 374. History of Wales) was the end of Lewelin, betrayed by the men of Buelth, who was the last Prince of Britain's blood: and with him ( * Polych. li. 7. Tho. Walsing. whom one Versifier calleth the Captain, the praise, the law, and light of Nations, and another defaceth with as many ignominious attributes) the liberty of that people did also die. For it was not long but that King Edward subdued in a manner all Wales, & reserving to himself the Coast-Towns & strengths toward the Sea, distributed the Inland Countries Cambden. in Comitat. Flint. to the Lords his followers: therein prudently following the counsel of Augustus, who thus under pretence of defence for the Provinces, had the bridling of all their forces at his pleasure. Nevertheless the whole flame was not as yet extinguished, for David the An. D. 1284. Prince's Brother, and * Polych. l. 7. c. 38. chiefest firebrand in this fatal combustion, was at large: who being taken & brought to King Edward at the Castle of Ruthlan, could not obtain admission to his sight or speech, but was amanded, and sent Prisoner to Shrewsburie. Thither the King, having settled the State of Wales, repairing to a Parliament which he had summoned, there to be kept after Michaelmas, caused David (having first had a Legal trial * Tho. Walsing. ad A. D. before certain justiciars for that cause appointed) to be severely put to death, by * Ranul. Cestr. in Polych. l. 7. hanging, heading and quartering, whose head was set up at London, and his quarters in four other principal Cities of England, to the terror of all ingrateful and disloyal persons. The Welsh line thus thrust from the Principality, King Edward upon Saint Marks day had a son borne unto him in Wales at Caernaruon, who also was called A. D. 1285. Edward, and reigned after him; and that with the birth of a new Lord, the Welsh might be enured to new laws, the King established (by example of K. john his Grandfather in Ireland) the English laws and offices among them. (16) But the King that he might not seem forgetful of his French affairs, repaired into France, A. D. 1287. where he obtained sundry favours, though they continued not long, and sat in person there with the French King in his Parliament at the City of A. Do. 1289. Paris, as a Lord or Peer of that Realm, in respect of such lands as he had in those parts. Nor may Tho. Walsing. here be forgotten an Act of singular munificence, and charity in this renowned King, for the redemption of Charles Prince of Achaia, son and Heir of Charles King of Sicilia, who had some years before been taken in a battle at Sea before Naples, by the Galleys of Sicilia, fight on the behalf of the King of Arragon: for whose speedier enlargement, K. Edward disbursed thirty thousand pounds sterling, and gave his own Knights in hostage, till Pol. Verg. l. 17. Charles had sent in his two sons, Robert and Lewis, as pledges to Alfonse king of Arragon: which done, King Edward returned into Gascoigne, and there took upon him the Cross, in full purpose to finish the journey which once he had undertaken, and had in part performed against the Saracens. (17) In the mean time, to purge England (whither King Edward confiscates the jews, and fines his justiciars. An. 1290. he was now returned) from such corruptions, and oppressions, as under which it groaned, and not neglecting therein his particular gain, he banished the jews out of the Realm, confiscating all their goods, leaving them nothing but money to bear their charges. And whereas they by their cruel usuries had one way eaten his people to the bones, & his justiciars (like another kind of jews) had ruined them with delays in their suits, and enriched themselves An honourable way to enrich a King. with wicked corruptions, he (like a father of his Country) put all those from their offices who were found guilty (and they were * Tho. Walsing. almost all) and punished them otherwise in a grievous manner, being first in open Parliament convicted. The particulars whereof, by john Stow ex Adam. Merim. Chron. Dunst. etc. reason of the most just and commendable example, we will not think needless (the order of naming them only changed) to recapitulate here. Sir Ralph Hengham, Chief justice of the higher Bench, 7000. marks. Sir john Lovetot, justice of the lower Bench, 3000. marks Sir William Brompton justice, 6000. marks. S. Solomon Rochester, chief justice of Assizes, 4000 M. S. Richard Boyland, 4000 Marks. S. Thomas Sodentone, 2000 Marks. S. Walter de Hopton, 2000 Marks. S. William Saham, justice, 3000, Marks. Robert Littelburie, Clerk, 1000 Marks. Roger Leicester Clerk, 1000 Marks. Adam de Stratton (beside other riches incredible) 32000. Marks. But with one Sir Thomas Weyland the King's * Stowin Edwa. 1 chief justice, (being found belike most false) he dealt far more sternly, for he not only seized upon all his movable goods and jewels (which he had done to others) but also upon his immovable, and banished him moreover out of the Kingdom. At which time the King constrained all his justices to swear, that from thenceforth they would take no pension fee or gift of any man, except only a breakfast, or the like present. OH divine and still necessary severity, only able to break the pernicious combination of men that under the profession of law & offices of justice make merchandise of honour, justice, law, and conscience, which cannot in the end but bring forth ruin, and confusion. Scottish affairs. Hect. Bo. trans. lib. 13. (18) That tempest now, which * Thomas Ersilton, a Scottish Rhymer, is said to have obscurely prophesied, alluding to the troubles of Scotland by reason of King Alexander's death; happened about these times; which raised so great, and bloody contentions, that it had almost blown up the regality of that kingdom by the very roots. For when, by the violent fall from his horse, King Alexander had most unfortunately lost his life, that Realm was woefully destitute of any apparent heir, sundry persons standing in competition for the same. These things were thought to be foreshowed from heaven by many * Hect. Bo. lib. 13. fearful presages, as extraordinary Meteors, Floods, Fires, and Pestilence. But King Edward intending to sway that affair, and being upon his way toward the borders, the death of his royal consort, and Queen, which he lamented while himself did live, called him A. D. 1291. back to the celebration of her funerals: as her excellent virtues did well deserve▪ To our Nation she was a loving mother, & (saith * Walsing. one) the Column, and pillar (as it were) of the whole Realm. In her honour the King her husband (who loved her above all worldly Creatures) caused those many famous * As Charing Cross, and at Waltham, S. Alban, Dunstaple, etc. trophies, or crosses to be erected, wheresoever her noble coarse did rest, as it was conveyed from Lincolnshire to burial in Westminster. Nor could any thing, but the respect to other weighty matters, now presently in hand, withhold our pen from paying to her memory a far more copious commendation. A. D. 1292. (19) Those mourning offices as mournfully performed, the King repairs into Northumberland, whither the greatest, and sagest persons of the Scottish nation being come, * Hect. Boe. li. 14. themselves having sought to him, Edward makes claim to the superiority of Scotland, and requires that the Competitors would quietly assent to his award, alleging that the Crown of that Realm was held of him: for more credit to which assertion he vouched sundry * Marian. Scot Williel. Mal. Henry Hun. Ro. Houed etc. books, and actsses, whereunto the Scots replied, * Tho. Walsing. in Edward. 1. That they were ignorant, that any such superiority belonged to the King of England: neither could they make answer to such things without a King the head, upon whom it lay to hear such a denunciation, and protested, that other answer they aught not as then to give, in regard of their Oath, which after the death of Alexander their King they had made one to the other, and the same to keep under pain of excommunication. Whereupon the King delivered to them his letters Patents, in which he acknowledged, that the coming of those Scots, on this side the water of tweed, should not be at any other time urged to prejudice them, for coming again into England: that is, That their example should not so be drawn to an argument of King Edward's right over them, as if they were to come again upon duty; so prudently jealous were these Patriots of their Country's liberty. (20) The names of the Competitors were these, according to Walsingham: Erick, King of Norway, who appeared by his Attorneys; Florence, Earl of Holland; Robert le Brus, Lord of Annandale; john de Balliol, Lord of Galway; john de Hastings, Lord of Abergevenny; john Coming, Lord of Badenaw; Patrick de Dunbar, * Tho. Walsingh. Ranal Higd. Polychr. lib. 7. Earl of March; john de Vesci, on his Father's behalf; Nicholas de Sules; William de Rosse. These all peaceably submitted themselves, for so much as concerned their several titles to the Scottish Crown, to the final award and arbitration of King Edward, passing thereof an authentic Instrument unto him; who having given caution to restore the realm of Scotland, (within a certain prefixed time,) to that party to whom the Crown thereof should be adjudged, had seisin delivered Bellendens transl. of Hect. Boe. lib. 14. to him, the better to put the sentence in execution, or (say the writers of that nation) they giving him power to constrain the parties to stand to this sentence. The whole carriage of which weighty business, being so diversly related and censured by the writers of both nations, (though for the present it be not material, both Kingdoms now blessedly acknowledging one absolute Superior) we will so trace the steps of truth in a middle way, as resolving neither to impeach the action of that glorious umpire, nor prejudicate the right of our noble sister nation. The State of Scotland now was not without manifest peril; for the Scots * Hect. Boe. lib. 14. denying that their Kingdom was in any point subaltern to the Crown of England, and King Edward either persuaded that it was so, or resolving and plotting now to make it so, would not neglect the advantage of this * So Boniface calls it in his letters to king Edward. Akephalisis or want of a known head in Scotland. (21) Upon full ventilation therefore and scanning of all rights, the main doubt rested upon Lord Brus and Balliol, for the residue might seem rather to affect the honour of having pretended title in blood to a Diadem, then to have colour to contend with either of them. Great was the advise, and deliberation (as there was cause) which King Edward took therein, for not trusting to his own judgement, he caused (saith * Hect. Boe. lib. 14. Hector Boetius) twelve of the best Clerks or learned men of Scotland, and twelve of England to concur as Assessors with him in that great decision. A. D. 1293. (22) While this weighty cause was in debatement; there fell out deadly strife between the English and Normans, occasioned by one of them casually slain by the English; which mischief the King of France forwardly nourished, as thirsting for the duchy of Gascoigne, which best he might attain by troubling the foreign affairs of King Edward, whom they saw now entangled at home in so weighty employments. Whereupon the Normans slew sundry of the English, A famous Sea-victorie of the English against the Normans and hung up one upon the mast of a Ship, whom they had taken at Sea: but, ere long after, threescore English ships encountering with two hundredth sail of Normans, laden with wines, after a most bloody battle (wherein many * Th●m. Walsingh. saith 1500. thousands of the French were slain) took, with their whole fleet, their full revenge, and brought them into England. * Hect. Boe. lib. 14. (23) At last yet King Edward returning to Berwicke, having with him the said twenty four Assessors, as it were a jury of either nation, * Edwardi liter●●d P●pam apud Tho. Walsing●. and, with the good will and assent of the Scottish Lords, gave solemn judgement given by king Edward. judgement with Balliol, as being descended of the eldest daughter of David, Earl of Huntingdon, a younger son of Scotland; whose issue (the line of the elder brother being extinct) was to inherit, without question. But the strife being between the descendants of the said David, of which the Lord Robert Bruce was also a principal, reasons of importance lib. 14. cap. 1. were produced, which drew many men's judgements, to incline to him, as having a nearer interest to that Crown. But according to the sentence, Balliol was solemnly crowned King of Scotland upon S. Andrews A. D. 1294. day, and, in Christmas following, repaired to King Edward, at Newcastle upon Tyne, and * Hect. Boet. transl lib. 14. Cap. 2. there (against the minds of many Scots) did homage unto him for the whole Kingdom of Scotland. (24) Meantime the French King pursued the revenge of the Normans, demanding restitution, and citing King Edward judicially to appear to answer such wrongs, as were done in Aquitaine: who, (desirous to settle his own affairs at home, or, as some writ, * Po●ychr. eager upon a match for himself in France) while he discovered either his unwillingness to appear in that kind, or to war, suffered himself by a French devise, to be merely deceived, and put out of his possession of Gascoigne, to the great mischief, and disadvantage of the English: whereupon K. Edward highly incensed, called a Parliament at London, where A. D. 1295. john king of Scotland was present; and had the full consent of the whole Realm, to regain that honestly by the sword which was craftily gotten away by a cunning trick, * Ypod. Neustr. renouncing to the French his homage for Aquitain. Wales also was at the same time full of troubles; but the fires of rebellion, there rashly kindled, were, not long after, quenched with the blood of the Actors, and thousands of their Complices. A. D. 1296. (25) Balliol having thus obtained the Crown of Scotland, and finding his party, by the homage which he had made to King Edward, much impaired among the Scots, who greatly repined thereat; for regaining their loves, * Tho. Walls. attempted a secret combination with the French against the English; which Edward ignorant of, and * Hect. Boe. li. 14. requiring him by virtue of his homage to aid him with all his powers against the King of France, * Tho. Walls. discovered (by Balliol's delays, and traverses) the said conspiracy. Whereupon he advanced forward against the Scots with a puissant army to Newcastle upon Tyne: The first blood which was drawn was of the English, of whom, the Scots * Tho. Walls. Polyd. Verg. lib. 17. saith but one hundredth. slew almost one thousand in a village under the leading of one Robert de Ros, who had fled from King Edward: The City of Carlisle likewise was assaulted, and the County of Cumberland spoiled by seven Earls of Scotland, and their companies, which to Edward was not greatly displeasing, (as was said) for that the first hostile acts were done by them, whom he had a full purpose to subdue, that at last he might be sole in Albion; which, had not God reserved for other times, we might wonder he effected not. A. D. 1297. (26) King Edward therefore presented himself before the strong Town of Berwick with a mighty host, there to auspicate his entrance to a conquest of Scotland; and, after summons sent to the Town, abode one whole day, without offer of violence: The Townsmen refusing to tender, had a victory of the English Mariners, who rashly entering, with twenty and four Ships into the harbour, were repelled with the loss of four of their vessels, which was soon revenged by the forcible taking of Berwick, where * Tho. Walsingh. Berwick taken by king Edward. Hector Boetius saith, there was exercised great lib. 14. cruelty by the English. In the Town, the Flemish Merchants (who were smothered by the English with fire) had a very strong house in the manner of a Tower, from whence they leveled, at the entering of the English, with darts, and javelins, one of which casually slew Richard of Cornewal, a gallant Gentleman brother to the Earl of Cornwall, which, in an army heated with former contumelies, for the Scots upon the slaughter and repulse which they had made of the English mariners, published certain rhymes in derision, as ( * Fabian. What wenies King Edward with his Long shanks, To have won Berwicke, all our unthancks? etc.) together with the remembrance of many fresh shrewd turns, might stir up bloody effects. After the Town was thus taken, the Castle after stood not long out, but rendered itself. * Tho. Walls. Sir William Dowglas, captain thereof, was detained prisoner, and (as * Fab. some writ) Sir Robert Bruce: others were suffered to departed, upon oath, to bear no arms from thenceforth Berwick the key of Scotland. against the King of England. The loss of this important Town, and Castle was very great, for it was the key, and common Bulwark of Scotland. (27) While the English, at this place, were busy to cast a very deep ditch, to hinder the sudden inroads of their enemies, john King of Scotland sent two religious men to the King of England with * Tho. Walls. letters; in which, alleging that he was by Oath bound to defend his own kingdom, and people, he renounced his homage, and fealty, as extorted by violence, and voided in itself, being made without assent of the three estates of his Realm. The resignation was admitted, King Edward commanding his Chancellor to record the same for perpetual memory, as a justification of his proceed. (28) The Scots hereupon, under the conduct of the Earls of Bucquhan, Menteth, Strathern, R●s, Athol, mar, and other of their nobility, made an incursion into England, whence with the spoils of two religious houses, and other booties they returned: But Patrick Earl of Dunbarre came to King Edward submitting himself; and the Castle of Dunbarre (by this submission being under King Edward's protection) was regained by Scots: For recovery, or surregaining whereof, the King sent john Earl of Surrey, and Sussex, and William Earl of Warwick, who were entertained with battle by the Scottish nation, of whom the English, * Tho. Walsingh. Hect. Bo●l. 14. Fabian. after cruel fight, obtained a victory of great importance, the chase holding about eight miles, in which the slaughter was not small. The siege of Dunbarre being reinforced, King Edward had it yielded unto him, at his coming, wherein were taken three Earls, six or seu●n Barons, besides many knights, and Esquires, which were all sent prisoners to diverse Castles of England, and (if some say true) not put to the sword (as Hector transported perhaps with hatred to Edward writes) contrary to his word, and faith given. (29) King Edward knowing as well how to use a victory, as to get it, having a present spirit upon all advantages, and turns of fortune, takes the Castle of Rocksbrough, and (for a final end to this affair) marcheth to Edinburgh itself (the chief Town of Scotland) which * Hect. Boet. l. 14. Polyd. Virg lib. ●7 Th●. Walsing. was shortly rendered: Then took they Striueling also, and drove Balliol to the * Bellind tra●sl. of Hect. Boe. lib. 14. Castle of Forfar: where john Coming Lord of Strabogie submitted himself to King Edward. About this time there Welsh aid against Scotland. Irish aid against Scotland. came to the English camp great numbers of Welsh soldiers, with whom he relieved many of the English footmen, tired with service, sending them back into England. Thither also came the Earls of Ulster with bands of Irish. (30) The King of England prospering thus, passeth with his army over the * Tho. Walls. Scottish Sea, where while he kept the feast of Saint john Baptist * Polyd. Ver. li. 17. at Perth (or Saint john's Town) there came messengers from Balliol, and the Lords his factors, to sue for mercy, which was granted upon condition, that they should tender themselves to him as his subjects. * lib. 14. Hector Boetius saith, that after this agreement (wherein * Tho. W●lss. Anthony The Balliol resigns. Bishop of Durham was used) john Coming brought Balliol, voided of all kingly habiliments with a white rod in his hand, to the English camp at Montros, where he resigned his whole right that he either had, or might have to the Crown of Scotland, into king Edward's hands, and made thereof a formal Charter in French, and at the same time also (for fear of life) gave his son Edward for hostage, and assurance of his fealty; by which final disclaim, the Lord Bruces right might seem now unquestionable. But this resignation being thus made, king Edward returns to Berwick, where * B●llind. transl. of Hect. Boe. lib. 14. ca 3. all the Nobles of Scotland (at a Parliament there holden) were sworn to be loyal, and true subjects to king Edward for ever after: and * Tho. Walls. hereof a solemn instrument was sealed by the said Lords (of whom john Coming of Badenaw was first) bearing date at Berwick in the twenty fifth year of the reign of their Sovereign Lord King Edward. (31) john the late King, was sent to the Tower of London, and there was honourably attended, having liberty for twenty miles about. The Scottish Lords were confined within Trent, over which River they might not pass toward Scotland, upon pain of life: The custody of Scotland was committed to john de Warrenn, Earl of Surrey and Sussex, and the Treasurershippe thereof to Hugh de Cressingham, but William de Ormesby was ordained justiciar, with this particular commandment, that he should take the homages and fealties of all such as held lands of the King. And the more to show his purpose, utterly to dissolve the distinct Regality of Scotland, and to unite it to the English Monarchy, as he had done Wales, he took out of Edinbrough the Crown, Sceptre and Cloth of Estate, offering them up at * Fabian. Saint Edward's shrine in Westminster, if the Author mistake not, for at Saint Thomas at Canterbury, * Tho. Walsingh. he offered up Balliol's Crown saith another; and (besides many other Acts tending to the abolishment of the Scottish Name, which * Bellind. trans. lib. 14. cap 7. Hector relates, as the burning their Records, abrogating their laws, altering their forms of divine service, and transplanting all their learnedst men thence unto his University of Oxford,) he took out of the * though Walls. Abbey of Scene the * Cambden in Scotland. p. 709▪ saith it was a stone enclosed within a wooden Chairs. Marble Chair, in which the Kings of Scotland were wont to be crowned, and sent the same to Westminster, for Priests to sit therein at Celebration. This Chair is the same upon which was engraven, the famous Prophetical Distichon: Ni fallat fatum, Scoti quocunque locatum Inuenient lapidem, regnare tenentur ibidem, If Fates go right, where ere this stone is pight, The Regal race of Scots shall rule that place. Which by whomsoever it was written, we who now live, find it happily accomplished. But these great Acts of this ●eere brought to the Commons of England small commodity, upon whom the charge of the wars lay heavily, and it is not often found, that the people gain much by their Prince's Conquests. (32) The force of Scotland with a greater force being thus for the present broken, who would suppose, An. 1298. that it could once again have lifted up the head, and that chief by the particular virtue of a private man, as it after happened? which he had the more opportunity to do, for that the King of England was diversly diverted by occasion of wars in Gascoigne for recovery of his own, and for aid of his friends in Flanders, whom the French did afflict in hostile manner. The Captain of the revolted troops in Scotland, was one William Wallace (the son of * Bellendens transl of Hect. Boet. l. 14. c. 4. Sir Andrew Wallace of Cragie Knight, though some * Tho. Walls. Polyd. Verg. lib. 17 upon hearsay, writ contemptibly of his course of life, as of a public robber) who, by the assistance of such as were outlawed, for refusing to do their homage to King Edward, drove William de Ormesby (the King's justiciar) out of Scotland. Which King Edward hearing, discharged john Coming of Badenaw, and the Earl of Bucquhan from their confinement, to the intent, that he might by their endeavours, the sooner settle matters, but withal he gave john de Warren Earl of Surrey commission to levy an Army: and the king (loathe to be hindered from his other destinations) easily yielded to such requests as were propounded on the Scots behalf for that time. The voyage which he had then in hand, was to transport from Winchelsea an Army, to assist the Earl of Flanders his confederate. (33) England at this time was not without great discontentments, which Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex Constable of England, and Roger Bigot Earl of Norfolk, Martial of England, did countenance; for present satisfaction whereof, the King yielded (among other things) to confirm Magna Charta, and Charta de Foresta, and that there should no Subsidy nor taxation be levied upon the people, without the consent of the Prelates, Peers, and people. But before this time, and while the King was absent out of the land, the Scots under the leading of William Wallas, put to * Tho. Walls. Hect. Boet. lib. 1●. Polyd Virg. l. 17. flight, the Earl Warren and all the English Forces which were with him, taking them at advantage, as they were passing over a narrow Bridge, near unto the Castle of Strivelin: the slaughter of the English was not small. There Hugh de Cressingham Treasurer of Scotland for King Edward, fell in battle, whose dead body for special hatred borne unto him, the Scots did slay, dividing his skin among them. The King hearing of this overthrow, commands the Lords of England by his letters to be ready to assist the said Earl Warren (his Custos or Guardian of Scotland) with their Forces, in the Octaves of S. Hilary at York, and also to proclaim such of the Scottish Lords as came not thither, enemies of the State; but they kept themselves within Scotland, and came not. Whereupon the English Captains marched to the rescue of the Castle of Rocksbrough, whence William Wallace fled upon notice of their approach to raise his siege. But King Edward (advertised of these accidents) A. D. 1299 having taken a truce for two years with the King of France, by mediation of Bonifacius the Pope, who interposed himself (non tanquam judex, sed amicabilis Compositor, saith Walsingham, not as a judge, but as a friendly Composer, made haste into England, where his presence was extremely wanting: but in his way home, at a Town called * Tho. Walls. Ardeburg, all the Scots almost, which he had brought with him to serve in the Flemish wars, forsook him, and went to Paris. (34) After his arrival in England, he summoned a Parliament at York, giving the Scots a day to appear thereat; which they not doing, nor acknowledging that they aught to do, he entered with a mighty Army into their Country, his Navy laden with victuals coasting along; which by contrary winds being holden off for a time, put the Scots the rather in hope of victory, by reason of the scarcity of provisions among the English; but three days before the Scots appeared, the ships came, and plentifully refreshed the fainting soldiers. Hereupon the king led forward his people, and upon the next morning, a terrible shout being heard from the Scottish host, the English ran to arms; but the king's horse (affrighted with the sudden tumultuous noise) as he was putting foot in stirrup, threw him to the earth, and striking with the hinder heels, broke two of his ribs; who nevertheless upon the same horse proceeded in person to the battle. Willam Wallace, who had won to himself, by many his hardy enterprises a singular opinion among the Peers, and people, having set his Scots in array (whose numbers far exceeded the English) used every where this short speech unto them in stead of Orations, I have brought you to the King, hop give ye kun. For their more security, he had * though Wals●ng●. The bloody ourethrow at Fawkirke. fixed between them and the English, certain Pales or stakes, bound together with ropes, which the English Vanguard broke down, and came to strokes. The first which fled, were the Scottish Horsemen, leaving their Infantry, or battles of foot, open to that great destruction which followed, the victory resting clearly to the English. (35) Our Scottish * Hect. Boet. l. 14. Author writes, that by reason of emulation against Wallace, the Scots burning in mutual hatred, made the enterprise easy to their enemies; which as it may be very true, so certainly t●ere was scarce any battle between the two Nations, in which more Scottish blood was spilled then in this, for thereof * Vni●erss. Cosm. lib. 2. Sebastian Munster seems to mean, saying, that there were slain threescore and ten thousand, which though we take not to be the true number, (for some have * Tho. Walls. Ypod. Neustr. Ran. Cest. Polychr. li●. 7. threescore thousand, * Fabian, & Harding. others not so many) yet shows it that the slaughter was vast, as it could not otherwise be, the Scottish footmen valiantly * Polyd. Ver. lib. 17. Hect. Bo●t. l. 14. fight as it were to the last man. Blood worthy to have been shed on both sides, against another kind of enemy, than Christians, the deformity of which effusions may justly represent to us the blessed estate of our now settled union. This victory was obtained by the English upon Saint Mary Magdalens day, at a place called Fawkirke: from which William Wallace, opening his way with his Sword escaped. The Welshmen deserved ill of the King at this journey, for that they foreslowed to charge upon the palisado, or fence of the Scots, in hope (the English being vanquished, which by the inequality of their numbers, they presumed would happen) that themselves might jointly with the Scots, execute upon King Edward the hatred, which they bore him for the * Tho. Walls. evils he had brought upon their nation. After this victory the King took sundry places, and returned into England by Carlisle. A. D. 1300. (36) The two years truce formerly taken between the English and French, was now, by the interceding of Boniface Bishop of Rome, turned to a settled peace, who (among other things) brought it about, that K. Edward should marry the French kings sister Margaret, and Edward the king's son, the same king's daughter, though (saith Walsingham) he advanced not the good of his Realm by this match in any point. To this affinity were added the greater strengths of a domestic quiet, for the king (whom wars had together made renowned, & aged) graciously & wisely yielded to confirm such grants of laws and liberties, as the Earls and Barons (the pretended Conseruators of the People's interest,) did declare, were by his promise to be confirmed to them at his return from Scotland: and which he accordingly did, in a Parliament holden at London, upon prorogation, in Quindena Pasche, where for their fuller satisfaction he * Tho. Walls. left out this Clause in the end, Saluo iure corona nostrae, saving the right of our Crown: and what at this time was wanting, he made up afterward in a Parliament at Stamford. The Balliol s●t at liberty. (37) But that he might not seem willing to deny the Pope any just request, or not to know the sweetness of an others freedom, he delivered to the hands of the Pope's Nuntios, john the late King of Scotland, (upon their assuming for King Edward's indemnity,) whom they conveyed to his inheritance in France, where (upon every side unfortunate) he remained as under the note of a false seducer, and of a perjured person in king Edward's judgement, and with out any part of his regal office over the Scottish nation; who found that the peace which King Edward made in other places, did but turn to their more grievous affliction; for albeit they had gotten Strivelyn by surrender of the English, and began with an immortal desire of their ancient Liberty, to assemble again under William Wallace, yet the time was not come of their deliverance; for King Edward (according as it was formerly appointed,) having accomplished his marriage with the French Kings sister at Canterbury, made it his whole affair, to finish the annexation of Scotland to the Crown of England. (38) He therefore accompanied with his son, and a dreadful Army, pursued the matter so close, that whereas the Scots had gotten together again in exceeding great numbers, under their several Captains, (whose * Hect. Boe. lib. 14. Envy had caused Wallace to give up all such authority, as the commonwealth of Scotland had formerly granted unto him, for preservation of their freedoms,) and flying before King Edward, whose fortune in war had worthily made him terrible; that day (in Walsinghams' judgement) had been irrecoverably fatal to the Scottish name, if the English had been able to have followed them in their Armour, over their bogs and mountains, or that the Welsh had with their natural nimbleness supplied the same. Sure it is, that Edward held himself so fast in possession, that he neither would grant the Scottish Lords their Balliol to reign over them, (which they requested saith Walsingham) nor suffer them to redeem such lands of theirs, as he had given to the English among them. The Pope interposeth his authority for the relief of Scotland. (39) Armes failing, and the Scots having made their way in the Court of Rome, procured inhibitory letters from the Pope, which were brought by one Lumbardus into Scotland: but the King swearing a * Per sanguined Dei. terrible oath, said, that he would not desist. Nevertheless the Scots, after a few days, requested the King to let them live in peace till they had taken counsel of the Peers, and of the King of France, threatening that otherwise the Pope would take the matter upon him. But the King with a disdainful smile answered: Have you done homage to me (as to the chief Lord of the Kingdom of Scotland) and now suppose that I can be terrified with swelling lies, as if (like one that had no power to compel) I would let the right which I have over you to slip out of my hands? Let me hear no more of this, for if I do, I swear by the Lord, I will consume all Scotland from sea to sea. On the other side, the Scots did boldly enough reply, That in this cause they would shed their blood for defence of justice, and their Country's liberty. The constancy of the Welshman's love to the first English Prince of Wales. (40) About this time the King made his son Edward, (who was borne at Caernaruon) Prince of Wales, and Earl of Chester, which so greatly contented the Welsh, because (in regard of his birth place) they held him as one of theirs, that when all friends did afterward forsake him (as the following reign will show) they always stuck most loyally unto him, expressing wonderful love and affection, and bewailing his heavy fortunes in woeful songs, which neither the dread of his enemies, nor length of time could ever make them to * Tho. Walsingh. forget. (41) But, in the matter of Scotland, the King not to seem altogether to neglect the Court of Rome, addressed thither the Earl of Lincoln, and the Lord Hugh de Spenser with manifold complaints against the Scots, and justification of his own proceed; howbeit at the Pope's request, he granted them truce from Hallowmas to Whitsuntide. This very year, Cassan King of Tartars gloriously slew one hundredth thousand Turks in a battle upon the plain of Damascus, and was baptised thereupon, as acknowledging the victory to come from the son of God the joy whereof filled England, as other the parts of Christendom. (42) The justice of the English Arms against the A. D. 1302. Scots, being now again directly impugned by the Papal letters, comprehending sundry arguments on the behalf of that Nation, King Edward in a Parliament at Lincoln published their contents, and by consent of the whole representative body of the Realm, returned a copious defence of his whole proceed, with protestation, first, that he did not exhibit any thing as in for me of judgement, or trial of his cause, but for satisfaction of his holy Fatherhoods conscience, and not otherwise. But whereas the Pope had required the King to stand to his decision for matter of claim, he writes, that thereunto he would make no answer, as having left that point to the Earls and Peers of his land: who with one mind directly signify, that their King was not to answer in judgement for any rights of the Crown of England before any Tribunal under Heaven: and that (by sending Deputies or Attorneys to such an end) he should not make the said truth doubtful, because it manifestly tended to the disinherison of the said Crown, which with the help of God, they would resolutely, and with all their force maintain against all men. So * Polyd. Verg. lib. 17. ceased that Action, and the sooner also, for that Bonifacius had A. D. 1303. much to do at home, by reason of some great controversies between the French and him. Mean time Sir john Segrave, Lord Segrave, a renowned Soldier, was sent Governor or Custos into Scotland, with an Army, after the Truce expired, which at the French Kings instance, King Edward had yielded unto for a time; john Cumin, who had also been a Competitor for the Crown, was chosen by the Scots * Hect. Boe. lib. 14. for their Governor. (43) We may not here overpass a victory (at Rosselin) A. D. 1304. which the Writers of that nation celebrated, wherein the English were by them overcome, howbeit there is in our Writers much variety in that relation. It is the saying of Hector Boetius, that the English were about three for one, our ancient and later authors say that the Scots had far the * Thom. Walls. Abington. Polyd. Virg. lib. 17 more people; he affirms, that it was in the plain field, ours that it was * Thom. Walsingh. an Ambush; he that the Scots did put to flight, and took the spoils of three whole battles, in either of which were * Bellind. transl. of Hect. Boe. lib. 14. cap. 6. 10000 English, ours, that the Scots by reason of their multitudes did only overbear the Vanguard, from which the nearest of the other battles was * Pol. Virg. lib. 17▪ four miles off. All agreed in this that the Lord john Segrave (Ralph Confrey saith Hector) who had the point or vanguard of the English (whose General he also was) by dividing his army into three parts for their better relief, weakened so his whole force, that thereby, and his unadvised forwardness (impatient to stay for his other powers) he gave occasion to the Scots of such a victory. They had also taken the person of the said Lord General, but * Abington. Sir Robert de Nevile, who with others was at divine service, hearing thereof, came with his troops of horse, rescued Segrave, slew many, put many to flight, and brought away back the rest of the prisoners, without * Tho. Walsing. the loss of any one man of his own. The said Scottish Chronicle makes no mention of William waleys, at this discomfiture of the English, but gives the whole glory thereof to cumin, and to Simon Fraser: whereas we attribute all to waleys, and make no mention of the other, with far less wrong to the immortal deserts of waleys; for he undoubtedly, was the only man, who kept up Scotland, till near the time of deliverance. (44) The Scottish Nation (as * Bellendens transl. lib. 14. Cap. 6. Hector reports) had for their warrant in conscience, and justification of resistance, the Pope's judgement, who upon ripe deliberation in their matter, decreed (saith he) that the Scots had just action of battle in defence of their liberties against King Edward: who not much esteeming the doom of that Oracle, upon the other side was persuaded he might proceed to subdue them wholly to his dominion: and therefore, (upon report that the Scots were not only up in Arms) but encouraged to greater attempts by this late success,) came in person with a dreadful host, piercing therewith * Belindens transl. 2. lib. 14. cap. 6. through all Scotland, from one end thereof to the other; from Rocksbrough to Caines, which is the farthest point in the length of that Land, being about three hundredth miles: whither he marched by small journeys, not an enemy appearing with power to impeach him. For they, unable to make head, being so continually wasted, did either for their safety betake themselves to the woods, and Mountains, with their waleys, or wholly submitted themselves, * Hect. Boet. lib. 14. cap. 7. swearing to be true to king Edward, there being in all Scotland but one Castle (the Castle of Striueling) which stood out, and that also (upon King Edward's return from catness) was * Tho. Walsing. absolutely surrendered to him; and therefore no great cause, why Hector should call King Edward false Tyrant for committing the Captain and Garrison of that Castle to sundry Prisons: So that had not God in his eternal providence, favouring the liberty of that people, ordained some inaccessible places, and natural strengths, where no Army could march nor be maintained, the Scots had in all likelihood perpetually undergone the same fortune, which we the English were brought into, for want of the like, by William the first, and his Normans: (45) Therefore let profane discourses (with their Father Epicurus and Lucretius) blush and tremble, as often as they shall dare to insinuate any thing against God's wisdom in the Fabric of the world, as if the Craggy, and desert places, thereof, had no use in nature, when (omitting all other reasons of their being) the conservation of kingdoms, and nations was thus by them effected. We had an * Mat. Paris. Herward in the conquerors time, as well as the Scots had a waleys in this; and we might perhaps at this hour have been without French mixtures, if God had provided our Country of such Wastes, and deserts as either they or the Welshmen did enjoy, who for many hundreths of years, after the ruin of their Monarchy in Britain, upheld, in some sort, their liberty, when the English had twice by Danes, and Normans, in the mean time, utterly lost it. (46) Scotland (saith * lib. 14. Hector) being in this manner A. D. 1305. After Walsinghams' account which we follow in all his reign, and so far as he written being till Henry. 5. subdued and all the strengths of buildings, and the Nobility thereof at King Edward's disposition, he having ordered the affairs thereof as himself thought best, left the custody thereof again to * Thom. Walsingh. Segrave, and in his triumphal return through England from Dunfermelin in Scotland where he kept his Christmas, caused the Courts of the Bench, and Eschecquer, which had been seven year kept at York (for the more commodity of his Scottish expeditions) to be reduced to London, their ancient residence. Moreover he ordained justitiars for Trailbaston, who were to inquire of manslaughters, Ruffians, Disseisors, Boot-halers, Incendiaries, and other perturbers of the common quiet, and them to punish, by fine, death and otherwise, which brought to the Realm much A. D. 1306. rest, and to the King much riches. (47) But, the more to secure king Edward in the Scottish kingdom, it was not long, but that William waleys (whom an Earl of Scotlana in the beginning of his resistances had honoured (saith Walsingham) with the girdle of * Milit●ae. Knighthood) was brought up prisoner to London, being treasonably taken at Glasco by * H●ct. Boet. ca 1. lib. one Sir john Menteth (though * Pol. Virg. lib. 17. Polydore Vergil saith the English took him in war) where he had public trial at Westminster, and * Read ●ohn Stow in Edward. 1. denying that he was a Traitor to the King of England, was there for other his crimes (as burning of Towns, taking of Castles, kill the English, etc.) adjudged to death, which sentence was executed upon him, and his head and quarters set up in several places over the Island, his right * Holinsh. p. 303. leg at Perth or Saint john's Town in Scotland, and his left at Aberdein. This was the end of Wallace, whom his Country had once by common consent chosen for their defender, and * Bellind. tran. lib. 14. cap. 4. Captain General, and, for his deserts towards her, doth place in glory far above the stars, as the only person, by whose example, the Scots had their spirits keptawake, and quick upon all occasions, by which they might recover the Government out of the hands of the English, whose reign over them this Wallace neither by fair means, nor by force could ever be drawn to endure, or look upon with a patiented eye; whom though (with Hector's * Bellind. lib. 14. cap. 8. translator) we do not call a Martyr, yet must we think his Country honoured in him, wishing many the like in our own. King Edward one of the greatest English Monarches. (48) Let no man now make doubt to writ up King Edward among the greatest of our English Monarches, for (besides the whole islands of Britain and Ireland) he also held Aquitaine, which about two years before, the King of France (entangled with troubles otherwise) did restore, and the City of Bordeaux of the own accord submitted itself again to the English Sceptre, as that wherewith it had formerly Tho. Walsing. ad An. Dom. 1306. been so long, and well acquainted; and to gratify the same Edward the King of France also banished the Scots out of his dominions. Thus was King Edward possessed of Scotland; which nevertheless (that the world may see God's hand in translating of Kingdoms, being a * Daniel cap. 2 ver. 21. point of his prerogative) was not long after plucked from his son; and the calamities which the Scots had suffered, whelmed back upon the English. Which peculiar art of divine providence you will more easily acknowledge, when you shall behold by how naked an instrument he raised again the Scottish Commonwealth out of that dust, in which for a little season it seemed to lie buried. The Lord Rob. Bruce, pursues his right to the Crown. (49) Wallace therefore being taken out of the way, the Lord Robert Bruce (between whom, and the unfortunate Balliol the main strife lay for the Diadem) beholding the state of his Country, for which Wallace, without interest to the Crown thereof, had stood so nobly, and desirous to give it a new head by making himself King (whereto by Balliol's surrender his other right was made more passable) had for that purpose entered into a conspiracy with cumin, whose disclosure thereof (as Scots do writ) brought into apparent danger the Lord Bruces life, who was then attendant in the Court of England. King Edward upon the first discovery of the plot not crediting the same, Bruce, most constantly denying it, and casting the accusation, with good probability, upon Cumyns envy, had time, and warning to escape. For an Earl (saith Boetius) scent unto him twelve Sriveling pence, and a pair of sharp spurs, presently upon his departure from the King, which he wittily interpreted to be a Symbol of speedy flight. According whereunto he forthwith sped from London, where K. Edward kept Christmas, shoeing his horses backward, that he might not be followed by their prints upon the snow, and with his own hand thrust his sword into cumin * Tho. Walsingh. Hect. Both. in the Church of the friars Minors at Dunfreis in Scotland, whom two of Bruces friends with other mortal thrusts dispatched. Bruce knowing now no way to answer the fact, but by open defection, King Robert Bruce of Scotland. which he did resolve upon, did thereupon procure himself to be crowned King of Scotland about our Lady's day in March in the Abbey of An. D. 1307. Scone. (50) Such an attempt as this could not be long hidden from King Edward, who having at the Whitsuntide next after honoured Edward Prince of Wales, his eldest son, with the order of Knighthood at London, sent him against King Robert into Scotland, attended with a troop of noble young gentlemen, Aimerie de Valence Earl of Pembroke; Robert de Clifford, Thom. Walls. and Henry de Percy being go before with an Army, and King Edward preparing to come after, appointing the Rendezvous of his own host to be at Carlisle. Where, in a Parliament, besides provisions A Parliament at Carlisle. for the wars, sundry consultations and courses were entered, for repelling another king of enemy no less dangerous to the State, to wit, the Pope, and his * Mat. West. still continued extortions in this Land where eof grievous complaints were made in that Assembly; and both the Clergy there. * Jbidem. appealed from the Pope's Bull, and his Cardinal-Legats exactions: and also the King's Council was driven to enact some orders for bridling their excessive depilations. (51) Mean time Aymery de Valence at Perth in Scotland had put to flight king Robert Bruce, & pursued him so near, that he took his wife, his brother Nigellus, and others, but himself escaped into the utmost Isles of Scotland. This handsel taken at the entrance to his Regality, drove his people into such despair of his future better fortunes, that there remained only two friends unto him, the Earl of Lenox, and Gilbert Hay; the rest, as the Earl of Athol, at London, (who had twice revolted) and his brother Nigellus at Berwick, were put to death as all others his chief partakers were, or else kept prisoners in England. In which number was King Robert's wife (daughter to the Earl of Ulster in Ireland) and his daughter, the Bishops of Glasco, and Saint Andrew's, the Abbot of Scone and others. The Countess of Bucquhan, sister to the Earl of Fife (than absent in England at his manor of * Holinsh. pag. 314 Whitwick in Leicestershire, whose office it was to have crowned the Scottish King) was also taken; and because (in her brother's absence) she had stolen from the Earl her husband, with all his great horse, to * Tho. Walls. set the Diadem upon Bruces head, it was devised that she should be set in a wooden Cage (made * Mat. West. Crowne-wise) upon the walls of Berwick Castle, for all to wonder at. This ridiculous revenge was held sufficient, without taking her life, though she were a manlike woman, and did herein but the part of a noble spirited Lady. Thus was King Robert (saith the Scottish * Bellind. li. 14. c. 8 translator of Boetius) brought to such misery, that he was sometime naked and hungry The hard estate of the noble Bruce. without meat, or drink, save only water and roots of herbs, and his life perpetually in danger. Howbeit, he never forsook himself, but as one that had firm trust in God, cherished an hope in his mind, at one time or other to recover the Crown. In which condition he exhibited himself so noble a spectacle as in which even the * Seneca lib. de provi●entia. moral Heathen do teach, that the Gods themselves took pleasure; how then can Christians look off? Certainly, all generous spirits, whom cruel injuries oppress, have reason to devil in this pattern of Christian magnanimity and patience. (52) King Edward also on the other side (like a Christian Prince) as he had some years before, by his special letters (directed to the * Epistola Edwardi 1. apud Tho. Walsing. Archbishop of Canterbury,) requested that public prayers should be made to Almighty God for him, his Realm and people, that the heavenly Majesty would direct his way and works to the glory of his holy name, and advancement of the Kingdom; so now repaired he with his Lords to Westminster, after this discomfiture of his enemies, there solemnly to tender unto God his humble thanks for the Conquest, whereof he thus held himself assured. Which confidence drew him on so far, that now (his turns being served, as he thought King Edward recalls his Charters of liberties. against the Scots) he refused to stand to the confirmation which he had made to his Barons, of such laws and liberties as have before been mentioned, pretending that they had forced his consent: and doubtless, as great was the King's fault thus to renounce what he had solemnly sworn, ( * Nich. Trivet. though indeed it was on some necessity and enforcement) so the Pope's warranting thereof (which certainly encouraged the King thereunto) is most execrable, who afterward absolved him (as other Popes had done to his Predecessors) from observance of that oath. A. D. 1308. An. Reg. 35. & vlt. Bruces fortunes turn fair. 53) The miraculous deliverance of Scotland was now at hand; for the noble Bruce, not staying till King Edward were dead (who was now about threescore and eight years of age,) came forth out of the Scottish islands with such powers as he had gotten together, taking the Castles of Carrack, Inuernesse, and many other, doing many things above the opinion of his means. To put an end to all which troubles, King Edward resolved once again in person (notwithstanding his age,) to enter Scotland with a mighty host, which he appointed to attend him at Carliel in Cumberland, three weeks after Midsummer day: where God visiting him with his last sickness, he commanded his Son the Prince to repair with speed unto him, unto whom being come, he uttered many admonitions and precepts, the sum whereof was * Tho. Walls. King Edward's last speeches to the Prince. this. (54) That he should be merciful, just and courteous, constant in word and deed, familiar to the good, and toward such as were in distress always pitiful. That after his death he should not hasten to take the Crown of England, till he had honourably revenged the injuries of his Father, and accomplished the present service. That he should carry his Father's bones about with him in some coffin, till he had marched through all Scotland, and subdued all his enemies, for that none should be able to * Because the care to preserve them from enemies would make a son fight nobly. overcome him while his Skeleton marched with him. Moreover, he commanded the said Prince to love his * They were his brethren by the Queen Margaret a second wife of the king. Brethren, Thomas and Edmund; but specially to tender and respect his mother Queen Margaret. * Peirs G●ueston among his last warnings. That upon pain of his malediction, and curse, he should not presume without common consent to repeal Piers de Gaveston, who for abusing the tender years of the Prince with wicked vanities, by common decree was banished. That whereas himself, by the continual, and new attempts of Bruce, could not in person (according to his vow) make war in the Holy-land, therefore he should sand his Heart thither, accompanied with sevenscore Knights, and their retinues, for whose support he had provided thirty & two thousand pounds of silver. That his Hart being so by them conveyed, he did hope in God, that all things there would prospero with them. Lastly, That upon pain of eternal damnation, the said money should not be expended upon any other uses. (55) With these admonitions dismissing the light young man from his presence, to accomplish (so provident was he to the very end of his state affairs) the marriage with the French Kings Daughter, which had been formerly agreed upon between the Parents; he advanced nearer to the enemy unto Burgh upon Sands, where his linger Dissentery increasing (for that was the sickness whereof he died, though one malevolently saith, he died suddenly, without show of repentance for his sins) he took his * Monse Junii di● Veneru. leave of this world, after no less preparation (no doubt) for his own soul's health, then careful premonition for the carriage of his son, and ordering of his Kingdom. Which puissant Princes reign and life, we cannot here shut up with a nobler Euloge, then that wherewith our * Cambden in Cambe●l. Great and judicious Antiquary hath already deportrayed him, as a Prince of chief renown, to whose heroic mind God proportioned (as a most worthy mansion) a body answerable, so that as well in beauty and goodly presence, as in wisdom and valour, he was suitable to the height of his Regal Dignity, whose flourishing youth his Destiny did exercise with many wars and troubles of the State, so to frame and fit him for the British Empire; which, being King, he so managed with the glory of his Welsh and Northern victories, that by due desert he is to be reputed a chief honour of Britanny. His Wives. (56) Eleanor, the first wife of King Edward, was sister to Alphonsus' King of Castille, Daughter to King Ferdinando the third, and only Child of joan his second wife, Daughter and Heir of john Earl of Ponthieu. She was married to him at Bures in Spain in the thirty ninth year of King Henry his Father, 1254. she was crowned with him the day of his Coronation, and living his wife (in lovely participation of all his troubles, and long voyages) thirty six years, died at Herdeby in Lincolnshire, November 29. of her husband's reign 19 An. Do. 1290. she is buried at Westminster at the feet of King Henry the third, under a fair marble Tomb, adorned with her portraiture of Copper guilt; * The Crosses a● Charing, Waltham, Dunstaple, etc. Stow in Edwar. 1. other costly monuments of her husband's love being in every place erected where her Hearse rested, as it was conveyed from Herdeby to Westminster. (57) Margaret his second wife being sister of Philip the fourth, surnamed the Fair, King of France, and eldest daughter of King Philip the Hardy, son of S. Lewis, was married unto him at Canterbury, on Thursday, September 8. of her husband's reign 27. An. D. 1299. after almost eight years marriage, surviving him, she remained a widow ten years, and deceasing 10. of Edward 2. An. D. 1317. was buried at the Gray-Fryers in London before the Altar in the Choir which herself had built. His Issue. (58) john the eldest son of King Edward and Queen Elinor was borne at Windsor in the reign of King Henry his Grandfather, before his Father's voyage into Syria, and in his absence, was committed to the charge of Richard King of Romans, his great uncle, and others, who procured principal men of every Hundred in each County within the Realm, to swear their fealty to his father and him, but he died shortly after, being a Child, & was buried at Westminster by the wall, between S. Edmund's and S. Bennets Chapel, August 8. in the last year of King Henry his Grandfather's reign; there is remaining over him a Tomb of Marble inlaid with his picture in an Arch over it. (59) Henry the second son of King Edward and Queen Elinor, deceased also being a Child, the news of whose death was brought to his Father, being then in the Isle of Sicill in his return from the Holy-Land, not long before the report of his own father's death came to his knowledge: he was buried in Saint Peter's Church at Westminster, the twentieth day of November, in the first year of his Father's reign, Ann. Dom. 1272. in the same place, and under the same Tomb where his brother john lies with his picture also in the Arch above it. (60) Alphons, the third son of Edward and Queen Elinor was borne at the Town of main in Gascoigne, as his father and mother were in their return towards England from jerusalem, November 23. in the second year of his father's reign, 1273. he deceased at Windsor, August 4. in the twelfth year of his age, 1285. and was buried at Westminster in Saint Peter's Church by Saint Bennets Chapel, where his body lieth under the Tomb of his Brothers, john and Henry, his Image also there portrayed with theirs. (61) Edward, the fourth son of King Edward, and Queen Elinor, was borne April 25. in the thirteenth year of his father's reign, 1284. at Caernaruan in North-wales, and after the death of Lewelin ap Griffith, in regard of the place of his Nativity, was by his father's Creation, with the consent of the Welsh made Prince of Wales, the first of the sons and heirs apparent of the Kings of England, that bore that Title, which afterward become ordinary to most of the rest: he was also Earl of Ponthieu and Chester, and being made Knight by his father at London on Whitsunday, in the thirty fourth year of his Reign, 1306. succeeded him the same year in the Kingdom of Wales. (62) Elinor, the eldest daughter of King Edward and Queen Elinor was borne at Windsor in the fiftieth year of King Henry her Grandfather, she was married with all Ceremonies of Proxy to a Deputy for Alphons King of Arragon, son of King Peter, who deceased A. Do. 1292. before the solemnisation of marriage, leaving his Kingdom to his brother james, and his new wife to another husband, who was married at Bristol in the two and twentieth year of her father's reign, 1293. to Henry the 3. Earl of Barrie, whose Earldom lay in the East-borders of champaign in France. She had Issue by him Edward Earl of Barrie, from whom descended the Earls and Dukes of that Country, whose inheritance by Heirs general devolved to the Kings of Arragon, and from them again to the Dukes of Anjou that were Kings of Sicill. Henry another son of hers was Bishop of Troy's in Champagny. Helen her Daughter was married to Henry Earl of Bloys; and joan to john Warren Earl of Surrey, she was his wife five years, and deceased 27. of her father's reign, A. D. 1298. (63) joan the second daughter of King Edward, and Queen Eleanor, was borne in the first year of her father's reign, 1272. at a City in the holy land sometime named Ptolomais, commonly called Acon and Acre, where her mother remained during the wars that her father had with the Saracens: She was, at eighteen years of age, married to Gilbert Clare called the Read, Earl of Gloucester and Hereford, by whom she had issue, Earl Gilbert slain in Scotland without issue; Eleanor, married first to Hugh Spencer (in her right, Earl of Gloucester,) and after to William Zouch of Ricards castle. Margaret, first married to Peter Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall, after to Hugh Audeley Earl also of Gloucester; and Elizabeth Lady of Clare, married first to john son and heir to Richard Burgh, Earl of Ulster in Ireland, mother of William Burgh Earl of Ulster, and Grandmother of Elizabeth, Duchess of Clarence; secondly, to Theobald Lord Verdon, and lastly, to Sir Roger Damary. This joan survived her husband, and was remarried to Sir Ralph Monthermere a Baron, father to Margaret the mother of Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury, of whom the now Viscount Montacute is descended; she lived thirty eight years, and deceased in the first year of her brother King Edward's reign, and is buried at the Friar Austin's in Clare. (64) Margaret the third daughter of King Edward and Queen Elinor, was borne at the Castle of Windsor in the third year of her father's reign, and of our Lord, 1275. When she was fifteen years of age, she was married at Westminster, july 9 in the eighteenth year of her father's reign, A D. 1290. to john the second, Duke of Brabant, by whom she had issue Duke john the third, father of Margaret, wife of Lewis of Mechlin Earl of Flanders, and mother of the Lady Margaret, the heir of Brabant and Flanders, who was married to Philip Duke of Burgundy. (65) Berenger the fourth Daughter of King Edward & Queen Elinor, was born the 4. of her father's reign, An. 1276. as john Eueresden the Monk of S. Edmundsburie in Suffolk, hath recorded in his book of English Annals, but other mention there is none, but only from him: whereby it is likely that she did not live to be married, but that she died in her childhood. (66) Alice the fifth Daughter of king Edward and Queen Elinor, is by Thomas Pickering of the Monastery of Whitby, (who wrote the large Genealogy of the Kings of England and their issue) reported to have deceased without Issue. (67) Marry, the sixt daughter of king Edward and Queen Elinor, was borne at Windsor, April 22. in the eight year of her father's reign, 1279. and at ten years of age, A. D. 1289. September 8. she was made a Nun in the Monastery of Ambresberie in Wiltshire, at the instance of Queen Elinor her Grandmother, who at that time lived there in the habit of the same profession, although her Parents were hardly induced to yield their consents to that course. (68) Elizabeth, the seventh Daughter of king Edward and Queen Elinor, was borne at the Castle of Ruthland in Flintshire, in the thirteenth year of her father's reign, An. 1284. When she was fourteen years of age, she was married at London to john the first of that name, Earl of Holland, Zealand, and Lord of Freezeland, who died within two years after without Issue, and she was remarried to Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex, Lord of Breknoke, and high Constable of England, by whom she had Issue john and Humphrey, both Earls successively after their Father; Edward, that died in Scotland without issue; and William, who being created Earl of Northampton, while his Brothers lived, after their deceases, was also Earl of Hereford and Essex, Lord of Breknok and high Constable of England, and father of Earl Humphrey the tenth of that name, and last of that house, who died without Issue male: she had also by him two daughters, Elinor married to james Butler Earl of Ormond, and Margaret to Hugh Courtney the first, Earl of Devonshire. She was this Earl's wife fourteen years; lived thirty three, deceased in the ninth year of the reign of king Edward her brother, A. D. 1316. and was buried in the Church of S. james, at the Abbey of Saffron Walden in Essex. (69) Beatrice, the eight daughter of King Edward and Queen Elinor, bore the name of Beatrice Duchess of Britanny her father's sister: she is by some Genealogists mentioned to have lived till she was marriageable, but yet no mention being made of her match, it seemeth she died unmarried. (70) Blanch, the ninth daughter of king Edward, and the last of Queen Elinor, is so mentioned by Thomas Pickering, and some others, but not at all by Thomas Elraham a Monk, who made a Pedigree of the Kings of England, but she is by the rest reported to have died in her childhood. (71) Thomas, the fifth son of king Edward, and the first of Queen Margaret his second wife, was borne at a little village in Yorkshire called Brotherton, june 1. in the nine and twentieth year of his father's reign, Ann. 1300. he was created Earl of Norfolk, and Earl Marshal of England, which Earldoms the last Earl Roger Bigod, leaving no Issue, left to the disposition of the King his father. He had two wives, of which the first was Alice the daughter of Sir Roger Hails of Harwich in Suffolk, by whom he had issue Edward, who married Beatrice the daughter of Roger Mortimer the first, Earl of March, but he died before his father without Issue; and two daughters, Margaret twice married, first to john Lord Segrave, by whom she had Elizabeth Duchess of Norfolk, wife of john Lord Mowbray (from whom the Mowbrayes & Howards Dukes of Norfolk, and Earls Marshal descended;) secondly, to Sir Walter many a Knight of Cambray, and by him had Anne wife of jo●n Hastings the elder Earl of Pembroke, and mother of Earl john the younger, that died without Issue; his youngest daughter Alice was married to Sir Edward Montacute, and had by him three daughters, Elizabeth and joan married to Walter and William two of the Vffords, and Maud that died unmarried. The second wife of this Earl Thomas, was Mary the daughter of William Lord Rosalura, and widow of Sir Ralph Cobham, who surviving him without Issue by him, she was married the third time to William Lord Brerose of Brember. (72) Edmund, his sixt son by Queen Margaret, was borne at Woodstock in Oxfordshire, August 5 in the thirtieth year of the reign of his Father, A. 1301. He was created Earl of Kent, and married Margaret daughter of john, and sister and sole heir of Thomas Lord Wakes of Lydel in the County of Northampton, by her he had Issue two sons and one daughter: Edmund his eldest son was Earl of Kent after his father, and died under age without wife or issue: john the younger was Earl also after his brother, he married Elizabeth the daughter of the Duke of Gulike, and died like wise without Issue; His daughter was joan, for her beauty called the fair Maid of Kent, first married to William Montacute Earl of Salisbury, and from him divorced, and remarried to Sir Thomas Holland, in her right, Earl of Kent, and by her, father of Thomas, and john Holland Duke of Surrey, and Earl of Huntingdon: and lastly, she was the wife of Edward of Woodstock, the Black Prince of Wales, and by him, mother of King Richard the second. This Earl Edmund was beheaded at Winchester the 1●. of March, in the fourth year of King Edward his Nephew. (73) Eleanor the tenth daughter & fifteenth child of King Edward, and the last child of Queen Margaret his second wife, was borne at Winchester the sixt day of May, in the five and thirtieth, and last year of her father's Reign, being the year of our Lord 1306. she deceased in her Childhood, and was buried in S. Peter's Church at Westminster, by her brother john, Henry and Alfons, under the monument before named with her picture over it. Edward II Monarch 48 EDWARD THE SECOND, LORD OF IRELAND, AND DUKE OF AQVITAINE, etc. THE FORTIEEIGHTH MONARCH OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XI. ✚ EDWARDUS: DEI. GRACIA. REX. AnGLIE. DOMInVS. hiberny. DUX: AQVIGAnI● E 11. ✚: EDWARDUS: DEI: GRA●IA: REX: AnGLIE: DnS: hYB●RnIE: DUX. AQVIGAnI● ✚ EDW●●NG●DMS●●B 2 SIL. COL CIVITAS LIN THat the Mind is not derived from Parents, certainly the second Edward (called of Caernaruon) might (if nothing else) abundantly show, being of a most valiant, wise and fortunate father, an unlike son; yet not to begin our description of his courses, with prejudice of his person, we will so temper our stile, that by his own actions sincerely related, rather than by any verbal censures the man may be judged. This cannot be denied, that whereas from the Conquest till his time, England though it endured (by God's just judgements) many bitter, sad and heavy storms through some headiness, ambition, or other sicknesses of mind in the Princes thereof, yet had she Men to sway and govern her, and those distempers were as the perturbations incident to vigorous dispositions; whereas under this Edward, who could neither get nor keep, it seemed to endure the levities' of a Child, though his years, being about twenty and three, might have exempted him from so great infancy of judgement, as his reign discovered. (2) Never came Prince to the crown with more general applause than he: so great hopes of doing well, his Victorious father, Edward of * Thom. de la Moor. Winchester had left upon him, besides the right of succession, whose last warning and terrible adjurations you have heard: with the * Tho. Walsing. utter contempt and breach whereof, to the destruction of himself, and his friends, he in a manner auspicated his government. (3) After that Edward had in his best manner provided for the * Pol. Virg. lib. 18. affairs of Scotland, where (at Domfrees) many of the Scottish * Hect. Boe. lib. 14 Bellind. his tran. lib. 14. cap 9 Lords did their homage to him, as they had to his Father; the first task which he gave of his future behaviours at home, was a rigorous revenge taken by him upon Walter de Langton Bishop of Chester, Treasurer of England▪ and principal Executor of the last Will of the deceased King, whose body was not as yet interred, but by the care of the Executors, conucied with funeral pomp to Waltham, and (after sixteen weeks) to Westminster, where under a plain monument the same at this present rests. The bishops crime was a kind of good freedom, which he used in the late King's days, in * Thom. Walsingh. gravely reproving the Prince for his misdemeanours, and shortening his waste of coin by a frugal moderation; and particularly, * Fabian. A. R. 28. Edw. 1. for that he had complained of Peirs Gaveston, whereupon ensued Prince Edward's imprisonment, and the others banishment, and therefore coming now to the Crown, he arrested the Bishop by Sir john Felton Constable of the Tower, and imprisoned him in * Wil Packington apud John Stow. Wallingford Castle, seizing upon all his temporal goods and * The Abbot of Saint Alban was compelled to pay great sums which he aught to the Bishop, and th● king acquitted him. Lib. Monast. S▪ Alban. MS. A. D. 1309. credits, there being not a man in the Realm who durst speak a word on his behalf, (so great displeasure he had conceived, seeking utterly to ruin him) till afterward by means of the Papal authority, he was restored, and in a faint sort reconciled. (4) The thing which suited best with his youthful affections, to wit, the marriage of young Isabel, daughter of Philip the Fair, King of France, he performed with wonderful magnificence at Bolein, at which solemnity were present besides all others, The The meeting of 5 Kings and 4 Queens. King of France Father to the Bride▪ The King of Navarre his son; The King of Almain; The King of Sicill; Marry Queen of France; Margaret Queen Dowager of England, her daughter; The Queen of Navarre. There was also present (as no Sunshine but hath shadow) * Tho. de la More. Peirs of Gaveston, the beloved Minion of this Edward, whose reentertainement the dying King had so seriously forbidden, whom notwithstanding, together with his own new wife, he brought into England. Peirs de Gaveston described. (5) This fatal favourite of this young King was a stranger borne, but a * Tho. Walls. Gentleman, and (in regard of good service done by the Father of Peirs in Gascoigne, * Ypod. Neust. brought up (at old king Edward's own appointment) with this Prince: from whom not to derogate in any point, as if he had without some appearances of worth and value embraced Peirs, it is certain (by that which a * Tho. de la More Knight and servitor of this very King hath left written) that he had a sharp wit in a comely shape, and briefly, was such an one, as we use to call very fine; Neither yet was he unhardie in Arms, but of commendable performance, whereof (saith de la Moor) he gave proof against the Scots, (to whom * Bellind. transl. lib. 14 cap. 9 he was alike hateful as to the English) till he was recalled to satisfy such as (saith their Courtier) did envy his graces, and good success; but of his Christian or moral virtues (which only make men truly commendable) there is great silence in Authors, though not of his vices, whereof we shall have occasion enough to speak hereafter. (6) At the Coronation of the King and Queen, (which the Lords would have impeached, had he not promised reasonably to * Act. & M●n. p. 459. satisfy them about Gaveston) none was * Tho. de la More near to Peirs in bravery of apparel, or delicacy of fashion, which (and for that the King gave him * Tho. Walls. S. Edward's Crown to carry in that pomp,) greatly increased the offence of the Lords against him: But he that (having a King to back him) knew no other means to extinguish hatred, but by daring it to the uttermost, spared not afterwards to scoff and reproach the principal Peers, * Tho▪ Walls. in fine Edw. 1. calling Thomas Earl of Lancaster, Stage-player; Aimerie de Valence Earl of Pembroke, joseph the jew, because he was pale and tall; and Guy Earl of Warwick, the black dog of Ardern: all whom, and others, he at a * Idem Tho. Walsingham in Edw. 2. Turneament by him proclaimed and holden, handled vilely. (7) But King Edward was daily more and more possessed with the familiarity of Peirs, who to establish his interest in the unprudent Prince, by sensualities and riotous practices, filled the Court * Polyd. Virg. with buffoons, parasites, and the like pernicious instruments, drawing Edward from the thought of all great enterprises, in accomplishment of his father's will, or discharge of his particular duty, to all sorts of unworthy vanities, and sinful delights; while himself in the mean space reveled in all outward felicity, wasting the riches of the Kingdom, or converting them to his private uses. For (fearing belike that the time might come again to undergo banishment) he transported much treasure into foreign parts, and much he had to transport; for not only by the * Tho. Walsingh. lib. S. Alban. MS sale of his favour with the King, to which there was no speeding approach but by Gaveston, (who used to peize the gifts, more than the causes) but also by the king's prodigality, he had whatsoever could be powered upon him: for (though it might seem incredible) he both gave him his jewels and ancestors treasure, and * Chr. Dunstab. even the Crown itself of his victorious father; not sticking to profess, that (if it lay in him) he should succeed him in the kingdom. A. D. 1311. Peirs de Gaveston Earl of Cornwall banished for ever (8) The Lords (who for reverence of the King sat down by their private injuries, in hope there would be a season, in which their Sovereign might by timely and sweet admonitions recover the use of himself,) not thinking it tolerable to be now any longer silent, (and the rather, jest that Peirs, farther abusing his greatness, should * Tho. Walsin. bring in Foreigners, not only to the prejudice of the English laws and customs, but of their authority also and places,) prevailed so much with the King, in a Parliament holden at London (where sundry provisions concerning the liberties of the people, and execution of justice, were enacted, and by corporal oath confirmed by the King himself,) that among them, the decree of Gavestons' perpetual banishment, was by the king (overcome with a mere necessity for satisfaction of the Kingdom, to whom the said Earl of Cornwall was odious) unwillingly suffered to pass; and the king was thereupon regratified with a Subsidy of the twentieth part of the subjects goods. The king also took his Oath not to revoke the said Earl of Cornwall from banishment (if it may be called a banishment) wherein * S. Th. de la More he had the kingdom of Ireland entrusted to his charge, and for the securing thereof against rebels, was furnished with men & money by the king. The Earl of Cornwall revoked. (9) Yet forgetting, that those affections, which oftentimes deserve praise in a private person, are subject to much construction in a public, and neglecting both his deceased fathers so solemn adjurations, and also his own oath, as careless of the sequel, he calls Earl Peirs home, with whose love he was most fond, and most passionately transported, and (as if he had received some divine benefit) gave him most joyous welcome at the Castle of Flint in North-wales, and * john Stow. Tho. Walls. Tho. de la Moor. bestowed upon him for wife joan of Acres, Countess of Gloucester his sister's daughter, resolving with himself to retain his Gaveston, maugre all his Earls and Barons, or (for the love of him) to put his Crown and life in peril when time should serve. In which, whether the king or his favourite showed less discretion, it is not at the first sight easily determinable; it being as unsafe for the one, with so offensine behaviour, to affect immoderate show and use of grace, as for the other, to the injury of his name and realm to bestow the same. Is the third time banished, and returns. (10) The contemptibilitie and vanity of this effeminate argument detains us longer, then for the quality thereof were fitting, did not so much mischief issue out of it. For Peirs (of his own nature insolent) being thus (above reason, or his own dareings) advanced to alliance with the blood royal, was so far from all amendment, as he rather seemed to strive to outgo himself in his former courses, consuming so much of the king's treasure and means, that he had * Tho. Walsingh. not wherewith to defray ordinary charges, or to pay for the necessaries of his Court. The young Queen also took herself not to be a little wronged by this ungracious man's predominancy, & thereof sent her complaints to the king of France her father, which concerned injuries in the highest kind, as in her bed (the King being drawn by Gaveston to * Act & Mon. p. 460. Fabian. adultery) and in her honour and * Tho. Walsingh. maintenance. Whereupon the Peers of the land, animated by the King of France, so confidently dealt with Edward, that his Earl now the third time did abjure the Realm: but (the King of France and his enemies making foreign parts unsure for him to abide in) he returned in Christmas to the general perturbation of the Kingdom, and to his own certain ruin, for that the Barons (his adversaries) had gotten him banished with this Proviso, * Act. & Mon. 461▪ colom. 1. Tho. Walls. that if at any time afterward he were taken in England, he should be forthwith apprehended and suffer death. But an Angel from heaven could not seem more welcome, than this most faithful friend (as that * Tho. de la More. Courtier calls him) was unto King Edward, who * Continuator Trivet. MS. forthwith advanced him to be his principal Secretary. (11) Upon report of Gavestons' return, the chief Lords, aswell Ecclesiastical as temporal (Walter Bishop of Coventree excepted, * Tho. Walls. who allowed the King's affections towards Gaveston; and procured him to break the former agreements, which were made and sworn in the Parliament at London,) consulted upon a desperate course of reformation in this point, and made choice of Thomas Earl of Lancaster to be their leader. This Thomas was son of Edmund Earl of Lancaster, Leicester and Ferrer, second son of Henry the third King of England, and in right of his wife (after her father's decease, which happened about this time) Earl of Lincoln, Salisbury, and (besides many other great Lands in Yorkshire, Cumberland, and Wales) he had the Earledom of * John Stow. Artoys in Picardy▪ so that without comparison he was the greatest subject of the Kingdom. (12) The Issue of which combination before we pursue, we may not here in our way overslip a strange alteration both here in England, and in all Christendom, by the universal extinguishment of the Order of the Templars, wrought about this time by the procurement of the French King, who being so gracious with Pope Clement, that formerly * Nic. Truiet and an. 1306. In those days it was thought the Pope might be an heretic. he sent Ambassadors to crave of his holiness with great importunity, that the bones of his Predecessor Pope Boniface might be burnt as being an Heretic; so now also he so far prevailed with him, that in the Council at Vienna this so highly esteemed Order, was upon clear proof of their general odious sins, and scarce credible impieties, utterly abolished through Christendom. The French King * Fox Martyrolog. pag. 460. caused 54. of that Order, together with their Great Master to be burnt at Paris; and though that King hoped to convert all the Lands of that Society to his sons use, whom he intended to make King of jerusalem; yet the Pope and Council annexed their possessions to the Order of the Knight's Hospitalers, called commonly Knights of the Rhodes. Notwithstanding, in England (where such Papal commands went not always for laws) the heirs of the donors, and such as had endowed the Templars here with lands, entered upon those parts of their ancient Patrimonies after the dissolution of the Order, and (saith our * Tho. de la More. Courtier) detained them until not long after, they were by Parliament wholly transferred unto the Knights of the Rhodes, * john Stow. Ypod. Neust. or of S. john of jerusalem. (13) King Edward was now at York, and Earl A. D. 1312. Thomas, according to that which had been concluded among the combined Lords, who resolved to try all extremities, rather than any longer to endure Peirs Gaveston, (as being persuaded while that King-bane breathed, peace could neither be maintained in the Realm, nor the King abound in treasure, nor the Queen enjoy his love) sent humble * Thom. Walsingh petitions by honourable messengers to their Sovereign, requesting him to deliver the man into their hands, or to drive him from his company out of England. But the self-willed King * Act. & Mon. pag. 461. col. 1. preferring the dearness of one stranger before the love of the whole Realm, would not condescend. (14) Afterwards, Peirs (whom * Polyd Virg. li. 18 the Earls pursued with an Army) being * Chron. R. Auelburie. Tho. de la More. Tho. Walls. entrusted for his safeguard to Aimerie de Valence Earl of Pembroke, was left by him but one night at a Village or Manor called Dathington between Oxford and Warwick, (being a place neither * Tho. de la More far enough off, nor strong enough) pretending to have conveyed him on the next day to the Castle of Wallingford, the said Aimerie in the mean space departing to lodge with his Countess, who lay hard by: but, the said Aimerie conniving thereat (as our * Tho. de la More. Courtier chargeth him, who also writes, that he took a solemn oath before the king to do his best to safeconduct Gaveston, the king purposing in the mean time to labour his peace with the Lords * Ran. Cestr. l. 7. c. 41. upon any conditions) Guy Earl of Warwick with his people surprised him the same night, and took him to his Castle of Warwick, where in a place called Blacklow (afterward * Act & Mon. pa. 463. Gaveshead) his head was stricken off at the commandment * Tho. de la More. and in the presence of the Earls of Lancaster, Warwick, and Hereford, * Tho. Walls. as of one that had been a subverter of the laws, and an open Traitor to the Kingdom. In which bold attempt, themselves (who yet pretended so much standing for the liberties of the land,) did most unadvisedly infringe a Capital branch of the same Franchises, in putting to death an Earl, and so dear a friend of the Kings, * Continuator Nich. Trivet. without any judicial proceeding by trial of his Peers, which caused a lasting hatred betwixt the King and his Nobles. (15) There wanted nothing now to King Edward but present means to revenge the blood of his friend, or rather of his halfe-selfe▪ the lack whereof did increase the sorrow he took for his death; which being well known to the Lords, they resolved not to lay down Arms, till they had provided for their security, and the performance of all such points, as concerned the temperament of the Regal power, that (under colour thereof) the Nobles themselves might finger some part of the Sovereign government. The King was then at London, and the Lords at Dunstaple: but by the continual interdealing of the Prelates, and of Gilbert Earl of Gloucester, who stood neutral, the kindling displeasures were for the present allayed, upon condition that the Lords should restore to the King all such things, once belonging to Peirs Gaveston, as they had taken at Newcastle, which they accordingly did. Edward of Windsor borne. (16) King Edward nevertheless, as if his soul were overcast with some black cloud, continued mourning, till it pleased God to enlighten the world with the birth of a young Prince, whose noble Acts did afterward redeem all the blemishes wherewith his Father's infelicities had darkened the brightness of the English name, and at this present cleared the mind of the sorrowful King his father: for * Ran. Cestr. lib. 7. cap. 41. Fabian. upon Saint Brices' day, Isabel his Queen brought forth her first son at Windsor, which caused great rejoicing through the Kingdom▪ Her French kindred and friends (which were there in good numbers of either sex) & among them as chief, the Queens own brother, Lewis the French Kings son, would have had the Infant at his Baptism named Lewis, but the English Lords would * Act. & Mon. 462 Col. 1. not permit, who therefore was after his Fathers and Grandfather's name, called Edward. This was he who afterward raised the honour of English Chivalry to so high a point, by his famous victories in France and elsewhere. (17) The evil will which the King bore in his mind against the Barons for their overruling his affections, and the death of Gaveston, by sundry bad offices and sycophancies of the * Tho. Walls. French at Windsor was rubbed so hard upon, that it grew raw again before it was half healed. Therefore in a Parliament at London the king sharply charged those presumptuous Lords with their contempt against him in the spoils they had committed at Newcastle, and (which most afflicted his languishing spirit) in taking, and wickedly kill Peirs Gaveston. To all which, they stoutly answered, * Act. & Mon. that they had not offended in any point, but deserved his royal favour, for that they had not gathered force against him, but against the public enemy of the Realm, etc. Howbeit, to prevent the feared mischief of civil Arms, by the working of the young Queen, of the Prelates, and Earl of Gloucester, the Lords in open Court at Westminster humbled themselves to the King, praying grace; and the King granted to such of them, as would desire the same, his gracious pardon. The whole house of Parliament seeing the king's wants, of their own accord granted a Fifteenth; & all parts hereupon returned with joy and peace, but not long after the Lord Guy de Beauchampe Earl of Warwick, who in this Parliament was appointed to be of Privy Council with the King, deceased, being (as by the Baron's well-willers * Tho. Walls. it was said) empoisoned by such of the King's secret friends as did malign him. A. D. 1313. Scottish affairs. (18) The mischievous effects of the King's former misgovernment, began now most perillouslie to discover themselves. For the Scots his neighbours, who could not be ignorant of all such griefs and maladies as festered in the heart and entrails of England, had long since made their timely use thereof, adhering so to the undaunted Bruce, that by degrees he had gotten a great strength, and was again publicly received, and obeyed for King of Scotland, from most places whereof he * Tho. de la Mor. This according to Hector Boetius, lib. 14. happened A. D. 1309. drove the English, and (in contempt of Edward) committed great spoil by slaughter of People, burning of Towns in Northumberland, and other Acts of hostility. The principal charge of Scotland for King Edward had been entrusted to the Lord john Cumin a Scot, Earl of Bucquhan, whom * Hector Boet. l. 14. Geo. Bucananus. King Robert had vanquished in battle, and was now (while Edward sat bewitched with most unworthy languishments) grown potent, sending his Brother Edward Bruce to besiege the Castle of Strivelin, which was in the hands of the English. (19) The King of England awakened out of his An. D. 1314. King Edward with a mighty Army in Scotland slumbers with these Alarms, marched thereupon with a very great Army toward the said Castle. It pleaseth Hector Boetius (putting off, as it were the Historian) to report marvelous things of the numbers of Soldiers which came with King Edward in this journey; for (if he say true) there were not fewer than one hundredth and fifty thousand horsemen, and as many thousand footmen; and that we may not suspect the multitude to be far greater than either the cause required, or the realm of England could well afford, he informeth us, that besides the English there were in his aid at this time, Hollanders, Zelanders, Brabanders, Flemings, Picards, Boloners, Gascoignes, Normans, with much people of many other Regions; and that besides these three hundredth thousand men of war, there were infinite families with their women, children, servants, and household-stuff: but because other Writers do ingenuously grant, and contain probable matter enough for the honour of the Scottish Nation in this journey, we will as near as we can, (being things to us neither up nor down, in regard of the long time since these hostilities happened,) truly and freely, though briefly inform ourselves hereof. (20) The Earls of Lancaster, Warren, Warwick, and Arundel (the greatest Peers of the land) * Tho. Walls. refused to attend their King in this service, for that he had delayed to ratify the points of their desired liberties, and provisions for the pretended better government of England, by himself so often consented unto. In which as their loyal affection cannot be much admired: so it is certain, that King Edward hereby undertook that voyage with far the less force either of men or counsel. Nevertheless his host was great enough (if numbers did sway in such affairs, more than religion, discipline, and valour,) to have effected more than itself did suffer. But King Edward and his people rather seemed to go toward a Wedding or a Triumph, then to a battle, * Tho. de la More Tho. Walsingh. Polyd. Verg▪ lib. 18 Bellind▪ the Scotish transl of Hect. Boe. lib. 14. cap. 11. adorning themselves with all sorts of riches, gold, silver, and the like toys, in a kind of wanton manner, correspondent to the humour of the Prince whom they followed. (21) In this journey it was made manifest, what true and sober valiancy could effect against light bravery and insolency. King Robert lodged with his forces (being inferior in numbers to the English) not far off, where was nothing but a religious, * Hect. Boet. devout and modest care, quickened (after manifold calamities, with a most noble desire to recover the liberty of their Country, and to settle the same into the hope whereof they were the rather erected by▪ a fresh victory, which they had obtained that day upon certain of the English * Tho. Walsingh. Hect. Boet. lib. 14. horsemen. King Edward on the contrary part nothing esteeming so slight a presage, resolved upon the very next (being Midsummer, or Saint john Baptist's day) to take a terrible revenge upon the Scots: but how to effect the same the care was not excessive; for in his Camp, * Th. de la More. Wassail, and Drinkehaile were thundered extraordinarily, as accounting themselves sure of the victory: which kind of impious selfe-trust, if God Almighty did not sometime scourge with just and terrible confusions, what outrages would not be executed. (22) far otherwise the Bruces Army: which by his commandment spent * Bellind. transl. lib. ●4 cap. 1. the evening in making humble confession of their sins, that they might (saith our Author) be ready on the morrow to receive the blessed Sacrament, as accordingly they did. Moreover to leave nothing undone which might advance their cause; the Scots had digged before their Battalions, certain * Hect. Boet. lib. 14 ca 11. trenches or dikes * Tho. de la More three foot deep, and three foot broad, which (having fixed * Hect. Boet. lo. quo supra. sharp stakes in them with their points upward) they covered so with * Tho. de la More. hurdles, that footmen treading warily) might pass, but not troops of horse. Next to God's anger against the English, (whom courtly Pride and Sloth had now effeminated) this stratagem was the cause of their ruin: for whereas they reposed much upon their Cavallerie, in these Pit-falles, the fury of their charge was intercepted and broken, the riders being miserably slain by the Scots, whom King Robert marching foremost on foot, had presented most courageously to the enemy. (23) The King of England not altogether careless, neither yet by his care able to do much (as The English overthrown at Banno●k▪ bourn. one whom God was not well pleased with) had ordered his battles with some advise, but upon the dismal and unexpected discomfiture of his horse in those mischievous holes or ditches, was enforced, (after some troubled resistance) to leave to the Scots the greatest victory that ever they had before or after. * Tho. Walsin. Hardly could K. Edward be drawn to fly: the courage which it become such a Monarch to have then first disclosing itself, till by his friends he was enforced to seek his preservation by that more necessary than noble means, and with him (besides others) the Lord Hugh Spencer (whom our * Tho●de la Moor. Vacors Mil●●s. Courtier calls a faint hearted Kite) betook himself to like remedy. (24) All things proved unfortunate to the English in this journey, for when they perceived their Cavallerie thus miserably overthrown in the ditches, they shot their arrows compass, with purpose to kill or gall such Scots as came to the execution, but did them little or no harm, as they who were armed in the foreparts, and in stead of that, * Tho. de la Moor. slew their friends, whose backs being toward them were unarmed. (25) The loss fell much upon the Noblest, for there were slain in this Battle, * H●ct. Boet. l. 14. Tho. de la Moor. Ypod. Neust. Gilbert Earl of Gloucester (a man of singular valour and wisdom) the Lord Robert de Clifford, and besides other Lords, about * Tho. Walls. seven hundredth Knights, esquires, and men of Armouries. Of the rest the slaughter could not be but great, though much the less, in regard the Scots fought on foot. Hector saith, that there were not slain fewer than fifty thousand English, no Writer else, that hitherto we can meet with, exceeds the fifth part of that number; the riches gotten by spoils and ransoms of the English, were doubtless very great. Among the number of prisoners, the principal was Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford, but recovered afterward by exchange for King Robert's wife, who all this while was detained in England. This battle was fought at Banocksbourne near Strivelin in Scotland. (26) From this overthrow King Edward escaping to Berwicke, King Robert (who to his great glory, as having himself been trained up among the English, used such as were taken prisoners with singular * Ypod. Neust. humanity) sent thither to him the bodies of the Earl of Gloster, & Lord Clifford, that they might receive honourable interrement among their own friends. But Edward (under whose unfortunate leading the English name sustained so great dishonour and damage) withdrew to York, resolving (therein only Princelike) to assemble new force, and either to be revenged, or to die. But * Polyd. Ver. li. 7. cap. 41. An. D. 1314. all enterprises and attempts of that nature miscarried, for above twelve years after; insomuch that great fear reigned among the Northern English, who lay open to the first brunts and violences of the Scots, over whom many fair days shone. And to augment the calamities of the North, many of the disloyal English * Tho. Wals●ng●. Ypod. Neust. conspired with the enemy, and jointly spoiled the west parts of Northumberland, nothing being secure, but that which walls defended. (27) God, to humble the English, who through A. D. 1315. The woeful estate of England under the three plagues of Sword, dearth and pestilence. long prosperities had forgotten both themselves & him, drew not back his heavy hand so; for seldom hath so terrible a famine been heard of here, as succeeded to this overthrow: so that for moderation of prices, a Parliament was assembled at London: but Tho. de la More. Tho. Walls. (saith Walsingham) as if God had been displeased at the said rates (which not long after were repealed) things grew scarser day by day: and the dearth was generally such, that upon Saint Laurences Eve, there was scarcely bread to be gotten for sustentation of the Kings own family. This famine which lasted about two years was accompanied with much mortality of people. (28) But neither the dishonours taken in Scotland, nor innumerable afflictions and discontentments at home, made Edward suspend the celebration of his Gavestons' funerals. Gavestons' funerals; whose Body with great pomp he caused to be transferred from the place of his former burial, (which was among the friars Prcachers at Oxford) to Kings-Langley in Hertfordshire, where he in person with the Archbishop of Canterbury, four Bishops, many Abbots, and principal Churchmen did honour the exequys, but few were present of the Nobility, whose great stomachs would not give them leave to attend. Somewhat also to sweeten these general acerbities, Lewelin Bren and his two sons, were brought up prisoners to London, having burnt many towns upon the Marches, and committed some murders with their A. D. 1316. Welsh adherents. (29) Meanwhile the state of the Kingdom was miserable, there being no love betwixt the King and the Peers, nor any great * Tho. Walls. care in him or them of the common affairs; nevertheless they assembled at a Parliament in London, where no great matter was concluded: for the famine and pestilence increased. The famine was grown so terrible, that horse, dogs, yea men and children were stolen for food, and (which is horrible to think) the thieves newly brought into the gaols, were torn in pieces, and eaten presently half alive, by such as had been longer there. In London it was proclaimed, that no corn should be converted to Brewer's uses, which Act the King (moved with compassion toward his Nation) imitating, caused to be executed through all the Kingdom; otherwise (saith Walsingham) the greater part of the people had died with penury of bread. The bloody flux or dysentery caused through raw and corrupt humours engendered by evil meat and diet, raged every where, and together with other maladies brought such multitudes of the poorer sort to their end, that the living could scarce suffice to bury the dead. An. D. 1317. (30) The King was now in so great dislike and distrust with the Lords and Barons, that they would not appear at Clarendon, where he held a great Council. To augment this fatal aversion, a certain Knight belonging to john Earl Warren, stole away from Caneford in Dorsetshire, the wife of Thomas Earl of Lancaster (chief of the Lords faction) not without the King's consent (as it was said) and brought her to the said Earl Warrens Castle at Rigate, with great pomp, and in despite of the Earl; whom one Richard de Saint Maurice, a wretched, lame, and bunchbackt Dwarf challenged for wife, pretending that he was formerly contracted, and had lain with her, which she (the greatest and noblest Inheretrix of her time) did openly confess, to her immortal infamy, incurring alas (saith Walsingham) the public note of a most filthy strumpet. This deformed Elf (having mighty seconds) durst hereupon claim the Earldoms of Lincoln and Salisbury as in her right, and in the mean time, the name and honour of Thomas the great Earl was baffold, as it were, by a light and wicked woman. (31) The parts of England beyond Humber, were now more and more afflicted; for such as till then had opposed themselves against the Scots in defence of the Country, perceiving all things left at large, in stead of Protectors become Tyrants, * Tho. Walsing. saith our Author; of defenders, destroyers; and of valiant Champions, treacherous Chapmen; so that as between the hammer and the anvil, the Scots upon the one side, and these false English on the other, all was lamentable, and brought in a manner to nothing: and this face of things continued there about four years. (32) Neither did the King seem to have any will or power to relieve the common calamities, but rather to convert his whole both wits and forces upon revenges against the Lords, who under pretence of their extorted provisions, manifestly withdrew their loves, service and duties from him. wherefore feeling himself thus weak and disfurnished, he besought the spiritual assistance of Pope john the two and twentieth; who thereupon sent certain Cardinals to set all things in quiet without bloodshed. Between the King and Earl of Lancaster they established a peace, who, in a * Tho. de la More. certain plain near Leicester met, embraced and kissed each other; but when they could not work the like with the Scots, they put that Country under Interdict. An. D. 1318 Edward Bruce king of Ireland vanquished by the English, and slain. (33) For they (as it is the manner of prosperity) after the victory at Banocksbourne, which clearly got them Scotland, did begin to bethink themselves of gaining new Empire in Ireland. Thither Edward Bruce Brother of King Robert had passed with an Army, procuring * Bellind. tra●. lib. 14. cap. 12. Tho. Walls. himself to be crowned King thereof by favour of some of the Irish Nobility, whom nevertheless about three years from his * Th. de la More. first entrance, the English under the conduct of the * Pol. Virg. lib. 18. Archbishop of Armagh, and of john Lord Brinningham justiciar of Ireland, valiantly encountered, where, together with his late usurped Kingdom, he lost his life. There were slain in that battle many honourable Scots, besides the new King Edward, and above * Tho. Walls. five thousand others: his head was cut off * T●od. Neust. Poly●. V●rg lib. 1● at Dundalke (saith Walsingham) but Hector Boetius writes that he was slain in the battle itself. Thus did God temper one with another, and the just rejoicement which the Scots had conceived of their so happy victory over the English at Banocksbourne, was soured with this loss. (34) But King Robert (as a most expert and vigilant Prince) did not suffer this joy to continued long to the English, for by practice with one * Hector. Boet. lib. 14. Tho. Walls. Pol. Virg. lib. 18. Peter Spalding to whom King Edward had entrusted the keeping of Berwicke, he recovered it from the English, saith * Cap 172 Harding, By treaty, with Peace, Spalding, and treason; after it had remained twenty years in their possession; which when King Edward thought to have won again, the Scots diverted him from the siege, with incursions and slaughters of his people in other parts of England, not failing much of surprising the Queen in a village not far from York, where she sojourned during the siege at Berwicke, the plot being laid, and drawn between the Scots and some perfidious English, whom King Robert had moneyed for that purpose. But Spalding after the treason done had the reward of a * job. Stow. Harding c. 172. Traitor, for King Robert put him to death. The beginning of civil wars. (35) To give some breathe after these so manifold troubles, a truce was agreed upon and confirmed between the two Kings of England and of Scotland, for the space of two years, which brought forth confusion and not refreshment. For thus it happened; The King upon the commendation of the * Tho. de la More Lords themselves, had made Hugh de Spenser Lord Chamberlain, who being at the lest of equal insolence, vices, and ambition to Gaveston, so wrought that he succeeded in short time to all the graces of familiarity and power which ever Gaveston enjoyed, as in like sort to all his hatred and envy. Hugh his father an ancient Knight, the better to strengthen his sons courses, was likewise employed, and grew in special favour with the King, who afterward also created him Earl of Winchester, but the father in manners unlike to the son, was ruined rather by a natural tenderness, than any malicious will. The son, as he was of shape most lovely, so the very spirit itself of pride and rapine, carried him to all sorts of intolerable behaviours and oppressions, that Gaveston might with good reason seem to be wished The Spensers banished. for again. Against these two, who wholly swayed the unfortunate King, Thomas Earl of Lancaster, and in a manner all the Barons of the Kingdom, (who meant the King should love none but with their leave) did swell with such impatience, that (not contented with the waist of their lands) they never rested till (by the terror of civil Arms) those two favourites (father and son) were banished; they thus revenging under public pretexts both public injuries and * Tho. Walsin. their own. A. D. 1321. (36) In all contentions which happened between the King and his Lords, Queen Isabel had ever hitherto been a maker of Peace, doing therein worthy offices, but the evil stars of the Earls of Lancaster and Hereford would not suffer her to continued any longer so: for the Queen being denied lodging one night at the Castle of Leedes in Kent, which belonged to the Lord of Badlesmere (one of the Earl's faction) she withdrew her good conceit, and was an author to the King of presently revenging that dishonour, who upon her complaint, came in person with many thousand Soldiers before the Castle, took the * Holinsh. p. 331. col. 2. Captain, and put both him and all the men therein to shameful death. Moreover, longing to be righted against the Lords for their late insolences, marched on to Circester taking many Castles, and besieging others: The Lords (who little suspected any such sudden assaults) providing in the mean time for their defence. (37) Thither repaired to him (at his commandment) King Edward pursues the Lords. Polyd. Verg. li. 8. A. D. 1322. Hugh Spenser the son, who had hovered upon the Sea, expecting from thence the success of things upon the land. The Lords, who had fallen from their Sovereign's good conceit, and wanting now their wont Mediatrix the Queen, lay open to all the mischief which enemies could work them by the King, who (as taking his regal power and authority to be in danger) resolved wisely and manfully, to die in the quarrel, or to bring the Lords to be at his commandment. Mean time the judgement given against the Spensers was reversed as erroneous, and their revocation decreed at London by the * Tho. de la More. Archbishop of Canterbury and his Suffragans. (38) The Lords not all of a like temper began to misdoubt, and many of them forsook their Chief, (the Earl of Lancaster) and rendered themselves to the King, or were apprehended; among which were the two Rogers Mortimer, who were committed * Tho. Walsingh. Tho. de la More. to the Tower of London, and others to Wallingford Castle. The faction weakened by this defection made head in the North, under the Earl of Lancaster, who now was to fight for his life. Thither the King marcheth, and with the only show of his Army, made the Earl to fly from Burton upon Trent, whose forces in their retreat or flight behaved themselves outrageously. (39) But God's heavy displeasure, and the Arm of the King's power left them not so: for at Burrowbrigge, Humphrey de Bohun was slain by a Welshman, who thrust him into the body with a Spear from under the Bridge; and the Earl of Lancaster himself with other principal men, Barons and knights, to the number of above * Th' de la More. fourscore and ten were taken prisoners, by a man of small fortunes, Andrew de Herckley Captain of the City of Carlisle, and Sir Simon Ward, * Tho. Walls. Captain of York, who with great forces out of those parts, stopped their farther passage at Burrowbrigge, as the King's forces took all safeguard from them behind. (40) The third day after their apprehension, the * Tho. Walsing. Execution of Nobles. King in person being set in judgement at Pontfract, and with him Edmund Earl of Kent, Aymerie Earl of Pembroke, john de Warren Earl of Surrey, and among * Holinsh. p. 330 col. 2. others, the Lord Hugh de Spenser the Father, as also * Ypod. Neust. Hugh Spenser his son; the Earl of Lancaster was brought before them, and had sentence pronounced against him * Tho. de la More. by the said Andrew de Herckley (created afterward Earl of Carliel) and the King's justiciar, the * holinsh. p. 331. col. 1. Lord Maplesthorpe, as against an Archtraitor; nevertheless, for reucrence of his blood (being the Kings near Kinsman) drawing and hanging were remitted unto him, but his head was stricken off the same day without the Town of Pontfract. * Act. & Mon. p. 463. col. 2 john Stow. (41) Nor satisfied herewith, the King gave full way to revenge, putting to shameful death, by drawing, hanging, and (as some writ) * Tho. Walls. quartering in sundry places, all the Barons (the Lord Roger D'amarie only excepted, who died of his natural death) with sundry Baronet's and Knight's taken at Burroughbrig and elsewhere. The Lord Badlesmere (at whole house this tragical fire began) was executed at Canterbury. And that so great and mighty a man as Thomas Earl of Lancaster, should not seem to die without a bloody compliment suitable to his condition; there were hanged and quartered upon the same day at Pontefract * Holinsh. p. 331. col. 2. five or * joh. Stow. six Barons, and the next day at York were hanged in iron chains, the Lords Clifford, Mowbray, Dey-uill; and others afterward * Act. & Montanus pa. 463. col. 2. Fabian. in other places, to the number in all (though all of them not Barons) of * C ontinu. Nich. Trivet. MS. twenty and two, the chiefest Captains of the Realm suffered death for * Tho. de la Moor● saith but about 18. and 5. banished. their disloyalties. Threescore and twelve Knights more were dispersed into sundry prisons, who (saith De la Moor) upon fines paid had afterward their Liberties. The quality of Earl Thomas described. (42 (As for the said Thomas Earl of Lancaster, there are so many reasons why he cannot reasonably be judged either a good subject or a good man, that we may worthily wonder why some at that time should repute him a Saint. Certainly, the wise and discreet old Writers are not so opinionated of him▪ but note his private life for * R●nul. Higden. Monast Cest●ens●n Polych. l. 7. c. 42. vicious, himself to be nothing * S. Th. de la More & Polych. ib. valorous, and of the public * Thom. Walsingh. not well deserving, omitting his contumelious behaviours toward the King his Sovereign Lord in his discomforts, which as Walsingham forgets not to relate, so thinks he that the like was worthily used toward that Earl himself, who, when he was brought prisoner to Pontfract (his own Castle but then surrendered) the whole multitude derided, and called him in scorn King Arthur: by which name he was designed (as * Holinsh. p. 329. col. 2. some writ) in the Scottish cipher intercepted, proving a conspiracy with Scots: but the very shop, where his and the other Barons original Treasons were forged, was the Parliament house, wherein from time to time, they forced on the King presumptuous and treasonous Ordinations, whereby the Peers challenged, * Continu. Nich. Tri●et. MS. not only to reform the King's house and Council, and to place and displace all great Officers at their pleasure, but even a joint interest in the Regiment of the Kingdom together with the King, which William Inge (a judge of the Common-Law) with other like sticklers, traitorously persuading them to be according to Law. (43) Of his ill deservings toward the commonweal (who for the good thereof could not digest any indignity) let this be a kind of demonstration: Tho. W●lss. ad A. D. 1319. for when King Edward having by straight siege brought Berwicke near to terms of yielding, chanced once to break forth (after his vain manner) into these words; The Lord Hugh Spenser shall be captain of the Castle, when it is taken: the Earl forthwith with others of his affection abandoned the service: by reason of which departure, it was thought that Berwicke was not as then obtained, * C●●inu. Nich. Tri●et. MS. and that the enemy thereby had great advantage in all their attempts. The names of such Barons (besides Banerets, and some few others of special note) as perished by hatchet and halter for this business, as out of so great variety of Writers we could now gather them were, Thom. Walsingh. At * job. Stow. Chron. Wil Risanger. ●p●d Wals●. Pontfrait, Thomas Earl of Lancaster. The Lord Warren Lile. The Lord William Tochet. The Lord Thomas Mandute. The Lord Henry de Bradburne. The L. William Fitz-willian the younger. The Lord William Cheyney. At * joh● Stow. York. The Lord Roger Clifford, son of that Robert▪ Lord Clifford, who was slain by the Scots with Gilbert Earl of Gloster, at the battle of Banocksbourne in the service of this King. The Lord john Mowbray. The Lord josceline Deynuile. At Gloster. The Lord * holinsh. p. 331. col. 2. john Gifford▪ At London, The Lord * Tho. Walsingh. Henry Teyes. At Windsor, The Lord Frances de * Holinsh. p. 331 col. 2. Aldenham. At Canterbury, The * Tho. Walsing. L. Bartholomew de Badlesmere, The * 〈◊〉 ●u. supra, a●d Fabian. L. Bartholomew de Ashburnham. Never did English earth at one time drink so much blood of her Nobles in so vile manner shed as at this, which, whatsoever could be pretended (as doubtless their offence was capital) yet all was taken to be done as in the quarrel of the Spensers only, nor was it unrevenged, as will appear: in the mean space their enemies not contented with their blood, procured also the * Fabian. Holinsh. p. 332. c. 1. confiscation of their estates and inheritances. (44) King Edward thinking that this exploit had made him terrible aswell to the Scots, as it had done King Edward endangered by the Scots. 〈◊〉 the English, marcheth with a mighty host into Scotland, from whence not long after (for want of victuals) he was compelled to return without the honour of any achievement, and being * Tho. de la Mor●. Tho. Walls. upon his return was suddenly by Scots assailed in the night, very narrowly escaping in his own person, and with a few saved himself by flight, leaving his * Tpod. Ne●st. treasure & furniture for pillage, and so came sorrowful to York. john de Britain Earl of Richmond, was taken prisoner by the enemy, and the rest of the Country defaced with destructions as far as to the walls of that City. (45) Thus * Tho. de la More passed this year, to the English full of loss, reproach, and lamentation, by reason of their intestine discord and the shambleses of their Nobles: to the King infamous, and hateful also for his unfortunate journey into the Northern parts, etc. But these bloody and tempestuous winds blew some to profit; for * Fabian. during the space of about five years after, the fortune of the Spencers hugely increased, and the Queens decreased, who (for her relenting toward the Lords, & expressing some dislikes of these ranckly-growing weeds) was grown to bear a share in the persecution. And that these with such like violent men working upon the King's inclination, were the only Authors of that sharp revenge taken upon the Lords, for their particular and inglorious enrichment (for what else can we call the same, since that they betrayed thereby their Sovereign's Crown and Life to speedy destruction?) let it by this in part appear, and move the world the rather to pity the seduced. A. D. 1323. King Edward most bitterly upbraids the Earl of Lancaster's death. (46) Among them who were condemned for rising with the Earl of Lancaster, there was one of a mean Family, for whose life nevertheless, because he had once served in Court, and was pleasing to some of the Grands, or Potent favourites therein, many interceded, and pressed the king so far on his behalf, that he broke out into these * Walsingham c●ls them verb● imperij. most vehement words; A plag●e upon you, for cursed whisperers, malicious backe-biters, wicked counsellors, entreat you so f●r the life of a most notorious knave, who would not speak one word for the life of my near Kinsman, that most noble Knight Earl Thomas? Had he lived, we and our whole Realm should have had special need a●d use of him. This fellow the longer he lives, the more villainies he will commit, as having already filled my Kingdom with his desperate outrages. By the soul of God he shall therefore die the death he hath deserved. (47) By this than it is evident, that these tragedies against the Lords were exploited by others; in which it is plain that this King (otherwise so devout to God, so noble and so full of natural good propensions) was fatally overwrought by wicked counsel; though he therein be inexcusable, for good nature (as we call it) cannot satisfy for public errors. But the condemned man was forthwith put to death accordingly; the King being most highly offended, that none had entreated him on the Earl's behalf, whom (saith Walsingham) he did inwardly love. Nevertheless, he had not long before created the elder Spenser Earl of Winch●ster, and decks the plume of his fortunes with a toppe-feather taken out of the said late Earl of Lancaster's estate, that is to say, with the Castle and honour of * Tho. Wals●●. Donington, parcel of the Earldom of Lincol●e. Having thus far showed the original of the mischief, we will hasten now to the last Act or Catastrophe of our Edward's tragedy, only we will first remember some intercurring matters. (48) You have heard before, how that the Cardinals sent from the Pope, had (in favour of the English) put Scotland under Interdict; wherefore King Robert now at last dispatched the Bishop of Glascow, and Thomas Randolfe Earl of Murrey to Rome, for obtaining release and absolution, but they returned without effecting it. Whereupon King Robert moved to have a truce for thirteen years, which King Edward accordingly granted, and the Pope * Pol. Vir●. lib. 18. then absolved the Scots. The matters of Scotland seemed thus to be sufficiently provided for during that time, and the rather for that somewhat before the motion for truce, the King had caused the newly created Earl of Carlisle Andrew de Herkley to be degraded, hanged, drawn and quartered for treason, which he was convinced to have entered into with the Scots, upon * Tho. Walls. whom he had before done special services, as having for that cause the Castle and City of Carlisle committed to his government. The truce with Scotland being thus confirmed, the King makes his progress through the * Ypod. Neust. Counties of York and Lancaster, and the Marches of Wales, from whence the late seditious had their nourishments, taking wise & careful courses for ministration of justice there, and prevention of like inconveniences, by punishing their Authors severely. And justices * Chron. Dunst. apud John Stow. voided of all corruption, were appointed elsewhere. (49) In the mean space, the new King of France A. D. 1324. An. Reg. 17. The L. Roger Mortimer escapes out of the Tower Charles the fifth, a most earnest enemy to the English men's possessions there, sought occasions of quarrel with King Edward, who while he consuled at home how to order that affair, the young L. Roger Mortimer, one whom the Devil (saith our * Tho. de la More Courtier) reserved to kindle new dissension with, and to stir up a most miserable civil war, having corrupted his Keepers, or (as some others writ) having potioned them with * Ypod. Neust. a sleepy drink, escaped out of the Tower of London, getting over clearly without any impeachment into France. (50) The Spensers both father and son, the one thus created Earl of Winchester, and the other Earl of Gloucester, aspiring to the fullness of command, and desirous to leave nothing in their eye, which might stumble their sway with the King, failed not to beget immortal enmities both against themselves and the King. The Queen took their carriage so heinously, because (besides other things) they had abridged her means of maintenance, (while themselves abounded in all riches and magnificence) as she complained * S. Th. de la More That the daughter and sole heir of the king of France was married to a gripple miser, and that being promised to be a Queen, she was become no better than a waiting woman, living upon a pension from the Spensers. (51) Thus was the matter, and as it were, the embryon, of their common destruction laid, and begun in the impotency of a woman's will, to help out the which with shrewd drifts and directions, they increase her side with Adam Bishop of Hereford, by stripping him out of all his Temporalties as a Traitor, for that he had supported the Mortimers in the Baron's quarrel. This Adam (saith our Knight) was a man of most subtle wit, and in all worldly policies profound, daring to do great things and factious withal, who for this cause conceiving deepest hate, and therefore easily growing dear to the Queen, made a great secret party. To which Henry Burwash Bishop of Lincoln, who (for like causes) had been kept from his temporalties (about two years) joined himself. Neither would the Spensers' avarice suffer them to weaken the multitudes of their enemies, for they sold the King's gracious favour to such as had been in the Baron's quarrel, at so great rates that they by granting away lands and Manors to the said Lords Spensers for their pardons etc. very many of the Nobles were impoverished. To be short, the royal power being in the hands of the Spensers, and Roger Baldock Chancellor, or of their Creatures and Favourites; this other faction had the general discontentments of the Realm to work upon for their advantage. An. D. 1325. (52) The King thus guiding himself, and having sent his Brother Edmund Earl of Kent (upon notice of the first troubles) with Forces into Gascoigne, who gave some little stay for a time to the French proceed, till they might otherwise be provided for, it came to this point at last: that whereas the King had a purpose to have go in person into France, the Spensers who were afraid to be severed from his person, the only reverence whereof they knew to be their safeguard, and yet not daring to attend him thither, or stay behind, * Tho. Walsingh. persuaded the King contrary to the minds of all the rest, that the Queen (who sought it) should go and negotiate her husband's affair in France. She did so; and whereas before her departure, things were in great extremity between the two Nations, insomuch that all the French were banished out of England, not they who were attendant on the Queen herself in nearest place being spared, all matters by her negotiation and suit were quieted; upon condition that King Edward should give to his son Edward of Windsor (afterward King) the Duchy of Aquitaine, and Earldom of Pontine, for which the king of France was pleased to accept his said young nephews homage. (53) This was done, and the Prince sent over for that purpose to his mother, to the utter undoing of the King his Father, and of all his favourites. For the heir of England being in foreign parts, among the contrary faction, all the consultation was (under colour of ruining the Spensers,) to accomplish farther matters. The Prince, having (at Boys de Vincens) done his homage for that Duchy and County to his uncle Ch●rles de Valois King of France, was (as also the Queen his mother) sent for back by the King about Michaelmas; but the Queen's conspiracy being not yet ripe, she deferred to obey, detaining her son still. Polyd. Verg. li. 18. (54) There went over with the young Prince, among many others, Walter Stapleton, Bishop of Excester, who perceiving into what familiarity the Lord Roger Mortimer was grown with the Queen, which * Tho. Walls. seemed greater than either stood with her honour or duty, and seeing both him and other of the King's enemies, and fugitives enjoy that privacy in counsel, which was assigned to himself, who was now (as being none of theirs) * Th. de la More. excluded, returned secretly (though unsent for) into England, faithfully (as it become a good man) declaring his knowledge. (55) The King now clearly beholding his error in his dangers * Polyd. Ver. li. 18 The Queen and Prince proclaimed Traitors. solicited the King of France to sand home his wife and son, but that not succeeding, he caused them * Tho. Walls. Polyd. Verg. lib. 18. Fabian. Their death plotted by the King. openly in London to be proclaimed enemies of the Kingdom, banishing them with all their adherents out of the same. For his more assurance also he caused the Ports to be most narrowly watched. Finally, to draw all his dangers to a short dispatch, there was (as was supposed) a plot laid for * M. Fox. Act▪ & Mon. p. 464. col. 1. making away the Queen and Prince, but God's will was to frustrate it. (56) The Queen, on the other side, fearing that the * Ypod. Neust. Spensers' gold had laid trains to blow her whole proceed up in France, kept herself out of the way, till with the Prince, the Lord Roger Mortimer, and other their adherents, they were safely gotten into Henault: There might be some other reason also and necessary to move Queen Isabel to departed out of France, beside the doubt of that kind of corruption in the Peers thereof: as to turn off a war from thence being her native Country, which for her cause was afflicted in the Sea-strengthes thereof; for Sir john Oturwin, Sir Nicholas Kiried, and Sir The English scour the narrow sea●. john de Felton, with the Navy of the Ports, and of other places, had by commission from the King so scoured the narrow Seas, that they within a short time brought into England as lawful prize, * T●o Walls. an hundredth and twenty Norman ships or vessels. Moreover, whereas those two Bishops which the Pope had sent, were returned sorrowful out of England, not only without doing any good on her behalf, but also without hope of doing any, she might easily be persuaded that the sword must do it, or nothing. An. D. 1326. A. reg. 19 (57) But in Henault she found most honourable and loving welcome of the Earl, where, therefore (without the consent or advise of the Peers of England) she insured (saith our * Tho. de la More. Author) that delight and terror of the whole world, her son, being then about fourteen years old, to Philippe the said Earls daughter, and with the money of her portion waged soldiers out of H●nault and Germany, to transport into England. There her friends expected her arrival daily, of which the Bishops of Hereford and Lincoln were not meanest: Her men and Nawl being now ready, she with her son the Prince, the Lord Edmund Earl of Kent his uncle, * Harding. c. 176. Aimerie de Valence Earl of Pembroke, the Lord john of Henault, the Earl of Henaults brother (a valiant Gentleman) the Lord Roger Mortimer, and many other Englishmen of name and note, with above two thousand and seven hundred Henowayes and Germane, under the leading of the said Lord john, arrived at Orwell in Suffolk upon the Friday before Saint Michael's day. The king's proceed after the Queen's arrival. (58) Her arrival being reported to the King (who was, poor Prince, not only destitute of friends and means, but as it seems, of courage, and counsel also) it did not at first seem credible. The truth appearing, he demanded assistance of the City of London, whose answer was, That they would honour with all duty, the King, the Queen, and Prince, but would shut their gates against foreigners, and traitors to the Realm, and with all their powers withstand them. In this answer the King and his few friends reposing no assurance, he committed an error worse than that former of sending his son out of England, by retiring himself into the West, with his inseparable favourites the Spensers, Baldock and others there, to raise a force against the Queen: but before he went, he left his other son, the Lord john (called of Eltham) in the Tower of London with the Countess of Gloucester, the Kings Niece, wife to the younger Spenser Earl of Gloucester, committing the Tower itself to Sir john de Weston, who was well provided of men and victuals. He commanded all men also to destroy and kill the Queen's partakers, none excepted but herself, her son, and Edmund Earl of Kent, the King's brother by the Father, and that none, upon pain of death, and loss of all that they might lose, should aid or assist them: and that he should have a thousand pound, who did bring the Lord Mortimer's head. Thus took he his last leave of London, and in a manner also of his Rule or Domination. (59) On the contrary part, there repaired to the Queen the Earl Martial, and Henry Earl of Leicester, the Bishops of Lincoln, Hereford, Ely, and of Barons, Knights, and armed Soldiers no small multitude, whom aswell to retain, as to draw more, letters and rumours flew about, declaring (though falsely) that the King of France had in the aid of his sister sent so many Dukes, Earls, and others, that England could scarce suffice to feed them. This, for such whom the opinion of warlike strength would win: but those whom show of Religion might move, it was as cunningly, and as falsely spread, that Thom. de la Moor. the Pope had excommunicated all such as did take arms against the Queen, and (the more to countenance the fiction) that two Cardinals employed about the Premises, were seen in the Queens Campe. Then was it proclaimed that the causes of her coming were to deliver the Realm from the misleaders of the King, which were named to Ypod. Neust. be the Spensers, Roger Baldock Bishop of Norwich, Lord Chancellor and their Fautors; all others to be safe, and that nothing should be taken from any other subject without true payment; but finally, that he who brought the younger Spensers head should have two thousand pounds. These things first thus ordered, the Queen with her son and whole power pursues the King (as it had been agreed by the Council of war) taking first her way to Oxford: where the * Tho. de la Moor. whole University being called together, in the presence of the Queen, the Prince, Roger Mortimer and the rest of that troup, the Bishop of Hereford (the Queen's bosom Counsellor) preaching to them on this Text, * 2 Kin. c. 4. v. 19 My head, my head acheth, delivered to them the reasons of the Queens coming with her Army, concluding (more like a Butcher then a Divine) that an aching & sick head of a kingdom, was of necessity to be taken off, and not to be tampered with by any other physic. The Londoners for the Queen. (60) The Londoners in favour of the Queen, and hatred of the Spensers committed sundry outrages, besides bloody sacrilege in cutting off the Bishop of Excesters' head, and some others (whom the King had made Guardian of London) in their popular fury, among the which one of them was a Citizen of their own john le Marchal, who had been of the younger Spensers acquaintance. The Tower of London they get into their possession, placing and displacing the Garrison and Officers therein at their pleasure, under the name of the Lord john of Eltham, the King's second son, whom they proclaimed Custos of the City, and of the Landlord They also set at liberty all prisoners, which by the popular Queen's commandment was done through the whole Realm: and all banished men and fugitives were revoked; who all * Ex Hist. quae Brut. dicitur. MS flocking unto London, brought no small increase to her forces. (61) Wither in the mean space doth woeful Edward fly? what force, what course, what way takes he poor Prince? OH fearful condition of so great a monarchs State, when a Wife, a Son, a Kingdom are not trusted, and those only are trusted who had nothing strong, but a will to live and die with him. The Queen passing from Oxford to Gloucester (onward to the siege of Bristol Castle) grew all the while in her strengths like a rolled snowball, or as a River which spreads still broader from the fountain to the Ocean, * Verg. Aene. 3 vires acquirit eundo. For thither repaired to her (for the love of the young Prince) the Lord Percy, the Lord Wake, and others aswell out of the North, as Marches of Wales. But Edward (having left the Earl of Winchester, the elder Lord Spenser, in the Castle of Bristol for the keeping thereof) meditates flight with a few into the Isle of Lundie in Severne Sea, or into Ireland, & while he wandereth about not finding where to rest safe, his royal credit, name, and power, (like a Cliff which falling from the top of some huge rock, breaks into the more pieces, the farther it rolls) are daily more and more diminished as they scatter, till now at last they are come unto a very nothing. After a week therefore spent upon the Sea, Sir Thomas Blunt forsaking him, and coming to the Queen, he came on shore in Glamorganshire, where with his few friends he entrusted himself to God, and the faith of the Welsh (who indeed still loved him) lying hidden among them in the Abbey of * Ypod. Neust. Tho. de la Moor. Neath. The elder Spenser put to death. (62) Now had the Queen and her son (for his name was abused to all sorts of turne-seruings) taken the elder Lord Spenser at the Castle of Bristol, who (without any form of trial) was cruelly cut up alive and quartered (saith de la Moor our Knight) being * Tho. Walls. Historia quae Bruti dicitur MS. first at the clamours of the people, drawn and hanged in his proper Armouries upon the common Gallows without the City: but his grandchild Hugolin stood so valiantly in defence of himself within the Castle of Kerfilli, that he had his life and the lives of all his assistants saved. Proclamations recalling the king. (63) The King not appearing, Proclamations were every day made in the Queen's Army, declaring, * Tho. Walls. That it was the common consent of the realm that he should return, and * Act. & Mon. p. 465. col. 1. receive the government thereof, so as he would conform himself to his people. This (whether Stratagem or Truth) not prevailing, Henry Earl of Lancaster the late Earls Brother, Sir William lafoy Zouch, and Rhese ap-Howell a Welshman, who all of them had Lands in those parts where the King concealed himself, were sent with coin and forces to discover and take him. The Queen and her people lay in the City of Hereford, the Episcopal See of that great * Tho. de la Moor calls him, Omnis buius mali Architectum, but the Actor was doubtless Roger Mortimer. The Prince Custos or high ●eeper of England. Arch-plotter of her courses Adam de Orlton, where by advise and consent of the Lords, her son the Duke of Aquitaine was made High-Keeper of England, and they as to the Custos of the same, did swear him fealty. And here also the Bishop of Norwich was made Chancellor of the Realm, and the Bishop of Winchester Treasurer. (65) What will not money, diligence and fair words do; with corrupt dispositions, even to everting of all bands of either religious or civil duties? By such means therefore the desolate, sad, and unfortunate King, * 16 Calend. Decemb. came into his cozen of Lancaster's hands, and with him the younger Lord Spenser Earl of Gloucester, Robert Baldock Lord Chancellor and Simon de Reding, there being no regard had to the detention of any other. The King was conveyed by the Earl from the place of his surprise to Monmouth, to Ledburie, and so to the Castle of Kenelworth belonging to the Earl of Leicester, who was appointed to attend him, that is, to keep him safe. The other three, Spenser, Baldock and Reeding were strongly guarded to Hereford, there to be disposed of at the pleasure of their most capital enemies. (66) Before whose coming to satisfy Roger Mortimer, the Lord Edmund Earl of Arundel, and two Gentlemen Daniel and Micheldene were beheaded at Hereford: The Lord Mortimer was so high in the Queen's favour, that she could do no less (as wee may suppose) then gratify him with a few hated heads. But (Mortimer) there will be a time, when the cry of this, and other blood sacrificed to thy private revenge (while thou abusest the public trust) will never give over the pursuit, till it hath deservedly drawn thine in am thereof. The younger Spenser put to death. (67) The Lord Spenser and the rest, * Continu. Nich. Trivet. MS. on whom William Trussell the judge gave sentence of death, being now drawn to Hereford, the said Lord being clad in his coat-armour, was most despitefully dragged to the place of execution, where being first hung upon a gallows fifty foot high, he was afterward headed, and cut into quarters; they who brought him to the Queen, having the promised sum of two thousand pounds distributed among them for reward. His head was set up at London, and his quarters in four parts of the Kingdom. Simon de Reding was hanged ten foot lower than he in the same place. M. Fox Act. & Mon. pa. 465. col. 1. (68) This Execution (saith Walsingham) was done upon a Monday in revenge of the death of Thomas Earl of Lancaster, whose blood was likewise shed upon a Monday. Robert Baldock late Lord Chancellor was committed to the keeping of the Bishop of Hereford, who after a time caused him to be brought up to Hereford-house in London, where the tumultuous people (not without the Bishop of Hereford's secret approvement as was said) took him violently away, and (though he were a Priest) thrust him into Newgate, where they used him so unhandsomly, that albeit they had no accusation, but only for being faithful to his Sovereign, wherewith to * Tho. de la Moor charge him, he not long after died in prison; to whom (saith De la Moor) might be applied that of Quintilian, * Whosoever is killed by torment, overcomes the Tormentor. An. D. 1327. An. Reg. 20. & vlt. King Edward yields to resign his Crown. Torquentem vincit quisquis occiditur. (69) The mournful King being at Kenelworth Castle, there repaired thither the Bishops of * S. Th. de la More Winchester, Hereford, and Lincoln, * Tho. Walls. two Earls, two Abbots, four Barons, * Polych. lib. 7. c. 43. two justices, three Knights for every County, and for London, and other principal places (chief for the five Ports) a certain chosen number, selected by the Parliament, which then the Queen and her Son held at London. The Bishops of Winchester and Lincoln (as it was agreed upon) came thither before any of the rest, aswell to give the King to understand what kind of Embassage was approaching, as to prepare him by the best Arguments they could to satisfy the desire, and expectation of their new moulded commonweal, which could only be by resignation of the Crown, that his Son (whom the body of the then confused State had elected) might reign in his stead. Reasons to persuade his resignation. (70) When they were admitted to his presence, (the Earl of Leicester being by) they together so wrought him, partly with showing a necessity, partly with other reasons drawn out of common places, thoroughly studied for that purpose, that (though not without many sobs and tears) he finally did not descent, if his answer were truly reported (which * Hist. Bruti MS. some doubt of) unto the Parliament. * Tho. de la More For they told him that the Commonweal had conceived so irreconcilable dislikes of his government, the particulars whereof had been opened in the general assembly at London, that it was resolved never to endure him as King any longer. That notwithstanding, those dislikes had not extended themselves so far, as for his sake to exclude his issue, but that with universal applause, and joy, the Commonweal had in Parliament elected his eldest son the Lord Edward for King. That it would be a very acceptable thing to God, willingly to give over an earthly Kingdom for the common-good and quiet of his Country, which they said could not otherwise be secured. That yet his honour should be no less after the resignation, than it was before, only him the commonweal would never suffer to reign any longer. They finally durst tell him, that unless he did of himself renounce his Crown and Sceptre, the people would neither endure him, nor any of his Children as their Sovereign, but disclaiming all homage and fealty, would elect some * Polyd. Ver. li. 1● other for King, who should not be of the blood. * Tho. de la Moor. (71) The whole Company sent by the body of State (if it may be called a Body which then had no Head there) from London, where it attended their return, being placed by the Bishop of Hereford, according to their degrees, in the Presence Chamber at Kenelworth Castle, the King gowned in black came forth at last out of an inward room, and presented himself to his vassals, where (as being Privy to their errand) sorrow struck such a chillness into him, that he fell to the earth, lying stretched forth in a deadly swoon; The Earl of Leicester, and the Bishop of Winchester beholding this, ran unto him, and with much labour recovered the halfdead king, setting him upon his feet. As rueful & heavy as this sight was, we read not yet of any acts or effects of compassion expressed towards him at this present; so settled (as it seemed) was the hatred and aversion. The King being now (we cannot say) come to himself, but to the sense of his misery, the Bishop of Hereford declares the cause of their present Embassy, and running over the former points, concludes as before, saying, (as in the person of the commonwealth) That the King must resign his Diadem to his eldest son, or after the refusal suffer them to elect such a person as themselves should judge to be most fit and able to defend the Kingdom. (72) The dolorous King having heard this speech, broke forth into sighs and tears, and being (saith his * Sir Tho. de la Moor his servant. most favourable reporter) more ready to sacrifice his body for Christ's cause, than once to behold the disinherison of his sons, or (through his occasion) the perpetual disturbance of the Kingdom, (as knowing, saith he, that a good shepherd should give his life for his flock,) made at the last his answer to this effect. * Pol. Virg. lib. 1● That he knew that for his many sins he was fallen into this calamity, and therefore had the less cause to take it grievously: That much he sorrowed for * Tho. Walls. Thom. de la Moor. this that the people of the Kingdom were so exasperated against him, as that they should utterly abhor his any longer rule and sovereignty: and therefore he besought all that were there present to * Polyd. Verg li. 18 forgive and spare Tho. Walsin. him being so afflicted. That nevertheless * Tho. de la More. it was * Tho. Walsingh. greatly to his good pleasure and liking, (seeing it * Tho. de la More. could none other be on his behalf,) that his eldest * Tho. Walls. son was so * Tho. de la Moor gracious in their sight▪ and therefore he gave them * Tho. Walsing. Polyd. Verg. lib. 18. thanks for choosing him to be their King. (73) This being said, there was forthwith a proceeding to the short ceremonies of his resignation, which principally consisted in the surrender of his Diadem and Ensigns of Majesty, to the use of his son the new King. Thereupon * Th. de la More. Sir William Trussel (as being a judge who could fit them with quirks of law to colour so lawless and treasonable a fact) on the behalf of the whole Realm renounced all homage, and allegiance to the Lord Edward of Caernaruon late King. (74) The form of that renunciation, as being obsolete, you shall have in the like * Polychr. lib. 7. c. 43 obsolete words of Trevisa, which was this; I William Trussel, in name of all men of the land of England, and of all the Parliament Procurator, resign to thee Edward, the homage that was made to thee sometime; and from this time forward now following, I defy thee, and prive thee of all royal power, & I shall never be tendant to thee as for King after this time. Which being done, Sir Thomas Blunt Knight, Steward of the household, by breaking his staff, resigned his office, and declared that the late King's family was discharged. (75) Edward being thus dekinged, the Embassy road joyfully back to London to the Parliament, with the resigned * Tho. Walls. Ensigns, and dispatch of their employment. Here (for that this seems the last hour of his reign and kingly state) we will make a stop, referring you for the rest to the next King's life, under whose name and abused authority they were acted. (76) Notwithstanding, we may not forget in all these doings to call to mind, who it was that sat at the helm of State, overlooking, and overswaying Queen, Prince and all; to wit, the most ambitious and vindicative man living, Roger Lord Mortimer of Wigmor: for, as for the * Tho. Walsingh. Queen, when she was (God knows how far guilty,) advertised of her husband's dethronization, she outwardly expressed so great extremity of passion (notwithstanding that at the same time she was told of her sons surrogation) as if she had been distraught in her wits: which the Prince her son (then about fifteen years of age) beholding, he made an oath, never to accept of the Crown against his father's good will; and thereupon it was (saith Walsingham a Writer worthy of belief) that the said Embassy was sent to Kenelworth Castle, (where the now no more a King remained) to work his assent, whose answer thereunto▪ (saith * Hist. Bruti. MS. another) was by those Messengers related at full, and fuller than in truth it was sent by the King; but the Peers then in Parliament made their use thereof, in procuring such a Prince to take the rule of them, whom they hoped, by reason of his tender years, themselves should be able to rule and overmaster. His Wife. (77) Isabel, daughter to Philip the Fair, King of France (sister to Lodowicke Hutin, Philip the Long, and Charles the Fair, all Kings of France) was married to Edward the second, at twelve years of age, in our Lady Church of Boulogne, the 22. of january, 1308. She was his wife twenty years, and his widow thirty, and lived threescore and three years. She died at Rise near London, the two & twentieth of August 1357. and was buried in the midst of the Gray-Fryers Choir in London, the 27. of September following. His Issue. (78) Edward (surnamed of Windsor) the eldest son of K. Edward and Queen Isabel his wife, was born at the Castle of Windsor, the thirteenth of October, the year of Christ, 1312. and the sixt of his father's reign: he was created Prince of Wales, and Duke of Aquitane, in a Parliament holden at York, Anno 1322. and in the troubles of the Realm and absence of his Father, in an assembly of Lords met at Hereford, and in presence of the Queen, was made L. Warden of England by a common decree: unto whom all the Lords made their fealty, in receiving an Oath of Allegiance to be faithful and loyal unto him as to the Lord Warden of the Realm: and shortly after, the Father deposed, he was crowned King of England, by the name of Edward the third. (79) john (surnamed of Eltham) the second son of King Edward and Queen Isabel his wife, was borne at Eltham in Kent, the 15. of August, and year of Christ, 1315. and at twelve years of age was created Earl of Cornwall in a Parliament, Anno 1327. and third year of the reign of King Edward his brother: he died in Scotland unmarried, in the flower of his youth, the tenth of his brother's reign, and year of Christ, 1334. (80) joan the eldest daughter, and third child of King Edward and Queen Isabel, was borne in the Tower of London; she was married being a child at Berwick the eighteenth day of july, in the fourth year of the Reign of King Edward her brother, 1329 to David Prince of Scotland, son and heir apparent of King Robert Bruce, whom he succeeded within one year after in the kingdom, being but seven years of age, and was the second King of Scotland of the name of David; she was his wife twenty and eight years, and being come into England to visit her brother, she deceased here without Issue▪ in the two and thirtieth year of his Reign, 1357. and was buried at the Gray-Fryers in London. (81) Elinor, the second and youngest daughter, & fourth child of King Edward and Queen Isabel, was the second wife of Reynald the second, Earl of Gelder, married unto him with a portion of fifteen thousand pounds 1332. being the sixt year of the reign of king Edward her brother, who being the Vicar general of the Empire, to the Emperor Lewis of Bavar, created him first Duke of Gelder: she had issue by him Reinald and Edward both Duke's successively after their Father without Issue; the later of them leaving his Duchy and his wife to his Nephew William Duke of Gulik his half sister's Son. Edward III Monarch 49 EDWARD THE THIRD, KING OF ENGLAND, AND FRANCE, LORD OF IRELAND, etc. THE FORTIE-NINTH MONARCH OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XII. 〈◊〉 W●RDUS: D●I. GR●GI●: R●X: ●●GLIE: D●S▪ ●●B●R●I●. DUX●QVI●●●IE E 3 ●DW●RDUS: D●I: GR●●I●: R●X: ●●GLI●: D●S: ●●B●R●I●: DUX: ●QWIT●●I●: ●●W●RD: 〈…〉 4 SIL. ●●OSU●▪ 〈…〉 〈…〉 The happy change under King Edward 3 THe sickness and wounds which the commonwealth sustained by the reign of the late deposed king, upon the change of her Leech and Physician, recovered not only health and strength, but beauty also and ornament; and the elements themselves, which in the former times seemed to suffer and sympathise with the public grievances of the English, grew * Ranulph. Cest. Thom. Walsingh. gracious and propitious to the use of man, the Air becoming more healthful, the earth more fruitful, as if Nature herself were privy to the worth of the succeeding Prince. But this his worth did not display itself, until he had plucked the sway of things out of the hands of the Queen his mother, and of that aspiring danger and tempest of England, Roger Mortimer who wholly possessed her. (2) This Edward of Windsor, being not fifteen years of age, when (without any guilty thought in him) his throne was thus established upon his Father's ruin, took the beginning of his reign by public sanction at the * Tho. Walls. twentieth day of januarie, and by direction of such as sought to colour their treasons against their deposed Sovereign, proclaimed his peace in these words. Edward by the grace of God King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine, to N. N. our Sheriff of S. Greeting. Because the Lord Edward our Father, late King of England, by the common Council and Assent of the Prelates, Earls, Barons, and other the chief men, and the whole Commonalty of the Kingdom, did voluntarily remove himself from the government thereof, willing and granting that we as his eldest son and heir, should take upon us the rule and regiment of the same, and we with the counsel & advise of the Prelates, Earls & Barons before said, yielding therein to our father's good pleasure, and will, have taken upon us the governance of the said Kingdom, and as the manner is, have received the Fealties and Homages of the said Prelates and Peers. We therefore desirous that our peace for the quiet and calm estate of our people should be inviolably observed, do will and command you, that presently upon sight of these presents, you 'cause our Peace to be openly proclaimed through your whole Bailywicke, forbidding all and every one on our behalf, under pain and peril of disinherison, and loss of life and limbs, not to presume to violate or infringe our said peace, but that every one pursue or follow his actions, and complaints without any manner of outrage, according to the laws & customs of our Kingdom▪ for we are ready & always willbe, to administer full right to all & singular complainants, aswell poor as rich in our Courts of justice. Witness ourself, etc. in the * 1 Februa. Calendss of February upon sunday being Candlemas Eue. (3) Upon the Candlemas day itself, the young King Edward provided for wars with Scotland. King receiving the Order of Knighthood, by the hands of the Earl of Lancaster, and upon the same day the Crown of England at Westminster, Walter Archbishop of Canterbury performing the offices accustomed therein, judged nothing to be sooner thought upon then to recover the honour of his Nation upon the Northern enemies, whom his unexperienced youth, and their former happiness had emboldened; in which preparation while he was busied, the Queen his mother, and her Mortimer, forgot not other things tending to their own benefit and assurance. Mortimer's high practices. (4) First therefore there was procured for the Queen mother so great a Dowry, that the young King had scarce a * Ypod. Neust. third part of the Kingdom left for his maintenance; which excessive estate, in title the Queens, in the use was Mortimars, and from this treasonable defalcation and weakening of the royal means, he sinewed his own devices with authoritity and riches; so that his hatred against Spenser was not on behalf of the Commonweal, but for that any one should abuse it for his private but himself. Lastly, when they had certain intelligence, that sundry great persons and others, as the whole order of Friers-preachers, took pity of the late King's captivity, and seemed to consult for his deliverance, they knowing that by recovery of his former estate, their just confusion must follow, they resolved to strengthen (as men supposed) their other impieties with murder. (5) For albeit the Queen in her outward gestures pretended nothing but sorrow for her Lord & husband's distress, yet in stead of bringing to him her person (which the deposed Prince did wonderfully * Tho. de la More love) she only sent unto him * Tho. Walls. fine apparel & kind letters, but contrary to the laws of God and man, withdrew herself from nuptial duties, bestowing them (as the fame went, which will blab of Princes as freely as of meaner Dames) upon the bloody Adulterer Mortimar, fathering her absence upon the State, which (she feigned) would not suffer her to come unto him. The desolate Prince was hereupon taken from Kenelworth Castle, by express order from the * Grafton. young King, at their procurement, for that the Earl of Lancaster (Lord of that piece) was suspected to pity too much his calamity. He was delivered by * Grafton. Indenture, to Sir Thomas de Gournay * though de la More. the elder, and Sir john Mattravers, two merciless and most unworthy Knights. (6) These two Instruments of the Devil, having The late King Edward murdered. conducted him first to the Castle of Corf, then to Bristol, and lastly in great secrecy, and with more villainous despite, than it become either Knights, or the lewdest varlets in the world, as (out of Sir Thomas de la Moor, you may read at large in the collections of * Annals. john Stow) to the Castle of Barkley, where after many vile devices, executed upon him in vain, they * Hector. Boet. & ●●ness. more than barbarously murdered him. A bloody fallacy or Sophism. (7) Never was the fallacy of pointings, or ambiguity of Phrase more mischievously used to the destruction of a King, or defence of the Contrivers, then in this heinous Parricide, for it is said that a bloody Sophism conceived in these words was sent; * Tho. de la Moor * joh. Stow. Edwardum occidere nolite timere bonum est To shed King Edward's blood Refuse to fear I count it good. Where the Comma or pause being put after Nolite, bid them not to make him away, but after timere, insinuates a plain encouragement to the fact. The Actors forced to fly the Country. (8) The Sphynx who is said to be the Author of this ambiguous Riddle▪ sent by the Lord * Lanquet. Grafton. Fabian. Tho. de la Moor. Mortimar, was Adam de Torleton, who * utterly denied any such intention, when the Murderers for their own justification, produced the writing itself under Queen Isabella's Seal, and the seals of the other Conspirators, and therefore the said Bishop Adam was the cause, why Gorney and Mattravers were with terrible menaces shaken up, pursued and outlawed, who more pursued with the memory and conscience of so heinous a Tragedy, fled out of England. Gorney after three years banishment, being discovered at Massels in France, and apprehended, was conveyed back, but had his head taken off at Sea, in his passage, * Tho. de la Moor Tho. Walls. left he should reveal too much at his arrival, but Mattravers lay hidden in Germany a long time, doing penance. The murdered Edward's body laid to view. (9) This Parricide was committed about S. Mathews day, and (that you may note what confidence they had in their Art of secret murder, as also an ordinary mockage of the people in like cases) the noble body was laid forth, and * Walsingham. many Abbots, Priors, Knights, and Burgesses of Bristol and Gloucester were sent for to see the same; upon which, although there appeared no manifest outward sign of violent death, but the skin all over whole and unbroken, yet the cry of murder could not so be smothered, but the means and manner came to light. This happiness certainly the poor Prince had, that after his imprisonment he reform his life in so pious & Christian sort, that it gave occasion when he was dead of disputation, whether * Ranulp. Cest. he were not to be reputed a Saint, even as (say our Authors) there was * Tho. Walsing. Fabian. the like Question concerning Thomas Earl of Lancaster, though beheaded for apparent Treasons. His body * Polyd. Verg. l. 1● without any funeral pomp was buried among the Benedictins in their Abbey at Gloucester, and so (saith * Tho. de la Moor. our passionate author) the stately height of the Angel's Kingdom received this Scholar, and Disciple of Christ, thus reft and spoiled of his English Kingdom. The Scots environed▪ escape. (10) The young King was now upon the borders of Scotland with a puissant Army, where also the Queen mother, and Mortimar, with many other Nobles were present, and having environed the Scots (who had pierced into England with invasive arms) in the woods of Wiridale and Stanhope Park, made Adam Merimouth Holinsh. Act. & Mon. sure account of a certain victory; but by the treason of the said Lord Mortimer (as afterward was laid to his charge) they were sum ffered to escape out of that mischief, and the young King with grief returned inglorious after an huge waste of treasure, and peril of his own person. (11) For while the English host thus held the Scots, as it were besieged Sir james Douglas in the dead of night, with about * Froishard. Ypod. Neust. two hundredth swift horse assailed the Kings own Pavilion, and miss so little * Hector Boet. of kill him, that a Priest his Chaplain a stout and loyal man was slain in his defence, and Sir james escaped back without hurt, but not without honour for his bold attempt. In the Scots Camp * Fox in Acts & Mon. one noteth, that the English found five hundredth great Oxen and Cows ready killed, a thousand spits full of flesh, ready to be roasted, five hundred Cawdrons made of beasts skins, full of flesh, over the fire seething, and about * Hect. Boet. ten thousand pair of raw-leather shoes, the hair still upon them. In King Edward's Army were (as * Grafton some writ) thirty thousand Archers, and five hundredth good men of Arms, which perhaps is one of the greatest hosts that you shall lightly read to have been of our Nation, and the reason was, for that the world conceived such hope of the young King, that many more went * Tho.▪ Walsin. voluntary then constrained. All which puissance was notwithstanding thus eluded. A. D. 1328. Tho. Walls. in Edw. 3 Hect. Boet. writes that King Robert died 7▪ jun. A. D. 1329. An. reg. 24. whom we have therein reason to believe (12) About this time died strucken with lepry, Robert Bruce King, and recoverer of Scotland, and the most approved Warrior of the world in that age, by whose loss it was soon found, how much the virtue and fortune of one man are worth in any Nation. But before he died, that peace was made with the Scots by the means of the Queen and the Lord Mortimer, which is so much dispraised by our Writers, and in the end proved capital to the principal Actor Mortimer. (13) For at this treaty it was that the King (then The peace with Scotland at the Parliament of Northampton. in his Minority) sealed Charters to the Scots at Northampton, whose contents were contrived by the Queen, the said Lord Mortimer, and Sir james Douglas, without the privity of the English. There was Tho. Walls. also delivered to them that famous Evidence called the * Act. & Mon. Ragman Roll, and the King acquitted them of all * Geor Buchan. Hect. Boet. claim and pretence of right to the Superiority of Scotland, rendering back sundry jewels taken by the English from the Scots, among the which was one special, called the Black Cross of Scotland. There was it also granted, that * Fox. Fabian. Grafton. all Englishmen should lose their lands in Scotland, unless they would inhabit upon them, and become liegemen to the King thereof, besides many other things to the high discontentation (as was the humour of those times) of the English Subjects. Moreover, under the specious colour of restitution of damages, King Robert was to pay to King Edward thirty thousand Marks sterling, with which (as the meed of treason) the Lord Mortimer was afterward publicly charged, and for the same, and other his crimes was executed as a Traitor. Finally, upon the seventh of july, David Bruce Prince of Scotland, a child of seven or eight years old, and son and heir to King Robert, married joan, sister to K. Edward at Berwicke: by which peace the English were made obnoxious to some reproaches, the Scottish Nation in scorn, calling the said Lady, jane Make-Peace. (14) And therefore saith one of this part of King E. S. lib. 3. commentariol. de rebus gestis. Brit. Edward's reign: that drawn aside with evil advise, by reason of his age, he committed many foul errors in State, at the beginning of his Government: which is also the general opinion of all our Writers, whereunto this verse is by * Vowels. Holinsh. some applied; Vaepueriterrae, saepissime sunt ibi guerra, Where Children Rulers are, There often is woe and war. (15) There died likewise about this time Charles the Fair, King of France, (to whom King Edward had not long before done homage for his Duchy of Gascoigne) the third and last son of Philip the Fair, King of France, by whose decease the Crown of that noble Kingdom, devolved to this our Edward King of England in right of his mother Queen Isabel: And because upon this * Polyd. Verg. Title king Edward did afterward claim the said Crown, we will here once for all instruct you in the justice thereof. (16) Three sons there were of King Philip the Fair, (to wit, Lewis Hutin, Philip le long, and Charles the Fair) who all successively reigned in France one after the other; and none of them leaving any Issue, at such time as king Edward made his claim, the whole right seemed to be in Isabel the only Child of the said Philip which had any issue, for an other sister which she had died an Infant. (17) The ●ase thus seeming plain▪ was not for such accepted by the French, who received to the Crown Philip of Valois, whose father Charles of Valois was younger Brother to Philip the Fair, advancing the Brother's son before the daughter's son, not following the propinquity or descent of blood, but the meliority of sex, upon which ground they had also freshly put by joan daughter of Lewis Hutin, preferring Philip le long her uncle. The French in bar to her interest, pretended a fundamental law or entail, by which * Lex S●lic●. which law▪ as their greatest Lawyers since acknowledge, no whit concerneth the French Crown. Ho●tomanni Fra●cogallia. cap. 8. no woman was inheritable to the Crown of France, and in defence of that opinion withstood King Edward afterward with so much loss and calamity, though that very law made Edward's title the stronger ( * Chart. Original▪ Ed. 3 de iure suo in Reg. Gal. as himself truly pleaded) he being the Male, albeit his right descended by the Female. (18) This Title to so glorious a Monarchy though it accrued to the English, by this match with Queen Isabel, yet doth Walsingham * Ypod Neust. & in Edw. 〈◊〉 freely pronounce; That neither that affinity, nor any other contracts with the French, was ever available or brought any benefit to England: which opinion as it may seem strange▪ so will it answer a wise Readers pain in the fruit, to observe through the course of our stories, whether the said grave Writer had just occasion so to speak or no. Another conceit there was of this Edward's King Edward marries Philip the Earl of Henaults daughter. marriage with Philippe the Earl of Henaults daughter, which about this time was consummated, though Philip de Valois (king of France by intrusion as our Annals repute him) was her uncle, her mother being his own sister. (19) There stood now at home against the stream of the Queen, and her Lord Mortimer's absolute sway, some great personages, who did not wholly allow their doings, among which was the King's uncle, Edmund Earl of Kent, whose death they shortly procured. Meanwhile the more to despite and dare their overlookers'▪ Roger Mortimer was created Earl of the Marches of Wales, at a Parliament holden at Salisbury: at which time also john of Eltham the King's Brother was made Earl of Cornwall, and the Lord Butler of Ireland Earl of Ormond. From whence the Lord Henry Earl of Lancaster, and sundry other of the Peers, seeing the King * Tho. Walsing. in fine Edw. 2. trodden (as it seemed to them) under foot, did absent themselves, meditating civil arms for redress, who notwithstanding (by the labour of Simon de Mepham Archbishop of Canterbury) was reconciled: This Archbishop very worthily also excommunicated all such as had any hand in the sacrilegious parricide of that * This ●orthy Prelate founded Exeter College, and also Hart-hall in Oxford. noble and loyal Prelate Walter Bishop of Excester, or any ways violated him, their aiders, complices or abettors whosoever. But after the Coronation of Philip the young Queen, in another Parliament at Winchester, the said Earl Edmund was condemned for conspiring to deliver his brother, late King of England, Edmund Earl of Kent the King's uncle put to death by practice whom (likely enough by Mortimer's practice) he was drawn into an absurd belief to be still alive. Thus, for devising to set a dead man at liberty, this noble Earl Edmund the king's half uncle had his head strucken off, though from * Tho. Walls. Harding. Noon till five at night, he stood at the place of death without the Castle-gates, none being found to behead him, till a base wretch of the Marshal-sea was sent, and did it: so little conscience did the malice and ambition of his potent adversaries make of shedding the Royal blood, which by God's juster judgement was not long unrevenged. An. D. 1329. The Black Prince borne. Adam Merim. (20) To supply which loss to the regal stem, with a very large amendss, the young Queen Philip at Woodstock in Oxfordshire, upon 15. june, being Friday, brought ●orth her first begotten son, the amiable and famous Edward, bynamed (not of his colour, but of his dreaded Acts in battle) the Black Prince. King Edward not long after with a small company went into France, and did homage to Philip de Valois for his Duchy of Gascoigne. (21) Nemesis, or rather Gods vengeance with swift The fall of Mortimer. pace did now approach and summon Mortimer to a bloody account; for the young King addicting himself to serious thoughts, and putting on the Man before his years required, easily saw his own peril in the others potency. The Queen his mother (to the common dishonour and grief of the Kingdom) being generally bruited to be with child by Mortimer, he upon ripe advise suddenly and adventurouslie surprised the proud man at Parliament holden in Nottingham; with whom were taken the L. Geogrey Mortimer his son, and Sir Simon de * Bedford saith Adam Merimouth Bereford saith Holinshead. Burford saith Stow. Bedford, who all three were sent prisoners to the Tower of London, under a strong guard. Which done, the king by common consent of the Parliament took into his hands his mother's excessive Dower, & put her to a narrow pension of * Adam Merim. Ypod. Neust. one thousand pounds by year, circumscribing her within as narrow * Holinsh. limits for her abode, but doing her yearly the honour and comfort of once or twice visiting her, though otherwise scarce thinking her worthy of life, in regard of her privacy with Mortimer, and his many heinous practices. (22) O, what enchantments are Honour and Power to the minds of men! how suddenly, and how strangely do they blow up the same with the contempt of others, and forgetfulness of themselves? Certainly the frail estate of man's constitution is clearly seen in this high Lord, who drunken with felicity, and fearing neither God nor man, fell into The manner of Mortimer's surprise at Nottingham. utter confusion when lest he feared. The probable manner whereof is worthy the relating. There was in the Castle of Nottingham (and at this day is) a certain secret way or Mine cut through a rock, upon which the said Castle is built, one issue whereof openeth toward the river of Trent, which runs under it, and the other venteth itself far within upon Vide Io. Stows Annals. the surface, and is (at this present) called Mortimers hole; through this, the young King well armed, and strongly seconded, was conducted with drawn sword, by some his trusty and sworn servants, (among which was that brave Montacute, whom his virtues under this King raised to the Earldom of Salisbury, etc.) up to the Queen's Chamber, whose door (so fearless is blinded affection) was unshut, and with her was Mortimer (the king's Master as the rumour spread him) ready to go to bed, whom with the slaughter of a Knight, and one or two that resisted) they laid hold upon. This was not reputed a slender enterprise, in regard that in Mortimer's retinue were not fewer (they say) then one hundredth and fourscore Knights, besides esquires and Gentlemen. (23) The causes for which he was condemned in open Parliament at Westminster, these ragged * Myrrh. of Mag. verses following comprehend, which without any disparagement to their maker's judgement, might very well have been in Prose, but for brevity and change we have here inserted them. Five heinous crimes against him soon were had, 1 First that he caused the King to yield the Seot (To make a peace) towns that were from him got. And there withal the Charter called Ragman; 2 That of the Scots he had bribed privy gain. 3 That through his means Sr. Edward of Carnarvan, In Barckley Castle most traitorously was slain. 4 That with his Prince's mother he had lain, 5 And finally with polling at his pleasure, Hadrobd the King and Commons of their treasure. But the most barbarous murder of the king's father, and specially the dishonourable peace and contract with the then professed enemies of England, were principally insisted upon as heinous treason. He was after sentence ignominiously drawn to Tyburn, the common place of execution, than called the Elms, and there upon the common Gallows was as ignominiously executed, hanging (by the king's commandment) two days and two nights, a public & gladsome spectacle. There died with him Sir Simon de Bedford Knight, & john Deverel Esquire, aswell for expiation of the late King Edward's death, as in compliment, as it were of so great a man's fall, whose lives do seldom, or never perish single. (24) Now came Scotland's turn about to suffer again most grievous losses and afflictions, an ordinary effect of children's government, whether Children in age, or in discretion: for the Lord Edward Balliol hearing of King Robert's death, and the tender age of King David as son and heir of that Balliol, to whom king Edward the first had adjudged the Scotish crown, with such voluntaries as he could raise (though his Father the Lord john had * Hector. Boet. released his claim to king Robert, and though King Edward in favour of his sister Ypod. Neust. joan Queen of Scotland, would not openly at first support him) embarked himself in Yorkshire, and invaded Hect. Boet. that Realm, where, upon his landing, he slew Alexander Setoun at Kingorn, and about nine hundred others, putting the rest to flight. Not long after (that no mischief might come alone) near to the water of Ern, at a place called Dupline, where the Earls of Marinell and March, with two puissant armies The Balliols' two victories against the Scots. of Scots, for the defence of their young King David lay encamped, the said Lord Edward (whose small numbers, not exceeding three thousand English, the Earls as securely and as fatally contemned, as the English under Edward the second had contemned the Bruce and his Scots) obtained of them a wonderful victory. Boetius (who never, or rarely, leaves any overthrow purely to the manhood of the English) will needs have this discomfiture effected by a Camisado, the Balliol and his English with others passing the water of Erne by a Ford in the night, when the enemy little suspected it. The greatslaughter of Scots at Dupline or the water of Erne. (25) The slaughter even by his report was miserable: for there were slain (saith he) the Earls of Marre and Carrack, and three thousand of the Noble, beside Commons. Our * Adam Merim. Tho. Walsing. Writers agreed that this Ford was passed in the night, but that the fight endured from sun-rising till three of the Clock afternoon, and that, besides the Earls of Marre, and Carrack, three other Earls, Menteth, Athol, and Murrey, twelve Barons, eight hundredth knights and men of Arms, beside above thirteen thousand other, lost there their lives. Of the English there were only slain thirty and three * Scutifers. esquires: so that not without cause this victory was attributed rather to power divine then human. The Balliol crowned king of Scotland. (26) Yet this was but the beginning of farther calamities to the Scotish Nation, which was in itself divided into factions, the one for Bruce, the other for Baliol. The Lord Edward making use of his Hect. Boet. Georg. Buch. good fortune, got himself to be crowned King of Scotland at Scone. But king David Bruce with his Queen fled into France to Philip de Valours, who reigned there, & entertained them with much compassion and honour, giving them Castle Galliard for the place of their abode, till fairer fortune shone. Meantime the Scots sustained new damages; for a prime man among them, the Lord William Douglas, was taken prisoner by the English, not without loss of many his men. Before which time by * Adam Merim. Tho. Walls. no honourable means the new King of Scotland was driven to seek his safety by flight into England. Berwick besieged by the English. (27) King Edward considering those foils which his father had endured, and the opportunity of the time, neither holding himself liable in honour to that contract made on his behalf by the predominant sway of his mother and her Paramour Mortimer, as wherein he took both himself, and the rights of his Crown to have been wronged in his minority, which in point of government he was more bound to respect then his Sister's estate, and for that he was informed that the Town and Castle of Berwicke belonged to the Crown of his Realm; he raised his power, and having with him Edward the new-crowned of Scotland, he laid siege to that Town and castle in May. But before he did this, there is who writes, that he summoned his Rich. Grafton. brother in law King David to do homage and fealty unto him, which when David would not yield to do, nor confess he aught, no more than his father King Robert, he made that a ground for the justice of his war, as reputing the Acts and releases at Northampton voided. King Edward's victory at Halydon-hill. (28) To the rescues of Berwicke, Archimbald Dowglas Earl of Angus, Governor of Scotland for King David, came with a puissant Army, and gave King Edward battle at Halydon-hill, where with a lamentable slaughter of his people he was vanquished and slain. This battle devoured in a manner all the remainders of the Scottish Nobleses which preserved itself at Dupline by retreat, or by absence from that field. There * Hector Boet. perished besides Archimbald, the Earls of Rosalura, Sutherland, and Carrack, three sons of the Lord Walter Steward (whose issue afterward reigned in Scotland, when war and death had made way to that line, by extirpation of the Male-Competitors in the races of Bruce and Balliol) and at lest fourteen thousand others, with the loss (say some) of one Knight, and ten other Englishmen. Our * Adam Merim. Walsingham. Writers affirm that the Scots were at this battle, threescore thousand strong, and that there * Ypod. Neust. were slain eight Earls, 1500. horsemen, and of the common Soldiers five and thirty thousand; which is not improbable, for so much as Hector confesseth they were stopped in their flight, and put to the sword upon all sides without mercy. Berwicke rendered (29) Hereupon Berwicke was rendered, which the King of England detained as a supposed parcel of his Patrimony, and dismissed the Balliol to the government of the Scottish Kingdom, with sundry Lords and others of the English. And now the bloody tallies and cruel scores seemed even between the two puissant (though then unkind) neighbour-Nations, and Edward thoroughly redeemed the dishonour sustained at Banocksbourn by his late father, delivering his younger years from that contempt, in which his enemies might otherwise have holden him, as they had done at the entrance of his reign, playing upon the English with Truffes and Rounds; of which this one is every where noted; Fabian. Long beards heartless, Painted hoods witless, Gay coats graceless, make England thriftless. (30) As for the subornation of poisoning Earl Thomas Randal, and the hanging of Sir Alexander Seton's two sons, contrary to faith and law of Arms, at Berwicke with the like stains which * Hect. Boet. one would feign leave upon this victorious Prince, we have found no colour of warrant but his own liberty of avouching, which therefore our freedom of not believing him shall as easily take away and cancel. Neither would we so far have touched this jarring string of discord between these two Nations, but that each out of their own harms of old, may have the more true sense of their felicity, by their new harmonical concordance. (31) After that the * Hect. Boet. Nobles of Scotland had An. D. 1333. unanimously confirmed Balliol in the kingdom thereof, and sworn unto him faith and allegiance at Perth, he repaired to the King of England at Newcastle upon Tine, where he * Adam Merim. Ypod. Neust, submitted to Edward King of England, as his Father had done to Edward the first, and with the like success; for by occasion of such his submission, our Writers say, the Scots (as before they had done) fell off again, Which aversion, or defection was augmented upon * Hect. Boet. private quarrels, and titles of inheritance to lands of great value, between powerful Competitors, and by other particular revenges, to which a people so continually exercised in fight and battles were not slowly prove. Edward King of England again in Scotland with an Army. (32) Notwithstanding all which (the Balliols' party having once had all the Holds of Scotland at their commandment, * Hect. Boet. five only excepted, Dumbritaine, Loughleijm, Kildrummie, Vrwhart, and the pile of Lowdon) Edward king of England having with him the Balliol, and a sufficient Army, prevailed so much, that there was no appearance of rebellion; whereupon he took back with him the Lord Edward Balliol late crowned king of Scotland (of whose stead fastness he was (saith Hector) always jealous, & returned, leaving * Adam Merim. David Cumin Earl of Athol, governor for the parts beyond the Scottish sea, with sufficient force and authority (as was judged) to take in such strengths as yet stood out, but needed not his royal power or presence for their expugnation. The Lord Robert Stewart against the Baliol. (33) The King of England hoping now that all was well there, had news brought unto him not long after, at the Parliament at London, that the Scots were out in Arms again; whereupon he obtains aid of money from his Subjects for repressing their attempts, promising to go against them in person. * Hect. Boet. The Lord Robert Stewart, son of the Lady Mariorie Bruce, daughter of King Robert (upon whose line the remainder of the Crown of Scotland had been estated) was the man that first lifted up the head of his Country in this dangerous, sad, and desolate conditi●●●●ough put into action upon a private injury done unto him by the Earl of Athol) to whom divers did adhere, though the quarrel seemed properly to b● the said L. Roberts, for that if the Bruces were cut off, his hopes perished in them. The Earl of Murray and he were then chosen governors for King David's party, but by reason of the diligence and power of David Earl of Athol, they were not able as yet to convene, or effect any thing against the English▪ nevertheless it was not long before they slew the said Earl David. At this Parliament the King of England purposed to * Adam. Merim. go upon his own charge into the Holy-Land, and to King Edward's overture for the Holy-Land. sand the Archbishop of Canterbury to deal with Philip de Valois King of France, for appointing a certain time, wherein they two with their united forces, might take their voyage thither, from which the desire of obtaining the Crown of France, upon the forementioned title, did quickly divert him. The King of England once more with an Army in Scotland. (34) Meanwhile, in accomplishment of the Parliaments expectation, King Edward after * Ypod. Neust. Michaelmas marched again into Scotland with an Army, and sent his Navy to the Forth: The Sea-Force whereof▪ spoiled the Coasts on both sides of the Forth, or Scottish Sea, and putting on land in Saint Colms, they spoiled the Abbey; which Sacrilege, * Lib. 15. Sacrilege punished. Hector notes was severely punished, the whole Fleet being battered with tempest, and some of the ships perishing. At another time also the like sacrilege being perpetrated there, (he saith) that the ship wherein the unlawful prize was, sunk suddenly to the Sea-ground without any tempest. The King himself coming to * Hect. Boet. Perth, to order the Scottish affairs, whiles he abode there, the Earl of Murray one of the Governors was taken Prisoner, who was after * Fabian out of the French Stories. Grafton. delivered upon Exchange for the Earl of Namur, (whom the Scots by like Art had taken) or as Hector will have it, for the Earl of Salisbury. * holinsh. A. D. 1334▪ King Edward the fourth time in Scotland with an Army. (35) By the mediation of the French, the Scots had a short truce granted them. But about the end of May, the King sent his cozen the Lord Henry, son to Henry Earl of Lancaster, with a great Army to the aid and service of the Lord Edward Balliol King of Scotland, which wasted all the Countries about Perth; where, while they lay, the King with a very small Company came suddenly unto them, and from thence pierced farther one way then ever his Grandfather Edward had done, suffering fire & death (the common furies of war) to work upon all that might suffer destruction to establish a Conquest. He marched up as far as * Adam Merim. Elgin and Buquhan, and in his return to Mar, * Hect. Boet. burned the Town of Aberden, in revenge for * Adam Merim. Sir Thomas Rosselin, a Knight, whom the Townsmen thereof had slain. Bellind. trans. of Hect. Boet. lib. 15. cap. 7. The Lord Robert Steward had great lands in those parts, for Murrey and Buquhan were his, which also might the rather move this severe proceeding: which done, King Edward having repaired sundry Castles there, and leaving Scotland to the new King thereof with forces competent, came back into England. But * Notes of record taken by Sir Robert Cotton knight. at this and other times, the Balliol, in requital of this aid and friendship, granted to King Edward and his Successors sundry Castles, as Edenbrough, Hedstone, Pebbles, and two thousannd pounds yearly rend for the Fee-farm of Rocksbrough, jedworth, and other places; last of all, his whole interest in amplest manner, reserving only to himself, a certain yearly pension from the King of England. Creation of States. (36) Who to enlarge the magnificence of his royal estate and amplitude, as meditating far greater matters than those unprofitable wars (the bodies and treasure which were employed and spent therein, being able to compass far more noble achievements) * Adam Merim. created Prince Edward his eldest son Earl of Chester, and Duke of Cornwall, and at the same solemnity six other Earls, & * Holinshead. twenty knights, one of which Knights was Thomas de la Moor, whose name hath been often cited as an Author. The French war in the yolk thereof or embryon. (37) There was in special credit with King Edward, one Sir Robert de Artoys, who being banished by the French King out of those parts, and made (by King Edward) Earl of Richmond, laboured earnestly Froishand. Grafton. (upon hatred to the French King for his private discontentments) to draw him to claim the Crown of France as his most lawful right, and as that which would indeed enrich his people with spoils, and triple his own greatness by the Conquest: The motion though by reason of the highness and difficulty of the enterprise, it did not at first prevail; yet at last by the evil fate of Frante wrought out to itself a wonderful allowance. Many consultations passing of the matter, it could not be so concealed, but that the smoke thereof discovered the breeding fire. This in the present was very happy for the state of Scotland, which * Lib. 15. (saith Hector) was in appearance so enfeebled, that if the King of England had continued his wars, it should have come without any hope of relief to utter ruin. It was also a cause, why the French (who hitherto had supported the Scots, but not as if it so nearly concerned themselves) put in the more fully and roundly, seeking by all means to weaken and annoyed the English, aswell in Scotland, as in Gascoigne, and where else soever. The matters of Scotland for 7 or 8 years summarily set down. (38) That we may with the less confusion, and fewer interruptions, deliver ourselves of the French war which now approached, we will here in one view tender unto you the Scottish affairs, from this time for seven or eight years, till about the siege of Calis by King Edward, who was scarce alighted in England from the former expedition, but the Brucean party (under their chief leader Andrew Murray) issued from the Loughes, Mountains, and other their places of retreat and fastness, to readvance their cause. King Edward once or twice sent Armies, under valiant Generals to support the Balliol's possession The L. Robert Stewart. against their violence, whose success was variable till the death of Murray. After whom the L. Hect. Boet. Geo. Buchan. Fourdon. Stewart took charge for the Brucean side, and (upon the advantage of King Edward's slackness, to finish his Scottish affairs, the matter of France so far preponderating it) endeavoured to prepare a quiet entrance for King David. The aid of the Lord William Dowglas to that purpose was very available, howbeit not always fortunate, being overthrown in a set battle by Sir Thomas Berckley at Blackbourne, having there with him King Edward's power. To the upshot, and as it were deciding stroke of these late miseries, there arrived great store of munition out of France, at such time as the Lord Robert▪ Steward having lain ten weeks at the siege of Perth, was almost ready to have abandoned the same in despair. Perth being rendered, the Balliol (whose the quarrel was) betook himself into England, having small strength of his own in the hearts and affections of the Scots, who revolted daily from him. Upon sure intelligence of all these matters, king David, his Queen, and many honourable French, and Scots, return, and till the quarrel of Philip de Valois put him into unfortunate Arms against the English, the afflicted Realm of Scotland enjoyed a kind of rest and quiet. The first proceeding ●n the French affairs. (39) It was not now the justice of his Title to the Crown of France, which only made King Edward unsheath his conquering sword against the French; for Philip de Valois king of France injuriously Ranulp. Cest. withheld sundry Towns and places in Gascoigne. To remedy which violent wrongs the king of England had addressed * Adam Merim. Tho. Walsingh. in Edw. 3. and Ypod. Neust. The grounds of King Edward's justification for making war. Ambassadors, though without any good success. (40) But, that the world might take true notice of his just proceed, the main causes for justification of his design upon France (whereby the common cause against the Turk was neglected) himself in a copious Epistle, directed to the College of Cardinals, doth publicly declare to be these; 1 His Title to the Crown of France, which Philip de Valois unjustly detained, for that himself, of any * In that Epistle he doth acknowledge the exclusion of women from Sovereignty in France, and therefore claims as the nearest Male. Male living, was the nearest in blood to the late king Charles his uncle. 2 That his Agents and Ambassadors desiring to put the cause to civil trial, were not only not admitted to be heard, but were driven away with fear of their lives. 3 That the Court of the Twelve Peers, in giving the Crown from him, (who was then under age,) did therein leave the office of judges, and were no better than robbers. And therefore their process made to his prejudice during his minority, was by all laws voided and frustrate. 4 That Philip de Valois invaded the Duchy of Aquitaine, which belonged to the Crown of England, and added such places and lands as he had so wrongfully gotten, to those which he had as wrongfully withholden, detaining all alike. 5 That he had aided and assisted the Scots in their risting against him, when as by reason of near kindred he should rather have helped him; and finally declared by his doings, that his honour, power and life itself, were hated of him (41) King Edward nevertheless (knowing that words were little worth in such a case) to strengthen his quarrel with friends, by the advise of his counsel, and of * Grafton. his Father in law, the Lord William Earl of Henault, sought to confederate and unite unto him the High and Low Dutch, Princes and people, which lay most commodiously for his uses. But the better to hold them together, he was advised to seek the amity of the Emperor Lewis of Bavare, with whom he made (as by the event was manifest) but an * Ypod. Neust. unprofitable confederation, though for the present it seemed to serve his uses with the countenance: more to his advantage were the singular endeavours of some other his private instruments, as chief of james de Artevile, a wealth Burger of Gaunt, one of a rare dexterity of wit, and so popularly acceptable among the Flemings, that he seemed to sway Flaunders more by far then the Earl thereof, whom they had expelled. By the special diligence of this jaques van Artevile, and of one * Ja. Meir. Siger de Courtray a Nobleman of Flanders, there was prepared among the Artisans of those parts (whose chief enrichments depended upon the handling of English wool, as Clothworkers, Weavers, and the like) a mighty party for the English against the French. This amity with England (as most profitable for the common benefit, and weal of his Country) the said james most constantly supported to the death. (42) Meanwhile King Edward (the life of this high affair) proceeded in all things with ripe deliberation and judgement. Therefore to let the Flemings know the want of his friendship, he had The league with the Flemings. for some years before inhibited the transportation of his Wools; which, and for that the English were in a manner become all one with them, by king Edward's marriage with the Lady Philip, not a little advanced the practice of james on his behalf; which was sped at last, by occasion of * Frossard. ja Meir. Tho. Walsingh. an overthrow given to the French-Flemings, who under the conduct of Guy the Bastard of Flanders, brother to the Earl (both of them being wholly French) were placed in the Isle of Cadsant to impeach the arrival of the English, who took the said Guy, and slew the most part of his people. This victory was achieved in the quarrel of the king of England by the Earl of Derbie, the Lord Beauchampe, the Lord Reynald Cobham, the Lord Walter de many (an Hennoway) and other of the English Captains: Of the fame and lucky fortune whereof the said D' Artevelt, and other of the king's friends, made so wise and seasonable use, by letting them see the English were able to protect them, that the Flemings (without any great stay) become his firm confederates, in presence of the Earl of Gelder at Gaunt, notwithstanding that at the same time the great K. of France, and their own natural Lord, the Earl, laboured all they could to the contrary. King Edward's care for the common good, aswell as for the war. (43) But as king Edward was (in the mean space) wholly intent, upon furnishing himself with all convenient things fit for his war, (having Captains and Soldiers, such as his own noble heart could wish,) so when he found that the industrious Dutch by their manual labours, grew to so great strength and opulency, that their friendship bred rivality in puissant monarchs, he, like a father, regarding the public weal of his Country, ordained Cloth▪ making. that all Clothworkers, who would repair hither out of foreign parts, and exercise their trades, should have free access and sundry privileges. By which invitation as very many were drawn, so was it the principal cause of advancing that honest, best and most beneficial Trade in the Kingdom, to the great enrichment, strength, and honour thereof. The English Nation was very desirous to set forward this war, and therefore contributed plentifully, and the King made bold with Lombard's, and the movable goods of such Priories in England, as were Cells to Monasteries in France, thereby to make his coffers fuller. The French burn Southampton. A. D. 1337. (44) The war which all this while seemed but to be talked of, did now begin to blaze (and indeed a blazing star of 30. days continuance, was supposed by some to foreshow it) whose first torch was lighted by the * Tho. Walls. in Edw. 3. and Ypod. Neust. French at Southampton, which they almost wholly consumed to ashes, but they with loss of their Captain, (a younger son to the Sicilian King) and about three hundredth others, * job. Stow. were driven away the next morrow. The French had sundry ships of war or Galleys, which under colour of passing to the Holy-Land, the king of France had (with purpose to assail our Coasts) assembled, as the * In literis suis ad Bened. Pont. MS. king of England chargeth him: which loss, yet was not long unrequited, either Nation grieving other with mutual mischiefs. An. D. 1338 (45) To appease and extinguish this deadly quarrel, there came from Pope Benedict the 12. two Cardinals hither; but one of them in a speech to the Clergy, seeming to favour the French faction; john Archbishop of Canterbury immediately stood up, and protested, that the Cardinal's Arguments were vain and frivolous: whereupon they soon after departed, and it was every where published through England, that the King had right to the Crown of France, which also he meant by honourable force to prosecute. Notwithstanding, King Edward for avoiding Christian bloodshed, gave instructions to the Cardinals, that upon certain equal conditions, he was willing to make an everlasting peace with the French, & would have been very glad (the hazards of war job. Stow. considered) to have taken any honest or proportionable offers; one impediment whereof was this, that the French would include the Scots within the Treaty, whom King Edward would not admit thereunto, as purposing (when he had singled them from supplies) to make a full and absolute annexation of their obediences to the English sceptre: so the labour and hopes of the Cardinals proved vain. The French kings reasons for resistance. (46) Philip de Valois in possession King of France, had sundry great and high motives to embolden his standing-off. First, the regard of honour, and profit, and the abundant means which he had, having the whole puissance of France (the fairest kingdom under heaven) at his commandment. Then a confidence which he reasonably conceived so to divert, or distracted the English forces, by the assured aid of the Scots, as that it should finally ruin the whole enterprise, if not also the principal Actor Edward himself. Again, considering the vastness of the enterprise, he judged King Edward's wealth not to be proportionable, but did well hope, that a short dalliance would consume his treasures. Moreover, he judged perhaps, that the very thought itself of conquering France, was no better in Edward then a young man's dream, considering the Realm of England was far inferior in bigness, and multitudes of Subjects, and that there was a Sea between, the crossing whereof must double the charge. Lastly, for the friends which King Edward had procured in Dutchland with wonderful largesse, he knew, would not be held together but with infinite cost and expense, and that by some good means or other, he should make them in whole, or in part unprofitable. Arguments for justification of his resistance. (47) For justification of his cause he had no slender colours, or reasons. As the before alleged law or custom of France, which they call the Salic, by the which the French exclude * Bodin. de Rep. Gyneiocracie, or women's Government in chief. Then an Act of the whole French State, by which his right was acknowledged and established. Thirdly, King Edward's birth place, by which he seemed to them a stranger, and for that cause was far the less capable, or rather was directly incapable of popular goodwill among the French. Lastly, for that King Edward in the * A. D. 1329. and An. reg. 3. Adam▪ Merim●nth beginning of his reign (though when he was as yet under age,) did in his own person, both do his homage to this very Philip de Valois, as to the king of France, for his Duchy of Aquitaine, and also * by his Letters-Patents under seal did testify as much. This homage, (the more to be remembered because * Fox. Act. & Mon. p. 474. joan de Serres ●nuentaire de France. in 50. ●. some attribute much of K. Edward's discontentment to the haughty manner of Philip in taking the same) was performed at Amiens in Picardy. It troubled King Edward greatly, to see himself making submission to the usurper of that Sovereignty, which he thought belonged to himself; but to let the French see what kind of Prince he was, he came in so royal manner appointed, as if he meant to have strucken them with fear or admiration: Earls, Barons, and 1000 horse he had in his retinue. At the day, his rob was of crimson velvet, powdered with golden Leopards, his crown on his head, a sword by his side, and golden spurs on his heels. To receive this Duke for the Duchy of Guienne and Earldom of Ponthieu, Philip de Valois sat crowned in violet velvet, semined with golden lilies, with all the other Ensigns of royal majesty, but the homage was done only by word (if * Froisard. Grasion one say true) and not in that full manner which Serres mentioneth. Probable it is, that the haughty carriage of Philip did greatly incense the Spirit of King Edward, being one of the most gallant in the world. (48) There is among Writers much time, and labour spent in description of King Edward's journey, stay and contracts of amity made in Dutchland; but in regard that no greater matter was effected thereby, than the purchase of an opinion of magnificence & nobleness among the Queen's Countrymen and Dutch-landers, few lines shall serve to comprehend the narration. The King (having first in * At S. Edmunds-Bury. Walsing. Parliament provided for the governance of his Kingdom) with the Queen (than great with Child) the young Prince Edward, many Earls and great Captains, with a gallant Company of men of war, * In july. sailed to Antwerp, whom Lewis the Emperor met at the City of Colein, where amity was confirmed, and King Edward was constituted his Lieutenant, with full authority to govern in his name on this side Colein. By reason of which vicegerency King Edward * Fabian made out his commandments, and did many things to his advantage and profit. Howsoever it neither lasted long (for Lewis within a while dishonourably▪ revoked it,) and did undoubtedly scarce quit the cost: for the bravery of that meeting was so exceeding great, as Edward easily won the general opinion of a very noble & puissant king. * Histor. lib. 19 Polydor writeth, that Edward refused not the office, yet would not exercise the same, because he would not displease Pope Benedict, whose enemy the Bavarian was. The King of England's prerogative. Tho. Walsin. (49) This Emperor (whom belike the Pope hated, for being as proud as himself) took it ill, (as report went) that the King of England humbled not himself (at their meeting) to the kiss of his foot. But it was answered; that the King of England was a King anointed, and had life and member in his power, and therefore aught not to submit himself, so much as an other King that was not anointed. After his return to Antwerp with his new power, he seriously prosecuted his affair of confederation with the Lords and people of Dutchland, among whom (with great love and favour) he and his royal family abode above an whole year. The principal Nobles which entered into this league against the French were these. The Archbishop of Colein Prince Elector; The Duke of Brabant; The Duke of Gelderland, (who had married the Lady Isabel King Edward's own sister, and about this season was of an Earl created a Duke; The marquess of Gulick, etc. And finally, the Hanse towns. * Polyd. Ver. li. 19 An. D. 1338. The first quarteting of the French Armouries with the English. (50) The Flemings, being the most necessary part of this association, in regard of their nearness to the French, would not engage themselves in an offensive war against the Crown of France, unless King Edward would first assume the Title and Armouries of that Realm, as the only lawful King thereof. This * Adam Merim. Tho. Walls. in Edward. 3. Ypod. Neust. Proposition was thoroughly debated, and the law of Arms allowing it, he with the common assent of the Flemings and others, took the Style, and quartered the Flower de Lize with the Leopards, or Lions of England, as here we see annexed; albeit we see his former Seal also adorned with two Lize or Lilies; whether in token of his mother's French descent, or as a covert note of his own right to the Frenchcrown it is uncertain. ●DWARDUS: D●I: ●RA●IA: R●X: FRA●●I●●T: A●GLI●: ●T: DOMI●US: ●IB●R●I● ✚ E 3. ●●WARDUS: DEI: GRA●IA▪ R●X: ●RA●●I●: ●T: A●GLI●▪ ET: DOMI●US: ●IB●R●I●. (51) Polydore * In Guliel. 1. 9 Virgil must have a wary and favourable Reader, or he will be thought to be of opinion, that William the Conqueror bore his Leopards quartered, than which nothing is more untrue, nor more unlikely. Others again may suppose, that we have not here described them according to their right bearing, as certainly according to their present bearing we have not; but the truth is, the golden Lilies of France, which now are borne in triangle, were in those days born, and advanced Semi. The Arms of England set before those of France at the first. Sir Robert Cotton hath such a seal of Q. Isabel. (52) And whereas the Armouries of France are placed here in the dexter and more honourable quarter, yet there are probabilities, that it was not so at this their first conjunction▪ For in the * Seal of Queen Isabel (this King Edward's mother) the Armouries of England, as being the Armouries of the husband's line (and therefore to have precedence) were marshaled where now the Flower de Luce's shine. But whether to gratify the French, or because that was the more ancient and greater Monarchy, they were in this Kings reign disposed as here we see. (53) When King Edward had thus assumed the Title and Arms of that Realm, he published the same under his seal, setting the name of England first, and sent his Letters Patents to the frontiers of the enemy's Dominions, fixing them upon the doors of Churches, aswell to declare the right and reason of his doings, as to exempt such from the danger of the coming storm, who upon this notice would acknowledge him their Lord and rightful Sovereign. These proclamations or admonishments thus divulged, he burned and spoiled the North parts of France up as far as * Adam Merim. Tho. Walsing. Turwin, though the time of the year were very unseasonable, and contenting himself therewith for a beginning, gave place to the sharpness of Winter, returning to the Queen his wife at Antwerp where he kept a royal Christmas. In which City this year was Lionel (afterward Duke of Clarence) borne. (54) His affairs growing ripe in those parts, he leaves his Queen and Children in Brabant, as an assured pledge of his return, and about Candlemas King Edward's pardons and grants in am of his subjects contributions: ships himself for England; where in a Parliament at Westminster, he obtained liberal aids for supportation of his intended Conquest. In am of which loving assistances, he granted a general large pardon both for trespasses, and of all Aides for making his son Knight, and for marriage of his daughter during all his time; forgiving also all arrearages of Farmers and Accountants till the tenth year of his Reign, and all old debts due to any of his Predecessors. Finally, he confirmed that famous Magna Charta, and of the Forest with some other. (55) There was no talk now but of conquering France; Musters taken throughout the Kingdom, Armourers and trades of war (to be cherished even in the securest peace) were full of employment, and the desire of battle waxed fervent every where. Mean while to hold the world in suspense of the success, God distributed the fortune of attempts A Strategem of the loyal. diversly. Bordeaux (the capital City of Aquitaine, and then English) gave an excellent testimony of her loyalty, nor less of martial wit and valour. For the French Army coming before her, she to abuse their hope, set open her gates, and displayed upon her Towers the golden Lilies, as if she were theirs; but the French which securely entered, found little good hospitality. Sir Oliver de Ingham was Captain and Lord Warden there for King Edward, who with his Garrison-Souldiers, and aid of the inhabitants, slew of them great multitudes, and preserved Bordeaux. But in the opposite parts, William Montacute Earl of Salisbury, and Robert Vfford Earl of Suffolk, * Tho. ● Walsin. after many honourable deeds performed for advancement of King Edward's affair, were by the French taken Prisoners, while presuming too much upon their courages and fortune, they * ran too far into their danger, at the Town of Lile in Flanders. Gagi●n, Serres. (56) But King Edward being ready now to repass the Seas, had certain intelligence that the French lay in wait about Sluice in Flanders, to intercept him with a mighty Navy of 400. ships; who therefore prepared accordingly, intending to open his way by force. He set sail from Harwich Tho. Walls. upon Saint john Baptists Eve, toward the Coast where his enemies attended, strengthening himself with the Northern Navy of England, which the L. A very great victory at Sea obtained by King Edward. Robert Morley brought unto him, so as he had in all about two or three hundredth sail. His battles having the advantages of winds and sun, he set on the French with incredible fury and force, in the very mouth of the Haven of Sluice upon Midsummer day, where began a most bloody and terrible fight, the end whereof set the Garland upon King Edward's head. Himself was * Serres, Holinsh. wounded in that fight, and lost * Rich. Southw. four valiant Knights (Monthermer, Latimer, Boteler, Poynings) with sundry other of his English slain therein. But the slaughters of the French party were lamentable, for thirty thousand are confessed to have perished, not half of their ships escaped untaken or unsuncke. A greater glory than this, the English are scarce found to have achieved at any battle at sea. (57) The Crown of France seemed already to be placed upon King Edward's Temples, so much was attributed to this great victory, but such a Conquest was not the work of one day. Which King Edward well understanding, refreshed his victorious Army, and augmenting it with his Confederates forces (which repaired to him on all sides) marched forth, having one of the most puissant hosts that ever any King of England led, as wherein were near an hundredth thousand Soldiers English, and Dutch. He had also in his Company the Dukes of Brabant and Gelder, and many other potent members of the Empire, and (as * Serres. some writ) the imperial Eagles displayed in the head of his Army, as he that was Vicegerent of the sacred Roman Empire. In this wise he approached the Northerly parts of France, where exposing all to spoil & fire, he sat down with his whole Forces about Turney, meaning to take in the same, aswell to be a seat of War, as place of sure retreat and refuge. (58) Philip, though justly grieved with his woeful loss sustained at Sea, yet to encounter, and crush so great an evil in the first approaches thereof, had provided such an Army, as beseemed the Majesty and greatness of that renowned Kingdom. Writers speak of an hundredth thousand fight men assembled under his command, and that besides Princes, Dukes, Earls, and other illustrious People, there was the valiant old King of Bohemia, and * Pol. Virg. lib. 19 Lewis king of Navarre. K. Edward hearing the same, drew forth his people into the open field with purpose to give battle: (59) It may seem a thing greatly tending to King Edward's glory, to remember the * Tho. Walls. offer which he sent to King Philip before he laid his siege to Turney. In which, without saluting him by any other title then of Philip of Valois, he challengeth him, for avoiding the effusion of Christian blood, to fight with him hand to hand in single battle; or (if that misliked) then each to bring an hundredth to the field, and try the event with so small an hazard; or otherwise, within ten days to join full battle with all their forces near to Turney. Whereunto Philip made no direct answer, neither with his honour could, alleging that the letters were not sent to him, the King of France, but barely to Philip of Valois. Nevertheless, he gave him to understand, that his meaning was to beaten him out of France, having hope in Christ (from whom he derived his power) so to do. (60) The honour of the war in those ages cannot be enough commended, in which the noble old forms of hostility were put in practice, by defiances, Heralds, and public assignations of day and place of fight, and not by skulking surprises and underhand stealths, more nearly resembling highway robberies, then lawful battle. (61) These two huge hosts (which had they been united for the good of Christendom, might have worthily made the Turk look pale) being now in sight, and the cloud of war ready in a manner to dissolve itself into showers of blood, do nevertheless without one stroke fall off, and return to their several Countries, not without the wonder and reioicement of peaceable men, but not of the English and Germane Soldiers, who propounded to themselves death with glory, or riches by Conquest and victory, who now had scarce their wages. (62) It is not meet that the name of that person who did perform so blessed an office, should be concealed. It was a woman of honour (but at that time a professed * Serres. Nun in the Abbey of Fontenels) the Lady jane of Valois, sister to this Philip, widow of William late Earl of Henault, and mother to King Edward's wife; her charitable endeavours were strongly helped by Ypod. Neust. two Cardinals, who solicited peace together with her. Great interest of mediation she had in either respect, here a brother, there a son in law, and she failed not to ply them both. The Truce was concluded; the rather for that King Philip was advised from all parts, not to set his whole fortunes upon the Die and chance of a Battle. And Edward (on the other side) meaning nothing less, than not to have prosecuted the war upon the encouragement of his late Sea-victorie, was so destitute of money through the fault of his Officers in England, as he was the sooner drawn, if not enforced to embrace so honest a colour of returning from the siege of Turney; which nevertheless did but defer the miseries of France, not determine them: & whereas that glory, which the upper hand in this journey would have brought, could not have been pure and mere unto him, because the Dutch (whose aid he used) would have claimed no small share therein, the English Chivalry only had the name and burden of such great Acts as after followed. (63) The chief Articles of the truce were; That it should endure till Midsummer day than The chief points of the Truce. next ensuing, and that the Prisoners should be set at liberty without any ransom on both sides, upon condition to tender themselves again, or pay their several ransoms, if peace were not in the mean time concluded. By virtue of this treaty and truce, the Earls of Salisbury and Suffolk were delivered. Here it troubled our * Walsingham. Walsingham, that King Edward should be left so destitute, and needy by the avarice or fraud of his officers at home, as for that respect to give over so fair an opportunity, by which he might as it were by a continued line, and by insisting and pressing upon the steps of his late success, have happily proceeded, when as yet his friends were uncorrupted, and in presence; and therefore bemoans the unworthiness thereof towards so worthy a Prince, adding; * Walsing. That if in very deed they had scanned and exactly weighed with themselves the Acts of all the English Kings passed from the very first Monarch, they would not have found that ever this Island brought forth a Prince of such excellency at so * 28 A●norum. unripened years. (64) King Edward greatly discontented with Punishment of officers that had abused the King in his treasure. such of his officers, through whose default he was thus in a manner constrained to let slip the present prosecution of his design, returned with his Queen into England, to take revenge of their misdemeanours, where he committed * Rob. Auesburie. some to prison, put others from their places, and so bestirred himself, that by occasion thereof much displeasure grew between the King and john Archbishop of Canterbury, who complained of manifest violences done against the Liberties of the Church and English Nation, comprehended in Magna Charta. And whereas the King did openly charge the Archbishop to have been a principal persuader of his entering into league with the Almains against the French, willing him to take no care for treasure, because himself would see him abundantly furnished from England, out of the levy of granted Subsidies, and profits of the Crown: and that through defect of the archbishops performance, he was not only constrained to give over his hold for the present, but also to embogge himself in the Bankers and Usurers books, the Archbishop thereunto The Archbishop of Canterbury accuseth the Courtiers. made answer: That he desired in open Parliament it might appear, through whose default the City of Tournay was not taken, and directly laid the whole blame from himself and from his, upon such as were daily Courtiers, (whom Walsingham calls Angliciregij, Englishmen for the King) who serving their own turns with the general abuse, would expose him, and his unjustly to the envy of their fact. Yea, some there are, who, more than so, will have the Archbishop seem to practise against the kings farther good fortunes in France; which, if it be true, it is no hard matter to found out the principal motive thereunto. Flanders interdicted for having left her Earl and the French. (65) For certainly the Pope (Benedict 12,) was nothing pleased with the successes of Edward, at lest wise with the war itself, as pretending it was pernicious to Christendom; the blame whereof the French charged upon the English, as unlawfully claiming, as the English did upon the French for unlawfully detaining. This Pope therefore interposeth himself, and puts * Ypod. Neust. Flanders under Interdict, as having disloyally left their own Earl, and their chief Lord Philip, King of France, contrary to their Oath and Allegiance; but they for their defence and justification answered, that Edward was the only lawful King of France, and Philip (to whom they had sworn) a mere usurper, and therefore notwithstanding that Interdict, or the Papal decision of the controversy, they persisted still in their adherence. The Vicarship of the Empire taken from King Edward. A. D. 1342. (66) But the more to drain and weaken the mighty stream of the English supportations, Lewis of Bavar the Emperor, suddenly (by such practices as were used on behalf of the French) recalled his Vicar-shippe or delegation, which he had made to Edward, to exercise imperial power in lower Germany, offering his best help notwithstanding, (as having power from Philip to that purpose,) to procure him honourable conditions as a Mediator between them. The pretence of his falling from King Edward, and concluding amity with his enemy, was for that King Edward without his privity, had consented to a Truce at the City of Tourney with Philip. King Edward's answer to Lewis Emperor. (67) To these revocatory lines King Edward made this wise and noble answer; That the emperors zeal to make atonement he could not but greatly commend, wishing, that at the instance of so potent a Mediator, an honourable Peace (if that were possible) might be made▪ but his Title being clear enough, he meant not to make doubtful by putting it to any arbitration. That it could not but be admired, why he should now enter amity with Philip de Valois the wrongdoer, sigh, having Adam. Merim. in Edw. 3. seen his apparent right, he had entered with him into league against the said Philip: That it was also agreed, that he might conclude any temporary Truce (though not a final accord) without his consent, if need should be, as in this case at Tourney it was. That this revocation seemed to be made somewhat abortively, for so much as the Imperialists had promised the Vicar-shippe should stand good till he had conquered France, or the greater portion thereof. Dated thus; Londini, Anno regni nostri Franciae, 2. Regni verò nostri Angliae, 15. But Lewis of Bavar to Edward thus * Ypod. Neust. inconstant, and faith-breaking, continued toward Philip steadfast, without either amending Philip's fortunes thereby, or himself increasing in justice or honesty, that it might easily be seen he was endued with qualities, which ill become the Imperial height. Public intercessions required of the Bishops by the King. (68) You have heard a part of great king Edward's victorious fortunes in battle, both by land and sea; be not ignorant of his Piety (the sovereign ornament and safety of Sovereign Princes,) whereof in one act of his we will tender unto you in the stile of that age an Essay and taste. He having a purpose to pursue his enterprise for France, after sundry Christian and holy considerations of God's judgements, and of his own estate and rightful cause, he turns his speech to his Bishops in these words. Cum igitur constitutisitis, etc. Seeing therefore you are ordained of God on the behalf of men, that you should offer gifts and sacrifices for sin, listen we beseech you to the premises, and not to our only, but to the public dangers, pouring forth prayers to the most high for our happy success▪ supplying the place of Moses, so that we and ours may prevail against adversaries, in the lifting of your hands to heaven; and that God would be the rather pleased to enlarge his favour towards us, (the number of Intercessors being multiplied,) cause preachings and processions and other offices of appeasing his displeasure, to be mercifully exercised through our Cities and Dioceses, that the God of mercies would extend over us, and our Armies the hand of his Benediction, and so direct our Acts in his good pleasure, that they may redound to his glory and our profit, and to the commodity and quiet of all our faithful Subjects. This o Edward, was indeed to begin at the right end; for even the Heathen taught, * Ab jo●●e principium. to begin with God, and thy following successes declared that thy prayers were acceptable. (69) And now once again the French and English powers were at point to try their fortunes by battle, upon siding with others Claims, as erst they had done for their own. The quarrel was founded upon a title to the Duchy of little Britain. Arthur Duke thereof had two wives; by Beatrix his first wife, he had two sons, john (afterward Duke) & Guy; and by jolant his second wife, he had john of Montfort, Duke john living without Issue, assured to jane (daughter of his brother Guy who died before him) the ducal Crown of little Britain: upon which entail, Charles of Bloys (Nephew to Philip King of France) marrieth the Lady jane, who in the life time of Duke john, was (by agreement) put into full possession: but Duke john being once dead, john of Montfort raiseth war as the surviving heir male. Philip King of France took part with Charles of Blois, and Edward king of England with the Lord john of Montfort. (70) Great and bloody mischiefs sprang out of these strongly supported factions, which had now drawn king Edward thither in person; and little Britain A kind of Wales in Frence. (which may well in a sort be called Wales in France, the Britons chief the Britons Britonant, or ruder Britons, declaring at this present by their language, and sundry local Names, as Lanion, Trig●ier, etc. That their kinsmen are in Wales and Cornwall) was become the field of Mars and martial furies. But the powers of those two mighty Kings being upon point, before the City of Nants in high Britain, to cut out their divers shares in fortune's Patrimony, with the edge of the sword, lo again God inclined their hearts (as if he would feign have done nothing but show his vengeance in the scabbard) by the careful diligence of two Cardinals, to accept of a truce, which was concluded january the 19 at the Priory of Malestret, upon sundry points, whereof these (as to the purpose of our Story) are the principal. (71) That the two Kings of England and France should sand certain of their blood royal to the Court of Rome (by a day certain) there to argue their several titles, and rights to the French Monarchy, not as before a judge, but as a friend * How was he indifferent, who interdicted Flanders for siding with Edward? indifferent to both, and that the King of Scots, and the Earl of Henault, should likewise sand to give their assent for so much as concerned them. (72) That either's friends, adherents, and sequels, should be comprehended in the truce, and that the truce should extend itself to the titlers in Britain and their sides; and that the Cardinals should do their best to obtain absolution from the sentence of Interdict executed upon the Country of Flaunders. (73) That the truce should continued for three years; that prisoners or movables taken on either side should be mutually discharged; that traffic and passages should be open; and that all other A. D. 1342. things should stand as they did at the time of the truce made: which being fairly engrossed in an * Tho. Walsin. Harding. Instrument, two great Peers of each part, took oaths upon peril of the souls of their Kings, to observe the contents sincerely. (74) The possession of the City of Vannes in base Britain, the Englishmen still kept, that (if settled peace followed not upon this truce) they might have some hold and certain footing-place, from whence to make head again, and march into the heart of France. In this war Robert de Artois Earl of Richmond, a principal instigatour of King Edward, died of a wound, and john of Montford did not long over-live this truce, after whose death most part of Britain came into the hands of * Fabian. Charles of Blois. An. D. 1343 A. reg. 17. The statute of Provisors. (75) King Edward returning home after the Truce, neglected not his domestic affairs, but enacted the Statute of Provisors, upon this occasion. Pope Benedict being dead, Clement the 6. succeeded; a man of * Platina. singular learning, but * Tho. Walls. extremely profuse in giving, who, by way of Provision, had bestowed sundry choice Benefices in England upon Foreigners. For prevention whereof (as of a thing which Treason to bring in any Papal Provisions. the King and Peers would not endure,) it was made high Treason by law, for any to bring such Papal provisions into the Kingdom. And for justification of his so doing, he directed that * This letter is in Walsingh. in Edward 3 letter unto the Pope which was so * Ypod. Neust. excellently penned, as did not only move admiration, but astonishment; and indeed Edward created Prince of Wales. this pruned age affords few so grave and solid. In which Parliament also the Lord Edward, the King's eldest son, was created Prince of Wales. He was so renowned a Gentleman, (why do we say he was, as if he could at any time cease to be, whom fame hath made immortal?) that the high praise before given by Walsingham to his father, as * Walsing. excelling all the Princes which went before him, may be paralelled in the Son, as surpassing in martial deeds, all the Princes that have lived after him. (76) His noble father King Edward (who had still his eye fixed upon France as the mark of his Conquest) having notice among other things, by a messenger from the Pope, that Lewis of Bavar had wholly submitted himself, and was fully absolved from all censures, with confirmation unto him of the Imperial diadem: the King, (that you may by his courage know him worthy of such a son,) broke irefullie forth into these words. Though Lewis take the French kings part, I will fight with them both. And whither he were invited with the fame of King Arthur's Table, and the Knights adventurous A. D. 1344 thereof, or for that he knew honourable Company and exercise in Arms, to be the natural * Ypod. Neust. parents of excellent soldiers, it is agreed, that he erected a building at his Castle of Windsor, which should be called the Round Table, whose circumference Round Tables erected for men at arms. was six hundred foot, where Knights and men of war should have their entertainment of diet, at his charge by one hundred pounds by the week, though afterward through occasion of his wars he abated that sum to twenty pounds weekly. In emulation whereof, Philip de Valois (knowing that all this tended but to preparations against him,) erected the like in his Court, to invite the Knights and men at Arms of Almain and of Italy from repairing to King Edward. One thing Philip did shrewdly and politicly, in giving leave to his subjects to fell down his woods freely for building of Ships, whereby his Navy was greatly augmented, and the rather wrought much mischief afterward. About this time one of the chief stars in the firmament of the English Chivalry fell into the Grave, William Montacute King of Man, and marshal of England of * Ypod. Neust. whose noble acts to writ worthily were a commendable matter. (77) But the French King, perceiving that a terrible tempest was likely to fall upon him from forth of England, waxed cruel in his iealo usie, and * Serres. put sundry principal men of Normandy, Picardy, and Given to death, for no other crime, but that they were English in affection; among whom are reckoned Sir Oliver de Clisson, * Polyd. Verg. lib. 19 Bacco, Persie, and Geoffrey of Malestroict, Knights of the best note; Sir Godfrey of Harecourt brother to the Earl of Harecourt being also summoned to Paris, appeared in England, whither he fled, and become a special firebrand in the approaching combustion. King Edward declares the truce with France broken. (78) It was not Pope Clement's mediation, or diligence in discussing the Titles and Pretences of these two puissant monarch, which could prevent the fatal punishment of France, yet according to the Articles of the treatise at Malestroict, either Prince sent his particular Orators, where the difficulties rose so thick and intricate, as Clement * Polyd. Verg. despairing to clear them, put over their farther view till another time. But King Edward affirming the truce to be manifestly broken, * Tho. Wals●. by the beheading & persecuting of his friends in Normandy & elsewhere, signifies so much to the Pope, that Battle and not Parlance should determine his right, and title. His provisions of men, of ships, of weapon, of victuals, of treasure, of all things, needful to so brave and daring an enterprise, were worthy of the greatness, courage, strength, riches, and majesty of a King of England. Into Gascoigne he sends that valiant great Lord Henry of Lancaster, Earl of Derby, with a gallant company of leaders and troops of soldiers, where he achieved many great things, for the defence and enlargement of that Duchy, taking Cities, Castles and Towns of which john the French Kings eldest son recovered divers not long after; and discomfited the enemy in battle. The Scots attempting against the West Marches of England, by the vigilancy and prowess of such as were in trust for those parts, as the Bishop of Carlil, the Lords Percy, Nevile, and Lucle, very valiant gentlemen, were forced to * Ypod. Neustr. retire into Scotland. It was the practice of either Prince to divert, and distracted either's puissance, we Philip's in Gascoigne, and he ours, by his perpetual, and constant confederates, the Scots. Our Edward notwithstanding could do it the less, for that his constant friend jaques van Arteweld (who was become as it were the popular Tribune of Flanders) was * jaco. Meir. slain in a mutiny by such as were of the French faction. (79) Edward not being able to recall his slain The most noble order of the Garter instituted friend to life, gave life notwithstanding about this time to an invention, which as for the present it served (he having so great use thereof for his French enterprises) as a vehement Incentive to martial valour, and a golden band of unity, so the same is continued with likelihood of perennity, and multiplication of splendour in these our days. It was the foundation of the English order, worthily called the most noble order of the Garter. The causes why our Edward erected it, are not evident, though there could none be greater or better, than those before recited; A. D. 1350. An. Reg. 24. The Patent of the foundation bears date 22. Reg. Edw. 3. saith Stow, who nevertheless placeth the first feast thereof at this year. Honour expressed by external and illustrious ensigns, devised by a victorious Author, and appropriated to a fellowship of most exemplar and eminent persons, being in nature like a flame, to kindle in the apt and worthy, all heroic affections. The vulgar opinion is, that whatsoever the remoter causes were which moved to this foundation, the near cause, or the occasion was, a Garter of his own Queen (or as * Cambd. Brit. in Barksh. some say) of the Lady joan, Countess of Salisbury (wonder of that age for shape and beauty) which slipping off in a dance, king Edward stooped and took up. Such of the Nobles as were present, smiling, and * Iocose cavillationibus, Polyd. Verg. l. 19 in Edw. 3. playing in sport with that action of the Kings, as amouros, he seriously said, it should not be long before there should Sovereign honour be done to that silken tie. Whereupon he afterward added the French Motte, or Symbolical word HONI SOIT QVI MALY PENSE, aswell in compliment of the whole invention, as in retort or check of his Courtiers sinister suspicion. Polydor Virgil troubleth himself to make an Apology for the coarseness of this Original, if (without injury) an office of honourable love in so renowned a Monarch, may undergo the note of coarseness; but the same Polydor among his other defences theref truly saith; Nobilitas sub amore jacet. There want not some who conjecture, that he entitled it the Order of the Garter, for that in a battle wherein he was victorious, he had given the word Garter, for the word or sign. But if credit may be attributed to the original * Penes D. Gulielmum Dethick, Equitem auratum, olive Garter, principalem Armorum Regem. Cambden in Brit. Book of the Institution, the invention is deduced from times more ancient, and that when Richard the first King of England, set forwardly against the Turks and Saracens to Cyprus and Acon, and waxed weary of longer delay, while the siege of Acon was with wonderful care protracted, courage at the length (by the coming of S. George among them as it was thought) quickening in him, it came into his mind to tie about the legs of certain his choice Knights, a Garter or small thong of leather, the only stuff fit for such a purpose, which he had then at hand, to the intent that they (as it were by joint consent) being mindful of future glory, if they were victorious, might be stirred up, to demean themselves nobly after the example of the Romans, with whom that variety of Crowns or Garlands given for sundry causes as honourable Ensigns to the Soldier was in use; to the intent, that by such incitements, they might shake off sloth, and the spirit of courage might rise, and break forth the more fervently. (80) And into this opinion of stirring up virtue thereby, the * Cambden. Author of the Britannia seemeth to pass, where he saith, that King Edward the third founded this Order, to * Vt militarem virtutem honoribus, praemijs atque splendore decoraret adorn Martial virtue with honours, rewards and splendour. (81) There was in the Castle of Windsor (the ordained seat of the Order now first to be consummated) before King Edward did accomplish his intention, in honour of God, * Camd. ubi supra our Lady, and S. George, a * Stow in Edw. 3 Chapel erected by King Henry the first, and other Progenitors of Edward, with an allowance for eight Canons, to whose College this Prince added a Dean, fifteen Canons more, and twenty and four poor impotent Knights, with other officers and servants, as appeareth by his Charter. These were to pray for the good estate of the Sovereign and Brethren of the most noble Order. The Sovereign and Knights themselves had their particular laws and constitutions, which they were by solemn oath bound to observe, of which one * Polyd. Verg. in Edw. 3. was, That they should defend and assist one the other: which afterward made Alphonse Duke of Calabria receive the habit of that Order with so exceeding reverence at Naples, as erroneously thinking himself secured thereby from the French, who claimed that Kingdom. But that custom of mutual assistance (saith * Hist. Angl. lib. 26. in Hen. 7. Polydore) was then worn out of use, and discontinued every where; for those Italian Potentates who (within the memory of Polydore) being driven forth of their Country, and imploring aid of those orders, whereof themselves were companions, found no supporture, either from the French or Burgundians, who had formerly elected them. Besides laws and Officers, King Edward also devised particular Ceremonies & distinctive habits and ensignements, whereof the principal was the azure Garter, wherein the French Motte of the Order was wrought in letters of gold, and the Garter itself fastened a little under the left knee with a buckle of gold, in * In Concordiae symbolum, saith Camden. token of Concord. There are special Manuscript Books of the Constitutions, and other things peculiar to this Order, to which (this place being not aptly capable of their recapitulation) we must refer the curious. Saint George the * joh. Cantac●z Imperat. Constant. in Apolog. 3 esteemed pattern of Christian fortitude, is entitled to the Patronage of this Order, & the beauteous Chapel in Windsor Castle (where his * 23 Apr. day is yearly celebrated) consecrated by King Edward to his memory. The fortune of this invention * Camd. qu● supra. hath been such, that the most mighty Princes of the Christian world have thought themselves most highly honoured, in being chosen thereunto, so that there have been about two and twenty foreign Emperors and Kings (besides many others of most noble quality) since the first institution thereof, elected and admitted Companions of the Garter. The Kings of England are in their several times Sovereigns of the Order, and the whole number of Knights is circumscribed in twenty and six, whereof the Sovereign is one. The names of the first twenty and six (who are also styled Founders of the Folio 28. Order) you shall find intabled in our Map of Berkshire. (82) Our Edward * Polyd. Verg. having thus honoured S. George's memory, assigned to his Image mounted in Armour upon Horseback a silver Shield with a cross Gules ( * Fair. Qu. Cant. 1 lib. 1. the dear remembrance of his dying Lord) and * Pol. Virg. in Ed. 3▪ appointed his Soldiers to wear white coats or jackets, with a read Cross before and behind over their Armour, that it was not only a comely, but a stately sight to behold the English battles, like the rising Sun to glitter far off in that pure hue; when the Soldiers of other Nations in their base weeds could not be discerned. The glory therefore of this Order seemed such to one, no * Epitha. Thamis. apud Cambd. unlearned Poet, that in an Apostrophe to Windsor, speaking of the Garter, he breaks forth into these scarce hyberbolical verses. ▪ Cappadocis quanquam sis clara Georgî Militia, etc. Far spreads thy fame, wherewith S. George's knights Hath made thee glorious; where rich-robed Peers, Whose manly legs the golden garter dights, Combine that light which through all lands appears. That now Burgundians scorn their Fleece of Gold; The French, th'▪ Escalopt Collar set with grace; Their Crossed weeds, Rhodes, Elba, Alcala, hold As worthless: all matched with thy George, are base. (83) Let us not devil too long in the lesser things: It was the month of julie, and King Edward was now upon the Sea with about a thousand * Serres Sail. No man is said to know whether he bent his King Edward in France with bloody colours. Froissard. course, so well he could trust himself, and so wisely free his Counsels from the possibility of discovery. He went not to war by rote, but by book; wisdom was Herbenger and marshal of his valour; who shall say he knew not how to conquer? It was not long but he came to anchor in the Haven of Hogy Saint Vast, in Constantine, a great cape of land or penile in Normandy. His * Giou. Villain. land forces did muster twenty and five hundred horse, and thirty thousand foot, most of which were Archers. The lights, and glories of his Army, were the Prince of Wales (then about sixteen years old, who was then by his father knighted) many brave Earls, Lords, Knights, and expert Cheifs, the English going cheerfully, as having gotten such a King as answered their warlike dispositions. The Earl of Huntingdon had charge of his Navy: himself takes severe revenge for the blood of his friends upon the Norman Towns and people, protesting he sacrificed them * Serres. to Clisson, Baro, Percy, and the rest. Their heads were set upon the chief Gate of Carentine, for which cause he slew all that could be found therein, and turning the whole town into Cinders gave it to their funeral. He took the populous and rich City of Caen, & with his dreadful host burning and spoiling round about, marched up almost as far as the very walls of Paris, braving King Philip so near. (74) Who had not slept all this while, but was * Polyd. Verg. & omnes. purveyed of one of the fullest armies which ever were seen in France. King Edward's people rich with spoil seemed not unwilling to return. They were now in the enemy's Country between the two good rivers of Sein and Some, for they had passed the Sein at Poissie, whose Bridge (as all other between Rouen and Paris) had been broken down by the French, and now (notwithstanding any opposition) in a short space repaired. It was thought fit to seek passage out of these straits, which could not be by Bridges, for they were broken by the French. This search for passage, was by the enemy interpreted a kind of flight, and Edward could not but be willing to nourish their temerity, to draw them on securely to destruction by such a seeming fear. (85) The river of Some, between Albeville and the Sea, at a low water hath a passable and gravely ford, known by the name of Blanch Taque; this was discovered to him by one Gobin a prisoner. But the French King (best acquainted in his own Country) to impeach this passage, had before sent thither a Norman Baron of special note, one Godmar du Foy, and a 1000 thousand horse with at lest 6000. foot; but Edward, (whom as obstacles made impetuous, so nothing could dismay,) enters himself into the Ford, * Serres crying, He that loves me let him follow me, as one that resolved either to pass, or die. Who can tell the efficacy of such a General's spirit, but they, who have had the happiness to follow under the conduct? The passage wan, and Du Foy defeated in a manner, before he was almost fought with, (the incomparable courage of his enemies appalling him,) he brought to King Philip fewer by a pair of thousands, than he carried forth, besides terror, and an evil sign of that which followed. The English, who knew not what it meant to run away, but were before resolved to live & die with such a Sovereign, had reason now much more to resolve the same. The great battle of Crescie. (86) King Edward was near to Crescie in the County Ponthieu, lying between the rivers of Some and Anthy (which unquestionably belonged unto him in right of his mother,) there most vigilantly provides he for his defence. King Philip, set on fire with this disaster, precipitates to battle for accomplishment of God's anger against France; being the rather drawn, by the unruly vanity of his huge Serres saith but 60000. multitudes, (for by what other words do * an hundred or sixscore thousand men deserve to be called?) who never left overtaking one the other, till the view of the English banners and battles put them to stand. We profess that the nature of our undertakings will not brook descriptions at large; you shall haveit as we may, that is, as remembering, that innumerable great achievements rest behind, somewhat impatiently attending their relation. The English put into battle. (87) Therefore, the holy name of God first rightly invocated, King Edward, without showing the lest sign of perturbation, but full of an Heroic assuredness, had ordered his people in three battles, with their wings and succours. The Vanguard disposed Froissard. into the form of an Hearse, where the Archers stood in front, and the men of arms in the bottom, was under the young Lion of Wales, Prince Edward, and with him many of the prime and sagest Captains: Beauchamp Earl of warwick, Godfrey of Harecourt, Holinsh. Grafton. The Lords, Stafford, Laware, Bourchier, Clifford, Cobham, Holland, etc. In the second battle were, The Earls of Northampton, and Arundel; the Lords, Rosse, Willoughby, Basset, Saint Albine, Multon, etc. The third and last battle was commanded in chief by King Edward himself, with the residue of his Nobles and people. In every one of these battles, beside the wings, were a just proportion of men at arms and Archers, but nothing so thin and few as some of our * Grafton. writers allege, who mention not above 9000. all together, who were at lest thrice as many in their whole numbers, and not without need. (88) King Edward closed his battles at their back, (as if he meant to barricado them from flying,) by felling and plashing of Trees, placing his carriages there and other impediments whatsoever, having commanded Grafton. all men to put from them their horses, Not an Englishman on horseback in this battle. which were left among the carriages. Thus all ways of safety by flight being prevented, the necessity did undoubtedly double their courages. Thus placed to the best advantage, King Edward visiteth the ranks in person, riding upon a pleasant * Froissard. Hobby, (having only a white rod in his hand, as if he would chastise fortune,) between the two marshals of his field; whose very presence, with a few seasonable and unenforced words on behalf of God and his right, in steed of long Orations, did inspire the faintest hearts among them with freshest vigour and alacrity. (89) Our writers describe not unto us the quality or face of the ground of Crescy where this battle was determined (though very much doth depend upon choice of place,) neither the exact figures, or several numbers of every several battle, their distances, wings or other warlike forms, nor finally what palisado, trench, or other devise was in this or that quarter used, to keepe-off and break the furious charge of men of Arms, before they came at the The culpable ignorance and negligence of Generals. Archers, principal workmen at this bloody journey. But thus lamely are things commended to Posterity, where the Actors themselves take no care to see the particulars orderly and according to the truth delineated; but either are unlearned, or give themselves to the bodily fruition of their passed travels, rather than to exercise their minds in profiting themselves and others by such relations as are made with life and art. This we found, that the place of the Englishmens battles was the Town of Crescie, and Forest, and therefore apt with small labour to be made inaccessible, or at leastwise difficult for horse to enter upon; that also the English battles were marshaled to the most advantage for giving succour one unto the other; and that there were * Poly. Verg lib. 1●. Shields or Pavises to shelter our Archers from the Genoese shot. (90) By this time King Philip (whose countenance is * Grafton. said to have changed thereat,) was in sight of the English. He had with him the two Kings of Boheme and Maiorca, and almost innumerable other great Princes, Dukes, Earls, Barons and Gentlemen of inferior mark bearing arms; nor those only French, but very many of them Almains and Dutch, jest you should suppose, he had drawn away Lewis the Emperor from the friendship of K. Edward, to little purpose. The * Serres. night before the battle, there alighted in the French host, with intention to lordship off one branch of Laurel from the tree of victory (though it fell out to be Cypress and Taxus) Amie Earl of Savoy, with a thousand men of Arms; so that all things seemed to concur to nourish fury for a sudden ruin. We need not describe the order of the French, where disorder was a principal Serres. Actor: The * Holinsh. King of Bohem, and Charles Earl of Alenzon, King Philip's brother German, had charge of the point or vanguard, King Philip himself was in the main battle, and the Earl of Savoy had chief command in the Rear. The Aurifl●mbe of France, and Dragon of England. (92) That is almost ridiculous, which * Sir Tho. de la More, apud john Stow. one writes of the etymology of the Oiliflame (as he calls it) advanced at this battle, as a sign of taking none to mercy, no more (as he saith) than Oil doth use to extinguish fire; when indeed it was an hallowed * Gaguin. Elements of Armouries. Banner of read silk, whereof the French had a wonderful high conceit, as of that which was sent from heaven, and called Oreflame or Auriflames. King Edward on the contrary side, is reported for sign of like rigour, to have erected there is unconquered Standard of the Dragon-Gules. Lewis of Luxemburg, the most valiant old King of Bohemia, being either blind or very badly sighted, hearing in what goodly order the English (like sober Spartan soldiers) attended the charge, said plainly (contrary to their overweening judgements who had given out of their flight,) Here will the English end their days or conquer. And even as the first wounds were ready in a manner to be given and taken, behold, God, to let them know he was awake, and that there was one above to whom so many thousands should within a few minutes appear, to give an account of their whole lives till that present; he caused the black clouds to pour down upon them store of funeral tears, enarching the air with a spacious * Serres. Rainbow, and discharging sundry tire and peals of thunder: the Sun also, at the same time drawing near to set, would gladly have hid his face, by thrusting it under a partill * holinsh. Froissard. Eclipse; but God (who meant good to the English) would not suffer him to withdraw his more necessary office, so that freed from that temporary shadow, he shone directly into the Frenchman's eyes. At the same time also * Walsingham. shoals and clouds of baleful Ravens, and other birds of prey and ravine, as foreshowing the harvest of carcases at hand, came flying over the French host. 93) The sign of battle being given by King Philip, and entertained with shouts and clamours, all things showing the horror of war, Drums & Trumpets sounding to a charge, Banners flying in the wind, and every where shining weapons, menacing brave extremity, reason herself acknowledged it only safe to leave them to their brute faculties, passion and fury, and the event itself too God. The French calamities began at their Genoese, who under * Gio Villam. Carolo Grimaldi, and Antonio Dor●a their Colonels, being all of them Crossebowmen, were to open a way for the French horse with their shot. This The Genoese defeated. was the success of their service: Their Crossbow strings wet with the late rain, their bodies weary with a long march, their ranks (after the English had intercepted upon * Polyd. Virg. l. 19▪ targets their first volue,) filled The Earl of Alansons' furious temerity. with innumerable gaps, occasioned by the fall of their fellows slain, or overthrown with home-drawne arrows, were lastly most outrageously scattered by Charles Earl of Alencon, at whose commandment (derived from K. * Serr●●. Philip himself) his horse gave in among them, to drive them by plain murder from the honour of having the point, upon only pretence that they hindered their race. This hot young Count (contrary to good discipline,) had also otherwise unjustly discontented and disgraced them, even when they were ready to join in battle, whose bodies (being as most writ about twelve thousand) by bearing the first brunt might have been of great use, if in nothing else, but in serving as butts and quivers, to take into them the chief The first confusion of the enemy first storms of the English arrows. Whereas now they themselves were not only thus most miserably trodden under foot, and put to the sword, but many of the French Gallants by that occasion mingled among them, were overthrown by the English arrows, who equally pursued the destruction both of French and Genoese, shooting thickest where the tumult and confusion were greatest. Some * Grafton. rascals also following the English Army, as they saw opportunity, stepped in among them, and holp to cut throats, sparing neither Lord nor lozel. The French horse charge the English battalions. (94) The French men of Arms half out of breath with headlong haste, and terribly disordered with the perpetual storms of singing arrows, were now at hand-strokes with the Prince's battle; neither was it long, but that the shining Battle axes, Battle. swords, lances, and other weapons of our nation had lost their splendour, being covered with human gore, which having thirstily drunk out of enemy's wounds, they let fall in bloody tears. The fight was sharp and fierce: but to what purpose serves writing, if the high resolution of the king of Bohemia should be unremembered? he (as only The king of Bohemia's high resolution and death. seeking an honourable grave for his old age) put himself into the first rank of his own horsemen, and with full random charging the English, was slain with sword in hand, the troop of his faithful followers with their slaughtered bodies covering him even in death. There lay this Trophea of the English Chivalry, by whose fall (evidently seen in the ruin of the Bohemian Standard,) his noble son, the Lord Charles of Boheme (lately elected Emperor, whilst Lewis was as * Lanquet. yet alive) was wisely warned to provide for himself, the matter appearing desperate. For now was Philip himself in person, with the full power of his Army, come to the reskues of his brother and friends, who were hard at work (while they had breath) about their dreamt victory, but finding the metal infinitely more tough which they had to deal upon, than they could possibly have supposed, were beaten to the earth in great numbers. The young Prince nevertheless was not without danger, though now the second battle of the English, for preservation of their Prince, dashing in among the enemies, fought most courageously. King Edward refuseth to aid his son the Prince. (95) Therefore King Edward himself was sent unto, whose battle hovered like a tempest in a cloud, over which, upon the hillock of a Windmill, with his helmet on, (which never came off till all was done) he judiciously watched, beholding the whole field, and ready to enter into the conflict when just necessity should invite. You shall hear a most noble answer: The messenger dispatched from the Earl of Northampton and others, * Paul. Aemyl. in Philip. 6. Serres. Holinsh. His most noble answer. upon a tender respect to their young Prince's safety, having declared to the King, that the Lords required his presence, for that his son was in danger, * Paul. Aemyl. in Philip. 6. Serres. Holinsh. he bade him return and say; Let them sand no more to me for any adventure that may befall, while my son is alive; but let him either vanquish or die, because the honour of this brave day shall be his, if God suffer him to survive. (96) The Messenger returned, and though he brought not men to their succours, he brought such accession of courage and spirit, as he that should say that King Edward failed them at their need, should neither understand what belongs to magnanimity, nor the effect of such a check from so excellent a General: who nevertheless, was maturely watchful over the good of his child and people: on the other side King Philip (whose quarrel it was) King Philip's person far engaged▪ escapes by flight. did not forsake the duty of a noble Chief: but so long contended in his own person, till his horse was * Serres. Ypod. Neust. Adam Merim slain under him with arrows, himself * twice dismounted, and wounded boty in the neck and thigh: but then the Lord john of Henault, Earl Serres saith, that King Edward came at last to the battle, and with his coming made an end thereof. The former words sent to his son (which are also in Serres) insinuate nothing less. of Beaumond, (who had long since quit King Edward's service) sets him again on horseback, and the French (out of a loyal desire to his preservation) cried to retire him out of the fight, who rather seemed willing to end his days in so noble company: which voice was as it were the upshot and last Gasp of that most cruel conflict, where none as yet were taken to mercy upon any terms. After their King had preserved himself, the whole power of the French gave away, and sought to save itself by flight, whom the English, warily fight upon the defensive, and loathe to hazard such a victory, by breaking their ranks to pursue the enemy too far in the night time, (which now was come upon them,) suffered them to be holden in chase by holinsh. their own just fear, contented to make good their ground, by standing still upon their guard according to true discipline. For they saw not as yet the bottom of their danger, and knew that there were so many escaped, as might well serve to overwhelm their Army with their multitudes. (97) King Edward seeing the coast for the present King Edward and the Prince meet. clear of all his enemies, advanceth with his untouched battle towards his victorious son, & most affectionately embracing and kissing him▪ said; Fair Son, God sand you good perseverance to so prosperous beginnings; you have nobly acquit yourself, and are well worthy to have the Governance of a Kingdom entrusted unto you for your valour. To which the most chivalrous of young Princes replied in silence, most humbly falling on his knees, before his triumphant father. The modest and wise behaviour of the English. (98) Here there may be some controversy, whetherth e exemplary manhood of the English, or their singular piety, were more to be commended: but who will not infinitely prefer the latter, chief in Soldiers, among whom it is usually most wanting? Great was the victory, great was their prowess, & great the glory; but they like true Christian knights and Soldiers, forbore all boast, referring the whole thanks and honour of their preservation to God the true Author thereof. The night was so very dark, as if it had mourned for the day times bloodshed, therefore they made * Grafton. store of fires, lighted torches, and candles, carefully tending their wounded companions, and modestly rejoicing in their own fair adventure. (99) But the next morning presented new work; for such a mist having overspread the earth, that they could scarce see hard at hand, yet were * Ypod. Neust. Holinsh. The French are again encountered and utterly broken. Paul. Aemyl. saith that the English set up French Banners, and by that stratagem drew them to destruction. new swarms of French abroad, who came from sundry Cities and good towns, as Rouen, Beavois, etc. to have joined with King Philip in the designed spoil of the English; these being met with by King Edward's people, were in sundry places overthrown and slain, and multitudes of such as had lost their way in the last flight, were severely put to the sword, as the English chanced upon them, * Froissard. where they lay lurking in hedges, bushes, and byways: The Earls of Northampton, * Wil Northbrough apud Rob. de Auesburis. Suffolk and Norfolk, * Ypod. Neustr. had the execution of the French which fled from this last overthrow, for the space of about nine miles English from the ground where they encountered. (100) There was leisure now to take an account of the slain; which upon the enemy's side amounted, The field viewed by Heralds. not only in the number to very many, but in their quality to very great. For search hereof, king Edward caused certain principal commanders, & three Heralds, (who by the Coat-Armours might judge of the persons, it being then a thing perpetual and solemn not to fight without those signs of Noblesse,) to take an exact view of the field, who about supper time returning, made report to the King, that they found the dead bodies of * Grafton. eleven great Princes, and of Barons, Knights, and men of Arms, above * Wil Northb. Serres. one thousand, and five hundredth. Among the owners of such bodies as were beaten to the Earth upon the first day, these are worthily reckoned chief: The * Serres. Polyd. Virg. l. 19▪ King of Bohemia, the * King of Maiorca, * Sir Tho. de la More, apud john Stow. Harding. Charles Earl of Alencon, brother-German to King Philip, the Duke of Loriane, * Serres the Duke of Bourbon, the * john Stow. Earl of Flanders, the * Poly. Virg. Earl of Savoy (both great Princes,) * Wil Northb. the Dolphin of Viennois, son to Himbert, the Earl of Sancerre, and Hareconrt (whose brother Godfrey in pity of his house, his two Nephews being slain with their father, forsook the King of England after this battle, and returned into Grace with the French,) the * Serres who also reckons Charles Earl of Bloys slain at this battle, who was alive sundry years after. Earls of Aumarl, Nevers, etc. six Earls of Almain; beside others of great account of all sorts. Upon the second day, the Grand Prior of France, Wil Northb. who with his Archbishop of Rouen, had on the behalf of their Prince and Country put on Arms. Of the Commons, in * 26 & 27. Aug. A. D. 1346. both of these black days, there fell about thirty thousand, and some say, four times more in this last, then in the other. (101) We find not one man of honour, or note slain upon the English side, so that this victory may safely be accounted among the wonderful. The * Polyd. Verg. spoils of the Enemy's bodies and carriages, King Edward gave wholly to his well deserving soldiers. The rule of their safety (they being in a most populous enemy Country) would not permit them to use much courtesy to others, as that which might have proved cruelty to themselves, but upon the second day they took many * Wil Northb. prisoners, though none of great name, for they were spent in the day before. It pleased the conqueror to proclaim a truce now for three days in the Country about, that the people might come in to bury their dead; but the bodies of the most noble, he himself caused to be conveyed to Monstreal, and there (in his March towards Calais) interred. (102) Thus by God's favour, and the unresistible force of the English Archers, (who in a manner did * Polyd. Verg. only fight) was King Edward put into a full and peaceable possession of a perfect victory; which after he had one night only enjoyed in the Forest of Crescie, he dislodged with his conquering Calais besieged. host, & marched strait toward Calais, which he * Serres saith 30 September. A. D. 1346. presently invested, having decreed never to rise with his Army from before it, till without assault he had carried the same. For which cause he entrenched and fortified his Camp on all sides, built up * Grafton. Sheds covered with Reed and broom, and other places and offices as to devil in, and stopping all relief by Sea, (whereof he was Master) with his Navy. There commanded in Calais for the French, Sir john de Vienne, * Serres. Martial of France, and the Lord Dandreghan, with a very strong Garrison, who concluded like good men of war, to try all extremities, rather than to surrender the Piece, which was so strong, that to assault the same, otherwise then with famine had been frivolous. These great Captains seeing King Edward's resolution, thrust forth of the Town (for sparing of food) their poorer people, above fifteen hundredth; whom he, like a true Christian Prince, turned not back upon the King Edward's Charity. Town, but relieved for God's cause with fresh victuals, and two pence sterling each; permitting them freely and securely to pass through his Camp, to his great glory, and (undoubtedly) profit also, having their hearty prayers for his happy success, and God for paymaster, and rewarder of such his Beneficence. The French devise to succour Calais. (103) Many ways were thought upon by king Philip to raise this obstinate siege: two principal; an Army of French to fight with King Edward, and a diversion by invasion, wherein the Scots (their perpetual allies) were forward. Both in their several times, were put into execution: That of the Scotish invasion was first, but with such success, as well declared it was Gods will (all people having their encreasings, zeniths, and declinations) that the English name should now be brought to the vertical point thereof, without any thing being able to resist it. (104) For David the second King of Scots, to gratify The Scots invade England and are vanquished in battle. his most dear friends the French, coming with a very great army of threescore and two thousand into England, as far as Durham, supposing none but Priests and Shepherds were left at home, (considering what great numbers were abroad upon service, in Picardy, Britain, and Gascoigne,) was (upon * 27. October Fabian Hect. Boet. Lib. 15. Saint Luke's Eve) undertaken and fought withal, his whole army by fair force vanquished, and himself taken prisoner at a place by Durham called Neviles Cross. Chiefs among the English at this triumphant journey were * Ypod. Neust. The Archbishop of York, Gilbert Vmfrevile Earl of Angos. William Lord la Zouch, with eight other Lords, Percy, Mowbray, Nevile, Deincourt, Mauley, Leyburne, Scroop, and Musgrave. Sir Robert de Bertram▪ Sheriff of Northumberland, and other noble Banarets. In this battle also were * Pol. Virg. lib. 19 Hect. Boet. lib. 15. many Priests and Clergy men of England, to whom necessity for defence of their Country, made the bloody use of Iron and Steel warrantable: nor could the Scots be accused to have lost any thing for want of manhood, specially the king himself, who had two spears hanging in his body, his leg almost incurably wounded with an arrow, his sword and weapons beaten out of his hand; who disdeining captivity, invited the English by opprobrious words to kill him, and when john Copland (an Esquire of the North-country, * Hect. Boet. King David taken prisoner by john Copland an Esquire. Captain of the Castle of Roxborough in Scotland,) advised him to yield, he struck him on the face with his Gauntlet so fiercely, as that two of his great teeth were smitten out there with: but seeing he could not force a death but must be Prisoner, john Copland conveyed him away with eight of his own servants out of this field. There lay dead upon the ground the * Hect. Boet. Earls of Murray and Stratherne, the Constable, Martial, Chamberlain, and Chancellor of Scotland, with many other Nobles. There were taken Prisoners (beside the king) the Earls of Dowglas, Fife, Southerland, Wigton, and Menteith. Thus the fortune of king Edward, by the virtue of his valiant subjects, prevailed in every place. (105) It could not be excused, if we forgot the Offices of Queen Philip in her Husband's absence; who * Froissard. Philip Queen of England her princely demeanour. being then in England, and great with Child of a daughter (afterward called * Ypod. Neust. Margaret) road in Person about the battles of the English, encouraging them with so wise, princely and gracious words, as did not a little sharpen and assure their otherwise servant courages: which done, she retired herself to Newcastle upon Tine, there to attend the success which God would sand. After the battle, understanding that King David was taken, she by letters willed the Esquire to tender up his royal Prisoner; which he refusing, she (impatient) sends over a complaint to King Edward. At * Grafton. whose commandment, repairing to the Camp before Caleis, he so discreetly answered, that he was sent back into England with the reward of * Records. 500 pounds' land by the year, (to lie * Grafton. where Copland himself should choose, near to his own dwelling,) and warrant to deliver up his Prisoner to the Queen, which he accordingly did at the City of York, with so sober and honest an Apology, as both she, and the Lords of Council were satisfied. This Copland (who had lands of King Edward's gift at * Copland a knight Baneret. Vluerston in Lancashire) was also advanced, * Cambden in Lancashire. for this most valiant atcheivement, to the dignity of a Knight Baneret, which writers corruptly call a Baronet, Honour having at that time no such kind of creature. King David was lodged under sure guard in the The ●low of king Edward's good fortunes. Tower of London. 106) Wonder it is to consider, with what golden links one good hap was annexed to another, in this full moon as it were of King Edward's reign. For within a small compass of time, all these great achievements fell. Sir Thomas Dagworth like another * Ypod. Neust. Machabee (saith an Author) with 8. hundredth men of Arms, and one hundred Archers, in Britain overthrew the Lord Charles of Blois, who having twice in one day with incredible odds in the numbers, (as of above thirty for one,) assailed that brave Sir Thomas Dagworths Macchabean prowess in Britain. Knight, was beaten out of the field with marvelous loss of Nobles and others slain or taken. Not long after that, the same Sir Thomas also having only three hundred men of Arms, and four hundred Archers * Holinsh in his company, assailed the same Lord Charles, lying at siege of Roch-Darien with twelve hundred Knights and Esquires, six hundred other armed men, two thousand Steel-bow-men & of other Infantry great store; and took Prisoner the said Lord Charles of Bloys (who as you have heard claimed the Duchy of Britain against Montford) driving his whole forces with admirable manhood and great destruction out of the field. This in Britain. The Earl of Lancaster's achievements in Gascoign and Guien. (107) In Gascoigne the magnificent and noble Henry Earl of Derby, and now (by his father's late death) Earl of Lancaster also, pursuing his fair fortunes in Aquitain, Xainctoing, etc. drove john Duke of Normandy, eldest son of King Philip, unfought with, from the siege of Aquillon; though it is said, he left it, as * Serres. commanded to repair to his father for the relief of Calis; he also took sundry places of special importance, some by tender, some by assault, many profitable prisoners, and rich spoils, and with triumph returned safe to Bordeaux. Not long before this, at the taking of the good Town of Brigerac by assault, he had permitted every soldier to seize any house, and convert all therein to his proper benefit. Hereupon it happened, that a certain * Tho. Walls. knight or Soldier called * Quidam miles Reth, had broken into a Tenement, where the moniers had for safety stowed the money of that Country in great long sacks, who (thinking it was not the General's intention that such a treasure should come to a private Share) acquainted the Lord Henry therewith: what was his answer? A General worth the serving. he with a kingly magnificence told him; That the House, and all therein were his, according as he had at first proclaimed, let them be worth (saith he) what they would. The party returns and while he is busy in counting his new riches, behold, he finds so much more pure silver in Coin, that he could not but once again acquaint his General therewith. What can be added to the honour of the answer which to this effect he now the second time made? Why tellest thou me of the greatness of the treasure? go, take and enjoy it: For to give, and then to take it back again, is childs-play: I have once said it, and my word passed, may not with my honour be revoked, were it never so much. (108) john Duke of Normandy, coming into Picardy, had two repulses and foils, being driven from the Town of * Serres. Cassels, and Lile, so that king Edward's fortune was available, aswell to his Confederates as to his own People: and now, to consummate his glory, the whole power of France, led forth by king Philip to preserve that eye of his Empire, Calais, returned without doing any thing. For when mediators could effect nothing, and Philip would not set up his trust upon battle, left while he sought to save a Town, he should lose a kingdom, he mournfully retired himself with lossefull haste into the bosom of France, leaving his desperate Captains and people in Calais to the Conqueror's mercy. Calais yielded 3. August. An. D. 1347. An. Reg. 21. So Edward had the Town delivered unto him, when he had almost abidden in leaguer before it one whole year. The piety of Queen Philip toward * Ypod: Neust▪ Holinshead. the prisoners selected to die, and the worthy devouement of some Calisian Townsmen, to that certain peril, for satisfaction of king Edward's incensed mind, declaring themselves thereby to be good, true and loyal Frenchmen, are by all Authors celebrated, finding both pity then, and honour for ever. King Edward having as wisely taken order for safekeeping of this precious piece, as he had constantly endured to carry it, drawing over a substantial Colony of Englishmen into it, set sail at last for England, whether with much trouble at Sea (tempests suddenly rising) he at last arrived safe: It is * Tho. Walls. observed, that he had always fair weather at his passage into France, and foul upon his return. A. D. 1348. (109) Never was the English Name so great, and glorious as at this time, nor did England herself in any foregoing age enjoy a King more renowned for wisdom, chivalry, and felicity in actions; the just brightness of his irradiant virtues, not only adorning her with Garlands, conquered Spoils, and Trophies, but seeming also (such was the abundance of all things) to infuse fertility into the earth itself, like some * Tho. Walls. new shining sun. Mean while fair France (whose woeful turn it was) sat mournfully weeping, and with great anxiety of mind provided the best she could against such a deluge of calamities. Neither yet was King Edward's glory at the highest, for God was inclined to make him yet more bounden and beholden. Howbeit as it is a mighty work to ascend to such an eminency of renown, yet when the most of man is known and done, let none therefore love themselves, or admire others, for neither hath this world any thing permanent to trust upon, and to God alone belongs the honour. This was found and felt when the celestial majesty saw An universal plagne. the abuse of his good gifts. It reigned from Midsummer till Christmas, and so terrible a plague ran through the world, that the earth was filled with graves, and the air with cries: which was seconded with murrain of Cattles, and dearth of all things. The plague began among the Turks, and pierced by degrees into France, where it mowed down many thousands. In London it had so quick and sharp an edge, that in one years space, there were buried in * Rob. Auesburie. john Stow. Fabian. Holinsh. one Churchyard (commonly called the Cistertian, or Charterhouse) above fifty thousand. The French notwithstanding practise to recover Calais by bribery, but treason being not true to itself, King Edward came suddenly in person, and preserved the inestimable jewel by policy, and princely manhood, kill many of them who came upon that blind adventure. (110) This invincible King (one great Act overtaking An. D. 1350. A Fleet of Spanish men of war vanquish● by K. Edward. another) hearing that certain Spanish men of war, who had in the year before cruelly * Ypod. Neust. slain sundry Englishmen, and taken away their Wines and other wares, were come into his Seas, he like a martial Neptune encountered them not far from Winchel-sea in person, with such ships as could then be had; and after a most bloody fight, (for there was few or none escaped unmarkt) took twenty and six of their principal vessels, sunk others, and drove the rest away. The gallantry & The Spaniards rather die then yield. spirit of the Spaniards was such, that disdaining to overlive the disgrace of having preserved their lives by yielding, they * Tho. Walls. Rob. Auesburie. Holinsh. all of them to a man either died upon the English weapons, or were drowned in the waves. Thus was King Edward dignified with another Naval Crown. In this * Serres An. D. 1351 year Philip de Valois having reigned about three and twenty years, died. And the year ensuing, King Edward, as formerly he had changed the stamp of his Seal, so changed the stamp of his Coins, coining (by advise of William de Edingdon, Bishop of Winchester, and High Treasurer of England) the groat, and half groat, whereas before there was * Holinsh. no silver coin, but the steelings only. Sir Walter Bentleys' great victory (111) Let us draw King Edward's manifold actions closer together: under his fortune and auspicie, Sir Walter de * Tho. Walsing. Bendeley had in little Britain (whereof he was * Holinsh. john Fox. Warden) a fair day of the Marshal of France, putting his puissance to flight with much slaughter. Thirteen Lords, one hundredth and forty Knights, one hundredth esquires, & store of common Soldiers were killed: nine Lords, and one hundredth, and forty Knights and esquires taken prisoners; which bred great astonishment among all King Edward's enemies. Neither had the French in other places better fortune, saving that somewhat before Sir * Froissard. Raoul de Cahors slew in a skirmish the thrice valiant Sir Thomas Dagworth, and about one hundredth men of Arms with him. Henry Earl of Lancaster and Derbie, in honour of his princely The first Duke of Lancaster. An. D. 1353. blood, and reward of service, was created Duke of Lancaster: the new Duke's first peaceable employment, was his journey together with Richard Earl * Ypod. Neust. of Arundel, the Bishops of London and Norwich, & * Holinsh. Guy de Brian to the Roman Court, there to see that Instrument of a final peace, which had been drawn and sworn unto between the two Kings, confirmed An. D. 1354 (as it was agreed) before the Pope; but by the Coven of the French (as our * Tho. Walls. Rob. Ames●. Writers impute) and the Pope's connivency, who favoured the keeping of France entire, all proved but vapour, and the voyage fruitless. King Edward greatly kindled herewith, determined to take deep revenge, and (as Walsingham Froissard. and others writ) entered then presently with an Army and wasted France. (112 The Staple of Wools which had been in Flanders, King Edward about this time revoked, establishing the same in Westminster, Canterbury, Chichester, Bristol, Lincoln, and Hull. He did not this, (as is probable) without some spleen, aswell for the * Supra. § death of his dear friend jaques Artevill, as for that the young Earl of Flanders had dishonoured him, by * Serres flying into France out of Gaunt, when he should have married his daughter. An. D. 1335. (113) It had moreover been signified to King Edward, that john the new King of France (his Father being dead) had given to Charles the Dolphin the Duchy of Aquitaine: whereupon being exceedingly incensed, he bestowed the same upon his own son, the Prince of Wales; commanding him to defend that right with his sword against his adversaries. All things being ready for his voyage, and The Prince of Wales sails to take possession of Aquitaine. having the Earls of Warwick, Suffolk, Salisbury, and Oxford; the Lords * S. Io. Wingfields letter's apud Holinsh. Chandoys, Audley, * S. Io. Wingfields letter's apud Holinsh. Butefort, Lile, etc. a thousand men of Arms, as many Archers with others, he set sail towards Aquitain, where he betook himself to do things worthy of his Name and courage. (113) On the other side King Edward, stirred with a false Alarm, crossed over the Seas, in hope to found his enemy King john at Saint Omars, but failing thereof, he burned up to Hesdin, and came back into Berwicke surprised and regained England to recover Berwicke, which the Scots had gotten with * Hector Boet. mutual slaughter by surprise. He called a Parliament at Westminster, where toward the furniture of his hostile designs, he had extraordinary Subsidy granted unto him for six years next to come. But Berwicke before King Edward could present himself before it with his mighty host, was * Hect. Boet. burnt and dismantled, and then by the Scots abandoned. The French had sent into Scotland forty thousand Crowns of the Sun, and some men of Arms to maintain them in enmity against the English, while as yet their King David the second was prisoner; but King Edward, not contented to have regained his own, unless he made his adversaries smart for their provocations, proceeded in hostile manner against the Scots both by land and sea. At Roxbrough the Balliol * Tho. Walls. The Balliol conuaies his Title to the Crown of Scotland to King Edward. surrendered to King Edward all the right and title which he had to the Crown of Scotland, or any the appurtenances, reserving only to himself a yearly pension of * Record. L●t. Patent. 25. jan. A. D. 1356. The Prince of Wales his high achievement in France. two thousand and fifty pounds. (114) The Prince of Wales as it were in emulation of his Father's glory, doth wonders in France; for with his victorious Army, he recovered multitudes of Towns and Prisoners (while the * Serres. Earl of Gloster with the English, on behalf of Charles king of Navarre, prevails greatly in Normandy, piercing like a thunderbolt through Languedoc, till he came to the City of * Sir john Wingfields letter's apud Rob. Aves. Narbon, in sight of the Midland sea, which City (being little less than London) he took by force, as (beside many others) he had done Carcasson, which for bigness, strength and beauty, excelled (saith our Author) York in England. The damage done to the French King in this voyage was exceeding great, for out of these Countries he drew a yearly revenue of about four hundredth thousand old Crowns. The Pope sending a Messenger from avignon, with an overture to intercede for a peace, had answer, that the message must be sent to the King his father, for he could not meddle without commandment from him. Mean while he disposed of things without impeachment, and returns laden with honour and spoils to Bordeaux, where the winter being spent, he sets forth to new adventures. He had in his Army about eight thousand brave, expert, and well disciplined Soldiers, and with them advanceth through Perigort, & Limosin into the bosom of France, up to the very gates of Burgess in Berie; the terror of his name flying before to his great advantage. Thus satisfied for the present, he wheels about with purpose to return by Remorantine in Blasois (which he took) and so through the Country of Turain, Poictou, and Saintoin to his chief City Bordeaux. But john King of France (hasting to go beyond his father in misfortune) having assembled a complete host, followed, & about the City of Poitiers overtook the invincible Prince. The English victory at Potierss, 19 Sep. 1356. (115) When the Armies (with the odds of six to one against the English) were embattled, two Cardinals sent from Pope * Serres. Polyd. Verg▪ saith his name was Innocentius. Clement, laboured (as they had done before) to take up the quarrel without stroke, whereunto the Prince was with reason yielding enough, but King john fatally presuming on his advantage, propounded such conditions, as if in a manner the Prince of Wales had already been at his command; which with just indignation were rejected. It came hereupon to a most bloody trial, where (if ever) the Prince and English gave full experiment of their valour; for after long conflict and absolute discomfiture of all the 3. French battles, (the least of which exceeded all the Prince's numbers) the King himself valiantly fight, and Philip his * Serres. youngest son (who with such boldness and zeal The French king taken prisoner. defended his distressed father, as it purchased unto him the Honourable surname of hardy) were taken prisoners. (116) The English whose valiancy was most conspicuous, were the Earls of Warwick, Suffolk, Salisbury, Oxford, and Stafford, the Lords Cobham, Spenser, Audley, Berkley, Basset, etc. of Gascoigne, subjects to the Crown of England, the Capital de Beuf, the Lord Pumier, Chaumont, with others of lower title, but not of unequal valour. * Froissard. james Lord Audley wan immortal renown at this bloody battle, where he received many wounds, and shared the Prince's gift of 500 Marks land in Fee simple, to his four esquires, who had continued with him in all the brunt and fury of danger. It is the misfortune or glory of the French Nobles, that in all great battles the loss falls heavily upon them. In this most disastrous overthrow, there fell * Serres. fifty and two Lords, & about seventeen hundredth Knights, esquires, and Gentlemen bearing coats of Arms: The chief Lords were Peter of Bourbon Duke of Athens high Constable of France, john Clermont Martial, George of Charney Lord great Chamberlain, etc. and as many other as made up the former account. * Fabian out of the French Chronicles. Sr. Reginold Camian, who that day bore the Oriflamb, was likewise slain: of the common Soldiers there died about six thousand: Great God of victories, how abundantly didst thou in these days bless thine English? The list of Prisoners comprehended these great names, john King of France; Philip his son, afterward Duke of Burgoin; The Archbishop of Sens; james of Bourbon Earl of Pontheiu; john of Artois Earl of Eu; Charles his brother Earl of Longuevile; Charles Earl of Vendosme; The Earls of tankerville, Salbruch, Nassaw, Dampmartine, La Roch, and many other great Lords, and about * Ypod. Neust. two thousand Knights, esquires, and Gentlemen bearing Armouries. The English at this journey took an * Serres. hundredth Ensigns. (117) Now albeit nothing wanted to the title of a perfect victory, yet in two points the incomparable Prince outwent that fame and merit; for having The Prince doth things more commendable than his victory. vanquished the person of the French Monarch by force of battle, he much more overcame his heart with true and princely courtesy, delivering his mind in a stile and kind of eloquence so ponderous, proper, grave, and natural, and with that stately humility, as only the best soul with the best breeding could be capable of; and yet * Paul. Aemyl. he spoke not more officiously than he performed really. Moore than all this. The next day causing his Chapleins and the other Priests of the Army, to celebrated divine service, he put off from himself the whole glory, and gave it most devoutly to * Poly. Verg lib. 19 God; which being first done, he, in the sight and hearing of the Prisoners, highly commends, and most hearty thanks his Soldiers, with speeches full of sincerity and life, sealing his words to every one, as his present means would permit, with liberal deeds & largesse. (118) Then having settled all other things, he marcheth with joy and just triumph to * Holinsh. & ●mnes. Bordeaux, the archiepiscopal See, and chief City of his dominions in France. How the news were entertained in all places of the English Empire, is not hard to conjecture, but specially by King Edward, who took speedy order by Simon Archbishop of Canterbury, that eight days together should be * Bolyd. Verg. lib. 19 spent in giving God the thanks and glory. But the Prince having sufficiently refreshed, and rested his people, set sail for England with his Prisoners, where he happily arrived in * 5 Maij. A. D. 1357. Ypod. Neust. Plymouth, and was most joyfully welcome every where. At his coming to London (where at that time a magnificent Citizen, Henry Picard, he who afterward at one time so nobly feasted the 4. Kings of England, France, Scotland and A Lord Maior feasted four kings at once. Cyprus, was Lord Maior,) which received him with exquisite honour; the multitudes of people coming to see the victorious Prince, the French King, and his son the Lord Philip, and the rest, were such, that they could hardly get to Westminster, between three of the clock in the morning and noon: but who will think the humour of the gazing vulgar worth the noting? The two Prisoner king's lod ged (119) Great Edward, saving that he forgot not the Majesty of a Conqueror, and of a King of England, omitted no kind of noble courtesy towards the Prisoners. King john and his son were lodged under a sure guard at the Savoy, being then a goodly Palace belonging to Henry Duke of Lancaster; the rest in other places: David King of Scots was at this time straightly kept at the Castle of * Adam Merim. Odiam, but not long after, when he had endured about eleven years imprisonment, at the incessant suit of Queen King David set at liberty after 11 years durance. joan his wife (sister to king Edward,) was delivered: his * Fourdon. ransom was one hundredth thousand Marks striueling, and a condition to raze certain Castles. (120) About this time Isabel Queen Dowager of England, and mother of King Edward, (having A. D. 1357. first seen her son the most respected King of all Christendom,) * 27. novemb. deceased, and was interred at London, in the Church of the Friers-Minors there. To her birth France was slenderly beholding, as being about this time in most woeful and broken state, through occasion of that title which the English challenged by her, it suffering more by far under their puissance, than * Guil. tilius. ever it did since the times of the Romans. * Serres. tilius. Charles the Dolphin, Duke of Normandy, who had escaped from the battle of Poitiers, governed during his father's imprisonment; but by the dangerous practices of Charles King of Navarre, and bad disposition of the Parisians, toward the delivery of their Sovereign, he was lamentably encumbered, and beset with mischiefs, not being able to work as yet his father's liberty. Moreover, the English An. D. 1358 A. reg. 32. under Sir Robert Knowles, Sir james Pipe, and Thomalin Foulk, and others, did commit great wastes, and heaped huge wealth by incursions, ransoms, and other warlike licence, in Britain, and Normandy, under the title of serving the Navarrois. To be brief all France swarmed with dissolute soldiers of sundry Nations, which having no General, made havoc at their pleasure. They were called people without an head, and by innumerable insolences made the wretchedness of Anarchy apparent. In England also swarmed another sort, no less burdenous to the commonwealth and Church, which were the four orders of Franciscan Friars, whom the * Walls. in Edward 3. fol. 173. English Clergy found to be so pernicious to the regiment of the Church, that they selected that renowned Clerk, Richard Fitz-Ralph (who was Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Archbishop of Armagh, and Primate of Ireland) to appear in person before the Pope, and there allege the * Armachan in Defensorio cura●orum. Fox Martyrolog. in Edward 3 intolerable harms by them accrueing to the Laity, the Clergy, and the Universities, together with their disobedience to God's word, their avarice, and pride. All which that noble Prelate learnedly performed, as appeareth by the handling of his 9 propositions against them, which are extant. In his second proposition, he showeth, how ordinary a matter it was with them, to allure youth, without consent of their parents, to enter their Orders; which made men withdraw their sons from the Universities, lest the Friars should so steal them away; whereby (saith he) it came to pass, that * Idem ib. whereas in his own time there were thirty thousand Students in Oxford, soon after there were left but six thousand. But how infinitely these Friarlie swarms increased in all lands, may appear by that * Sabelli. Ennead. 9 l. 6. strange offer made by the General of this one Order, to Pope Pius, who promised to bring him (being then about a Turkish Expedition) thirty thousand cunning warriors, out of the number of Saint Francis Friars, and yet enough should remain at home to perform the devotions. But the Pope had such use of those Friars, that Armachanus prevailed not in the matter, * Tho. Walls. in Edward 3 though he proved the cause stoutly and manifestly against them, because (ah for pity, saith our Author,) the Clergy stuck not close as they promised, and the Friars had great store of money to procure favour in the Court of Rome. But here in the English Court, two Cardinals, (one of them, he of Pierregost, who had so diligently traveled for a conclusion at the battle of Poitiers) could not with two years labour, draw any thing to such▪ an head, as the French would, for their King's deliverance, perform; which put King Edward into a new resolution against France. King Edward 2. gain in France. (121) King Edward (holding himself deluded by the French) with a fleet of eleven hundred Sail passeth over from Sandwich to a new invasion. He 24 October arrived at Calais, from whence he set forward in three great battles, whereof the first, being lest, was under Henry Duke of Lancaster, the second being greater, under the brave Prince of Wales, and the last which was greatest, was led by King Edward himself. They marched through * Paul. Aemil. Artois to the City of Rheims in Champain, where the Kings of France use to be crowned and anointed. The City of * Serres. Sens (an Archbishops See) and Nevers do yield without resistance. The * Paradine in les Annals de Burg●. Duke of Burgundy, for two * Froissard. Paulus Aemilius saith 100000. crowns. hundredth thousand florins of gold, obtained that all Burgundy was spared from sackage or spoil. It was told the King, that the Normans had landed at Winchelsea in the time of divine service, and among other their most impious outrages, a like execrable villainy, as that which Gibeonites, (sons of belial) are recorded to have committed upon the * jud. 19 11. 25. and 26. Levites wife, was more wickedly perpetrated by them in the Church itself, where the woman, being of singular beauty, was by their insatiable violations murdered; and they got back to their Ships before the Country could rise upon them to take due vengeance. Hereupon * Tho. Walls. King Edward presently raised his Standard, and set forth out of Champain, (where not far from the City of Rheins he had * Polyd. Verg. lib. 19 kept his Christmas) toward Paris. (122) He came before it with his army divided into * Tho. Walls. An. D. 1360. nine Battalions, where he honoured four hundred Esquires and Gentlemen with the Order The English before Paris. Four hundred Knights made at one time. of Knighthood. Charles the Dolphin, Regent of France, was within Paris with a great force, but could not by any means be drawn to hazard battle. There were ample conditions in humble manner tendered to Edward, but he was as yet inflexible and deaf against any other, than such as himself (like a Conqueror) propounded. Paris (up to whose * Polyd. Verg. very walls King Edward ran) not being fesible, he * Serres and Polyd. Verg. retires into Britain to refresh his Army, but upon his return finding it stronger than before, he turns his wrath into the very bowels of France, exercising hostile Actions up as far as * Paul Aemyl. Charters, and * Tho. Walsing. Orleans, and as yet continued inexorable. God was displeased thereat, and to let Edward know so much, he caused the Minister of his wrath, a terrible tempest, to assail his Host, and * Serres Paul. Aemyl. to kill therein many both men and horses. King Edward is * Tho. Walls. Ran. Cestr. said, upon this occasion, to be so wounded with remorse, that repairing to our Lady-Church of Charters, he prostrated himself to God, and sorrowing for the bloodshed and wasteful burning which he had made, vowed to give quiet to the Christian world upon equal conditions. This, and the Duke of Lancaster's persuasions, softened him so, that finally (by mediation of the Pope's * Fabian. Legate one Simon de Langres) a peace was concluded at Bretagnie near to Charters upon the * tilius. eight of May; and in November following K. john himself was transported to Caleis, and there by King Edward (according to the Capitulations of the Treaty) set at liberty, after he had been a prisoner above four years. Articles of peace. (123) Articles of this accord, so necessary for the distressed Estate of France were these. 1 That (to the intent these conditions which the French condescended unto, should be more forcible, and not seem to be extorted by advantage, odds; or iniquity of the times) the two Edward's, Father and Son, should for ever release to K. john and to his heirs, all the right and claim which they had to the * Paul. Aemyl. in johan. 1 Crown of France, * Serres Fabian. Holinsh. Paul. Aemyl. to the Duchy and Estates of Normandy, Anjou, Turain, and Main, as also to the homages of Britain Armorick, and the Earldom of Flanders. 2. That King john and his son, for them and their heirs, should by a day certain restore, and release to King Edward and his heirs, etc. the whole Country of Aquitain, enlarged with the bordering and spacious Countries of Santoin, Poictou, Pierregort, Limosin, Quercie, Angolesm, Rovergne, etc. with all the Cities, Castles, and appurtenances, to be holden free, without any dependency but of God. 3. That the * Tho. Walsing. County of Pontheiu (the proper inheritance of Isabel late Queen Dowager of England mother of King Edward) the Towns, Countries, and Lordships of Calais, Guines, Mountril, Haim, Wale, Oye, Merck, S. Valary, etc. and all the islands which either the English then held, or which lay before any of the Premises, with only certain limitations concerning private men's interest, should remain in like freedom as the rest of the premises to the Crown of England. 4 That King john should pay for his ransom (part thereof to be The huge ransom of john King of France. in hand, and part upon days) the sum of * Paul Aemyl. Polyd. Verg. Froissard. thirty hundredth thousand scutes of Gold, every two of which should be * Tho. Walls. Fabian. The City of Paris gave toward this ransom one hundredth thousand royals. Edw. Grimston his English Serres. six shillings and eight pence sterling. And that for assurance there should be assigned certain number of Hostages (by King Edward named) to remain in England. 5. That the French should not aid, nor assist the Scots against the English, nor they the Flemings against the French. 6. That it should be lawful for either King notwithstanding to aid the Titlers for the Duchy of Britain at their pleasures. There were sundry other Articles, as in cases of so transcendent quality must needs happen, but, as these were principal, so the most of them might have been well left out here, unless they had more exactly been observed by the French. Yet were they ratified with hands, seals, and Oaths at * 24. October. 1360. Calais, where the two Kings, in stead of kissing the Pax at mass (either having for honours sake refused to take it first) * Fabian. par. 7. Caxton. saluted each the other with a most brotherly embracement and loving kiss. The French hostages. (124) The Hostages were absolutely of the greatest Princes, and Lords of France. * This Duke of Anjou dishonourably fled away, after he had given faith to be true prisoner. Lewis Duke of Anjou, and john Duke of Bery, sons to King john; Philip Duke of Orleans, the King's brother, and Philip Duke of Burgoin: besides * Paul. Aemyl. Polyd. Vergil. Serres. Walsingham. nine principal Earls, twelve great Lords, and certain * Serres. Burgesses out of every good Town; which were all to remain in England, and accordingly did remain: and Ambassadors were sent from both the Kings, to advertise the * Froissard. * Ypod. Neust. Pope of the whole happy conclusion. (125) Not long after the Prince of Wales was created A. D. 1361. Duke of Aquitaine, and for the same did homage and fealty to his Father; so that he was Prince of Wales, Duke of Aquitaine, and Cornwall, and Earl of Chester and Kent; this last by joane his wife, daughter and heir of Edmund Earl of Kent. Laden with this new honour, he together with his dearest wife and whole Court sailed into Gascoigne, where at Bordeaux he remained. King Edward's Christian jubilee. (126 (Now was this renowned Monarch Edward the Great, King of England, upon the day of Saint Brice, (the day * Ypod. Neust. on which by King Etheldreds' commandment all the Danes in England were murdered,) aged fifty years; at which time a Parliament (where * Tho. Walsin. none were permitted to appear by Proxy) Will. Lambard. in his Peramb. An. D. 1362 was holden at Westminster upon prorogation. Therefore to make the memory of his birthday acceptable by acts of gracious government, as in a year of jubilee he granted his general & special pardon to Statut. 36. Edw. 3. offenders without fine or Fee-paying for the Seal, set Prisoners at liberty, revoked such as were in banishment. Moreover, upon the grievances of his people, pestered with the doublings of Lawyers, he commanded, that * Holinsh. Pleas should from thenceforth be made in English, not in French, a necessary Law, if it had been as carefully observed, especially, if withal he had ordered the same should not be written also in French, that his people might know their own duties. It is observed that the Law of Magna Charta (confirmed also in this Parliament) was about a dozen several times confirmed by this King during the years of his reign. That which * Poly. Verg. lib. 19 The first rule of the number fed by our kings upon Maundy Thursday. another notes by occasion of this jubilee, we would not omit; for the famous custom of our Kings, who upon Maundy Thursday in imitation of Christ, wash, feed and cloth as many poor, as themselves are years old, is referred to this celebration which King Edward made of his fiftieth year, in regard of the number fed, which number he calls the jubilee of their ages: but as he imparted Grace to his people, so he also took order to replenish his purse. That seldom or never the poor Commons have any thing which they pay not for. A. D. 1363. A. reg. 36 Three kings visit King Edward. (127) The estate of our great Edward thus flourishing, hither (upon sundry occasions) john King of France, David King of Scots, who had lately both of them been Prisoners in England, and Guy of Lusinian, King of Cyprus came in person. The French kings affair was, the more commodiously to transact for A. D. 1364 the remain of his ransom, the discharge of his pledges, and other things. * Hugh of Lusignian saith Platina in I●n. 6. Peter, saith Aemylius, in Charles 5. Guy of Lusinian King of Cyprus (by that right which as you have * In Rich. 1. heard before, his Ancestor had by donation and investiture from Richard the first, King of England) negotiated his own relief, under the just Title of the common cause of Christianity, so fearfully by the prevailing Turks impaired in the Eastern world, and not long after departed hence. john King of France * Serres, Inuen. of France. John King of France dieth in England. This Pope Vrban saith Walsinghan was an Englishman by birth, meaning belike that he was born under the obedience of the King of England, when Limosin was English, of which country, he was saith Platina. had promised to Pope Vrban (at Auinion) his personal aid in the holy war, but was prevented by death, which * seized upon him here in England at the Savoy. From whence by the piety of Charles his son, than king of France, his body was in most royal manner conveyed to Dover, at the King of England's voluntary charge, and entombed among his forefathers at S. Denys with all funeral majesty, not far off from the Sovereign City Paris, seat of the French monarchs, as the other their place of Sepulture. Likewise jane Queen of Scots coming into England (with her husband belike) * Hect. Boet. An. 1364. The Earl of Blois slain in battle by the English looseth the Dukedom of Britain. deceased here. (128) That King Edward's fortune was not only available to himself, or to his Lieutenants, but also to his friends and favourites, appeared in the great quarrel about the title of Britain Armoricke, which about this time was determined by the death of the Lord Charles Earl of Bloys, head of the one faction, (but willing to have ended it by word, not by the sword, if he could have prevailed with his wife) who was slain in an encounter made against the Lord john de Montford, head of the other side, where the * Tho. Walsin. Lord William Latimer, * Serres. holinsh. Sir john Chandos, Sir Hugh Caluerley with other of the English which stuck to Montford, wan much honour. This field was fought at Aurpy not far from Vannes in low Britain. After * Paul. Emyl. Guil. tilius. which (having performed certain estates to the widow of the L. Charles, a man of singular sanctimony and integrity of life) he did homage to Charles king of France, and was accepted Duke of Britain, with consent of the King of England, his special raiser and protector. The * Invent: of Fran. by Serres. loss was great upon the enemy's side; for there were slain besides the said Earl of Bloys, (Montfords' competitor) the Lord john his brother, and six Lords with many other of special note, * Tho. Walls. saith 2. Earls and 27. Lords. Walsingham saith about a thousand men of Arms & esquires: and there were taken john and Guy the Earl's sons, and nine other Lords, and of those whose fame for chivalry countervailed half the rest: Sir Bertram de Glequin Marshal of France, under the banner of Sir john Chandoys. (129) In the * Ypod. Neust. The success of some English voluntaries in Egypt and Italy. A. D. 1365. Bap. Plati. in Vrba 5. Greg. 11. etc. mean space, from what part of the World did not the English bring testimonies of their valour? for such as had warred under the Cypriot King against the Turks, and taken a part of Alexandria in Egypt, returned with much riches in clothes of gold, velvets, & precious stone. About these times and long after also, Sir john * Haucut (or Hareskropd) that valiant man of Arms, made his own name, & his Countrimens' the English very honourable by martial virtue in sundry parts of Italy. And as their valour was one way seen beyond the Alpes, so there fell out occasions not long after, which made it known another way beyond the mountains Pyrenen. A. D. 1366. Richard of Bordeaux afterward King of England borne. (130) The family of the Lord Edward, Prince of Wales who lived in Bordeaux, was now with great honour increased: for his dearly loved wife, who the last year ba●e unto him Edward his first borne, (which lived but seven years after) bore unto him a second son, for whom Richard King of Navarre, and * Tho. Walsing. Holinsh. james King of Maiorca undertook as Godfathers, giving him to name Richard. The companies of Soldiers, most of whose Chiefs were English by birth or obedience, having now no employment, because the wars of Britain were appeased for the present, ranged desperately over France; but it was not long before Sir Bertram de Glequin (having paid his ransom) had means to draw the more part of that military Pestilence into another Coast: for, by the assistance of Peter King of Arragon, the banished Earls and the power of Glequin, with the floating Bands, called the Companions or Adventurers; Peter King of Castille and Leon was driven out of his kingdom, his bastard brother Henry chosen and crowned King of Spain at Burgos. The Original of the English wars in Spain. (131) This Peter was * Franc. Tarapha. Ptolemy de Luca. son to Alfonse the eleventh King of Castille, and had to wife a French Lady called Blanch, daughter to Peter Duke of Bourbon, who was father also of joan the French Kings wife. His tyrannical cruelties by the Spanish Stories, are reported so foul, and so many, that they * Roder. San. Hist. Hispan. par. 4. scarce suffer Nero or Caligula to go before him; though he were otherwise a Prince, who had such parts of mind (saith Rodericus) as do set forth and adorn the Owner, but cannot make him happy. His natural bloodthirstiness was increased, and precipitated, some say, by the magical practices of Maria de Padilla his concubine, who (calumniously * Paulus Emylius. in Carol. 5. charging the Queen with that which herself acted,) by means of a jew so enchanted a rich Girdle of King Peter, which Queen Blanch had given him, that the next time he ware it, the same * Rode. San. ubi suprà. appeared to himself and the beholders like a snake. This cursed disciple of * Genes. cap. 7. 11. jannez and jambrez hated the virtuous The causes of K. Peter's disinherison. Queen, for that she had so prevailed with Don Pedro her husband, that no jew was suffered to bear office, or enjoy any favours in Court, neither wanted she much of expelling them wholly out of Spain. But by this practice Maria de Padilla (who * Tho. Walsing. some erroneously say was a jew) got all the king to herself, and so persecuted the innocent Queen, that it was not long before she died, the Pope's intercessions failing to effect any good with the Tyrant. The Nobles of Spain who laboured to have brought her again into deserved grace, are by him pursued as fautors of her supposed witchcrafts. Other things also whetted him to savage, and Turkish Butcheries, as thirst of Gold, and somewhat which had by devilish arts been foretold him concerning his end. His brothers, kinsfolk, Nobles, and others, he causelessly massacreth or forceth to seek their safeguard by flight, among which the Lord Henry, his foresaid bastard brother was one. Peter notwithstanding was in the truth and right of blood King of Spain, but his said brother (a Gentleman in whom nothing was to be taxed, but that which he was not to be blamed for, his birth) being worthily popular and potent, had now obtained both the Title of King and possession of the Crown. King Peter's Mistress become his wife. (132) Peter, before this happened, so soon as his wife Queen Blanch was dead childless, * Alfons. à Carthag. Reg. Hisp. Anacophal. ca 88 married his late Concubine Maria de padilla a woman of a noble house, though not so rarely honest, as to refuse the unlawful love of a King: who having issue by her Alfonso a son (who died young) and three daughters * Polyd. Virg. l. 19 makes Beatrix eldest. Constance, Beatrix, and Isabel, made to her and them the best amendss he could for what was passed. It is the fit this truth should appear, for that within a few years after john Duke of Lancaster, one of the sons of England, married Constance the eldest sister, claiming the Crown of Castilia in her right, as * Rod. 4. cap. 22. shows Constance eldest. john Duke of Lancaster married Constance. K. Peter's eldest daughter in An. D. 1372. the Earl of Cambridge had another, and for that * Paul. Emyl. in Car. 5. some (either through hatred of a wicked x Serres in his inventary of France. Serres the French Author justly taxed. Tyrant, or through haste or misinformation) have in many points foully erred, and in particular, untruely leaving upon the Lady the Title of a Strumpet, who was honested by lawful matrimony. divers notwithstanding of * Roder. Sans Episcop. Patent. par. 4. c. 19 Micha Ritius. de reg▪ Hisp. lib. 3. the Spanish Lords, like good subjects acknowledged their duty to Peter (though a most violent Prince) nor could the usurper Henry, but by deeply impairing the revenues of the Crown of Spain with immoderate gifts, win any of them. Peter thus driven from his kingdom, with his wife, children, and (if * Serres. some say true) but one servant, repairs to the Prince of Wales (at * Paul. Emyl. Bayon) that is, to honour and humanity itself: who seeing it a dangerous precedent against all lawful Kings, that any one should be so dethroned, and not looking A. D. 1367. into his vices but his right; signified the same to his father: who enioines him to aid Don Peter, so that now the Prince, (burning with desire of renown) (upon trust of pay for his Army and of other commodities by King Peter, when he should be re-established in his throne) is ready to pass into Spain. The Prince of Wales with an Army in Spain. (133) He makes his way through the famous straitss of Rouncevallux in Navarre by permission of the King thereof, who * Paul. Emyl. Serres. yet suffered himself (as most men writ) to be taken prisoner by the French, and carried into Castille, that he might not in person seem to cross the French Kings designs on the behalf of the usurper Henry. The Prince of Wales had with him an army of about thirty thousand men, and in his company besides most of all the prime Captains of the English, there were in person two Kings, Peter of Castille, whose the quarrel was, and the King of Maiorca and john Duke of Lancaster who some while after Don Pedro his death writ himself King of Castille and Leon. On the other side K. Henry, for defence of his new Diadem, had assembled a very great number aswell of French (under Glequin their famous Captain) as of Castilians and other both Christians and Saracens, not fewer than fourscore, or an hundredth thousand. Upon the Borders of Castille it came to a battle: where the Prince of Wales obtained a very great victory, kill many thousands of his enemies. Henry himself * Tho. Wal. in Edward 3 was wounded in the groin but escaped. There were taken the Earl of Dene, * Paul. Emyl▪ johan. tilius. Bertram de Glequin himself (who shortly after by paying a great ransom had liberty) the Marshal Dandrehen and many others. Neither was it less worth to King Peter then a kingdom; for the most noble Edward left him not, till he had set him in Burgus upon his throne again. King Peter's falsehood and death. (134) But his falsehood and ingratitude were monstrous: For the Prince notwithstanding his so great goodness extended towards him, was enforced to return to Bordeaux without money wherewith to pay his army, which was the cause of exceeding great mischief to himself, and to the English dominions beyond the Seas; as if God had been displeased for succouring such a Tyrant. The Prince to pay his soldiers (who were not able to tarry King Peter's leisure) coined even his plate, and when all would not serve, sought to lay upon his Subjects in Gascoigne and thereabout, a new taxation, which bred a most dangerous revolt. God notwithstanding found out Peter, for it was not long but his bastard brother Henry returned with new forces, and by the aid of Glequin and the French, he both thrust him again from the Throne, and * Fran. Tarapha de regibus Hisp▪ & omnes. Tho. Walsin. in Edward 3. and▪ Ypod. Neust. murdered him also with his own hand. The Prince of Wales himself was in this journey so poisoned (as * Fran. Thine. apud Holinsh in Edward 6. pag. 770. was thought) he never after had his health. Duke john his brother is not freed* from the suspicion of having hastened the Prince's end, but whether it is meant of any practice at this time or not, appears not. Now notwithstanding he is safe as yet within Bordeaux. (135) Now began the peace between England and France to unsettle and untwine. For while King Edward rejoiced in the excellent virtues and actions of his sons and people; Charles the fifth, king of France, warned by so manifold calamities, as his Dominions had sustained by the English in fair war, & yet most earnestly coveting to recover the honour of his Nation, betakes himself wholly to other arts and trains; never adventuring his own person, but executing all his designs by Deputy, wherein the service of Bertram de Glesquin Constable of France stood him most in steed: neither neglected he before hand to lay up colours wherewith to over-paint his * Thom. Walsing. in Edward 3 collusions and devices for saving his honour; insomuch that when it came to scanning, the loss was clearly upon King Edward's side, and the cause of the breach made at leastwise doubtful. His practices notwithstanding were palpable, and it must be confessed that our truly noble King (without suspicion of craft) reposing himself upon the rules of * Bap. Platina in Innocent. 6. magnanimity, did not reap the stable effects of so great and important victories, nor of a peace so ceremoniously made, that (in the world's opinion) it might never be infringed without the manifest breach upon one side of all bonds both divine and human. The Prince of Wales by letters adviseth his father not to trust to any fair words, nor overtures of farther amity made by the French, because he said they entertained practices underhand, in every place against him. But the Prince was * Tho. Walsing. in Edward 3 judged to speak out of a restless humour delighting in war, and therefore prevailed not. The effects disclosed that his words were true. The English foreign Empire undermined by practice of the French. (136) For now king Charles surnamed the wise, having by quick payments, and by one means or other gotten home all the hostages which had been empledged for performance of the Articles of peace before mentioned, sets all his wits on work to abuse the King of England's credulity, till he had gotten before hand as far as dissimulations could advance: he Court's the good old Prince with loving letters and presents, while in the mean time his plots ripen abroad, and the County of Pontieu (the king of England's undeniable inheritance) was first surprised before King Edward heard thereof. And whereas the Prince of Wales had at a Parliament in Gascoigne propounded a demand for fowage, or of money to be levied by the chimney, the Earls of Armignac and Cominges, and other Lords the Prince's subjects, bearing no sound affections toward the English Empire (the less for that by the policy of Glequin, and the Chancellor of France * Inventory of France in Charles the 5. Serres: Dourmauns, all or most of the Countries and Towns (which by virtue of the peace made at Bretigney) were annexed thereunto, were cunningly wrought to return to their old Lords) repair to the French Court at Paris, there to pursue an appeal for redress of this oppression against the Prince (who was not so happy as to follow the counsel of Sir Robert Knols and other wisest Captains who dissuaded this imposition,) pretending that he was to answer before King Charles as before his superior Lord, of whom (they said) he held by homage and fealty. This practice of the disloyal Lords (for what could they be else? seeing King Edward and his heirs were absolutely freed (by virtue of the said Treaty) from all manner of service for any of their Dominions in France) King Charles did openly at last entertain, and (upon hope to recover by surprise, and plot, what the English had won by dint of sword and perfect manhood) proceeded to summon the Prince of Wales to Paris, there to answer such accusations as his subjects made against him. (137) To increase the indignity of these devices, you should hear the French kings Orators before the Pope and Emperor, to whom king Edward had severally sent Ambassadors, full of complaints against King Charles, laying wholly upon the French, the blame of the new war, as upon open breakers of faith, and violaters of the league, most confidently on the contrary part charge the English. Paul. Aemyl. in Car. 5. We had suffered the French hostages to visit their friends at home upon the French kings word, that they should come back by a day, contrary to which word, they, nor any of them, either were or are returned. That not so much as the Law of Nations was kept with us, which ties Princes to demand restitution by their Officers of Arms, or upon denial to defy them, but where (say we) are the * Serres rashly affirms he ●id. Heralds which King Charles did sand? We say, that without notice he surpriseth by stealth the Earldom of Ponthieu, King Edward's unquestionable right, and hath disseised us in Aquitaine, which doth no less belong unto us then Pontheiu. That * Pol. Virg. in E. 3. Margaret the Inheritrice of Flanders, which had been promised to the Lord Edmund, one of our King's sons, was by their injurious practice won away, and bestowed in marriage upon Philip Duke of Burgundy. Finally, we say, that Lewis Duke of Anjou, one of the pledges, making an escape by that, contrary to honour, and the league, was by them received, and not returned, which points being all of transcendent quality, are (say we) directly contrary to the Treaty and sworn agreement at Bretigny. The French hereunto answer, and charge upon us, to show the fault of first breach, not theirs, but ours. That we by virtue of the said Treaty were bound The points charged upon the English. immediately to withdraw our Army out of France, which yet (they said) we did not during all the reign of john their King. That the peace was made thereby more noyous, and hurtful than the war, and that they were feign to purchase the departure of our Soldiers with a greater charge than would have maintained a very gallant Army: That this breach was ours, because the Soldiers were ours. That King Edward In Charles 5. Serres. was bound in an open assembly of the States of both Realms, to renounce his right in the Crown of France: when (say they) was this done? Thus they, and Serres adds that the Estates of those Countries which had been assigned by the Treaty to the English assevered, that it was against the fundamental laws of France to alien any part, & that they neither could, nor would cease to be members of that Crown. (138) So ye behold that the fortune of the great is never to want friends to speak for them, nor occasions to slip out or in, whensoever profit and advantage do invite. Memorable (if true) is that part of the Frenchmens' defence, in that polite and learned Italian, P. Aemylius, where it being objected with what honour and clemency King john was used by us, they break out and affirm, that we (being their Beneficiaries or freeholders for such Countries as we held in France) took more gold for the only ransom of King john, than they paid to redeem S. Lewis their king, & his brother, the Peers, and whole French Army captivated in the Christi▪ an The dealings of the English defended against P. Aemilius. wars by the barbarous Sultan. But (good Aemylius) say that were so, yet cannot you say, that the sum we took was worth the lest Country in France, and when all France was ours, was it not great bounty to take so small a pittance? If you reply that we had many Countries besides, we rejoine and truly say, that we quit more than we acquired. But let us proceed: for now all claims & quarrels were as open, as if no obstacle had ever been interposed: the ignominy of their late terrible foils wounded all true French hearts, and they desire (king Edward grown aged) not to seem by sitting still upon so many thorns of disgrace, and loss, to have been outwarred, though over-warred, and though in two or three battles inferior, yet not to have been clearly debellated. An. D. 1369 john Duke of Lancaster sent to invade France. (139) What doth our King Edward now? He * Polyd. Verg. in Edw. 3. Froissard calls a Parliament, declares the breach, prays aid, obtains it, and claims the crown of France afresh. john Duke of Lancaster and Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford are sent over to Calais with a great force to invade France. Not great matter as then ensued. * Ypod. Neust. Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick coming over in hope to have work for his Curtle-axe, for the French affronted our army under the conduct of Duke Philip le Hardy (though at this time scarce showing himself worthy that surname) but rose upon the Earl's arrival, and retired, accused the Lords for sloth, and swore he would abroad among them to found fight, while English bread was as yet undigested in his soldiers stomachs. Somewhat he did, but death by a pestilential dart prevented the rest. This Earl had with him a learned man (as Scipio had Polybius) to register the acts which he saw done: A worthy example ill followed by posterity. The * Polyd Verg. l. 19 Holinsh. in Edw. 3▪ Duke of Lancaster pierced up with his army so far as Rouen. The same Polydor wondering why they of Pontheiu having for an hundredth and twelve years (that is, ever since King Edward the first had it given to him with his wife) been ours, should revolt, only daring the greatness of the English, can found no other reason for their doings but this pleasant one, that as dispersed cattle gather to their own heard, so Frenchmen flock to the French, and English follow English. An. D. 1370 Sir Robert Knolles sent General into the parts about Britain. (140) Stirring Princess cannot contain themselves within their own quietly possessed rights: Otherwise, who sees not how much better it is for the people, that their Princes should manage well that which they have, rather than grasp at more? For King Edward (notwithstanding his continual manifold victories) comes back to the Subject (who yet had gained hugely by the wars, and therefore might the better do it) for supportation: and they yield it, but his age was abused, for the money was not expended as the pretences were made. Private turns were served with public loans. Nevertheless, * Tho. Walsing. in Edw. 3. after Midsummer day, that renowned Captain Sir Robert Knols, whom martial virtue had raised from the lowest rank to the highest reputation (though some also affirm him * Paul. Emyl. in Car. 5. borne noble) was sent by King Edward into France with an Army, where▪ (while obedience lasted to his direction) all things prospered. But by the instigation of one Sir john * Paul. Emyl. jac. Meir▪ Holinsh. Mensterworth the young Lords Grandsonne, and Fitzwalter, and other vainly scorning to be under Knols, for that they held themselves his betters, and thereupon dividing themselves after they had done sundry exploits, marching up even to Paris, were beaten and foiled by the French under Glequins conduct, but Knols wintered safe in Britain. Mensterworth comes into England, and knowing accusers have the vantage, complains to King Edward of Knols: but not altogether believed: he adds treason to untruth, and turning French becomes a wicked enemy to his King and Country, * Tho. Walsing. in fin● Edw. 3. promising the French to procure the Castilian Navy to invade England, for which being in the last year of King Edward's reign taken, he by due course was condemned and cut in pieces, dying the death he had deserved. He was laid hold upon in the City of Pampeline in Navarre, and from thence conveyed to London, upon whose bridge his wicked head stood Sentinel. (141) * Tho. Walls. in Edward 3 Pope Vrban the fifth, coming from Rome to Auinion with purpose to unite these two mighty Kings, their wills, and mights against the common enemy of Christendom, put off mortality at Marsils, and so that holy intention ceased for the present: but the same being * Holinsh. continued by his next successor Gregory 11. yet took no effect, no more than that which the Emperor to like cause would have undergone: which the * Serres. French impute to King Edward, who confident by reason of his former achievements, would try it out by the sword. Wherein he seemed to forget the mutable condition of war, the searnesse of his body, and the greenness of his Grandchild young Richard, who was to succeed, if the Prince of Wales died, as shortly after he did. Neither did God seem to approve his opinion herein, for that crosses came fast upon him, both at home and abroad. There is no greater wisdom nor happiness then to know when we are well, and then to preserve without hazard or empairment, that honour wealth or quiet which we already have. (142) Among the States and Towns (assigned to the English by virtue of the treaty at Bretigny) which had revolted to the French, was the City of Lymoges in Limosin, whither the Prince marcheth, & sits down with his army before it. Thither * Holinshed. came unto him out of England his brethren the D. of Lancaster & the Earl of Cambridge, with a fresh supply of valiant Chiefs and Soldiers. The City stood it out to the uttermost, and was forcibly entered, where mercy had nothing to save nor spare, the sword and fire for terror to other kill and defacing in a manner all. He * Serres (an Author) disinherited. who writes that the Prince flew up near to Paris, and scarcely, by reason of Glequins valour, got back to Bordeaux, seems to have mistaken therein, as in many other things concerning us of great importance. After this service, the Prince, (health failing him more & more) leaves his Brethren in Aquitaine, and sails into England. (143) The French in the mean time won towns and places in Aquitaine, gathering new hopes after so long and perpetual infelicities. The loss of that expert Captain Sir john Chandoys (unfortunately slain) was a great advantage to their desires, whose whole care for war rested upon Glequin (not long before advanced for his military virtue from low estate to so great eminency, as to be Constable of France, the chiefest officer for war which that Kingdom hath) and he a man of much proof, in good and evil fortune, so tempered his courage with discretion, that he only first bad his Country rise again, and endeavour in despite of evil fortune to reflourish. (144) The Prince of Wales (wanting health) upon coming to his father's sight, rendered up the Duchy of Aquitaine, to be disposed of, as to his royal pleasure seemed good. While King Edward was at Clarendon, there repaired to him the factious king of Navarre, whole errand was to make an overture of association against the French; but as his offers were acceptable, so his cautions not seeming sufficient, he returned (after great entertainment) without concluding. An. D. 1372 (145) john Duke of Lancaster, and his brother the Earl of Cambridge, do now return out of Aquitaine, with the Ladies Constance and Isabel daughters of Don Pedr● late King of Spain, whom they married: The Duke thereupon instiling himself King, and his wife Queen of Castille and Leon. Nor was the English name only increased in titulary honours; for about this time, the Flemings (who had The Flemish Navy distressed by the English. provoked us) were vanquished by the * Holinshed: Earl of Hereford at sea in a sharp fight, * Ypod. Neust. about twenty and five of their ships being taken, and all the men slain. The sweet of this victory was soured not long after with a grievous loss: for the French having besieged the strong City of Rochel in Santoin, with the Rochel besieged by the French. aid by sea of Henry King of Castille; to relieve the English, john Earl of Pembroke was sent with about forty ships, men, victuals, munition, and money, to the value of twenty thousand marks, forth uses of the war; but being suddenly assailed with the Spanish Armado, which consisted of many great ships, under the command of Ambrose Buccanigra The English Navy distressed by the Castilian. and others, the English after a long and cruel conflict were utterly distressed, the Earl taken prisoner, and almost all the rest either taken, or put to the sword. * Polyd. Verg. l. 1● Rochel held out notwithstanding, to whose relief while King Edward himself in person, King Edward at sea to relieve Rochel is blown back. with an extraordinary force set sail, the wind (always till that time favourable to his voyages for France) came Easterly, and drove him back into England with great grief, and the waste (they writ) of * Tho. Walsin. nine hundred thousand pounds sterling. Neither did he so give over the care of that strong Piece, which the English most manfully made good against the enemy. A. D. 1373 Rochel continueth English. (146) * Polyd. Verg. lib. 1●. Rochel thus persisting in loyal resolution, john Duke of Britain (who had married the Lady Marie daughter of King Edward) a Gentleman of much gratitude toward the English, the authors of his fortunes, resolves to adventure his state in their quarrel; ships away for England: hath aid ministered unto him: he returns, and wars with various event. But john Duke of Lancaster with a very great Army comes to Calais, and from thence marcheth over the whole face of France, and (though with loss of many thousand * Tho. Walls. horse in the desert countries of Awergn through famine) came safe, but with an almost-hunger-starued Army to Bordeaux. Not long after he drew into the field, and a day was appointed between him and the Duke of Anjou the French Kings brother, to have tried the quarrel of their Nations by set battle, before the City of Tholouz in Languedoc, but by an untimely & a pernicious short truce (to which K. Edward yielded because his son the Prince lay dangerously sick) the hoped victory not only slipped out of the English men's hands, but almost all advantage also of doing any thing else seasonably. The French boasted * Th●. Walls. lib. 19 themselves as of a Conquest, who notwithstanding did help out their valiancy with policy. Glequin makes his use of all occasions, and works much harm to the English party in Guien and Britain: But in Britain * 1. tilius Chron. Sir Robert Knols did so nobly acquit himself on the behalf▪ of his Sovereigns son in law the Duke, that he only seemed a fit parallel to Glequin, like as he stopped the current of his fortune. Nevertheless the doings of Glequin are so extolled by the French, that tilius enters them into his Chronology with these words, victoriae, etc. the victories, fortunes and triumphs of Bertrand Glequin in Aquitaine and Britain, though their own selves make no mention of any defeat of the English, which afforded them matter for the shadow of such gloriations. An. D. 1374. (147) The next year the Duke of Lancaster returned into England, after whose departure all Aquitaine almost revolted, and fell to the French, who by the advantage of King Edward's age, the Prince's pining malady (which some say was not poison but a * Serre●. dropsy) and the success of their practices more than of their valour, were grown brave again: A treaty of peace was holden at Bruges, all was but painted: for even then the French most of all prepared underhand for new attempts. Chief commissioners for the English at that conference was john Duke of Lancaster, and for the French the Duke of Anjou. The effects hatched nothing but a short truce for our evils to breed in. A. D. 1375. (148) Among the parties which were prejudiced by this hurtful truce, the Duke of Britain was chief. He had obtained great assistance from King Edward, and was now with * Ypod. Neust. the Earls of Cambridge, March, Warwick, and Stafford, with many other noble gentlemen and soldiers returned into Britain, making to themselves a fair way for their main enterprise, which was to settle the Duke, and by the commodity of his duchies situation to annoyed the common enemy, and the better to recover the English dominions in Aquitaine: But this treaty did that which Glequin, their ind●ed brave General, had not as yet in any sort effected: for the Duke of Britain had * I Tilli●●. driven the French Kings army out of his territories. But who wonders at this truce? The Prince of Wales was likely to die; plots one foot at home; the Duke of Lancaster had an eye to the Succession; things grew troubled: the King's age was abused by dame Alice Peirs (a most busy Court-flie) who (after Queen Philip's death) kept the old man warm, and the French saw all these matters and slept not. A. D. 1376. (149) King Edward calling a Parliament, vnfoulding his estate, and wants, with demand of supplies, the body of the assembly in stead of contributions exhibits complaints, directly chargeth the King's Officers with fraud, and humbly prayeth, that john Duke of Lancaster, the Lord Latimer, than Lord Chamberlain, Dame Alice Peirs (whose * Tho. Walsi●. 〈◊〉 Edward 3▪ Alice Peirs the old King's Concubine a most insolent woman. behaviours they painted forth as most intolerable, for that she, respectless of her Sex's frailty, would in person, said they, come into all Courts of justice, and sometime sitting by the judges or Doctors, would also after a most insolent manner persuade or dissuade for her most advantage) and with these one Sir Richard Sturry might be removed from the person of the King. Nevertheless the Parliament made offer, that if the King were indeed out of money, they would liberally advance toward his uses. The * Holinsh. Prince of Wales favoured their free dealing, and all the said persons were removed, others more acceptable (such as the Prince and Peers thought fit) being surrogated in their places. The Prince of Wales dieth. (150) While this Parliament (called the Good) lasted at Westminster, the noble soul of Edward Prince of Wales upon Trinity Sunday (which every year he used to celebrated with the greatest honour that might be in due veneration of so divine a mystery) was presented to the holy and blessed Trinity, after he had lived therein * Ypod. Neu●●. about 46. years. In steed of Epitaph or mention of obsequies, the words of * Poly. Verg. * Tho. Wals●●. in Edward 3 Walsingham shall serve us for the present, of whose death he writes thus. Quo obeunte, etc. With whom dying, died all the hope of Englishmen; during whose life, the English feared no invasion of the enemy, nor any encounter in Battle: For he assailed no Nation which he overcame not, he besieged no City which he took not. And when this lamp was put out, the effect of this Parliament was extinguished. His mortal parts were interred at Canterbury, where his monument standeth, but the renown of his inimitable virtues have as large an extent, and space to move in, as the wide world. The King of France most * Froiss●rd. holinsh. reverently celebrated his Exequys within the Chapel of his Palace at Paris. But in England there was a general sorrow, as for one whose worth had begotten a just hope that he would outgo * Polyd. Vergil. his Ancestors in glory. Death preventing that experiment of him, he is notwithstanding in full possession of love and praise * Serres. among all men for that which was passed. The cause of this domestic mourning increased with the effects of his loss, which forthwith disclosed themselves. The King recalls such person● as at the petition of the Lords and Commons had been removed, and Peter de la Mare speaker of the last Parliament, who had eloquently expressed the mind of the house in the foresaid reformations, was, at the * Th●▪ Walls. suit of the said bold Dame Alice P●irss, condemned by the King to perpetual imprisonment at * Holinsh. Nottingham, though within two years after by the importune s●ite of friends he regained liberty. Meanwhile john Duke of Lancaster * Fran. Thym. in his collect. of the Protectors apud Holinsh▪ and Po●yd. Verg. lib 19 Richar● made Prince of Wales and the nobles sworn to his succession. gets the governance of the kingdom to be entrusted to him by his father. (151) Richard the eldest son of the late most noble Prince of Wales, for prevention of all debates about the right of succession to the Crown of England, was by his Grandfather first made Earl of Chester, and not long after Prince of Wales: but for more assurance (lest the sons decease before the fathers should prejudice the Grandchild) King Edward * Caxton apud Holinshead. caused all the nobles of the Realm to take an Oath to accept and defend Prince Richard, as lawful heir and King of England, after himself was dead: Neither did his * Paul. Aemyl. Serres. uncles though famous Captains, repugn. Finally, the good old King, to comfort himself in honouring the living image of his noblest Child, the late Prince Edward, and to give the mind of his Grandchild a feeling of future majesty, that by the sudden insolency of the splendour, it might not afterward too much abuse his tender judgement, and to make his uncles acquainted with respect of his person, he caused him to sit openly at his Table above all his own Children in Christmas. A. D. 1377. A. reg. 51. (152) About this time the famous Doctor john wickliff a man of sharp wit, profound learning, and great judgement, did in the University of Oxford publicly maintain sundry propositions and dogmatical points against the Church of Rome, of which the Pope (foreseeing the hazard hanging over his triple Crown) condemned * Holinsh. three and twenty as heretical; whereupon the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of London having attached the body of the said wickliff, did in the presence of the Duke of Lancaster and the Lord Henry Peircie ( * Thom. Wals●●g. his great favourers,) declare the judgement of the Pope concerning Wiclefs doctrine, which had then taken deep root both in the university, Court, and Country. Chrispinus' i● Act. Martyru●●. So for a while all was quiet. But (upon some secret encouragements) he held not peace long. His followers were, in the phrase of those dark days, called * Lol●um signifieth cock●e and such like weeds. Lolards, whereas, in truth, they endeavoured to extirpate all pernicious weeds, which through time, sloth, and fraud, had crept into the field of God's Church. The Duke of Lancaster (the rather, some think, upon private emulations against Courtney Bishop of London) was engaged so far in his protection, that he and the Lord Percy hardly escaped the fury of the Londoners, who would without question have hewed them in pieces in revenge of some disgraceful speech uttered by him against their Bishop. He notwithstanding dissuaded all violence, and kept them from firing his palace of the Savoy, but they nevertheless did in most despiteful manner reverse his Armouries in the open Market▪ A dishonour not to be borne, as that in which the dignity of his royal blood was impaired. By this outrage the people (a most dangerous and heady water when once it is out) made known, what he, and the Lord Percy were to have hoped, if they could have fingered them, before they had gotten to Kenington to Prince Richard, who there remained with his mother: The Duke for this bore the Londoners much evil will; neither rested till (for a commencement of revenge) he had procured the Mayor and Aldermen to be thrust from their places, and substituted others in their stead. (153) France in the mean time erected with new hopes, breathes nothing but war. Provisions in that respect were not neglected here. One of the last public acts of the old king's life, was the triumphal celebration of Saint George's feast at Windsor, where himself had founded the order of the Garter; and at this solemnity he bestowed upon his dearest Grandchild Prince Richard the dignity of Knighthood, which only thing in all the patrimony of honour could not descend unto him. (154) Not long after ensued the sentence of divorce which God pronounced between the soul and body of this mighty and martial king, who left the world in the month of june at his Manor of Shene in Surrey: his Acts may give you a perfect Character of his mind: few Princes that had so great and heroic virtues, had fewer vices: therefore it was a fault of those times, which abounding in learned men, (and among them Geffrey Ch●●cer Prince of Poets) afforded no better an Epitaph then that which we are feign with pity to read upon his Monument at Westminster: the stuff nevertheless is worthy, though the form be rude. Hi● decus Anglorum, flos regum praeteritoru●, Forma futurorum, rex clemens, pax p●puloru●. Tertius Ewardus, regni complens I●bil●●m; Inuictus Pardus, * He means mo●e able in battle the● Mac●●b●us, you must bear ●ith the breaking of Priscian's head, for it is written of a King that used to break many. pollens bellis Machabaum. Here England's grace the flower of Princes past, Pattern of future, Edward the third is placed, Mild Monarch, subjects peace, wars Machabee, Victorious * He alludes to the Leopard's in the Armouries of England. Pard, his reign a jubilee. No man of his time could by better experience teach, what a vain thing worldly glory (to the height whereof he had aspired) aught to seem. His mind (by sundry great checks of God's providence) recalled to consider of the four last things▪ Death, judgement, Heaven and Hell, made him betake himself to Acts of benignity and devotion. The Chapel at the end of the Abbey-Church at Westminster (since most magnificently ●nlarged by King Henry the seventh) was of his building. The holy quiet of studies, and advancement of good Arts, he so prosperously favoured, that besides other great privileges granted to the University of Oxford, ( * Joh. Angli●us. where himself had in his youth been trained up under the learned Walter Burley) * Th●. Walsing. he conferred the chief rule of that whole City upon the Chancellor of the University, subordinating the Mayor and Citizens to his government, in regard of their injuries offered to the Students. This most mighty Monarch that ever ware the Crown of England, in many other felicities excelled his Ancestors, as in the victorious valour of his Children, their obedience to him, and love among themselves. A Lady to his wife (their mother) of such excellent virtue and government, as that then K. Edward's fortunes seemed to fall into Eclipse wh●n she was hidden in her Sepulchre. Such and greater was this Edward, whose name among the surviving spendors of his actions, is justly transmitted with honour to all posterity. He reigned almost one and fifty years, and * Fr●●. T●yn. lived about threescore and five. His Wife. (155) Philip, wife of King Edward, was daughter of William Earl of Henault and Holland, sister of Earl William the last of that house, and of Margaret the Empress that succeeded him; her mother was * Marry saith Mille●. joan, sister of Philip of Valois king of France, daughter of Charles Earl of Valois, who was son to King Philip the Hardy. She was married unto him at Y●rke, january 24. crowned at Westminster the first Sunday of Lent following, 1327. She was a Lady of great virtue, and a constant true hearted lover of our Nation, was his wife two and forty years, died August 15. Anno 1369 of her husband's reign, 43. and was buried at Westminster, where she hath a fair Tomb, at the foot of her husband, of black Touchstone with the garnishing about it, and the portraiture over it of Alabaster: but she built to herself a Monument of more glory and durability, by founding, and richly endowing the College, called of her the Queens in Oxford, which, if it had been finished according to the project, had been a foundation of marvelous state and magnificence. His Issue. (156) Edward, their eldest son and first child, borne at Woodstock, july 15. in the third year of his Father's reign, Anno 1329. was created Prince of Wales, Duke of Aquitaine and Cornwall, and Earl of Chester; he was also Earl of Kent in right of his wife joan (the most admired Lady of that age) daughter of Edmund Earl of Kent, brother, by the father's side, to king Edward the second. She had been twice married before, first to the valiant Earl of Salisbury, frow whom she was divorced, next to the Lord Thomas Holland, after whose decease, this Prince passionately loving her, did marry her: by her he had Issue two sons, Edward the eldest, borne at Angolesme, who died at seven years of age, and Richard borne at Burdea●●, who, after his father was Prince of Wales, and after his Grandfather King of England. This Prince had also natural Issue, Sir john Sounder, and Sir Roger Cl●rendon Knights; the latter being attainted in the reign of Henry 4. is thought to have been ancestor to the house of Smiths in Essex. He died at Canterbury on Trinity Sunday, june 8. atat. 46. of his father's reign 49. and was buried at Christchurch there, 1376. (157) William their second son, and fourth child, was borne 1335. 9 of his father's reign, at Hatfield in the County of Hertford, taking his Christian name from William Earl of H●nault his Grandfather, and his surname from the place of his Nativity; is reported to have deceased in his childhood, & to be buried at York. (158) Lionel, their third son and fift child, was borne at the City of Antwerp, 29. novemb. 12. of his father's reign, Anno 1338. he married first Elizabeth, the daughter & heir of William Burgh Earl of Ulster in Ireland, in whose▪ right he was first created Earl of Ulster; and because he had with her the honour of Clare in the Counties of Towmond, as parcel of the inheritance of her Grandmother Elizabeth, (the sister and coheir of the last Earl Gilbert ●lare, he was in a Parliament, Anno 1362. created Duke of Clarence, as it were of the Country about the Town Castle and honour of Clare: from which Duchy the name of Clarentieux (being the Title of the King of Arms for the South parts of England) is derived. This Duke had Issue by her one only daughter named Philip, afterward wife of Edmund Mortimer Earl of Marc●, mother of Earl Roger, Father of Anne Countess of Cambridge, and she was the mother of Richard Duke of York, Father of King Edward the 4. the second marriage of this Duke was in Lombardy at milan, with the Lady * 〈◊〉 saith Polyd▪ Virg. Violanta daughter of Galeacio the second Duke thereof; but through intemperance, he lived not long after. (159) I●hn, their fourth son and sixt Child was borne at Gaunt the chief Town of Flaunders, Anno 1340. and 14. of his father's reign. In his Childhood he was created Earl of Richmond, which title was afterward recalled▪ in, and bestowed upon john Duke of Britanny, who married his sister, to whose Duchy it had formerly belonged. He had three wives; the first, Blanch, daughter and Coheir, and in the end the sole heir, of Henry Duke of Lancaster (son of Edmund surnamed Crooch-back) in whose right he was at the first Earl, and after Duke of the same, and with that Duchy also Earl of Leicester, Derby, and Lincoln, and high Steward of England. He had issue by her, Henry of Bullingbrooke Earl of Derbie, after Duke of Hereford, and lastly King of England, named Henry the fourth, who first placed the Crown in the house of Lancaster; Philip, wife of john the first, King of Portugal; and Elizabeth, married first to john Holland Earl of Huntingdon, (brother of Thomas Duke of Surrey) and after him, to Sir john Cornwall Baron of Fanhope. His second wife was Constance, the eldest daughter of Peter King of Castille and Leon, in whose right for the time he entitled himself King of both these realms; by her he had issue one only daughter▪ named Katherine, married to Henry the third, son of King john, in possession before, and in her right, after, King of both the said realms▪ His third wife was Katherine the widow of Sir Hugh Swinford, a Knight of Lincolnshire, eldest daughter and Coheir of pain Roet a Gascoigne called Given King of Arms, for that Country, * Milles. p. 992. his younger daughter being married to Sir Geoffrey Chaucer, our Laureate Poet. By her he had issue (borne before matrimony, and made legitimate afterward by Parliament holden in the twentieth year of King Richard the second,) john Earl of Somerset, Thomas Duke of Excester, Henry Bishop of Winchester and Cardinal; and joane, who was first married to Robert Ferrer (Baron of Wemme and Ouesley, in the Counties of Salop and Warwick) and secondly to Ralph Nevil the first, Earl of Westmoreland. She and all her brethren were surnamed Beaufort, of a Castle which the Duke had in France * Idem ib. where they were all borne,) in regard thereof bearing the Porculleys ofa Castle for the cognizance of their family. This Duke in the thirteenth year of his Nephew King Richard, at a parliament holden at London, was created Duke of Aquitaine, but in the sixt year after, he was called home, and this Title recalled in, and in the third year after, the sixtieth of his age, Anno 1399. he died at Ely house in Holborn, and lieth honourably entombed in the Choir of Saint Paul. Edmond, their 5. son, surnamed of Langley, was created Earl of Cambridge Anno 1362. in the same Parliament, wherein Lionel was created Duke of Clarence. He was afterward made Duke of York, Anno 1386. and married Isabel daughter and Coheir to Peter, King of Castille and Leon. His son Richard Plantagenet Duke of York, took to wife Anne Mortimer heir of the foresaid Lionel elder brother to Edmund Langley. William another of their sons, surnamed of Wynsore, where he was borne died young, and is buried at Westminster. Thomas the youngest son of King Edward and Queen Philip surnamed of Woodstock (where he was borne) was first Earl of Buckingham, created by his Nephew King Richard the second on his Coronation day, An. 1377. by whom, after also he was made Duke of Gloucester, 1385. The Earldoms also of Essex and Northampton▪ and the Constableshippe of England, fell to him by right of his wife Eleanor, the only daughter and heir of Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex. He was a man of valour, wisdom, and vigilancy for the behoof of the King his Nephew and the State, but those noble virtues (distempered with too much wilfulness & froward obstinacy) bred him, first Envy, and after ruin. For the King surmising him to be a too severe observer of his doings, consulted with Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk how to make him away; whom Mowbray unawares surprising, conveyed secretly to Calais where he was strangled 1397. 20. of his nephews reign. Himself in his life had provided a goodly tomb at Playsie in Essex (his own Town, and * Lib. Eliens. the usual ●eat of the great Constables of England) * Cambd. Brit. in E ssex. where he founded a College; whither his body was brought, and laid with all funeral pomp, but afterward it was translated to Westminster, where also lieth Eleanor his wife, who died 1399. Their issue was Humphrey Earl of Buckingham, * Milles. p. 381. who died at Chester of the pestilence An. 1400. Anne (married first to Edmund Earl of Stafford, by whom she had Humphrey Duke of Buckingham, secondly to William Bourchier Earl of Eve, by whom she had Henry Earl of Essex) Philippe, joane, Isabella, who died all issueless. Idem. p. 428. Isabel, the eldest daughter and second child of K. Edward and Queen Philip was married at Windsor with great pomp to Ingelram of Guisnes, Lord of Coucy, Earl of Soysons and after Archduke of Austria, whom K. Edward (his father in law) created also Earl of Bedford 1365. by whom she was mother of * Milles. p. 441▪ two daughters, Marry, (married to Henry of Bar, to whom she bore Robert de bar, and joane, the wife of Lewis of Luxemburg, Earl of S. Paul) and Philip, the wife of Robert de Veer Earl of Oxford, Duke of Ireland and marquess of Dublyn; this Robert in the height of his fortunes forsook his noble Lady, and married one * Idem. p. ●89. Lancerona a joiners daughter (by report) which came with King Richard the seconds wife out of Boheme; and being, for his pride and abusing the King's ear to the hurt of the State, driven out of the land by the nobles, he died at Louvain, in great vexation of mind, and extreme penury, An. 1392. Isabel his wives mother was buried in the Church of friars Minorites near Algate in London. joane their second daughter and third child was borne 9 of her father's reign An. 1335. Being 14. years of age, she was desired in marriage by solemn Embassage, from Alphons the eleventh King of Castille and Leon, son of King Ferdinando the 4▪ was espoused by Proxy, entitled Queen of Spain, and conveyed into that Country, where she presently deceased of a great plague that then reigned; so as the King coming to meet her to solemnize the espousals, with great grief accompanied her to Church only at her funeral 22. of her father's reign. An. 1348. Blanch the 3. daughter, died young, and lieth buried at Westminster. Marry, their 4. daughter was married to john Montford Duke of Britain. Margaret their youngest daughter was the first wife of john de Hastings Earl of Pembroke, but she died without issue. Richard II Monarch 50 RICHARD THE SECOND, KING OF ENGLAND, AND FRANCE, LORD OF IRELAND. THE FIFTIETH MONARCH▪ OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND TROUBLES. CHAPTER XIII. Ricardus: 〈◊〉 Gracia: Re●: francie: et: ●ngue: et: ●n●: I●●er●e R. 2. R●cardus: ●ei: Gracia: Re●: francie: et: ●nglie et: ●n●: ●ibe●nie▪ R●●: D: ●●IT ✚ R●●●●R●●: D: ●R : ●●LI●: PR●●IG: 4 GOL. ✚: VXILIU● 〈…〉 A. D. 1378. RIchard of Bordeaux, son to that Great Star of English Chivalry, Edward, bynamed the Black The Coronation of the King. Prince, and grandchild to the most renowned Edward the third (both of them lately deceased) was crowned in the eleventh year of his age, and upon the sixteenth day of july. Seldom hath been seen so magnificent a Coronation, as that of this young King, but the thing which gave a better lustre of hope at his beginning; then the shine and majesty of that public Act, was the wise course which in this his childhood was taken; to wit, the reconciliation of the Lord john Duke of Lancaster, and the Citizens of London, with the restitution of Sir Peter de la Mare Knight, Speaker in the late Parliament, (whom King Edward had committed to prison, at the instigation of Dame Alice Peers now banished, and confiscated) not only to former liberty, but likewise to favour and honour extraordinary. E● MS. apud D▪ Rob. Cotton. (2) At this Coronation, (which, as matters not unworthy to be kept alive, we following the immethodical order of the Record, have here for perpetual memory thought good to abridge out of authentic Monuments) john the King's eldest uncle, under the stile of john King of Castille and Leon, and Duke of Lancaster, by humble petition to the King, claimed to be now Steward of England, in right of his Earldom of Leicester; and as he was Duke of Lancaster, to bear the King's chief sword called Curtana; and as Earl of Lincoln, to cut and carve at the royal Table before the King. His Services by reason of tenors at the Coronation found and allowed in that Court. petitions being found just, were confirmed to him, and to his Assigns, the two Earls of Derby and Stafford, the first to bear the Sword, while the Duke should be busied about other offices as Steward, and the other to cut and carve. The Duke then in great The Court of high Stewardship. estate, held this the Kings high Court of Stewardship in the Whitehall of the King's Palace at Westminster, near to the Chapel of the said Palace, upon the Thursday, before the Coronation, which was also The Lord high Constable of England. upon a Thursday. There Thomas of Woodstock the King's uncle, was admitted to exercise the office of Constable of England, in right of his wife, one of the daughters and heirs of Humphrey de Bohun, The Lord high Marshal of England. late Earl of Hereford, and Constable of England. Henry de Percy (Lord Percy) was by the King's consent and writ authorised to exercise the place of Marshal of England for that time, saving to every one their right, for that by reason of the times shortness, the claim, which Margaret daughter & heir to Thomas of Brotherton, late Earl of Norfolk, and Marshal of England, laid thereunto, could not The ●. high Chamberlain of England. be discussed. Robert de Veer Earl of Oxford, though then in minority, being notwithstanding found to have right in Fee, was by the King's special consent allowed to have, and use the office of Chamberlain. He was also admitted to his right of pouring out water for the King to wash with, The Earl of Kent Deputy to a Citizen of London at the Coronation. when he went to meat, at the Coronation. john Wiltshire Citizen of London, by reason of certain tenements (heretofore the possession of john Picot) being a Moitre of the Manor of Heydon, and holden in sergeanty, had his right, to hold a Towel for the King to wipe with, when he went to meat, found and allowed, and Edmund Earl of Kent appointed The Earl of Warwick's service. to serve as his Deputy. Thomas Beauchampe Earl of Warwick was found to have right, and admitted thereupon to bear the third sword of estate before the King at the Coronation, as also to exercise the office of Pantler, and to enjoy all such fees Sir john de Argenthem (or Argenton) his service as to the same appertained. Sir john de Argenthem knight, by reason of the tenure of his Manor of Wimondley in the County of Hertford, was admitted to serve the King at his Cup, upon the day of the Coronation, and for his Fee to have that * This name bore three cups Argent in a field gules, that you may know that ancient Coat-armors had their causes of bearing. The L. Furnivals' honourable service. Cup of silver wherewith he then served the King in his royalty. William Lord Furnivall for his Manor of Farnham and Hamlet of Cere, was proved to have right to support the King's right arm, when it held the Seepter royal therein at the day of Coronation; which service being first * Honorificè The Countess Dowager of Pembroke her claim to service. The Earl of March. The Services of Hastings Earl of Pembroke. honourably knighted by the King at Kenington, he was admitted accordingly to perform. Anne late wife of john de Hastings Earl of Pembroke for her Manor of Ashele in Norfolk, was admitted by her Deputy Sir Thomas Blunt Knight, to use the office of Naperer, and to enjoy the fees thereof. Edmund, Earl of March, was assigned to carry the King's great gilt Spurs, saving to every one their right; for john, the son of john de Hastings late Earl of Pembroke, claimed that office to be his, as William le Martial his Ancestor held the same at the Coronation of King Edward the second; but by reason he was under age, and in Wardship, the King for that time disposed it to the Earl of March. Who also, with the said Spurs was assigned to bear the second Sword before the King; for which, the said young Earl of Pembroke, and the Earl of Arundel (in the right of his Ancestor the Earl of Surrey) contending, it was adjudged to Pembroke, for his Castles and Towns of Pembroke and Tenby, etc. but the execution of that honourable place was assigned by Lord Chief Butler. the King as before. Richard Earl of Arundel, for the Manor of B. in Kent, was admitted to be chief Butler at the Coronation, for that (after the sale thereof) the Earl's Ancestors had exercised that office at Coronations, and the claim of Edmund Staplegate, who then had that manor as son and heir of Edmund Stapulgate (ward to jeffrey Chaucer, who had freed him for one hundredth and four The services of the L. Maior of London, and the selected Citizens pounds) for that time put off, his right to him in the mean time saved notwithstanding. The Lord Maior and Citizens of London (such as were chosen for that high days service among themselves) were found by good Record to have their several rights. The Mayor to attend in his own person as chief Cuppe-waiter, (charged with the Cupbord-royall) aswell in the hall at dinner, to serve the king in a cup of gold with spices, and for his Fees to have the said Cup, and a * Cum Aquario, an Ewer. Water-spowt-potte of gold thereunto belonging, when he took his leave at night. The Citizens, to help their Lord Mayor in his office of chief Pincern or Cup-waiter, and to minister or serve the Lords aswell at Dinner in the Hall, as in the Chamber after dinner. Whereupon the King (saith the Record) perpendens gratitudinem magnam & subsidium quae Progenitores sui, etc. weighing with himself the great gratitude and aid, which his Progenitors had heretofore abundantly found in the Citizens aforesaid, and hoping himself to find in them the like gratitude and aid hereafter, and to the intent that they might with the more joyful hearts perform loyal obedience to the King, and more earnestly help him in his occasions, he being hearty desirous to content them, did will and ordain that the selected Citizens should exercise their said attendance. Sir john The King's Champion. Dymmocke Knight, in the right of Margarite his wife, for the Manor of Scryvelby, and Sir Baldwine de Frcuile Knight, as cozen and next heir to Philip Marmion, by Lioness daughter of the said Philip, for the Castle of Tamworth in the County of Warwick, contended each of them to have the office, & fees belonging to the King's Champion upon that royal day; but because the said john showed better Records than Baldwin, and for that King Edward and the late Prince of Wales, were often heard to say that john aught to do that service for the said manor of Scrivelby, he was admitted for that time, and day was given to Baldwine to show farther cause of his claim within three weeks after the feast of S. Hilary next, or else for ever to be utterly excluded. The service and fees of the king's Champion at that time. This Champion is to have for accomplishment of that service (and the same also for his fees) one of the best horses of war and comparisons, which the king hath, one saddle plated with Iron, and one complete armour with the whole furniture, in such sort as the King himself useth, when he is to go into a mortal battle (Silius deust aler, saith the Record, en une battle mortele) in which sort being mounted, he is to ride before the King in procession to his Coronation, and to cry thrice to the people before all the world. That there is no man of high or low estate, who will say, that our liege Lord Richard, Cousin and Heir of Edward, late King of England, aught not to be crowned King of England, against whom he the Champion is not ready with his body to maintain, and will maintain that he doth falsely lie as a Traitor. William de Latimer, and john the son and heir of The office of chief Eleemosynar at the Coronation. john Mowbray of Axholm, the King's Ward, jointly petitioned at the same Court, to be admitted in the right of William Beauchampe of Bedford (whose lands the king held in right of the said Wardship, and William de Latimer in his own right,) to have the office of Almoner at the Coronation, and to enjoy the Fees thereof. And because in the red Book of the Exchequer it appeared, that the said William Beauchampe (late deceased) used the said office; William de Latimer was there admitted, aswell for himself, as for the said heir to exercise the same, and for his Fee to have the silver platter of Alms which stood before the King as he sat at the Table upon that day; and if afterward it should reasonably appear, that they likewise aught to have an * Tonnellum vini. Hogshead of wine▪ they should have it. William Bardolf showed by petition (as all the rest did) to the right noble, and right redoubted Lord, the King of Castille and Leon, Duke of Lancaster, and Steward of England, that certain of the said William his Fee-simple lands in his town of A. were holden of the King in chief by sergeanty. The words of the petition, showing the service, which we (fearing to err) leave for other to interpret, are these. De trower le iour due Coronnement nostre tresredoubte Seigneur le Roy, ung homme de fair une messe quest appelle Dilgirunt, & si apponatur sanguineum adonques il est appelle Malpygerynen la Cuisin de Roy. And accordingly the said William was admitted to that service The King's Waferer. by his Deputy. Richard Lions, as Tenant of the Manor of L▪ which john de Lyston and his ancestors held by the service of making wafers for the King at the day of Coronation, was accordingly The honourable service of the Barons of the five Ports. thereunto admitted. The Barons of the Cinque Ports, upon their petition and claim, the matter being evident, were admitted to bear (and to have for their Fees) the King's Canopy of cloth of Gold (or of what other stuff else it pleased the King) upon four staves of silver over the king's head upon the day of Coronation, and also to sit at meat in the hall at the highest Table on the king's right hand. john Chief Larderer. Fitz-Iohn, in right of his wife, showed, that the Manor of S. in Norfolk was holden of the King by the service of Chief Larderer at his Coronation, and that Geffrey Burdeleys did exercise the same at the Coronation of King Edward the third; whereupon john Fitz-Iohn was admitted to exercise that office by himself and his Deputies. Richard Hearing for the Manor of C. in the County of Surrey, in the right of Agnes his wife, claimed to be Usher of the King's Chamber; but because that claim did no way concern the Coronation of the King, he was left otherwise to pursue his interestifhe so thought good. These are the services which were then claimed before the D. of Lancaster, Steward of England, which he with his * Ex▪ Chirographo D. Rob. Cotton. Creation of States. own hands delivered into the King's Chancery there to be enrolled. At the same Coronation also Thomas of Woodstock youngest son of the late king was created Earl of Buckingham, Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham, Guychardd▪ Angolem Earl of Huntingdon, and Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland. Thus the bounty of the young Monarch imparted large rays of his imperial Splendour to these eminent persons of his Kingdom. Howsoever, these and the like honours have not in our Commonwealth either always been fortunate to the Receivers, or without repentance to the Donors. The first attempts of the French and Scots. (3) But the general State of the kingdom being implicated, before the late king Edward's decease, by reason of that opportunity and advantage to their designs, which the neighbour enemies of the Crown of England found in the old age of that victorious Monarch, was now no less entangled through the contempt of king Richard's youth. For before his Coronation, the French with fifty ships (as Walsingham calls them) thrust into the Haven of Rye, the town whereof they rifled, and consumed with fire. The Crown of England was scarce settled on his head, when the Scots at the other end of England set fire upon the Town of Rockesbrough: but the French (encouraged by their late exploit at Rye) arrived in their Galleys, and took the whole Isle of Wight, the Castle (which Sir Hugh Terrell manfully defended,) only excepted, levying upon the inhabitants one thousand Marks in am of sparing their houses from the rage of war, and flame. Neither was it long before they landed at Winchelsey, though being from thence repulsed, they burned the Town of Hastings at that present. (4) These petty braves thus given to the king, were farther fortunated with a little victory. For they, emboldened with such successes (dishonourable and dangerous to King Richard, who seemed to have lost the sovereignty of the English Ocean, where Pirates durst so revel, and also to have had as little counsel, courage or forces left about him upon the land) come on Shore at Rotingdene in Sussex. The French take the Abbot of Lewis and others Prisoners in Sussex. The Prior of Lewis with some slight tumultuary Forces, rashly adventures himself against them, where he with two knights, & some few others were taken prisoners, and about 100 English slain, but of the French many more, who returned with their Prisoners to their Navy. A. D. 1378. (5) The chief charge of affairs lay upon the Duke of Lancaster, the King's uncle, or upon some such as he did put about him, through whose want of care, things declining to a shameful change, and the glorious achievements of the two late Edward's falling under Eclipse, there was only found one private Citizen of London, that (without regard to the envy of the slothful Lords, or his own hazards, or of any thing else, so much as the good of his neglected Country) put his whole strengths to support the same. This was the worthy john Philpot, The immortal deserts of Sir john Philpot Citizen of London. who at his own charges man's out a Fleet to the Sea, reigns by them therein, and guards both water and land from their intolerable violences. Nor did his so great piety fail of happy event, for God (who favours all virtuous actions) had put into his hands within a short space 15. Spanish Ships fraught with rich merchandise, which the right of war made his, whereby his great charges were abundantly repaid. Let us see his Statue erected now at last, with the Statues of Walworth, and other honourable Citizens in London. (6) What therefore the love of their Prince and Country could not stir up in the Lords, that very shame and indignation do. There is consultation had, and the King of Navarre (an unquiet subject of the Crown of France) morgageth the Haven Town of Cheirbrough in Normandy to King Richard. The occasion was the rather not omitted, for that, by thrusting into it a good Garrison (which was forthwith done, and first Sir Robert Rous, than Sir john of Harleston, both worthy Knights, made Captains there) the same would at all times serve to give quiet entrance to an invasion of France which now was meditated. The sacrilegious murder of Robert Haule. (7) How loosely, the mean while, the affairs of the State and justice were managed, by reason of the unripe years of the King, may appear by a bloody outrage then perpetrated and unrevenged. The occasion this. In the wars of Spain, (which Edward the late Prince of Wales made for restoring Peter to the Crown,) the Earl of Dean was taken and adjudged Prisoner (from all others claiming that honour) to two valiant Esquires Robert Haule and john shackle, who both of them belonged to that martial Knight Sir john Chandos. They free the Earl, taking his son and heir for assurance of performances. This young Gentleman (utterly neglected hitherto by his dishonourable Father,) was now demanded of them in the King's name, by the Duke of Lancaster, with a purpose (as was thought) the rather either to advance thereby his (the said Dukes) title to the Crown of Spain, or to make a peace there, with the better conditions. The Esquires refuse, and shifted their Hostage out of the way; are thrust therefore into the Tower of London; but escaping from thence, take Sanctuary in Westminster. Thither with fifty armed men doth Sir Alan de Bruxhull secretly repair, draws Shakel by a wile out of the privilege of the Church, and expostulates the matter with Haule in the King's name; upon whom (protesting against the abuse offered to that Majesty in his tender years, and freely taxing his counsellors with injustice, avarice, and evil advice,) while they sought to lay hands, he with his short sword valiantly made them all fly off, but in the end they most wickedly murdered him in the Chancel: commending himself, in his last words, to God revenger of such injuries, and to the liberty of our holy mother the Church. With him was murdered a servant of his thrust in with a javelin at the back. This is that haul whose body lies buried under a brasse-plated stone in the Abbey Church at Westminster, whose blood (by the violence of the said Duke) found not that fullness of legal vengeance, which so heinous an homicide required. Berwick surprised and recovered within nine days. (8) The North parts of England were about this time grievously visited with the stroke of pestilence, and their lamentable affliction increased by the inroads and outrages of the Scots; who had now surprised Berwicke kill Sir Robert Boynton Knight the Constable thereof; which yet the Earl of Northumberland upon the ninth day after recovered by force, putting those, who had surprised it, to the sword. A. D. 1379. (9) Neither was the spirit of the English (after it began to requicken) idle elsewhere; for as Sir Robert Rous had divers ways vexed the French, and taken Ol●uer (the brother of that renowned Bertrand de Glequin) prisoner, so Sir john de Harleston, Captain of Cherbrough after him, slew and took divers French in a skirmish. These the few foregoing drops of greater approaching showers. For Sir Hugh Caluerlee and Sir Thomas Percy, made admiral's of the narrow The Britons dislike of the French Government: matter of new troubles. Seas, took many rich prizes, and exploited sundry other things very praiseworthily, bringing home the acceptable news of the dislike which the Britons had conceived against the French Kings Government; for he commanded them to tender up to him all their strengths, Castles, and walled Towns, and many of them, who refused to obey, he put to death. The commons spared in the subsidy. (10) These employments, and fresh designs for other like, found need of pecuniary supplies; whereupon, in a Parliament holden at London, it was agreed, that for supply of the King's wants, the Commons should be spared, and the burden be wholly undergone by the able. The rates then of that tax were these; Dukes, Archbishops, Earls and Bishops at ten marks each, mitred Abbots at as much, besides forty pence for every Monk under their subjection. Briefly (saith Thomas Walsingham) there was no religious person, man or woman, justitiar, Sheriff, Knight, Esquire, Parson, Vicar, or * Simplex Capellanus. Walsing. Chantry Priest free from this tax rated according to the A memorable example of a noble young gentleman's faiths keeping. value of their yearly receipts. (11) We formerly mentioned, how john shackle (the other companion of Robert Haulee so execrablie murdered in Gods-house) was taken. He now upon condition that the King (besides 500 marks in money) should give him lands to the yearly value of one hundredth marks, and should also found and sufficiently endow, at the King's costs, a chantry with five Priests for their souls, whom the king's Officers had wickedly murdered, he rendered up his Hostage, the eldest (but natural) son of the said Earl of Dean. At the discovery and bringing▪ forth of whom, all men were strooken with wonderful love and admiration: for the young Gentleman (having given his faith not to disclose himself,) appeared in the shape of a base groom, in which (unknown to all the world but his Master) he had of his own accord lurked. An example of such a point of perfect honesty as cannot be forgotten without injury. (12) The same year, the Lord john Mountford, whom the French had driven out, being invited home by his Barons, returned into his Duchy of Britain, accompanied with the valiant Knights Caluerley and Percy aforesaid, where he, his friends, and Aids sent into Britain drowned. followers were received with singular honour. Soon after Sir john of Arundel, brother to the Earl of Arundel, being sent into Britain to aid the Duke, was with many other valiant Knights and Esquires drowned. It is imputed by our Author to a just effect of God's anger against the said Sir john, and his household, for their manifold vices and outrages, practised by him and them, before they set out from England, for which they had the bitter curses of the people; and the Angel of destruction to execute those imprecations upon the delinquents. Other aids pi●●ce into Britain from caleis by land. An. D. 1380. (13) But the action of aiding did more deeply import, then that it should be abandoned for the loss of that unfortunate fellowship, and the exceeding riches which were with them: therefore the Lord Thomas of Woodstock Earl of Buckingham, with Caluerlee, Percy, Knols, Windleshores (or Windsor) very valiant knights & other competent forces, was sent to assist the Duke of Britain. But because the French Galleys hovered upon the narrow Seas, they landed at Calleys, and from thence march through France, spoiling Countries, burning towns, the French not * J●. Til●. i● Chron. daring to impeach them, and kill people, till they and their whole equipage came safe into Britain. (14) There were about these times civil divisions in France; for the Duke of Burgundy, younger brother of King Charles (lately dead) being made French troubles profitable to the English. Guardian of the person and dominions of his Nephew Charles then in minority, had the Duke of Anjou (being an elder brother to the Duke of Burgundy) a mortal enemy. Their bloody quarrels fell out luckily for the English aides in the Duchy of Britain, out of which as Duke john had been driven for adhering to his father in law the late king Edward, so the English did their best to uphold him in it, as there was cause. (15) The French in these extremes are relieved by their ancient diversion: for the Scots entering about that time with fireand sword into Cumberland and Westmoreland, and the forest of Inglewood, drove away much Cattles, slew the Inhabitants, rifled the booths and houses of Perith in the Fair time, kill and taking many, and driving away the rest. The Earl of Northumberland countermanded from pursuit of the Scots. The Earl of Northumberland preparing a bloody revenge, was (not without wonder) prohibited so to do by letters from the King, that is, from such as were about the King. The Parliament at Northampton. (16) But how coldly soever the public affairs were followed, the want of money for supplies was still pretended. And therefore in a Parliament holden at Northampton, was granted to the King a general supply of money; the pretended occasion of monstrous mischief which followed, by reason of a clause in that grant of Subsidy, that every one of each sex, being above a certain age, should pay by the head, or per Pol as they call it, twelve pence. (17) The English Chivalry began now again to display itself far off, to gratify the private ends A. D. 1381. The Earl of Cambridge sent with an Army into Portugal. of john Duke of Lancaster, who claimed the Crown of Castille and Leon, in right of Constance his wife: For john King of Portugal had a defensive war against john then King of Castille, who challenged the Crown of Portugal * Roder. Santius part. 4. hist. Hisp. cap. 21. in right of Beatrix his wife, (by whom he had no issue) the only daughter of Ferdinand king of Portugal, which this other john (a bastard son of Ferdinand's) had by faction usurped. There were sent to his aid the Lord Edmund de Langley Earl of Cambridge the King's uncle, and sundry Knights and others of good experience with an Army. These arriving in Portugal valiantly defended the same for about two years, and were the chief cause of giving the Spaniards an overthrow in battle, where they lost * Polyd. Vergil. hist. l. 20. ten thousand men. At last the two Kings agreeing together bore the charges of conveying home the English in common, that their Countries might be freed from them, being both alike jealous of their puissan●●▪ In this time Edward son to the Earl of Cambridge uncle to Richard king of England, married the daughter of the king of Portugal, but afterward neither would the Earl leave his son behind, as suspecting the Portugeses faith, nor the other entrust his daughter to the Earl, so as they remained disjoined in body, howsoever united by Ceremony. (18) Not long after the time of that Earl's employment into Spain, there fell out accidents which The dangerous rebellions of Wat. Tyler, Jack Straw & others. do plainly convince their error to be great, who think that any madness is like that of an armed & ungoverned multitude, whereof these times (by a kind of Fate proper to children's reign) gave a most dangerous document. The extreme hatred borne by the people to john Duke of Lancaster, calling himself king of Castille and Leon, and the discontentment taken at an extraordinary tax, levied per Pol, upon all sorts of people, who were above sixteen years of age, which (as all other the evils of the time) they imputed to the Duke (the manner being to count them the authors of evils, who are supposed to have the greatest power of doing them) moved the enraged multitudes upon slight and small beginnings to run together in so fearful a Torrent, that it seemed the King and kingdom were suddenly fallen under their most wicked fury▪ There were in this most rebellious insurrection, the Commons and Bondmen (who aspiring by force to a free manumission) principally those of Kent and Essex, whose example was followed in the Neighbour Shires of Surrey, * L. S. Alban. MS Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge, and other places by incredible herds and droves of like qualified people: who (specially in Norfolk) forced sundry principal Gentlemen to attend them in their madding. (19) They of Kent embattled themselves under two Banners of Saint George, and about threescore and ten Pennons upon Black-heath by Greenwich, and from thence came to London, where, the generality of people inclining to them, they are masters. The Priory of S. john's without Smithfield they kept burning for about seven days, and the goodly Palace of the Savoy, belonging to the Duke; with all the riches therein, they consumed by fire, in a kind of holy outrage, for they threw one of their fellows into the flame, who had thrust a piece of stolen plate into his bosom. The Rebels of Essex came to Lambeth, burned all the Archbishop's goods, and defaced all the Write, Rowls, Records and Monuments of the Chancery, as having a special hatred to the Lawyers, little to their disgrace, for that they shared herein with good men also, whom they hated. But their desperate wickedness extended itself beyond the spoil of houses and substance, laying bloody hands upon the most eminent and worthy men in the kingdom, for that they had dissuaded the King to put himself into their hands at Greenwich, where he talked with them out of his Barge, and thereby had their main design disappointed. Simon Tibald Archbishop of Canterbury, and Chancellor of England, a right worthy Prelate, and Sir Robert Hales a Knight of high courage, Lord Prior of Saint john's, and Treasurer of England, with others, they without respect to the Majesty of the King, or privilege of their most honourable dignities, most barbarously murdered by beheading them upon Tower-Hill, among infernal shouts & devilish yels. For the Tower itself (from whence they had haled them, the young King being there in person) was open to their execrable insolences. Neither doth the authority of * Hist. Ang. l. 20. Polyd. Vergil, affirming that they were not haled forth, but only stayed by the Rebels, to whom (he saith) they were sent, induce us rather to credit him, than Authors living about those very times. There was no little store of other innocent blood shed by them in these tumults. Nor was the Kings own person without manifest peril, against whose life they had damnably conspired. It were long to reckon up the kinds of such villainies as they wrought, but endless to recount the particulars. The common * joh. Stow. Annals set forth this whole Tragical business very diligently. Wat. Tyler the Idol of the Clowns. (20) They had many Captains of mischief, but two principal, Wat Tyler of Maidstone in Kent, (whom Walsingham prettily calls the Idol of Clowns) and jacke Straw, who together had followers to the number (as they were estimated) of about one hundredth thousand, and at one Sermon made to them by john Ball, Walsingham saith, there were about twice as many. Their Petitions were full of pride and malice, but easily granted by the King, the necessity of the times extorting them. They had a Chaplain as graceless as themselves, one john Ball an excommunicated Priest, who with his wicked doctrine nourished in them their seditious furies to his own just destruction in the end: but when a great multitude accepting the King's mercy were go, Wat Tyler and his Camp departed not, but upon pretence of disliking the Articles of peace, sought to win time till he might put into full execution his incredible Treasons, which (as jacke Straw at the time of his execution confessed) were upon that very night of the day, wherein Wat Tyler was slain, to murder the King, and chief men, and to erect petty Tyrannies to themselves in every shire: and already one john Littistar a Dyer in Norwich, had taken upon him at Northwalsham in Norfolk, the name of the King of the Commons, and Robert Westbroome in Suffolk, to whom john Wraw another lewd Priest had assigned it. (21) Never was the kingly race and commonweal so near to an utter extirpation, as at this present, which was (we may truly say) miraculously prevented. The young king in these fears and dangers repairing to Westminster, most devoutly commended his Crown, Life, and whole estate to God, nor that in vain. For Wat Tyler with his Camp of Rascals esteemed to be ten or twenty thousand (according to the King's Proclamation, attending in Smithfield, but cavilling of purpose upon the conditions of peace, as he that meant a farther mischief, though they of Essex were returned) was entreated to ride to the king, who also sat on horseback before Saint Bartholomew's, in whose company was that renowned Lord Mayor of London, William Walworth▪ with many other men of birth and place. (22) Wat Tylar scarce at the last coming behaved himself so insolently, offering to murder one of the King's knights; Sir john Newton, for omission of some punto of respect, which he arrogated to himself in more than a kingly manner, was (upon leave given him by the king) boldly arrested with a drawn weapon by the Lord Maior, a man (say Writers) of incomparable courage, which blow was seconded by the said Lord, and others so speedily, that there this prodigy of a Traitor was field and slain. A death too worthy, for that he died by the swords of honourable persons, for whom the axe of an Hangman had been far too good. (23) The Commons perceiving the fall of their Captain, prepared to use extreme revenge, when the most hopeful young king with a present wit and courage (it being for his life and kingdom) spurred forth his horse, and bade them follow him, without being grieved for the loss of a ribald and traitor, for now he himself would be their Captain, Hereupon they thronged after him into the field, there to have whatsoever they desired▪ But the most worthy of all Londoners, Walworth, speeds with one man only into the City, raiseth a thousand Citizens in armour, brings them (being led in good array by Sir Robert Knolles and others) with What Tilers head (which the Lord Maior had commanded to be chopped off from his dead carcase) borne before him upon a Spear to the king▪ That very head, the cursed tongue whereof had dared to say, That all the Laws of England should come out of his mouth. (24) This act restored the Crown (as it were) and Realm to King Richard, for the Rebels seeing themselves girt-in with armed men, partly fled, partly fell upon their knees▪ and (throwing away all hope in weapon) they answerably to their baseness, begged their lives, who but even now reputed themselves masters of the field, and of the king. And albeit there was a general desire in the hearts of loyal men to expiate so many villainies with the blood of the Actors, yet things abroad in the Realm being as yet unsettled, they had a general Charter of pardon sealed, and were so sent home into their Countries. (25) Certainly although the City of London (the most noble and able part of the English Empire) hath otherwise deserved of the Kings of this land very well, yet the honour of this service worthily stands highest in the many great praises thereof. Which the King did thankfully and publicly testify by knighting Wa●worth, and by bestowing upon him (when he modestly excused his unworthiness and inability) one hundredth pounds land by the year in fee simple. He also at the same time bestowed the same honour upon that right worthy Citizen and Patriot, Sir john Philpot, and two other Aldermen, Sir Nicholas Brember, & Sir Robert Land, to each of which he gave a like estate of 40. pounds. There be who writ that he then also knighted Nicholas Twiford, and Robert Gayton Citizens. The memories of these and other such, deserve and aught to be honoured with statues, advanced in the most conspicuous place of that great City, lest otherwise she be holden ingrateful to them, from whom she derives so honourable splendour. That the beauteous Armouries of London were at this time augmented with that weapon which we see in the dexter Canton thereof, in remembrance of this service done by Walworth is affirmed by * Holinshed▪ in Richard 2. some, but with what warrant let themselves show. (26) The young King, after this fortunate conclusion given to so hellish uproars about his principal City, repaired in good array to * Survey of London. Tower Royal or the Queen's wardrobe▪ a palace then in the bosom of London. There the Queen mother had remained in very great fear and grief for the space of three days, and two nights; but the sight of her son, and relation of his good speed, blotted out of her memory the sorrows formerly sustained. (27) It was not long, but that the King (surprised before with that popular inundation) had sure notice that the devilish rebels were in all other places dissipated, but neither till themselves had done much mischief, and suffered just punishment. Memorable was the service of Henry le Spencer the stout Bishop of Norwich against the Bondmen and Peasants of Norfolk, whom he drove out of their Trenches, slew divers, and caused their mushroom King john Littestar to be hanged, drawn and headed. But that which universally most of all prevailed to the reduction of these audacious wretches to due obedience, was the death of Wat Tyler, and the certain news of their dissipation, who were assembled about London, where for a few days they had most barbarously tyrannised. In Hertfordshire at Saint Alban, Barnet, etc. in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and the I'll of Elye the popular outrages were now in a manner appeased. Yet wonderful is it, that all these execrable furies, being in so many several places, with so great forces in each, (for at Bury, where john Westbroome kinged it, they are reported to have been about fifty thousand, making it their savage sport, to 'cause the heads of great persons, which they had cut off and fixed on Poles to kiss and whisper as it were one in the others ear) lasted not in the high speed and full rage thereof the space of eight days, (being not long before Midsummer, as if it had been a syderall infection or general Lunacy) and the whole time thereof from the beginning to the end, is accounted, by Act of Parliament, but from the Statut. An. 6. Rich. ●. Session. 1. cap. 13. The ro yall power like the Sun after a long darkness puts forth itself again. first of May till Midsummer the Feast of Saint john Baptist. (28) The royal power which had thus been foiled, and trodden underfoot, could not longer brook so intolerable debasement, but to repair and establish itself, there was proclamation made, that all men who had horse and armour, and loved the King, should forthwith come to London in their best manner. There were never seen together so great a multitude of horsemen in England. The musters were taken upon Black-heath, where the king himself, being mounted on a goodly courser among the armed men, and having his Standard royal advanced before him, daily road forth to view his people, rejoicing to be seen among them, and acknowledged their Lord It is said, that within Forty thousand English horsemen in field together. three days space there appeared upon that heath for the King's service, not fewer than forty thousand horsemen most bravely appointed. (29) This force had been employed against the Kentish-men, even to the utter rooting out of all the guilty, who again began to stir, but that the King was persuaded by the Nobility and Gentlemen of that County, to proceed by ordinary justice; which was done. The King's peace was also proclaimed in every place according to his letters dated at London 17. june, in the fourth year of his reign, to the great encouragement of good subjects, and confusion of the wicked. There were executed about one * Holinsh. in Rich. 2. thousand and five hundredth in all places, besides five of a new forlorn Company; which having desperately dared to gather head again in Essex about Billericai, had tendered to the King certain insolent demands, which were justly rejected, and they slain. The Lord Thomas of Woodstock Earl of Buckingham the King's uncle, with Sir Thomas Percy brother to the Count Northumberland, were sent with force against them. The Rebels being many in number, were notwithstanding broken at the very first with a Charge made upon them by a rank in front of ten men of Arms or Lances. There were taken eight hundredth horses belonging to the Rebels. Sir Robert Tresilian was principal Actor in the matters of justice, which he rightly and severely administered. The King himself had so great a force of horsemen with him, that (as Sir Walter at Lee knight said in his speech to Saint Albans-men) there was neither grass nor blade of Corn old or new left within five mile's compass of the king's person. (30) And lest the mischievous multitude should to the king's dishonour and common hurt of the All grants of pardon and manumission revoked. Church and kingdom, enjoy any the lest benefit by their late unspeakable villainies; the king, by advise of his Council, sent letters revocatory into the Shires about, by which he commands, that no man shall enjoy any freedom or profit by virtue of any extorted grants, during the time of the Insurrections: but yet that his majesties purpose was by the advise of his Council to grant to his subjects (notwithstanding their so heinous treasons) such mercy, as should be pleasing to God, and profitable to him, and to the kingdom. After which sundry executions were done at Saint Alban, and elsewhere. And this end for the present had these infernal attempts of the base people, in which we may clearly behold the hideous face of Anarchy and Plebeian fury. (31) Which fearful convulsion in this State, some imputed to God's wrath on this land for the general coldness and neglect of their duties in the chief Prelates of the kingdom; others to the great vices, and irreligious tyrannies of the great ones; others to the abounding sins of the common people. But * Walls. in Rich. 2. p. 266. our Author judgeth, that the full heap of those causes of God's vengeance, was made-up by the begging Friars, who (saith he) to purchase wealth contrary to their own Oaths, did soothe the great men in their vices, and nourished the vulgar in their errors, feeding on the sins of both: calling good evil, and evil good, seducing Princes by flatteries, and the common sort with lies, carrying both headlong with themselves astray. For their outward profession of truth they have so defiled with their wicked life, as that it is now in every man's mouth a good Argument, holding in matter and form; This is a Friar, Ergo a liar; even as true as to say: This is white; Ergo it is coloured. (32) The Duke of Lancaster, at the first breaking forth of these Rebellions, was upon the borders, about settling of a truce with the Scots, who therefore Humanity of the Scots toward john Duke of Lancaster in his greatest dangers. did shut up the matter speedily before the Scots had any intelligence, settling a two years abstinence from Hostility. The Scots (though they were sorry that by the peace so concluded, they had lost an opportunity of making a dangerous impression upon the English,) understanding the Duke's peril, offered him twenty thousand men to defend his honour, but he loyally refusing that, they gave him leave to come and go at his pleasure with all other rites of sacred Hospitality. A. D. 1382. A. reg. 5. Walsingham gins the year at Christmas day inclusively. (33) After Christmas King Richard took to wife the Lady Anne, daughter to the Emperor Charles the fourth, and sister to Wenceslaus king of Bohemia, and called Emperor; which Lady by the Duke of Tassill, was in the name of her said Father, formerly promised and assured unto him, as one whom the King did specially affect, though the daughter of Barnabas Duke of Milan was also offered with a far greater sum of gold. She was with great pomp and glory at the same time crowned Queen, by the hand of William Courtney (a younger son of the Earl of Devonshire) Bishop of London, lately promoved from London to the See of Canterbury. The Nuptials and Coronation of the beauteous Queen being, the Parliament (which by this great Lady's arrival was interrupted & prorogued) began again. Where many things concerning the excess of apparel, transportation of Coin, etc. were wholesomely enacted. Sed quid iwant Statuta Parliamentorun, etc. but to what purpose (saith Walsingham) are Acts of Parliament, when after they are once past, they take no manner of effect? For the king with his private Council, was wont (saith he) to change, or abolish all things, which by the whole Commons and Nobility of the Kingdom had in former Parliaments been agreed upon. (34) Nevertheless, it was then provided, that such as had done any thing in their own defence against the Rebels, or to their suppression, without the ordinary forms of process in law, should sustain no damage thereby, but for ever be as clear as if they therefore had enjoyed their particular pardons; and that all releases, feoffments, and other The hurling times. acts done in the late rebellions, (during the hurling times, for so they were called) by way of constraint or duresse, should be utterly voided. (35) With the good liking of this Parliament, Sir Richard Scrope Knight, was made Chancellor of the Realm, and Sir Hugh Segrave Treasurer; but it was not long before the Chancellor denying to pass such large gifts under the Great Seal, as the king in his youthful humour had imprudently granted, therewith to gratify his still craving Courtiers, fell into the king's undeserved displeasure. For albeit Tho. Walsing. he alleged important causes of such his denial, (as, that the King was greatly in debt) and therefore such largesses were fit to be employed in discharging some of his Creditors, that knowing how the King was entangled with Creditors, such cravers were not truly well affected to him, as regarding their own private avarice more than the king's profit, or the public wants; that those self same cravers, had formerly received such gifts of his Majesty, as were (at lest) answerable to their deservings; and that himself, if he should seal those grants (made in the King's childhood) was like to have small thanks of him, when he should come to riper judgement; yet thereupon he was twice or thrice willed to sand the Seal to the King, who coming in person surrendered the same, with such like words, That he would always be loyal and true to his Majesty, but never bear any office under him again. Not long after which surrender, Robert Braybroke Bishop of London was made Chancellor in his place. This act of the Kings was displeasant to the whole Realm, and one of the first things by which he fell into dislike, it being among the infelicities of King Richard, that those times were too full of sour and impatient censors, for a Prince of so calm a temper, and as yet unseasoned years. A. D. 1383. (36) Henry le Spenser the warlike Bishop of Norwich, being drawn on by Pope Vrban to preach the Crusado, and to be General against Clement (whom sundry Cardinals and great Prelates had also elected Pope) having a Fifteenth granted to him for that purpose by Parliament, (after strong * Tho. Walsin. p. 297. opposition of almost all the Nobles who resisted this business of the Cross) went with Forces into Flanders to support the cause of urban against the Antipape; from whence after he had performed sundry things very happily, taken graveling, Burbrough, Dunkirks by assault, and been victor in a set battle against thirty thousand abettors of Clement's claim, he was enforced to return, as destitute of those farther succours which were expected out of England. But the king upon pretence that he had not obeyed his royal mandate, by which he required him, (before he transported) to return, for a while seized upon all his temporalities. The king's enrichment of the Bohemians displeasant. (37) But K. Richard having before given the realm discontentment, by removing Scrope from the Chancellorshippe, increased the same by some manifest signs of levity and prodigality toward Strangers, than which nothing makes a Prince less pleasing to the English: for, in the progress which with his beloved Queen he made to Bury, Thetford, Norwich, and other places, gifts were taken on all hands by the King, and they again through the Queen were powered forth to enrich her Bohemians. An. D. 1384. (38) john Duke of Lancaster embarked himself for France, where he concluded a truce to endure between the two Nations English and French, from the present Christmas till Midsummer. At his return, he and his brother Thomas of Woodstock Earl of Buckingham, went with an Army into Scotland, to revenge the breach of truce: but as it seems by some, the Duke had rather an host of men, than an hostile mind; for he so ordered the matter (as not forgetful perhaps of courtesies showed to him in his late dangers, when the Commons were out in Arms,) that the Scots having had time enough to withdraw both their goods and persons, and his army suffering far more loss by penury and cold, than it could inflict upon the enemy, returned * joh. Stow. fruitless and inglorious. (39) Not long after his return, he was encountered with a more capital and dangerous enemy, than those in Arms: for a certain Carmelite Friar, by birth an Irishman, delivered to the King (in the time of Parliament at Salisbury) a writing which contained therein a heinous accusation of the Duke of Lancaster, The Duke of Lancaster accused of highest Tre●so●. that he had conspired to murder the King, and to crown himself. The accuser discovered, the day, place, and other circumstances, to induce a belief of the pretended intention, and took his oath upon the Sacrament, which that day he had received, that no one word in that scroll was untrue. The Duke's Apology and favour with the King, prevailed above the accuser's confidence; whereupon the Friar is committed, at the Duke's request, to the L. john Holland (the King's half brother by his mother) and a day appointed, wherein the accuser was to show a cause of his crimination. (40) But in the night which next forwent the designed day, the said Lord john Holland (if a man may believe, that a thing so villainous could be done by men of honour) and one Sir Henry Green knight, are reported to have trussed up the Friar in a cord by the neck, and parts of generation, laying upon his breast a stone of great weight to break the chine of his back; and that they also scorched the soles of his feet. By which miserable and quadruple manner of death, without trial or conviction, (as also without * joh. Stow. recantation of any thing which he had uttered against the Duke) he is said to have breathed his last. Neither was his death smothered, for the next day they caused his strangled carcase to be dragged through the City, that it might not be thought he had perished unjustly. But the Lord Thomas of Woodstock (the same who was afterward Duke of Gloucester) went farther, for he rusheth into the Chamber where the King was, and bound his words with a terrible oath, That he would kill any one living who durst lay treason to his brother's charge: neither did he except the king himself. In which speeches, as piety and zeal for his brother's honour and safety were not wanting, so certainly duty to his Prince was exceedingly forgotten. (41) That which followed, may give us just cause to suspect the truth of that friars accusation: for the Lord William la Zouch was also by the Friar accused, of having been the Inventer, broacher, and provoker of him, to set down all that which was comprehended in the accusation; who thereupon sent for to Salisbury (though then very sick of the gout) repaired thither in an horselitter, where he was compelled to answer to all such points as were objected, like a fellow, or a traitor standing bareheaded: but the privity, or lest thought of any such matter as the Friar affirmed against the Duke, he confidently forswore, and was thereupon acquitted and dismissed. Howbeit (saith Walsingham) Lafoy Zouch was from that time forward a professed enemy, not only of Carmelites, but of all other orders of Friars whatsoever. But these disgraces came unseasonably upon the Duke, whose head was undoubtedly full of designs, and of cares, how to achieve to himself the crown of Spain. (42) There were then sundry incursions made by the English and Scots, each into the others country, the Earl of Northumberland being leader to the English, with little advantage to either. But to take away the very cause of this continual bad neighbourhood, or to lessen it by an established peace with France, the Duke of Lancaster sailed to Calais, about the beginning of August, there to treat with the Duke of Berrie, on behalf of the young French King Charles 6. but after he had in that voyage expended (as was said) fifty thousand Marks, he brought into England nothing back, except only a truce, to continued till the first day of May next. His desire to have procured a surer peace both with the French and Scots, seems to have been great, that so he might the more freely pursue the conquest of Spain which he intended. john Cumber-towne once Lord Mayor of London, confined and confiscated. (43) While he was absent in this embassage, there ensued the arraignment of a great favourite of the Dukes, john Northampton, alias Comberton, whom his adversaries bynamed Cumber-towne. This man is by them reported to have exceedingly troubled the City of London, during his late Mayoralty there, nor less afterward; for that being followed with many abettors, he publicly disturbed Sir Nicholas Bramble his successor, (but a * Thom. Walsing. Ypod. p. 539. bloody minded man by report,) and wrought other masteries, till Sir Robert Knowls caused one of the busiest companions to be drawn out of his house▪ and (as some say) shortened by the head. This Comberton was by his household Clerk accused, as privy to some practices, in prejudice as well of the King, as the City▪ and when sentence was to be pronounced in the King's presence (being then with great store of his Nobles at Reading,) he durst (as is said) affirm, That such judgement aught not to proceed against him in the absence of his Lord the Duke. This again unraked the burning coals of envy, and suspicion against the said Lord Duke; and perhaps malice to the Duke procured this hatred against his favourite. Whereupon he was confined to the Castle of Tyntagel in Cornwall, and all his goods seized upon by the King's Servants, whom Walsingham expresseth, by calling them after the name of those Poetical ravenous Birds, Harpies. Polydor. Vergil. not to be rashly believed. (44) That here which Polydore Vergil (assigning causes to actions, not always such as are, but such as seemed to him most probable, not seldom confounding and changing persons, times, names, and things) tells us concerning a combat within lists, between Sir john Aunsley Knight, and one Carton hath little ground, (so far as we can found) in history. He saith they were teterrima capita, both very wicked men, & that there was a real plot to murder the Sir john Ansleys reputation redeemed from slander. king. We can neither found the crime nor the men: there had been a solemn combat long before between such a knight and one * Rethton he is called, Ypod. Neust. An. 1380. Katrington an Esquire, in which the knight was Challenger and victor, but the crime was not treason against the king's person, nor for any thing done in his time, but in his noble Grandfathers. Neither was Ansley, teterrimum caput, but a valiant and loyal man of Arms. The crime which he objected to that Esquire (his kinsman) was, that for money he had traitorously given over the Castle of Saint Saviour in the Land of Constantine in Normandy, when he had store of victual and munition. The Esquire was vanquished in fair fight and died frantic the next day. Polydors' error therefore is joined with manifest wrong to the knight's name, wherein we aught to be very circumspect, for that, honour is inestimable and descendeth to posterity. There was indeed, at the time he speaks of, another combat, fought also within lists before the king, (for Duels than were performed, not on private choice or quarrel, but on public appointment) between one john Welsh an Esquire of England, and one * Henry Knighton Can. of Leic. Abb. apud. Holinsh. Martilet a Gentleman Navarrois, who in revenge against Welsh, for having at Cheirbrough (where the said Esquire was under-captain) committed (as Martilet said) adultery with his wife, accused him of high treason against the King and Realm. But Welsh prevailed; and the Navarrois, at his execution (for he was * Tho▪ Walls. in Richard 2. drawn and hanged after he had been foiled in battle,) confessed the cause of his evil will, and the innocency of Welsh in the matter of treason. (45) The Scots had this while by practice and money gotten the Castle of Berwick, whereof the Custody belonged to the Lord Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland. The Duke of Lancaster was not sad at this, but so pursued the matter, that the Earl Hatred increaseth between the Duke and Count Northumberland. (as if by his negligence and privity the same royal Castle had been lost) was condemned in Parliament. But the king relieved him with extension of favour. This was a great cause of confirming the rancour already kindled in the hearts of these two principal Peers. But the Earl to wipe away all blemishes of disgrace, encloseth the Castle with a siege both of forces and large proffers, so that after Berwick recovered by the Earl. some time spent therein, he had it redelivered upon payment of two thousand marks. A. D. 1385. The Sovereignty of Flanders offered to king Richard by the Flemings. (46) The Flemings had heretofore in the fifth year of this King, sent Ambassadors at the time of Parliament, to submit themselves and their Country to his dominion, renouncing allegiance to their natural Lord the Earl, whom they had by force of Arms expelled, upon pretence of oppression used by him, and for other causes; but because they seemed not either persons sufficient, or sufficiently instructed with authority, to transact with the King in a matter of so high nature, they were commanded to return, and fetch more ample power, and to bring certain men of every good Town in Flanders. Now again, the Citizens of Gaunt, though they had in battle against the French King, (who was there in person on behalf of the Earl,) * John Tyllius in Chron. lost twenty * Paul. Aemyl. saith 40000. in in fight, and in flight, and that in those whole civil wars there perished 200000. thousand men not long before, desired of K. Richard, that they might have an English General to command in their wars; to whom was sent a wise and valiant Gentleman, the Lord Edward le Bourser, who demeaned himself in that charge with much commendation. And when afterwards he went more abundantly and strongly to have supported them, they sodeinely turned French, showing Senescire (saith * In Rich. 2. ad. A. D. 1386. Walsingham) uniamico, vel domino, fidem diuseruare. (47) The Duke of Lancaster (whose, or the like greatness may perhaps seem more, then can stand The Duke of Lancaster stands upon his keeping. with the narrow limits of England, which, without danger to the common wealth, can hardly afford such a proportion of estate to any Subject) was about this time informed, that the King had a purpose to arrest his person, and to try him upon capital points before Sir Robert Trisilian▪ his Chief justitiar, a man ready, (under the King's protection) to deliver judgement without respect to Titles. The King was nourished in this * Tho. Walsing. in Rich. 2. ad. hunc ann. deliberation by young men, who combined against the Duke's life. This being discovered, the Duke (a potent Prince) withdraws upon his guard to his Castle of Pomfret in the North; nevertheless the hopes of wicked men, delighting in their countries miseries, and civil combustions, were made voided by the great diligence of the King's mother, the Princess joan, who spared not her continual pains and expenses, in travailing between the King and the Duke, (albeit she was exceeding tender of complexion, and scarce able to bear her own body's weight through corpulency) till they were fully reconciled. (48) It had indeed been a most wretched time for a civil war, not only because the French Admiral, john de Vienna, had been sent with forces embarckt in threescore sail of Ships, to be employed out of Scotland against the English, but for that The French prepare an invasion against England. the French prepared a general invasion of England, having in hope already as it were devoured it. There reigned at that time in France, Charles the sixth a young and foolish Prince, (saith Tilius) who having in his treasury, left to him by his prudent father, * Ex Record. apud Tilium. eighteen millions of Crowns, (and not only eighteen hundred thousand, * Paul. Aemyl. as some, fearing perhaps that the other sum might seem incredible, have written,) and being moreover set on fire with an inconsiderate love of glory, rather than upon any sound advise (though * Polyd. Verg. lib. hist. Angl. 20. & Paul. Aemyl. some impute the Counsel to the said Admiral) would needs undertake the conquest of our Country. These news stirred all the limbs and humours thereof, though the event (God not favouring the enterprise) was but like that of the Mountain, which after long travail brought forth a ridiculous mouse, nevertheless it had been a most desperate season for a civil war to have broken forth in England. Froissard. Ja. Meir. (49) The preparations of the French do hold notwithstanding, and the general Rendevou of their huge forces was at Sluse, in the Port whereof, and other places about, there were assigned to assemble for their transportation, * Paul. Emyl. Three hundredth thousand English men in arms together. twelve hundredth sail of ships. At the same time (as if the two young kings had been rivals in show of men) Richard raiseth so great an army to overrun Scotland, as the like for beauty and number was never seen together, consisting wholly of Englishmen. But may we believe that England could spare three hundredth thousand men, and as many horses for the use of a war? Certainly a needless multitude, but only to terrify the French with the fame, for there might have been fewer, for any great Act which Richard (full of jealousy against his uncle of Lancaster, wherewith his head and heart were full,) effected. But we may the rather believe the account, for that Walsingham voucheth * Seruientes ad arma. sergeant at Arms (if he mean not Heralds by those words) whose office (he saith) it was to number the Host, and they affirmed the same. This is sure, that * Paul Aemyl. in Carol. 6. among other the arguments used by the Duke of Bury (one of the French Kings uncles) to frustrate this enterprise, he alleged, that the King of England▪ had mustered ten thousand horsemen, and one hundredth thousand Archers for his defence; whereas the Admiral john de Vienna affirmed, that having seen the forces of the English, they were but eight thousand horsemen and threescore thousand foot; and he might well say having seen: for, though Aemylius bring him in speaking to the French King, and vaunting that he had encountered them, yet nothing is truer, then that the English returned out of Scotland without the lest offer of battle. The Admiral was willing indeed to have fought, but when he saw our Army from the hil-tops, his fury gave place to reason. (50) While the Army was upon the way toward The King's mother dieth being denied a pardon for her son the Lord john Holland. Scotland, the King's half-brother the Lord john Holland wickedly slew the Lord Stafford, son to the Earl of Stafford not far from York, being upon his journey to the Queen, whose favoured Knight he was. For which heinous homicide the King seized upon his whole estate, denying to his mother's most earnest prayers any pardon or grace for his brother. Which was to her so grievous, that within five or six days after she gave up the Ghost at Wallingford. The young Lord took Sanctuary at Beverley, and the King by his justice herein wan the hearts of the said Earl of Stafford, the Earl of Warwick, the Lord Basset, and other great men of Staffords kindred and friends; neither did this impeach at all the present voyage. (51) The Scots and French in Scotland, seeing themselves unable to withstand such forces, had so retired themselves and all their goods, that when the English should come, they, (as Walsingham pleasantly saith) could see no quick things left but only Owls. That which was green in the fields, the horses devoured or trampled down, yet such harm, as the materials of buildings were capable of, was done. Edinburgh also and the * Ypod Neust. noble Abbey of Mailrosse were fired. The Duke of Lancaster persuaded The Duke of Lancaster suspected for persuading the King to pass the Scottish Sea. the King to march beyond the Frith or Scottish Sea (as his great Ancestors had done) to seek out his enemies; but he, very suspicious that the Duke gave him this counsel with a purpose to betray him to destruction by famine, and want, which he was there to look for, expressed much displeasure and returned. The Duke's words notwithstanding and behaviour were tempered▪ with much duty and modesty; but that would not serve, till the Lords peeced their affections together by intercession in the best manner the time would suffer. But the English host was scarce returned and discharged, when the Scots and French sodeinely powered themselves forth upon our Country, and did whatsoever hurt the shortness of time in their incursion could permit. (52) To resist and endamage the French, there were appointed Admirals for the narrow Seas, the Master of Saint john's, and Sir Thomas Pereie Knight, (the Earl of Northumberlands brother,) who did nothing worthy their fame or place. Only the Townsmen of Portsmouth and Dart, maund forth The virtue of private men in the public cause. a few ships at their own peril and charge, wherewith entering the river of Sein (upon which the renowned Cities Rouen and Paris are situated) sunk some of their enemy's ships, took others, and among them one of Sir Oliver de Clisson's, the goodliest that France had. The success answered their hopes, and they were enriched with the spoils of their adversaries, whom thus they compelled to bear the charge of their proper mischief. (53) Meanwhile that the French lay at Sluse, attending the approach of their king's uncle the Duke of Bury, (who favoured not this enterprise of invasion, but sought * john tilius. aswell by delays, as by persuasion and authority to make it frustrate,) they of Gaunt had gotten the Town of Dam by the good liking of the Inhabitants, to whom the French government was odious. For recovery whereof, the French King drew his army (prepared against England) to the siege of Dam, which (the same being first secretly abandoned, after a months siege and many repulses given to the French) was by him recovered. This, and other things, did so protract the great expedition intended, that (after waist of infinite treasure) Charles returned home, without having seen England, which was by these means most graciously freed by God, from so dangerous, and greatly-feared an impression. But that the English might the better endure the same, john King of Portugal, having lately in The Portugeses aid the English. a great and bloody battle (where some of the English deserved well of him,) overthrown the Castilians, and thereby settled his estate, sent into England six Galleys thoroughly well appointed, for sea-service, though (as God would) there was no need of them. (54) Of those French, which (after the Cloud of war at Sluice was dispersed into air,) passed overland into their Countries, many were taken and slain by the Gauntiners. Their navy was not less unfortunate; for at one * Infested. exal▪ S. Cru. 14. Septemb. time the English of Calais took of them eighteen, and the rage of weather The bad event of this French design for an invasion. brake and sunk divers, so that this Bravado was not only costly to the French, by reason of the charges, but hurtful in the loss of time, men, ships, and hoped glory. Such are the events of human enterprises, where God is not pleased to give success. The English thus delivered from fear make a road into France out of Calais, and with a prey of four thousand sheep and three hundredth head of great cattle, besides an hundredth good prisoners, returned safe to their Garrison. (55) The multitude of memorable things which present themselves to us in the lives of our English monarchs, is such, that if we did not use choice, and in their relation brevity, we should not relieve our Readers of that molestation, with which the vast volumes of former labours do oppress the The attempt of the Laity to dispossess the Clergy of their temporal estates. memory. The laity, at the Parliament now holden at London, had yielded to aid the King with a Fifteenth upon condition, that the Clergy should secure him with a Tenth and an half; against which unjust proportion, William de Courtney Archbishop of Canterbury most stiffly opposed; alleging that the Church aught to be free, nor in any wise to be taxed by the laity, and that himself would rather die then endure that the Church of England, (the liberties whereof had by so many free Parliaments in all times, and not only in the reign of this King been confirmed) should be made a bondmaide. This answer so offended the Commons, that the Knights of the Shires, and some Peers of the land, with extreme fury besought, That Temporalities might be taken away from Ecclesiastical persons, saying, that it was an Almesdeed and an Act of Charity so to do, thereby to humble them. Neither did they doubt, but that their petition which they had exhibited to the King would take effect. Hereupon they designed among themselves, out of which Abbey, which should receive such a certain sum, and out of which, another. I myself (saith * Tho. Walls. a Monk of Saint Alban) heard one of those Knights confidently swear, that he would have a yearly pension of a thousand Marks out of the Temporalities belonging to that Abbey. But the King having heard both parts, commanded the Petitioners to silence, and the Petition to be razed King Richard the Clergies friend. out, saying, He would maintain the English Church in the quality of the same state or better, in which himself had known it to be, when he came to the Crown. The Archbishop hereupon having consulted with the Clergy, came to the King, and declared, that he and the Clergy had with one consent, willingly provided to supply his majesties occasions with a Tenth. This grant the King took so contentedly, as he openly affirmed, he was better pleased with this free contribution of one Tenth for the present, then if he had gotten four by compulsion. (56) Robert de Vere Earl of Oxford (a young The first marquess made that ever was in England. Gentleman in special grace with the King) was at this Parliament created marquess of Dublin in Ireland, which moved great despite against him, those rough times being impatient to bear the unequal advancement of favourites. Nevertheless, though the gentle King was thought herein to please his own fancy, rather than to reward merit, yet did he so sweetly temper it, as there was no justice, nor reason to envy to him that solace which he took in his friends increased honour; for at the same time he advanced two of his uncles, Thomas of Woodstock, Earl of Buckingham to the title of Duke of Gloucester, and Edmund of Langley Earl of Cambridge, he created Duke of York, allotting several proportions of pension to be paid out ofhis Exchequer. In Vere there was ancient Nobility to justify his new degree the better; but in making the Lord Chancellor Michael de la Poole Earl of Suffolk, with the yearly pension of 1000 Marks, was matter of more envy; because he was not descended of such honourable Parents: a defect (if it be a defect) which none more willingly upbraid to men of worth, than who themselves are not always the most worthy. The first raiser of this family of De la Pole was Edward the third, who made William de la Pole, of a brave Merchant, a * Ex libr. Monast. de Mels●, & ex Record. apud Guil. Cambd. in Yorkesh. Knight Baneret, and gave him great possessions, in requital of an extraordinary and voluntary loan of treasure, advanced by him to supply the King in a time of special necessity, when money could stand him in more steed than a thousand men of Arms: no little merit in a subject, nor a slender reward of a most munificent Prince. (57) Henry Spenser the martial Bishop of Norwich found grace with the King at this Parliament, to be restored to his temporalities, at the special suit of Thomas Arundel Bishop of Ely: whiles the Bishop of Ely thus besought his Majesty of Grace, the said Michael de la Poole (Lord Chancellor and Earl of Suffolk) stood by, and broke out with much offence into these words. What is that (my Lord) which you ask of the King? Seems it to you a small matter for him to part with that Bishop's temporalities, when they yield to his Coffers above one thousand pounds by year? Little need hath the King of such Counsellors, or of such friends, as advise him to acts so greatly to his hindrance. Whereunto the Bishop of Ely not less truly, then freely replied. What saith your Lordship, my Lord Michael? Know that I require not of the king that which is his, but that which he (drawn thereunto either by you, or by the Counsel of such as you are,) withholds from other men, upon none of the justest titles, and which (as I think) will never do him any good: as for you, if the King's hindrance be the thing you weigh, why did you so greedily accept of a thousand marks by year, at such time as he created you Earl of Suffolk? The Chancellor was hit so home with this round retort, that he never offered any further to cross the restitution of the Bishop's temporalties. A. D. 1386. A. reg. 6. (58) After this the King being with his Queen at their manor of Eltham in Kent, there came thither Leo King of Armenia, a Christian Prince, whom the Tartars had expelled out of his Kingdom. The pretence of his negotiation was to accord the realms of England and France; that the Princes thereof might with joint forces remove the common enemy from Christendom. Therein he could effect nothing, but his journey was not otherwise unfruitful to himself, for King Richard (a Prince to speak truly, full of honour and bounty) gave him besides a thousand pounds, in a * Ypod. Neust. ship of gold) letters Patents also for a thousand pounds yearly pension during life. (59) The time now was come, wherein K. Richard should see himself delivered of all that fear and jealousy, which the greatness of his uncle the Duke of Lancaster stirred in him. His Forces were now ready, and his Navy (increased with * Holinsh. seven Galleys, and eighteen ships sent out of Portugal) attended at Bristol, to transport him toward Spain, (for Castille is high Spain) the crown whereof he claimed in right of Constance his second wife, daughter of Dom Peter the cruel. Before he set forth, the news came that such English as were already in Portugal with their friends had overthrown the Spaniards, French, and Britons, at a battle in Spain. This was a spur to quicken the Duke's enterprise, which Pope Vrban the sixth (by granting plenary remission of sins to all such as gave the Duke aid) did specially favour, as against them who did partake with his enemy the Antipape; * Tho. Walsin. p. 321. The noble army of the Duke of Lancaster for Spain. but the frequent grant of such pardon and releasement, was now grown so vile and contemptible amongst the people, that few were found open handed towards this Cruceato. Admiral of this Fleet was Sir Thomas Percy, Sir john Holland (who had married one of the Duke's daughters afterward created Earl of Huntingdon) was Constable of the host, and Sir john Mereaux (who had to wife one of the Duke's illegitimate children) was one of his Marshals. There were in this noble and excellently-well appointed Army, the Lords Talbot, Basset, Willoughby, Fitz-walter, Poinings, Bradston, Fitz-Warren, Beaumond, Beauchampe▪ the Lord Pomiers a Gascoin, etc. with very many worthy knights & valiant esquires, and a choice number of men of Arms, Archers and other Soldiers, to the number of * Henr. Knighton. twenty thousand. The Duke took also with him Oklands Ang. prael. his wife, the Lady Constance, and two daughters, which he had by her, as* one relateth. (60) It was now the month of May, when the great Duke of Lancaster coming to take leave, had of the king's gift a Diadem of gold, and his Duchess of the Queen another: he also commanded the English to call, and hold his uncle for a King, and to do him answerable honour. But after all this, he lay for a wind so long, till his whole provisions were almost spent; at length yet, he set forward. The first land they touched was near to Breast in Britain, where Sir john Roch the Governor against the French, complained of two Forts built about him to impeach his quiet egress; whereupon the Duke of Lancaster caused them to be assaulted; so both of them being taken by surrender, were razed to the ground, though some English first lost their lives, among which, was * Holinsh. ex Hen. Knigh. p. 449. Sir Robert Swinar tun▪ a valiant Knight of Staffordshire, and john de Bolton a courageous Esquire of Yorkshire, whom the sudden ruin of a Tower (overturned by mining) whelmed and slew outright. Sharpened with the success of this victory, they commit themselves to God, and the Sea, and prosperously arrive with the whole Fleet in the Port Corone, or the Groin, * Vigil. S. Lauren. in August. (61) The French (belike) thought England could not furnish an other Army for France, as she had for Spain: whereupon there was now no false nor vain rumour spread again, that the French would besiege Calis. The King to secure that precious transmarine part of his Dominions, sent thither store of men and of all provisions. The most eminent person was Henry Lord Percy, son to Henry Earl of The Lord Henry Percy bynamed Hotspur sent to Calis. Northumberland. This was he whom the Scots bynamed Hotspur, a young Gentleman, in whom (saith Walsingham) the pattern of all virtue and martial prowess shined: and indeed his nature did answer his byname; for he made such ridings into the quarters about Calis, that they could never wish a worse neighbour. After which, when the fame went that the French king would not delay, or (as they call it) beleaguer Calis, but rather invade England, he returned to be present where the greatest danger was expected. At this time, the English Seamen of war, brought two French prizes to Sandwich, in which was taken a part of an huge strong Timber-wall, which the French king, preparing now for England's invasion, had caused to be built in length three miles, in height twenty foot, which had at every twelve paces a Tower (ten foot higher) and each capable of ten men, the whole to be a defence for the French encampments against our shot, and a shelter for theirs, there was also in the same Ships the Engineer and master workman, who was an Englishman, and great quantities of powder, and store of Ordinance, together with the French Kings Master * Magister Gunnarius. A Parallelization of the English and French States in these times. Gunner. (62) There was in this time a great resemblance between England and France in the chief points of State. As England had Richard, so had France her Charles, both young Kings. Charles with an huge army had prepared to invade England, but did nothing: Richard with no less forces entered Scotland, and did no great thing. Richard had uncles which bore great sway in the Realm; so had Charles. Richard had his uncle john more potent than the rest; Charles had his uncle Lewis. john upon his wives title claimeth the kingdoms of Castille and Leon; Lewis by the gift of joan the Queen, claims the Kingdoms of Naples and Sicil. Lewis went with an Army of * Paul. Aemyl. thirty thousand horse into Italy to achieve his claim; with what force john set forth you have heard. But Lewis died without obtaining; john prevailed so far as to settle his child by marriage. The King and great Lords of France were glad (with any charge) to enjoy the absence of Lewis, and Richard and his favourites were not sad, that the Realm was for the present rid of john. (63) The forces of the French provided for this invasion of England, were reported in open Parliament (which the King held about Michaelmas in London) to consist of * Ypod. Neust. 15 Dukes, 26. Earls, two hundredth Lords, & an hundredth thousand soldiers, and a thousand Ships, assembled about Sluse, with full purpose to take revenge of all the evils which the English nation had formerly wrought in France▪ and to destroy the English kingdom. But though these reports were not feigned, (for the French attended nothing in a manner but a fair gale of wind to bring them,) yet could not the King, without Capitulations made by the Duke of Gloster, obtain any aides of money; so that, whereas it seemed to the King, that by the Duke of Lancaster's departure, he was become more free, yet had he left behind spirits much more stiff and intractable. OH dear Country, hadst thou not then been apparently in God's protection, (for the French having stayed for a wind till Hallontide, and then having it halfway, were beaten back, and the voyage made utterly void) certainly thy ruin had then been certain. What shall we think or say of those popular Lords, by this gentle King armed (to his own bane) with power and greatness, who under the specious pretext of reforming abuses, did satisfy their envy and inbred insolency? (64) The King tells them, that England is, as they saw, in manifest danger, and prays their succour in money: what is the answer? That the Duke of Ireland (for now the marquess of Dublin was made a Duke,) and Michael at the Pole (so they scornfully called the Earl of Suffolk) and other must be removed. The first seeds of the civil wars. Things are badly carried at home, say they; (and they perhaps said truly,) but where was now the care of our Country? God indeed turned from us the merciless point of the French sword: but here began the seeds of innumerable worse miseries, never to be remembered without sighs and tears. (65) The seeds (we say) of those fearful calamities were then first here sown, whose sum a flourishing * Sam. Dan. in his civil wars. Writer in our age (willing nearly to have imitated Lucan, as he is indeed called our * Remains. Lucan) doth not unfortunately express, though he might rather have said he wept them, than sung them; but so to sing them, is to weep them. I sing the civil wars, tumultuous broils, And bloody factions of a mighty land; Whose people haughty, proud with foreign spoils, Upon themselves turn back their conquering hand; While kin their kin, brother the brother foils, Like Ensigns, all against like Ensigns band; Bows against Bows, a Crown against a Crown, While all pretending right, all right thrown downs. But Robert de Vere, saith Thomas Duke of Gloucester and his party, was unworthily created Duke of Ireland, and De la Pole the Lord Chancellor seemed to the only great Lords (for so they would seem) to be in the King's debt. Strange colours for Subjects to capitulate with their King; upon giving their joint aides against the common enemy, now ready with one destruction to overwhelm them all. The time they took to work this pretended amendment in state, was not well fitted. It savoured of somewhat else besides the love of commonweal. Private ambitions and passions could not be wanting in such oppositions. This is some men's judgement, let the sequels show how just. (66) There were called up at this Parliament for defence of the Realm innumerable people out of all Shires, which forces lay about London within twenty miles round, and had no pay but lived upon spoil. These at last were licensed to departed to be ready at warning. There was also the Lord Chancellor accused, of (we wots not what) petty crimes (for the abuses of following ages have made them seem so,) as for paying to the King's Coffers but * Tho. Walsing. in Rich. 2. twenty marks yearly, for a fee-farm, whereof himself received threescore and ten, and some such other. To pacify these great Lords, the Lord Chancellor is disgraced, and the seal taken from him, against the Kings will, and given to Thomas Arundel Bishop of Elye, and then the houses of Parliament yielded to give half a Tenth, and half a Fifteenth, but upon condition that it should be disposed of, as the Lords thought fit, for defence of the Realm. The money was thereupon delivered to the Earl of Arundel to furnish himself for that purpose to the Sea. But to rid the Duke of Ireland out of the realm, the Lords were willing he should have those thirty thousand marks, for which the heirs of Charles of Blois, (who heretofore challenged Britain) were transacted to the French, upon condition that the said Duke should pass into Ireland before the next Easter. (67) The Parliament was no sooner dissolved, but the King recalls the Earl of Suffolk to the Court, keeps both him, the Duke of Ireland and Alexander Nevile Archbishop of York about his person, in greater favour than before. Insomuch that at Christmas he made Delapole to sit at his own Table not in the usual garment of a Peer, but Princely robed. Surely therein not well; for some of those great Lords, (though not by so sweet means as were fit) did desire to waken him out of Courtly drowsiness, and (as men that knew not what peace meant) to put him into actions worthy of his name and greatness. These other persons were not so friended, or qualified, that they could support a King against an universal mislike. But the King upon a stomach doth it; so that (saith * Ypod. Neust. Walsingham) here first grew the King's hatred against the Peers, that from thence forth he never, as it is said, regarded them but feignedly. So much more dangerous sometime is the remedy then a very grievous malady. (68) King Richard (whose age and place stood in need of wiser instructions) not thus contented to have whetted the displeasures of the greater Peers, as if he had said to himself, Rumpatur * Martial. quisquis rumpitur invidiâ; is further drawn, as was said, to plot the death of his uncle, Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloster, and other enemies of Delapole; who together being invited to a feast (by the bloody devise The Lord Mayor of London refuseth to be of conspiracy against the Duke of Gloster. of Sir Nicholas Brambre late Lord Mayor of London) should together have perished. But the present Lord Maior Nicholas Exton (whom the conspirators would have had their Partaker, if it may be believed) honestly refused to assent. The Lords hereupon having admonition, refrained to come. An. D. 1387. (69) The persons which were in the public envy for their over-swaying grace with the King, were (as you have heard) Robert de Vere Duke of Ireland, Michael de la Pole Earl of Suffolk, the said Archbishop, Sir Simon Burley Knight, and Sir Richard Stury: These men hearing that Richard Earl of Arundel and Thomas Earl of Nottingham, Martial of England, * Aprilis. 24. had encountered with a great Fleet of Frenchmen, Flemings, Normans, and Spaniards, and taken above one hundredth sail of ships, and in them nineteen thousand tons of wine, depraved the victory, saying, that the vanquished were but Merchants, whose loves had been more profitable to our Country, than so to stir them to inexorable hatred. But these (saith * Ypod: Neust: A description of King Richard's chief favourites. one) who thus judged, were rather the Knights of Venus then Bellona, fit for a Canopy then a Camp, for language then a lance, as they who were awake to discourse of martial actions, but Tho. Walsin. in Richard 2. and A. D. 1386. drowsy when they should come to do them. Such therefore conversing with the King (not * without suspicion of fowl familiarity) never took care to put into his mind any matter which beseemed so potent a Prince, we say not (quoth our Author) as concerning the use of Arms, but not even concerning those very recreations, which most of all become great spirits, as hunting, hawking, and the like. But the Earls did more than meddle with Merchants (who yet were able to make dangerous resistances) for they landed at Breast in Britain, and with great difficulty delivered it again from so bad The malignant construction made of the Earl of Arundels' service. neighbours as the two wooden Forts nearly built, where the other had stood, one of which they fired, and the other they manned with the English Garrison of Breast. Then stuffing it with all sorts of provisions for a year, and furnishing the wants of the Soldiers with all necessaries, they returned, having worthily won the love and praises of the people. Which, as they were also due to them from the king, yet coming to his press nce, they (by these men's evil offices) had so cold entertainment, as they eftsoons withdrew themselves from Court to live quietly upon their own at home. After them the brave young Henry Hotspur, Lord Percy was sent (ill provided) to the Sea; nevertheless he ventured, and returned (when his commission was expired) with honour. The Duke of Ireland puts away his wife the King's cozen. (70) One thing done by the Duke of Ireland was surely full of wickedness and indignity. For he having to wife, a young, fair, and noble Lady, and the Kings near kinswoman, (for she was Grandchild to king Edward by his * Tho. Walsin. in Rich. 2. daughter Isabel,) did put her away, and took one of Queen Anne's women, a Bohemian * Sellarij Filia, a Saddler's daughter, some say a joiners. Walsing. of base birrh, called in her mother tongue Lancecrone. This intolerable villainy offered to the blood royal, King Richard did not encounter; neither had the power, some say, who deemed that by witchcrafts and sorceries (practised upon him by one of the Duke's followers) his judgement was so seduced and captivated, that he could not see what was honest or fit to do. But where Princes are wilful or slothful, and their favourites flatterers or time-servers, there needs no other enchantments to infatuate, yea and ruinated the greatest Monarch. (71) The Duke of Gloucester took the matter more to heart, resolving to be revenged for the infamy A new consultation of the King how to bring the popular Lords to a trial. and confusion, which was brought thereby upon his noble kinswoman. Meanwhile the king, as if he meant to conduct his dear friend, the Duke toward Ireland, went with him into Wales. There the King deviseth with him, the Earl of Suffolk, Sir Robert Tresilian and others; (who were equally afraid of the Lords) how to destroy the Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of Arundel, Warwick, Derby, Nottingham, and such others, as from whom they thought fit to be clear. Much time being trifled thus away in Wales, they come together (as if the Duke's appointed voyage, or rather banishment into Ireland; were quite forgotten) to the Castle of Nottingham, there more freely to deliberate. A fearful estate of a Monarchy. He among a few, generally ill beloved, and ill advised, and ill provided; for their whole strength was the king, and these emulations made that force feeble both to him and them: the Lords, potent, martial, rich, and popular; he at Nottingham, they not near him: but abroad far-off, the Duke of Lancaster with the flower of the English forces, and mighty neighbours watching for the ruin of all. The course agreed upon by the King and that ill-chosen Senate, was first to have the opinion of all The Lawyers sent for to make treasons. the Chief Lawyers concerning certain Articles of Treason, within whose nets and sprindges they presumed the reforming Lords were; and if the Lawyers (who seldom fail Princes in such turns,) did conclude, that those Articles contained treasonable matter, then under a show of justice they should be proceeded against accordingly. These Lawyers (who were the very men, which in the last seditious Parliament, gave advise to the Lords to do as they did) now meeting, were demanded, whether by the law of the land, the King might not disannul the Decrees of the last Parliament: they jointly * At Shrewsburie saith Hist. Lecestrens. answered; he might, because he was above the laws: confessing, that themselves had in that Parliament decreed many things, and Hist. Lecestrens. given their judgement, that all was according to law, which now they acknowledged to be altogether unlawful. The King thus informed, appointeth a great Council to be holden at Nottingham, and sent for certain Londoners, some of them such as were beholding to the King for mercy in cases of attainder, to be there empanelled for Quests of inquiry. The Sheriffs of Shires (being questioned) denied, that they could raise any competent forces against the Lords, their whole Counties were so addicted in their favour: & being further willed to suffer no Knights to be chosen for the Shires, but such as the King & his Council should name, they answered, that the election belonged to the Commons who favoured the Lords in all. (72) Upon the 25. of August there met before the King at Nottingham these Lawyers, Robert Trisilian his chief justitiar, Robert Belknap chief justitiar of the common Pleas, john Holt, Roger * Fulthorp vide Book of Statut▪ A. 11. Rich. 2. cap. 4. Stilethorpe, & William Burgh justitiars in the same Court, and john Lokton the King's Sergeant at Law: all which being upon their allegiance charged to deliver their opinions, whether such * Those Articles are set down in the Book of Statu. A. 21. R. 2. c. 12 Articles as were there in the King's behalf propounded (which Articles comprehended all the points of advantage taken against the proceed of the last Parliament, and the displacing of the Lord Chancellor, Michael de Pole) contained matter of treason, they all of them answered affirmatively, and subscribed; which afterward cost them dear. judge Belknap foresaw the danger, and therefore was very unwilling to put his Hist. Lecestrens. seal to the answers; saying; there wanted but a * In MS. it igratis fo● Cra●● in likelihood. hurdle, a horse, and a halter, to carry him where he might suffer the death he deserved; for if I had not done this (quoth he) I should have died for it, and because I have done it, I deserve death for betraying the Lords. The King in the mean space puruaies himself of people to fight, if need required. (73) The Duke of Gloucester (sadded with these news, sent the Bishop of London to bring his purgation upon oath to the King, who inclining to credit the same, was in an evil hour diverted by De la Pole. The Duke makes his and their common danger known to the Earls of Arundel, Warwick, & Derby, eldest son to the Duke of Lancaster. They severally gather forces, that united they might present their griefs to the King, who to keep them from joining, sends the Earl of Northumberland to arrest the Earl of Arundel at Reygate in Surrey, where he abode. But by reason of Arundels' power, it was too dangerous a work. Northumberland returns, and Arundel (admonished by the Duke of Gloucester of his farther peril) escapeth in post to Haringey, where the Duke and Earl of Warwick had store of people. (74) As yet no blood was drawn. Peaceable men procured that the Lords should repair safe to Westminster, and there be heard. Thither approaching they are advertised by the Bishop of Elie and others (who had sworn on the king's behalf for good dealing to be used during the Interim) that, at the Mews by Charing Cross, a thousand armed men (which without the King's privity Sir Thomas Trivet and Sir Nicholas Brembre Knights were reported to have laid for their destruction) attended in ambush. The King swears his innocency, but the Lords come strong and trust no longer. The King royally adorned keeps state in Westminster Hall with many his Prelates and Peers about him; the Lords present The popular Lords bold answer to the king themselves upon their knees, and being required by the Eishop of Elye the Lord Chancellor (for the Lord De la Pole never had that place again) why they were in warlike manner assembled at Haringey Park, contrary to the laws, their joint answer was, That they were assembled for the good of the King and kingdom, and to weed from about him such Traitors as he continually held with him. The traitors they named to be, Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland, Alexander Nevile Archbishop of York, Michael at the Pole Earl of Suffolk, Sir Robert Tresilian that false justitiar (quoth they) and Sir Nicholas Brambre that false Knight of London. To prove them such, they threw down their gloves, as gauges of challenge for a trial to be had by the sword. The King hereunto replied, as knowing that they were all hidden The king's reply. out of the way: This shall not be done so, but at the next Parliament (which shall be the morrow after Candlemas) all parties shall receive according as they deserve. And now (saith he) to ye my Lords; how or by what authority durst you presume to levy force against me in this land? did you think to have terrified me by such your presumption? have not I men of Arms, who (if it pleased me) could environ, and kill you like Cattles? Certainly in this respect I esteem of you all no more, then as of the basest scullions in my Kitchens. Having used these, and many the like high words, he took up his uncle the Duke from the ground, where all this while he kneeled, and bad all the other rise. The rest of the conference was calm, and the whole deferred till the next Parliament, then shortly to be holden at Westminster. In the mean time (that the world might see how little able the King was to equal his words with deeds) a Proclamation is set forth, in which the King cleareth the Lords (before any trial) of treason objected, and names those persons for unjust accusers, whom the Lords had before named. (75) The factious Lords nevertheless thought not good to sever themselves, but to keep together for fear of the worst, which fell out to their advantage; for the Duke of Ireland (with the King's privity) had gathered a power in Wales and Cheshire, which they intercepting near to Burford and Babblake, slew Sir William Molineux leader of the Cheshire men, and some others, and made the Duke to fly in great fear. Among the spoils of the Duke's carriages there were found (as the Devil would have it) certain letters of the King to the said Duke of Ireland, by which their counsels were plainly discovered. The Lords hereupon march with speed up to London, having an Army of about forty thousand men. The King shuts himself up in the Tower, The Lords charge the king with sundry matters. but is glad before long to admit them to his presence. There they (unreverently enough) object mutability to him and his underhand workings; they objected also, that he had secretly practised to fly with the Duke of Ireland into France, and to deliver up to the French Kings possession Calais, & such pieces as the Crown of England held in those parts: to prove which dishonourable act, they (as some writ) produced the French packets intercepted. This wrung tears (perhaps of disdain) from the King, and he yielded to come to Westminster upon the next day, there to hear and determine farther. The King in sign of amity stayed his cozen the Earl of Derbie (the same who afterward dethroned him) to supper. OH where was the courage of a King? The Lords in their own quarrel could draw up forty thousand men; but in the general danger of the Realm, when the Commons were up, and the French hung over their heads, with no less hatred than preparations, no such numbers appeared. Was it for their honour or praise, that their most rightful King should by their violence be driven to consult upon flight out of his proper Kingdom? The City An. D. 1388. An. Reg. 11. of London was also in no little peril at this present by their access, which drawn by just fear was contented to open the gates and harbour the Lords and their partakers. These Lords, who so often are called here the Lords, are named in our * Stat. Ann. 11. c. 1 Statute books to be but these five; The Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of Derbie, Arundel, Warwick and Marshal. (76) The next day, he would have deferred his repair to Westminster. This being signified to the King's Lords (for so they might be called, as being more Masters then the King) they labour not, by humble words, and duteous reasons to persuade the use or necessity of his presence in that place, but contrary to their allegiance, and all good order sand The rough and harsh behaviour of th' e Lords. him word, That if he came not quickly according to appointment, they would choose them another King, who both would, and should obey the counsel of the Peers. They had him indeed amongst them, whom (belike) they even then meant to have surrogated, that is to say, the before said Earl of Derby, heir to the D. of Lancaster. The Lords certainly had so behaved themselves towards the King, that they well saw they must be masters of his person and power, or themselves in the end perish. (77) The King (after a preposterous and inverted manner) attending his subjects pleasures at Westminster, heavily and unwillingly is drawn to People removed from about the King. disclaim Alexander Nevil Archbishop of York, the Bishops of Duresme and Chichester, the Lords Souch and Beaumount with sundry others. Neither was the Male-sexe only suspected to these curious pruners; the Lady Poinings, and other Ladies were also removed, and put under bail to answer such things as should be objected. Sir Simon Burley, Sir William Elinham, Sir john Beauchampe of Holt, Sir john Salisbury, Sir Thomas Trivet, Sir james Berneys, Sir Nicholas Dagworth, and Sir Nicholas Brambre knights with certain Clerks were apprehended, and kept in strait prison, to answer such accusations (what if mere calumniations?) as in the next Parliament at Westminster should be objected. (78) The Parliament began at Candlemas, where the King was unwillingly present: The first day of Historia Lecestren. the Session, all the judges Fulthrop, Belknap, Care, hot, Burgh, and Lockton were arrested as they sat in judgement on the Bench, and most of them sent to the Tower. The cause alleged was, that having first overruled them with their counsels and directions, which they assured them to be according to law, they afterward at Nottingham gave contrary judgement to that which themselves had fore-declared. Trysilian the chief justice prevented them by flight, but being apprehended, and brought to the Parliament in the forenoon, had sentence to be drawn to Tyburn in the afternoon, and there The Duke of new Troy or London. to have his throat cut; which was done accordingly. Sir Nicholas Brambres turn was next. This Brambre (saith Walsingham) was said to have imagined to be made Duke of new Troy (the old supposed name of London) by murdering thousands of such Citizens, (whose names he had billed for that purpose,) as were suspected of likelihood to resist him. Then Sir john Salisbury, and Sir james Bernes two young Knights, Sir john Beauchamp of Holt, Steward of the Household to the King, and john Blake Esquire, were likewise sacrificed to revenge. Sir Simon Burley only had the worship to have but his head strucken off. Lo the noble respect which the gentle Lords had to justice and amendment. This was no age (we see) for a weak or slothful Prince to sit in quiet; for now the people, and then the Peers, foil and trample the regal authority under foot: the Duke of Ireland, the Archbishop of York, the Earl of Suffolk and others, had their estates confiscated to the kings use by Act of Parliament, as in the * An. 10. & 11. Rich. 2. book of Statutes may be seen, together with a great part of the whole proceed. (79) These troubles boiling and burning within, in the Bowels of the State, the Scots abroad had opportunity to invade the North of England, under the conduct of Sir William Douglas, a noble young knight, a parallel and rival in the honour of Arms to Henry Hotspur, Lord Percy, whom Hotspur fight hand to hand slew in battle: but the Earl of Dunbar coming with an excessive number of Scots, took Hotspur and his brother prisoners, kill many English, not without such loss to themselves, that they forthwith returned. A. D. 1389. A. reg. 12. (80) But these unneighbourly hostilities soon after found some surcease, there being a meeting at Calis between the English and French, about establishing a peace: and albeit, because the French would have the Scot and Spaniard included therein, the conclusion was deferred, yet shortly after it was resolved upon for three years, the Scots being comprehended therein. The King declares himself to be of age, and takes the government upon him. (81) King Richard (being now of age) declares himself free to govern of himself, without either controlment, or help of any other, than such as he selected to that place, and in token that he was at liberty, he takes the Great Seal of England from Thomas Arundel Archbishop of York, (Alexander Nevil being attainted and fled) and departs out of the Council Chamber. After a while he returns, and gives it back to William Wickham (the * He was founder of the two famous Colleges in Oxford and Winchester. renowned Bishop of Winchester) who was unwilling to have accepted the same. He also puts out sundry Officers, substituting such others as best liked him. From the Council Table he removed his uncle Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester, the Earl of Warwick, and others; which (as it might) encouraged the Duke's enemies about the King, to do evil offices between them. Yet the king did not presently credit what was whispered into his ear, concerning a purpose suggested to be in the Duke, to raise forces again; but acquainting him withal, was satisfied. Nevertheless, he would not suffer the Duke to pursue an orderly or any revenge upon the Authors, whom indeed it had been wisdom to have punished in an exemplary manner. (82) Michael de la Pole late Earl of Suffolk (whom the popular Lords had made most odious to the English) died at Paris in exile, bequeathing such goods as he had there to Robert Duke of Ireland, who also breathed out his griefs in banishment, and died at last in Brabant. (83) The Duke of Lancaster the mean while, returns into Gascoigne out of Spain, and not long after into England. The success of that voyage (being made to claim the Crown of Castille and Leon) was briefly this. john King of Castille * Roder. Santius. Archiep. Toletan. Hist. Hisp. part. 4 cap. 22. alleged that Constance the Duke's wife was not right heir, but he. For, albeit the Lady Constance was eldest daughter and heir to Peter son of Alfonse, whose father Fernand the fourth was son of Sanchez the fourth, and he son of Alfonse the tenth, all Kings of Spain successively; yet, that neither Constance, Peter, Alfonse, Ferdinand, nor Sanchez had the right. His reason was; for that Alfonse the tenth, (chosen Emperor of Almain) had, before he begat the said Sanchez, an elder son called Ferdinand de la Cerda, who married Blanch the daughter of Saint Lewis King of France, from whom descended Alfonse de la Cerda (who entitled himself King, but died without issue) and Fernand, who had a daughter married to john, son of the Infant of Portugal Emmanuel, mother to the Lady joane, wife of King Henry the second, father of john King of Castille defendant. (84) This Apology made by the Castilian, would not serve; for kingdoms are not used to be pleaded for by Bill and Answer; The English and Portugals join their forces. To the Duke (by reason of his wives presence,) many did voluntarily submit themselves; all did not; for Don * Polyd. Verg. l. 20 Hist. Ang. Aluarez de Perez on the behalf of his Lord, the King of Spain, offered to stop the Duke in his march to Burgos, and was overthrown. Other adventures that war afforded, but sickness happening in the English Army, consumed * Froissard. many of the principal, and among them the Lord Fitzwalter, with other Lords, Knights, Esquires, and men of arms, almost three hundredth. Moreover the penury was such, that sundry revolted to the enemy to get relief, which being * Tho. Walls. seen of the King of Portugal, he told the Duke he would set upon them as Enemies, but he said no, for that he knew they did it only for lack The Duke of Lancaster in his distress calleth upon God, and is heard. of food. Thus having said, he held down his head, as he sat on horseback, and wept most bitterly, secretly pouring forth his prayers to almighty God, and most humbly beseeching mercy. From which time forward his affairs in Spain succeeded happily. (85) The wars had been * Roder. San. qua supra. sharp and tedious, but the end acceptable. For Don ivan king of Conditions of perpetual amity between the K. of Spain and the Duke of Lancaster. Castille, a Prince of no evil conscience, seeing the right which the Duke of Lancaster urged, and foreseeing what calamities might happen hereafter, if (as was feared the French should match with him, sought and obtained a firm peace. The Principal conditions were: That the Lord Henry, his son and heir, should marry the Lady Katherine, daughter and heir to the Duke and Constance his wife; That the Lord Henry (during his father's life) should be called Prince of Asturia, and Katherine his wife Princess: That * Tho. Walsin. in Ric. 2. for default of issue between the young Princely couple, the Crown should come to the Lord Edward Duke of York, who had married the other daughter of King Peter. That the king of Spain should lad * Fabian. Caxton. eight Cars with wedges of gold for the Duke, or (as * Holinsh. pag. 450. some writ) pay two hundredth thousand nobles, toward the defrayment of the Duke's huge charges; That finally, he should give sufficient Caution for an Annuity of * Ypod. Neust. ten thousand pounds, during the lives of the said Duke and Duchess, to be duly paid to their uses at the City of * Holinshed. The Duke of Lancaster doth good offices. Bayon in Gascoigne. (86) The King, at such time as the Duke of Lancaster returned, was at Reading, whither he had commanded the Peers to repair. To that meeting the Duke makes haste, aswell to present his duty to his Sovereign, as to be an author of love and peace between the king and Lords, against some of whom the King was not thought to be very favourably disposed. Which he graciously effected, as The Duke of York's carriage worthily praised. seeming to addict his mind to offices of piety and public benefit. Certainly the wisdom and moderation of the Duke of York his brother, were such, in all the late, and other tumults, that he is not so much as once named among the factious; which Christian spirit if it had reigned in all the rest, England had never been polluted with such infinite bloodshed of her noblest Children; neither had the goodly fabric of state, laden with innumerable trophies, fallen under that most hideous Chaos, which succeeding ages saw and sighed for. A. D. 1390. An. reg. 13. The Duke of Lancaster made Duke of Aquitaine. (87) The King upon the Duke of Lancaster's return, whether he felt the keeping of Aquitaine an unprofitable burden, or the absence of his uncle the Duke, a thing worthy to be purchased at any rate, certain it is, that in a Parliament held at London, he vested in him that famous Duchy, by delivering the Cap of State, and Ducal Rod; whither he shortly went to take possession. His son, Henry of Bullingbroke Earl of Derbie, loathe to spend his hours in sloth, but desirous to pursue renown by martial Acts in foreign parts, sailed over to the wars in Prussia, where in sundry enterprises against Henry of Bullingbroke seeks adventures into Germany. the Lithuanians, he won great honour, which, by comparison of King Richard's Calmness, prepared a way for him in the Englishes affections, to points more eminent. (88) The Pope now understood, that the English State began again to be sensible of Romish encroachments; and as in a * A. R. 13. vid. lib. Stat. former Parliament they had enacted against all Collations of bishoprics and dignities by the Pope, with banishment to all which did accept such Collations, and death to all that brought in any excommunications from the Pope, to hinder the execution of that Act; so in this last Parliament, * Ypod. Neust. 544. another severe Act was made, against such as went to the Pope to procure any such provisions. A Proclamation ibid. p. 545. also was made at London, * that all beneficed men then being in the Court of Rome, should return by a day prefixed, or lose all their livings. The Pope himself (saith Walsingham) troubled with * ●ant● frigore turbatus. so great a thunderclap, sent with all speed into England, to persuade the A. D. 1391. King, that such Statutes as had been thus made in their prejudice, who followed the Court of Rome, and such other clauses as tended to the damage of that See, should be made voided; whereto the King's answer was, that the Pope's Nuntio must expect till the next Parliament. At which Parliament the King, as also the Duke of Lancaster, seemed to have some respect to the Pope, (whose messenger was their Present) but the * Ypod. Neust. Knights of the house would not in any wise give their consents, that such * Romipeti●. Rome-gadders should without due punishment pursue their wont course, longer than till the next Parliament. To furnish the Duke of Lancaster into France, to treat of a peace▪ and upon condition that the King should that year invade Scotland, large contributions were there made, both by Clergy and Laity. Hereupon the Lord * joh. Stow. calls him Earl of Northumberland. Henry Percy, Hotspur (who had redeemed himself) was called from his charge at Calais, and made Warden of the Marches against Scotland; Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham succeeding in the Captainship of Calys. The Duke's chargeful employment in France bore no other flower, than a years short truce. A. D. 1392. London in disgrace with the King. (89) The King's wants still increasing with his employments, the Londoners (carried away with evil counsel) did a thing most unworthy of their City and themselves, and it might to them have proved as hurtful, as it was unworthy, at such time as the King * Tho. Walls. desired the loan but of one thousand pounds▪ which was not only churlishly denied, but a certain Lombard, honestly offering to lend the same, was badly used, beaten, and almost slain. Their liberties for that and other * Fabian & Caxton; but▪ Stow mistakes their additions of other disorders. disorders are seized, and their proper Magistracy dissolved, (Guardians being given them, first Sir Edward Dallinging, than Sir Baldwin Radington) and their Mayor, and some chief Citizens laid in prisons far off from London. The punishment brought the foulness of their errors to their sight; but by the Duke of * Ypod. Neust. Glocesters' intercessions (who did not unwillingly lay hold upon such occasions of popularity) the king and Queen are won to enter the City, which gave them triumphal entertainment. The sea is not suddenly calmed after a tempest, neither a Prince's anger. By degrees yet, and not without dear repentance, they A. D. 1393. were at last restored to their former condition in all points. A. D. 1394. (90) The king declaring his purpose to cross into Ireland, had an aid of money conditionally granted: four years truce by the travail of the two Dukes of Lancaster and Gloucester being concluded in France. This year was farther notable for many great Funerals. Constance Duchess of Aquitaine and Lancaster, a Lady of great * Ypod. Neust. The death of Queen Anne and many great Ladies. Innocency and devotion: the Countess of Derby her daughter in law, Isabel the Duchess of York, and a Lady noted for too great a fineness and delicacy, yet at her death showing much repentance and sorrow for her love to those pestilent vanities, left this present life. But all the grief for their deaths did in no sort equal that of the kings, for the loss of his own Queen Anne, which about the same time happened at Sheen in Surrey, whom he loved even to a kind of madness: but Ladies only died not; for Sir john Hawkwood, whose chivalry had made him renowned The famous Sir john Hawkwood dieth. over the Christian world, did in this year departed an aged man out of this world in Florence, where his ashes remain honoured at this present with a stately Tomb, and the statue of a Man at Arms, erected by the gratitude of that State and City, which chief by his conduct, courage and valour (to this day admired amongst them) was preserved. The Italian Writers, both * Paul.▪ iovius in Elogijs. Historians and * julius Feroldus Poets, highly celebrating his matchless prowess enstyle him, - Anglorum decus, & decus addite genti Italicae, Italico praesidiumque Solo. England's prime honour, Italy's renown, Who upheld all Italy from sinking down. But the Duke of Lancaster having all things ready, sets sail to Bordeaux, there, with the consent of the State to take possession of his lately granted Duchy. (91) The King doth the like for Ireland; where that sort of the Irish which are called the wild, had greatly invested the English Pale, and other good Subjects there, to the great damage of the Crown of England. In the times of Edward the third, Ireland yielded to the king's coffers * Tho. Walsin. thirty thousand pounds yearly, but now things were so grown out of order, that it cost the King thirty thousand Marks by year To reduce the rebellious, himself conducts thither an Army, attended upon by the Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of March, Nottingham and Rutland, all the Irish being commanded to avoid out of England. The terror of the preparations, & shining presence of a king (which above all worldly things is pleasant to the Irish) had such effects that sundry great men were compelled to submit themselves. To supply the King's wants, grown in the Irish expedition, Edmund D. of York, the King's uncle, and Custos or Warden of England, called a Parliament at London (whither the Duke of Gloucester repaired to declare the King's wants) and hath contributions granted. Nevertheless, so strong a party against the Clergy, & Fryarly abuses of those times discovered itself therein, that the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of London, and others, priest over Sea to the King at Dublin, beseeching him to return, Ypod. Neust. the sooner to repress the Lollards (so called they the embracers of Wicliffes' doctrine) and their favourers, who sought not only (as they untruly pretended) to wring away all the possessions of the Church, but that which was worse, to abrogate and destroy all Ecclesiastical constitutions, whereas they aimed only at the redress of exorbitancy in the Papal Clergy. The King hereupon returns: by whose arrival and authority, those consultations of the Laity were laid down. Sir Richard Story a servant of his had been forward against the Prelates; of him therefore he takes an oath upon the holy Gospel, that he should not hold such opinions any longer. The Knight takes that oath, and we (saith the King) do swear, that if thou dost break it, thou shalt die a most shameful death. The rest hearing the Lion roar so terribly, drew in their horns, and would be seen no more. (92) The King caused the body of the late Duke of Ireland to be brought into England. His exceeding love to him was such, that he commanded the Cypress chest wherein his body lay embalmed, to be opened, that he might see, view, handle, and openly express his affection. The dead remains of that noble young Gentleman, (by his birthright Earl of Oxford, and by race a Vere) were buried at the Priory of Coln in Essex, there being present the King himself, the Countess Dowager of Oxford, the Duke's mother, the Archbishop of Canterbury with many Bishops, Abbots, and religious persons, but few of the Lords, for they had not as yet digested the hate they bore him. (93) The Duke of Lancaster was this while in Aquitaine, An. D. 1396. where he had sought to win the people with incredible largesse, to accept of his Sovereignty, according to the tenor of King Richard's grant. Little did he then think, that within less than sixscore and three years after, an * Doct tailor ex Autographo ipsius. A, D. 1526. Ambassador of King Henry the 8. should writ thus of Bordeaux itself, the Capital City of Gascoign and Guien: Anglorum An excellent note concerning the vanity of worldly ambition in Princes. nulla ferè vestigia remanent, etc. There are (saith that learned Gentleman) scarce any foot-prints of the Englishmen remaining. In the Churches, and other places newly refreshed and re-edified, such Armouries of the English as stood, were utterly blotted and defaced: yet in the Church of the friars Preachers, the Armouries of the Duke of Lancaster stand entire in a Glass-window, and in the oldest wall of the City those also of England, though consumed in a manner with age: The Laws, Statutes and Ordinations which were made by the English, are not withstanding observed at this day. But the Duke's eye could not look so far into the times to come. Nevertheless we that see these things must confess, that the best kingdom under heaven is not so worth the getting, as that with the wilful contempt of God and conscience any man should seek to purchase it. (94) But while the Duke was thus busied in Courting the Gascoignes good will, * Froissard. who had sent into England, to show causes why they should not atturne to the Duke, (and yet were wrought at last to the point of yielding,) he receives a commandment from King Richard to return, that he might go with him into France; which he obeyed. The King keeping his at Langley in Hartfordshire, the Duke The Duke of Lancaster marries the Lady Katherine Swinford. was there entertained with more honour (as it was thought) than love. Being licensed to departed for a time, he repaired to Lincoln, where he a widower, married his old love the Lady Katherine Swinford, now a widow. Men did wonder at it, but he therein obeyed the remorse of a Christian conscience, without respect to his own unequal greatness; for having had sundry Children by her in his former wives time, he made her and them now the only sufficient amendss, which the law of God or man enjoineth. And further in a Parliament held the year following, the Duke procured an Act to pass, by which, such children as he formerly had by his new Duchess, were legitimated; and surnamed them Beufot, being * Stow, Holinsh. erreth in saying but three. four of them, john, Thomas, Henry, joane; the second of which was by the King's bounty created Earl of Somerset. A peace and marriage with France. (95) The King, being specially accompanied with those his uncles of Lancaster and Gloucester, at a most sumptuous and chargeful interview between him and Charles King of France, in the parts of Calis and Gynes, espoused the Lady Isabella, daughter of the said Charles. At the delivery of her, King Richard, in the presence of all the greatest Princes, Peers, and Ladies of either nation, gave the King his father in law great thanks for a gift so noble and acceptable, adding, he took her upon the conditions made between the two nations, to the intent that living in peace and rest, they might attain to the establishment of a perpetual amity, for avoiding the effusion of Christian blood, which would in likelihood have followed, had not at that time affinity been contracted between them. The young Lady was not above seven or eight years old, but the truce was taken for thirty years. Her person therefore was committed to the duchesses of Lancaster and Gloucester, and other great Ladies, who conducted her to Calais. From whence, after a short stay, the King, his young Queen (with whom he had great riches) and all the glorious company came over into England. Their persons arrived safe, but the King's gorgeous Pavilions, and a great part of his stuff was cast away by tempest in the transportation. This journey (besides his losses at Sea) cost the King above forty thousand marks. A. D. 1397. A. reg. 20. (96) The outward felicity of England seemed at this time very great, and the rather seemed so, because it was likely to continued. In the Duke of Glocesters' person that bright prosperity was first overshadowed. He, Vir ferocissimus & praecipitis ingenij (as * Hist. Aug. lib. 20. Polydore censures him,) a most fierce man, and of an headlong wit, thinking those times, wherein he had mastered the King, were nothing changed, though the King was above thirty years old, forbore not, roughly, not so much to admonish, as to check and school his Sovereign. The peace with France displeased him, that therefore he calumniates. The King had restored Breast in Britain to the Duke, upon reembursements of the money lent; he tells the King that he should first conquer a Town, before he parted with any; yet the King answers, that he could not in conscience detain the same, now that the Duke had repaid his loan. There were other things which could not so well be answered. For a vain rumour * Ypod. Neust. Grafton Chron. that he should be chosen Emperor, put him belike into such a vain of spending, as carried a proportion with that majesty; his coffers in a short time sounding like empty Cask, there was no great moneyed man in whose debt he was not, nor any in a manner so mean to whom he was not burdenous. (97) The King had heretofore complained of this uncle to the Earl of Saint Paul a Frenchman, (then in England,) whose judgement was, that such insolency was to be revenged; but complaining to his other uncles of Lancaster and York, they wisely advised the King, not to regard his words but his heart, which he and they knew sincere unto him. Nevertheless, partly to weaken the intolerable humour of their brother, who like a constant Admirer of his own ways, thought nothing well done, but what himself either did or directed, and partly to avoid the scandal of the King's bad courses, they withdraw their presences from the Court. The King notwithstanding is the same man still, as the Duke of Gloucester thinks; wherefore, he breaks his mind to such as he durst trust. Arundel in Sussex is appointed the Consultation-place, where he, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earls of Arundel, Warwick, Martial and others, take an Oath of Secrecy, and conclude to raise a power to remove * Fabian. Concor. Hist. the Dukes of Lancaster and York, and such other as they thought best, from about the King, so to enact a reformation. (98) They are charged by * A French pamphlet apud Joh. Stowe in holinsh. pag. 488. Lanquets. Epitome. some to have plotted the imprisonment of the King and Dukes, and the death of all other councillors: which, howsoever it was perhaps no part of their intention, might yet have been a necessary consequent. The blustering Duke had breathed out dangerous words; as, * Hist. Angl. li. 20. that he would put the King (of whose courage he spoke contemptibly) into some prison there to spend his days in ease and peace, as himself thought best. His brethren hearing hereof, brotherly admonish him to beware▪ but, as it seems, they found him deaf on that side. This though some of the late Authors writ, yet there are both * Tho. Walsin. old and * Grafton Io. Stow. Annal. new, who mention no such matter, but the contrary, not obscurely teaching us, that the Duke's ruin was but an effect of old malignities. (99) Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham and Martial, a party in the reported plot, though son in law to the Earl of Arundel, revealeth the same to the King. The Duke of Gloucester is hereupon surprised by Mowbray * Milles. p. 427. (lying in wait in the woods where he was to pass) sent to Calais (where Nottingham was Captain) and there imprisoned; the Earls of Arundel and Warwick, the Lord john Cobham, and Sir john Cheiney, are arrested. Proclamation is then made that they were not committed for any old matters, but for heinous things newly contrived, as in the next Parliament should be made manifest; though the event (as * Ypod. Neust. Walsingham truly saith) declared the contrary. But the Duke of Gloucester, and the two said Earls are indited at Nottingham. The King to maintain the accusation of treason objected, had (as some say) suborned Edward Earl of Arundel, Thomas Earl Martial, Thomas Holland Earl of Kent, john Holland Earl of Huntingdon; Thomas Beaufort Earl of Somerset, john Montacute Earl of Salisbury, Thomas Lord Spencer and Sir William Scroop Lord Chamberlain. (100) In September gins the Parliament at A. reg. 21. London, where the king had a great guard of cheshire men to secure his person, and the Lords attended also not without sufficient numbers. The King's chief Agents were Sir john Bushy, Sir William Bagod, and Sir Henry Green knights. In the first act (after the liberties of the Church and people confirmed,) we found these * Libr. Sta●ut. An. 21. Rich. 2. cap. 2. words. The commons of the Parliament have showed to our Sovereign Lord the King, how in the Parliament holden at Westminster, the first day of October, in the tenth year of his reign; Thomas Duke of Gloucester, and Richard Earl of Arundel, traitors to the King and his Realm and his people, by false imagination and compassing caused a * E●d. l●br. ad. An. 10. Rich. 2. Commission to be made, etc. and that the said Duke of Gloucester, and Earl of Arundel, did sand a great man and Peer of the Realm in message to our Lord the King; who of their part said, that if he would not grant and assent to the said Commission, HE SHOULD BE IN GREAT PERIL OF HIS LIFE: and so, as well the said Commission, as the said Statute touching the said Commission, were made by constraint, etc. Wherefore the Commons pray their Sovereign Lord the King, that the said Commission etc. be utterly annulled, as a thing done TRAITOROUSLY, etc. (101) The sanctuary of former laws, and all particular Charters of pardon being now taken away from the Duke, Earl, and others, they lay open to manifest ruin. The * Holinsh. Duke of Lancaster sat in judgement as High Steward upon Richard Earl of Arundel, where, for no other but for the old attempts, (though the other accusations seem to have been averred by the eight Appellants) by which, as ye have heard, so many were displaced and put to death, he adjudged him to die that foul death of a common Traitor: but the King satisfied himself with only his head, which was at one stroke taken of at Tower-hill. The Earl of Arundel beheaded. That he was a traitor either in word or deed, he utterly did deny, and died in that denial. The constancy of this Earl's carriage aswell at his arraignment, passage, and execution, (as in which he did not discolour the honour of his blood with any degenerous word, look, or action) increased the envy of his death upon the prosecutors. The Earl of Warwick confessed with tears, (and as some say, drawn by fair hope of life) that in adhering to the Duke of Gloucester in those ridings and assemblies he was guilty of treason. The same sentence was therefore pronounced upon him. The King nevertheless did only banish him into the I'll of Man. But the Duke of Gloucester (whom, as the people's darling, it seemed not safe to bring to a public trial) was secretly The Duke of Gloucester murdered. smothered at Calis with pillows and featherbeds. A. D. 1398. (102) The great Parliament (for so it seems to have been called, by reason of the extraordinary numbers of Peers, and their retinues, which came thereunto) was helped by adiournment at Shrewsbury. In it, those justitiars, who were partly put to Libr. Statu. An. 21. Ric●. 2. cap. 12. death and partly banished, but all attainted (at such time as the Duke of Gloucester and the rest were in arms,) do all of them stand thereby cleared from dishonour, and such * Tho. Walsin. Articles as they subscribed, (being, together with their answers, set down in the Act) are publicly ratified, and the offenders against them pronounced Traitors. Among these Articles, one, containing these great Lawyers judgements concerning the orderly proceed in all Parliaments, is very observable: * Book of statute. A. Ric. 2. 21. ca 12. artic. 6. That after the cause of such assembly is by the King's commandment there declared, such Articles as by the King are limited for the Lords and Commons to proceed in, are first to be handled; but if any should proceed upon other Articles, and refuse to proceed upon those limited by the King, till the King had first answered their proposals, contrary to the King's command; such doing herein contrary to the rule of the King, are to be punished as Traitors. But the King, to content all parts, and to kindle new lights in the place of such as he had extinguished, having first created himself * Tho. Walsing. The King (Prince of Chester) created ● Duke's and other States. Prince of Chester, made his cozen Henry Earl of Derby, Duke of Hereford; the Earl of Rutland Duke of Aumarl; the Earl of Nottingham Duke of Norfolk; the Earl of Kent Duke of Surrey; the Earl of Huntingdon, Duke of Excester; the Earl of Somerset marquess Dorset; the Lord Spencer Earl of Gloucester; the Lord Nevile Earl of Westmoreland; William Scrope Earl of Wiltshire; Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester. The King also (saith Walsingham) added to his Scucheon Royal, the armouries of Saint Edward King and confessor. (103) The foremost in this goodly rank, being Henry Duke of Hereford, not long after accused Thomas Duke of Norfolk, of certain words sounding to the king's dishonour, which he should privately utter to the said Henry. * Hist. Ang. lib. 20. Polydor (though very negligently he makes Mowbray the Accuser, and Hereford Defendant) may yet be heard in reporting the effect of the words, as That King Richard held the Peers of the land in no account, but as much as lay in him sought to destroy them, by banishing some, and putting others to death. That he never troubled his mind with considering how his Dominions were diminished through his Idleness. Finally, that all things went to wrack, as well in peace as war. But the Duke of Norfolk, (who unless it had been to feel how the Duke of Hereford's heart was affected to the king, had little reason so to complain) most constantly denying that ever he spoke such words; it should have come to a combat within lists; but the king to avoid (as he pretended) such deadly feuds as might rise in the families of two such potent Peers, but (indeed to be rid of an enemy with the loss of a friend) banished Norfolk for ever, and Hereford first for ten years, then for six▪ Walsingham * Ypod. Neust. saith that this censure was given against Norfolk, upon that very day in which the year before, he (by the king's commandment) had taken order for putting to death the Duke of Gloucester at Calais, whereof the said Duke of Norfolk had the Captainship. An. D. 1399. (104) Fearful were the tragedies which ensued An. Reg. 22. these times; and hear now what is written of some Portents or wonders, presaging the same. The * Ypod. Neust. Bay or Laurel trees withered over all England, and afterward reflourished, contrary to many men's opinion; and upon the first of january, near Bedford town, the river between the villages of Swelston and Harleswood where it was deepest, did upon the sudden stand still, and so divided itself, that the bottom remained dry for about three mile's space, which seemed (saith Walsingham) to portend that revolt from the King, and the division which ensued. (105) Roger Mortimer Earl of March, Lieutenant of Ireland, having in the year before, while he too much * Tho. Walls. in R. 2. trusted to his own Forces, been slain with very many others, by * Annal. Hibern. apud Cambd. O-Brin, and the Irish of Leinster, at a place called Kenlis; King Richard determines in person to revenge the blood of his Noble kinsman, being the man to whom he meant the Crown of England, if issue failed to himself. He remembered not how broken an estate he had in England, where the people's hearts were strongly alienated, not only for the death of the late great Lords, and banishment of the Duke of Hereford, (whose calamity increased his popularity) or for the like passed exasperations, but for that (to furnish his Irish voyage) he had extorted money on all hands, taking up carriages, victuals, and other necessaries, without any recompense; whereby the hatred of his government grew universal. (106) But the evil fortune which hung over his head, laid forth an alluring bait to haste his destruction, by occasion of the Duke of Lancaster's decease, which happened about Candlemas, and the absence of his banished son and heir Lord Henry. The king (most unjustly) seizeth upon the goods of that mighty Prince his uncle, & as if all things now were lawful, which but liked him, he determines to banish the new rightful Duke of Lancaster Henry, not for a few years, but for ever; for which cause he revoked his Letters Patents granted to the said Henry, by which his Atturnyes were authorised to sue his Livery (and to compound for the respite of his homage at a reasonable rate; whereby he made it seem plain to the world, that he had not banished him to avoid dissensions, but (as many said) to fill up the breaches which his riot had made in the royal treasures, with plentiful (though an undue) Escheat, as that of his deceased uncles fortune. (107) The one steadfast base and buttress of all lawful Empire, is justice; that supports the kingly throne. This he overthrew, and how then could himself hope to stand long? He lands at Waterford in Ireland with a Navy of * Annal. Hiber●. apud Cambd. two hundredth ships, having with him the son of the late Duke of Gloucester, and of the now Duke of Lancaster, to secure himself the rather. * Th●. Walls. His forces consisted much of Cheshire men. But that king is deceived, who reposeth his safety in violence. It was no great matter he did there, that which fell out to be done elsewhere, was great indeed. His war in Ireland was more dammagefull, then fishing with an hook of gold, for here the bait and hook was not only lost, but the line, rod, and himself, were drawn altogether into the depths of irrecoverable ruin. Duke Henry sees the advantage which King Richard's absence gave him, and useth it. In his Company were Thomas Arundel the banished Archbishop of Canterbury, and his Nephew the son and heir of the late Earl of Arundel, and not above fifteen lancers. His strength was (where the Kings should have been) in the people's hearts. Nevertheless, the Duke did not suddenly take land, but hovered upon the Seas, showing himself to the Country people in one place now and then in another, pretending nothing but the recovery of his rightful Heritage. (108) Edmund Duke of York, whom King Richard had left behind him to govern England, hearing this, calls unto him Edmund Stafford Bishop of Chichester, Lord Chancellor, the Earl of Wiltshire, Lord Treasurer, and the Knights of the King's Council, Bushie, Bagot, green, and russel. Their conclusion was to levy a force to impeach Duke Henry's entrance. The assembly was appointed to be at S. Alban, which came to worse than nothing, for the protestation that they would not hurt the Duke, whom they knew to be wronged was general. This made the Treasurer Sir john Bushie, and Sir Henry green fly to the Castle of Bristol, Sir William Bagot to Chester, from whence he got shipping into Ireland. Mean while Duke Henry lands at a village heretofore called Ravenshire, to whom repaired Henry Earl of Northumberland, his son Henry Lord Percy, lands at Nevil Earl of Westmoreland, and many others, who (saith Walsingham) greatly feared King Richard's tyranny. With an Army of about threescore thousand (multitudes offering their service) they come to Bristol, besiege the Castle, take it, and in the same the foresaid Treasurer Bushie and green, whose heads (at the cries of the Commons) were the next day after their surrender severed from their bodies. (109) King Richard was in the City of Dublin, when these most heavy news arrived. His courage which at no time seemed great, was shortly none at all. Somewhat must be done: he leaves the sons of Duke Henry, & of his late uncle of Gloucester (which he retained as pledges for his own indemnity) in the Castle of Trim, and returns himself into England, intending to encounter the Duke before his force should be too much established. The great names which accompanied him, were his late noble Creatures, the young Dukes of Aumarle, Excester, and Surrey, the Bishops of London, Lincoln and Carleol, and many others. There had been some more hope for upholding his right, if he had not made the world know, that tenneyeers' space was not able to bury in him the appetite of revenge, which made many forget their own loyalty to him, and the Crown. Princes see in him the use of oblivion: but some conscience of evil deserts seeming to have taken from him all confidence, he dismisseth his Army, bidding his Steward Sir Thomas Percy & others to reserve themselves for better days. (110) His last refuge is in Parlea. For that cause there repaired to him, at the Castle of Conway in North-wales, (for thither he was now come) the late Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Earl of Northumberland at the King's appointment: The sum of his demands were, that if he and eight, whom he would name, might have honourable allowance, with the assurance of a quiet private life, he would resign his Crown. This Northumberland did swear should be: whereupon he forthwith departs to the Castle of Flint in their company. After a short conference there had with the Duke, they all ride that night to the Castle of Chester, being attended by the Lancastrian Army. If, to spare his people's blood, he was contented so tamely to quit his royal right, his fact doth not only not seem excusable, but glorious; but men rather think that it was sloth, and a vain trust in dissimulation, which his enemies had long since discovered in him, and for that cause, both held his amendment desperate, and ran themselves into these desperate Treasons. (111) The King did put himself into the Duke's hands upon the twentieth day of August, being but the forty and seventh from the Duke's first landing. From thence they travel to London, where the King lodged in the Tower. Mean while writs of Summons are sent out in King Richard● name, for a Parliament to be holden at Westminster, Crastino Michaelis. The tragical form of Resignation, you have * Ed. 2. 33. & 34. had already in Edward the second, of whom this King is a Parallel. There are named to have been present at this wofull-ioyfull Act, Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury, Richard Scrope Archbishop of York, john Bishop of Hereford, Henry Duke of Lancaster, (who in this serious play must seem as if he were but a looker on) the Earls of Northumberland, and Westmoreland, the Lords Burnell, Barckley, Rosalura, Willoughby, and Abergevenie, the Abbot of Westminster, etc. King Richard resigns upon Michaelmas day. A. D. 1340. (112) In their presence Richard as yet a King, and in his Tower of London, but not otherwise then as a prisoner, reads the Instrument of his surrender, with a seeming cheerful countenance, as if he were glad the hour was come, in which he might taste what it was to be a private man, and (having otherwise first done and said what then he could to put all right out of himself) subscribes it with his hand; but prays, that his cozen the Duke of Lancaster might succeed him in the regal government, and in token that it was his desire (for he must seem to desire what he could not hinder) he * Holinsh. pa. 504 plucked off his Signet ring, and put it upon the Duke's finger. Then did he constitute the Archbishop of York, and Bishop of Hereford his Procurators, to declare to the whole Body of Parliament what he had done, & how willingly, where every one ( * D. Hayward. i● Hen. 4. except the loyal & magnanimous Bishop of Carleol) being particularly asked, did particularly accept of the resignation. Nevertheless, it was not thought enough to have his Crown, unless they also published his shame. Thirty * Fabia. Concord. hist.. saith thirty and eight. and two Articles are therefore openly (but in his absence) read; of all which, it was said (for then men might say what they listed) that he had confessed himself guilty. In the front was placed his abuse of the public treasure, and unworthy waste of the Crown-land, whereby he grew intolerably grievous to the Subjects. The particular causes of the Dukes of Gloucester and Lancaster, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Earl of Arundel filled sundry Articles. They charged him in the rest with dissimulation, falsehood, loss of honour abroad in the world, extortions, rapine, denial of justice, rasures, and embezelling of Records, dishonourable shifts, wicked Axioms of state, cruelty, covetousness, subordinations, lasciviousness, treason to the rights of the Crown, perjuries,; and briefly with all sorts of unkingly vices, and with absolute tyranny. (113) We may be assured, that nothing could then be objected so untrue or incredible, but would have go for current and undeniable with affections so thoroughly prepared. Hereupon it was * Tho. Walls. concluded, that in all those thirty and two Articles, he had broken the Oath of Empire taken at the Coronation, & all the States of the Kingdom (strange that so many should so concur in disloyalty under pretence of equity) being asked what they thought; did hold that those causes seemed notorious, and sufficient to depose King Richard. Commissioners were therefore nominated by consent of the whole house, to pronounce the sentence of Deposition; which were, the Bishop of Asaph, the Abbot of Glassenbury, the Earl of Gloucester, the Lord Barkly, William Thyrning, Chief justice of the common Pleas, and some others. The form of pronunciation was, IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We john Bishop of Saint Asaph, john abbot, etc. Commissioners specially chosen by the Lords spiritual and temporal of the Realm of England, and Commons of the said Realm, representing all the States of the said Realm, sitting in place of judgement, etc. (114) The definitive sentence of Deposition given thus in open Parliament, there were further named certain persons, amongst whom * Ypod. Neust. William Thirning Chief justice of the Common Pleas was thought the fittest man, by whose lawless mouth that unjust doom should be delivered to the King, and who on the behalf of the Realm, should renounce to the said Richard the fealties and homages heretofore made unto him, and to make relation of the whole manner and causes of their proceed. The Regal seat was now reputed voided; whereupon Duke Henry riseth from his place, and stands upright, that he might be seen of the people, then * Ypodigma. Neust. signing himself with the sign of the Cross upon the forehead and breast, and invocating the name of Christ, he challenged the Crown and Realm of England, with all the members and appurtenances. His words are said to be these. Ypod. Neust. In the name of God, Amen. I, Henry of Lancaster, claim the Realm of England, and the Crown, with all the appurtenances, as coming by the blood royal from King Henry, and by▪ that justice which God of his grace hath sent to me, by the help of my kinfolke and friends, for recovery of the said Realm, which was in point of perdition, through default of Government and breach of laws. (115) Which challenge and claim being thus made, all the States of the Kingdom do with one consent grant, that the said Lord Duke should reign over them. The Archbishop of Canterbury▪ (brother to the late Earl of Arundel) takes him then by the right hand, and the Archbishop of York (the late Earl of Wiltshires' kinsman) being his assistant, placeth him in the royal throne, with the general acclamation and applauses of the people. Lastly, in full compliment of the present solemnity, the Archbishop of Canterbury (that we may see how the Divinity as well as the Law of those times were degenerated into temporising Policy) made a Sermon upon these words in Samuel, A Man shall reign over the People. By occasion whereof * Fab. 1. Concord. Hist. Holinsh. ex Fab. he describeth out of the holy Scriptures, the happiness of that Kingdom which is governed by a man, and the infelicity of those Realms where a Child (whether in age or discretion) weeldes the Sceptre. The evil whereof as they had dangerously felt under the late King, so they hoped abundantly to enjoy the other in King Henry. To all which the whole Auditory joyously answered Amen. Then rose the affable new Monarch, & among a few other words, he gave the world to understand, that none A necessary protestation. should think he would as by way of Conquest, disinhert●e any man, certain bad members only excepted. (116) From henceforth he was taken for King, and all Writs issued, and went forth in his name: which disorderly matters being orderly related to the deposed Prince in the Tower, by Thirning the Chief justice, he only used these words; That he looked not after such things, but (quoth he) my hope is, that (after all this) my cozen will be my good Lord and friend. The Archbishop▪ (otherwise inexcusable in those proceed) yet in his said Sermon seemeth gravely and truly to have described the cause of this effect; for (quoth he) the child or incipient (which are with him aequiparable) drinketh the sweet and delicious words unadvisedly, and perceiveth not intoxication, which they been mingled with, till he be environed and wrapped in all danger, as lately the experience thereof hath been apparent to all our sights and knowledges, and not without the great danger of all this Realm. Being thus brought down to the show, and littleness of a private man, we leave him to draw his comfort out of holy meditations, as one whose violent death ensued before long, and turn over to his politic and martial Successor. (117) Yet in our way, we may not quite overpass a cursory consideration of the affairs of the Church under this King, which, for avoiding often interruptions of other argument, we have put off to this last place. For albeit the Kingdom endured great crosses in the affairs of State, yet * Morna●. Mist. iniquit. p. 482. some have thought, that it found as great blessings in matters of religion, which in those days took so deep root in this our land, by the preaching of john Wicliffe, that the branches thereof did spread themselves even * into Bohemia, opera Io. Huss. To. 2. over the Seas: Nor were the common people only alured with his doctrine, (though the * Wa●si. p. 205. & p. 208. Londoners favouring of him is thought by Walsingham to have deterred the Prelates from proceeding against him, and a scholar of his in Leicestershire, is said to have drawn by his preaching, * Ibid. p. 285. all the Laymen▪ in that Country) but (as the same Author reporteth) sundry of the Friars themselves fell to him and embraced his opinions, amongst whom one * p. 317. being also the Pope's Chaplain, so discovered by preaching the murders, luxuries and treasons of Friars of his own Habit, that the common people were astonished with the horror thereof, and cried out to have them all utterly destroyed; which his accusations he particularly justified by public writing, professing he came forth of that Order, as out of the devils west. But that which Walsingham much more * p▪ 285. admires, is, that Wicliffes' opinions were not only entertained in ordinary Cities, but even in the University of Oxford itself, where was * C●lmen Sapienti● & scienti●. p. 201. the very top of wisdom and learning: and where not only two Chancellors successively. * p. 286. Doctor Nicholas Hereford, and * p. 201. Robert rug were most earnest maintainers of wicliffes doctrine, but also, when the pope (to suppress the same doctrine) sent his * Bulla Gregorij. ib. Bull to the University threatening the privation of all their privileges, the Proctors and Regent's thereof were very doubtful, whether they should receive the Pope's Bull with honour, or rather reject it with open disgrace. Yea, the whole body of that glorious University (as the Pope there calls it in his Bull) gave a glorious * Vide op. Jo●. Huss. to. 2. Testimony (under their public seal) of Wicliffes' religious life, profound learning, orthodox opinions, exquisite writings, all farthest from any stain of heresy. (118) And therefore no marvel, if not only the Duke of Lancaster, with * Nimio favore Procerum & ●ilitum. Walson. p. 351. & p. 3●8. sundry Peers and great ones, but King Edward 3. himself, were (as Capgrave testifieth) a favourer of him, and * Ypod. Neust. p, 552. ibid. King Richard 2. and the whole Parliament did (according to his instructions) much labour to abrogate the Pope's Transcendent power, which was a principal cause of the Pope's hatred against him. Notwithstanding to discountenance the truth which he taught, in defence of Regal Supremacy against Papal Usurpation, (as also against the Mass, Transubstantiation, Merit; against Adoration of the Host, of Saints, Images; and Relics; against Fryarly Orders, Pilgrimages▪ Indulgences,) many lewd opinions by misconstruction (as his books * Varia Wicliffi M. S. in biblioth. Oxon. yet extant, evince) are fathered on him, yea some so monstrous and diabolical (as, * Th●. Walls. p. 285. that Men aught, yea, * ib. pag. 283. that God himself aught, to obey the Devil) that that any man which heareth them, will presently believe (without further persuasion) that they are but malicious figments. This famous Doctor * An. 1385. dying of a palsy, hath this charitable Euloge or Epitaph bestowed on him by a * Walsi. p. 312. Ypod. Neust. p. 537. Monk; The devils Instrument, Church's Enemy, People's Confusion, Heretics Idol, Hypocrites mirror, Schisms broacher, hatreds sour, lies forger, Flatteries sink; who, at his death despaired like Cain, and stricken by the horrible judgement of God; breathed forth his wicked soul to the dark mansion * Atri Ditis, is in M. S: not in the printed copies. of the black devil: Whereby, God's best children may learn, not to regard, whiles they live, the malice of the wicked, nor to respect after their death aught else but their slanderous rancour. And thus we conclude the reign, though not the life of King Richard: His first wife. (119) The first wife of King Richard the second, was Anne, daughter unto the Emperor Charles the fourth, and sister to Wenceslaus Emperor, and King of Bohemia, who was crowned Queen the 22. of january 1384. Having been ten years his wife she died, without any issue, at Sheen in the County of Surrey, 1394. whence her body was conveyed and buried at Westminster, the seventh of the Ideses of june. His second Wife. (120) Isabella, daughter unto Charles the sixth, King of France, was a virgin about seven years of age, when she▪ was affianced unto King Richard, 1396. Neither had her husband (it seemeth) any nuptial fruition of her, by reason of her tender age, before such time as his traitorous Lords, (to compass their own disloyal purposes, and gratify an usurpers ambition) had dethroned him. What become of this young Lady, we shall further see in the ensuing story. Henry four Monarch 51 HENRY THE FOURTH, KING OF ENGLAND, AND FRANCE, LORD OF IRELAND, THE FIFTY ONE MONARCH OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XIIII. Francie: et: ●nglie: et: ●ns: hi●ernie henricus: 〈◊〉 Gracia: Rex: H 4. et: ●ns: hi●ernie: henricus: ●e●: Gracia: Rex: Francie: et: ●nglie nG I● ✚ h●●I●VS: R●X 3 SIL. VIL 〈◊〉 C L IS HENRY of that name the fourth, having thus obtained the title of king, in full accomplishment of all rites peculiar to Majesty, had the Crown of England set upon his head, with all worldly magnificence and honour at Westminster, by Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury, upon the * Tho. Walsia. self day twelve month, in which he had formerly been banished under Richard the second. Power and favour can set up and maintain a King, though they cannot created aright. But such transcendent courses deviating from all due regulation of justice, have been too frequent in this Kingdom. What right had William surnamed the Conqueror? what right, (we speak of a right of Equity,) had his sons William the second, and Henry the first, while their elder brother lived? what right had that valiant and princely Stephen? what was the interest of Henry the second, during the life of his mother Mathil●is? or that of King john, till his Nephew Arthur Duke of Britain died? yea, or that of Henry the third, till Arthur's sister died in her prison at Bristol? Howbeit, in this present case, not only Richard the late king, but the house of Mortimer, claiming from the only daughter and heir of Lionel Duke of Clarence (an elder brother of john D▪ of Lancaster) doubly might have withstood the legal challenge of this Prince? That obstacle which grew by Richard, was in appearance greatest, but the other was only dangerous. Richard had no issue but the line of Mortimer (engrafted by marriage into the house of York) feeling itself unable to prevail, and during Richard's life time, having no right, secretly fostered in itself those fires, which afterward broke forth, and taking hold of the roofe-tops of both the royal houses, never left burning, till no one principal timber was vnconsumed in either, all the Male-Issues which could claim by a direct line, utterly lopped down by mutual massacres and extinguished. (2) But this wise and valiant Prince Henry, besides all other helps toward the possession of the Crown in present, had as much strength, as the unordinate affections and siding of a factious greater part could give, for translation of a right from one family to another; which strength (as the basis of his unjustly reared building) he endeavoureth by all the politic means he may, to make perpetual. During therefore the former Parliament, (for Parliaments, as Kingdoms, give their voice with power, and he who hath the force, doth commonly carry the effect of right) he * Lib. Statut. An. 1. Hen. 4. c. 2. 3. 4. provided for their indemnities, who either came in with him, or did afterward adhere to his sides, and doth utterly abrogate, and make voided the Acts made in the one and twentieth year of the late King Richard the second, for so much as concerned the Attaindors' disinherisons, or other forfeytures of any persons therein named, or (in general words) comprised. Thereby, his uncle, Thomas Duke of Gloucester, who had been put to death at Cales without any orderly condemnation, Richard Earl of Arundel beheaded at Tower-hill, and others, were freed from the infamy of that corruption in blood, which follows executed malefactors. And the Statute made in the eleventh year of the said Richard, was again fully set on foot and revived. (3) In these things King Henry did (as it were) sacrifice unto the people, aswell as to the weal public: The said Thomas Duke of Gloucester, meaning the reformation of the State, in that eleventh year of King Richard procured (as is before touched) an Act of Parliament, to * Lib. Statut. An: 11. Ric. 2. cap. 1. settle a Superroyall power for a year, in certain Peers, by virtue of which commission the intended reformation was so far prosecuted, that sundry great persons and others (favourites of the unfortunate King) were put to shameful death banished and confiscated. (4) But Richard * An. Reg. 2●. afterward (by the Duke of Aumarls instigation) reexamines all the former passages and proceed, and satisfied his pleasure and displeasure, as already hath been showed; The Articles in those times sentenced for treasonable by the most eminent Lawyers, did extend themselves so far, that the Prince seemed to have too great means left to work mischief to the Peers and people: and that we may see the constant humour in Lawyers to judge with the will of the greatest, * So is he and the rest called. Lib. Statut. An. 21. R. 2. cap. 11. the Lord William Thirning Chief justice of the common Bench, the Lord Walter Clopton Chief justice, and others, being demanded their opinions upon the same Articles, for which Sir Robert Trisilian had lost his life, and for the which others had so terribly been censured by the Glocestrian faction, affirmed (as Tresilian and others did) that the said Commission was against the royal Prerogative, and the procurers thereof were all Traitors. (5) King Henry therefore, in this his first Parliament, reduceth the state of treasons (being crimes of the highest and foulest nature) to a more certain head, utterly abolishing all such as were established by the late King Richard. The words of the * An. 1. H. 4. c. 10. Statute itself are; Whereas, in the Parliament holden the one and twentieth year of the late King Richard, divers pains of treason were ordained by Statute, in as much as there was no man which did know how he aught to behave himself, to do, speak or say, for doubt of such pains. It is accorded, and assented by the King, the Lords and Commons, that in no time to come any treason be judged otherwise, than it was ordained by the Statute, in the time of his noble Grandfather, King Edward the third, whom God assoil. So was that net broken, the perilous estate of Subjects relieved, the people well gratified, and the King hereby become gracious and popular. King Henry●reateth ●reateth his son Henry Prince of Wales. (6) And that his indulgent magnificence might aswell appear, as his civil prudence, he (in this Parliament) created Henry his eldest son Prince of Wales, Duke of Aquitaine and Cornwali, & Earl of Chester, by * Holinsh. assent of all the States. To his friend the Earl of Northumberland he gave the Isle of man, as that which he had achieved by Conquest, (so the * Cambd. in J●suli● Britannish, pag. 847. cited Record speaks) of Sir William le Scrope Knight Earl of Wiltshire, beheaded at Bristol. The Earl of Northumberland had it granted to hold by the service of bearing Lancaster's sword on the left hand of the King at the Coronation. Upon the Earl of Westmoreland, he bestowed the Earldom of Richmond. Lastly, as a binding knot, he cauteth the * Holinsh. ex Hal pag. 514. Crown to be entailed upon the heirs of his body, having at that time four sons alive, Henry Prince of Wales, Thomas, john and Humphrey. The late King's friends disenabled and deplumed. (7) Now, as in the works of nature, what the Sea draws from one Coast, it casteth to another; so, others were diminished, as these increased; the King bereaving enemies, to enrich his friends and followers. From Aumarl, Surrey and Excester, the titles of Dukes were taken, and generally all the great ones of that colour or faction, were reduced to the same estate (for honour and fortune) in which they stood, when first the late Duke of Gloucester was arrested. The Castles, Honours, manours, and the rest of things, which afterward grew to them out of the ruin of that Duke and his friends, or otherwise by the late King's gift, from the day of that arrest, were by authority of this Parliament taken away, or put into the present King's mercy. It was likewise made unlawful for them to give liveries or badges to retainers, or to keep any about them but necessary servants: They were also forbidden, under pain of high Treason, to go about by any way to reenable the late King against the authority of this Parliament, in which the sentence of his deposition was given and enacted. Finally, (a thing which laid them open to infinite vexations) whereas, in the time of their late greatness, they and theirs were charged to have done, and patronized manifold wrongs and oppressions, all people (upon proclamations to that purpose) were willed to come in, and declare their griefs, to the intent they might have redress and remedy. With these punishments of his adversaries, King Henry contented himself; but * though, Walls. not the Commons who inveighed against the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl of Northumberland, and other Lords of Council, because the said Aumarl, Surrey, etc. were not also put to death, as persons who stood deep in the people's hatred. (8) These provisions for his honour, safety and advantage▪ King Henry very seeingly contrived, and established at home; but not ignorant under what grievous constructions his actions might fall in foreign parts, sends honourable Ambassadors to * Holinsh. ex Tho. Walls. Rome, France, Spain, and Germany, to give a reason of his doings. To * Room, the Bishop of Hereford, Sir john Cheney Knight, and john Cheney Esquire. To France, the Bishop of Duresme, and the Lord Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester, and * joh. Stow. Anna. William Heron to Spain, the Bishop of Saint Asaph, and Sir William Par Knight. To Germany, the Bishop of Bangor, and others. These were armed with all sorts of instructions for justification of their new advanced King. (9) In France * Polyd. Verg. l. 〈◊〉. was worthily found the greatest difficulty of giving satisfaction, for that the French Kings daughter (the designed wife of the late King) did thereby lose the honour, profit and pleasure of a Monarchies fruition. She was as yet scarce twelve years of age, and therefore, * B●lindens Hect. B●●t. l. 16. c. 11. till she attained to more maturity, the late King had the rather absented himself in Ireland. France therefore took these news roughly, and it seemed that matters tended to Arms, which yet came to nothing, for that King Charles relapsed into his old disease of frenzy, and a war to be made against so politic a Captain as King Henry, required a sober man, and not a mad one. Certainly, in the death of Richard which shortly followed, all those tumultuous designs for revenge, immediately expired. (10) They of Aquitaine (among whom the unfortunate They of Aquitaine discontented and resettled. Richard was borne) bore the late king great love, as being their Countryman. These discontentments were so public, that Bordeaux (the capital City and presidential seat) stuck not openly to say, (as * Hist. A●g. lib. 21. Polydore hath it) that since the world began there was never a more cruel, unreasonable, nor wicked fact done; that the good Prince was betrayed by * Hect. Boet. l. ● 5. joh. Stow. Annal. faithless men, and that all law was violated, Thus do they exclaim, calling to God for vengeance with one voice. Nevertheless the French were deceived in hoping to convert these popular passions to their advantage; for partly by the chief * Sir Rob. Knols. Magistrates wisdom, and principally by the comparison which the people made of the two sorts of government, The English government better than the French. English and French, that of the English being far the more sweet and gentle, they continued firm. Much good labour, and many fair promises Lewis Duke of Bourbon was forced to spend in vain, who The French practices frustrated. by such baits cast into the troubled wits of the Gascoignes, travailed to draw them to a revolt. The mischief was the better, and more strongly encountered, by the arrival of Sir Thomas Percy * Holinsh. p. 518. Earl of Worcester with competent numbers of men, sent thither to withstand the French practices, and cure the people's affections, by applying to them the sovereign balm of reason, or with force to compel obedience. (11) The first provocation which was given to King Henry was by the Scots, who during the last Parliament exercised themselves in England, and took the Castle of Work; whose Captain Sir Thomas Grey at that time gave his attendance at Parliament The Scott. about the common affairs; and the whole North of England being also infested with pestilence; the Scots had the more opportunity to range unencountred. Cause of other ensuing enmities which afterward broke forth, was (as it * Hect. Boet. lib. 16▪ Geor B●k●an. seemeth) for that King Henry took into his protection George Earl of Dunbarre and other Scots, who fled out of Scotland to avoid the displeasure of Robert their King, and partly to take open vengeance for wrongs done unto them. Such oftentimes is the corruption of human nature, that it will not pardon private ini●rieses for the public benefit, but thrust the piety due to our Country under the inferior respect of particular interesses. Prince's also upon obliqne reasons of state (so bad men call them) which is never well founded upon injustice, are (for their own seeming good) contented to hold their neighbours in awe, by possessing means of their disturbance, which when time serveth also, they are not slack to use, the profit whereof is seldom or never durable. An. D. 1400. An. Reg. 1. (12) But King Henry was scarce warm in his new achieved sovereignty, when a nest of powerful enemies began to hatch his destruction under the shadow of his own wings. The deposed A conspiracy for delivery of Richard begun. Richard was yet alive, and howsoever rough and headstrong men of the Kingdom approved his downethrow, all others did not; for some moved by nearness of blood, as the Earls of Kent and Huntingdon his half brothers by one mother; some doubtless in conscience (because howsoever Richard's actions were unworthy of the Sceptre, yet the right was only his, and besides Henry seemed to them not the next heir) others transported with envy at Henry's supereminency, and not a few with remembrance of received benefits, or hope of better fortunes in the change of times, inclined to set him again upon the English throne. But they whosoever seek the deliverance of a Captive Prince, do commonly nothing else but hasten his death. (13) It was our purpose in many great things to have forborn the testimony of Walsingham (otherwise a great light of these times) as one who dedicating his works to King Henry the fifth, son to this Henry, may be feared to speak the best and most he can, for setting forth the honour of that line; but the levity and dissonance of later writers, enforceth us (though with some wariness,) to follow his light, for that, concerning this great conspiracy itself, our late Authors do fondly encounter one the other, and some of them (as it must needs be) the truth. The principal Conspirators (if such in so just a cause may be so enstiled) were such, whose lives in the last Parliament had been spared, though many locks in their periwigs of worldly honour were plucked away. john Holland Earl of Huntingdon, Thomas Holland Earl of Kent, and (as * joh. Stow Annal. some say) Edward The chief Conspirators names. Earl of Rutland, (three the late Dukes of Excester, Surrey, and Aumarl,) john Montacute Earl of Sarisbury, Thomas Lord le Spencer, late called Earl of Gloucester, the Bishop of Carleol, Sir Bernard Brokaes', Sir john Sheu●le, (or Shelley) Knights, john Maudler, the Pseudo-Richard, or * john Stow●s' Annal. ●x Anonymo. Counterfeit King Richard, whose Chaplain he had been, and resembled him very nearly. The * I Stow ex Anonymo. Hall. Chron. Sau●u. Da●iel. l. 2. Abbot of Westminster is (by some) not only named a Conspirator, but the first wheel of all the practice, as moving the rest; and with him they add to the former, Sir Ralph Lumley, Sir Thomas Blunt, Sir Benedict Celie Knights. There were sundry others, but those Earls and others first named, were undoubtedly the chief. The chief points of the conspiracy. (14) The main point of the plot was to * Thom. Walsing. kill king Henry and his son, and thereby to restore Richard to his rightful dignity; which the more powerfully to effect, (because, though Henry were murdered, yet they were assured that the business would not take end in a day, or a death) they resolved * Pol. Verg. lib. 21. to call the French into their succours, which they had reason to expect, for that the young Queen Isabel daughter to the French king remained at that present in England. There was nothing feeble or improbable in all this devise; the difficulty was how to come so strong into the presence of King Henry, that they might overlive the Assassinate, thereby to finish their enterprise, which as they could not hope for, but with the help of a multitude, nor a multitude be assembled without convenient Colour, it was resolved, that the pretence of some extraordinary show in Christmas was the fittest. (15) Not long before the time of intended execution, the whole Conjuration was discovered, some say by the late * Io. Stow Annal. Duke of Aumarl, and afterward by the Mayor of London. Discovered it was, but with so short a warning, that the King scarce found himself out of danger, when the Earls of Kent and Salisbury, (not understanding that the bad odour of their conspiracy was come to the King) enter with 400. armed men about * Thomas Walsing. Stow saith in the Octaves of Childermas. twilight into Windsor Castle, from whence he was departed to London. But God (whose peculiar Wards and Pupils Princes are) having delivered the King out of that most certain peril, did also sodeinely dissipate the further enterprises of the Conspirators. The Lord john Holland Earl of Huntingdon, one of the chief, was not in this defeat at Windsor, but hovered in London, attending the success, there to raise means and men, and to work such other masteries as he could, and afterward (for we credit Walsingham who lived in that time, and near the place, and saw, and diligently noted things, rather than some * Hal apud Holin. pag. 515. others) upon the certain report of the King's safety sought to fly away by water. The Earl's course upon their plots discovery. (16) The two Earls missing their hoped prey, though greatly grieved, yet necessity and new hopes bid them to dare farther. They therefore come to Sunnings. There the young Queen (King Richard's spouse) lay; where having spoken certain big words, to little other purpose then to give the poor Lady a short comfort, and taken King Henry's Badges from such as wore them, saying King Richard was at liberty, and in the midst of an army of one hundredth thousand friends at Pomfret; they proceed to Wallingford, then to Abingdon, and so to Circester. The rumours used by them to increase their numbers were; that Henry of Lancaster (meaning the King) was fled with his sons and friends to the Tower of London, and that King Richard was escaped. Maudlin also, one of Richard's Chapleins, took upon him the * Ex Anonym. apud Io. Stow. Annal. Holinsh pawn 515. Polyd. Verg. lib. 21. person of his said Lord, the more strongly to seduce the multitude, by so bold and perilous a fiction. Thus seemed they to fit their words and suit their Arts to the place. At Sunning, Richard (they said) was at Pomfret, for there the guile had been transparent; but at Circester, Richard was not at Pomfret, but present. (17) Howbeit the success was not answerable to the devise; for, besides that King Henry was in the heart of his strengths at London, where six * Hall. Chron. thousand men were put into a readiness, and would come upon them like a storm, the Townsmen of Circester assailed the Lords, took them, and (because their Town was fired of purpose by some of their followers, the better to recover them while the quenching found the people employment,) haled them forth, and without longer tarriance severed their heads from their bodies: The Earl of Huntingdon, with a trusty Knight of his, Sir john * Shellie, as others have it. Shcuele, having (after the fail at Windsor) in vain attempted to escape by Sea, was taken by the Commons at * Fab. Conc. Hist. Pitwel (perhaps Prittlewel) in Essex, brought first to Chelmsford, and lastly to Pleshie, the house of the late Duke of Gloucester (whose Ghost a tragical Poet would suppose did haunt his persecutors for revenge,) where, partly also by this Earl's instigation, the said Gloucester was first arrested. The Commons (out of whose hearts the image of that Duke was not vanished) at * Harst. cap. 119. the Countess of Hereford's instigation who was the Duke's widow, took satisfaction upon the Earl, with the escheat of his head, which there was sundered from his shoulders. The Lord Spencer called Earl of Gloucester (one of the Conspirators) had like execution done upon him by the Commons at Bristol. Some other of them were put to death at Oxford, and some at London; where john Maudlin (the Counterfeit Richard, who as it seems was a beautiful and goodly person) and one William Ferby were drawn, hanged and headed. The Bishop of Carleol nevertheless was by the King's clemency preserved alive after the condemnatory sentence. There were * Hall. Chron. Holinsh. p. 516. nineteen in all (whereof two had been Dukes) put to death for this conspiracy, most of which were men of special note. (18) The designs and misfortunes of King Richard's friends being made known unto him, could not but work strongly in a soul oppressed with grief; but whether so strongly as to make him resolve by voluntary abstinence to starve himself (as * Tho. Walsing. the fame went) may be doubted, though it be past doubt that King Henry was not sorry he was dead howsoever. The late King Richard starved to death. That he was starved seems very plain; though, as it is not certain, (neither yet unlikely) that King Henry was privy to so foul a parricide, so neither is it known, but that Richard might as well be starved of purpose, * Ypod. Neust. as starve himself. * Annal. in H. 4. Master Stow (a man for honest industry very praiseworthy) saith that king Richard was fifteen days and nights together kept in hunger, thirst, and cold, till he died. How true that was in the circumstance, who knows? but in the point of starving he is clearly with Walsingham: and a * Sir john Fortescue. Knight living about those times calleth it a death never before that time known in England. Harding * Chron. c. 200. also, living under King Edward the fourth, agrees of the rumour of starving. * In Yorkshire pag. 567. Master Cambden saith of Pomfret Castle, that it is a place principum caede & sanguine infamis, but seems to insinuate, that some other torments were most wickedly practised upon this King, as made out of the way with hunger, cold, and unheardof torments. * Hist. Angl. 20. in fin. Rich. 2. Polydore therefore may in this be believed, who writes of this poor deposed Monarch, that, (which may well be called unheardof torments) his diet being served in, The fiction of Ta●talus' verified in King Richard. and set before him in the wont Princely manner, he was not suffered either to taste, or touch thereof. Idle therefore seems * Lanquets Chron. in Hen. 4. his dream, who writes he was murdered in the Tower, and not more credible * Fab. Conc. Chron. theirs, who tell us of Sir Peirs of Extons' assault, and the murder basely by him acted upon this most miserable Prince's person: but much more are * Holinsh. p. 517. they to blame who negligently for credit of the fable quote Walsingham, in whom no syllable of such a thing is found. Only * Lib. 16. Hector Boetius wils us to believe that Richard fled disguised into Scotland, was discovered to King Robert, and honourably entertained, but Richard who would no more of the world, gave A counterfeit King Richard buried in Scotland. himself wholly to contemplation, and both lived, died, and was buried at Striueling. Which fond fable hath nevertheless somewhat in it, for that some Tho. Walls. in Hen. 4. ad An. D. 1044. personated Richard might so do is neither impossible, nor improbable, and indeed it was so. Richard's dead body showed openly at London. (19) The late King Richard thus cruelly and heinously murdered (for in regard of pining death the seeming fable of his fight with Sir Peirs of Exton was a sport, it being both noble and full of comfort, for a man of honour and courage to die with weapon in hand) King Henry causeth his dead body to be brought up to London. OH Henry, if thou wert Author, or but privy, (though for thine own pretended safety, and for that errors 'cause which is lewdly miscalled reason of state) of such a murder; we do not see, how the showing of the people his uncovered face in Paul's, did either conceal or extenuate the execrable crime. But to let the world know that there was no hope nor place for a Richard, that course was used, which may the rather confirm the truth of his enfamishment: for a violent death by braining could not but deform him too much: and it is most probable that such a death would be sought, as might lest appear. Surely he is not a man, who at the report of so exquisite a barbarism, as Richard's enfamishment, feels not chilling horror and detestation; what if but for a justly condemned galleyslave so dying? but how for an anointed King, whose Character (like that of holy Orders) is indelible? The tragical spectacle of his dead body (perhaps because it From thence is carried to Langley, and afterward to Westminster. moved too much both pity and envy) was after a while transported without honour to Langley in Hartfordshire, where the last rites were performed by the Bishop of Chester, the abbots of S. Alban and Waltham, but neither King Henry present, (as at the exequys in London) and the great Lords and such other as were had * Thom. Walsing. in Henr. 4. not so much as a funeral feast bestowed on them for their labour. But Henry the fifth, in the first * Fab. Conc. Hist. year of his reign with great honour did afterward 'cause those royal remains to be interred in the Sepulture of his Ancestors at Westminster. Among the rhyming Latin verses of his Epitaph, ye may marvel to read these, considering upon what points he was triced out of Majesty and State; Ecclesiam favit, elutos suppeditavit, Quemuis prostravit, regalia qui violavit. Fabians English of them. The Church he favoured, casting the proud to▪ ground, And all that would his royal State confounded. The said Author therefore Robert Fabian, observing the scope of those lines (to damp their force) doth underwrite and annex this Stanza, with much greater discretion than elegancy: But yet alas, though that this meeter or rhyme, Thus doth embellish this noble Prince's fame, And that some Clerk which favoured him sometime, List by his cunning thus to enhance his name, Yet by his Story appeareth in him some blame: Wherefore to Princes is surest memory, Their lives to exercise in virtuous constancy. Moore tart and severe is the censure of Gower upon this Prince, one of whose verses * Annal. Stow gives us thus, So God doth hate such rulers as, here viciously do live. That beautiful picture of a King sighing, crowned in a chair of estate, at the upper end of the Quire in Saint Peter at Westminster, is said to be of him, which witnesseth how goodly a creature he was in outward lineaments. (20) King Henry to divert the humours and eyes of the people from the remembrance of this Tragedy, prepareth now a puissance, therewith to invade Scotland; some subjects whereof, together with their Admiral Sir Robert Logon a Scotish Knight, were taken at Sea by certain English ships. But K. Henry may seem to have done any thing rather, then to have made a war; for albeit he did some hurt by * Ypod. Neust. wasting the Country, yet did not the Scots offer battle, and the rest will well appear in these words of * Hist. 51. li. 16. & by Belindens division. cap. 13 Boetius. He did small injuries to the people thereof: for he desired naught but his banner to be erected on their walls. He was ever a pleasant enemy, and did great humanity to the people in all places of Scotland where he was lodged. Finally, he showed to the Lords of Scotland, that he came into their Realm rather by counsel of his Nobles, then for any hatred he bore to Scots. Soon after he returned into England. Whether the remembrance of the courtesies showed to his Father Duke john, or the fear of his own great state so near to an overthrow by the late furious conspiracy, wrought these gentle effects, it was not long before the event showed, that his providence in not creating new acerbities was therein needful. (21) For albeit the face of England seemed smooth, yet God thrust a thorn into King Henry's side, when Owen Glendowr draws the Welsh into rebellion. and where he little expected; for the Welsh, whom former Kings of England had so yoked, and subjecteth, did contrary to all men's expectation, break forth into open acts of hostility, under the conduct of a Gentleman of that Nation surnamed Glendowr, of the Lordship of Glendowr in Merionithshire, whose owner he was; the wrath and justice of heaven is always so well furnished with means to exercise the mightiest, those chief at whose amendment God aims by chastisement. The original of so great an evil was in the seed but little, as but this: Owen Glendowr, * Hist. of Wales D. Powel, p. 385. 386. 387. whom the Welsh call the son of Gruffith Vachan, descended of a younger son of Gruffith ap Madoc, Lord of Bromfield, was at first a Student of the common laws, and an Utter Barister, (but not therefore an apprentice of law, as Doctor powel mistakes, for an apprentice of the law, is he that hath been a * Sir Edw. Cook Epist. part. 3. report. double Reader) did afterward serve the late King Richard in place of an Esquire, & was well beloved of him, but in King Henry's time (retiring himself as it seems to his Manor of Glendourdwy, the L. Gray of Ruthen entered upon a piece of common, which lay between Ruthen and Glendowr, which Owen (despite the Lord Gray while Richard continued King) had formerly holden, though not without contention. Owen (a man of high courage, and impatient of force) arms hereupon, and encounters the Lord Gray in the field, where he scattered the said Lords people, and took him prisoner, as hereafter will elsewhere be touched. (22) It seems herein that he had forgotten the laws which he had formerly studied, and wherein he had been a licentiate; for shortly after, as he had trodden law under foot, so did he also cast off loyalty, burning & destroying the Lord Gray's inheritances, King Henry enters North-Wales with an Army. and kill sundry his servants. The King advertised hereof, passeth with an Army into Wales, burns, kills, and takes such revenge as that time would permit. Meanwhile, Owen (whom pride & folly armed to the farther ruin of his Country) with his trustiest friends (which were not few) withdraws into the inexpugnable fastnesses of Snowdon, where during this tempest, he kept his head safe. Shortly after the King with such riches and spoils as those Parts had afforded, returns. His next most noted War 〈◊〉 Turk's 〈…〉 by the western▪ Princes. action was peaceable. For one of the house of Paloelogus, and Emperor of Constantinople, came into England to pray some succour against the Turk, and upon the day of S. Thomas the Apostle, was met at Blackeheath by King Henry, highly feasted, richly presented, and his charges borne till departure. But as Tilius * Chron de regib. Francorum. saith of his success in France, verbis & promissis tantum adiutus est, so here his speed was not much better, the point of armed aides, being only therein assisted with words and promises. An. D. 1401. An. Reg. 2 (23) In a Parliament held the next year, * Lib. Stat. H. ●. an. 2. c. ●5. by reason of the numbers of Lolards, (so called) increasing, the punishment for them enacted, was burning. And in the same year also, the Articles of peace being first agreed upon between the two Nations, English and French (notwithstanding that they had denied to match with the young Prince of Wales, * Polyd. Verg. Hist▪ an. lib. 21. because the former marriage with Richard thrived so badly) the Lady Isabel who had been crowned Queen of England, as Spouse of the late King, was now sent back into France after a most princely manner, she being not as yet * Tho. Walls. twelve years old, had * Holinsh. Chron▪ Frossard. no dowry allowed her in England, for that the marriage was never consummated. Before she was restored to her friends, the Lord Henry Percy, before the Ambassadors of both the Nations, where they were met between Caleis and Boulogne, protested, That the King of England his Master had sent her to be The form of redelivering Queen Isabel to the French. delivered to her Father clear of all bonds of marriage, or otherwise▪ and that he would take it upon his soul, that she was sound and entire, even as she was the same day she was delivered to King Richard, and if any would say to the contrary he was ready to prove it against him by combat. But the Earl of Saint Paul saying, he believed it to be true, the Lord Percy took her by the hand, and delivered her unto the Earl, and then the Commissioners of France delivered certain letters of receipt and acquittal. She was afterward married to Charles Duke of Orleans. (24) Owen Glendowr persisting in his pride and disobedience made incursions upon the English, doing them great harm, and returning himself without any; but K. Henry's danger was greater at home; for treason had crept into his most secret Chamber. In his bed there lay hidden a Caltrop or Engine with The King in danger to be slain or wounded. three small iron pikes, long, slender and passing sharp all of them with their points set upward, but (God so disposing it) the King before he laid himself down, perceived them, and thereby avoided that hidden mischief, but who was actor therein it doth not appear. An. 1402. (25) This appears that the splendours of his new regality had drawn up many thick and poisonous clouds of envy and practise, to darken if it were possible the farther brightness thereof. Neither was it long before it grew to some extremity. For Owen Glendowr upon the causes beforesaid, w wasting the Lord Reynald Gray's lands, was encountered by him, as presuming that Owen and his friends might easily be overcome, but the contrary happened, for there in fight he lost very many of his company, and was himself taken Prisoner. This fortune made the swelling mind of Owen overflow in vain hopes, who compelling the said Lord to marry his daughter, yet obtained he not his liberty the sooner, but died (say * Fab. Chron. ad A. D. 1400. some) in the power of Owen, if perhaps our Author mistake not the Lord Gray for Edmund Lord Mortimer Earl of March, who indeed did marry so after he was also overthrown by the said Owen with the slaughter of above a thousand principal persons of Herefordshire, assembled under his conduct, to resist the Welsh invasions, and there also himself was by treachery taken prisoner. (26) Walsingham doth * In Hen. 4▪ writ, that about this time sundry conspiracies were discovered in the yolk (as it were) or embryon; the whole hopes whereof rested upon calumniations, and forgery, for by the first they * Polyd. Verg. l. 21. traduced (in libels) Henry's actions, so to make him hateful, and by the second they divulged that * Holinsh. p. 520. Richard was still alive, thereby to raise an head of separation. Henry thus galled in his honour, The late king Richard though dead, suffers not K. Henry to rest. and endangered in the main, resolved to spare none, upon whom the crime or concealment was found. The first of them that fell under his justice, was a Priest of Ware, with whom was taken a list, or roll of names which he had gathered, supposing them such as in regard of benefits received, would live and die for King Richard, which vanity of his created trouble to many, till it appeared that he had therein wronged them, as persons who were utterly ignorant both of the man and matter. Whereupon he was drawn and hanged. The like fate had Walter Baldock Prior of Lawnd, who confessed that he had concealed others counsels against the King, though himself had acted nothing. A friar Minor also being taken with some other of his Order for like intendments, was asked, What he would do if King Richard were alive and present? he confidently answered, that he would fight for him till death against any whosoever; which cost him his life, being drawn and hanged in his friars weeds. Neither did this hard fortune fall only upon the Clergy, for Sir Roger Claringdon Knight, (reputed the base son of Edward, late Prince of Wales) together with an Esquire and servant of his, finished the affection which they bore to the deceased Richard by hanging. Not long after eight Franciscan Friars, or Minorites were taken, convicted, hanged, and headed for the like causes, which made the King an heavy Lord to that whole Order. It is said that somewhat before this knot was Tho. Walls. Ypod▪ The Devil appears in Essex. discovered the devil appeared in the habit of a Minorite at Danbury Church in Essex, to the incredible astonishment of the parishioners; for, at the same time there was such a Tempest & thunder with great fireballs of lightning, that the vault of the church broke, and half the Chancel was carried away. (27) But howsoever these out-branches were pared away, the roots of all the practice lay deeper out of sight, for the * Cambd. in Northumb. p. 675. Percies, Henry Earl of Northumberland, Thomas Earl of Worcester, and Henry Hotspur Lord Percy, because perhaps they thought they had done wickedly, in helping to set up Henry, * Pol. Verg. lib▪ 21. began to imagine that bloody mischief, which afterward was prosecuted. This malice, the late success of Owen Glendowr against the Lord Mortimer Earl of March, (taken prisoner, as is said, with no little slaughter of his Herefordshire men) did perhaps nourish; for that he saw an enemy appear, who was not unlikely to prove an able member of a greater rebellion. Certainly the King having in September led an Army into Wales to take revenge upon his Rebels was in great danger to have perished with sudden storms and rains, the like whereof none of his people had ever felt or seen, so that after he had done some wastes upon the Country he returned. The common fame went that Owen was a conjuror, and had raised those hideous tempests by hellish arts; they seemed so excessive, which (whether true or false) did yet impart no little strength to the Welsh faction. (28) The King's fortune was happier in the North, where his Lieutenants had two fair victories, the one at * Hect. Boet. l. 16. Nisbet, and the other at Halidowne-hill, near to a village called Woller. And although the first was not a small one, yet the other deserved the name of a just battle and garland. To the Scots, having with above ten thousand men (under conduct of Archibald Earl of Dowglas, whom the Scots nicknamed Tyne-man, because he never wan field, though no sort of true manhood was wanting in his person) made great spoils in England as far as to Newcastle, and were now upon return; Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, the noble Henry Hotspur Lord Percy his son, and George Earl of Dunbar (who fled as you have heard out of Scotland) with the forces of the Countries there about, not meaning to let them to pass in so slight a sort, opposed themselves. The chief feat was wrought by the English Archers, Henry Hotsp●rs fortunes against the Scots. who first with their stiff, close, and cruel storms of arrows made their enemy's footmen break, and when the noble Douglas descended to the charge with his choicest bands, himself being in a most rich, and excellently tempered armour, and the rest singularly well appointed, the Lord Percies Archers making a retreat, did withal deliver their deadly arrows, tam vividè, tam animosè, tam gravitèr The incredible force of the old English Archery. (saith our Monk) so lively, so courageously, so grievously, that they ran through the men of Arms, bored the helmets, pierced their very swords, beat their lances to the earth, and easily shot those who were more slightly armed through and through. There were taken The sum of the great victory at Halidown hill. prisoners the Earl of Dowglas himself, (who notwithstanding his armour of the best proof, had five wounds, and lost an eye,) Murdake Stewart Earl of Fife (eldest son to Robert Duke of Albany,) George Earl of Angus, the Earls of * Tho. Walls. Murrey and Orkney, the Lords Montgomerie, Erskin, and Grain, with Polyd. Verg. hath not a word in particular of this so great an action about fourscore Knights, besides esquires and Gentlemen. There were slain the Lords Gourdon, and Swyntoun (Belindens Boetius calls them Knights) with sundry other men of honour and mark, beside store of common soldiers. The river Tweed, to show itself mere English, did likewise fight for them by swallowing about five hundredth in his unknown depths, as they, who fled from the battle, sought to pass. This victory happened upon Holyrood in harvest. The troubles which afterward happened, did not only hinder the Lord Percy from farther prosecution of such a victory, but eclipsed the honour he had gotten now, and gave his days a bloody & foul Catastrophe. (29) The Lord Edmund Mortimer Earl of March next general heir in blood to the Crown of England after the death of Richard the second, having through fear of Owen (whose prisoner he was) or hope of recovering his right, or for revenge (because The Lord Mortimer dies a prisoner amongst the Welsh. the King did not ransom him, married Owen's daughter, by which he must necessarily declare himself an enemy to King Henry, entertained intelligence with his near kinsmen the Percies, and sundry other his friends in Cheshire▪ and elsewhere, to what purpose will shortly appear. The night in which this Lord Mortimer (though some refer it to Owen's birth) was born, all the horses in his father's stable, are said to have been found standing Belly-deep in blood. A fearful prodigy, as even then it seemed, but verified afterward in the far more fearful events, when (upon the quarrel of Mortimer's title, by which the house of York claimed,) the horses of war did not only stand belly-deepe in blood, but also swum therein. The mischief was already begun: for Henry Earl of Northumberland (when now his own and his houses strengths were mightily increased by this late victory against the Scots, which he underhand seems to have converted to his secret private ends,) closely * Cambd. p. 675. in Northumberland. animated his brother the Earl of Worcester, and his fiery spirited son, against the King, to both their confusions. (30) The King took to wife the Lady jane of Navarre, widow of john de Montfort Duke of Britain A. D. 1403. named the Conqueror ( * Joh. Tilius Chr. who died the year before) by whom she had issue both sons and daughters, but by the King none. He met, and married her at Winchester, and crowned her Queen at Westminster. The King was not trusted with the custody of any her three sons, john, Richard & Arthur, who remained in France. (31) Events are the best interpreters of prophecies and prodigies. Strange was that which * Ypod. Neust. & in Histor. Walsingham hath written of a fatal Spectrum or Apparitions in the summer time between Bedford and Bickleswade, where sundry monsters of divers colours, in the shapes of armed men were often seen A strange presaging apparition of war. to issue out of the woods at morning and at noon; which to such as stood far off seemed to encounter one the other in most terrible manner, but when they drew near, nothing was to be found. Of another nature were the fiery attempts of the Percies. The first of them who discovered in arms his mortal hatred, was the noble Hotspur, who (under * Hect. Boe. lib. 16. colour of the Scottish war) made head about Chester and the marches of Wales. To him (by the privity of Hotspurs father,) repairs the naughty old man the Earl of Worcester, leaving the young Prince of Wales and the Prince's household, over both which (for their better Government) the King had placed him. Now was the torch of war lighted up, and began to blaze, for though the chief plot▪ master the Earl of Northumberland was not joined to them, as he did intent, yet were their numbers grown mightily, with which they meant to enter the Town of Shrewsbury, to make thereof a Seat of war. Causes of the Lord Percies dangerous rebellion. (32) Colourable causes of their arms were the ordinary paintings of the like attempts. Care of commonwealths reformation, and their own safeties; for having first protested their intentions not to be the breach of loyalty, they pretend and by letters sent about, do signify. 1. That * Thom. Walsing. the public money was not employed upon the pretended defence of the kingdom, but unduly wasted. 2. That by reason of bad tongues about the King they durst not approach him, to declare their innocency, unless the Prelates and Peers of the Realm did first intercede for them. 3. That they took arms only to guard their own heads, and to see the Kingdom better governed. These Articles had the place of the Husk, but the kernel of the enterprise had principally these. 1. To thrust King Henry out of his seat, and consequently to deprive him of life. 2. To advance the title of the Lord Mortimer Earl of March their * Cambd. in Northumberland. nearest Ally: for the Earl of Northumberland had married Elizabeth the daughter of the Lord Edmund Mortimer the elder, Earl of March, by Philip daughter to Lionel Duke of Clarence. 3. To take revenge of King Henry, for seeking to draw the chief benefit to himself of the victory at Halidowne hill, whose principal prisoners he required, The Kingdom of England to be shared among the conspirators. and for such other private grudges. 4. To share the Kingdom between Mortimer, Percy and Owen Glendower. Concerning which partition it is in some found written, that Indentures tripartite were sealed, showing that South-England should remain to Mortimer, North-England to Percy, and Wales beyond Severn to Glendower. But Archembald Earl of Dowglas (who did his Country good service by making one in our Combustions,) by common consent was allowed for his share to be free from ransom, and to have Berwicke. (33 This (in our English Adages) is called to reckon without our host, or to count our chickens before they are hatched. But though at this time God would have it so, yet who doth not easily see what a wild horse a kingdom (so gotten) is, and how hard to sit, and not to manage only? Yet it seemeth▪ that if Mortimer, having so just a title to the Crown, had openly professed the cause of his attempt against King Henry, it might justly have been exempted from all stain of disability. But this partition is * Holinsh. p. 521. said to have been wisely built upon a sound Welsh prophesy of Merlin's: as if King Henry were the Mowldwarp cursed of Gods own mouth, and Mortimer, Percy and Glendower, the Dragon, Lion, and The late dead King Richard again afflicteth Henry. Wolf, which should divide this Realm between them. Surely the Welsh having any hand in such a partition, it is not likely they could think it had the right feet, if it stood not upon the supposed Merlin's his ridiculous cozenages and riddles. The English (not to be behind in leasings,) do in the mean time every where spread that * Ypodig. Neust. Richard was safe alive and in the Castle of Chester. Who can wonder that this name should be so gracious, as if alone it were enough to have shaken Henry out of his State? when Nero himself had so many favourites, that twenty years after his death an obscure fellow feigning himself Nero, was so backed and countenanced by the Parthians, and others, * Suet. in Ner. lib. 6. cap. vlt. that not without much difficulty the Romans could get him into their hands. (34) On the other side King Henry assailed with so unexpected jeopardies, defends his cause by letters, and strongly puts the blame upon the accusers, saying, That he marveled exceedingly, seeing the Earl of Northumberland, and Henry his Son had the greatest part of the public moneys delivered to them, for defence of the borders against Scotland, why they should make that a quarrel, which was a mere calumny. And to take away all pretence of fear from the Conspirators, he sends to the Earls of Northumberland and Worcester, and to the hot Lord Percy, a safe conduct under his royal Seal, by which he secures their access, but unbridled rashness (saith Walsingham) despising the royal clemency, did put on the rigour of rebellion. Mean while the King arms with all speed against the enemy, the rather at the counsel of George Earl of Dunbar, who (like a valiant man at Arms, and a wise friend) advised him so to do, before their adversaries numbers were too mightily augmented. The King with his son the young Prince of Wales, and a very noble fellowship, was now advanced within sight of Shrewsbury, as the gallant Percy stood ready to assault the Town. But so soon as the royal Standard was discovered, that enterprise was left off, and he drew out his people (being about fourteen thousand choice and hardy bodies of men) to try the fortune of war against a well tried warrior. Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester cause of the battle at Shrewsbury. (35) Peace notwithstanding (by the exceeding tenderness of the King) had ensued, but that the mischievous Earl of Worcester, by misreporting and falsifying his Sovereign's words, did precipitate his Nephew into sudden battle. If there were any praise or good example to be drawn out of so detested bloodshed, as that of civil war, we would willingly describe unto you the order and actions, but we cannot too soon pass over such mournful objects, which are rather to be celebrated with tears than triumphs. There is no doubt but Percy, Dowglas, and the rest fought terrible. Why should we admire that in them? So do Lions, Tigers, & Bears, and yet we admire them not. Where was duty, where conscience, where the other respects, of which only we are called men? Let none of us honour, or imitate them, in whose eyes the price of English blood is so vile, as that (for private fancies) they can be content to confounded all regards, and make sport for common foes, with mutual massacres. Therefore we will content ourselves with the knowledge of God's part in this days work, who gave the garland to the King, though the first arrows flew from the Percies Archers. The terrible battle at Shrewsbury. (36) The King's courage was not small in the fight as neither was the danger, the young Prince of Wales also (being then first to enter himself into the school of blood and battle,) gave no small hopes of that perfection which afterward shone in him, being wounded with an arrow in the face. The Lord Percy and Earl Dowglas (than * Thomas Walsing. whom the wide world had not two braver Champions) in steed of spending themselves upon the multitude, set the point of their Hotspur and Dowglas only seek to encounter the kings person. hopes upon kill the King, as in whose person they were sure ten thousand fell. For this cause they most furiously rushed forward with spears and swords; but the noble Earl of Dunbarre, discovering their purpose, drew the King from the place which he had chosen to make good, and thereby in likelihood for that present saved his life, for the Standard royal was overthrown, and (among other valiant men) the * Tho. Walsing. Earl of Stafford, Sir Walter Blunt, the kings Knight and the Standard-bearer himself was slain, such was the fury of these sudden thunderbolts. That day the Dowglas slew with his own hands three in the King's Coat-armour, (perhaps some in Herald's Coats) though * Libr. 16. Boetius yet saw a fourth. Sure it is, that many of the subjects thought the King was slain, and not a few * Many thousands together saith Walsingham. ran out of the field. Who notwithstanding, like a valiant Prince, did reinforce the fight, performing marvels in arms with his own hands. The slaughter could not be small on both sides, the Archers shooting so continually, and the men of arms doing their utmost for about the space of three whole hours. (37) That which gave an end to this woeful work was the death of Hotspur, who riding in the head of the battle in defiance of danger and death, was (by an unknown hand) suddenly killed, with whose fall (as if his whole army had had but one heart) the courages of all others fell into feet, which The King useth his victory mercifully. now altogether they trusted to. But the King abhorring to make farther execution of the misguided multitude, suffered them to shifted for themselves. The Earls of Worcester and Dowglas, Sir Richard Vernon, the Baron of Kindlaton, and divers others were taken. Of the King's side was slain (besides the Earl of Stafford) ten new Knights, whose names (as dying in an honest cause) deserve immortality, and were Sir * Holinsh. p. 523. john Stow names also Sir Nicholas Langford, and calls the two Gausels not Gausels, but Gentles and brothers. Hugh Shorly, Sir john Clifton, Sir john Cokain, Sir Nicholas Gausel, Sir Walter Blunt, Sir john Caluerly, Sir john massy, Sir Hugh Mortimer, Sir Robert Gausell, and Sir Thomas Wendesley, who died of his hurts not long after, as most of the other did about the Standard; all which fight for their spurs, (as being knighted but that morning) bought them with the honourable loss of their whole bodies; there were also slain many Esquires, & Gentlemen, and about one thousand and five hundredth common soldiers, besides three thousand sorely wounded. On the other part, (omitting that second Mars, the Lord Percy (who drew a ruin after him suitable to his Spirit and greatness) there fell most of all the Esquires and Gentlemen of Cheshire, to the number The great destruction of Cheshire Gentlemen. of two hundred, and about five thousand common soldiers. This battle was stricken near to Shrewsbury upon a Saturday, the one and twentieth of july, and the Eve of Saint Marie Magdalen. (38) The Earl of Worcester (the seducer and destroyer of his noble Nephew Hotspur, and therefore if but for that, very worthy to have died) Sir Richard Vernon Knight, and the Baron of Kinderton had their heads cut off upon the Monday following. Hotspurres body had been buried by permission, but upon other advise, the King caused it to be drawn out of the grave, beheaded, quartered, and the parts sent into divers Cities of the Kingdom. The Earl of Northumberland (pretending to come with forces to the King's aid) was impeached by the Earl of Westmoreland, and Robert Warerton who had raised a great host. Northumberland taking neither of them for friend, wheels about, and returns to his Castle of Warkworth. But what can be secure to a subject against the victorious army of a martial King? The Earl knew as much, manifestly feeling the irrecoverable maims of his house in the loss of his son and brother, and therefore shaped his course accordingly. The King therefore being altogether as prudent as fortunate, having settled the state ofthings in the Marches about Shrewsbury, sets forward to the City of York, from thence to take order for such perils, as he foresaw might happen. He settled himself the more seriously and entirely to this needful work; for that his Ambassadors had effected an abstinence from war with France, till the first of March, which pausing space though it might seem little, was not a little welcome to the King, the Realm of England being then so full of dangerous perturbations. While he was at York, he commands the Earl of Northumberland to come thither in person, which he accordingly did upon the morrow after the day of Saint * August. 10. The Earl of Northumberland pardoned of his life. Laurence, and that also with a small train in the nature of an humble suitor. He could not in reason hope for the wont familiar favour of the King, neither had he yet, for it was accounted matter of grace, that his life was pardoned, though his means and liberty was abridged, the King allowing only necessary maintenances. The life of Prince s is like a perpetual motion. The Northern Countries are now settled, but hath the King therefore any the more rest? Nothing less; for Wales & the troubles thereof call him thither. What should he do? Money the Cement and soldure of all such actions▪ (for Armies cannot otherwise be held together) utterly fails. The Archbishop of Canterbury sees the needs and uses of his Sovereign, and like a Father supplies him with a Tenth, which the Clergy at their Metropolitans motion, consent to give: upon the strength whereof, the King knows how far he may proceed against the Welsh in his good time. Wilford a Sea-captain takes a thousand tons of good commodities. (39) Toward the relief of these his necessities, the valiant exploits of William de Wilford an Esquire, who was in the mean time abroad for the King upon the narrow Seas, brought some assistance, certainly store of contentation; for he took forty lawful prizes laden with iron, oil, soap and Rochel wine, to the number in all of a thousand tun upon the Coasts of Britain, and in his return set forty sail on fire; and to make the Britain's know that he was not only a man of his hands at Sea, he comes on shore at Penarch, burns Towns and houses about six leagues into the Country, and afterward did as much for them at the Town of Saint Mathewes, which he consumed with flames and wasted the land for three miles about. The French not to seem slow to like mischiefs, land at the Wight, but were compelled with loss to betake themselves again unto their Fleet, with far worse success than the Britons under the conduct of the Lord of Castle had not long before, who landing at Plymouth invaded, took and burnt it. A. D. 1404. The Earl of Northumberland restored. (40) The King having humbled the Earl of Northumberland in such sort as you heard, looks again upon him with an eye of compassion and favour, not without a secret respect to his own safety; and he had little appetite to augment enmities, but to alloy them rather, whereas by this gracious usage of that Earl, (for he restored him fully to all) he now thinks those North parts sufficiently secured. This restitution was made to the Earl in the Parliament holden at London about the midst of january, where the King obtained an unusual Tax or Subsidy, of which (that it might not be drawn into example) no record, nor writing was suffered to remain. Some part of the gold which the king thus drew into the Eschecquor, he had occasion to bestow at this time. For, there presented themselves The Countrymen about Dartmouth kill the French General, and present the King with honourable prisoners. unto him, a boisterous troop of plain Western-men, who brought to the kings view three Lords, and twenty knights of note; These were prisoners, whom the Country people about Dartmouth in Devonshire had gotten in plain fight. The king was therefore given to understand, that the Lord of castle the Briton, who had formerly burnt Plymouth, thinking to do the like at Dartmouth, came on shore with his forces, where these and the like people fiercely encountered him; at which time their Women (like Amazons) by hurling of flints and pebbles, and by such other artillery, did greatly advance their husbands and kinsfolks victory. The Lord of castle himself and many besides were slain, these other were saved as more of them might have been, but that the ignorance of language alike confounded the cries of indignation and pity. They therefore in reward of this hazard and service, do pray they might reap some commodity by their Captives. It was but reason; wherefore the King, who took pleasure to talk with the lusty Western-men, himself, causeth their purses to be stuffed with golden Coin, reserving the prisoners to repay himself with advantage out of their ransoms. The like good fortune against Owen Glendowr and the Welsh Owen Glendowr and the Welshmen waste the Marches. would have gladded him indeed; but they burn and destroy the Marches, they kill and captivate the people, and partly by force, partly by fraud, get many Castles, some of which they raze, and fortify others. Neither came these evils single, for the Flemings and Britons took certain Merchant ships of A new false king Richard. England, and either slew or hung the Sailors. (41) It is more strange that King Richard was not suffered to be dead, after he had so long a time been buried. Serlo, who had been a Gentleman of his Chamber, having heard that King Richard (his royal and gracious Master) was secretly abiding in Scotland, left the favour of the French Court to see him, but it was not worth his so much love and labour; for he that bore the name, was but an Impostor. Loathe yet to let the opinion die, because it might do King Henry harm▪ Serlo affirms that Richard was alive. What cunning madness is so great which hath not some great fools or other to support it? The old Countess of Oxford (mother to the late Duke of Ireland) will needs persuade herself and others in Essex, that Richard was alive: certain it is, that she desired it might be●true. To make others more firmly believe the same, she secretly gave silver and gilt Hearts (the badges which King Richard used to bestow upon his followers) as tokens. Hitherto the devise held out, for it had no great danger Serlo a spreader o● that imposture delivered to the King. in it; but Serlo seeing the necessity of greater friends, which appeared not, grew weary, and knowing that Sir William Clifford knight, Captain of Berwicke had received sundry favours from King Richard, hopes by him to be furnished with money, to bear his charges out of Scotland into France. Clifford far otherwise minded, seizeth upon Serlo, as a fit means to reconcile himself with the King, in whose high displeasure he stood, (for that he had continued his charge in Berwicke contrary to express commandment) and carrieth him to the King, who was then come to the Castle of Pomfret, being weakened with these rumours, and suspecting that the chief nest of danger lay in the North; whither the Earl of Northumberland brought his grandchilds (as pledges) to assure the King of his loyalty: thither also Sir William Clifford brings poor Serlo, who both confesseth the practice, as also that he had a guilty hand in the murder of the Duke of Gloucester, which made him far more odious than the other forgery. The crimes being manifest, Serlo is drawn from Pontefract beginning his pain, where he had his doom, & at London knits up the Tragedy in an halter. The Countess of Oxford for this falsehood lost all her goods being moreover committed to close prison. To make this imposture the more probable & passable, Serlo had caused K. Richard's signet to be counterfeited, wherewith he sealed sundry consolatory and exhortatory letters to his friends, indicted in K. Richard's name; whereupon many in Essex gave credit to the Countess, & among the rest some Abbots of that County. Into this smokedid all the devise evaporate. (42) And no less smoky was both the devise & success of certain in the Parliament (held this year at Coventry, & called the * Parliamentum indoctorum. Tho▪ Walls. lack learning Parliament, either for the unlearnedness of the persons, or for their malice to learned men) where, to supply the King's wants, a bill was exhibited against the Temporalties of the Clergy; but by the courage of the Archbishop of Canterbury, (who told them, it was the enriching of themselves, not of the King, which they respected in their sacrilegious petitions) and by the gracious care of the King, (who vowed to leave the Church in better state than he found it, rather than in worse,) their motion vanished to nothing, but the infamous memory of the attempters. It is observed▪ that * Sir John chain. Ypodig. Neust. pag. 563. a Knight the chief speaker in this bill against the Clergy, had been himself a Deacon, and so himself first advanced by the Clergy. With great reason therefore did our forefathers distinguish the people into the learned and lewd, inferring truly that such commonly were lewd, who were not learned, and that lewd and wicked were but two words of one signification, as in this Parliament well appeared, whose Commons might enter Common with their cattle for any virtue which they had more than brute Creatures. (43) Twice after this, between Christmas and An. 1405. Palmesunday, the King assembled the States again▪ Mowbray Earl Martial and Scrope Archbishop of York rise to redress abuses, and lost their heads. once at London, and then at Saint Alban, for the cause of money, but with much distaste, the Peers of the land rising from the last Session thereof meanly contented, as it well appeared not long after, though to the enterprisers ruin. Thomas Mowbray Earl Martial, one of the chief men which disliked the carriage of public matters▪ draws Richardle Scrope Archbishop of York into a conspiracy, in full hope that Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, the Lord Bardolf, the Citizens of York, and the common people would assist their cause, which was glossed with the specious pretence of redressing public abuses, happening through the King's default. The Earl of Westmoreland hearing of this attempt, wherein the Earl Martial and the Archbishop were leaders of the people, gathers a force to encounter them, but perceiving himself too feeble, he betakes himself to fraud, and by feigning to like the quarrel, got them both into his power, and presented them as an acceptable oblation to the King, who about Whitsuntide comes to York▪ where (albeit the Earl of Westmoreland had promised them their lives) aswell the Archbishop, as the Earl Martial were beheaded. But the next year the Pope excommunicated all such as had a hand in putting the Archbishop to death. It was said of Tiberius * Sueton. lib. 3. cap. 59 Caesar in a Satirical libel, - regnabit sanguine multo▪ Ad regnum quisquis venit ab exilio. Who, first Exiled, is after crowned, His reign with blood will much abound. (44) This the King verified in his person, who coming out of banishment, could not support his The King pursues the Earl of Northumberland. Title and estate, but by shedding much blood of subjects. For not contented with those two lives, he pursueth the Earl of Northumberland and Lord Bardolf with an invincible Army of seven and thirty thousand men: but they unable to make head against so mighty a force, take Berwicke for refuge. Thither the King marcheth, at the sound whereof, they both distrustful of their safety, fly into Scotland, where the Lord Fleming entertains them. Berwicke upon hope of succours out of Scotland, (which gladly nourished the English miseries, and the English theirs) refused to tender, whereupon the King plants a battering piece against a Tower in the wall; which as it threw down the half thereof with one shot, so did it quite overthrow all the defendants The first time that a gun is used in England. courages, who presently yielded the place upon hard and desperate terms, for they were partly hanged, and partly imprisoned. After * Tho. Walsing. In Hen. 4. Berwicke was thus recovered, the king takes Alnwicke, & all other Castles belonging to the Earl, and thinking the like happiness would shine upon him in Wales, he crosseth over thither, where it fell out far otherwise, not by the manhood of the Welsh, but by the sudden rage of waters which destroyed his carriages and about fifty wains (as was said) laden with much treasure: therefore he returns to Worcester. Owen Glendowr the chief captain of the Welsh nation, expecting & fearing a revenge had before this time confederated himself with the French, who in 140▪ ships arrived at Milford haven to The French with sevenscore ships arrive in Wales to aid Owen Glendowr. the aid of Owen, having well near first lost all their horses in the passage for want of fresh water. The Lord Berkley and Henry de Pay (by what means appears not) burned fifteen of that number in the harbour. They made the entrance of their war by laying siege to the Town of Carmarden in South-Wales, which, the Garrison being permitted to departed with bag and baggage, was yielded. (45) The King being again in need of money, after long unwillingness and delay, the Parliament A. D. 1406. An. Reg. 7 furnished him, rather overcome with weariness in contradiction, then for any great good will. Some of his treasure was employed, as it seems, upon secret practices with the Scots, that the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Bardolfe might be delivered into his hands, in exchange for some Scots; whereupon they fled into Wales, and the Scots missing their purpose, slew David Lord Fleming for discovering their intention to his distressed guests, (as by the laws of honour and hospitality he was obliged) which filled Scotland with civil discords. To avoid the dangers whereof, and to better his education, the King of Scots sent his son and heir by sea into France, whom, together with the Bishop of Orknay certain Mariners of Cley in Norfolk surprised at sea, and presented to the King, who committed him prisoner to the Tower of London. Meanwhile the French prosecuting their affairs in Wales, sent thither eight and thirty ships full of soldiers, of which number the English took eight (the rest escaping A. D. 1407. in great fear to Wales,) and not long after other fifteen sail laden with wax and wine. This fortune though good, was nothing in regard of the service which Henry Pay, with certain ships of the Cinque Ports, and about fifteen other, exploited upon a great Fleet, containing sixscore sail, whose ladings were iron, salt, oil, and Rochel King Richard spread to be alive wine. The same times was a fellow put to death for having in many places of London, dared secretly to set up bills, containing news that King Richard was alive. The fearful plague of pestilence slew multitudes of people through the Realm, chief in London, where, within a short space it destroyed thirty thousand. That most renowned Captain Sir Robert Knolls dieth. Sir Robert Knolles, who had led so many living men to their honourable deaths in battle, was now captived himself by death upon the fifteenth day of August. His fame grew principally by martial deeds in the great wars of France, under Edward the third, but spread and settled itself by good works, among which the goodly stone-bridge at Rochester in Kent was one. (46) In the mean space, the wars of Wales were managed by Prince Henry, who took the Castle of Aberistwith; but Owen Glendowr soon after got it again by fair fraud, and thrust into it a Garrison of his own. Thus Owen prospered for a time; but the Earl of Northumberland and Lord Bardolf forsaking Wales, and seeking to raise a force in the North, were encountered by the Sheriff of Yorkshire, who after a sharp conflict slew the Earl in the field, and so wounded the Lord Bardolf, that he died thereof. The Earl's head was cut off, which being first ignominiously carried through London, was fixed upon the Bridge. The King having thus vanquished his chief enemies, went to York, where inquiries were made for the Earls adherents, of which he condemned, ransomed, and imprisoned many. The Abbot of Hales, because he was taken fight on the Earl's behalf, had sentence to die, which was executed upon him by hanging. In foreign and transmarine parts, the King's affairs had mixed success; for Edmund Earl of Kent, at the siege of Briant in Britain, was strucken with a quarrel into the head, whereof he died; but yet after he had first taken the said Castle, and leveled it with the earth. An. D. 1409. (47) The peace of Christendom having been long tempestuously troubled by a Schism, raised Platina. by ambition of opposite Popes, whereof the one was chosen at Rome, the other at Auinion, by contrary factions of the Cardinals; A general Council was summoned to be held at Pisa in Italy, whither the King of England sent his Ambassadors, and the Clergy elected Robert Alum * Ypod. Neust. p. 566. Chancellor of Oxford, & Bishop of Sarum, to signify, * Antiq. Britan. ecclesiae. that unless both the Popes would give over their Papacy, neither of them should thenceforward be acknowledged for Pope. The King in his letter then sent to Pope Gregory, chargeth him (as Platina likewise doth) with Pertury, and that this Papal emulation had been the cause of the murder of * Walsing. Ypodig. p. 569. more than two hundredth and thirty thousand Christians slain in wars. There assembled a great number of Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, An. D. 1410 and mitred Prelates, who elected a new Pope, Alexander 5. (a man * Bacchalaureus trained up at Oxford, where he took degree in theology) rejecting the two others, S. Theo. Oxoniae. saith Tho. Gas. coin. MS. who long and bitterly had contended for the place. The King also calls his Parliament to found out means for more money, to the custody and charge whereof he ordained Sir Henry Scrope, creating him Treasurer, as Thomas Beaufourt the King's half brother, Lord Chancellor. In which Parliament was revived the sacrilegious Petition of spoiling the Church of England of her goodly patrimonies, which the piety and wisdom of so many former ages had congested. But the King (who was bound by oath and reason to preserve the flourishing estate of the Church) detested their wicked proposition, and for that cause denied all other their requests. The Duke of Burgundy's provisions which he had made to reduce Caleys to the French dominions, & stored at Saint Omars, were consumed with casual fire to ashes. An. D. 1411. (48) About these times the great and bloody factions between the Dukes of Burgundy and Orleans broke forth. The cause was for a murder committed upon Lewis (brother to the French king, and father of the said Duke of Orleans) as he came late one night from the Queen's lodging, who at that time lay in of a child. The murderers * Paul. Aemyl. in Carol. 6. to prevent pursuit, strewed galthrops behind them. The Duke of Burgundy justified the fact, for that Lewis had (as he said) laboured with the Pope to put the King from his seat, upon pretence that he was as unfit to govern as ever Childericke was, whom Pope Zacharie pronounced against. This prepared the way for that scourge wherewith God meant to chastise the pride and sins of France. Each party sought to The Duke of Burgundy sends for aid to the King. fortify itself with friends, aswell at home as abroad. The Duke of Burgundy had the King and the Dolphin on his side; the other had the Kings of Navarre and Arragon, the Dukes of Berrie and Britain with many of the mightiest Earls and Lords. The Duke of Burgundy, (who together with the King and the face of government, kept in Paris) perceiving his adversaries strengths to be more than his own, offers to the King of England, a daughter of France in marriage with the Prince, and many great promises, so as he would join in defence of the King, & sand over competent forces; whereunto he is said to have answered: Our advise is, that you should not The King's wise and Christian answer to the Duke's request. in this case adventure battle with your enemy, who seems to prosecute a just revenge for the death of his Father; but labour to assuage the displeasure and anger of the exasperated young man, by all the good means which are possible. If that cannot be, then stand upon your guard, and draw into place of most safety, with such force of men as may best serve for your defence. After all this, if he will not be appeased, you may with the better conscience encounter him, and in such case we will not fail (more fully) to assist, according as you request. For the Aides sent by the King to the Duke of Burgundy. present he sent over the Earls of Arundel and Kyme, and many men of Arms, with plenty of English Bowmen, who came safe to Paris, where they in nothing diminished the ancient glory of their nation, but behaved themselves valiantly. An. D. 1412 The Duke of Orleans sends to the King for secure. (49) The Duke of Orleans, and the Peers of his faction, seeing their success, consult how to draw the King of England from their enemy, and thereupon sand over one Falconet and others, with solemn letters of credence, whom they made their irrevocable Procurators, to entreat, agreed, and conclude, (on * The words of the Duke's letter. their behalfs) with the most excellent Prince, Henry by the grace of God King of England, and his most noble sons, etc. for the restitution and real redelivery of the Duchy of Aquitain, with all the rights and appurtenances, which (as i● affirmed) are the inheritance of the said most excellent Lord the King of England, by them to be made and done, etc. The Ambassadors having showed forth this Proxy, exhibited The great offers of the Orleans faction to the King. the points of their negotiation in these Articles, by which we may see how far the desire of revenge will transport great minds. 1 They offer their bodies to be employed against all men for the service of the King of England, saving their faith to their own Sovereign, as knowing the King of England would not otherwise desire them. 2 Their sons, daughters, nephews, Nieces, and all their Cousins to bestow in marriage at the King of England's pleasure. 3. Their Castles, Towns, treasure, and all their goods to be at the service of the said King. 4. Their friends, the Gentlemen of France, the Clergy and wealth Burghers; who are all of their side; as by proof (they said) shall well appear. 5. They finally offer to him the Duchy of▪ Aquitaine entire, and in as full a manner as ever his Predecessors enjoined the same, without excepting any thing; so as they themselves will hold, and acknowledge to hold their lands in those parts, directly of the said King, and deliver as much of them as they can into his possession, and will do Their demands. their utmost to conquer the rest for him. Upon condition on the other side. 1. That the King of England and his Successors should assist the said Lords, against the Duke of Burgundy for the murder committed upon the person of the late Duke of Orleans. 2. That he should assist against the said Duke of Burgundy and his favourers, till they had repaired all the losses which they, their friends and tenants had sustained through that occasion. 3. That he should help to settle the quiet of the realm, etc. The King forsakes the Duke of Burgundy and aides the Duke of Orleans. (50) These Offers being put into the balance with the Articles, upon which the Duke of Burgundy had obtained succours, overweighed them so far, that about the midst of August, before all those which had been sent with the Earl of Arundel to the contrary part, were returned into England, aids were decreed to the Duke of Orleans, to the wonder of all men, who understood not the secret, so that Thomas Duke of Clarence, Edward Duke of York, the Earl of Dorcet, and very many other principal men with a competent puissance were sent over to aid the Duke of Orleans, the Earl of Angolesme remaining hostage in England, for the sure payment of one hundred and nine thousand Crowns for performance of * Pol. Verg. lib. 21. the other Articles: They came on shore * Joh. Tilius Chr. in Normandy; but, whither the confederates moved with the peril into which their Country & Nation should by these means be precipitated, or for some other causes, (though none indeed so just, as the sorrow and shame for their so disloyal a combination with the Capital enemies of France,) the Duke of Orleans (contrary to agreement) came not at the appointed time and place, whereupon the English burnt, spoiled and took much riches in the Castles, Country and good Towns, therewith to satisfy themselves, till the Duke of Orleans should see them The English burn and spoil in Normandy till the Duke of Orleans came. paid. At last yet the Dukes of Clarence and Orleans came to a treaty, after which the English camp rose peaceably and marched into Aquitaine there to winter itself, the Duke of Orleans returning to his own. While these matters were in hand, the Lord of Heyle Martial of France with many other Lords, and about four thousand * homines de ar●is. men of arms laid siege to a certain strong place in Gascoigne; which Sir john Blunt Knight, with three hundred soldiers not only defended, but drove them also from the siege, A. D. 1413. A. reg14. taking prisoners twelve of the principal and about six score other Gentlemen. * The King lived not to see the carriage, and fortune of these wars, for falling sick at Eltham in the Christmas time (at which our ancient authors begin to draw the circles of their years) but recovering himself a little, he repaired to London about Candlemas, there to hold a Parliament; the end whereof he lived not to see, The King dieth having reigned thirteen years and six months wanting five days, saith Walsing. but upon the twentieth day of March finished his short, but politic and victorious reign, in peace and honour, had not the injustice of his first entrance left a dishonourable stain upon his worthiest actions. (51) The vulgar Chronicles tell us a strange Story, the truth whereof must rest upon the reporters. Hall. Holinsh The King, say they, lying dangerously sick, caused his Crown to be set on a Pillow at his bed's head, when suddenly the pangs of his Apoplexy seizing on him so vehemently that all supposed him dead, the Prince coming in, took away the Crown; which, his father reviving, soon miss; and calling for his son, demanded, what he meant, to bereave him of that, whereto he had yet no right? The Prince boldly replied; Long may you live Sovereign Father to wear it yourself; but all men deeming you were departed to inherit another Crown, this being my right, I took as mine own, but now do acknowledge for none of mine; and thereupon he set the Crown again where he found it. O son, (quoth he) with what right I got it, God only knoweth, who forgive me the sin▪ howsoever it was got, said the Prince, I mean to keep and defend it, (when it shall be mine) with my sword, as you by sword have obtained it. Which the King hearing, he entered discourse of advise, showing him that he feared some discord would arise betwixt him and his brother Thomas Duke of Clarence, who with better respect had borne forth his youth then Prince Henry had done, and whose distemper was like to breed great troubles, if it were not in time stayed. If my brethren (quoth Henry) will be true subjects, I will honour them as my brethren, but if otherwise, I shall assoon execute justice upon them, as on the meanest of birth in my Kingdom. The King rejoicing at this unexpected answer; both prudently and Christianly charged him before God, to minister the law indifferently, to ease the oppressed, to beware of flatterers, not to defer justice, nor yet to be sparing of mercy. Punish (quoth he) the oppressors of thy people, so shalt thou obtain favour of God, and love and fear of thy Subjects, who whiles they have wealth, so long shalt thou have their obedience, but made poor by oppressions, will be ready to make insurrections. Rejoice not so much in the glory of thy Crown, as meditate on the burdenous care which accompanieth it; mingle love with fear, so thou as the heart shalt be defended in the midst of the body: but know, that neither the heart without the members, nor a King without his Subjects help is of any force. Lastly my son love and fear God, ascribe all thy victories, strength, friends, obedience, riches, honour and all, unto him: and with the Psalmist say with all thanks, Not unto us Lord, not unto us but to thy holy name be given the laud and praise. (52) Upon what soil these most Christian, true and excellent Counsels fell, the following life will show, being nothing else, but a full representation in act, of such things, as are here in precept only, showing to the world how divine a beauty Christian goodness hath. His Wives. (53) The first wife of King Henry the fourth, was Mary one of the daughters and heirs of Humphrey de Bohum, Earl of Hereford, Essex and Northampton, Constable of England, etc. She died An. D. 1394. before he came to the Crown. (54) His second wife was joane, Queen, daughter to Charles the first, King of Navarre, she being the widow of john de Montford, Surnamed Streani, Duke of Britain; and died without any Children by King Henry, at Havering in the Bower in the County of Essex 1437. the tenth day of julie in the fifteenth year of Henry the sixt, and was buried by her husband at Canterbury. His Children. (55) Henry, the Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, Earl of Chester, and afterward King of England, whose glorious life and acts next ensue. (56) Thomas, Duke of Clarence, Precedent of the Council to King Henry the first (his brother,) and Steward of England. He was slain at Beaufort in Anjou without any issue. He married Margaret daughter to Thomas Holland, Earl of Kent, the widow of john Beauford, Earl of Somerset. (57) john Duke of Bedford, Regent of France in the time of King Henry the sixt, Duke also of Anjou and Alencon; Earl of Cenomannia, Harecourt, of Kendal and Dreux, Viscount Beaumond. He married first with Anne, daughter to john Duke of Burgundy. Secondly with jacoba, daughter to Peter de Luxemburgh Earl of Saint Paul. And died without any issue. (58) Humphrey, was by his brother King Henry the fifth created Duke of Gloucester, was Protector of the Kingdom of England for 25. years, in the time of King Henry the sixt, in whose first year he styled himself in his Charters thus: Humphrey by the grace of God, son, brother, and uncle to Kings, Duke of Gloucester, Cambd. Brit. in Glocest. Earl of Henault, Holland, Zealand, and Pembroke; Lord of Friesland, Great Chamberlain of the Kingdom of England, Protector and defender of the same Kingdom, and Church of England. He was a man, who nobly deserved of the common wealth and of learning, as being himself very learned, and a magnificent Patron and benefactor of the University of Oxford, where he had been educated; and was generally called, the Good Duke. He married first jacoba, heir to William Duke of Bavaria Earl of Holland, who (as after was known) had first been lawfully troth-plighted to john Duke of Bra●ant, and therefore was afterward divorced from the said Humphrey. His second wife was Elinor daughter to Reginald, Baron Cobham de Scarborough. Queen Margaret, wife to King Henry the sixt, repining at his great power in swaying the King & state, secretly wrought his ruin, he being murdered in his bed at Bury, dying without any issue, 1446. His body was buried at Saint Alban, yet the vulgar error is that he lies buried in Saint Paul's. (59) Blanch married to William Duke of Bavaria, and Emperor. (60) Philip married to john King of Denmark and Norway. Henry V. Monarch 52 HENRY THE FIFTH, KING OF ENGLAND, AND FRANCE, LORD OF IRELAND, THE TWO AND FIFTIETH MONARCH OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XU. Henricus dei gra Rex angl e●●rancie e● Does Hi●er●ie H. 5. Hen ricus dei gratia Rex anglie e●●rancie e● Does Hi●er●ie 〈◊〉 ●I ●●G●●▪ R●X●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ✚ 4 SILIUS▪ ✚ POSVI▪ 〈◊〉 ●●●IUTOR 〈◊〉 VI●●●: ●●●I SI●: Among the many Monarches of this most famous Empire, none is found more complete with all heroical virtues than is this King, of whose life by order and success of story we are now to writ; which is Henry of that name the fifth, the renown of England, and glory of Wales. Of whom, what was spoken of Titus in the flourishing times of S●eton i● vit. Tit. 1. 6. the Romans, may for the time of his reign be truly verified in him: both of them being the lovely darlings, and delightful joy of Mankind. But as Titus is taxed by his story-Writers, in youth to have been riotous, profuse, wasteful and wanton, for which (as he saith) with the dislikes of men he stepped into the throne; so if we will believe what others have writ, Henry * Ti. Liviu●. For. was wild whiles he was a Prince, whose youthful pranks as they passed with his years, let us have leave here to rehearse, and leave them motives to our own use, as he made them for his. (2) His birth was at Monmouth in the Marches of Wales, the year of Christ's assuming our flesh, 1388 Edw. Hal. and the eleventh of King Richard's reign, his father then a Subject, and Earl of Derbie, Leicester, & Lincoln, Henry borne at Monmouth in Wales. afterwards created Duke of Hereford, in right of his wife, then of Lancaster, by the death of his father; and lastly by election made the Sovereign of England, (that unfortunate Richard) being deposed the Crown. His mother was Mary, second daughter and coheir of Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford, and Northampton, high Constable of England, * R●cor. of Tower. 4 Hen. 5. as we have said. joh. Rosse Warwi●. in lib. de regible. (3) His young years were spent in literature in the Academy of Oxford, where in Queen's College he was a Student under the tuition of his uncle Henry Beauford, Chancellor of that University, afterwards Bishop of Lincoln and Winchester, and last▪ lie Prince Henri●s' Education. made Cardinal by the title of Eusebius. But his Father obtaining the Crown, and himself come to the age of twelve years, had the succession thereof entailed on him by Parliament, and accordingly Holinsh. was created Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester, and presently had the Title of the Dukedom of Aquitaine conferred upon him, the better to effect the thing then intended, which was to have obtained in marriage young Richard Grafton. Queen Isabel, late wife to the murdered King Richard, daughter of Charles the sixt, King of France. Edward Hal. (4) From Oxford, Prince Henry was called to Court, and the Lord Thomas Percy then Earl of Worcester made his Governor; but being himself false to the Father, could give no good example unto the son, whose hostile attempts in the field of Thom. Walsing. Shrewsburie cost that disloyal Earl his head, and almost had done Prince Henry his life, who in battle against him was wounded in the face with an arrow. This mark of his manhood, with the overthrow of Hotspur in that bloody conflict, were hopeful signs of his following success, which presently Rich. Grafton. were seconded with as fortunate proceed against Owen Glendowr that scourge of his Country, and Arch-rebel unto England's peace, whom this Prince so pursued through the vast mountains of Wales, that from the Dens of those deserts he durst not show his face, but therein perished by famine, & natures other wants, though the Prince had then scarcely attained unto sixteen. (5) But grown from his tutor's command, or control, and come to the years for dispose of himself, as his youth stood affected, so were his consorts, and those (many times) whose conditions were none of the best; whether led by an inclination of youth (which commonly lets the rain lose unto Will) or, to know that by proof, which other Princes do by report, I will not determine: yet unto the latter do I rather incline, knowing that Eccles. 2. Solomon the wisest of Kings did so himself; and rather joh. Rosse. by Rosse I am lead, who writeth that Prince Henry in Oxford had in great veneration, such as excelled in virtue or learning, and among many, two he nameth, Thomas Rodban of Merton College a great Astronomer, by him preferred to the Bishopric of S. David's in Wales, and john Carpenter of Oriel College, a learned Doctor of theology, whom he advanced to the See of Worcester. But let us hear how his wild oats were spent, and with what increase the harvest was got. The translator of Livy, who wrote the story of this worthy Prince, and dedicated his pains to King Henry his son, affirmeth for truth, that many actions he did, far unfitting his greatness of birth; and among other, doth tax him with no better than theft, who in the reign of his Father, accompanied with such as spent their wits upon other men's spoils, laid wait in the way for his Rents receivers, and robbed them of that which indeed was his own, when sometimes in shuffling he nothing was spared, but bore away many knocks▪ the lender's whereof he would frankly reward, when they complained unto him of their losses received, which ever were abated in the foot of their accounts. Sir Tho. Eliot Governor. (6) Our learned Knight Eliot setting his pen to portrait a perfect Governor, recordeth a story, retaining this Princes great fame, the credit whereof let it lie upon himself. It chanced (saith he) a servant of his to be arraigned for felony at the King's Bench-Barre, where standing ready to receive sentence of death, the Prince had intelligence, and posted thither, where finding his servant made sure for starting, commanded his fetters to be struck off, & the fellow arraigned to be freed the Court. All men amazed at this his approach and speech▪ the Chief justice stood up, and showed the Prince that his seat was the Kings, that laws were the sinews of the Commonwealth, that himself was sworn to do justice, and must yield an account for all that he did, that he honoured him as the eldest son of his Sovereign, and Prince, but to set free the prisoner, he could not, having so apparently endangered his life to the law; and therefore desired the Prince, if he held him in such esteem, to save him by pardon from the King, and not to infringe the law, which he told him plainly he should not do. (7) The Prince enraged to have the denial, assayed himself to set free the Prisoner, which the Chief justice forbade, commanding him upon his allegiance to cease from such riot, and to keep the King's peace: whereat Prince Henry in a fury stepped up to the Bench, and gave the judge a blow on the face, who nothing daunted, sat still, and with a bold countenance, spoke thus to the Prince, Sir I pray you remember yourself, this seat of judgement which here I possess, is not mine, but your Fathers, to whom and to his laws you own double obedience. If his Highness be thus contemned, and his laws violated by you, that should show yourself obedient to both, who will obey you when you are a Sovereign, or minister execution to the laws that you shall make? Wherefore, for this attempt, in your Father's name, I commit you prisoner unto the King's Bench, there to remain until his majesties pleasure be further known. With which words the Prince greatly abashed, stood mute by the judge, and fixing his eyes upon his reverend face, presently laid from him his weapons, and with humble obeisance done, departed to prison. The King understanding the whole circumstance, greatly rejoiced that he had a Son of such obedience to his laws, and a judge so upright to administer them without either favour or fear of the person; notwithstanding for this, and other like actions of his youth, he removed him from being Precedent of his Privy Rich. Grafton. Council, and placed in his stead Thomas Duke of Clarence his second brother; to Prince Henry's no little grief and discontent. (8) Howbeit his followers were nothing diminished, but his Court frequented more than his fathers, which bred some suspicion in the crazy king's head, jest among his other wild parts, he would attempt to play with his Crown; which was increased by his domestical flatterers, who daily buzzed new jealousies into his ears. This made Prince Tho. Otterborne. Henry (as Otterborne noteth) to strengthen himself with his chiefest friends, and well-willers, and with such a troop repaired to his father's Court, as a greater in those days had not been seen. The translator of Livy reports the manner of his approach, eu●● from him that was an eye witness, and the same no less than the Earl of Ormond in Ireland, whose relation is this. (9) The King somewhat crazy, and keeping his Chamber, hearing news daily of his sons lose exercises, too mean for a Prince, and their constructions ever made to aim at his Crown, he both began to withdraw his fatherly affection, and to fear some violence against his own person▪ which when Prince Henry heard of, by some that favoured him of the King's Council, in a strange disguise he repaired to his Court, accompanied with many Lords and noble men's sons. His garment was a gown of blue Satin, wrought full of Eylet-holes, and at every Eylet the Needle left hanging by the silk it was wrought with: about his arm he ware a dogs-collar set full of S. S. of gold, the Tirets thereof being most fine gold. Thus coming to Westminster, and the Court of his Father, having commanded his followers to advance no further than the fire in the hall, himself accompanied with some of the King's household, passed on to his presence, and after his duty and obeisance done, offered to make known the cause of his coming. The king weak then with sickness, and supposing the worst, commanded himself to be borne into a withdrawing Chamber, some of his Lords attending upon him, before whose feet Prince Henry fell, and with all reverent observances, spoke to him as followeth. (10) Most gracious Sovereign and renowned father, the suspicion of disloyalty, and divulged reports of my dangerous intendmentes towards your royal Person and Crown, hath enforced at this time, and in this manner, to present myself and life at your majesties dispose. Some faults and misspent time (with blushes I may speak it) my youth hath committed, yet those made much more by such fleering pickthanks, that blow them stronger into your unwilling and distastive care. The name of Sovereign ties allegiance to all, but of a Father, to a further feeling of nature's obedience; so that my sins were double, if such suggestions possessed my heart: for the Law of God ordaineth, that he which doth presumptuously against the Ruler of his people shall not live and the child Deut. 17. 12. Exod. 21. 15. that smiteth his father shall die the death: so far therefore am I from any disloyal attempt, against the person of you my Father, and the Lords anointed; that if I knew any of whom you stood in the lest danger or fear, my hand according to duty should be the first to free yoursuspition; yea I will most gladly suffer death to ease your perplexed heart; and to that end I have this day prepared myself, both by confession of my offences past, and receiving the blessed Sacrament. Wherefore I humbly beseech your Grace to free your suspicion from all fears conceived against me, with this dagger, the stab whereof I will willingly receive here at your majesties hand, and so doing, in the presence of these Lords, and before God at the day of judgement, I clearly forgive my death. But the King melting into tears, cast down the naked dagger (which the Prince delivered him) and raising his prostrate son, embraced and kissed him, confessing his ears to have been over-credulous that way, and promising never to open them again against him. But the Prince unsatisfied, instantly desired, that at lest his accusers might be produced, and if convicted, to receive punishment, though not to the full of their demerits; to which request the King replied, that as the offence was capital, so Tho. Otterborn. should it be examined by the Peers, and therefore willed him to rest contented until the next Parliament. Thus by his great wisdom he satisfied his father from further suspicion, and recovered his love that nearly was lost. hitherto of Henry as he was Prince (some other of whose youthly actions we also touched in his father's reign) and now to his Acts after he was King. (11) Henry ordained successor, and overseer of Ex Record. his dying Father's Testament, had in his entrance so fortunate proceed, as he seemeth to exceed all his Predecessors; his Nobles proffering the oath of their Allegiance, before himself had made his, for the just government of the Commonweal, which so Joh. Stow. far was from acceptation, that he desired God never to admit him to the Crown, unless he should to his glory reign, and rule the Sceptre to the good of the Subject. The day of his entrance and of his Rich. Grafton. Father's death, being the twentieth of March, and year of Christ's Incarnation, according to our account, An. D. 1413. 1412. on the ninth of April following he was solemnly crowned at Westminster, Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury performing the royal Ceremonies: which no sooner was ended, but to begin a good government, he began with himself, banishing from his presence and Court the unbridleled youths which had been his consorts, commanding them either to change their manners, or never to approach within ten miles where he lay. Titus Liu●. Tho. Walsing. Then chose he worthy and prudent men for his Council of Estate, and advanced his Clergy with dignity and power: being himself as zealous in devotion, as liberal in building, and indowing of places for devotion of others. His justice was found of all that sought it; for every day after dinner for the space of an hour, his custom was to lean on a cushion set by his cupboard, and there himself received petitions of the oppressed, which with great equity he did redress. And for a further testimony of his tender and compassionate heart, the slaughtered body of K. Richard over-meanely interred at Langley, in great estate he removed into Saint Peter's Church at Westminster, and there laid him enshrined by Queen Anne his first wife (as himself had desired and prepared) founding a weekly memorial to be celebrated, and six shillings eight pence thereon distributed unto the poor, and yeerelie twenty pounds given upon his Rob. Fabian. anniversary day, besides four tapers to burn before his monument day and night for ever. And so nearly did his death touch this innocent King, that he sent to Rome to be assoiled from that guilt of his father's Act, by the Pope's holiness, then accounted another God; whose penance enjoined, he Polychro●. willingly performed, and afterwards purposed to have made war in Palestina against the enemies of Christ; for which end, he sent Sir Hugh de Lavoy of Henault to jerusalem, to discover the state of things there; but before his return he was departed to the heavenly jerusalem himself. Upon Trinity Sunday. (12) The obsequies of his Father being solemnised at Canterbury, and the King in person attending the Corpse, fit occasion was given unto Archbishop Nich▪ Vig●eur. in hist. de le Eglise. Arundel to complain of the Wicklifians, (then termed Lollards) great rubs in the ways of the Clergies pride and proceed; whereof Sir john Oldcastle was thought a chief, who by his marriage contracted with a kinswoman of the Lord Cobham's of Cooling in Kent, obtained the title thereof, a man strong and valorous, and in especial favour with his Prince. This Knight in their Synod assembled at London, immediately after the King's Coronation, was accused by them to have rend Christ's seamless coat, in maintaining Wickliff's doctrine to be taught, especially in the Diocese of London, Rochester, and Hereford: against whom also some choice Fox in Acts and Monuments. Inquisitors at Oxford, appointed for Heresies (though * Opera joh. ●ussi To. ●. that whole University had formerly upheld both Wickliff and his doctrine,) informed and presented his name with two hundred forty six conclusions, which they had collected to be heretical. Thom. Walsing. (13) The King incensed (by the archbishops suggestions) against these discontented discipliners, was further made believe that they themselves had set up bills in divers places, threatening that an hundred thousand persons were ready for arms, against all that withstood their reformation, and among these that Oldcastle his Knight was reputed the chief. The King graciously inclined, heard the Archbishop's complaint, and being at Kennington promised to confer with the Lord Cobham himself, which accordingly he did, instantly willing him to submit himself to the censure of the Church and obedience of the Archbishop: but Cobham, no turncoat from his profession, humbly told the King he owed his subjection only unto his Majesty whom God had placed in these his Dominions, as his only Vice-ge-rent to govern his people and Subjects, and that himself forced nothing Rome's leaden sword, unsheathed by the Pope (that Antichrist) against the Lords servants, nor would suffer the key of Canterbury to open the closet of his conscience, where the spirit of God was residing, bearing witness with his, that he stood in the truth, for whose defence as his Champion, he was ready to live or die. (14) This answer received, was so delivered unto the Archbishop, with power to cite, examine and punish, as their own Canons in such cases had decreed. The Lion thus laid for, whose paw they still feared, was served by process to appear in the Archbishop's Court, and the same delivered Acts and Monuments. by one Butler a servant of the King's Privy Chamber, for that the bold Sumner durst not do it himself, and the Archbishop (diligent jest he should forget the day) caused his letters citatorie to be set upon the gates of the Cathedral Church of Rochester, which were presently torn down, and others again set up, were again pulled off, to the great offence of the Clergies eye, and the rather, for that the Actor could not be known. The Knight Ouldcastle pronounced an heretic. not appearing (as knowing their malice and his own danger) was condemned of contumacy, and afterwards in a Synod at Rochester, was by the Archbishop Tho. Walls. Antiq. Britan. pronounced an Heretic, where himself then enacted that heretical decree, that the holy scriptures should not be translated into the English tongue. But mark the judgement that fell upon his own tongue, Ex libro Wigorn. whose roots and blade shortly after (as is recorded) grew so big in his mouth and throat, that he could Archbishop Arundels' death. neither speak nor swallow down meat, but in horror lay languishing, till lastly he so died starved by famine. (15) In the mean time the Lord Cobham wrote his * See it in Fox's martyrology Belief, which was very Christianlike, and presented it himself to the King, who (being much prepossessed) in no wise would receive it, but suffered him to be summoned in his presence, and privy The offers of the Lord Cobham. Chamber, when the Knight for his purgation offered an hundred knights and Esquires, which would not be accepted; then, according to his degree of Order, and law of Arms, he required the single Combat to fight for life or death, with either Christian or Heathen in the quarrel of his faith, the King and Council only excepted. This notwithstanding could not be suffered, but needs must he appear before the Archbishop his judge: where, after divers examinations Rob. Fabian. (in all which he most religiously justified himself & his profession) he was condemned of Heresy, and committed Prisoner unto the Tower of London, whence shortly he escaped, and got into Wales. Upon which escape great fears were conceived, especially of the Clergy, the causers of his troubles, and Touching Ouldcastles innocency from Treason, see Foxes defence against Cope in martyrology. mortal Enemies to him & his well-willers, for the king was confidently (but as it seemeth maliciously) informed; that Oldcastle with his adherents laid for his life, & that in S. Giles Fields near unto Holborn twenty thousand were to assemble in hostile manner, with an intent to destroy the Monasteries of Westminster, Saint Alban, all the religious houses in London, and the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul's. The King therefore in person himself after midnight with a great Army came into these fields, where (if we will believe john Stow their professed enemies) fourscore of that faction were apprehended, who said they came to seek the Lord Cobham. But as the answerer of Copus from more ancient times hath observed, that in john Fox in Acts and Monuments. days of persecution, such assemblies often had been made to hear the Gospel preached, which otherwise they could not enjoy: so in this place * then called Thicket fields. then overgrown with bushes and unfit for battle, those few were in likelihood assembled unto john Beverly agodly man their Preacher, without any intent of treason, having for their Chieftains no greater persons than Sir Roger Acton a Knight of no great account, a Minister, and a malt man. But their Apologies we leave to * See Fox at large. others; only the Lord Cobham could not be found, though the King by Proclamation had promised a thousand marks to his taker, besides many liberties to the City or Town, that Ypodig. Neust. would disclose him; whereby (saith Walsing:) it may be guessed, that the whole Kingdom, well near, embraced his opinions which that Friar calls his madness: Thirty seven of that assembly were condemned, whereof seven were consumed with fire and strangled, Acton, Beverley and Murly were likewise executed. though Walls. Bishops of Saint David's. (16) As the zeal of this King is much commended for his favours towards his Clergy, so is his Princely pity in the commiseration of young Percies distress, whose father Hotspur slain at Shrewsbury (as we have said) and he by his Grandfather sent into Scotland for security, was there notwithstanding detained a Prisoner, for that james their King was forcibly kept in England by Henry, and as they took it against all justice. But fit occasion being offered for young Percies release, and exhcange made between him and Alrede son of Robert Duke of Albany (who had been taken prisoner at the Battle of Halidon) the king restored him not only in blood, and to grace in his Court, but also invested his person with the Title and State of his Grandfather, to his own no little honour, and faithful service attained of that honourable family. Henry Chicheley made Archbishop of Canterbury. (17) Upon Archbishop Arundels' death, starved by famine as we have said * Henry Chicheley a stout Champion also against Wicliffes' doctrine, was with the King's consent, by the Monks of Canterbury elected their Archbishop, which the politic Elect neither accepted nor refused, but left it to the will Thomas Walsing. and pleasure of the Pope: who first took snuff that it so far proceeded without his direction, yet was soon pacified by Chicheleys submission, and (as saith mine Author) with other Gratulations besides. The man though not so rich by birth as Arundle was, yet as strong for the Clergy, and more gracious with his Prince as the sequel proved. A complaint against the Clergies excess. (18) The first assays of both was made known in a Parliament holden at Leicester, where in a Bill exhibited, complaint was made, that the temporal Lands given to religious houses and spiritual persons for devotion were either superfluous, or disorderly spent; whose revenues (if better employed) would suffice for the defence of the Land, and honour of the king; fifteen Earls, fifteen hundred knights six thousand two hundred Esquires, and one hundred alms-houses, for the relief of impotent and diseased persons, and unto the king's Coffers twenty thousand pound by year. Which Bill (saith Hall) Edw. Hall. made the fat Abbots to sweated, the proud Priors to frown, the poor Friars to curse, the silly Nuns to weep, and indeed all her Merchants to fear, that Babel would down. (19) To stop the breach of which searching spring, no better means could be found, then to divert the Parliament with other businesses, and to drive other projects into the king's mind; whose head (as this new Archbishop there told him) The Archbishop C●ichleys' oration. had the best right to the Crown of France: for not only the duchies of Normandy, Aquitaine, and Anjou, the Counties of Gascoigne, main, and the rest, were his lawful) though unlawfully detained) inheritance; but therewithal the whole Realm of France, as true heir unto his great Grandfather king Edward the third, and unto Philip the fair, in right of his mother Queen Isabella, Io. Serres. the only daughter and Child living of the The Law Salic. said French king. As for the law Salic alleged against the English claim, he affirmed, that Text touched only those parts in Germany, which lay betwixt the rivers Elbe, and Sala conquered by king Charles the great, who placing his French touched the Germane. there to inhabit, for the dishonest lives of those german women made this law. In terram Salicam Mulieres ne succedant, which the Gloss did falsely expound for the whole kingdom of France. Whose practice notwithstanding he showed to be but not the French. the contrary, by many experiences both in king Pepin which deposed Childericke by the claim of Their claiming by the same title. heir General (as descended of Blithild daughter to Clothair the first,) and by Hugh Capet, who, usurping the Crown upon Charles Duke of Lorraine (the sole heir male of that line from Charles the great) to make his claim good (which indeed was stark nought) derived himself as heir to the Lady Lingard, daughter to Charlemagne▪ son to Lewis the Emperor, that was son to Charles the great. King Lewis also called the Saint; (who was the heir to the usurper Hugh Capet) could not be satisfied in conscience, how he might justly keep and possess the Crown of France, till he was fully instructed that Isabella his Grandmother was lineally descended of the Lady Ermengard daughter and heir to the above named Charles Duke of Lorraine, by the which marriage the blood and line of Charles the great was again united, and restored to the Crown of France. Whereby (said the Archbishop) it most manifestly appeared, that the title of Pepine, the Claim of Capet, the possession of Lewis, yea of the French Kings themselves to this day, derive their only rights from the heirs female, and that this pretended Law Salic was but a shifting devise to debar the English Kings from the claim of the French Crown. Which exclusion howsoever they pretend to be right, yet the law of God (said he) hath made it mere wrong, which with better regard of the Sex alloweth the woman to inherit her father's possession, as we see in the practice of that state, whereof Christ himself is called king, where the five daughters of Zelophehad for want of heirs males, were admitted to succeed in their father's inheritance, Numb. 27. allotted them in the Tribe of Manasses; and a law made by the Lord himself, that if a man died and had no sons, than his inheritance should be transferred upon his daughters. Neither is it to An addition. be doubted but that the daughter of Shesham was the sole heir unto her father's patrimony, he dying without issue male; though she married an Egyptian, 1. Chro. 2. 34. whose posterity had their possessions among the Tribe of judah, even to the Captivity of Babylon: so that if such a law were, as in truth there was no such, better were the breach by the warrant of divine direction, than the continuance by colour of such prescription, seeing God hath ordained aswell for the daughter as for the son. (20) The Archbishop's unexpected but not unpremeditated Oration thus ended, so stirred the blood of the young Courageous King, that his heart was all on a flame; and so tickled the ears of his Auditory, as they presently conceived that France was their own; the Title whereof descending from Isabella, the mother of the famous third Edward, and she the daughter and surviving heir unto Philip the fair; his right was lineally derived thence as followeth, first Philip by joane his first wife entitled Queen of Navarre, had three sons and one daughter, namely Lewis, Philip and Charles, all three successively Kings, and this Lady Isabella, by whom the English claim: his second wife was Constance the daughter of the King of Sicil, who bore him a Lewis Mutiny. son after his own decease which lived not many days after his father. Lewis his eldest son and tenth of that name succeeded Philip in the Kingdom of France, and by Margaret his wife the daughter of Burgundy had his daughter jane entitled Queen of Navarre, who made claim also unto the French Crown, but never attained it; so that her Title fell▪ with her death. Lewis by his second wife Clemence of Sicil, had a son named john borne unto him, but presently both father and son departing this life, left the Sceptre to his second brother; who by the name of Philip the fift, a while wore the Imperial Crown of France: his wife was jane the daughter of Burgoine, who bore unto him only four daughters. (21) Unto King Philip succeeded his brother Charles the fair, the fourth of that name, whose first wife was Blanch, detected of incontinency and brought him no fruit, his second wife was Marie daughter to Henry Luxenbourg the Emperor, who bore him a son that died soon after birth, and the mother likewise shortly came to her grave. Margaret the daughter to the Earl of Eureux, was his third and last wife, who at his death he left with Child, and thus the three sons of Philip were branched, reigned, and died, whom Queen Isabella their sister survived, and in that right her son King Edward the third, by his royal consanguinity whilst the Crown stood thus at suspense, till a Prince should be borne, claimed to be Regent in the Interregnum, and in the nonage of the looked for issue, against which, Philip de Valois son of Charles the hardy, who was brother to Philip the fair, being a second branch from Hugh Capet, and first Prince of the blood of France, maintained that the Regency of the male (if so he were borne) as also of the Realm (if a daughter or the son died) belonged only unto him as the next in blood. The state thus standing, and a daughter borne, Philip was saluted and proclaimed King, no other right alleged then this foisted and falsely termed fundamental law Salic, for no otherwise doth Ottoman the French famous Lawyer esteem of that ungodly and unjust Ordinance, if any such had been ordained. (22) The King's right thus apparent, and sufficient possessions to be had in France: the Bill of complaint against the Clergies excess was quite dashed, and all minds addicted for the affairs that way; thinking it unreasonable to pull the Provisions from their natives and brethren, when as the Circuit of their inheritance extended more large in compass: judg. 18. and therefore with the Danites they determined no longer to sit so penned with increase, seeing God had given them another Kingdom, but would free their own straightness by dint of sword, and spread their Tents wider in the Continent of France: Neither was there any motive more forcible in conference, than was the success of those intruding Princes, who assayed the Crown by that unjust claim of law Salic. Io. Serres. (23) For did not the sword of God (rather than man) in the hand of King Edward the claimer cut down the flower of France in the Battle of Crecie, with the slaughter of Lewis King of Bohemia, of Charles the French Kings brother, of james Dolphin of Viennois, the Dukes of Lorraine, and Bourbon, the Earls of Aumarle, Savoy, Montbilliard, Flanders, Nivers and Harecourt, the Grand Prior of France, the Archbishop, and Zanxinus and Noyone, of Lords, Barons, and Gentlemen to the number of 1500 with 30. thousand of the French Soldiers, and Philip not able of himself to defend himself, inciting David of Scotland to invade and weaken England, therein did but only vex his own spirit, for in that attempt the Scottish King was taken prisoner and brought so to London, leaving Philip to struggle with his hard fortunes in France, which with bad success he did to the day of his death. (24) john his son by the same title and claim felt the same stroke of justice from the hand of that thunderbolt in war Edward surnamed the black Prince, the son of England's Mars, who far inferior to the French in number, far exceeded them in marshal power, when at the battle of Poitiers the French royal Standard was struck down, an hundred Ensigns won by the English, the Constable, Martial and great Chamberlain of France with Io. Serres fifty two Lords and seventeen hundred Gentlemen slain in the field. King john himself, his son Philip, two Bishops, thirteen Earls, and one and thirty Lords taken prisoners by the Prince, to his great praise and confirmation of his just cause. (25) Nor was the punishment of the father any whit lessened in King Charles the son then reigning, who besides the intestine wars in his own dominions was by God's just judgement struck into a Lunacy, being unable to govern himself much less his Kingdom, upon which advantage (as the French would have it) King Henry now played; though it be most certain he sought his right far otherwise, for so it standeth upon record dated the Ex Record. apud Westm. ninth of February and first of Henry the fift his reign, that he sent his Ambassadors unto the French King, who could not be admitted to his presence, and him whom they employed to procure access was by the French committed to Prison: whereat King Henry most justly conceived a grudge. Paulus P. Aemil. Aemilius their own Story-writer saith, that Henry King of England, sent honourable Ambassadors to demand in marriage the Lady Katherine daughter unto the French King: which (as he saith) was neglected with this answer, that the King had no leisure to think on that business: whom Franciscus Rosienius doth further Fr. Rossen. enlarge, saying, the King scornfully smiling answered that France was neither destitute of Dukes, nor he at leisure to think of the Proposition; and being jealous jest Burgoigne would match his daughter with Henry, Enguerrant de Monstrel. sent him a command to the contrary, and again at their Conclusion of peace, expressly enjoined the said Duke, and all other Princes of the blood, not to make any alliance of marriage with England, whereby K. Henry was further exasperated against France. Nich. Vegne●r. Will. Parradin. in Annal, de Burgoin. Carton Chron. Elmham. And lastly, by his counsel and conference upon the Archbishop's Oration sent a Summons and demand of the duchies of Normandy, Aquitaine, Guienne, & Anjou; in derision whereof, as Caxton recordeth, the Dolphin of France, sent him a Tun of Tennis Balls, as Bullets most fit for his tender hands, who had spent his youth (as he thought) more among Rackets, then regard of his person or matters of State: so forward is man to be an Actor in common miseries, when the Fates have made the Subject of the Scene Tragical, that he draws the hand of Destiny, sooner to strike, and heavier to fall upon that project decreed to be east down: for by these disdains and unprincely dealings the Crown of France was grasped by the English hard hand, and that fair soil stained with her Natives own blood: for the Present received as it was sent, had promise to be repaid with balls of more force, whose stroke should be such as the strongest gates of Paris should not be rackets sufficient to bandy the rebound. Ex Record. West. (26) Grudges thus grown, and wars in preparing, the French thought it fittest to make Scotland their friend, whom they incited to molest the English Marches, which accordingly was done, and that with such violence, as it was a question decideable, An. D. 1414. whether of the Kingdoms was first to be dealt with Westmoreland thought it safest to check the Scots as the nearer and continual backe-friends. But Excester held it better policy to begin with France the Ypod. Neust. stronger, especially now disquieted through the factions of Burgundy and Orleans, and unto this the most voices gave way, whose forwardness was such, that the Clergy granted a Tenth, and the temporal Lords their aides to the King, followeth. The Earls Northumberland, 40 men at Arms & Westmoreland. 120 Archers a piece The Earls Warwick, 20. men at Arms, and 40. Stafford. Archers piece. The Earl of Suffolk, a ship, 20. men at Arms, and 40. Archers. The Earl of Abergaveny 20. men at Arms, and 20. Archers. The Lords Lovel. A ship, 20. men at Arms, and 40. Archers a piece. Barkley. Powis. Ex Record. Camois. S. john, Burrell. The Lords Fitzwater. Half a ship, 20 men at Arms, and 40. Archers a piece. Darcie. Seymour. Rosse. Willoughby. The Lord Morley, 6. men at Arms, and 12. Archers. The Lords Scales, Proffered to attend the King in their persons without entertainment.   Randolph, The whole number thus granted and appointed, amounted to of Men at Arms. 346 Archers. 552 Ships. ½ To put back the Scots, Sir Robert Vinfrevile was sent who in a skirmish upon Mary Magdalens day took 360 of them prisoners▪ and with great spoil returned to Rocksborough Castle whereof he had charge; john Harding. Roger Walls. the news whereof K. Charles understanding, and the great preparation made against France, being better advised upon the dangerous event, sent his Ambassadors into England, whereof the Archbishop of Bourges was principal, who at Winchester made offer of money, and some other Territories (but none of the best) with the Princess Lady Katherine to be given in marriage unto King Henry, so that he would dissolve his Army and conclude a peace. To this Oration the Archbishop of Canterbury made answer, that his King demanded the duchies of Aquitaine and Anjou, with the other signiories anciently appertaining to his Progenitors the Kings of England, which as they were his most rightful and lawful inheritance, so would he with all possible diligence endeavour (if not otherwise) by fire & sword to recover, which his assertion the King himself in presence confirmed. Enguerrant de Monstrel. (27) But Burges the Archbishop presuming more upon his Prelacy, then respective unto whom he spoke, with an unreverend boldness (liberty obtained) seconded his embassage with the terms of an Herald, and with bended brows thus spoke to the King: Thinkest thou o King wrongfully to put down and destroy the most Christian, the most renowned, and the most excellent King of all Europe, both in blood and pre-eminence, or thinkest thou that our mighty Sovereign Charles hath offered thee lands, sums of money and possessions with his most beautiful daughter, either in fear of thee, of thy English Nation, or of all thy well-willers whomsoever? I tell thee no, but moved in pity as a lover of peace, and to save the shedding of christian blood, hath made thee these offers: & his cause being supported by equity and truth, God and his good Subjects he trusteth will set a period soon to thy quarrel. We therefore his Ambassadors demand thy safe conduct to pass▪ out of thy Realm, and that thou wilt writ thine answer, and sand it under thy seal. Holinsh (28) Henry no whit daunted with his big looks and words, answered the Archbishop with milder and better set terms; My Lord (said he) I little esteem of your gallant bravadoes, and less weigh your imagined power or French brags. I know my own right to your Region, and so do yourselves, unless you will deny a most apparent truth: the strength of your Master you daily see, but mine as yet you have not tasted, he (you say) hath many loving subjects and friends, and (God be thanked) I have both as well affected to me, with which, ere long I hope to make the highest crown in your Country to stoop, and the proudest Mitre to kneel down: And say to the Usurper your Master, that within this three months, I will enter France, not as into his land, but as into mine own lawful patrimony, intending to conquer it not with bragging words, nor flattering orations, but by power and dint of sword, through God's assistance in whom I trust: and I assure you I will not speak the word, the which I will not writ and subscribe, nor will I subscribe to that to which I willingly will not set my seal. Therefore your safe conduct shall be dispatched, and mine answer in writing delivered, which once received you may departed into your Country, when I trust sooner to visit you▪ then that you shall have cause to bid me welcome. (29) The Statute enacted, the first of his reign he now put in execution, and commanded the French out of his land, according to that made the 13. of Richard 2. which disabled the Alien Religious Ex Parl. 1 H. 5. to enjoy any Benefices within England, and now fearing to nourish a snake in his bosom, King Henry forbade the French from all preferments Ecclesiastical, and those Prior's Aliens conventual, who had institution and induction, to put in security, not to disclose, or cause to be disclosed, the counsel nor secrets of the Realm: and that the French might hold his dealings honourable, and open, he sent Antelope his pursuivant at Arms, unto King Charles with letters of defiances: next making Queen joan his mother in Law the Regent of the land, he drew his forces unto Southampton, commanding his followers there to attend him in readiness by the feast of Alain Bouchant. in Annals of Brit. Saint john Baptist ensuing. (30) Charles the French King expecting present invasion, sent his Ambassadors unto john the sixt Duke of Britain, who had married his daughter with an hundred thousand Crowns, to levy forces for his aid, and a jewel worth five thousand Crowns more to himself, which the Duke promised to come in person to perform. And as it is reported, An ancient Manuscript. King Charles sent to Scrope, Grey and Cambridge (all three in especial favour with the King) a million of gold to betray Henry into his hands, or to murder him before he should arrive in Normandy. These Tit. Livius. to make their faction stronger, though Scroop was Lord Treasurer, Grey a Privy councillor, & Cambridge the son of Edmund Duke of York, meant to draw in, Edmund Earl of March the son of Roger Mortimer, and lineally the heir unto Lionel Duke of Clarence, the next in succession for the house of York, and revealing their intended purpose, forced Joh. Stow. him to swear to their secrecy, which if he refused, they threatened his death; whereupon he required but an hours respite, which hardly granted, he went to the King and revealed the conspiracy, even the night Holinsh. before the day that he meant to put to sea. (31) The parties apprehended and brought before him in presence of many nobles, King Henry thus spoke; With what horror OH Lord may any true English heart consider that you for pleasing of a foreign enemy, should imbrue your hands in our blood, as also in the blood of our brethren, to the ruin of your own native soil! revenge herein touching my person though I seek not; yet for the safeguard of you my dear friends, and for due preservation of the Realm, I am by place and office to minister remedy against these Offenders; Get you hence therefore you miserable wretches, to receive the just reward of your deserts, wherein God give you repentance for your so foul sins. (32) Notwithstanding this their offence, their Io. Stow. Annal. indictment as it standeth in the Record, includes matter of other quality: that, Richard Earl of Cambridge of Conesburgh in the County of York, and Thomas Grey of Heton in the County of Northumberland Knight, for that they in the twentieth of july and third of King Henry the fifts reign, at Southampton had conspired together with a power of men, to have lead away the Lord Edmund Earl of March into Wales, and to have procured him to take the Government of the Realm, in case that King Richard the second were dead; with a purpose to have put forth a Proclamation in the name of the said Earl as heir to the Crown, against King Henry by the name of Lancaster usurper, and further to have conveyed a Banner of the Arms of England, and a certain Crown of Spain set upon a Pallet (laid in gage to the said Earl of Cambridge) into Wales; As also that the said conspirators had appointed certain into Scotland, to bring thence one Trumpington, and another resembling in shape, favour, and countenance, King Richard. And Henry Scroop of Masham in the County of York was likewise indicted as consenting to the Premises. Thus well appeared their purpose, though Richard Earl of Cambridge, considering the possibility of his own issue had secretly carried that business: whose sorrowful letter of his own hand writing, as it came to ours, we think not amiss here to insert. Lit. Original. Most dreadful and Sovereign Liege Lord, I Richard York your humble subject, and very Leigeman, beseech you of grace, of all manner of offences which I have done or assented unto, in any kind by stirring of other folk, egging me unto, wherein I wots well I have highly offended to your Highness, beseeching you at the reverence of God, that you like to take me into the hands of your merciful and piteous grace, thinking ye will of your great goodness my Liege Lord: my full trust is, that you will have consideration (though that my person be of none value,) your high goodness (where God hath set you in so high estate) to every Leigeman, that you longeth, plenteously to give; that you like to accept this my simple request for the love of our Lady, and the blessed holy Ghost, to whom I pray that they move your heart ever to all pity and grace for their high goodness. Notwithstanding this his humble petition upon the sixt of August following, he, with Scroop, and Grey, were beheaded, and his body with head interred in the Chapel of Gods-house in southhampton; whose apprehensions, arraignements, and deaths, were so followed each after others, as the French knew not, but that the treason had success, and their returned Ambassadors told it for certain, that King Henry had either dismissed his Army, or (which was thought more true) himself was slain by the Conspirators; so easy an entrance hath babbling report into the wide ears of credulous desire. Harding 1500. Joh. Stow. 1600. Holinsh. 1000 Grafton. 140. Ould-Manuscr. 1500. Caxton. 1500. (33 But King Henry now ready to embark his men, upon Wednesday the seventh of August with fifteen hundred Sail took to Seas, attended with six thousand spears, and twenty four thousand footmen besides Gunners, Engineers, Artificers and Labourers a great number, and the fifteenth of Nichol. Giles. the same month cast Anchor in the mouth of Seyne, at a place called Kideaux, about three miles from Harflew, where he landed his men; and falling devoutly upon his knees, desired God's assistance to recover his right, making Proclamation upon pain of death, that Churches should be spared from all violence of spoil, that Churchmen, women and Children, should not be hurt, abused or wronged: then giving the order of Knighthood to many of his followers Titus Livi. he assigned his Standards to men of most strength and courage, which done he took the hill near adjoining, and thence sent his espial to the Town of Harflew, making that the first assay of his fortunes in France. But before we enter any further discourse in the affairs of that Kingdom, it shall not be amiss to speak of things commenced in England before that King Henry took to the Seas. Gongale deyllescus Hist. Pontif. (34) The Churches throughout Christendom, having been disquieted the space of twenty nine years, and now grown intolerable, through the schismatical ambitions, maintained by three Papal Monarches, mounted into Saint Peter's seat, each of them grasping the Chair with so fast a fist, that the joints thereof were forced asunder; and the triple Crown so battered with their thunderbolts of their curses that it was flatted and made unfit for any of their heads. The persons arreared were Platina. john 23. by the Italians elected; the second was Gregory 12. whom the French had set up; and the 3. was Benedict 13. preferred to the place by the Spaniard. These striving for the helm, the ship was so steered, that her wrack was apparent upon these raging and unquiet Seas. To prevent which the Christian Princes put their helping hands, and by a general consent, ordained a general Council to be held at Constance in Germany, which began in February 1414 Nicol. Doglion in Theatro Universal de Princ. and continued above the space of three years; whereunto were assembled besides the Emperor, the Pope and the Palsgrave of Rhine, four patriarchs, Sebastian Munster. twenty seven Cardinals, forty seven Archbishops, one hundred and sixty Bishops, Princes, Barons and Gentlemen with their attendants above thirty thousand. Francis Goodwin upon the lives of the Bishop. (35) Unto this Council King Henry sent Richard Clifford Bishop of London, Robert Halam Bishop of Salisbury, made Cardinal, and died at the same Council. john Keterich, Bishop of Coventree and Lichfield, Nicholas Bubwith Bishop of Bath and Wels. john Wakering, Bishop of Norwich, Robert Mascall, Bishop of Hereford, Stephen Patrington, Bishop of S. David's; the Abbot of Westminster, and Prior of Worcester, in company of whom, and for whose greater honour, Richard Earl of Warwick was sent, themselves and attendants amounting to eight hundred horse: so as it stood in suspense whether their honourable presence more graced the assembly, or their learning or judgement bettered the whole body of the Council: insomuch that two of these Bishops were there made Cardinals, and of the thirty in best esteem appointed to assist the Cardinals in their Election of a new Pope, London, Coventree, Bath, and Wells were chosen, wherein Robert, Bishop of London was first nominated for Pope, and he first nominated him that succeeded, which was Otho Collonna by the La mor. des Histor. name of Martin the fift. Whose Coronation with great magnificence was celebrated of the five nations assembled, and this honour given to the English, that the Prior of Saint john's was a supporter of the triple Crown. Touching the decrees that this Council enacted, let it suffice us to know that Nicol. Doglio. Sebast. Munster Wicliffes' books were condemned for heretical, that john Hus (notwithstanding the emperors safeconduct) and Jerome of prague, were both of them burned, the holy maid Bridget canonised a Saint, and that England was made a nation in rank before Spain. (36) The deaths of these two divines many lamented, especially the Bohemians, who had reaped much fruit from the seed they had sown, for whose doctrine they sent a defence unto the same Council, and often become humble Petitioners for their Fox in Acts and Monuments. lives, as largely appeareth in their letters written on their behalf; in whom may truly be verified that the blood of the Martyrs is the seed of the Church, which so increased in the parts of Bohemia that Pope Martin fearing all would be marred (Zisca the scourge of the Papacy then in Arms to defend them) sent for aid out of England, to repress the Lollards (as he termed them) and published his Bulls against those Hussites, Nicol. Vignieur. with as terrible roar as usually were his Croysadoes against the Turks. (37) His Legate for these holy wars, he made Godwin. Ca tall. of English●b● ●b●. Henry Beaufort, the rich Cardinal of Winchester, who with four thousand English assisted with a subsidy of the Clergies Grant, did there very valiantly for certain months together, until he was recalled by the Pope: wherein County Zisca (though ever a victor) lost both his eyes, and being blind led forth his army with such terror to his foes, as his name become fearful, and oft-times was sufficient to attain victory without any stroke, insomuch as he commanded his own skin to be stead off after his death, and to be made the head of their drum, affirming that the very sound thereof, would drive the enemy out of the field. But from these Church matters and Prelates proceed, let us return from whence we have stepped, and continued the affairs of our famous K. Henry having now set footing in France. Edward Hall. (38) His followers and fellows in these new begun wars were his two brethren the Dukes of Clarence, and Gloucester, as also his uncles the Duke of York, and Earl of Dorset, accompanied with the Earls of Kent, Cornwall, and Huntingdon, besides a most noble fellowship of the other Lords, Barons and men at arms: with these from Kideaux he marched towards Harflew, affecting that Town the first, being a port commodiously seated upon the Enguerrant de Monstrelet. mouth of the River Seyne, and a safe entrance unto his intended Conquest, aswell for the landing of his men, as to hinder the passage unto Roan and Paris, both which received traffic by the same River. john Harding (39) The Town being seated betwixt two hills, that next the Sea the King took, at the foot whereof, he caused a deep trench to be cast, bringing in water to impeach the bottom, and raising the rampire to a great thickness, whereon he erected many sconces of earth like unto Castles, set thick together: for betwixt them, there was not above a cubit wide, for the Soldiers to sally as occasion served: the trench thus finished, from the rock to the Sea, his horses, munition, and victuals all brought a shore, with his whole army, the King marched up the hill, and from the height presented himself before Harflew. His brother Clarence he sent with certain Regiments of horse and foot, to lodge upon the other hill, which before he could approach, (by reason of the nature of the ground and way) he was forced to march fully nine miles: which hill attained, he commanded his ships to cast anchor as near the Town as with safety they might, whereby the place become besieged both by land and Sea, than mounted he his Artillery, began his mines, brought his works close to the Counterscarp of the ditch, prepared faggots to fill it, and presently wan the base Town. Le tiers de conquz de France. (40) Within the Town itself Mounsieur Gracourt was General accompanyde with Gwylwy de Stontevile Chastellaine de Beawais Lionet de Bruequemount and others to the number of an hundred Knights and Squires, who with the Townsmen issued out of the Bastile, upon that quarter where Huntingdon, and Cornwall lay, by whom with loss on either side, they were beaten back, the gates fired, some breaches made, and fireworks shot into the streets, to no little annoyance of the besieged; but Titus Livius nothing dismayed them more, than did the Mines made under the walls: against which though they within countermined, and came to fight hand to hand with the besiegers, yet they saw it little prevailed, the walls being ready to fall, and such batteries therein already made, as they well perceived K. Henry was resolved to carry the town by assault: whereupon Monsieur de Gracourt foreseeing the eminent danger, demanded a Parley, promising to tender the town if it were not relieved by a certain day assigned. Alain Chartier secretary to Charles 7. King of France. (41) And albeit that jehan de Boneiganlt, and Charles de Alhuet Martial, and Constable of France, the one at Caudebuc castle, the other in Harflew, either of them having in their companies one thousand and five hundred men at Arms, were yet so curbed by the English, that no great service they did, and less hope was looked for from the French king, whose strengths were not ready as the Dolphin returned answer, either to remove or relieve the siege at Harflew; whereupon the twenty two of September, History of Normandy. Gracourt the Governor with twenty four selected Captains and Burgesses came to King Henry, who sat in his Pavilion under a cloth of estate, his Noblemen about him, and the Earl of Kyme upon his right john Harding hand, bearing his casket, whereon was an imperial Crown set with stones of great price: The Governor and the rest prostrating themselves at the King's feet, delivered unto him the Keys of the town, according to the covenants betwixt them comprised, which was a respite for five days, and then if▪ no succour Holinsh. came to surrender the town unto the king, & to deliver into his hand thirty of their chiefest personages to stand for life or death at his own pleasure; the rest to departed without armour, weapon's, or any of their goods. Septemb. 22. (42) Harflew thus surrendered in so short a siege continuance, the King sent Thomas Earl of Dorset with sufficient troops to possess the Gates, who then erected the King's Standard, and Saint George's banner upon the principal Ports, and assured the Town with guards competent. Moreover, he sent the said Monsieur de Gracourt, and with him Gwyen History of Normandy. King at Arms unto the Dolphin to let him know, that he would stay eight days in Harflew, to expect his coming, where they might treat of an accord, whereunto himself was wellinclined, if he were not obstinate, for his purpose was not to demand more than his right, and if they could not accord, for the sparing of Christian blood, he was pleased to decide the quarrel by single combat between them two. Wil Paradin in Annal de Burgoyne. (43) His entrance into Harflew was not as Caesar's into Rome with Coronets, Ensigns and Triumphs, attending his Chariot, but in a more humble manner he passed along the streets barefooted, until he came to the Church of Saint Martin, where with great devotion he gave most humble thanks unto God for this his first achieved enterprise. Then that the Town might be English, and Polychron. free from French dangers, he made proclamation, that whosoever of his English Artificers would transport themselves unto Harflew, houses should there be given to them and their heirs; whereby in short time the town was repeopled with English Artisans. Here King Henry abode the space of twelve or fiftteene days, expecting an answer of his message Annals of Burgoyn. sent to the Dolphin; but the time prefixed (and more days expired) he commanded his soldiers john Harding. to furnish themselves with victuals for eight days, Alain. Chartier. leaving his uncle Thomas Beauford Earl of Dorset Governor of Harflew, himself with two thousand October first. horse, and thirteen thousand foot, marched towards Calais through the Counties of Caux and Eu. (44) The French Court notwithstanding it swarmed with factions (whilst under a weak and brainsick King) the great ones sought to make themselves greater, and the common enemy endangering all, King Charles, the Dolphin, his brother of Ponthieu, the King of Sicil, the Dukes of Berry and of Britain, with the whole force of France assembled at Denis Savage in Chron. of Flaunders. Rouen, and in Council concluded, that the English should be fought with, before they got Calais, and forthwith decreed to endamage King Henry on his way, which presently was attempted. For besides their continual skirmishes upon his marching Army, Caxton. Chro. they broke down the Bridges, plashed the woods, entrenched the ways, struck stakes in the Fords, and in places of advantage, laid store of soldiers to impeach his passage, and conveyed all victuals out of the Countries, through which he should go; whereby they well hoped, as a Deer taken in the toil, so both he and his host should have been ensnared, who now was approached to Virron, with purpose to have passed the river Soame at Blanchetague: but there the French had fortified against Wil Parradin. Jbidem. him, so as he well saw that was not the way; and thereupon changing his Counsel, he marched by Worms, and lodged at Baillew, with an intent to have Enguerrant de Monstrel. passed the river at Port le Remy, but that also guarded, he kept along the River to Hargest, the French Army marching upon the other bank, under the leading of Charles de Albret Constable of France. Paul. Aemil. (45) Henry still seeking to get over Soame, meant to assay it, even to the head, and passing by Amiens, Bowes, and Corbie, in a valley adjoining, th' ere lodged his host, where he commanded his Archers to provide stakes sharpened at both ends, which afterwards stood them in singular good stead: Then hearing by his spials that the water was passable at Bethencourt, by the negligent guard of them of Saint Quintin's, he got over the river. His soldiers both weary and faint, many of them sick, and their provisions spent some twelve days before, were forced to feed upon nuts, roots, and Berries, such as they could get, and their drink was the water that ran in theirway. (46) The day they spent with great toil and long march, the nights were cold and wet, and no where good lodging, always standing upon their own guard, and the French always swarming about them without intermission. These things moved Bertrand de Argentre, Parradin. & Serres. Henry as the French Writers report, to proffer the restitution of Harflew, with other holds in Normandy, and to make satisfaction for the harms done in France, to suffer him free passage unto his Town of Calais. But certain it is, that great relief he got by the justice King Henry's care that the Church might not be spilt. and piety that he used in those parts: for albeit he was in the midst of his enemies, and his Soldiers pinched with penury and want, yet made he Proclamation upon pain of death, that none of Fran. Rosienus Stemmata Barri Ducum. his Army should rob any Church: wherein a soldier offending, he caused restitution to be made▪ and commanded the stealer to be put to death: the fame of which piety moved the people (albeit they were forbidden by the French King) plentifully to supply the fainting English with their own provisions. (47) But the Nobility understanding that the English had got over Soam, the Constable, the Dukes john Harding of Orleans and Bourbon, sent unto Henry an Herald with defiance, demanding battle upon Thursday following; which the English King granted, but Alain Chartier. therein failed, saith the French Secretary, and took his march towards Calais without any stay. True it The fight was not of Henry's seeking. is, that Henry was not desirous of fight, his impediments being such as we have said, and therefore returned answer, that he meant to keep on his march unto Calais, and would not seek them: but if they would disturb him, he committed the issue thereof Enguerrant. to God, assuring himself that it would be to their own great danger and peril, and so passing forward to Forcevil, to Bonyers-Lestaillon, to Baugy, upon thursday the 24. of October, he came to Azincourt, Agincourt in the county of Saint Paul. where the French in a field of advantage (purposely chosen) in the County of Saint Paul, and near unto Azincourt) had pitched their Banner royal, with an infinite host, whereof the Constable of France had the conduct. Par. in Annal. de Burg. (48) His power (saith Parradin) consisted of an hundred and fifty thousand horse (besides them for carriages which were innumerable) wherein were Latiers volume de conquez de Francia. ten thousand men at Arms, all of them (a very few excepted) Princes, noblemans, Knights, and esquires. The Vanguard was led by the Constable, the Dukes of Orleans, and Bourbon, the Earls of Eu and Bouciqualt the Marshal, Dampier the Admiral, Guychard The chief commanders in the French Army. Dolphin de Auvergne, and Clwet of Brabant. The main battle, by the Duke of Bar, the Earls of Alenzon, Nevers, Blaumont, Salines, Grandpre, and Lewis de Bourbons. Rousse. And the rearguard by the Duke of Brabant Earls of Marle, Furquenberge, and Mounsieur de Lornay; the right wing was▪ commanded by Arthur Earl of Richmond, and the left by Lewis de Bourbon, Count de Vendosme great Master of France, whose particular retinues Franciscus Rosienius doth largely Their number 6. times, yea ten times more than the English. * In Stemmata Barri Ducum. declare: all ranged together in their array appeared to the eye (saith Parradin) six times to exceed the English, but * In Rerum Brabanticarum. Peter Divors esteemed them to be ten times more. (49) King Henry seeing himself so far engaged, and many of his men sick of the flux, sent the Parradin. second time unto these assembled Princes his proffers, to surrender Harflew, and what else he had won, so as without disturbance he might departed for Calais. Whereunto the Constable and Martial were Alain Bouchant in Annal. de Bret. willing, but the other young Princes despising the small number of their adversaries, refused all conditions Bertrand de Argentre hist. de Bretaine. of peace, and were not only negligent in the duties of Commanders, but with an assurance of victory divided the prey, disposed of prisoners, and prepared a Chariot to carry the captive King in triumph; commanding the Cities and Towns adjoining The French thought themselves invincible. Polyd. Verg. to ring their bells, and to tender thanks unto God, who had delivered their enemies into such place of advantage as an assured victory must presently follow: and so confident were they thereof, They sand to Henry for his ransom as if they were sure to conquer. Alain Chartier Secretary au Roy Charles 7. that they sent to King Henry to know what ransom he would give. But saith Chartier, what answer the King made, is uncertain: for that all who were privy thereunto, were slain, the Duke of Orleans only excepted, and he a prisoner retained in England. They also sent for King Charles, and the Dolphin his son (then residing in Roan) to come in their persons unto the battle, that so they might The Counsel of Sage men neglected. have the honour of the field. Whereat the Duke of Bery was highly offended, and advised the contrary, laying before the King the hazard of war, out of his own experience, being himself at the battle of poitiers, where King john unfortunately was taken by the English, which proved (as he alleged) a great breake-necke unto France. (50) The face of these hosts were divers and The French glorious in show but the English▪ conquerors. indifferent, the French gallant, fresh, and through vain hope of honour, already mounted above men of mean rank, the English weak, weary and sore starved, made no such show, and yet their courage no less than the other. The one spending the night before Caxion. Chron. Battle, in Feasts, Triumphs, and other like sports, distributing their Captives, dividing their spoils, and decreeing none to be saved but the King, and his nobles; all others must die or be incurably maimed: the other trimming their arrows, sharpening their spears, buckling their armours, The English discerned what was done in the French army. P. Aemil. and refreshing their bodies for the next day; and besides other observances, by the light of the great fires made in the French Camp, the English discerned what was therein done, and took the advantage of their order and ground. (51) The morning approached, the French took the field, thronging forward, who should be first to this most easy and certain victory (as they took it) their greatest strength consisting in horse. Against whose violence King Henry commanded two hundred Alain Bouchant. en les annal de Bretagne. strong bowmen to lodge in a low meadow, where a deep ditch full of water might secure them from the horse, and the bushes cover them from The stratagem with stakes. sight. These having stakes prepared and shod with Iron at both ends, were appointed to stick them stope-wise in the ground, yet so that they might be removed as occasion was ministered, to guard them from the danger of the horse: which policy accomplished, Guil. Parradyn. King Henry (whose hope was in God, and the goodness of his cause) about ten of the clock ranged his English, against the French then in field: he disposed his host into three battles, placing his bowmen on both sides of the main. Tho. Walsing. The chief Leaders of each part of the English army. (52) The vanguard, consisting of Archers, was led by Lord Edward, (his cozen) the Duke of York, & with him the Lords Beaumond, Willoughby, and Fanhope. In the main Battle all in complete and bright shining armour, the King road himself, his shield quartered with the royal achievements of England and France, upon his helmet he ware a Coronet, The roble habiliments of King Henry in the main Battle. the circle whereof glittered with pearl and stones of an unestimable price: his horse of a fierce courage carreird as he went, the bridle and furniture of Goldsmith's work, and the Caparisons most richly embroidered with the victorious Ensigns of the English Monarchy: Before him in gold and glorious colours the Royal Standard was borne, and many other banners in warlike order waved with the wind. Titus Livius. (53) The French had framed their Battles into two sharp fronts, as intending with their points to have run through the English squadrons; altogether relying upon their horsemen, and shining in bravery with an incredible excess. And surely the beauty and honourable horror of both the Armies, no heart can judge of, unless the eye had seen it, the The admirable and glorious sight that both armies made. Banners, Ensigns and Pennons streaming in the air, the glistering of armours, the variety of colours, the motion of Plumes, the Forests of Lances, and the thickets of shorter weapons, made so great and goodly a show; but the silent expectation of the bloody blast was as the bullet ramd into the Canon, whose roaring voice is not so soon heard, as the stroke of death felt by the aimed-at mark. Io. Serres (54) The Battles thus ranged a while stood still, and faced each other even in the face: The French (whether upon error like to that of Pompey's at the Battle of Pharsalia, where Caesar was victorious, or to draw the English farther from their advantage of ground, is altogether unknown) but certain it is, King Henry seeketh to pass Calais. that King Henry was resolved to open his way for Calais over the Enemy's bosom, or else to die: and thereupon with a cheerful countenance and words full of courage, he comforted his followers and said. My most faithful Companions and worthy soldiers, Tho. Walsing. we now go into the field of honour, and to the work of manhood, which your great valours so long have expected and prayed for; lo the day is now come, and your work the noblest in the world; pour forth therefore your utmost forces, that ages may know what the lance, the Axe, the sword and the bow can do in the hand of the valiant: Whosoever therefore desires riches, honour, and rewards here he shall found them. Nimirum hac medio posuit Deus omnia Campo. When he had thus said, his army fell prostrate on the ground, and committed themselves unto God every man taking into his mouth a piece of earth, in remembrance of his own mortality, (being thereof made) or of the holy Communion whereof he was Stows Annal. incorporated to be a partaker; and so resolved, arising, the King with cheerful countenance commanded his Standard to advance forward, saying, because our injurious enemies do attempt to shut up our way, Tho. Wal. let us upon them in the name of the most glorious Trinity, and in the best hour of the whole year. Denis Savage in Cron. Flan. (55) The ranging of the Battle King Henry committed to an old experienced Knight called Sir Thomas Erpingham: who with a warder in his hand lead the way, which when he saw time he threw up into the air, whereat the whole army gave a great Enguerrant de Monstreles. shout; which done, he alighted from his horse, & came to the King, who was in his place on foot. The French beholding this Offer, kept still their own The English proffer Battle. standing, which the English perceiving, made forward and came on, giving another shout, when immediately the Archers, laid in the meadow, darkened the air with a shower of sharp arrows, most fearful Their Archers put the enemy to the greatest harm. to the sight, but more deadly to be felt, and withal, the English charged their Battle with an admirable Courage; the most of them for nimbleness being but half clothed, without hat, and barelegged. And such was their courage notwithstanding their wants, as he that ere while could scarcely bend his Bow, is Ypodig. Neust. able now to draw his yard-long arrow to the very head, whose roving mark was the flank of the French, so rightly aimed at, and so strongly stuck on, that their sides were altogether larded with arrows, whereby the vanguard was instantly distressed, and disordered into such a confused press, as they were not able to use their weapons at any advantage. Their wings likewise assayed to charge the English; but Mounsieur de Lignie in the one not well seconded Enguerrant. by his troops was forced back: and Guilliaum de Surreres The wings of the French battle discomfited. charging home, in the other, was slain. The Battalions now broken, for safety fled to the Main, where they breed both fear and confusion by the unruliness of their wounded horses, so galled with arrows as they could not be governed. Tho. Walsing. (56) The first troup of the French horse, were exquisitely appointed, whereon their riders much presumed, and meant to have burst through the Archers with a violent course, but they giving back left their sharp pointed stakes sticking, which till then were unseen; the French supposing the Archers had fled, came on with their horse upon the spur, and The English Archers giving back the French horsemen spill themselves upon the sharp pointed stakes. that in such heat, as the earth seemed to tremble under their thundering feet, and being forced forward, without foresight of danger carried their proud Riders into the jaws of destruction: for falling by troops upon those goring stakes, they were miserably overthrown, and paunched to death. The tempests of arrows still whistling in the air sparkled fire in their falls from the helmets of the French, and with their steeled heads, rang many thousands their kneels that doleful day, who like to corn cut down with the sigh, fell by whole plumps in that fatal field; the English still following the advantage: against whom Anthoine Duke of Brabant, Enguerrant de Monstrel. hoping by his example to encourage others (followed with a few) turned head, and broke into the English Battle, wherein manfully fight he was slain. Guil. Paradyn. in les Annals. de Burg. (57) With the like manhood Duke Alenzon a lusty French Lord, pressed into the Battalion where King Henry fought, and incountering Humphrey Duke of Gloucester the King's brother, both wounded King Henry rescueth his brother the Duke of Gloucester. and overthrew him, to whose rescue if Henry had not come, he had died more honourably than afterward he did, for King Henry bestriding him, delivered his said brother from danger, and wan himself much honour by the deed. Alenzon then coped with King Henry in fight, and with his Axe Alenzon encountering King Henry putteth him in some danger. cut a part of his Crown, which blow was so surely laid on, that there with his helmet was battered unto his brow, but the Lion enraged, with redoubled strength, struck the French Gallant unto the ground, and slew two of his men that seconded their Master. The Duke thus down, cried to the King, I am Alenzon, whom Henry sought to have saved, and so had Rich. Grafton. done, had not the deaf ears of revenge stopped all sound of life, against him, that so had endangered their Sovereign Lord The French main battle put to slight. (58) The French Rearguard surprised with fear, at the disaster of the vanguard, and the main battle fled, not striking one stroke (except some principal leaders and they not many) the English horsemen fetched a compass and wheeled about upon their Polyd. Verg. backs, which no sooner was perceived, but that the tax of fight was ended, and the work of kill began; as by the words of Walsingham doth manifestly appear: The way (saith he) is at length made by fine force; the French did not so much give place, as fall dead to the earth: for when they saw those beaten indeed under foot, whom they reputed invincible, their minds Walsinghams' description of the Frenches overthrow. forthwith grew amazed, and such an iciefeare slyd through their marrow, that they stood still like senseless Images, while our men wrested weapons out of their hands, and slew them therewith as beasts. Slaughter then had lost the stay of itself, and fight did follow no longer, but all the war was made at throats, which (as it were) offered themselves to be cut, neither can the English kill so many of the enemies, as may be killed. Thus therefore the whole glory of the French name is almost perished, by the hands of those few, whom immediately before they held in After some sharp execution the English show mercy to the French. most extreme contempt. But the sword now made weary and drunk with blood, all danger past, and humanity retired, prisoners were taken, and lives spared, which hitherto was neglected, lest mercy might have proved the destruction of themselves. Enguerrant de Monstrelet. (59) Whilst the King was thus busied, & the success of the battle in dispute, his carriages (but sclenderly guarded) by the French were assailed, & all made spoil of, that was to be had. The C aptaines of this Ypod. Neust. cowardly enterprise, were Robinet de Bourneville, Rifflant de Clumasse, and Isambert de Agincourt, with six Certain French rob the King's carriages. hundred Peasants, who had turned their faces at the first brunt of Battle, as men of better practice to pilfer, then to purchase by manhood the spoils of the field. Where among other things they found a rich Crown and sword, which they bore away in triumph-wise, They steal a Crown and a sword and feign that King Henry is taken prisoner. History of Normandy. feigning that King Henry was taken, and as a prisoner followed their troops, the sight of certain English prisoners by them taken and led away confirming the report more strongly in the beholder's conceit. But King Henry breathless, and in heat of blood, seeing certain new troops of the King of Sicils appear in the field, and the same strong enough to encounter with his weary men, fearing (as he had Pol. Verg. cause) that the Bourbon Battalion upon sight of fresh succours would gather into a body, and again make head, considering withal how his men were A new power of French appearing, King Henry causeth all his prisoners to be slain. overcharged with multitudes of Prisoners, who in number surmounted their Conquerors: that the charge would be double at once, to guard and to fight, and that the prisoners would be ready upon every advantage to take arms and free themselves from their takers: these and other necessities constraining, Enguerrant. King Henry contrary to his wont generous nature, gave present commandment that every man should kill his Prisoner, which was immediately performed, certain principal men excepted. Which done, and falling again in Order, he Titus Livius sent his Heralds unto these troops assembled, commanding them forthwith to come unto Battle, or else to departed the field, either of which if they delayed, he threatened to revenge with their deaths, without any redemption or mercy; at which severe sentence their hearts were so daunted, that with shame and dishonour they departed the field. The base surprisal Enguerrant de Monstrelet. of the King's carriages, (the only cause as some allege of the French prisoners death) was so ill digested by the French themselves, that the Duke of Burgundy imprisoned the Actors thereof, and was The Duke of Burgundy imprisoneth the robbers of King Henry's carriages but pardons their lives at Count Charolois request. Ypodig. Neust. minded to have put them to death, had not his son the Count of Charolois mediated for them, unto whom they presented King Henry's rich sword, the guards whereof was gold set with stones of great price. (60) The day almost spent in spending French blood, and evening approaching near the set of the Sun, the field cleared, and no enemy seen, the retreat was sounded, and all were assembled to give thanks unto God; which done, while his soldiers King Henry acknowledgeth God the giver of victory. pillaged the dead, King Henry sent for Montioy herald at arms in France, and for other heralds both English and French: unto whom he said, we have not of ourselves made this great slaughter, which the sword in our weak hands hath laid at our feet, but the Arm of God for the offences (no doubt) of the French hath doneit, God delivereth a nation into the hands of the destroyer for their sins. whose blood let now rest upon their own heads, and we guiltless in following our right: and then demanding the name of the place, was answered, it was Azincourt, then said he, to all posterities following, this Battle shall be called the Battle of Azincourt. Thus dismissing the heralds, he returned to Maisconcelles, where he lodged the night before. The spoil was Enguer. de Monstrelet. great, and the pray rich in armours, jewels, and apparel, for which by the Country Peasants many (left as dead) were stripped stark naked, who afterward crept from the place, but most of them mortally wounded without relief, lay in great dolour and died in the ditches: so certain is the calamity of war, and uncertain the sword till it be quietly sheathed. Nich. Gille. Latiers' volume de Cron. Franc. (61) King Henry lost his cozen Edward Duke of York, and the Earl of Suffolk that day, besides some others, the French writers say three or four hundred, yet Caxton will have them but twenty and six: and The small number of English slain. Tho. Walsing. Paulus Aemilius addeth to the two slain Lords, two Knights and only ten private soldiers, without any more; unto whom an ancient manuscript addeth * Ex Manuscript. David Gam an Esquire, and twenty eight private soldiers, affirming confidently, that no more of the English died that day. (62) A far larger role is writ of the French, slain at this Battle, yet divers and different among their own Authors, the true Catalogue as we cannot certainly set down, yet as we have many Collections we will deliver the same in part, and refer the rest to be seen upon the record: Only naming The names of great persons either slain or taken prisoners. the Officers and Leaders in the same field either slain, or taken Prisoners, by this famous King Henry in this his triumphant and fortunate day. Enguerrant de Monstrelet. Charles D'Albert, high Constable of France. Geoffrey Bouciqualt Marshal of France. jaques Chastillon Admiral. Guiscard Dauphin of Arragon great Master of the King's Horse. Enguerrant. Edward Duke of Bar. Anthoine D. of Brabant. Duke Alencon. Count Nevers. Count de Marle. Count de Vaudemont. Count de Blaumont. Count de Grandpre. Count de Roussie. Count de Farquembourg. Lewis de Bourbon. Sig. de Preaux. Robert de bar. jehan de bar. Great Lords. Sig. de Croy. Sig. de hely. Sig. de Auxi. Sig. de Brimeu. Sig. de Poix. Sig. de Louroy. Sig. de Rainevalt. Sig. de Longuevall. Sig. de Inch. Sig. de Neufuille. Sig. de Dampierre. Sig. de Morevill. Vidame de Amiens. Mes. Alain. Mes. de Saveses. Mes. de Mocont. Mes. de Poix. Mes. de Bethune. jehan Tillet. Bertrand de Argentre. La. Mer: Nichol. Giles. Legend. Fland. Chron. Fran. 3. vol. To be short, jehan Tillet saith, that there were ten thousand slain, and almost as many more taken: and most of their own writers accounted the success of this Battle to be with the slaughter of four thousand Princes, Nobles, Knights, and Esquires: but the history of Normandy accounted eight thousand to be slain of that rank, whereof an hundred and twenty bore Banners: among whom died four Dukes, nine Earls, one * Of Sens. The number of Dukes, Earls, etc. slain. Archbishop, and ten thousand common soldiers, as the heralds relation in that behalf hath reported. (27) Prisoners of account taken in this field, Denis Savag. were Charles the Duke of Orleans, and john Duke of Bourbon, Arthur Earl of Richmond, extremely wounded and left for dead, as he lay gasping among Bertrand de Argentre in hist. Bret. the slain, was by the English recovered and retained their Prisoner. Louis de Bourbon Cont de Vendosme was there taken Captive, was Charles Earl of Eu, being carried into England, where he remained prisoner Jehan Tillet. twenty three years. Others of great account were likewise Alain Bouchart Annal. de Bret. taken and put to ransom, as Edward de Roven, Oliver de la field, and jehan Giffart, with these and many more the next day King Henry marched to calais, leaving the French to search for their wounded, that Will. Parradin. Annal. de Burgoin. in ditches and bushes had made their heavy beds: In commiseration whereof, the Count Charrolois extre me pensive for the loss of his uncles, and other his friends, in charity came to the field▪ and caused the dead to be buried, the charge whereof he committed History of Normandy. to the Abbot of Roussiawille and the Bailiff of Air, who enclosed a piece of ground with a deep ditch of two hundred and fifty yards square, fensing it with an hedge of thorns against the ravenings of 5800. slain French buried in one plat of ground. dogs and wolves. Wherein were interred five hundred and eight thousand Christian carcases, in regard whereof it was sanctified by the Bishop of Esguines, and made a Churchyard. Alain Bouchart Annal. de Bret. (28) The Duke of Britain with his forces was come to Amiens within two days match of Azincourt to aid King Charles, but the French upon a conceived assurance of victory, would not stay his coming: who now hearing of the glorious day obtained by the English, dismissed his troops, and History of Normandy. retired to his own Country, not meaning any more to intermeddle in the war between England and France. Now King Henry upon Saturday the 26. of October, being the next day after Battle, took his march towards Calais, but in passing the field wherein they had fought, he caused search for all the English, Stows Annal. which he caused to be interred according to their estates. But the Bodies of his slain cozen the Duke of York, and of Michael de la Poole Earl of Suffolk, he took away thence, carrying them both into England, Grafton. and so passing to Guisnes with his Prisoners he entered Calais, whither, those left at Harflew resorted, to pay their ransoms to them assigned. (29) His host now refreshed and courage augmented, it was disputable in Counsel, whether the King should return again into France, to pursue his enterprise already begun, or else to embark for England. But the time of year spent, the winter wet, and the field Camps very much subject to fluxes, wherewith many of his soldiers were as yet infected, and more unhealed of their wounds; it was thought fittest to make for England, and the sooner, for that victuals become somewhat scarce in Calais. King Henry returneth into England. These things premised, King Henry upon the sixteenth day of November spread sails for England, and in the passage was met with such storms, that He and his company in danger at Sea. Tho. Wal. his French Prisoners were in as great fear, as they had been in danger at the Battle of Azincourt: but arrived at Dover and all dangers past, upon the three The King is received of London with great state. and twenty of November in triumph wise he made his entrance into London, four hundred Citizens riding before him in read and white hoods, the gates and streets were garnished with Pageants, and the Caxton Chron. Conduits plenteously pouring forth sweet wines. The religious men met him with procession, and fourteen mitred Bishops attended his approach unto Saint Paul's, where, out of the Censers the All sorts both Clergy and Laity show their affection to the King, and he to God. sweet Odours filled the Church, and the Quire chanted Anthems cunningly set by note: in all which the honour was ascribed only unto God, the King so commanding it. And so far was he from the vain ostentation of men, that he would not admit his broken Crown, nor bruised armour to be borne before him in show, which are the usual Ensigns of warlike triumphs. The City presented him a thousand pound in gold, two golden basons worth five hundred Stows Annal. pound more, which were received with all Princely thanks. (30) And now to do the last office of a soldier for those two noblemen slain at Azincourt, he The Duke of York interred at Fotheringhay. The Earl of Suffolk at Ewhelme. willed the body of the Duke of York to be interred in his College at Fotheringhay in Northamptonshire, and the Earl of Suffolk at Ewhelme in Oxfordshire, commanding most of his Bishops and Abbots to celebrated the Exequys in London, whereunto likewise resorted his uncle Dorset the Governor of Harflew, whom for his good service done, he created Duke of Exeter, and gave him a thousand pound by year out of his own Exchequer: but in his absence some attempts were made by the French against the said Town, whereby he was enforced the sooner to return. Gon●ales de yllescus en la Hist. Pontif. (31) The calamities of these times by the stirred schisms of the Church, and these bloody wars among Christian Princes, Sigismond the Emperor a man of great wisdom and integrity, much lamented at the Council of Constance, & as another Constantine solicited the three stiff stirring Popes unto unity, but failing of that purpose, from those far parts he traveled into France, and thence into England: May 7. The Emperor Sigismond cometh into England. seeking to make peace betwixt these two Western Monarches, the better to withstand the common known enemy of Christendom the Turk. King Charles he solicited first, finding him in words very forward, with many fair shows to embrace the motion, whereupon taking with him the Archbishop of Rheims as Ambassador from the French King, came unto Calais, where he was most honourably entertained by the Earl of Warwick, Deputy of the Town, and divers other Lords sent thither by King Henry to attend him, as also thirty of his tallest ships to waft him to Dover gallantly rigged and manned with a noble train. The Duke of Gloucester accompanied with many of the nobility, was appointed to receive him at Dover, where they attended his coming. (32) The Emperor arrived, and ready to take land, Gloucester and the other Lords with their drawn swords entered the water, and thus spoke to the Emperor, that if his Imperial Majesty intended to enter as their King's friend and a mediator for peace, The stern manner of entertaining the Emperor at his landing. they would receive him with all willingness accordingly, but if as an Emperor to claim any authority in England, which was a free Kingdom, they were there ready to resist and impeach his entrance. Which rough demand being most mildly answered by Sigismond, he had present access, and by them was Well liked of by the Emperor. attended towards London. (33) This worthy Emperor, King Henry greatly respected, as well for his own worths, and the amity held ever with the house of Beam; as also for that he had married * Rich. Grafton Barbara the daughter of the Earl of Zilie the King's cozen German removed. His entertainment was Princely, and * Paul Aemil. charges altogether borne by King Henry, who the more to honour him at Windsor, solemnly installed him Knight of the Order of Saint George or Gartar, with a most sumptuous fist purposely prepared, at which the Emperor sat in his Collar and Robes; but not foreslowing the cause for which he came, he instantly urged the peace for France, wherein he was gently The King willingly heareth the Emperor for a peace. heard by the English King, but upon new displeasures for some loss of men in the Territories of Roan, the motion at that time was dashed, and would not proceed, lest (as King Henry alleged) the French should suppose that a small loss had weakened his Enguerrant de Monstrelet. Upon an unexpected assault by the French the King stayeth further talk of peace. A. D. 1415. March 14. spirits: yet the Emperor continuing his intercession for peace, had brought it to that pass by his pithy persuasions, as had not the French at that very instant besieged Harflew both by Sea and land, it had been effected. (34) For not long before Thomas Earl of Dorset, having made a road into the County of Caux, was set upon by the Earl of Armigrace Constable of France with other strong men at Arms near unto Vademont, who so distressed the English, that Dorset took into a Garden for defence, and having had private conference there with the Constable, early before day, departed with the loss of * Nichol. giles Alain Chartier Secretary an Roy Charles 7. four hundred men. Armigrace puffed up by his got victory▪ * Hist. of Normandy saith 800. with his French powers followed the English in a hasty march toward Harflew, and upon the sands intercepted their passage, where betwixt them a cruel conflict was performed, with the overthrow of the French, and flight of the Constable, who retired to Monstrevillier for safety. Rich. Grafton. (35) This his unlucky attempt he took greatly to heart, and therefore purposing to repurchase again Harflow besieged by the French both by land and sea. his honour, he determined for Harflew, where he set down his land siege, before the English Garrison within, were well ware, when also the Viscount Narbon Vice-Admiral of France, with a Fleet of tall ships entered the haven, so that the Town was begirt on Enguerrant de Monstrel. every side as we have said. King Henry hearing of these news, called home his Ambassadors, which were the Bishop of Norwich and Sir Thomas Erpingham in commission then at Beawois, and in conference for a Peace; and the Emperor well perceiving The Emperor out of hope to make atronement for France entereth league with England. that the French played upon advantage, and that King Henry was not of temper to turn edge at their strokes, saw it vain to prosecute the peace for France further, and therefore sought to enter league with the English himself, unto the which King Henry was so willing as he confirmed the same upon these Articles following. (36) That the said Emperor & King, their heirs & successors * Titus Livi. should be friends each to other as Allies and Confederates against all manner of persons of what estate or degree soever, the Church of Rome, The Pope might not be opposed. and the Pope for the time being only excepted (for he was the Master Be that then lead the swarm.) (37) That neither themselves, their heirs nor successors should be present in Counsel or other place, where either of them, their heirs or successors might sustain damage in lands, goods, honours, states or persons: and that if any of them should understand of loss or hindrance to be like to fall or happen to the others, they should impeach the same, or if that lay not in their powers, they should advertise the others thereof with all convenient speed. That either of them, their heirs and successors should advance the others honour and commodity without any fraud or deceit. That neither of them, nor their heirs or successors should permit their subjects to levy wars against the others. That it should be lawful and free for each of their subjects to pass into the others Country, and there to remain and make merchandise either by Sea or land, paying the Customs, gables, and duties due and accustomed according to the Laws, and Ordinances of the places, and Countries where they should traffic. That neither of the said Princes, nor their heirs, nor successors should receive any rebel, banished man, or traitor of the others willingly, but should 'cause every such person to avoid out of their Countries, Realms, dominions, and jurisdictions. That neither of the said Princes, their heirs nor Successors should begin any other wars against any other person, other than such as they had wars with at that present without the consent of the other his Confederate, except in defence of themselves▪ their Countries and subjects in case of invasion made upon them. That it should be lawful for the King of England to prosecute his wars against France for the recovery of his right, as should seem to him expedient, and for the Emperor, for the recovery of any part of his right retained by the French. Lastly, that either of them should assist other in recovery and Conquest of their rights, lands and dominions, withheld and kept from them, by him that calleth himself King of France, and others, the Princes and Barons of France. These conclusions and agreements bore date the 19 of October, in Anno 1416. In the mean while the French that had felt the hard hand of the English, and seeing that Henry had withdrawn his commissioners for peace, King Charles made a league with the states of Genova, requiring their aid against this dangerous Agostino Giusti●ano Vesco●●▪ di. Nebio. enemy, who supplied him with six hundred Crossbows, and eight tall ships of war, and as many galleys with munition and victuals. These wafting the Seas with many bravadoes, King Henry in person meant to have met with himself, but the Emperor dissuading his purpose, the charge of that Enterprise was committed to john Duke of Bedford, Paul. Aemilius Alain Chartier. Secretary. accompanyde with the Earls of March, Martial, Oxford, Warwick, Huntingdon, Arundel, Devonshire, and Salisbury; these falling upon the County of Narbon, a fierce encounter was begun, and long fought, till at length the victory fell to the English, French Navy overthrown. so that the French Navy was most of them battered, sunk and taken; amongst others three great Carricks of the Genoa were sent to England, with whom the bastard of Bourbon was brought away Prisoner; & the Viscount de Narbon, Le Sire de Mountain, and Le History of Normandy. La Mere des Histories. Sire de Berrar chased into Britain. This victory obtained▪ the Duke passed forward to the Town of Harflew, and refreshed it with victuals without any impeachment; for Armagnac the Constable hearing how his Consorts had kept tune on the Seas, thought it not best to set to their note, lest his mean would not be heard, the base of this music sounding too deep, and therefore he put up his pipes, and got him to Paris. This service performed The Emperor applaudeth the felicity of England. was so commended by the Emperor, as he openly said, that Realm was happy that had such a King, but the King more happy that had such Subjects, and ever after held Bedford in a most special account. He prepareth for Germany. (38) His affairs now finished, and Princely entertainments thankfully received, he prepares for his return toward Germany, and King Henry to do him the more honour would needs accompany him to his Town of Calais, whither after their arrivals the Duke of Burgogne repaired to do his homage Denis Savage Chro. de Fland. unto the Emperor, which Burgogne some months before, had concluded a peace with the Earl of Warwick in the behalf of King Henry, for the Counties of Flaunders and Arthois. Henry therefore in hope of a further friendship with him, sent his brother the Duke of Gloucester, and the Earl of March unto Saint Omers to lie hostages with the County Charrolois, for Burgognes' passage and safe return, with whom he sent Warwick to conduct him to Calais. The Duke of Burgundy doth homage to the Emperor and taketh a truce with K. Henry. (39) His entertainment was honourable both by the Emperor and King, which as acceptably he received, and unto Sigismond performed his homage, and with Henry renewed the truce for the time of two years, both which were so distastive to the French stomachs, that the Emperor is taxed, he came not Joh. Serres in vit Charles 6. with an intent to work the good of France, but rather to augment her miseries by animating Burgundy to bandy against Orleans: and that King Henry was puffed with an humour of pride, his affairs so prosperous against a weak King. But this business ended, Burgundy returned to graveling, Henry into England, and the Emperor toward Germany, being wafted into the low Countries with the King's Fleet and attended upon by the King's servants. Enguerrant de Monstrel. (39) At Calais King Henry had made great proffers unto Burgundy to enter with him into the wars against France, promising him part of his Conquests, and to spare and favour all his vassals, allies, and friends, but Burgundy refusing the offers, remained his enemy for France, howbeit he sent Ambassadors into England to treat a continuance of the truce, which was granted to his Commissioners to endure from the next Michaels-tide unto Easter ensuing, Burgundy maketh a truce with England, but afterwards with France contrary to his Oath. which was confirmed at Portchester the 23. of julie and year of Christ 1417. For the signing whereof King Henry sent the keeper of his privy Seal to Amiens where the Duke of Burgundy delivered the same signed, which began in this sort. johannes Dux Burg. Comes Flandriae, Arthusiae & Burgundiae, Palatinus, Dominus de Salinia & Muchlinia universis presents litter as inspicien: salutem, etc. datum in villa Denis Savage Ambianensis 17. die Mensis Aug. 1417. This notwithstanding the said Duke reverted, and in November following made a league (whereunto he was sworn) with the King and Dauphin of France against England, which his doings King Henry took nothing Parliament Roll. 5. H. 5. well. But his proceed prospering in France he called a Parliament at London, where the Lord Chancellor, Henry Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester and Cardinal, in the King's behalf made an eloquent Oration, declaring the great desire his Master had to make Peace with the French, which their King notwithstanding resisted, and against the law of Arms denied upon ransom to tender his prisoners taken at Agincourt, so that the peace which was to be expected must be with the sword, concluding with this saying▪ Let us make war that we may have peace, because the A subsidy granted the King for his wars in France. end of war is peace. Whereunto the whole body consented, and granted to the King a Subsidy and a Tenth which was graciously accepted, but was far too short to defray the great Charge, so that he was forced to pawn his Crown unto the said Bishop Beaufort his uncle, for a great sum of money, as he did certain jewels to the Lord Mayor of London for ten thousand Marks. (40) Money thus got and the Seas made safe, King Henry purposed further to follow his fortunes in France, his advantages many (as the French would enforce) through the weake-braind King, not able to King Henry had three great advantages for the better conquering of France. correct the Factions of the Burgundion and Orleans, which troubled all France; and the death of Lewis the Dauphin whose funeral might have been solemnised by the mourners from Agincourt, his death (as was thought) happening immediately upon that distasture; and to heap more distractions upon the miserable French, john the King's second son and new made Dauphin shortly left both his title and life, who together were entombed at Compeigne. These, say the French, were the bane of the State, and the baits that made King Henry to bite; Notwithstanding we shall find them but curtains to shadow the light if we look into the project with an indifferent eye, for the King's weakness was supported by Burgogne Armagnac and other potent estates; Burgundy Denis Savage Chron. de Flan. by Oath, made a mortal enemy against King Henry. Orleans in England a prisoner and without racket in hand could not bandy the Ball to mar the French plea: and as touching the deaths of the two Daulphins their raked up ashes kept in the spark that afterward was the only light of France, for these, (though Crowned) were not the pillars of strength able to sustain the great weight of that Empire: job. Serres hist. Franc. The first a Prince of little valour, and great toil, presuming to know much, and unwilling to learn, busying himself with his self, and by his insufficiency rather troubled then managed the estate. The other, none of the wisest and of nature so remiss, that he was ever ready (as wax) to take the stamp of any impress, but as the proverb is, let the losers have leave to speak, and us to relate our English French businesses. (41) All now in a readiness, King Henry with a puissant army prepared his second expedition into France, his Fleet consisting of fifteen hundred sail, many Lords and men at Arms, the muster role engrossed with twenty five thousand five hundred twenty seven soldiers, every fourth being a horseman, Titus Livius. besides a thousand Carpenters, Artificers and Labourers: But before his departure he ordained his brother john Duke of Bedford to be the Protector of England in his absence, which done upon the 28. of julie he took to Seas, the sails of his own ship, being of purple silk most richly embroidered with gold: and the first of August arrived in Normandy to such terror of the inhabitants that they A. D. 1417. Stows Annal. Alain Bouchart. annal Bret. fled further into the main, leaving the Country bore of men and bestial: Insomuch that twenty five thousand families of them repaired into Britain, so dreadful was the approach of the English. Polychronicon. (42) Not sooner King Henry's foot had touched the shore, but to the encouragements of his Marshal followers, he dubbed forty eight knights, and then Histor. Norm. sending to view Harflew laid his siege against Conquest, the strongest Castle in Normandy, which he took the 16. of August, and gave both it and the whole domains belonging, unto his brother Thomas Denis Savage. Cron. de Flan. Duke of Clarence: And unto Salisbury the leader of his second battle, he gave the Castle Aumbelliers, which at the same time he had won, as also that of Lovers unto the Earl Martial, and these were the first that were invested with any revenue in France. Polyd. Verg. (43) Caen to withstand the enemy was strongly fortified, well manned, and victualled, so that nothing was wanting needful for defence: yet the King sat down before it, and his battery not working the expected effect, he attempted it by mine, and ruinated some parts of the Wall: Notwithstanding the defendants made stiff defence, and manfully put back the entrance or scale. Nevertheless Henry seeing that they could not long subsist, unwilling to carry it in fury, which must be the destruction of the King Henry offereth great mercy to the besieged. Inhabitants, whom he sought to save, and to make his true subjects, summoned them by an Herald, and promised them mercy: which they in hope of relief utterly despised: hereupon his entry was forced, and great slaughter made, till the King stayed his soldiers furies, and caused the Citizens to disarm themselves, setting a strong guard aswell to keep the spoilers from pillaging, as the Townsmen from all hostile attempt: and they that did, were either put to death or ransom, which was freely distributed among his Captains and soldiers, by which regular action King Henry got him the estimation of a great Captain, and an upright Prince. Tho. Wal. (44) But whether by the working of the French, or by instigation of the discontented reformalists (as Walsingham hath it) The Scots would work wonders in reviving a dead King Richard, that should in damage Thomas Otterbor. the Lancastrians cause, and dispossess King Henry of his Crown: who now absent and forward of Conquest in France, at home was endangered by these his emulating neighbours, and his confines in hostile manner entered upon, by the Duke of Albany, together with the Earl Dowglas the Scottish Leaders: Stows Annals These bringing with them their stage-like K. Richard, laid strait siege against Roxborough, and Berwick, where all assays were attempted, by undermining the walls, and turrets, all extremities used and nothing left unattempted, that might annoyed either by Sea or by Landlord Titus Livi. (45) But Beauford Duke of Excester being at Bridlington in doing his devotions, had present news of this present necessity, and therefore scarce come to the end of his Orisons, he laid by his Beads and took to his armour, which was not rusty with lying, so lately put off, neither did john Duke of Bedford the Protector, foreslow any time, but with six thousand strong, repaired into the North, where, with the Earls of Westmoreland and Northumberland, Polichronicon. his power was increased, unto whom also the Archbishop of York Henry Bewet sided, with age so decrepit, that he was borne into the field in his Chair, the fame of whose coming, and the fear of their worthy Generals so daunted the Scots, that leaving their ladders and other engines of war, in the night they broke up their siege, and well was he that could first attain Scotland. (46) The King's affairs thus effected in the The story of Sir John Ouldcastle. North, the Clergies eyesore was also somewhat eased by the apprehension of Sir john Ouldcastle their disturber in the South, who not contented to set the God of Rome at naught, but likewise defaced the faces of his Saints, trimly limmed in their Letanyes and other like mass books; a matter indeed of such moment, that the Abbot of Saint Alban (in whose precinct Scratched faced pictures showed at Paul's Cross. they were taken) sent these poor misused and scratched faced pictures, to complain of their injuries unto the King, but his peace not broken, for no blood was drawn, he remitted the offence and punishment thereof unto Chichley Archbishop of Canterbury, who sent them to Paul's Cross to show their Countenances unto the people, the Preacher that day being their mouth, insinuating the offence to be done unto the triumphant Saints in heaven. Ex. Record. Parla. 5. H. 5. (47) A Parliament assembled by the Regent's authority for the supply of money to maintain the wars in France, a matter of as great importance was therein to be paid, and that was the apprehension The Lord Cobham taken by the Lord Powes. and judgement of the Lord Cobham, with a consideration of reward for his taker the Lord Powes in Wales, from whence sore wounded he was brought to Westminster before the Lords, and having heard his convictions would not thereunto answer in his excuse, upon which record and process, it was adjudged that he should be taken as a traitor to the King and the Realm, that he should be carried to Fox. Acts and Monuments. the Tower of London, & from thence drawn through the streets unto Saint Giles fields, and there to be hanged, and burned hanging, which accordingly was The review by N. D. pag. 31. done. That N. D. author of the three conversions hath made Ouldcastle a Ruffian, a Robber, and a Rebel, and his authority taken from the Stageplayers, is more befitting the pen of his slanderous report, than the Credit of the judicious, being only grounded Papists and Poets of like conscience for fictions. Alain Copus Thomas Otter. from this Papist and his Poet, of like conscience for lies, the one ever feigning, and the other ever falsifying the truth: that Copus hath made the Lord Cobham a Traitor: and Stow from Otterborn allegeth Indentures drawn betwixt him and the Scots, to bring in a Counterfeit Richard, and to invade the land with foreign power, that he acknowledged no King but the same Counterfeit in Scotland, and made himself a false Christ in rising again the third day (as Walsingham will have it) I am not ignorant: Tho. Walsing. but his attainture of Treasons, I leave it to the answer of Master Fox, who largely handled it: and for his combination with the Scots, unto the letter of King Henry's own hand, who having intelligence of the Scots intent, and the means by which they meant to work, signifieth unto his brother and uncle in these words, as from the Original is taken. Part of a letter written with King Henry 5. Out of the Original. his own hand to the Duke of Excester. Furthermore I will that ye common with my * Bedford brother, with the * Duresme. Chancellor, with my cozen of Northumberland, and my cozen of Westmoreland, and that ye set a good order and ordinance for my North-Marches, and especially for the Duke of Orleans, and for all the Remnant of my Prisoners of France. And also for the King of Scotland, for as I am secretly informed by a man of right notable estate in this land, that there hath been a man of the Duke of Orleans in Scotland, and accorded with the Duke of Albany that this next summer he shall bring in the manuel of Scotland to stir what he may. Also that there should be founden ways to the having away specially of the Duke of Orleans: and also of the Knights, as well as of the remnant of my foresaid Prisoners, that God defend. Wherefore I will that the Duke of Orleans be kept still within the Castle of Pomefret without going to Robert's place, or to any other disport, for it is better he lack his disport, than we were deceived; of all the Remnant doth as ye thinketh. (48) Wherein we see the Complot, but hear not a word that it should be of Cobham's composing. But as I affect not to justify the wicked, nor to make crooked things strait, so am I far from discrediting authorities; only the eye of those times looking The ignorance of those times being so general in all places, the truth was but dimly discerned. through the thick foggy Clouds, made the Sun (which is bright in itself) to seem in their sights all bloody and dark. (49) The like troubles (though not for the like cause) happened unto Queen joane in the King's absence, and time of Bedford's regency, whose offence was Capital, if the accusation were true▪ that she should by sorcery seek the death of the King, she Queen joane committed to prison upon suspicion of sorcery. therefore was committed to safe keeping in the Castle of Leedes in Kent, and from thence to Pemsey attended only with nine of her servants: her Confessor friar Randolph a Doctor of divinity was likewise apprehended as her Counsellor and worker in this devilish Friar Randolph wounded to death by the parson of the Tower of London. Stows Annal. art, for which he was committed to the Tower, where falling at words with the Parson of Saint Peter's (the Church of that place) he was wounded to death; and Queen joane thereupon presently delivered. (50) King Henry proceeding in his Conquest of Normandy, about Hollantide laid siege to the strong The strong Town of Fallais besieged by the King. Town and Castle of Fallais, continuing the same unto the 20. of December, when the defendants not able longer to resist, demanded and had Parley, with whom Thomas Earl of Salisbury, Henry Lord Fitz-hugh, Sir john Cornwall, and Sir William Harrington Knights whereby the King appointed Commissioners, The conditions agreed upon for surrender. That if their King raised not the siege they should tender. M. S. That certain persons should be left to the King's mercy. who after some conference, lastly accorded upon these conditions. 1. That if the King of France, the Dolphin, or Constable, did not by force raise the siege before the second of january ensuing, that the Town should be rendered to Henry. 2. That all the strangers that were not properly Inhabitants of Fallais, and had formerly fought against King Henry in any place, besieged and taken within Normandy, should be left to his mercy. 3. That all English Prisoners That all English prisoners should be set at liberty. which were in the Town should be set at liberty, ransom free and acquitted of their Oaths made unto them whose Prisoners they were. 4. That That certain English should be left to his justice. That none should relieve the Castle of Fallais. That they should have no commerce with them. The Captains should be well dealt with. all natives of England, Wales or Ireland, that had served against the King, should be left to his justice. 5. That neither Captain, Burgess nor Townsman of Fallays should give any relief to the Castle, or victual or munition, during the truce accorded. 6. That no person within Fallays should receive the People or Goods of any within the Castle, whereby they or their goods might be protected. 7. That the Captains and Soldiers should receive no prejudice in their Horses, Arms, or Goods; great Artillery, Shot, powder and Crossbows excepted: but the strangers formerly spoken of in the second Article were exempted from that favour. 8. That the Artillery, Powder, Shot, and Crossbows That the chief munition should not be imbeazelled. Not ruins to be repaired nor new defences erected. That the Burgesses should not b eil used by their soldiers for the time of the truce. That they should not take away any thing from the Church. Not goods to be carried out of the Town. afore mentioned, should not, during the truce, be embezzled, wilfully broken, or made away. 9 That during the truce, the ruins made should not be repaired, and no new works of defence erected. 10. That no oppression be used by the said Soldier upon the Burgess, and if any were found faulty and not presently banished for the same, they should lose the benefit which otherwise they should have by the accord. 11. That no Captain, soldier, or Townsman should underhand convey away any Prisoner, ornaments, jewels, or Church Relics, either belonging to Fallais, or to any other Church or religious House, that were brought thither for safety. 12. That no goods should be purloined or carried out of the Town during the treaty. That no person should forsake the Town, for being true to K. Henry they should be safe. 13. That none of the Captains nor Soldiers, nor any Burgess should forsake the Town, until the second of january next: and his majesty of his grace and mercy, was pleased that all such as would remain in Fallais, should remain there in safety both in body Neither person nor goods of the Castles to be received into the To●ne. During the truce no assault to be made on the Town. 12. Knights and Esquires to be hostage to King Henry. and goods, so as they would be true subjects unto him. 14. That none of the defendants of the Castle should be received into the Town, nor their goods secretly kept by the Inhabitants under any pretence or Colour whatsoever. 15. That during the treaty no assault or offence should be offered by the king's army, to the Town or to the Inhabitants, so as they do not aid, assist or relieve the defendants in the castles. 1. That for the true performance of the Articles twelve knights & Squires should be delivered hostage to the King, and to be set at liberty when the Covenants above mentioned were fulfilled A. D. 1417. These things concluded and subscribed with their Fallais yielded to the King. names and seals, the 20. of December; upon the second of january no succours appearing, the town of Fallais was accordingly delivered, but the Castle standing obstinate, the king was as diligent, till the defendants failing in their spirits, the first day of February The Articles agreed upon. demanded a Parley▪ Whereunto Henry consented making Clarence his brother his sole Commissioner. That if they were not succoured by the French power, to surrender. The Articles acorded for the most part were as the former, whereto were added these which ensue. (51) That upon the 16. of the said month of That they should trust to the kings royal promise, Geffrey Chasteaux excepted. February, if the King in person, the Dolphin his son, or the Earl of Armagnac Constable of France, did not with force raise the siege, than Sir Oliver de Mauny Knight, governor of the said Castle, should tender the same unto King Henry. 2 That the said Governor and all other within the Castle should at the day assigned submit themselves to the King, and remain his prisoners, trusting to his majesties royal promise' not to receive offence either in life or That the governor should repair the walls. goods: (Geoffrey Chasteaux only excepted) who was left simply to the King's mercy. 3. That after the rendering of the said Castle Sir Oliver de Mauny the Governor, should at his own charges repair all 8. Gentlemen to be hostages. The Castle repaired, the Governor should▪ be setat liberty. the breaches and ruins made in the walls during the siege, and leave it in the same sort as it was before the same was besieged. 4. That for the performance of these Articles, eight Gentlemen should remain Hostages with the King. 5. That when the Castle was prepared, Sir Oliver Mauny, and all his Company should be set at liberty, and until then to remain the King's Prisoners, Geoffrey de Chasteaux * Febru. 16. above mentioned only excepted. These agreements concluded, the Indenture subscribed, and king Henry's seal of Arms thereunto fixed, at the * prefixed day according to these Articles the Castle of Fallais was rendered unto him: which done, he divided his Army into many parts, under the several The City of Roan besieged. conducts of the Dukes of Clarence, and Gloucester, and the Earl of Warwick: who won divers Castles, himself the while marching to besiege Roven, where he set down his siege, and began the assault in a furious manner: the defendants as obstinately bend Polyd. Verg. to hold him out: so that to win the Town by force, Henry found it very difficult, aswell for the strength of Bulwarks and Ramparts as for the number of hands within it, to make resistance, and Enguerrant de Monstrell. therefore to reduce them by famine was his only design. 15000. Citizens well trained within Roan. (52) For Burgogne from King Charles had sent many worthy Captains with a thousand selected Soldiers to defend the City, and within it besides were fifteen thousand Citizens well trained and furnished: and the Town stored with victuals The River Seine blocked up with Iron-Chaines. for ten months' continuance; notwithstanding K. Henry quartered about the Town, and for his safety cast up a Trench betwixt the walls and his men: the River Seine he blocked up with three Iron-Chaines, one of them laid two foot above water, another with the level, and the third two foot under the water, to forbid all relief unto the City by Boats. (53) With the English, sixteen hundred Irish Kerns were enrolled, from the Prior of Kilmainham, Caxton. Chron. able men, but almost naked, their arms, were targets, darts, and sword, their horses little, and bore no saddle, yet very nimble, on which upon every advantage they played with the French, in spoiling the Country▪ rifeling the houses, and carrying away children, with their baggage, upon their cows backs. Denis Savage. Roan besieged six months. Thus from june unto December the siege had continued, and now victuals failing, and the Town in distress, the Rovennois sent four gentlemen, and as 50000. quite famished and 12000. almost starved put out of the Town. many Burgesses, unto King Charles, and the Burgogne (then at Beawois) to signify their miseries; fifty thousand already famished with hunger, and twelve thousand starvelings put out of the Town, but not suffered to pass by the English, died by multitudes in the ditches, whose unburied Carcases did infect the Town with contagious diseases, so that without present relief they must be enforced to tender. The Lady Katherine's picture sent to King Henry to move him to pity Roan. (54) Aid was promised, and earnestly expected, but in steed of supplies, the Bishop of Beawois accompanied with others, and the Cardinal of Vrsins sent from Pope Martin, were dispatched to King Henry, to entreat a peace; for the better accomplishing thereof, they brought with them the picture of the Lady Catherine, according to life, which King john Serres Henry well liked, yea and (as Serres saith) fell in love with: but demanding a hundred thousand Crowns with the duchies of Normandy, Aquitain, Anjou, and Denis Savage. other Seignories for her dowry, nothing was concluded or done. Enguerrant. (55) And now the Rovennois helpless of succour, and despairing of peace, resolved to make a brave sally upon the king's quarter: to perform which resolution, 10000 chosen men with their leaders issued out Ten thousand of Roan sally forth upon King Henry, and are overthrown. of the Town, the vanguard (which was 2000) being past and in fight, by misfortune the drawbridge with over-weight of men broke, many were drowned, slain and hurt: neither was there any more passage that way, to relieve their followers engaged in fight with the English; whereupon they made haste to the other Gates: but before they could come to give aid, the vanguard was broken, and most of them slain, and taken Prisoners. Upon this disaster the soldiers within mutined against Guy de Boutellier their General, murmuring that he had contrived the breaking of the bridge. King Charles sendeth no succour. (56) In these distastures King Charles returning towards Paris, sent the besieged word to make what shift they could, which unexpected message stroke a sad fear into the miserable defendants hearts, who weak in men and victuals, knew no way to subsist, and thereupon in Counsel concluded to sand unto Henry, which presently they did. For whose entertainment, he caused two tents to be set up at Port S. Hilary. Their Commissioners were two gentlemen, The Rovennois desire a parley. two Clergymen, and two Burgesses of the Town. Commissioners for the King were the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Earl of Warwick: the demands of the Rovennois were many, but their answers were short; that no conditions would be accepted, but simply yielding to the king's mercy; whereupon the conference broke up, and these returned They return unsatisfied. into the Town, bred sundry distractions, some crying to yield, and other some crying to die like men, but Henry desirous to be Master of the Town, and fearing it would be fired by themselves, if he won it by force, made the Archbishop of Canterbury his The Articles of the composition of Roan. Denis Savage. Chron. de Flaunders. King Henry requireth 356000. Crowns. Enguerrant de Monstrel. Two principal persons to be left to his mercy. All to swear fealty to King Henry. Instrument, whose vocation was fit for it, to call again the Commissioners, and again fell into treaty of Composition, which lastly was agreed, upon these Articles as follow. 1. That the Burgesses should give unto Henry towards his expense in the siege, three hundred fifty six thousand Crowns of gold. 2. That Robert Linnet vicar general to the Archbishop of Roven, jehan jourdan who commanded the canoneers, and allen Blanchart Captain of the Common people, should be left to his mercy without condition. 3. That all the people should swear faith and loyalty to Henry and his Successors. 4 That That their privileges should be confirmed to them. That who so would, might departed, but their goods should be forfeit. The soldiers to resign up their arms and departed, promising a twelve months' truce. Henry should protect and defend them against all men, and confirm unto them their privileges, franchises, and liberties, which they had enjoyed ever since the time of Saint Lewis king of France. 5. That all such as had desire to leave the Town, might freely departed, with his garments upon his back only, and his goods to be confiscated unto King Henry. 6. That the soldiers should bring all their Arms to a place assigned, and should departed out of the Town unarmed with a Cudgel in their hands, first taking their Oath not to bear Arms against Henry, for a twelve month next ensuing. (57) This agreement was concluded the 16 of The hungry Citizens plentifully relieved from Henry's camp. june Anno 1418. when as the hungry Citizens in multitudes came to the English Camp to buy victuals, which so abounded with Provisions, as a fat mutton A fat mutton sold for 6. souses. King Henry royally entereth the City. was sold for six souses of Paris money. Upon the next day following, Henry triumphantly made his entry into Roven; the Ecclesiastics of the Town, in their mitres and vestures, with their relics, singing of Hymns, conducted him to the Cathedral Church, where before the high Altar, upon his knees, he gave thanks to God for the Conquest of this Town, which had remained two Roven 15. years before the now winning of it, was won by K. Philip from King John of England. hundred and fifteen years in the possession of the French, even from the time when Philip King of France won it from king john of England. The day following, Alain Blanchart the Captain of the common people was beheaded, Robert Linnet, and jehan jourdan, put to their high ransoms, the French Garrisons pillaged, unarmed, and put out of the Town, but safely were conducted over Saint Georges-bridge to go whither they would. Guy de Boutellier, who was Captain general of Roven, become King Henry's leigeman, unto whom he gave all his lands, and a Many Towns yield after the surrender of Roven. charge under the Duke of Gloucester. Immediately after the rendering of Roven, sundry other places of note yielded themselves, as Caudebec, Monstrevillier, deep, Feschamp, Arques, neufchastel, Deincourt, Eubella, Moncheaux, Vernon, Mante, Gorney, Harflewr, Ponteur-de-Mer, Mollineaux, le Treict, tankerville, Abrechier, Mauleurier, Valemont, Neufuille, Bellaucombre, Fontaines, Le Bower, Preaux, Nougonder-uille, Logempree, Saint German, Sur Cuylly, Baudemont, Bray, Villeterre, Charles-Maisnill, Les Bowls Guillen▪ court, Fanifontaines, Le Becq, Crepin, Backeville, and divers other places wherein Henry placed his Garrisons. France generally troubled, and trembling at the loss especially of Roven, Henry ready to pierce forward, and Charles declining through his infirmities increasing; Burgogne endeavoureth to make a peace between Charles and Henry. the Duke of Burgogne (who bore all the sway under that infirm King, and therefore much hated by the Dauphin, whose revenge he feared,) much doubting Henry's rising fortunes, held it best to uphold his Polyd. Verg. own greatness, by mediating a peace betwixt the two Kings. For which end he sent his Ambassadors to Henry, praying personal Conference; to which he assented and assigned the place, which was at Melun, The place of treaty was at Melun. where in a field well trenched, and ramparted with strong Gates, two pavilions were arreard, the one for the Kings to repose themselves in, and the other for their counsel to consult in. The French states came first. (58) Charles, Isabella, Burgogne, and Katherine, the Count Saint Paul, with a thousand horse guarding them thither, came first▪ King Henry with his brothers of Clarence and Gloucester, attended upon with a thousand horse, held the appointment; and now met, the Henry meeteth with a thousand horse. two Kings embraced each others; Henry kissed Isabella and Katherine, who indeed become a precious pearl in his eye: Burgogne a little bending his knee, did his reverence to Henry, who took him in his Arms: and the two nations though mortal enemies, demeaned themselves so civilly, as no cause of Their followers on both parts though enemies demean themselves civilly. quarrel was offered on either side, much conference passed, but nothing concluded; Henry's demands seeming to the French to be so unreasonable. The treaty thus dissolved, and all ready to departed, King Henry not well pleased, spoke thus unto Burgogne, cozen, I may not well digest this refusal, but be you assured, that either I will have your King's daughter, and all King Henry displeased at their refusal. The Duke's reply. my demands, or else I will banish both you, and them, out of France. You speak your pleasure said the Duke, but before you shall thrust the King, them, and me, out of the Realm, you will be weary of the enterprise. Burgogne sideth with the Dauphin who afterward slew him. (59) The treaty thus broke, and danger nothing less, the Burgundian altogether French, and in heart no friend to the English, reconciled himself unto the Dauphin, which deed was soon after the cause of his own death; and Henry displeased with this combination, quickened his thoughts (full of revenge) to prosecute the war more sharply than heretofore: the first enterprise he made, was upon Ponthois, unto Ponthois besieged. which Town the last day of julie he sent three thousand foot, which before the break of day, and not discovered by the Sentinels, set their Ladders to the Walls, mounted up, crying Saint George, and so opening a Port let in their Companions. The Signeur Enguerrant de Monstrelet. de L' Isle-Adam Marshal of France and Governor of the Town, affrighted at the surprise, fled out at another Port towards Paris, after whose example above ten thousand Inhabitants did the like, so as the English without resistance were Masters of the The soldiers got great riches in the Town. Town, where in great riches fell to the soldiers shares. When King Charles at Paris heard of the loss of Ponthois, in great fear with his wife, daughter, Burgundy, and many noblemen, to be further from the fire so near at hand, went unto Troy's en-Champagne, King Charles upon the loss of Ponthois flieth from Paris. leaving Paris under the Government of the Count Saint Paul, and Eustach de Lactre Chancellor of France, whilst Henry went forward with his intended enterprises. Enguerrant de Monstrelet. (60) For his brother of Clarence by three weeks siege won the Castle Gizors by composition, the Earl of Huntingdon sacked Preaux, burnt Bretuiell, Clermont, and the Castle of Vendueil, and Henry himself besieged the Castle of Guillart, and Rochguien, Guillart and Rochguien two of the best Forts in Normandy. two of the strongest holds in Normandy; which upon compositions were surrendered, and further prevailed more than the French wished. For the Dauphin, the only man that stood for the public defence of France, was miserably poor, and for want of pay could make no great show of followers in the field, whose chief Counsellor was the Constable Armagnac A ●unning plot of the Constable Armagnac. an old crafty fox, that had ever sided with Orleans against the Burgundian. And now fearing lest his own esteem should be lessened, or that Burgundy should be the Archite to cross him the wise Achitophel, 2. Sam. 17. or rather indeed thrust forward by destiny to be the scourge and fall of France, he counseled the young Dauphin to seize upon his mother's money, Queen Isabella robbed of her jewels and plate. jewels and plate, for his further supply to the public use, (which immediately he did) to advance the estate: but Queen Isabella impatient of these wrongs received, in a womanish spleen studies the revenge, wholly neglecting the common cause, which gave the English surer footing in France: but the Dauphin The Dauphin draws the King to suspect Queen Isabella. to make good what he had done, leads the King in jealousy that the Queen's designs were dangerous, and altogether set for the alienation of the Crown, which he weak man, no sooner heard then believed, being ever ready to take her at the worst and never overgone in her love at the best. Annals of Burgundy. (61) These sparks of sedition thus blown in the Court, suspicions increasing, and maligners still working, Queen Isabella with her sister in law, the Duchess of Bavier were sent prisoners to Blois, and from thence to Eours where they were kept with Queen Isabel and her sister imprisoned. straight guard, three Gentlemen in Commission to take care of their safeties: till than her favours had go with Orleans, and with him had contested ever against Burgogne, but now to quit her imprisonment, she reconciled herself unto him, and solicited his She soliciteth Burgogne for her deliverance. assistance for her deliverance. Burgogne well perceiving how much it would advance his part, to draw the Queen to be of his faction, broke up his siege then laid before Corbeill, and with certain choice troops repaired toward Trours, from whence immediately Burgogne sendeth to the Queen. he sent the Queen word of his coming. She feigning devotion to the Abbey of Marmonstier seated somewhat without the Town, made it known to her keepers, and they not daring to contradict so great a Princess, mistrusting no danger, attended her thitherward with a competent guard as they supposed, The manner of her escape from her keepers. where Fosseux and Vergie two especial men in the Duke's trust, were laid in the Ambush near unto the Abbey, and having notice the Queen was come to Church, came to salute her, and to signify that the Burgogne was in person to attend her service. Her keepers conceiving their seconds were not far off, as men dismayed, told the Queen of some fear, & that an enemy was near at hand; whereunto she answered, I am not ignorant who they are, and thereupon commanded to apprehended those her keepers; her liberty She is made Regent of France. thus got she become wholly for Burgogne, and by his means was made the Regent of France, and her picture stamped upon the Seal of that State. (42) By birth she was a German, and daughter to Stephen Duke of Bavier, of an imperious spirit, and unreconcilable envy, not overmuch beloved of her husband, and (as the nature of most women are) not overmuch favouring his favourites, whose female authority and hatred against her own son Io. Serres The causes why the French were the easier conquered by King Henry. Dauphin Charles, sore bruised the Crown, which her weak husband ware: his foregone infirmities and her new sprung Regency, were now as two floodgates set open to let in the deluge of France, hers is to be spoken of in the intercourse of the English; his, many times hath been, but not made known how it came: therefore a while in that subject, before we pass forward in this place, let us read what others have writ. Eccles. 2. 19 (43) This Charles the sixt, and sicke-braind King of France was the son of King Charles surnamed the wise, who with Solomon his wiser might have demanded this question; who can tell whether his son shallbe a wiseman or a fool? for the flower of his youth and commendable dispositions of his middle age promised great hopes of a valiant, moderate and most happy Prince, only inclined to choler and revenge, as by the occasion of his lunacy is easily seen, which chanced on this manner. The occasion of King Charles distemper. (44) Peter Craon a Courtier, his minion, and an inward favourite of the Duke of Orleans the King's brother, blabbed out some secrecy of the said Duke's amorous passions upon a wanton Lady, unto his Duchess Valentine; who but lately married, and so soon deceived of bed, took the wrong no less than it was, Orleans newly married is in love with another. nor letted she (as who can let a woman to speak) to tell him his faults on both sides of his head, the Duke could not hide what she too well knew, and therefore sought to satisfy her with compliments of kind words, but the Curtaine-sermons nightly enlarged upon the same text, made him many times to lie awake with little devotion (God wots) to hear, and often to rise when he would feign have slept, which caused him lastly to complain to the King that Craon had, and would betray their overmuch Craon dismissed the Court for ●elling the Duchess of the incontinency of her husband. trust. The cause no more, but yet too much against a Prince, Craon with all disgrace was discharged the Court, who not able to brook such an open indignity, assaulted Cliston the Constable in a murdering manner, as the only man (as he thought) that wrought his disgrace, and escaping Paris, fled into Britain whose Duke was his kinsman, and an enemy to the Constable. King Charles pursueth Craon into Britain. (45) King Charles transported with choler of this double offence, minds to draw Craon by force out of Britain to justify himself, whom the Council had declared guilty of high Treason, and enemy to the Crown of France, and resolves in person to enter into Britain: forthwith the expedition for men and manner of proceeding made Charles to lose both meat and sleep, so as the vexation of mind and distemperature of body, carried apparent shows in his face: in so much that the Dukes of Berry and Burgogne mistrusting the worst, counseled that his journey might be stayed; his Physicians dissuade him in regard of his health, the summer extreme hot, and Notwithstanding his sickness he continueth his journey. his blood as then over subject to dangerous fevers. New devices were wrought to stay him at home, giving it forth that Craon was fled Britain, and in Arragon was imprisoned by the Queen. All this notwithstanding, needs would he forward, so forward is man when his fate will so have it. (46) He departed Meaux in julie: the year very hot, his head covered with a great Cap of scarlet, his body wrapped in a thick velvet jerkin warm enough for winter, his mind distempered with choler, grief, and despite, and his body wearied with watching, distasture, and want of rest. Thus entering the Charles in the forest, at Noonday seethe an apparition. forest of Meaux about noontide, a man bareheaded, and bore legged attired in a Coat of white rug, stepped suddenly forth from betwixt two trees, and caught hold of his bridle, stayed his horse, saying; King ride no further but return back, for thou art betrayed. Charles whose spirits were otherwise dulled, and his blood greatly distempered, was amazed at the voice: which seen, his servants ran to this man, and with blows forced him to leave the reins of the horse: and so without any further search the man vanished away. (47) The troops of his nobles divided because of the dust, King Charles was followed by the Pages of his Chamber, who overcharged with heat and distemperature, took no great pains to guide their horse, so that thronging together, he which bore the King's Lance, let it fall upon him, who had on his head His followers thronging confusedly to help do distemper him the more. the King's helmet, and in the falling made a clattering noise. The King much musing upon the words spoken, and now withal hearing this unexpected noise, was from a pensive melancholy suddenly struck into a raging Lunacy, supposing himself to be betrayed indeed: and transported with this frenzy he draws his sword, and made towards his Pages with a main cry: his brother Orleans not knowing the cause, hasted among them, whom Charles likewise pursued, and with the like rage ran at his uncle of Burgogne, thus spending himself and his horse He runneth distractively at every one with his sword. out of breath, all encompassed the still raging man, took from him his sword, disrobed him for heat, and cheered him with flatter and fair spoken words, his brother and uncles saluted him, but he knows them not, sits mute, sighing and panting, and with troubled amazement moves both body and head, so that all signs of Frenzy appeared in this poor Prince, and the eminent misery that was to fall upon France very apparent to the inseeing Statists: but now to proceed. (48) john Duke of Burgogne ill digesting the threats that King Henry had given, and joined in john Duke of Burgogne suspected of the State. league with the Dauphin, as we have said: was notwithstanding suspected to be a great enemy to the State, and as the Giants are feign to heap mountain upon mountain, for steps of assent to pull jupiter out of his throne, so by sinister Counsellors Burgogne was accused of some intended stratagem, as meaning to mount the Chair where the Dauphin should sit: Charles therefore from Monstreau-Surfault Charles the Dauphin seeketh his removal. yonne a Town in Brie, sent for the Duke unto Troy's in Champagne to confer further upon the effecting of their affected accord, as also to employ their united forces upon the common enemy the English, a third cause likewise was alleged, and that was to have him his means for a reconciliation to his mother the Regent, whose wrath, besides him, no man could pacify. John Serres. (49) The Duke mistrusting no snake in the grass, thought all things as sure as they were fair in show▪ and accompanied with many noblemen, five hundred horse, and two hundred Archers, he repaired to Monstreau, at whose Gate the Dauphin had built 2. Barricadoes, & himself in arms stood there to receive the Duke, Burgogne approached, kneeled Burgogne repairing to the Dauphin, is charged with breach of promise. down upon one knee, and with an honourable reverence saluted him most humbly, the Dauphin neglecting all courtesies to himward, charged him with breach of promise, for that the civil wars and his garrisons were not surceased and withdrawn▪ the Dukes sword hanging too far back, and somewhat troubling his kneeling, he put his hand upon the hilt, to put it more forward, whereat Robert de Loire standing by, said, do you draw your sword against He is slain by Tanneguy de Chastel and others. the Lord Dauphin? at which words Tanneguy de castle with a battle-axe struck him on the face and cut off his Chin, and others with other wounds made an end of his life, before he could arise from his knee or get out his sword. Queen Isabel incites his son, to revenge it, and moves Charles to disinherit the Dauphin and adopt King Henry. (50) Queen Isabella another cruel Medea and unnatural mother, having a double offence done her, redoubled her wrath and continued her tragic passions against her son the young Dauphin, who not only incites Philip now the new Duke of Burgogne to revenge his murdered father's death, but torments her poor husband's spirits, in persuading him to disherit Charles their son, and to give in marriage Lady Katherine unto King Henry, who now had Guil. Parradyn. set his foot far into France. Duke Philip for his part ready for revenge, sent the Bishop of Arras with other his Ambassadors unto Roven to King Henry to entreat a peace, and again not many days after their return sent back the said Bishop, whose message was so pleasing, that Henry sent the Bishop of Rochester, the Earl of Warwick and Given unto Arras, who were as welcome unto Duke Philip; so that betwixt Roven and Arras messengers continually passed till A peace concluded between K. Henry, K. Charles, and the n●w Duke of Burgogne▪ a peace was concluded; which was proclaimed to continued from that day (than about the feast of the Epiphany) unto mid-March ensuing, betwixt King Henry, King Charles, and Philip Duke of Burgogne. (51) King Henry thus far go in his affairs for that Crown, sent his Ambassadors unto the new made Pope Martin the first, such was the fate of Rome's Apostolical fathers in those fair Sunshine and Golden days, that the greatest Monarch was but a vassal to attend upon their stirrup & their Crowns subject to be spurned off, with their feet. Henry therefore minding to stop the violence of these narrow Seas, and to make the stream mild betwixt his two Realms, had now none to let, but only him that was all in all, and bore an Oar in every man's King Henry solicits the Pope to confirm him King of France. boat: and therefore from King Charles, Burgogne, and himself, his Ambassadors solicited his fatherly consent, to admit him his most Christian son of France, and to give his holy blessing for the confirmation of the marriage, and peace concluded betwixt those two famous Princes. King Henry's right The Calamities of France for withstanding the right of the English. to the French Crown they plainly laid forth, what calamities France had felt in their resistance, Agincourt, Normandy and Aquitaine (as they showed him) were most lamentable witnesses, and the hold that the Lion had got (at that day) of the Flower de Luce, was not to be wrested out of his fast La legend d●● Flamens. grasped paws. But his dull ear was deaf hereunto, answering that this peace was prejudicial to The Pope stood for the Dauphin. the right of Charles the Dauphin, and therefore he denied to confirm it. (52) But with what quill these wines were vented from the settled Leeses for the Dauphin, unless it was the golden vice, (a powerful key indeed to unlock Alain Chartier. Enguerrant de Monstrel. the Pope's silent lips,) I know not; most true it is, the conditions went forward, and the place for the confirmation of covenants was Troy's in Champagne, where King Charles, and his Queen then lay, and whither Burgogne, Guien, the Lord Rosse, and others Ambassadors from King Henry attended with five hundred horse, were sent Ambassadors from Henry. In their way they besieged (and after fifteen days wan) the Town of Crespie that held for the Dauphin, demolished the Castle, razed the walls, and departed upon composition. History of Normandy. These coming to Troy's were honourably received, Lady Katherine attended as Queen of England. Henry goeth in person to Troy's. and lovingly concluded on a final peace, where Lady Katherine was attended as the Englsh Queen, and some left to guard her by King Henry's command. His Ambassadors returned, and affection inflamed, himself attended with the Dukes of Clarence, and Gloucester his brethren, the Duke of Excester, the Earls of Warwick, Huntingdon, Salisbury, Guienne and many other nobles, (his guard consisting of sixteen hundred Lances and Archers) departed from Roven to Ponthois, to S. Denis, and from thence into Provins, where he was met near unto Troy's by the Duke of Burgundy and many other French Lords, and with all Princely attendance was conducted into the Town. The joy was great with which he was received, especially of the King, the Queen and Lady History of Normandy. Katherine, whom he found in S. ●eterss Church expepecting his coming, where forthwith he and the Lady was affianced; and falling eftsoons into conference of the conditions of amity, these were consented unto by the French and King Henry. 1. That K. Henry should take Lady Katherine to wife. The Articles agreed upon betwixt the two Kings. 2. That Charles & Isabel should retain the name of King and Queen, and should hold all their dignities, rents, and possessions belonging to the Crown of France, during their natural lives. Queen Katherine's Dowry. 3. That the Lady Katherine should have her Dowry in England as Queens heretofore were wont to have, that is to say, the sum of forty thousand sceutes, that is, two to a noble. 4. That the same sum of forty thousand sceutes yearly, shall be confirmed unto Queen Katherine by our laws, according to our usu all rights, at the time of our death. 5. That the said Lady Katherine so overliving us, from the time of our death, shall have for her Dowry in the Kingdom of France, the sum of twenty thousand francs yearly, out of the lands, places, and Lordships that Blanche sometime wife to Philip Beavisall held and enjoyed. The Crown of France entailed to England. 6. That after the death of Charles our said father, the Crown and Realm of France shall with all rights and appurtenances remain unto us, & to our heirs for evermore. 7. And for as much as our said father is infirm by reason of sickness, and may not intend in his own person to dispose of the affairs of the Realm, therefore during the life of our said father The government of France assigned to King Henry. the faculties and exercise of the government, and disposition of the public utility of the Realm of France shall be, and abide to us, so that thence forth we may govern the Realm, and admit to our Council and assistance to the Council of France such of the English Nobility as we shall think meet. 8. That also we of our own power shall 'cause the Court of France to be kept and observed in as full authority, and in all manner of places, that now or in time coming, is, or shall be subject to our said father. 9 Also that we to our powers shall defend and help all, and every of the Peers, Nobles, Cities, Towns, Cominalties and singular persons, now or in time to come, subjects to our father, in their rights, Customs, privileges, freedoms, franchises, belonging, or due unto them in all manner of places, now or in time coming subject to our father. 10. Also that we shall to our power travel truly, & diligently, to see that justice be administered in the same Realm of France according to their laws, Customs, and rights of the same Realm without personal acception; and that we shall keep and hold the Subjects of the said Realm in tranquillity and peace to our power, and shall defend them against all manner of violence and oppression. 11. Also that we to our power shall provide that able and profitable persons shall execute the offices aswell of justices and other offices belonging to the governance of the domains of the Realm of France for the good and peaceable justice of the same, and for the administration that shall be committed unto them. 12. Also that we of our power, so soon as it may commodiously be done, shall travail to put into obedience of our said father, all manner of Cities, Towns, Castles, places, Countries and persons within the Realm of France, disobedient and rebels to our said father, syding with them that be called the Dauphin or Armagnac. 13. And that we may the more commodiously and freely exercise and fulfil these things aforesaid, The subjects of France sworn to King Henry. it is accorded, that all worthy Nobles and estates of the same Realm of France aswell spirituals as tempor als and also the Nobles, Citizens, Burgesses and Cominalties of France in obedience at this day to our said father shall make these Oaths unto us. 14. First to us having the faculty, exercise, disposition, and governance of the foresaid common profit at our hests and commandments, these shall meekly and obediently obey in all manner of things concerning the exercise of Government in the same Realm. 15. Also that the worthy great and noble estates of the said Realm aswell spirituals as temporals, Citizens, Burgesses, and Commonalties of the same Realm in all manner of things well and truly shall keep and to their power shall do to be kept in as much The tenor of the oath. as to them belongeth, or to any of them, all those things that be appointed and accorded between our foresaid father, our mother, and us. 16. And that continually from the death, and after the death of oursaid father Charles, they shall be our true liegemen, and our heirs, and they shall receive and admit us for their liege, and Sovereign, and very King of France, and for such to obey us without opposition, Contradiction or difficulty, as they be to our father during his life. And never after, this Realm of France shall obey to man as King and Regent of France, but to us, & to our heirs. Also they shall not be in Counsel, help, or assent, that we lose life or limb, or be taken with evil taking, or that we suffer harm or diminution in person, estate, worship, or goods, but if they know any such thing to be contrived or imagined against us, they shall let it to their powers, and shall do us to witten thereof, as hastily as they may by themselves, by message, or by letters. 17. That all manner of Conquests that shall be made by us in France upon the disobedient in the duchies of Normandy, shall be done to the profit of our said father, and that to our power, all manner of Lands and Lordships, that be in places to be conquered, belonging to persons, obeying to our forefather, which shall swear to this present accord, shall be restored to the same persons, to whom they belonged. 18. That all manner of persons of the holy Church beneficed in the Duchy of Normandy, or any other places in the Realm of France, subject to our father, and favouring of the parts of the Dukes of Burgundy, which shall swear to keep this present accord, shall peaceably enjoy their benefices of holy Church in the Duchy of Normandy, or in other places next aforesaid. 19 Likewise that all manner of persons of holy Church obedient to us, and beneficed in the Realm of France, and places subject to our father, that shall swear to keep this present accord, shall enjoy peaceably their benefices of holy Church, as is aforesaid. 20. Also that all manner of Churches, Universities Churches, Universities and Colleges to enjoy their liberties. and studies general, all Colleges of Students, and other Colleges of holy Church, being in places now, or in time coming, subject to our father, or in the duchy of Normandy, or other placesin the realm of France subject to us, shall enjoy their rights, possessions, rents, prerogatives, liberties and franchises, belonging, or due to them in any manner of wise, in the said Realm of France, saving the right of the Crown of France, and of every other person. 21. Also by God's help, when it happeneth us to come to the Crown of France, the Duchy of Normandy, and all other places conquered by us in Normandy to be under the Crown of France. the said Realm, shall bow under the Commandment, obeisance, and Monarchy of the Crown of France. 22. Also that we to our power shall see recompense to be made by our said father, without diminution of the Crown of France to persons obeying him and favouring the party of Burgundy, to whom Lands, Lordships, Rents and possessions belongeth in the said Duchy of Normandy, or other places in the Realm of France conquered by us hitherto, given by us in places, Lands, gotten, or to be gotten in the name of our said father upon rebels and inobedients to him, and if so be that such manner of recompense be not made to the said persons in the life time of our said father, we shall make that recompense in such manner and places of goods, when it happeneth by God's grace to the Crown of France, and if so be that the Lands, Lordships, Rents or possessions belonging to such manner of persons in the said Duchy and other places, be not given by us, the same persons shall be referred to them without any delay. 23. And during the life of our father in all places, now, and in time to come, subject to him, letters of common justice, grants of offices, gifts, pardons, Letter, Grant, gifts, etc. signed by King Charles. remissions and privileges shall be written, and proceed under the name and seal of our said father. And forasmuch as some singular case may fall that may not be foreseen by man's wit, in the which it may be necessary and behoveful, that we writ our letters; in such case if any hap for the good and surety And by King Henry. of our father, and for the government that belongeth to us, as is aforesaid, and to avoid perils which otherwise might fall to the prejudice of our said father, to writ our letters, by the which we shall command, charge and defend after the nature and quality of the need in our father's behalf, and ours, as Regent of France. 24. Also that during our father's life, we shall not call, nor writ us King of France, but shall verily abstain from that name, so long as our said father liveth. 25. Also that our said father during his life, shall name, call▪ and writ us in French in this manner. Nostretreschier filz Henry Roy d' Engleterre heretere de France: and in Latin in this manner; Praeclarissimus King Henry's stile during King Charles his life. filius noster, Henricus kex Angliae, & Haeres Franciae. 26. That we shall put no impositions or exactions to charge the Subjects of our said father, without cause reasonable and necessary. Not otherwise then for common good of the Realm of France, and according to the Laws and Customs provided for the same Realm. 27. Also that we shall travel to our power, to effect that by the assent of the three states of the Realms of England and France, all manner of obstacles may be done away, and this chief, that it be ordained, and provided, that from the time, that we, or any of our heirs come to the Crown of France, both the Crowns, that is to say, of France and England, perpetually be together in one, and in the The union of the Crowns. same person, that is to say, from our father's life to us, and from the term of our life thence forward, in the persons of our heirs, that shall be one after another, and that both Realms shall be governed from the time, that we, or our heirs come to the same, not severally under divers Kings in one time, but under the same person, which for the time shall be King of both Realms, and our Sovereign Lord, as is aforesaid, keeping nevertheless in all manner of things, to either of the said Realms, their rights, liberties, customs, usages and laws, not making subject in any manner of wise, one of the same Realms to the rights, laws or usages of that other. 28. That thenceforth perpetually shall be still rest, and that in all manner of wise, dissensions, hates, The union of the Subjects. rancours, envies, and wars, between the same Realms of France and England, and the people of the same Realms drawing to accord of the same peace may cease and be broken. 29. That from henceforth for evermore, peace and tranquillity, good accord and affection, and stable friendship shall be betwixt the said Realms and the Subjects of the same, and shall keep themselves with their Counsels, helps, and common assistance against all men that enforce them to do, or to imagine wrongs, harms, displeasures, or grievances to them or either of them, and that they shall be conversant in merchandizing freely and surely together, paying the Customs due and accustomed, and that all the confederates and allies of our said father and the Realm of France, as also our confederates of the Realm of England shall in eight months' space from the time of this accord of peace, as it is notified to them, declare by their letters, that they will draw to this accord, and will be comprehended under the treaties and accord of this peace, saving nevertheless their obedience to either of the same Crowns, and to all manner of actions, rights, and revenues, that belong to our said father and his Subjects, and to us, and our Subjects against all manner of such Allies and Confederates. 30. That our father, neither our brother the Duke of Burgundy, shall begin nor make with Charles No peace with the Dauphin. calling himself the Dauphin of Viennes, any treaty, peace, or accord but by Counsel and assent of each of us three, or of other the three estates of either the said realms abovenamed. 31. Also that we with the assent of our brother of Burgundy, and other of the Nobles of the Realm of France, which aught thereunto to be called, shall ordain for the Governance of our said father▪ surely, lovingly and honestly, after the degree of his royal estate and dignity in such wise, as shall be to the worship of God, of our said father, and of the Realm of France. 32. Also that all manner of persons, that shall be, our father, to do him personal service, not only in office, but in all other attendances, aswell the Nobles and Gentlemen, as others, shall be such as have been borne in the Realm of France, or in places belonging to France, good, wise, true, and able to do him service, and our said father shall devil in places under his obedience, and no where else, wherefore we charge and command our said liege subjects, and other being under our obedience, that they keep, and do to be kept, in all that belongeth to them, The punishment of the peace-breakers. this accord and peace, after the form and manner as it is accorded, and that they attempt in no manner wise, any thing that may be prejudicial, or contrary to the same accord, and peace, upon pain of life and limb, and all that they may forfeit unto us. 33. Also that we for the things aforesaid, and every one of them shall give our assent by our letters Patents, sealed with our seal unto our said father, without all approbation, and confirmation of us, and all other of our blood r●●●ll, and of the Cities and Towns to us obedient, sealed with our great seal, shall make or cause to be made letters approbatory, and confirmed of the Peers of his Realm, and of the Lords, Citizens, Burgesses of the same under his obedience, all which Articles we have sworn to keep, upon the holy Evangelists. Yeven at Troy's the 30. of May, Anno 1420. And the same were proclaimed in London the 20. of june following, for the Copies of this treaty, the French King sent to every Town in France, as King Henry did likewise into England, there to be published by Proclamation. Holinsh. The testies of these Articles. Wil Parradin. Annals of Burg. These Articles were concluded betwixt the two Kings, in the presence of Queen Isabella, the Duke of Burgundy, and the King's Council, the Prince of Orange, Seigneur Chastelleux, Martial of France, with many others the prime Nobility, both of England and France, both the Kings with the Queen, taking their solemn oath there, upon the holy Evangelists, as did likewise the Duke of Burgundy, and the rest, Burgundy * Titus Livius sets dow●e his Oath verbatim. being the first man that laid his hand on the book, and * Enguerrant. Nicholas Vigneur. swore homage to King Henry; who thereupon was styled and proclaimed Regent of France. holinsh. (53) In whose presence also upon the third of june, (being the morrow after Trinity Sunday) the King Henry married to Lady Katherine. marriage of King Henry and Lady Katherine, with all pompous solemnity was celebrated, in Saint Peter's Church at Troy's, the Bishop of that See, doing the History of Normandy. Ceremonies. And after royal feasts and Princely entertainments, before the dissolution of that royal assembly, King Henry, inviting the French King and Hollinshed: but Polydore●aith ●aith, this speech was delivered before at their swearing of fealty. others his great Peers to a sumptuous banquet, made a pithy and pleasing Oration unto them, thus testifying his Princely desire to advance their weal, and demerit their love. Polyd. Verg. (54) As the chief mark whereunto my cares and endeavours have hitherto leveled, hath been, to unite and concorporate these two Kingdoms King Henry's Oration unto the States of France. of France and England into one, which now by God's goodness is most happily effected; so is it still, and ever shall be, both my desire and care, that unto posterity we may leave it settled in the same sort, and free from all empeachments, of factious discords: that beingas (it is) the greatest, it may be also the happiest Monarchy of Europe. For the clear accomplishment of which work, there rests now nothing, but the depressing of the Dauphin, who is by your doom already, not only deprived of that dignity, but of succession to the Crown, and prosecuted as a Traitor to the State; and of whom this we must be assured, that while he lives, France cannot but be in a perpetual combustion. For preventing whereof, I both need and entreat, both your Counsels and aid, nothing doubting of your readiness in either; for how can we expect any safety, or you any goodness at his hand, who, in his young years, did so perfidiously murder the Duke of Burgundy his uncle? I am now, you see, your Regent in present, and Successor to the Crown i nhope; Let it not therefore stick in your hearts, that I am an Englishman borne, for you know I have much French blood in my veins, which warms my affections as well to French as English; but look on me as the lawful heir to the Diadem, both by just Title, and your own consents, who therefore am, and aught to be, wholly yours; and your kindness and just dealing bind me so to be. Yours also am I now by fresh alliance, as son in Law to your King, unto whom I will perform all offices of love and honour, as to mine own father; and you his subjects shall I love and cherish, as mine own children, and will defend France and the French, so long, as you defend my right with your loving aid, and will deserve my love with your loyal affection. Polyd. Verg. (55) These affairs thus accomplished at Troy's, the Kings, the Queens, and the rest of the Peers in great estate road unto Paris, where all fair countenances were showed, and great entertainment given to the English. But the Dauphin and his followers The Daulphins' counterplots to uphold himself. neither feared nor fainted, though the present courses pleased not their palate. Their first Counsel therefore was how to preserve themselves in so eminent danger; to sit still and do nothing, they knew it was but to increase and advance the successes of the English; and to rise without strength, was to fall into further misfortunes, having no means to hold war with so potent an Enemy. In this distraction their voice was best heard, that spoke most for the safety of the Dauphin (whose only life gave breath unto the after-hopes of France) and for the strengthening of those places which might be of most advantage to themselves, and offence to the Enemy. This then past by decree in that Counsel of war, that the Dauphin should at no time hazard his person in field, and that a levy of Soldiers should be had, to lie in Garrison in places convenient; for Time, which never stands still, they well hoped might yet turn the rice for them, fortune being (said they) as subject to fawn, as to frown; in which resolution each man took to his charge, and all to withstand the doings of Henry. (56) As these consulted for the state of the Denis Savage in Chro▪ de Fla●d. French so in Paris a Parliament of the three estates was assembled, wherein such as were guilty of the death of Burgundy, were iusticed, the disherizing of the Dauphin confirmed, and wars prepared against these Towns which held for him. Against Sens Enguerrant de Mo●st●el. the two Kings with their Queens, Clarence, and Burgundy, marched; which after 12. days was rendered upon composition of life, those excepted as were Monstreau besieged and gotten. guilty of the Duke of Burgundy's death. Monstreau was the next, which by force was entered, where the body of the Duke of Burgundy, undecently buried by the Daulphinois, was taken up, and by his son Philip sent in great pomp to Diion in his Duchy, and there honourably interred. The Town being taken, the Jo Millet Castle held out: unto whose Captain twenty Captive Gentlemen were sent, whose lives from King Holinsh. Henry's mouth (say the French) were sentenced to death, unless they could persuade the Castellan to surrender; but those men (say our English, to mollify that severe doom) were all especial friends of that Captain and such, as had given opprobrious words to the King's Herald, being sent unto them in the siege of Monstreau. Howsoever, in this extremity they solicited Guiluy upon their knees, urging their own deaths, and his great danger if he held out; but Guiluy, a true Frenchman, and friend to the Dauphin, withstood the assault, and thereupon these Gentlemen Petitioners were presently hanged in the sight of the defendants: so bloody is Mars to maintain his own Laws, and so eager was Henry of his full Conquest of France, whose thirsting sword had heretofore been somewhat overlavish in blood, but never more (perhaps) then in this bloody act; which I wish might be obliterated from the number of his other glorious actions. Yet at length was that Castle enforced to surrender upon composition of life, excepting the guiltless of Burgundy's death. Tit. Livius Melun besieged and gotten. (57) Then was the siege removed to Melun, a Town of great strength, and made more strong by the valours of her commanders, who were Seigneur Barbason an absolute soldier, Pierre de Bourbon a Prince of the blood, Preaux, and Bourgeois, whose Garrison was seven hundred Daulphinois: and indeed no default in defence, could any wise be imputed, but the Canon opening a breach, the English and Burgundians made an entry into the Bulwark, and over the River Seine built a bridge with Boats; so that from either quarter they had passage one to the other without impediments, and encamped themselves for their best advantage; upon whom the enemy nevertheless made divers sallies, with the loss of either parties. King Henry enforced his siege to the utmost, and made a mine underneath the walls, Enguerrant. King Henry fighteth in single combat. which being perceived, the defendants countermined against him; where the King (too forward) as the very first man entering his mine, and Barbason likewise his within the Town, met each other at point of sword, where they performed nobly the parts of private soldiers, (nobly indeed, if private soldiers they had been, but Princes should remember they are not such) till lastly they agreed to discover themselves, Translator of Livy. and first Barbason made known his name, than King Henry did his, whereupon the French Lord suddenly getting back, caused the Barriers to be closed, and Henry returned to his Campe. Enguerrant (58) This enterprise failing, King Charles himself came into the Camp, to induce the defendants to tender, at the presence of their natural Lord; which nevertheless was little respected; for answer was made, that if their King were at liberty, The French refuse to submit to their own King. and free from King Henry's power, they would do him the duty of natural subjects, and yield him their charge as their Liege Lord: but being as he was, they desired to be excused, for to the mortal enemy of France they would not yield. (59) Whilst King Henry lay at the siege of Melun, the Duke of Bavier (who was Palsegrave of Nichol. Giles. Rhyne Elector) came to King Henry having married his sister, and thence sent a defiance unto the Dauphin his kinsman by Queen Isabella his mother; the Prince of Orange likewise came thither unto Henry, but because he required an Oath of him, as a subject of France, he went away displeased, saying, he was a free Prince, and aught neither obedience to England nor France. At which time the Parisians with more Paris yielded up to King Henry. respect of their own safety committed their City unto K. Henry's devotion who deputed his brother Clarence (though Count Saint Paul with his French displeased) Governor thereof, and put Garrisons into the Bastile of S. Anthony, the Lower, and the Hostile de Nesle. During this siege, mandatory * Dat. 23. Julij. An 14●0. Denis Savage. Picardy swears fealty to King Henry. letters were sent by King Charles into Picardy, to put all places that held for him in those quarters into Henry's possession, and to take the Oath of their obedience unto him as to the only heir, Successor, Regent, and Governor of France; the execution whereof was committed to the Count of Saint Paul, the Bishops of Therovenne and Arras, the Vi●ame of Amiens, the Lord of Vendueill, the Governor of Lisle, Pierre Marigny Advocate of the Parliament, and George Ostend the King's Secretary, beginning thus; Charles par le Grace▪ de Dieu, etc. Enguerrant. (60) The distress of Melun, was wonderful great aswell upon the seegers, as defendants; the one afflicted, and their troops sore weakened with mortality, the other oppressed with famine, and other defects incident to a long endured siege. In this State eighteen weeks were spent, and more had been, but that the English were supplied with soldiers out of Picardy, whose colours displayed a far off▪ put the Town in hope of relief, as sent from the Dauphin, but upon their nearer approach, Melun Enguerrant de Monstrelet. was rendered by these capitulations. 1. That the Town and Castle should be delivered to the King. 2. That aswell the men of war, as the Burgesses, should submit themselves to King Henry, to be dealt with as pleased the King. 3. That all such as should be found guilty of the Duke of Burgundy's murder should suffer death. 4. That all the rest of the soldiers should be received to mercy, but to be prisoners until they put in good caution for their true obedience in after times. 5. That the Natives of France should be sent home to their own Countries. 6. That all the movables and Arms in the Town should be carried into the Castle. 7. That all the Prisoners they had taken either before or during the siege, should be enlarged ransome-free, and acquitted of their promises. 8. That for the performance of these Articles, 12. of the principal Captains, and 6. of the wealthiest Burgesses should deliver themselves in hostage. 9 That all the English, and Scots, should be delivered to Henry and left at his disposition. These things accorded, an English Garrison was put into Melun, commanded by Pierre Varrolt. Pierre de Bourbon, Seigneur de Preaux, and valiant Barbason, with six hundred Prisoners of quality, were sent with a strong guard unto Paris. The guiltless of Burgundy's murder were all of them put to death, amongst whom were two Monks, and Bertrand de Chartmont a Gascoigne, (a man in great favour with King Henry) for that he at King Henry's entry into Melun, had conveyed thence one Amenion de Lau, who was proved guilty of Burgundy's death. The Enguerrant. Duke of Burgundy himself, as also Clarence earnestly laboured with King Henry for Bertrands pardon, but the King, though much grieved, and protesting that he had rather have lost 50000. Nobles, yet was resolved he should die for example to all such, as should A noble example of justice. dare to offend, upon presumption of their nearness and grace with their Princes. john Millet. (61) Melun being rendered, and these things thus disposed, the two Kings with their Queen's most honourably attended, returned to Paris, before whose entrance the Citizens and Students met them in most solemn manner, having beautified the City john Millet with flags, streamers and rich hangings throughout The two Kings entered Paris. the streets where they should pass. The two Kings road together under a rich Canopy, Henry upon the left hand, next unto whom followed the Duke● of Clarence and Bedford, and upon their left hand the Duke of Burgundy clad all in black, the Princes and Nobles of either Nation mingled together in their degrees, the Clergy with processions, and their venerable The two Queens enter Paris. relics, going before them to Nostre dame Church; and the next day the two Queens entered Denis Savage. the City with as great a show. King Henry's Palace was prepared in the Louvre, which was most rich and magnificent, and Charles his Court in the Hostel of Saint Paul, being but homely and mean; for (saith Millet. Millet) young Henry commanded all, and his brethren exercised supreme authority, whiles old Charles stood as a cipher, and the French Nobility had nothing to do. Enguerrant de Monstr. (62) During the two King's abode here, a great Assembly was called as well of the Spiritualty, as of the secular Nobility, in whose presence, in the great Hall of the hostel, a State for justice was prepared, The two Kings si● personally in judgement. where the two Kings sitting, as supreme judges, under one Cloth of estate, the Court was furnished with Princes and Officers in most solemn wise. Before whom, Nicolas Rollin advocate from the Duke of Burgundy, and the Duchess his mother, craved audience (and had it granted) unto an invective and long Oration against Charles Visconte Narbone, Tanneguy, Process against the murderers of the Duke of Burgundy. Barbason and others, for the cruel murder of john Duke of Burgundy; and not only that the murderers might be accordingly executed, but withal, that a Church might be founded and furnished with sacred Ornaments for twelve cannons, six Chaplains, and six Clerks to pray for his soul for ever, every Cannon to have yearly two hundred pound Paris money, every Chaplain one hundred, and every Clerk fifty, to be levied upon the Lands of the Dauphin, and his associates in the murder: that the same foundation should be engraven upon the Porch thereof, and the like inscription set up publicly in the Cities of Paris, Roven, Grant, Diion, Saint james of Compostella, and jerusalem. This motion was seconded by a Doctor of Divinity appointed by the Rector of the University, who concluded with an humble request to the King and those Princes, that justice might be done. Whereunto the Chancellor of France, in the behalf of King Charles, promised that no endeavour on his part should be lacking; and thereupon caused his son to be solemnly called to the John Serres. Marble-Table, to answer his accusation, by the The Dauphin cited to appear, and disinherited. name of Charles Duke of Touraine, and Dauphin de Vienne, which done three several times, and he not appearing, by arrest of the same Court of Parliament, he was banished the Realm, and judged unworthy to succeed in any of the Seignories as well present, as to come. But the Dauphin appealed from this sentence to God and his sword, and still was the same, though his fortunes were changeable. Mounsieur King Henry himself gives sentence judicially. de Barbason was vehemently accused to have his hand in the murder, and therefore King Henry accordingly gave sentence on him to suffer to death; but he in open Court defended himself, not to be guilty of the crime, although he confessed to be a true servant to the Dauphin. Notwithstanding, had he not appealed to the Officers of Arms, King Henry's judgement of death had go against him: for Holinsh A quirk of Heraldy to overthrow a judicial sentence. the Law Military, as he there alleged, forbiddeth, that any man, having his brother in Arms within his danger, should afterwards put him to death for any cause or quarrel, and proved himself to be the King's brother in Arms, for that he had in the Countermine coaped in combat with the King. Thus by a quirk of Heraldry acquitted from death, he was nevertheless retained in prison the space of nine years, and lastly at the winning of Castle Galliard from the English, was delivered out of most straight imprisonment, to the great joy of the French. (63) This execution of justice on those Murderers, A Parliament at Paris▪ Holinsh. was a great, but not the only act of K. Henry at this great Parliament of three Estates of France in Paris. For therein also was the final accord betwixt the two Kings, openly acknowledged by the French King, as made by his free assent, and with advise of all the Council of France; whereupon it was there also ratified by the general states of France, and sworn unto particularly upon the holy Evangelists, by all their Nobles and Magistrates, spiritual and secular, who also set their seals to the Instruments thereof, which were sent into England to be kept in the King's * Where they yet remain, saith holinsh. p 578. Exchequer at Westminster. King Henry's glory thus ascended to the highest vertical in France, his Court was not only honoured daily both with Courtly and military shows and pastimes, but also was still frequented both with foreign Ambassadors, and domestic Commissioners, whose directions depended only upon his voluntary assign, himself redressing all things at his pleasure, placing and displacing Officers and Governors, causing also a new Coin to be made, called a Salute, wherein were the Arms of France, and the Arms of England and France, quarterly stamped. King Charles the while in his Palace, was but for fashion's sake visited, and but by some of his old servants, his Sun was drawn so near unto the setting. The great affairs of France thus settled, (as well as that unsettled time would permit,) King Henry minding to Crown his Queen in England, ordained his brother of Clarence, (a wise, valiant, and a great Captain) King Henry returneth into England. his Lieutenant general of France, leaving also the Duke of Exeter with 500 men of wars to keep Paris; and so attended with great state, he came to Amiens and calais, where taking to Sea, he arrived at Dover upon the third of February, and was received of his Enguerrant de Monstrelet. Subjects as an Angel from heaven, or another victorious Caesar on Earth. (64) All things in a readiness for his fair Queen's Coronation, upon the four and twentieth of the same month, with all royalty the same was solemnised at Westminster, and the English rich diadem set on her head. The feast was great, with all Princely Ex Antiq. M. S. D. Roberti Cotton. services, and the state such as deserveth the report; for the Queen sitting at Table, at the right side of her Chair, kneeled the Earl of March holding a Sceptre in his hand; the Earl Martial kneeling on the left side, held another; and the Countess of Kent sat under the Table at her right foot; upon her right hand at Table sat the Bishops of Canterbury and Winchester, and upon the left the King of Scots, the Duchess of York, and the Countess of Huntingdon; the Nobles giving their attendance, each man according to his office and place. (65) Presently, after Easter, in the month of May, a Parliament was held at Westminster, whose chiefest intent was to have means to continued the King's Conquest in France; but such was the state of those lavish times, that, to stop the current of this melting mint, some, minding more the heaps of their money, than the spreading abroad of England's fair Monarchy, exhibited their Bills unto the three estates in Parliament, and petitioned unto the King, to commiserate the poverty of the commons, which Ex. Record▪ Parl. 9 Hen. 5. (as they said) were beggared by these wars. For which cause, as it seemeth, no subsidy or aid was demanded, but the King again pawning his Crown to his uncle Beaufort, the rich Cardinal, for twenty The King pawneth his Crown for money. Pontus Herterus. thousand pound, before the said month was expired, with four thousand horse and four and twenty thousand foot returned into France to follow those wars. (66) Neither was his haste more than needed: for john Earl of Bucquhanan, and Archbald Dowglas, two valiant leaders of seven hundred resolute Scots, repaired into France to aid the Dauphin, and joining with the French in Anjou, meant to have surprised Al●in Chartier. the Duke of Clarence before he had been ware: in which enterprise, four straggling Scots, taken and brought to his presence, * Upon Easter Eue. as he sat at dinner, revealed the intent and strength of the Enemy, whose approach was very near at hand. This news no sooner came, but the Duke overhastily got to horse (saying, they are all ours) leaving his troops to follow him Bucquhanan. with as much celerity as they might. His sudden and unlooked-for approach, caused the Scots to take into the Church of Bargie for their safety, where whilst they were making defence, the rest took the Alarm, and the Earl of Bucquhanan manned the Bridge, to whose aid, Hugh kennedy with an hundred horse presented himself. (67) The Duke of Clarence seeing no possibility to free the passage with his slender troup of horse, alighted on foot, & gave forthwith a furious charge, where the Earl of Bucquhanan came to blows, being followed by two hundred horse; and either side The Duke of Clarence slain. fight with equal courage and rancour. Clarence gave singular demonstration of his great valour, until, as he was remounting, one john Swinton a Scot, wounded him in the face with his Lance, and threw Alain Chartier. him to the ground, being the first man of the English that there was slain, where likewise died the Earl of Kyme, the Lords Grey, and Rosse, besides other men of mark, and fifteen hundred common soldiers, the Earls of Huntingdon, and Somerset, with Thomas Beaufort his brother, were taken prisoners. The * Enguerrant. cause of this overthrow, is imputed to the Duke's haste in not staying for his Horsemen. Clarence that day upon his Crest ware a Circlet set with precious stones, which being taken off his ●●●met by a Scot, Idem. was sold to john Steward of Derby, for a thousand Angels. For this fortunate days success, (wherein yet the Enemy also lost eleven hundred, and sundry of them men of principal note,) the Dauphin made the Earl of Bucquhanan Constable of France. This loss received, the Earl of Salisbury, (who followed with the other forces, but came too late to Denis Savage Chr. de Flanders. the encounter,) thought to requited, and bringing forward his troops, the enemy gave ground, whereby yet he recovered the dead body of Clarence, and sent it to Roven, from whence it was conveyed into England. Enguerrant de Monstrelet. (68) After this victory the Dolphinois besieged Alenzon, which the Earl of Salisbury with his best forces sought to relieve; but finding the enemy too strong, retired to the Abbey of Becque in whose retreat the French charged upon him, and slew three hundred of his troops, but finding no means to possess Alenzon, raised their siege & returned to Anjou. Denis Savage. (69) King Henry therefore upon notice of his brother's death, was much perplexed, for besides the natural affection of a brother, his wisdom, valour, and counsel in the wars was highly esteemed by him, and to speak truth, there were very few Princes of that age to be equalled unto him. Wherefore ordaining his other brother, john Duke of Bedford his Lieutenant, and leaving his fair Queen most honourably attended, upon the tenth of june he landed at Calais, having in his company james King of Scotland, in hope either to draw the Scots unto his service, or else to withdraw their aides from the Dauphin, by Buchanan. the sight of their own King under his royal standard. But the Scots, constantly French, being demanded why they would fight against their Sovereign, answered directly that they might not acknowledge any duty unto james, who as yet lived under the obedience of another. His design thus failing, his confidence was in his right and his sword. Enguerrant. (70) The morrow after his arrival he dispatched the Earl of Dorset, and the Lord Clifford with twelve hundred horse and foot unto Paris, to relieve the Duke of Excester, who was straightened of victuals by the Dolphinois, that harassed the Country adjoining, taking Bonneval, Galandon, and some other forts, and in his fortunate successes, and new conceived hope then marched to Chartiers with seven thousand men at Arms, four thousand Crossbows, and six thousand Archers strong, where he began the siege, whom the Bastard of Thian bravely resisted, and sent to King Henry for aid. (71) Henry, after a few days stay in calais, marched to Monstrelet, and there lodged, quartering his Army in the villages about, where he found the Duke of Burgogne somewhat impaired of health: three days spent in conference, King Henry marched into Ponthieu, and the Duke to Abbevill upon Some, to facilitate his passage there to be made, whereof some doubt was held by reason of the Inhabitants disposition, altogether unsettled, and as ready to offend, as affect. Henry in his way took the Fort called La Ferte, commanded by the Bastard of Belluy, which upon summons rendered, and being committed to the Custody of Borfflers a Picard, was betrayed again by him unto the Dauphin: from hence departing, he passed the river at Abbevile, where he was royally received, and richly presented, whence he marched to Beawois, Guysors, and so to Boisde Vincennes, where Charles and his Queen resided, and received him History of Normandy. with great honour, and lastly to Paris where he was received in triumph. (72) But more minding a Conquest then the delicate pleasures of Court, after he had consulted upon his affairs, and levied French forces to add to the English, he marched toward Meaux, intending (in revenge of his brother's death) to fight with the Dauphin, who had now lain before Chartres the space of three weeks, and given it forth he would come into the field. But hearing of King Henry's coming, and that his Army by the access of supplies, from Paris and Normandy was much increased, he broke up his siege and departed: which news Enguerrant de Monstrelet. related, Henry marched to Dreaux and sat down before it. The inhabitants and Garrison sensible of the danger, prayed parley, and accorded to tender the Town, if the Dauphin did not relieve them by a certain day, which expired, the Town was delivered, and eight hundred of the Daulphins' soldiers permitted to departed upon their Oaths, not to bear Arms against King Henry, nor his allies, for the space of one year: then following the Dauphin (who fled still before him) in his march he took Baugency, Rougmont, and other places of defence. Enguerrant de monstrelet. (73) Seeing his pursuit of the flying Dauphin to be fruitless, he diverted his Army unto Luigny upon the river of Marne, where * Circa finem men●●● Septemb. he caused many engines and habiliaments for the war to be made; having a design to besiege Meaux in Brie, and infested the Faulxbourg, sending before him the Duke of Exeter with four thousand strong, to prevent the burning of Meaux, by the Inhabitants, and a * 6. Octobris. few days after followed himself. His first work was to secure his Army, by entrenching his Quarters, which done, and the Artillery mounted, he began to batter the walls, and to make his Mines, wherein neither his industry nor personal labour was spared; and within, the Bastard of Vaurus with many men of Mark, besides the inhabitants, and a thousand trained soldiers, were as busy and resolute for the defence. Mean while jaques de Harecourt, in service of the Dauphin, with seven hundred soldiers harassed the parts about Vimeu, against whom, some English Garrisons thereabout, assembling, slew three hundred of his retinue, himself hardly escaping by the swiftness of his horse. Anno 1421. Decemb. 6. (74) Whilst King Henry lay in his siege before Meaux, news was brought him that his Queen at the Castle of Windsor was delivered of a son, named also Henry, whereat he exceedingly rejoiced, though, as some will have it, he liked not well the Holinsh. place of her delivery, having before commanded the contrary, and prophesying, that what Henry of Monmouth should get, Henry of Windsor would lose. At the same time likewise he heard that Auranches in Normandy, was surprised by the Daulphinois; and above three hundred English there in Garrison put to the sword, or taken Prisoners; to remedy which, King Henry sent part of his own Army unto the Earl of Salisbury his Lieutenant of Normandy, who within few days recovered Auranches and revenged the death of the surprised. (75) But Henry's siege lessened through these stirs Enguerrant de Monstrelet. in Normandy, and his mind busied upon his affairs that way, fitted opportunity to Seignieur de Offemont, unto whom the besieged had many times made known their desires to have him their Governor; on a night therefore (ladders made ready to put over the walls to receive him) he secretly approached the place, but being discovered by the Sentinels, and the alarm taken, he not able to recover the ladders, fell into the ditch, whence by reason of his heavy armour he could not free himself, and in taking was wounded in the face: the King esteeming the taking of so brave and valiant a Captain, as a prize of much importance. The Defendants now hopeless of succour, and finding themselves not able to hold out, carried all their goods from the town into the * Called the March▪ Enguerrant. castle; but the assailants discovering their actions, and perceiving their fear, gave a fierce assault, and by force made way into the Town with their swords: then Henry planting his Canons, began to batter the Castle, and shortly brought it to that extremity, that besides want of bread, most of their hand weapons were broken, and all of them in a manner dangerously wounded; yet desisted they not to provoke the English with opprobrious words, which caused such heavy conditions to be laid on them, as the like had not been of any surrender before. Enguerrant de monstrelet. 1 That the March of Meaux should be rendered upon the eleventh of May next ensuing. 2. That Messier Lovis de Gast, the Bastard of Vaurus, jehan de Romieres, Tromagon, and Barnard de Meureville should be left to K. Henry to execute. 3. That Guicchard de Sissayi, Pierron de Luppe, Robert de Geraines, Philip de Gamaches, and john de Ouraye should be at the kings will until they had rendered or caused to be rendered all the Towns, Castles and Fortresses which they or any of them held in France, and then to be secured of life. 4. That allthe English, Welsh, Irish & Scots that heretofore had been in the King's obedience should be left to the King's discretion. 5. That all the rest, aswell Soldiers as Burgesses should be left to the King's pleasure, their lives only excepted. 6. That the Earl of Conuerson, who had been prisoner to Pierron de Luppe, and at the beginning of the siege of Meaux, was delivered at the instance of Henry for a ransom, should now be freed without ransom. 7. That all the Arms and goods in the March should be brought to one place there safely guarded, and an Inventory of the same delivered unto King Henry. 8. That all the Relics and Church ornaments should likewise be put in safety. 9 That all the Prisoners aswell in the March, as in any other place under any of their commandments should be set at liberty, ransom free, and acquitted of their promises. 10. That no man until the assigned day of rendering should go out of the March, and that none should be admitted to enter into it, but such as King Henry assigned. 11. That these Articles should be subscribed and sealed by an hundred of the best men amongst them. 12. That for the true performance of the concord, four and twenty persons elected by King Henry should remain in hostage. Enguerrant de Monstrelet. (76) The place thus rendered unto the King, he presently sent eight hundred selected persons prisoners to Paris, Roven, and England. The Bastard of Vaurus, and the Governor of Meaux, the King caused to be hanged before the Town on a Tree, named (by the Bastard himself) Vaurus, whereon he had formerly hanged many English and Burgundions', and his head was fixed upon a pole on the top of the same tree. Messier Lovis de Gast, Denis de Vaurus, brother to the Bastard, jehan de Romieres, and Barnard de Meureville were sent to Paris, & there executed; the goods of the March were distributed by Henry amongst his Captains, and deserving men. Then order was taken for repairing of breaches, and a strong Garrison left in Meaux and the March. After whose surrender, Crespi, the Castle of Pierrepont, Merlau, Offemont, and sundry others submitted themselves to Henry, whilst the true Dolphinois set fire on theirs, before he could attain to their siege. Enguerrant de Monstrelet. (77) Queen Katherine in England daily hearing of the King's success, desired greatly the sight of his person, and to that end prepared her voyage for France, under the conduct of Duke john the King's brother, than Regent of England, who deputed for the time of his absence, his brother Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, and took ship at Southampton. The winds prosperous, the 21. of May she landed at Harflewr, A. D. 1422. and with stil-encreasing troops of Noblemen, by easy journeys came to Roven, and thence to Bois de Vincennois, whither her husband, her father and mother with great state came to meet her, of all whom she was received as some Angelical person, who together removed to Paris, where King Henry and Queen Katherine in the Lower, upon the festival of Pentecost, sat in their royal robes, with their imperial Crowns on their heads, and kept their Court with great confluence of people, K. Henry assigning the affairs of the Provinces. Enguerrant de Monstrel. (78) But though champaign, Picardy, Brie, and Normandy with the Isle of France were in Henry's possession, yet was not all reduced to his quiet obeisance, a great and strong part holding out still for the Dauphin, 〈…〉 with twenty thousand strong besieged La Charity upon Loire, and took it, from whence he marched to Cone upon the same river, whose Defendants agreed, that if Burgundy did not raise the siege by the sixteenth of August, they would surrender; which the said Duke accepted, and thereupon sent proffer of battle to the Dauphin, who was likewise as ready (and by his Herald gave his faith) to try his fortune in the field: The day assigned, and preparation made, the Duke of Burgundy sent to King Henry for his assistance; whose answer was, that himself and his forces would not fail to be with him that day, and run the same fortunes with him in the field. K. Henry's sickness. (79) But great Henry's stout mind was crossed with his now crazy body, his health being so impaired with a burning fever and flux, that he was dissuaded from the March; so the command of the Army was committed to his brother john Duke of Bedford, and the Earl of Warwick, who joining their forces for avoiding of contentions, through all their ranks intermingled the English, Burgundians, and Picardes together, and so the night before the designed day of battle, came to Cone and encamped near to the Town; yet undaunted Henry, who never miscarried in any of his personal enterprises, taking his leave at Senlis of K. Charles, and the two Queens, in his horselitter (with a guard for his person) marched (though weak) after them; but at Melun finding his sickness to increase, and himself (who erst could endure all things) now unable to endure travel, he returned to Bois de Vincennois. (80) The English colours displayed in the Daulphins' eye, and his power inferior in show unto them, howsoever he had vaunted, he thought it not best to adventure the field, and therefore dislodging from Cone, he marched to Barry, both to protract time, and to weary the enemy. Cone thus relieved, the Dukes marched to Troy's in champaign, and set down their Army for the siege; but before the cords of their tents could be sufficiently made fast, the Duke of Bedford had heavy news of Great Henry's increased sickness, and danger of death: wherefore leaving the Duke of Burgundy with the Army, he posted to Bois de Vincennois, where finding the relation too true, he greatly lamented his dying brothers estate: but the King much rejoicing of his brothers His cheerfulness in his sickness. coming, cheerfully comforted his mourning friends and Nobles, and made unto them this grave and his last dying speech. His last exhortation. (81) I well see you lament my death; but I do not so: for this short life of mine shall leave behind me the witness of my faith, integrity, justice, honesty, and mercy, which shall crown my memory with glory, and free me from blame and slander, which in long reigns can hardly be avoided: but you have just cause to mourn at my untimely death, and it cannot be but a general grief to my people, that in such an Ocean of business yet depending, I shall leave you and them destitute of a Prince able to govern: but your sorrow aught to be so much the less, when you call to mind the frailty of worldly things, and that evermore there will be somewhat wanting which we desire. My first request unto you shall be this, that with an unanimous affection to advise, foresee and provide, that the counsel which I name may be followed. I further earnestly entreat you to love my Infant Henry, to instruct him with your wisdoms, that by your counsel, care and love, he may be made able & worthy to wield so great an Empire. Comfort my dear wife, the most afflicted Creature living, extend your loves unto her in the same proportion as I have ever loved you. Touching the public I admonish and exhort you to brotherly concord, and never to break league with Philip Duke of Burgundy; and if you shall think it good, let my brother Humphrey Duke of Gloucester govern Enguerrant de Monstrelet. England, and not departed upon any occasion whatsoever, until my son Henry be of years to sway the estate; and my brother john Duke of Bedford with the assistance of Philip Duke of Burgundy, to manage the Realm of France. Concerning Charles (commonly called the Dauphin) either he must by your swords be made to submit himself, or else you shall never be in quiet; and it were as good to tender him the possession of what you have: wherefore sleep not, and while you have means and opportunity be industrious. Lastly, I beseech, charge, and command you, (howsoever time or occasion may persuade, or invite you to the contrary) that Normandy received by my industry, and your sword, being the ancient inheritance of the Crown of England, be not alienated for any cause whatsoever. Among other things then enjoined, he willed that the Duke of Orleans, the Earl of Eu, Guacourt, and Guichard de Sisay should not be ransomed, until young Henry were of years to govern Enguerrant de Monstr. (82) Thus said, and drawing near to the period of his short but glorious life; he demanded of his Physicians how long (in their judgement) he might live? whereunto when one of them answered, Sir, think on your soul, for your time is not above 2. hours: he made his confession, & his Chaplains afterward kneeling in prayer, when one of them out of the Psalms His death. made mention of jerusalem, the king no sooner heard the name, but with a loud voice he said; Lord thou Tho. Walls. knowest, that my purpose was to conquer jerusalem from the Infidels, if it had pleased thee to have given me life: & then in a right faith, assured hope, perfect charity and sound memory, he * Augusti 30. Fabian. rendered his soul to his Creator, after he had reigned nine years, five months, and * Some reckon but 11. days, Stow adderh five months more. fourteen days, leaving none like unto him amongst all the Kings and Princes of Christendom, for which cause his death was not only bewailed of the English, whom he gloriously had ruled, but also of the French, whom he had victoriously conquered. This was the manner of this triumphant Monarch's end, which moves men justly Boet. l. 16. c. 19 to wonder at Hector Boetius, who saith, he was stricken by God for sacrilege, and died miserably: Hector's friends have occasion to wish, that his Readers should not make that miserable judgement, the rule and measure of crediting or discrediting his other writings, yet lamentable his end was indeed, if he perished by poison, whereof there was a vehement Polydor. suspicion, as Polydore vergil hath averred, and the carriage of the French affairs afterward makes it more than probable. (83) His works of pious affection were showed joh. Stow. Annals. His works of devotion. in erecting the Monasteries of Bethlem & Bridget, near unto his Manor of Richmond, as also his princely gifts unto the works and furniture of Westminster Church, besides the brotherhood of S. Giles without cripple gate London. And (which had surpassed all the rest) he intended (such was his love to learning, and to the place where himself was a learner) to have founded in the great Castle at Oxford, a magnificent College for Divines, and Students of the seven liberal Sciences, * joh. Ross●●. the plot and ordinations of which foundation he had already drawn, and * Th. Gascoign. in Dict. Theolog. resolved to endow it with all the lands in England, belonging to Prior's Aliens; but his untimely death prevented both that, and many other noble works. To leave a domestic testimony of his affection to Arms, he first instituted Gartar principal King at Arms: besides other augmentations to the Order of Saint George. In a word, never lived English King with more true glory, nor ever died any in a more unseasonable time, nor more lamented: for he was godly in heart, sober in speech, sparing of words, The. Walls. resolute in deeds, provident in Counsel, prudent in judgement, modest in countenance, magnanimous in action, constant in undertaking, a great Almesgiver, devout to Godward, a renowned Soldier, fortunate in field, from whence he never returned without victory. These, with many other (I might almost say, all other) virtues are attributed to this most renowned amongst English Kings; the more to be admired in him in so short a reign, and in those years, he Stow. Annal. being but of 36. years, when he breathed forth his glorious soul. (84) His bowels were interred in the Church of Saint Mauro de Fosses, and his embalmed Corpse was closed in Lead, and attended upon by the Lords of England, France, Normandy, and Picardy, was brought unto Paris (where in the Church of our Lady solemn exequys were performed) and thence to Roven, where it rested till all things were ready to set forward for England; though the Cities of Paris and Roven strove, and offered great sums of gold to have Henry's royal remains interred amongst them. His picture artificially was moulded of boiled hides, and countenance painted according to life, upon The manner of his bringing into England. whose head an imperial Diadem of gold and precious stones was set, the body clothed with a purple rob, furred with Ermine, in his right hand it held a sceptre royal, and in the left a ball of gold; in which manner it was carried in a Chariot of State, covered with read velvet, embroidered with gold, and over it a rich Canopy, born by men of great place. Thus accompanied by james King of Scotland, many Princes, Lords and Knights of England and France, he was conveyed from Roven to Abbevile, to Hesdin, to Menstruill, Bologn, & Calais, the Chariot all the way compassed about with men all in white garments, bearing burning Torches in their hands; next unto whom followed his household servants, all in black, and after them the Princes, Lords, and Estates in vestures of mourning adorned; then two miles distant from the corpse followed the still lamenting Queen, attended with princely mourners, her tender and pierced heart more inly mourning, than her outward sad weeds should in any sort express. (85) And thus by Sea and Land the dead King was brought unto London, where through the streets the Chariot was drawn with four horses, whose Caparisons were richly embroidered, and embossed with the royal Arms; the first with England's Arms alone, the second with the Arms of France and England in a field quartered, the third bore the Arms of France alone, and the fourth three crowns Or in a field Azure, the ancient Arms of King Arthur, now well beseeming him who had victoriously united * France, England, Jreland. three Kingdoms in one. The body with all pompous celebrity was interred in the Church at Westminster (for so Henry had by his last will commanded) next beneath King Edward the Confessor, upon whose Tomb Queen Katherine caused a royal picture to be laid, covered all over with silver plate guilt, but the head thereof altogether of massysiluer. All which at that Abbeys suppression, (when the battering hammers of destruction did sound almost in every Church) were sacrilegiously broken off, and by purloining transferred to far profaner uses, where, at this day, the headless monument, (worthy to be restored by some more Princely and sacred hand) is to be seen, and with these verses written upon his Tomb. Legend de● Flamens. Dux Normanorum, verus Conquestor eorum. Haeres Francorum, decessit & Hector eorum. Here Normans Duke, so styled by Conquest just, True Heir of France, Great Hector, lies in dust. His Wife. (86) Katherine, daughter to King Charles the sixt of France, upon an agreement of peace forementioned, was married unto King Henry at Troy's in Champain, Junii 3. A. D. 1420. and after Febr. 14. was Crowned at Westminster with all solemnities. She was his Queen two years, and about three months, and surviving him, was remarried unto Owen Theodore of Wales, unto whom she bore three sons, Edmund, jasper, and Owen, and a daughter who lived not long. Owen took the habit of religion at Westminster, the other two by King Henry the sixt (their half brother,) were honourably preferred; Edmund was created Earl of Richmond, and marrying Margaret, the sole heir of john Beaufort Duke of Somerset, was father by her unto Henry (the only heir of Lancaster,) afterwards King of England. jasper, the second brother, was created the same year, Earl of Pembroke, who requi●ed his brother's kindness with continual assistance against the house of York; and when that faction prevailed, he was forced to fly into Flanders, but it again waning, he was both restored, and to his greater honour created Duke of Bedford, dying without any issue legitimate▪ This Queen, either for devotion, or her own safety, took into the Monastery of Bermondsey in Southwark, where dying jan. 2. A. D. 1436. she was buried in our Lady's Chapel wihin S. Peter's Church at Westminster; whose Corpse taken up in the reign of King Henry the seventh her Grandchild, (when he laid the foundation of that admirable structure,) and her Coffin placed by King Henry her husband's Tomb, hath ever since so remained, and never reburied: where it standeth (the Cover being lose) to be seen and handled of any that will; and that by her own appointment, saith Report, (which doth in this, as in most things, speak untruth) in regard of her disobedience to King Henry, for being delivered of her son at the place he forbade. His Son. (87) Henry the only child of a royal couple, borne at Windsor, and not nine months old at his father's death, succeeded in his dominions, though not holding his Empire with the like glory. Crowned he was with the Crowns of two Kingdoms, but unable by much to wield the sceptre of one, that of France was lost by the factions of his Nobles, before it was well won; and England's Crown twice plucked from his head before his death. Of whose adventures and variable reign (the times when England lay gored in the blood of her civil wars) we shall speak in the ensuing relation of his innocent, but unfortunate life. Henry VI. Monarch 53 HENRY THE SIXTH, KING OF ENGLAND, AND FRANCE, LORD OF IRELAND, THE THREE AND FIFTIETH MONARCH OF ENGLAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XVI. ●RA●●ORUM ●TA●GLI● R●X ●●●RI●US D●I ●RATIA H. 6. 〈…〉 6 GOL: : I●●SUS: ●●●●M: T●●●SI●●S: P●●: M●●IUM: I●L●RUM: IR●T▪ HAd God almighty (the * Dan. cap. 2. v. 21 giver and transferrer of Kingdoms) thought good that the English should have settled in the Continent of Europe, and not have been shut up within their islands, he would not so soon have deprived them of their late incomparable Captain and Sovereign Henry the fifth. But it seems that God having humbled the French Nation under Henry's victorious hand, Henry the sixth began his reign the last day of August, being the day of his Father's death. Anno 1422. meant now again to restore them to his wont favour by taking away their terror & triumpher, substituting his son (an Infant) in his place, Henry of that name the 6. born at Windsor, who was crowned about the eight month of his age. The pretty hands which could not feed himself, were yet made capable to wield a sceptre, and he that was beholding to nurses for milk, did nevertheless distribute the sustenance of law and justice to so great and warlike Nations. Counsel supplies the defect of age. At his father's death he had uncles, men of approved valour and discretion, to whom the principal care of all public affairs by the father's last provisions was committed. Humphrey Duke of Gloucester (the younger brother of two) had the * Tit. Liu. government of England entrusted to his fidelity: the regency of France was assigned for Province to john Duke of Bedford, the eldest living uncle of the King, as to a Prince of much magnanimity, prowess and felicity in conduct, with whom was * joh. Til. Chr. joined Philip Duke of Burgundy. The guard and custody of the royal Infant was assigned to Thomas * Stows Annal. Duke of Excester: the nurture and education to his * Polyd. Verg. hist. lib. 23. mother, the Queen Dowager: upon the two uncles (as between the two Poles of the English Empire) the whole globe of government moved: whatsoever is done by the kingly power is said to be done by the King. We shall behold notwithstanding in the tragical glass of this Henry's reign, how far the imbecility of the kingly person may affect the body politic with good or evil. If histories were ordained to stir affections, not to teach and instruct, never any Prince's reign since the Conquest did better deserve to be described with a tragical style and words of horror & sorrow, although the beginning (like the fair morning of a most tempestuous day) promised nothing more than a continuance of passed felicities. (2) For the State of the English affairs was great and flourishing, England without tumult, the natural fierce humours of her people consuming or exercising themselves in France, and France herself (for the nobler parts together with the grand City of Paris head of that Monarchy) was at their devotion. There wanted nothing which might advance the work begun. Most noble and expert Leaders as those which had been fashioned in the school of war, under the best martial master of that age, the late Henry, arms full of veterant soldiers, most of which were of skill sufficient to be commanders themselves: their friends firm, no defect nor breach (by which dissipation might enter to the overthrow of the English greatness) as yet disclosing themselves. Wisdom, piety, riches, forwardness at home, courage and like forwardness abroad. It is a fruitful speculation to consider how God carrieth his part in the works of men, always justly, sometimes terribly, but never otherwise, then to bring all worldly greatness and glory into due contempt, and loathing, that the soul may be erected to her Creator, and aspire to a Crown celestial. The first disadvantage which happened to the English cause (after the late King's decease) was the death of Charles the French King, who survived the other but * Paul. Aemyl. in Car. 7. fifty and three days. This we may worthily call the first (as it was a great, aswell as the first) disadvantage, for the imbecilities of that Prince were a strength to the English; On the other side (God observing a talio and parilitie) the infancy of young Henry was an advantage to Charles the Dauphin of France, now by them of his faction called King of France, as the English used in derision to enstyle him King of Berrie, because little else was left unto him. A Parliament at Westminster. (3) In England (whose condition the order of narure wils us first to describe, because there was the seat of counsel, by which all the actions of the general state were directed) a Parliament was assembled to establish the Crown upon the Infant, and to provide for the public uses and necessities of State. Money * The levy thereof was 5. Nobles on every sack of wool. (always one of them) was liberally granted. It was a strange sight (and the first time that ever it was seen in England) which in the next year happened, an infant sitting in the mother's lap, before it could tell what English meant, to exercise the place of Sovereign direction in open Parliament. Yet so it was, for the Queen to illumine that public convention of States with her Infant's presence, removed from Windsor to London; through which City (her self royally seated with her young son upon her lap) passed in majestic manner to Westminster, and there took seat among all his Lords, whom (by the ordinary mouth of that high Court) he saluted and spoke to them at large concerning the premises; where, as he uttered the mind of his place by another's tongue, so he elsewhere prosecuted all affairs by other men's hands and Organs. (4) The Duke of Bedford (as the nature of his place exacted) to settle and preserve the State of France for his young Nephew the King, together with Philip Duke of Burgoigne, who as yet continued a steadfast friend to the English Sovereignty (knowing the Dauphin busy to recover France) strengthened the confines of their government with Garrisons, assembled their powers, and laboured to retain the hearts of their own party. The Duke of Bedford Regent of France, had * Polyd. Verg. hist. lib. 23. The Regent's Oration to the French. words to them to this effect in open assemble. That they should not violate their plighted and sworn allegiance, neither by themselves endeavour nor endure, that by others their Sovereign Lord young Henry should be defrauded of his inheritance, or that the hatreds and enmities which now began to die between the French and English names, should through the practices of most faithless men be renewed, and reinflamed: That they would remember how (by God's special favour and goodness) the two Kingdoms of France and England were united under one most fair and goodly Monarchy in an eternal league, and lately so established that no human force could resist. That albeit they had sustained damage by the war, yet the same would be recovered with advantage, if they honoured loved and obeyed their lawful Sovereign Lord King Henry, and prosecuted his enemies with extremity, according to bounden duty. This Oration found plausible admission in show: Henry is proclaimed King of England and of France, and such chiefs as were present did their homages, taking oath to be true: The like Obligation and Sacrament of allegiance was put upon all the French through the English Dominions in France. (5) Charles (who as son and heir to the late King entitled himself King of France, by the name of Charles the seventh) being then about the seven and twentieth year of his age, full of courage and new hopes, gathered what force he could: his chief Levies were made in Daulphynois and Italy, from whence (for money) he drew sundry troops. But the best sinews of his Army moved in certain thousands of the Scotish Nation, which served under him. The first step which the Charolines, or forces of Charles made into hostile action was unfortunate, for coming to raise the siege which the English held about * Paul. Aemyl. in Car. 7. Crepan they were put to flight, with the loss of about two thousand of their numbers. This was noble in Charles, and his Charolines, that their minds Cravant. saith Polyd. who placeth this action in the following year. The bounds of the English Regency in France. sunk not at the horror of such an evil Omen. It was saith Aemylius of them, resolved to encounter adverse fortune with increase of courage. The Regent on the other side was vigilant upon all occasions: the power of his Regency extended itself without contradiction * Stow's Annal. through Vimew, Pontieu and Picardy, from Paris to Reins, Chalons and Troyes, up to the water of Loyr and the Sea: A goodly scope of territory, and absolutely the best of France. That late loss & foil of the Charolines was repaired shortly after by an overthrow in skirmish which they gave to the English party, from whom (with the slaughter of about fifteen hundredth) they recovered a great booty, specially of cattle which the English had gotten in the Countries of Nugion and Main, but thus intercepted upon their return into Normandy. Charles (which Paul. Aemylius omitteth) doubteth that success: for * Polyd. Verg. l. 23 Meulan upon Sein is by him taken where all the English are put to the sword: but the possession was short, and the revenge speedy: Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury (a man (saith Polydor) more like the old Romans then people of that age, so great was his virtue and chivalry) having with him john of Luxemburg▪ General of the Burgundian horsemen, recovers the place, kill all the French which were found therein. (6) At the City of * Stow's Annals. Amiens in Picardy the three great Dukes of Bedford (Regent of France) Burgoign and Britain meet to consult of the whole course & sum of affairs. There they renewed the League, adding, that each should be others friend, and that all of them should defend King Henry's right with their best forces. For the better assurance of this profitable amity, the Regent (than a Bachelor) took to wife the Lady Anne, sister to Philip Duke of Burgundy: while the Regent was absent from Paris upon these just occasions, the Parisians (who not long before had * Polyd. Verg. l. 23 sent Ambassadors into England, to acknowledge their obedience to King Henry) practised with Charles to deliver their City. The Regent had notice of this dangerous treason, and with his presence retained them in duty. The chief Actors paid their lives for satisfaction of the trespass. In good The whole field-forces of the English in France under the Duke of Bedford. time there arrived out of England ten thousand fresh Soldiers. Over them he ordained Captains, the famous Earl of Salisbury, William Pole Earl of Suffolk, Robert Willoughby and others. Himself lead about with him for the general service, eighteen hundred horsemen, and eight thousand foot. With these field-forces the maim of the English estate in France was held together, though not without difficulty, and divers adventures. In them he took from Charles sundry strong Towns, and Fortresses as * Rob. Fab. Crotoy, Baside, Riol, Rula, Gyrond, Basile, Mermound, Milham, Femel, Seintace, and many other. (7) The Regent's chief design was to draw Charles to fight, hoping by his overthrow to conclude many days works in one. For this cause he drew into Normandy. Charles was then in * Polyd. Verg. lib. 23. Tourain, where he mustereth his people. The Regent prospers in the mean time, and takes by siege a place of good importance, presuming so to dare the French out to a Battle. john Duke of Alencon is sent with an Army and instructions to fight, if occasion served, but Charles himself was not suffered to hazard his person. Not far from the Town * Gagwin. of Vernoil, which the * Paul. Aemil. English had taken before the * Hect. Boet. l. 16. Duke of Alencon, and his Charolines could secure it, the two Armies embattled themselves. The fight began with shot, which seeming not quick enough to dispatch the work, the battles came to hand-stroaks, where for some hours, there was maintained a constant and doubtful battle with great fury on both sides. The English enured to the French wars, The Regent's victory at Veruoil in Perch. having borne the first heats of their enemies, (which are in that Nation most rageful:) by perseverance utterly broke and put them to flight. The Regent * Stows Annal. himself with a battle-axe fought most fiercely, winning immortal honour in that bloody journey. There were slain of the enemy's side: john * Hect. Boet. li. 16. Earl of Boughwhan Constable of France: Archenbald Dowglas Duke of Tourain and Lieutenant of France; Archembald This battle was fought, 7. of Aug. Anno Domini, 1425. saith Stow. his son Earl of Wigton, with many other of the Scots. Of the French there were slain the Earl of Vantadowr, and sundry others. In all there died upon that side certain thousands. None writes of fewer than four or five thousand, nor any of above fifteen. The great number of the slain, is not the measure of a victory, but the use and effects which it draws. The Duke of Alencon himself was taken prisoner, with about two * Poly. Verg. li. 23. hundred others of special worth. The English paid for this noble victory, the bodies of about two thousand of their soldiers which lost life there, for it was fought upon fair terms in the open fields, and carried by mere manhood. That which followeth till the siege of Orleans, Paul * In Carol. 7. Aemylius comprehendeth in some few lines. The fierce Conqueror besiegeth Mants in Main, and with Ordinance beats down part of the walls. It yields hereupon. The English Garrison left therein, after the taking not being sufficient to contain the Town in due subjection, is compelled to fly to a Tower for their safety, the enemies which were admitted into it by the Burghers enjoying the rest. The Lord Talbot (the most noble Captain of the English) presently arrives to the rescue, and puts the malefactors to death. The English Empire extends itself to the River of Loyr. Charles they call in scorn the King of Berry. Thus roundly he. The murderers of john Duke of Burgoin excepted 〈◊〉 capitulations. In nine Articles and capitulations drawn and concluded at the yielding of Mants, this was one, as perhaps it was in every like occasion. That if any persons were found within the City, which had been consenting to the murder of john Duke of Burgoin, father to Philip Duke of Burgoin, in full revenge whereof, he had hitherto adhered to the English, that * Rob. Fab. Chron. they should simply be at the Regent's mercy. james the first King of Scots set at liberty out of England. (8) The chief things which passed in England, during these happy proceed in France, were briefly these. james Steward the young King of Scots, having been casually taken upon the Sea, in the reign of King Henry the fourth; and after his father's death not sufficiently tendered nor respected by the Scots, remained still a Prisoner. The rather therefore to hinder the Scots, (that was the hope) from aiding the French, it was now thought fit by the Council of England to enlarge him. Which was accordingly done upon pledges. Not long after the which, he married the Lady jane, daughter to john Earl of Somerset, near cozen to King Henry. Principal setters forward of this marriage (as by likelihood of his liberty also) to honour their family with a Kingly alliance, were the Earl of Somerset and the Bishop of Winchester, both of them Beaufort's, who together with sundry other of the English Nobility, conducted the new married Couple to the Scottish Borders. Much of his ransom was abated, and his new kinsmen bestowed upon him * Hect. B vet. l. 17. Grafton. store of plate, gold, and silver, & among other gorgeous Ornaments suit of hangings, in which the labours of Hercules were most curiously wrought. But this wise King (having had the benefit of excellent and Princely education in England) did not suffer any obligations contracted in the time of his durance, to preponderate with him the General state of Scotland, whose freedom did much depend upon the fortune of France, whereby the main drift of his enlargers was not much advanced. The reason notwithstanding which lead this action was probable, and so much the more commendable, for that it was tempered with humanity. The foreign mischief thus howsoever intended, hereby to be avoided or qualified, Sir john Mortimer (a dangerous firebrand at home) being Prisoner in the Tower was arraigned for many treasonable speeches used to a yeoman, (servant to Sir Robert Scot * Rob. Fa ●. 1. Cone. , keeper of the Tower of London) to draw the said yeoman to let him escape: promising him great matters. The points of his speeches were as that fellow charged upon him in open Parliament▪ 1. That the said Mortimer meant to fly into Wales to the Earl of March, and with an army of forty thousand men to enter England, and strike off the Protectors head, and the Bishop of Winchesters. The title of Mortimer to the Crown sought to be crushed. 2. That the Earl of March aught by right to be King of England, and if the Earl would not, that then he himself was next heir. 3. That if he could not safely reach to the Marches, he would sail to the Dauphin of France, and there serve with honour, which he was assured of. For these overtures of escape, and conspiracy the Knight was drawn hanged and headed: Of whose death no small * Hal. Chron. slander arose. Perhaps he that writes so doth mean that the whole was but a stratagem to rid him out of the way. Edmund Lord Mortimer Earl of March, the party whom the said knight mentioned, was sent not long after with many other Lords, and competent numbers of men, into Ireland, where he deceased without issue, whose great patrimony descended to Richard Plantagenet Earl of Camb. Britain Cambridge, the fatal disturber of the Realm of England, upon the pretence of Mortimer's title to the Crown. (9) The amity with the Duke of Burgoin, which the English had hitherto found so available toward their Conquests, having otherwise received some The Duke of Gloucester rashly marrieth another man's wife. few slight flaws was now in danger of utter b reeking upon this occasion. Humphrey Duke of Gloucester Protector of the Realm, following council unworthy of his person and place, contracted himself with the Lady jaqueline of Bavaria, Inheretrix of Holland, Zealand, Henault, and many other fair dominions in the Netherlands, notwithstanding that john Duke of Brabant, her former husband was then living, and that the suit of divorce commenced by jaqueline * Gener. Histor. by Edw. Grimst. depended still between them. The Duke of Burgoin held with Brabant. This bred bitter humour in the Duke of Gloucester, who being not used to meet with any rubs or confrontments, and now when in person he came with an army to take The Dnke of Burgoin challenged by the Duke of Gloucester to fight. seison of Henault in right of his supposed wife, finding himself hard set unto, by the aids which Burgoin ministered to the Duke of Brabant, he challengeth Combat of the Duke of Burgundy, calling him traitor. It was accepted and the * Stows Annal. lie strongly thrust upon Gloucester▪ who (leaving the light Lady at her Town of Monts in Henault) returned into England, doing nothing of that for which at that time he came. Mediation took up the quarrel afterward between the Duke of Burgundy and him. Not long after the return of the Duke of Gloucester into England, the first marriage which had been made and consummated between the Duke of Brabant, and An. D. 1425. A. Reg. 4. the said Lady jaqueline, was pronounced lawful by Pope Martin the fifth. Hereupon the Duke of Gloucester (having sustained many losses aswell of friends as treasure in punishment of that great sin, in taking another's wife) forthwith marries Eleanour, daughter to Reignald Lord Cobham of Sterborough, whereby he made her amendss for that * unlawful Stows Annal. familiarity which had formerly passed between them. Court-factions in England. Meanwhile the Court of England doth well show that the King was an infant, for it was full of dangerous emulations and sidings, the Duke of Gloucester (whose high office it was to tender the welfare of * See Fox his martyrologue in H. 6. the King and State) laying sundry grievous accusations against the Cardinal Beaufort (son of john Duke of Lancaster) Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor as being a person very dangerous unto both. (10) The news of these home-contentions coming to the Duke of Bedford into France, easily drew him home, though the state of that Realm could not well want his presence. For john Duke of Britain, (notwithstanding his late renovation of league with the Regent at Amiens) jealous of the * Polyd. Verg. Lib. 23. English greatness turned sodeinely to Charles, and with him, Arthur, Earl of Richmond his brother. This puts fresh spirit into the drooping Prince. Arthur is by Charles made Constable of his France, in place of the Scottish Earl, who was slain at the bloody Battle of Vernoil. The Duke of Britain overlives this revolt but a small tim●▪ Arthur to declare his forwardness on the beha●● of Charles, assembleth about The new Constable of France miscarrieth in his first enterprise. twenty thousand men, and with them sodeinely besiegeth S. jean a Town of Normandy, upon the frontier of Britain; which Edmund Duke of Somerset, Governor of Normandy, had lately fortified and stuffed with soldiers. The unexpected arrival of the French, did greatly at the first perplex the English, but upon better advise, they valiantly sallied out upon them, both before and behind, which stroke so great terror into the enemy, that with loss of their Artillery, and many of their people they forsook the siege. To redeem this dishonour, he turns his fury upon the Country of Angiou, which in many parts he depopulates and spoils. The Regent being resolved to return into England, leaves behind him Beauchamp * Holinsh. Earl of Warwick; as lieutenant, who was lately arrived in France, having six thousand fresh The Duke of Bedford returns into England to appease the Court-factions. Soldiers in his company. (11) The presence of the Duke of Bedford Regent of France, was to the State of England very necessary. For the wisdom and authority of so great a Prince, being elder uncle to the King, and one whom many great deeds made famous, allayed the distemper which he found at his arrival. It was a work worthy of his labour, and he also found it to be a work indeed, and not easily effectuable. The differences were debated first at Saint Alban, then at Northampton, lastly in a Parliament at Leicester, which continued there till toward the end of june. The Duke of Bedford himself, to avoid the note of partiality, for that his brother of Gloucester was a party did not intermeddle otherwise then as in General words to persuade amity, but the whole cause was referred to arbitrators of greatest Nobility and prudence: by whose endeavours all those differences and grievances were equally thrust into one sack, to be sealed The Protector and the Bishop made friends. up for ever by oblivion, and without mention of amendss on either side, the Duke and Bishop (the one having sworn by his * Holinsh. Princehood, the other by his Priesthood, truly to observe the award,) shook hands, and were fully for that time reconciled. After which holy and necessary work of private atonements, The King receives Kinghthood and dubbeth Richard Duke of York. ensued acts of festivity and honour. For in the same Town of Leicester the young King, not then five years of age, was at the high feast of Pentecost dubbed Knight by the Regent of France. Immediately whereupon the King honoured Richard Earl of Cambridge, (who by the fatal error of the Counsel was at this Parliament created Duke of York, the same who was father to Edward the fourth) with the order of knighthood, and about forty more with him. This Richard Duke of York was he, who brought upon this Kingdom and nation most doleful divisions to the utter extirpation of all the male lines of either house, that is to say, his own, and that of Lancaster, whereof the young King was head. From Leicester the King was conveyed to Killingworth, and Thomas Duke of Excester dying, Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, was constituted Guardian and Tutor to the King. A. D. 1427. A. reg. 5. The Regent and the Lord Talbot with fresh forces pass into France. (12) The Regent having thus worthily provided for the quiet estate of the King and Country, returns to his charge in France. There went over at the same time a choice and great number of fresh men, under the conduct of that immortally renowned, the L. Talbot, whose victories (saith Polydor) were so many, that his name was not only most dreadful to the French, but most famous through the world, even at this present. That ye may know the man not to have been studious of fine Phrases; upon the one Talbots Mot. side of his sword-blade was engraven, Sum Talboti, and upon the other this boisterous blunt sentence; Provincere inimicos meos. The Duke of Alanzon (taken at the Castle of Vernoil) was set at liberty upon payment of two * Gagwin. hundredth thousand Scutes of gold. At Mountarges about Orleans the English received an overthrow with the loss of about fifteen hundredth of their numbers, and in Britain the French sustained great damages by a Captain of the Duke of Sommersets. These were petty matters: They of Mantz in main had drawn in the French by night, who massacred the English. William Earl of Suffolk Captain of the place sends to john Lord Talbot for succour. It came, and that so unexpectedly, that the French were alike distressed. All but soldiers were spared, and many also of them, though thrust into prisons. The Traitors which had caused so much mischief, had their deserts by death. From hence the Lord Talbot marched to other enterprises. The quality of our task calls us to the main. (13) Thomas Lord Montacute Earl of Salisbury, being with the Regent at Paris, and considering what forces of men, and all provisions the English then enjoyed, bethought himself of some action, which might answer the greatness of his own name, and of the public means. The siege of Orleans is by him propounded to the Council. The credit of the Motioner was alone an argument of power to convince the possibility. His desires were therefore furnished with all competent provisions. They of Orleans hearing what a storm was coming (for the name of this Earl was worthily terrible) with great diligence ordain for their defence. The * Paul. Aemil. Suburbs (answerable in bigness to a good City) they level with the earth, that the enemy might not from thence annoyed them. Men, victuals, The siege of Orleans. munition, and constant intentions to fight for their liberty, and safeguard abounded. The Earl of Sarisburie, the Lord Talbot, and a dreadful puissance under most expert commanders present themselves before it. Orleans was and is an Episcopal See, a Parliament Town, and University, richly situate upon the river of Loir, whose best glory it is, being the chief City which that renowned stream watereth. Not enemies appearing abroad, he * Polyd. Verg. approacheth close to the walls. Assaults * Paul. Aemyl. proving vain, he entrencheth about it, and to secure his Camp, casts up ramparts and other works, one of which (by reason of the hugeness thereof) was called London, by the name of the chief City of England. The Fort which stood at the Bridge foot beyond the Loyr, he seizeth upon and closeth them up on every side. Charles of France could minister no sufficient succour▪ God, when man's help fails interposeth his hand, which as all of us daily feel, so is it most conspicuous in the deliverance of Nations. The City is driven to some misery through the beginning want of all things; for the siege had now endured about 60. days * Polyd. Virg. l. 23 not without much bloodshed on both sides. The Earl of Salisbury impatient of such delay, purposeth to give general assault. The better to consider upon the course, he stands to take view at a window barred with Iron which ouerlookt the City toward the East. Behold how God began to uncutte The Earl of Salisbury slain with a great shot before Orleans. the knot of those bands with which the English held France bound, a bullet of a great piece (which lay ready leveled at that window) discharged by the Gunner's * Holinsh. son, a lad, struck the grates, whose splinters so wounded the Earl, and one Sir Thomas Gargrave, that they both died of the incurable hurts within few days. Hear now the common judgement of Writers concerning this Earl's loss: * Polyd. Verg. Presently after the death of this man the fortune of the war changed. * Paul. Aemyl. Now both mortal and immortal powers began to look favourably upon the State of France. This to the * Fabian. English was Initium malorum: for after this mishap they rather lost than wan, so that by little and little they lost all their possession in France: and albeit that somewhat they got after, yet for one that they won, they lost three. So that Polydor not without cause (after many other great praises) doth elsewhere call him the man in whom the safety of the English state consisted. The virtue therefore of a fortunate General is inestimable. (14) Howbeit the siege did not determine with The siege continued notwithstanding the Earl's death. his life, William Earl of Suffolk, the Lord Talbot & the rest maintained the same all the winter. The wants of the Camp were relieved from Paris by a convoy, under the guard of Sir john Fastolfe and fifteen hundred soldiers who arrived safe in despite of all the attempts to distress them, which the French made. The City would yield itself, but not to the English. The Duke of Burgundy they were content Orleans offers to become Burgundian, but the English would not admit thereof. should have the honour. A subtle stratagem, rather than an offer of yielding, for there was likelihood in it to break thereby the amity between the English and him. The Regent and his Counsel being sent unto, thought it not reasonable (Aemylius erroneously makes the late Earl of Salisbury the Author of that refusal) neither indeed was it, theirs having been the cost and labour. The Duke of Burgundy construed this repulse sourly, which marred his taste of the English friendship ever after: yet the Regent's answer was just and honest. That the war was made in King Henry's name, and therefore Orleans aught to be King Henry's. Among these difficulties stood the French affairs. Charles of France understanding the miserable straitss of his dear City, & ignorant how to remedy so near a mischief; there presented herself unto him at Chinon a young maid about eighteen years old, called joan of Lorraine, * Serres jamlet by Edward Grimston. Joan the martial maid miraculously sent to deliver Orleans and France. daughter to james of Arck dwelling in Domremy near Vaucaleurs, a * Paul. Aemyl. Shepherdess under her father, whose flocks she tended, bids him not faint, and constantly affirms, that God had sent her to deliver the Realm of France from the English yoke, and restore him to the fullness of his fortunes. She was not forthwith credited; but when the wise of both sorts, aswell Clerks as Soldiers had sifted her with manifold questions, she continued in her first speech so steadfastly, uttering nothing but that which was * Serres Inuentar. modest, chaste and holy, that honour and faith was given unto her sayings. An * Poly. Verg. old woman directed her. joan arms herself like a man, and requires to have that sword which hung in * Serres Inuentar. S. Katherine's church of Fierebois in Touraine. This demand increased their admiration of her; for such a * Polyd. Verg. sword was found among the old Donaries or Votive tokens of that Church. Thus warlikely arrayed she rides to Blois, where forces and fresh victuals lay for the relief of Orleans. She with the Admiral and Marshal of France enters safe. This did greatly encourage the fainting French. joan the maid of God, so they called her, (though * Gerord. Seg. de Haillin, & some other French Authors. some have written that it was a practice or imposture) writes thus to de la Pole Earl of Suffolk, who succeeded Salisbury in the main charge of that siege. Serres out of the Original Copy translated by Edw. Grimston. (15) King of England do reason to the King of heaven, for his blood royal; yield up to the Virgin the keys of all the good Cities which you have forced. She is come from heaven to reclaim the blood royal, and is ready to make a peace, if you be ready to do reason: yield therefore, and pay what you have taken, King of England: I am the chief of this war, wheresoever I encounter your men in France, I will chase them will they or no. If they will obey, I will take them to mercy. The Virgin comes from heaven to drive you The Virago her letter to the English General before Orleans. out of France. If you will not obey, she will 'cause so great a stir as the like hath not been these thousand years in France. And believe certainly, that the king of heaven will sand to her, and her good men of Arms, more force than you can have. Go in God's name into your Country: be not obstinate, for you shall not hold France of the King of Heaven, the son of S. Marry, but Charles shall enjoy it, the King and lawful heir to whom God hath given it. He shall enter Paris with a goodly train; you William de la Pole Earl of Suffolk, john Lord Talbot, Thomas L. Scales Lieutenants to the Duke of Bedford, and you Duke of Bedford terming yourself Regent of the Realm of France, spare innocent blood, and leave Orleans in liberty. If you do not reason to them whom you have wronged, the French will do the goodliest exploit that ever was done in Christendom. Understand these news of God▪ ●●d of the Virgin. Yet Charles had at this time 〈◊〉 whole Countries under his obedience, * Serres. but Languedec and Dauphin against which both the Savoyard and Burgundian prepared, but miscarried, the Prince of Orange the third confederate being discomfited. (16) This letter was entertained by the English with laughter. joan reputed no better than a Bedlam or Enchantress. Though to some it may seem more honourable to our Nation, that they were not to be expelled by a human power, but by a divine, extraordinarily revealing itself. Du Serres describes this Paragon in these words. She had a modest countenance, The description of Joan la Pucelle de Dieu, or the maid of God. sweet, civil, and resolute, her discourse was temperate, reasonable and retired, her actions cold, showing great chastity without vanity, affectation, babbling, or courtly lightness. Let us not dissemble what we The siege of Orleans raised. find written. By her encouragements and conduct the English had Orleans plucked out of their hopes, after they had suffered the Duke of Alencon to enter with new force, and with much loss were driven to raise the siege. joan herself was wounded at one sally in which she led, being shot through the arm with an arrow. judge what she esteemed of that hurt, when she used these admirable and terrible words. This is a favour, let us go on; they cannot escape the hand of God. In all adventures she was one and foremost. The English lost at this siege, the Earl of Salisbury, the Lord Molins, the Lord Poynings, and many other. But do not rashly believe Serres in saying, that of all sorts were slain in such Sallies, as the martial Virgin made eight thousand. Our Writers say but * Stows Annals. six hundredth. The Lord Talbot marched away with above nine thousand, whom joan would not suffer the French to pursue. In memory of this admirable deliverance, they of that City erected a monument, where Charles the seventh king of France and joan the Martial maid were represented, kneeling in Armour, elevating their eyes and hands to heaven, in sign of thanks and acknowledgement. The reflux or ebb of the English greatness in France. (17) There was an interchangeable taking and recovering of Towns and places of importance upon both sides. The Lord Talbot took Lavall, and the Earl of Suffolk puts himself into jergeaux. Thither the Duke of Alencon with joan and other great Captains come, which they force by assault. Sir Alexander Pool the Earl's brother was slain, with many others in the fight, the Earl himself remained prisoner. The Duke added some other places to this Conquest: soon after his numbers are augmented by the repair to him of Arthur Constable of France, the Earl of Vandome, the Lord Dalbret and others, so that now their whole Army contained about twenty and three thousand men. With these they encounter the Lord Talbot (who had scarce the fifth part of their numbers) at a village called Poitiers, whom they charged so suddenly, that Polyd. Verg. his Archers had no time to fortify their battles (after their manner) with a Palizado, or empalement of stakes, so that the chief fight must be made upon horseback. After three hours bloody resistance, The L. Talbot taken in battle. the English were put to the worst. * Stow's Annal. The Lord Scales, the Lord Hungerford, Sir Thomas Rampstone, and even the Lord Talbot himself (being first wounded in the back) were taken. The footmen enforced to trust to their * Polyd. Verg. swords under the shelter of such horsemen as remained, retreated in order, and came to a place of safety. The English lost above a thousand, the French above 600. This blow shook the whole fabric of the English greatness in France, at the very foundations, awaking multitudes (even of those who before had vowed fealty to the English, and now had colour of divine warrant for violating that vow) to join with the victors for the recovery Charles crowned King of France at Rheimes. of common liberty. There followed the present revolt of sundry towns; neither was it long before Charles himself issues out in Arms, recovers the City of Aunerre and Reims; where according to the maids direction, he was solemnly crowned King. Hitherto she might be thought prophetical and fortunate. It should seem now that the chief part of her employment was accomplished, yet she flourished a while longer. The Duke of Bedford to buttress the shrinking state of English affairs in France, and to encounter evil fortune in the face, upon the unpleasant news of Orleans rescued, and Talbots taking, musters his whole present forces which made above ten thousand English, besides certain wings of Normans: with these he marcheth out of Paris, and opposeth himself to the Current of Charles his new hopes who meant to attempt that City, some of whose Citizens held strict and secret correspondence with him. But upon this affrontment he suspended the execution of that design, having as than no hope to achieve it. The Regent returns to Paris, joane the Pucell dissuaded Charles from fight. (18) Places of special note as Campeigne and Beawois yielded themselves voluntarily to Charles. The Regent having settled the Estate, and Garrisons of the Chief City, passeth into Normandy, to provide for a safe retreat there, if perhaps the English (by the inevitable will of God) should be enforced to quit their other holds and dominions: which he began to suspect, for that he had intelligence of a secret purpose, which the French pursued to win the Burgundians from King Henry's side. While the Regent was absent upon this occasion, Charles got the Town of Saint Denis, (a neighbour to Paris) though he held it not long by practice. From thence he sends the Duke of Alencon and joane to try their friends and fortunes at Paris. They found not hoped success, for the English gave them so rough an encounter, that joan herself was * Paul. Aemyl. Joh Til. Chr. wounded; and the rest with much slaughter driven to fall off. The Regent hearing of these attempts, entrusteth the Coast-Townes of Normandy, to the care of Richard Duke of York, and Rouen (the Capital City of that Duchy) to Edmund Duke of Somerset, himself speeds to Paris, where he commends the soldiers and Citizens for that they had not imitated the disloyalty of their Neighbours. New supplies came out of England. The next enterprise was to reduce Campeigne to obedience. john of Luxemburg with Burgundians and some English besiegeth it. Here the glory of joan unfortunately ended; ●or coming to the rescue she entered indeed, but afterward sallying Joan taken prisoner. forth▪ her troops were beaten, and herself (being betrayed, say her favourers) taken prisoner Chron. de Bretaig. apud Holinsh. p. 604. by the said Burgundian * Serres saith by the bastard of Vandome. Knight, who for the value of her ransom (ten thousand pounds Turnoys, and three hundredth Crowns yearly rend) delivered her unto the English. The siege was notwithstanding * Holinshed. raised; they sent her to Rouen, where she (about nine She is burnt for a witch at Rouen. or ten months after) was burnt to death. Claelia was saved by * Tit. Li●. Patau. Decad. 1 Porsenna; and it is not to be doubted, but that the magnanimity of the English would have spared her, had they not found it necessary to deface the opinion which the French even with superstition had conceived of her. Our * See Holinsh. in Hen. 6. The French go● this sentence ●o be reversed by the Pope 26. years after. Writers show how the course of her life being legally examined by the Bishop of Beavois (in whose Diocese she was taken) and she thereupon for sorcery, bloodshed, and unnatural use of manlike apparel, and habiliments contrary to her sex, condemned to die, was notwithstanding upon her solemn abjuring of such her lewd practices, pardoned her life, till again convicted of perjurious relapsing, though acknowledging herself a * Stow. strumpet, and feigning to be with child, she deservedly underwent that punishment which she sought to delay. The rumour of her end, and the ignominious cause thereof was somewhat incommodious to the affairs of Charles. It K. Henry is to come in person into France. was thought that the coming of King Henry to Paris would be much more. (19) He had already with great solemnity received the Crown of England at Westminster, being about nine years old, a most fashionable and waxed age for all impression either of good or bad. The next year after his Coronation in England, he passeth over into France there also to receive the diadem thereof. The Constableship of England, was Richard Duke of York made Constable of England. before his departure, assigned by Patent for term of life to Richard Duke of York (which gave him a more feeling of greatness and secretly whetted his ambitious appetite,) upon this occasion. One john Vpton, of Feversham in Kent Notary, accused john Down of the same place Gentleman, That he and his complices did imagine the King's death at his Coronation. The combat was granted, and in Smithfield (the Duke of York exercising the office of high Constable) they fought in lists. In the end the King's name was used to part and forgive them. It is a vice to suspect too far. The Duke of York (a most subtle man) seems never in heart to have been a true subject to King Henry: yet no man saith, he was any author in this. Henry (the common wealth having yielded to liberal grants of money) is now ready to enter Paris. England remained under the government of the Duke of Gloucester. A. D. 1431. A. Reg. 10. (20) There is no doubt that the English there at their King's presence, set forth their greatness to the full show. The young King attended upon with two English Cardinals, York, and Winchester, and great Princes of his blood, Dukes, Earls, Barons, Prelates, and the flower ofour nation, with many aswell French and Burgonians, as Normans and others, excellently well appointed, makes a triumphant entry into the head City of that most noble Monarchy. There Henry crowned King of France in Paris. was no sign in the People but of joy and welcome; the shows were many and magnificent. Upon the seventh day of December, he was solemnly Crowned King of France, by the * Paul Aemyl. Cardinal of Winchester, his great uncle, in the * joh. Till. Chr. Chief Church of Paris, called of our Lady. The Duke of Bedford entertained the minds of the Assembly with a set speech, wherein he declared, King Henry his nephews undoubted title to that Crown, and commended the same to their fidelities, adding ample promises of honour and emolument. Such of the French Nobility as were present, did their homage. The people had good and gracious words given unto them, and certain * Polyd. Verg. quantities of money, Corn, and wine, in the nature of a donative, liberally distributed among them. Proclamations were made that all Frenchmen who came in by a day there named, should be protected. The King's Patents and grants touching French matters, passed under the seal and stile of Henry King of the * Gallorum, to distinguish, (it seemeth) from the former mere titular, of Gallia Rex; so also the French Kings usually style themselves. Frenchmen and of England, which Seal (for variety) we have prefixed, as we found it annexed, * to a writing directed by the King to his Court of Requests in his Palace at Paris; but for English affairs he used another Seal, being in every point like unto that * In Custodia Io. Guillim Heraldi peritiss. Dat. H. 6. 7. of King Henry the fourth, and (as some think) the very same stamp, (which therefore we have here omitted,) as likewise some * Inter Chart●● College Eto●. Charters of his there are, whereunto he affixed the seal of his father. Charles of France esteemed not himself the less a King for all this, but pursues his affair. His people took the City of Chartres by a stratagem, the Bishop whereof (because a Burgundian) they also put to the sword with others. Neither were the English idle john Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Earl of Arundel, Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Suffolk, and others, made up this loss with advantage. Their actions are placed by some as done before the Coronation which is likely. The King having thus taken possession of France, not long after took his farewell thereof. His return The King returns into England. was by Rouen, and so over land to calais, from whence upon the eleventh day of February, he arrived safe at Dover. His uncle the Duke of Gloucester was able to give an honest, and good account of the The Pro●●ctor breaks an insurrection at Abington in the Shell. Government during the king's absence. The suppressi● of an insurrection, beginning at Abingdon in Oxfordshire was not the lest service. A weaver (the bailiff of the Town) was the ulcerous head, to which that corruption gathered; who had changed his own name, and called himself; jacke Sharp of Wigmores' land in Wales. The special colour of his attempt was * Stows Annal. to have massacred Priests; whose heads (he said) he would make as cheap as Sheeps-heads; that is, two or three, or ten for a penny. But the mention of Wigmores' lands, the ancient inheritance of Mortimer, (than the possession of the fatal Duke of York, who afterward in the right of that name, challenged the Crown of England from King Henry) insinuates somewhat further. The varlet forfeited his head and four quarters for his attempt. It is to be wondered that the Council of Estate under King Henry, hearing that title so often glanced at, provided not better against the mischief. But the eyes and hearts of the wise are blinded, when God hath a purpose to reserve a scourge, or to hide the fire which shall afterward be used to consume a nation. Unquiet humours were aswell abroad as at home. The soldiers A mutiny beginning in calais appeased. of calais discontented with their wages as to little began to be mutinously troublesome. The Regent comes thither in person in Easter week, where he exerciseth necessary discipline severely. Four, the most faulty lost their heads, one hundred and ten are cashered, and banished from the Town, as six score others had formerly been. Why devil we upon so petty accidents? The loss of the Kingdom of France is imminent. Let us diligently note the degrees which God found out to deprive our Nation of that honour. In this journey of the Regent, King The Duke of Bedford marrieth the Earl of Saint Paul's daughter. Henry's interest was not advanced. The Regent (a widower) road from thence to Turwin, where (without the Burgundians privity) he married the Lady jaquet, aged about * Holinsh. seventeen years * Serres. daughter to Peter of Lutzembourg Earl of S. Paul no friend to the Burgundian. This was nothing prosperous to the English affairs. For Anne, the Regent's former wife, sister to the Duke of Burgundy, being, while she lived, a strong reason and assurance of amity, weakened the same by her death; and this second marriage, not pleasing the Burgundian, did yet more diminish it. These were but degrees. In the mean space, the accidents of war between the English and French, were manifold and perplexed, now we, now they losing, or gaining, as opportunity served: which uncertainties brought forth their ordinary progenies, fearful outrages, and * Joh. Til. Chron. scarcity of all things needful for the use of man. It would be wearisome, and not much necessary, to recount the particular lesser actions, neither indeed is it easy; for who can readily tell the sieges, surprises, skirmishes and the like, being so confusedly set down by Authors, wherein divers of both Nations wan to themselves much honour, and served the uses of those times, and their own. The uttermost effect of those great labours, was, that the English Regency fell not forthwith into nothing. Permanent leaders in those public services were the Regent himself; their main Pillar and Chief life, Thomas Earl of Arundel, Richard Earl of Warwick, Henry his Son, the Lord Willoughby, the thrice noble john Lord Talbot, (who was now at liberty,) the Lord Scales, besides Knights, Esquires, and other valiant Captains a multitude. (21) The fortune of Renate Duke of Bar, is not to be omitted, for that afterward, our King unluckily married into his house. He had to * Paul. Aemil. wife Isabella the daughter, and heir of Charles Duke of Lorraine, by whom he had issue two sons, and two daughters, the youngest of which was Lady Margaret, whom King Henry afterward took to wife. Charles Duke of Lorraine dying, Renate thinks to succeed in that estate. Antony Earl of Vallemont, brother to Charles presumes he hath a nearer right. The matter comes to be determined by blows. Charles King of France was a steadfast supporter of Renates' claim, in am of like offices performed by Renate to him in the times of most difficulty. The Regent and Philip Duke of Burgundy, stood for the Earl. Renate Duke of Lorraine and bar taken prisoner. Their aides prevailed so much, that Renates' forces were beaten with loss of about * Polyd. Ver. l. 23. three thousand, from the siege of Vallemont, and himself with not fewer than two hundred others remained prisoner to the Duke of Burgundy, one of whose subjects commanded in chief at that enterprise. This * Paul. Aemil. Renate was afterward entitled to the Crown of Naples and Sicilia, by the testament of joane Queen of them. The King of France might seem to have sustained a grievous loss by the enthralment of this Duke: but the English gained nothing thereby: for his persuasions, and private offices on the behalf of King Charles, did not a little prepare the Burgundians heart (which now was knit to the English but with feeble Arteries) to accept in time the holy impression of reconcilement. The French who lived under the Regency, or in danger of the English, made choice of the Burgundian to protect them, which could not be embarred to them, for that he was as yet King Henry's pretended friend. Indeed this Scene and unstable state of affairs was full of horror, which Polydore vergil describeth well enough. While the English and French (quoth he) contend for Dominion, Soucraignty and life itself, men's goods in France were violently taken by the licence of war, Churches spoiled, men every where murdered, or wounded, others put to death, or tortured; Matrons ravished, Maids The miserable face of France by occasion of these wars. forcibly drawn from out their parents arms to be deflowered, Towns daily taken, daily spoiled, daily defaced, the riches of the Inhabitants carried whither the Conquerors think good; houses and villages round about set on fire: no kind of cruelty is left unpractised upon the miserable French; omitting many hundredth kinds of other calamities, which all at once oppressed them. Add hereunto that the Commonwealth being destitute of the help of laws, (which for the most part are mute in times of war and mutiny) floateth up and down without any anchorage at right or justice. Neither was England herself void of these mischiefs, who every day heard the news of her valiant children's funerals, slain in perpetual skirmishes and bicker, her general wealth continually ebbed, and waned, so that the evils seemed almost equal, and the whole Western world echoed the groans and sighs of either Nations quarrels, being the common argument of speech and compassion throughout Christendom. (22) The course certainly which the English held, did only faintly keep alive the General State of the Regency, without giving period to the war, either by finishing the Conquest, or settling that which was conquered. Some would have had large supplies of men, and treasure levied, that King Charles might nowhere have any rest: Of this opinion were Bedford * Poly. Verg. himself, the Dukes of York and Somerset. This Counsel was not followed, but another, in show more frugal, which fed the evils, but redressed none. Present sparings do oftentimes draw after them infinite wastes, and no husbandry proves so ill, as unseasonable Parsimony. In the mean time, the Earl of Arundel and the Lord Talbot, carry about victorious Arms, and terrify Angiou, Main, and other places with their successes. In Normandy, nevertheless the common people drew together in huge multitudes. There were threescore * Serres. Invent. thousand of them rebelliously knotted together in Vexin, Norman, and twenty thousand in Caux. Their purpose was (through dislike of the English Government, or practise of the French) to have The Commons of Normandy rise against the English. reached one hand to King Charles, and to have thrust King Henry's officers out. What is a multitude without advise? To stop their insolency and course which * Holinsh. they held toward Caen, the Earl of▪ Arundel, * Polyd. Verg. and Robert Lord Willoughby, with about thirteen hundred light horse, and six thousand Archers, march against them, by direction of the Dukes of York and Somerset, who had the chief Leiutenancies in Normandy. They divide their forces to use them with the more advantage. The Earl stays in Ambush with two parts, the Lord Willoughby draws them into it with the third. A thousand of the Rebels were cut down before the soldiers hands could be stayed to spare the rest, who basely (as it become them) threw away their weapons, and fell to the earth, crying mercy. The multitudes were suffered to return, their ringleaders lost their lives. All that the world could collect by this popular insurrection was, that the Normans would be gladly rid of the English. The Earl of Arundel slain. Nothing else was done. This Earl of Arundel having done sundry noble deeds during the wars in France, received his deaths wound shortly after in a skirmish at Gerberoy in Beawoisine, where La Hire (a famous Captain among the enemies) had the day. (23) The Regency yet held, and the miseries of France (being burnt up by the fiery reflections of two Counter-Sunnes) were nothing diminished: Who should give to them a Period? while the Duke of Burgundy continued English, it could not be. To prepare therefore a separation between them, such of the Nobility as went over to the Burgundian Duke told him, * Paul. Aemyl. That King Charles upon all occasions (when speech was ministered) spoke of him honourably, and inwardly wished him well, and that he never heard any mention of the murder committed upon the Duke his father, (cause of the sons hatred to France) but he hearty sighed, protesting he was neither party nor privy thereunto. These and the like mollifying salves applied to the tumours of his revengeful affections, did work strongly, the rather for that his mind heretofore possessed with the English amity, was now vacant in that part, the same (by the means of sundry jealousies and aversions) lying open to contrary impressions. There wanted but an outward honourable means to fashion him entirely to the French party. Let us hear * Invent. of Fr. Serres in this point: The Deputies of the General Council press both French, English and Burgundians to end all quarrels by some good composition. The City of Arras is allowed of them all to treat in. From the * Eugenius ●. Pope and Council of Pisa, there came the Cardinals of S. Commissioners at Arras to compose the quarrels of the English, French and Burgundians. Cross and Cypress, with twelve Bishops. For the King of France, there was the Duke of Bourbon, the Earl of Richmond Constable of Fran●e, the Archbishop of Reims, Chancellor of France, and many others, great, noble, wise and learned men. For the King of England, the two Cardinals of York and Winchester, the Earls of Suffolk ( * Holinsh. john Holland Earl of Huntingdon) the Bishop of Saint David's, john Ratcliff Keeper of the great Seal, the Lord Hungerford, Ralph the wise Official of Canterbury, and some Doctors of Divinity. For Philip Duke of Burgundy, the Duke of gelders, the Earl of Nassau, the Bishop of Cambray, Count Vernambourg, the Bishop of Liege; five other great Earls, besides the Deputies of many his best Towns, sufficient to show, that though he was in title but a Duke, yet that his greatness was equal to a King. When it came to communication, the English being also in possession, urged farther for themselves the right of descent, and the act of Charles the sixth, father to this Charles, by which act the Crown of France was settled upon Henry the fifth, and the issue of the Lady Katherine his wife, and therefore they propounded no other condition of peace, but that Henry their King might have all, and * Polyd. Verg. lib. 23. Charles to hold of him. The French offered Normandy and Guien. There ended the hope of agreement between them, for neither party would accept. King Charles therefore resolving to maim the English faction upon any terms (how base soever) Serres in Char. 7. sends Duke Philip a blank, bids him therein to prescribe his own conditions and demands: he did so: and his Conditions were so unreasonable, and so many, Serres. even a great volume full, (saith a French man) a● it is strange, so great a Monarch should stoop so much to his subject and vassal, but that necessity hath no law. They * join hereupon most firmly, and the Duke The French and Burgundian agreed. (a man wholly transported by profit) declares himself a public enemy to all the enemies of King * 24 Sept. 1435 Charles, and friend to all his friends. This was the * Serres. first parting stroke which severed the French Dominions from the English Sovereignty: the event declared, that the English had done more wisely, if they had accepted Normandy and Guienne; but as the case stood, than they could not in honour do it; and Counsels are not to be measured by events; for so the most foolish may sometimes pass for prudent. King Henry not only lost now hereby a most needful friend, but was compelled to rely upon his single strengths, aswell against King Charles his natural enemy, as against the Duke of Burgundy, who plainly seemed to have betrayed the cause. To set a gloss upon this fact, the Duke * Polyd. Verg. dispatcheth Ambassadors into England to King Henry (who as * In Carol. 7. Aemylius erroneously saith was present at this treaty of Arras) to make known the reasons of his peace with King Charles, and to persuade the King to entertain the same. This embassage was so odious to the English, that they forbore not to call the Duke a deceitful man, a turn-seruer, a perjured person, and a Traitor. (24) The popular hatred also was such against the Duke's Subjects, resiant in London, that they were beaten and slain many of them, before the fury thereof could be stayed by Proclamation. The Ambassadors return with honest admonitions to their Master, against which, his ears and senses were strongly mured; for King Charles had set about The ●ncredible rate at which K. Charles purchased the Burgundians good them as it were a Barricado of royalties, privileges, honours, money, Cities, Towns and whole Provinces, which he confirmed to the Duke, only to withdraw him from us. The whole Counties of * Paul. Aemyl. * Polyd. Verg. Aux, Err, Ponthieu, Bolein, Artois, the town of Abbeville, and other lands, the Cities and Towns in Picardy, upon the water of Some, Amiens, Corbie, Peron, S. Quintin, but these last as it were in gage till * Paul. Aemyl. four hundredth thousand Crowns were satisfied: Briefly, what not? the Charity of King Charles was so fervent to make the Duke of Burgundy a true Frenchman once again: he paid so dear for it, that we may think him worthy to obtain his desire; yet was it worth his cost; for Aemylius saith most truly, that the ceasing of that indignation did redeem the French from a foreign government, as the first assuming thereof had made the English, Lords over France. But, howsoever the high and just displeasure, which this Prince took for the wicked murder A. D. 1435. A. reg▪ 14. The Burgundian renounceth to the Regent his friendship with England. of his father, (abundantly satisfied-for by this treaty) moved him first to embrace the English amity, he afterward most subtilely converted the revenge (by way of taking amendss) to the enlargement of his proper riches, power and amplitude. After his Ambassadors returned, he sends back all contracts to the Duke of Bedford at Paris▪ and renounceth the alliance of England with a watchword, that every one should look to himself. (25) Each man hereupon (saith * Invent of Fr. Serres) sharpens his sword and scours his Arms, to recover that by force which they could not obtain by reason; Serres might better have said, reasoning. All things certainly favoured the French designs; for this was the general estate of the English affairs. King Henry scarce out of his Childhood; and when he came to man's age, not Man enough to manage so turbulent occurrents; the Princes of the blood weakly united in love, for the common good; the Protector vigilant over England, the Regent careful for France, but both privately envied; Richard Duke of York (whose strenghts daily increased, which in time he meant nothing less than to use for the benefit of King Henry,) ambitiously reserving himself for a dear day; most of the great warriors slain; and in brief a great inability (for want of a Soul, willing and fit to look so stern and dismal adventures in the face) through the whole body of the English forces; which though otherwise they might have lingered out the war, and kept their footing, yet the death of the great Duke of Bedford Regent The Duke of Bedford Regent of France dieth at Paris. of France doubled the difficulty, or rather the impossibility. In taking this triumphant Peer away, God made it manifest, that he held the English unworthy and unfit to continued their Empire among the French any longer. This Prince not long after this revolt of Duke Philip, died at * Cambden in Bedfordshire: saith he was slain in battle before Vernoyle. Paris, uncertain to some, whether through grief of the evils he foresaw, or other malady. But the Analogy and colour of his whole former life, doth contradict▪ their conceit, who think that such a grief should determine his days, because it could not but proceed from a kind of fear and despair, an humour absolutely opposite to Magnanimity, wherein he abounded. How mighty a Prince he was this his * Master Cambden loc. citat. style showeth: Regent of France; Duke of Bedford, Alanson, and Anjou, Earl of main, Richmond, and Kendale; and Constable of England. But (which excelleth his greatness) he was one of the best Patriots and Generals, that ever blossomed out of the royal Rosiar of England. His valour was not more terrible to the enemy, than his memory honourable. For (doubtful whether with more glory to him, then to the speaker) * Stows Annals. but Master Cambden saith it was Charles 8. Cambd. ibid. Lewis the eleventh being afterwards counseled by certain envious persons to demolish and deface his stately Tomb, (wherein, with him, * saith one, was buried all the Englishmens good fortune in France) which was erected over his body in the Northside of the high Altar, in our Lady's Church at Rouen, used these indeed most Princely words. (26) What honour shall it be to us, or you, to break this Monument, and to pull out of the ground the bones King Lewis his Princely testimony of the late Regent's Virtues. of him dead, whom in his lifetime, neither my father, nor your Progenitors with all their puissance, were once able to make fly one foot backward? who by his strength, policy, and wit kept them all out of the principal dominions of the Realm of France, and out of this noble Duchy of Normandy? wherefore I say first, God save his soul; and let his body now lie in rest: which when he was alive, would have disquieted the proudest of us all: And as for the tomb, I assure you, it is not so worthy, or convenient as his honour and acts deserved. (27) The Regent being now dead, the late peace made at Arras between King Charles and Philip Duke of Burgundy, presently disclosed, and put forth effects most dangerous to the English; for many Towns voluntarily yield, and multitudes of the French (who hitherto through fear contained themselves) starting away, all the English dominions were full of private conventicles, practices, and correspondences with the Enemy. Such English as then were in France, are not altogether slothful, but yet, through a fatal either security or negligence at home, there was not speedy sufficiencies of resistance ministered. Richard Duke of York made Regent of France. (28) Richard Duke of York, (whose services never did good to the English commonwealth) is created Regent of France, and Edmund Duke of Somerset (his perpetual rival, or perhaps an intelligent censor of his manners) continues his commands in Normandy. The Duke of Somerset * Holinsh. Stow Annal. opposed the advancement of York to that slippery dignity. He was no babe in so doing, but more foreseeing than the Protector, and all the Council of England. Yet his opposition was unseasonable, and fruitless, for the others carriage had won such a party about the King, (whom he meant by embracing to pull down) that notwithstanding the disadvantage of his silenced title, which was alone a great cause to have made him everlastingly incapable of so great trust and means, he prevailed. But before he could arrive, Paris was lost. Robert Lord Willoughby was Governor there for the English, who had with him but about two thousand, the saith of the Citizens was presumed upon to make up the rest at a pinch, for a common resistance. On the contrary, they perceiving upon what terms the English affairs stood in France, chief after the late Regent's death, conspire against them. The treason was carried so cunningly by some of the principal Magistrates of the Town, who capitulated for a general pardon from King Charles (which was gladly yielded unto,) that the mischief sooner took effect, than it could be discovered. Thomas Lord Beaumond began the loss The Parisians conspire to dispossess the English. with his misfortune; for Arthur Earl of Richmond, Constable of France, hovering about Paris, in hope to recover the same, the Lord Beaumond with certain hundredth of English, fell into his danger about Saint Denis, and were distressed. While as yet the terror of this discomfiture (not great in regard of the numbers slain, but in regard of the Circumstances) was freshest, the French advance their Banners up to the City, where a gate was opened unto them by their partisans. What should the English do in this general mischief? The townsmen, lately vassals, turn enemieson a sudden: women and children assail the English from their windows with all sorts of missill things. Many are beaten down and massacred in the streets. The Lord Willoughby Governor of Paris, Lewis of Luxemburg Bishop of Therovan, Chancellor of France for the English, the Bishops of Lisieux and Meaux, with other, fly to * Paul. Aemyl. S. Anthony's gate and the Bastile, places which they had reserved for defence till extreme necessity. Many more had been saved in those places, but that the perfidious Citizens drew chains thwart the streets, and impeached their retreat. Hear the rest in a * Serres Invent by Edw. Grimst. Frenchman's words. (29) All run to the Bastile. The Tournels are presently seized, and all approaches unto the Bastile are soon won. Such as were within it, at first made some show of defence, but all things were prepared to force them▪ they demand a Parlea, and agreed to departed with The City of Paris yielded up to the French. their lives and baggage. They are conducted about the Town beneath the Louvre, to embark upon the River of Sein, and so pass to Rouen. They could not well have passed through the City. The people hereof advertised run to the walls, and cry out with great shouts, * Rob. Fabians Chronicle. Gagwin. baiting the English like Dogs, whom a little before they had feared, and honoured as their masters. Who of the English reads these things without indignation? but they are the perpetual manners of the base multitude, & the fortune therein of the English, the same which followeth all like accidents. Some will think that the Lord Willoughby, and his people might have done more nobly, to have taken up their graves in the place which they pretended to make good against the French. Fortitude is never separated from Prudence. Succour was despaired. The Duke of York was not as yet arrived, and in maintaining their strengths against the whole City of Paris, and all the present French forces for the space of about ten days, they sufficiently cleared themselves both in point of honour and loyalty. Paris * 27. Feb. A. D. 1436. is thus lost in the worst time for an Army to march in. They did wisely to choose so unseasonable a season, their market might have else been marred; for the new Regent (not so much hindered from sooner coming The new Regent comes with an Army into France. by the Duke of Somersets emulations, which some affirm, as by the very quality of the winter weather) arrived afterward, accompanied with the Earls of Salisbury and Suffolk, the Lord Falconbridge, and other worthy persons, with an Army of eight thousand men. But this Regent did never good in France: * Stow's Annal. He who so writes, might have also safely added, nor elsewhere. The English affairs were not as yet come to the very breake-necke point. They held (in the late conquered parts of France) Normandy entire, though not without much trouble; for the people again rebel in Caux: but that mischief was destroyed with the greater and more merciless confusion of the Authors and Actors, than the former. About five thousand of them were trampled to death by the just fury of the English, under the leading of the Lord Scales, the Lord Hoo and others. They burned all their dwellings, made booty of their goods, drove their whole numbers out of the Country. The Lord Scales not long after discomfited Lady Hire, and his Company not far from Rouen. The war was handled on all sides without full or complete armies. Skirmishes were the ordinary forms of fight. The French were schooled from settling their rest upon a pitched field. Thus hovered the affairs. Calais besieged by the Burgundian. (30) Philip Duke of Burgoigne had as yet in person given no proof against the English of his affection to King Charles. Now he addresseth himself to an enterprise worthy of that expectation, the recovery of Calais. You would suspect that he continued still a friend to the English, in making choice of a service, wherein he was most likely to waste▪ his time in vain, and yet make show of much forwardness; but he was real, though the rather stirred thereunto by the desire of private revenge. The English, upon his forsaking their alliance, had attempted to kindle the Gauntois, and other of the Flemish towns (Subjects to the Duke) to rise in rebellion: but the opinion that K. Henry's fortunes in France were desperately stooping, made their wills too dank to take fire. The notice notwithstanding of this attempt came to the Duke, which sharpened him to revenge, whereof (as the former passages abundantly declare) he was not ordinarily thirsty. He brings his Army before Calais. Chief commanders there for King Henry were the L. Dudley who had charge of the Castle, and Sir john Ratcliff of the Town. The Duke's purpose was to have cloyed the harbour by sinking ships laden with stones, and such like choking materials; but upon the ebbe-water the Calisians delivered the haven from that peril. The Protector of England rescues Calais with a great Fleet and host. The King of England advertised that his precious Fort and Town of Calais were thus emperilled, Humphrey Duke of Gloucester the Protector comes in person with a very great Fleet (some writ five hundredth sail) to the rescue, and in it a great puissance, with full purpose to give battle, glad perhaps that he might now revenge old grudges. It is able to move choler, to consider how Writers torture us with the diversities of reports; but the general agreement is, that the Duke of Burgundy did raise his siege before he was fought with. Some * Polyd. Verg. l. ●3 say the very rumour of the Protectors approach drove him away, and that the Protector came the next day after the Burgundians flight. Others excuse him (probably enough) in saying that the Flemings grew unwieldy to his commandments, and would needs home. He returns with honour into England. (31) The Protector was master of the Duke's Camp, and spent eleven days in his Dominions, burning Poppering and Bell, and greatly damnified him about * Sorres. Rob. Fab. Gravelin and Bolognois, then settleth he the state of Calis, and * returns with great honour to his charge into England. But the English were thought to have created store of work for this busy Duke at home, where many great tumults rose, in * Serres. one of which, his own person was endangered at Bruges, Lisle-Adam the Captain of his guard being there presently slain. Hence it came perhaps that a mean * Polyd. Verg. l. 23. was found by contracts made with Isabel the Duchess his third wife (a most witty woman a Portugesse) to hold a league with England, and yet no breach with France. An. D. 1437 (32) These have heath erto been the actions of Men, let us not neglect two great Ladies, because much concerning our history depend on their courses. Queen Katherine, the widow of King Henry the fifth, and mother by him of this sixth Henry, about Katherine Queen Dowager of England. this time departed out of the world. This most noble Lady, when her husband the King was dead, being not of judgement (by reason of her tender years to understand what become her greatness, or having found perhaps that greatness was no part of happiness,) secretly marrieth one Owen ap Theodore or Teder * Paul. Aemyl. the most noble and most goodly gentleman of all the Welsh nation, and endued with * Polyd. Verg. admirable virtues, who drew his descent from holy Cadwallader, last King of the Britain's. This husband had by her sundry children, two of which, Edmund and Gasper do bear a part in the royal history, and King Henry the sixth (their half brother) created the first of them Earl of Richmond, the other of Pembroke. This Edmund is he, who by Margaret the King Henry the 7. her Grandchild. daughter of johu Duke of Somerset, (grandechilde to john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster) had Henry the 7. the most famous and prudent King of England. (33) In that year in which this excellent Queen died, the young Duchess Dowager of Bedford (widow to the late Regent of France) married also (below her degree) a vigorous English Knight, one * Stows Annals. The Duchess Dowager marrieth Wooduile. Sir Richard Wooduile, of which match yet Serres needed not to have spoken so contemptibly, calling him an English adventurer, of small account; she thereby (saith he) giving cause to laugh at her: which censure tasteth perhaps of the French leaven and prejudice, because the Lady was sister to the Earl of S. Paul, who would not make one in the peace of Arras, but held with the English. (34) But let us see the sequel. Out of this Matrimony also sprung Queens; for her husband (afterward made Earl of Rivers) had sundry children by her, whereof Elizabeth being one, had the honour Elizabeth wife to Edward 4. a daughter of that bed. to marry Edward the fourth King of England, and hereby was both herself a Queen and a Progenitresse of those glorious Kings and Queens which followed▪ for from her and this match sprang another Elizabeth, the renowned wife of King Henry the seventh▪ as King Henry himself did of the former: both those marriages proved most fortunate to England: but another marriage which then threatened present danger to King Henry, was that which james the first King of Scots made with France, who gave his daughter the Lady Margaret, to Lewis the Dauphin for wife, and sent new supplies of men against the English: he meant also to have attempted The murder of K. james the first of Scotland. some personal hostility, but that he was most wickedly murdered by certain bloody Traitors in Perth, suborned thereunto by Walter Earl of Athol, (his own near kinsman) in hope to attain the Crown; crowned indeed he was, but not (as his Withces & Sorcerers had ambiguously insinuated) with the Crown of that Realm, but with a * Hect. Boet. l. 17. Crown of red-hot iron, which was clapped upon his head, being one of the tortures wherewith he ended at once his wicked days and desires. (35) Let us now cast our eye to the doings of our The new Regent doth nothing. new Regent the Duke of York, that we may be witnesses, how far by his endeavours, the affairs of King Henry were advanced in France. The silence at this time is every where very great, yet had he opportunity to have achieved somewhat. Two * Jnuent. of Fr. thousand French horsemen were mutined, and roved up and down in great disorder. Paris was fearfully punished with famine, and the attendants of famine, pestilential maladies. The Countries about lay open: the Courtiers were discontented and divided: Nothing is yet done by our Regent, which * Stow p. 616. some impute to Edmund Duke of Somersets opposition▪ who out of envy and disdain hindered his dispatch. We must in the mean time found out them that did somewhat. The Duke of Somerset himself accompanied with the Lords Talbot and Fauconbridge, Harflew recovered by the Duke of Somerset▪ with other Gallants, and a competent force of the English, besiege Harflew, which the Normans in the late rebellion took from them, and still maintained against them under French Captains: King Charles sends some of his principal Commanders with four thousand men to rescue the Town; who did their best, but not able to effect any thing, Harflew was rendered to the Duke. The Earl of Worwicks' comes Regent into France, and York returns. (36) In November Richard Earl of Warwick came as Regent into France, being surrogated in that office to the Duke of York, who returned into England. He carried with him a thousand fresh Soldiers, and arrived at Harflew, from whence he repaired to Rouen, the chief seat (Paris being now lost) of the English Dominions in North France, as burr deaux was in the South; whether now the Earl of Huntingdon, with certain troops and companies of A. D. 1438. Soldiers, was sent as Seneschal. This new Regent busied himself in the general affairs of his place. Under him the Duke of Burgoins forces were driven from Crotoy. Abbevile freed from the danger of a Bastile, with which the Duke had penned that Town in; and the English for twenty days space together took their pleasure in spoiling the Country of Picardy about Amiens and Artois. These and some other actions having been worthily carried during The Duke of York Regent again. this Regent's government, himself dieth. The Duke of York again succeeds him. Our interest in France was retained, not so much by King Henry's ministers and Armies, as by remissness of King Charles, whom also Lewis the Dauphin (afterward King) did greatly trouble by rebellious decessions, and absentments of himself. The fear of the English reconciled the son to the father the sooner. K. Charles King Charles and his son reconciled against the English. was now fallen into dislike with his people, but to redeem his credit, he attempts the recovery of Pontoyse (a town near to Paris) which the Lord The siege of Pontoyse. Clifford had not long before surprised by stratagem and money (an ordinary means as then for the expugnation of places) and comes in person to the enterprise. There attended upon him for that service about ten or twelve thousand men. The L. Clifford is within, and makes a brave defence. (37) The Duke of York lately landed in Normandy, as Regent, assembleth his main strengths, being about seven or eight thousand; offers the French King battle. He keeps himself within his trenches. The Duke (according to the ancient humour, and discipline of the English, who love to set all upon a push) desirous to fight, unexpectedly passeth the river of Oyse, which ran between the two Camps. King Charles dislodgeth so fearfully, that the French do not over boldly excuse him of * Serres. flying. The Duke having had the spoil of the French Kings Camp, refortifies Pontoyse, and assaults a Bastile, where Charles had left three thousand Soldiers to maintain the face of a siege. It was held better King Charles pursued by the Duke of York. to pursue the King, who was gotten to Poisie. There the Duke of York again very nobly provokes him to a field. It would not be; King Charles saw the hazards were not equal, and therefore endures his bravado. What could the Duke do more? he is of necessity to return to the main of his charge in Normandy, and doth so. King Charles ran into such obloquy and contempt with his people by this dishonourable retreat, but chief with the Parisians; that if he had not attempted again and prevailed against Pontoise, it might have ieoparded his whole estate; for there was a faction which would have Pontoys taken by King Charles. made use of his disgrace. He returns in great fury to the siege, and finally enters the town, not without much bloodshed. Serres saith, that five hundred English left their dead bodies at the breach. The King was one of the first that entered, choosing rather to be thought temerarious then timorous. This exploit established his opinion among the people. A satiety of war filled both sides, and the estate of England under King Henry, whose softness and lenity gave way to sundry dangerous Court-factions, Charles Duke of Orleans set at liberty by the English. needed quiet Commissioners meet at Calais: nothing is concluded but the enlargement of Charles Duke of Orleans for the sum of three hundred thousand Crowns. He had been Prisoner in England about twenty and six years, ever since the Battle of Agincourt, where he was taken. The Duke of Burgundy was a special Actor in his enlargement, with a purpose to secure his own greatness by benefits: this high borne Prince for the murder of his father, being naturally the head and chief of that deadly feud, which had most mortally raged between the houses of Burgundy and Orleans. Humphrey Duke of Gloucester prudently foreseeing the dangers like to ensue on Orleans his enlargement, stoutly opposed himself thereunto, and that upon important reasons which * Rot. Patent. de H. 6. 18. the copy whereof I had from the learned M. john Clapham. he required to have registered, that they might remain on Record for a testimony and discharge of his duty in that behalf. 1 First, for that the French King wanted discretion and judgement to order his affairs, which defects might be supplied by the Duke, (being a man of experience and very subtle) if he should be set at liberty. 2 That the said Duke might procure an union of the factions (now hotly maintained in France among the Nobility) to the prejudice of the Crown of England, and hazard of the loss of the King's territories in France. 3 That the Duchy of Normandy (having sustained a great charge in maintaining the war) seeing the Duke of Orleans delivered, and no royal Army on the English part to withstand the common enemy, was likely enough to revolt. 4 That if the Duke should be delivered, it might be probably conjectured, that he would sooner break his oath▪ which he should (being prisoner) make to the King of England, than the oath of his allegiance to the French King his Sovereign Lord, of whom he holdeth his lands and dignity. 5 If the Articles concluded between his Majesty and the French on the Duke's behalf, should not be performed, what remedy might his Majesty have or expect? 6 That considering his cozen of Huntingdon was to leave the Duchy of Guyenne, and for that the alliance betwixt the said Duke, and the Earls of Arminack and Foix, and the Lord de la Bret, was to be suspected as dangerous, it was very necessary that good provision should be made for defence of that Country, being his majesties ancient inheritance. 7 That his Majesty hath no alliance with any Christian Prince, but only the King of Portugal (being but of tender years and far off:) And therefore it was not safe for his Majesty to deliver him, that was likely to prove his Capital enemy, and to seek means to deprive him of those lands which his noble father had left him. 8. That if any of his majesties kindred, or other Lords on that side the Sea, should happen to be taken prisoners, the said Duke of Orleans might ransom 4▪ or 5. of them. 9 That it were fit to take advise of the Lords, and other his majesties subjects in the Realm of France, and duchy of Normandy, whether they thought it expedient that the said Duke should be delivered or not. Otherwise the world might cry shame thereon, when men should call to mind the loss of his brethren of Clarence, and Bedford, and other noble Personages, in defending and keeping those Lands. 10. If he (the said Duke of Gloucester) should consent to the said Duke's deliverance (the same being also quite▪ contrary to the last will of his majesties Father) such inconveniences, as would ensue thereupon, should be imputed to him. (38) Notwithstanding the weight of so many thousand Crowns over▪ poised all these important and ponderous reasons; and the war eats on still in the body of France, but not with so sharp teeth, nor so full engorgement as before. Towns and people are taken on both sides. The County of Amiens was spoiled by the English Lords, Willoughby and Talbot; The Regent and the Duke of Somerset, march into Angiou, where they charged their carriages with much spoil and returned. Then the Duke of Somerset severs himself, and doth sundry exploits in and about Britain. Diep in Normandy being besieged, was rescued by the Dolphin of France to our loss. The contemplation of these mutual violences touched all Christendom: for the Turk, common enemy thereof, increased. Ambassadors are sent from all parts, to determine these bloody A short truce and a match concluded for King Henry with the titulary King of Sicils daughter. A. D. 1444. A. Reg. 22. differences. William de la Pole Earl of Suffolk, was chief for the English. A truce was hereupon taken for eighteen months, between King Henry and King Charles, and an hope of perpetual amity, weakly grounded upon a match, which the Earl of Suffolk contracted for King Henry, with Margaret the daughter of Renate, titulary King of Sicily, Naples, and jerusalem, Duke of Angiou and Lorraine, Prince of the blood. To effect this, the Earl covenanted that the English should abandon the possession of Angiou, and Main to her father. A strange purchase of a wife, who though she brought youth, beauty and hope of a perpetual peace with France, (the more profitable opportunity whereof, the English had more bravely then happily neglected) yet was she otherwise without portion. The Earl notwithstanding (whose drift herein could not be without manifest ambition, to make himself one of the greatest of England, by this gratification of the French, with his Master's charge and dishonour) is not abashed to expect public thanks for this high service, and an whole fifteen for the charge of her transportation. Sundry Lords of Council and the King himself thought him worthy, and according to his devise and overture, the whole affair was carried. Suffolk made marquess is sent over with many honourable persons, both men and women, to conduct the fair and goodly (but most unfortunate and fatal) Bride into England. * Hist. Angl. li. 23. Polydore gives us no unfitting Character of this Lady. She was provident enough, very desirous of glory, abounding in discourse, counsel, gracious behaviour, and manly courage; but not free from women's humour, which (saith he) is usually vehement and apt to change. In England ye may easily suppose, that she was most royally entertained; Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, among others, meeting her with a train of * Holinsh. Rob. Fabian. five hundred horsemen in a livery, that worthy Poet john Lydgate Monk of Bury, devising the speeches for such gratulatory triumphs as were made at her entrance into London. The King being married lawfully enjoys her embracements, from which he was often afterward violently She is married to King Henry and Crowned. separated by the miseries of a most cruel war, wherein she had her piteous portion Suffolk in the mean time having the most assured favour of the Queen pursues his ambitious purposes. She in the mean time was solemnly Crowned Queen of England at Westminster upon the * A. D. 1445 A. reg. 23. thirtieth of May. (39) Would to God it stood now with the quality of this argument, to turn our eyes from the view of those actions which ensued; for here the mournful tragedies of our poor Country began. But we cannot but open those old and most execrable sores, that, in their example, all true English blood may the rather be tender over their bowels, beholding such effects as the devil and all the furies of hell were (by God's severe permission) Actors in. Fabian gives us the causes and contents of those effects, in these grave and few words. Fabian. (40) It appeareth that God was not pleased with that marriage: For after this day, the fortune of the world began to fall from the King, so that he lost his friends in England, and his revenues in France: For shortly after, all was ruled by the Queen and her Counsel, to the great disprofit of the King and his Realm, and to the great maugre (it is Fabians word) and obloquy of the Queen, who (as since hath been well proved) had many a wrong, and false report made of her. All which misery fell for BREAKING OF THE PROMISE, made by the King unto the This contract by proxy is said to have been made in the twentieth year of King Henry▪ and that the Earl of Suffolk was chief, if not sole actor in breaking it. Earl of Armenacks* daughter, as most writers agreed: Which misery in this Story shall somedeal appear by the losing of Normandy, (as all things else, except calais, which the English held in France) the division of the Lords within this Realm, the rebellion of the commonalty against their Prince and Sovereign, and finally the King deposed, and the Queen with the Prince feign to flee the land, and lost the rule thereof for ever. Thus he: but all this far short of the evils that were the brood and offspring of the following times. The Parliament in the mean time grants aides of money, that upon expiration of the truce there might be present abilities to maintain war. The Duke of The Duke of Somerset Regent of English France. York is revoked, and the Duke of Somerset (in an evil hour) is sent in his place, with such provisions as were reputed competent. The Duke of Gloucesters' troubles. AD. 1447. (41) Humphrey the renowned Duke of Gloucester, Lord Protector, felt the first stroke of the evil Angel, which was sent to punish England, and to root out her Nobles. This Duke was much hated of the Queen, and her faction, as the only man who by his prudence, as also by the honour and authority of his birth and place, seemed to impeach that sovereign command, which they pretended to settle in the Kings own person, but meant indeed (as the manner is under soft Princes) to reign themselves in another's name. Many great Lords were drawn on (at the time of a Parliament then * In February. holden at Saint Edmunds Bury,) to concur for his ruin, not perceiving, that thereby they plucked up the floodgate, at which the Duke of York entered, overwhelming all of them in a deluge of blood. Whether they had any true or just fear of Gloucester himself, lest perhaps he should take revenge upon some particular persons among them, is doubtful, though it be probable enough, that they had. Hear some things that forwent this Parliament. About five or six years before, * Stows Annal. The Duchess of Gloucester arraigned of sorcery and treason. the Duchess of Gloucester Eleanor, was convented for witchcraft and sorcery, and afterward indited of treason in the guildhall in London, before the Earls of Huntingdon, Stafford, Suffolk, and Northumberland, and certain Lords, as Fanhope, and Hungerford, with others, and judges of both benches; of which crimes she was appealed by one Bolingbrook an Astronomer, and Thomas Southwell a Cannon, which Southwell was charged to have said Masses over certain instruments, by which the Astronomer should practise Necromancy against the life of the King. These being taken, accused her as accessary, she having desired the help of their Art, to know what would befall her. Some part hereof she confessed, for which she was put to public and solemn penance in London upon three several days, with wonderful shame to her person, and after she was committed to perpetual prison under the ward of Sir Thomas Stanley in the Castle of Chester, but from thence removed to Kenelworth. Her pride, falsehood, avarice, and lechery were causes of her confusion, saith Stow; who hath set forth that business very diligently, though not seeming to attribute much credit to that accusation of treason. The Duke of Gloucester her unhappy Lord and husband (whom she by love-cups and enchantments was said to have inveigled, using therein one Margery Gurdmain a witch of Ey in Suffolk, who was burnt in Smithfield) stung with this reproach, might reasonably be thought not unwilling to do somewhat. Howsoever that was, his destruction borrowed countenance from that opinion. The Duke therefore being come to attend in this Parliament at Bury, was arrested of high treason by john Lord Beaumond high Constable of England, the Dukes of Buckingham and Somerset with others. Certain of the King's household were appointed to guard him. The Duke of Gloucester dead. Not long after he was found dead. His body was showed to the Lords and Commons, as if he had died of a palsy or an apostume. Of thirty and two of his servants which were attached, Sir Roger Chamberlain Knight, Richard Middleton, Thomas Herbert, Arthur Tursey, Esquires, and Richard Nedham Gentleman, were condemned of high treason, and had this unexampled punishment. They were drawn A strange sparing of life forfeited for treason. from the Tower to Tyburn, hanged▪ let down quick, stripped naked, marked with a knife to be quartered, and then a Charter of pardon showed for their lives by the marquess of Suffolk. But the yeoman * Record. apud Stows Annals. of the Crown had their livelihood, the executioner their clothes. Their pardons were thus obtained by the earnest diligence of Doctor Gilbert Worthington, a famous preacher, parson of S. Andrew's in Holborn. Thomas Wild Esquire, the Duke's servant also, being condemned and pardoned among other, had for a preamble in his letters patents words importing, * Record. ibid. that he had been one among many other traitors against the King, with Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, who went about, and practised to deliver Eleanour, late wife to the Duke, from out of prison, for which purpose he had gathered a great power, and number of men, to come to the Parliament▪ at Berie, there to have contrived the King's destruction. (42) Such was the end of this great Prince, who, notwithstanding this open showing of his body, and these pretended crimes, was by the people of England thought to be doublie murdered, by detraction, and deadly practice. He was not only a true lover of learned men, but himself also * Polyd. Verg. lib. 23. learned, and (saith our Author) a father of his Country. His main opinion concerning the government of King Henry's French dominions, was as mainly opposed by the Cardinal of Winchester and others, who altogether persuaded Peace, to which the noble Duke (standing precisely upon the honour and Majesty of the English name,) was * Hall in the Duke's Articles against the Cardinal. an absolute enemy. From this troubled fountain of divided Council many following black adventures did flow. The Duke thus brought to his end, goodmen (saith Polydore) fearful of their own safeties, did of their own accord for sake the Court, into whose rooms many succeeded, who for the more part looking how to rise in dignity made open an easy way for new factions. The Cardinal of Winchester The Cardinal of Winchester deceaseth. (the other halfe-arch of the Kingdom) overlived not the Duke above fifteen or sixteen days. The whole frame of government was thus drawn to repose itself upon the Queen, and such favourites, as the King by her commendation the rather liked. (43) The marquess * A. D. 1448. A. reg. 26. of Suffolk, prime man in grace, was created Duke, which made him a more conspicuous mark of envy, then that any shadow Suffolk made a Duke. of the King or Queen could shelter or protect. After the Cardinal's * Stow's Annal. death, the affairs in France (where Somerset was now Regent) wereneither duly looked unto, nor the governors of the Country well advised. But the King and Realm of England lay, much more than France, open to the inevitable, deep, and pernicious conspiracies of Richard Duke of York. He (by the error of King Henry, and the evil stars of our Country) being of himself a great Prince, and grown stronger by affected popularity, perceiving the King to be a Ruler, and not to Rule, began secretly to Richard Duke of York practiseth to attain the Crown. allure his friends of the Nobility, and privily declared to them his title to the Crown, as likewise he did to certain Governors of Cities and towns, which attempt was so Stows Annals. politicly and closely carried, that his provision was ready, before his purpose was opened. The very state of things invited this fatal conspiracy: a milder King than England was worthy of; a Council out of favour with the people; manifold losses and dishonours abroad; a turbulent and jealous condition of things at home. Of all which and much more, the Duke of York, having King Henry the fourth (the enemy of his house) for a perilous example, made his precious use, cherishing the popular aversions, without seeking to redress any evils, but representing them worse than they were, thereby to ripen that breach of loyalty in the hearts of men, which his ambition wrought upon. His displacement from the Regency of France, did not a little (perhaps) offend him at first, because the Duke of Somerset got it over his head; but it will not be long, before Sommersets evil carriage of that trust, and the declining The loss of Normandy occasioned by breach of truce. fortune of England, will give him occasion to rejoice at the foil of his dreaded enemy. Let us not be long in the rehearsal of the public shame and damage of our nation. (44) During the truce between England and France, one Sir Francis Surien an Arragonois (Knight * Serres. of the Garter) serving under the Regent, unlawfully surprised Fougers, a town of Britain upon the confines of Normandy. Restitution is demanded. The Duke of Somerset (a proud man (saith Serres) who thinking to do better than the rest, did absolutely ruin the English affairs) contrary to good discipline, cherishing his soldiers in their riots and disorders, neglected the justice of nations in that point. The French make this their example, and surprise Port deal' Arch, and town after town, so many and so fast, that King Charles (who, that he might have God on his side, and wrong on his enemies, contained himself with great modesty, till * Serres Normandy lost. he saw all quiet restitution desperate,) recovered Rouen, Caen and all Normandy within a short space after. A. D. 1449. A. D. 1450. Secundùm. Io. Tili. (45) Thus Somerset, and the English, are compelled to quit Normandy, not only inglorious, but also in England itself uncommiserated. The next main parcel of the English inheritance▪ beyond our Ocean, was Gascoigne. King Charles and his people desirous (against plain right) to make all that theirs, whatsoever was comprehended within the French language, invaded that Duchy also, and within very * A. D. 1452. saith Polyd: and Til. few years after (the fortune of war, and disloyalty of the people every where favouring them) extorted the same out of the English-mens' possession, after it had continued theirs about two hundredth fourscore Gascoigne lost. and nine years, to the immortal dishonour and damage of our nation. The Duke of York in the mean time, who thirsted for the Crown of England, hath occasion ministered to imp more feathers into his aspiring wings. Ireland is in tumult. Thither the Duke passeth, and not only appeaseth the disorder of that Nation, but * Stows Annal. won such favour among them, as could never be separated from him, and his lineage. Thus diligently the Pioneer makes his mines into the quiet and felicity of his Country, calling his cause the quarrel of right and justice, as pretending that the Crown of England appertained to his name and family. (46) But the odor of this vile success in France, coming into England, filled men's hearts and senses with great perturbation. The Queen and Suffolk suffer obloquy for these effects in the general judgement. The common wealth is not silent. A Parliament is called to be held at Westminster, which from thence was assigned to be kept at Leicester. The place likes not; few appear. It is brought back to Westminster. There the whole body of public counsel meets. Many * Hall Chron. Articles are exhibited by The Duke of Suffolk committed prisoner to the Tower and enlarged. the lower house against the Duke of Suffolk, wherein he is charged with evil demeanour, misprision and treason: who thereupon is committed prisoner to the Tower: from thence, within four or five weeks he is discharged, which more augmented the general indignation than his commitment had ministered satisfaction. The perilous Duke of York warms himself at these blazes, and underhand cherisheth them as opportunity will permit, having his cunning factors and instruments fit for such occasions secretly spread over the Realm, to instill the poisons of discontentment, and desire of change into The Duke of York procures the murder of the Lord Privy Seal. the giddy multitude. When we read in our vulgar Chronicles, that about this time Adam Molins' Bishop of Chichester, Keeper of the King's Privy Seal (through the procurement of Richard Duke of York) was by shipmen slain at Portsmouth, and yet no cause of so foul and wicked a murder expressed, it cannot but offend any curious Reader, who would receive satisfaction rather by the reason of actions then by the events. His guiltiness in the fact was so apparent, that K. Henry in his answer made a year or two after to the Duke's dissembling, and deceitful letter, confidently mentioneth the same, where thus he speaketh. Sooth it is that long time among the people hath been upon you many strange language, and in special anon after your disordinate and unlawful slaying of the Bishop of Chichester, divers, and many of the untrue shipmen and other, said (in their manner) words against our state, making menace to our own person by your sayings, that ye should be fetched with many thousands, and you should take upon you * The Crown of England. that which you neither aught, nor as we doubt not will attempt, etc. What cause led the Duke to commit this so impious a deed, may easily now be conjectured, being none other but the common hatred he bore to all such wise or valiant persons, as might in any sort uphold the most just and gracious Henry, and this sincerity in the Bishop could not be but a grievous crime in the Duke's ambitious eyes, whose greatness was even then too intolerable; for where was the King's justice when such a fact might hope of impunity? The Duke did effect it by his bloody complices as he did many other most seditious and perfidious things, while he was absent in Ireland. Thomas Thanie A fuller executed for treason. notwithstanding calling himself Blue-beard being a Fuller of Canterbury, and attempting to gather the people, miscarrieth in his treason, and for that was hanged and quartered: this was a preamble to the following tumults. The Duke of York's whole and only hopes were reposed in the general perturbations of his Country. The Duke of Suffolk King Henry's chief stay, accused by the Commons at the Parliament. (47) The Duke of Suffolk (a principal pillar of K. Henry's safety) being set at liberty, attends the King and Queen in their Parliament at Leicester▪ Behold the humour of the Commons which were soured with the pestilent leaven of York's conspiracy. They cannot endure the sight of this Prince, because his readvancement seems done in despite of them. Calumniations & odious surmises are exhibited against him: he must down to make way for K. Henry's most unworthy ruin. The most vile part of this Parliamental accusation was, that they should charge that for a crime upon Suffolk which themselves had universally in another former Parliament assented unto and ratified. Which was the delivery of Anjou and Main upon the marriage, concluded (for the good of England, if others had not inverted or interrupted the success by their temerity) with Renate, father of Queen Margaret. Neither did the envy only of the secret Yorkists overlade this noble Gentleman, but the impotency of the Duke of Sommersets faction, whose rashness and vanity having lost all Normandy, would gladly found any others shoulder, upon which to cast the imputation, either in part or whole. In that former Parliament assembled immediately upon Suffolk's return from that treaty with Renate out of France, this was the sum of the whole proceed. Suffolk (as he was very eloquent) made known to both houses, his counsels and services, and the effect of his Embassy, praying they might be approved, and enrolled for his discharge. Whereupon * This was in A. D. 1446. the next morrow, Burley Speaker of the lower house, and the body thereof repaired to the King's presence, then sitting among the Lords, and there * Stows Annals. humbly required, that the request of the marquess (afterward created Duke of Suffolk) might be granted: and the Lords made the like petition, kneeling on their knees. The King condescended to their desires, and so the whole matter was recorded for his acquittal. (48) What can be more evident? or who can enough admire the vanity of popular mutability? The Duke the (principal mark, though the Bishop of Salisbury, the Lord Say, and others were also accused) unable to stand the push of so general an opposition, must be banished. The King unwillingly gives this sentence against the Duke, or rather against his own life and safety: five years are limited to his exile. Being upon the sea, he is taken The Duke of Suffolk going into banishment is wickedly murdered. by his enemies, who at Dover-road struck off his head upon the side of a Cocke-boat. This devilish murder (for it was none other, the King's authority being not used therein) committed upon so great a Prince, was the less pitied, for that he was noised among the people to have been a privy actor in the Noble Duke of Glocesters' death, who perished (saith a * Cambd. in Glocest. learned Author) by the fraud and practice of a woman (belike) Queen Margarite. The Bishop of Salisbury before said more impiously, and irregularly lost his life in the following tumults, being murdered (after he had finished divine service) by The bloody effects of the Duke of York's popularity. his own Tenants, who dragged him from the Altar to an hill top, and there (while he was making his last prayers) cloven his sacred head: The Lord Say Treasurer of England fell likewise into the people's fury, and had his head cut off by the commandment of that execrable rebel jacke Cade, at the Standard in Cheap, as ye shall hereafter learn. (49) This William Duke of Suffolk * Cambden in Su●folke. was indeed a great and worthy person, for when his Father, and three Brothers had valiantly powered forth their lives for their The noble and great deserts of ●he Duke of Suffolk. Country in the war of France, he served in them four and thirty years, in seventeen of the which he never returned home, he was once taken prisoner, being then but a Knight, and paid for his ransom twenty thousand pounds sterling, he was fifteen years privy Counsellor, and thirty years Knight of the Garter. Notwithstanding all which, the same Author truly addeth: That as for these causes he was in highest grace with the King, so he was the more disgracious or hated of the people, and for * Leviculis de causis qu● parùm liquebant. certain very slight matters, and those not very apparent, he was driven into banishment, and (as you have already heard) was intercepted upon the sea in his passage to France, and by his adversaries killed. What honest heart doth not melt at the relation of these violent contempts of all religion, honour, reason and justice? yet are they but the drops which do forego those many bloody showers, which the cloud of York's faction rained upon our miserable Nation. They who murdered this great triumphant Gentleman, were certain persons who wafted upon the Seas in a Bark called the Nicholas of the Tower, which belonged to john * Stows Annal. Holland Duke of Excester, Constable of the Tower of London, whom Gods revenging hand shall not leave unpunished. (50) The Yorkists having thus rid Suffolk out of the way, thought it now a fit season to spring their The Kentish rebels under jacke Cade give out the name of Mortimer. lordship ractise. Hereupon the Commons of Kent, (who have seldom refrained in such turbulent times) while the Duke of York was as yet in Ireland, take Arms▪ One jacke Cade is their Captain: he had been the servant of a Sussex Knight, Sir Thomas Dagre; kills a woman with Child; abiureth the land; turns French; swearing service to them, and now returning, is the instrument to hung out Mortimer's name, like a flag to draw a party, feigning himself to be a cozen to the Duke of York. A pestilent devise, to sound the affections of the multitude, and to proclaim the Title to the Crown, which the Duke (as heir of that family) afterward challenged; for who would not ask, what should move him to use the name of Mortimer? This Cade whom some (by contraries) call john Amend-all (that is, john Marre-all) having drawn great numbers to follow him, encampes at Black-heath by Greenwich, and in his writings calls himself the Captain of Kent. His pretences (as of all like disloial actions) were the common good and such other. The King at the report of these stirs is stirred. The Captain of Kent demands. Cades demands. 1 That Richard Duke of York be called out of Ireland, and (with certain others named for stales and colour) be principally used in Counsel. 2 That as the Duke of Gloucester was falsely proclaimed a Traitor, so the Authors of his death might be punished. 4 (For the third Article contained no demand, but only scandalous matter to aggravate hatred against the dead Duke of Suffolk, and his living adherents:) That all the extortions (so the Rebels phrased them) daily used among the common people, might be laid down: that is to say, the green wax, which is falsely used to the perpetual destruction of the King's true Commons of Kent. Also the King's Bench, the which is Stows Annals. too grievous to the Shire of Kent, without provision of our Sovereign Lord, and his true Council. And also in taking wheat and other grains, beef, mutton, and all other victual, the which is importable to the said Commons, without the brief provision of our said Sovereign Lord, and his true Council, they may no longer bear it. And also unto the Statute of Labourers, and the great extortioners, the which is to say, the false Traitors, Sleg, Cromere, Isley, and Robert East. (51) Thus traitorously to the King's welfare, and scandalously to his most gentle government, writes this arrogant Captain of Rebels. The King upon view of these braves, begins to feel the indignity and danger. An Army is raised, Cade retires to Sevenoke in Kent. The King supposing he had fled, sends after him * Pygot. Sir Humphrey Stafford Knight, and other Gentlemen with some forces. We read none of these things without a suspicion, that the King was always betrayed by such hypocrites about him, as would not have him prospero. Mark the event. At Sevenoke Cade abides, probably not The first civil conflict under this King, where Cade hath the victory. without encouragement from secret Traitors, and after long fight slew Sir Humphrey with many others. He armed himself in the dead Knights habiliments with guilt spurs. The King and Queen hearing of this mishap, leave the Tower of London to the custody of the Lord Scales, and of that renowned Esquire Matthew Gowgh; and London itself to the Lord majors fidelity, themselves departing to Kenilworth. The headlong crews of London Horn a worthy Alderman of London persuading the resistance of Cade is in danger of his life. favour the Rebel, and give entrance. Robert Horn Alderman, like an honest wise man, would have had them resisted. This free necessary speech endangered his life; honourable in his memory for the hazard only, what should he have been if he had gloriously lost it? but money buys out his peril with the Tyrant, who fined him at * Rob. Fab. five hundred Marks. The time was very slippery and lose; for the Essex men also were encamped upon Mile-end by London: All men are afraid of their own estates; such secret well-wishings attended upon the Archrebels pretences. The King before he had left London was enforced (by such hollow friends as were about him) to commit the Lord Say Treasurer of England to the Tower, after that the valiant A. D. 1450. and loyal Sir Humphrey Stafford was slain, and the news of his unlucky defeat were confirmed. (52) Cade therefore being admitted into London upon the second of july with his forces, (where for Cades be haviors in London. a short while to delude the people with a show of conscience, they abstained from robberies) strikes with his sword upon London-stone, saying; Now is Mortimer Lord of this City. At night he returns into Southwark: One * Stows Annal. ad A. D. 1458. Robert Poinings of Southwark Esquire was his Sword-bearer and Carver. It is needless to be particular in this Rebel's behaviour: The next day he returns, and the Lord Say is beheaded in Cheapside (as is before said) at Cades commandment, and his body cut into quarters. The King being by the loss of so trusty and grave a servant, not a little weakened. (53) The next tragedy was Cromeres an Esquire, and high Sheriff of Kent (the Lord Says son in law) who is drawn out of the Fleet (and to appease the Essex Rebels) sacrificed by beheading without any trial at Mile-End. The City stirs not for all this. Malpas and Gerstie, two rich Citizens, at whose houses Cade had severally dined, being spoiled and rob by him (left perhaps it might appear, that he who durst commit treasons, had not also the heart to commit felonies) teach what others are to expect. The Mayor, Thomas Chalton and the wiser wealth ones, overruled by faction till then, see their danger now, and secretly sand to the Lord Scales for aid. Matthew Gowgh at night Cades second civil conflict upon London bridge. is come among them as sent by him. The Kentishmen, hearing their entry was barred, run furiously to arms. Cade endeavours to open his way by force; but in despite of all his power, the Citizens made good & defended London-bridge against him, though with the loss of many valiant and honest men, for the conflict endured all night till nine in the morning. Among such as were slain on the King's Alderman Sutton and Matthew Gowgh slain in the conflict. Polyd. Verg. l. 23. side, were john Sutton Alderman, Matthew Gowgh himself, and Robert Heysand Citizen. This Gowgh (an Esquire of Wales) was a man of excellent virtue, manhood, and zeal to his Country, and of great renown in the war of France, where he had served with special commendations faithfully, for the space of above twenty years. His deserts at this time deserved a Statue in the City, for whose safety he spent his last blood. To give a quick end to these miseries, impunity is proclaimed for all offenders, and sent to them in the King's name by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Chancellor, under the great Seal of England: the rebels are scattered with this assurance of their safeties, and every man retires in peace from following so pestilent an Impostor. A * The King's proclamation. Cade proscribed and killed. thousand Marks (when Cade afterward attempted new troubles) are promised to him, who kills or takes this sergeant Mortimer. Alexander Eden, a Gentleman of Kent, had the happiness to discover and kill him at Hothfield in that County: his wretched carcase was brought to London, where his false head was set sentinel upon London-bridge, and his quarters were advanced for terror in several parts of Kent. There died also by the stroke of justice twenty and six more, whereof eight were executed at Canterbury, and the rest elsewhere in Kent and Sussex. The multitude itself * Feb. 23. came naked in their shirts to the King on Black-heath, humbly praying mercy which they obtained. (54) The Kentish rebellion thus pacified, far greater and far more dangerous troubles ensued, as it * Polyd. Verg. l. 23 fareth in human bodies, which relapsing into sicknesses, are shaken so much the more terribly. These troubles had their fountain and mediate Original, from Richard Duke of York, no degenerous son of that Richard, whom King Henry the fifth had created Earl of Cambridge, and enriched with much wealth, honouring him above others in regard of his blood and parentage; but * Tho. Wal. in H. 5. no bounty, nor benefits could change a treacherous disposition, for (as you have heard before) he conspired to murder his benefactor King Henry the fifth, as the Duke of York (his true progeny) laboured to depose this King Henry his advancer. The humours of the popular body, were, in the last commotion, not obscurely discovered. The Common weal had perhaps some few enormities, through the The Duke of York comes out of Ireland. abuse of Magistrates and men in place, but yet such, as the malady was infinitely less pernicious than the remedy. Upon this intelligence the Duke comes sodeinely out of Ireland, and to begin his usurped censureship and dictature, apprehends * sows Annal. john Sutton Lord Dudley, Reignald Abbot of Saint Peter▪ at Glastenbury, and another, whom he imprisoneth within his Castle of Ludlow. Intolerable beginnings of more intolerable sequel. Edmund Duke of Somerset was the man, who (after Suffolk's death) most supported the King's side by * Poly. Verg. li. 23. his vigilancy▪ cares dangers, and good Counsels, endeavouring by all means to clear the Realm from factions, and to preserve the King and state in quiet. (55) York seeing this, doth found that Suffolk perished in vain, if Somerset held like grace; against whose person he had a particular pretence of quarrel, for that the City of Caen in Normandy, which was the Duke of York's charge, was rendered up to the French by him, when the English affairs grew desperate in those parts; Sir David Hall Knight, being at that time Captain there for his Lord and Master the Duke of York, and not allowing it, although the renowned Talbot himself was present at the tender, and become an hostage for performance of the Capitulations. York hereupon consults with his special friends, Richard Earl of Salisbury, and Richard his son, (who was afterward that most seditious & great fight Earl of Warwick,) Thomas Courtney Earl of Devonshire, Edmund Brooke Lord Cobham, and others, how York might get the Crown of England, and for that cause how to ruin or fret out the Duke of Somerset, The Duke of York arms upon pretence to reform the state. who standing, they were to look for strong opposition. In the end, they conclude to take arms, but yet to smother the mention of the Duke of York's title, giving out to the world for the reason of their doings, that they meant all honour and obedience to King Henry, and only to remove certain bad men from about his person, who afflicted the people, and made a prey of the Commonwealth: A. D. 1452. which, to gain the more credit, and to blind the good King, the subtle Duke declares by Proclamation; * Dat. 9 jan. 30. H. 6. at the Duke's Castle of Ludlow. wherein, thus speaketh that Ambitious Hypocrite. God knoweth from whom no thing is hid, I am, have been, and ever will be his true liege man; He publisheth a declaratory schedule in his justification. etc. And to the very proof it is so, I offer myself to swear that on the blessed Sacrament, and receive it, the which I hope shall be my salvation, at the day of doom. etc. In that it was the evil hap of the Duke of Somerset, that Normandy was lost during his Regency, his enemies had the more commodity to incommodate him with the people, who forbore not at his return to offer to him sundry dishonours and injuries, till upon pain of death they were restrained, for breach of which Proclamation, one had his head cut off in West Cheap London. The King marcheth against the Duke of York. (56) The King (notwithstanding all his Cousin's arts and dissimulations) seeing the hook through the bait, and the snake through the grass, by the advise of his trusty friends, chief of Edmund Duke of Somerset, thinks not fit to rely upon his enemies good nature, but having a strong power, and store of honourable men to conduct them, he marcheth toward Wales against the Duke. The King did herein wisely, but not so much as the cause required. York having notice of the King's approach turns aside, and with all speed marcheth toward London. That City, (the vain hope of all Rebellions,) would not hearken; Thereupon he slides with his people into Kent, the nest of his hopes, and at Brentheath near Dertford (a town about twelve miles from London) encampeth, meaning to fight. The King is not slow, but leaving his march toward Wales, pitcheth up his royal pavilion upon Black-Heath, with a purpose to teach his cozen of York The King's army being greater than the Dukes, peace is unhappily made. more duty. Behold the fortune of England. God puts an excellent opportunity into the King's hands of tearing up the danger of his house by the roots, for the Duke was far inferior in numbers. Such therefore as secretly favoured him, fearing his overthrow, were willing to advise a reconcilement. Messengers go between the hosts. The Duke, in his wont manner, pretends loyalty and particular injuries, as that the King's servants, Sir john Talbot at Holt castle, Sir Thomas Stanley in Cheshire, and others in other places, were set to hearken upon him. That by * Ex literis Regis & Ducis. two of the Norrices, Bulkeley, Grust, bold (and other Gentlemen) he was forbidden to land at Bewmaris, or to have any refreshment, affirming that he (the Duke of York) was against the King's intent and as a Traitor. The King stoops so much as to answer the letter, letting him to know: That the suspicion universally conceived of his behaviours moved those effects: nevertheless, in regard of the humble obedience which was now protested, he, for the easing of the Duke's heart, doth declare, repute and admit him as a true, and faithful subject, and as his well-beloved cozen. The Duke than advanceth his practice one step further, and writes to the King, that justice might be done upon all persons of what degree soever, which were guilty, or noised to be guilty of treason: aiming at the Duke of Somerset, whom he doubted not to over whelm with sleights and calumnies, as he and his had done the Duke of Suffolk. (57 The King is contented (such weak or treacherous counsels he relied upon) that Somerset (for his satisfaction) should be commanded Prisoner to his * Poly. Verg. li. 23. own house, and York (having first dissolved his army) should come in person, and put himself into the King's hand. When he was come, he exhibits a great complaint against the pride and avarice of the Duke of Somerset, and cunningly accusing none but him, he seeks the goodwill of all others. A cunning drift as any, considering that hereby he derived upon his enemy all the envy of the people, and left him single to withstand the effects. Somerset (a Prince of great spirit and wit) not thinking it reasonable, as well in regard of his own honour as the commonwealths interest, to endure such indignity, presents himself to the King against his accuser, and resolving not to be tender-mouthed in the so apparent peril of the King and Realm, whose quiet was undermined, answers York face to face, and, in plain terms accuseth him of highest treason, as having conspired to depose the King, and take upon himself the Sovereignty: vehemently urging: That * The Duke of Somerset confidently accuseth the Duke of York of treason. the Duke of York might be committed and arraigned, to the intent that by his deserved death, and the disenablement of his sons, Civil war might be extinguished, praying finally that God would not suffer the enemy of the Kingdom to escape the hand of justice. (58) This had in likelihood been done, but that the public faith seemed to stand engaged for the Duke's indemnity, he having come in upon the King's word, and also for that the hearts of men were not well assured to the King, which by executing York would perhaps have been more unsettled, because (not looking into the depth of the King's peril) it would have been thought that he had been destroyed to gratify Somerset, and not to secure the Realm. There was hope likewise to recover Aquitain, for that Bordeaux had offered to return: Lastly, the Duke's son and heir, Edward Earl of March (afterward King) was reported to be ready with a great force of Welshmen to secure his father. Upon these and other reasons, the Duke is no longer restrained, as upon Sommersets most weighty accusations he had been, and to assure the gentle and indulgent King, of his allegiance, he makes his submission, The Duke of York takes his Oath to be true to King Henry. and solemnly TAKES HIS OATH to be true, faithful and obedient subject. This was done upon the tenth of March in the Church of S. Paul in London, the King himself, and most of the chief nobility being present, as the Dukes of Buckingham, Norfolk, & Somerset, nine Earls, the viscounts, Beaumond and Wells, many great Barons: Of the Clergy, the Cardinal of York the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishops of Winchester Elie and London. (59) Let us view the form and words of this Caution upon which King Henry (measuring other men's hearts by his own) adventured to repose his life and Kingdom, which are these. The Duke's Oath and submission. I Richard, Duke of York, confess and beknown that I am and aught to be humble subject, and liegeman to you my Sovereign Lord, King Henry the sixt, and own therefore, to bear you faith and truth, as to my Sovereign liege Lord, and shall do all days to my lives end: and shall not at any time will or assent that any thing be attempted or done against your most noble person, * Ex vetust. God. but wheresoever I shall have knowledge of any such thing imagined or purposed, I shall with all speed and diligence possible to me, make, that your highness shall have knowledge thereof, and, over that, do all that shall possible be to me to the withstanding, and let thereof to the uttermost of my life: I shall not any thing take upon me against your royal estate or obeisance that is due thereto, nor suffer any other man to do, as farforth as shall be in my power to let it. And also shall come at your commandment, whensoever I shall be called by the same, in humble and obeisant wise, but if I be letted by any sickness or impotency of my person, or by such other cause as shall be thought by you my Sovereign Lord reasonable. I shallnever hereafter take upon me to gather any rout or to make any assembly of your people without your commandment, or licence, or in my lawful defence, in interpretation or declaration of the which my lawful defence I shall report me at all times to your highness, and, if the case require to my Peers; nor any thing attempt against any of your Subjects, of what estate, degree or condition that they be. But whensoever I found myself wronged and aggrieved, I shall sue humbly for remedy to your highness, and proceed after the course of your laws, and none otherwise, saving in mine own lawful defence in manner abovesaid, and otherwise have to your highness as an humble and true subject aught to have him to his Sovereign Lord All these things abovesaid I promise' you truly to observe and keep by the holy Evangelists contained in the book that I lay my hand here upon, and by the holy Cross I here touch, and by the blessed Sacrament of our Lord's body, that I shall now with his mercy receive. And over I agreed me, and will that if at any time hereafter, as by the grace of our Lord God I never shall, any thing attempt by way of feat, or otherwise against your royal Majesty and obeisance, that I own thereto, or any thing take upon me otherwise then is above expressed, I from that time forth be unabled, held, and taken as an untrue and openly forsworn man, and unable to all manner of worship, estate or degree, be it such as I now occupy, or any other that might in any wise grow to me hereafter. And this I have here promised and sworn, proceedeth of mine own desire and free volunt, and by no constraining nor Coaction. In witness of all which things above written, I Richard Duke of York above writ subscribe with mine own hand and seal. This Oath he also took at Westminster and Coventree at sundry times. Who now can consider the effects of this so public and solemn Oath, and doth not tremble in every part? Let us hasten to their view, lest God perhaps may quietly seem to have been mocked to his face by a vain ambitious Hope conceived to recover Gascoigne. man. (60) To divert these home-breeding rancours and practices, by employing the wits and bodies of men in other more honest things, the Earl of Candal (son * Serres. to Captal de Budie who had upon necessity submitted his Seignouries to Charles the French King, but reserved his person out of that obedience) and the Lord L'Esparre, come secretly from Bordeaux and pray an Army, for that Bordeaux and the Gascoigns would return to the English, if they might be supported. An Army is decreed for their reduction. john Lord Talbot the first Earl of Shrewsburie of his name as General in that enterprise, lands in Gascoigne, where he doth sundry exploits, and the fame of his former chivalry flying before with terror, makes many places the rather to yield. Bordeaux herself secretly opens a gate unto him, which the French Garrison perceiving fled out at a Postern, but many being overtaken were slain by the Lord L'Esparre and the English. New supplies and victuals arrive, whereof the Earl of Shrewsburies' younger son, (Viscount Lile by his wife,) was a principal conductor. Bordeaux thus thoroughly manned and fortified, the Earl is advertised that the French lay at siege before castilion, a place of importance upon the river of Dardonne. Thither the Earl marcheth, The Earl of Shrewsburie and his younger son slain in battle. and with too great a confidence charging the enemy upon unequal terms, was there slain, together with his son the Viscount Lile and others. Bordeaux received such as fled. The English fortunes and hopes which began to quicken, made this unhappy Catastrophe in * julie, to the infinite loss of our nation and An. D. 1453 A. reg. 31. grief of the Gascoigns, who generally misliked the French, and inclined to the English, having so honourably, and for so long a time governed those dominions. This was the end of that great Earl, after he had for the space of twenty and four years served his Prince and Country in the French wars, with highest commendation; a * Cambden in Shropshire. Polyd. Verg. in Hen. 6. most noble and most valiant man, by whose virtue the English name did chief become terrible in France. Bordeaux it self, and all other places after this, were by siege brought again under the French King, who prosecuted those affairs in person. From that time forward the English never obtained there any hold or further footing, the felicity The English quite expelled out of all Aquitain. of this attempt breaking all combinations of the Gascoignes. This Duchy of Aquitaine * Stows Annal. contained four Archbishopriks, four and twenty Bishopriks, fifteen Earldoms, two hundred and two Barons, and above a thousand Captainships and Bailywickes'. The loss of so goodly an inheritance which had continued English for almost three hundred years, the world may easily conjecture how justly it was grieved and lamented for. In this fallen estate of the English, the Queen upon the thirteenth day of October was delivered of her first son who was named Edward, Prince Edward is borne. proving the child of sorrow and infelicity. (61) It were to be wished we might now rather number the following evils of England, then describe them; for what can we learn out of such unnatural and savage destructions, but matter of horror and detestation? but sith they must be handled, (the law and necessity of our task exacting it,) the sooner to be quit of so unpleasing objects, it will be best abruptly to thrust into the narration. The Duke of York (wickedly careless of an Oath so religiously A. D. 1454. and publicly taken,) to make his way to the Crown more easy, hath now procured his chief and most fearful enemy the Duke of Somerset to be sodeinely arrested of high treason, (doubtful whether by any authority but his own) in the Queen's great Chamber, and sent to the Tower of London, upon pretence that he had capital matter to charge him with. York's principal friends (upon confidence of whom he dared so high things) were Richard Nevil Earl of Salisbury second son of Ralph Nevil Earl of Westmoreland, whose daughter the Duke of York had married. This Richard was Earl of Salisbury in right of Alice his wife, sole heir to Thomas Montacute, the famous Earl, slain at the siege of Orleans. The Dukes other main hope was Richard Nevil (son of the former Richard Nevil,) who in right of his wife, the Lady Anne (sole sister, and heir of the whole blood to Henry Beauchamp, Duke of Warwick) was by this King Henry the sixth created Earl of Warwick in a most unhappy hour both for the King & kingdom, being * Cambd. in Warw. invicto animo etc. a man of an undaunted mind, but flitting faith. (63) The King in the mean space, while the Duke of Somerset was thus endangered, lay sick; and York (as Regent) swayed and overswayed in Court; but when the king (perceiving malice and practise to be the chief bases of York's accusations) had recovered his health, and resumed the government, Somerset is set at liberty and made Captain of Calleiss; York and his adherents repair to open force: They levy their army about the Marches of Wales, with which they repair toward London, the The King marcheth ●o Saint Albans against the Duke of York. main object of Pretendents. The King hearing of his enemies approach, is accompanied with Humphrey Duke of Buckingham, Edmund Duke of Somerset, Humphrey Earl of Stafford, Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, james Butler Earl of Wiltshire, and Ormond, Beaufort Earl of Dorcet, jasper Theder Earl of Pembroke the King's half-brother, Thomas Courtney Earl of Devonshire, the Lords Clifford, Sudley, Berners, Rosse and others, and with them enters into Saint Alban in warlike manner, having certain thousands of common soldiers. Thither also the Duke of York and his adherents came. This was toward the end of May: The Duke's request to the King was, that he would deliver such persons to be deservedly punished as he would name. The King (to let them know who he was) returns this confident answer. That he and the rest were Traitors, and that rather than they should have any Lord from him who was with him at that time, he himself would for their sake in the quarrel upon that day live and die. The Duke of Somerset slain and the King taken in battle. (64) The Yorkists hereupon assail the King's people within the Town, and Warwick breaking in through a Garden, a sharp battle is begun. The loss fell lamentably upon King Henry's side; for besides the Duke of Somerset, there were slain the Earls of Northumberland and Stafford, the L. Clifford, with sundry worthy Knights and esquires, of which forty and eight were buried in Saint Alban, there being slain above five thousand of K. Henry's party, and of the Yorkists about six hundredth. The King himself was shot into the neck with an arrow; & other of his chief friends were likewise sore wounded and taken. The Earl of Wiltshire, and Thomas Thorpe, Lord chief Baron of the Exchequer, with others saved themselves by flight. The Duke of York, the Earls of Salisbury and Warwick with the King, (whom they in show did use most reverently, and as if they had meant nothing unto him but good faith) upon the morrow ride to London, where in july immediately following, a Parliament is holden in King Henry's name. The forerunner whereof was a Comet, or blazing star, which appeared in the month of june, the beams whereof extended themselves Humphrey Duke of Gloucester declared to have been a true subject. into the south. The first popular act of this assembly, was to restore the memory of Humphrey Duke of Gloucester to honour, declaring him to have been a true subject to the King and Realm. (65) The next provisions which the Yorkists made, were for themselves, and their own security, willing and commanding that the Duke of York & his partakers should incur no blame by reason of the journey at Saint Alban: the whole fault whereof was laid upon the dead Duke of Somerset, the Lord Chief Baron, and one William joseph Esquire, who (say they) kept from the King a pacificatory letter which the Duke of York had sent. It is a wonder and a shame to read how officiously these violent Lords (meaning nothing less) behaved themselves to the King, of whose majesty they will needs seem to be the only Champions and conseruators. The Duke The Duke of York protector of the Realm. of York in the same Parliament creates himself Protector of England, the Earl of Salisbury is made Lord Chancellor, and the Earl of Warwick (his son) Captain of Caleis: they spared as yet to touch King Henry's life, because the people did wonderfully Poly. Verg. in H. 6. honour, esteem, and reverence him for his singular holiness, and for that he had great friends left alive, and a son. In the mean space, that they might without trouble, and at their pleasure, uncrown or kill him, they by little and little displaced the ancient Counsellors, and substituted their assured favourites. Another Act of that absolute force and fraud, which they exercised in this dreadful perturbation of all things, was the drawing of john Holland Duke of Excester out of Sanctuary at Westminster, conveying him to Pomfret Castle in the North. A. reg. 34. (66) Henry Beauford Duke of Somerset, (son of the former) the Duke of Buckingham, (whose son and heir the Earl of Stafford was slain at S. Alban) and other the King's friends, perceiving whereunto this fair show tended, consult with the The Duke of York is discharged of the usurped Protectorship. Queen at Greenwich concerning her husband's danger, and how to prevent it. Hereupon the Duke of York is displaced from the Protectorship, a ridiculous title to be assumed, where the king was aged about five and thirty, and had no other fault or unfitness, but that he was too good to live among them. The Earl of Salisbury was also deprived of his Lord Chancellorship. The French take Sandwich in Kent and Foway in Devonshire. (67) The King having thus recovered his dignity and authority, but not sufficient means to suppress his dangers, the French take courage at our intestine divisions, and landing at Sandwich with fifteen thousand men (part of their forces) they kill the Mayor, Bailiffs, and other Officers of that Town, with sundry Gentlemen of the Country, spoil all they could lay hand upon, and among all they rob two great vessels laden with merchandise, which lay there bound for London and departed. Another part of them, burns Foway and certain other towns in Devonshire. On the other side the Scots hostillie entered into Northumberland, but upon notice that the Duke of York approached with a power, they returned, having not as yet done any great harm. (68) These indignities and losses might have united the disjoined affections of true English hearts, which was greatly desired by such as loved their Country: For which purpose the King, Queen, and their chief friends, being at Coventrie, the Duke The King at Coventrie, from whence the Duke of York and the Yorkists departed sodeinely. of York, the Earls of Salisbury and Warwick are sent for by the King's letters under his privy Seal, to give their attendance, whither they come, but they (either warned of some plot contrived against them, or fearing it, or feigning to fear) sodeinely leave the Court, without leave, the Duke departing to Wigmore in the Welsh marches, the Earl of Salisbury to his Castle of Midleham in the North-Countrey, and the Earl of Warwick to caleis, whose bodies though thus divided, their minds continued most firmly factionated. But the King (a pattern of * Camb. in Suthrey. pag. 214. Christian goodness) being tender over the general estate of his Country, and wonderfully desirous to reconcile differences among his subjects, that they might the better withstand their imminent foreign enemies, returns to London there to consult how to effect his holy wishes. The great Lords are persuaded to * In Januar. A. D. 1458. A. reg. 36. meet there; which they did; but yet not without store of followers, for the Duke brought with him fourehundred men, the Earl of Salisbury five hundredth, the Earl of Warwick six hundredth: The Lords meet the King at London to compose all quarrels. The Dukes of Excester and Somerset eight hundredth, the Earl of Northumberland, the Lords Egremond and Clifford fifteen hundredth. This was the fashion of that swording age. (69) In March the king and Queen with a very royal company alight at Westminster, to accomplish, if it were possible this charitable and necessary work of atonement and reconciliation. Godfrey Bolein was at that time Lord Mayor of London, (being Godfrey Bolein at this time Maior of London the ancestor of two Queens. the ancestor of two renowned and virtuous Queens of England, Anne second wife to King Henry the eight, and Elizabeth their daughter,) through wh ose great vigilancy and providence, the City stood so well guarded, that the King's peace was dutifully kept, notwithstanding the great Lords of both the factions (Yorkists and Lancastrians,) were with so great troops of followers lodged within, and about the same: for during the whole time of their abode he had * Rob. Fab. Chro. five thousand Citizens in Harness, himself riding daily about the City and suburbs, to see the public quiet preserved: and for the night watch there were assigned to three Aldermen two thousand corslet-men. (69) During this watch, a great Council was holden by the King and Lords, where at length by the diligent travail, good exhortation, and prudent advise of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and of other learned and godly Prelates, the parties offended were induced to a communication, and afterward to a final accord: the points whereof, considering they held so short a while, (for as * Rob. Fab. one saith truly, the dissimuled love day hung but by a small thread) it were frivolous to devil in their rehearsal. The King himself The quarrels ended by the King's award with show of common liking. (a singular testimony of the opinion which all parties had of his integrity) was whole arbitrator of their differences. Certain satisfactions were awarded to be made by the Duke of York, with the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury, for the death of Edmund Duke of Somerset, and others slain at S. Alban. And the same Duke of Somerset, the Earl of Northumberland, and Lord Clifford (slain in that battle by the Yorkists) are declared for true liegemen to the King at the day of their deaths, aswell as the Duke of York, the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury. So both parts stand justified and rect●in curia. Many other articles and awards were made, to solder and glue together their alienated hearts and affections. The reioicement caused by this seeming peace (which on the behalf of the king's person was undoubtedly sincere and true) was wonderfully great among all good Englishmen, who flocked to the public celebration thereof. For upon our * Martii. 25. Lady's day in Lent, a solemn procession was made within the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul in London, where the King (adorned with Crown and robes of majesty) went in person, before whom went hand in hand the Duke of Somerset, and the Earl of Salisbury, the Duke of Excester, and the Earl of Warwick, and so of either faction one and one, and behind the King himself, came the Queen and Duke of York with great familiarity in all men's sights. OH religion, o honour, o sincerity, that your divine virtue should not have contained these spirits in the harmony of sweet obedience; but if you could not, what alas should? England must be more severely scourged, then that so goodly a blessing of public reconciliation should continued, whereby the proud tops of her nation (offensive to God and men) being taken off, the way might be opened to other names or races, which as yet were nothing thought on. The probable condition of things after the reconcilement. (70) There is no reason to doubt, but that the Duke of York (a man of deep retirement in himself) secretly continued his purpose for the Crown, notwithstanding all these his varnished pretences, and did only therefore not as then put for it, because he presumed the time was incommodious. Again the Queen (true head and life of the contrary part) aswell in regard of herself, her husband, and young son, may in likelihood be thought to have laid down any thing, rather than the wakefulness and jealousy, which former perils and the enemies present strength might worthily keep alive in her. The thin ashes therefore, which covered these glowing coals, were thus again first unraked and set to blaze. (71) The King and many of the Lords, still being at Westminster, there happened (or perhaps * Polid. Verg. l. 23 makes it doubtful, casune an as●●. was plotted) a fray between one of the King's servants and a follower of the Earl of Warwick, who hurt the King's servant. Hereupon his fellows of all sorts (as Cooks with their spits etc.) in great disorder assail the Earl himself, as he was coming from the Council, and had there slain him, but that the The Earl of Warwick assaulted, and escaping speeds to Cale●●. evil fate of England and his own, reserved him to do and suffer greater mischiefs. The Earl hardly gets to his Barge, and reputing all things unsure about the King, gets over to his place at caleis. The Yorkists directly charge the Queen with this, as with a plot drawn for the Earl's destruction. Not long after this, the young Duke of Somerset is sent Captain to caleis. Warwick will resign no room, notwithstanding the King's command, alleging he was made by Parliament: Somerset is rejected with danger to his person. Warwick partly maintains himself, and such as stuck to him in that charge, with spoils which he got at Sea; How lawfully it appears not; though Warwick is said to have been Admiral by Patent, though now revoked. The Ordinary books have, that he, with fourteen sail of men of war, set upon three Caricks of Gene or Genoa, and two of Spain, greater than the Caricks: three of which Merchant-fleete (which how they should be lawful prize, we see not) he vanquished after two days fight, with the loss of about an * Rob. Fabian, who also reports a much greater number of Merchant's ships. hundredth men of his own, and a thousand of theirs: The booty was worth, at mean rates ten thousand pounds; such also as followed the Duke of Somerset coming into his hands, he beheaded at caleis. These were strange dare in the Earl of Warwick; whom yet the unskilful, and drunken multitude so highly praise: but what are these in regard of them which will presently follow? (72) The Duke of York in the mean time, and Warwick with his father, the Earl of Salisbury (the The civil war gins again. Triumuirs of England) consult of their affairs: Salisbury is resolved with sword in hand to expostulate the danger and injury offered to his son at Westminster. The Queen (a Lady of incomparable magnanimity and foresight) confident in this, that now King Henry, or the Duke of York must perish, and that one Kingdom was not wide enough for both their Families, bestirs herself to maintain the possession of a Crown, and to advance to the same her own flesh and blood Prince Edward, by ruining his house, whose whole building consisted of Lancastrian beneficence. She consults, she sends, she speaks, she gives, and strengtheneth herself with friends on all sides, chief in Cheshire, causing her son to distribute silver swans (his badge or devise) to all Battle at Blore-heath where K. Henry's side hath the worst. the Gentlemen of that County, and to many other through England. Salisbury sets forward from his Castle at Middleham with four or five thousand men. james Touchet, Lord Audeley encounters him unadvisedly upon Blore-heath near Muckelstone. The fight was long and bloody, but in the end K. Henry's evil fortune gave the better of the day to the Earl of Salisbury, where, besides the valiant Lord Audeley himself, were slain not fewer than two thousand and four hundredth, but the chief loss fell upon the Cheshire men, who ware the Prince's Livery. (73) The Earl of Salisbury in this sort opened to himself a way to Ludlow, where the head of their combination, Richard Duke of York, busied himself to gather forces: being met, they conclude, that seeing the matter was now become deadly, they would deal in clouds no longer, but fight it out to the extremity. Men are drawn out of all parts with large hopes & promises of sharing in their fortunes, and the Earl of Warwick bringing with him from The Duke of York and his friends take Arms. Caleis (which he left with his friends) that valiant Captain Andrew Trolop, and a band of stout and choice Soldiers, comes to the general Rendevou of the Yorkists, the Castle of Ludlow. The King in the mean space, (and not before it was need and time) hath assembled a great puissance of faithful Subjects, and being * Wheathamsted. attended with the Dukes of Somerset and Excester, and other of his chief friends marcheth against his enemies. His first work was, to offer them general pardon. It is refused, and called by them a staff of reed, or glass Buckler. The sword must decide the quarrels; whereupon the king commands his Standards to advance: while he was in his March, * Dated at Ludlow 10. October. a letter fraught with the A. D. 1459. wont hypocrisies) is delivered to the King. There are in it among many other insinuations these also: Most Christian King, right high and Mighty Prince, and our most dread Sovereign Lord, etc. We sent unto your good grace by the Prior of the (Cathedral) Church (of Worcester) and divers other Doctors, and among other by M. The horrible abuse of Christian Sacraments to beguile the King. William Linwood doctor of Divinity, which ministered unto us severally the blessed Sacrament of the body of jesus, whereupon we and every of us deposed of our said truth and duty. (74) Thus these profane and ambitious men play with God, who in the end will severely be avenged on them for their impiety: but the letter made no overture of any course, upon which they would yield to lay down Arms, alleging, they would but make their way to the king for redress of abuses, & that they were enforced to stand together for their own defence, against such great Courtiers and Favourites, as (say they) intended their destruction; meaning indeed such persons whose vigilancy and manhood might protect and guard him from their practice and violence. The King is now in sight, whom the Triumuirs York, Warwick and Salisbury being strongly entrenched before Ludlow, * Grafton Chron. mean to assail. Andrew Trollop (who had in the Kings pay done great service upon the French) was acquainted with all Captain Andrew Trollop forsakes the Triumuirs or Yorkists Campe. their counsel, and finding himself extremely deceived, (for he thought and so by the Earl of Warwick was made to believe, that the preservation of the King was intended, and not destruction) abandons the Yorkists Camp at midnight, & with a choice number of trusty men presents himself and services to the King, who graciously received him and his. The truth of the Triumvirates plot, and bottom of their conspiracies was thus made clearly known: The Yorkists are scattered without Battle. The Yorkists upon notice of Trollop● act, despairing of success, at that present fly. The Duke of York with the Earl of Rutland his younger son into Ireland, the Earl of March his eldest son and heir, Warwick and Salisbury, with much difficulty escape to Caleis, which place (as * Poly. Verg. l. 23. one saith probably) if Henry had in time taken from his enemies, they had without question been forthwith irrecoverably ruined. (75) The multitude which served under York found mercy, but their Tenants were many of them executed, maimed, or generally ransacked. The town of Ludlow itself was spoiled to the bore walls, and Duchess of York deprived of all her goods. What less could be the effects against the friends of such adversaries, upon so public an act and advantage? The Duke of York and others attainted of high treason by Parliament. The point is followed more sharply upon the great Offenders in the next Parliament which was holden at Coventree: there Richard Duke of York, Edward Earl of March, Richard Earl of Warwick, Edmund Earl of Rutland, Richard Earl of Salisbury, Alice Countess of Salisbury (in whose right her husband was Earl) two or three Lords, 9 Knights, and certain other, were openly of high Treason attainted, and their whole estates confiscated. (76) Caleis, a most important piece, being in the mean space violently possessed by Warwick, the Duke of Somerset, the Lords Rosse and Audley, are sent with forces to take it; their success was evil▪ for the Duke was glad to fly, his Soldiers were rob by Warwick's men of their harness, the Lord Audley is taken into the Town, and the Lord Roos hardly escaped. Letters are hereupon written into foreign parts, entreating * In Articul. ad Archiep. Cantuar. ● Deuce Ebor. ●iss. Articul. 8. that no relief be ministered to the Traitors who kept Caleis against the King, and all men are at home forbidden to transport any victual or refreshment thither. Evident it is, that the Council of England rather wished that the Town and castle had been French again, then as it was; neither therein erred they, for it could not be so mischievous to the main of their cause, as now it was. The Duke of Somerset being in Guines, a neighbour Castle, doth daily by his soldiers skirmish with the Caliseans: Warwick meditates other things. He must speak with the Duke of York, at whose commandment all Ireland (where he abode) seemed to be ready; but is advertised that the King had certain ships, which lay at Sandwich to transport supplies and succours The Earl of Warwick's men take the Lord Rivers and some of the King's Navy at Sandwich. to the Duke of Somerset. He means not to leave such a peril behind him unremoved; having therefore espied his time, he wils his people to slip over in the night to Sandwich, which they accordingly did, took the Lord Rivers, and his son Anthony Wooduile prisoners, and brought away all the ships, except one called Grace de Dieu: one Sir Baldwine Fulford Knight, having (after this) assumed to do service upon the Earl of Warwick, and to take him, returns empty. Warwick sails now The King arms to Sea, but cannot take the Earl, who returns from Ireland to Caleis. to Ireland. The King makes the Duke of Excester Admiral, and gives him commission to apprehended the Earl of Warwick. The Duke with a great navy puts forth to Sea from Sandwich. Behold the ill carriage of things. At Dertmouth many of his Soldiers, pretending want of money and victuals, forsake him. Meanwhile the Earl of Warwick passeth by the Duke, not daring to assail him, nor he willing to assail the Duke, for that he was Admiral and of the King's blood. Such was the act and cunning of the Yorkists to pretend reverence unto that, which most of all they thirfted to shed▪ Five hundredth fresh soldiers attend at Sandwich to be shipped over to the Duke of Somerset for safe-conducting him into England. Warwick's men suddenly come upon them, slew Montfort their Captain, and many other, and disarmed the rest. Such was the distracted estate of our poor Country at this time, through the pride and restless ambition of one or two unhappy men. But though nothing was more plain than that the Duke of York sought the crown of England; yet nothing is truer, then that they as yet pretended nothing less for the veneration of King Henry's purity of life, would have prevailed with the people greatly to their prejudice. (77) The King failing thus to obtain the person of Warwick, or his Town of Caleis, the Yorkists sand over certain Articles into Kent, in which (as if they were the only Patriots and best Subjects of the world) they complain of certain general enormities The Yorkists sand over Articles to seduce the people. concerning injuries done to the Church, and the ill ministration of justice, abuse of purveyors and takers, the King's poverty by the corruption of his officers, and the like plausible stuff: where they speak of the King, they sequester him from all exception, as being of so noble, so virtuous, so righteous, and so blessed disposition: (these are their words and the truth) as any Prince earthly. Where they speak of their enemies, (that is, the King's principal friends and faithful subjects) they name the Earl of Salisbury, the Earl of Wiltshire, and the Lord Beaumond which must ever be an honour to their memories, and put the blame (if it were blameworthy) of such attaindors which were enacted against the Yorkists at Coventree, upon these three Lords specially. Where they speak of themselves & their intentions, they profess all sincerity and loyalty to King Henry, and that they only meant to come upon their guard to speak with him concerning the commonwealth, and their own safeties, and that now they would attempt the same again, in the name of the Land, and not to suffer such mischiefs to reign upon them. The conclusion of their cunning and painted pretences hath these feigned holy words: Requiring you (the people) on God's behalf, and praying you in your own, therein to assist us, doing always the duty of Liegemen in our persons to our said Sovereign Lord, to his estate, prerogative and pre-eminence, and to the surety of his most noble person, whereunto we have ever been, and will be as true as any of his Subjects alive: whereof we call God, our Lady Saint Marie, and all the Saints in heaven, to witness, and record. But of the thing itself (that is to Crown the Duke of York) they make not the lest mention: what wanted in these men to the height and depth of human malice? They prevail with the multitudes; a shallow brained, but a great and many headed beast. The Lord Fawconbridge is sent to sound their affections, and to draw the purulent matter to an head: he finds great forwardness. The Earls of March, Warwick and Salisbury advertised of all things, land in Kent. But The Earl of Warwick lends his side an Oath. the people only were not deluded; for Thomas Bourchier Archbishop of Canterbury, and other grave men, believed they meant sooth; which that they might the rather do, the Earl of Warwick made open oath upon the Cross of Canterbury, that they had ever borne true faith and allegiance to King Henry. A strange humour in the English, that could neither brook bad nor benign Princes. The King had before their coming quit the City of London, as not greatly trusting the affections which the people thereof bore toward such as the Yorkish faction had made odious about him, and appointed the Rendevow of his forces at Northampton where he abode. The enemy (showing friend) advanceth thither. It is a shame to read that some of the great Prelates would simply be drawn to countenance such an enterprise: but their intentions were different; they hoped to reconcile enmities, the Earls, to make York King. Meanwhile their complices labour to take the Tower of London, within which there were for King Henry these loyal Nobles. The Lord Scales, Hungerford, Vescie, Lovel, Delaware, and Candal a Gascoigne with sundry others. (78) At Northampton things were carried thus: The King meaning there to abide his adversaries, when it was not thought meet to admit the Earl of Warwick to his presence, (which thing was coulourably sued for to raise a ground of justification for battle) they prepare on both parts. The Earls of March and Warwick (with like or greater cunning, than they had desired admission to the King's speech) let cry through the field, that no man should lay hand upon the King, nor common people, but upon the Lords, Knights and esquires. (79) The hosts joy ne. No stroke they gave but seems to wound us also. Let us swiftly turn our eyes from so unnatural slaughters. The * The Battle at Northampton where the King is taken. L. Grey of Ruthen began the discomfiture of the King's side, for he (let the world judge with what commendation,) having the point, did quit his place and fled to the Earls. The king's army is defeated, and utterly broken. Many were slain and drowned. Polydor and Grafton say ten thousand: The chief of the Nobles who there lost their lives, were the Duke of Buckingham, john Earl of Shrewsburie (a * Stows Annals. who varieth in many circumstances of this battle from some other writers most hopeful young Gentleman, and in all points like his heroic Ancestors) john Viscount Beaumond, Thomas▪ Lord Egremond, and among sundry other prime men, * Polyd. Verg. Graft. Ghron. Sir William Lucy, who making haste to the fight, was upon his first approach chopped down with an axe. The King's Ordinance could not play, there fell so great a rain. (80) This woeful battle was fought upon the * Rob. Fab. Graft. Chron. An. D. 1460 A. reg. 38. ninth of july. The King (as a man borne to all calamities and miseries, though he not therefore the less, but the more happy through that excellent fortitude of mind, with which he invincibly sustained them) comes into his enemy's hands; but the Queen and the Prince, and the remains of their scattered fortunes fly into the North, there to reinforce their powers, and to * Rob. Fab. Chron. subdue (as she caused them to be proclaimed) the King's Rebels and enemies. The Tower of London after this misfortune renders itself. The Lord Scales is wickedly murdered upon the Thames by Wherrimen, belonging to the Earl of Warwick, as he intended to pass to * Stows Annal. Sanctuary at Westminster. The Earls when they were possessed of the King, continued their admirable hypocrisies (which God will terribly plague them for) thereby to lead the people on, and had to him these words. The Earls words to the King. (81) Most noble Prince, displease you not, though it hath pleased God of his grace to grant us the victory of our mortal enemies, who by their venomous malice have untruly stirred and moved your Highness to exile us out of the land, and would have put us to final shame, and confusion: we come not to unquiet or grieve your said Highness, but to please your noble person, desiring tenderly the high welfare and prosperity thereof, and of all your Realm, and to be your true Liegemen while our lives shall endure. Our souls are amazed at these arts, and men blush to publish to the world things so unworthy. (82) The * Machiavelli. Florentine Secretary was scarce borne at this time, but the Devil was as great a Master then as afterward. The King and Earls in the mean time go to London, where a Parliament was summoned in his name to be holden in October following. The Duke of York (advertised of his victory) speeds from Dublin, the chief City of Ireland, to be at that Parliament, where we shall at last see the true face of his purpose, his own self taking away the mask which hitherto concealed it. (83) Scotland, by reason of late affinity with the house of Beaufort, whose chief and top was The humanity of Scotland to K. Henry's friends distressed. the Duke of Somerset, (descended from john Duke of Lancaster by the Lady Katherine) was a special back, and Second to King Henry in all his 〈◊〉 adversities; but now that refuge was also hazarded: for King james the second, partly in favour of King Henry, and partly as making use of the troubles in England, layeth ●●ege to Rocksbrough (Bellenden the Scot calleth the same Castle * Hect. Boet. transl. lib. 17. c. 5. Marchmont) being in the custody of King Henry's enemies, where while himself (whose * Lesle. in jam. 2. skill and delight in shooting of Ordinance was great) coming down the trenches to see the * Graftons' Chron. Lion (a new great piece which had lately been cast in Flanders) and the other Artillery discharged, james the second King of Scotland slain with the shiver of a great piece. A. D. 1460. one of them brake, and with a shiver thereof slew the king, and dangerously wounded the Earl of Angus. This unhappy accident happened upon a Sunday, the * Lesle in jac. 2. third day of August. The Queen of Scotland nevertheless maintaineth the siege, and aswell obtains that place, as the Castle of Work, both which she (in revenge) threw to the earth. james the third, a child of seven years old succeeded to his father, aswell to the cherishment of the distressed English, as to the Crown. An. reg. 39 The Duke of York returns out of Jreland to claim the Crown of England. (84) The Parliament being begun, about the * eight of October at Westminster in King Henry's name, thither comes with flying speed, Richard Duke of York, who broke open the King's lodging Chamber, and placed himself therein, suffering the King to provide elsewhere. Then makes he his claim to the Crown of England, and publisheth it in open Parliament together with his pedigree. The whole house (such among them excepted as were privy to the Duke's intention) was * Rob. Fab. greatly dismayed both for that he did set himself in the King's seat, and for this his unexpected challenge: But the Duke though at first he greatly meant to have deposed King Henry, and with speed to be crowned himself at Alhallontide next, yet finding such amazement and silence, he sends them his pedigree and his claim in writing, that they might the better consider, yielding (as it seems) to be ordered therein, according to their general agreement during the treaty whereof he would not visit King Henry, alleging himself was peerless in England. The main points of his Title were as followeth. King Edward The main points in the Duke of Yorks Pedigree. the third had issue, Edward Prince of Wales, William of Hatfield, Lionel Duke of Clarence, john of Gaunt D. of Lancaster, Edmund D. of York, Thomas D. of Gloucester, and William of Windsor. Edward Prince of Wales died, living his Father, and left issue Richard the second King of England, who died without Issue: as did also William King Edward's second son. (85) Lionel the third son had issue Philip his daughter and heir, married to Edmund Mortimer Earl of March, who had Issue Roger Earl of March, who had Issue Edmund Earl of March, Roger, Anne, and Eleanor, which Edmund, Roger, and Eleanor died without Issue. Anne (the heir of that house) marrieth Richard Earl of Cambridge, the son of Edmund Duke of York, fifth son to King Edward the third, which Earl of Cambridge had Richard commonly (saith the Book,) called Duke of York. (86) john of Gaunt the fourth son and younger brother to Lionel, had Issue Henry, who immediately after King Richard's resignation, unrighteously (saith the Book) entered upon the same, for that Edmund Earl of March, son of Roger Earl of March, and of Philip daughter and heir of the before said Lionel Duke of Clarence, elder brother to john Duke of Lancaster was then alive, and that aswell the said Henry, eldest son to john Duke of Lancaster, as his descendants have hitherto holden the Crown of England, etc. unjustly, for that himself the said Richard Plantagenet Duke of York was the lawful heir, being the son of Richard Plantagenet Earl of Cambridge, and of Anne before said. (87) This was the effect of the Duke of Yorks title, which for the points of the Pedigree was very true, though in bar thereof the friends of King Henry (without denying any part of the premises, Allegations for K. Henry the 6. and the Lancastrian title. being all of them more evident than that they could be honestly denied) had not a little to say for him: for they could among other things allege, that Richard the second resigned up his Crown and Regality at large; and that none else making claim but Henry Duke of Lancaster, he was thereunto by the consent of all the three Estates admitted; that Richard Earl of Cambridge was for high Treason attainted and executed, and his Issue made incapable of any inheritance, that this Richard his son now challenging the Crown of England, being restored by the mere clemency and goodness of this King Henry the sixt, had voluntarily acknowledged him for his lawful Sovereign, and sworn the same, and that the said Richard was finally for treason attainted, and adjudged uninheritable: they could hereunto have added sundry Acts of Parliament, made to establish the right of the Lancastrian line, the succession of three Kings, all Henry's, that is to say, the fourth, fifth and sixth; the politic addresses of the first of those Kings, the noble victories of the second, and the holy life of the third; which three Kings lives contained of reign about threescore years, in which number this was the nine and thirtieth of King Henry the sixth, who was descended of the male line, and the Duke of York but of a female: of which female line none had ever been in possession of the Crown. Great and weighty points, (if any) and the rather to be considered, for that King Henry's person being (in very truth) Prisoner, no act of his to establish York's title could bind in law or conscience, and the less, for that he had a wife, and by her a son, who was at liberty, and ready with Arms to free his father, or hazard to destroy the whole English name. But they who (on Yorks behalf) abstractivelie disputed these highest questions, knew a rule of law, which saith, jura sanguinis nullo iure civili dirimi possunt▪; and the Lancastrians were not without their speculative and remote considerations, to countenance the particulars of their cause. Thus we see that in Monarchies (though the noblest form of Regiment) where lineal succession is the rule of inheritance, there sometimes fall out as great and as indeterminable difficulties, as where Election designeth the Successor: whereof the French tragedies which our Nation made among them, and now these in England, are without all exception, the most fearful instances. For France had heretofore her time of affliction, but now (OH dearest England) it was thine. Signs foregoing the end of King Henry's reign. (88) While this weighty controversy was debated, a Crown which hung for garnishment in the middle of the roof, where the Knights and Burgesses of the Parliament met to consult, and the crown which for like cause stood upon the highest Tower of Dover castle, * Caxton. Chron. fell suddenly down, which were vulgarly construed * Grafton. to portend That the reign of K. Henry was at an end, and that the Crown should be transferred from one royal line to another. But the Queen, her son Prince Edward, and her fast friends in the North (the seat of their hopes) being nothing discouraged at their late ill fortunes, prepare all the forces they can to recover K. Henry and the Kingdom; which thing whiles they are pursuing, the conclusion of the Parliament concerning the crown, Henry to be king for term of life, and the Duke of York after his death. was, That Henry the sixth should reign, and be King during his life, the remainder to rest in Richard Duke of York, and the lawful heirs of his body in general tail, King Henry's heirs to be excluded. The Duke in the mean time is proclaimed heir apparent, and called Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, Earl of Chester, and Protector of England. The agreement was engrossed, sealed and sworn unto. The Queen will have nothing to do in this bargain, being so dangerous and preiudicious to herself, her husband, and her son; and therefore when the King (at the Duke of York's instigation) sent for her to repair unto him, she relying upon the Dukes of Somerset and Excester, and other the King's friends, utterly refuseth: Henry continueth king. The Arms therefore, which she taketh for his deliverance, have the more justice. The Duke of York missing the prey he expected, leaves the king with the Duke of Norfolk, and the Earl of Warwick at London; himself with the Earls of Salisbury and Rutland, and certain forces, * Mens● Decem. The Duke of York pursueth the Queen in the North. setteth forward to Wakefield to pursue the Queen and her son, sending direction to the Earl of March that he should follow with all his power. The Castle of Sandall standeth pleasantly upon a small hill, in view of the fair town of Wakefield; there the Duke of York (coming thither upon Christmas Eve) reposeth himself, and expecteth the increase of his numbers. The Queen advertised, thinks it wisdom to fight before the Duke grow too strong; and thereupon marcheth forward, having an Army of eighteen thousand men, led by the Dukes of Somerset and Excester, the Earls of * Stow's Annal. Devonshire and * Graft. Chron. Wiltshire, the Lords Nevil, Clifford, Rosse, and in effect all the Northern Nobility. The host (or so much thereof as they thought necessary to show) presents it The Queen's Army comes to Wakefield. self before Sandall, to provoke and dare the Duke to battle. His blood impatient of these braves, & ignorant perhaps that the enemy had so great a multitude, will needs fight, though the Earl of Salisbury, and Sir David Hall (an ancient servant of his, and a great Soldier) gave him advise to stay, till his son (the Earl of March) approached with such Welshmen and Marchers, as he had in great numbers assembled. But God would forbear him no longer, but like a severe Master means to take a present account: at which he found whether all the kingdoms of the earth are worth the lest sin, much less a wilful perjury. (89) The Queen therefore addeth stratagem, and wit to her force, to the intent he might not escape her hands; whereupon the Earl of Wiltshire upon one side of the hill, and the Lord Clifford upon the other, lie in ambush to thrust between him and the Castle; the Dukes of Somerset and Exeter, stand embattled in the open field. Their policy had the wished success; for the Duke being not fully five thousand strong, issueth out of the Castle down the hill. The battles which stood in front, join furiously, when suddenly the Duke of York sees himself enclosed, and although he expressed great manhood, yet within▪ one half hour, his whole Army was discomfited, himself and divers They overthrow the Duke of York and kill him. his dear friends beaten down and slain. There lay dead about him the Lord Harington, Sir Thomas Nevil son to the Earl of Salisbury, Sir David Hal, with sundry Knights and others about two thousand, & two hundred; among which were the heirs of many Southern gentlemen of great account, whose * Graft. Chron. blood was shortly after revenged. Let us not linger upon the particular accidents of this battle, but consider what it wrought for King Henry's advancement; yet these few things are not to be unremembered. The Earl of Rutland (a younger son to the Duke of York) being about twelve years old, was also slain by the Lord Clifford, (who overtook him flying) in part of revenge for that the * Graft. Chron. Earl's father had slain his. A deed which worthily blemished the Author; but who can promise' any thing temperate of himself in the heat of martial fury? chief, where it was resolved, not to leave ani● branch of York line standing, for so doth * Graftons' Chron. one make the Lord Clifford to speak. (90) That merciless proposition was common (as the event will show) to either faction. The Duke of York's head, crowned with paper, is presented to the Queen. Cruel joy is seldom fortunate. Caesar wept over Pompey's head, but the Queen (ignorant how manifold causes of tears were reserved for her own share) makes herself merry with that ghastly and bloody spectacle. The Earl of Salisbury, after wounds received, being in this battle taken prisoner, is conveyed to Ponfract Castle; from whence the common people (who loved him not) * Stows Annals. violently haled him, and cut off his head; which perhaps was not done without the good liking of others. The Duke's head, together with his, were fixed on poles, and set upon a gate of York, and with them (if Grafton say true) the heads of all the other prisoners which had been conducted to Pomfret. (91) This battle (called of Wakefield) was fought upon the last day of December; of whose weathers complexion if their courages had participated, mischief might have made her stop here, which now is in her swiftest course. A. D. 1461. A. reg. 39 The Earl of March pursues his father's designs. (92) For the Earl of March, son, and heir to this late valiant Duke of York, hearing of this tragical adventure, gives not over: but, having gathered an army of about twenty thousand to march against the Queen, he finds employment nearer hand: being certified, that jasper Theder Earl of Pembroke (half▪ brother to King Henry) and james Butler Earl of Ormond and Wiltshire, had with them a great force of Welsh and Irish to take him. The youthful and valiant Earl of March, whose amiable presence and carriage made him gracious with the people, (and the rather for that he had the general good word of * Phil. Coming. women,) means to try his fortune against the said Earls. He sodeinely therefore turns back from Shrewsbury, and at a place called Mortimers Cross The battle at Mortimer's Cross where Edward is victorious. near Ludlow, where the enemy abode, he sets upon them; It was Candlemas day in the morning, at which time there appeared (as some writ) three Suns, which sodeinely joined in one. This lucky prognosticon, and ominous Meteor exceedingly fired the Earl of March, and was (some say) the reason, why he used for his Badge, or royal devise, the Sun in his full brightness. The Battles maintain their fight with great fury; but, in the end, the Earl of March obtains the victory, kill of his enemies three thousand, and eight hundredth men; the Earls saved themselves by flight. The son of honour and fortune did thus begin to shine through Clouds of blood and misery, upon Edward, whom shortly we are to behold King of England. There were taken * Graft. Chron. Stows Annal. Sir Owen Theder (father to jasper Earl of Pembroke,) who was beheaded by Edward's commandment, as also Sir john Skudamor knight with his two sons, and other. (93) The Queen on the other side (having ordered her affairs in the North, settled the estate thereof, and refreshed her people,) within a while after draws near with her Northern army to S. Alban. There came before them an evil fame of their behaviour to London, whose wealth looked pale knowing itself in danger; for the Northern army, (in which were Scots, Welsh, and Irish aswell as English,) made bold by the way with what they liked, making small distinction of sacred or profane, after they were once past the river of Trent, Captain Andrew Trolop being their Colonel. King Henry himself in person, with the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, the Earls of Warwick and Arundel, the Lord Bonuile, & other, with a great puissance encamp at S. Alban, to give the Queen battle, and stop her farther passage toward London. But the Lords of her faction being ready to attempt on her behalf, assail the King's forces within the Town, and after some sharp affronts, break through, and drive their adversaries out with much bloodshed, till they fell upon a squadron or battalion of the Kings, wherein there were The second battle at S. Alban where the Queen is victorious and recovers the King. about four or five thousand men, which made good their ground f●r a while with great courage, but in the end the Q●eenes' side clearly wan the day. There perishe● in this conflict about two thousand. This happened upon Shrove-tuesday, the seventeenth of February. The King, Queen and Prince meet joyfully, where he knights his son, (being eight years old,) and thirty others. The Lord Bonuile and Sir Thomas * Tirel saith Rob. Fab. Kiriel of Kent being taken in the fight, were beheaded, but all the other great men escape. The common people of London do notwithstanding stand wholly for the beautiful Earl of March, and stand the more confidently, because they had sure intelligence, that he had vanquished the Earl of Pembroke in the Marches of Wales, and that the Earl of Warwick, escaping from S. Alban, had met with the Earl of March near Costwold, and that both with joint forces were marching toward London. These news made the King and Queen The King and Queen return into the North. retire into the North, and leave that City and the Southern Countries to their Enemy, till they might recover a fairer opportunity or more sufficiencies. Edward upon notice of the King's departure, entereth London, and gives period to Henry's reign, which is accounted to take end after he had successively ruled this Land the space of thirty eight years, six months, and four days. His Wife. (94) Margaret the wife of King Henry, was the daughter of Reyner King of jerusalem, Sicily, and Arragon, Duke of Andegavia, Lorraine, Bar, and Calabria, Earl of Province, Cenemania, and Guise. She by proxy was espoused unto King Henry, at the City Towers in Touraine in the Church of Saint Martin; William delapoole▪ being Procurator to the king in the presence of the French king and his Queen▪ which king was uncle to the Bride's Father, and the Queen Aunt unto her mother. She with great pomp was conveyed to southhampton, and thence to the Abbey of Tichfield, where the year of grace 1445. and twenty two of April, she was solemnly married to king Henry▪ and honourably attended by the greatest Estates of the Land, was crowned at Westminster the thirtieth of May following. She was exceedingly beautified in face, and of goodly feature, of a great wit and deep policy, but of stomach far above her sex, as in the managing of those troublesome times did too well appear. She was his wife twenty six years, and twenty nine days: and (after her husband's depulsion from his regal throne) her forces being vanquished at the battle of Tewksburie, in a poor religious house, whether she had fled for the safety of her life▪ was taken prisoner, and so carried Captive to London, where she remained in durance, till Duke Reiner her father did purchase her liberty with great sums of money, unto whom she returned, and lastly died in her native Country. His Issue. (95) Edward the only Child of king Henry and Queen Margaret his wife was borne at Westminster the thirteenth day of October, the year of Christ 1453. and the 31. of his father's Reign, and the next year following upon the fifteenth of March, by authority of Parliament, was created Prince of Wales & Earl of Chester: For the title of Duke Orig 35. Hen. 6. of Cornwall (as it is noted by warrant of record) is reputed unto the King's eldest son, the very day of his nativity, and by virtue of a special Act is presumed and taken to be of full and perfect age, so as he may sue that day for his livery of the said Dukedom, and aught by right to obtain the same; having his royalties in the Stannary, wracks at Sea, Customs etc. the first Duke thereof was Edward commonly called the Black Prince, whom his Father, King Edward the third created in great Estate Duke of Cornwall by a wreath on his head, a ring on his finger and a silver verge. He proved a Prince of great hope and forwardness, being skilful in martial knowledge, matters of government, and Laws of the Realm. At the age of seventeen, the better to bandy against his Father's Competitor, King Edward, (the Maul of the Lancastrians claim) affianced in France, Anne the second daughter of Richard the Make-king, Earl of Warwick; whose other daughter was married to George Duke of Clarence. This Prince when the day was lost at Tewkesburie, sought to escape thence by flight, but being taken, was brought into the presence of king Edward, whose resolute answers enraged the Conqueror so much, as he dashed him (an unprincely part) on the mouth with his gauntlet, and Richard the crook▪ back ran him into the heart with his dagger. His body was buried without all solemnity among the poor and mean persons slain, in the Monastical Church of the black Friars in Tewkesburie. Anno Domini 1471. Edward FOUR Monarch 54 EDWARD THE FOURTH, FIRST KING OF THE HOUSE OF YORK, KING OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE, LORD OF IRELAND, THE FIFTY FOURTH MONARCH OF THIS LAND, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XVII. Edwardus: Dei: Graccho: Rex: anglie: & Francie: &: ●●s: ●ibive E. 4. Edwardus: Dei: Gracia Rex: Anglie: &: Francie. et Dominus: ●ib●rnie RE● ANGLI FRA NCIE 2 SIL. ●O●●●IUS B●R ●II EDward, borne at Rouen in Normandy, and bearing the title of March in England, having won the battle at Mortimer's Cross (though the Lords his Confederates had lost that of Saint Alban) from Ludlow hasted towards Edward Duke of York and Rich. Earl of Warwick come unto London. London, & on his way was seconded by Richard Nevil, the stout Earl of Warwick, to the great increase of his number and power, which so terrified Queen Margaret, now ready to possess the South, that with her husband and son, in a perplexed fear, she returned again into the North; upon which advantage Edward now Duke of York, presently played. For London unresolved whether Prince to obey (the one very powerful, and the other in possession) daily consulted for their safest estate; when on the sudden The City of London doubtful unto whether part to yield. Edward with Warwick entered their gates, whose warlike visages so daunted the adverse affected, that they began with the first to make him way to the throne, & the Noblemen likewise made him offers of their service, to establish his claim, neither were the Clergy to learn the observance of time, or to sway with the man upon whom the world smiled. All these set in Counsel to confer of the state, Duke Edward made known his title to the Crown, and in well set terms declared, how the body of the whole Parliament formerly had thereunto consented, and Henry himself subscribed Prince Edward showeth his right to th● Crown. with his own hand; whose title, though now carried through three descents; yet what right Lancaster had, they all knew, and how insufficient this last man was for rule, France to their dishonour did witness, where all was lost through his neglect, whose simplicity ever minded more his private devotions, than the potent managing of a Sovereign's command. (2) These things urged (and most of them true) their voices went current, that Edward was the undoubted King, whereunto the Londoners the sooner yielded, for that his dreaded Northern Army was King Henry deprived of his Crown. then encamped in Saint john's field: neither was any reservation made (as before) of Henry's natural life, but he is now absolutely neglected as unworthy of his Crown, how acceptable soever he had reigned till then, whose following miseries were not so much lamented, as his constant patience was admired in undergoing the same. Edward thus mounted, before his foot had well touched the first step, was upon Sunday the second of March, among his Edward Duke of York proclaimed King of England. Northern Soldiers proclaimed King; William L. Fauconbridge Earl of Kent declaring his claim, and disabling K. Henry of stile or Government, whose weak head (as he alleged) had over long blemished the English Crown. March 3 (3) Upon the next day, with all pomp he was conveyed to Westminster, and set upon the King's seat in the Hall, where holding the sceptre of Saint Edward in his hand, the voice of the people was again demanded, and again granted; such was the hap of unfortunate Henry, and condition of the multitude ever to dislike the present, and to affect the new: but no interim left to dissuade or attempt, the next day his stile and title was again proclaimed by the name of King Edward the fourth, being the fourth of March and * He was borne A. D. 1441. April 29. about the 20. year of his age. (4) These sudden alterations made the richer sort The fears of the Londoners. somewhat fearful, especially, those whose heart stood firm for K. Henry, (who was now in the North new mustering of men) and among those, London afforded Walker a Citizen beheaded for words. many, as King Edward's jealousy suspected, whereof one Walker a substantial Citizen and Grocer was a sufficient proof, who for words spoken concerning his own son, that he would make him heir of the Crown (meaning his house having that Sign) was the eighth day of this Kings reign apprehended, and beheaded in Smithfield. And albeit his words intended no treason, (the Grocer Dangerous to meddle with ● Crown. not once dreaming to touch King Edward's title) yet the time being when the Crown lay at stake, the tenture of the Law made them his death. This Graft. rough beginning moved many to doubt, that they had wronged themselves in wronging King Henry, which opinion was more confirmed in that he retained * 18000. pounds. a great sum of money borrowed of the Staplers-Merchants, and disbursed in his affairs, King Edward's beginnings somewhat disliked. whose restitution he utterly denied with an austere commandment to surcease the demand. But hearing how Henry was beloved in the North, & what followers were gathered to recover him the Crown, K. Edward's expedition into the North. upon the twelfth of March with a complete Army he sets forth of London, accompanied with his brethren, and many other Nobles: with whom marching towards Pomfrcit, he there appoints the Lord Fitzwater to keep the passage of Ferribrig, omitting no directions of a worthy commander. (5) King Henry for his part though nothing so warlike, yet thought it best policy to employ such leaders as desired revenge against the house of York; such were the Duke of Somerset, the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Clifford, whose fathers had been slain in the first battle of S. Alban, which last, though in degree the lest man, yet sought to raise his fame with the first, and therefore to leave no attempt unassayed, he so suddenly charged upon the Troop appointed for Ferribrig, that the L. The Lord Fitzwater and Bastard Salisbury slain. Fitzwater unarmed (only with a pole-axe in his hand) came hastily to the Brigge, thinking a fray had been among his own Soldiers, where, with the Bastard of Salisbury, he and many of his men were slain by the enemy. (6) The brute of which gust blown into stout Warwick's ear, he mounted his Courser, and posting to Edward, puffing, blowing, and almost out of breath, said, Sir I pray God have mercy on their souls Earl Warwick● approach and speech to King Edward. which in the beginning of your enterprise have lost their lives; I see no succour in the world, but in God, to whom I remit the vengeance. And so alighting, forthwith slew his horse with his sword saying, Let him fly, that fly will, I will tarry with him that will tarry with me: which he confirmed by kissing the cross of his sword, the usual compliment of covenants made by martial men. The valiant Lord Fauconbridge fearing jest this beginning would give an edge to the sequel, got over the river at Castleford, three miles from the bridge, meaning to enclose the takers upon their backs, which Clifford perceiving, The L. Clifford slain with an headless arrow. sought to avoid, and whether for haste, heat, or pain, put off the gorget he wore, when suddenly an arrow without an head, shot from the Bow of some laid in ambush, pierced through his throat, and stuck in his neck, which set a period unto his life. A. D. 1461. Difference of Authors hath here bred some confusion of years. (7) The next day more fatal for England's blood, was celebrated with spears in stead of palms, usually borne on * March 29. that Saboth of Lent, in whose dawning, the Lord Fauconbridge, who commanded the forward (the Duke of Norfolk being sick) took the field on a plain, betwixt the towns of Towton and Saxton, where King Edward joining his whole forces (being forty eight thousand, and six hundredth sixty persons, as King Henry's were also threescore K. Edward's proclamation much forwarded his service. thousand) caused proclamation to be made, that he who feared to fight, might forthwith departed, but if any Soldier abiding, should seek to fly or turn back, he should be slain by his next fellow, and the slayer to receive a great reward, besides the stipend of a double pay. The battle at Towton. (8) Both Armies ready to join, a small sleet of snow happened to fall, which with the wind was carried into the face of the Lancastrian host, whereby their sight was much impeached, which advantage Fauconbridge soon espying, forthwith commanded his Archers to shoot each man a flight, and then to A politic practice in war. stand without further proffer. The Northern men feeling the arrows, but not seeing the Archers, made haste to acquit them with the like, and shot their whole sheaves of arrows without intermission, but short of the mark by threescore yards at the lest; which storm being past, and all their store spent, the worthy Fauconbridge advanced forward, and within reach of his Archers sore galled the enemy, making a double advantage of what they had done: for their own quivers being full, when the others were empty, they gathered up & shot theirs, against their own shooters, yet left some of them sticking to gall the legs of their pursuers: by which only stratagem, as was constantly averred, the battle and day was lost and won. (9) The fight was bloody and continued ten hours, for all being English, acquit themselves English-like, no taking of prisoners, nor looking for ransom, but all to retain, and to get honour that day; wherein died the Lords Beaumont, Nevil, Willoughby, Wells, Scales, Gray, Dacres, Fitzhugh, Beckingham, and Clifford, (who died the day before) the Palm Sundaye● bloody battle. two bastards of Excester, Knights, esquires & Gentlemen a great number, and in all (on both parts) thirty five thousand ninety and one; so that not only the field lay stained with English blood, but the rivers ran read for a great distance, so markable is this battle of England's civil wars. K. Henry with his Queen & son flee into Scotland (10) Henry, who never was victor wheresoever he came, hearing this loss which seemed irrecoverable, with his Queen and son hasted into Scotland, where, of james the young King he was royally john Lesly. entertained, with comfort of assistance to recover his estate, in regard whereof he surrendered the strong town Berwick into the Scots hand, and concluded a marriage betwixt Prince Edward his son, Lady Margaret of Scotland promised in marriage unto Prince Edward. and Lady Margaret the sister of the said King. These things thus effected, mild Henry conceived some new budding hopes, and Queen Margaret his wife, Queen Margaret passeth into France. indeed the better warrior) passed thence into France, where, of King Lewis and her father Reiner she obtained more men, than her coffers were able to relieve with pay; the bane of all courage in adventures of war. (11) Victorious Edward, after those his prosperous successes in the North, in triumph returned to London, and the eight & twentieth of june with great A. D. 1461. King Edward crowned. solemnity was Crowned at Westminster, wherein S. Peter's Church, the next day it was again most solemnly set on his head, and the third day so Crowned he came to Saint Paul's in London, and therein was censed with great applause of the People. In November King Henry and Prince Edward disherited by Parliament. following a Parliament began, wherein King Henry, Queen Margaret, and Prince Edward their son, were disherited of their right to the Crown; the Dukes of Excester and Somerset, and the Earl of Devonshire, with an hundred and forty more, were attainted also and disherited; so fortune dallieth in setting the dice of her favours, or frowns. A. D. 1462. Queen Margaret returned into Scotland. (12) Queen Margaret stored with men, but in want of money, with her French powers made into Scotland; whose coming was most welcome to the two Kings there, and thence, with great show of enterprise, hoist her sails for England, but having touched the bay of Tinmouth (whether upon better advise, or feared with their own shadows,) she with her French put back to the Sea, where such a sore tempest took them, as had not Queen Margaret in a small Carvel got unto Berwick, she had not lived to vex the new King, nor seen the unfortunate loss of her husband, her son, Bastard Ogle overcometh the French. and Realm, nor the miserable calamities of her own old age; her French by Bastard Ogle were beat into Holy Island, many slain, and four hundred of them put to their ransoms. (13) This fainting French enterprise, though An. D. 1463. it dulled the edge of some spirits, yet did it nothing daunt the courage of the Queen, her better hopes being fixed upon the Scots valour; so, (leaving Prince Queen Margaret entereth Northumberland in hostile manner. Edward for safety in Berwick,) with her husband and Scots she entered Northumberland, took the Castle of Bamburgh, and so passed forward unto the Bishopric, their forces daily increasing through the confluence of such English, as favoured King Henry. King Edward cometh to York. (14) King Edward hearing these stirs in the North, made his preparation both by Sea and L●nd, and with his brethren and Nobles came to York, from whence he sent john Nevil Lord Montacute, with a power of men, as somewhat mistrusting the loialties of the Northumbrians, who passing forward, upon Hegely-Moore was sodeinely encountered The skirmish upon Hegely Moore. by the Lords Hungerford and Roos, with whom was Sir Ralph Fercie, a most valiant Knight; but Montacute, accompanied with such as would neither look back, nor stand gazing on, abode the encounter, and at the first push put back the two Lords, and finally slew the said Percy, who no ways would departed The saying of Sir Ralph Percy at his death. out of the field; but in dying said, I have saved the bird in my breast, meaning his oath made to King Henry. Montac●tes' victory at Hexham. (15) Lord Montacutes Sun thus mounting in the Horizon, cast forth the rays of his rising fame, which as he well hoped would higher ascend. And therefore learning by espials, that Henry's host lay encamped upon a plain called Livels, near unto May. 15. Hexham by the Water Dowill, he hasted thither, and so valiantly assaulted their Camp, as after great slaughter, Lords taken and beheaded. in chase were taken Lord Henry Duke of Somerset, the Lords, Roos, molins, and Hungerford, all which were beheaded, and Sir Ralph Gray, who first solemnly disgraded, his guilt spurs cut from his heels, by the Master Cook, his sword broken over his head, The disgrading of Sir Ralph Gray. his Coat armour rend, another reversed put on by the King at Arms, was so led to his execution. King I●. Stow. King Henry put to flight. Henry himself got away (as Stow saith) into Lancashire, where, with some few he lived full hardly in Caves, and unknown, more than a year, but (saith Grafton) he fled into Scotland which is more Rich. Grafton. likely. (16) Edward thus cleared of the Cloud threatening storm, thought best ere others did light, to provide King Edward's care and provisions. for himself, and therefore he raised Bulwarks, built new Fortresses in places of danger, put forth his espials upon the Marches of Scotland, and commanded that none should keep Henry or Margaret in secret, whose sight, he feared, would draw the affections of many, which otherwise stood in case of obedience. But over-borne Henry (whether past all fear, or enforced by destiny) in disguised apparel King Henry disguised cometh into England, and is apprehended. passed into England, where he was soon apprehended by one Cantlow; but Stow saith by Thomas Talbot in Cletherwood besides Bungerley Hippingstones in Lancashire, being betrayed in Waddington Hall as he sat at dinner, and thence brought to London with his legs King Henry hardly used, arrested▪ and committed prisoner to the Tower. bound to the stirrups, arrested by Warwick, his guilt spurs taken off, and committed Prisoner to the Tower of London. (17) The Lion thus penned, his paws cut or pared, and Queen Margaret in France with her father Reiner; King Edward now quiet set his mind upon Government for the good of his Realm. In his Court of King's Bench he used to sit in person certain days together, to see how his laws proceeded King Edward's car● of justice. with justice; ordained penal Statutes against excessive pride in Apparel, especially against long picked shoes then usually worn, which grew to such an extreme, that the pikes in the Toes were turned upward, The pride amnd abuse in shoes. and with silver chains, or silk lace's tied to the knee. But among many good provisions, one proved very bad, as the sequel shows; for concluding a league with King Henry of Castille, and john King of Arragon, he granted a licence to transport certain numbers of Coteswold Sheep, which are since grown Sheep transported into Spain, very hurtful unto England. to such an exceeding increase, as the Clotheses made of their wools is a great hindrance to our Merchants, which adventure in the Levant Seas. King Edward's care for choice of his Queen. (18) His next care was to find a fit Queen, both for the hope of issue to succeed, and for alliance and power to assist (if need were) against Henry's claim. Fist therefore minding to sand into Scotland, to desire in marriage the Lady Margaret, (sister to king james the third) thereby to frustrate Henry's further hope; was made to believe that the said Lady was, by reason of sickness, not capable of conception, which altogether declined his affection from that way. Next, as some say, a motion was made for Lady Elizabeth His second project for a match. Rich. Grafton. sister and heir apparent unto Henry king of Castille, as a match most convenient, considering king Edward had thereunto a Claim, whose great Grandmother was one of the heirs of Castille, being the daughter of Don Peter the king, besides which high Cambden. Rich. Grafton. match, and combination of Alliances, a hope was conceived that the duchies of Guien and Aquitaine, might be recovered by the assistance of these Castilians, without great charge or travel to the English. But the tender spring of the one, and the lusty growth of the other, would not be grafted into on● stock to bear fruit, she little above six, and he about twenty three, far unfit to abstain till she could give him content. (19) A third Princess was assayed, against whom could be no exceptions, for birth, beauty, years, or His third assay for a wife. alliance, which was Lady Bona, daughter of Lewis Duke of Savoy, and sister to Carlot the French Queen, at that time residing in the French Court. This double string was thought most fit for king Edward's bow; for the Duke more remote, might strengthen him abroad, and the French nearer home would be made a good neighbour, having the night-bird still The allegations for the benefit of foreign marriages. singing in his ear: especially to cast a rub in king Henry's way, whose hopes lay most upon Lewis, for that Reiner of Anjou, styling himself king of Naples, Sicil and jerusalem, had more honour by that verbal stile, than rents or revenues to maintain his estate, or any subjection acknowledged by them; so as if king Lewis were Edward's, Anjou was not to be Lady Bona fittest Queen for Edward. Nevil the great Earl of Warwick. feared. This match being most approved in counsel, none was held more fit to solicit the business than Lord Richard Nevil the great Earl of Warwick, a man esteemed for power a Demy-King, and for magnificence and hospitality matchless: in whose house at London (as some have verified) six oxen Rob. Fab. were spent every day, and most Taverns in the City full of his meat. (20) Warwick in great state arrived at Tours, & Warwick's wooing and entertainments in France. his message known, was accordingly entertained in the French Court, where he wrought the Queen herself to be the chiefest Agent; who drew on her sister Bona, with recommending the state and stile of a magnificent Queen (a sound very tuneable in a Lady's ear,) and her husband Lewis, with assurance of a potent and wise Ally, a pleasing theme to soft natured Princes, as the French King was. And indeed to all she undertook all good contentments; so as on that side all things were clear, and Warwick dismissed with Courtly French compliments, the Earl Dampmartin was to pass into England for the final confirmation. KING▪ Edwards last & sudden choice of his wife. (21) But whilst Warwick had been industriously wooing in France, King Edward's affection in England was working another way; for being on hunting in the Forest of Wychwood beside Stony-Stratford, he there found other game, that made game in his eye, which was the Lady Elizabeth Gray attending the Duchess of Bedford her mother, who then soiorned at his Manor of Grafton, Joh. Hardings continewer. whither he repaired for his recreation. She had been attendant upon Queen Margaret the wife of King Henry the sixt, and had been married unto john Gray Esquire, knighted, and slain The Lady Elizabeth Gray a supplicator to king Edward. at the battle of S. Alban upon King Henry's part, who now was a suitor unto the King, for some thing taken away in the extremity of that time, to be restored towards the maintenance of her estate. But howsoever her suit pierced his ear, her sweetly composed feature strangely affected his heart; more formal she was, and lovely in countenance, than either tall or exceedingly fair; yet both sufficient to meet in one person, of an excellent wit, a sober The beauty and feature of the Lady Elizabeth Gray. demeanour, a modest look, a feminine smile, and her speech uttered in such a natural eloquence as her answers ever set on edge King Edward's desires, which howsoever distasteful to the appetite of his wanton bed, (affirming with blushes, that as she accounted herself most unworthy of the name of his Queen, so she held herself of more worth, & her chaste honour dearer than to be his Concubine) yet held they him in chase till she had taken him in the snares of her love. (22) Their many meetings and lovers compliments, K. Edward's mother seeketh to divert his love. made the old Duchess of York (the King's mother) much to suspect it would be a match; to hinder which, with a parents authority she entered The counsel and conference of the old Duchess of York with her son K. Edward. discourse, alleging it honourable, safe, and of much profit to link with some great Princess in foreign lands, both for the increase of possessions abroad, and (as the case stood) to be assisted at home: that Warwick had go so far in his suit in France, as if in himself now were the stay, she feared their displeasures would not be stayed. To marry his Subject she held it unprincely, especially one without revenues, alliance, or riches, no other thing moving, but a wanton dotage on the person; and although that in Lady Elizabeth nothing was to be misliked, yet was there nothing so excellent, but the same was incorporated in far greater Ladies, more meet as she thought of a Queenly estate. A How and unto whom it was expedient for a king to marry. virgin (quoth she) is most fit for a sacred Prince his side, whose head is anointed with holy Oil, and whose Majesty is outwardly more sublime than the levitical Priests: yet were they forbidden to make widows their wives, jest the holy callings K. Edward's reason for his own free choice. should be defiled with the stain of Bigamy. (23) When his Mother had said, and expected his answer, the King who had taken counsel of his own desires, and knew himself to be out of his mother's rule, partly in earnest, and partly in pleasance, made her this reply: That marriage being a spiritual type, aught rather to be conjoined where God had framed the parties to consent (as this of his was) then in regard of any temporal respect whatsoever. That his choice was pleasing to himself, and would be to his subjects he certainly knew, whose amity before all other Nations he most preferred and desired; neither could he give them better occasion of love then in this, that being their Sovereign, he disdained not to marry into their Tribes; and so likewise for his Issue, there could not any Prince be better beloved than he that was their natural Prince so borne of both parents. That if foreign alliances were so needful, he had many of his kin, to contract them, and that with content of all parties: but for himself, to marry for possessions, or to please others with displeasing his own affections, he saw it no wisdom, having already sufficient of the one; and the other offended, even sweet pleasure would seem sour pills; especially, the choice that is made by another man's eye. That there are many comparable to her, said he, I make no question, and am the more glad, let them have them that like them, I will not repined, neither I hope will any abridge me of that which I allow unto others: the Proverb is (Mother) that marriage goes by Destiny, but to be wived against a man's own liking is an earthly Purgatory. And therefore my cozen Warwick I am sure, neither loveth me so little, to grudge at that I love, nor is so unreasonable to look that I should in choice of a wife, rather be ruled by his eye, then by mine own: as though I were a Ward, that were bound to marry by the appointment of a Guardian: I would not be a King with that condition, to forbear mine own liberty, in choice of mine own marriage. As for possibility of more inheritance by new affinity in foreign land, it proves oftener the occasion of more trouble than profit; and we have already title by that means, to so much as sufficeth to get, and keep well in one man's days. That she is a widow, and hath already children, by God's blessed Lady I am a Bachelor, yet have some too, and so each of us hath a proof, that neither of us is like to be barren. And therefore (Madam) I pray you be content, I trust in God, she shall bring a young Prince that shall play on your lap to your great pleasure, and yourself shall bless the womb that bore such a babe: and as for your objection of Bigamy, let the Bishop hardly lay it in my way, when I come to take Orders; for I understand it is forbidden a Priest, but I never wi●t, that it was forbidden a Prince. (24) The Duchess seeing the King so set on his own choice, that she could not pull him back, took it in such disdain, that under pretext of her His mother● devise to cross his purpose of marriage. duty to Godward, she devised to frustrate the match, and rather gave furtherance that Lady Elizabeth Lucy should be his Queen, whom not long before he had with wanton dalliances enticed to his bed: for which act, under pretence of a contract with her, whose husband he was before God, (as she alleged) his mother openly objected against this hi● intended marriage, in the discharge (forsooth) of her own conscience, which was the cause of such an obstacle, as either the Bishops durst not, or the King▪ proceed to the solemnisation of this wedding, till the same were clearly purged, and the truth openly testified: whereupon Dame Elizabeth Lucy was sent for; which Lady albeit she was by the King's mother, Lady Lucy instigated to claim marriage of King Edward. and others to aver the same, yet when she was solemnly sworn to speak truth, she confessed that they were never assured indeed, howbeit she affirmed his Grace spoke so loving words unto her, as she verily hoped he would have married her, and that if it had not been for such kind words, she would never have showed such kindness unto him. This point cleared, and no impediment resting, the K. Edward married Lady Elizabeth Grey. King took to wife this later beloved Lady Elizabeth Grey, who had been formerly married unto his enemy, and many times prayed full hearty for his loss, in which God loved her better than to grant her her boon, reserving greater honour for herself and her posterity. The descent and parentage of the Lady Elizabeth Grey. (25) She was honourably descended, especially by the surer side, whose mother was jaquellin daughter to Peter of Lucemburg, Earl of S. Paul, and Duchess to john Duke of Bedford Regent of France; after whose death she married Sir Richard Wooduile knight, and among others bore unto him this Elizabeth, England's fair Queen, who being privately married at the Manor of Grafton, was afterwards Queen Elizabeth crowned. crowned Queen at Westminster with all due celebrations, upon the six and twentieth of May, Anno, 1465. Her father then by this new made son in law, and Sovereign Lord, was created Lord Rivers, and made high Constable of England, her brother The Queen's kindred highly preferred. Lord Anthony, married to the sole heir of the Lord Scales, and her son Thomas Grey borne to her first husband, was created marquess Dorset, and married to the heir of the Lord Bonuile. (26) But when Warwick had knowledge the wanton King had got a new wife, and his courting of Lady Bona, to be but a ball to make Edward's play; Earl Warwick sore offended against K. Edward. he stormed not a little, whose credit he took to be cracked in the French Court, and himself rather thought to have dallied in this motion, then to deal by commission from his King, for which cause he conceived so inward an indignation, that his affection was withdrawn from King Edward,, and thenceforth ran upon Henry retained in prison; to which end he temporised with the present king, applauded the Queen, and bore countenance in Temporising betwixt the king and Earl of Warwick. Court with no discontented show: The King as wary as Warwick was, cast no eye of dislike, or of any suspicion, gave him countenance in Court, and in familiar conference heard him before others; yet jest the stem of his greatness should overtop his crown and his brethren the spreading branches shadow his designs, he took the Chancellorshippe from George Nevil, the one of them, than Bishop of Excester, Francis Goodwin Catal. of English. Bishops. afterward Archbishop of York, and from the other john Nevil Baron Montacute, the Earldom of Northumberland, bestowing the same (at the suit of the Northumbrians, set on by himself) upon Henry Percy, whose father was slain at Touton, and himself at that present fled into Scotland for john▪ Nevil created marquess Montacute. safety. Whereupon Montacute was removed, and to avoid suspicion was created marquess, a greater name, but far less in power. And to have a stake in store howsoever the dice chanced to turn, he sought to join friendship with foreign Princes, having offended France for the refusing of his Queen's sister: so as he sought, and obtained the amity of Henry King of Castle, & of john King of Arragon, and took a truce with his neighbour the Scotish King for fifteen yeeṙs following. Rich. Grafton. A. D 1468. (27) But these confederates for the more part too far to be called for by whistle, fortune beyond expectation set him another even at his elbow, which was Philip Duke of Burgundy, Prince of Flanders, Brabant, and Zealand, whose only son legitimate, A marriage moved betwixt Earl Charles and Lady Margaret. (Charles Earl of Charoloys a widower, and without any son) he sought to conjoin to King Edward's fair sister, not so much for any love he bore to the house of York, himself being a Lancastrian by Philip. Com. l. 3. cap. 4. his mother's side, as to bandy against Lewis King of France, whom he had lately overcome in a battle at Montleherry, and as then stood upon his defence, as he was sure King Edward did. This motion king Edward and his Council well liked, only Warwick withstood it, in favour of the French: but the Lady Margaret sent over according to her estate, and The marriage celebrated. Warwick left fuming with a discontented mind, after some compliments of mirth with his brethren the Archbishop and Montacute at his Town of Warwick, braced forth into warlike consultations for the deposing of Edward, and restoration of Henry, Earl Warwick plotteth K. Edward's deposition. whose wrongs (as he alleged) did cry for right at their hands. The Bishop lightly consented to side for King Henry; but the marquess would hardly be drawn from King Edward, which Warwick perceiving, laid his lime twigs yet another way. (28) For being a man of a deep reach and wit, he well saw that George Duke of Clarence the King's second brother, bore not the best liking to the sway of the times: him therefore he sought to allure to his fist, which once manned, Edward should lose the best Falcon for his game; him therefore by Problems he meant first to prove and according to their digest, purposed to proceed. So falling in familiar Warwick draweth Clarence into action against the King his brother. conference with Clarence, began to complain of some unkindness in the King, both in breach of some promises, and stain of his honour in the French Court. The Duke as discontented as Warwick, interrupted his tale before it was told, why my Lord (quoth Clarence) do you look that a Leopard should have no spots in his skin, or a Chameleon no colours, but one, in faith you are deceived, and lose but your labour to wash the natural Blackamoor: for will you have him kind that is by nature unkind, and to be respected of him, that respects not his own blood: or think you (a cozen and Ally) to be raised by him, that seethe (if not seeketh) his own brethren's falls. For the heir of the Lord Scales (you see) he hath married to his wives brother, the heir of the Lord Bonville and Harington to his wives son, and affianced the heir of the Lord Hungerford to the Lord Hastings, marriages indeed more meet for his two brethren and kin, then for such new foundlings as he hath bestowed them upon. But by my George I swear, if my brother of Gloucester would join with me, we would make him know that we are all three one man's sons, and of one and the same mother. (29) Earl Warwick having that which he greedily sought after, seconded the resolution with his own assistance, imparting now boldly what confederates he had made, and to join more faithfully in this his design, he proffered Clarence his eldest Warwick and Clarence make affinity. daughter Lady Isabel in marriage, fair an● well qualified with the one half of his wives 〈◊〉 she being sole heir unto Henry Beauchampe Earl of Warwick her brother, and nothing inferior to any of those whom Edward had bestowed upon others, which no sooner was spoken, but was as presently embraced, and the plot conferred how to proceed, which was concluded; forthwith to sail unto caleis (whereof the Earl was Captain, and where the virgin Lady lay) aswell to confirm the contract A. D. 1469. betwixt them, as to be absent when the commotion should begin, as the safer from suspicion and the surer to strike when the Ball came to hand, to stir which, the Archbishop and Montacute were appointed for the North. The occasions found for a commotion. (30) The occasion picked to make Malcontents, was the abuse of Charity unto an hospital dedicated to Saint Leonard in the City of York, whose revenue stood most upon corn yearly received from Farmers in the Country, as an oblation of their first grain. This, the factious made their only ground under a holy pretext (forsooth) that the poor were defrauded, and the Master and Priests only fed & waxed fat. To redress which one Robert Hulderne Hulderne Captain of the Commotion. entered in action, and with fifteen thousand strong enterprised for York, in which City the Lord marquess Montacute was Precedent for King Edward, who with a small number, but well chosen, issued out against the enemy, put them back, and struck off the head of their Captain before the gates of York: but whether he did it in policy to grow more in trust with the King, or else of duty of oblige, not moulded thoroughly to the commotion, is uncertain. But certain it is, the Rebels were nothing daunted at Huldernes death, but rather made resolute to continued what they had begun. (31) To which end they choose them two Chieftains, of greater account, and eminent calling, Two Captains made by the rebels. which were Henry son and heir to the Lord Fitz-hugh, and Sir Henry Nevil, son and heir to the Lord Latimer, the one of them being Nephew, & the other Cousin-german unto the Earl of Warwick; these but young, and not altogether experienced Sir john Coniers chosen general of the rebels. in Arms, choose for their Tutor Sir john Conyers a Knight of such courage, skill and valiantness, as in the North-parts few were his like: who meaning to strike at the head, determined to march forthwith to London proclaiming in his way, that Edward was neither a just Prince unto God, nor a profitable King unto the Commonweal. The Lord Herbert Earl of Pembro●ke made Lord general. (32) King Edward hearing of these Northern proceed, and that his brother and Warwick were preparing against him, sent for the Lord Herbert whom he had created Earl of Pembroke, to be his General in the North (who partly to deserve the 〈…〉 in advancing him to such honour, Discontents betwixt Pembroke and Warwick. and partly in emulation he bore toward Warwick, being the sole obstacle (as he took it) why he obtained not the wardship of the Lord Bonuils' daughter and heir for his eldest son) did not a little rejoice of that his employment. And therefore accompanied with Sir Richard Herbert his brother and eighteen thousand well furnished Welshmen, marched towards the enemy, and after him was sent Humphrey Lord Stafford with six thousand Archers to second him in his wars. These Lords meeting together, bad notice by espials that the Northern made forwards towards Northampton: to intercept whom, the Lord Stafford lately made Earl of Devonshire The Lord Stafford repulsed. was employed and Sir Richard Herbert, who with two thousand horse laid themselves covertly by the side of a wood, and sodeinely set upon the rearward, the rest having passed: but the Northern very nimbly turned about, and bad the Welshmen such welcome as few of them returned to tell of their entertainment. K. Edward prepareth against the Earl of Warwick. (33) The King understanding of this hard beginning, mustered his subeicts on every side, intending to cope with the Northern himself. And Earl Warwick as forward to forward his fortunes, gathered ●s friends, with purpose to encounter with Pembroke and his Welsh. But before any supplies came to either of both; it chanced the Armies to meet at unawares, upon a fair plain called Danes more near to the Town Hedgecot, three miles from Banburie and presently fell to a bickering, wherein Sir Henry Nevil Knight, son of the Lord Latimer, upon a lusty courage, venturing somewhat too far was taken prisoner, and notwithstanding he yielded himself to his Takers, was cruelly slain, which unmartial act rested not long unrepaied with the loss of most of the Welsh the next day. For the field withdrawn the Lord Stafford repaired to Banberie Pembroke and Stafford fall out for their Inn●. and there took his lodging, where his affections were much enamoured upon a fair damsel in the Inn. But the Earl of Pembroke coming to the same Town, took into the same Inn, and commanded the Lord Stafford to provide him elsewhere, contrary to their agreements made before, whereat Stafford was displeased, and departing thence with his whole Band, left the Earl naked of men in the Town, and disabled the field of the Archers, whereby the day was lost upon the king's part, for which he shortly lost his own head. (34) The Northern inflamed for the death of young Nevil, the next morning most valiantly set upon the Welshmen, and by the force of Archers, drove them from their ground of advantage, which Pembroke wanting, supplied with his own prowess, and Richard his brother with his Pole-axe twice The valour of Pembroke and of Sir Richard Herbert. made way through the battle of the Northern, without any mortal or deadly wound: so that by their valours it was verily supposed the field had been won, had not john Clappam an Esquire and servant to Warwick displayed his Lords Colours with his white-beare, and from an eminent place cried a A. D. 1469. Warwick, a Warwick, whereat the Welsh were so terrified, as they turned and fled, leaving their General and his brother alone in the field, who valiantly fight were encompassed and taken with the death The Earl of Pembroke with others beheaded. of five thousand of their men. The Earl with his brother Sir Richard Herbert were brought to Banbery, where with ten other Gentlemen they lost their heads, Conyers and Clappam being their judges. Robert of Riddisdale captain of the Northernmen. (35) This second victory thus got, and the Northern now fleshed; under the leading of Robin of Riddisdale, hasted to the King's manor of Grafton, where the Earl rivers father to the Queen then lay, whom with his son john, they sodeinely surprised, and in Northampton struck off their heads The Earl Rivers with his son John surprised and beheaded. without any judgement. The deaths of these Lords the King greatly lamented, and sought to revenge: first therefore writing his Commissions for the apprehension of Lord Humphrey Stafford of Southwicke (who by diligent search was found at Brentmarch Lord Stafford beheaded. and beheaded at Bridgewater, as he worthily deserved) next he prepared a mighty Army, and with the same marched towards Warwick, his company increasing ever as he went. Jo. Stow's. Annal. (36) King Edward set down his tents at Wolney four miles from Warwick, where the Duke and the Earl of Warwick's host lay ready for Battle, but by the mediation of friends a peace was entreated, and letters written from either parties, expressing the griefs and wrongs sustained, with proffers of redress, in amending all, and in show so far it proceeded, as the King conceiving a certain hope of peace, rested secure, not fearing any fouleplay, which politic Warwick (by his espial perceiving) thought it not wisdom to lose the advantage, and thereupon in the dead of the night with a selected Company King ●d●●rd taken at Wolney. he entered the King's Camp, kill them that kept the watch, took the king in his bed, and brought him his prisoner to his Castle of Warwick, and thence by easy journeys in the night had him conveyed to Midelham Castle in Yorkshire not far from Is Imprisoned in Middleham Castle. Richmond, where under the custody of his brother George Nevil Archishop of York he was retained. (37) His usage was Princely, and according to his estate, which he often acknowledged to the Archbishop with all kind thanks, and compliments of words, whereby he wrought himself into such trust and favour, as he had the Forests to hunt in, and the parks for his pleasure, whose pales are well known, unsufficient walls to pen the lion in, as appeared King Edward●scaped ●scaped out of prison. by this King, who being abroad and on hunting, Sir William Stanley, with Sir Thomas Burgh brought him fresh horse, and such a crew of followers that his keepers more feared their own lives, than were forward to force him back again to prison, and so let the game go without further chase. King Edward thus escaped, Warwick like a wild man furiously raged, but seeing no remedy made use of necessity, and gave forth that himself so caused it, having War●icks' sayings to make and unmake kings. power to make Kings and to unmake them again. (38) The King forthwith repaired to York, where with great honour he was joyfully received, and abode certain days, which made him well hope of a further supply of friends and men, but failing thereof, and fearing the Archbishop's pursuit with a small train he posted to Lancaster, where he found the Lord Hastings his Chamberlain well accompanied Warre● prepared upon both parts. for his Convey: his spirits then revived, and train daily increasing, with speedy journeys he came unto London: where all his studies and consultations were, how to be revenged upon these disloyal Lords, his brother, and Earl Warwick, and they again fretting at the archbishops folly sought to make stronger their factions against the King. (39) The Land thus rend by these unnatural The miseries of civil wars. divisions, and no estate sure to enjoy what was theirs, the Nobles anew began to solicit the parties unto a Peace, having first obtained liberty to post to and fro without their impeachments, and so effectually laid down the state of the Land whose ruins now were so eminent by these intestine wars, that the Natives lamented, the Foreign rejoiced, and God they saw highly displeased, whose sword thus given into their hands, was to be feared would be the destruction of the English, as Nabucadnezzars of Babel was of judea, and indeed so effectually wrought, that the Duke and Earl upon perfect confidence came to London, accompanied with a small number in respect of their great danger: where falling into The King and the Lords meet at London. conference with the King, he tasked them with disloyalty, and they him with ingratitude, so that their spleens were nothing appeased, but much more increased and with high words departed, the King unto Canterbury, and they again to Warwick. A. D. 1470 A commotion in Lincolnshire. (39) The stout Earl whose stomach must have vent, otherwise the Cask must needs break, caused new stirs to be raised in Lincolnshire, under the leading of Sir Robert Wels, an expert soldier, and son of the Lord Wels, who with thirty thousand Commons, disturbed the Country, and in every place proclaimed King Henry; setting down his battle not far from Stamford, meaning to abide the encounter of his opposers; which when the King heard of, he sent for the Lord Wels his father, commanding him to writ to his son to surcease the wars, and so marching toward Stamford took Wells in his company, with a good hope that the son would not bear arms against his own father in field; but howsoever he had writ, or the King conceived, Sir Robert went on in his former designs, The Lord Wells and Sir T●om●● Dimocke beheaded. which so sore moved Edward, that he beheaded Lord Wels with Sir Thomas Dimocke that had married his daughter, although he had given them promise of safety and life. (40) Young Wells then hearing of his father's death, sought the revenge upon this untrusty Prince, and not staying for Warwick who was in preparing to come, set manfully upon the King and his power, where betwixt them was performed a most The battle at Stanford. Sir Robert Wells taken. bloody fight, till at last Sir Robert was taken, with Sir Thomas Deland and others, whereat the Lincolnshire men were so terrified, that casting off their Coats, Loscoat field. they all ran away, in regard whereof this battle to this day is called, the battle of Loscoat field, wherein were slain ten thousand men at the lest: after which victory the King commanded Wells with many other Sir Robert Wells put to death. of note to be put to death, as the chief causers of these dangerous Commotions. (41) This untimely conflict and unfortunate overthrow, made Clarence, and Warwick, at their wit's end, who unprovided to field against Edward, gave way to necessity, and from Dartmouth in De●onshire embarked themselves and wives for France, both to instigate king Lewis no friend unto Edward, and to secure themselves in Calais (whereof Warwick was captain) till fortune had changed the hand of Warwick● and Clarence flee into France. her play. These crossing the Seas cast Anchor before the Town of Calais, and gave notice they were ready to land, but the Lord Vawclere a Gascoigne, whom Warwick had substituted his deputy, discharged divers pieces of Ordinance against them, and sent word flatly they should not come there: Phil. Comine● lib. 3. cap. 4. mean while the Duchess of Clarence fell in travel, and was there on Shippe-board delivered of a fa●re son, which Child the Earl's deputy would scarcely The Duchess of Clarence delivered of a son upon shipboard. suffer to be baptised in the Town, nor without great entreaty permit two flagons of wine to be conveyed aboard to the Ladies lying in the haven. For which his good service King Edward by his letters Patents made Vawclere chief Captain of Calais, and discharged the Earl as a Traitor or Rebel against The Duke of Burgundy bends himself against Earl Warwick. him. (42) Charles Duke of Burgundy, being then at S. Omers, owing Earl Warwick an old grudge for gainestanding his marriage, thought now a fit time to requited the discourtesy; and therefore sent many thanks unto Vawcler, with promise of a thousand Crowns pension by year, if he stood firm for his wives brother King Edward, himself laying the Coast to impeach his arrivage. But how Mounsieur The double dealings of Vawcler. Vawclere stood affected, whatsoever show he made, Comines the French Kings Historian doth tell, who sent Warwick word the danger he stood in, of the said Duke, and of Duras the King's Admiral, so as to land, would be his final confusion: His Counsel therefore was that he should make into France, unto whose King he should be most welcome; and as for the town of Calais, he willed him to take no thought, but promised to make him a good reckoning thereof, when time should best serve. Whereupon the Earl Warwick saileth into Normandy. Earl weighed anchor for Normandy, and in his way took many rich Ships of the Duke of Burgundy's subjects, which nettled him not a little, but yet found no dock to rub out the smart. (43) King Lewis hearing of the arrivage of Warwick, and knowing his troubles to arise for his embassage to Bona, and faith unto France, sent certain King Lewis relieveth Warwick. Princes to conduct him to the Castle of Amboys, where a supply was made againstall necessities, and himself and trai●e most honourably entertained, whereat the Duke of Burgundy sore repined, and sent Lewis word that he disliked his doings with threats of revenge, if he aided him against his wives brother. This, notwithstanding the French King Burgundy offended with Lew● for relieving his enemy. gave all comforts to these fugitues, and prepared his assistance for their restorations, and the raising again of godly King Henry. Reiner of great stile and ●mall power. (44) Queen Margaret having ●led England and sojourning in France with her Father Reiner (a King in name, but scarcely able to bear the State of an Earl) saw now the Iron hot, and ready to be struck, therefore with her son Prince Edward, john Earl of Oxford, and jasper Earl of Pembroke (who lately had escaped out of prison in England) came unto Amboyse, where by means of the French King a combination of Alliance was confirmed betwixt A marriage concluded betwixt Prince Edward and Anne daughter of Earl Warwick. the Prince of Wales, young Edward, and Anne the second daughter to the Earl of Warwick, then present with her mother and sister in France. That King Henry should be again restored, the Duke of Clarence, and the Earl took a solemn Oath never to desist whiles they had power, and in the nonage of the Prince they jointly were to be deputed his Protectors, and the Lands sole Governors. (45) Edward in England hearing what Queen Margaret, his brother Clarence, & stout Warwick in the King Edward driven into hi● dumps. French Court had done, was struck into a sudden dump, being as doubtful of friends, as fearful of foes, and therefore such as were allied to the Lancastrians, or fauourits of the downcast K. Henry, he began somewhat roughly to deal with: many therefore that were guilty daily took Sanctuary, or yielded themselves to his mercy, among whom john Marquis Montacute brother to Warwick was one, Marquis Montacute is taken into King Edward's favour. who with fairest words of promises, was received into favour, and upon whose example many others came in, which notwithstanding meant to stand out if occasion should serve. But no busier was Edward to keep the Crown on his head, than these Lords in France were resolute to strike it off: in midst of whose consultations behold how it happened. A maid Ambassador unto the Duke of Clarence. (46) There came from England to caleis a damsel belonging (as she said) to the Duchess of Clarence, who signified unto Monsieur Vawclere that she came from King Edward with a declaration of peace, which he fearing to impart the conditions to other, had made her the instrument, the better to pass without any suspect, and he glad to hear for the Earl's sake (whom he entirely affected) gave her his safe conduct unto the Duke of Clarence then at The conference of the damsel with the Duke of Cl●rence. Amboys; where having private access unto him, she told, that it was neither natural nor honourable for him to take part against the house of York; that the house of Lancaster, was not only by the whole Court of Parliament debarred to be the indubitate Heir of the Kingdom, but that K. Henry himself had discharged his Issue from claim, as it standeth (said she) upon Record to be seen, contrary to which, as he might well perceive this marriage of Prince Edward with the Earl's daughter, did only aim and intent to the utter extinct of the house of York, whereof himself was one, and in near possibility of the Crown, Edward's Issue young, and not many, and the King very wanton, a sin commonly punished with want of posterity, which if it so chanced, than he, or his were the next. These reasons weighed, so over-wayed the Duke's further The Duke of Clarence inclineth to his brother. designs, that he promised thereafter a more brotherlike affection, as (said he) Edward should found; with which good news she returned into England, Warwick utterly ignorant what was said or done. Warwick and Clarence return into England. (47) All now in a readiness for the return, ships, money and men supplied by the French King, the Admiral of France was sent to secure them from the Duke of Burgundy's Fleet, which with an extraordinary number and power lay in the mouth of Seyne to fight with Warwick when he should lose out of harborough: but see how the heavens favoured, and frowned upon the parties, for the night before they should hoist sail, such a stormy tempest took the Duke's Fleet, lying more remote from the Lee, that they were scattered asunder, some into Scotland, some into Denmark, and many of them drowned. But the Seas calmed, and the wind serving Septemb. 13. A. reg. 10. fair, the English set sail and landed at Dartmouth, whence they had shipped into France almost six months before. King Edward's security. (48) King Edward relying upon Burgundy abroad, and thinking all friends who fawned at home, gave himself daily to follow the hound and the hawk, and nightly to his court pleasures in dance and dalliances with damsels, little minding their approach Earl Warwick in the West proclaimeth king Henry. that meant to mar his mirth; for Warwick now landed, proclaimed King Henry, commanding all from sixteen to sixty, upon a great penalty to take Arms against Edward Duke of York, the most unjust usurper of Henry's rightful Crown, and uncredible it was, to see the confluence of them which came armed to him, who erewhile applauded & approved none but King Edward. Thus making towards London, his company daily increased; which K. Edward's opinion touching Warwick's approach. the youthful King seemed little to regard, but verily supposing he had now Warwick in his trap, wrote to Burgundy to secure the seas, jest he should escape again into France, and to his Lords of England, to attend him in his wars; but very many neglected his command, and few or none made their repair. Which when Edward perceived he was struck into a great fear, and with his brother of Gloucester, the L. Hastings his Chamberlain, and the Lord Scales the Queen's brother, he hasted towards Nottingham there to determine what was to be done. (49) In the mean while the bastard Faulconbridge in the west, and the Earl of Pembroke in Wales, every Sunday after Michael●as. Stowe● Annal. Doctor Godards sermon. marquess Montacute revolteth from K. Edward. where proclaimed King Henry; and to forward the matter, D. Goddard preaching at Paul's Cross declared by reading of Bills, and divers other proofs, that King Henry was the undoubted and true heir unto the English Crown. Neither is the L. Montacute now the man that he was, who having mustered six thousand in the name of King Edward, and brought them forward almost to Nottingham, on the sudden drew back his forces, alleging that Edward was ungrateful, & regardless of his friends as himself said, himself was the example, who having served him in many bloody battles, was rewarded with a verbal word marquess, without any maintenance at all, not not so much as Pies poor nest: & therefore he had just cause never to draw his sword in his quarrel any more, and them that did, he assured them should receive the like reward in the end. How uncertain it is to stay on the multitude. (50) These with the like distastures, divulged among the rude multitude, it was a world to see the face of this new World, for in every street Bonfires were made; in every Church bells rung, Ditties were sung at every meeting, and every man cried K. Henry, King Henry, whose Echo likewise redoubled, a Warwick, a Warwick, and indeed all so applauded the passage now on foot, as King Edward hearing the rumour, thought it not safe any longer to stay, & KING Edward is forced to flee England. October. 3. therefore with those trusty Lords and some others, he fled from his host besides Nottingham, passing the Washes towards Lynne with greater difficulties than was befitting a Prince to adventure; and thus without any order taken for his Realm, in two Hulks of Holland, and one English ship destitute of all necessary provisions, set sail toward Burgundy and in the way was encountered by the Easterlings, Edward in danger of taking on seas. England's great Enemies, having much ado to clear himself from their surprise. Queen Elizabeth took Sanctuary in Westminster. (51) In these times of misery the Queen (whose marriage was the only cause of all these stirs) upon the first of October had stolen out of the Tower, and taken Sanctuary at Westminster, where like a woman forsaken she solitarily remained, and on the fourth of November following was delivered of a son, which withoutall pomp more like a private man's Prince Edward bor●e in the Sanctuary. child then a Prince, was there also baptised by the name of Edward, who after his father's death, a while was King of England, as shall be said; other Sanctuaries were full of King Edward's friends, that prayed devoutly for his prosperous health, and well hoped the world would again turn, as shortly it did. One The Kentish Commo●ionerss do much hurt about London. King thus fled, and the other in prison, the Kentish, whose conditions are mutable at the change of Princes, came to seek prey in London, where they knew it was to be had: Ratcliff, S. Katherins, and Southwark they rob, and within the City did some hurt besides, yea and surely more had done, had not Earl Warwick in good time come to the rescue which increased his name, that was great enough before. john Fortescue. (52) Earl Warwick accompanied with his brother the Archbishop of York, the Prior of Saint john's, the Duke of Clarence, the Earl of Shrewsburie, The States take K. Henry out of the Tower. Bastard Fa●lconbridge, Lord Stanley, and other Gentlemen, some for love, some for fear, & some to gaze at this wavering world, upon the sixt of October entered the Tower of London, wherein King Henry had been retained prisoner almost the space of nine years, and there again elected him for their lawful King, and forthwith conveyed him robed in a long blue velvet gown through London unto the Bishop's palace, where a pompous K. Henry again restored goeth crowned to P●●l● Court was kept until the thirteenth of the same month, upon which day he went in procession crowned to the Cathedral Church of S. Paul, the Earl of Warwick bearing his train, and the Earl of Oxford the sword, the people on every side crying, God save K. Henry. (53) Thus far proceeded, and Henry re-established, a Parliament was begun at Westminster the six & twentieth of November following, wherein King Edward was declared a Traitor to his country, an usurper of the Crown, and all his goods K. Edward debarred from government by Parliament. The Parliament roll. john Tiptoft Earl of Worcester beheaded. confiscated; the like judgement passed against all his partakers; wherein also it was enacted, that all such persons as had taken Arms in his quarrel, should be severely punished; among whom, john Typtoft Earl of Worcester, and King Edward's Lieutenant in Ireland was attainted, who being found hid in the top of a tree, in the Forest of Waybridge, not far from Huntingdon was brought to London, and upon Tower-hill beheaded. Moreover, all Statutes made by King Edward were clearly revoked, The Crowns of England and France entailed to K. Henry. abrogated, and made frustrate: the Crowns of England and France entailed to King Henry, and the Heyres-male lawfully begot of his body, and for the want of such heirs unto George Duke of Clarence, and his heir males lawfully produced, and the said George Duke of Clarence entailed to the Crown. Duke to be the next heir to his father Richard Duke of York, disabling his elder brother Edward, by the virtue of his Atteindor; and jasper Earl of Pembroke, Earls restored. john Earl of Oxford with other attainted by the usurper Edward, to be restored in blood, dignities, and ancient possessions; and finally, Earl Warwick the good commonwealths man, made Governor of the Realm in these turbulent times, unto whom was associated George Duke of Clarence this Earl Warwick ma●e governor of the Realm. great Earl's son in Law, and Warwick's brother Montacute upon his submission obtained his pardon, which was the easilier gotten for his service at Nottingham. (54) Queen Margaret appointed to follow into Queen Margaret hindered by tempest to come into England. England, if fortune did favour these great Lords success, now hearing of the fair Sunshine, wherein her husband King Henry was set, amidst the stormy winter blasts which the season afforded, with Prince Edward her son, set sail from France, towards that wished and temperate climate, where the spring of new Regality began to bud forth, but was met with such tempests and storming seas, as she was forced to return and defer her journey until another The Duke of Burgundy perplexed. time, to her great grief and sore discontent. In like perplexity was the Burgundian Duke, who neither durst give Edward his outward assistance (the French and Warwick being so mighty opposites) nor leave him in distress, jest the sparks of discontent should fly from the eyes of his fair wife, and therefore to know whether Vawclere the Governor of caleis stood resolute for him according to Covenants, Phil. Com. lib. 3. he secretly sent Philip Comines the hony-mouth Historian, to drop some of his sweet eloquence into his gold-thirsting ear. (55) Comines coming to caleis, and observing Earl of Warwick's esteem in Calli●. the sequence for which he was sent, saw every man wear the Earl of Warwick's badge, for no head could be gallant that was not adorned with his ragged staff, nor no door frequented that was not painted with his white Cross. Insomuch that Vawclere himself had a jewel in his hat, wherein was a white ragged staff, embroidered with gold, and others his followers the like wrought in silk, gold, and silver; and to stamp the print deeper, a liking report was brought to the town, that Warwick had prepared four thousand valiant men to war upon the frontiers of Burgundy. But Comine in conference so wrought with the Council, and they again with Earl Warwick as he was contented to leave off the enterprise, Duke Charles promising to side with K. Henry. (56) King Edward hearing what his brother of King Edward coveteth aid of his brother the Duke of Burgundy. Burgundy had done, and being daily solicited from his friends in England, thought it no policy long to delay, jest Henry should take growth to a bigger steam; and therefore repairing to his brother in the town of Saint Paul, required his aid, as the only man on whom he relied, aswell for the bond of alliance in the marriage of his sister, as also in regard of the orders which they both ware, the King that of his which was the golden Fleece; and the Duke the Gartar and rob of Saint George. In the Court of The Duke of Somerset dissuadeth Burgundy to aid K. Edward. Burgundy at that time lay Edmund Duke of Somerset, cousin-german removed unto Duke Charles, a great enemy against the house of York, and now set himself to thwart King Edward's suit, alleging, that it was more honourable for the Duke of Burgundy to side with the Lancastrians, from whom he was descended by his Grandmother the daughter of john of Ga●nt: as also in the uprightness of King Henry's title, held good in her brother, and his Grandfather, and in her Nephew his father without all exceptions. (57) The Duke perplexed between these great supplicants did then, as many do now, speak Burgundy temporizeth with his suits. much and mean nothing less, or else say little, & mean to do much. To Somerset for Henry he outwardly promised all help and assistance, but never gave the lest, and to Edward no comfortable words of supply, and yet underhand he hired him ships, furnished him with munition, and lent him fifty thousand Florence's in money. And now the season serving for war, K. Edward with two thousand K. Edward passeth into England, pretending no more than to be Duke of York. strong besides his Mariners made over for England, attempting to take land in Norfolk; but those coasts guarded, he waffed more Northward, and entering Humber, landed at Ravenspur in Yorkshire, when laying aside all claim to the Crown, and pretending nothing but his Duchy of York, he showed the rude multitude the letters, and seal of the Earl of Northumberland, which as he affirmed, & made them believe was sent for his safe conduct to enjoy the A. D 1471. March 14. same, and in every place where he came proclaimed King Henry himself, wearing an Ostrich feather, which was Prince Edward's Livery, and passing to York in no other show then a Subject, his oath first taken to be true to King Henry, entered the City, K. Edward strains his oath to win the City of York. which presently he surprised and assumed to himself. (58) Earl Warwick now hearing that Edward was landed before he had marched very far in the main, sent straight charge to his brother the marquess Earl Warwick writes to his brother marquess to impeach King Edward's passage. Montacute then residing at Pomfret (with a sufficient Army to secure those parts) that he should not suffer his access unto York, jest he grew more potent, then was to be wished; himself making ready with all possible speed, to repair into those parts; but whether the marquess purposely winked, or else (and that rather) would not see at all, he made no great haste to forelay his way to York, neither sought to impeach the passage: when Edward from thence marched in a more hostile manner towards Nottingham; taking his way not far from Pomfret, and as it were through the midst of his enemies; which encouraged many to favour his designs, holding that Montacute was either a friend, or afraid to deal against so powerful an enemy. (59) The White Rose thus bloomed, and the read falling his leaf, all took the time of this pleasant K. Edward's Army increased. spring, and flocked to Edward as to their April Sun, who now more able, and therefore more bold made forward towards Leicester, where the Earls of Warwick and Oxford with a great power were, but because john Stow. Clarence was absent, they let Edward hold on without any encounter, whose train as he passed was like to a river that in the running is ever increased with new springs, which Warwick perceiving, thought it more than time to give battle, well knowing that his brother's forbearance had given him that head. And to that end sent unto Clarence then about London in levying of men, but he Warwick taketh into the City Coventrie. March. 29. somewhat too backward, and Warwick too forward, took into the City Coventry, meaning from thence to set on the enemy. But Edward whose star had now past the dark threatening cloud, pitched his tents near unto that City in a plain field, and valiantly bade the Earl come to battle. But he then K. Edward challengeth Earl Warwick to fight. mistrusting (as in truth he had cause) that the boldness of Edward was backed by a Clarence, kept close within the walls, with a purpose to see how the world would go. K. Edward draweth towards London. (60) Edward loath to lose time about one City's siege, raised his Camp, and hasted forward toward Warwick, unto which Town likewise his brother Clarence, with four thousand strong was on march: these meeting upon a plain, three miles from the Town, set their Battles in Array, as if they meant to have fought, but the King, his brother Gloucester, Lord Rivers, Hastings, and others, without any guard made towards Clarence, which when he beheld, himself accompanied with some of estate encountered his brother with a loving countenance and friendly cheer, so as no spark of hatred was perceived betwixt KING Edward and his brother Clarence meet and are reconciled. them, but with all brotherly affections entered into amity and peace, which afterwards proved the confusion of the Duke. Clarence thus got sought to draw Warwick into the same train, to which end he sent certain messengers unto him; first to excuse Clarence seeketh to draw Warwick unto K. Edward. his own fact, as too unnatural for him to unsheath his sword against his own brother, as also he sought to stay the effusion of English blood, which in these quarrels lay ready to be shed: His peace with Edward he promised to work, and that with such honour as Warwick should know himself not only a father to Clarence, but likewise unto Edward great England's King. Unto all which motion Warwick The words of Warwick in answer to Clarence. gave ear only with this reply, Go tell your Duke (said he) that I had rather be an Earl, and always like myself, than a false and perjured Duke, and that ere my oath shall be falsified (as his apparently is) I will lay down my life at my enemy's foot, which I doubt not but shall be bought very dear. K. Edward marcheth forward. (61) This stout resolution made Edward more wary, and therefore to obtain London, the only key that opened the door to the Crown, he hasted thitherward, whose Citizens hearing of the increase of his host, and weighing that Henry was but a milksop to him, thought it most safety to sail with the fairest wind, and therefore set open their Gates, and London receiveth King Edward. with public applaud cried, King Edward. Which when the Duke of Somerset with others left to attend the innocent King Henry, heard, they fled for their lives; and left him in the Bishop's Palace at London, where his Competitor King Edward took him, and sent him again prisoner to the Tower. K. Henry again taken and sent to the Tower of London. With so many winds are the sails of their ships filled, which seek the Port of their safety by the affections of the people: for even the same day had Henry been carried through the City (as it were) in triumph, and had heard the shouts of the Commons in every street crying; God save King Henry. Ed. Hall. (62) But Earl Warwick hearing how things went in London, and now fully conceiving that the hazard of Battle must determine either with, or against him, being come to Saint Alban, fell into a Earl Warwick cometh to S. Alban. deep consideration what was to be done: His assistants were john Duke of Excester, the Earls of Oxford and Somerset, and marquess Montacute his brother, whom notwithstanding he did not greatly trust, being always too favourable to the contrary faction. These in Counsel held it best policy to follow the Enemy, and before the body grew too great, to lordship off the branches, lest they should shadow their Sunshine too far. In which resolution, they hasted forward, and came unto Barnet, with a full purpose to recover London: but Edward well knowing the state of the City unfurnished for siege, and ready to take stamp of any impress, meant not to be penned within those weak walls; and therefore K. Edward carrieth KING Henry with him to battle. taking with him unfortunate Henry, lest any confederacy should be made in his absence, he marched with all possible haste, to encounter his opposites, before they came too far, and upon Gladmore near unto Barnet set down his Tents close to the enemy, the eve of Christ's resurrection, so careless is Mars of divine celebrations, that the holiest feast is profaned, when his sword is drawn. Apr▪ 14. (63) The next day being the paschal whereon Christ rose from death, which with due reverence is celebrated in all the Christian world, these English contenders for a terrestrial Crown, with Ireful Barnet field fought upon Easter day. hearts and hands as ready, made ready to dig each others graves: for at break of day Warwick began to Marshal his Army, which he divided into three battalions: The right wing was led by the marquess his brother, with the Earl of Oxford, consisting chief of horsemen, himself with the Duke of Excester led the left; and the main battle was commanded The orderings of the battles. by Edward Earl of Somerset, which was supplied for the most part with Archers. K. Edward likewise ordered his men. The forward was led by Richard Duke of Gloucester his brother, a good soldier and sufficient for advise, the middle by himself, and his brother Clarence, having King Henry in their company; And the rearward was commanded by the Lord Hastings, ever most firm for the house of York, reserving a fresh supply, when occasion should serve. (64) The Battles joined, were manfully maintained by the prowess of Oxford, upon that part of the Kings, against which he fought, which with great violence he forced back, so that many of them fled to London, bringing news that with Warwick went the day: and surely in great forwardness it was, had not fortune thwarted it by an unexpected chance: J●. Stow. A mistaking of the souldier● which was the loss of the field. for the day being foggy, and overcast with mists, hindered their eyes of any far sight, so as the star embroidered upon the Earl of Oxford's men's Coats, were mistaken for the Sun, which King Edward's men wore, in which error Warwick's Battle let fly at their own fellows, who were in great forwardness to have won the day, and they not knowing the cause of the error cried, treason, treason, we are all betrayed. Whereupon the Earl of Oxford with eight hundred fled the field, leaving the chance to be cast for the Crown; which when Warwick perceived with words like a soldier, he encouraged his men, and seeing the fresh supply of his enemy draw now unto fight, he furiously rushed into the midst of Great Warwick● slain in fight. their Battle, wherein he adventured so far as he could not be rescued, but valiantly fight was struck down, and among them slain, having repaid his danger with many a wound. The marquess Marquis Montacute slain in battle. Montacute made forward to second his brother, (who till then had been the Mars and Make-King of England) but was so overlaid by his Opposites, that they sent his soul likewise from his body whereby was ended that bloody days task. Nobles and other● slain at Barnet field. (65) In this Battle upon King Edward's part, died, the Lord Cromwell, the Lord Bourcher, the Lord Barnes, son and heir to the Lord Say, and Sir john Lisle Knight: In the quarrel of Henry died Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick, and john Nevil marquess Montacute his brother, and upon both sides of common soldiers saith Hall ten thousand, Stow saith Edw. Hall. joh. Stow. Rob. Fabian. saith 1500. four thousand, as Fabian far less: all which were buried upon the same Plain; where afterwards a Chapel was built: the Duke of Excester being left for dead in the field, recovered, and took Sanctuary at Westminster. Edmund Duke of Somerset, and john The Duke of Somerset and the Earl of Oxford fled into Wales. Earl of Oxford escaped the field, and fled into Wales, where with jasper Earl of Pembroke they still plotted to set up King Henry, whom God and destiny would have to be cast down. (66) The same King Edward upon the same day as an absolute Conqueror, lead the unfortunate Rich. Graft. Henry his Captive to London, and entering the City in triumph wise, offered his royal Standard in the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, whither the slain Ed●ard triumpheth and offereth his banner in saint- Paul's. bodies of Warwick and Montacute in two Coffins were brought, and lay there bore faced, and unburied the space of three days, lest a false Brutus should be made that they were not dead. After which they were conveyed to Bilsam Abbey, and interred in that Priory among their Ancestors. Queen Marg●r●t with Prince Edward landed at Weymo●th. (67) Edward's affairs thus far prospered at London, the winds that had crossed Queen Margaret before, came favourably about to fill her Sails for England, & indeed to accomplish the decree, which heaven had appointed: she with her son Prince Edward and their French followers, landed upon Easter ●ue at Weymouth, and the Countess of Warwick at Portesmouth, who hearing the sorrowful news of her husband's death, took Sanctuary within the Abbey of Beaulieu. And Queen Margaret understanding of the loss of Barnet-field, withdrew aside to the Abbey of Ceerne, unto whom presently resorted The Lord's comfort Queen Margaret. Edmund Duke of Somerset, with Lord john his brother; john Courtney Earl of Devonshire, jasper Earl of Pembroke, john Lord Wenlock, and john Longstrother Prior of Saint john's. (68) These with many words of hope, comforted the sorrowful Queen, and proffered her their assistance to erect Prince Edward her son, though it were done with the loss of their own lives, requiring her only to undertake the authority of the war, and themselves would undergo the charge and burden thereof, by whose valour and power, they doubted not to daunt the pride of the usurping Edward; who now held himself sure, and began to grow careless. To these their resolutions the warlike Queen most gladly consented, and gave all encouragements unto them she could; when falling in counsel how to proceed, her care (according to the Queen Margaret's care for Prince Edward her son. natural affection of a mother) was most upon the safety and life of her son: and therefore aswell for their own parts (if fortune should fail in this their first attempt) as for the fear which the Yorkist would possess (who whiles Prince Edward his corrival lived could not accounted the Diadem his Bride) she thought it best to sand him back again into France, till God had set the Crown where it should stand: whence he might supply them with new The opinions of the Lords. forces, or at leastwise over-awe Edward for tyrannising too far. But the Lords contrariwise alleged, that Prince Edward being the morning Sun of the Lancastrians hopes, and the rays very splendent to most English eyes, was to be present in field himself, whose sight would both heat the courage of his own Soldiers, and attract the glance of his adversaries hearts, either to fight faintly, or else, and that rather, to come to his side. Thus their counsel at that time prevailed; and thus resolved, every man departed to make ready his power, the Queen with her French repairing to Bath. King Edward preparethagainst Queen Margaret. (69) But Edward in London had not sat two days in rest, before he heard of Queen Margaret's arrivage, and the confluence of people out of Cornwall, Devonshire, and of the Western parts, which hourly flew to give her assistance; wherefore committing King Henry committed to the Tower of London to the Tower King Henry, and George Archbishop of York with a selected company, he marched to meet them, intending to cut off many springs before they should join to the body of a river, whose stream without danger could not be passed: therefore from Windsor, Abington, Chichester, and Malmesbury he proceeded, seeking and urging his enemies to battle: but the Queen and her forces fearing to abide in Bath, removed to Bristol, Berkeley, and Gloucester, and lastly at Tewksbury, Duke Somerset her General pitched down his Tents not staying the coming of the Earl of Pembroke: his battle he marshaled into three fights, whereof himself and his brother john Lord Somerset lead the The ordering of Queen Margaret's battles. forward; the middle Battalion was commanded by Edward the young Prince, under the conduct of the Lords Saint john and Wenlocke, and the Rearward governed by john Courtney Earl of Devonshire, a mortal enemy against the house of York. (70) King Edward who was come now within sight of his enemies, divided likewise his Army into 3. Battalions, committing the Forward unto the guidance The ordering of KING Edward's battles. of his brother Richard D. of Gloucester a good Soldier, and of a deep reach and policy: the Main he undertook to govern himself, and the Rearward was commanded by the Lord Hastings his Chamberlain. The field thus marshaled, and the The battle at Tewksbury. sign of battle being given, a most bloody fight began, the King had planted his Ordinance at most advantage, which Gloucester frankly bestowed among the Duke's men, and they lodged betwixt ditches, bushes and hedges, with their showers of arrows galled Glocesters' followers, so as by his command his battle gave back, as though they would shrink, which Somerset no sooner perceived, but that he came on, and overcome with courage, came out of his strength, when by a certain passage before hand provided, he came unto the place where King Edward Edw. Hall. was embattled, thinking verily that Wenlocke had followed at his back, who as it seemed meant nothing less. (71) The advantage espied, Duke Richard made good his retreat, and with fresh supplies of two hundred This battle was fought upon Saturday the 4. of May, the 11. of K. Edward's reign, and year of Christ, 1471. spears so charged Somerset, as his battle was disordered, and put to fearful flight, himself recovering the Midle-ward, found there the L. Wenlock idle, whilst others were thus working for their lives, whom he most opprobriously reviled in the terms L. Wenlocke slain for not following So●merset. of a Traitor, & with his Battell-axe struck his brains out of his head; when presently Gloucester, and after him the King entered the Trench, wherein all of the Queen's part went to wrack; for there were slain in this battle on her side john L. Somerset, john Lord● slain at Tewksbury. Courtney Earl of Devonshire, the Lord Wenlocke in manner as we have said, Sir john Delues, Sir Edward Hampden, Sir Robert Whittingham, and Sir john Lewkener, with three thousand others besides. Prince Edward apprehended. (72) Among them that fled, Prince Edward was one, whom Sir Richard Crofts apprehended before he got to Tewksbury, but Edmund Duke of Somerset, john Longstrother, Prior of Saint john's, many Knights and esquires took Sanctuary in the Abbey, and other places of the Town, notwithstanding they were taken forth and arraigned before Richard Duke of Gloucester, who that day sat Constable The Duke of Somerset and others executed. of England, where they were condemned and had judgement of death, which they immediately suffered upon a Scaffold set up in the Town. With these two Lords died twelve worthy Knights, besides others of inferior degrees. (73) Then was Proclamation made for the apprehension of Prince Edward, promising to his taker an annuity of an hundred pounds during his life, & if the Prince were living, his life to be spared, upon Prince Edward apprehended and his answers. which promises Sir Richard Crofts presented young Edward unto the King, whom with a stern countenance he a while beheld, and as sternly demanded, how he durst so presumptuously with Banner displayed enter into his Realm; whereunto the Prince made this reply; to recover (said be) my father's Kingdoms and his most rightful inheritance possessed by his Father and Grandfather, and from him immediately belonging unto me; how darest thou then which art his Subject display thy colour against him thy Liege-Lord? which answer moved King Edward so much, as with his Gauntlet he dashed the Prince on his mouth, whom Richard Duke of Gloucester Prince Edward most shamefully slain. with others of the kings seruans most shamefully murdered, even in his presence, and at his feet: whose body was buried without all solemnity among other poor and mean persons, in the church of the Monastery of the Blackfriars in Tewkesburie. (74) Queen Margaret in this fatal day of battle fled towards Worcester, and by the way took into a poor religious house in that her present distress: Queen Margaret taken out of her Sanctuary. but three days after she was apprehended and brought unto Worcester to King Edward, who committed her to sure and strait keeping, in which City she a while remained. But sudden news brought him, that the Northern men were in Arms, and meant to adventure for her liberty, the Conqueror marched to Coventrie, and there made preparation further to proceed: which when these hot spirits pefectly understood, their courages grew colder, & their weapons cast away, they came thronging to Edward to offer him subjection; yet the Lancastrians The Northern men submit unto K. Edward. were not so minded, but rather intended once more to try whether fortune would afford them her smile. (75) A fit instrument they had to forward the enterprise, namely Thomas Nevil bastard Fauconbridge son of Lord Fauconbridge Earl of Kent, a great supporter of King Edward's Crown: howbeit Bastard Fauconbridge Captain of the Lancastrians. this Bastard being a man of a turbulent spirit, and forward for action, Earl Warwick had made him his Admiral to keep the narrow seas, that none should have way to strengthen King Edward, which his office he executed beyond his Commission, and become a taker of all Merchants goods, being aided with 300. Malcontents from caleis. (76) His enterprise desperate, and his name grown fearful at sea, he meant to make it no less on the land; for putting in at Dover, many misgoverned and lose persons daily drew to him, so as his power grew to be seventeen thousand strong: Fauconbridge assaileth London. with these through Kent he made his way towards London, meaning to do much, the land so molested with intestine wars; and lodging his host on the Southside of London, commanded the Citizens to give him access, that with King Henry (whom he meant to release from the Tower) he might pass through their streets, to meet and encounter the usurping Edward. But the Londoners knowing the rudeness of these rakehells kept their gates shut and The Citizens withstood his entrance. guarded the same with sufficient strengths: whence some Lords of the royal blood therein residing, sent unto Edward of their present danger, who presently sent them fifteen hundred of his best Soldiers, after whom in person he warily marched, leading with him his prisoner Queen Margaret, whose bounds he well knew, gave him the full scope of liberty. (77) Fauconbridge in the mean while thirsting after spoil with his ships secured the Thamesis above S. Katherine's, purposing with his land Force's to pass the River at Kingston: but hearing that Edward was on his March, and fearing to be cut off from the benefit of his ships, he altered his mind; when to open his way into London, he caused the Bridge to be fired, and three thousand of his men being set over Thamesis by his ships, divided themselves Fauconbridge forced back to his ships. into two Companies, the one assaying to enter at Algate, and the other at Bishopsgate, both which they likewise set on fire, so that the City was in three places fired and assaulted at once, but with such evil success to the assailants, that seven hundred were slain, and the bold Bastard driven to his ships. (78) Upon the twentieth of May the Conqueror Edward with his Captive Queen Margaret entered London, and so into the Tower the one in pomp K. Edward with his Captive Queen Margaret enter London. commanding the place at his pleasure, the other in tears to remain a most pensive prisoner, where her husband, the downcast King Henry was kept in hard durance. The place being thus charged with the presence of two Kings and their Queens: the Crokebacke of Gloucester intended to clear by taking him away, that stood in his brother's way, whose successor as is thought he then meant to be; and making his inward mind more deformed than were his outward King Henry murdered in the Tower by Richard Duke of Gloucester. lineaments, without regard of bloud-defiled hands, stabbed the most innocent Henry to the heart with his dagger, in which act at once began the once happy rest, and the others foul guilt, which accompanied his conscience to the day of his death. (79) The body of this murdered King was upon the Ascension Eve laid in an open Coffin, and K. Henry carried barefaced through the streets of London. from the Tower guarded with many bills and glaves, was so carried through the streets unto the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, where it rested uncovered one day, and began to bleed again afresh, a sorrowful spectacle to most of the beholders, and thence was it carried to the Blackfriars Church, where it likewise lay bore faced, and bled as before, Stows Annals. all men being amazed at the sorrowful sight, and lastly, it was put in a boat without Priest, Clerke, Torch or Taper, singing or saying, and was ferried unto the Abbey of Chertsey in Surrey, & there without K. Henry buried at Chertsey, and removed to Windsor. pomp interred. But afterwards King Henry the seventh translated his body unto his Castle of Windsor, where in a new Tomb at the entrance into the Chancel of the Chapel, and south door of the Quire, it was princely bestowed, but since the Tomb is removed, and where the Corpse is now laid is not vulgarly known. (80) Thus lived and thus died this innocent and The inconstancy of KING▪ Henries●ortuneses ●ortunes. just King, who had been proclaimed in his Cradle, crowned in his Infancy, and again at more age had the Imperial Diadem of France set on his head, living uprightly, loving his Subjects, and reigning thirty eight years, was in that time tossed with variable success, for twice he was imprisoned, and deprived of his Crown, betrayed, smitten, and wounded, and in all things become a worthy example of fortune's unconstancy: he was of stature very seemly, of body slender, of face beautiful, and by a natural inclination abhorred all vice, far from pride, The virtues of K. Henry. given to prayer, well read in the Scriptures, using works of Charity, and so chaste, as no suspicion of incontinency could be conceived in him: nay, so far to the contrary, that when certain Ladies presented themselves before him in a mask, with their hair lose, and their breasts uncovered (he then a Holinshed. Bachelor, and able of marriage) he immediately rose up, and departed the presence, saying, fie, fie, forsooth yeeare to blame. Oath he used none, but in weighty matters, his affirmation was forsooth, and forsooth, very merciful to the poor, and so pitiful to Malefactors, as he commanded the quarters of Traitors to be taken down from the Gates, and buried, and so far from revenge, that he willingly pardoned the greatest offences against him; for a Ruffian intending his death, wounded him in the side with his sword, what time he lay prisoner in the Tower, and being restored to his kingly estate, he freely forgave the fact; and another like Ruffian striking him on the face, he punished with this only reprehension, forsooth you are to blame to strike me your anointed King: for these and his other patiented virtues, King Henry the 7. assayed to have Camb. Brit. in descript. of Surr●y him canonised a Saint: but Pope julius the 2. demanding too great a sum, the King went no further in the suit: notwithstanding▪ in the repute of the vulgar he was taken for no less, so as his read hat which he had worn, healed the headache, when it was put on, as the simple believed. (81) The monument of his zeal to true piety, and care for posterities, are his famous Colleges of Eaton and Cambridge, the Chapel of which last, shows the magnificence that the whole should have been of, had their Founder reigned to have finished them himself: for the performance whereof he enfeoffed certain Bishops with other noble personages by his letters Patents with lands and possessions, to the yearly value of thirty four hundred pounds very near: but as his life ended, before that nature had thereunto set her own seal; so these remain unperfected of the excellent beauties intended, which their zealous Founder meant to have adorned them withal. King's College in Cambridge and Eaton in Berkshire, founded by K. Henry. (82) And his sorrowful Queen Margaret, who twenty six years before this his death, with all pomp and royalty had been crowned Queen of England, and had ruled all in all, now a poor Prisoner in distress and wants, wears out her time in tears and laments, and wisheth for nothing more than the day of her death; which Duke Reiner her Father well understanding, made suit to King Edward Queen Margaret ransomed out of prison. to have her released by ransom; and lastly, bought her liberty at so dear a rate, as he first pawned, and afterward sold to Lewis the French King, the Kingdoms of Naples, and of both the Siciles to pay and repay the price of her redemption, unto which poor father, this sorrowful daughter returned and ended her aged days, where she had begun the days of her life. (83) Victorious Edward thus leading Mars chained to his Chariot, and now himself led by Fortune to the high chair of Estate, sits an absolute Monarch sure, and without opposite, unto whose rays all eyes turn a submissive aspect: only bastard Fauconbridge depatted, from London (as we have said) and withdrew unto Sandwich with his disquiet crew, made show to do much, and did somewhat more than befitting, by rape, and robbing, where those rude Mariners came, which Edward hearing of, hasted to Canterbury in person himself, fully resolved to weed up by the roots those new sprowted Bastard Fauconbridge with his unruly crew yield to King Edward. blades of rebellion, and made great preparation to accomplish the same, which the Bastard hearing (though strong in his Seamen) durst not bandy against, but sent his submission with proffer of service Bastard Fauconbridge pardoned of life, and rewarded with Knighthood. and loyal obedience, and indeed so temporised with the king, as besides his pardon obtained, the sword of knighthood was laidupon his shoulder, & he was presently made the King's Vice-admiral for the Seas. In which his office he so bore himself (either by his Rob. Fabian. own deserts, or the King's Conceit) as he not long enjoyed the same, but was at Southampton beheaded, Bastard Fauconbridge beheaded. and other of King Henry's old favourites likewise sought after and daily endangered. A. D. 1472. (84) In which times of fear, jasper Earl of Pembroke, with his Nephew young Henry Earl of Richmond, fled into Britain, where, of that Duke they were most courteously entertained, with assurance Henry of Richmond fled into Britain. made, that no wrong should be offered them, during their stay in his dominions. And so these two Earls the uncle and nephew, there attended the day oftheir wished success. (85) But john Earl of Oxford, who had withdrawn The story of John Earl of Oxford. himself from Barnet field first into Wales, and thence into France, was far more unpatient of those rough times, for having gotten store of provision by strong hand at Sea, with seventy seven men only surprised Saint Michael's Mount in Cornwall, and made that piece good against the King, which he kept and revictualled, but whether by force or favour King Edward much suspected, and therefore the more willingly came to a composition with his Subject, who upon the pardon of his life delivered the Mount to the King: and as some say the rather, Waters broke out of the Earth. for that his mind was then troubled with many ominous signs. For certain Boornes about this time burst out of the Earth, as Woe-mere at Market in the County of Bedford, whose name carried the quality of his nature. In Kent, at Canterbury, Levisham, john Stow. Annals. and Langley Park, at Croyden in Surrey, and at Hungeruill near Dudley Castle one running very foul: all of them predictions, as that credulous age believed, of great troubles to come: and therefore The Earl of Oxford sent prisoner into France. not trusting a new reconciled enemy, King Henry sent the said Earl Prisoner unto the Castle of Hames in Normandy, where he remained the space of twelve years, unto the last of K. Richard the 3. most securely guarded, and so straightly kept, as Lady Margaret his The hard and inhuman usage of the Countess of Oxford. Countess could not be suffered to have access unto him, in all that time. Neither was she allowed any thing out of his revenues, or from the king, to maintain her estate, but was forced to live upon the Charity of others, & by the works that she made with her Needle; both of them very short to supply her great wants. This unmerciful and almost unhuman usage, was the more extremely followed, for that Oxford himself, his father and brother, had ever sided with the Lancastrians. And herself being sister unto Richard Duke of Warwick, the Capital obstacle against king Edward's proceed, was held either dangerous, if her wealth balanced her birth and estate, or else unworthy of his favour, whose good fortunes as was suggested, she ever maligned. The story of Lord Henry Holland Duke of Excester. (86) But much more miserable was the estate of Lord Henry Holland, Duke of Excester, and Earl of Huntingdon, who flourished so long, as king Henry's pillar stood crowned on his base, and the Lancastrians (of whose house himself was) overswayed the times; he being the son of Lady Elizabeth the second daughter of john of Gaunt, and having married the sister of Edward the then reigning King, was notwithstanding driven to such want, as he may serve an example to all, how uncertain Adam's sons are of any continuing greatness. For (saith Philip Comines) Phil Comines. lib. 3. cap. 4. I once saw the Duke of Excester run on foot bore legged, after the Duke of Burgundy's train, begging his bread for God's sake, but he uttered not his name, he being the nearest of the house of Lancaster, and brother in law unto King Edward, and being known what he was, Burgundy gave him a small pension to maintain his estate. (87) But when King Henry was again restored, & the Title of the Crown laid upon the success of Ed. Hall. Barnet-field, this man Lord Henry bore himself most bravely against king Edward, and in fight was struck down, and left for dead, where, in his bleeding wounds he lay most part of the day, but yet recovering, and got to Westminster, he theretooke Sanctuary to save his life, for which, he become Suitor unto The unloving parts of an unloving wife. joh. Sow. the king, but his wife Lady Anne sister unto king Edward, sued as earnestly for a divorce, which with great instancy she lastly obtained against him. How he released himself from the wrath of the king, is uncertain, and how he came by his death no man can tell, for his body was found cast upon the shore The Lord Henry supposed to have been drowned. of Kent, as though he had perished by shipwreck upon the Sea. (88) Now Edward to finish all factions, thought best to lordship off both bough and branch, that gave any shadow to the Lancastrians designs, to which end he rather picked, then found occasion of treason, in The Archbishop of York's goods, seized upon. George Nevil Archbishop of York, whose goods, lands, and Lordships, he seized upon, got possession of his rich plate and jewels, whereof one in his Mitre was of such value, as the King caused it to be set in his Imperial Crown, and the Archbishop to be sent over Sea to the Castle of Hames, where he remained a Prisoner a long time after, with no such courteous entertainment, as himself had used to Edward when he was Prisoner. (89) But the escape of Pembroke and Earl Richmond troubled the King not a little, the only men now left to bandy against them, and therefore were most followed with a suspicious eye. In somuch as K. Edward sends into Britain to reco●er Richmond and Pembroke. Edward wrote unto the Duke of Britain their receiver, with promises of heaps of gold to have them sent back and delivered unto his hands: but the Duke that had given them his safety before, answered the English Ambassadors, that it stood not with honour, so to betray these distressed Princes, fled to him for relief, yet, he faithfully undertook, that they should be so followed, as King Edward should sleep quiet from their molestations, which being no better, Edward notwithstanding made the best of it. (90) All now in quiet, and Edward draigning without any Competitor, or malignant disturber, caused a high Court of Parliament to be assembled at Westminster, wherein he re-established those Acts, which Henry had abrogated, and abrogated those that K. Edward abrogates King Henry's laws. were made against his favourites; at which season the Duke of Burgundy sent his Ambassadors unto Edward, craving his aid against the French King, which was the more willingly heard and granted, as well for his favours received of the Duke, in time of his Burgundy sends for aid into England against France. necessity, as for spleen against Lewis, who had aided Warwick to dispossess him of his Crown. And indeed this was a spark, that was likely to set the hearts of the English on fire, to recover France lost by Henry the last King. A. D. 1474. K. Edward's expedition into France. (91) All things in a readiness King Edward repaired to Dover, and there embarked himself for Calais, with the greatest Army that ever from England set sails into France: for he had in his Company fifteen hundred Noblemen, and men at Arms, Phil. Comines. lib. 4. cap. 5. all of them mounted, and most of them barbed, who with the Archers on horseback also made up the number of fifteen thousand, besides a great number The great preparation of King Edward. of footmen and others to pitch Tents, to attend the Artillery, and enclose their Camps. Before the King's departure from England, he had sent Gartar King at Arms unto King Lewis with a letter of defiance: whose contents demanded no less, than the whole Realm of France, which if he refused, he King Edward's demand. threatened to invade his dominions with fire and sword. Lewis his conference with the English Herald. (92) The letter received, and read in secret by Lewis himself, he privately sent for, and conferred Lewis his conference with the English Herald. with the Herald, telling him that it was not Edward, but Burgundy that raked abroad these dying cinders, who as a man discomfited & unfurnished for war, would draw in the English, by his sly dealings, to their inestimable Charges, to supply his defects▪ that Burgundy being of the house of Lancaster hated most deadly the family of York; and more for fear then love married Edward's sister. As touching the Constable he told him, though Edward had married his Niece, yet he would deceive him, as he had done his own Master of France, who had heaped many and extraordinary benefits upon him. And lastly with the gift of three hundred Crowns, and the K. Lewis moveth Gartar to be a means for peace. promise of a thousand more, he instigated the Herald to work a peace. Gartar very thankfully took the French gold, and counseled Lewis to sand a Herald unto his Master King Edward to demand a safeconduct for conference: and so openly rewarded with thirty Else of Crimson-veluet he departed. (93) King Lewis nothing so pompous as other Princes are, nor attended with Heralds continually Phil. Com. lib. 4. cap. 7. in his Court, was therefore enforced unto this present shift: he caused a servant of the Lord Hales to be arrayed like an herald in a trumpets banner, and A sergeant Herald sent to K. Edward. sent him in haste into King Edward's Camp; where having audience, he showed the great desire the King his Master had of peace, whose amity with England he had ever held, excusing his receipt of Warwick with the necessity of time, whom he aided not against The Herald's persuasions. Edward, but against Burgundy, who as he instantly alleged, had now drawn the English to this excessive charges, that he might thereby conclude a better composition for himself, and to amend the broken state of his own affairs; lastly he desired that the King of England would grant a safeconduct unto the Ambassadors of the French King his Master, who should more fully inform his Majesty, and give his safeconduct for a further conference in these affairs: and so wisely this counterfeit worded his message, An English Herald sent to King Lewis. that the King and Nobles liked well the overture, and thereupon granting a safeconduct sent with him an English Herald, to receive the like and other assignments from the French King. (94) But when the Duke of Burgundy understood The Duke of Burgundy cometh to the King. that a peace was traversed betwixt Edward & Lewis, he stormed not a little, and with no small haste from Lutzenburgh accompanied with sixteen horse only, came to his brother King Edward, and in a great rage reproved him of breach of promise, and uncourteous requital of his former kindness, that thus would enter amity with his great foe, and in outward semblance more ready to bite then to bark, burst into these reproofs. Edw. Hall. fol. 231. Have you (quoth he) brother, passed the Seas, entered France, and without kill of a poor Burgundy's hot speech unto K. Edward. fly, or burning of a silly Sheepecote taken a shameful truce? O S. George! did Edward your noble Ancestor ever make Army into France, and returned without battle or Conquest? That victorious Prince King Henry the fifth (as near of kin unto you as me) whose blood you have either rightfully or wrongfully (God knoweth) extinguished and destroyed, with a small puissance conquered Normandy, kept it, and never would come to composition, till he had the whole kingdom of France offered him, and was made heir apparent unto that Crown. Contrariwise you without any thing done, proffer of battle, or gain of honour have now condescended unto a peace as profitable for England as is a poor peascod: have I (think you) for my particular use drawn the English forces into France (which am able of myself to defend mine own cause?) I tell you plainly no, but rather to aid you, to recover your ancient Territories wrongfully withholden: and that you shall well know I need not your aid, I will hear of no truce with the French, till three months after your arrivage in England at the lest; And thereupon furiously arising, he threw down the Chair, wherein he had sat and offered to departed. K. Edward's reply to his brother of Burgundy. (95) Nay stay brother Charles (quoth K. Edward) sigh I with patience have heard you speak what you would, you shall now perforce hear from me what you would not: First therefore for my thus entrance into France, no man knoweth the occasion better than yourself: for, maugre your own great power you speak of; you do remember I know, how the French King took from you the fair Town Amiens, and the strong Pile Saint Quintin's, with divers other pieces which you neither durst, nor were able either to rescue or defend, since which time he hath gotten from you, your best bosom friends and secret Counsellors, so as yourself stood in doubt (determining to besiege Nusse) whether the loss would be greater in your absence (the French King waiting as a fox for his prey) or gain more in Germany by your power and presence: and to keep this wolf from your fold, was the principal cause why you so earnestly prayed me, and continually solicited me to pass over the Seas, promising mountains, but performing not a Molehill, bragging a supply both of horse and foot, but never sent me a hoof, nor a lackey. Think you (brother) if we had entered this enterprise in our own quarrel, we would have expected your aid? I assure you nothing less, for if we had intended any such Conquest, we would with soldiers fire and sword, have so infected the air with the flames and slain of France, as should have annoyed your Countries of Flaunders and Brabant, and given you leisure to sit still and tell of our ever achieved great victories, nothing doubting but to have gotten and kept with like manhood, and in as great glory, as any of our Ancestors before us had done. But the occasion of war being yours, and you wilfully (I will not say cowardly) neglecting the same, I mean not to prosecute, for the French King never offended me nor my Subjects, except in favouring Warwick against me, nay I may say against you, and now offereth such honourable overtures of peace, which I by Burgundy departeth displeased from King Edward. God's grace mean not to forsake, but will observe and keep. God sand you joy thereof, quoth the Duke, and so abruptly departed from the King. The conference for peace near Amiens. (96) The peace thus resolved upon, betwixt the two kings of England and France, the place appointed for conference was near unto Amiens, and the parties assigned for the French, were the Bastard of Bourbon Admiral of France, the Lord S. Pierre, and the Bishop of Eureux. For the English, were the Lord Howard, Sir Thomas St. Leger, and Doctor Morton Commissioners for peace. Lord Chancellor of England. These meeting, presently fell to a conclusion of peace: the conditions whereof were: That the French King should forthwith pay to the King of England seventy two thousand Conditions of the peace. Crowns. That the Dauphin should marry Lady Elizabeth, King Edward's eldest daughter, and that she should have for her maintenance the Duchy of Guienne, or else fifty thousand Crowns y●●●ely to be paid in the Tower of London, for nine years space. This peace was so acceptable to Lewis his liberality for joy of th● peace. King Lewis, as he sent sixteen thousand Crowns to be 〈◊〉 amongst the English Soldiers, with plate and gr●●● presents to men of any sort: & indeed gave them such entertainment in Amiens as was most bounteous, whereof if any desire further to Ph. Com. l. 4. c. 9 know, let him read Comines upon the same text. The kings of England and France desire to see each others. (97) To grafted which peace with a loving beginning, the two Kings were desirous to see each others, for which end Commissioners were sent to assign the place: and lastly agreed, that the Tow ne Picquigny about three leagues from Amiens, seated in a bottom, through which the River Some ran, was the fittest: over which a strong bridge was built, and Picquigny the meeting place of the kings. in the midst thereof, a grate made overthwart with bars, no wider asunder than a man might well thrust in his Arm, covered with boards over head to avoid the rain, & the bridge so broad that twelve might stand in a rank on both sides. A. D. 1475. Aug. ●9. (98) The day approached, and the two Kings come to the place, he of France came first to the Grate, accompanied with twelve personages, as was the appointment; whereof john Duke of Bourbon and the Cardinal his brother were the chiefest: King Edward entering the bridge on the other end, with his brother the Duke of Clarence, the Earl of Northumberland, the Lord Hastings his Chamberlain, and the Lord Chancellor, himself appareled all in cloth of gold, with a rich jewel of precious stones, in form of a Flower de Luce: advanced forward, The salutations of the two kings. and within five foot of the Grate, put off his cap, and bowed his knee within half a foot to the ground. King Lewis as readily doing his likely reverence unto Edward. Where, after embracements through the Grate, the Chancellor of England who was Prelate and Bishop of Ely, made an eloquent and learned Oration, which done, he read the Articles of peace and demanded the Kings whether these were done with their full consents. Which granted by both: either of them laying their one hand upon the The Kings swear the league. Missal, and the other upon the Holy-Crosse, took their solemn Oaths to observe the same. And then falling into a more familiar and Courtly Complemental conference, King Lewis told K. Edward that he would one day invite him to Paris, there to Court his fair French Ladies, with whom if he committed any sin, he merrily told him, that Cardinal Bourbon, should be his Confessor, whose penance would be the easier, for that Bourbon used to buss fair Ladies himself; which no sooner was spoken, or howsoever meant, but Edward was as forward of thanks and acceptance, and indeed so ready, K. Lewis loath that Edward should visit Paris. that King Lewis rounding Commines his bosom servant in his ear, told him flatly he liked not Edward's forwardness to Paris, too many English Princes having been there before: and thus the conference ended, and king Edward's business in France, A. D. 1475. Sept. 28. he returned into England, and into the City of London was received little less than in triumph-wise. (99) But though Edward's fortunes thus outwardly flourished, yet inward fears nipped his still troubled mind, one branch having sap, whose growth he much feared would shadow his Crown, which was Henry Earl of Richmond, alive and at liberty in the Duke of Britain's Court. To bring therefore his Henry Earl of Richmond sought after by K. Edward. purpose to pass, he sent D. Stillington and others, Ambassadors unto Frances Duke of Britain, with store of gold and good words, as that he meant to An intent pretended, which after came to pass. match his eldest daughter Lady Elizabeth unto the young Earl of Richmond, whereby all cause of dissensions might at once be cut off: the Duke thinking no danger where the water went smooth, easily consented to ship him thereon; but ere the prey was embarked, he had knowledge that the voyage should cost young Henry his life; wherefore in Ralph Holinsh. pag. 701. all hast he sent his Treasurer Peter La●doys to prevent it, who secretly told Richmond what marriagebed Edward intended; whereat the distressed Earl Henry Earl of Richmond taketh Sanctuary. amazed, was put to his shifts, and for want of better, took Sanctuary at S. Malos, where the English his conductors lay for a wind. The English Ambassador complaineth to the Duke of Britain. (100) The Earl thus escaped, the Ambassadors complained to the Duke, imputing the fault as far as they durst unto him, who had not dealt like a good Merchant to take their money, and to retain the wares; his answer was, the delivery was good, His Answer. but themselves negligent Factors, that made not the commodity to their best advantage. And yet for the love he bore to their King, he undertook that Richmund should be sure kept either in Sanctuary, or else in prison, whence as he promised he should not escape: And so with a fle● in ●●●ir ear, they returned, having cleared Edward of his ●●●ey, and care for sure keeping of Henry, who though he were sore displeased with Stillingtons simplicity; yet the promises that the Duke of Britain had made, much mitigated and eased his mind. Sir Tho. Moor. (101) And now the Realm quiet, no war in hand, nor none towards (but such as no man looked should happen;) he framed himself so to the King Edward beloved of his subjects and loveth his subjects. people's affections, and held their hearts not in a constrained fear, but with as loving and ready obedience as any King attaining the Crown by his sword ever had. Nor was ever any Prince more familiar with his Subjects then this King Edward was, who now having his tribute truly paid from France, and all things prospering as was desired, he set heart upon pleasure, which hitherto had been afflicted with continual turmoil: yea and often laid from him the state ofa Prince, and would accompany and converse with his mean subjects: a loadstone that doth naturally attract the English hearts; among many others we of London remember this to our grace. Unto Windsor he sent for the Lord Mayor Jo. Stow. K. Edward sent for the Mayor and Aldermen of London to his hunt. of London, the Aldermen and others, upon no other occasion, then to hunt in his company, and himself to be merry with them: As also at another time he did the like in Waltham, where he gave them most familiar entertainment, and sent to the Lady Mairesse and her sisters two hearts, six Bucks, and a Tun of wine, which wan more love then manifold their worths. K. Edward somewhat licentiously given. (102) Somewhat he was given to Court and converse with fair Ladies, which fault was well noted and prevented by King Lewis, for his French dames: but in England he had liberty with very large scope, for besides the Lady Lucy and others, by whom he had issue, three concubines he kept, and those of K. Edward's three Concubines. three divers, and several dispositions, as himself would often confess, one the merriest, another the wiliest, and the third the holiest harlot in his realm, as one whom no man could get out of the Church unless it were to his Bed, the merriest was Shores wife, of whom hereafter we shall speak, the other two were greater Personages, but in their humility are content to be nameless, and to forbear the praise of those properties. (103) This fault of the King did not greatly offend the people: for one man's pleasure could not extend to the displeasures of many, it being done without violence, and in his latter days lessened and well left. But a far more greater sin and reproach he fell into, among his other Princely disports: For being on progress in Warwickshire, and hunting in Arrow Park, belonging to Thomas Burdet Thomas Burdet accused of treason. Esquire, with the death of much Game he slew a White Buck greatly esteemed of the said Burdet, who understanding thereof, wished his horns in his Enguerr. Belly, that moved the King to kill the same Buck, whereof he was accused and condemned of treason, his words being drawn, to wish the horns in the Register of Gray-Friers London. King's belly: for which beheaded he was at Tyburn, and buried in the Gray-Fryers Church at London. The story of George Duke of Clarence. (104) But a more lamentable tragedy happened unto the land, by the death of George Duke of Clarence the King's second brother, who being accused of high Treason, was committed to the Tower, where he soon after ended his life. His attainder was, that the said Duke had caused diverse of his servants The attainder of the Duke of Clarence. John Stow. to inform the people, that Thomas Burdet his servant likewise, was wrongfully put to death: and further laboured (through their reports) to make the world believe, that K. Edward wrought by Necromancy, and used to poison such subjects as he hated: And also that the said Duke upon purpose to exalt himself and his heirs to the Regal dignity, most falsely and untruly published that the King was a Bastard, and therefore not capable of reign. Moreover that he induced diverse of the King's natural subjects to be sworn upon the blessed Sacrament, unto him and his heirs, without any other reservations of their allegiance: for which intent (as there was alleged) he had gotten an exemplification under the great Seal of King Henry the sixt, that if the said king and his son Prince Edward died without issue male, the said Duke and his heirs should enjoy the Crown: For these in a Parliament begun at Westminster the fifteenth of january he was attainted of high treason: but whether guilty or guiltless, to men A. D. 1478. Rich. Graft. (●aith Grafton) that have made large inquisition, yea and of such as were of no small authority in those days, the certainty thereof was hid, and could not truly be disclosed, ●●t by conjectures, which as often deceive the imaginations of fantastical folk, as declare truth to them in their conclusions. A false prophecy of G. E. (105) I am not ignorant that some have alleged the cause of this Noble man's death to arise from a foolish prophecy (whereof saith Comines) the Englishmen Phil. Coming. lib. 4▪ cap. 10. are never unfurnished, & this as the Cabalists, who used to make an art of their letters, gave forth forsooth that a G. should reign after an E. which must needs be George Duke of Clarence, though Gloucester more crafty lay in wind for the game. This indeed troubled the King not a little, but the Queen and her blood much more, and therefore of both King and Queen Duke George was mistrusted, and greatly maligned in all that he did. Who now a widower (for Warwick's daughter was dead) sent unto his sister Margaret the Duchess of Burgundy, The Duke of Clarence is suitor unto Marie the daughter of Burgundy. to work a marriage for him with her husband's daughter the Lady Marie. Against which the Queen most earnestly interposed herself, and solicited the Lady in the behalf of Lord Anthony Earl Rivers her brother, whereby great discontent was ministered to the Duke, and new jealousies daily bred in the King's breast. (106) john Serres the French Historian interlacing 〈◊〉 Serres. the life of King Lewis with the Acts of K. Edward and his brethren, saith confidently, that the English King so much affected the league and alliance with France, Clarence imprisoned by his brother King Edward. as that he caused his brother Clarence to be put in prison, because he intended to have past the Seas to secure the Dowager of Burgundy Lady Margaret his sister, upon whose Territories King Lewis encroached, after the death of Duke Charles her husband slain at the battle of Mancy. (107) But howsoever Clarence had offended, certain it is, that he was found guilty by the foresaid Parliament, and the eleventh of March following, after he had offered his Masse-penny in the Tower George Duke of Clarence condemned by Parliament. And drowned in a But of malmsey. of London, was drowned in a But of Malmsey, whose body was buried at Tewkesburie in Glocestershire, by the body of his Duchess Lady Isabella Countess of Warwick, who being with Child, died of poison a little before. And although the King had consented to his death, yet no sooner was it done, but that he wished it again undone, and was so grieved at the remembrance, as when any made suit for the life of K. Edward's repentance for his brother's death. a condemned, he would openly say: O unfortunate brother, for whose life no man would make suit. This good Duke (for so was he called) left issue behind The Duke of Clarence his issue. him, Edward Earl of Warwick and Margaret afterwards Countess of Salisbury, both of them infants, and followers of their father's fortunes: he a Edward and Margaret the children of Clarence beheaded. continual Prisoner, at four and twenty years of age under Henry the seventh, was beheaded upon the Tower-hill; and she at sixty two, lost hers within the Tower, and time of King Henry the eight. King Edward deceived in King Lewis. (108) But how dainty soever King Edward was of the breach of amity, betwixt him and the French King, in regard whereof he suffered Mary the young Duchess of Burgundy the daughter of his own sister's husband to be molested by intrusion of the French, and all in favour of the contract commenced between the Dauphin & Lady Elizabeth his daughter, yet did Lewis for his part but dally and drive out time: For Ambassadors employed for the full accomplishing thereof, they of France came either Io▪ Serres. without commission, or those recalled, the new were sent without instructions, while indeed Lewis was working for his son another way: First to match him with Mary Duchess of Burgundy, but that refused, with Margaret of Flaunders daughter to Duke Maximilian son to Frederick the Emperor: and to hold the world from suspicion, in the mean while Lady Elizabeth the Infanta of England was in the French Lady Elizabeth called Madame the Dauphin. Court usually called Madame the Dauphin, and all things in France so sound carried, as Edward suspected no leak in the Cask: for now grown fat and unable for pains, he both gloried in his nine famous victories at home achieved, and seemed sufficiently satisfied, that his yearly tribute from France was so truly paid. A. D. 1480. Io. Leslie. Lady Cicely motioned in marriage unto james Prince of Scotland. (109) At the same time james the third of that name King of Scotland, sent his Ambassadors unto Edward to obtain the Lady Cicelie the King's second daughter to be joined in marriage with his son james the young Prince, which was well listened unto, by Edward and his Counsel, and lest the motion should go back, a great sum of money lent to the Scottish King with this condition, that at a certain time appointed, it should be at K. Edward's choice, whether his daughter should match with that Prince, or else to have the said sum again repaid. Against which alliance and league (as Lesly reporteth,) Lewis King of France interp●seth the contract betwixt Prince James and Lady Margaret. Lewis of France much repined, and to annihilate the same sent Dr. Ireland, a certain knight, and another religious man, to move King james to make war against England. (110) These no Peacemakers for Christ, but firebrands of Belial, blew the smothered sparks of dissension into a flame of bloody war, which fell the more heavy upon Scotland, for that K. james much james King of Scotland much wedded to his own will. wedded unto his own will, and altogether ruled by men of mean worth, whom himself had advanced from nothing, had not only neglected by their instigations the love of his Nobles, but also banished the Realm of Scotland, Alexander Duke of Albany his Alexander Duke of Albany banished Scotland. john Earl of Marre bled to death. second brother; and had caused the veins of john Earl of Marre his other brother, to be opened, whereby he bled to death; these and other discontents alienated his subjects hearts from him, which laid the land more open unto the English Invaders; and yet to draw them more deadly against him, relying upon his ownevalor, and the assistance of France, he sent word unto Edward, that he should not aid his own sister of Burgundy against K. Lewis, being the K. james threateneth war against England. Scots Ally; as also with threats of war commanded him to deliver to his Ambassadors, the Duke of Albany (then residing in the English Court) and lastly to make good and repay damages done upon the Scottish Borders. (111) King Edward not a little enraged at these double dealings, even in the winter season mustered his men, prepared his artillery, and rigged his ships, that nothing should be unready at the next Spring; which no sooner was come, but that he ordained for his Lieutenant his brother Richard Duke of Gloucester, Richard Duke of Gloucester made the King's Lieutenant against Scotland. who with Henry Earl of Northumberland, Thomas Lord Stanley, the Lord Lovel, Greistock and others, (the Duke of Albany marching unto Gloucesters' banner) with twenty thousand strong repaired into the North: and first besieged the strong Town Berwick, The Duke of Gloucester entereth Scotland▪ then entering the chief City Edinburgh, urged K. james to perform his covenants, concerning the marriage betwixt Prince james his son, with Lady Cicely before agreed upon, threatening destruction if the match went not forward. The Scottish Nobility considering the eminent danger, put to death the wicked Counsellors of their King, ordained the Duke of Albany the Vicegerent of Scotland, and promised to repay the money received according to Covenants; after which with the delivery of the strong Town Berwicke, which had been out of the Berwicke delivered to the English. English possession the space of one and twenty years, a general peace was concluded betwixt the two Realms▪ Whereupon not long after, Gartar King at arms was sent into Scotland, with an Instrument in writing unto the Provost and Burgesses of Edinburgh Holinsh. p. 707. (who had undertaken to disburse the money) to signify King Edward's mind touching the marriage intended, and to demand the said sum by a day assigned, which accordingly was repaid. (112) The marriage with Scotland thus broken off, for the Lady Cicely, by K. Edward himself; that with France for the Princess Elizabeth, both he and his Queen greatly desired, and daily sought after. But Lewis the French King, finding the daughter of Ostrich more fit for his son, dallied out Edward with shows of firm faith, till he had effected the thing he went about: which music sounded so harshly in the English Kings ear, as in no wise he would suffer that string to be touched, but ever believed that the French meant him fair play, and although P●il. Comines. lib. 6. chap. 2. and 9 the years of the parties themselves might beget some suspicion, she being much elder than the Dauphin, and the truth thereof confirmed by the King Lewi● dallieth with King Edward. Duke of Austriches Leger-Ambassadours residing in England, yet Edward would not so much as suppose a suspect against the French King, and therefore King Edward would not believe what was confidently told him. suffered Lewis to encroach upon those parts of Picardy that joined to Calais, and to gain time till it was past recall: for then the Lord Howard returning from France, confidently told him that he was present, and saw the Lady Margaret of Ostrich, daughter to Duke Maximilian, son to the Emperor Frederick, received unto France with great pomp & royalty: and at Ambois contracted and espoused to the Dauphin. (113) Edward mightily chafed to be thus worked A war pretended against France. by Lewis, made great preparation for France, but whether with anger, grief, or melancholy, he fell into a dangerous and deadly sickness; some say, of a King Edward falleth sick. superfluous surfeit, whereunto he was much given: Commines saith, of a Catarrh, which weak estate turned his mind another way: for calling his Lords into his sick presence, and raising his faint body upon his Bed-Pillowes, these words unto them he lastly spoke: (114) My Lords, my dear Kinsmen, & Allies; Thom. Moore. King E●wards' speeches at his death. in what plight I lie, you see, and I feel; by which the less while I look to live with you, the more deeply am I moved to care in what case I leave you; for such as I leave you, such be my children like to find you. Which if they should (that God forbidden) find you at variance, might hap to fall themselves at war, ere their discretion would serve to set you at peace. Ye see their youth, of which I reckon the only surety to rest in your concord. For it sufficeth not that all you love them, if each of you hate other. If they were men, your faithfulness happily would suffice: but childhood must be maintained by men's authority, and slippery youth underpropped with elder counsel; which neither they can have, unless you The perils of discord. give it, nor you give it, if you agreed not. For where each laboureth to break that which the other maketh, and through hatred of each others person impugneth each others counsel, there must it needs be long, or any good conclusion go forward: And while either party striveth to be chief, flattery shall have more play then plain and faithful advise, of which must needs ensue the evil bringing up of the Prince; whose mind in tender youth infected, shall readily fall to riot and Tender youth is soon infected. mischief, and draw down with him his noble Realm unto ruin: but if grace turn him to wisdom: which if God sand, than they that by evil means before pleased him best, shall after fall furthest out of favour, so that ever at length evil drifts draw to naught, and good plain ways prospero. Great variance hath there long time been Great variance for small causes. between you, not always for great causes. Sometime a thing right well intended, our misconstructions turneth unto worse, or a small displeasure done us, either our own affections or evil tongues agreeveth. But this wots I well, ye never had so great cause of hatred, as you have of love. That we be all men, that we be Christian men, this shall I King Edward's good counsel. leave for Preachers to tell you (and yet I wots near whether any Preachers words aught more to move you, than his, that is by and by, going to the place that they all preach of.) But this I shall desire you to remember, that the one part of you is of my blood, the other of my Allies; and each of you with other, either of kindred or affinity; which spiritual kindred of affinity, if the Sacraments of Christ's Church bear that weight with us, that would to God they did, should no less move us to charity, than the respect of fleshly consanguinity. Our Lord forbidden, that you love together the worse for the self cause, that you aught to love the better. And yet that happeneth, and no where find we so deadly debate, as among them, which by nature and law aught most to agreed together. Such a pestilent serpent is ambition, and desire of What the nature of ambition is. vain glory and sovereignty which among states where it once entereth, creepeth forth so far, till with division and variance he turneth all to mischief, first longing to be next the best, afterward equal with the best, and at last chief and above the best. Of which immoderate appetite of worship, and thereby of debate and dissension, what loss, what sorrow, what trouble, hath within these few years grown in this Realm, I pray God as well forget as we remember. Which things, if I could aswell have foreseen, as I have with my more pain than pleasure proved, By God's blessed Lady King Edward's usual oath. (that was ever his oath) I would never have won the courtesy of men's knees, with the loss of so many heads. But sigh things passed cannot be gaine-called, much aught we the more beware, by what occasion we have taken so great hurt afore, that we eft 'zounds fall not into the like again. Now be those griefs passed, and all is (God be thanked) quiet, and likely right well to prospero in wealthful peace under your Cousins, my children, if God sand them life, and you love. Of which two things the less loss were they, by whom though God did his pleasure, yet should the Realm always find Kings, and peradventure as good Kings. But if you among yourselves in a child's reign fall at debate, many a good man shall perish, and happily he too, and ye too, ere this Land find peace again. Wherefore in these last words that ever I look to speak with you, I exhort, and require King Edward's last request. you all, for the love that you have ever borne unto me: for the love that I have ever borne unto you, for the love that our Lord beareth to us all, from this time forward all griefs forgotten, each of you love others, which I verily trust you will, if you any thing regard, either God, or your King, affinity or kindred, this Realm, your own country, or your own surety. (115) And therewithal the King no longer enduring to sit up, laid him down on his right side, his face towards them, who with weeping eyes & words as fitted the time, recomfited the sick dying King, joining their hands, and outwardly forgiving that, which inwardly they meant not to forget. The King overjoyed to see their willing reconcilements spoke not many words after, but commending his soul unto God, in their presence departed this life at his Palace of Westminster, upon the 9 day of April, The reign and death of King Edward. and year of Christ's appearance 1483. at the age of forty one, when he had worn the royal Diadem, two and twenty years, one month and five days: and was buried at Windsor, in the new Chapel, whose foundation himself had laid. Phil. Com. lib. 4. cap. 10. (116) Of parsonage he was the goodliest Gentleman (saith Commines) that ever mine eyes beheld; King Edward described. fair of complexion, and of most princely presence; courageous of heart, politic in counsel; in adversity nothing abashed; in prosperity rather joyous then proud: in peace just and merciful; in war sharp and fierce, and in field bold and venturous: yet no further than wisdom would, and is no less commended where he avoided, then is his manhood when he vanquished: eight or nine battles he won, Ph. Com. l. 6. c. 2. wherein to his greater renown he fought on foot, and was ever victor over his enemies: much given he was to the lusts of youth, and in his latter time, grown somewhat corpulent, which rather adorned his graver years, than any ways disliked the eyes of his beholders. His Wife. (117) Elizabeth the daughter of Richard Wooduill Earl Rivers by his wife ●aquelana Duchess of Bedford, who was the daughter of Peter Earl of S. Paul, and he the son of Peter de Luxembourg, was first married unto Sir john Grey slain at S. Alban, where he was knighted the day before his death by King Henry the sixt, unto whom she bore two sons and a daughter, after whose death she was privately remarried unto K. Edward the fourth, the first day of May, at his manor of Grafton in Northamptonshire Anno 1464. and in the next year following upon the six and twentieth of May, was crowned Queen at Westminster with all due solemnities. She was his wife eighteen years, eleven months, and nine days, no more fortunate in attaining to the height of all worldly dignity, then unfortunate in the murder of her sons, and loss of her own liberty: For in the beginning of K. Edward's reign, she was forced to take Sanctuary at Westminster, wherein her first son Prince Edward was borne; and at his death did the like in fear of the Protector, and lastly having all her lands and possessions seized upon by K. Henry the seventh, lived in mean estate in the Monastery Holinsh. of Bermondsey in Southwark, where not long after she left the troubles of her life, and enjoyed a quiet portion or burying place by her last husband King Edward at Windsor. (118) Elinor Butler, as we found it recorded upon the Parliament Role, was contracted unto King Edward: but how true considering the occasion, and time of the Act, we leave for others to judge, only this is most certain that this Lady Elinor was the daughter of john Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, and the wife of Sir Thomas Butler Knight, son and heir to Ralph Butler Baron of Sudley, which Elinor died the thirtieth of june, the year of Christ jesus 1466. and the eight of King Edward the fourth his reign. His Issue. (119) Edward the eldest son of K. Edward the fourth by Queen Elizabeth his wife, was borne in the Sanctuary at Westminster the fourth of November, and year of grace 1471. being the tenth of his father's reign, at that time expulsed the Realm by the powerful Earl Warwick; but fortune changed, and the father restored; the son, the first of july and year of Christ was created Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester; and had not the ambitious hand of his uncle been defiled in his innocent blood, he might have worn the Diadem A. D. 1478. Stow. many years, whereas he bore the Title of King not many days. (120) Richard the second son of K. Edward the fourth by Elizabeth his Queen, was borne at Shrewsbury, and in his infancy was created Duke of York, he was affianced unto Anne daughter and heir to john Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, by which he was entitled Duke of Norfolk, Earle-Marshall, Warren, and Nottingham, but enjoying neither Title, wife, or his own life long, was with his brother murdered in the Tower of London, and in the prison of that Tower, which upon that most sinful deed is ever since called the bloody Tower, their bodies as yet unknown where to have burial. (121) George the third son of K. Edward the fourth, by Queen Elizabeth his wife, was also borne in Shrewsburie, and being a young Child was created Duke of Bedford, but lived not long after, and lieth buried at Windsor. (122) Elizabeth the first daughter of K. Edward the fourth, by Elizabeth his Queen, was borne at Westminster the eleventh of February, and fifth of her father's reign, being the year of Salvation 14●6. She was promised in marriage to Charles Dauphin of France, wooed and Courted by her uncle Crouchbacke, when he had murdered her brothers, and usurped the Crown, but better destiny attending her, she was reserved to join the union and marriage with the only heir of Lancaster, which was Henry of Richmond, afterward King of England, from whom is branched the royal stem that spreadeth his beauty in this northwest world, even james our dread Sovereign, and great Britain's Monarch. (123) Cicely, the second daughter of K. Edward the fourth by Queen Elizabeth his wife, was sought unto, by james the third of that name, to be joined in marriage with james his son Prince of Scotland, and Duke of Rothsay, which match was promised upon conditions and choice of K. Edward, who lastly broke off from further proceeding, and the Lady married unto john Viscount Wells, whom she outlived, and was again remarried, but by neither husband had any issue, and therefore less noted; her body lieth buried at Quarrena in the Isle of Wight. (124) Anne the third daughter of K. Edward the fourth, by Queen Elizabeth his wife, was married unto Lord Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, Earl Martial, and high Treasurer of England: unto whom she bore two sons both dying without issue, and herself without more fruit of womb, left her life, and lieth buried at Framingham in Norfolk. 125) Bridget fourth daughter of K. Edward the fourth by his wife Queen Elizabeth, was borne at Eltham in Kent, the tenth of November and year of Grace 1480. being the twentieth of her father's Reign. She took the habit of Religion, and become a Nun in the Nunnery of Dartford, in the same County, founded by K. Edward the third, where she spent her life in contemplations unto the day of her death. (126) Marry the fift daughter of K. Edward the fourth by Queen Elizabeth his wife, was promised in marriage unto the King of Denmark, but died (before it could be solemnised) in the Tower of Greenwich, the Sunday before Pentecost the twentieth two of her father's reign, and year of Grace 1482. and was buried at Windsor. (127) Margaret the sixth daughter of K. Edward the fourth, by his wife Queen Elizabeth, died an Infant without other mention in our Authors. (128) Katherine the seventh daughter of King Edward the fourth, by Queen Elizabeth his wife, and the last of them both, was married unto William Courtney Earl of Devonshire; and Lord of Ochampton, unto whom she bore Lord Henry after the death of his father Earl of Devonshire, who by King Henry the eight was created marquess of Excester in Anno 1525. His Concubines. (129) Elizabeth Lucy is certainly known to have been King Edward's Concubine, though nothing so certainly mentioned, whose Lady, or of what Parentage she was; that she was conceived by him with child is before declared, but who that child was, is as obscurely laid down; therefore in these things we must be silent, and leave the doubts to be resolved by others. Three other concubines this king had, whereof Shore's wife was not the lest beloved, whose life falleth further to be spoken of in the Reign of the usurper Richard, where her story shall be showed more at large. His natural Issue. (150) Arthur, surnamed Plantagenet, the natural son of K. Edward the fourth, (whose mother as is supposed, was the Lady Elizabeth Lucy) was created Viscount Lisle by King Henry the eight at Bridewell in London, the twenty sixth of April, and year of Salvation 1533. which title was conferred upon him in right of his wife Lady Elizabeth, sister and heir unto john Gray Viscount Lisle, and the late wife and then widow of Edmund Dudley: who bore unto this Viscount three daughters, which were Bridget, Frances, and Elizabeth, all of them afterward married. This Arthur Lord Lisle was made Lieutenant of Calais by the said K. Henry, which Town some of his servants intended to have betrayed to the French, for which their fact himself was sent to the Tower of London: but his truth appearing after much search, the King sent him a rich ring from his own finger, with such comfortable words, as at the hearing thereof a sudden joy overcharged his heart, & was so immoderately received, that the same night it made an end of his life, whose body was honourably buried in the same Tower. (151) Elizabeth the natural daughter of K. Edward the fourth, was married to Sir Thomas Lumley Knight, the son of George, Lord Lumley, who died before his father: she bore unto the said Sir Thomas, Richard, afterward Lord Lumley, from whom the late Lord Lumley did descend. Edward 5. EDWARD THE FIFTH, KING OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE, AND Monarch 55 LORD OF IRELAND, THE FIFTY FIFTH MONARCH OF THIS LAND, HIS REIGN, AND DEATH. For the most part written by Sir Thomas Moor. CHAPTER XVIII. ✚ Edwardus dei gracia Rex anglie et francie et dominus hibernie E V. Edwardus dei gracia Rex anglie et francie et dominus hibernie ✚ THe father thus dying in the strength of his years, and the son left to rule before he was ripe, the Synders of dissensions which the sick King had lately raked up, presently broke forth into a more raging flame; for the king and Queen's blood that should have supported young Edward's estate, the one side being suspicious, and the other provoked King Edward's reign unfortunate and short. by the execrable desire of sovereignty, left the tender king (a Prince of such towardness as his age could contain) destitute and unarmed, which if either kind or kindred had holden place, must needs have been the surest pillars of his defence. The reign of this King (if we may so call the short time of his Sovereignty) began the same day that his father died, April 19 A. D. 1483. though he was never Crowned, nor yet commanded the affairs of the Kingdom as an absolute Richard Duke of York. Monarch, his young brother's fortunes being balanced with his. Richard Duke of Gloucester an unnatural uncle unto the young King and his brother. (2) For Richard Duke of Gloucester, by nature their uncle, by office their Protector, to their Father beholden, to themselves by Oath and Allegiance bounden, all bands broken that holdeth man and man together, without any respect of God or the World, unnaturally contrived to bereave them, not only of their dignity, but also their lives. But forsomuch as the Duke's demeanour ministereth in effect all the whole matter whereof the reign of this young and fift Edward must entreat, it is therefore convenient, somewhat to show you ere we go further, what man this was, and from whom he descended that could found in his heart so much mischief to conceive. Richard Duke of York was the father of Richard Duke of Gloucester. (3) Know-worth first than that Richard Duke of York, a noble man and a mighty, began no● by war, but by law to challenge the Crown; putting his claim into the Parliament; where his cause was (either for right or favour) so far forth advanced that King Henry's blood (albeit he had a goodly Prince) was utterly rejected, the Crown by the authority of that high Court entailed to the Duke of York, and his issue male in remainder, immediately after the death of King Henry. But the Duke not enduring so long to tarry, intending under pretext of dissension and debate arising in the Realm, to prevent his time, and to take upon him the rule in King Henry's life, was with many other Nobles slain at Wakefield, leaving three sons, Edward, George, and Richard; all of them as they were great states of birth, so were they great and stately of stomach, greedy and ambitious of authority, and impatient of partners. (4) For Edward revenging his father's death deprived king Henry, and attained the Crown; The second, George Duke of Clarence, was a goodly Noble Prince, and in all things fortunate, if either his own ambition had not set him against his brother, or the envy of his enemies, his brother against him. For were it by the Queen and Lords of her blood which highly maligned the King's kindred (as women Women commonly malign their husband's kindred. commonly, not of malice but of nature hate them whom their husband's love) or were it a proud appetite of the Duke himself, intending to be King: at leastwise heinous treason was laid to his charge, and finally were he faulty, were he faultless, attainted he was by Parliament, and judged to death, as we have said. The description of Richard Duke of Gloucester. (5) Richard the third son, of whom we now entreat was in wit and courage equal with either of them, in body and prowess far under them both, little of stature, ill-limmed, and crookbacked, his left shoulder much higher than his right, very hard favoured of visage, and such as in States is called warly, in other men otherwise: he was malicious, wrathful, and envious, yea and from afore his birth ever froward. For it is for truth reported, that the Duchess his mother had so much ado in her travail, that she could not be delivered of him uncut, and that he came into the world with his feet forward, as men be borne outward, and (as the fame runneth) also not untoothed; Whether men of hatred report above the truth, or else that nature changed her Course in his beginning, which in the course of his life many things unnaturally committed. (6) Not evil Captain was he in the war, as to Richard Crookebacke a good soldier. which his disposition was more inclined then for peace; sundry victories he had, and sometimes overthrows, but never in default as for his own person, either of hardiness, or politic order; free was he of his dispense, and somewhat above his power liberal: with large gifts he gate him unsteadfast friendship, for which he was forced to pill and pole in other places, which gate him steadfast hatred. He was close and secret, a deep dissembler, lowly of countenance, arrogant of heart, outwardly familiar, where even now he hated, and not letting to kiss whom he thought to kill: despiteful and cruel he was, not for evill-will always, but oftener for ambition, and either for the surety, or increase of his estate. Friend and foe was much what indifferent; where his advantage grew, he spared no man's death, whose life withstood his purpose. He slew with his own hands, King Henry the sixth, being Prisoner in the Tower, as men constantly said, and that without commandment or knowledge of the King, who undoubtedly if he had intended his death, would have appointed that butcherly office to some other than his He was th● cause of Clarence his death. own brother. (7) Some wise men also judge, that his drift covertly conveyed, lacked not in helping forth his brother Clarence to his death; which he resisted openly, howbeit somewhat (as men deemed) more faintly, than he that was heartily minded to his wealth: And they that thus judge, think that long time in K. Edward's life, he forcast to be king, in case that his brother (whose life he looked that evil diet should shorten) Richard of Gloucester intended to be King even whiles K. Edward lived. should happen to decease (as indeed he did) while his children were young. And they deem that for this intent he was glad of the Duke of Clarence death, whose life must needs have hindered him lo intending, (being his elder brother) whether the same Duke had kept him true to his Nephew the young king, or enterprised to be king himself. But of all this point, there is no certainty, and who so divineth upon conjectures, may aswell shoot too far, as too short. Howbeit this have I by credible information learned, that the same night, in which king Edward died, one Mistlebroke long ere morning, came in great haste to the house of one Pottier dwelling in Read Cross street without Creeple-gate in London: and when he with hasty rapping▪ quickly was let in, he showed unto Pottier that K. Edward was departed. By my troth man quoth Pottier, then will The speech of Pottier at King Edward's death. my Master the Duke of Gloucester be king: what cause he had so to think, hard it is to say, whether being toward him knew any such thing intended, or otherwise had any inkling thereof, for it was not likely that he spoke it of no ground. (8) But now to return to the course of this History; were it that the Duke of Gloucester had of old foreminded this conclusion, & was now thereunto moved, & put in hope by the occasion of the tender age of the young Princes his Nephews (as opportunity & likelihood of speed, putteth a man in courage of that he never intended) certain it is, that he contrived The uncle contriveth the destruction of his Nephews. their destruction, with the usurpation of the regal dignity upon himself, and forasmuch as he well witted, and holp to maintain a long continued grudge and hartburning between the Queen's kindred, and the King's blood, either part envying others authority; he now thought their divisions should be (as it was indeed) a forward beginning to the pursuit of his intent, and a sure ground for the foundation of all his building, if he might first, under the pretext of revenging old displeasure, abuse the anger and ignorance of the one party, to the destruction Richard's deep policy. of the other and then win to his purpose as many as he could, and those that could not be won, might be lost before they were ware; for of one thing was he certain, that if his intent were perceived he should soon have made peace between both the parties with his own blood. (9) King Edward in his life, albeit that this dissension between his friends somewhat grieved him, yet in his good health he somewhat less regarded it, because he thought whatsoever business should fall between them, himself should always be able to rule both the parties. But in his last sickness, when King Edward's care to set peace betwixt the Queen's kindred and his. he perceived his natural strength so sore enfeebled, that he despaired all recovery; then considering the youth of his Children, albeit he nothing less mistrusted than that that happened, yet well foreseeing how many harms might grow by their debate, while the youth of his children should lack discretion of themselves, and good Counsel of their friends, of which either party should counsel for their own commodity, and the rather by pleasant advise to win themselves favour, then by profitable advertisements to do his children good, he called some of them before him that were at variance, and in special the Lord marquess Dorset, the Queen's son by her first husband, and William Lord Hastings a nobleman, than Lord Chamberlain, against whom the Queen especially grudged, for The Queen's jealousy against the Lord Chamberlain. the great favour the King bore him: and also for that she thought him secretly familiar with the King in wanton company. Her kindred also bore him sore, aswell for that the King had made him Captain of Calais, which office the Lord Rivers, brother to the Queen claimed of the King's former promise, as for divers other great gifts which he received, that they looked for. These were the grudges which the king on his death bed sought to remove, and they in show seemed to cancel, as we have said, though the sparks of these displeasures burst afterward into a dangerous flame, which consumed most of them, as afterward shall appear. (10) For assoon as the King was departed this King Edward repaireth towards London. life, his son Prince Edward drew towards London from Ludlow in Wales, which Country being far off from the law, and recourse to justice, was become to be far out of Order, and grown wild Robbers, Rovers walking at liberty uncorrected: for which cause this Prince in the life time of his father was sent thither, to the end that the authority of his presence should refrain evil disposed persons, from the boldness of their former outrages. To the governance and ordering of this young Prince at his sending thither, was there appointed Sir Anthony The Queen's kindred only about the Prince. Wooduill Lord Rivers, and brother unto the Queen, a right honourable man, as valiant of hand as politic in Counsel; adjoined were there unto him others of the same party, and in effect every one as he was nearest of kin unto the Queen, so was he planted next about the Prince. (11) That drift of the Queen not unwisely devised, whereby her blood might of youth be rooted in the Prince's favour, the Duke of Gloucester turned unto their destruction, and upon that ground set the foundation of all his unhappy building. For whomsoever he perceived either at variance with them, or bearing himself their favour, he broke unto them; some by mouth, some by writing and secret messengers, that it was neither reason, nor in any wise to be suffered, that the young King their Master and kinsman, should be in the hands and Custody of his mother's kindred, sequestered in manner from their Company and attendance, of which every one aught him as faithful service as they, and many of The Duke seeketh to displace the Prince. them far more honourable part of kin than his mother's side: whose blood (quoth he) saving the King's pleasure was far unmeet to be matched with his, which now to be as who say removed from the king, and the less noble to be left about him, is (quoth he) neither honourable to his Majesty nor unto us, and also to his Grace no surety, to have the mightiest of his friends from him, and unto us no little jeopardy, to suffer our well proved evill-willers to grow in over great authority with the Prince in youth, who is light of belief and soon persuaded. You remember I trow K. Edward himself, albeit he was a man of age and discretion, yet was he in many things ruled by the bend, more than stood either with his honour, or our profit, or with the commodity of any man else, except only the immoderate advancement of themselves. Which whether they sorer thirsted after their own weal, or our woe, it were hard I ween to guess, and if some folks friendship had not held better place with the King, than any respect of kindred, they might perhaps easily have entrapped and brought some of us to confusion ere this; why The crafty complaints of Richard Duke of Gloucester. not as easily as they have done some other already, as near of his royal blood as we? But our Lord hath wrought his will, and thanks be to his grace, that peril is past: howbeit as great is growing, if we suffer this young King in our enemy's hand; which without his knowledge might abuse the name of his commandment, to any of our undoing, which thing God and good provision forbidden. (12) Of which good provision none of us hath any thing the less need, for the late made atonement, in which the King's pleasure had more place than the parties wills: nor none of us, I believe, is so unwise over soon to trust a new friend made of an old foe, or to think that an hourly kindness, suddenly contracted in one hour continued yet scarce a fortnight, should be deeper settled in their stomachs, thena long accustomed malice many years rooted. With these words and writings and such oh there, the Duke of Gloucester soon set afire them that were of themselves apt enough to kindle, especially two, Edward The effect that his policy too●. Duke of Buckingham, and William Lord Hastings Chamberlain, both men of honour and of great power. The one by long succession from his Auncestry: the other by his office, and the King's favour. These two not bearing each to other so much love, as both of them hatred unto the Queen's part, in this point accorded together, with the Duke of Gloucester, The conclusion of his designs. that they would utterly remove from the King's Company all his mother's friends under the name of their enemies. (13) Upon this conclusion the Duke of Gloucester understanding, that the Lords which at that time were about the King, intended to bring him to London to his Coronation, accompanied with such power of their friends, that it should be hard for him to bring his purpose to pass, without the gathering a great assembly of people, and in manner of open war, whereof the end he wist well was doubtful, and in which the King being on their side, his part should have the face and name of a Rebellion; he secretly therefore by divers means, caused the Another crafty policy of Duke Richard. Queen to be persuaded and brought in mind, that it neither were need, and also should be jeopardous, the King to come up strong. (14) For whereas now every Lord loved other, and no other thing studied upon, but about the Coronation and honour of the King: if the Lords of her kindred should assemble in the King's name much people, they should give the Lords of the contrary faction cause to fear and suspect, lest they should gather this people not for the King's safeguard, whom no man impugned▪ but for their destruction, having more regard to their old variance, than their new atonement: for which cause they should assemble on the other party much people again for their defence, whose power she witted well stretched far: and thus should all the Realm fall on an uproar: and of all the hurt that thereof should ensue, which was likely not to be a little, & the most harm like to fall where she lest would, all the world would put her and her kindred in the blame, and say that they had unwisely and untruely also broken the amity and peace, which the King her husband so prudently made betwixt his kin and hers on his death bed, and which the other party faithfully observed. The Queen yieldeth to the Duke's persuasion. (15) The Queen in this wise persuaded, sent such word unto her son; and unto her brother being about the King: besides, the Duke of Gloucester, himself and other Lords the chief of his bend, wrote unto the King so reverently, and to the Queen's friends there so lovingly, that they nothing earthly mistrusting, brought up the King in great haste, but not in good speed, with a sober company. Now was the King in his way to London, go from The Lords meet at Northampton. Northampton, when the Dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham came thither, where remained behind the Lord Rivers the King's uncle, intending on the morrow to follow the King, and be with him at Stony-Stratford, twelve miles thence, early ere he departed. So was there made that night much friendly cheer betwixt these two Dukes and the Lord Rivers a great while: but incontinent after that, they were openly with great courtesy departed, and the Lord Rivers lodged, the Dukes secretly with a few of their most privy friends, set them down in Council, wherein they spent a great part of the night: & at their rising in the dawning of the day, they sent out privily to their servants in their Inns and lodgings about, giving command to make themselves shortly ready, for their Lords were to horse-ward: upon which messages, many of their folk were attendant, when many of the L. rivers servants were unready. The Keys of the Inn kept by Richard Duke of Gloucester. (16) Now had these Dukes taken into their custodies the keys of the Inn, that none should pass forth without their licence: and besides this, in the highway towards Stony-Stratford, where the King lay, they had bestowed certain of their men, that should sand back again, and compel to return any man that were gotten out of Northampton towards Stony-Stratford, till they had further order: forasmuch as the Dukes themselves intended for the show of their diligence, to be the first that should that day attend upon the King's Highness out of that Town. Thus bore they folk in hand: but The L. Rivers much troubled at the sudden action. when the Lord Rivers understood the gates closed, the ways beset, neither his servants, or himself suffered to go out, considering well so great a thing without his knowledge, could not be done for naught; and comparing this present manner, with his last night's cheer, in so few hours to have so great a change, marvelously misliked it. Howbeit sith he could not get away, nor keep himself close he would not, jest he should seem to hide himself for some secret fear of his own fault, whereof he saw no such cause in himself: he determined upon the surety of his own conscience, to go boldly unto them, and to inquire what this matter might mean; whom as soon as they saw, they began to quarrel with, saying, that he intended to set distance between the King and them, and to The L. Rivers imprisoned in Northampton. bring them to confusion, but it should not lie in his power. And when he began (as he was a very well spoken man) in seemly wise to excuse himself, they tarried not the end of his answer, but shortly took him, & put him in ward: and that done, forthwith went to horseback, and took the way to Stony-Stratford, where they found the King with his Company, ready to leap on horseback, and departed forward to leave that lodging for them, because it was too straight for both companies. (17) And as soon as they came in his presence, The Dukes come to the King. they alighted down with all their company about them; to whom the Duke of Buckingham said, Go afore Gentlemen, and Yeomen keep your rooms. In which goodly array they came to the King, and on their knees in very humble manner saluted his Grace, who received them in very joyous and amiable manner, nothing knowing, nor mistrusting as yet what was done. But even by and by in his presence, A quarrel picked in the king's presence. they picked a quarrel to the Lord Gray, the Kings other brother by his mother, saying, that he with the Lord marquess his brother, and the Lord Rivers his uncle, had compassed to rule the King and the realm, and to set variance among the States, and to subdue and destroy the noble blood of the Realm: towards Accusations against the Queen's kindred the accomplishing whereof, they said that the Lord marquess had entered into the Tower of London, & thence taken out the King's treasure, and had sent men to the sea. All which things these Dukes well knew were done for necessary and good purposes, by the whole Council at London, saving that somewhat they must say. The King excuseth his uncle. (18) Unto which words the King answered, what my brother marquess had done I cannot say: but in good sooth I dare well answer for mine uncle Rivers, & my brother here, that they are innocent of any such matter: yea my liege, quoth the Duke of Buckingham, they have kept their dealings in these matters far from the knowledge of your good Grace. And forthwith they arrested the Lord Richard, Sir Thomas Vaughan, and Sir Richard Hawt The King is brought back to Northampton. Knights in the King's presence, and brought the king and all his company back unto Northampton, where they took again further counsel. And there they sent away from the King whom it pleased them, and set new servants about him, such as better liked them then him: At which dealing the king wept, and was nothing content; but it booted not: and at dinner, the Duke of Gloucester sent a dish from his own▪ Table to the Lord Rivers, bidding him be The Duke of Gloucester sends a dish of meat unto the Lord Rivers. of good cheer for all should be well. But the Lord Rivers thanking the Duke, prayed the Messenger to bear it to the Lord Richard, with the same message for his comfort, as one to whom such adversity was strange, but himself had been all his days enured therewith, and therefore could bear it the better: but for all this comfortable courtesy of the Duke of Gloucester, he sent the Lord Rivers, and the Lord Richard, with Sir Thomas Vaughan into the North Country, into divers places to prison, and afterward The L. Rivers & others beheaded all to Pomfret, where they were in conclusion beheaded. (19) In this wise the Duke of Gloucester took upon himself the Order and Governance of the young King, whom with much honour and humble reverence he conveyed towards London. But anon the tidings of this matter came hastily to the Queen, a little before the midnight following, and that in the sorest wise, that the King her son was taken, her brother, her son, and other friends arrested, & sent no man witted whither, to be done with God wots what. With which tidings, the Queen in great fright & heaviness, bewailed her child's reign, her friends mischance, and her own misfortune, damning the time that ever she dissuaded the gathering of power about the King, got herself in all hast possible with her young son, and her daughters, out of the Palace of Westminster, in which she Queen Elizabeth taketh Sanctuary. then lay, into the Sanctuary, lodging herself, and company there in the Abbot's place. (20) Now came there one likewise, not long after night from the Lord Chamberlain, unto the Archbishop of York then Chancellor of England, The L. Chamberlain sendeth the news to the L. Chancellor. to his place not far from Westminster; and for that he showed his servants, that he had tidings of great importance, that his M. gave him in charge, not to forbear his rest, they letted not to awake him; nor he to admit the Messenger unto his bed side. Of whom he heard that these Dukes were go back with the King's Grace from Stony-Stratford unto Northampton: notwithstanding Sir (quoth he) my Lord sendeth your Lordship word, that there is no fear: for he assureth you that all shall be well. I assure him (quoth the Archbishop) be it as well as it will, it will never be so well as we have seen it. And thereupon by and by after the messenger's departure, he caused in all hast all his servants to be called up, and so with his own household about him, every man weaponed, he took the Great Seal with him, and came yet before day The great heaviness and confusion of the Queen and her servants. unto the Queen. About whom he found much heaviness, rumble, haste and business, carriage and conveyance of her stuff into Sanctuary, chests, coffers, packs and fardels, trussed all on men's backs, no man unoccupied, some lading, some going, some discharging, some coming for more, some breaking down the walls, to bring in the next way, and some drew to them to help to carry a wrong way. The Queen herself sat alone allow on the rushes, all The Archbishop's comforts to the Queen. desolate and dismayed, whom the Archbishop comforted in the best manner he could, showing her that he trusted the matter was nothing so▪ sore as she took it for, and that he was put in good hope and out of fear, by a message sent him from the L. Chamberlain: Ah woe worth him (quoth the Queen) he is one of them that laboureth to destroy me and my blood. (21) Madam (quoth he) be of good cheer; for I assure you, if they crown any other King than your son, whom they have now with them, we shall on the morrow crown his brother, whom you have The L. Chancellor gives the great Seal to the Queen. here with you: and here is the great Seal, which in like sort as that noble Prince your husband delivered it unto me, so here I deliver it unto you, to the use and behoof of your son, and therewith he betook her the Great Seal, and departed home again, even in the dawning of the day: by which time he might in his Chamber window see all the Thames full of boats of the Duke of Glocesters' servants, watching that no man should go to Sanctuary, nor none should pass unsearched. Then was there great commotion and murmur, aswell in other places about, as especially in the City, the people diversly divining upon this dealing. And some Lords, Knights and Gentlemen, either for favour of the Great fear conce ived of the overmuch murmuring made. Queen, or for fear of themselves, assembled in sundry Companies, and went flocke-meale in harness: and many also, for that they accounted this demeanour attempted, not so specially against the other Lords, as against the King himself in the disturbance of his Coronation. (22) But then, by and by the Lords assembled together, towards which meeting, the Archbishop of York fearing that it would be ascribed (as it was indeed) to his overmuch lightness, that he so suddenly had yielded up the great Seal to the Queen (to whom the custody thereof nothing The L. Chancellor sendeth for the great Seal to the Queen. appertained) without special commandment of the King, secretly sent for the Seal again, & brought it with him after the accustomed manner. And at this meeting, the Lord Hastings, whose truth toward the King no man doubted, nor needed to doubt, persuaded the Lords to believe, that the Duke of Gloucester, was sure and fastly faithful to his Prince, and that the Lord Rivers and Lord Richard, with the other knight, were for matters attempted by Persuasions of the L. Hastings that nothing was extreamlymeant them against the Dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham put under arrest for their surety, not for the King's jeopardy; and that they were also in safeguard, & there no longer should remain, then till the matter were, not by the Duke's only, but also by all the other Lords of the king's Council indifferently examined, and by other discretions ordered, either judged or appeased. But one thing he advised them beware, that they judged not the matter too far forth ere they knew the truth, nor turning their private grudges into the common hurt, irking and provoking men unto anger; and disturbing the king's Coronation; towards which the Dukes were coming up, that they might peradventure bring the matter so far out of joint, that it should never be brought in frame again. Which strife if it should happen (as it were likely) to come to a field, though both parties were in all things equal, yet should the authority be on that side where the King is himself. L. Hastings somewhat dissembleth. (23) With these persuasions of the Lord Hastings, whereof part himself believed, of part he witted the contrary, these commotions were somewhat appeased, but especially by that, that the Dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham were so near, and came so shortly on with the King, in none other manner, with none other voice, or any other semblance then to his Coronation; causing the fame to be blown about, that these Lords and Knights which were taken, had contrived the destruction of the Dukes of False imputation cast upon the Lords of the Queen's blood. Gloucester and Buckingham, and of other the Noble blood of the Realm, to the end that themselves would alone demean and govern the King at their pleasure. And for the Colourable proof thereof, such of the Duke's servants as road with the Carts of their stuff that were taken (amongst which stuff no marvel though some were harness, which at the breaking up of the household, must needs either be brought away, or cast away) they showed unto the people all the way as they went; saying, lo here be the barrels of harness, that these Traitors have privily conveyed in their Carriages to destroy the Noble Lords withal. This devise, albeit it made the matter to wisemen more unlikely, well perceiving that the intenders of such a purpose, would rather have had their harness on their backs, then to be How soon the Commons are brought into fools Paradise. bound up in barrels: yet much part of the common people were therewith very well satisfied, and said it were alms to hung them. (24) When the King approached near to the King Edward met by the Citizens, and accompanied by them into London. City, Edmund Shaa Goldsmith then Mayor, with William White and john Matthew Sheriffs, and all the other Aldermen in scarlet, with five hundred horse of the Citizens in violet, received him reverently at Harnesey, and riding from thence, accompanied him into the City, which he entered the fourth day of May, the first and last year of his Reign. The King was lodged in the Bishop's Palace, where was kept a great Council, and there was sworn to the king, the Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of Buckingham, and all the Lords. But the Duke of Gloucester, bore him in open sight so reverently to the Prince, with all Richard Duke of Gloucester made Protector of the King and Realm. semblance of lowliness, that from the great obloquy in which he was so late before, he was sodeinely fallen in so great trust, that at the Council next assembled, he was made the only man, choose & thought most meet to be Protector of the king and his realm, so that (were it destiny, or were it folly) the lamb was betaken to the wolf to keep. At which Council also, the Archbishop of York Chancellor of England, which had delivered up the great Seal to the Queen, was thereof greatly reproved, and the Seal taken from him, and delivered to Doctor russel The great Seal is taken from the Archbishop of York. Bishop of Lincoln, a wise man, and of much experience, and undoubtedly one of the best learned men that England had in his time: divers Lords & Knights were appointed unto divers Rooms, the Lord Chamberlain, and some others, keeping still their offices they had before. (25) Now although that the Protector, so sore thirsted for the finishing of those designs which he had begun, and thought every day a year till they were achieved, yet durst he no further attempt, so long as he had but half his prey in his hand: well witting, that if he deposed the one brother, all the Realm would fall to the other, if he either remained in Sanctuary, or should be conveyed to his further liberty: wherefore, incontinent at the next meeting of The Protectors persuasion to take out of Sanctuary the young Duke of York. the Lords in Council, he proposed unto them, that it was a heinous deed of the Queen, and proceeded of great malice towards the King's Counsellors, that she should keep in Sanctuary the King's brother from him, whose special pleasure and comfort were to have his brother with him: and that by her done, was to none other intent, but to bring all the Lords in obloquy, and murmur of the people, as though they were not to be trusted with the King's brother, who by assent of the Nobles of the land, were appointed as the King's nearest friends, to the tuition of his own royal person. The prosperity whereof standeth (quoth he) not all in keeping from enemies or ill viand, but partly also in recreation, and moderate pleasure, which he in his tender youth cannot take in the company of ancient persons, but in the familiar conversation of those that be neither far under, nor far above his age, and nevertheless of estate convenient to accompany his noble Majesty; wherefore with whom rather, then with his own brother? And if any A fine fetch to fetch out the Duke. man think this consideration (which I think no man thinketh that loveth the King) let him consider that sometimes without small things, greater cannot stand. And verily, it redoundeth greatly to the dishonour both of the King's Highness, and of us all that are about his Grace, to have it run in every man's mouth, not in this Realm only, but also in other lands, (as evil words walk far) that the King's brother shall be feign to keep Sanctuary; for every man I deem, will suppose, that there is occasion given, why it should so be: and such evil opinions once fastened in men's hearts, hardly can be screwed out again, and may grow to more grief than any man here can divine. Wherefore The Protector would have the Queen sent unto. I think it were not the worst to sand unto the Queen for the redress of this matter, some honourable trusty man, such as both tendereth the king's weal, and the honour of this Council, and is also in favour and credence with her. For all which considerations, none seemeth to me more meet, then is our reverend Father here present, my Lord Cardinal, who may in this matter do most good of any man, if it please him to take the pains, which I doubt not of his goodness he will not refuse, for the King's sake and ours, and weal of the young Duke himself, the Kings most honourable brother, and after my Sovereign himself, my most dear Nephew, Considering that thereby shall be ceased the slanderous rumour and obloquy now going, and the hurts avoided that thereof might ensue, and much rest and quiet grow to all the Realm. And If the Queen refuse to deliver the Duke what is to be done. if she be percase so obstinate, and so precisely set upon her own will, that neither his wise and faithful advertisement cannot move her; nor any man's reason content her: then shall we by mine advise, and by the King's authority, fetch him out of that Prison; & bring him to his noble presence, in whose continual company he shall be so well cherished, and so honourably entreated, that all the world shall to our honour, and her reproach perceive, that it was only malice, frowardness, or folly, that caused her to keep him there: this is my mind in this matter for this time, except any of your Lordships any thing perceive to the contrary, for never shall I by God's Grace, so wed myself to my own will, but that I shall be ready to change it upon your better advises. All the Counsel allow of the Protectors speech. (26) When the Protector had said, all the Council affirmed that the motion was good and reasonable, and to the King and the Duke his brother honourable, and the thing that should cease great murmur in the Realm, if the mother might be by good means induced to deliver him. Which thing the Archbishop of York, whom they all agreed also to be thereto most convenient, took upon him to move her, and therein to do his uttermost endeavour: howbeit if she could by no means be entreated with her good will to deliver him, than thought he, and such other of the Clergy then present, that it were not in any wise to be attempted, to take him out against her will. For it would be a thing that should turn to the great grudge of all men, and high displeasure of God, if the privilege of that holy A great offence to break the Sanctuary. place should now be broken, which had so many years been kept, which both Kings and Popes so good had granted, so many had confirmed, and which holy ground was more than five hundred years ago, by S. Peter in his own person, in spirit accompanied with great multitude of Angels, by night so specially hallowed and dedicated to God, (for the proof whereof, they have yet in the Abbey, S. Peter's own Cope was to be seen in Westminster. S. Peter's Cope to show) that from that time hitherward, was there never so undevout a King, that durst violate that sacred place, or so holy a Bishop, that durst presume to consecrated it; and therefore (quoth the Archbishop of York) God forbidden that any man should for any thing earthly, enterprise to break the immunity and liberty of that sacred Sanctuary, that hath been the safeguard of many a good man's life: and I trust (quoth he) with God's grace we shall not need it. But for what need soever, I would not we should do it; I trust that she shall be with reason contented, and all things in good manner obtained, but if it happen, that I bring it not so to pass, yet shall I toward it with my best, and you shall all well perceive, that there shall be of my endeavour no lack, if the mother's dread, and womanish fear be not the let. The Duke of Buckingham's speech. (27) Womanish fear, nay womanish frowardness (quoth the Duke of Buckingham) for I dare take it upon my soul, she well knoweth, there is no need of any fear, either for her son or for herself. For as for her, here is no man that will be at war with a woman. Would God some of the men of her kin were women too, and then should all be soon in rest: Howbeit, there is none of her kin the less loved, for that they be of her kin, but for their own evil deserving. And nay the less, if we loved neither her, nor her kin, yet were there no cause to think, that we should hate the King's noble brother, to whose Grace we ourselves be of kin: whose honour, if she as much desired, as our dishonour, and as much regard took to his wealth, as to her own will, she Queen Elizabeth held to have a shrewd wit. would be as loath to suffer him from the King, as any of us be. For, if she have wit, (as would God she had as good will as she hath shrewd wit) she reckoneth herself no wiser, than she thinketh some that be here, of whose faithful mind she nothing doubteth, but verily believeth and knoweth, that they would be as sorry of his harm, as herself, and yet would have him from her, if she bide there: and we all (I think) content, that both be with her, if she come thence, and bide in such place; where they may be with their honour. Now then, if she refuse in Not fear but stowardnes kept the young Duke in Sanctuary. the deliverance of him, to follow the Counsel of them, whose wisdom she knoweth, whose truth she well trusteth: it is easy to perceive, that frowardness letteth her, and not fear. But go to, suppose that she fear, (as who may let her to fear her own shadow) the more she feareth to deliver him, the more aught we to fear to leave him in her hands. For, if she cast such fond doubts, that she fear his hurt; then will she fear, that he shall be fetched thence. For she will soon think, that if men were set (which God forbidden) upon so great a mischief, the Sanctuary would little let them: which good men might (as I think) without sin, A great fe are without any great cause. somewhat less regard than they do. Then, if she doubt, left he might be fetched from her, is it not likely that she shall sand him somewhere out of the Realm? Verily, I look for none other. And I doubt not, but she now as sore mindeth it, as we the let thereof. And if she might happen to bring that to pass (as it were no great mastery, we letting her alone) all the world would say, that we were a wise sort of Counsellors about a King, that suffer his brother to be cast away under our noses. And therefore I assure you faithfully for my mind, I will rather maugre her mind, fetch him away, then leave him there, till her frowardness and fond fear convey him away. And yet will I break no Sanctuary therefore: for verily, sith the privileges of that place, and other like have been of long continued, I am not he that will go about to break them. And in good faith, if they were now to begin, I would not be he that should be about to make them. Yet Buckingham's opinion of the Sanctuaries. will I not say nay, but that it is a deed of pity, that such men, as the sea, or their evil debtor have brought in poverty, should have some place of liberty, to keep their bodies out of the danger of their cruel Creditors. And also, if the Crown happen (as it hath done) to come in question, while either part taketh other as Traitors, I like well there be some places of refuge for both. But as for Much abuses suffered in Sanctuaries. thieves, of which these places be full, and which never fall from the craft after they once fall thereunto; it is pity the Sanctuary should serve them, & much more manquellers, whom God bade to take from the Altar and kill them, if their murder were wilful. And where it is otherwise, there need we not the Sanctuaries, that God appointed in the old Law: for if either necessity, his own defence, or misfortune draweth him to that deed, a pardon serveth, which either the law granteth of course, or the King of pity may. Then look we now how few sanctuary men there be, whom any favourable necessity compelled to go thither; and then see on the other side, what a sort there be commonly therein of them, whom wilful unthriftiness hath brought to nought: what rabble of thieves, murderers, and malicious heinous Traitors, and that in two places especially? the one Westminster. S. Martins. at the elbow of the City, the other in the very bowels. I dare well avow it, weigh the good that they do, with the hurt that cometh of them, and ye shall find it much better to lack both, then to have both. And this I say, although they were not abused as they now be, and so long have been, that I fear me ever they will be, while men be afraid to set the hands to amend them, as though God & S. Peter were the patrons of ungracious living. Now unthrifts riot, and run in debt, upon the boldness of these places; yea, and rich men run thither with poor men's goods, there they build, there they spend, and bid their Creditors go whistle. Man's wives run thither with their husband's plate, and say, they dare not abide with their husbands for beating. thieves bring thither their stolen goods; and live thereon rio tously: there they devise new robberies, nightly they steal out, they rob and rive, kill and come in again, as though those places gave them not only a safeguard for the harm they have done, but a licence also to do more; howbeit much of this mischief, if Wisemen would set their hands to it, might be amended, with great thanks of God, and no breach of the Privilege. The residue, sith so long ago, I wots near what Pope, and what Prince more piteous than politic hath granted it, and other men since, of a certain religious fear, have not broken it; let us therefore take pain therewith, and let it a God's name stand in force, as far forth as reason will, which is not fully so far forth, as may serve to let us of the fetching forth of this Nobleman, to his honour and wealth, out of that place, in which he The true use of the Sanctuary. neither is, nor can be a Sanctuary man. A Sanctuary serveth always to defend the body of that man that standeth in danger abroad, not of great hurt only, but also of lawful hurt; for against unlawful harms, never Pope nor King intended to privilege any one place, for that privilege hath every place: knoweth any man any place, wherein it is lawful for one man to do another wrong? that no man unlawfully take hurt, that liberty, the King, the Law, and very nature forbiddeth in every place, and maketh to that regard, for every man, every place a Sanctuary: but where a man is by lawful means in peril, there needeth he the tuition of some special privilege, which is the only ground and cause of all Sanctuaries▪ from which necessity The Duke of York uncapable of Sanctuary. this noble Prince is far, whose love to the King, nature and kindred proveth, whose innocency to all the world, his tender youth proveth, and so Sanctuary, as for him, neither none he needeth, nor none can he have. Men come not to Sanctuary, as they come to Baptism, to require it by their Godfathers; he must ask it himself, that must have it; and reason, sith no man hath cause to have it, but whose conscience of his own fault maketh him feign need to require it: what will then hath yonder babe? which and if he had discretion to require it, if need were, I dare say would now be right angry with them that keep him there: and I would think without any scruple of conscience, Neither Pope nor King can allow Sanctuary men to consume other men's substance. without any breach of Privilege, to be somewhat more homely with them, that be there Sanctuary men indeed: for if one go to Sanctuary with another man's goods, why should not the King, leaving his body at liberty, satisfy the party of his goods, even within the Sanctuary? for neither King nor Pope can give any place such a privilege, that it shall discharge a man of his debts, being able to pay. And with that divers of the Clergy that were present, whether they said it for his pleasure, or as they thought, agreed plainly, that by the law of God, and of the Church, the goods of a Sanctuary man, should be delivered in payment of his debts, and stolen goods to the owner, and only liberty reserved him, to get his living with the labour of his hands. Verily (quoth the Duke) I think you say very truth; and what if a man's wife would take Sanctuary, because she list to run from her husband? I would ween if she could allege none other cause, he may lawfully without any A m●n may take his wife out of Sanctuary without any offence to S. Peter. displeasure to Saint Peter, take her out of Saint Peter's Church by the arm. And if no body may be taken out of Sanctuary, that saith he will bide there, then if a child will take Sanctuary, because he feareth to go to school, his Master must let him alone. And as simple as the sample is, yet is there less reason in our case then in that; for therein, though it be a childish fear; yet is there at the lest wise some fear, and herein is there none at all. And verily, I have often heard of Sanctuary men, but I never heard erst of Sanctuary Children. And therefore, as for the Conclusion of my mind, who buckingham's conclusion. so may have deserved to need it, if they think it for their surety, let them keep it; but he can be no Sanctuary man that had neither wisdom to desire it, nor malice to deserve it, whose life or liberty, can by no lawful process stand in jeopardy: and he that taketh one out of the Sanctuary to do him good, I say plainly that he breaketh no Sanctuary. (28) When the Duke had done, the temporal men wholly, & most part of the spiritual also, thinking no hurt earthly meant towards the young babe, condescended in effect, that if he were not delivered, he should be fetched; howbeit they The general consent of them all. all thought it best, in the avoiding of all manner of rumour, that the Lord Cardinal should first assay to get him with her good will. And thereupon, all the Council came unto the starchamber at Westminster, and the Lord Cardinal leaving the Protector with the Council in the starchamber, departed into the Sanctuary to the Queen with divers other Lords with him, were it for the respect of his honour, or that she should by presence of so many, perceive that this errand was not one man's mind: or were it, for that the Protector intended not in this matter, to trust any one man alone, or else, that if she finally were determined to keep him, some of that Company had happily secret instructions incontinent, maugre her mind to take him, and to leave her no respite to convey him, which she was likely to mind, after this matter broken to her, if the time would in any wise serve her. (29) When the Queen and those Lords were come together in presence, the Lord Cardinal showed her, that it was thought unto the Protector, The Cardinal doth his errand to the Queen. and unto the whole Council, that her keeping of the King's brother in that place, was the thing which highly sounded, not only to the great rumour of the people, and their obloquy, but also to the importable grief and displeasure of the kings royal Majesty, to whose Grace it were a singular comfort, to have his natural brother in Company, as it was both his dishonour, all theirs, and hers also, to suffer him in Sanctuary, as though the one brother stood in danger and peril of the other. And he showed her, that the Counsel therefore had sent him to require her the delivery of the young Duke, that he might be brought unto the King's presence at his liberty, out of that place, which they reckoned as a prison, and there he should be demeaned, according to his estate: and she in this doing should both do great good to the Realm, pleasure to the Council, and profit to herself, succour to her friends that were in distress; and besides that (which he witted well she specially tendered) not only great comfort and honour to the King, but also to the young Duke himself, whose great wealth it were to be together, aswell for many greater causes, as also for both their disports and recreations; which thing the Lords esteemed not slight, though it seemed light; well pondering, that their youth without recreation and play, cannot endure, nor any stranger, for the conjecture of both their ages and estates, so meet in that point for any of them, as either of them for other. (30) My Lord (quoth the Queen) I say not nay, but that it were very convenient, that this Gentleman The Queene● answer to the Cardinal. whom ye require, were in company of the King his Brother; and in good faith, I think it were as great commodity to them both, for yet a while to be in the custody of their mother, the tender age considered of the elder of them both, but specially the younger, which besides his infancy, that also needeth good looking to, hath a while been so sore diseased, vexed with sickness, and is so newly rather a little amended, then well recovered, that I dare put no person earthly in trust with his keeping but myself only, considering that there is (as Physicians say) and as we also found, double the peril in the recidivation, that was in the first sickness, with which disease, nature being sore laboured, forewearied and weakened, waxeth the less able to bear out and sustain a new surfeit. And albeit there might be found other that would happily do their best unto him, yet is there none that either knoweth better how to order him, than I that so long have kept him, or is more like tenderly to cherish him then his own mother that bore him. (31) No man denieth good Madam (quoth the Cardinal) but that your Grace were of all others most necessary about your children, and so would all the Council not only be content, but glad that you were, if it might stand with your pleasure, to be in such place as might stand with their honour: but if you do appoint yourself to tarry here, than they think it were more convenient that the Duke of York were with the King, honourably at his liberty, to the comfort of them both, rather than here as a Sanctuary man, to both their dishonour and obloquy, sith there is not always so great a necessity to have the child with his mother, but that occasion may sometimes be such, that it should be more expedient to keep him elsewhere, which well appeareth in this, that at such time as your dearest son than Prince, and now King, should for his honour, and good order of the Country, keep his residence in Wales, far out of your Company, your Grace was well contented therewith yourself. (32) Not very well contented (quoth the Queen) and yet the case is not like, for the one was then in health, and the other is now sick: in which case I marvel greatly, that my Lord Protector is so desirous to have him in his keeping, where if the Child in his sickness miscarry by nature, yet might he run into slander and suspicion of fraud. And where they call it a thing so sore against my Child's honour, and theirs also, that he abideth in this place: it is all their honours there to suffer him abide, where no man doubteth he shall be best kept, and that is here, while I am here, which as yet intent not to come forth, and jeopard myself after other of my friends, w●ich would God were rather here in surety with me, than I there in jeopardy with them. (33) Why Madame (quoth another Lord) know you any thing why they should be in jeopardy? Nay verily (quoth she) nor why they should be in prison, as now they be. But it is I trow no great marvel though I fear, left those that have not letted to put them in durance without colour, will let as little to procure their destruction without cause: The Cardinal made a countenance to the other Lord, that he should harp no more upon that string, and then said he to the Queen, that he nothing doubted, but that those Lords of her honourable kin, which as yet remained under arrest, should upon the matter examined do well enough, and as towards her noble person, neither was, neither could be any jeopardy. (34) Whereby should I trust that (quoth the Queen?) in that I am guiltless? as though they were guilty: in that I am with their enemies better loved than they? when they hate them for my sake; in that I am so near a kin to the King? and how far they be off, if that would help, as God grant it hurt not, and therefore as for me, I purpose not as yet, to departed hence. And as for this gentleman my son, I mind that he shall be where I am, till I see further: for I assure you, for that I see some men so greedy, without any substantial cause to have him, makes me much more fearful to deliver him. Truly Madame (quoth he) the more unwilling that you be to deliver him, the more unwilling other men be to suffer you to keep him, lest your causeless fear might 'cause you farther to convey him: and many there be that think he can have no privilege in this place, which neither can have will to ask it, nor malice to deserve it, and therefore, they reckon no privilege broken, though they fetch him out, which if you finally refuse to deliver him, I verily think they will: so much dreadhath my Lord his uncle, for the tender love he beareth him, jest your grace should hope to sand him away. (35) Ah sir (quoth the Queen) hath the Protector so tender zeal that he feareth nothing, but lest he should escape him? thinketh he that I would sand him hence, which is not in plight to sand out, and in what place could I accounted him sure, if he be not sure in the Sanctuary? which there was never Tyrant yet so devilish, that durst presume to break. And I trust God is as strong now to withstand his adversaries, as ever he was. But my son can deserve no Sanctuary, and therefore he cannot have it. Forsooth he hath found out a goodly gloss, by which that place that may defend a thief, may not save an innocent: but he is in no jeopardy, nor hath no need thereof: would God he had not. Thinketh the Protector, (I pray God he may prove a Protector) thinketh he, that I perceive not whereunto his painted Process draweth? It is not honourable that the Duke abide here: It were comfortable for them both, that he were with his brother, because the King lacketh a play fellow forsooth. I pray God sand them both better playfellows than him, that maketh sohigh a matter, upon so trifling pretext, as though there could none be found to play with the King, but his brother, (that hath no list to play for sickness) come out of Sanctuary, out of his safeguard to play with him. As though Princes, as young as they be, could not play but with their Peers, or Children could not play but with their kindred, with whom for the most part they agreed much worse than with strangers. But the Child cannot require the privilege: who told him so? he shall hear him ask it, if he will. Howbeit, this is a gay matter, suppose he could not ask it, suppose he would not ask it, suppose he would ask to go out, if I say he shall not: if I ask the privilege but for myself, I say he that taketh him out against my will, breaketh the Sanctuary. Serveth this liberty for my person only, or for my goods also? you may not take hence my horse from me: and may you take my child from me? He also is my ward: for as my learned Council showeth me, sith he hath nothing by descent holden by Knight's service, the law maketh his mother his Guardian. Then may no man I suppose, take my ward from me out of Sanctuary, without the breach of Sanctuary. And if my privilege could not serve him, nor he ask it for himself, yet sith the law committeth to me the custody of him, I may require it for him, except the law give a child a Guardian only for his goods and lands, discharging him of the cure and safekeeping of his body, for which only both lands and goods serve. And if examples be sufficient, to obtain privilege for my child, I need not far to seek them, for in this place in which now we be (and which is now in question, whether my child may take benefit of it) mine other son now King, was borne, kept in his Cradle, and preserved to a more prosperous fortune, which I pray God long to continued. And as you all know, this is not the first time that I have taken Sanctuary. For when my Lord my husband was banished, and thrust out of his Kingdom, I fled hither, being great with Child: and here I bore the Prince: and when my Lord my husband returned safe again, and had the victory, than went I hence, to welcome him home, and from hence I brought my babe the Prince unto his father, when he first took him in his arms. And I pray God that my sons Palace may be as great a safeguard unto him now reigning, as this place was sometime to the King's enemy. In which place I intent to keep his brother, since man's law serveth the Guardian to keep the Infant. The law of nature wils the mother to keep her child, God's law privilegeth the Sanctuary, and the Sanctuary my son, sith I fear to put him in the Protectors hands, who hath his brother already, and were (if both failed) inheritor to the Crown: and the cause of my fear, hath no man to do to examine. But yet I fear no further than the law feareth, which as learned men tell me, forbiddeth every man, the custody of them by whose death he may inherit less land than a Kingdom. I can no more: but whosoever he be that breaketh this holy Sanctuary, I pray God shortly sand him need of a Sanctuary when he may not come to it, for taken out of Sanctuary I would not that my mortal enemy were. (36) The Lord Cardinal perceiving that the Queen waxed ever the longer the further off, & also that she began to kindle and chafe, and speak more biting words against the Protector, and such as he never believed, and was also loathe to hear, he said to her for a final conclusion, that he no longer would dspute the matter, but if she were content to deliver the Duke to him, and to the other Lords present, he durst lay his body and soul both in pledge, not only for his surety, but also for his estate; And if she would give a resolute answer to the contrary, he would forthwith departed therewithal, and shifted who so would with this business afterward, for he never intended more to move her in that matter, in which she thought that he and all others also save herself, lacked either wit or truth; wit, if they were so dull that they could perceive nothing what the Protector intended: truth, if they should procure her son to be delivered into his hands, in whom they should perceive towards the Child any evil intended. (37) The Queen with these words stood a good while in a deep study. And for as much as her seemed the Cardinal ready to departed, and the Protector himself ready at hand, so as she verily thought she could not keep him there, but that he should incontinent be taken thence, and to convey him elsewhere, neither had she time to serve her, nor place determined, nor persons appointed, all things unready, this message came on her so suddenly, nothing less looked for, then to have him fetched out of Santuarie, which she thought to be now beset in such places about, that he could not be conveyed out untaken, and partly (as she thought) it might fortune her fear to be false, so well she witted it was either needless or bootless: Wherefore, if she must needs go from him, she deemed it best to deliver him, & besides the Cardinal's faith, she nothing doubted, neither some other Lords, whom she saw there present, which as she feared jest they might be deceived, so was she well assured they would not be corrupted: and thought it would make them the more warily to look to him, and the more circumspectly to see to his surety, if with her own hands she betook him to them of trust. And lastly taking the young Duke Queen Elizabe●h yieldeth to deliver the young Duke. by the hand said unto the Lords. (38) My Lords, and all my Lords; I neither am so unwise to mistrust your wits, nor so suspicious to mistrust your truths: of which thing I purpose to make you such a proof, as if either of both lacked in you, might both turn me to great sorrow, the Realm to much harm, & you all to great reproach. For lo, here is (quoth she) this Gentleman, whom I doubt not, but I could here keep safe if I would, whatsoever any man say: and I doubt not also, but there be some abroad so deadly enemies unto my blood, that if they witted where any of it lay in their own bodies, they would let it out. We have also experience, that the desire of a kingdom knoweth no kindred: the brother hath been the brother's The ambitions desire for a Crown. bane: and may the Nephews be sure of their Uncle? Each of these children is the others defence, whilst they are asunder, and each of their lives lieth in the others body: keep one safe and both be sure, and nothing for them both more perilous then to be in one place. For what wise Merchant adventureth all his goods in one ship? All this notwithstanding, I deliver him, and his brother in him, to keep, into your hands, of whom I shall ask both, before God and the world. Faithful ye be, that wots I well, Richard Duke of York delivered to the Cardinal. and I know well you be wise, power and strength to keep him, if ye list▪ neither lack ye of yourself, nor lack help in this case. And if you cannot elsewhere, then may you leave him here: but only one thing, I beseech you, for the trust that his father ever put in you, and for the trust I now put you in, that as far as you think I fear too much, be you well wary that you fear not too little: and therewithal she said unto the child, Farewell mine own sweet son, God sand you good keeping: let me kiss you yet once, ere you go; for God knoweth when we shall kiss together again. And therewithal she kissed him, and blessed him, turned her back and wept, and went her way, leaving the child weeping as fast. When the Lord Cardinal, and those other Lords with him, had received the young Duke, they brought him into the starchamber, where the protector took him in his arms, and kissed him with these words: Now A Jud●● kiss. welcome my Lord, even with all my heart: In which saying, it is like he spoke as he thought. Thereupon forthwith they brought him unto the King his brother, into the Bishop's Palace at Paul's; and from thence both of them through the City of London honourably attended into the Tower, out of which after that day they never came again. (39) The protector having both the children now in his hands, opened himself more boldly, both to certain other men, & also chief to the Duke of Buckingham. Although I know that many thought that this Duke was privy to all the protector's counsel, even from the beginning, and some of the Buckingham privy to the Protectors plots. protector's friends said, that the Duke was the first mover of the protector to this matter, sending a privy messenger unto him straight after King Edward's death. But others again, which knew better the subtle wit of the protector, deny that he ever opened his enterprise to the Duke, until he had brought to pass the things before rehearsed. But when he had imprisoned the Queen's kindred, and gotten both her sons into his own hands; then he opened the rest of his purpose with less fear to them whom he thought meet for the matter, and especially to the Duke, who being won to his designs, he held his strength more than half increased. The matter was broken unto the Duke by subtle persons, and such as were their craft's masters in the handling of such wicked devices who declared unto him that the young King was offended with him, for his kinsfolks sakes, and if he were ever able he would revenge them: who would prick him forward Suspicion without cause. thereunto if they escaped (for they would remember their imprisonment) or else if they were put to death, without doubt the young King would be careful for their deaths, whose imprisonments was grievous unto him. And that with repenting the Duke should nothing avail, for there was no way left to redeem his offence by benefits, but he should sooner destroy himself then save the King, who with his brother, and his kinsfolks he saw in such places imprisoned, as the protector might with a beck destroy them all: and without all doubt would do it indeed, if there were any new enterprise attempted. And that it was likely as the Protector had provided privy guard for himself, so had he spials for the Duke and trains to have caught him, if he should be against him, & that peradventure from them, whom he least suspected. For the state of things, & the dispositions of men were then such that a man could not well tell whom he might trust, or whom he might fear. These things and such like, being beaten into the Duke's mind, brought him to that point, that where he had repent the way that he had entered, yet would he go forward in the same, and since he had once begun, he would stoutly go through. And therefore to this wicked enterprise which he believed could not be avoided, he bent himself, determining, sith the common mischief could not be amended, he would turn it as much as he might to his own commodity. The covenants betwixt the Protector and the Duke of Bucki●gham. (40) Then was it agreed, that the Protector should have the Duke's aid to make him King, and that the Protectors only lawful son should marry the Duke's daughter; and that the Protector should grant him the quiet possession of the Earldom of Hertford, which he claimed as his inheritance, and could never obtain it in King Edward's time. Besides these requests of the Duke, the Protector of his own accord, promised him a great quantity of the King's treasury, and of his household stuff. And when they were thus at a point betwixt themselves, they went about to prepare for the Coronation of the young king as they would have it seem. And that they might turn both the eyes & minds of men from perceiving of their drifts otherwhere, the Lords were sent for from all parts of the Realm, and came flocking unto the solemnity. But the Protector and Two counsels to divers ends. Duke after they had sent the Lord Cardinal Archbishop of York, then L. Chancellor, the Bishop of Ely, the Lords Stanley & Hastings, than Lord Chamberlain, with many other Noblemen, to confer and devise about the Coronation in one place, as fast they were in another place contriving the contrary, to make the Protector king: to which counsel, albeit there were adhibited very few, and they very secret; yet began here and there, some muttering among the people, as though all should not long be well, though they neither knew what they feared, nor wherefore: were it that before such great things, men's hearts of a secret instinct of nature misgive them, as the Sea The mistrust of the times. without wind swelleth of himself sometime before a tempest; or were it that some one man happily somewhat perceiving, filled many men with suspicion, though he showed few men what he knew. Howbeit somewhat the dealing it sel●e made men to muse on the matter, though the counsel were close. For by little and little, all men withdrew from the Tower, and repaired to Crosbies' in Bishopsgate street, where the Protector kept his house in great state. So that the Protector had the resort, and All flock to the Protector. the King left in a manner desolate. And whilst some for their business made suit to such as were in office for the King, some were secretly by their friends warned, that it might happily do them no good, to be too much attendant about the king without the Protectors appointment, who then began to remove many of the Princes old servants, and in their stead to place about him new. (41) Thus many things meeting together, partly by purpose, & partly by chance, caused at length not only the common people that move with the wind, but wisemen also, and some Lords likewise, to mark and muse at the matter; insomuch, that the Lord Stanleyes' speech to the Lord Chamberlain. Lord Stanley, who was after Earl of Derby, said to the Lord Hastings, that he much misliked these two several counsels. For while we (quoth he) talk of one matter in the one place, little wots we, whereof they talk in the other place. My Lord (quoth the Lord Hastings) of my life never doubt you: for while * Catesby. one man is there, which is never thence, never can things be moved that should sound amiss against me, but it shall be in mine ears ere it be well out of their mouths: this meant he by Catesby, which was of his near counsel, and whom he very familiarly used, and in his most weighty matters put no man in so special trust, nor no man so much beholden unto him as Catesby was. A man indeed well learned in the Laws of this Land, and by special favour of the Lord Chamberlain, in good authority, and bore much rule in Leicestershire, where the Lord Hastings power chief lay. But surely great pity Catesey the cause of much mischief. it was, that he had not had either more truth, or less wit. For his dissimulation only kept all that mischief up: in whom if the Lord Hastings had not put so special trust, the Lord Stanley and he had departed with divers other Lords, and had broken all the dance, for many ill signs that he saw, which he now construes all to the best. So surely thought he that there could be no harm towards him intended, in that counsel where Catesby was. And of truth, the Protector and Duke of Buckingham, made very good semblance unto the Lord Hastings, whom undoubtedly the Protector loved well, and loath was tohave lost him, but for fear, lest his life should have quailed their purpose; for which cause he moved Catesby to prove with some words, cast out a far off, whether he could think it possible to win the L. Chamberlain to their part. But Catesby whether Catesby set to sound the Lord Hastings. he assayed him, or assayed him not, reported unto them, as he found him so fast, and heard him speak so terrible words, that he durst no further break. True it is, that the Lord Chamberlain, of very trust showed unto Catesby, the distrust that others began Lord Hastings speeches concerning the plot. to have in the matter: & therefore Catesby fearing as he affirmed, lest their motion might with the Lord Hastings diminish his credence, whereunto only all the matter leaned; he counseled and procured the Protector hastily to rid him. And much the rather, Catesby false to his founder. for that he trusted by his death, to obtain much of the rule that the Lord Hastings bore in his Country: the only desire whereof, was the allective that induced him to be partner, and one special contriver of all this horrible treason. The counsel sat in the Tower for the ordering of the young King's Coronation. (42) Soon after this, upon Friday the thirteenth day of june, many Lords assembled in the Tower, and there sat in counsel, devising the honourable solemnity of the King's Coronation; of the which the time appointed was so near, that the Pageants and subtleties were in making day and night at Westminster, and much victual killed, that afterward was cast away. These Lords sitting together communing of this matter, the Protector came in amongst them about nine of the clock, saluting them courteously, and excusing himself, that he had been from them so long, saying merrily, I have been The Protectors dissimulation. a sleeper this day. And after a little talk with them, he said to the Bishop of Ely, My Lord, you have very good Strawburies' at your Garden in Holborn, I pray you let us have a mess of them: Gladly my Lord, said the Bishop, would God I had some better thing as ready to pleasure you as that: and therewith in all haste he sent his servant for a mess of Strawburies'. Whereupon the Protector setting the Lords fast in conference, prayed them to spare him for a little while, and departed thence. But soon after, betwixt ten and eleven, he returned into the counsel Chamber amongst them, with a wonderful sour and angry countenance, knitting the brows, frowning and fretting, and gnawing on his lips, sat him down in his place, all the Lords much dismayed, sore marveling of this his sudden The Protector now another man. change, and what thing should him ail: He sitting thus a while, began thus to speak, What are they worthy to have, that compass and imagine the destruction of me, being so near of blood unto the King, and Protector of his royal person and his Realm? At which question, all the Lords sat sore astonished, musing much by whom this question should be meant, of which every man knew himself clear. Lord Hastings speech to the Protectors question. (43) Then the Lord Chamberlain, as he that for the love betwixt them, thought he might be boldest with him, answered & said, That they were worthy to be punished as heinous traitors whatsoever they were: and the same all the other Lords affirmed. That is (quoth the Protector) yonder sorceress my brother's wife, meaning the Queen, and others with her: at these words many of the Lords that favoured her, were greatly abashed: but the L. Hastings was in his mind better content, that it was moved by her, then by any other whom he loved better: howbeit, his heart somewhat grudged, that he was not afore made of counsel in this matter, as he was of the taking of her kindred, & of their putting to death, which were by his assent before devised to be beheaded at Pomfret the self same day, in which he was not ware, how it was by other devised, that himself should be beheaded the same day The Queen accused o● Sorcery. at London. Then said the Protector, ye shall all see in what wise that Sorceress, and that other witch of her counsel, Shore's wife, with their affinity, have by their sorcery and witchcraft wasted my body. And therewith he plucked up his doublet sleeve to the elbow upon his left arm, where he showed a wearish withered arm, and small, as it was never other. (44) And thereupon every man's mind sore misgave them, well perceiving that this matter was but a quarrel. For they well knew, that the Queen was too wise to go about any such folly; & if she would, yet would she of all others, not make Shore's wife of counsel, whom of all women she most hated, as that Concubine whom the King her husband had The withered arm of the Protector by nature, and not by sorcery. most loved. And also no man there present, but knew well enough, that his arm was ever such since his birth. Nevertheless the Lord Chamberlain, (which from the death of King Edward kept Shore's wife, on whom he somewhat doted in the King's life, saving as it is said, that he forbore her for reverence towards the King, or else of a certain kind of fidelity to his friend) answered and said: Certainly my Lord, if they have so heinously done, they be worthy of heinous punishment. What (quoth the Protector) thou servest me I ween with ifs and with and's, I tell thee they have so done, and that I will make good on thy body Traitor. And therewith as in a great anger, he clapped his fist upon the board a great rap: at which token given, one without the Chamber cried, treason, wherewith a door clapped, and in came rushing men in harness, as many as the Chamber might hold, and anon the Protector said to the Lord Hastings, I arrest The L. Chamberlain arrested. thee Traitor: What me my Lord quoth he? yea thee Traitor quoth the Protector; and another let fly at the Lord Stanley, who shrunk at the stroke under the Table, or else his head had been cleft to the teeth: for as swiftly as he shrunk, yet The L. Stanley wounded at Council Table. came the blood about his ears. Then were they all quickly bestowed in divers Chambers, excepting only the Lord Chamberlain, whom the Protector bad speed and shrive him apace, for by S. Paul said he, I will not to dinner till I see thy head off. It booted him not to ask why, but heavily took a Priest at adventure, and made a short shrift, for a longer would not be suffered: The Protector made so much haste to dinner, which he might not go to, till this was done for saving of his oath. So was he brought forth unto the green, before the Chapel within the Tower, and his head laid down upon a long log of timber, and there struck off, and The L. Chamberlain beheaded. afterward his body with the head, was interred at Windsor, beside the body of K. Edward. (45) A marvelous case it is to hear, either of the warnings that he should have voided, or the tokens of that he could not avoid: for the self night before his death, the Lord Stanley sent a trusty secret Messenger unto him at Midnight in all the haste, requiring him to rise, and ride away with him, for he The L. Stanleys' dream. was utterly disposed no longer to abide, he had so fearful a dream: in which he thought, that a Boar with his tusks, so razed them both by the heads, that the blood ran about both their shoulders. And forsmuch as the Protector gave the Boar for his cognizance, this dream made so fearful an impression in his heart, that he was thoroughly determined no longer to tarry, but had his horse ready, if the Lord Hastings would go with him, to ride yet so far the same night, that they would be out of danger before it was day. Ah good Lord (quoth the Lord Hastings to the Messenger) leaneth my Lord thy Master so much to such trifles, and hath faith in dreams, which either his own fear fantasieth, or do rise in the night's rest, by reason of the days thoughts? Tell him it is plain Witchcraft, The L. Hastings answer to the L. Stanleyes' message. to believe in such dreams, which if they were tokens of things to come, why thinketh he not, that we might be as likely to make them true, by our going, if we were caught and brought back (as friends fail flyers) for then had the Boar a cause likely to raze us with his tusks, as men that fled for some falsehood: wherefore, either there is no peril, nor none there is indeed, or if any be, it is rather in going then abiding. And if we must needs fall in peril; one way or other, yet had I rather, that men should see, it were by other men's falsehood, then think it our fault or faintheart. And therefore go to thy Master man, and commend me to him; and pray him to be merry and have no fear; for I assure him, I am as sure of the man that he wotteth of, as I am of mine own hand. God sand Grace Sir (said the Messenger) and went his way. Predictions towards the Lord Hastings. (46) Certain it is also, that in riding towards the Tower the same morning in which he was beheaded, his horse twice or thrice stumbled with him, almost to the falling; which thing, albeit each man knoweth daily happeneth, to them to whom no such mischance is toward, yet hath it been of an old rite and custom observed, as a token oftentimes, notably foregoing some great misfortune: Now this that followeth was no warning, but an envious scorn. The same morning before he was up, came a Knight unto him, as it were of courtesy, to accompany him to the Counsel; but of truth sent by the Protector, to haste him thitherwards, with whom he was of secret confederacy in that purpose, a mean man at that time, but now of great authority. This Knight, when it happened the Lord Chamberlain by the way to stay his horse, and common a while with a Priest whom he met in Towerstreet, broke his tale, and said merrily to him; what my Lord, I pray you come on, whereto talk you so long with a Priest, you have no need of a Priest yet, and therewith laughed upon him, as though he would say, ye shall have soon. But so little witted the other what he meant, and so little mistrusted his present peril, as he never was merrier, nor never so full of good hope in his life, which self thing is often seen a sign of change; but I shall rather let any thing pass me, than the vain surety of man's mind so near his death. Upon the very Tower-wharf, so near the place where his head was struck off soon after, there met he with The Lord Hastings speech to a Pursuivant. one Hastings, a Pursuivant of his own name. And of their meeting in that place, he was put in remembrance of another time, in which it had happened them before, to meet in the like manner together in the same place. At which other time the L. Chamberlain had been accused unto King Edward by the Lord Rivers the Queen's brother, in such wise as he was for the while, (but it lasted not long) far fallen into the King's indignation, and stood in great fear of himself. And forasmuch as he now met this Pursuivant in the same place, that jeopardy so well passed, it gave him great pleasure to talk with him thereof; with whom he had before talked thereof in the same place, while he was therein. And therefore he said, ah Hastings, art thou remembered that I met thee once here with a heavy heart? yea my Lord (quoth he) that remember I well, and thanked be God, they got no good, nor you no great harm. Thou wouldst say so (quoth he) if thou knew so much as I know, which few know else as yet, and more shall shortly. That meant he by the Lords of the Queen's kindred, which were taken before, and should that same day be beheaded at Pomfret: which he well witted, but was nothing ware, that the axe hung over his own head; In faith man (quoth he) I was never so sorry, nor never stood in so 〈…〉 of my life, as I did when thou and I met 〈…〉 And lo, how the world is changed, now stand my enemies in the danger The vain and sudden state of man. (as thou mayst hap to hear more hereafter) and I never in my life so merry, nor never in so great surety. O good God, the blindness of our mortal nature, when he most feared he was in good surety, when he reckoned himself surest, he lost his life, and that within two hours after. Thus ended this honourable man, a good Knight and a gentle, of great The description of the Lord Hastings. authority with his Prince, of living somewhat dissolute, plain and open to his enemies, and secret to his friends, easy to be beguiled, as he that of good heart & courage forestudied no perils; a loving man, a passing well beloved: very faithful, and trusty enough, trusting indeed too much. Now flew the fame of this Lord's death swiftly through the City, and from thence further, like a wind in every man's ear. Citizen's se●t for into the Tower to the Protector. (47) But the Protector immediately after dinner, intending to set some colour upon the matter, sent in all haste for many substantial men, out of the City into the Tower, at whose coming thither, himself with the Duke of Buckingham, stood harnessed in old rusty briganders, such as no more, man should ween, that they would vouchsafe to have put on their backs, except that some sudden necessity, had constrained them thereto. And then the Protector showed them, that the Lord Chamberlain, and others of his conspiracy, had contrived to have suddenly destroyed him and the Duke there the same day in Counsel. And what they intended further, was not yet well known. Of which their treason he never had knowledge, before ten of the clock, the same forenoon, which sudden fear drove them to put on for their defence, such harness The feigned fear of the Lord Protector. as came next to hand: and so had God helped them, that the mischief returned upon them that would have done it: and this he required them to report. (48) Every man answered him fair, as though no man mistrusted the matter, which oftruth no man believed; yet for the further appeasing of the people's mind, he sent immediately after dinner, in all haste, an Herald of Arms, with a Proclamation to be made through the City in the King's name, containing that the Lord Hastings with divers others of A Proclamation made to publish the Lord Hastings treasons. his traitorous purpose, had before conspired the same day, to have slain the Lord Protector, and Duke of Buckingham, sitting in the Council, and after to have taken upon them, to rule the King and the Realm, at their own pleasures; thereby to pill and spoil, whom they listed uncontrolled. And much matter there was in that Proclamation, devised to the slander of the Lord Chamberlain, as that he was an evil Counsellor to the King's father, enticing him to many things, highly redounding to his great dishonour, and to the universal hurt of his Realm, by his evil company, sinister procuring, & ungracious example aswell in many other things, as in the vicious living, and inordinate abusion of his body, both with many others, and especially with Shore's wife, who was one also of his most secret Counsel, in this heinous treason, with whom he lay nightly, and namely, the night last passed, before his death, so that it was the less marvel, if ungracious living brought him to an unhappy ending, which he was now put unto, by the most dread commandment of the King's highness, and of his honourable and faithful Counsel, both for his demerits, being so openly taken in his falsely conceived treason, as also lest the delaying of his execution, might have encouraged other mischievous persons partners of his conspiracy, to gather and assemble themselves together in making some great commotion for his deliverance, whose hope being now by his wel-deserued death politickely repressed, all the Realm should by God's grace, rest in good quiet The Protectors subtlety further known by his Proclamation. and peace. (49) Now was this Proclamation made within two hours, after that he was beheaded, and was so curiously indicted, and so fair written in parchment, in so well a set hand, and therewith of itself so long a process, as every child might perceive, that it was prepared before. For all the time between his death, and the proclaiming, could scant have sufficed unto the bore writing alone; had it been but in paper, and scribbled forth in haste at adventure. So that upon the proclaiming thereof, one that was Schoolmaster of Paul's, of chance standing by, and comparing the shortness of the time, with the length of the matter, said unto them that stood about him; Here is a The Schoolmasters opinion. gay goodly cast, foul cast away for haste: and a Merchant answered him, that it was written by Prophecy. Now then by and by, as it were for anger, not for covetousness, the Protector sent the Sheriffs of London, into the house of Shore's wife (for her husband The Sheriffs of London carry Shore's wife to prison. dwelled not with her) and spoiled her of all that she had, above the value of three thousand marks, carrying her through London unto the Tower, and there left her Prisoner, where (for fashion sake) he laid to her charge, that she went about to bewitch him, and that she was of Counsel with the Lord Chamberlain to destroy him: in conclusion, when no colour could fasten upon these matters, than laid he heinously unto her charge, the thing that herself could not deny, that all the world witted was true, and that neithlesse every man laughed at, to hear it then so suddenly, so highly taken, that she was naught of her body. And for that cause (as a good continent Prince, clear and faultless himself, sent out of heaven into this vicious world for the amendment of men's manners) after she had lain Prisoner in Ludgate, hecaused the Bishop of London to put her to open penance, going before Shore's wife did penance. the Cross in procession upon a sunday, with a taper in her hand. In which she went in countenance and place demure so womanly, and albeit she were out of all array save her kirtle only, yet went she so fair and lovely, namely while the wondering of the people cast a comely rud in her cheeks (of which before All commend and pity Shore's wife. she had most mist) that her great shame▪ won her much praise, among those that were more amorous of her body, then curious of her soul. And many good folk also that hated her living, and glad to see sin so corrected, yet pitied the more her penance, than rejoiced therein, when they considered that the Protector procured it more of a corrupt intent, than any virtuous affection. The description of jane Shore▪ (50) This woman was borne in London, worshipfully friended, honestly brought up, and very well married, saving somewhat too soon; her husband an honest Citizen, young, and goodly, and of good substance. But for as much as they were coupled ere she were well ripe, she not very fervently loved, for whom she never longed; which was haply the thing that the more made her incline unto the King's appetite, when he required her. Howbeit the respect of his royalty, the hope of gay apparel, ease, pleasure, and other wanton wealth, was able soon to pierce a soft tender heart. But when the King had abused her, anon her husband (as he was an honest man, and one that could his good, not presuming to touch a King's concubine) left her up to him altogether. When the King died, the Lord Chamberlain took her, which in the King's days, albeit he was sore enamoured upon her, yet he forbore her, either for reverence, or for a certain friendly faithfulness: proper she was, and fair; nothing in her body that you could have changed, unless you would have wished her somewhat higher. Thus they say that knew her in her youth. Albeit some that now see her (for as yet she liveth) deem her never to She died the eighteen year of King Henry the eight saith john Harding. have been well visaged, whose judgement seemeth to me somewhat like, as though we could guess the beauty of one long before departed, by her scalp taken out of the Charnel house: for now she is old, lean, withered, and dried up, nothing left but riveled skin, and hard bone; and yet being even such, who so well advise her visage, might guess and devise, which parts how filled, would make it a fair face. Yet delighted not men, so much in her beauty, as in her pleasant behaviour, for a proper wit she had, and could both read well and writ, merry in company, ready and quick of answer, neither mute nor full of babble, sometime taunting without displeasure, and not without disport: in whom King Shore's wife did much good, but no man hurt. Edward took special pleasure, whose favour to say the truth (for sin it were to bely the Devil) she never abused to any man's hurt, but to many a man's comfort and relief, when the King took displeasure, she would mitigate and appease his mind; where men were out of favour, she would bring them in his grace, for many that highly offended she obtained pardon. Of great forfeytures she gate them remission. And finally, in many weighty suits she stood many men in great stead, either for none, or very small rewards, and those rather gay then rich, either for that she was content with the deed itself well done, or for that she delighted to be sued unto, and to show what she was able to do with the King, or for that wanton women and wealth, be not always covetous. I doubt not The Subject not unworthy to be written. some shall think this woman too slight a thing to be written of, and set among the remembrances of great matters: which they shall specially think, that happily shall esteem her only by that they now see her. But to my seeming, the chance is so much the more worthy to be remembered, in how much she is now in the more beggarly condition, unfriended, and worn out of acquaintance, after good substance, after so great favour with a Prince, after so great suit, and seeking to, of all those, that in those days had business to speed, as many other men were in their times, which be now famous only by the infamy of their ill deeds: her doings were not much less, albeit they be much less remembered, because they were not so evil: for men use, if they receive an evil turn, to writ it in marble: The state of the world. and who so doth us a good turn, we writ it in the dust; which is not worst proved by her: for at this day she beggeth of many, at this day living, that at this day had begged if she had not been. (51) Now it was so devised by the Protector and his Council, that the self same day in which the L. Chamberlain was beheaded in the Tower of London, The Lords of the Queen's blood beheaded at Pomfrait. and about the self same hour was then (not without his assent) beheaded at Pomfrait, the fore-remembred Lords and Knights, that were taken from the King at Northampton and Stony-Stratford; which thing was done in the presence, and by the order of Sir Richard Ratcliff Knight, whose service the Protector specially used in that counsel, and in the execution of such lawless enterprises, as a man that had been long secret with him, having experience of the world, and a shrewd wit, short and rude in speech, rough and boisterous of behaviour, bold in mischief, as far from pity, as from all fear of God. This Knight bringing them out of prison to the Scaffold, and showing to the people present, that they were Traitors, not suffering them to speak, or declare their innocency, jest their words might have inclined men to pity them, and to hate the Protector and his part; caused them hastily without judgement, process or manner of order to be beheaded, and without all guilt, but only that they were good men, too true to the King, and too nigh to the Queen. The Protector sought to strike whiles the iron was hot. (52) Now when the Lord Chamberlain, and those other Lords and Knights were thus beheaded and rid out of the way: then thought the Protector, that while men mused what the matter meant, while the Lords of the Realm were about him out of their own strengths, while no man witted what to think, nor whom to trust, before they should have space to dispute, and digest the matter, and make parties, it were best hastily to pursue his purpose, and put himself in possession of the Crown, ere men could have time to devise how to resist. But now was all the study, by what means the matter being of itself so heinous, might be first broken to the people in such wise as it might be well taken. To this counsel they took divers, such as they thought meet to be trusted, likely to be induced to that part, and able to stand them in stead, either by power or policy: Among whom they made of counsel Edmond Shaa Knight, than Mayor of London, The Mayor of London made of the Protectors counsel. who upon trust of his own advancement, whereof he was of a proud heart, highly desirous, should frame the City to their appetite. Of Spiritual men they took such as had wit, and were in authority among the people, for opinion of their learning, and had no scrupulous conscience. Among these had they john Shaa Clerk brother to the Mayor, and Friar Pinker Provincial of the Augustine Friars, both of them Doctors in Divinity, both great Shaa and Pinker two flattering Preachers. Preachers, both of more learning than virtue, and of more fame than learning: for they were before greatly esteemed of the common people; but after that never. Of these two, the one made a Sermon in praise of the Protector before the Coronation; the other after, both so full of tedious flattery, as no man's ear could abide them. Pinker preached at S Marie Hospital, and Doctor Shaa at Paul's Cross. (53) Pinker in his Sermon so lost his voice, that he was forced to leave off, and came down in the midst. Doctor Shaa by his sermon lost his honesty, and soon after his life, for very shame of the world, into which he durst never after come abroad. But the Friar forced for no shame, and so it harmed him the less. Howbeit some doubt, and many think, that Pinker was not of counsel in the matter before the Coronation, but after the common manner, fell to flattery after: namely, sith his sermon was not incontinent upon it, but at S. Mary's Hospital in the Easter week following. But certain it is, that Doctor Shaa was of counsel in the beginning, so far forth as they determined that he should first break the matter in a Sermon at Paul's Cross, in which he should by the authority of his preaching, incline the people to the Protectors ghostly purpose. But now was all the labour and study, in the devise of some convenient pretext; The plot and device how to entitle the Protector to the Crown. for which the people should be content to depose the Prince, and accept the Protector for King. In which divers things they devised: but the chief thing and the weightiest of all, the invention rested in this, that they should allege bastardy, either in K. Edward himself, or in his children, or both. So that he should seem disabled to inherit the Crown, by the Duke of York, and the Prince by him. To lay bastardy in King Edward, sounded openly to the rebuke of the Protectors own mother, who was mother to them both: for in that point could be none other colour, but to pretend that his own mother was an adulteress, which notwithstanding to Th● son maketh the mother an adulteress. further the purpose he letted not: but yet, he would that point should be less, and more favourably handled, not fully plain and directly, but that the matter should be touched aslope, and craftily, as though men spared in that point to speak all the truth for fear of his displeasure. But the other KING Edward and his children made bastards. point, concerning the bastardy that they devised to surmise in K. Edward's children, that would he should be openly declared, and enforced to the uttermost. The colour and pretext whereof, was a contract pretended to be made by King Edward unto the Lady Lucy, whereof we have spoken in the reign of the said King: which invention how simple soever, yet it liked them, to whom it sufficed to have somewhat to say, while they were sure to be compelled to no larger proof than themselves list to make. (54) Now than it was by the Protector and his Council concluded, that Doctor Shaa should signify in his sermon aforesaid, that neither King Edward himself, nor the Duke of Clarence were lawfully begot, nor were the very Children of the Duke of York, but begot unlawfully by other persons, by adultery of the Duchess their mother. And also that dame Elizabeth Lucy was verily the wife of K. Edward, and so the Prince and all his other children begot by the Queen, were all of them bastards. And according to this devise Doctor Shaa upon Sunday the nineteenth of june at Paul's Cross in a frequent assembly, took for the theme of his sermon this saying, The text and contents of Doctor Shaas sermon. Spuria vitulamina non agent radices altas: Bastard slips shall never take deep root. Whereupon, when he had showed the great grace that God giveth, and secretly infundeth in right generation after the laws of Matrimony, than declared he, that commonly those children lacked that grace, and for the punishment of their parents, were for the more part unhappy, which were begot in base, but specially in advitery. Of which though some by the ignorance of the world, and the truth hid from knowledge inherit for the time other men's lands, yet God always so provideth, that it continueth not in their blood long, but the truth coming to light, the rightful inheritors be restored, and the bastards slip pulled up ere it can take any deep root. And when he had laid for the proof and confirmation of this sentence certain examples taken out of the old testament, and other ancient histories, than he began to descend into the praise of the Lord Richard, late Duke of York, calling him the father to the Lord Protector, and declared the title of his heirs unto the Crown, to whom it was after the death of King Henry the sixt, entailed by authority of Parliament. Then showed he, that the very right heir of his body lawfully begotten, was only the Lord Protector. For he declared then that King Edward was never lawfully married unto the Queen, but was before God, husband unto Dame Elizabeth Lucy, and so his children bastards. Shaas shameless assertions. And besides that, neither King Edward himself, nor the Duke of Clarence, among those that were secret in the household, were reckoned very certainly for the children of the Noble Duke, as those that by their features, resembled other known men, more than him from whose virtuous conditions, he said also, that King Edward was far off. But the Lord Protector he said, the very Noble Prince, the special pattern of Knightly prowess, aswell in all Princely behaviour, as in the lineaments and favour of his visage, representing the very face of the noble Duke his father. This is he (quoth he) the fathers own figure, this is his own countenance, the very print of his visage, the very undoubted Image, and plain express likeness of that noble Duke. (55) Now it was before devised, that in the speaking of these words, the Protector should have come in among the people to the sermon ward, to the end that those words meeting with his presence, might The Preachers intention prevented. have been taken among the hearers, as though the holy Ghost had put them in the Preachers mouth, and should have moved the people even then to cry, King Richard, King Richard, that it might have been after said, that he was specially chosen by God, and in manner by miracle. But this devise quailed, either by the Protectors negligence, or by the Preachers over much diligence, for while the Protector found by the way tarrying, jest he should prevent those words, and the Doctor fearing lest he should come ere his sermon could come to these words, hasted his matter thereto, who was come to them and past them, and had entered into other matter ere the Protector came. Whom when he beheld coming, he suddenly left the matter with which he was in hand, and without any deduction thereunto, out of all order, and out of all frame, began to repeat those words again: This is the very Noble Prince, the special pattern of Knightly prowess, which aswell in all Princely behaviour, as in the lineaments and favour of his visage, representeth the very face of the Noble Duke of York his father: this is the fathers own figure, this is his own countenance, the very print of his visage, the sure undoubted Image, the plain express likeness of the noble Duke, whose remembrance can never die while he liveth. While these words were in speaking, the Protector accompanied with the Duke of Buckingham, went through the people, into the place where the Doctors commonly stand in an upper story, where he stood to hear the sermon. But the people were so far from crying King Richard, that they stood as if they had been turned into stones, for wonder of this shameful sermon. After which once ended, the Preacher got him home, and never after God's heavy punishment upon ●he false flattering Preacher. durst look out for shame, but kept himself out of sight like an Owl. And when he once asked one, that had been his old friend, what the people talked of him, albeit that his own conscience well showed him that they talked no good, yet when the other answered him, that there was in every man's mouth spoken of him much shame, it so struck him to the heart, that within few days after, he withered and consumed away. The Duke of buckingham cometh to the Guild hall. (56) On the tuesday following this sermon, there came into the Guild hall in London the Duke of Buckingham, accompanied with divers Lords & Knights, more perchance then knew the message which they brought. And there in the East end of the Hall, where the Mayor keepeth the hustings, the Mayor, and Aldermen being assembled about him, and all the commons of the City gathered before him: after silence commanded in the Protectors name upon great pain, the Duke stood up, and (as he was neither unlearned, and of nature marvelously well spoken) he said unto the people with a clear and loud voice in this manner. Friends, for the zeal and Buckingham's oration to the commons of London. hearty favour that we bear you, we be come to break unto you, a matter of great weight, and no less weighty, then pleasing to God, and profitable to all the Realm: nor to no part of the Realm more profitable then to you the Citizens of this noble City. For why, the thing that we wots well you have long time lacked, and so longed for, that you would have given great good for, that you would have go far to fetch, that thing we be come hither to bring you, without your labour, The fine gloss of the Duke of Buckingham. pain, cost, adventure or jeopardy. What thing is that? Certes, the surety of your own bodies, the quiet of your wives, and your daughters, the safeguard of your goods: of all which things in times past you stood evermore in doubt. For who was there of you all, that could accounted himself Lord of his own goods, among so many snares and traps as were set therefore, among so much pilling and polling, among so many taxes and tallages, of which there was never end, and often times no need: or if any were, it rather grew of riot, and unreasonable waist, than any necessary or honourable charge: So that there was daily pilling from good men and honest, great substance of goods to be lashed out among unthrifts, so far forth that fifteen sufficed not, nor any usual manner of known taxes: but under an easy name of benevolence and good will, the Commissioners so much of every man took, as no man could with his good will have given. As though that name of benevolence, King Edward's exactions made more than they were. had signified that every man should pay not what himself of his own good▪ will list to grant, but what the King of his good will list to take. Who never asked little, but every thing was haunsed above the measure, amercements turned into fines, fines into ransoms; small trespasses into misprision; misprision into treason. Whereof I think no man looketh that we should remember you of examples by name, as though Burdet were forgotten, who was for a word in haste spoken, cruelly beheaded, by the misconstruing of the Laws of this Realm for the Prince's pleasure: with no less honour to Markham then His tyranny towards his subjects exemplified by Burdet and others. chief justice, that left his office rather than he would assent to that judgement, then to the dishonesty of those, that either for fear or flattery gave that judgement. What Cook your own worshipful neighbour, Alderman and Mayor of this noble City; who is of you either so negligent that he knoweth not, or so forgetful that he remembreth not, or so hard hearted that he pitieth not that worshipful man's loss? What speak we of loss? His utter spoil and undeserved destruction, only for that it happened those to favour him whom the Prince favoured not. We need not (I suppose) to rehearse of these any more by name, sigh there be (I doubt not) many here present, that either in themselves, or in their nigh friends, have known aswell their goods, as their persons greatly endangered, either by feigned quarrels, or small matters aggrieved with heinous names. And also there was no crime so great, of which there could lack a pretext. For ●ith the King preventing the time of his inheritance, attained the Crown by battle; it sufficed in a rich man for a pretext of treason, to have been of kindred or alliance, near familiarity, or longer acquaintance, with any of those that were at any time the King's enemies, which was at one time or other more than half the Realm. No safety of goods or life as he falsely alleged. Thus were your goods never in surety, and yet they brought your bodies in icopardie, beside the common adventure of open war, which albeit, that it is ever the will and occasion of much mischief, yet it is never so mischievous, as where any people fall at distance among themselves, nor in no earthly nation so deadly & so pestilent, as when it happeneth among us: and among us never so long continued d●ssention, nor so many battles in that season, nor so cruel and so deadly fought as was in that King's days that dead is, God forgive it his soul. In whose time, and by whose occasion, what about the getting of the Garland, keeping it, The rage of civil wars cost England more blood than twice the winning of France had done. losing it, and winning again, it hath cost more English blood, then hath twice the winning of France: In which inward war among ourselves, hath been so great effusion of the ancient noble blood of this Realm, that scarcely the half remaineth, to the great enfeebling of this noble Land, beside many a good Town ransacked, and spoiled by them that have been going to the field, or coming from thence. And peace long after not much surer than war. So that no time there was, in which rich men for their money, and great men for their Lands, or some or other for some fear or some displeasure, were not out of peril; Great dangers alleged and slenderly proved. for whom trusted he that mistrusted his own brother? whom spared he, that killed his own brother? or who could perfectly love him, if his own brother could not? what manner of folk he most favoured, we shall for his honour spare to speak of; howbeit, this wots you well all, that who so was best, bore always least rule; and more suit was in those days unto Shore's wife, a vile and abominable strumpet, then to all the Lords in England; except unto those that made her their Protector: which simple woman was well named, and honest, till the King for his wanton lust, and sinful affection, bereft her from her husband, a right honest substantial young man among you. And in that point, which in good faith I am sorry to speak of, saving that it is in vain to keep in counsel that thing which every man knoweth; the King's greedy appetite was infatiable, and every King Edward's wantonness set out to the full. where over all the Realm intolerable, for no woman there was any where, young or old, rich or poor, whom he set his eye upon, in whom he liked any thing, either person, or favour, speech, pace, or countenance; but without all fear of God or any respect of his own honour, murmur, or grudge of the world, he would importunately pursue his appetite, and have her, to the great destruction of many a good woman, and great dolour to their husbands and other their friends, which being honest people of themselves, so much regard the cleanness of their house, the chastity of their wives, and their daughters, that they had rather lose all they had besides, then to have such a villainy done against them. And albeit, that with this and his other importable dealings, the Realm was in every part annoyed: yet specially, you here the Citizens of this noble City, aswell for that amongst you is most plenty of all such things, as minister matters to such injuries, as for that you were nearest at hand, seeing that near hereabout was commonly his most abiding. And yet you be the people whom he had a singular cause well and kindly to entreat, as any part of the Realm, not only, for that the Prince by this noble City, as his special Chamber, and the special well renowned London the king's especial Chamber. City of his Realm, much honourable fame receiveth amongst all other nations: but also for that ye, not without your great cost, and sundry perils and jeopardies in all his wars, bore even your special favour to his part; which your kind minds borne unto the house of York, sigh he hath nothing worthily acquitted, there is one of that house, that now by God's grace, better shall: which thing to show you is the whole sum and effect of this our present errand. It shall not, I The end of the Duke's errand. wots well, need that I rehearse you again, that ye have already heard of him that can better tell it, and of whom I am sure you will better believe it, and reason is it so to be. I am not so proud to The great modesty that the Duke pretendeth. look therefore, that you should reckon my words of as great authority, as the Preachers of the word of God; namely, a man so learned and so wise, that no man better wotteth what he should say, and thereto so good and virtuous, as he would not say the thing which he witted he should not say in the Pulpit; namely, into the which no honest man cometh to lie: which honourable Preacher, you An author like the subject. well remember, substantially declared at Paul's Cross, on Sunday last passed, the right and title that the most excellent Prince, Richard Duke of Gloucester, now Protector of this Realm, hath unto the Crown and Kingdom of the same. For as the Worshipful Doctor substantially made known unto you, the children of King Edward the fourth were never lawfully begotten, forasmuch as the King (leaving his very wife Dame Elizabeth Lucy) was never lawfully married unto the Queen their mother, whose blood, saving that he set his voluptuous pleasure before his honour, was full unmeet to be matched with his; and the mingling of those bloods together hath been the effusion of great part of the noble blood of this Realm. Whereby it The marriage oh King Edward imputed a great mischief. may well seem, the marriage was not well made, of which there is so much mischief grown. For lack of which lawful coupling, as also other things, which the said worshipful D. rather signified, then fully explained; and which things shall not be spoken for me, as the thing wherein every man forbeareth to say what he knoweth, in avoiding displeasure of my noble Lord Protector; bearing, as nature requiteth, a filial reverence to the Duchess his mother: For these causes I say, before remembered, that is, for lack of other Issue lawfully coming of that late noble Prince Richard Duke of York, to whose royal blood, the crown of England and France, is by the high authority of The Protector must be the only true heir to his father, and so to the Crown. Parliament entailed; the right and title of the same, is by the just course of inheritance, according to the common law of this Land, devolved and come unto the most excellent Prince the Lord Protector, as to the very lawfully begotten son, of the fore-remembred noble Duke of York. Which thing well considered, and the great knightly prowess pondered, with manifodle virtues, which in his noble person singularly abound, the nobles and commons also of this Realm, and specially of the North part, not willing any bastard blood to have the rule of the Land, nor the abusions before the same used, any longer to continued, have condescended, and fully determined, to make humble petition to the most puissant Prince the Lord Protector, that it may like his Grace at our humble request, to take upon him the guiding and governance of this Realm, to the wealth and increase of the same, according to his very right and just title. Which thing I know well, he will be loath to take upon him, as he whose wisdom well perceiveth, the labour and study both of mind and body, that shall come therewith, to whomsoever so will occupy the room, as I dare say he will, if he take it. Which room, I warn you well, is no child's office: and that the great wiseman Scriptures abused. well perceived, when he said, Vaeregno cuius Rex puer est: Woe is that Realm that hath a child to their King. Wherefore so much the more cause we have to thank God, that this noble parsonage, which so righteously is entitled thereunto, is of so sad age, and so great wisdom, joined with so great experience: which albeit he will be loath (as I have said) to take it upon him, yet shall he to our petition in that behalf, the more graciously incline, if you the Worshipful Citizens of this the chief City of this Realm, join with us the Nobles in this our said request. Which for your own weal we doubt not but you will, and natheless, I hearty pray you so to do, whereby ye The Duke's Pithy persuasions unto the Citizens. shall do great profit to all the Realm beside, in choosing them so good a King, and unto yourselves special commodity, to whom his Majesty shall ever after bear so much the more tender favour, in how much he shall perceive you the more prove and benevolently minded towards his election. Wherein dear friends, what mind you have, we require you plainly to show us. The Londoners are mute and astonished at Buckingham's Oration. (57) When the Duke had said, & looked that the people whom he hoped the Mayor had framed before, should after this proposition made, have cried, King Richard, King Richard; all was hushed and mute, and not a word answered thereunto: wherewith the Duke was marvelously abashed, & taking the Mayor nearer to him, with other that were about him privy to that matter, said unto him softly, What meaneth this, that the people be so silent? Sir (quoth the Buckingham goeth over his lesson again. Mayor) perchance they perceive you not well; that shall we mend (quoth he) if that will help. And by and by somewhat louder, he rehearsed them the same matter again, in other order and other words, so well and ornately, so evidently and plain, with voice, gesture, & countenance so comely, that every man much marveled that heard him, and thought The reward of flattery. they never had in their heating, so evil a tale so well told. But were it for wonder or fear, or that each man looked that other speak first; not a word was there answered of all the people that stood before, but was as still as the midnight, not so much as rowning among themselves, by which they might seem to common what was best to do. When the Lord Maior saw this, he with the other parmers of that counsel drew about the Duke, and said, That the The Recorder commanded to speak to the people. people had not been accustomed there to be spoken unto, but by the Recorder; who is the mouth of the City, and happily to him they will answer. With that the Recorder called Fitz-William, a sad man and an honest, who was so newly come into that office, that he never had spoken to the people before, and loath was with that matter to begin; notwithstanding, thereunto commanded by the Mayor, he made rehearsal to the commons, of that the Duke The great silence of the people. had twice rehearsed to them himself. But the Recorder so tempered his tale, that he showed every thing as the Duke's words, and no part of his own. But all this noting, no change made in the people, which stood gazing at the bench as men altogether amazed. Whereupon the Duke rowned unto the Mayor, and said, This is marvelous obstinate silence, and therewith he turned unto the people again The Duke speaketh once more. with these words: Dear friends, we come to move you to that thing which peradventure we not so greatly needed, but that the Lords of this Realm and the Commons of other parts might have sufficed, saving that we bear you such love, and so much set by your friendship, that we would not willingly do without you the thing which is for our honour and your wealth, which as it seemeth, either you see not, or weigh not; wherefore we require you, give us answer, whether ye be minded as all the nobles of the Realm be, to have this noble Prince now Protector, to be your King or not. (58) At which words the people began to whisper among themselves secretly, that the voice was neithe loud nor distinct, but as it were the sound of a swarm of Bees, till at the last, in the neither end of the hall, a ambushment of the Duke's servants, and Nashfields, and of others belonging to the Protector, with some prentices and lads that Prentices and Servingmen the first proclamers of K. Richard. thrust into the hall among the press, began suddenly at men's backs to cry out as loud as their throats would give, King Richard, King Richard, & threw up their caps in token of joy. But they that stood before, cast back their heads, marveling thereat, yetnothing they said. And when the Duke and Mayor saw this manner, they wisely turned it to their purpose, and said it was a goodly cry, and a joyful, to hear every man with one voice, no man saying nay: wherefore friends (quoth the Duke) since that we well perceive that it is all your whole minds to have this noble man for your King, whereof we shall make to his Grace so effectual report, that we doubt not, but it shall redound unto your great wealth, and commodity: we require that to morrow you go with us, and we with you unto his Noble Grace, to make our humble request unto him in manner before remembered. And therewith the Lords came down, and the assembly dissolved for the most part sad, some with glad semblances, and yet not very merry, yea and some that came The affection of the election seen by the faces of the Assembly. with the Duke, not able to dissemble their sorrow, were feign at his back to turn their face to the wall, while the dolour of their heart burst out of their eyes. (59) On the next morrow, the Mayor with all the Aldermen, and chief Commoners of the City The Nobles and Citizens assemble at Baynard's Castle. in their best array, assembling themselves together, resorted unto Baynard's Castle in Thames street, where the Protector lay. To which place repaired also according to their appointment, the Duke of Buckingham, with divers noble men with him, beside many Knights and other Gentlemen. And thereupon the Duke sent word unto the Lord Protector, of the being there of a great and honourable company, The Protector made it strange to speak with such a multitude to move a great matter unto his Grace: whereupon the Protector made difficulty to come out unto them, but if he first knew some part of their errand, as though he doubted, and partly disinherited the coming of such a number unto him so suddenly, without any warning, or knowledge whether they came for good or harm; then the Duke when he had showed this unto the Mayor and other, that they might thereby see, how little the Protector looked for this matter; they then sent unto him by the Messenger such loving message again, and therewith so humbly besought him to vouchsafe, that they might resort to his presence, to propose their intent, which they would not impart to any other person; that at the last he came out of his chamber, and yet not down unto them, but stood above in a gallery over them, where they might see him & speak to him, as though he would not yet come too near them, till he understood what they meant. And thereupon the Duke of Buckingham first made humble petition unto him on the behalf of them all, that his Grace would pardon them, and licence them to propose unto his Grace, the intent of their Palpable dissembling betwixt the Protector and Buckingham coming without his displeasure, without which pardon obtained, they dur●t not be so bold to move him in their suit. In which albeit they meant as much honour to his Grace, as wealth to all the Realm beside; yet were they not sure how his Grace would take it, whom they would in no wise offend. Then the Protector (as he was very gentle of himself, and also longed sore to know what they meant) gave him leave to propose what him liked, verily trusting for the good mind that he bore them all, none of them would intent any thing to himward, wherewith he aught to be grieved. (60) When the Duke had this leave and pardon to speak, than waxed he bold to show him their intent and purpose, with all the causes moving them thereunto, as you have heard before: and finally, to beseech his Grace, that it would like him of his accustomed goodness and zeal unto the realm now with his eye of pity, to behold the long continued distress, and decay of the same, and to set The Protector entreated to accept of the Crown. his gracious hands to redress an amendment thereof, by taking upon him the Crown and government of the land; according to his right and title lawfully descended unto him, and to the law of God, profit of the Realm, and unto his grace so much the more honour, and less pain, in that, that never Prince reigned over any people that were so glad to live under his obeisance, as the people of this land under his. (61) When the Protector had heard the proposition, he looked very strangely thereat, and answered: That albeit it were, he partly knew the things by them alleged to be true, yet such entire love he bore unto King Edward and his children, that so much more he regarded his honour in other Realms about, than the Crown of any one, of which he was never desirous, that he could not find in his heart in this point to incline to their desire. For in all other Nations where the truth was not well known, it The Protector saith nay and would have it. would peradventure be thought, that it was his own ambitious mind and devise, to depose the Prince, and to take himself the Crown, with which infamy he would not have his honour stained for any Crown, in which he had ever perceived much more labour and pain, than pleasure to him that would so use it, as he that would not, were not worthy to have it. Notwithstanding he not only pardoned them the motion that they made him, but also thanked them for the love and hearty favour they bore him, praying them for his sake to give and bear the same to the Prince, under whom he was, and would be content to live, and with his labour and counsel, as far as should like the King to use him, he would do his uttermost endeavour to set the Realm in good state, which was already in this little time of his Protectorship (the praise be given to God) well begun, in that the malice of such as were before, occasion of the contrary, and of new intended to be, were now partly by good policy, partly more by God's special providence, than man's provision repressed. (62) Upon this answer given, the Duke by the Protectors licence, a little rowned, aswell with other B●ckingham urgeth and threateneth the refusal. noble men about him, as with the Mayor and Recorder of London. And after that, upon like pardon desired and obtained, he showed aloud unto the Protector for a final conclusion, that the Realm was at a point, King Edward's line should not any longer reign over them, both for that they had so far go, as it was now no surety to retreat, as for that they thought it was for the weal universal to take that way, although they had not yet begun it. Wherefore if it would like his grace to take the Crown upon him, they would humbly beseech him thereunto; if he would give them a resolute answer to the contrary, which they would be loath to hear, then must they needs seek, and would not fail to find some other noble man that would. These words much moved the Protector, which else as every man may know, would never of likelihood have inclined thereunto But when he saw there was none other way, but that either he must take it, or else he, and his both go from it, he said unto the Lords and commons. Th' Protector favourably accepteth the Crown. (63) Sigh we well perceive that all the Realm is so set, whereof we be very sorry, that they will not suffer in any wise King Edward's line to govern them, whom no earthly man can govern against their wills, and well we also perceive, that no man there is to whom the Crown can by just title appertain, as to ourself, as very right heir lawfully begotten of the body of our most dear father Richard late Duke of York, to which title is now joined your election, the Nobles and Commons of this Realm, which we of all title possible take for the most effectual: we be content, and agreed favourably to incline to your petition and request, and according to the same, we here take upon us the royal estate, pre-eminence, and kingdom of the two noble realms, England and France, the one from this day forward, by us and our heirs, to rule, govern, and defend; the other by God's grace, and your good help, to get again and subdue, and establish for ever in due obedience unto this Realm of England, the advancement whereof we never ask of God longer to live, than we intent to procure. With this there was a great shout, crying King Richard, King Richard. And then the Lords went up to the King (for so was he from that time called) and the people departed, talking diversely of the matter, every man as his fantasy gave him. (64) Much was talked, and marveled at the manner of this dealing, that the matter was made so strange unto both parties, as though they never divers opinions of the people. had communed either with others before, when as themselves witted there was no man so dull that heard them, but perceived well enough, that all the matter was so made between them. Howbeit, some excused that again, and said all must be done in good order: And men must sometimes for manners sake, not be acknown what they know: for at the consecration of a Bishop, every man wotteth well, by the paying for his bulls, that he purposeth to be one, and though he pay for nothing else, and yet must he twice be asked, whether he will be a Bishop or not, and he must twice say nay, and at the third time take it, as compelled thereunto by his own will. And in a Stage-play the people know right well, that he who playeth the Sowdaine, is percase a souter, yet if one should know so little good, to show out of season what acquaintance he hath with him, and call him by his own name, while he standeth in his majesty, one of his tormentors might hap to break his head worthily for marring of the play. (65) The reign of this young King may well be accounted an interregnum without King, aswell for The Reign and age of King Edward. his minority being under the rule of a Protector himself, as for the short time wherein he continued the name of a King; which only was two months and sixteen days, and in them also he sat uncrowned without Sceptre or ball, all which Richard aimed at, and perfidiously got, before they could come to his head; or into his hands. His age at the death of his father and entrance into his throne was eleven years five months and five days, and within three months after, was with his brother sm othered to death in the Tower of London, as shall be showed in his Reign, of whom we are now by order of succession to writ. Richard III Monarch 56 RICHARD THE THIRD, KING OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE, AND LORD OF IRELAND, THE FIFTY SIXTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH, HIS REIGN, ACTS, ISSVE AND DEATH. CHAPTER XIX. For the most part written by Sir Thomas Moor. Ricardus dei gra●ia Rex anglie e●●ra●●ie e● dom●us ●ber●e R 3 Ricardus dei gracia Rex anglie e●●ra●●ie e● dom●us ●ber●e RIchard, the third son of Richard Duke of York, born at Fotheringhay Castle in the County of All the Richards and Dukes of Gloucester came to untimely deaths. Richard 1. slain with an arrow. Richard 2 murdered at Pomfrait. Tho. Woodstocke●mo●hered ●mo●hered to death. Humphrey murdered a● S 〈◊〉. Richard● ● slain ●t 〈◊〉 field Northampton, was first honoured with the title of Gloucester, being the third Duke of that number, & consequently by usurpation crowned King of England, the third of that name, a name indeed noted to the Kings so called, to be ever ominous; and the title of Gloucester to those Dukes ever fatal, all of them both, dying violent and untimely deaths, which aught to have been the more fearful unto Richard, now having possession and interest in them both. But that not regarded, or destiny enforcing, his aspiring mind gave him no rest, till his restless body found it lastly in the grave. For his brother deceased when his life was most desired, no man in Duke Richard subtilely complotteth for the Crown. show took his death so heavily as himself, or tendered the young King with a more honourable respect, when as (God knows) his mind ran upon deep reaches, how to compass the wreath for his own head; which the better to fashion, he withdrew a while into the North, and at York in most sad and solemn manner observed the Funerals of the dead King: but howsoever the Mask covered this subtle Duke's face from the eye of the multitude; yet Buckingham well knew the ambitious desire of The Duke of Buckingham the only raiser of the Protector. his aspiring heart, and indeed was the Dedalus that made him the wings, wherewith he mounted so near unto the Sun, as that the wax melting (like the highminded young Icarus) he caught his last fall. (2) What intendments they had before the King's death, is uncertain, though it may be suspected: By Persal, Buckingham's secret servant. but sure it is; he now go, the Duke of Buckingham twice solicited Gloucester by his messengers in the North, met him at Northampton himself, accompanied him to London, forwarded him in Counsel, and was the first Actor in this following tragedy. The degrees by which the Protector ascended into the throne. For, first making him Protector, procuring his young Nephew forth of Sanctuary, disabling the young King, bastardising them both, persuading the Citizens, working the Nobility: and all this done, to set the Crown upon crooked Richard's head, and so moulded their minds unto the man, as they all become humble petitioners unto him for The Protector fitted himself to the people's affections. to accept of the same; who in the mean while had well conned his own part, by profuse liberality, by passing great gravity, by singular affability, by ministering of justice, and by deep and close devices, whereby he won to himself the hearts of all, but the Lawyers especially, to serve best his turn, which was so affected, that in the name of all the States of the Realm, a Petition was drawn and A Petition exhibited to the Protector to accept of the Crown. presented him to accept the wearing of the Crown: the true copy whereof as we found it recorded in the Parliament Rol, we have inserted, & is as followeth. In Rotulo Parliamenti tenti apud Westm. die Veneris Vicesimo tertio die januarii, An. Regni Regis Richardi 3. primo inter alia continetur ut sequitur. Memorandum quod quaedam billa exhibita fuit coram Domino Rege in Parliamento praedicto in haec verba: Where late heretofore, that is to say, before the consecration, coronation, and inthronization of our sovereign An Act of Parliament passed to establish K. Richard's election. Lord the King, Richard the third, a roll of parchment containing in writing certain Articles of the Tenor underwritten on the behalf, and in the name of the three Estates of this Realm of England, that is to wit, of the Lords Spiritual & Temporal, and of the Commons by name, and divers Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and other Nobles and notable persons of the Commons in great multitude was presented and actually delivered unto our said Sovereign Lord, the intent and effect expressed at large in the same roll: to the which Roll, and to the considerations, and instant petition comprised in the same, our said Sovereign Lord for the public weal and tranquillity of this land benignly assented. Now forasmuch a● neither the said three Estates, neither the said persons which in their name presented, and delivered as it is aforesaid, the said Roll unto our said Sovereign All doubts taken away of King Richard's election Lord the King, were assembled in form of Parliament: by reason whereof divers doubts, questions, and ambiguities been moved, and engendered in the minds of divers persons, as it is said: Therefore to the perpetual memory of the truth, and declaration of the same, be it ordained, provided, and established in this present Parliament, that the Tenor of the said roll, with all the contents of the same, presented as is abovesaid, and delivered to our foresaid Sovereign Lord the King, in the name and in the behalf of the said three Estates out of Parliament, now by the same three Estates assembled in this present Parliament, and by authority of the same be ratified, enrolled, recorded, approved, and authorised into removing the occasions of doubts and ambiguities, and to all other lawful The petition of the king's election made lawful, and authorised by Parliament. effects that shall now thereof ensue: So that all things said, affirmed, specified, desired and remembered in the said rol, & in the tenor of the same underwritten in the name of the said 3. Estates, to the effect expressed in the same roll be of the like effect, virtue & force, as if all the same things had been so said, affirmed, specified, desired & remembered in a full Parliament, and by authority of the same accepted & approved. The Tenor of the said Roll of parchment, whereof above is made mention, followeth, & is such. To the high and Mighty Prince Richard Duke of Gloucester. Please it your noble Grace to understand the considerations, election and petition underwritten of us, The form of ●he petition exhibited unto the Protector. the Lords Spiritual & temporal, and Commons of this Realm of England, and thereunto agreeably to give your assent to the common and public weal of this land, to the comfort and gladness of all the people of the same. First, we consider how that heretofore in time passed, this land many years stood in great prosperity, honour, and tranquility, which was caused, forsomuch as the King then reigning, used and followed the advise and counsel of Fair gloss upon foul pretences. certain Lords spiritual and temporal, and other persons of approved sadness, prudence, policy, & experience, dreading God, and having tender zeal and affection to indifferent ministration of justice, and to the common and public weal of the land: Then our Lord God was dread, loved and honoured, then within the land was peace and tranquillity, and among neighbour's concord and charity, than the malice of outward enemies was mightily resisted and repressed, and the land honourably defended with many great and glorious victories, than the intercourse of Merchants was largely used and exercised: by which things above remembered, the land was greatly enriched, so that aswell the Merchants and Artificers, as other poor people labouring for their livings in divers occupations, had competent gain to the sustentation of them & their households, living without miserable and intolerable poverty: but afterward, when that such as had the rule and governance of this land, delighting OH time how dost thou turn and art turned. in adulation and flattery, and led by sensuality and concupiscence, followed the counsel of persons insolent, vicious, and of inordinate avarice, despising the counsel of good, virtuous, & prudent persons, such as above be remembered; The prosperity of this land daily decreased, so that felicity was turned into misery, and prosperity into adversity, and the order of policy, and of the law of God and Man confounded, whereby it is likely this Realm to fall into extreme misery and desolation (which God defend) without due provision of covenable remedy be had in this behalf, in all goodly haft. (3) Over this, among other things more special we consider, how that the time of the reign of K. Flattery fears not how to report. Edward the fourth late deceased, after the ungracious pretenced marriage (as all England hath cause so to say) made betwixt the said King Edward, and Elizabeth sometimes wife to Sir john Gray knight, late naming herself, and many years heretofore Queen of England, the order of all politic rule was perverted, the laws of God, and of God's Church, and also the laws of nature, and of England, and also of the laudable customs and liberties of the same, wherein every English man is inheritor, broken, subverted and contemned, against all reason and justice, so that the land was ruled by self-will and pleasure, fear and dread, all manner of equity and law laid apart and despised, whereof ensued many inconveniences and mischiefs, as murders, How can Princes rule to shun reproach when they are dead. extortions, and oppressions, namely of poor and impotent people, so that no man sure of his life, land or livelihood, ne of his wife, daughter nor servant, every good maiden and woman standing in dread to be ravished and deflowered: and besides this, what discords, inward battles, effusion of Christian men's blood, and namely, by the destruction of the Nobles blood of this land, was had and committed within the same, it is evident and notary through all this Realm, unto the great sorrow and heavinesie of all true Englishmen. And here also we consider, how that the said pretended marriage betwixt the above named King Edward and Elizabeth Gray was made of great presumption without The Queen & her mother falsely slandered. the knowing & assent of the Lords of this land, and also by sorcery and witchcraft committed by the said Elizabeth and her mother jaquet Duchess of Bedford, as the common opinion of the people, and the public voice and fame is through all this land: and hereafter if the cause shall require, shall be proved sufficiently in time and place convenient. And here also we consider how that the said pretenced marriage was made privily and secretly without edition of banes in a private Chamber, a profane place, and not openly in the face of the Church after the law of God's Church, but contrary thereunto, and the laudable custom of the Church of England. And how also that at the time of contract of the same pretended marriage, and before and long time after the said King Edward was and K. Edward accused to have been contracted to the Lady Elienor Butler. stood married, and troth-plight to one Dame Elienor Butler daughter of the old Earl of Shrewsbury with whom the same Edward had made a precontract of Matrimony long time before he made the said pretenced marriage with the said Elizabeth Gray, in manner and form aforesaid: which Premises being true, as in very truth they been true: it appeareth, and followeth evidently, that the said King Edward during his life, and the said Elizabeth lived together sinfully and damnably in adultery against The tongue of slander is a sharp arrow. the law of God and of his Church: And therefore no marvel that the Sovereign Lord, and the head of this land being of such ungodly disposition, and provoking the ire and indignation of our Lord God; such heinous mischief and inconveniences as are above remembered, were used and committed in the They have taught their tongs to speak lies, I●r. 9 5. Realm among the Subjects. Also it appeareth evidently and followeth, that all the Issue and children of the said King Edward, been bastard and unable to inherit, or to claim any thing by inheritance, by the law and custom of England. (4) Moreover, we consider how that afterwards by the three Estates of this Realm assembled in Parliament, holden at Westminster the 17. year of the reign of the said King Edward the fourth, he then being in possession of the Crown and royal estate, by Act made in the same Parliament, George Duke George Duke of Clarence and his heirs made uncapable of the crown. of Clarence brother to the said King Edward now deceased, was convicted and attainted of high treason, as in the same Act is contained more at large, by cause and reason whereof, all the Issue of the said George, was and is disabled and barred of all right and claim that in any case they might have or challenge by inheritance to the Crown and dignity royal of this Realm, by the ancient law and custom of this same Realm. Over this we consider that ye be the undoubted son and heir of Richard late Duke of York, very inheritor of the said Crown and dignity royal; and as in right King of England by way of inheritance: and that at this time the premises duly considered As bad his claim as his per on deformed, but both made good by flatterers in Parliament. there is none other person living, but ye only that by right may claim the said Crown and dignity royal by way of inheritance, and how that ye be borne within this land; by reason whereof, as we deem in our minds, ye be more naturally inclined to the prosperity and common weal of the same: and all the three estates of the Land have and may have more certain knowledge of your birth and filiation aforesaid. We consider also the great wit, prudence, justice, princely courage, and the memorable and laudable acts in divers battles, which as we by experience know you heretofore have done, for the salvation and defence of this same Realm; and also the great nobleness & excellency of your birth and blood, as of him that is descended of the three most royal houses in Christendom: that is to Great pity that so fair stems, should bring forth so bad a branch. say, England, France and Spain. Wherefore these premises by us diligently considered, we desiring effectually the peace, traquilitie and weal-public of this Land, and the reduction of the same to the ancient honourable estate and prosperity, and having in your great prudence, justice, princely courage, and excellent virtue, singular confidence, have chosen in all that in us is, and by this our writing choose you High and Mighty Prince our King and Sovereign Lord, etc. To whom we know for certain it appertaineth of inheritance so to beechosen. And hereupon we humbly desire, pray, and require your most noble Grace, that according to this election of us the three estates of this Land, as by your true inheritance, you will accept and take upon you the said Crown and royal dignity, with all things thereunto annexed and appertaining, as to you of right belonging aswell by inheritance as by lawful election: and in case ye so do, we promise' to serve and assist your Highness, as true and faithful subjects, All promises were not kept, as afterward it proved. and liege men; and to live and die with you in this matter, and in every other just quarrel. For certain●●e, we be determined rather to adventure & commit us to the peril of our lives, and jeopardy of death, then to live in such thraldom and bondage as we have lived long time heretofore oppressed and injured by extortions and new impositions against the Law of God and man, and the liberty, old policy and Laws of this Realm, wherein every The Lord our God is▪ a consuming fire, Deut. 4. ●4. Englishman is inherited. Our LORD GOD, KING of all KINGS, by whose infinite goodness and eternal providence all things been principally governed in this world; lighten your soul, and grant you grace to do aswell in this matter as in all other, that may be according to his will and pleasure, and to the common and public weal of this Land: so that after great clouds, trouble, storms, and tempests, the Sun of justice and of Grace may shine upon us, to the comfort and gladness of all truehearted Englishmen. Albeit, that the right, title, & estate, which our Sovereign Lord the King, Richard the third hath to, and in the Crown, and royal dignity of this Realm of England; with all things thereunto within the same Realm, and without it united, annexed & appertaining, been just and lawful as grounded upon the laws of God and of nature: and also upon the ancient laws and laudable customs of this said Realm; and so taken and reputed by all such persons as been learned in the abovesaid laws and customs: Yet nevertheless, A charitable mind in show, but in truth a crafty intent. for as much as it is considered, that the most part of the people is not sufficiently learned in the abovesaid Laws and customs, whereby the truth & right in this behalf of likelihood may be hid and not clearly known to all the people, & thereupon put in doubt and question. And over this, how that the Court of Parliament is of such authority, and the people of this Land of such a nature and disposition, as experience teacheth that manifestation and declaration of any truth or right made by the three estates of this Realm assembled in Parliament, and by the The effect of our English Parliaments. authority of the same maketh before all other things most faith and certain, and quieting of men's minds, removeth the occasion of all doubts, and seditious language. Therefore at the request, and by the assent of the three estates of this Realm; that is to say, the Lords spiritual and temporal, and Commons of this Land assembled in this present Parliament, by authority of the same be it pronounced, decreed, and declared, that our said Sovereign Lord the King was▪ and is the very undoubted King of this Realm of England, with all things thereunto within the same Realm, and without it united, annexed, and appertaining aswell by right of Consanguinity, and inheritance, as by lawful election, consecration, and coronation. And over this, that at the request, and by the assent and authority abovesaid, be it ordained, enacted and established, that the said Crown and royal dignity of this Realm, and the inheritance of the fame, and all other things thereunto The Crown entailed to king Richard and his▪ heirs. within the Realm ●or without, is united, annexed, and now appertaining, rest and abide in the person of our said Sovereign Lord the King during his life, and after his decease, in his heirs of his body begotten; and in especial at the request, and by assent and authority abovesaid, be it ordained, enacted, established, pronounced, decreed, and declared, that the high and excellent Prince Edward, son Prince Edward made heir apparent by Parliament. of our said Sovereign Lord the King, be heir apparent of the same our Sovereign Lord the King to succeed to him in the abovesaid Crown and royal dignity, with all things as i● aforesaid thereunto united, annexed, and appertaining, to have them after the decease of our said Sovereign Lord the King, to him, and to his heirs of his body lawfully begotten. Quae quidem Billa Communibus Regni Angl. in dicto Parliamento existent. transportata fuit. Cui quidem billae ijdem Communes assensum suum praebuerunt sub hijs verbis. A Ceste bill les Communes sont assentus. Quibus quidem billa, & assensu coram Domino Rege in Parliamento praedicto lectis, auditis, & plenius intellectis; de assensu Dominorum spiritualium, & temporal●um in dicto Parliamento similiter existent ac Comm●nitatis praedictae, nec non authoritate eiusaem Parliamenti pron●nciatum, decretum, & declaratum existit, omnia & singula in billa praedicta contenta forever a & indubia. Ac idem Dominus Rex de assensu dictorum trium Statuum Regni, & authoritate praedicta, omnia & singula praemissa in billa praedicta, contenta concedit, ac ●a provero & indubio pronunciat, decer●it & declarat. (5) These things I have laid forth more at large What cannot the Parliament effect, wnere all give way to the sway of time. out of the Parliament Roll, that ye may understand both what and how great matters, the power of a Prince, the outwatd show of virtue, the wily fetches of Lawyers, fawning hope, pensive fear, desire of change, and goodly pretences are able to effect, in that most wise assembly of all the States of a Kingdom, even against all law and right, so that the Eccles. 9 4. saying of Solomon in this State seemed most true that a living dog is better than a dead Lyon. But this Richard is not to be accounted worthy to have been a Sovereign, had he not been a Sovereign as Galba King Richard like unto Galba, a bad Subject, but a good Prince. was reputed; who, when he was a Sovereign, deceived all men's expectation; but most worthy indeed of Sovereignty, had he not been transported with ambition (which blasted all his good parts) by lewd practices, and by mischievous means, made foul way thereunto: for that by the common consent of all that are wise, he was reckoned in the rank of bad men, but of good Princes; as indeed King Richard through his short time of reign is accounted to have been. (6) The Crown and Sceptre accepted as is said, King Richard accepteth the Crown, and beginneth his reign with great applause. King Richard upon the twenty fifth of june, went in great pomp unto Westminster hall, and there in the King's Bench Court took his Seat, saying, that he would take upon him the Crown in that place, where the King himself aught to sit, whose chiefest duty was to administer justice to his people, and with a pleasing Oration so tickled the ears of his Auditors, that he lulled the rural to think that his like had never reigned in England; and to begin himself with a pretenced clemency, he pronounced The new King's clemency and affability. pardon of all offences committed against him; for confirmation whereof, he sent for one Fog whom he deadly hated, who for fear of him had lately taken Sanctuary at Westminster, and there in sight of the people with semblance accordingly, took him by the hand saying, that he would be thence forth his assured in affection; whereat the Commons greatly rejoiced, and with applauses extolled, K. Richard's dealings double construed. though others wiser among them took it to be but feigned to serve his own turn. And in his way homeward, whomsoever he met, he saluted: for a mind that knoweth itself to be guilty, is in a manner dejected to a servile flattery. (7) King Richard whose guilty heart was full of The Northern sent for to the King's Coronation. suspicion, had sent for five thousand Soldiers out of the North to be present in London at his Coronation; these under the leading of Robin of john Harding, Continuer. Ridsdale, came up both evil appareled, and worse harnessed, in rusty Armour, neither defensible for proof, nor scoured for show: who mustering in Finesburie Fields, were with disdain gazed upon by the beholders. But all things now ready for his Coronation (and much the sooner in that young Edward's provision was conferred upon his) upon the fourth of july, he with his wife by water came to the Tower, where he created Estates, ordained A. D. 1483. States created by K. Richard. the Knights of the Bath, set at liberty the Archbishop of York, and the Lord Stanley, more for fear then for love; whose son the Lord Strange was then said to be gathering of men in Lancashire, where those Lords have great command. (8) But Morton Bishop of Ely a firm man unto King Edward, and unpossible to be drawn unto the disinheriting of his children, as was well perceived by the Protector, among others, at the Council held in the Tower, was left there prisoner, and accused of many great, but unlikely treasons. This At Beer or Berry man borne in Dorsetshire, and brought up in the University of Oxford, was from a Doctor of the Arches made a privy councillor unto King Henry, and after his death alured by King Edward to serve him, was sworn likewise of his Council, and made one of the Executors of his will: whose insight into the intended designs, the Protector much feared, and therefore having him fast, minded so to keep him, when he released others laid in the Tower for the like fear. But the reverence of the man, or undeseruednesse of his wrongs, moved so the affection of the Oxford Academians, that they directed to the King (who professed much love to that University) a petitory latin Epistle, no less eloquent & pithy, Ex Regist. Oxon. MS. then circumspect and wary, wherein they thus pleaded for his liberty. (9) Though many important motives we have most Christian King, earnestly to recommend A letter written for the University of Oxford in the behalf of D. Morton. to your princely clemency, the Reverend Father in Christ, the Lord Bishop of Ely, as being not only one of the most eminent Sons of our University, but also a singular Patron and indulgent Father to us all; yet could not these inducements (howsoever very ponderous with all grateful minds) persuade us to become intercessors for his pardon, but ever with due regard both to your own honour and safety; the greatness of your princely favours having more obliged us, then of any your royal Predecessors: whiles therefore we stood in some doubt, how he stood affected towards your Highness, we held it an high offence, if by tendering his safety, we should any way hazard yours: but now understanding, that his offence proceeded, not of pertinacy, but human frailty; and that he hath always humbly sued for pardon thereof, the bowels of our mother University, like Rachel weeping over her Children were moved with compassion over the deplored distress of this her dearest son; wherein yet (as we hope) her affection deserves no just reprehension. For if a pious affection be prayseworthie, even in an enemy, much more is it in this our Academy, full of due observance towards your Majesty, and professing the study of all virtues. These things so being, we thought fit, (without longer delays) to fly unto your clemency, as humble Suppliants, that your Highness already having in part inflicted (though mildly) some chastisement on his fault would turn your royal aspect towards him, & impart to him the bounty of your gracious clemency; wherein, you shall not only perform an act most acceptable to him, to us, and the whole Church, but very honourable & advantageous also (as we hope) to your own person. For, upon notice of the readmittance of so great a Prelate into your grace, who is there, that will not extol with praises unto the skies your so great, and even divine clemency? Thus gloried the Romans, to have it marshaled amongst their praises, that * Virgil. Par●ere Subiectis, etc. Sal●st. Submissive wights they spared, but crushed the proud; and this also they challenged as their peculiar honour, that they were readier to remit, then to revenge wrongs. Now if you will aspire to this high honour, (as easily you may, by being gracious to this man) you shall surmount the Romans themselves by so glorious a deed. As for the great benefit which may hereby accrue to your highness, albeit (as we suppose) we can sufficiently conceive thereof, especially if we call to mind his singular virtues; yet had we rather leave that point wholly to your secret considerations, then pursue it with a discourse tedious to you, and enuie-breeding to him: lest happily by insisting in his praises, it may be thought, that we seek rather by violence to extort, then by submissivenes to beg his pardon, and or else to rely more on the greatness of his virtues, then of your Clemency, or lastly to appeal rather to your justice, then to your mercy. Wherefore (most puissant Prince) thus persuade yourself of us, that whatsoever we have spoken in the Bishop's behalf, we do it rather out of a sense of our dutifulness then any diffidency of your Gra●iousnes: and therefore omitting all things which might be alleged, either to lessen his offence or augment his virtues: it is your sole mercy wherein we repose all our hopes; vowing, howsoever other means of gratitude may be Dat. Ox●●ij in Eccles. S. Mariae Virg. 4. Sextil●●. wanting to us, yet we shall never suffer the remembrance of so great a favour conferred on us to be extinguished amongst us. (10) King Richard, after this, intending some easier restraint, though not liberty unto the Bishop, was content to release him out of the Tower, and Bishop Morton committed to the custody of the Duke of Buckingham. committed him to the custody of Henry Duke of Buckingham, who sent him to his Castle of Brecknock in Wales, there safely to be kept, until himself should come thither. The great estate of King Richard's coronation. (11) The next day with great pomp, state and attendance of the Nobility, the King road through London, so as a more royal had not been seen at any King's Coronation, for there attended him, three Dukes, nine Earls, two viscounts, twenty Lords, seventy eight Knights, all of them most richly furnished, Buckingham most richly attired at the king's coronation. whereof the Duke of Buckingham so far exceeded, that the caparison of his horse was so charged with embroidered work of gold, as it was born up from the ground by certain his footmen thereto appointed. And contrary to my own affections, or manner of my former proceed, I will yet continued the most honourable offices performed at his royal enthroning with no little Admiration, how these Lords assembled to set the Crown upon the young Prince's head, were so suddenly carried to Crown his Protector, and that upon such false and slanderous pretences, as every one of them saw his title to be merely an unjust usurpation, but in them may be seen, that we are all the sons of Adam, and in times of extremities, foreslow all public regard, as overmuch fearing our private and present estate. The order of the Kings proceed to be crowned. (12) Upon the sixt of july, King Richard with Queen Anne his wife set forth from Whitehall towards Westminster, royally attended, and went into the King's bench in the great hall, from whence himself Rich. Grafton. and Queen upon ray Cloth, both of them barefooted, went unto King Edward's shrine in Saint Peter's Church, all the Nobility going with him in their degree, the trumpets and Heralds marshalling the way, the Cross with a solemn procession followed, the Priests in fine surplice and grey Amysses upon them, the Bishops and Abbots in rich Copes all of them mytred, and carrying their Crosses in their hands; next came the Earl of Huntingdon bearing a pair of gilt spurs, signifying Knighthood; after whom came the Earl of Bedford, who bore Saint Edward's staff for a Relic, than followed the Earl of Northumberland with a naked pointless sword in his hand betokening mercy, next whom the Lord Stanley bore the Mace of the Constableship, upon whose right hand the Earl of Kent bore a naked pointed sword, and on his left hand the Lord Lovel the like naked pointed sword, the former signifying justice towards the temporalty, & the other justice to the Clergy; the Duke of Suffolk then followed with the Sceptre, which signified Peace: the Earl of Lincoln bore the Ball and Cross which signified a Monarchy: Then came the Earl of Surrey bearing the fourth sword sheathed in a rich scabbard, and is called the sword of Estate, next whom followed Gartar King at Arms, upon whose right hand went the Gentleman Usher of the King's privy Chamber, and on his left the Lord Mayor of London, with a Mace in his hand; Next unto whom went the Duke of Norfolk bearing the King's Crown betwixt his hands, and then King Richard himself came, in a Surcote and rob of purple velvet; having over his head a Canopy borne by the four Barons of the five Ports, the Bishop of Bath on his right hand, and of Durham on his left. The Duke of Buckingham bore the King's train, and to signify the office of high Steward of England, he bore a White Staff in his hand. The order of the Queen's proceed to receive the crown. (13) Then followed the Queen's train: before whom was borne the Sceptre, the ivory Rodriguez with the Dove, and the Crown▪ herself appareled in Robes like the Kings under a rich Canopy, at every corner thereof a bell of gold. On her head she ware a circlet set full of precious stones, the Countess of Richmond bearing her train; the Duchess of Norfolk and Suffolk in their Coronets attendants, with twenty Ladies of estate most richly attired. In this order they passed the Palace into the Abbey, and ascending to the high Altar there shifted their Robes, and having other Robes open in divers places from The King and Queen solemnly anointed and crowned. the middle upward, were both of them anointed and Crowned, he with Saint Edward's Crown, having the Sceptre delivered into his left hand, and the Ball with the Cross a token of Monarchy in his right, the Queen had a Sceptre given into her right hand, and the ivory Dove in her left; then after the Sacrament received (having the host divided betwixt them) they both offered at Saint Edward's shrine, where the King left his Crown and put on his own; and thus done, in the same Order and State as they came, returned to Westminster hall, and there held a most Princely feast. Whereof let Hall and Grafton tell you for me. (14) But this his fair Sun was soon overcast with many dark Clouds and mischiefs, which Sir Thomas Moor. fell thick upon the neck of each other, for as the thing evil gotten, is never well kept: through all the The time of King Richard's reign full of calamities. time of his reign there never ceased death and slaughter, till his own destruction ended it. Yet as he finished his days with the best death, and the most righteous, that is to say, his own: so began he with the most piteous and wicked, I mean the lamentable murder of his innocent Nephews, the young King and his tender brother; whose deaths and final misfortunes have nevertheless come so far in question, that some remain yet in doubt, whether they were in his days destroyed or no. Not for that only, that Perking Warbeck by the malice of many, and the folly of more, so long a time abusing Doubts made of the two Princes deaths. the world, was aswell with Princes, as the other poor people, reputed and taken for the younger of these two: but for that also as all things were in late days so covertly demeaned, one thing pretended and another done, that there was nothing so plain and openly proved, but for the common custom and close covert dealing, men had it ever inwardly in suspect, as many well sergeant jewels make the true mistrusted. Howbeit concerning the opinion with the occasions moving either party, we shall have place more at large hereafter to entreat of: in the mean time for this present matter shall be rehearsed the dolorous end of these young Babes, not after every report I have heard, but by such men, and by such means, as to my seeming it were hard but it should be true saith Sir Thomas Moor. King Richard's progress towards Gloucester. (15) K. Richard presently after his mockish Election & glorious Coronation, made his progress towards Gloucester, to show (as was thought) in that City his new Kingly estate, which first had vouchsafed him his old honour in bea●ing her Title; or else, and that rather, to besequestred from other business, the better to attend that, upon which his thoughts most busily ran. For albeit the Bark of his begun adventures, had without peril well passed the straights, and now got sea-room to spread sail at will; yet being under gale, and at fortunes dispose, he feared the gust of every wind: at leastwise suspected that his young Nephews living would stay the course Remora a little fifh, is reported to have such strength, as it will stay the course of any ship under sail. of his deep reaches, as doth the little fish Remora, who holdeth (as at Anchor) the biggest ship under sail. His inward study therefore still forged, howsoever his outward countenance was carried to clear his passage by taking those dangerous lets away, well knowing, that his little Nephews enjoying The fears of K. Richard. their lives, men would be meddling with their down cast cause, and accounted him an usurper without all rihgt to the Realm. To stop which stream, no other course could he found, but to cut off the King Richard complotteth the death of his Nephews. current by which it ran, as though the kill of his Kinsmen could better his bad claim, or unkindly murder make him a kindly King. But being resolved, he forthwith sent one john green, a servant King Richard his letter to Sir Robert Brakenbury. in especial trust unto Sir Robert Brakenbury Constable of the Tower, with a letter of credence, that the same Sir Robert should in any wise put the two children to death. (16) This Green thus posted to London, delivered his errand unto Brakenbury, whom he found kneeling at his Orisons before the Image of our Lady in the Tower, the business being of such weight as the King must be served before he had ended with his Saint The Constable reading the letter, Sir Robert Brakenburies' answer unto john green and perceiving the bloody intent of the King, answered plainly, he would never put those innocent babes unto death, to die therefore himself. With which answer john green returning, recounted the same to King Richard being at Warwick, yet in his way to Gloucester, wherewith he was marvelously perplexed, and thereat took such displeasure, that the King Richard's complaint of Ingratitude. same night he said to a secret Page of his: Ah whom shall a man trust? those that I have brought up myself, those that I had weened would most surely serve me, even those fail me, and at my commandment will do nothing. Sir quoth the Page, there lieth one on your Pallet without, that I dare well say, to do your Grace pleasure, the thing were right hard that he would refuse; meaning this by Sir james Tirrell, who was a man of a goodly parsonage, and for Nature's gifts worthy to have served a much better Prince, if he james Tirrell made the Instrument of murder had well served God, and by grace obtained as much truth and good will, as he had strength and wit. The parts of Sir james Tirrel. (17) The man had an high heart, and sore jonged upward, not rising yet so fast as he hoped, being hindered and kept under by the means of Sir Richard Ratcliff, and Sir William Catesby, who longing for no more partners of the Prince's favour, and namely, not for him, whose pride they knew would bear no Peer, kept him by secret drifts out of all secret trust, which thing this Page had well marked and known: wherefore this occasion offered of very special friendship, he took his time to put him forward, and by such wise to do him good, that all the enemies he had, except the Devil himself King Richard consulted upon his nephews murders, ●itting on a homely seat. could never have done him so much hurt. For upon this Pages words, K. Richard arose (for this communication had he sitting at the draft, a convenient Carpet for such a Counsel) and came out into a Pallet-Chamber, where he found in bed, Sir james and Sir Thomas Tirrels, of persons much like, and brethren in blood, but nothing of kin in conditions: Then said the King merrily to them, what Sirs, be ye in bed so soon? and calling up Sir james, broke to him secretly his mind in this mischievous matter, in which he found him nothing strange▪ Sir james ready to fulfil the king's mind in the murder of the Princes. Wherefore on the morrow he sent him to Brakenbury with a letter, by which he was commanded to deliver Sir james all the keys of the Tower for one night, to the end he might accomplish there the King's pleasure in such things as he had given him in commandment. After which letter delivered, and the keys received, Sir james appointed the night next ensuing to destroy them, devising before and preparing the means. (18) The Prince in the Tower slenderly attended; and altogether neglected by the Nobility, lastly, had news that his uncle had left the name of Protector, and taken upon him the Title of King, who with full consent of the Lords was to be crowned within a few days following, with the same Crown, and in the like estate as had been provided for his solemnity▪ whereat the dejected Innocent sighed and said; Alas, I would my uncle would let The words of Prince Edward when he heard that his uncle should be King. me enjoy my life yet, though I lose both my Kingdom and Crown. Which words he pronounced with such a feeling fear, as much moved the Relater to pity, and to persuade him with the best comforts he could: but forthwith the Prince and his brother were both shut up, and all attendants removed The faithful servants of the Prince removed from him. from them, only one called Blackwill, or William Slaughter excepted, who was set to serve them, and see them sure. After which time the Prince never tied his points, nor cared for himself, but with that young Babe his brother lingered with thought and heaviness, till their traitorous deaths delivered them out of that wretchedness: for the execution whereof, Tirrell appointed Miles Forrest, one of the four that kept them, a fellow fleshed in murder before Sir Th. Moor. time. To whom he joined one john Dighton his horsekeeper, a big, broad, square knave. Prince Edward and his brother murdered in a featherbed. (19) About midnight (all others being removed from them,) this Miles Forest, and john Dighton, came into the Chamber, and suddenly wrapped up the silly children in the Bed-clothes, where they lay keeping by force the featherbed and pillows hard upon their mouths that they were therein smothered to death, & gave up to God their innocent souls into the joys of heaven, leaving their bodies unto the Tormentors dead in the bed: which after these monstrous wretches perceived, first by the struggling with the pains of death, and after long lying still to be thoroughly dispatched, they laid their bodies naked Their bodies were buried under a pair of stairs. out upon the bed, and then fetched Sir james their instigator to see them, who caused these murderers to bury them at the stairs foot, somewhat deep in the ground, under a great heap of stones. Then road Sir james in haste to the King, unto whom he showed the manner of their death, and place of burial, which news was so welcome to his wicked heart, as he greatly rejoiced, and with great thanks dubbed (as some hold) this his merciless Instrument, knight. But the place of their burial he liked not, saying, that vile corner should not contain the bodies of those Princes, his Nephews, & commanded them a better place for burial, because they were the The body of the two Princes removed, and buried no man knows where. sons of a King. Whereupon the Priest of the Tower took up the bodies; and secretly interred them in such place, which by the occasion of his death could never since come to light. Hardings continuer. (20) The continuer of john Harding tells us from the report of others, that King Richard caused▪ Sir Robert ●rakenburies Priest to close their dead corpse in lead, and so to put them in a coffin full of holes, and hooked at the ends with two hooks of iron, and so to cast them into a place called the Blacke-deepes at t●● Thames mouth, whereby they should never rise up, or be any more seen. Wheresoever they were buried, thus they died, and by these murderers. For very certain it is, and well known, that at such time, as Sir james Tirrell was in the Tower, for Treason The murderers confess the deed, and manner of their death. committed against King Henry the seventh, both Dighton and he were examined, and confessed the murder in manner as is said, but whether their bodies were removed they could not say. And thus as The report of Sir Tho. Moor. I have learned of them that knew much, and little cause had to lie, were these two noble Princes, these innocent tender children▪ borne of most royal blood, brought up in great wealth, likely to have lived▪ to have reigned, and ruled in the Realm, by traitorous tyranny taken, deprived of their estates, shortly shut up in prison and impiously murdered, and the body cast out God wots where, by the cruel ambition of their unnatural uncle, and his hellish Tormentors. The unconstant state of man's life. Which things on every part well pondered; God never gave this world a more notable example, neither in what unsurety standeth this worldly weal, or what mischief worketh the proud enterprise of an high heart, or finally, what wretched end ensueth such barbarous cruelty. God's justice and revenge upon the murderers. (20) For first to begin with the Ministers, Miles Forrest at S. Martin's, piece▪ meal rotten away; Sir james Tyrrell died at Tower hill for treason. Dighton indeed walketh on alive in good possibility to be hanged ere he die, living at Calais no less distained Io. Harding. and hated then pointed at of all. King Richard himself Revenge of murder repaid. as ye shall hereafter hear, was slain in the field, hacked and hewed of his enemy's hands, carried on horseback dead, his hair in despite torn and tugged like a Cur dog: and the mischief that he took was within less than three years of the mischief that he did, and yet all the mean time spent in much pain and trouble outward, and much fear, The guilty conscience of King Richard. anguish, and sorrow within. For I have heard by credible report of such as were secret with his Chamberlain, that after this abominable deed done, he never had quiet in his mind: he never thought himself sure: but where he went abroad, his eyes ever-whirled about, his body privily fenced, his hand ever on his dagger, his countenance & manner like one always ready to strike again, he took il rest a nights, lay long waking and musing, sore wearied with care and watch, rather slumbered then slept, troubled with fearful dreams, suddenly sometimes start up, leapt out of his Bed, and ran about the chamber, so was his restless heart continually tossed and tumbled with the tedious impression and stormy remembrance of his abominable deed. Outward enemies arise against King Richard. Neither had he in his best, any time of quiet, for immediately began the conspiracy (or rather good consideration) between the Duke of Buckingham, The forward affection of the Duke of Buckingham towards the Duke of Gloucester. and divers other Gentlemen against him. (21) Which Duke assoon as Gloucester upon the death of King Edward came to York, sent thither in secret wise a trusty servant of his, named Persall, to assure him, that he would take his part in this his new world, and if need were, would wait upon him with a thousand good-fellows: and again sent offers of the like unto Nottingham, whither the Protector from York, with many Gentlemen of the North Country was come, and on his way to Londonward in secret manner met him himself, but at Northampton openly with three hundred horse: and from thence still continued with him, being a partner of The Duke of Buckingham falls in dislike of king Richard. all his devices, till that after his coronation they departed (as it seemed) very great friends at Gloucester: from whence as soon as the Duke came home, he so lightly turned from him, and so highly conspired against him, that a man would marvel whereof the change grew. And surely the occasion of their variance is of divers men, diversely reported; Some have said, that the Duke a little before the Coronation, among other things, required of the Protector, the Duke of Hertfords Lands, to the which he pretended The occasions of the Kings and Dukes falling asunder. himself just inheritor. And forasmuch as the Title which he claimed by inheritance, was somewhat interlaced with the title of the Crown, by the line of King Henry before deprived, the Protector conceived such indignation, that he rejected the Duke's request, with many spiteful and minatory words, which so wounded his heart with hatred and mistrust, that he never after could endure to look aright on King Richard, but ever feared his own life, so far forth, that when the Protector road through Buckingham feigned himself sick not to attend K. Henry. London towards his Coronation, he feigned himself sick, because he would not ride with him: And the other taking it in evil part, sent him word to rise, and come ride, or he would make him to be carried. Whereupon he road on with an evil will, and that notwithstanding on the morrow rose from the Feast, feigning himself sick, whereat King Richard said, it was done in hatred and despite of him. And they say, that ever after continually each of them lived in such hatred and distrust of other, as the Duke verily looked to have been murdered at Gloucester: from which nevertheless he in fair manner departed. The fears of the Duke of Buckingham. But surely some right secret at this day deny this: and many right wise men think it unlikely (the deep dissembling nature of both those men considered, and what need in that green world the Protector had of the Duke, and in what peril the Duke stood, if he fell once in suspicion of the Tyrant) that either the Protector would give the Duke occasion of displeasure, or the Duke the Protector No such suspicion betwixt the King and the Duke as was said to be. occasion of mistrust. And verily men think, that if King Richard had any such conceived opinion, he would never have suffered the Duke to have escaped his hands. (22) The very truth is, Buckingham was an high minded man, and could evil bear the glory of another; Sir Thomas Moor's opinion of Buckingham. so that I have heard of some that saw it, that the Duke at such time as the Crown was first set upon the Protectors head, his eye could not abide the sight thereof, but wried his face another way. But men say, that he was of truth not well at ease which The divers opinions of the King and Duke's falling out. to King Richard was well known, and nothing ill taken, nor any demand of the Dukes uncourteously rejected, but he both with great gifts and high behests in most loving and trusty manner, departed at Gloucester. But soon after his coming home to Brecknock, having there in custody by the commandment of King Richard, Doctor Morton Bishop of Ely, who (ye before heard) was taken in the counsel at the Tower, waxed with him familiar: whose wisdom abused his pride to his own deliverance, and the Duke's destruction. (23) This Bishop was a man of great natural wit; very well learned, and honourable in behaviour, lacking no wise ways to win favour: he had been The story of Bishop Morton. fast upon the part of King Henry, while that part was in wealth; and natheless left it not, nor forsook it in woe, but fled the Realm with the Queen & the Prince, while King Edward had Henry in prison, and never came home but to the field. After which lost, and that side utterly subdued, the other for his fast faith and wisdom not only was content to receive Morton wooed unto King Edward's side. him, but also wooed him to come, and had him from thenceforth both in great secret trust, and very special favour, which he nothing deceived. For he being (as you have heard) after King Edward's death, first taken by the Tyrant for his truth to the King, found the means to set this Duke in his top, joined Gentlemen together in aid of King Henry, devising first the marriage between him and King Edward's The union of Lancaster and York first set on by Bishop Morton. daughter: by which his faith, he declared the good service to both his masters at once, with infinite benefit to the Realm, by the conjunction of those two bloods in one; whose several titles had long time disquieted the Land; he fled the Realm, went to Rome, never minding more to meddle with the world, till the noble Prince King Henry the seventh got him home again, made him Archbishop of Canterbury and Chancellor of England, whereunto Morton made Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Chancellor, and Cardinal. the Pope joined the honour of a Cardinal. Thus living many days in as much honour, as one man might well wish, ended them so godly, that his death with God's mercy, well changed his life. (24) This man therefore, as I was about to tell you, by the long and often alternate proof, aswell of prosperity as adverse fortunes, had gotten by great His wisdom and experience. experience (the very mother or mistress of Wisdom) a deep insight in politic worldly drifts. Whereby perceiving now this Duke glad to common with him, fed him with fair words, and many pleasant praises. And perceiving by the process of their communication, the Duke's pride now and then baulk out a little bread of envy, towards the glory of the King, and thereby feeling him easy to fall The deep policy of B. Morton. out, if the matter were well handled: he craftily sought the ways to prick him forward, taking always the occasion of his coming, and keeping himself so close within his bounds, that he rather seemed to follow then to lead him. For when the Duke first began to praise & boast of the King, and show how much profit the Realm should take by The communication of the Duke and D. Morton. his reign; Morton answered thus: Surely my Lord, folly it were for me to lie, for if I would swear the contrary, your Lordship would not ween I believe, but that if the world would have go, as I could have wished, King Henry's son had had the Crown, and not King Edward. But after that God had ordered him to loose it, and King Edward to reign, I was never so mad, that I would with a dead man strive against a quick. So was I to King Edward a faithful Chapplaine, and glad would have been, that his child should have succeeded him. Howbeit, if the secret judgement of God have otherwise provided, I purpose not to spurn against the prick, nor labour to set up, that God putteth down. And as for the late protector and now King; and even there he left: saying, that he had already meddled too much with the world, and would from that day meddle with his Book and his Beads, and no further. (24) Then longed the Duke sore to hear what he would have said, because he ended with the king, and there so suddenly stopped, and exhorted him so familiarly between them twain, to be bold to say whatsoever he thought, whereof he faithfully Buckingham excueth the Bishop to reveal his deepest secret. promised there should never come hurt, and peradventure more good than he would ween, and that himself intended to use his faithful secret advise and counsel, which he said was the only cause for which he procured of the King to have him in his custody, where he might accounted himself at home, and else had he been put in the hands of them with whom he should not have found the like favour. The Bishop right humbly thanked him and said: In good faith my Lord, I love not to talk much of Princes, as a thing not all out of peril, though the word be without fault. Forasmuch as It is dangerous to deal in Princes affairs. it shall not be taken as the party meant it, but as it pleaseth the Prince to construe it. And ever I think on Aesop's tale, that when the Lion had proclaimed upon pain of death there should no horned beast abide in the wood, one that had in his forehead a A pretty tale pithily applied. bunch of flesh, fled away a great pace. The fox who saw him run so fast, asked him whether, he made all that haste? and he answered, In faith, I neither wots, nor reck, so I were once hence, because of this Proclamation made against horned beasts. What fool (quoth the Fox) thou mayst abide well enough, the Lion meant not thee, for it is no horn that is in thy head. No marrow (quoth he) that wots I wellenough, but what if he call it a horn, where am I then? The Duke laughed merrily at the tale, and said, my Lord I warrant you, neither the Lion nor the Boar shall pick any matter at any thing here spoken, for it shall never come to their ears. In good faith Sir, said the Bishop, if it did, the thing that I was about to say, (taken aswell as afore God I meant it) could deserve but thanks; and yet taken as I ween it would, might happily turn me to little The desire of the Duke to know his meaning. good, and you to less. Then longed the Duke yet more to wit what it was; whereupon the Bishop said, in good faith my Lord, as for the late Protector, sith he is now King in possession, I purpose not to dispute his title, but for the weal of this Realm, whereof his Grace hath now the governance, and myself am a poor member, I was about to wish, that to those good abilities, whereof he hath already right many, little needing my praise, it might yet have pleased God for the better store, to have given him some of such other excellent virtues meet for the rule of a Realm as our Lord hath planted in the person of your Grace: and there left again. Edward Hall. (25) The Duke somewhat marveling at his sudden pauses, said: My Lord, I note your often breathe and sudden stopping in your communication; so that to my intelligence, your words neither come to any direct or perfect sentence in conclusion, whereby either I might have knowledge what your intent is now towards the King, or what affection you bear towards me. For the comparison of good qualities ascribed to us both, maketh me not a little to muse, thinking that you have some other privy imagination imprinted in your heart, which you be abashed to disclose, and specially to me, which on my honour do assure you to be as The Duke's protestation of secrecy. secret in this case as the deaf and dumb person to the singer, or the Tree to the Hunter. The Bishop being somewhat bolder, considering the Duke's promise, but most of all animated▪ because he knew the Duke desirous to be magnified, and also he perceived the inward hatred which he bore towards King Richard, he opened his stomach to the bottom, and said: My singular good Lord, ●ith the time The Bishop dealeth plainly with the Duke. of my captivity, which being in your grace's custody, I may rather call it a liberty, than a straight imprisonment, in avoiding of idleness mother of all vices, in reading books and ancient pamphlets, I have found this sentence written, that no man is borne free and at liberty of himself only: for one part of duty he oweth to his parents, another part to his friends and kindred; but the native Country The duty of all men towards their native countries. in the which he first tasted this pleasant & flattering world, demandeth a debt not to be forgotten. Which saying, causeth me to consider in what case the Realm, my native Country, now standeth; and in what estate and assurance before this time it hath continued; what governor we now have, and what ruler we might have; for I plainly perceive (the Realm being in this case) must needs decay, and be brought to confusion: but one hope I have, that is, when I consider your noble parsonage, your justice and indifferency, your fervent zeal and ardent love towards your natural Country; and in like manner, the love of your country towards you, the great learning, pregnant wit, and eloquence, which so much doth abound in your person; I must needs think this Realm fortunate, which hath such a Prince in store, mere and apt to be Governor. But on the other side, when I call to memory the good qualities of the late Protector, and now called King, so violated by tyranny, so altered by usurped The change of state under the tyranny of the usurper. authority, and so clouded by blind ambition, I must needs say, that he is neither meet to be King of so noble a Realm, nor so famous a Realm meet to be governed by such a tyrant. Was not his first enterprise to obtain the Crown, begun by the murder of divers personages? did he not secondarily proceed against his own natural mother; declaring her openly to be a woman given to carnal affection and dissolute living? declaring furthermore, his two brethren and two Nephews to be bastards, and to be borne in adultery? yet not contented, after he had obtained the Garland, he caused the two poor innocents his Nephews, committed to him, to be most shamefully murdered: the blood of which Blood crieth for bloody vengeance. little babes daily cry to God from the earth for vengeance. What surety can be in this Land to any person, either for life or goods, under such a cruel Prince, which regardeth not the destruction of his own blood, and much less the loss of others. But now to conclude, what I mean towards your noble person, I say & affirm, if you love God, your lineage, or your native country, you must yourself take upon you the Crown of this Realm, both for The Bishop persuadeth the Duke to take th● Crown unto himself. the maintenance of the honour of the same, as also for the deliverance of your natural countrymen from the bondage of such a tyrant. And if yourself will refuse to take upon you the Crown of this Realm, than I adjure you by the faith you own unto God, to devise some ways how this Realm may be brought to some convenient regiment, under some good Governor. When the Bishop hapended ended his saying, the Duke sighed, and spoke not of a great while, so that night they communed no more. The next days conference. (26) The next day the Duke sent for the Bishop, to whom he said, My Lord of Ely, I must needs in heart think, and with mouth confess, that you be a sure friend, a trusty counsellor, and a very lover of your country. And sith that at our last communication, you have disclosed the secrets of your hart touching the now usurper of the crown, & also have The Duke discloseth himself unto the Bishop. alittle touched the advancement of the two noble families of York and Lancaster, I shall likewise declare unto you my privy intents and secret cogitations. And to begin, when King Edward was deceased, I then began to study, and with deliberation to ponder in what manner this Realm should be governed: I persuaded with myself to take part with the Duke of Gloucester, whom I thought to be as clean without dissimulation, as tractable without injury, and so by my means he was made Protector both of the King and Realm; which authority being once gotten, he never ceased privily to require me and other Lords aswell spiritual as temporal, that The Protector desired the crown till the Prince came to the age of 24. years. he might take upon him the Crown, till the Prince came to the age of four and twenty years, and were able to govern the Realm as a sufficient King: which thing, when he saw me somewhat stick at, he then brought in instruments, authentic Doctors, Proctors, and Notaries of the Law, with depositions of divers witnesses, testifying King Edward's children to be bastards: which depositions then I thought to be as true, as now I know them to be feigned. When the said depositions were before us read, and diligently heard, he stood up bore headed, The Protectors w●rdss to the Council. saying: Well my Lords, even as I and you would that my Nephews should have no wrong: so I pray you do me nothing but right, for these witnesses and sayings of famous Doctors be true: For I am only the undubitate heir to Richard Plantagenet Duke of York, adjudged to be the very heir to the Crown of this Realm by authority of Parliament. Which things so by learned men for verity to us declared, caused me and others to take him for our lawful and undoubted Prince and Sovereign Lord So again by my aid, he of a Protector was made a King: but when he was once Change of State change of manners. crowned King, and in full possession of the Realm, he cast away his old conditions. For, when I myself sued to him for my part of the Earl of Hertfords Lands, which his brother Edward wrongfully detained from me, and also required to have the office of the high Constableship of England, as divers of my noble ancestors before this time have had, and in long descent continued; in this my first suit, he did not only first delay me, and afterwards deny me, but gave me such unkind words, as though I had never furthered him: all which I suffered patiently. But when I was informed of the death of Why Buckingham fell from the Usurper. the two young Innocents, OH Lord, my heart inwardly grudged, insomuch as I abhorred the sight of him; I took my leave of the Court, and returned to Brecknock to you, but in my journey as I came, I had divers imaginations how to deprive this unnatural uncle. First, I fantasied, that if I list to take upon me the Crown, now was the way made plain, and occasion given. For I well saw he was disdained of the Lords Temporal, and accursed of the Lords Spiritual. After divers cogitations of this matter, Margaret Countess of Richmund. as I road between Worcester and Bridgenorth, I encountered with the Lady Margaret Countess of Richmund, now wife to the Lord Stanley, who is the very daughter, and sole heir to john Duke of Somerset my Grandfathers elder brother, so that she & her son Henry Earl of Richmund be both between me and the gate, to enter into the Majesty royal, & getting of the Crown; and when we had a little communed concerning her son, and were departed, The doubts of the Duke of ●●●kingham. I then began to dispute with myself, whether I were best to take it upon me, by the election of the Nobility and Communality, or to take it by power. Thus standing in a wavering ambiguity, I considered first, the office, duty, and pain of a King, The great and weighty charge of a King. which surely I think that no mortal man can justly and truly observe, except he be elected of God, as K. David was. (27) But further▪ I remembered, that if I once took upon me the Governance of the Realm, the daughters of King Edward and their Allies, being both for his sake much beloved, and also for the great injury done to them much pitied, would never cease to bark at the one side of me. Semblably my cousin the Earl of Richmond, his aides and kinsfolks will surely attempt either to bite, or to pierce me on the other side, so that my life and rule should ever hung unquiet in doubt of death or deposition: And if the said two lineages of York and Lancaster should join in one against me, than were I surely matched. Wherefore I have clearly determined, utterly to relinquish Buckingham's resolution concerning the Crown. all imaginations concerning the obtaining of the Crown. For as I told you, the Countess of Richmond in my return from the new named King, meeting me in the high way, prayed me first for kindred's The communication of the Countess of Richmond with the Duke of Buckingham. sake, secondly for the love I bore to my Grandfather Duke Humphrey, who was sworn brother to her father, to move the King to be good to her son Henry Earl of Richmond, and to licence him with his favour to return again into England, and if it were his pleasure so to do, she promised that the Earl her son should marry one of the King's daughters at the appointment of the King, without any thing demanded for the said espousals, but only the King's favour, which request I soon overpassed and departed. But after in my lodging I called to memory more of that matter, and now am bend, that the Earl of Richmond heir of the house of Lancaster, Henry Earl of Richmond and Lady Elizabeth must make the union. shall take to wife Lady Elizabeth eldest daughter to King Edward, by the which marriage both the houses of York and Lancaster may be united in one. (28) When the Duke had said, Bishop Morton who ever favoured the house of Lancaster▪ was wondrous joyful, for all his imagination tended to this effect; and jest the Duke's courage should assuage, or his mind altar, he said to the Duke: My Lord of Buckingham, sith by God's provision, and your incomparable wisdom, this noble conjunction is first moved, it is necessary to consider what persons we shall first make privy of this politic conclusion. By my troth (quoth the Duke) we will begin with my Lady of Richmond the Earl's mother, which knoweth where he is in Britain: sith you will begin that way (said the Bishop) I have an old friend with With whom and how to begin the intended designs. the Countess, called Reinald Bray, for whom I shall sand, if it be your pleasure: so the Bishop wrote for him to come to Brecknock, who strait came back with the messenger, where the Duke and Bishop declared what they had devised for the preferment of the Earl of Richmond, son to his Ladyand Mistress: willing her first to compass how to obtain the goodwill of Queen Elizabeth, and also of her eldest daughter: and after secretly to sand to her son in Britain, to declare what high honour was prepared for him, if he would swear to marry the Lady Elizabeth assoon as he was King of the Realm. With which conclusion, Reinold Bray with a glad Reinold Bray, the Instrument. heart returned to the Countess his Lady. Bray thus departed, the Bishop told the Duke, that if he were in his Isle of Ely, he could make many friends to further their enterprise. The Duke knew this to be true, but yet loath to lose the society of such a Counsellor, gave him fair words, saying, he should shortly departed well accompanied for fear of enemies, but the Bishop ere the Duke's company were assembled, secretly disguised, in a night departed and came to Ely, Bishop M●rtOn escapeth from Brecknock disguised. where he found money and friends, and then sailed into Flaunders, where he did the Earl of Richmond good service. (29) When Reinold Bray had declared his message to the Countess, no marvel if she were glad; wherefore she devised a means how to break this matter to Queen Elizabeth, being then in Sanctuary at Lewis a Physician another Jnstrument. Westminster, and having in her family a certain Welshman called Lewis learned in Physic, now having opportunity to break her mind unto him, declared that the time was come, that her son should be joined in marriage with Lady Elizabeth, daughter and heir to King Edward: and that King Richard should out of all honour and estate be dejected, and required him to go to Queen Elizabeth not as a messenger, but as one that came friendly to visit her, and as time and place should serve to make her privy of this devise. This Physician with good diligence repaired to the Queen, and when he saw time convenient said unto her: Madame although Lewis breaketh the ●ntent unto Queen Elizabeth. my imagination be very simple, yet for the entire affection I bear to you and to your children, I am so bold to utter unto you a secret conceit, which I have compassed in my brain. When I remember the great loss which you have sustained by the death of your loving husband, and the great sorrow that you have suffered by the cruel murder of your innocent children, I can no less do, then daily study how to bring your heart to comfort, and also to revenge the quarrel of you and your children, on that cruel tyrant King Richard. And first consider what battle, and what mischief have risen by the dissension between the two houses of York and Lancaster, which two families if they may be joinedin one, I doubt not but that your line shall be again restored The means to raise the Queen's daughter to her right. to your great joy & comfort: you know Madam, that of the house of Lancaster▪ the Earl of Richmund is next of blood, & to the house of York your daughters now are heirs. If you could devise the means how to couple your eldest daughter with the Earl of Richmund in matrimony, no doubt, but that the usurper should shortly be deposed, and your heir again to her right restored. (30) When the Queen had heard this friendly Queen Elizabeth readily receiveth the motion. Motion, she instantly besought him, that as he had been the first inventor of so good an enterprise, that now he would not desist to follow the same, requiring him further, that he would resort to the Countess of Richmund, mother to the Earl Henry, and to declare to her on the Queen's behalf, The Queen sendeth to the Countess. that all the friends of King Edward her husband, should assist and take part with the Earl of Richmund her son, so that he would take an oath, that after the Kingdom obtained, to espouse the Lady Elizabeth her daughter, etc. M. Lewis so sped his business, that he made a final end of this business, between the two mothers: so the Lady Margaret Countess of Richmund, brought to a good hope of The two mothers agreed upon the union. the preferment of her son, made Reinold Bray chief solicitor of this conspiracy, giving him in charge secretly to inveigle such persons of Nobility to join with her, & take her part, as he knew to be faithful. (31) This Reinold Bray within few days brought to his iver Sir Giles Daubeny, Sir john Cheinie Many drawn into faction against K. Richard Knights, Richard Guilford, and Thomas Ramney esquires, and others. In the mean while the Countess Urswick sent into Britain. of Richmund sent one Christopher Vrsewicke, a Priest into Britain, to the Earl of Richmund her son, to declare to him all the agreements between her and the Queen agreed: and with all to show him that the Duke of Buckingham was one of the first Inventors of this enterprise: she likewise sent Hugh Hugh Conway sent into Britain. Conway an Esquire into Britain with a great sum of money, giving him in charge to declare to the Earl, the great love that the most part of the Nobility of the Realm bore towards him, willing him not to neglect so good an occasion offered, but with all speed to settle his mind how to return into England, and therewithal advising him to take land in Wales. When the Earl had received this joyful message, Earl Richmund breaketh with the Duke of Britain. he broke to the Duke of Britain all his secrets, advertising him thathe was entered into a sure & steadfast hope to obtain the Crown of England, desiring him of help towards the achieving of his enterprise, which the Duke promised, & afterwards performed: whereupon the Earl sent back again Hugh Conway, & Th. Ramney to declare his coming shortly into England. (32) In the mean season the chief of the conspiracy in England began many enterprises, which being never so privily handled, yet knowledge thereof came to King Richard, and because he knew the Duke of Buckingham to be the chief head, and aid of this combination; he thought it most necessary to pluck him from that part, and thereupon addressed his loving letrers unto the Duke, requesting him most earnestly to come to the Court, whose The Duke of Buckingham is sent for by the King. grave advise for counsel he then stood much in need of; with many words of kind compliments to be uttered from the mouth of the messenger▪ but the Duke mistrusting those sweet promises proceeded out of a bitter intent▪ and knowing K. Richard to speak most fairest when he meant foulest play, desired the king of pardon, excusing himself that he was sickly & not well able to travel: which excuse the king would not admit, but sent other letters with checking words, commanding him without delay to The Duke of Buckingham refuseth to come to the Court. repair to his presence: unto which the Duke made a determinate answer that he would not come to his mortal enemy: and immediately prepared war against him. Whereupon Thomas marquess Dorset came out of Sanctuary, and gathered a great band of men in the County of York, Sir Edward Courtney Commotions begun. and Peter his brother, Bishop of Excester, raised another Army in Devonshire and Cornwall, and in Kent, Sir Richard Guilford, and other Gentlemen raised a Company, and all this was done even in one moment. (33) King Richard roused from his pleasures in progress, sent forth commission to muster his King Richard's expedition towards Salesbury. men, and with a great preparation from London marched towards Salisbury, thinking it not best to disparkle his power into small parts in pursuing his enemies every way at once, and therefore omitting all others with a great puissance went to set upon the Duke of Buckingham, the head of the spring. The Duke hearing of the King's approach, made out to meet him before he came too far, accompanied The Duke prepareth against the King. with a great power of wild Welshmen, whom he had enforced to follow him, more by his Lordly commandment then by liberal wages, which thing indeed was the cause that they fell off, and forsook him. His march was through the forest of Deane, intending for Gloucester, where he meant to pass Severne, and so have joined his Army with the Courtneys, & other Western men, which had he done, no doubt K. Richard had been in great jeopardy. But before he could attain the Severne side, by force Great matters letted that the complices could not join. of continual rain the river rose so high, that it overflowed all the country adjoining, and was not again bounded within his own banks for the space of ten days, so that the Duke could not get over, nor his complices any wise come unto him, during which time the Welshmen lingering idle, without wages, or victual, suddenly broke up Camp and departed; whereupon the Duke was wondrously perplexed, not knowing how to recover this unfortunate chance, and destitute of power, to show himself in field, sought to secure himself in secret, till destiny assigned him a better day. (34) A servant he had in especial favour & trust brought up tenderly by him, and risen to great The Duke of Buckingham keepeth in secret. wealth and esteem, his name was Humphrey Banister, and place of residence near unto Shrewsburie, whither the distressed Duke in disguise repaired, intending there to remain secret, until he might either raise a new power, or else by some means convey himself unto Britain to Henry Earl of Richmund: but as soon as the others which had attempted the same enterprise against the King, had knowledge that Buckingham was forsaken of his Company, and The Conspirators dispersed. could not be found▪ as men struck in sudden fear shifted every one for himself, many of them taking Sanctuary, but the most of the chiefest took into Britain, among whom were Peter Courtney, Bishop Many fled into Britain to Earl Henry. of Excester with his brother Edward Earl of Devonshire, Thomas marquess Dorset the Queen's son, and his young son Thomas being a Child, Edward Wooduile Knight, brother to the Queen, john Lord Wells, Sir Robert Willoughby, Sir john Bourchier, Sir Giles Daubeney, Sir Thomas Arundel, Sir john Cheinie with his two brethren, Sir William Barkley, Sir Richard Edgecombe, and Sir William Brandon, Edward Poinings an excellent Captain, and others. A proclamation for the apprehension of the Duke of Buckingham. (35) Richard thus far proceeded, and no enemy seen, his hopes were increased, and fears daily less; yet being a Prince politic and vigilant, he commanded the Ports to be securely kept, & knowing that Buckingham was not fled with the rest, made proclamation for the apprehending of that Duke, promising a thousand pound to the man that could bring him forth, with pardon of his faults, to enjoy the King's favour, and if he were a bondman, presently to be made free. Banister minding the present, and forgetting what was past, spread his lap first to receive this golden shower, and in hope of this gain, made no conscience to betray his own Lord, who had now laid his life upon trust in his hands: he therefore repairing to the Sheriff of Banister betrayed his Lord the Duke of Buckingham. Shrewsbury, revealed the Duke, who disguised like a poor Countryman, and digging in a grove near unto Banisters house, was apprehended, and with a great guard of men was brought unto Salisbury, where King Richard then lay, and where without arraignment or judgement, upon the second of Buckingham beheaded. November he lost his head: whose death was the less lamented, for that himself had been the chief Instrument to set the Crown wrongfully upon Richard's head: and yet the treachery of Banister was most severely punished, as many have observed, not only in the loss of his reward promised, Banister looseth his reward, but findeth punishments. which he never had, and infamy received, never after shaken off; but also in himself and children, as are thus reported; his eldest son and heir fell mad, and died so distracted in a Boars Stye: his second son become deformed in his limbs, and fell lame; his third son was drowned in a small puddle of water; his eldest daughter was suddenly struck with a foul leprosy, and himself being of extreme age, was arraigned and found guilty of murder, and by his Clergy saved his life. A Commotion in Kent. (36) An other Commotion at the same time was in Kent, where George Browne and john Gilford Knights, Foge, Scot, Clifford, and Bonting, with five thousand men attempted great matters at Gravesend, but hearing of the Duke of Buckingham's surprise, dispersed themselves for that time. But when King Richard sendeth to the Duke of Britain. King Richard perceived how he was every where beset, he sent one Thomas Hutton unto Francis Duke of Britain, with proffers of gold to cirumvent and imprison Earl Henry, who as he feared was too well friended in those foreign parts, which thing indeed this Hutton well perceived, and so to the King reported, that the Duke was nothing forward to bite at this bait, whereupon, those that lately fled England, were indicted of treason, and other of Henry's factions beheaded, whereof Sir George Browne, and Sir Roger Clifford Knights with four others were beheaded at London, and at Exeter for the like The King's brother in law beheaded. cause died Sir Thomas Sentleger, who had married Lady Anne Duchess of Excester, King Richard's own sister, with others; so jealous was the King of his usurped Crown; and that nothing should be laid to unprovident foresight, the coasts he stored with Armies of men, furnished the Ports with store of Provision, and made all things ready to withstand Earl Henry shipped for England. Earl Henry's arrival. Who now having gotten aid of five thousand Britain's, with forty vessels well furnished, set sail from thence the twelfth of October, but was taken with so terrible a tempest, that his Fleet was disparkled, some into Normandy, and some compelled to return into Britain, only the Earl's ship with one other kept the Seas, being sore tossed all night, and in the morning arrived in the mouth of Pool in the County of Dorset, where he might behold the Shore full of men shining in armour, to his great amazement, whereupon he sent out his shippe-boat to know whether they were friends or A subtle train laid for the Earl. enemies; their answer was, that they were thither appointed by the Duke of Buckinghm, to attend the coming of the Earl of Richmund, to conduct him in safety to the Duke, who lay encamped not far off, that so joining their forces, they might prosecute Richard the usurper, who being in a manner destitute of men, was sore distracted, and desperate in his own designs. These smooth untruths notwithstanding Earl Henry avoided, and with a forward gale returned to Normandy, whence he sent Messengers Earl Henry returneth into Britain. unto young Charles King of France, whose father King Lewis was lately departed this life, to have his safe conduct to return into Britain, which easily was granted with favourable compliments returned to the Earl. Lord Henry thus crossed by sea, had present news of Buckingham's surprise and death, with the flight of the Nobles escaped from Richard: who meeting with Richmund in Britain, fell forthwith The Lords meet in Britain. into Counsel: where first it was determined that Earl Henry should take his oath to espouse the Lady Elizabeth eldest daughter unto King Edward, and the immediate heir to the Crown, which he solemnly did in the Church at Rhedon; and they The Lords swear fealty unto Henry for their parts swore unto him fealty, doing him homage with no less respect than unto their sole and crowned King. (37) Of these proceed King Richard soon heard, which indeed greatly appalled his thoughts, and all pensive and sad he returned out of the West towards London, where to cut off the hopes of Richmunds' Henry & others attainted by Parliament. further claim, he caused a Parliament to be assembled at Westminster, and therein attainted the said Earl Henry himself, and all such as had fled the land in his behalf, enacting them enemies to their natural Country, their goods to be confiscated, and all their lands and possessions to be seized upon to the King's use, which was so forwarded by his lewd Counsellors, and so executed by his fawning followers, that some better affected, set forth the present and oppressed estate in these scoffing rhymes, to their further disgrace, divulging their names in manner as followeth; The cat, the rat, and Lovel the dog, Rule all England under a hog. Alluding to the names of Ratcliff the King's mischievous Minion, and of Catesby his secret traducer, and to the King's cognizance, which was the Boar: for which William Collingborne Esquire, who had William Collingborne executed for the Rhyme. been Sheriff of Wiltshire and Dorsetshire, was condemned, and upon the Tower hill executed with all extremity. (38) King Richard's state standing in dangers abroad, and not altogether free from conspiracies at home, he thought it best policy to enter amity with Scotland, which he did for the term of three years, and the more firm to assure himself of KING Richard maketh peace with Scotland. that King, he entreated a marriage betwixt the Duke of Rothsay the king's eldest son, and the Lady de la Pole daughter to john Duke of Suffolk, and to the Duchess Elizabeth king Richards own sister, whom he so much favoured, as that after the death of his own son, he proclaimed john Earl of Lincoln, her son and his Nephew, heir apparent to the Crown of England, disinheriting King joh de la Pole Earl of Lincoln proclaimed heir apparent. Edward's daughters, whose brothers he had before murdered. (39) His fears nothing lessened, but rather daily increased, he attempted once more to stop the Currant which led to the spring, to which end he sent his Ambassadors loaden with gold, and many gay Offers made to the Duke of Britain. promises unto Francis Duke of Britain, offering to give him all Richmonds lands, and yearly revenues if he would either sand the said Earl into England or commit him there unto prison. These coming to the Duke's Court, could have no communication with him, he lying extremely sick, and his wits too weak to entertain discourse. Whereupon Peter Peter Landose. Landose his Treasurer, a man pregnant in wit, and of great authority, took the motion into hand, unto whom the English Ambassadors promised all the Earls Revenues if he could bring King Richard's request to pass. He greedy of gain, and being in Landose promised to deliver the Earl. place to do what he would, promised to effect it, conditionally that King Richard would make good his offer. Thus whilst messengers posted betwixt Peter and Richard, john Bishop of Elie being then in Flaunders, was certified by Christopher Urswick of all Bishop Morton giveth Henry notice of his danger. the circumstances of this purpose, whereupon the Bishop with all possible haste, sent the same intelligence the same day, and by the same man unto Earl Henry in Britain, willing him to shifted himself and followers into France: who forthwith sent Urswick unto King Charles granteth his safe conduct to Henry. King Charles to have his licence that he might with his good liking come into his dominions, which being obtained he caused the other Lords under pretence to visit the sick Duke to escape into Anjou, and two days after changing his Apparel with his Earl Henry hardly escaped. servant, waited upon him as upon his Master, and posted thence into France: whose escape when the Treasurer heard of, he sent after to apprehended him, and that in such haste as at his entrance into the French dominions they were hard at his heels. (40) This sudden flight of the Earl and of the other English Lords, the Duke of Britain (being somewhat recovered of his dangerous sickness) took very grievously, imputing it a great dishonour unto himself, The Duke of Britain displeased at Landose. to suffer the lest suspect of breach betwixt him and the Earl, and therefore sore offended at Landose whom he suspected to be deep in the deed, he sent The honourable dealings of the Duke of Britain. for Edward Wooduile and Edward Pownings two English Esquires, unto whom he delivered a sum of money which he had promised to Earl Henry, with a convey unto all the reft of the English, to departed Vannes, bearing all their charges till they came to their Earl in France. Neither was King Charles backward to forward Earl Richmond against the Tyrant and Usurper of the English Crown. And john Earl of Oxford cometh to Earl Henry. the more to joy Henry, john Earl of Oxford imprisoned by King Edward the fourth in the Castle of Hams▪ with Captain Blunt his keeper, and Sir john Fortescue Porter of Calais, came unto Earl Henry to take their fortunes in following of his. This Earl of Oxford, as we have seen, was a continual aider of King Henry the sixt, against his opposite K. Edward, and had done many services in the Lancastrians cause, till destiny had cast down the hopes of john Earl of Oxford in great favour with Henry. their side. Him therefore Earl Henry made his chief Counsellor for war, as for experience, policy, valour, and faith in that business, no man was more meet. Whose prowess further appeared when Earl Henry won the wreath at Bosworth field, where, in the Front of that Battle he lead the band of Archers, and ever after lived in great favour with this King Henry the seventh, and in great honour Bishop Fox in great favour with King Henry. died the fourth year of King Henry the eight. In the like trust for Counsel and favour with these Kings, was Richard Fox Doctor of Divinity, who being then a student in Paris, was found by Earl Richmond to be the chiefest man for employment in his French business, which he so prudently and faithfully effected, as the Earl being King, acknowledging him one of his principal advancers, made him of his Privy Council, Lord Privy Seal, and raised him to very great places in Church and Commonwealth, The preferments of Bishop Fox. and lastly to testify in what dear esteem he held him, made him Godfather to his son Prince Henry, who was after King of England with whom in great reverence he lived a long time, even till his eyesight Corpus Christi College in Oxford founded by Bishop Fox. failed through age, and did many works of piety, whereof Corpus Christi College in Oxford, is and shall be for ever a noble witness; and his honourable care of reverend antiquity, in preserving the bones of many Saxon Kings, and by him bestowed in fair Monuments in the Cathedral Church of Winchester, shall never want due celebration amongst all that honour antiquity and glorious studies. But from these worthy Subjects, we return again to their sovereign King Henry. (41) Whose beginnings thus forwarded by the Duke of Britain and the French King; drew many English into France, and filled the heart of the Usurper with an extreme fear; therefore to accomplish by policy▪ what was doubtful by arms, he sought to bait his hook yet another way. The title he knew stood with the daughters of King Edward (his King Richard intendeth to match with his Niece. sons being murdered) and among them to Lady Elizabeth the eldest, whose marriage he well ●aw must bring Henry the Crown. But that once diverted, his stream of itself could bear no great float, nor bring any inundation into the Land, and therefore Queen Elizabeth in Sanctuary must be Courted, that her daughters might come to Court, and there be regarded according to their degrees. This so A subtle device. cunningly was carried, by men that could carry themselves to fit women's affections, that the King was purged of the murder of her sons; she made to believe that herself was respected a Dowager Queen, and sister in law to the present King, and that himself had a Prince and many Princely Peers Many fair promises intending foul ends. most fit matches for those Princes her daughters; that her son Thomas marquess Dorset, whilst he followed the Runaway Henry, left his honourable preferments intended to himward; and lastly requiring a reconciliation with the Queen, forgave all injuries uttered against him out of her womanish passions, with a most willing heart: and indeed these messengers were such Crafts-masters as they brought Queen Elizabeth into a fools Paradise, and made Queen Elizabeth brought into fools Paradise. her believe that their words were his heart. Whereupon forgetting all things passed before, as the murder of her sons, the dishonour of her husband, the bastardy of their Children, and her own scandal for Sorcery: nor remembering the faithful promise she made to Lady Margaret Earl Henry's mother, King Edward's five daughters delivered to the Tyrant their uncle. she delivered her five daughters as lambs committed to the ravening wolf, in which act of hers is seen the weakness of that Sex, and the ambition whereunto by nature they are inclined▪ for presently upon the delivery of her daughters, she sent privily for the Lord marquess Dorset her son, then Queen Elizabeth sendeth for the marquess her son. residing in Paris, willing him to desist from the Earl's Faction, and come unto King Richard, who promised him preferment, and that herself and daughters were in high favour, all injuries on both parts forgiven and forgotten. (42) This entrance made unto the Tragedy intended, to furnish the stage and finish the Scene of Queen Anne hindereth the purpose of the King. her own life, the next Actor must be Queen Anne, who only now stood in the Tyrant's way, her death he meant should give life to his intruded regency, and add a further Claim and strength to the possession which he already had, by matching with his Niece the next heir unto the Crown the Lady Elizabeth, the let only resting that himself had a wife, her death therefore must immediately be sought, yet so as the honourable repute of his name should no ways be impeached, ever carrying himself in outward semblance for a good religious honest man, and much desirous that his people should accounted him so. First therefore he began to lament King Richard's feigned sorrow. the barrenness of his wives womb, and the great dangers that the Realm was like to sustain, if himself should die Issueless, complaining often thereof unto his Nobility, but most especially unto * Of Canterbury. Archbishop Rotheram lately released out of prison, whereby the Prelate conjectured Queen Anne had not long to live. Then refrained he her bed under King Richard refraineth his Queen's bed. pretext of Penancy, taking her defect as a scourge for his own sins, which day and night he sought to expiate by prayers: His next policy was, how her death might be wrought with the lest suspect of wrong, and how taken when she was go: Therefore as an assay to the People's taste, he caused it to be A report given forth that Queen Anne was dead. given forth that Queen Anne was dead, which was so commonly divulged, that the rumour thereof came to her own ear, and she having had sufficient experience of her husbands proceed, feared this to be one of his plots, mistrusting (and not without cause) that her life was in danger, whereupon all dismayed with a lamentable countenance, she came Queen Anne feareth her own death. to the King, and with weeping tears demanded, what offence she had done, that the sentence of death was given against her already. Richard made it strange to see her so perplexed, and with loving words and smiling semblance, bade her live to scandalise report, and to think that many years were yet added to her life, but whether in conceit for sorrow, or of poison, I cannot say, she died shortly Her death and burial place. after, and was solemnly buried in the Abbey of Westminster. (43) The King thus delivered from the bands of Matrimony, and now a widower at liberty to choose King Richard courteth Lady Elizabeth. where he would, cast glances of love towards the Lady Elizabeth his own brother's daughter, and began to court her for his second▪ Queen, but the thing was so offensive to the law of nature, and so directly against the Law of God, as all men abhorred levit. 18. 14. the motion, and most of all the maiden herself, which Richard perceiving, he forbore over earnest pursuit to gain his time and all fit occasions; but most especially, having no leisure to woe, his subjects on all sides daily revolting, and his Nobles more and more had in suspect; among whom one was Thomas Earl of Derby much suspected of the King. Lord Thomas Stanley Earl of Derby who had married Lady Margaret Countess of Richmund, Earl Henry's own mother: him therefore he most mistrusted, and before he would admit his departure from Court, he commanded him to leave his son and heir George Stanley the Lord Strange for his hostage, George Lord Strange delivered in pledge to King Richard. which he did, though it little availed to bind Darbies' affection unto his side. (44) In this while King Richard hearing that Oxford had escaped out of the Castle of Hams, and that he, with the Captain thereof james Blunt, were fled into France and joined with Richmund; thought it high time to quench the sparks in those parts, before they should rise to a higher flame; and therefore he appointed (which was presently accomplished) Hams besieged by the Garrison of Calais. the Garrison at Calais to straight the said Castle with a hard siege, being well assured that many well-willers to the Earls proceed lay there harboured, who upon the lest advantage would be ready to play. But Henry not unmindful of his distressed The Earl of Oxford freeth his old friends from Hams. friends, nor Oxford forgetting his kind Hostess Captain Blunts wife, made unto the Piece, and on the sudden put Thomas Brandon, with thirty approved Soldiers into the Castle, who from the walls played upon the besiegers, whiles Oxford annoyed them upon their backs, so that presently they offered, and came to a composition, which was, that they within should safely departed, but the Castle to remain in Subjection to the King. (45) Hams thus restored in danger to be lost, and nothing had thence besides a woman and a few King Richard's conceit. suspected persons, King Richard thought himself now sure of all, and fearing no invasion at home, imagined that much harm could not be done abroad: for Henry in France (as he thought) found very few friends, and was fully persuaded that the French Kings assistance stood more of words then in deeds. And indeed some occasion of such suspicion was ministered, for King Charles but young, and Henry soliciteth the French, man by man. marquess Dorset seeketh to escape from Henry. the Princes at variance, Earl Henry was enforced to make suit unto them man by man. Besides Thomas marquess Dorset sent for by his mother the Queen, suddenly in the night made an escape from Paris, with purpose for England, which struck great fear among Earl Henry's part, chiefly for that all their Counsels were known unto the marquess, which if he should reveal, their designs were made desperate. To prevent which, he was posted after, and brought back again, though much against his will. These things considered, King Richard to lessen his great charges, discharged his Navy at seas, King Richard dischargeth his Navi●. commanding the Welsh to watch the shore; Beacons to be built, and armour to be ready at every call; then giving his affections leave to entertain more security, saw not the sword that hung over his head. (46) But Earl Henry delivered from the fear of the marquess, thought it not best to prolong time, jest others upon like purposes should bewray his intents; and thereupon obtaining a small aid of the French with a certain sum of money, for which the Lord marquess (whom he much mistrusted) and Sir john Bourchier were left in pledge, he set forward to Rouen, and prepared his shipping in the Earl Henry setteth forward his journey. mouth of sayn: whither tidings was brought him of Queen Anne's death, & that King Richard purposed to marry Lady Elizabeth: a fear indeed far exceeding the former, she being the Princess by whom he must claim, whereupon much distemperature A sudden fear. arose, every man's brain working upon the▪ news. But after much consultation, it was held the best to make over into England, to interpose the proceed ere the match was fully made, whereupon Earl Richmund with two thousand men only, and a small number of ships, set sail from Harfleut the fifteenth of August, and the seventh day following Henry of Richmund arriveth at Milford haven. arrived at Milford haven in Wales, where taking land he came unto Dale, and thence the next day marched to Hereford west, ten miles into the Main, from thence he marched to Cardigan, where he had news that the Country was forelaid against him, but finding that untrue, he made still forward, beating down such Holds as held against him: then sending secretly to Lady Margaret his mother, to Henry sent word of arivage to his Mother and▪ others. the Lord Stanley, Talbot, and others, signified unto them, he meant to pass Severne, at Shrewesbury, and thence to march directly towards London. In his way to Shrewesbury, there met him Sir Rice ap Thomas Sir Rice ap Thomas joineth with Henry. a man of great command in Wales, with a number of men to side in his quarrel, which Henry afterwards requited in▪ making this his first aider the Governor of Wales. (47) The Earl more boldly from Shrewsburie, held on his march to the Town of Newport, whither Sir Gilbert Talbot joineth with Earl Henry. Sir Gilbert Talbot with two thousand strong from the young Earl of Shrewsbury gave him his aid. Then passed he forward to Stafford, and had conference there with Sir William Stanley, and proceeding forward was honourably received into the City Lichfield, where Thomas Earl of Derby with Henry cometh to Lichfield. five thousand armed men had been some few days before, but hearing of Earl Henry's approach removed to Anderson to avoid suspicion of the jealous King that kept his son Hostage for his further truth. King Richard at Nottingham. (48) King Richard at this time held his Court at Nottingham, where being informed that Earl Henry with a small company was landed in Wales, made small account of what he could do, altogether relying upon the Lord Walter Herbert, and Sir Rice ap Thomas two principal men, in whom he conceived no little trust: yet jest this new risen spring might gather in more heads, he sent to john Duke of john Duke of Norfolk, Henry Earl of Northumberland, Tho. Earl of Surrey sent for to the King. Brakenbury. Bourchier. Hungerford. Norfolk, Henry Earl of Northumberland, and Thomas Earl of Surrey willing them with a selected power to repress the insolency of this headstrong Earl: moreover he sent for Sir Robert Brakenburie Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Thomas Bourchier, and Sir Walter Hungerford Knights, all of them in great jealousy and mistrust, commanding them with their forces to come and attend upon his person which accordingly they set forward to do, mean while sending his Spials to know the way Henry went, had intelligence that he was past Shrewsbury without any impeachment; whereat storming in King Richard put in choler. choler and cursing their untruths whom he had put in trust, craved vengeance from heaven, and instantly intended to revenge it himself; then having notice the Earl was at Lichfield, and his party increased by daily repair, incontinently he marshaled his followers; and like a valiant Captain and King Richard sets forward to meet his enemy. politic leader set forward his Battles five and five in a rank. In the midst of his troops he bestowed the Carriages belonging to his Army: and himself mounted upon a white Courser, environed with his Guard, followed by his footmen, and the wings of Horsemen ranged on▪ every side, with a frowning stern countenance, but yet in great King Richard cometh to Leicester. Pompee, ntred the town of Leicester after the Sun was set, being full of indignation and swelling in anger, which somewhat he assuaged with threats of revenge. (49) Earl Richmund from Lichfield departed for Sir Thomas and Sir Walter Hungerford, turn to Earl Henry. Tamworth, and in the way met Sir Thomas Bourchier and Sir Walter Hungerford going towards the King, who upon this unlooked for occasion, and knowing themselves in what suspicion they stood, secretly left the company of their Captain Brakenbury the night following, and wandering in ways unknown, with much ado got safely unto the Earl's Companies. (50) In the like danger through darkness of Henry Earl of Richmund loseth his way. night, Henry himself chanced to come; for albeit he was a man both valiant and forward, and by his own wisdom could manage his weightiest affairs; Yet now having notice that King Richard with a strong army was near, and that his father in law, the Lord Stanley stood as a Neuter, he was struck deep in his dumps, and with twenty light Horsemen linger behind, so seriously musing what was to be done, as lastly, he lost the sight of his Host, and by the darkness of night miss his way; neither durst he for the King's Scoutwatch demand direction to Tamworth, but lay in a small village about three miles distant, to his no little grief, and his whole Armies great amazement, the one prognosticating they to be a presage of an ill beginning, and the other doubting some detriment of their Lord, but in the Henry's excuse. dawning of the next morning conducted by good fortune he came to his Host, excusing that his absence was to have conference with his secret friends; and then privily departing to the Lord Stanley, had conference with him, and was put in good comfort. (51) But contrariwise, King Richard was wrapped and perplexed with fear, not only with the departure of Sir john Savage, Sir Brian Sanford, and Sir Simond King Richard terrified with dreadful dreams. Digby, in whom he had reposed great trust, but also in the dreadful dreams which nightly he suffered, wherein to his seeming, terrible devils so pulled and haled him, as by no means he could take any rest, which fearful imaginations struck so deep an impression unto his heart, that the signs thereof appeared in his countenance, howsoever he sought to put them off in show. (52) But being determined to put himself to the trial of battle, or else, (and that rather) enforced by divine justice to pull the revenging hand of heaven against him, in the morning he marched toward the enemy, and upon a fair plain called Richard set down his battle upon Redmore Redmore near unto Bosworth about seven mile's west from Leicester he pitched down his Tents, and thence sent a Pursuivant to the Lord Stanley, commanding him to advance forward with his company, and to come to his presence, which if he refused to do, he swore by Christ's passion, his sons Lord Stanleis' answer unto the King's message. head should off before that he dined. The Lord Stanley answered the Pursuivant, that if the King did so, he had more sons alive; but to come to the King he was not at that time determined. This answer declared, The Lord Strang commanded to be beheaded. King Richard commanded the Lord Strange incontinent to be beheaded, at the very season, when the two Armies came in sight each of others, but his counsellors told him, that the time was now to fight, and not to execute, which might better be done when the field was fought: whereupon the Lord Strange was delivered prisoner to the keepers of the King's Tents, and the King's holy vow thus broke, the Lord Strange escaped with life, by this bad tyrants too good a death. (53) But now the time and hour of Battle being come, he drew out his Army upon the plain, The order of ●. Richard's battle. whose order for fight he thus placed, the forward he ordered of a marvelous length, to strike the more terror in the Beholder's hearts, in whose fore front he placed his Archers, as a Bulwark to defend the rest, the leading whereof was committed to john Duke of Norfolk, with whom was Thomas Earl of Surrey, his son, his own Battalion was furnished with his best approved men of war, having Horsemen for wings on both sides of his battle: and being thus ordered for their further encouragement King Richard mounted in place to be heard, thus said to his Soldiers. King Richard's Oration unto his Soldiers. (54) My faithful followers, friends, and selected Chieftains, I confess by your puissant valours I first aspired to the top of this royal estate, in obtaining & wearing this Diadem of Imperial Majesty, and maugre the seditious attempts of all cankered adversaries, by your prudent & politic counsels I have so governed the Realm, People and Subjects, as I have omitted nothing I hope appertaining to the office of a just Prince, nor you pretermitted any thing belonging to the parts & duties of most prudent Counsellors. And albeit, that in King Richard confesseth his fault. the getting of the Garland I was provoked by sinister Counsel, and seduced by a diabolical temptation to commit a most wicked & detestable Act, yet with salt tears and strait penance I have, I trust, expiated that heinous offence: which abominable crime, I desire you as clearly to forget, as I daily remember to deplore and lament. If you will now vouchsafe to call to mind in what case we all stand, and in what doubtful peril we are entrapped, I doubt not but that you will with me confess, that if ever amity prevailed betwixt the raised, and the raisers, betwixt the Prince and his Subjects, this day requires as much in us both. For if wise men say true, that there is not so much power in getting, as there is policy in keeping; the one, mere fortunes chance, the other wisdoms deep insight, than I with you, and you with me this day must needs take labour and pains, to keep that pre-eminence & possession by force, which by your prudent labour I have obtained. The devil, you know, a continual enemy to human society, a disturber of Concord, and a sour of sedition hath entered into the heart of an unknown Welshman (whose father I never knew, nor him ever personally saw) exciting him to aspire and covet our Realm and Crown, to the disheriting of us and of our posterity: you see further how a company of Traitors, thieves, Out laws, and runagates of our own Nation, besides a number of beggarly Britain's, and faint hearted Frenchmen, are aiders and partakers of this his wicked enterprise, ready at hand to oppress and spoil us, our lands, our wives and children; which eminent mischiefs, if we then will withstand and resist, we must live and die together as brethren, fight together as Lions, and ●eare not to die together like men; thus resolved, believe me, the fearful Hart never fled faster before the greedy Grayhound, the silly Lark before the spar-hauke, or the simple sheep before the Wolf, than these proud bragging enemies will run out of the Field at the sight of your manly visages. For have we not already manifest tokens of victory and triumphs? Is not the Captain of the Rebellion Richmund a Welsh milksop, of no courage and less experience in marshal feats of war, brought up by my brother's means, and mine, like a bird in a cage, in the Court of the Duke of Britain, never saw Army, never wore Armour, without practice, and therefore without knowledge, how to govern a field. What are his followers but a sort of fainting runagates, whose fearful eyes, as they could not behold our rays in peace, can worse abide to see our royal banner displayed against them in fight; for their own consciences shall bewray their guilt; their oaths, their perjury; their promise, infidelity; and the sight of us their anointed Sovereign shall either 'cause them shamefully to fly, or submissively to yield themselves to our mercy. As touching his French and Britain aiders, their valours have been well known to our Noble Progenitors, often vanquished but never vanquishers, only bragger's without any great deeds, drunkards without discretion, Ribaulds without reason, Cowards without resistance, and (in a word) effeminate, lascivious, and never seen in the Front of a Battle, seeking ten times more means to fly and escape, than once to assault the face of their enemies. Therefore like valiant Captains advance forth your Standards, and make known your manhood by dint of sword, and be ye sure that if every one of you give but one sure stroke, the day willbe ours; for how can a handful withstand a whole Realm? Advance therefore forward, my Captains; in whom I well know is wanting neither courage, policy, wisdom, nor puissance. I therefore desire you, for your love to meward, the zeal of your native Country, and the safety of your Prince and selves, to show this day your true English valour, and for myself I assure you I will this day either triumph in a glorious victory, or die in this quarrel with immortal Fame; in whose Palace all our names shall be enrolled, if we prefer the renown of our Country, before our own lives. Now S. George for us, and us for victory; haft therefore forward, and remember this, that I am he who with high advancement will prefer the valiant and hardy, and with severe torture will punish the dastard and cowardly Runaway. The Oration ended, as it The divers opinious of King Richard's host. gave courage to some, so gave it distaste unto others, whose hearts carried gall though their mouths dropped honey; some intended to turn to Earl Henry; some determined to take part with the strongest; and some meant to stand still and do nothing; so unsure was he of his subjects loyalty, that had been so traitorous to his own Nephews. (55) Earl Richmond then seeing King Richard thus embattled, sent to the Lord Stanley who stood Lord Stanley sent for to Earl Henry. hovering aloof off, to come help him to order his fight, whose answer was, that Henry should do it himself, and that he would come to him when he saw time convenient, which struck the Earl into a great dump, but now having no time for delay, necessity The Earl marshaleth his battalions. compelled him to order his men. The Forward he made single according to his small number of soldiers, and in the Front placed his Archers, over The Earl of Oxford Captain of the Archers. whom john Earl of Oxford was Captain, the right wing was led by Sir Gilbert Talbot; and the left assigned to Sir john Savage: Earl Henry himself with his uncle jasper Earl of Pembroke governed the Main-Battell, better replenished with horse, than foot, whose whole number consisted hardly of five thousand, the kings doubling the number and more. The Battles thus ordered, Earl Henry armed at all pieces saving his helmet, road from rank to rank, and from wing to wing, encouraging his men, and the more to increase their hot spirits, mounted upon a little bank, the better to be seen and heard, these words he uttered in all their hearing. Henry Earl of Richmond's oration. (56) If ever God gave victory to a just quarrel, if ever he aided war for the tuition of a kingdom or Country, or ever succoured them that fought for the relief of poor innocents, oppressed by tyranny, than no doubt my friends and fellow soldiers, but that this day he will give us a triumphant victory. For if we consider for what, and against whom we fight, we may not doubt but that God himself will fight for us. The thing which we are here ready to try by sword, is the liberty of the Land from under the usurpation and yoke of a Tyrant, and he, against whom we draw sword, is the Monster (for I may not call him man) which feareth neither God, Laws, justice, nor Humanity, an homicide, a murderer of his own kindred, a destroyer of the Nobility, a Mawle to his subjects, and a firebrand to the whole Kingdom, whom just vengeance craveth to have quenched: and consider I pray you, who be of his band, even such as by murder and untruth to their kin and Country, have got wrongful possession of our rightful inheritance, letting your wives weep, and Orphans wander, to seek their livelihood where they can get it, whose tears I doubt not cry in the ears of the Lord, who will punish these Malefactors either with prick of conscience cowardly to fly; or deliver themselves into our hands without Battle. Consider further, I pray you, that in yonder great Battle are men brought more for fear then for love, by force compelled and not willingly assembled; persons that desire more the destruction, than the life of their Captain, and finally a multitude, whereof the most part be our friends and the lest part his that leads them; and surely it stands in suspense, whether the malice of the soldiers towards their General, or his fear conceived against them, be the greater, for this is a rule infallible, that as ill men daily covet to destroy the good, so God appointeth the good men to confounded the ill, and if it be true that Clerks preach that the one is to be hated, and the other beloved, who then can spare yonder tyrant Richard Duke of Gloucester untruly calling himself king, that hath broken both the Laws of God and man, in the blood of his brother, the murder of his Nephews, the death of his wife, the slander of his own mother, and the bastardising of his brethren. If you have not heard, yet I have read that Tarquin the proud, for the rape of Lucretia, lost the Kingdom of Rome: yet was not his fact so detestable as Nero's, who slew his own mother, to behold the place of his conception: but yonder usurper is both these persons in one; a Nero in murder of his young Nephews, and in defaming the womb of his own conception: and a Tarquin intending to defile, and carnally to know his own Niece under pretext of holy Matrimony, which Lady you are witness, I have sworn shallbe my wife. This is the quarrel for which we are here this day assembled, and for whose equity we crave God to be judge: a good beginning of his Protection we have already seen, in escaping the treasons laid for us in Britain, the dangers of Seas, and our safe arrivage unto this place, not hunted by any, but rather ourselves hunting after that furious Boar; who this day, and in this place, is so entangled in his own toil, as his crooked tusks shall not be able to gnaw the cords of his snare asunder, nor himself have power, to free himself from his pursuers, whose javelines (I doubt not) shall be died in the blood of this filthy swine, and shall well rid the world of an ugly hogdbacked Monster: which thing to accomplish let us remember, that victory is not gotten by multitude but by manhood, but the smaller number we be, the greater is our glory if we vanquish, if vanquished fretting time shall never consume our memory, that died to free ourselves, and Nation from the oppression of an usurping Tyrant; and thus I assure you, that for so just a cause you shall find me this day rather a dead Carrion upon the cold ground, than a Carpet prisoner kept alive for reproach. Advance therefore forward like true hearted Englishmen, display your Banner in defence of your Country▪ get the day and be Conquerors, lose the Battle, and be villains; God and Saint George The readiness of Earl Henry's soldiers. give us a happy success. Which no sooner was said but that the Soldiers buckled their Helms, the Archers stripped up their sleeves, bend their bows and frushed their feathers attentively listening when the Trumpet should give the sound of Battle. (57) Betwixt both the Armies there lay a great marish, which Earl Henry left upon his right hand, The purpose of Earl Henry. with purpose to have that for a defence, as also the Sun at his back, and face of the enemy, which when King Richard perceived, with sound of trumpet and shout of his Army, he passed the Marish, when the bowmen on both sides let freely fly their The fight begun arrows: the rest coming to encounter with strokes: but the Earl of Oxford fearing to be encompassed by the enemy, commanded every of his ranks to keep within ten foot of his Standard, which being accomplished, and their fight a while stayed, their opposites mistrusting some fraud or deceit, ceased likewise from theirs, many of them willing enough so to do; notwithstanding, the L. Stanley at the sametime joining with the Earl, a cruel battle was again begun, and manfully continued upon either part. Till lastly, King Richard having intelligence that the Earl of Richmund was but slenderly accompanied with men of Arms, and them also busied in their own guards, meant by his encounter to finish the day, as the only man, upon whom stood all the hope of his enemy's success; The strength & courage of King Richard. and therefore having the marks of Earl Henry, made from the range of his own battle, and upon the spur with his Spear in his Rest, ran violently towards him in a furious spleen; in which rage, at the first brunt, he bore down and overthrew the Earl's Standard, and slew Sir William Brandon the bearer thereof; next matching with Sir john Cheiney a man of great might, manfully threw him to the ground, thereby making an open passage by The two Chieftains cope together. dint of sword unto the Earl himself: Richmund beholding the high valour of Richard, most lion-like coped with this cruel Boar, and held him maugre his tusks at his sword point, betwixt whom the fight was so desperate, that Henry's company were struck in great despair; at which very instant Sir William Stanley came in with three thousand tall fresh Soldiers, who entered the battle with such courage Sir William Stanley cometh in with new supplies. and valour, as they bore down all before them where they went, whereat the King's side began to ●aint, and to give over fight, but the more resolute a while maintaining their ground, and now mistrusting treason among themselves, turned their backs The King's side give over fight. and ran away, whereby King Richard presently perceived the downfall of his ill raised glory, and the full period of his short reign: and all hope of resistance now past, a swift horse was brought to escape The valiant courage of King Richard. the field, with comforts that another day might set the victory on his side: but with a mind unmatchable in hatred against Henry, or rather to have his death registered in fames honourable role, whose life had been blotted with the pen of divulged infamy, he hastily closed his helmet, saying, that that day should make an end of all battles, or else in this now in trying he would finish his life, which last was presently performed; for thrusting into the midst of his enemies, and there valiantly fight King Richard slain. among the thickest, he obtained more honour in this his two hours fight, than he had gained by all the actions of his whole life. (58) There died that day with him john Duke Men slain in the battle. of Norfolk, Walter Lord Ferrer of Chartley, Sir Richard Ratcliff Knight, Sir Robert Brakenbury Lieutenant of the Tower, and not many Gentlemen more: Sir William Catesby one of King Richard's Catesby beheaded. chief Counsellors with two others, were taken and two days after beheaded at Leicester, among them that escaped were Frances Viscount Lovel, Humphrey, and Thomas Stafford brethren, which three took Sanctuary at S. john's in Gloucester. Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey though he submitted himself unto Henry, yet was he committed to the Tower and therein a long time remained. Upon Earl Henry's part only ten men were slain, as Sir Gilbert Talbot wrote the news from the field, whereof for note Sir William Brandon was the best, in all to the number of four thousand men. This battle was fought the two and twentieth of August, and year of The number slain at Bosworth field. Christ jesus 1485. in the field Redmore, near unto Bosworth, in the County of Leicester; after which Earl Henry gave thanks unto God, & highly commending Harding saith 2●. his Soldiers, gave them the spoil of the field, where be dubbed many of them knights: all which his doings were so acceptable to the whole Army, as with great applause they all cried King Henry, King Henry; whose forwardness to himward, Henry proclaimed king in the field. when the Lord Stanley perceived, he took K. Richard's Crown, found among the spoil of the field, and set it upon the Earl of Richmunds' head, thereby confirming the election of the people, at which instant began the reign of this new King. Dead Richard's body stark naked, was trussed up to Leicester. (59) The slain body of the usurping Tyrant, all tugged, and torn, naked, and not so much as a clout left to cover his shame, was trussed behind Blanch Seint-Leger (or White Boar, a Pursuivant at Arms,) like a hog or Calf, his head and Arms hanging on the one side of the horse, and his legs on the other, and all besprinkled with mire and blood, was Holinshed. so brought into Leicester, and there for a miserable spectacle the space of two days lay naked and unburied, King Richard laid naked to be seen of all. his remembrance being as odious to all▪ as his person deformed, and loathsome to be looked upon: for whose further despite, the white Boar his cognizance was torn down from every Sign, that his His badge defaced and torn down. monument might perish, as did the monies of Caligula, which were all melted by the decree of the Senate: Lastly, his body without all funeral solemnity was buried in the Gray-Friers Church of that Town. But King Henry his Successor, of a princely K. Richard's monument. disposition, caused afterward his Tomb to be made with a picture of Alabaster, representing his person, and to be set up in the same Church, which at the suppression of that Monastery was pulled down, and utterly defaced; since when his grave overgrown with nettles and weeds, is very obscure K. Richard's coffin made a drinking trough. and not to be found. Only the stone chest wherein his corpses lay, is now made a drinking trough for horses at a common Inn, and retaineth the only memory of this monarchs greatness. His body also (as tradition hath delivered) was borne out of the Town, & contemptuously bestowed under the end of Bowbridge, which giveth passage over a branch of Stowre upon the west side of the Town. Upon A flying prophecy of King Richard. this Bridge (the like report runneth) stood a stone of some height, against which King Richard, as he passed toward Bosworth, by chance struck his spur, and against the same stone as he was brought back, hanging by the horse side, his head was dashed and broken, as a wise woman (forsooth) had foretold, who, before Richard's going to battle, being asked of his success, said, that where his spur struck, his head should be broken; but of these things, as is the report, so let be the credit. Dead he is, and with his death ended the factions a long time continued betwixt the Families of Lancaster and York; With Richard's death dieth the quarrel of York and Lancaster. in whose bandings, to bring, set & keep the Crown on their heads, eight or nine bloody set battles had been fought, and no less than fourscore persons of the blood-royal slain, as Philip Commines Phil. Com. l. 1. c. 7. the French Writer saith; many of them being well known to himself: after which storms, and this tyrants death, a blessed union ensued, by joining those houses in Henry of Lancaster, and Elizabeth of York. The description of K. Richard. joh. Hardings continuer. (60) He was of Stature but little, and of shape deformed, the left shoulder bunching out like a Molehill on his back, his hair thin, and face short, a cruel countenance, in whose aspect might be perceived both malice and deceit. When he stood musing (as he would do often) his use was, to bite and chaw the neither lip, his hand ever on his dagger, which ever he would chop up and down in the sheath, but never draw it fully out. Pregnant in wit he was, wily to feign, apt to dissemble, and haughty of Stomach, an expert Soldier, and a better King than a man. He founded a College john Stow. at Middleham beyond York, and a Collegiate Chauntery in London, near unto the Tower, called Our Lady john Rows. of Barking; he endowed the Queen's College in Cambridge with five hundred Marks of yearly revenue; and disforrested the great Field of Wichwood, which King Edward his brother had enclosed for his game: he reigned two years, two months, and one day, and was buried, as we have said. His Wife. (61) Anne the second daughter and Coheir to Richard Nevil, the stout Earl of Warwick and Salesbury, was first married to Edward Prince of Wales, the son to King Henry the sixth, and after his death was remarried to Richard Duke of Gloucester, Anno 1472. afterwards by usurpation King of England, with whom in great State and solemnity she was Crowned Queen the sixth of july, and year of Salvation, 1483. She was his wife to the last year of his Reign, and then leaving her husband to choose another Queen, was laid at rest in the Abbey of Westminster, in this thing happy, that she saw not the death of the Tyrant. His Issue. (62) Edward the son of King Richard, and of Queen Anne his Wife, and the only child of them both, was borne in the Castle of Middleham, near Richmund, in the County of York Anno 1473. and job. Ross. Warwic. being under four years of age was created Earl of Camb. Brit. Salisbury by his Uncle King Edward the fourth, the seventeenth of his Reign; but his father King Richard in the first of his usurpation created him Prince of Wales, the four & twentieth of August, and year of Christ, 1483. he then being about ten years of age, unto whom also the Crown was entailed by Parliament; but this Prince dying before his father, and much upon the time of his mother's decease, saw not the revenge that followed the Tyrant's Reign, whose bad life no doubt hath made doubtful the place of this Prince's burial, and other Princely offices done him in his life, and at his death. Henry VII. Monarch 57 HENRY THE SEVENTH, KING OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE, AND LORD OF IRELAND, THE FIFTY SEVENTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH, HIS REIGN, ACTS, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XX. : Henricus: dei: gra: Rex: anglie▪: &: Francie: &: dominus: hibernie▪ H VII ✚ Henricus:: dei:: gracia:: Rex:: anglie:: et:: Francie:: &:: dominus:: hibernie:: ●●●●●RI●●●VII ●●●I ●●GR●●● 〈◊〉 ●● GL ●●●●●●R ●● 4 SIL. ●●POSVI ●●V●●●●IUTOR 〈◊〉 HENRY of that name the seventh, having by A. D. 1485. 22. August. The date of his reigns commencement. such mixed means of valour and practice as are already described, obtained the possession of England's Crown, we must now present unto you his actions in the person and state of a King, maintained by him with like mixture of courage and skill as it was achieved; to the verification of that rule, That things are kept by the same Arts whereby they were gained. In describing whereof, we mean nothing less, then for humouring the vain admirers of phrase and conceit, to mount up into panegyrical flourishes, in honour of the man, though his excellent virtues would worthily bear, if not duly also exact them: yet may we not omit to observe, that as in his attaining to General observations concerning this Princes whole course. the Crown, there was (through divine providence) a concurring disposition of all important Circumstances, without which his attempt might have proved disastrous; so he, having now possessed the Sovereign power, and mastered the State in the main points, easily made circumstances wait upon his wisdom, and to take their form from his directions: Of the first kind, wherein his felicity deserves to be celebrated, were these. That he by the Male-line a mere stranger to both the royal houses, as descended from the Welsh and French, and by the female springing out of such a family of Lancaster (the Beauford's) as by the same law which enabled it to inherit in ordinary estates, was made Concurrence of furtherances to K. Henry's designs. incapable of succession in the Regality, should so safely be conveyed away into foreign parts, there to continued an head of expectation and revolt, during the intestine troubles and dangers, to him i nevitable here at home. Secondly, that the Realm of England should be so averted from Richard, (though a very honourable, wise, just and necessary Prince, after he was somewhat settled) as for his sake, to neglect (in a sort) so many natural heirs of the house of York, some of them in right preceding Richard, such were the children of Edward the fourth, and George Duke of Clarence, Richard's elder brethren, and all of them just bars to the Earl of Richmund, who scarce had any thing of a legal title, or of a warrantable intention; but his purpose to remove an Usurper, and marry the Lady Elizabeth, * Fabian saith, Richard fearing little, provided ●ittle defence. the rightful inheritrice. Thirdly, a long and fatal slackness of Richard in his warlike preparations, through the mere contempt of his enemy the Earl, which was the cause, that both he landed securely, and Richard was driven to fight in a manner with tumultuary, rather than trained forces. And finally, that a principal, potent, noble, and yet a deeply suspected Conspirator, (as being Father in law to the Earl) should have charge, under Richard, over a chief portion of his Army at the very instant of joining battle. (2) These considerations (among many other) had in them such an aptitude to his design, as no human wit could fashion, and without the which a man of equal stars and parts to Henry, or Henry himself, might in vain have been wise, in vain, industrious and valiant. Circumstances of the other sort shall plentifully occur in the whole carriage of his ensuing actions. In both which, are verified two contrary rules; for the state of the first observations Plautus. teacheth us with Plautus, that Centum doctorum hominum consilia haec una vincit Dea, This one Goddess can effect more, than the wits of an hundred learned men; speaking as an Heathen man of that famous Idol Fortune; and in the second, that which Iwenall excellently noteth; Nullum numen abest, si sit prudentia, sed te junenal. Nos facimus Fortuna Deam, coeloque locamus. No Goddess wants, where Prudence guides, though Chance A Goddess deemed, fond Men to Heaven advance. (3) Now for the Character of this famous The description of K. Henry's mind and qualities. wise Prince (which with reason aught to be set in front to his actions, as certain lights of the mind, by which to discern the fountain of counsels and causes) a * Sir Fr. Bacon. frog. MS. learned, eloquent Knight, and principal Lawyer of our time, gives us many things, of which these selected, are very regardable. This King (saith he) attained unto the Crown, not only from a private fortune, which might endue him with a moderation, but also from the fortune of an exiled man, which ●ad quickened in him all the seeds of observation and industry. His wisdom (speaking thereof, as it was in his reign) seemed rather a dexterity to deliver himself from dangers when they pressed him, than any deep foresight to prevent them a far off. jealous he was over the Greatness of his Nobility, as remembering how himself was set up. Great and devout reverence he bore unto religion, as he that employed Ecclesiastical men in most of his affairs. In his government he was led by none, scarcely by his laws, and yet he was a great observer of formality in all his proceed, which notwithstanding was no impediment to the working of his will. In his wars (meaning domestic) he was rather confident then enterprising, by which also he was commonly not the poorer. Generally, he seemed inclinable to live in peace, and in the quenching of the Commotions of his subjects, he was ever ready to achieve those wars in person, sometimes reserving himself, but never retiring himself. Of nature he coveted to accumulate treasure: in expending whereof he never spared charge that his affairs required, and in his foundations was magnificent enough. He chose commonly to employ cunning persons, as he that knew himself sufficiently to make use of their uttermost reaches, without danger of being abused with them himself. (4) * joh. Da. of Here. MS. Another having a purpose to writ in English the history of this Henry (an argument which for the worthy doing thereof, requires as wise a man as Henry himself,) hath among many extraordinary praises (most what framed out of his strong affection) truly noted concerning his achievement of the Crown: That the Almighty hand of God brought him over the top of the highest and most dangerous obstacles, to sway this Sceptre, when neither Title, Power, nor (great) Probability could give him so much as one sound push to set him forward. And of the man himself, That he entertained that, as sudden as Sovereign change of fortune, with such moderation, and untransported discretion, as it well appeared he had thoroughly conquered himself, before he subdued the Usurper his enemy. What could be added greater too so true a praise? nothing certainly; for that he (as elsewhere that Writer saith) was the Solomon, who brought peace to this Kingdom, long before oppressed by war and tyranny: it was only an excellent effect of that excellent moderation. Other Authors of our times concur in the same judgement of him, whom they praise * Act. and Mon. p. 909. for singular wisdom, excellent temperance, and moderate frugality; for * Io. Stow. in Hen. 7. policy, justice, and gravity: which princely virtues caused him to be highly reverenced of foreign Princes. These honourable Eulogies after so many years from his death, justly countenance their relations, who * Ber. Andr. MS. Fabian Polyd. Verg. etc. writing, in or about his own days aver no less; among whom, Bernard Andreas of Tholouz is most flowing and abundant. This Andrea's (as himself writes) was afterward entrusted with the instruction of Prince Arthur (eldest son to King Henry) in good letters, though he was blind; and having aswell the title of Poet Laureate, as of the King's Historiographer, (how hardly soever those two faculties meet with honour in the same person) meant to have historified and poetized the Acts of this king, but (for want of competent and attended instructions in many places of chief importance) left his labour full of wild breaches, and unfinished; yet in such points as he hath professed to know, not unworthy to be vouched: for there is in him a great deal of clear elocution, and defecated conceit above the ordinary of that age. He, among other verses in honour of this our Henry (whom he enstyleth the most sapient King) hath these not hyperbolical, but proper, wherein he salutes him. Princeps ingenio nitente praestans, Famâ, relligione, comitate, Sensu, sanguine, gratiâ, decore. A peerless Prince for wisdom rare, Fame, piety, courtesy, debonair, Knowledge, birth, grace, and feature fair. Whereby also, after these pourtracts of his inward faculties, and gifts, may be guessed that a body they had for their mortal mansion, no way unsuitable; and it seems by that Majesty (so they call the Images of our Kings, which are carried for representation in their funeral Chariots) which at this day is * Monum. at West. extant, that he was of stature tall and slender, somewhat round visaged, and though in * Bern●rd. Andr. his childhood sickly, yet of aspect in all his outward lineaments, so noble and gracious, as well presaged, and afterward fitted the most fortunate height to which he was now ascended. But notwithstanding these great praises, there want not some who think him to have been an heavy Father to the common wealth, which by sundry courses he greatly laboured to bring under, as a seeming groundwork of his own, and his posterities security. And in his last days Avarice, (the natural malady of age) took him strongly, the envy whereof he partly diverted from himself by the splendour of some few public buildings, which as they gave the people cause to talk of their bravery, so they also insensibly wrought in their light minds a mitigation of their burden. (5) Let us now behold his virtues as they are shiningly Henry's first actions after his victory. deduced into action. After the Battle he having truly first ascribed the whole good of his success to God, commanded, that to the body of * Bern. Andr. his enemy King Richard, an honourable interrement should be given in the Friars at Leicester, where notwithstanding * Fabian. he was with little reverence buried. From thence the King made speed to London, as to the chief seat and Epitome of the English Monarchy, without which no Prince found himself here secure enough: he entered the City upon a * Bern. Andr. MS. and upon the 28. of Aug. saith Fabian. Saturday, as upon a Saturday he obtained his triumphal and Crowning victory. The Mayor of London and his fellowship, * Fab. received him in violet at Harnsey Park, but his entrance (which was at * Stow. Shoreditch) His entrance into London. was honoured with a very great troup of the Peers, and Nobles in his train, at which our Poetical Historian Andreas was present, and saluted the victorious Prince with certain Latin Sapphicks, which he sung unto him as himself writeth. But Henry stayed not in Ceremonious greetings and popular acclamations, which (it seems) he did purposely eschew, for that (Andreas saith) he entered * Latenter. covertly, meaning belike, in an Horselitter or close Chariot. His lodging was in the Bishop of London's Palace, where (after public offertories and solemn thanks given to God in the Cathedral Church of S. Paul) the business of his Coronation was seriously consulted of; which was afterward (upon his remove to the Tower, where he * See Camb. Mills. etc. created his uncle jasper Earl of Pembroke, Duke of Bedford, and other Estates) with due pomp and ritual magnificence * 30. October Mr. Stow. His Coronation. accomplished at Westminster. His Marriage with the Lady Elizabeth debated. (6) But the natural solder and indissoluble cement, which must make this Kingdom stand, was his marriage with the Lady Elizabeth, eldest daughter of the late Edward the fourth. This as a point of most importance was with great maturity and judgement again thought upon, when Henry was now already crowned. The remoter danger, supposed to reside in the person of Edward Earl of Warwick (only son and heir, even in his infelicities, to that unfortunate Prince George Duke of Clarence) was prevented; for he had been, by King Henry's direction, brought up prisoner from the Manor of * Holinsh. Edward Earl of Warwick imprisoned. Sherifhutton in Yorkshire, (where aswell he, as the Lady Elizabeth were kept by King Richard under guard) and immediately shut up within the Tower of London. (7) Frances * Bern. Andr. MS. Duke of Britain had offered Henry before his departure to match him with the Lady Anne his eldest daughter and sole heir, but he was otherwise affected, as placing his love where it might afford him greatest & presentest strengths. Andrea's addeth, that King Edward himself destinated his eldest daughter unto Henry then Earl of Richmund, and sought in his life time to have effected it; but his meaning being (belike) suspected, as but a drift to get Henry into his hands, the motion took no hold as reserved till God had cleared the way of all such impediments, as might hinder the consolidation of both the Royal families, York and Lancaster, (after their so mortal and confusive massacres) in the person of one Sovereign. (8) The Lady herself, besides youth and beauty Lady Elizabeth described. (precious Ornaments of that ●exe) had in her from her * Bern. Andr. MS. infancy a wonderful fear, and care to please God, and a like duteous and humble carriage toward her parents: her brothers and sisters she did exceedingly love, and as well toward the poor, as all the Servants of Christ, she bore a singular affection. * Sir Tho. Moor. Her Uncle (the late usurper) in contempt of God and man (whose Laws he was so long accustomed to violate, till the just reward thereof did at the length overtake him) incestuously meant to have defiled her, under the abusedname of Matrimony. When therefore the news of his death came to her ear, the joy of her heart broke forth into these words. * Bern. Andr. MS. Her Christian S● chaste medi●ation about marriage. So yet at the last thou hast, o God, regarded the humble, and not despised their prayers. I well remember, neither shall I at any time be weary to remember, that my most noble Father of famous memory meant to have bestowed me in martage upon this most comely Prince. OH that I were now worthy of him; but my Father being dead, I want such good friends as should motion so great a matter: and perhaps he will take a wife from foreign parts, whose beauty, age, fortune, and dignity shall be more than mine. What shall I say? I am all alone, and dare not open my mind to * How then did Andrea's know it? either he doth poetize here, or else had it from her after-relation. any. What if I acquainted my mother therewith? Bashfulness forbids: What if some of the Lords? Audacity wanteth. OH then that I might but confer with him! perhaps in discourse I might let slip such a word as might discover my intention. What will be I know not: this I know, that Almighty God cannot tell how to absent himself from them who trust in him. Therefore I make an end of thinking, and repose my whole hope upon thee, o my God, do with me according to thy mercy. She secretly thus revolving all matters, and resolving of them in her mind, was heard from above; for King Henry having understood the honour, chastity, and singular virtues of the maiden Princess, the rather inclined to make her the Sovereign of his affections: assigning therefore * john D● of Hereford MS. Holinshed. a day, wherein (for the utter abolishment of all Hostilities between the two Royal houses of York and Lancaster) to establish an union of Families by conjunction of their two persons in marriage. (9) The mean while he wisely goes on to secure the main, which consisting in settling the general state, and securing his own person, he, for the one, * 7. novemb. holds a Parliament at Westminster, and for the other, institutes a certain number of choice * holinsh. Archers, * The King's Guard first instituted. with allotment of fees and maintenance, which under a peculiar Captain, and the name of Yeoman of the Guard, he assigned to that service, for him and his successors, Kings and Queens of England. In the Parliament was attainted Richard late King Richard and others attainted. Duke of Gloucester, styling himself by usurpation, King Richard the third; and with him by name many other of the Nobility and Gentry. And yet withal to lay a foundation for his green Government in love and clemency, he, during the Parliament proclaimed free pardon and entire restitution of their fortunes, to all such as submitted themselves to his mercy, and made oath of Fidelity. A seasonable and necessary Act; Whereby he greatly weakened malicious humours, and wan to himself no small accession of friendship and services; for many forsook Sanctuaties, and took up their refuges in his goodness and most gracious favour. And to remove all scandal and danger from his friends, he reversed and revoked all former Acts, hurtful either to himself, or to them for his cause, the whole house of Parliament, * Holinshed. The Crown entailed upon King Henry and his heirs. concurring finally in establishing by a solemn Act, the Crown upon him, and his heirs for ever. (10) After dissolution of which Parliament, the King redeems such pledges, as he had left in France for money borrowed, and assumes into his Council those two renowned agents in advancing his fortunes, john Morton and Richard Fox, as the most necessary parts and supports of his State; the former of which, not long after (Thomas Bourchier dying) was elected and enthronised Archbishop of Canterbury; the latter, was forthwith advanced to be Lord Keeper of his Privy Seal, & successively preferred to the bishoprics of Exeter, Bath and Welles, Durham, and Winchester. The King marrieth the Lady Elizabeth. (11) The most wished and most welcome * 18. january. 1486. day of marriage between King Henry and the Princess Elizabeth being now come, was celebrated by them with all religious and glorious magnificence, and by the people, with * Bern. Andr. MS. fires of joy, dance, songs and banquets through London, all sorts and sexes beseeching Almighty God to sand the King and Queen most prosperous success, and an infinite increase of the common joy, by bestowing upon them a young Prince, and other Issue at his good pleasure: Which prayers (saith Andrea's) our Lord jesus Christ vouchsafed to hear▪ the Queen within a while after, proving with Child, of whom she was happily delivered in the month of September following at Winchester, which Prince Arthur borne. to the most fortunate King was a new happiness, to the Queen a great rejoicement, to the Church a sovereign delight: to the Court an exceeding pleasure; and in brief to the whole kingdom an incredible contentment. Nor that without reason, as it afterward appeared; for (if God had been pleased to have granted longer life) not England only, but the whole world should * Ser. Andr. M. S. in such a pledge have had cause of eternal rejoicement. But God who governs all things, and in whose hand are aswell the Sceptres of Princes, as dates of their lives, disposed otherwise. The attempts of the King's maligners. (12) Meanwhile there were not a few who did envy to King Henry this unexpected height of felicity; but they who first discovered themselves, were certain remains of the late overthrow at Bosworth, whose diffidence, or evil will, was greater than to rely upon King Henry's clemency, or to behold the dazzling brightness of his new achieved glory; and for that cause refused to forsake the Sanctuary, which they had taken at Colchester. These were the Lord Lovel, Sir Humphrey Stafford, and Thomas Stafford his brother. Who, while the King, secure of dangers behind him, was in his Progress at York, meaning by affability, bounty and other his wisest courses, to gain the good wills of the Northern people, (with whom the memory of King Richard was very dear) and so to weaken the strengths and hopes of all future conspiracies, forsook their refuge, and secretly in several places gathered forces, therewith to surprise and dethrone the King. The Lord Lovel raised his forces with such speed, that the King who at Lincoln first heard of his escape, and lightly regarded the same, was no sooner settled in York, but certain intelligence came that he approached The Lord Lovel, and the Staffords rebel. Hardings continuer saith they had taken Gloucester. fast with an Army; and withal, that the Staffords had assembled forces in Worcestershire, meaning to assault the City of * Worcester. The extremity of the King (who never dreamt of such a darling) was not small, for neither had he any sufficient numbers about him of his sure friends, nor could justly repose confidence in the Northern men, whose love to King Richard their late slain Lord, made them still suspected. But danger quickeneth noble courages, and therefore upon due recollection of himself, he Polyd. Verg. in Henry 7. Holinsh. arms about three thousand men, (if tanned leather, whereof the most of their breast-pieces, for want of other stuff, were framed, may be called armour) and sends them under the leading of jasper Duke of Bedford, with commission to pardon, or to fight. The Duke offering pardon, the Lord Lovel fled by night to * Polyd. Verg. Sir Thomas Broughton into Lancashire, where he lurked certain months; the headless multitude yield without stroke, and the felicity of King Henry prevails in every place; for the Staffords hearing what had happened to their Confederates, disperse their Cloud of rebels, and speedily take refuge at Colnham a village about two miles from Abingdon Yeere-booke of Henry 7. Anno 2. in Oxfordshire. But the privileges of that place * being iuridically scanned in the King's Bench, they Traitors taken from Sanctuary and punished. were found unable to afford protection to open traitors, whereupon they were forcibly taken thence, and conveyed to the Tower of London, from He is called Lo d Stafford by Hardings continuer. whence Sir Humphrey Stafford was drawn and executed at Tyburn, but his brother Thomas by the King's mercy had his pardon. These short dangers and troubles, by reason of their suddainty did worthily make the King wakeful even over smaller accidents; this blaze being kindled from so neglected sparkles. But there followed devices, which in their own nature were so strangely impudent, and in their vent so strongly bolstered, that if Lovels enterprise made him suspicious, these other might justly fill him with innumerable jealousies. Corn. Tacit. Histor. Suet. in Ner. cap. 57 Counterfeit Princes erected to defeat the true. (13) The records are immortal, which testify, that the erection of Idols and Counterfeits, to dethrone them who are in possession, is a very old Stratagem. What troubles a Pseudo-Nero wrought, by support of the Parthians (who wonderfully favoured Nero living,) the Roman writers teach us. Neither hath the Devil (Father of Impostures) any so solemn practice, as Personation and Resemblances of true, whether men or things. Insomuch that some Divines have thought, that as he can, and often doth transshape himself into the form of a Celestial Angel, so that he also deceived our first mother under that resplendent but assumed habit. And what mischiefs he wrought, in this very kind of thrusting out into the world false pretenders, the speech of wise * Act 5. Gamaliel testifieth, who rehearseth the names of Theudas and judas Galilaeus; but the world hath since had more woeful experience hereof, in that execrable Impostor Mahomet, pretending to be the Messiah. In England itself (before the time mantel executed in Queen Elizabeth's days for assuming the person of King Edward 6. of this Henry) what strange practices and conspiracies were set on foot under the title of a Pseudo-Richard in the reign of Henry the fourth, the former Histories have sufficiently opened, so that this Prince encountered nothing new in the General, howsoever pestilent and extraordinary in the particular. Indeed his reign (more perhaps then any other of his predecessors) afforded plentiful matter for such devices to work upon, there being many then, who having been * Io. Da. M. S. conceived (as it were) in the bowels of Sedition, and nourished with the bitter and pernicious milk of dissension, were not only apt to embrace, but also, where they were not offered, even there to beget occasions of confounding all. Men, * Polyd. Verg. in Henry 7. who could neither endure war, nor peace long, nor any laws in either, as desirous to enjoy the licentious violences of civil war; a * Io. Da. M. S. misery, which all words (how wide soever) want compass to express. The strange attempts of which kind of men (or rather Monsters) we shall see exemplified in the subsequent tragedies. Richard Simon, The first Idol erected against King Henry. an ambitious and imposterous wretch, and withal a Priest, neither unlearned, (the sacred shadow of which name the rather countenanced his practices) in hope to make himself the principal Bishop of England, plotted the advancement of Lambert symnel (being his pupil in the University * Polyd. Verg▪ in Henry. 7. of Oxford) to the Crown of England; instigated thereto by the devil, and suborned by such as favoured the White-rose faction, upon this occasion. There went a rumour, that Edward Earl of Warwick, son A false Edward in the forge. and heir to George the late unfortunate Duke of Clarence, second brother of King Edward, * Polyd. Verg. l. 26. was either already murdered, or should shortly be. This Architect of guile, Simon having this Symnel in tuition, (the * son of a Baker, or Shoemaker, but a wel-faced Bern. Andr. M. S. Polyd. Verg H. 7. and Princely-shaped youth, of no* very evil nature, but as it was corrupted by his Tutor,) means out of this rumours aery substance, to produce an apparition and prodigy, which in Title, behaviour, and artificial answers (infused by his Tutor's practices) should resemble * Polyd. Ver. ibid. one of King Edward's children. Here we must confess that our authors lead us into Holinsh. john Stow. a perplexity: Some* affirming, that this counterfeit was exhibited to the world under the name of Edward Earl of Warwick, son of the Duke of Clarence, by the most turbulent and fatal Earl of Warwick slain at Barnet-field. But hereunto reason Lambert Simnels History rectified and vindicated. seems repugnant. For what ground of claim could that Gentleman have, not only for that his Father was attainted, but much more for that the Queen of England then in being, was the indubitate eldest daughter and heir of King Edward the fourth, and sister and next heir to Edward the fifth? Neither wants there ancienter authority than any of the Bern. Andr. MS. others, affirming, that this Idol did usurp the name of one of King Edward's sons; many arguments concurring to buttress this affirmation. For, if at the same time (as Polydore writeth) it was bruited, that the sons of King Edward the fourth had not * Joh. Stow was often heard to maintain this opinion in seeming earnest. been murdered under their usurping Uncle Richard, but were escaped, and lived in obscurity beyond the Sea; how can that be true, which Stow and the rest (who follow Polydore therein) affirm, that Lambert was crowned King of England at Dublin in Ireland, as heir to George Duke of Clarence? For with what injury to the royal brethren (feigned to be alive) was that? Verily there seems no coherence in the circumstances, nor appearance of truth in the substance. And how much stronger to the purpose of the Conspirators was the fiction of an Edward, the King's son, and himself once proclaimed King, then of an Edward, who was but an Earl, and a Duke of Clarence's heir? But you will ask, what was the poor Earl's part in this tragedy? what other? then that by rumoring his murder, they might bring the person of King Henry into common detestation for his cruelty; for clearing whereof the King publicly afterward showed the Earl to the view of all. And albeit the vulgar fame is, that Lambert was called Edward, yet * Ber. Andr. M. S. one who then lived, saith directly, that this cipher was dubbed & mounted from his own mean rank to the title of a King, under the name of the second brother, who for certain was called Richard: but what Record there is to the contrary, is to us as yet unknown; for our vulgar Books extant can hardly pass with a jury of ordinary Critics▪ and Censors for unchallengeable evidence. (14) This airy Typhon (which grasped at the embracement of the two Kingdoms of England and Ireland) thus thoroughly schooled and instructed, is Lambert conveyed into Jreland and received. secretly conveyed by his Sinonian Tutor to Dublin, the chief City of the Irish, where he was confident of partakers, as amongst the hereditary Clients, and adherents of the house of York; which affection was first breathed into them by the cunning popularities of the Lord Richard Duke of York, the first of that line, who publicly claimed the English Crown. His hopes deceived him not, for the Lord * Polyd. Verg. Stow calls him Earl of Kildare, and Lord Deputy of Ireland. Chancellor of Ireland, Thomas Fitz-Gerald (of the noble Family of the Geraldines) presently professed himself for the plot, and by his authority and persuasions drew the generality of the Irish after him into it. Messengers are hereupon dispatched, upon all hands both into England, to such as they had hope of, and into low Germany to the Lady Margaret, sister of King Edward the fourth, Duchess Dowager of Burgundy, a most mortal enemy of the Lancastrian family. In both places the lighted matches of sedition found powdry spirits, and wonderful correspondence. There is flocking from all parts to support the quarrel, and the Irish (to Lambert proclaimed King of England. have▪ the glory of giving England a King) proclaim & reverence this painted puff, & flying bubble with royal Style and honours. (15) Henry seeing the fire so strangely kindled round about the walls of his best hopes & strengths, falls seriously to counsel at the Monastery of Carthusian Monks near Richmund▪ where after exact deliberation it was decreed, 1. That general pardon (to stay Conclusions in the Council of England upon the fame of this conspiracy. the minds of as many as it was possible) should without any exception be proclaimed to such as from thenceforth should continued dutiful. Which was principally done to temper, and assure some private persons, as Sir Thomas Broughton and others, whose forces, wills, and wealth were held most in suspicion. 2. That Elizabeth late wife to Edward the fourth▪ and mother in law to Henry now King of England, should forfeit all her lands and goods, for that (contrary to her faith given to them, who were in the plot for bringing in King Henry) she had yielded up her daughters to the hands of the Tyrant Richard. 3. That Edward Earl of Warwick then Prisoner in the Tower, should be openly showed alive in London. All which was accordingly executed, but without any great fruit, for still the plot went on. (16) The condemnation of Elizabeth Queen Dowager, rather moved envy towards Henry, then relieved his cause; for to many the justice of that sentence was doubtful, the circumstance of a mother in law inferred a breach of piety, and the judgement itself did also want example. The justice was doubtful both in regard of the cause, and of the proceeding. Of the cause, for how could she have defended her daughters by the privilege of sanctuary from such a Wolf and Tiger, as would have infringed it for her sons, had they not been quietly delivered to his bloody hands? The same Tyrant doth now demand her daughters as to honour, not to slaughter; but if it had been to slaughter, what help? she, terrified with the motion, after much deliberation yields them to him, when she neither could, nor durst detain them. But you say she violated her faith, and hazarded thereby the lives and hopes of all that were in the plot for her cause. A great crime certainly. But Richard was in title, and power a King, and hung over her head with inevitable terrors; when Henry of Richmund was but an Earl, and he far off, and in banishment, and without any appearance of prevailing, and herself a friendless widow. The manner or proceeding was no less strange; for by what law or trial was she condemned in a Praemunire? She nevertheless Queen Elizabeth deprived of her estate, and condemned to a Monastery. is put out of all, and confined to the Monastery of Bermondsey in Southwark, where finally she ended her days, borne to be an example of both fortunes, having from a forlorn widows estate been raised to the bed of a Bachelor Monarch; and in his life time been reduced to the seeming of a private fortune, when her Lord was driven to fly the land; and afterward saw those turns and varieties as few Queens ever felt, or saw so many, or more contrary; whether we regard the height of worldly felicity, when she did behold her son a King, or the depth of misery, when the Tyrant invaded his Crown and life, or now her daughter being Queen, and herself a miserable prisoner. The consideration whereof, as it may worthily mortify ambitious affections; so the strangeness of the sentence verifies that collection among others, which * Sir Fr. Bacon. frag. MS. that learned Gentleman makes of this King's reign in these words. He had (saith he) a very strange kind of interchanging very large and unexpected pardons with severe executions. Nevertheless, (his wisdom considered) it could not be imputed to a●y inequality, but to a discretion, or at lest to a principle, that he had apprehended, that it was not good, obstinately to pursue one course, but to try both ways. Howsoever that was; certainly, she being so just an object of his commiseration, who had married that daughter, by which he enjoyed a Kingdom, and gotten that very power, wherewith he ruined her; it cannot be reasonably thought, but that there were other most important motives, persuading such a sharp course, or otherwise, that it must be reckoned among the chief of his errors. But as in the times of her flourishing estate, she founded and endowed a fair College for Students in Cambridge, which of her is called the Queens; so we will leave to those her Beneficiaries the farther search of this Argument, and deploration of her fortune, which seems such to us, as if King Henry affected to leave somewhat in this example, wherewith to oppose & amaze the world. Unless perhaps it were, that having proclaimed a general pardon for all offences A probable cause why King Henry dealt so rigorously with his mother in law. without exception to such as in future should remain loyal, and foreseeing that some, who might be willing to lay hold of that benefit, might also be cunningly practised with to fall away, upon distrust of his word, when once he had served his present uses, he therefore meant (by so clear a demonstration, as the utter undoing, and perpetual imprisonment of his wives own mother,) to give them assurance, that he, who upon her person had been so severe a punisher of faith-breach, would never violate it in his own, and thereby secure them in that point, and secure himself of them. John de la Pole Earl of Lincoln and others, 〈◊〉 to the Duchess of Burgundy. (17) Yet neither could this devise take so good effect, but that john Earl of Lincoln (son of john de la Pole Duke of Suffolk, and Elizabeth King Edward the fourth's sister) secretly fled into Flanders to the Duchess of Burgundy, whither Francis Lord Lovel was likewise not long before escaped. Sir Thomas Broughton (another principal Confederate) teraporized in England, there to remain a stay to the business, aswell for mutual intelligence, as receipt of an Army when it should arrive. This Earl of Lincoln, besides that he could not with any patience behold a Lancastrian wielding the English Sceptre; was also of a * Polyd. Verg. sharp wit, and high reach, and therefore not without an ambitious sensibility, that in countenancing King Henry, he wronged ●that expectancy, and relation to the Crown, which he had in right of his mother, sister to King Edward the fourth, and to King Richard the third, who had * Cambd. in Notting. designed him for heir apparent, & contracted his sister the * Io. Lesle. Lady Anne de la Pole, to james Prince of Scotland: was also the rather animated by * Ber. Andr. letters receive d from his aunt the Duchess of Burgundy, earnestly calling upon him for his presence. This Duchess was the second wife of Charles Duke of Burgundy, * Phil. de Com. slain by the Switz at the battle of Nance; by whom though he had no issue, yet by reason of her great dower, & wise behaviour among the Dutch, she was strong in money and friends; all which she was willing to convert to the utter subversion howsoever of the Lancastrian line. Though therefore, she well knew that this Lambert was but an Idol, * john D●. MS. hammered out of the hot brain of that Boutefew Richard Simon, yet she embraceth the occasion, countenanceth the Imposture, and leaves nothing unsaid or undone, which might give life and success to the enterprise. The Earl, the L. Lovel, and others she furnished abundantly, and joineth unto them a renowned Colonel Martin Swart, a Gentleman of * Polyd. Vergil saith he was summo gener●●●tus. honourable birth, exemplary valour, and singular experience, and certain selected companies, to the number of about two thousand Almains, which soon after arrive at Dublin. Lambert, who before was but proclaimed, is now in Christ's Church there solemnly by them crowned King of Lambert crowned King of England at Dublin. john Stow. England, * feasting and triumphing, rearing mighty shouts and cries, carrying him thence to the king's Castle upon tall men's shoulders, that he might be seen and noted; as he was surely (saith Stow) an honourable boy to look upon; though nothing less was meant, then that he should enjoy that honour if they prevailed; as meaning then to erect Edward Earl of Warwick. Posterity might worthily doubt of the truth of these so desperate impudencies, and ridiculous Pageants, practised in the highest affairs of mankind, but that the thing is so universally testified, and also that the highest affairs of the world (when once they are passed) are little better than such like Pageants. (18) K. Henry (on the other side) though he had by most diligent espials endeavoured to know the truth of Lambert's quality, to divert the stream of affections, which he saw inclined that way, for that Bern. Andr. the practice was carried with such wonderful art, as that very many (otherwise discreet and sober men) were induced to believe that he was indeed King Edward's son; and although the general pardon proclaimed by King Henry, did undoubtedly stay very many from open revolt, but much more the careful watch which was kept at the Ports, to hinder the escape of Malcontents or factious Fugitives: yet he manifestly saw, that it would in the end come to a field: for which cause he takes King Henry provides for battle. order for the levy of an Army, resolving to give his enemy's battle with the first opportunity, it being the ancient and manful fashion of the English, (who are naturally most impatient of lingering mischiefs) to put their public quarrels to the trial of the sword. Lambert attended with john Earl of Lincoln, Francis Lord * Camb. in Oxf. Viscount Lovel, Thomas Fitz-Gerald, or rather Maurice Fitz-Thomas (belike Lambert lands in Lancashire. his son) and Colonel Swart, with an Army of desperate and picked soldiers, aswell English, Dutch, as Irishman (all fired with infinite hopes and promises to be enjoyed upon the overthrow of King Henry) come on shore in Lancashire at a place called the pile of Fowdray, where they ●oine with their assured confederate Sir Thomas Broughton, and his sequel; and after some short refreshment in those parts, march with erected courages against King Henry, taking their way through Yorkshire (the hoped nursery of their surest friendships) and gloriously publishing their new King every where, though without any increase of force by concourse, (for King Henry's wisdom had marred their errand,) their journey was directed toward Newarke upon Trent. (19) The King then at Coventree, being by such scouts as he had appointed for that service, presently advertised of Lambert's arrival, and having his forces ready under the conduct of jasper Duke of Bedford, and the Earl of Oxford, because delay Nottingham the Rendevow of K. Henry's army. in this case was on all hands reputed mischievous, sets forward to Nottingham, and by a wood side called Bowers, encampeth his people; in whom there appeared a gallant forwardness to revenge themselves by the sword of that indignity, which was offered to the English name by strangers and rebels, who durst hope to give them a ruler. Thither repaired George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, George L. Strange his son, Sir john Cheinie, and other noble and valiant Gentlemen with their numbers, which added no small sinews to K. Henry's musters. Polydor * Hist. Angl. l. 26. hath diligently set down the names of such principal men in those parts as repaired thither, partly voluntary, partly sent for to the common defence of the King and Kingdom; but without due additions Great repair of the noble and people to his aid. of each man's degree and place of precedency; yet their names do well deserve to be remembered, both for the honour of their Families, and examples of loyalty. He recounteth sixty five Captains which Polyd. Verg. assembled from places thereabout, under whom there cannot probably be thought fewer Soldiers than eight or ten thousand, the English usually, till of late, having commonly an hundredth and fifty in a Company▪ Their surnames (besides Edward Lord * Polydor calls him Regulus, meaning a Baron. Hastings) are in him as followeth; Longford, Montgomerie, Vernon of the Peke, Shurley, Folgehan, Grisley, Sutton, Stanley, and Stanley, Houghton, Mering, Stanhop, Clifton, St●pleton, Willoughby, Perpoinct, Babington, Bedyll, * Brudenel, Markham, Merbury, Borough, Brundellus, as Polydor erroneously calls him. Tyrwit, Hufey, Shefeild, Newport, Ormeston, Tempest, Knyvett, Willoughby, Dygby, and Dygby, Harrington, Sacheverel, Vyllers, Fylding, Poultney, Vaux, Gryne, Gryfin, Lucy, Belknap, Throgmorton, Gray of Ruthin, Wolston, Fynder, Philips, Cheney, Cotton, S. john, Mordant, Terrill, Rainsford, Paynton, Daniel, Marney, Armidel. From the uttermost bounds of the North, there repaired also other chief persons and leaders (saith he) as * These three seem Barons as them whom he means by principes viri. Ogle, * These three seem Barons as them whom he means by principes viri. Nevyle, * These three seem Barons as them whom he means by principes viri. Latimer, Bulmer, Langford, Norres, Nevyle of Thortinbrig and Williams. The Earl of Lincoln nevertheless comes forward with his Counter-king, nothing perhaps adding greater courage to that side, than the example of Henry himself, who with less numbers (but much more secret Art) prevailed in a pight field at Bosworth: his meaning was to get into Newarke. The King wakeful uponall advantages, and perfectly instructed of his enemy's courses (whom desperation did thrust forward to a daring hope) dislodgeth with his Army, & passeth through Newarke, leaving it behind him about 3. miles, to intercept the Lambertines▪ and there fits down again. The Earl of Lincoln encamps with great bravery and show of courage in the face of the King's forces. (20) The next day both the Armies are brought forth to fight, near to a little village called Stoke. The Earl of Lincoln marshaled his people by the advise of Colonel Swart and others▪ to the best advantage; upon the * Bern. Andr. Brow or hanging of an hill expecting the charge. The Almains were all of them hardy and approved men, and thoroughly well-appointed, and so in likelihood were such English as stood for that side; but the Irish▪ besides multitudes and fierceness, had small provision, save (after the rude manner of their Nation) darts, skeins, or the like. The main of the Battle rested wholly upon the English and Almains. King Henry on the other side, (as he that thirsted for an end of this bloody days work,) speedily disposed his whole numbers into three Battailions: the Vanguard whereof was best replenished with store of choice and picked men, well armed and appointed, and fortified with wings. The army being thus ordered, Andreas saith that King Henry useth this speech. King Henry's Oration before the battle at Stoke. (21) Most faithful Lords, and you most valiant Companions in Arms, who have (together with us) endured so great perils by Land and Sea; lo, we are again against our wills, drawn to try our fortunes in another Field. For the Earl of Lincoln (a perjured man) without any occasion ministered by us, defends an unjust quarrel against us: neither doth he it dissemblingly, but most openly impudent, without any fear of God; not so much only to endamage us, as to fulfil the humour of a giddy, and intemperate-tongued woman, who is not ignorant that her blood was extinguished by her brother Richard; but because that line did always maintain a most deadly feud against ours, she (without any great regard to her Niece, my dearest Consort) assays to destroy aswell us as our posterity. Ye see therefore how often we are provoked by them; but they shall not carry it away unrevenged. God therefore and his holy Angels we first call to witness, that we are provident both night and day for your safety, and for the Common quiet; though thus the ancient enemy repugneth. But God, a just, strong, and patiented judge, will also bring a remedy to this evil. In the mean time we exhort and admonish you, that the consideration of our just inheritance be at this present more forcible with you, than their wickedness; neither doubt, but that the same God, who in the former war made us victorious, will enable us to triumph now also over these enemies. Let us therefore set upon them courageously; for God is upon our side to assist us. (22) The Earl of Oxford (on the behalf of the Bernard. Andr. whole Army) was prepared to make answer, but the The battle of Stoke or Stokefield. King hastening to the proof, broke off all Ceremonies; and the sign of Battle given, they thunder forward with shouts of people, and sound of martial music, and like a black tempest, power themselves upon the Front of the Enemy's Battles; who rushed forward with equal violence and fury, as men that at once encountered against fear and fortune. The fight continued doubtful above * Polyd▪ Verg. l. 26. three hours. A long space for men of courage to be employed in kill one the other, and fit to glut the hunger of fury. The Earls English wanted nothing but a good cause, and the Almains gave not place to the King's people in any point worthy of gallant Soldiers, but sold their lives dearly, and their Colonel Swart had scarce any before him in personal performance. Neither were the Irish behind for their parts, if their skins had been sword-proofe, for the contempt of death was alike in them as the rest. Briefly, the wonder of that days work was, that Christian men, in no sounder a quarrel, could dare to die so boldly, such chief, as the Earl of Lincoln and some others, who knew the secret of that desperate enterprise. But God, the Lord of revenges; Bern. Andr. Punishing their unjust malice, with a sudden whirlwind rising in the heat of the Battle, (even as when Constantine fought against the Enemies of the Church) our soldiers, who seemed vanquished, become victorious For the King's vanguard * Io. Stow. reenforced itself, and gave so furious a recharge, (in likelihood upon this The King prevails. encouragement sent as it were from Heaven) that it utterly broke the Enemy's squadrons, and giving in among them with full random, slew * Polyd. Verg. first such Captains as resisted, and put the residue which yielded not, either to the sword flight. Herewith the whole Army * Bern. Andr. shouted, the trumpets sound victory, and the general cry runs King Henry, King Henry. When the battle and chase were ended, so that there was time and leisure to view the field, it than appeared what minds the slain bodies carried; for all the chief Captains, the Earl of Lincoln himself The Earl of Lincoln and all the chief leaders of that side slain in the field. (though the King would gladly have had him saved, to come thereby to a greater light of his dangers) the Lord Lovel, Sir Thomas Broughton, Colonel Swart and * Polyd. Verg. Maurice Fitz-Thomas, General of the Irish, were (like * Edm. Campian Hist. of Ireland. Catiline and his Complices) found to cover those places dead, which they defended living, * Cr. Sallust. in Con●u. Catil. among four thousand other soldiers which were slain upon that side. The King at this battle lost * Polyd. Verg▪ But Bernard Andr. saith that very few were slain. almost half the People in his Vanguard, and Surgeons had store of work among the Suruivers, so that the Garland gained at this journey was not undipt in blood; Howbeit there is no mention that any man of honour or special note, fell upon the King's side. (23) Among the Prisoners was the Counterfeit himself, and the lewd contriver of this wicked Stratagem, Richard Simon, who with little change may most truly be called another Sinon. The King (who reserved himself in this battle, (as in others, but * Fragm. MS. never retired) made both their persons examples of his clemency. For Lambert being questioned, how such a * Vapul●. Bern. Andr. MS. breeching-boy as he was, durst attempt so great a wickedness, dinied not, that he was compelled thereunto, by certain bad persons, who were of th●t conspiracy; and as for his parent's quality, he confessed them to be such as indeed they were; altogether of base and despicable calling. * Io. Da. MS. Sim subtle, or Sir Richard Simon the Priest, whether for discovery of some great secrets, or the extraordinary reverence borne to his function (extraordinary say we, for otherwise * Thomas Walsin▪ in H. 4 & alib. Priests had been openly put to death) was not executed, but * Polyd. Verg. Holinsh. who also follows Polydor. condemned to a dungeon, and perpetual shackles. Lambert (whom the glittering periwig of regal style * Polyd. Verg. did but lately so adorn) was condemned to * Jo. Da. of Herald MS. the King's kitchen, there to manage spits at the fire; who if his wit and spirit had answered his late Titles, would have chosen much rather to have been turned from the Ladder by an hangman. But * Polyd. Verg. Lambert's fortunes. having in this abject condition given sufficient proof that he was but a Puppet, or a property in the late tragical motion, * Io. Dam, MS. he was at length (promoted we cannot say) made one of the King's Falconers, in which estate it seems he lived and died inglorious. This battle was fought upon a * 16. jun. A. D. 1487. A. Rog. 2. Saturday, a day of the week which is * Bern. And. MS. observed to have been favourable and lucky to this Henry. His first care after the victory settled, was that which most became a religious Prince, the humble and joyous acknowledgement of thanks to God, in the very place. From thence he passeth to * Polyd▪ Verg. Lincoln, where he spent three days in public supplications, processions, and thanksgivings, and sent his Standard to our Lady's Church at Walsingham in Norfolk, there to remain as a Monument of his victory and gratitude. Such as were taken in the Battle or chase, are then executed. From Lincoln he progresseth into Yorkshire, where he took a severe course aswell by execution, as ransom, for purging those parts from such as were culpable, or probably dangerous. At Newcastle about * A. Reg. 3. Ambassadors into Scotland. the middle of August, he dispatcheth his experienced and trusty Agent Richard Fox Bishop of Excester, and Sir Richard Edgcombe Knight into Scotland, there to settle a peace with King james the third, to impeach the retreat and protection, which his enemies and rebels found therein. Himself having spent a great part of Summer in this progress, or rather itinerary justicing, returns by Leicester toward London. Those prudent Ambassadors in the mean time negociating with the Scottish King, wrought * Lesle. in I●cob. 3. him to be more inclinable to a perpetual peace; than it stood with his safety to let his Subjects understand, who favoured him not. Seven years truce is consented unto, with a secret promise of King james to renew that term, as it began to expire; with which assurance the Ambassadors Bishop Fox, first a great furtherer, and now a chief preserver of King Henry's Regality. returning, gladded their wise Sovereign's heart; who thereby found that the Bishop of Excester, was no less industrious in preserving his Regal state, than he had been prudent in furthering Him unto it. The firebrands and readiest fuel of Rebellion thus seemed to be quenched, and the King beholds himself in the Grace and favour of his people, nor less of foreign Princes; Margaret Duchess of Burgundy (his implacable * Bern. Andr. MS. The Duchess of Burgundy's immortal malice. juno) excepted; whom the news of her Nephews the Earl of Lincoln's death, and the bloody blowing up of all her late hopeful and costly contrivements, did gall and wound extremely; but added fresh appetites of revenge to her former immortal malice, which * Polydor. Virg. never gave over working, till she had vented another no less prodigy than Lambert was. But the King being honoured and sought unto, aswell by a Nuncio * Bern. Andr. from the Roman See, who obtained leave to publish a Croisado here against the Turks, as also from the French; after his many labours, aswell Martial as Civil, sustained on behalf of himself and the Commonweal, makes a triumphal * 3. November. Anno D. 1487. entry into London, which was adorned in the best manner. And in the same month upon * Add. to Fab. Elizabeth Crowned Queen of England. Saint Katherine's day, his wife Elizabeth was Crowned Queen of England, as if that then first he had held himself assured of Royal estate: for he saw not what dangerous listss would yet be given by that unquiet Lady's practices, to heave him out of authority. A difficult case, whether King Henry should aid the Britain's or no. (24) The next main action which sifted the judgement, and tried the sinews of King Henry, was a foreign case of more difficulty and Art, then of intestine danger, as in which the high and paramount respects of Common▪ weal were entangled, or encountered with offices most nearly concerning the honour of a Prince's mind, which never is more blemished then with the note of ingratitude. A dispute and combat between wisdom and blood, public and private, (if any quality, or action of a King may be said to be private) which seemed worthy of so excellent, clear, and considerate a discourse, as that of Henry's. You heard what notable favours and humanity's, when he lived a banished Earl in the Continent, he had received, first of the Duke of Britain, then of Charles K. of France; so that he stood equally (as it were) obliged to them both, & could acknowledge no less. Charles (more ambititiously then justly) desired exceedingly to annex Charles King of France practiseth to join Britain to his Empire. Britain to the Crown of France, taking occasion of the time, and other circumstances, which all seemed to conspire with his affections. The Duke old, and the father of one only daughter surviving till marriage; Maximilian King of Romans, and rival of King Charles in the same desires, (aswell for the Duchy, as the daughter,) feeble in means; and King Henry aswell obnoxious to the French for benefits, as busied in his particular at home: and the Duke of Britain, by succouring Lewis Duke of Orleans, and other French Lords, whom King Charles reputed his adversaries, ministered to the French an occasion (or colour at lest) of warring upon Britain, and so by the apt concurrence of circumstances, to annex it by conquest, if by treaty he could not. Henry of England, now known to be victoriously settled, seems worth the Courting. Ambassadors come from the French, who lay open Ambassadors out of France to King Henry. the wrong offered by the Britain's, in succouring the enemies of France, put Henry in mind of passed benefits; and pray his assistance, or at the lest a neutrality; but altogether concealing the mystery of this war, which was to annex Britain to the Crown of France. Howsoever, Henry, though he well enough knew, that a King must ever be the best part of his Council, (for what are others opinions, if himself want the happiness, or judgement, to choose the best?) propounds the points to his privy Council, whereupon he Christianly offers himself a Mediator between the French and Britain; an office, in which it was apparent he might best satisfy all obligations and duties both to God and them. The French pretend liking, but in the mean time follow their design hard. Henry sends his Chaplain, Master Christopher john Nordens Middlsex. lit. H. Urswick a man * whom he very often employed. The French mask on. Things come to some extremities. It becomes manifest that King Charles abused the King of England's credulity; for the City of Nants in Britain was brought by siege to point of yielding, while messengers, and packets, outwardly oiled with the name of peace, slide to and fro, and the French doubt nothing so much, as jest the English should stir, before their victory had made Britain irrecoverable. The Lord Wooduile (as without the Kings will, or privity) slips over into Britain with three or four hundred choice men to assist the Duke, The Lord Wooduile slain in Britain. and came time enough to be slain with almost all his Soldiers, at the battle of Saint Albin, where the French wan the day; notwithstanding that the Britain's, the rather to appall their enemies, had appareled * Paulus Ae●yl. in Carol. 8. seventeen hundred of their own Soldiers in white Coats with red Crosses, after the English manner, and made thereby a show of two Regiments of English. The Britain's had a great loss The Battle of S. Albine, wherein the French prevail. in that battle, wherein they were made fewer by six thousand. The Duke of Orleans and Prince of Orange, who then were British in faction, were taken Prisoners in the same fight. The French lost about twelve hundredth, and their General an Italian. So that the state of Britain seemed ripe for a fall. King Henry opens the cause in Parliament. (25) But King Henry, having long since suspected, and foreseen, what the uttermost mark of the French might be, and seeming to have enough suffered the interest, which they might expect in him as a man, to be abused by their practices to the prejudice of his other friend, the Duke of Britain, (who forgot not to solicit and urge that point,) had made the quality of this affair known to the body of State in open Parliament, for that purpose assembled; as meaning by authority thereof to purge himself from all imputation, if, as a King, he did that which the reason of Government required, which would not assent, that Britain should be made French, left by that accession their Neighbourhood might grow intolerable, Britain having so many Sea-townes and Outlets to mischief the English traffic. Himself was otherwise also sufficiently resolved, that the general good aught to predominate the particular, and that his private obligations aught not to entangle, or prejudice the public service. The Parliament therefore, considering that The Parliament grants aid of money to support the war of Britain●'s. which stood for the Commonweal, decrees aid of men and money, on behalf of the Duke of Britain; it being (besides all other respects) a perilous example, to suffer the great to devour the lesser Neighbour States, upon pretences of justice, or revenge. Forces are levied; but (for respect of King Charles, and in hope that the show of preparations would stoop him to equal conditions,) not yet so roundly, as the Britons necessities expected. Mean while that no formality or Princely Ceremony should be vnaccomplished, King Henry by his Ambassadors certifies King Charles of his Parliaments Polyd. Virg. decree; prays him to desist from farther Hostility; otherwise that he must assist the Duke, but yet (for the French Kings sake) with this reservation, of pursuing his subjects nowhere but in Britain. Charles made small account of these overtures, because he truly persuaded himself that the English aides would not arrive in season; which fell out accordingly; for before that time, the French had gotten that victory, (whereof even now we spoke) at the Battle of Saint Albin. Upon news whereof, the English Regiments were immediately sent over under Robert Lord ●ight thousand English sent tardy into Britain. Job. Stow Annal. Broken General, Sir john Cheiney, Sir john Midleton, Sir Ralph Hilton, Sir Richard Corbet, Sir Thomas Leighton, Sir Richard Lacon, and Sir Edmund Cornwall Knights, and Colonels. The whole Army contained eight thousand men. These march toward the enemy; who, acquainted with the temper of the English, whiles they are fresh, as * Polyd. Verg. l. 26. being then almost invincible, contain themselves within their Camp; but yet * Polyd. Verg. molest the English with continual skirmishes on horseback in several places at once; smally to the profit of the French, who * H●llinsh. joh. davis MS. were always put to the worse, the Archers received them with such perpetual storms. In the mean space, Francis Duke of Britain dies, leaving in effect, one only daughter, the Lady Anne, (for the other, * Polyd. Verg. being the younger) deceased not long after. This altered The Duke of B itaine dies, and ●●e English return. the whole state of the case. The British Nobility (under their young Mistress) immediately fall at variance among themselves, and the English thereby were on every hand in danger: so that God (as it appeared by the sequel) had destined Britain to be annexed to the Crown of France; for the English (after five months stay) were in wisdom compelled to return; the rather, for that Winter now was come upon them, and Britain, destitute of competent defence, (her Rulers disagreeing among themselves) was finally by the marriage of King Charles with the Lady Anne, made a parcel of the French Monarchy, as hereafter will appear. The beginning of new stirs in Yorkshire. (26) King Henry the while was again in danger to have had present use of Soldiers at home. We showed, what care was heretofore taken by him to weed the North, and free it from lurking enemies. That notwithstanding, when the Earl of Northumberland, (Lieutenant of the North) signified at an joh. Stow ex job. Skelton. assembly (according as the truth was) that the King (though the Northern people had besought it) would not remit one penny of such Subsidy, as was granted in Parliament for supportation of the wars in Britain * Polyd. Verg. l. 26 joh. Stow. Annal. jest the Act● of State should be reversed at the rude people's pleasure; but that on the contrary Commission and warrant was sent down for him to see the same levied by distress, The Earl of Nort●umberland●lame ●lame by the people in a tumult. or otherwise: the desperate multitude, falsely supposing that the Earl was the occasion of such an answer, did suddenly set upon him at the incitement of one john ● Chamber, and furiously murdered him, with certain of his servants in a place called Cocklegge by Thrusk, eighteen miles from York. They to carry their wicked attempt through, make head under Sir john Egremond, a discontented Knight of those parts, openly declaring where they came, that their meaning was to fight with the King in defence of their liberties, as if the causeless kill of a most noble Lord had been one of them. Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey sent from Court with some forces to repress their increase, skirmisheth with a rout of these Rebels, beats them away, and takes The King in person in Yorkshire. john a Chamber prisoner. The whole swarm flocks to York, where they roosted about three or four days, when hearing of the King's approach (who was ever one of the first in the neck of such occasions) joh. Stow Annal. they scattered themselves, but the ringleaders were hanged and quartered, and john a Chamber, with some others, were executed at York after an extraordinary Sir jo●. Egremond Captain of the Rebels escapes to the Duchess of Burgundy. manner. Sir john Egremond escaping, fled to the common Centre of all King Henry's dangers and enmities, Margaret Duchess of Burgundy, so that though the colour of rising was about money, yet Egremond at jest had reference, it seems, to the general perturbation of the Kingdom, upon the old ground of quarrel (hatred of the Lancastrian Family) and this to be but a spark or flash of that great and troubleous fire, which afterward broke forth and blazed so prodigiously. The Earl of Surrey is left by the King (having * Ber●. Andr. MS. severely punished the murderers) Lieutenant of the North, and Sir Robert Tonstall Knight, as chief Commissioner for levying the tax or subsidy. (27) The unworthy death of the Earl of Northumberland was seconded by a more unworthy, of james the third King of Scotland, so as King Henry lost at home a most honourable stay of his Northern affairs, and a sure Ally abroad. This unfortunate Prince, having * Le●●e. in jac●b. 3. by some irregularity of life, and partialities, and errors of government (amplified perhaps by the constructions and reports of his malignant Subjects) incurred extreme hatred with many of the Nobility and people, laboured with * Polydor. Virg. King Henry, as also with the Pope, and King of France, to make an accord between him and his Mutinadoes, for that they had compelled Prince james, his son, to be the titular and unnatural Head of King Henry in vain ●eekess to reconcile the Scots to their King. those arms, which traitorously (as pretending to have a right on behalf of the Commonweal to depose an evil King) they assumed against him. The Kings accordingly interposed their mediations by earnest Ambassadors, but could obtain no other than this outrageous answer: That there was no talking of peace unless he would resign his Crown. King Henry and King Charles vehemently protested against these their whole proceed, declaring by their Ambassador, that they thought the same to be as a Io. Jest. Bi●h. of Rosse. common injury done unto themselves; & the example to be very wicked and pernicious, and not sufferable by Princes, that Subjects should be permitted to put hands unto their Sovereign. Hereupon it came to a Battle at Banocksborn by Strivelin, whereat K. james (rashly fight before his whole numbers were come) was (notwithstanding the contrary commandment of the james the third King of Scotland slain in battle by his Subjects. Prince hi● son) slain in the Mill of that Field, whither he fled after the battle ended. By reason of this infortunate precipitation of the Scotish King, Hadrian de Castello an Italian Legate, whom Pope Innocentius the eight had sent to take up the cruel quarrel, came too late, (for he arrived not in England till the battle at Banocksborne was passed,) but not too late to receive honour at the hands of King Henry, who respecting his wisdom and excellent learning, (upon the special commendations first * Io. Stow. Annal. of john Morton Archbishop of Canterbury, but afterward upon his own experience of the man in sundry employments to the Roman Sea,) bestowed upon him K. Henry's bounty to a stranger for Learning's cause. the Bishopric of Hereford, and (after resignation thereof) the Bishopric of Bath and Welles; who was also at the length created Cardinal by Pope Alexander the sixth. * Polyd. Verg. l. 26 But who is he among many thousands (saith Polyd.) that useth not to admire these outward honours which may alike be given to the unworthy aswell as to the well-deserving, and may alike be taken away The first reviuer in this age of pure Latin and choice learning. from either? But the praise of this Hadrian is of another far more noble kind and eternal: for he was the man who first revived the glory of the ancient Latin eloquence, and of all other sorts of abstruse and exquisite learn, as in which himself excelled. Thus doth Polydore (himself an Italian,) celebrated the learning of his Countryman, of whose other qualities, yet others writ more harshly; as that out of mere ambition to be Pope (without any other grudge) he conspired, with Alphonso Petruccio, and other sacred Cardinals, Godwins Catal. of BB. in Bath, etc. pag. 309. Paul. jo●i●s. to murder Pope Leo the tenth: induced thereto by suggestion of a Witch, who foretold him that one Hadrian, an old man, of mean parentage, of great Learning and wisdom, should succeed in the Papacy. The man thought it must needs be himself, as being, though of very base Parentage, yet of some noble qualities: but another * Hadrian. 6. Hadrian, the son of a Dutch Brewer, and instructor of Charles the fifth the Emperor, proved to be the man; and this our Hadrian lost by deprivation all his promotions whatsoever, for his nefarious attempt. Into such extreme folly is learning and wisdom metamorphosed, where it is tainted with Ambition, or wants a Religious discretion to manage it aright. (28) And albeit the King himself could very gladly have spent his time in the studies of peace, as ●arr● with ●rance and the causes. those which were far more apt for the service of God, and for attaining of knowledge, then in martial tumults; yet the quality of his supereminent place envied unto him that felicity; for he was necessarily drawn into a war with France upon less occasions. Anne the young Duchess of Britain, (by their advise, who affected to preserve the liberty of that Dukedom, which by union with France, would be absorbed & extinguished,) had so far entangled and engaged herself with the Procurators of Maximilian King of Romans, that she was not only publicly contracted, but contented (for uttermost performance of those rites whereof marriage by proxy was honourably The young Duchess married by proxy. capable) to take upon her the Bride, and being solemnly bedded, to permit Maximilians' Deputy, in the presence of sundry Noble witnesses aswell men as women, to put in his leg, stripped naked to the knee, between the spousal sheets, that ceremony seeming to amount to a Consummation. Charles King of France, notwithstanding these solemnities, and his own particular engagement with the Lady Margaret daughter of Maximilian, (whom for the purpose of marriage he had already entertained into France,) did so ambitiously and vehemently covet to gain Britain, that upon confidence of his force, he resolved to break through all respects, and not only to offend all his foreign friends, but to make them his just enemies, rather than to fail in effectuation. Instruments are therefore very secretly set on work, and battery is placed with bags of gold at all the opportunities which might let in his purpose. Ambassadors also (the * Stows Annal. Lord Frances of Lutzenburg, Charles Marinian, and Robert Gagwine * Bern. And. MS. General of the Order of the holy Trinity, are dispatched to Henry, praying that with his good will he might dispose of the body of the Lady Anne in marriage according to the right which he had thereunto, as the chief Lord of whom she held the Dukedom▪ Henry denied the request, but yielded notwithstanding to sand Ambassadors into France there to Capitulate The French carried the practice of marriage with the inheretrix of Britain most artificially. about a peace. The French carried this affair with notable Art, for to divert the world for looking into the depth of their drift, King Charles still detained the young Lady Margaret, Maximilians' daughter; so as at most it could be but suspected, that Charles meant to match her with some of his blood, and all the intercourse of Orators and Ambassadors used in the mean time, tended but to hold the English busied upon other objects, till they had wrought their feat in the Court of Britain. For Maximilian, (to let the world see what injuries ●hall be offered even to Kings, that are not strong) him they altogether neglected; King Henry they played with, and Ferdinando King of Castille (who was ready to join with Maximilian and Henry * Polyd. Verg. against the French) they resolve to appease, with rendering up unto him the Counties of Ruscinoon, and Perpinian; as accordingly they * jo●. Til. Chron. did, without * Lu. Marin. lib. 20. de reb. Hispan. reembursement of one penny of those 300000. Crowns, for which john King of Arragon (father to Ferdinando) had mortgaged them. The young Lady's doubts, rising either out of religion, or point of honour, his cunning Agents, and Emissaries wipe away with these solutions. That Maximilians daughter was not of years to consent, and therefore the contract between King Charles and her, did not bind either in law, or conscience: That her own contract with Maximilian was voided, for that it was done without the consent of her Sovereign Lord, King Charles, whose ward or Client she was. The Lady vanquished in her judgement with these reasons, attracted with the present greatness of King Charles, and loathe by refusal to make her Country the seat of a long and miserable war, secretly yielded to accept of another husband. Thomas Goldstone Abbot of S. Augustine's in Canterbury, and Thomas Earl of Ormond in Ireland, King Henry's Ambassadors into France, having been dandled by the French during these illusive practices, returned without other fruit of their labours. (29) What could now the most patiented do less than take sword in hand upon so palpable and unworthy illusion? But Maximilians' wrongs were too impudent and intolerable; for Charles sent home the Lady Margaret, and married the Inheretrix of Britain, annexing it to his own Realm: whereas King Henry found himself rather mocked, Britain annexed to France. then otherwise impaired. james Contibald hereupon comes Ambassador from Maximilian, and obtained his request, which was, that they with joint forces should by a certain day prefixed, invade the French, in full revenge of these their bold provocations; Maximilian for his part, promising to support that war with at lest ten thousand men for two years. King Henry having formerly in abundant manner provided himself of treasure, was ready before the day with a royal army: but Maximilian (whose will to Maximilian unprovided to join with Henry. work the uttermost mischief to France was not doubted,) being sent unto by King Henry, signifying his forwardness, was found utterly unfurnished. Causes of Maximilians weakness in state, were the rebellions and dislikes of his Flemish Subjects cherished by the French, the jealousy of Prince's neighbourhood making them unjustly glad either of others molestations. For subduing whereof though King Henry had heretofore given him good and successful assistance under the conduct of Giles Lord Dawbe●ey Governor of Calais, the Lord Morley and others, whereby he the rather overcame; yet was he the feebler, as then, by reason of so fresh exhaustures. King Henry with good cause was not a little troubled at these news, secretly signified by his trusty Almoner Mr. Christopher Urswick, and Sir Richard Risley knight, his Ambassadors to Maximilian; For he was very loathe to undergoeso great an Action upon his particular strengths, though he doubted not to find a potent party among the Britain's, (whose affections were as yet but loosely settled toward King Charles,) and yet far more loathe to deceive the expectation of his own people, who had so largely contributed; Chief the City of London, out of which, even in those days he received for his furniture in that voyage almost * Addit: to Fab. Chron. The Londoners large contributions to the king. ten thousand pounds from the Commoners, and (as it seems by our Author) two hundredth pounds besides from every Alderman, where the same King could not, but with some difficulty, levy in the third year of his Reign a loan of four thousand pounds, whereof three of the best Companies are noted (as for having done and deserved extraordinarily) to have lent above nine hundred. And verily this wise King (knowing how great a strength that rich City was unto him) humoured that people with all sorts of popularities, for himself did not only come among them, King Henry's popularities in London. and cause himself to be entered a brother, in * The Merchant Tailors. one of their Companies, but ware the habit at a public feast, and sat as Master, as is very credibly reported out of the Records of their Hall. His wisdom therefore saw, that in giving over the invasion of France; he should sloathfully abandon a goodly occasion of making himself universally acceptable to his people. His resolutions therefore are by him at leastwise pretended to continued, and for that cause he sufficiently increaseth his numbers, that he might seem able to go through with that enterprise alone; and though the time of year were too far spent (for he landed not at Caleis, till the sixth day of A. D. 1492. An. reg. 8. October) yet marcheth he with his whole forces toward Boulogne, being well assured that with this trowel he should at once plaster two walls, that is, humour his English subjects, and for a peace draw to himself store of Crowns from the French. The chief Lords names who served in this voyage. (30) He had with him besides the flower of his Nobility, and Captains, answerable numbers of People fit for the service. The most named persons were these, jasper Duke of Bedford Lieutenant General of the Army, Thomas marquess Dorset, the Earls of Arundel, Oxford, Suffolk, Shrewsburie, Derby, Kent, Devonshire, and Ormond, sundry Barons, as Dawbeney, Abergenny, Delaware, South, Hastings, Cobham, Bel●igne besieged by K. Henry. etc. But it is needless to weary ourselves with long relations of a short voyage; for King Henry, before he set forth out of England, was secretly dealt with by the Lord cords Governor of Henault, according to instructions on the French Kings behalf, to accept of conditions, which till Boulogne was besieged (as now by him it was) was not known. The ignorance of this mystery made many forward Gentlemen to mortgage their lands, and run into much debt for their fuller and braver furniture, in hope to get great matters in this war, whereof to their grief they found themselves deceived. In the mean time the L. * Polydor calls him Desquerdo. cords having met at Caleis with Richard Fox Lord Bishop of Excester, and * Bern. Andr. MS. Giles Lord Dawbeney, the King's Commissioners; after just and long debatement, concluded upon Articles of peace between the two Kings. (31) Boulogne was brought to some distress, when by intervention of this agreement it remained safe and quiet: King Charles was chief moved to buy Reason's moving the Kings to a peace. his peace at a dear rate, both for that the state of Britain was as yet unsettled, and for that he meant forthwith to march into Italy for the * Phil. de Com. conquest of the Kingdom of Naples; and K. Henry on the other side was not unwilling, because Maximilian had failed, and Britain seemed clearly past possibility of eviction. To which may be added, a natural, noble, and religious inclination in King Henry, to live in amity with his neighbours; the inkling of new * Arnol. Ferron. Hist. ad A. D. 1492. Polyd. Vergil in Hen 7. dangers, then in brewing against him by the turbulent, and unappeasable Duchess of Burgundy, and * Stow. Annal. cherished by King Charles; and lastly, the enrichment of himself by reembursing the charges both of this, and the British war out of the French elsewhere, whereby he should far the better be able to withstand all foreign practices, or domestic outrages. As for the preserving of himself, and his honour with his Subjects, he wanted not both true and honourable glosses: Such as were the care to avoid unnecessary effusion of Christian blood: the uses of his presence at home, besides many other: but his wisdom in the carriage of this right weighty action was chief eminent The high points of wisdom practised by King Henry in achieving his ends. in this, That he would not enter into Treaty, till he was in the field; and that with such a puissance, as was likely enough to force his own conditions; nor suffer the lest sign of his secret willingness to peace, or inward doubt of troubles at home, to creep out at any cranny or chink of his discourse or carriage, whereby he as far outwent the French fairly, as they formerly seemed to have overwrought him subtly. Had they truly been informed in those points, it is probable they might have go a cheaper way to work: for, besides what other Articles soever, it was concluded, That Henry should * Bern. Andr. MS. not quit his claim to France; but that for a Peace, which by the contract was only to continued during the two King's lives, Charles Holinshed. of France should pay in present to Henry for his charges in that war, * One hundredth eighty six thousand, two hundredth and fifty pounds English. J. Da. of Herald MS seven hundred, forty and five thousand * Polyd. Verg. Ducats, and twenty five thousand Crowns yearly toward the expenses, which he had heretofore been at in aiding the Britons. Which (by the English called Tribute) was duly paid during all this King's reign, and also to Henry hisson, till the whole debt was run out, thereby to preserve amity with England. There were moreover (by Henry's consent, who was thus content to gratify his Peers at another's cost) not only present rewards, Foreign pensions of what use or hazard. but also certain annual pensions allotted to the chief Lords of his privy Council. A course of bounty which might otherwise have proved preiudicious to the service of the King of England, by engaging his Counsellors affections to the French: The siege of Boleine lasted till the eighth day of November, & Henry (whom his Queen's most * Ber. Andr. Henry returns. tender, frequent and loving lines, did the rather invite to speediest return,) having settled all his transmarine J. Sto Annal. affairs, * 17. Dece●b. arrived at Dover, from whence he journeyed to Westminster, there to celebrated the Feast of K. Henry returned. Christmas. This voyage into France, affording no greater exploits than we have heard, was celebrated by blind * Andr. Thol. MS Bernard with hyperbolical and well-born verses not ordinary, in which directing his speech in honour of Henry, to the Hours he concludes. Effugite ignivomos celeres coni●ngere Solis, Quadrupedes: Horae protinus ecce parant; Non opus est vobis; quia, siprivatus Apollo, Paverit Admetirursus & ipse boves, Principis hic nostri vultus jovialis, abundè Lumina, crede mihi, Phoeberecede, dabit. (32) The famous counterfeisance of Perkin Warbeck, with which the brain of the Lady Margaret Duchess Dowager of Burgundy had long traveled, doth now begin to disclose itself, and make new businesses for King Henry. The inglorious glory of the first invention in his reign of this kind of vexation, Lambert Simnels person had given to his Master the wily Simon, so that our Duchess was but an imitatrix, and yet perhaps she gave not place in any point to the first example, or Archtype, nevertheless the fortune of the first devise, being no more successful than it was, might reasonably have deterred her from the edition of a second: but whether it were an immortal envy toward the Lancastrian race, or a burning zeal of advancing one that might at leastwise bear the name of a Plantagenet, though by any sinister practices; as if it had been lawful to attain her ends (admit them just) by any injurious courses, she resolves to erect another Idol, as perceiving by the first, how notable an engine imposture was, to trouble Henry; being well assured, that England was full of corrupt humours, and ill-affections to work upon, not so much through the desert of her present King, as for that the dregs which naturally reside in the bottom of men's hearts, where most bloody and barbarous factions have for a long time weltered, and worried one the other with various event, were not cleansed and avoided. The Devil therefore ready to furnish all attempts which may raise trouble, and mischief, easily fitted The Duchess of Burgundy addresseth a Pseu●o Richard against Henry. her. There was come therefore to her hands a youth adorned with such a shape, as might easily persuade the beholders was worthy of a noble fortune: he had thereunto a natural fine wit, and (by reason of his abode in England in K. Edward's days) could speak our language, as also some other, which he had by a kind of wandering travel obtained. This youth was borne (they say) in the City of Torney, and called * Polyd. Verg. Peter Warbeck, the * Bern. Andr. MS. son of a converted jew, whose Godfather at Baptism King Edward himself was. The English in * Polyd. Verg. contempt (and for a note perhaps of his foreign birth) did afterward call him by a diminutive of his name, Peterkin or Perkin. Him the Duchess (as a fit piece of timber, out of which to carve a new Idol) moulds by degrees, & makes him take shape according to that Idea, which she had prefigured in her working imagination, before the which the late honours of her house conspicuous in three Princes (which altogether made not twenty and five years of reign) did so perpetually hover, as her soul could never take contentment, but in the hope that the house of York should again be the dwelling place of Majesty. Causes moaning the Duchess to bear K. Henry so mortal hatred. (33) Her offence against Henry wanted not many seeming reasons, but none so great, as that he had slain her own brother King Richard, who albeit he was there reputed murderer of her Nephews, yet were they a degree more removed from her, and so less dear in likelihood then a brother; and howsoever she might secretly detest, or believe the commitment of that parricide, yet could she never brook (seeing they were go) that the reward of her brother's death, and that even to him who slew him, should be the Crown of England, whereby not only her brother, but the whole male-line of her family was for ever to be excluded; much less could she (a Plantagenet) abide that Henry, who brought to the Crown the surname of a newly raised Family. These and other considerations in the breast of a Lady, bred up in a dominating Family, herself a Dowager, in such a fortune, as in which she was Paramount for the time, and absolute without controlment, being careless withal of saving for posterity, because she was without a child, and in that regard the more abundantly stored with treasure; all which made her spirits over-boile with impatience and virulency; so far forth, that having infused all her principles into Peter her creature under the Title of Richard Plantagenet, second son of King Edward the fourth; she most covertly sends him into Portugal, from thence to take his Icarean flight, as * Infra. 〈◊〉 prox. & fequent. elsewhere is related. Nevertheless, there will not (perhaps) want some, who in defence of the Duchess, had rather refer it to Magnanimity, and Nobleness of Spirit, in seeking the honour of her house; which, if it might pass for such among the heathen, yet can it not among Christians; much the less, for that her duty to England, & the royal flourishing estate of her own Niece, the right heir, exacted at her hands a greater tenderness. (34) That Peter Warbeck should be inflamed by her favours, and encouragements, to dare in earnest the personation of a King's son, seems not a thing to be admired; for there is in human nature (which ties not herself to Pedigrees, nor Parentages) a kind of light matter, which will easily kindle, being touched with the blazing hopes of ambitious propositions. He therefore upon the first disclose Perkin Warbeck fits the Dutchchesses' turn, by exact representation of a Richard Plantagenet of * himself, did put on so excellent a seeming as might justly move King Henry to be jealous, whereunto the pernicious practice might come at last; for there wanted nothing in the whole form of the young upstart, but only the conscience of * Videinfra § prox. a truth, and truth itself: which makes me call to mind * Panc●r●llus. what one hath written of a goodly white Saphyr in Venice, made by art so nearly to resemble a true Diamond, that with much difficulty, and but by one only lapidary, it was discovered; which if it had been graced with some great Princes, wearing, what could want to have made it passable for a very Diamond of greatest value? Perkin came such from out of the Burgundian forge; and (if his parentage be respected) assumed the image and resemblance of a king, being otherwise not so much as a mean Gentleman. Neither can it be marveled at, if such a Phantasm as this, did abuse, and trouble the common people of that time; for even to such as do writ thereof, it begets a kind of doubt (which without some little collection of their spirits doth not easily vanish,) it seeming almost incredible, that such a bloody play should merely be disguised and feigned; the discovery therefore was worthy such a wit as King Henry's, and the push it gave to his sovereignty did thoroughly try his sitting, being of force enough to have cast an ordinary rider out of saddle. (35) Therefore, it was the duchesses misfortune, that her inventions (if they were hers) had to encounter so politic and constant a man as King Henry; whose prudence searched into the abstrusest secrets, and whose diligence overcame all difficulties. Yet the Lady Margaret's course to vent her Creature at the first was exquisite; for she (as in a Magic practice) having kept him secret till she saw her time, causeth him to be closely conveyed into * Holinsh. Io. Da. MS. Portugal; from whence (attended with fit associates and Privadoes) he sails into Ireland (the Foster-place and nursery of immortal good will to the house of York) where (notwithstanding their late calamities,) he so strongly enchanted that rude people with the charms of false hopes, and mists of seem, as he was sure of partakers in great plenty. Charles the eight, King of France, hearing (and perhaps believing) that the Duke of York was alive, A summary relation of Perkins first fortune after he was published. and glad to have so probable an occasion of doing mischief to Henry of England, in regard of these flagrant enmities which as then remained unquenched between them, invites Duke Richard most officiously to Paris, and besides all other honours, assigned him (at his coming) a guard for his person, whereof the Lord Congreshall was Captain. Afterwards there repaired to this new Duke, Sir George Nevil Knight, (a * Stow Annal. bastard of the noble house of the Nevil's,) Sir john Taylor, Rowland Robinson, and about an hundredth English, to whom (as a principal) we may add * Ber. Andr. M. S. Stephen Frion, French Secretary to King Henry himself; all which, together with the whole Strategeme, was smoked out of France with the first grain of incense sacrificed upon the Altars of Peace at Boloign, after the same was once made and ratified (as you have heard) between the French and us. The Duchess then seeing her artificial creature thus turned again upon her hands, pretends an extreme ignorance that ever she had seen him before that present, and an excessive joy for his miraculous escape, and preservation, which seemed such to her (as she pretended) as if he had been revived from death to life, and that the fable might want no quickening, which her personal countenancing, or her Court Perkin in Flanders with the Duchess. could afford, she openly salutes him by the delicate Title of the * Stow Annal. White Rose of England, and questions him of the manner of his escape, with such like to beget a firm belief in the hearers, that she never had seen him before that time, and that he was indeed her Nephew Richard Duke of York. The Nobility of Flanders accordingly, do unto him all honour, and she environs his person with a guard of thirty men in murrey and blue. Neither was he in any point wanting to his part; but fitted such likely answers to all questions, and such princely behaviours to all occasions, as made fame bold to publish him with the fullest blast of her Trumpet, for no other than a true Richard Plantagenet; and as it is so observed of some, that by long using to report an untruth, at last forgetting themselves to be the Authors thereof, believe it in earnest; so these honours making our Peter to bury in utter oblivion his births obscurity, he seemed to be persuaded; that he was indeed the self party, whom he did so exactly personate. Novelty, and impudence were scarce ever known to have found more applause, or belief, even among many very wise, and (otherwise) worthy men; who moved in conscience, and not only upon discontent, inclined to partake with this new Plantagenet, as the only right heir of the English Diadem, as if, whether he had been the true one, it was past dispute. This intoxication, & abusion of the world, was wonderfully increased by the secret revolt of Sir Robert Clifford Knight, whom (as one that had seen, and known the true Richard) the cunning conspirators in England had sent over, to inform himself, and them, whether he was indeed as he seemed. Sir Robert (whose presence and errand were to the Duchess most welcome,) Sir Rob. Clifford signifies to his friends in England that Perkin was the true▪ Duke. being brought to his sight, did forthwith give credit, and constantly signify, that this was indeed Richard Plantagenet, the true Duke of York, and that he well knew him for such. Money and encouragements, were hereupon sent out of England, from such as favoured him; among whom was * Bern. Andr. MS. Sir William Stanley Lord Chamberlain to King Henry (by whose punctual revolt from K. Richard, he had principally achieved the Crown of England) * stow. Annal. john Ratcliff, L. Fitzwalter, * Polyd. Verg. Sir Simon Montfort, Sir Thomas Thwates Knights, and others; but the main countenance of the cause in foreign parts was Sir Robert Clifford (a knight of an honourable fame and family) which moved the secret friends of the new Duke to set the rumour so cunningly on foot among the English, that * john Da. of Herald M. S. sooner might a cloud, which causeth thunder, be caught or known, than the Author thereof; and multitudes being weakened therewith, store of humour, dangerously prepared to mutation, did every where discover itself. King Henry's countermines and courses against this Pseudo Richard. (36) For prevention therefore of all those effects, which might issue out of these causes, (being in their proper nature most generative of sedition, and of all sorts of civil furies) King Henry diligently causeth the coasts of England to be well and strongly watched, aswell to impeach the landing of enemies, as the escape of fugitives: but above all, he writes letters to his best friends in foreign parts, & also emploies nimble wits with several instructions; some to assail the constancy of Sir Robert Clifford, (the main stay and credit of Perkins cause) with promise of immunity and favour if he would return into England in quiet; others, to found out the truth of Perkins quality, being furnished with treasure to draw and requited intelligences; and all of them (as occasion should serve) to pretend themselves vehement favourers of the new Duke. These necessary hypocrites and double faced Ambidexters, called Spies, (whose services, howsoever conducible to such as sets then on work, yet their perfidious quality commonly partakes with that of judas Iscariot, and often meets with like reward,) do ply their charge so roundly that * S. Robert Clifford won away from the Duchess. Sir Robert Clifford is secretly drawn off, the new Duke is discovered aswell by them, as by * Proclam. of Perkin, as a King Rich. MS. pe●es Sir Rob. Cotton. sundry letters from friends abroad, to be but Perkin Warbeck, and many other mysteries are revealed. This gave to the wise King great satisfaction, who * Polyd. Virg: in Hen. 7. to weaken the enemies practise the more, not only diuulgeth the fraud, but sends over sea Sir William Poinings Knight, and Sir William Warham his Ambassadors to the Archduke Philip, Duke of Burgundy (then governed by others by reason of his tender age) who promised not to assist the said Perkin, but if the Duchess Dowager would do any such thing to the prejudice of King Henry, it was not in him to hinder her, for that she might dispose of her own. A main argument used by these Ambassadors before the Archdukes Counsel to convince, that Richard the very Duke of York was murdered as well as King Edward his brother German, as Polydore (who seems to have had good means to understand these times) rehearseth it, was, That their uncle The main argument proving that King Edward's sons were both o● them murdered. Richard should in vain have made away the elder brother, if the younger had been suffered to survive, for that the right of the elder, was immediately upon his death in the younger, and that consequently during his life, King Richard could have no more assurance, then if the elder were still alive: which Argument notwithstanding doth at most prove nothing but this: That their uncle the Usurper might intent, that both his Nephews should be murdered, and that he knew nothing perhaps to the contrary. Whereas facts are to be proved by confessions of parties, by witnesses, or vehement presumptions, (though vehement presumptions are said to constitute but an half proof) all which are * Sir Tho. Moore. otherwhere so supplied, as leaus small cause to doubt of both their deaths. But Warham (a learned Priest and Doctor in the laws) the mouth of that embassage sent to the Archduke, in the end of his oration used this bitter scoff, and sarcasm against the Lady Margaret: That she in her old age brought The Duchess of Burgundy's two monstrous births. forth two Monsters within the space of a few years, and both of them not in the eight, or ninth month after their conception, as natural mothers, but in the one * Lambert and Perkin were about fifteen years old (saith Polydore) at the time of their appearance. hundred and eightieth month; and whereas other women brought forth Infants utterly unable to help themselves, these births of hers were tall striplings, and as soon as they were borne, offered battle unto mighty Kings. And albeit the archdukes answer seemed reasonable, yet was not King Henry so satisfied, but that within a while after, for * Bern. Andr. MS. that the Archduke had secretly furnished Perkin with leaders, he took occasion to banish all Flemings, and Flemish wares out of his Dominions, and inhibited his Subjects to trade in any Countries within the obedience of Maximilian King of Romans, or of the Archduke Philip his son, who by way of talio and requital did the like against the English. (37) Let us come now from the addresses of things, to their doing. The high prudence and industry of Henry having thus discovered the foundations of Perkins hopes in England, and the humours which were most unsound, made it his first work to raze those groundworks, and purge the veins of his Realm from that corruption by needful Phlebotomy. The * Stow Annal. Polydore calls him but a knight. Lord Fitzwalter, a principal conspirator, being condemned, and sent to Caleis, lived there in hope of pardon; but for practising with his Keepers to escape, he finally paid his head for satisfaction. Sir Simon Montfort, Robert Ratcliff, and William Dawbeney (Gentlemen of noble houses) as Captains and Authors of the conspiracy were beheaded, but all the rest aswell Clerks as Laymen had their pardons. Not long K. Henry expects Sir Rob. Clifford in the Tower of London. after these executions and pardons, the King upon sure intelligence, that Sir Robert Clifford (in whose bosom the secret of all Perkins plot lay) was arrived, entered the Tower of London, and there continued; that so, if Clifford should accuse any of the great, (and whom he then would accuse, it is probable King Henry knew) they might without suspicion, or tumult be attached; the Court, and public prison for crimes of highest nature, being then within the cincture of one, and the same wall. Sir Robert Clifford at his coming into the King's presence, (though he was secretly before assured of his life) most humbly praying and obtaining pardon, appeached Sir William Stanley Lord Chamberlain accused. (among many others) Sir William Stanley Lord Chamberlain. The King would not at first give credit (or at leastwise pretended, not to give credit) to the accusation of a Peer so great, and so near unto him: but upon farther search, finding the same confirmed with circumstances, and particularly, for that he said to Clifford, * Polydor. Virg. He would never bear Arms against the young man, if he knew him for certain to be the son of King Edward, he resolveth to use severity against the delinquent. (38) But Bernard Andreas directly saith, That (besides bore words and purposes) Sir William had supported Perkins cause with treasure, wherein he is recorded so to have abounded, as that in his Castle of * joh. Stow Annal. Holt he had in coin and plate to the value of forty thousand Marks; besides lands of inheritance in sundry places about, to the yearly value of three thousand pounds (a pretty stock in treasure at those times, to uphold the first brunt of a war, and a large extent of land to furnish the wing of a powerful battle with able soldiers out of Tenancies) with all which the same Author in plain words * Illum tutari & in regnum adducere prom●serat. saith, That he promised to defend the said Pretender, and bring him into the Kingdom. And if we have any insight into King Henry's disposition, it seems to us, that before he entered into the Tower, he not only knew the Lord Chamberlain unsound, but also that for his quiet apprehension he chief repaired thither. Stanley being hereupon attached and referred to farther examination, is said * Polyd. Verg. To have denied nothing of all that wherewith he was charged, which he perhaps the more confidently did, in hope that king Henry would pardon him in respect of passed services, they (in their effects considered) being the greatest whereof mortality is capable, preservation of life, and gaining of a Kingdom. But the poor gentleman found himself far deceived in his politic Lord and Master, who (to teach mankind thereby, how dangerous it is to make a King) was not unwilling to cut him off, as persuading himself, that those services proceeded of ambition, not of affection, or if of affection, the cause now ceasing, the contrary effects might prove as pernicious, as the other had been advantageous and available. The King was unwilling to displease his Father in Law, Thomas Earl of Derby (brother german to Sir William Stanley) and did therefore for a while suspend his judgement; but rigour finally prevailed, and he was at Westminster openly arraigned, convicted, and afterward Stanley Lord Chamberlain beheaded. at the block on Tower-hil beheaded. In whose office Giles Lord Dawbeney a most faithful and moderate man succeeded. This sharp justice exercised upon so eminent a person, was of great use in the stay of people's minds through the Realm of England. But in Ireland they were not so settled, or reduced, but that for the better and fuller purging thereof, Henry Deny (a Monk of Langton Abbey) was sent Lord Chancellor thither, with orders and directions, and Sir Edward Poinings Knight, with soldiers; whose greatest diligence and cares were not wanting, to punish such as heretofore had aided Perkin, or might hereafter. The Earl of Kildare Lord Deputy, falling into suspicion with Poynings, was by him apprehended, and sent prisoner into England; where the King did not only graciously hear and admit his defences, but also returned him with honour, and continuation of authority. In the mean time (the error, or weakness of the Burgundian Duchess and her Perkin, suffering their enemy in this sort, to purvey for his own security, and their depulsion) he yet for farther assurance of himself makes a progress into Lancashire, there to recreate with his Father in law the Earl, and the Countess his mother, where among all other his secret purposes, he thoroughly satisfied the Earl, both for the justice and necessity of Sir William Stanleyes' death. (39) These certainly, were perilous times to live in, and undoubtedly full of infinite jealousies, and hypocrisies, nor unlike to those lately passed, * Sir Tho. Moor in Rich. 3. wherein there was nothing so plain, and openly proved, but that yet for the common custom of close and covert dealing, men had it ever inwardly suspect, as many well-counterfeited jewels make the true suspected: these general distrusts being among the strange gradations, by which the incomprehensible providence doth use to chastise insolent Nations and to make regular Perkin upon the Kentish Seas. Princes, mere and absolute. But the Duchess and her Perkin knowing all things as they passed in England, resolve notwithstanding to proceed; and therefore taking advantage of the King's absence in the North, he with a force of broken and discontented persons, sets sail for England, and approacheth the coasts of Kent about Sandwich and deal, there to begin his enterprise for obtaining the Crown of Polyd. Verg. Stows Annal. England, under the borrowed name and title of Richard Duke of York, if he found the Commons forward. But they, though doubtful at first what to do, yet at the last considering that his Soldiers were for the most part of desperate fortunes, and felonious quality, (though hardy otherwise, and approved men of war,) remembering withal the mischiefs of part-taking, would not adhere, but training them within danger upon promise of succour, assail, and drive them to their ships, take five of the Captains, Mountford, Corbet, Whitebolt, Quintin, and Genin, and * Bernard. Andr. saith about 400. one hundredth, sixty and four others, which were all of them afterward executed. Perkin himself who would not trust his person on shore, being worthily troubled at the inauspicious fortune of his followers, presently hoist sails, and returned to his Lady Patroness and Creatrix, into Flanders. (40) These news being brought to the King, where he was then in the North, he is * Bern. Andr. MRS.. said to have given God thanks, and declared his joy in these The King's prayer and speech to God. words. I am not ignor an't (most merciful jesus) how great victories thou hast given me, upon the Saturday at the prayers of thy most gracious Mother, all which I ascribe not to my deserts, but to the bounty of thy celestial grace. Thou seest, o most benign jesus, how many snares, how many deceits, how many weapons, that terrible juno hath prepared, notwithstanding that after my marriage she feigning herself joyful, hath faithfully promised to bear toward us all favour and good will, but she, more changeable than the wind perverting all things aswell divine as human, fears not God, but in her fury seeks the utter ruin of her own blood. Thou, o God, who knowest all, deliver us also (if we seem worthy) from these evils, but if our sins have deserved to suffer, do thou, o Lord, thy good pleasure. Nevertheless we own to thy Grace immortal thanks, which though with our tongue we cannot utter worthily enough, yet must they be rendered. We are always of good courage, and so minded for certain, that no prosperity, no adversity, no chance, no distance of places, or times, shall once make us of thee unmindful. The most modest King having ended his speech, doth forthwith (saith our Author) seriously deliberate with his Council what was to be done hereafter. It may probably seem, that he had withdrawn into the North, to invite Perkin (by occasion of his absence) the rather to take Land, that so he might draw all his dangers into one place, and decide them in a Battle, if his Subjects should revolt to Perkin in any numbers, or if they did not, then might he fall into his hands, by landing unwarily upon trust of the people's favour, and so by a more compendious, and easy way settle his Estate; of which he failed but little, by the said counterpolicy of the Kentishmen. In regard whereof, in the first Act of Council, praise and thanks were decreed to them, Jo. Stow Annal. with which Sir Richard gilford Knight was presently sent away, and order taken for the erection and watching of Beacons upon the Coasts. (41) The Duchess on the other side, seeing the South of England prove so dry, and barren to her Perkin sails into Ireland. drifts, conveighes again her Idol into Ireland, where she well knew there could not want partakers; and Perkin himself daring to entertain the hope of a Crown, (for by so long personation of a King's son, and heir, ambition had throughly kindled his youthful blood) was now no little cause of bringing things to an issue by his own forwardness. * Bern. And. MS. Maximilian King of Romans, whither as one willing to keep the English busied ( * Stows Annal. His great foreign friends. Henry having forbidden his Subjects all traffic with the Flemings, and all other of his son the Archdukes Subjects,) or as crediting the fiction, and therefore led thereunto in honour and conscience; * Io. Les●▪ Epis. Ross. Charles also King of France, but specially the Duchess of Burgundy, (by whom this bubble was first blown up, and put abroad) did concur to the molestation of King Henry; Maximilian, and the French King, more secretly, but the Duchess with all her Oars and Sails plied it in open view. Born up by these supporters he the rather easily drew the Irish to assent to his pretext; but his counsel weighing with themselves that the Irishmens' friendship, how firm so ever, was insufficient in respect of their nakedness and poverty to work their wishes, he according to such advises as were taken before his departure from his Creatrix, crosseth into Scotland, Perkin sails into Scotland. forfeare of punishment, saith * Bern. Andr. Andrea's; if perhaps by the King's true Subjects within Ireland he should chance to be apprehended; but the event shows, that it was not only for his more security, but principally to strengthen his enterprise with the Scotish aid, whereof in those days he had small reason to be doubtful; and his case was such, that no third course was left unto him, but either to fight and conquer, or live branded with immortal infamy both of Cowardice and imposture. Henry hearing these things was not slack to provide for his just defence, greatly careful upon what coast this wandering cloud would at length dissolve itself, in what effects soever; and therefore observed all his ways with as much curiosity as was possible. (42) james the fo●rth, a young Prince of great hope was at that time King of Scots, to whom this bold counterfeit (being specially recommended, for the true Richard Duke of York, by the * Bern. Andr. King of France, and undoubtedly much more by the Duchess of Burgundy,) repairs; and had most courteous entertainment, and audience, the effect whereof Andreas Perkins success in Scotland. thus coucheth: That the King was finally deceived by error, as most of other, though most prudent Princes, had been before. But the rare impudence of the Lad, & that connexion which his dare had with so many great Princes, deserve not to be so slenderly I Lesl●. Epis. Ross. overpassed. He therefore being in honourable * manner ac companied, and brought to the presence The effect of Perkins speech to james the fourth King of Scotland. of King I ames, had words to this effect. That Edward the fourth late King of England, leaving two sons Edward and Richard Duke of York, both very young, Edward the eldest succeeded their Father in the Crown by the name of King Edward the fifth: that their uncle Richard Duke of Gloucester to obtain the Kingdom, purposed to murder both, but the instrument employed by him to execute the execrable Tragedy, having cruelly slain King Edward the eldest of the two, was moved to save Richard his brother, whom nevertheless the world supposed to have been alike barbarously made away; though falsely supposed; for that himself there present, was that very Richard Duke of York, brother of that unfortunate Prince, King Edward the fifth, now the most rightful, and lineal surviving heir Male to that victorious and most noble Edward of that name the fourth, late King MS. Perkini proclam. penes D. R. C. Baronet. of England. * That he in his tender age thus escaping by God's mercy out of the County of London, was secretly conveyed over the Sea, * Polyd, Verg. l. 26. whither when he was brought, the party who had the conveyance of him in charge, suddenly forsook him, and thereby forced him to wander into * MS. Perkini Proclamati. diverse Countries, where he remained certain years as unknown, * Polydore lib. 26. till at length he came to the true understanding of himself. * MS. Per. Procl. In which seasonit happened one Henry, son to Edmund Tydder Earl of Richmund, to come from France, and enter into the Realm, and by subtle and fowl means, to obtain the Crown of the same, which to him the said Richard rightfully appertained. That Henry as his extreme and mortal enemy, so soon as he had knowledge of his being alive, imagined, and wrought all the subtle ways, and means he could, to devise his final destruction. That the said mortal enemy hath not only falsely surmised him to be a feigned person, giving him nicknames, so abusing the world, but that also, to defer, and put him from entry into England, he hath offered large sums of money to corrupt the Princes, with whom he had been retained, and made importune labour to certain servants about his (the said Richards) person, to murder or poison him, and others, to forsake and leave his righteous quarrel, and to departed from his service, as Sir Robert Clifford, and others. That every man of reason may well understand, that the said Henry needed not to have moved the foresaid Costs, and importune labour, if he had been such a feigned person. That the truth of his cause so manifest * Epis. Ross. moved the most Christian King Charles, and the Lady, Duchess Dowager of Burgundy, his most dear Aunt not only to acknowledge the said truth, but lovingly also to assist him. That now because the Kings of Scotland (Predecessors of the said King james) had oftentimes supported them, who were reft and spoiled of the said Kingdom of England, (as infreshest memory King Henry the sixth,) and for that he (the said King james) had given clear signs, that he was in no noble quality, unlike to his royal Ancestors, he so distressed a Prince was therefore moved to come, and put himself into his hands, desiring his assistance to recover the Realm of England, promising faithfully, to bear himself towards the said Scottish King, no otherwise then as if he had been his own natural brother, and would (upon recovery of his inheritance) gratefully do to him all the pleasure which lay in his utmost power. (43) Perkins speech ended, and his amiable person being fitted with so many countenancing circumstances of state, and seem, (by the recommendations of great Princes, aid from the Irish, assured hope of aid in England, and his own wel-appointed company,) made so strong an impression in the young King's conceit, that, albeit there wanted not some, who with * Polyd. Verg. l. 26. many arguments advised the King to repute all but for a mere dream and illusion, his person was honourably received, as it become the person Perkin credited and aided marries into the blood royal of Scotland. of Richard Duke of York, and his quarrel entertained; which the more to grace in the worlds eye, he gave his consent, that the said Duke of York should take to wife the Lady Katherine Gordon, daughter to the Earl of Huntley, being near cozen to the King himself, a young maid of excellent beauty and virtue. By which marriage, as the gentle King abundantly declared that he took him for the very Duke of York, so Perkin, * Bern. Andr. (distrustful of the Scots, * Epis. Ross●●. and desirous to gain the love and favour of the Nobles of the Realm) cunningly served his own ends for the present, passing current for a Prince of high blood, and royal hope. Upon this ground a war The Scots invade Northumberland in Perkins quarrel and returns. was presently undertaken against Henry, and entered into; the King of Scots in person, and Perkin, followed with great numbers, specially of Borderers, fell upon sundry parts of Northumberland, which they most grievously afflicted, burnt and spoiled▪ publishing nevertheless by Proclamation made in the name of Richard Duke of York much favour and immunity to all such as would adhere to his just quarrel, and a * Procl. per. MS thousand pounds in money, and one hundredth marks by year, of land of inheritance to the meanest person, that could either take or distress his great enemy, who (he said) was flying the land. But King Henry by his diligence, and wisdom had so settled the minds of his people in those parts, that there is no mention made of any one person which offered his service. This unexpected aversion so blanked and dampt the Scottish enterprise on Perkins behalf, that the King offended therewith; retired with his army (laden with booty) into his Realm, and from thenceforth esteemed of his new cozen the less. But King Henry not minding to forgive so unjust King Henry prepares for revenge. and causeless outrages, calls a Parliament, opens his griefs, and prays aid for an invasive war against Scotland, which was generally assented unto, there being scarce any more grateful propositions to the English in those swording times, then war with French or Scots: an humour, upon which this King did practise to enrich himself. For the public monies by these occasions came into his Exchequer, with a small part whereof he flourished out a show of hostile provisions, and the Remainder thereupon (if peace ensued, which he always knew how to bring about with honour) was clearly his own without account. The sum assented to be gathered was * Add. to Fab. sixscore thousand pounds, and for collection thereof were granted two dimes, and an half, and two fifteens. But the levy of this money so granted in this Parliament, kindled a dangerous blaze in England; in so much, that the Lord Dawbeney being sent General of the Forces against the Scots, and upon his way thither, was recalled by occasion of intestine troubles. The Cornish rebellion. (44) Which troubles had their Original from the levy of such payments among the Cornish, as were assessed for the Scottish wars. When therefore the Collectors came among them, the People (being a stout, big, and hardy race of men,) tumultuously assembled; whom one Thomas * Polyd. Verg. Io. Stows Annal. Holinshed. Flammock a lawyer, and Michael joseph, a blacke-smith or horse-farrier of Bodnim, like firebrands of rebellion inflamed, and were followed as Captains, not without secret and silent relation (as it may be suspected) to Perkins pretences, and that hope of redress (if he were King,) which, by his Proclamations he had colourably given to the people, at the time of the Scottish Invasion; where, among many other things, (tending to humour such as were malevolent, by making the person and government of King Henry odious,) this we found. Perkins Proclamation. (45) Our great enemy (saith the Proclamation) to fortify his false quarrel, hath caused divers Nobles of this our Realm, whom he held suspect, and stood in dread of, to be cruelly murdered: as our cozen Sir William Stanley Lord Chamberlain, Sir Simond Montford, Sir Robert Ratliffe, William Dawbeney, Humphrey Stafford, and many other, besides such as have decrelie bought their lives, some of which Nobles are now in the The Earl of Warwick's imprisonment objected. Sanctuary. Also he hath long kept, and yet keepeth in prison our right entirely well-beloved cozen, Edward, son and heir to our Uncle Duke of Clarence, and other, withholding from them their rightful inheritance, to the intent they should never be of might & power, to aid and assist us at our need after the duty of their leageances. He hath also married by compulsion certain of our Sisters, and also the Sister of our foresaid cozen the Earl of Warwick, and divers other Ladies of the blood royal, unto certain his kinsmen and friends of simple end low degree; and putting apart all well-disposed Nobles, he hath none in favour, and trust about his person, but Bishop Fox, Smith, Bray, Lovel, Oliver King, Sir Charles Somerset, Davie Owen, Rysley, Sir john Trobutuile, Tyler, Chamley, james Hobert, john Cut, Garth, Henry Wyot, and such other Caitiffs, and villains of birth: which by subtle inventions, and pilling of the people, have been the principal finders, occasioners, and counsellors of the misrule, and mischief now reigning in England, etc. We remembering these premises, with the great, and execrable offences daily committed and done by our foresaid great enemy, and his Adherents, in breaking the liberties, and franchises of our mother, the holy Church; to the high displeasure of Almighty God: besides the manifold treasons, abominable murders, manslaughters, Popular insinuations by Perkin. robberies, extortions, the daily pilling of the people by dimes, tasks, tallages, benevolences, and other unlawful impositions, and grievous exactions, with many other heinous effects, to the likely destruction and desolation of the whole Realm, etc. shall by God's grace▪ and the help, and assistance of the great Lords of our blood, with the Counsel of other sad persons, etc. see that the commodities of our Realm be employed to the most advantage of the same, the intercourse of Merchandise betwixt Realm and Realm, to be ministered and handled, as shall more be to the Common weal, and prosperity of our subjects: and all such dimes, tasks, tallages, benevolences, unlawful impositions, and grievous exactions as be above rehearsed, to be foredone, and laid apart, and never from henceforth to be called upon, but in such causes as our Noble Progenitors, Kings of England have of old time been accustomed to have the aid, succour, and help of their subjects, and true liegemen. (46) The tide of people being thus up: Flammock and the black Smyth (having firm promise of the Lord Audley's personal help) lead them forth toward Kent, where they doubted not greatly to increase their numbers; and had in likelihood so done, but that the singular diligence and wisdom of the King, frustrated their hopes by sundry Princely Arts. Yet they flow on; and to show what they durst do, they slew in their way at Tauntford the Provost of Perin, one of the Commissioners for the Subsidy; and marching forward without offering other violence, james Tuichet Lord Audley joins himself at the City of Wells unto them, according to secret agreement, and becomes their General. From Wells they proceed to Salisbury, thence to Winchester, and so toward Kent, where the Country was settled and provided. But the King farther doubting that the Scots would take fresh occasion, by these seditious uproars, to invade the borders of his Realm, dispatched Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey ( * Polyd Verg ●r●acipem 〈◊〉 virtute praditum. a Peer of excellent virtue) to defend those parts, with the help of the Bishopric of Durham, and the Marches, till these homecommotions were appeased; that then the Lord Dawbeney might with a just and full Army prosecute the war against the Scots. But james their King, perceiving the end of the English intestine wars, would be the beginning of his troubles, thought it best by way of anticipation to weaken his enemy before hand as much as he could, and thereupon fiercely invaded Northumberland again, and * 〈…〉 Rose. ●olyd. Verg. besieged Norham castle belonging to Richard The Scots invade and ●e●ire. Fox, whom the King for his noble services and deserts, had now advanced from Exeter, and Bath and Wells, unto the Bishopric of Durham. But the Scotish King, hopeless to win the Castle, though having done much hurt both to it and to the countr●, withdrew his people before the Earl of Surrey could approach with his Army, wherein was the Earl of Westmoreland, the Lords Dacres, Strange, Nevil, Latimer, Lumley, Scrope, Clifford, Conyers, Darcy, the Baron of Hilton, and many Knights, as Percy, Bulmer, Gascoigne, Penington, Bigot, Bowes, Elarker; Parr, Wharton, Strangwith, Constable, Ratcliffe, Savile, Gower, Musgrave, Mallerie, Loder, Eueringham, Stapleton, Wortley, Pickering, Heron, Gray, Ridley, Griffith, Fenwicke, Ward, Strycland, Bellingham, Curwen, Warcop, Tempest, Metcalfe, and others; who missing the enemy, marched after into Scotland, and took such revenge as the shortness of their sudden provisions would enable. (47) The Rebels on the other side, (whom king Henry thought not good to encounter in their first heats; but suffered them to tyre their fury, and surbate themselves with a long march, the countries as they passed being forelaid from joining with them) coming near to Kent, found few, or no partakers there; but the Country strongly defended against them by the Earl thereof, the Lords Aburgenny and Cobham, with other principal men and their followers; which made divers of the Rebels secretly shrink and abandon the enterprise. But the Lord Audley, Flammocke, Michael joseph, and the rest, kept on their way, and encamped upon Blackeheath, between Greenwich and Eltham, from the top whereof they might behold the City of London, & the whole bravery of that Horizon. Here they resolve to abide the King, or to assail London. The King on the other side, by the diligence of the Lord Maior, and other the Magistrates, secured the City, which was full of fear and business; himself environed with his Nobles, & the choice of the South, hearing where the Rebel was encamped, resolved by dint of sword to deliver his people from tiring expectations, and for that purpose marcheth out of London, and encamps in S. George's field, where he * J. Stow Annal. A. D. 1497. jun. An. Reg. 12. lay that night. The next day when he understood The King moved against the Rebels. that the Enemy had drawn forth his People, and set them in Battell-ray, he sends out Henry Bourchier Earl of Essex, Edmond de la Pole Earl of Suffolk, Sir Rice ap Thomas, and others, with certain Cornets of horse, and Companies of Archers, to beset the hill, and the descents thereof, while Giles Lord Dawbeney with the strength of his Army, chargeth the Enemy in Front, whom with some slaughter they drove from the Bridge at Deepfor● strand; and then mounting Blackeheath field. the hill, he and the Earls charge the main squadrons on all sides, and without much labour break and defeat them. The number of the Rebels slain is uncertainly reported, the odds being between * Polyd. Verg. Hall. two thousand and * Io. Stow. A●nal. three hundredth. The King's army returned fewer by three hundredth. Fifteen hundred rebels were taken Prisoners, & the takers had their Prisoners goods granted them. james Lord Audley, Flammocke, and the Smith were taken and executed. To all the rest mercy was seasonably extended. The Lord Audley led from Newgate to Tower-hill in a coat of his own Armouries painted on a paper, reversed and torn, there paid his head, for being a Head to that heady Rout: Flammocke and the Smith were quartered. Memorably * Polyd. Verg. strange was the comfort, with which this Blacksmith is said to have cheered up himself at his being drawn to execution, saying, That yet he hoped thereby, that his The Blacke-smithes comfort at his death. name and memory should be everlasting. Who could believe, that the desire of a long-lasting name howsoever should take the affections of so mean a person? Such therefore was the end of this insurrection; but the times being queasy, the King wisely forbore to take any severe revenge upon more then only upon the chief Leaders, for he was truly informed that this calamity had not broken the wills of the Cornishmen, who remained ready for any desperate sudden occasion, and therefore he abstained from needless exasperations, insomuch as that the q●arters of Flammocke, and the Smith being once appointed to have been set up in Cornwall for terror, were only fixed about London, the King thinking good to temper his justice even in such a circumstance. (48) His next care was so to order the war against Scotland, that the Peace whose foundations he had laid a far off, might be made to his more honour: & because the injuries sustained by the youthful error of King james, were too public to be altogether Holinsh. Stows Annal. forgotten; he sent the Earl of Surrey, the Lord Nevil, and others, to invade the Scotish borders with an Army, who pursued the revenge with great vehemency. Meanwhile there arriveth in Scotland Peter Hyalus an Ambassador from Ferdinando and Elizabeth, King and Queen of Spain, as from friends equally well affected to both parties, to mediate a peace between the two Kings of England and Scotland, which perhaps in their own persons would not easily have been brought about, the point of honour might thereunto have given such impeachment. But this was the way to a peace which King Henry foresaw, there being not only a strict bond of love between him and Ferdinando, but an overture, if not a * Addit. to Fab. A Spanish Ambassador procures a truce between England and Scotland. secret conclusion, to match his eldest son Prince Arthur with the young Lady Katherine daughter of Spain, who for her excellent virtues was well worthy to be the happy wife of any Prince then breathing. Hyalus so handled the point of his employment, that an honourable truce followed. This Ambassador was a practic man of much experience, and knew the better how to deal on the behalf of King Henry against Perkin Warbeck, ( * Cambd. in Dovonshire, Imaginarius & Scenicu● princeps. The Queen of Spain troubled by a counterfeit. an imaginary and Stage-play Prince) for that his Sovereign Queen had also been exceedingly molested by a Counterfeit. For Henry the fourth, King of Castille, and brother to Elizabeth, being unable to beget children, joan (daughter of Edward king of Portugal) his wife found means notwithstanding to bear one, by occasion whereof, after King Henry's death, for that it was borne in marriage, a dangerous war was undertaken by * Franc. Tarapha. in Hen. 4. Luc. Marinaus Sicul. Alfonso King of Portugal, on behalf of Isabel the supposed inheretrix; but Truth, partly by force, and partly by mediation, was in the end victorious; and Elizabeth, or Isabella sister of Henry succeeded to her brother, and brought the inheritance of the Kingdoms of Castille and Leon, with her to Ferdinando King of Arragon. The chief point of this truce with Scotland was, That Perkin Warbeck should leave that Kingdom, seeing king james, standing upon his honour, would not deliver him up to King Henry. Perkin having now no Perkin Warbeck practised out of Scotland. remedy, did accordingly, taking with him his wife, the Lady Katherine Gordon; and with such few as remained to him, passed into Ireland, where The Cornish call in Perkin Warbeck he had not continued long, but the Cornish-men offer to rise at his arrival, and to adventure their fortunes, and lives in his quarrel: Which motion Perkin gladly entertained, as perceiving yet some little hope left to maintain himself, by the troubles, and hazards of others: but the policy and fortune of King Henry were grown so venerable with the Princes his Neighbours, that Ambassadors came from France, and from the Archduke of Burgundy; the one to ratify amity, the other to request the restitution thereof; both which K. Henry King Henry settleth peace with neighbour Princes. (who reposed his whole trust next under God, upon the amity of his neighbours) granted, and the English Merchants (who had been somewhat long forbidden by their Sovereign to trade in the archdukes dominions) * Edw. Hal. returning to Antwerp were received into the same with Procession: so that Perkin could scarce cast his eye upon any place, not only where to raise aides, but not where to rest his head, unless perhaps in the Court of the Duchess of Burgundy; neither in all his fortunes did any thing seem miserable or unworthy, but the great infelicity of his wife, whose beauty, birth, and honourable qualities aught not to have been so betrayed Perkin stirs the Cornishmen. by her friend's temerity. Perkin hereupon landing at Whitsand Bay in Cornwall in September, found means afterward at Bodmin to raise some thousands of people, whom with most lavish promises, invective proclamations, and strong impudence, he held together under the Title of Richard the fourth King of England, whose fate was none of the happiest, while the majesty of her name might so be played with by impostors. Perkin thus accompanied, marcheth toward the City of Exeter, purposing if he could win it by force, to enrich his Soldiers with the spoils thereof, and to invite all other lose or lost people to his service by the hope of like booties, and by taking into his possession such places of strength as lay in his way to secure his retreat, if (according to the ordinary fortune of war) any thing should happen to him unluckily. (50) But the King (hearing that the varlet was landed, and again made head against him in Arms upon trust of the Cornishmen assistance) is said to have smiled, using these words; * Bern. Andr. MS. Lo, we are again provoked by this Prince of Rakehelles, but jest my people should through ignorance be drawn into destruction, let us seek to take this Perkin by the easiest ways we can. Reason he had to smile, for now he seemed to see the bottom of his peril, and as it were to hold his enemy empounded within the English Ocean, it being a perpetual and noble wish of his, that he might look his dangers in the face, and deal with them hand to hand, as the nearest cut over to a full conclusion. He therefore provides accordingly, assembling his forces, and his wits (not less to be dreaded then his forces) sending forth his espials into all parts to observe the track, and hopes of this empty cloud, which is now seen before Excester, a principal strength and ornament of the Western parts of the Kingdom. Parlea, and the allurements of words under the guilt title of King Edward's son, proving unavaileable with those resolute The City of Excester assaulted by Perkin. and faith full Citizens; Perkin forthwith betakes himself to violence, sets fire on the gates, mounts his scaling ladders against the walls, and with his utmost fury labours to force a sudden entrance, for that as he suspected, succours could not long be wanting. The Citizens on the other side, and such of the Country, as came in, prepare, and make a very valiant defence against the Rebel, and in stead of quenching the fires kindled by the enemy at the gates, to open a passage (for they had not Canon or any other Ordinance) the Citizens The Excestrians policy, in defeating fire by fire. threw on great store of faggots and fuel, and so with flame did shut up the way, when the gates themselves were now consumed; and in the mean while they cast up trenches, and man their walls, from whence, with the slaughter of about two hundred Rebels at this assault they valiantly drove them. Such messengers as by cords slipped down the walls▪ to signify their peril, sped toward the King; but the loyal diligence of * Polyd. Verg. Edward Courtney Earl of Devonshire, the Lord William his son, with many principal Gentlemen of those parts, as Trencherd, Carew, Fulford, Halewell, Croker, Edgecomb, Semar, followed with great store of Soldiers, saved him the labour of a personal rescue by timely approach. (51) Perkin hearing thereof, riseth from before Excester, and marcheth to Taunton (a goodly town Perkin at Taunton, not far off) there to take the musters of his Army, and to provide for encounter, where he found very many blanks in the list of his numbers, for that they had secretly shrunk away, as misdoubting the sequel, the Earl of Devonshire being so near at hand with the power of the Country, and the King upon his way against them, with the majesty and terror of a royal name and Army, none of the Nobility (which was chief hoped) coming to their aid, Perkin nevertheless makes show of standing, with such as were left unto him. The Earl of Devonshire marching towards Taunton, in the way there came unto him Edward Duke of Buckingham, a * Polyd. Virg. young Lord full of great honour and courage, followed by a goodly troop of Knights, and others excellently well appointed, both for their own persons, and their peoples. These we find named as principal; The King and his people ma●ch toward him. bridges, Bainham, Barkley, Tame, Wise, Poyntz, Vernon, Mortimer, Tremail, Sutton, Paulet, Bricknell, Sapcott, Lutterell, Wadham, Speck, Beauchamp, Cheney, Tokett, Long, Latimer, turbervile, Stourton, Newbrough, Martin, Lind, Rogers, Hungerford, Semar, Darrell, Barow, Norres, Langford, Corbet, Blunt, Lacon, Cornwall; and many other prime and valiant men of Arms. The King last of all (to permit as little to fortune as was possible) sent Robert Lord Brooke, Giles Lord Dawbeney, and that renowned and trusty Welshman Sir Rice ap Thomas, with the marrow and strength of his Army before, himself following in person with such as he thought good. Neither was his care causeless, for the Cornishmen were come to that height of desperate obstinacy and malice, * Polyd. Verg. as not one of them but resolved to conquer, or to leave his carcase in the place. But God loved him and them better than Perkin flies from his host. to suffer it to come so far; for Perkin, whether fearing treason in his own Army, or otherwise touched with the conscience of his quality, and damnable estate of the quarrel, wherein it was horrible to die, having in his troop but threescore horse, secretly fled from the seduced Commons. Which when the King heard, he presently sets out five hundredth horse to pursue and apprehended him, before he should get to the sea, and so escape. Perkin and his remains thus straightened, took Sanctuary at Beaulieu, a religious house within New Forest, (not far from Hampton) where the King's Cornets of horse found them already registered; but according to instructions they beset the place, and maintain a strong watch about it day and night. The other Rebel's the while without stroke stricken, humbled themselves to their Sovereign's mercy, and found it in undeserved measure. Other strong troops of Perkins wife taken and honourably used by the king. horse are at the same instant dispatched to S. Michael's Mount in Cornwall, where the beautiful Lady Katherine Gorden had been left by her lewd husband. Her without resistance they brought safely to the King, whose beauty the whole Court praised, and pitied; but the King most graciously comforting her, sent her away well attended to the Queen his wife, and for her births sake allowed her * Epis. Ross. maintenance, which in honourable manner supported her during the King's life & many years after. Her fairness was such, and her presence so amiable, that she deserved to be commonly called The White Rose; whose fortunes (being so far unworthy either of her birth, her singular modesty, or wively faith, notwithstanding the so abject condition of her husband) as they moved just commiseration toward her, so they doubled the lustre of her praises. The King at Excester. (52) In the mean while the King makes a reioicefull entrance into Excester, to testify his princely love to the Citizens, whom he highly commended and graced, both for their courage and loyalty; commanding some of the Cornish Rebels to be executed there, which did the better setoff the others contrary condition. There also he gave directions, to offer life, and oblivion of all crimes to Perkin, if he would voluntarily quit the Sanctuary, and Polyd Verg. sine ●pe, sine sede, sine fortunis. submit himself. Perkin being now without hope, without abode, without estate, most gladly came forth, and did put himself into the King's hands. Reason's leading that wise Prince to extend this favour, were Perkin yields himself to the King. drawn out of the depth of true judgement, cleared from vulgar perturbations: first; it was not altogether impossible, but that Perkin might escape him, (though by offering selfe-violence) and so the world should lose the light of satisfaction in so profound and perhaps a matchless imposture; then again his youth might merit some compassion; but the infinite desire which Henry had, from the mouth of the party himself, to learn all the secrets of the plot, and who they were that lay undiscovered, and yet had finger in the mystical practice, moved him to affect the possession of his person alive; which now he had. Thus was this so dreaded a blaze of rebellion suddenly and finally quenched; but not without the tears of many in Devon and Somersetshire, whose estates the King's officers scruzed and drained, in revenge of their partaking, and supporting the Cornish Rebels, either in the field, or flight. Henry having Perkin in his power, gave way to all such scorns and scoffs, which his Courtiers or others were pleased to pass upon him, the more to make his person contemptible, who well watched followed the King to London, whither as he progressed, multitudes flocked about to behold the Caitiff, The king returns to London with Perkin. * Polyd. Verg. who being a stranger, nor any way (whatsoever he boasted to the contrary) descended of Nobles, had dared to trouble so great a Kingdom, and by his crafty conveyances had induced so many Princes and Nations (not without mischief and ruin unto divers) to believe of him, that which he never was. And that he might in no part be unknown, he is leisurely conveyed on horseback from the furthest part of * joh. Stow Annal. 28. novemb. London, through Cheapside and Cornhill to the Tower, & back from thence through Canwick-street to Westminster, as the subject of wonderment, and of all reproach and infamies. The King having in this sort taken revenge of his so strange an enemy, and by curious and often examination coming to the full knowledge of that his soul desired, did set such to attend, as never went an inch from Perkins fight, (though he seemed to go at liberty) jest through the slippery Arts of his tempting speech and behaviour, he might vanish into foreign parts, and raise fresh storms in England, & bring new comfort to the Lady Margaret Duchess of Burgundy, the sinful countenance of all this cursed Stratagem, whose heart was now almost riven in sunder with the news of her Perkins most hideous shame and misery; the whole blushing tenor whereof might easily come to her hands at once; for Henry caused so much of the principal matter, as Perkin had confessed, to be * Bern. And. MS. committed to the Printing Press; (an Art then first appearing among us,) and published. None can justly wonder, that we have dwelled so long in this wonderful Story, but rather perhaps wish that more particularities (though with more prolixity) had been used. And though some other Actions as * English voyage by Rich. Hackl. Sebastian Cabots discovery, and overtures of marriages with Spain and Scotland, came between this apprehension, & the execution of Perkin, yet have we thought it best, (the sooner & at once to rid our hands of a * Bern. Andr. MS. knave, as K. Henry justly called him) to couch all that which concerns him, here together, not fearing to incur among the learned, the taxation of committing therein contradiction, and confusion of times. (53) Perkin being thus guarded, doth notwithstanding attempt to escape. And, if it were lawful to insert particular conjectures, drawn out of the considerations of circumstances, we should perhaps not spare to say, that his attempt for escape, was not without the King's privity; using such instruments to persuade, or furnish his flight, as might withal betray him, that so by degrees (occasion taken to cut him off) the Realm might be rid from such perpetual matter of trouble. For the depraved wit and will of man might found or feign reasons to abuse the world still, if Perkin were at liberty; as that the confessions were extorted by fear, or forged by Henry to serve his turn, and the like. Therefore Perkins inrention and escape (for he was escaped) being discovered to the King, all the ways were beset, and he so close pursued, that in the end betaking himself to a religious house of Carthusian Monks, he declared who he was, and besought their Prior in the humble●t manner he could, for God's sake to beg his life, which at the Prior's suit was granted; but the King's wrath being kindled, or the passage of his suppressed wrath opened thereby, he banished all former respects, commanding him to be fettered, and set (for an whole day) in a pair of Stocks, mounted on a Scaffold before the Gate of Westminster Hall; and the next day to be alike exposed in * Engl. ●●eroick. Epi●t. Golden Cheap, to the basest of all contempt and scorn, so fettered, stocked, & Scaffolded as before, to the great wonderment (saith * Stow) of many, as either insinuating that all were not persuaded of the imposture, or that it seemed strange that one lately of so great Prowess, should undergo so despicable a punishment. But for a seal and total Perkin set openly in the Stocks, etc. sum of all ignominy and shame (such as no face did ever bear greater) he read his own confession, written with his own hand * holinsh. as followeth. Perkin maketh an anatomy of his descent or lineage. (54) It is first to be known, that I was borne in the Town of Turney in Flanders, and my father's name is john Osbecke, which said john Osbecke was controller of the said Town of Turney, and my mother's name is Katherine de Faro. And one of my Grandsires upon my father's side was named D. rick Osbecke which died. After whose death my grandmother was married unto Peter Flamen, that was receiver of the forenamed Town of Turney, & Dean of the Boatmen, that row upon the water, or river called Lemot Scheld. And my Grandsire upon my mother's side was Peter de Faro, which had in his keeping the keys of the gate of Saint john's within the same Town of Turney. Also I had an uncle called M. john Stalin, dwelling in the Parish of S. Pias, within the same Town, which had married my father's sister, whose name was jone or jane, with whom I dwelled a certain season. (55) And after I was led by my mother to Antwerp Perkins education or bringing up. for to learn Flemish, in a house of a cousin of mine, an officer of the said town, called john Stienbecke, with whom I was the space of half a year; and after that I returned again to Turney, by reason of wars that were in ●landerss: and within a year following, I was sent with a Merchant of the said Town of Turney named Berlo, to the Mart of Antwerp, where I fell sick, which sickness continued upon me five months. And the said Berlo set me to board in a Skinner's house, that dwelled beside the house of the English Nation. And by him I was from thence carried to Barow Mart, and I lodged at the sign of the old man, where I abode for the space of two months. (56) After this, the said Berlo set me with a Merchant of Middleborow to service, for to learn the language, whose name was john Strew, with whom I dwelled from Christmas to Easter, and then I went into Portugal in company of Sir Edward Bramptons' wife, in a ship was called the Queen's ship. And when I was come thither, then was I put in service to a Knight that dwelled in Lushborne, which was called Peter Vacz de Cogna, with whom I dwelled an whole year, which said Knight had but Perkin a notable land-loper. one eye. And because I desired to see other countries, I took licence of him, and then I put myself in service with a Britain, called Pregent Meno, which brought me with him into Ireland. Now when we were there arrived in the town of Cork, they of the Town (because I was arrayed with some clotheses of silk of my said Masters) came unto me, and threatened upon me, that I should be the Duke of Clarence's The Irish would have Perkin take upon him to be the Duke of Clarence's son. son, that was before time at Dublin. (57) But forsomuch as I denied it, there was brought unto me the holy Evangelists, and the Cross, by the Mayor of the town, which was called john Lewelin, and there in the presence of him and others, I took mine oath (as the truth was) that I was not the foresaid Duke's son, nor none of his They bear Perkin down with oaths, that he is King Richard's bastard. blood. And after this came unto me an Englishman, whose name was Stephen Poitron; and one john Water, and laid to me in swearing great oaths, that they knew well that I was King Richard's bastard son; to whom I answered with like oaths, that I was not. Then they advised me not to be afeard, but that I should take it upon me boldly; and if I would so do, they would aid and assist me with all their power against the King of England; and not only they, but they were well assured, that the Earl of Desmond and Kildare should do the same. (58) For they forced not what part they took, so that they might be revenged on the King of England: and so against my will made me to learn English, and taught me what I should do and say: They call him Duke of York. And after this they called me Duke of York, second son to King Edward the fourth, because King Richard's bastard son was in the hands of the King of England. And upon this the said Water, Stephen Poitron, john Tiler, Hubert Burgh, with many others, as the foresaid Earls, entered into this false quarrel, and within short time others. The French King sent an Ambassador into Ireland, whose name was Loit Lucas, and M. Stephen Friham, to advertise me to come into France: and thence I went into France, and from thence into Flanders, and from Flanders into Ireland, and from Ireland into Scotland; and so into England. (59) From having thus been made a public spectacle, till all eyes were wearied with the view, A. D. 1498▪ An. Reg. 14. Perk●n in the Tower, and the Tragical effects. and imaginations tired with thinking; he is conveyed to the Tower of London: where it had been happy, if he had only wrought his own destruction; but the bloody fate (so to speak of his disastrous birth) would not suffer him to perish single. In the same Tower was prisoner Edward the young Earl of Warwick, having so been from the first year of Henry to this present, for no fault of his, but for that, as a near Titler to the Crown, he carried in his living person inseparable matter of danger & sedition. Of his simplicity, by reason of his education in prison from his infancy, there is a report, that as one who lived out of the view of the world, he knew not an * Polyd. Verg. hen from a goose, or one fowl or Creature from an other. To hasten the ruin of so innocent a danger, behold there breaks forth a sergeant Earl of Warwick, as if all that which the world saw horrible in Perkins dare, had been but a document to instruct others in the like, and that nothing were to be taxed therein, but want only of A sergeant Earl of Warwick executed. success, which whosoever could propound to himself all things else, were full of encouragement and reason. This counterfeit was a * Addit. to Fab. Cordwainers son of London, aged about twenty years, and called * Holinshed. Ralph Wilford, who for falsely assuming the name & title of the said Earl, being thereunto taught and suborned (a practice which well declared that the malicious Duchess of Burgundy did still live) was hanged at S Thomas Water by Southwark upon Shrove-tuesday. (60) This new devise to uncrown King Henry, so wakened his own fears, and the eyes of the Castilians, (who had secretly agreed to marry their Princess The true Earl of Warw●cke designed to die. Katherine to our Prince Arthur) that there seemed no sure ground of succession, if that the Earl of Warwick were not made away. A fearful case, where the false reason of State shall feign to itself an impossibility of well doing, without shedding innocent blood, and shall therefore resolve to found upon so crying a sin, the hope of perpetuity in succession; sith nothing is truer, than that sin was ever an unsure basis to settle lasting works upon. But o the narrow capacities of the most seeing men; the confidence whereof did undoubtedly lead this King (herein not justifiable, howsoever excusable in respect of human frailty, which might propound to itself many fears, and respects both public and private) to connive at the plotted death, or rather formal murder of this harmless Gentleman, whose wrong may yet move the hardest to compassion, as it afterward stirred God in justice to revenge, prospering no part of that great work which was thereupon thus corruptly sought to be perpetuated. That noble Lady Katherine herself was hereof so sensible, that when the divorce was afterward prosecuted against her by King Henry the eight, her second husband, she is reported to have said, That it was the hand of God, for that to clear the way to her marriage that innocent Earl of Warwick was put to unworthy death. Neither let licentious Practices vouch the singular Act of Solomon in taking away the life of his elder brother Adonias to colour this homicide: for he that will argue from particular facts in Scripture, shall not only leave no Adonias living, but perhaps no Solomon. To work this young Warwick's ruin, the mischievous and dismal wretch Perkin becomes an occasion, if not an instrument, for he by his suppling insinuations and flowing promises had corrupted his keepers, the servants of Sir john Digbie Knight Lieutenant of the Tower; who (as * Stows Annal. was affirmed) meant to have murdered their master, and then to have set Perkin, and the Earl at large, to Perkin condemned & executed. which practice of escape the poor Earl is said to have consented. Perkin for this conspiracy had his trial at Westminster, and he together with one john à Waters, who had been sometime Mayor of Cork in Ireland, were condemned, and being drawn to Tyburn, had the sentence of death executed upon them. A. D. 1499. An. Reg. 15. Perkin at the Gallows did read his former confession, taking on his death that the same was true, and underwent his punishment with patience. Walter Blewet, and Thomas Astwood (being two of the conspirators, for the other two, Strangewaies and Long Roger, being the Lieutenant's men also, were not executed, nor for so much as we have read, arraigned) not long after received the reward of their offence at the same place. (61) justice thus took hold at last of Perkin Warbeck, on whom, the Proverb which saith, that Pride is the Usher of shame, was worthily verified. Neither could the world accuse King Henry for his death, unless it were, for that he had not hanged him sooner, but suffered him to live till he had drawn after him a greater ruin in Warwick's person, then in The Earl of Warwick ruined by Perkins conspiracy. all the former tragedies. For this Earl being a chief Prince of the blood, and next heir Male of his house to the Crown of England, (a crime of which his birth only made him guilty and not any fact of his) being thus charged to have given assent to Perkins plot of escape, he was publicly arraigned before the Earl of Oxford (then High Steward of England) by the name of Edward Plantagenet Earl of Warwick, and indicted for minding to have escaped * Jo. Sotw Annal. (as they said) out of the Tower, and consequently according to the dreadful licence of inferences among our English pleaders in cases of death) to deprive King Henry of his royal Crown and dignity, and to usurp the Title and sovereign office, prosecuting their bloody Poetry with the like sanguinary syllogisms, though utterly without measure, or The Earl confesseth the inditement. fashion. The Earl doubly betrayed, first by the setters of the snare, and then by their silly or deceitful persuasions who were put about him, confesseth the inditement, and submitteth himself to the King's mercy; that is; offered up his head to be a slippery foundation of King Henry's farther purposes; for sentence of death was thereupon pronounced as against a Traitor. This one practice seems sufficient, if not to cast upon Henry the Title of a shrewd and perilous man, yet to raise a doubt, whether ( * Sir F. E. MS. as one writes) he was more sincere and entire than Ferdinando King of Spain, upon whom (saith that Author) he did handsomely bestow the envy of the Edward Earl of Warwick last Male Plamagenet beheaded. death of Edward Plantagenet Earl of Warwick. The life therefore of this Prince (according to rigour of law) being thus in his power, the King gently pardoned all the pains, but the loss of his head, which was cut off upon a scaffold at Tower-hill, and then (another gracious favour) his body was not buried in the Chapel of the Tower, or in any other common place, but at * joh. Stow. Annal. Bisham by his Ancestors. jealous (saith * Sir Fr. B. MS. one) the King was over the greatness of his Nobility, as remembering how himself was set up; and much more did this humour increase in him after he had conflicted with such Idols and Counterfeits as Lambert Simenel and Perkin Warbeck. The strangeness of which dangers made him think nothing safe. This Earl was the last heir male of the blood, and surname of Plantagenet▪ whose race as it was a long time glorious for giving Kings to England, (even from King Henry the second) so in the end (chief for the house of York) it become hateful (as it seems) to God and man, for the most horrible and inextinguible deadly fewdes, murder, perjuries, and other horrors committed within itself, which (as then not fully expiated) lay heavily upon the head of this Earl, and finally threw open all those fences, which the possession of Majesty and numerosity of issue had for sundry ages cast about it, letting in thereby the surname of Tydder being but two descents English, and which now after three descents and five Princes is also vanished. Now, among those few great works of peace which ensued their firebrands of war, we must remember the marriage of Prince Arthur, with the Princess of Spain Lady Katherine. The interim from Warwick's death till then, brought forth a very great plague, whereof in London there are said to have died about thirty thousand. The King and Queen remove to calais in May and returned in june. The main * Polyd. Verg. business was to review and ratify the state of amity, and negotiations, between the English and the Duke of Burgundy's subjects. Shine also was burnt, and being new builded, called Richmund▪ for which and the like, it will be fittest to have recourse to vulgar Annals. A. D. 1501. An. Reg. 17. (62) The Coast of State now seeming clearefrom all thickening weather, Ferdinando and Isabel King & Queen of Spain, according to the points of agreement between them and King Henry, concerning their fourth daughter the Lady Katherine (borne at Alcala The Lady Katherine of Spain landed in England. de Finari or Complutum) sent her royally appointed in a goodly Flete to England, there to fulfil in person, * Polyd. Verg. in Henirc. 7. what hitherto had been only treated of, who after many difficulties took land at * Add. to Fab. Plymouth in October. Ferdinando her father was the son of john King of Arragon and Sicilia, and although he was unlearned, as being brought up among arms and soldiers, yet by using the familiarity of wisemen he also become very wise, and proved that great Prince which first in these latter times recalled the old glory of Spain, and reared it to such an envious magnitude, as that the jealousy thereof hath bred no small quarrels in Christendom. For by his marriage with Isabel, (sole sister and heir to Henry the fourth King of Castille and Leon,) he reigned in right of his wife, and jointly with her, over those two Kingdoms and their appurtenances, who together (saith * Res admirabiles & opera Sanctissima. Marineus of Sicilia) did admirable things and works most holy. They * Franc. Tarapha. de Reg. Hisp. recovered the huge City and Kingdom of Granada, and part of Andaluzia from the Moors, after they had been in violent possession thereof seven hundredth and fourscore years, and having The brief of Ferdinando's and Jsabellas' greatest actions. purged those places from the filth of Mahomet's superstitions, built Churches to the honour of jesus Christ, by occasion whereof Ferdinando was surnamed the Catholic King. The walls of the City of Granada at the time of the surrender, which (after about ten years wars) was by Voabdelis King thereof made to Ferdinando and Isabel, had * Lue. Merin. Sic. Lib. 20. twelve miles in compass, and in the same twelve Gates, and a thousand towers enclosing seven Hills covered with building, innumerable people, and inestimable riches, & the Spanish forces at this conquest were about 12000. Horse, & one hundred thousand foot. The said King and Queen, besides many other their mighty actions, did also first discover America, by Christopher Columbus, & thereby brought a whole new world to the notice of Christendom. Isabel Isabel Queen of Spain descended from our Edward the 3. King of England herself, descended of the blood royal of England, being daughter of john the second King of Castille & Leon, son of Henry the third King of Castille and Leon, and of Katherine his wife (daughter of * Anton. Nebriss. Decad 1. lib. 1. john Duke of Lancaster, third son of our Edward the third of triumphal and never-dying memory) was a Lady, whose * Polyd. Verg. i●. Hen. 7. like the Christian world had seldom any of that wisdom, gravity, chastity, and of so laborious a devotion, that * Luc. Marin. Sic. she did not only day by day perform the Canonical and hourly task of prayers used by Priests, but many other, and brought up her children accordingly. Prince Arthur married. (63) The Lady Katherine being about eighteen years old, and borne of so great, so noble, so victorious and virtuous parents, is with just majesty and solemnity openly * Addit. to Fab. saith on a Sunday the feast of S. Erkenwald. married in Paul's Church to Arthur Prince of Wales, aged about fifteen years, and eldest son to Henry the seventh, King of England, and of Elizabeth his wife. The Archbishop of Canterbury assisted with nineteen Bishops and Abbots, mitred, joined their hands, and performed all the other Church rites upon that great day. The vulgar Annals can tell you the splendour and glory thereof, in apparel, jewels, Pageants, banquets, guests, and other princely compliments, the only weighty business of many weaker brains. A grave Lady (as some have written) was laid in bed between the Bride and Bridegroom, to hinder actual consummation, in regard of the Princes green estate of body; but others allege many arguments to prove that matrimonial performance was between them, howsoever herself, (when that afterward came in question) * Io. Stow's Annal. appealed to the conscience of K. Henry the eight (her second husband) if he found her not a maid. But Prince Arthur enjoyed his marriage Prince Arthur dieth. a very short while, for in April following he died at Ludlow, being under sixteen years of age: being a Prince, in whose youth the lights of all noble virtues did clearly begin to shine. His aptness to learn was almost incredible, for (by the report of his * Bern. Andr. MS. Master) he had either learned without book, or otherwise studiously turned and revolved with his own hands & eyes these authors following. In Grammar, Garin, Perot, Sulpicius, Gellius and Valla: In Poetry, Prince Arthur's books and learning. Homer, Virgil, Lucan, Ovid, Silius, Plautus, and Terence: In Oratory: Tully's Offices, Epistles, Paradoxes and Quintilian. In History, Thucydides, Livy, Caesar's Commentaries, Suetonius, Tacitus, Plinius, Valerius Maximus, Sallust, Eusebius. Wherein we have been particular, to signify what Authors were then thought fit to be elementary and rudimental unto Princes; and by their example, to all of Noble or gentle birth, whose superficial boldness in books in these frothy days, is become most scandalous and injurious to the honour, and use of learning. (64) But before the untimely expiration of this A. D. 1501. An. Reg. 17. great hope of England, King Henry weary of wars and tumults, and desirous to lay the beginnings of a long peace by most inward friendship with all his great neighbours, had concluded a match between Margaret his eldest daughter, and james the fourth King of Scotland, the * The contract between james King of Scots and Lady Margaret published. assurance whereof was published in the February next before Prince Arthur's death at Paul's Cross; in rejoicement whereof, Te Deum was sung and other signs of public joy declared. The * joh. Stow Annal. in jac. 4. Bishop of Rosse saith, that the Earl of Bothwell did openly handfast, or espouse the said fair Lady, in the name of King james at Paul's Cross, being Saint Paul's day. This contract was brought about in manner following. After that the storm of war had (by mediation as before said) been thoroughly laid between the two sister Nations, it chanced certain of the Scots by their suspicious behaviour, and rough Phrases to provoke the Garrison of Norham Castle to issue, who in the bickering slew and hurt some of them, and drove the rest away. King * Polyd. Virg. Episc. Ross. james expostulates this violence very sharply by letters with King Henry, who returned most satisfactory answers. Richard Fox Bishop of Durham (whose the men and Castle were) wrote also many deprecatory letters, humbly praying the Scotish King to accept amendss, whereunto he in the end inclined, and having some matters of far greater moment to impart, desired the Bishop's presence in Scotland (knowing his deep wisdom and great grace with his Sovereign) which King Henry gladly assented unto. The meeting was at Melrose, an Abbey of Cistertian Monks, where the King abode, Bishop Fox his presence desired by the Scotish King. who having roundly uttered to the Bishop his offence conceived for the breach of good terms at Norham castle, and yet being finally pleased to receive satisfaction, he then secretly discovered his whole mind, the sum whereof was, That the king of England would be pleased to give to him in marriage the Lady Margaret his eldest daughter, as a pledge of indissoluble amity. The Bishop promised his best diligence, and accordingly after his return, laboured therein with King Henry, who most gladly harkened thereunto. Whereupon the Scotish King sent the Archbishop of Glasco, the Earl of Bothwell, and others to demand the Lady in marriage. Their entertainment was hearty and princely. But when 〈◊〉 proposition came to scanning at the Council 〈◊〉 it had not current passage at first: for there were who objected as an inconvenience; That by this marriage the Crown of England might come to the Scotish line, by the issue of Lady Margaret. Whereunto it is said, King Henry made this answer * What if it should? King Henry's answer to an objection against the match with Scotland. for if any such thing should happen, (which Omen God forbidden) I see it will come to pass, that our Kingdom shall lose nothing thereby, because there will not be an accession of England to Scotland, but contrarily of Scotland unto England, as to that which is far away the most noble head of the whole Island, seeing that which is less useth * Episc. Ross. ●x Polyd. Verg. to accrue to the ornament and honour of that which is much the greater, as Normandy heretofore came to be under the dominion and power of the English our forefathers. When this was said, the whole board of council received it as an Oracle, & it went clear about, That Margaret should be married to the King of Scotland. With this answer and other instructions the Scottish Ambassadors were sent home, who afterward returned into England with full authority & satisfaction to all Henrics propositions, whereupon ensued the before said publishment of assurances at Paul's Cross. It was a principal Article in this agreement: That no Englishman should enter Scotland, nor Scot into England without commendatory letters from their Sovereign. Which Article was reputed a special mean to preserve the peace inviolable. A. D. 1502 An. Reg. 18. King Henry a Widower, and Henry his son created Prince of Wales. (65) But ere the young Lady herself was conveyed into Scotland, her brother Prince Arthur died, and in * February next ensuing, their mother also Queen Elizabeth, as she lay in Childbed within the Tower of London. The King to repair his mind with fresh consolations, in advancing his only remaining son, Henry Duke of York, created him suddenly Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester & Flint, within few days after his mother's decease. Thus was Arthur's loss supplied, howsoever. Henry made Prince, espoused soon after ( * See in the life of Henry the ● though with much reluctation) the Lady Katherine his elder brother's widow, * J. Stow▪ Annal. upon the five and twentieth of june, at the Bishop of Salisburies' house in Fleetstreet. And in this wise, by providing so worthy a wife for him, (though to say truth, her great Dower was the chief motive) the king thought, that the estate of England was sufficiently settled; wherefore converting his cares to the accomplishment of affinity with Scotland, he K. Henry brings his daughter the Lady Margaret on the way to Scotland. most sumptuously furnished his dearest eldest daughter for her journey, & himself in person traveled from Richmund as far with her as Coleweston beside Northampton, where his mother the Countess lay: * Epis. R●ss. after certain days spent in solace, the King gave her his blessing, with fatherly counsel and exhortation, and committed the guard and conduct of her person principally to the Earls of Surrey and Northumberland, and to such Ladies and Gentlewomen as were appointed to that service; a great company of Lords The Earl of Northumberlanb delivers her to King james within Scotland. Knights, esquires, & men of Mark attending them as far as Berwicke. At S. Lamberts Church in Lamer Moor within Scotland, the King attended by the principal of his Nobles, received her from the hands of the Earl of Northumberland, and the next year after, married her at Edinburgh, in the presence of all his Nobility. The King gave great entertainment to the English, and showed them justing and other pastimes after the Scotish fashion. The Scotishmen (saith * In jac. 4. the Bishop of Rosse) were not behind, but far above the Englishmen, both in apparel, rich jewels, and massy chains, many Ladies having their habiliments set with Goldsmith work, garnished with Pearl and Stone of price, with gallant and well trapped horses. diverse Ladies also and young Gentlewomen of England, attending Queen Margaret, remained there, and were well married to certain Noblemen of Scotland, whose progeny lives honourably there even at these days. The effect of this marriage is gravely The immediate happy effect of this marriage. described by the same Bishop in these words. There was perfect peace and sincere amity between the 〈◊〉 Realms of England and Scotland a long time after. A●● verily, during the life of King Henry the seventh, no cause of breach was ministered by either of the 〈◊〉 but they continued in great love and friendship, and mutual society, contracting of marriages, continual interchange of Merchandise betwixt the Subjects of both the Realms, as they had been ALL under the obedience of ONE PRINCE; where through, justice, Policy and Riches did flourish and abound throughout the whole Isle of Albion. And of this marriage is james the sixth descended, being that ONE PRINCE under whose obedience ALL are now governed, as under the sole and lawful lineal Monarch of great Britain: for this james the fourth had Issue james the fifth, he had Issue Queen Mary, she had issue our present Sovereign, the great grandchild of the said Queen Margaret eldest daughter of K. Henry the seventh. (66) Which effects of peace and riches, as they could not but be comfortable to so wise a King as Henry, they being the fruit as it were of his own just labours; so let us now observe the last worldly cares of his reign, and upon what objects he fixed his mind, freed from the awe of open challenges of the Crown, and from throws at his main, which with what art, valour and felicity, he at first achieved, and with how great hazards, troubles, and bloody businesses, he brought it to such pass, that neighbour Kings reputed it safe to entermarry with his family, we have already heard: Two principal points took up the last Scenes of his life; for the rest of his time he wholly employed, either in the service of Almighty God (wherein he was so diligent, that every day he was present, after the devotions of those times, at two or three Masses, oftentimes hearing godly Sermons,) or in building, wherewith he kept his senses busied. The one of the two chief points, was to watch over the ways of his wives kindred (the remaining branches of the tnrbulent and unfortunate house of York) whose growth and greatness he supposed might at some time or other overtoppe his own; the other was, under opinion of justice, to increase his treasure out of the common purses, whereby he seemed onerous to many, & somewhat obscured the brightness of his former glory, at leastwise diminished his opinion with the generality. Concerning his courses holden with his wives kindred, (the lateral issues and staddles of the Plantagenets) it fell out thus; which (by * A. D. 1506 A. R. 21. occasion of the accidental landing of Philip King of Spain at this time, whereby the * Earl of Suffolk's taking was procured) we thought it best to handle here together. Edmund de la Pole * Addit. to Fab. calls him Duke. Earl of Suffolk (son to john Duke of Suffolk, and of Elizabeth sister to King Edward the fourth) in the sixteenth year of King Henry's reign, wilfully A Prince of the blood royal arraigned for murder of a private person. slew a common person in his fury. Henry not sorry to have occasion of increasing his popularity, by presenting so great a person to exemplary justice, and in the same act to blemish the honour of a man, whose quality was to him suspected, caused him for the same to be arraigned. The fact he was persuaded to confess, and thereupon had pardon. The The Earl of Suffolk causeth troubles. Earl nevertheless, as a Prince of the blood, holding himself disgraced, by having been seen a Prisoner at the King's Bench Bar, fled the land discontented, and went to his Aunt the Duchess Dowager of Burgundy; but within a while after, being Polyd. Verg. Edw. Hal. holinsh. fairly reconciled, he returned. After which, notwithstanding, whether it were by reason of debt (the * Io. Stow. Annal. certain attendant of vaine-fpirited, and base-braveminded Courtiers) wherinto he had deeply thrown himself for his furniture, at the celebration of his cozen Prince Arthur's marriage, or for that the restless spirit of envy in the Duchess had prevailed, he taking his brother with him, fled again the next year after. The King who had pardoned his life, seemed now to repent his clemency, * Polyd. Verg. though it is plain, he spared him of purpose, till he might discover more of a conspiracy which he knew was in hammering; but his flight troubled him not a little, knowing the violent humour of that Lord, and remembering to what a dangerous & bloody issue his brother the Earl of Lincoln had once already brought things at the battle of Stoke in the beginning of his reign. (67) For remedy, he betakes himself to his wont arts, and therefore to learn the secrets of the enemy, Sir Robert Curson Knight (Captain of the Castle of Hams by Caleis) feigns himself a friend to the Earl, and flies from his charge unto him. An office unworthy of Knighthood; neither can any good spirit in the world stoop itself to such double faced employment, which besides the treacherous dissimulations thereof, cannot but be accompanied with wilful impieties. For who is admitted into trust upon a contrary side, without invocations of Gods holy name, protestations, adjurations, oaths, the utmost assurances which man can give to man, to beget a convenient affiance in his sincerity? but by this stratagem the king ransacks the bosoms and cabinets of his adversaries, discovering their designs and hopes. Whereupon, William Courtney Earl of Devonshire (being most nobly descended, and having to his wife the Lady Katherine, one of the daughters of K. Edward the fourth, Apprehensions of persons for the Earl of Suffolk's cause. and sister to Queen Elizabeth wife of King Henry) William de la Pole brother to the said Edmund Earl of Suffolk, Sir james Tirrel, Sir john Windham Knights, with other, were attached, and committed to custody, and afterward also * Polyd. Verg. George Nevil Lord Abergenie, and Sir Thomas Green Knight, were likewise apprehended, but were soon delivered. The Earl of Devonshire, though innocent (for it is the misery of such great men, that their own innocency cannot always procure their own safety; but their birthright many times, and often other men's designations without their least privity, is enough to hazard The misery of great subject and a lesson for them. them, yea it is in the power of any conspirator by bore nomination, to do as much, so that it concerns them to have an eye not to their own only, but to the behaviour also of their whole Alliances and dependencies) this Earl (I say) though innocent, remained Prisoner during this King's life, and some years of his sons reign, who set him at liberty. The other, William the Earl of Suffolk's brother, had not Executions for the Earl of Suffolk's cause. so strict an hand holden over him. But Sir james Tyrrell, Lieutenant of Guines castle, and Sir john Wyndham, Welbourn, servant to Sir james Tyrrel, Curson a Pursuivant, Matthew jones yeoman, and a Shipman were condemned of treason for aiding the Earl of Suffolk. The * Stows Annal. two Knights were beheaded at Tower hill. The Shipman quartered at Tyburn: * Add. to Fab. Curson and jones suffered death at Guines. (68) This so round and quick dealing with the Earls complices and favourers, startled his shallow and raw inventions, and made their whole bulk to serve and splinter; but the King rested not so; for upon the Sunday before the feast of SS. Simon and Jude, in the same year, of the said executions, there was published at Paul's Cross, by the King's procurement from Pope Alexander the sixth, a Bull of * Addit. to Fab. The Earl or Duke of Suffolk, and Sir Robert Curson & others accursed. Excommunication and curse against the said Earl of Suffolk, Sir Robert Curson, and five other persons by special name, and generally all other which aided the Earl against the King to the disturbance of the Kingdom. Thus did the most prudent Henry pursue his enemies, not only with secret countermines and open weapons of Law, before they could assemble to make any show, but also with spiritual lightning; which doubtless, had they been upon just cause, and by lawful authority fulminated, aught infinitely to be dreaded of good Christians, because (as Saint Paul saith) they deliver over to Satan. Sir Robert Curson was named, of purpose, to make the Earl secure of him; which may well be called a perilous, if not a profane devise, though his Holiness were made the instrument thereof. Neither did the King leave here, for by Antiquit. Britan. in morton's life names Innocentius, and not Alexander. his letters and messengers he so prevailed with Pope * Alexander, as he decreed by his Bull, That no person should afterward have privilege of Sanctuary, who had once taken the same, and come forth again: and that, * Polyd. Verg. Antiquit. Brit. in vita Morton. if any Sanctuarie-man should afterward commit any murder, robbery, sacrilege, treasons, etc. he should by lay force be drawn thence to suffer due punishment. This was of great use to the King, and preserved many subjects from precipitation, for the abuse of Sanctuaries had been an efficient of many troubles. But the same Pope (having sent john Giglis his Receiver, to gather money in England) showed himself much more favourable to such as perpetrated those said heinous offences, as also, Usury, simony, rapines, adulteries, or whatsoever offences (excepting Antiquit. Britan. Ibidem. certain offences against the Pope and Clergy, etc.) when he sent a * Bull of pardons (for money) to all such offenders in England; dispensing also thereby, with such, as kept away, or by any fraud had gotten the goods of other men, which they should now retain still without scruple of conscience, so as they paid a rateable portion thereof, unto his Holiness Receivers. Sir Robert Curson (though before accursed by the Pope) returns, when he saw fit time, into England, and withal into wont favour with his Sovereign. The Earl, seeing himself thus stripped of all hope to do much harm, wandered about Germany and France Philip the first, King of Spain and his Queen driven by tempests into England. to find repose, but in the end quite tired, he put himself into the grace and protection of Philip then in Flanders who by the death of Isabel was King of Spain, in right of joan his wife, eldest daughter of Ferdinando and Isabel; where he remained in banishment, till King Philip was driven by tempest in the month of january into England, as he meant to have passed through the sleeve, or English Ocean, into Spain, there to take possession of that Kingdom A. D. 1506. An. Reg. 21. and other the appertinances. (69) The chief Ship of the Navy Royal, wherein the King was, and two other (all the rest being scattered by the fury of the weather into several places and other Ports of England) thrust into Harbour at * joh. Stow▪ Annal. Polydore saith Waymouth. Falmouth. Himself weary and sick with the violent toss of the Sea (whereunto he had never as it seems, been used,) would needs come on shore, and refresh his spirits, though the principal men about him dissuaded that course, as foreseeing it would procure a longer stay, than the nature of their occasions would perhaps well bear. And so indeed it fell out, for being now in another Princes (though his friends) dominions, where he had no power over himself, nor others, & the rumour of arrival stirring the men in authority thereabout, Sir Thomas Trenchard Knight with the sudden forces of the Country, not knowing what the matter might be, came thither, and understanding the royal quality of the person, invited him with all humble humanity to his house, and forthwith dispatched posts to Court; not long after Sir john Caro Knight (with a great troop of armed men) repaired also, pursuing the like humble entreaties; which the King, fearing constraint, because they were but subjects and durst not let him pass without their Lord and Masters leave necessarily yielded unto. Upon notice of this mighty Princes casual arrival, King Henry presently commanded the Earl of Arundel to entertain * Jo. Sotw Annal. him till himself could come, who very magnificently did so, with * three hundred Horses by Torchlight; and in the mean while King Henry himself prepares. Philip perceiving, that whatsoever speed his affairs required, yet now there was no remedy but to stay, thought not good to expect his approach, but to prevent it, and came upon the The Kings of England and Spain at Windsor. spur to Windsor, that he might be go again the sooner, after whom Queen joan his wife came leasureably. The rest of this entertainment, because it hath matter of weight, and is well set down by Polidor Vergil, it shall suffice us to follow his footsteps. At Windsor, the two Kings, after long and several Polyd. Verg. discourses, began to confer about renewing their league. Henry required that Edmund Earl of Suffolk might be delivered up into his power, which Philip denied to be a thing that he could do, as holding it most unreasonable to be the author of his death, whom he had taken into Protection: but when at the last he found, that no excuse nor reason, could satisfy, for that, Henry voluntarily offered to save the Earl's life, he promised to do therein what he desired, and presently took order for his sending over. According whereunto, King Henry (to draw out the time, till he had the wished prey) conveyed King Philip to London, to show him the head City of his kingdom, out of which after a little stay he reconducted him. The Earl in the mean time, who conceived horror at the first news of King Philip's landing in England, as fatal to him, and resolved that no hope was longer to be reposed in the faith of foreign Princes, came over not unwillingly, presuming that after pardon of life, he might also in time regain his liberty; or if that hope failed, yet should he at lestwise obtain to die, and be buried in his Country. But King Philip and his Queen, having feasted with her sister the Princess of Walls, departed England. The Earl was brought through Flanders to caleis upon the sixeteenth of March, and landed at Dover upon the four and twentieth of the same, conveyed thither by Sir Henry Wyatt, The Earl of Suffolk delivered up and sent to the Tower. and Sir john Wiltshire, with threescore men in armour of the Garrison of caleis; and at Dover Sir john Lovel and others receiving him, guarded him safe to the Tower of London. King Philipp, not long after his landing in Spain deceased, being not thirty years old. That tempest which drove him into England was holden by the people as prodigious; for it blew down the golden Eagle from the famous Spire of Paul's Steeple (being of Copper richly overguilt, of forty pounds' weight, in length four foot, and in The ominous fall of the weathercock of Paul's. breadth three,) which also in the fall thereof, brake and battered the sign of the Black Eagle, in Paul's Churchyard, in the place where now the Schoole-house stands. This accident even then made some conjecture, that the Emperor Maximilian (whose Imperial Ensign the Eagle is) should suffer some loss accordingly (saith Polydore) as indeed he did by the death of King Philippe his son. Which (if any superstitiously delight in Calculations of that blind nature) we may well parallel with that * Suet. in Ang. cap. 97. lightning which struck the letter C. out of Caesar in the inscription of Caesar Augustus his statue; whereupon it was gathered, that Augustus should live but one hundredth days after, and then be called a God, (Aesar the remaining syllables so signifying in the old Hetruscan tongue,) which accordingly happened. King Henry's gathering of treasure. (70) Thus was the Earl of Suffolk brought back, and the King anchored his quiet at the safe custody of his person within the Tower. The other worldly point wherein he chiefly bestowed his age's care, was to gather money, though by courses seeming very grievous and full of bitterness; the too griping greediness, and too-profuse lavishness of money in Princes, being both alike offensive to a well settled estate. Some excuse his doings herein (amongst whom Polydore is chief) as not proceeding from any depravation or uncorrected affection of his nature; but from an opinion and forecast of general profit: because a Prince's humour of gathering, tendeth, though with distaste of particular men, to the good public, whereas his profuseness, though with some particular men's profit, endeth in the empoverishment of the whole. And Henry himself protested (saith Polydore) he did it not for love of money, but with a purpose to bridle the fierce minds of a nation bred up among factions: though they (saith the same author) who felt the smart, and were wounded by his Instruments, * N●n tam severitatis, quam a●aritiae tela esse cl●maban●. cried out they were not so much the darts of severity, which did hit them, as of avarice. Yet Polydors' Apology may be current: for it is not to be doubted, but that such use the King might propound himself; and yet withal, we can hardly found any commendable root thereof, the ways being so importune and harsh, by which he raised money. Let us hear in this point the observative * Sir F. B. MS Knight. Of nature (saith he) Henry coveted to accumulate treasure, which the people (into whom there is King Henry gives way to the needless molestation of his people. infused, for the preservation of Monarchies, a natural desire to discharge their Princes, though it be with the unjust charge of their Counsellors and Ministers) did impute unto Cardinal Morton, and Sir Reinald Bray, who (as it afterward appeared) as Counsellors of ancient authority with him, did so sound his humour, as nevertheless they tempered it. Where it is truly said, it afterward appeared: for till they were go to accounted to God, and his fear for the main quite banished, the king did not let lose the reins to his immoderate desire of having, which yet was not more sinful, than the means under him practised, were odious. For * Sir Fr. B. MS Empson and Dudley that followed, being persons that had no reputation with him, otherwise then the servile following of his own humours, gave him way, and shaped him means to those extremities, whereby himself was touched with remorse at his death, and which his successor disavowed. And this we take to be a true judgement. To be particular in the recital of things worthy to die in forgetfulness, is not only to recite, but in a sort to teach them also, as some, who by broad invectives, have as it were read a lecture of those vices, against which they have pretended to inveigh. But public and shameful Arts may more safely be delivered. The instruments whom the King set on work (or who perhaps set the King on Addit. to Hard. The foul practices used to impoverish the subject. work) were * two Lawyers, Richard Empson (afterward knighted) and Edmund Dudley Esquire; their employment was to call the richer subject into queon for breach of old penal laws, long before discontinued and forgotten, whereby they broke in upon the people, as it were at unaware, like a kind of authorised robbers, masked under the pretext of service for the King, and the names of Delators or Promoters, a * Cor. Tacit. familiar sickness in the times of ancient Tyrannies. But the courses to execute their employment, were void of all conscience and colour. For one of them was to * Polyd. Verg. outlaw persons secretly, and then to seize their estates, driving them to chargeful compositions with the King, and heavy bribes to the Authors of their trouble. Moore detestable was another practice of theirs. For there * Io. Stow Annals. were false jurors and ring leaders of false jurors, who would never give any verdict against the will of their patrons, the said Empson and Dudley; so that if any durst stand out upon trial, the destiny of their causes was squared forth by the leaden rule of those fellows consciences; which to be a truth, the expiatory punishment which K. Henry the eight took of them in the first year of his reign, doth clearly convince. By these means many honest and worthy subjects were rigorously fined, imprisoned, or otherwise afflicted, which filled the land with sorrow and repine. Among very many others thus abused Sir William capel Alderman of London was eminent, A. D. 1508. A. R. 23. as from whom, in the tenth year of the king's reign, had been scruzed, under the colour of motheaten and unreviued Laws, above sixteen hundredth pounds sterling, and was now again played at afresh, and another hand drawn upon him for two thousand pounds, which because he would not pay, he was by Dudley commanded prisoner to the Tower; but by the death of the King which ensued, all such prisoners were released. If any perhaps will slight the hard usage extended to Citizens, and to the like, they are unwise therein, neither think as Patriots aught. For though it may so fall out that the personal vexation of some few, merits no great pity; yet the example is pestilent; and it is a part of the cunning, to choose out at first such for patterns, as upon whose persons lest compassion may fall, which examples may afterward be extended to whomsoever. These revels and rages against the wealthier sort continued, till it pleased God to sting the King's heart with just compunction, toward the horror of his death; who had the favour from heaven, as to lie sick of a consuming disease, which The King falleth sick. wasted him by such insensible degrees, as gave him the use of his whole self (as it were) till the last gasp, whereby he had means to recollect himself, after those many soule-wounding assaults which attend regal greatness, and to submit his thoughts to such ghostly admonishments (touching another life) whereunto in days of health, the hearts or ears of great Princes are seldom attentive. (71) About the year of his death, having understood that Lewis King of France, despairing of issue P●●. Verg. male, had annulled the Contracts made between Charles King of Spain (son of the late King Philip, and afterward elected Emperor by the name of Charles the fifth) and the Lady Claudia his eldest daughter, whom he newly betrothed to Francis of Valois Dolphin of France, and Duke of Angolesme; King Henry seeks to assure his daughter Mary to Charles King of Castille. King Henry (whose care for preservation of the common quiet, and good of his Country, by foreign alliances, was ever holy in him and awake) thought it a fair occasion for him to match his younger daughter the Lady Marie. The French King to have the advise of james the fourth King of The French King sends for advise to the King of Scots. Scots, in the bestowing the said Madam Claudia his eldest daughter, had before sent Bernard Steward Lord Dobignie, and the Precedent of Tholouz, Ambassadors for that purpose; who finally in effect received this answer: * Epis. Ross. That the said King james thought it best that his eldest daughter should be married within his own Realm of France, for if she were married upon any foreign Prince, it might give colour to claim title to the said Realm afterward. And if he did marry her at home, rather to him the said Francis, whom he had appointed to succeed then any other. Which resolution was very acceptable to K. Lewis, because it jumped with his own purpose, and it was followed accordingly. King Henry therefore hearing that King Charles might be obtained, so pursued the point * Polyd. Verg. by the prudent managing of Richard Fox (now Bishop of Winchester) his Ambassador, that King Charles his Ambassadors coming out of Flanders, where he was educated, and meeting The Lade Mary promised to King Charles. him at Caleis, the affair was opened, disputed, concluded, and the Lady Mary then about ten years of age (as King Charles himself) was by solemn contract assured to him for wife. A. D. 1508. A. Reg. 24. (72) Now therefore his son Henry Prince of Wales, being heir of the Crown, and married; his eldest daughter, the Lady Magaret, Queen of Scotland; the Lady Mary his youngest, provided for so highly (though in the end it came to nothing) all likelihood of peril by competitors, or busy Factionists▪ buried in the Tower, by the imprisonment of Edmund Earl of Suffolk; his people tractable K. Henry the 7. dies. and calm; his coffers full, and the state of things ripe for a successor: death (the executioner of the Almighty's sentence,) was ready to discharge him of the prison of his flesh. Before he departed, * john Stowe well disposed persons tendering the health of his soul, did both in sermons, and otherwise, inform him of the exclamations against informers; Wherefore he of his blessed General pardons granted by the King. disposition, granted to all men general pardons, certain only excepted. In his life time he founded the goodly Hospital of the Savoy, built six religious Houses for Franciscan Friars, three of them for Obseruants, and the other three for Conuentuals▪ Of his building also was Richmund Palace, and that most beautiful piece, the Chapel at Westminster, the one the place of his death, and the other of his burial: which forms of more curious and exquisite building, he and Bishop Fox, first (as is reported) * Sir Fr. B. MS. Io. Stow. Annal. The year of his age, and reign. learned in France, and thence brought with them into England. He died about the age of fifty two years, upon the two and twentieth of * April having reigned twenty three years and eight months. A right noble, wise, victorious and renowned King, and one whose piety would have been far more eminent, than all his other virtues, if from the beginning the malignant quality of the times, would have permitted him to live in quiet. He specially honoured the remembrance of that Saintlike Man, Henry the sixth, the founder A Saint lost for want of pay. of his Family, and Prophetical fore-teller of that fortune which now he died seized of, whom also he laboured to have * Cambden. in Surrey. See more Supra in Edward 4. §. 79. & 80. Canonised for a Saint, but that Pope julio held that honour at two high a rate. It is reckoned by some writers * Addit. to Fab. King Henry saluted Defensor of Christ's Church by three Popes. of that age among his principal glories, that three Popes, Alexander the sixth, Pius the third, and julius the second, did in their several times, with authority and consent of the Cardinals, elect and choose him for chief defensor of Christ's Church, before all other Christian Princes. In his last will and Testament, after the disposition of his soul and body, he devised and willed Restitution should be made of all such monies, as had unjustly been levied by his Officers. A most pious and truly Christian care, whereby also appeareth, that he hoped the wrongs done under him were not so enormous nor innumerable, but that they might fall within the possibility of redress. The description of his whole man, is had in the beginning of his life, and the course thereof described in his Actions. There remain of his wisdom many effects, and those as his fame likely to continued for ever. His Wife. (71) Elizabeth the first Child Legitimate, and eldest daughter of King Edward the fourth, was at the age of nineteen upon the eighteenth of januarie and year of Christ jesus, 1485. married unto King Henry the seventh, whereby was united the long contending Families of Lancaster and York, and the Roses read and White joined into one, to the great joy of the English Subjects. She was crowned at Westminster upon the five and twentieth of November, the third of her husband's Reign, and of Grace 1487. She was his wife eighteen years and twenty four days, and died in childbed in the Tower of London, the eleventh of February, even the day of her own Nativity, the eighteenth of her husband's Reign, and year of our Salvation, 1503. and is buried at Westminster in the most magnificent Chapel and rich Monument of Copper and gilt where she with her husband lie entombed. His Issue. (72) Arthur the eldest son of King Henry the seventh and of Queen Elizabeth his wife was borne at Winchester the twentieth day of September, the year of Grace, one thousand four huudred eighty six, and the second of his Father's reign. In whose fifth year he was created Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester, and at the age of fifteen years, one month and twenty five days, upon the fourteenth of November, in the year of our Lord, one thousand five hundred and one, espoused the Lady Katherine daughter to Ferdinando King of Spain, she being then about eighteen years of age, in the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, London; and presently sent into Wales the better to govern that principality by his own Presence, enjoyed his marriage bed only four months and nineteen days, departing this life at Ludlow the second of April, the year of our Lord, one thousand five hundred and two, of his Father's reign seventeen, and of his own age fifteen years, six months and thirteen days. His body with all due funeral solemnities, was buried in the Cathedral Church of Saint Maries in Worcester, where, in the South side of the Choir he remaineth entombed in Touch, or jest, without any remembrance of him by picture. (73) Henry the second son of King Henry the seventh and of Queen Elizabeth was borne at Greenwich in the County of Kent, the two and twentieth of june, in the year of Grace, one thousand four hundred ninety and one, being the seventh of his Father's reign. In his Infancy he was created Duke of York and Martial of England, and so trained up in his youth to literature as he was rightly accounted the best learned Prince in Europe, and by the death of his brother succeeded his Father in all his Dominions; whose Reign and Acts are presently to be related. (74) Edmund the third son of King Henry and of Queen Elizabeth, was borne in the year of Christ, one thousand four hundred ninety five, and in his young years was created Duke of Somerset, which Title he no long time enjoyed, being taken away by death at Bishops Hatfield before he attained fully to five years of age, the year of Grace, one thousand four hundred ninety and five, and fifteenth of his Father's Reign, and his body lieth interred at Saint Peter in Westminster. (75) Margaret the eldest daughter of King Henry and of Lady Elizabeth his Queen, was born the nine and twentieth day of November the year of Christ 1489. and fifth of her father's reign; she at the age of fourteen was married unto james the fourth King of Scotland, the year of our Lord one thousand five hundred and three, unto whom she bore james the fifth, Arthur and Alexander and a Daughter: which last three, died all of them young; and after the death of King james (being slain at Flodden Field in fight against the English,) she was remarried unto Archibald Douglas Earl of Anguisse, in the year of our Lord, one thousand five hundred and fourteen, unto whom she bore Margaret, afterward espoused unto Matthew Earl of Lennox, Father by her of the Lord Henry, who died at the age of nine months, and lieth interred in the upper end of the Chancel in the Parish Church of Stepney near London, upon whose Grave is engraven in brass, as followeth: here lieth Henry Steward Lord Darle of the age of three quarters of a year, late Son and Heir of Matthew Steward Earl of Lennoux and Lady Margaret his wife, which Henry deceased the XXVIII. day of November in the year of our Lord God. 1545. Whose Soul jesus pardon. Her second son was Henry Lord Dernley a Noble Prince; and reputed for person one of the goodliest Gentlemen of Europe, who married Marie Queen of Scotland, the royal Parents of the most royal Monarch james the first King of great Britain, and of the Britain World. And her third son was Charles Earl of Lennox father unto Lady Arbella. (76) Elizabeth the second daughter of King Henry and Lady Elizabeth his Queen was borne the second day of july, one thousand four hundred ninety two, and died the fourteenth of September and year of Christ, one thousand four hundred ninety five, and is interred at Westminster. (77) Marry the third blossom of the Imperial Rosetree of England, was first wife to Lewis King of France, who lived not long after, and died without issue by her. Her second husband was that martial and pompous Gentleman, Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk. (78) Katherine fourth daughter of this seventh Henry and of Elizabeth his Queen, was borne upon Candlemas day, in the year of our Lord, one thousand five hundred and three, and in the eighteenth year of her father's reign, who was called to her part in a far better Kingdom within a short while after. Henry VIII. Monarch 58 HENRY THE EIGHT OF THAT NAME, KING OF ENGLAND, FRANCE, AND IRELAND, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, etc. THE FIFTY EIGHT MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH, HIS REIGN, ACTS, WIVES, AND ISSVE. CHAPTER XXI. HENRICus OCTANUS DEI GRATIA ANGLIE FRANCIE ET hiberny REX FIDEI DEFĒSOR ET I TERA ECCLESIA ANGLICANE ET HIBERNICE SUPREMUCAPUT H. 8 ✚ HENRICus OCTANUS DEI GRAT ANGL FRAN ET HIBER REX FIDEI DEFĒSOR ET IN TERA ECCLESIA ANGLICANE ET HIBERNICE SUPREMU CAPUT HENRIC: S: D: G: AGL: FRAN: Z: HIB●REX▪ 5 GOL. ●IHSS: AUTE: TRANSIE●PER: MEDI: I: LORRIQUE: ●●AT THe rich and wise King A. D. 1509. (Henry the seventh) go (as is said) the way of all flesh, his son bearing the same name, a most magnanimous & heroical Prince, succeeded in his Throne over all his dominions, as the only true heir unto the Crown, by both King Henry his birth place. Polydor. the houses of Lancaster and York. His birth was at Greenwich in the year of Grace, 1491. the twentieth two of june: and his youth so trained up in literature, that he was accounted the most learned Prince of all Christendom, endued with parts most befitting a King, both in lineaments of body, and liberality of mind, besides his ripe knowledge in politic The most learned King of Christendom. affairs, and was made the more agreeable to the affections of men, by the consideration of his flourishing age, as having not attained unto nineteen at his father's death. In his infancy he was created Duke of York; at twelve years (his brother deceased) Prince of Wales, and at eighteen become sole Monarch of the land, when at Westminster upon King Henry and Queen Katherine crowned. Edw. Hall. Sunday the twenty fift of june, even the festival of Saint john Baptist, and year of Christ jesus, 1509. he with his beauteous Queen Katherine received their Crowns at the hands of William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury, no Prince giving better hopes unto justice, or seeking the wealth of his subjects more than himself. (2) His Counsellors he chose of the gravest divines, King Henry used to sit often in Council himself in person. and the wisest Nobility, with whom he not only often sat, to the great increase of his politic experience; but would also yield his authority to their grave and far inseeing wisdoms: Of whom the plaints of Petitioners were so movingly regarded, that Proclamations went forth, with promise of restitution, to them that had been wronged by Dudley, Empson. Dudley or Empson, two persons that had abused the authority of K. Henry his Father, by enriching their joh. Stow. own coffers, with the utter undoing of many better subjects. These men, King Henry the seventh had made his Instruments for the finding out of offenders in his penal Statutes, themselves being learned in the laws, and apt enough to execute their Commissions to the full: for, by their daily informations holinsh. pag. 791. and recovering of fines, they digged and brought a silver Mine into the King's Exchequer, some veins whereof by the way, ran also into their own coffers, to the great vexation of all, and utter undoing of many; whereat the Noblemen grudged, the Edw. Hall. Gentility repined, the Commons lamented, and all of them felt the teeth of these ravening Wolves: But the father King departed, and his son set on his throne; the complaints of the oppressed so oppressed the King and his Council, that Dudley and Empson were sent prisoners to the Tower, and both of them by Parliament attainted of Treason. (3) Edmund Dudley by descent was a Gentleman, and by profession a Lawyer, having both wit and words at will, had he not abused both to his own destruction. Richard Empson his inferior by birth, In Tocester Northamptonshire was the son of a poor Sieve-maker, but yet had he stepped before him to the degree of a Knight: These night-sprung Mushrooms that sucked the earths fatness, from far better plants than themselves, saw not the many hands ready to pluck up them by the roots; when the season should serve to clear the land of such weeds: for albeit they had their discharge under the Kings own hand to do what they did, and their service known Crown service, a matter impugnable, yet no sooner were they left to stand upon their own basis, but that they felt the weight of their done wrongs too importunable for them any longer to bear; for so importune were all degrees against them, that Dudley Edmund Dudley condemned. forthwith in Guildhall London was arraigned and condemned to die: and King Henry in progress, Jo. Sotw A●●al. (through the cry of the people) could take no pleasure, till he had sent for Empson into Northamptonshire, where among them he was arraigned, and received sentence of death, which was so desired and followed, as to satisfy his Subjects, the King sent a special writ for their executions, which with great joy of all was performed upon Tower hill, by taking from them their heads; when they left their riches to be spent by others, and their names to remain upon Record for the Caterpillars of those times: whose like if any such live, shall leave their hateful remembrance to the like stains of reproachful infamy, how pleasing soever the promotion so gotten in their own eyes shall seem, or the employments in their self conceits accounted profitable to the State. (4) This justice of King Henry wan him great K. Hernies' justice and charity commended. praise of his people, and his charity extended towards London, when that City was sore distressed with famine, by sending six hundred quarters of corn, great love; so that never any King entered his reign with better hopes than himself. That Holinsh. his person was tall, is not to be doubted, though not like unto saul's, as some have alleged, whose Henry a goodly man of shape and stature. report is, that at the siege of Boulogne, he was higher by the head then any in his Camp, and every joint proportionable to so royal a stature: but that he was strong, his many justs and Tilts, and fights at Turnay (most dangerously performed) was manifested upon them that underwent his heavy hand: for at Tilt he bore down a man at Arms both horse and all, and threw Sir William Kingston a Knight of K. Henry's great strength. great strength to the ground at Barryers'; with battell-axe he combated against one Giot a german very strong and tall, and lent him better blows than he could again repay. (5) His glory thus mounted the Trophy of fame, and young Henry the only morning star in this Western Orb, Pope julius the second, fearing the further encroach of the French, who then had entered into some part of Italy, thought this Prince the strongest pillar whereunto to trust, and the fittest Card to trump the French King, well knowing the ●itle that the English Kings had unto France, and the readiness of his Subjects to forward that way: whereupon writing his lettets unto King Henry, complained against Lewis the French king, and twelfth of that name, who neither (as he alleged) esteeming The Pope's letters unto King Henry. of God, good fame, nor conscience, detained the revenues of the Clergy, supported the Cardinal William to aspire the Papacy, aided in the siege of Bonen, Alfonso of ●errara, and the Bentevoly, both traitors to the Papal Sea, where he intended to lay the foundation of his Empire, to usurp all Italy, besought him for the pity of our Saviour, and by the virtue of his famous ancestors, (for I use the words of the Pope's brief) that never forsook the Church of God in distress, and by the filial obedience, the strongest bond, to enter into the holy league, they having elected him against Lewis, Caput faederis Italici. (6) And indeed to speak as it was, Lewis much emulated King Henry's greatness, fearing that fortune would give him occasions to make his claim by sword unto the Kingdom of France; which the sooner he did by this holy father's instigations, and K. Henry demanded France. by his Herald Clarentius roughly demanded, the duchies of Normandy, Guienne, Anjou and main, john Lesly Bishop of Rosse. and with them also the Crown that king Lewis ware. The Scotish king likewise, in case of Andrew Barton slain in his Piracies (as the English alleged) A. D. 1510. by the Admiral of England, accounted the truce broken, and sought the revenge upon the Borders adjoining. Against these two nations young Henry at once prepared, and happily obtained fair victories against both: but the success of the one, (though not following precisely the time) we mean to relate before we enter discourse of the other. (7) The enterprise great which K. Henry meant to undergo, he thought it good wisdom to join K. Henry maketh league with many Princes. Guiccardin. amity with Maximilian the Emperor, Ferdinando King of Spain, and many other Princes, holding also correspondency with Pope julius the second, that busy Pontifical Prelate of Rome: then propounding his purposes in Parliament, sent over certain Nobles before him into France, and afterward King Henry entereth France. followed them himself, pitching down his Tents before the Town of Terwin, where he raised An. Reg. 1. Edw. Hal. his royal Standard of the Red-dragon, and begirt the City with a straight siege. (8) To this place Maximilian the Emperor repaired, and to the great honour of Henry entered into Sleidans Com. The Emperor serveth K. Henry. his pay, wearing the Cross of Saint George, with a rose (the King's badge) as his faithful Soldier, and received wages by day for every of his, according Anglorum pr●lia. to their degree: The French seeing the Town in distress, sought the relief with victuals, and men, but were so encountered by the king and his company, as that many of their chiefest Captains were Paulus iovius. taken, and six of their Standards won, the rest for safeguard of life so posted away, that this conflict was called the battle of Spurs. Battle of Spurs. (9) Then was the battery brought so near their walls, that many breaches were therein made, and the A. D. 1513 August. 24 Town by composition yielded unto the King; whereupon the Earl of Shrewsbury was sent to see all things safe, who stuck upon the highest Turret the Banner of Saint George, and took the oath of allegiance of all the French Citizens, to acknowledge Terwin won and the Citizens sworn unto Henry. King Henry their supreme Lord: This done, the King as a Conqueror entereth Terwine, sent thence their Ordinance, dismounted the Turrets, cast down the walls, filled up the ditches, and fired the Town, excepting only the Cathedral Church and Bishop's Palace. Edw. Hall. Turnay besieged by K. Henry. (10) Then was the siege removed unto Turnay: about which City King Henry commanded divers Trenches to be cast, and placed his Ordinance to such advantage, that none might enter in, or come out of the same. Into this Town a great number of the French from the Country's adjoining had lately fled, relying much upon the strength and safety of the place, which indeed had ever been accounted so invincible, that this sentence was engraved The strength of Turnay. over one of the gates. jannes' tun me a perden ton pucellage, thou hast never lost thy maidenhead: Notwithstanding, it was yielded up unto Henry with ten thousand pounds sterling for the Citizen's redemption, who to the number of fourscore thousand, than took their oaths to become his true Subjects, and four of their principal bore up the A. D. 1513. Octob. 2. King Henry in triumph entered Turnay. Canopy under which the King in triumph-wise entered, having born before him his sword, axe, spear, and other habiliments of war, every Citizen holding a staffe-Torch for his light. The safe keeping of this City, the King committed to Sir Edward Poinings Knight of the Order of the Garter, whom he there made his Lieutenant, and ordained Thomas Wolsey his Almoner the Bishop of Turnay. The year now spent, and season unfit for the field, a surcease from war was determined until the next spring; whereupon all were shipped for England with full payment, and praise, but Terwin and Turnay stuck heavily upon the French men's hearts. (11) King Lewis thus endamaged in his own joh. Lesly. Dominions, thought it best policy to pay like for like, to which end at the first attempts against Terwine he solicited james the fourth of that name, King of Scotland (though brother by marriage unto King Henry of England) to disturb the peace of his Subjects, that so he might be drawn out of K. james of Scotland incited by the French King. Edw. Hal. Holinsh. See the contents of this letter in joh. Leslie Bishop of Rosse, dated at Edenbrough the twenty sixt of july in A. D. 1513. France; which james for his part put presently in practice: for writing his letters to Henry in the French Kings behalf, charged him with breach of Truce, both in the case of his Scots slain at the sea, as also against his Confederates the Duke of Gelder, and King of France, against which last he desired him to desist, otherwise he should be forced to revenge the Frenches wrongs upon his English: and to give letters of Mart to recover the losses of his Subjects. (12) King Henry a Prince of a Majestical spirit, most highly offended at these his brother's requests, Lions terrified at K. Henry's answers. and threats, was so far overgone with fury and rage, that Lion's King at Arms the bringer, was thereby somewhat daunted at his present answer, See the contents of this letter in Holinshed, dated from the Camp at the siege of Terwin the 12. of August. A. D. 1513. which he desired might be sent in writing, refusing to carry in words his reply to his Sovereign. This Heralds wise and weighty request, was forthwith granted, and letters framed to King james demands, answering those imputations with rough and round words, which notwithstanding he never read or saw, being slain in the battle of Flodden, before that Lions could come to deliver the same. (13) For james King of Scots preparing for war, james King of Scotland enters England. had in the mean while entered the borders, and with his Ordinance battered and won the Castle of Norham; making still forward upon the English. Against whom Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey made the King's Lieutenant of the North, at his going into France, assembled an Army of twenty six thousand Thomas Earl of Surrey King, Henry's Lieutenant maketh towards the Scots. strong, unto whom came his son the Lord Admiral of England, with a great supply of good soldiers well appointed for war. The Earl from Newcastle came unto the water of Till, and pitched his battle besides a little Town called Brankeston, under Flodden hill, a mountain lying in the North of Northumberland, betwixt the rivers of Till and Tweed, where upon a rising bank, the Scottish host had taken the advantage of the ground: unto King james, Thomas Earl of Surrey sent Rogue cross a Pursuivant at Arms, with proffer of battle to be done upon Friday the ninth of September, Lord Howard proffereth battle unto K. James. if so it pleased his Highness, who withal carried this message from the L. Admiral, that he was come in person to justify his Act against Andrew Barton, and would abide the last drop of his blood in the Vanguard of the field. King james accepteth of battle (14) King james most readily accepted the offer, and by his Herald Hay sent the Earl word, that if he were as then in Edenbrough, yet would he most gladly come to fulfil his desire; and withal sent his letters for the just occasions given him to invade John Lesly. England as he did. The day approached, and the Scots keeping the higher ground, the Earl marched upward along the river, and by two Bridges passed over with his host, making still forward, as though he meant either to have taken into Scotland, or else to cirumvent K. james his return, which he perceiving, hasted down the hill, putting from him his horse, raised his royal Standard, and as a most valiant chieftain encouraged his Soldiers to the fight. The fight begun. (15) The Scotish Ordinance discharged from above, overshot the English with very small damage, and the ground of no difficult ascent, gave them the easier access, so that Sir Edmund Howard, who lead a wing to the Vanguard (whereof his brother Paulus Jovius. the Admiral was Captain) got almost to the height; against whom the Earls of Lennox and Argile, with their Battles of Spears on foot so violently encountered, that they beaten down, and broke The Scots at the first encounter beaten the English back. the wing of the English, wherein many were slain, and the horsemen disbanded, and put to flight; but presently recalled, joined themselves again to the great battle, which by this time had attained to the top of the hill. King james that saw this first brunt performed, made full account that the day was his own, supposing verily the English had fled, and therefore most valiantly he advanced forward, not staying for the rearguard to second his The battles join. battle, and encountering the Earl's Battalion, a bloody fight was performed, with the loss and life of many a man: but strength near spent, and the Scotish somewhat disjoined, through force of a great shore of arrows falling among them; Sir Edward Stanley having three bands reserved for the like purpose, with a fresh onset invaded the open sides of the enemy, whose force was so violent, that the Scots no longer were able to stand, but took The Scots put to flight. down the hill unto flight, which the Earls of Lennox and Argile perceiving, did their best to stay them, and fight most valiantly, themselves were slain in the same place. (16) King james then perceiving the wings of his Battle distressed and go, and that the enemy began to enclose him about; with a stout resolution The valiant courage of K. James. encouraged his men, willing them to regard the person of their King, their own honour, their valiant Ancestors, and now their present employments; that their blood might be bought dear to the English, and the Scotish valours recorded for ever in the volumes of fame for this their one days work; & thereupon rushing among the thickest began a most eager & bloody battle, and piercing through with a strong hand went so far, that he had almost overthrown the Earl's Standard: thus busied in doubtful chance, the Lord Howard and Sir Edward Stanley having discomfited the enemy in either wing, returned in the face of the main battle, and the Lord Dacres with his Horsemen came upon their backs, so that the Stotish were forced to fight in a round compass, but being over-laid, the King's Standard was strucken down, and himself most valiantly fight slain james king of Scots slain with 12. Earls, and 17. Lords. in the midst of his enemies: with whom died three Bishops, whereof one was Alexander Archbishop of Saint Andrew's the King's base son, two Abbots, twelve Earls, and seventeen Lords, Knights and Gentlemen a great number in all about eight thousand, and almost as many taken prisoners saith Paulus iovius. (17) The next day when the Scouts had found the field cleared of enemies, and the English busied to bury their dead: the body of King james was found slain among the rest, having received many bloody wounds, and most of them deadly: for his sides were stuck thick with sharp arrows, his neck cut into the midst, and his left hand in two King james body embalmed and buried at Shine. places almost cut quite off. These wounds notwithstanding he was descried, and known by the Lord Dacres and others to be the King: and thereupon his body bowelled, embalmed, and wrapped in lead, was solemnly brought unto the Monastery of Shine in Surrey, where no doubt it was honourably interred: but at the dissolution of that House, in the days of King Edward the sixth, it was (as almost all other Monuments were) disturbed of rest, and thrown into a waste room among old timber, stone and lead, which john Stowe the Relater saith, himself so saw: and further declareth (let him be the Author) that the servants of Lancelot Young Glazier to the late Queen, being at Shine in new glazing the windows, either upon a foolish pleasure, or desire of the Lead, cut the head from the rest: John Stow Survey of London in Cripplegate Ward. but smelling the sweet perfumes of the balms, gave it to their Master, who opening the lead found therein the Head of a man retaining favour, though the moisture were clean dried up, whose hair both of Head and Beard was red, which after he had well viewed, and a while kept, he caused to be buried in Saint Michaels at Woodstreet London, the Church of the Parish wherein himself dwelled. (18) Notwithstanding this fair tale of john Stow, john Lesby Bishop of Rosse affirmeth, that it was held for certain, the body thus found, was the body of the Laird Bonehard then slain in the battle: and that K. james was seen alive the same night at Kelso, whence he passed unto jerusalem and there spent the rest of his days in holy contemplation: but howsoever it is (saith he) he never john Sleidan. Phil. Coming. was seen any more in Scotland, no more than Charles Duke of Burgundy was in his Country after the Battle of Nanze: howbeit his people held a vain opinion that he escaped, and would again shortly return. This battle was fought upon the ninth of September, the year 1513. and is commonly called the battle of Floddon or Flodden Field: whence with victory, the Earl General departed, with the embalmed Body of Edward Hall. King james, whom he presented unto Queen Katherine, who with the Gauntlet of the slain King sent the news of the victory unto her Lord King Henry, then lying in his siege before the Town Terwine. (19) But as these his proceed went prosperously The Flemings fall off from king Henry. forward, and his fame daily spread in further parts, so the Flemings (who hitherto had held side with his sails) began to fall off suddenly, & upon the occasion as followeth. It had been concluded betwixt King Henry the seventh, and Philip King of Spain, that Charles his eldest son should marry Holinsh. pag. ●30. Marie the younger daughter of the English King, with a Princely Dowry agreed upon, but she being young, and not ten years of age, and the Castilian unable to give assurance of her pension assigned, that match went not forward during the life of her father, howbeit King Henry her brother regarding greatly her honour, provided for the marriage, and signified so much to the Counsel of Flanders: who dallied him off with many excuses, & lastly sent him word they could not receive her that year. A. D. 1514. (20) This therefore gave Lewis King of France occasion to hammer at a peace, and making Pope Leo his, they both together put it in practice, the readier was Henry to listen thereunto, both for the Great favours betwixt the Pope and King Henry. love he bore to his sister, and for the great regard he held of the apostolic See, whence julius the second, and this Pope's Predecessor had lately sent him a Cap of maintenance and sword, and by decree of Council given him the Title Christian●ssimo; In Consil. Later. which were received with great thanks, and solemnities. The French Kings desire was to marry the said Lady Mary, whose dowry he assigned to be thirty A marriage concluded betwixt King Lewis and Lady Mary. two thousand Crowns by year, during her natural life, covenanting further to pay unto King Henry her brother, the sum of one hundred thousand Crowns annually for five years continuance. Lady Mary sent into France. (21) Peace thus concluded, the Lady Marie with an honourable Company was shipped at Dover, the Duke of Norfolk, the marquess Dorset▪ and the Earl of Salisbury, being her chief conductors: whose fleet had not passed two leagues at Seas, but that a sudden tempest arose, and so violently raised the waves, as their Ships were severed each from others, some into Flaunders, some into Calais, and hers with great difficulty struck in at Bullen, where by Lady Mary landed at Bullen. Boats her train was landed, and herself borne to the shore in the arms of a Knight. Thence with thirty six Ladies all their Palfreys trapped in crimson Velvet, embroidered with gold, herself all in Cloth of silver, her horses and Chariots in Tissue-cloth of Gold, and Crimson velvet set with Goldsmith's work, more like an Angel than a human Creature, met with King Lewis at Abuile, and Lady Mary married unto King Lewis. there the ninth of October the marriage was solemnised; where the French so gazed at the new Queen's beauty, as they could not cast their eyes from her attractive rays, nor the infirm King be satisfied with any other object whilst she was in presence▪ for (so saith Guicchardine) Guicchard. he gave himself over to much to behold her most excellent beauty, not considering her young years, being not yet eighteen, with the unequality of his own expired; nor the constitution of his weak decayed body. For having been sick before this his marriage, and not well recovered of his lingering disease, (though he set the fairest show outward) lived Lewis the French King dieth. with this his fair Queen only eighty two days, and then by his death left her to choose another husband to her best liking, which she shortly did in her second match. (22) For thus left a stranger in the French Court, and desirous to return again into England; King Henry her brother, sent Charles Brandon the new made Duke of Suffolk, to conduct the young Queen out of France. This Duke a gallant, and of Queen Mary falleth in love with Charles Duke of Suffolk. a goodly presence, so courted his Charge, and carried himself in the eye of her melting affections, as his love entered deeply into her tender heart: which thing indeed King Henry perceived before, for which cause, as was thought, he raised him to the grace of a Duke; howsoever the Gem thus got, and too precious to be lost, he made her his own, by celebration of marriage, before he past Calais, and thence sent to entreat his Sovereign's consent, who seeing it was bootless to undo what was done, with a light touch of reproof allowed their nuptials. But her dowry kept back by the French, and other grievances complained of, caused no little troubles between the two Realms as shall be related in place convenient. In the mean while let it not seem over tedious if we briefly run over the rising and height of Thomas Wolsey, that pontifical Priest, seeing that many dependences of Story Eras. Rol. had their events in the Acts of this man, who with the King reigned together as King, if not before him in managing the State. Thomas Wolsey his rising. (23) His birth was at Ipswich in the County of Suffolk, his parents poor, but of an honest report, and himself a good Philosopher, very eloquent and full of wit: his education in youth was at Oxford in Maudlin College, and his first preferment from the Lord marquess Dorset▪ who bestowed upon him a marquess Dorset Wolseis first preferrer. benefice in his gift, in regard that he was tutor unto his sons, which Sir Amias Paulet so crossed him in, that he tied Wolsey by the feet in the Stocks though afterward he put this his Act among other his deeds, whereof he had just cause to repent: for the Schoolmaster no sooner was mounted into the Chancellorshippe of England, but that he laid his command upon Paulet, and retained him as Prisoner in the Middle Temple the space of 6. years: but in the mean time marquess Dorset dying, left Wolseyes' pillar of hope altogether unpolished, and the base thereof itself unsettled upon any firm ground▪ so that Wolsey now sought his fortune in France; who coming to caleis, become servant to Sir john Naphant the Treasurer of that Town, where he carried himself with so great discretion, as shortly his master preferred him to the King. Wolsey entertained in the Court (24) This Scholar having thus cast Anchor at Court, the haven of hope, was more than double diligent in the King's eye, and very serviceable also both to Doctor Fox Bishop of Winchester, Secretary, and Lord Privy Seal, as also to Sir Thomas Lovel Master of the Wards, and Constable of the Tower: but most of all unto Fortune, that now fitted S●eidans Com●. l. 6 occasion to make herself famous in this poor Butcher's son. For King Henry having urgent business Wolsey sent to the Emperor. with Maximilian the Emperor, sent this his Chaplain unto him in Post, who posted again before he was thought to be go, and withal concluded some points forgot in his directions, to the high content of his Sovereign Lord the King▪ for the which he bestowed upon him the deanery of Lincoln, the worthiest promotion under the degree of Wolsey a Privy Counsellor. a Bishop: then was he made the King's Almoner, and presently following one of the Privy Council; wherein his advise was so wise, and his persuasions so weighty, that he was continually employed to be their expositor to the King, always carrying a most special regard, to prefer his majesties will howsoever it went; so that his mouth was the only Organ that ever sounded his pleasure, and freedom from troubles of all State affairs. (25) But wars having been commenced betwixt England and France, and Turnay lost from the Wolsey made Bishop of Turnay, Lincoln, and York▪ obedience of jews, King Henry gave his Almoner the Bishopric thereof, and changed his Deanery of Lincoln into the Bishopric of the same Diocese, and not long after set also the Mitre of York upon Wolseyes' Wise-head: whereby he become (as it were) three Bishops at once, and now being Primas Angliae, carried himself accordingly, by erecting his Cross in the King's Court; albeit it were within the jurisdiction of Canterbury, which seemed unsufferable; the dignity of the Church held then much by Precedency of place, and the giving way Strife begun betwixt the Arcbishoppes of Canterbury and York. to inferiors, accounted the infringing of all religious liberties; Wherefore William Archbishop of Canterbury found himself sore aggrieved to have the Cross of York (which owed him obedience) advanced with his, and that in his presence, for which he greatly checked the presumption of this proud Prelate. (26) But Wolsey not wanting wherewithal to R. Grafton. mate him by the instigations of the Kings▪ both of England and France; obtained to be made Priest, Wolsey made Cardinal. Cardinal, and Legatus de Later, unto whom Pope Leo sent a Cardinal's hat, with bulls of authority in that behalf, yet were these high Presents brought in no better a case▪ then in a mean budget, which seemeth somewhat disgraceful in the new Cardinal's eye; wherefore he commanded a stay to be made of the bringers approach; and for the greater honour to this honourable present, arrayed The great solemnity in receiving of the Cardinal's hat. him in most costly silks, beseeming so great an Ambassador, who advancing forward, he caused to be encountered by a number of gallant Gentlewomen, and a great assembly of Prelates upon Black-heath, by whom he was conducted with much honour through the City of London, and his Present delivered at Westminster, attended by many mitred Bishops and Abbots, with a rich show of Copes, as if it had been a King's Coronation. (27) Thus got before Canterbury by his power Legative, to wear now his hat without control of an equal, he obtained the purse with the broad Wolsey made L▪ Chancellor of England▪ Seal of England, which Archbishop Warham had enjoyed long before the death of King Henry the seventh, and was made Lord Chancellor in his room; so that besides the purse and mace of that honourable Office, he had two Crosses and two Pillars, borne ever before him by the tallest Priests that were to be found in the Realm. To the better maintenance of his chargeable estate, the King bestowed on him the Bishopric of Winchester, and in Commendam the Abbey of Saint Albans, and joh. Stow. 1 Turnay. 2 Lincoln. 3 York. 4 Winchester. 5 Bath. 6 Worcester. 7 Hereford. with them he held in Farm, the bishoprics of Bath, Worcester, and Hereford, enjoyed by stranger's incumbents, not residing in the Realm, so that now seeming a monster with seven heads, and each of them crowned with the Mitre of a Bishop; let us thus leave him dandled in Dame Fortune's lap, till surfeited with dalliance she cast him from thence. A. D. 1517. Ill May day. (28) But the state of London's Tradesmen prospered under his greatness nothing so well, for such was the concourse of strangers, and so much were they borne with, by the superiors, that they abused the English, openly in the markets, kept from a Citizen The English abused by strangers. his own wife with his plate, yea, and past with a small penance for kill an Englishman. These first were complained of in a Sermon at Saint Mary's Hospital, and afterwards assaulted, and much hurt done to their substance and houses, for which riotous offence john Lincoln the only instigator Rich. Grafton. was hanged; and four hundred men, boys, and eleven women led in ropes along the City in their shirts, and halters about their necks to the kings Hall at Westminster, where his Majesty sitting under a cloth of estate, pardoned the offences to the great rejoicing of the Londoners. A. D. 1519. (29) But the loss of Turney sticking sore upon the stomach of the French King, he sought to redeem it again with money, and to that end sent his Ambassadors into England, where it was concluded, that the City should be delivered unto Frances Valois then King of France, paying for the same unto Henry six hundred thousand Crowns in twelve years continuance, that is to say, fifty Turney delivered upon composition. thousand Crowns a year, that the Duke of Albany should be recalled out of Scotland, and that the Dauphin should marry the Lady Mary King Henry's young daughter, which marriage if so it happened not to take effect at the years of consent, than Articles of agreement betwixt K. Henry and K. Lewis. Turnay should be redelivered to the English; neither was this forgotten, that the Cardinal should receive a thousand marks yearly for the revenues of the said Bishopric, and upon these Covenants were hostages for further assurance delivered. (30) But peace much affected among Christian Princes, and daily increased of most potent Estates, was very much feared would work alteration in the authority, abuse, and great riches of the Clergy, The Pope ●n enemy to Christian peace. if Kings might have leisure to look into their own charges at home. To busy their heads therefore from all suspicion or jealousies, Pope Leo the tenth devised the means, by a preparation intended for the holy lands wars; a subject in show very religious, howsoever the former successes had proved it not pleasing to God, when to recover the City once holy, and to build up that which Christ by prophesy The wars for jerusalem unpleasing to God. Luc. 19 had cast down, as much Christian blood was spilled to▪ raise those ruinous walls, as there was mortar laid to fasten the stones of their first building. (31) To this end therefore three Legates were sent from the holy See of Rome, one into France, another Cardinal Campius came Legate into England. into Germany, and Cardinal Campius into England, with whom was joined Wolsey in Commission, who hearing of the ragged retinue of his fellow Cardinal, sent store of read cloth unto caleis, to make them meet followers of so great a Lord; and Campius landed at Dover, Wolsey caused the Towns thorough which he should pass, to receive him with procession: and so being brought by the Gentility of The Honourable receiving of Cardinal Campius. Kent unto Black-heath near unto Greenwich, was there met and received by the Duke of Norfolk, many Knights, but many more Prelates, where in a Tent of Cloth of Gold, he shifted himself into his Cardinal Robes, which was edged about with most rich Ermine, and thence road to London, in Matth. 21 9 more pomp and estate than Christ did to jerusalem when Hosanna was sung. (32) Eight Mules he had laden with necessaries belonging, but those made no show in proud Wolseis eyes, therefore twelve more he sent him to furnish his Pageants through the streets of London, these either wanton, or ashamed to be wondered at, played the skittish jades indeed: For in Cheapside, as this Triumph forth passed, these beasts by breaking their Collars and escaping their Leaders, cast their Carriages and Coffers The Cardinal's rich treasures showed in Cheap side. upon the cold ground; whose lids flying open laid most of their riches to the sight of the people. For, from some of them fell old Breeches, Boots and broken shoes, from others torn stockings tottered rags, old Iron and horse shoes, and for fainting by the way therein was bestowed, and now cast abroad, broken meat, marrowbones, roasted eggs, and crusts of bread, iwis worth the keeping: this Shipwreck made upon the Shelves of Cheapside, no need it was to bid the muleteers to bestir them, who like good thrifty mariners saved from spoil as much as they could, and trussing up their trinkets, laded again these wantoness, with the wealth of the Cardinal, who (good man) was jogging on afore with his Crosses, Pillars, Gilt-axe and Mace, unto Paul's Church, where he was met with many mitred Bishops, and attended upon to Bath place, where we will leave him, and return to the place where we left. (33) The unity agreed upon betwixt England and France, a meeting was motioned for the two Kings, and to that end great preparation made aswell of the one as of the other. But in the heat of Charles the Emperor cometh into England. this business, King Henry had word that Charles, his Queen's Nephew, and new made Emperor, would visit him in England, which accordingly he did, accompanied with the Queen of Arragon, and a most Royal Train, and was as Royally entertained by john Stow. King Henry: the cause of his coming was to hinder the peace concluded with France, for although, this Emperor were young, and but newly established; yet was he wise and well foresaw the hurt that this amity with France, would bring him, and therefore came in person of purpose to dissuade the King's mind and to stay his entrance with the French if he could, but finding Henry so forward in those proceeds, he baited his hooks with golden gifts to the Cardinal, and wan him wholly to his devotion. (34) King Henry passing the Seas unto Calais, met Rich. Tarpin. with King Frances at a place appointed, and for that King Henry goeth into France. purpose newly built betwixt the Towns of Guisnes, and Arde: where to describe the justs, Banquets, and Masks were to fill up (with Hall, Grafton and Holinshed) whole sides of excessive great Cost. At Rich. Grafton. Calais also the same time the Emperor, with his Aunt the Lady Margaret Duchess of Savoy landed, whither Edw. Hall. King Henry and his Queen repaired, to the no little grudge of the French King, though he kept it to himself, and consented unto the ancient league tripartite betwixt these three monarchs, which done the Kings returned into their own Realms. (35) Displeasures shortly arising betwixt the Emperor A. D. 1521. An. Reg. 13. and the French King, King Henry assayed to bring them to peace, but that failing, fell himself from Variance betwixt England and France. the French, imputing the fault unto Frances for suborning the Scots against him, and King Frances again laid all the blame in the Cardinal, accusing him of dissimulation, abhorred practices and what not: but john Stow. wheresoever lay the defect, the Duke of Albany R. Grafton. was sent into Scotland; the French followed a Spanish ship fraught with the goods of English-Merchants unto Margate, and took her even in the King's streams, in both which King Frances excusing himself with ignorance, alleged no breach of truce broken by him. Taken out of the Cardinals own letters dated january 16. Anno. 1524. (35) Then was it thought best by the Cardinal's advice to repay like with like, and therefore counseled his King, to rear Charles Duke of Bourbon against France and to persuade him to invade the very heart thereof, encouraging him with sufficient pay, and making him his Champion general of the Duke Bourbon made King Henry's Captain General. Instructions of King Henry dated in Anno 1524. Rich. Place Secretary. Field; whilst the Emperor likewise held him play against Milan. And to that end was sent in way of loan to the Emperor a great sum of money, and foreign Princes solicited to take arms against France, for effecting which, King Henry sent his Ambassadors to the States of Venice and Swissers with these instructions as followeth. (36) That whereas in a treaty of peace it was concluded betwixt the Emperor, King Henry, and Frances the French King, that if any Controversies should arise betwixt any two, the Prince not invading should give aid and assistance against the invader: The English Embassages into foreign States. but now the Emperor being invaded by the French Kings Captains in the Realm of Navarre, and in his own Country by Robert de la March, and others by his procurement, and our king (said they) being often called upon by the Emperor, hath often entreated the French King to surcease, but hath nothing obtained besides fair words and detraction of promises. Complaining likewise that The wrongs done by the French unto th● English. in the intercourse of these businesses, the French King contrary to his Oath had sent the Duke of Albany into Scotland (in contempt of King Henry) and to the great danger of the young King's death or deposition, he being the next in blood to succeed, and to the dishonour of the Queen mother, had caused a separation betwixt her and her lawful husband the Earl of Angus. That the French King john Le●●. had detained the payment compounded for the delivery of Turnay; and kept back the dowry of his sister Queen Dowager of France, that he had entertained The Queen's Dowry unpaid. the rebellious Subjects of King Henry, and spoiled his Merchants both by Land and Sea. Neither was unremembered the danger that the Venetians stood in, if the Realms of Naples, and Sicily, the signiories of jeanss, and Milan were lost from the Empire. These therefore seemed fair projects unto King Henry for him to war against France, and to A. D. 1522. A general muster. that end, a general Muster by Commission was taken of all able men from sixteen years and upward, of every Hamlet, Village, Burrough, City, Hundred, and Io. Stow. Shire, throughout England, which seemed to many another doomsday Book: and yet was there neither peace nor war against France. Charles the Emperor cometh again into England. (37) In this great and hasty preparation, Charles the Emperor▪ as he passed toward Spain, landed at Dover, where King Henry met him, and in great estate brought him to London; which was so prepared with Ornaments and Pageants, as if it had been the King's Coronation, and in the Blackfriar's the Emperor was lodged in a most Princely Palace new built by the King; then was he feasted at Windsor, where he sat in his state, in his Mantle and Garter, and by receiving the Sacrament these two Potent monarchs took their Corporal Oaths to observe the Covenants concluded betwixt them: whereof one was, that the Emperor Charles agreed to stay Holinsh. in Anno 18. Henry. 8. for, and take to wife the young Princess Lady Marie, King Henry's then only daughter; and in such The Emperor affianceth Lady Mary. golden bands of love, Charles and Henry, seemed to be linked, as in London this sentence was set up in the guildhall over the door of the Counsel Chamber, where it still remaineth. Carolus, Henricus, vivant, defensor uterque Henricus fid●i, Carolus Ecclesiae. (38) Why the Titles defender of Church and Faith, were attributed unto these two Princes is no marvel; for Charles chosen Emperor, was scarcely confirmed, but to purchase the Pope's favour, he directed forth a solemn Writ of outlawry against john Sleidan. Com. Martin Luther, who then had given a great blow to the Papal Crown. And King Henry likewise was renowned in Rome, for writing a book against the said Luther: underpropping the tottering or downcast countenance of the Pope's pardons; K. Henry wrote against Martin Luther. which Luther shrewdly had shaken; the Pope therefore to show himself a kind father unto those his sons, gave them these Titles; which in truth were none other, than the same which they swore unto, when the Crowns of their Empires were first set upon their heads. But with what acceptance his Holiness received King Henry's book, his own Oration solemnly made at the delivery thereof unto M. john Clarke the presenter and King's Ambassador, in his Consistory, and in presence of his Cardinals sufficiently doth show, the translation whereof we have inserted as we find it in the Original itself. The Pope's Oration at the delivery of K. Henry's book. Ex Original. We do receive this book with all alacrity: it is indeed such as there could not be any thing sent us, and our venerable brethren, more acceptable than it is. For the King himself, a most mighty, most prudent, and most truly Christian Prince, we know not whether we may more praise or admire, being the first that by war with happy success hath subdued the enemies of the Church of Christ, that seek to rend Christ's coat, and at last overcoming the enemies, hath restored peace to the Church of God, and to this holy See. But now against so foul a Monster, both to understand, to be able, and willing to writ this book, he hath showed himself no more admirable to the whole world for his elegant style, then for his wit. We humbly give thanks to our Creator for giving such a Prince to defend his Church, and this holy See, desiring the same God to grant to this his King a happy life, and all his desires, and after this life in his heavenly Kingdom, to keep for him an everlasting Crown. And we so far as we are able to entreat of God, will never be wanting to the said most wise King in the faculties granted to us of God. (40) To manifest which his readiness, himself among his Cardinals decreed an augmentation unto King Henry's royal Style to be annexed unto his others; confirming the same by his Bull, which that it perish not by the devouring teeth of Time, we have here published from the original Parchment, and leaden seal itself, as followeth. (41) Leo Episcopus servus servorum Dei, etc. Leo Bishop servant of the servants of God; to our most dearly beloved Son in Christ, Henry King of England defender of the Faith, health and Apostolical Benediction. We by divine permission, the chief overseer for the government of the universal Church, though unsufficient for so great a work, do power forth the cogitations of our heart, that the Catholic faith without which no man can attain to salvation, may receive continual increase, and that those good laws and constitutions decreed by the wisdom and learning of such as are in authority, especially the faithful in Christ, for restraining the attempts of all that labour to oppress the same, or by wicked lies & fictions seek to pervert and obscure it, may prospero with perpetual increase, do bestow our pains and utmost endeavour in our office and Ministry. And like as the Roman Bishops our Predecessors, were wont to show especial favour to Catholic Princes (according as the quality of matters and times required) especially to them that in troublesome times, when the madness and perfidious dealing of Schismatics and heretics most of all abound, did abide constant and unmovable, not only in soundness of faith and pure devotion to the holy Roman Church, but also as the most legitimate sons and valiant Champions of the same, opposed themselves both with mind and body against the furious madness of Schismatics and heretics: so likewise also do we desire to extol your Majesty with worthy and immortal praises, for your high and immortal deserts and labours towards us, and this holy See, wherein by God's permission we sit, to grant unto it those things for which it aught to watch, and drive away the Wolves from the Lords flock, and to cut off with the material sword rotten members, which infect the mystical body of Christ▪ and to confirm the hearts of the faithful in soundness of belief. Now where of late our beloved son john Clarke your majesties Orator with us, being in our Consistory before our venerable brethren of the holy Roman Church, the Cardinals and many other Prelates of the same, exhibited a book unto us to be examined and allowed of us, which book your majesties self (who doth all things with diligence and nothing amiss) inflamed with charity and zeal to the Catholic faith, and with ardent devotion toward us and this holy See, hath composed, as a most worthy and sovereign Antidote against the errors of divers heretics, often condemned by this holy See, and of late stirred up and brought in by Martin Luther: And your said Orator hath also largely declared unto us, that your Majesty is ready, and purposeth, like as you have confuted the notorious errors of the said Martin, by true reason and invincible authorities of sacred Scripture, and Ancient fathers, so you will punish to the uttermost of your power, all those of your whole Kingdom, that shall presume to follow, or defend them: and we have diligently and exactly perused and viewed the admirable doctrine of your said book, watered with the dew of heavenly Grace, and do hearty thank Almighty God, from whom every good and perfect gift doth come, who hath vouchsafed to inspire your Noble mind, inclined to every good thing, and to endue you with so great Grace from heaven, as to writ those things, whereby you are able to defend his holy faith, against such a new Innovator of damned errors; and also incite by your example all other Christian Kings and Princes, to be willing to favour and further with all their best aides the Orthodoxal faith, and evangelical truth, whensoever it be brought into danger or doubt. And we think it also meet, that they who have undertaken such godly labours for the defence of the faith of Christ, should have all praise and honour of us; and we are desirous, that not only the things themselves which your Majesty hath written, being both of most sound doctrine, and no less eloquence, should be extolled and magnified with condign commendations, and allowed and confirmed by our authority; but also that your Majesty should be graced with such an honour, and such a Title, as that both for our time and ever hereafter all men might perceive how grateful and acceptable this gift of your majesties hath been unto us, especially offered unto us now at this time. We, who be the true successors of Peter, whom Christ at his ascension into heaven left his Vicar on earth, and to whom he committed the care of his flock: We I say, who sit in this holy seat, from which all dignities and titles do flow, upon mature deliberation had with our said brethren about these things, have by the general agreement, and consent of them decreed, to bestow upon your Majesty this title, namely, THE DEFENDER OF THE FAITH. And accordingly by these Presents do instile you with such a title, commanding all faithful Christians, that they name your Majesty with this Title, and when they writ to you, that after the Word KING, they adjoin DEFENDER OF THE FAITH. And truly we diligently considering and weighing your singular merits, were not able to bethink us of a name more worthy and convenient for your Majesty, than the excellency and dignity of this Title, which so often as you shall hear and read▪ so often you may call to mind this your singular virtue and great desert, nor may you by this Title puff up yourself in pride, but according to your wont prudence become more humble, and be more valiant and constant in the faith of Christ, and in devotion to this holy See, by which you have been exalted, rejoicing in the Lord the giver of all good things, leaving this as a perpetual and immortal monument of your glory to your children, showing them the way unto the like, that if they shall desire to be graced also with such a Title, they must labour to do such works, and to follow the excellent steps of your Majesty, whom, accordingly as you have well deserved of us, and this said See, together with your wife, and all your Children that shall be borne of you, or of them, we bless with our Benediction, with a large and liberal hand in the name of HIM, from whom the power of granting this blessing is given unto us, praying and beseeching that Almighty One, who saith, By me Kings reign, and Princes rule, and in whose hands are the hearts of Kings, that he will confirm your Majesty in your holy purpose, and increase your devotion, and by your worthy endeavours for the sacred faith, so to illustrate your renown, and make you glorious through all the world, that this our Testimony which we have given of you, adorning you with so excellent a Title, may never be judged by any to be false or vain. Lastly, we desire God, that after this life ended, he would make you partakers of his eternal glory. Given at Rome at Saint Peter, in the year of the Incarnation of our Lord God, 1521. the fift Ideses October, the ninth year of our Papacy. Thus subscribed, Ego Leo X. Catholicae Ecclesiae Episcopus Sanctif. With twenty five other Cardinals and Bishops, underwriting their several names with their own hands. (42) But from these Priestly and Papal gratulations, let us return to lead our Story unto temporal Princes affairs. How the Emperor Charles The Emperor departeth England. had been entertained in King Henry's Court, we have said, and now ready to departed with many rich gifts, he repaired to Southampton, where he took his ships for Spain, whose conductor through the narrow Seas was Thomas Earl of Surrey, Lord high Admiral of England, who having wafted him unto Biscay with a gallant crew of Gentlemen, made thence sail into France, and in Britain besieged & The L. Admiral winneth Morleie won the strong Town Morleiss, and with the Garrison Soldiers of the Marches daily bickered with the heartburning French, and daily went away with the better, but new stirs arreared by the Scots, the Lord Admiral was recalled, and came to the Court, where he declared to his Highness what he had done in Britain. (43) King Henry's business thus on foot in France, he thought to pursue it with all the advantage he could, and first to found the Scots play, who were ever fast friends to the French, he sent the The Earl of Shrewsbury Lieutenant of the North. Lords Rosse and Dacres to secure the North-borders, appointing for his Lieutenant in those parts the Earl of Shrewsburie, and sent the Lord Admiral of England again into France, who divided his Army into three Battalions, the first whereof, was led by Robert Ratcliff, Lord Fitzwater; the Middle, the Earl conducted himself, with the assistance of his brother Lord Edmund Howard, and the Rearward was governed by Sir William Sands, and Sir Richard L. Admiral sent again into France. Wingfield both of them Knights of the Order, the Colonel of the horse was Sir Edward Guildford. (44) These in September entered into the French Holinshed▪ p. 875. Pale, and made toward the Castle of Heding, unto whom joined the Burgundians, sent from the Lady Margaret then Regent of Flanders, under whose colours served many Spaniards; Surrey thus set forward, burned all things where he came, demolishing the Castles and Towns of Sellios', Brumbridge, Senekerk, The English make great spoils in France. Botingham, Manstier, Nerbins', Daverne, Culumberge and Fringes the Towns and Churches fortified of Board's, Vaus, and Saint Mary de Bois: but laying his siege against Heding was forced for want of battering pieces, to break up again and departed: In whose return he burnt the Towns and Castles of Dorlens and Darrier, and coming to caleis, set sail for England with a wonderful great Booty. (45) In this while the Duke of Albany being made Governor of Scotland with an Army of Polyd. fourscore thousand drew unto the Borders, whence The Duke of Albany cometh to the Borders. he sent into France for six thousand Almains, which were promised, and daily expected though in vain, for none came at all. The Earl of Shrewsbury with eight and twenty thousand strong, drew likewise towards the Borders, but the Scots lying still, without further invasion, an abstinence from war was betwixt A surcease of war. them concluded, which how the English kept, the sequel well showed; for the King ordaining Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, Lord Warden of the whole Marches, he either refrained to impeach his honour by breach of truce, or else loath to be disquieted of his soft rest, made means to the King, to be discharged of the office, which was forthwith bestowed (and thankfully accepted) upon Thomas Earl of Surrey lately returned out of France, who Thomas Lord Admiral made Lord Lieutenant of the North. delivered the charge of the East & Middle Marches unto the Lord marquess Dorset, and the West unto the Lord Dacres, who presently made a road into Scotland, and returned with booty. (46) France and Scotland thus assailed at once, a Parliament was assembled at Blackfriars in London, wherein Cardinal Wolsey moved, and with much ado obtained, the half of the yearly revenues A great subsidy granted. of all spiritual livings, to be paid for five years continuance, and the tenth part of all temporal substance to maintain this great charge of the King, for the exact collection whereof the Cardinal was so forward, as he moved, and would have had every man sworn for his wealth, had not the Citizens of London utterly refused it, which when the King heard of, he was highly displeased with Polydor. Wolsey, and said, that ere long he would look to things himself without any Substitute. (47) Among other great esteem of this magnanimous Monarch, it was not the lest that the Emperor The King and Queen of Denmark came into England. Edw. Hall. f. 111. in person had twice come into England to visit him, and even at this time Christian King of Denmark with his Queen, unto whom Queen Katherine was Aunt, landed at Dover, and was honourably brought unto London, where they were royally feasted, and after two and twenty days entertainment, receiving great gifts of the King and Queen, they returned to Flanders, where he remained as a banished man out of his own Country. (48) King Henry purposing his further pursuits, sent a great Army into France, under the leading of The Duke of Suffolk sent into France. the Duke of Suffolk Charles Brandon, attended upon by the Lords Montacute, Herbert, Ferrer, Marneie, Sands, Barkley and Powis, nineteen Knights, six hundred demilances, two hundred Archers horsed, three thousand more of them on foot, five thousand Billmen, and seventeen hundred Garrison Soldiers▪ with one thousand five hundred labourers and Pioners. These departing Calleiss, first Places won by the Duke of Suffolk. besieged, and wan Bell-Castell, and then entering Picardy, there joined unto him three thousand foot, and five hundred horse of Almans and Spaniards; with these he assailed, and took the Castle of Bounegard, wherein he put Garrison, wan bray, The Duke of Suffolk returneth into England. roy, Lihome, Montdedier and Boghan: but the winter come on, & the weather extreme in wets and frosts, besides other wants ever following the Winter's Warriors, the Duke was enforced to break up Camp; and from caleis came safely to the Court, where, unto King Henry he was very welcome, but much more unto the French Queen his wife. (49) The Scotish (as we have said) keeping the Borders, and the English making inroads, where the places were weakest, the stirs betwixt them began daily to increase. In so much as the Duke of Albany sent a Herald unto the Earl of Surrey the King's Lieutenant of the North, to offer him Battle, promising on his honour if he took him Prisoner, his Holinsh. pag. 881▪ Duke Albanies courteous offer. ransom should be easy, and his person courteously dealt with; who returned as rough an answer, as the offer was kind, saying he would abide Battle Lord Admiral's rough answer. if he durst give it, and if the Duke were taken either by him or his, he would strike off his head and sand it for a present to his Master the King of England. So nettled was the Earl against the French, that had raised Albany The hard usage of the Scots. thus against England, and King Henry (as Bishop Lesly reporteth) took from the Scots inhabiting England all their goods, sending them into their Country on foot, with white Crosses sewed upon their uppermost Garments by which they were known and suffered to pass. The Scots upon the Earl's answer were wonderfully enraged, and seeking the revenge, some of them passed over the water, Work Castle besieged by the Scots. and hotly besieged the Castle of Work, which the Englishmen as valiantly defended, and in their resistance slew almost three hundred of their French Soldiers, the Scots▪ retiring again to their Campe. (50) The Regent not able to digest the Earl's pill, commanded his Army to march forward into the English Marches, wherewith the common Soldiers much rejoiced, but the wiser of the Nobility urged this in their Counsel, that having displayed Bishop Les●ie. in warlike manner, their Banners upon the Verge of the Borders, and defended their Country from the spoil, they saw no great reason further to proceed, no necessity or cause moving, besides the Quarrel of the French: and thereupon repairing to the Regent, they demanded why they should proceed f●rther, The Scotish Nobility expostulateth with the Regent. alleging that at his commandment (yea and that willingly) they had so far passed, for the defence of their Country, which was sufficient without further invasion of the others, the time so convenient in the nonage of their young King, and the action so dangerous, wherein all the Peers of Scotland were assembled, to attend and suffer the doubtful issue of war, which ever is uncertain, and more loss in Moore lost by war then gotten by victory. one battle many times suffered, than gain can be gotten in many: whereof too too lamentable experience (said they) we have had by King james, that by peace and life, brought Scotland to her best, but by his war and death almost to the worst, therefore would we know (said the Nobility) whether this your intent stands with the weal of the King and us, or else is prosecuted in the cause of yourself and the French. The Duke of Albanies answer. (51) The Duke making some pause, lastly replied and said; This question would have been demanded ere now: for well you know, that from Scotland I bear my name, honour and lineage, have passed the Seas from the noble Realm of France, for the love of my Country, to set you in amity which were at dissension, by whose division your Realm lay prostrate to destruction and Conquest, for whose aid you see I have procured the French to join with you against the English. Again, when these wars were determined by Parliament, you made me your Captain, authorizing me to invade England with Banner displayed, then was no question or demand of the cause; neither have I entered the quarrel without your agreement; and therefore may I justify my present doings, and yet to me it seemeth there is cause sufficient, with fire, sword and blood, to enter England, if we be not too forgetful, and will submit ourselves to dishonour and reproach: for we all know that the Realm of Scotland is ours by inheritance, and that portion of the world allowed to our Nation to enjoy; how can we war better, then to maintain our natural inheritance, against which the English give daily attempts, with manslaughter, murders, thefts and spoils: have we not then (think you) just cause to make war? The defence of a kingdom, is the office of a king, the honour of the Noble, the service of the Soldier, and the duty of a natural Subject. But be it as you will, yet having so puissant an army to avoid our own reproach, and encouragement of the Enemy, let us camp here still on the Borders till we see what the English men intent. Margaret Queen of Scotland worketh a peace. (52) But Margaret Queen of Scots soliciting her brother for a peace, these stirs broke up for a time, as those in France did shortly after, by the working wit of Cardinal Wolsey, who in the State affairs was ever one, which made him the more emulated, and the grievances of the commons ever cast upon him; in so much that it was commonly spoken he Cardinal Wolsey hated of the commons. was the causer of the heavy imposition granted to maintain the king's wars, which was so importable to the poorer sort of Subjects, as the payment thereof was utterly denied to the appointed Collectors, with weep, Cursings, and great acclamations, yea and almost grew to an open rebellion: for Kent denied it to the Lord Cobham: Essex refused to common with the commissioners: Huntingtonshire The Subsidy denied to be paid. resisted, and would not hear them, London would be taxed by none but their Aldermen: and Suffolk rose up in Arms, making poverty their Captain. Of these stirs when King Henry heard, he had great indignation, blaming the Counsellors, and wrote his letters unto every County, that no such demands should be paid: and the Cardinal to curry favours with the Commons gave it forth forsooth, that at his intercession the Offenders were pardoned, and the money remitted. A. D. 1525. K. Henry falleth from the Emperor. (53) And now more to show his own power, than any great cause; he began to alienate the heart of King Henry against his Nephew the Emperor, and caused him to withhold pay from the Duke of Bourbon his late made General: which was the cause of the French Kings Captivity. For Bourbon Guicchard. encamped within the Town of Pavia, and besieged by the French in most warlike manner, was for want of his said pay so desperate of life, that he attempted a most dangerous escape. In the dead of Burbon●'s desperate attempt. the night he set a part of his Company to assail the enemy on that side of the Town which was jest strong, himself issuing secretly out of a Postern on the contrary side. The watch but slender and the Soldiers asleep, a great terror arose, in which the besieger turned their Ordinance to the place of the cry, when as suddenly Bourbon was at their backs, and winning their Ordinance discharged them against The King of France taken prisoner. their owners, slew their soldiers, cut down their Tents, and by the Viceroy of Naples was the French King taken prisoner in the Field. Bourbon marcheth toward Rome. (54) This fortunate success made these Almains more bold, who presently with the Imperial Ensigns marched towards Florence, and thence to Rome, unto whose walls in one day they gave three assaults, in the last whereof Charles Duke of Bourbon their General was slain; notwithstanding Bourbon slain the City was taken and sacked; Pope Clement in the mean while, to make all sure as he thought, thundered out his Curses, and with Bell, Book and Candle, committed those Lutherans to Hell, who nevertheless broke down that windy Bulwark, and with great slaughter forced him with twenty three Pope Clement and his Cardinals imprisoned. Cardinals, into the Castle of Saint Angelo, where they kept them besieged from the sixt of May, unto the tenth of December: in which time, in mocking of the Pope the soldiers to make solace, would apparel one in Pontifical attire, who sometime should bless them, and sometime accurse them, and riding on Horseback with a Whore set behind him Sleiden. Com. li. 6. should so pass the streets, that the Pope and Cardinals might see him. These contumelies and Papal Captivities were grievously taken by many Christian Charles the Emperor sore grieved at the Pope's captivity. Princes, insomuch that Caesar in Spain forbade all Interludes to be played, and Pageants prepared for joy of the birth of his son, Prince Philip, to be pulled down. In France by the Court of Parliament the Duke of Bourbon was condemned of Treason, his name and memorial accursed, his Arms pulled down, and his Lands and goods confiscated; neither would King Henry of England answer the emperors letters, wherein he excused himself from having any hand in the action▪ Troubles in Jreland. (55) Whilst these things were in working at Rome, arose great troubles in Ireland, the Kerns casting off all obedience, and kill the King's subjects where they found them: against whom Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey, Lord Lieutenant of that kingdom, made forth his power, and followed them himself with such danger of life, that the visor of his Helmet was shot off, as he pursued the enemy through the desert woods: but these Rebels cut off by his high valour, and wars proclaimed at one time against Scotland and France, the Lord Lieutenant was recalled into England; and Piers Butler Earl of Osorie made Deputy of Ireland in his Holinsh pag. 84. stead; betwixt whom, and Girald Fitz-Girald, Earl of Kildare, whose sister he had married, arose no little strife and debate, which grew to that height Dissension betwixt the Lord Deputies of Jreland. as King Henry sent Commissioners to try and examine the differences, which was so cleared on Kildares' behalf, that Osorie was discharged of his Office, and the Lord Fitz-girald sworn deputy in his place; whereat Cardinal Wolsey (whose hand chief steered all states affairs, a deadly enemy to the Earl of Kildare) was highly offended, and to undermine the foundations of this his new Government, gave ear unto Osorie, who accused the new deputy of Kildare accused to the Cardinal. many misdemeanours, among which these were the principal; that he winked at Desmonds' escape whom he should have attached by order from the King: that he grew over familiar with the native Irish; and that he put to death the King's best subjects: for these the Lord deputy was commanded into England, in whose absence Osory his enemy was again chosen Lord Deputy by the King's Counsel, but himself none of the wisest for politic Government, was altogether therein ruled by his wife, and she made it no courtesy to abuse her husband's honour against her natural brother's folly: who now in England must answer his demeanour before the Lords of the Counsel, and to their Table was he brought, where the Cardinal Lord Chancellor made his faults nothing less, and thus addressed himself against the Earl of Kildare. (56) I wots well (my Lord) that I am not the The Cardinal's speech at the Counsel Table against Kildare. meetest at this board to charge you with these treasons, because it hath pleased some of your Pewfellows to report, that I am a professed enemy to all Nobility, and namely to the Giraldines: but seeing every shrewd boy can say as much when he is controlled, and these points so weighty, that they should not be dissembled of us; and so apparent, that they cannot be denied of you: I must have leave (notwithstanding your stolen slander) to be the mouth of these honourable Lords at this present, and to trump your treasons in your way, howsoever you take me. First you remember, how the lewd Earl of Desmund your kinsman (who passeth not whom he serveth might he change his Master) sent his Confederates with letters of credence unto Francis the French King: and having but cold comfort there, went to Charles the Emperor proffering the help of Monster, and Conaught, towards the Conquest of Ireland, if either of them would help to win it from our King. How many letters, what precepts, what messages, what threats, have been sent you to apprehended him and yet not done? Why so? Forsooth I could not catch him? Nay, nay Earl, forsooth you would not watch him: If he be justly suspected, why are you partial in so great a charge? If not, why are you fearful to have him tried? Yea, for it will be sworn and deposed to your face, that for fear of meeting him, you have winked wilfully, shunned his sight, altered your course▪ warned your friends, stopped both ears and eyes, against his detectors, and whensoever you took upon you to hunt him out, then was he sure afore hand to be out of your walk. Surely, this juggling and false play, little become either an honest man called to such honour, or a Noble man put in so great trust: had you lost but a Cow or a Horse of your own, two hundred of your retainers would have come at your Whistle to rescue the prey from the uttermost edge of Ulster: all the Irish in Ireland must have given you the way. But in pursuing so needful a matter as this was; merciful God, how nice, how dangerous, how wayward have you been? One while he is from home, and another while he keepeth home, sometimes fled, sometimes in the Borders, where you dare not venture. Iwis, my Lord, there be shrewd bugs in the borders, for the Earl of Kildare to fear; the Earl, nay the King of Kildare: for when you ●re disposed, you reign more like than rule in the land: where you are pleased the Irish foe standeth for a just Subject: hearts and hands, lives and lands are all at your courtesy: who fawneth not thereon, cannot rest within your smell, and your smell so rank, that you track them out at pleasure. Whilst the Cardinal was speaking, the Earl chafed and changed colour & at last broke out, and interrupted him thus. Kildare interrupteth the Cardinal's tale. (57) My Lord Chancellor I beseech you pardon me, I am short witted, and you I perceive intent a long tale▪ if you proceed in this order, half my purgation will be lost for lack of carriage: I have no School tricks, nor art of memory: except you hear me while I remember your words, your second process will hammer out the former. The Lords associate, who for the most part tenderly loved The Lords tender Kildare. Kildare, and knew the Cardinal his manner of taunts so ready being enured therewith many years together, humbly besought his grace to charge him directly with particulars, and to devil in some one matter until it were examined thoroughly. He answereth the Cardinal's objection. (58) That granted: It is good reason (quoth the Earl) that your Grace bear the mouth of this board: but my Lord, those mouths that put these things into your mouth, are very wide mouths: such indeed as have gaped long for my wrack: and now at length for want of better stuff, are feign to fill their mouths with smoke: what my cozen Desmond hath compassed, as I know not, so I beshrew his naked heart for holding out so long. If he can be taken by mine agents that presently wait for him, then have mine adversaries bewrayed their malice: and this heap of heinous words shall resemble a scarecrow, or a man of straw that seemeth at a blush to carry some proportion, but when it is felt and peized, discovereth a vanity serving only to fear Crows: and I verily trust your honours shall see the proof by the thing itself, within these few days. But go to: suppose he never be had? What is Kildare to blame for it more than my good brother of Osorie, who, notwithstanding his high promises, having also the King's power, is yet content to bring him in at leisure? Cannot the Earl of Desmond shift but I must be of Counsel? Cannot he hide him except I wink? If he be close am I his mate? If he be friended am I a traitor? This is a doughty kind of accusation which they urge against me, wherein they are stabelled and mired at my first denial. You would not see him (say they): who made them so familiar with mine eyesight? Or when was the Earl within my view? Or who stood by when I let him slip? Or where are the tokens of my wilful hoodwink? But you sent him word to beware of you: who was the messenger? Where are the letters? Convince my negatives, see how lose this idle gear hangeth together. Desmond is not taken▪ well, you are in fault: why? Because you are: who proveth it? No body: What Conjectures? So it seemeth: To whom? to your enemies. Who told it them? They will swear it. What other ground? None: Will they swear it my Lord? why then of like they know it, either they have mine hand to show, or can bring forth the messenger, or were present at a Conference, or privy to Desmond, or some body bewrayed it to them, or they themselves were my Carriers or vicegerents therein: which of these parts will they choose, for I know them too well▪ To reckon myself convict by their bore words, or headless sayings, or frantic oaths, were but mere mockery. My letters were soon read, were any such writing extant, my servants, and friends are ready to be sifted: of my cozen of Desmond they may lie loudly, since no man here can well contrary them. Touching myself I never noted in them much wit, or so fast faith, that I would have gauged on their silence the life of a good hound, much less mine own: I doubt not, may it please your honours to appose them, how they came to the knowledge of those matters which they are so ready to depose: but you shall found their tongues chained to another man's trencher, and as it were Knights of the Post, suborned to say, swear and stare the uttermost they can, as those that pass not what they say, nor with what face they say it, so they say no truth: but on the other side, it grieveth me, that your good Grace, whom I take to be wise and sharp, and who of your blessed disposition wisheth me well, should be so far go in crediting these corrupt Informers that abuse the ignorance of your state and Country to my peril. Little know you (my Lord) how necessary it is, not only for the Governor, but also for every Nobleman in Ireland, to hamper the uncivil neighbours at discretion, wherein if they waited for process of law, & had not those lives and lands you speak of within their reach, they might hap to lose their own lives & lands without law. You hear of a case, as it were in a dream, & feel not the smart that vexeth us. In England there is not a mean In what case stand the Noblemen of Jreland with Rebels. Subject that dare extend his hand to fillip a Peer of a realm: In Ireland except the Lord have cunning to his strength, and strength to save his Crown, and sufficient authority to take thieves and varlets when they stir, he shall found them swarm so fast that it will be too late to call for justice. If you will have our service take effect, you must not tie us always to these judicial proceed wherewith your Realm (thanked be God) is enured▪ Touching my kingdom, I know not what your Lordship should mean thereby; If your Grace imagine that a Kingdom consisteth in serving God, in obeying the Prince, in governing with love the common wealth, in supporting subjects, in suppressing rebels, in executing justice, in bridling blind affections, I would be willing to be invested with so virtuous and royal a name: but if therefore you term me a King, in that you are persuaded that I repined at the government of my sovereign, or wink at malefactors, or oppress civil livers: I utterly disclaim that odious term, marveling greatly that one of your Graces profound wisdom would seem to appropriate so sacred a name to so wicked a thing: but howsoever it be (my Lord) I would you and I had changed Kingdoms, but for one month, I would trust to gather up more crumbs in that space, than twice the revenues of my poor Earldom: but you are well and warm, and so hold you, and upbraid not me with such an odious term. I flumber in a hard Cabin, when you sleep in a soft bed of down: I serve under the King's Cope of heaven, when you are served ●●der a Canopy: I drink water out of my 〈◊〉 when you drink wine out of golden cups: my Courser is trained to the field, when your Jennet is taught to amble: when you are graced & belorded, & crouched and kneeled unto, then found I small grace with our Irish borderers, except I cut them off by the knees. At these girds the Lord Chancellor much fretted▪ and finding Kildare to be no babe, deferred the hearing of his cause, till more proofs were produced from Ireland; then in a great fume he arose from the Council board, and committed the Earl unto prison, against the minds of most at the Table, who knew well▪ that this his accusation was more Kildare committed to prison. of hatred borne by the Cardinal, than any occasion given by the accused late Deputy. Whereupon Thomas Duke of Norfolk stepped to the King, and craved that Kildare might be his prisoner, offering to be bound in goods and body for his forth coming, whom he obtained, though with no great liking of the L. Chancellor, who daily entertained new plaints against him, till at last he pressed him sore with letters sent to Oneale and Oconor, to encourage Kildare accused for suborning of Traitors. their rebellions against Osorie the Lord Deputy; which letters were brought them by his own daughter and their sisters, the Lady Elice Fitzgirald wife to the Baron of Slain. (59) This presumption being vehement, the King suspicious, the Cardinal eager, and his friends faint, Kildare was sent to the Tower, where he committed Kildar committed to the Tower. himself to God, and expected daily his death, but with such courageous resolution, as he being in play with the Lieutenant at slide-groat, when the mandate was brought for his execution on the next morning, and seeing the Lieutenant struck into a sudden sadness; by Saint Bride, Lieutenant (quoth the Earl) there is some mad game in that scrowll; but fall how it will, this throw Kildares' noble courage. Holinshed▪ Hist. of Ireland. is for a huddle: and when the worst was told him, now I pray thee (quoth he) do no more but learn assuredly from the Kings own mouth, whether his Highness be witting thereto or no; the Lieutenant loving his prisoner well, repaired to the King, and showed him the Cardinals warrant, who then controlled the sauciness of the Priest (for those were his terms) and gave the Lieutenant his Signet for a countermand, whereat the Cardinal stormed, but Kildare delivered from his eminent death, and not long after from his imprisonment also, was sent into Kildar received into Dublin with procession. Ireland, where at his entrance into Dublin, he was met with a solemn procession, and so brought into the City; so well-beloved was this Earl abroad, and at home. The French king imprisoned at Madril. Guichard. (60) But the French Kings fortunes were nothing so good, who was straightly imprisoned at Madrill in Spain, and great suit made for his deliverance, which notwithstanding would not be heard. The Queen mother than Regent of France, wise of herself, and forwarded by others, saw no better means to free her son the King, then to enter amity with Queen mother soliciteth King Henry. England, which to accomplish, she solicited King Henry; working upon the occasions then ministered, which was some unkindness grown betwixt the English King, and the Emperor, the one of them more strange by the greatness of his fortunes, and the other in jealousy of lessening renown. The Dislikes betwixt the Emperor and K. Henry. sparks of which Cinders were steered to flame, by Wolsey that ●uer was in the ear of the King: alleging his potency, so much esteemed of all Christian Princes (a sound very tuneable in Henry's wide ear) would be less regarded by the emperors late victory; who now began to carry himself with another respect, and never after that victory gotten subscribed his letters to King Henry, according to his accustomed manner, your Son and cozen; but to the draft of his Secretaries, in fixed his hand with the word Charles and no more. Peace betwixt England and France. (61) These dislikes and other intercourses of State, drew Henry shortly to a peace with France. In the exemplification of which league the Venetians, and other Princes were left to their choice, whereof himself notwithstanding would be styled the Protector. And to his leaguer Ambassadors Signed with his own hand, in Ann. 1526. sent these instructions to move the States to consider the Emperors aspired greatness, who now commanded the Kingdoms of Naples, and Sicily; the Duchy of Milan, the Signiory of jean, the County of Astella, and other possessions in Italy, the The great Dominions of the Emperor. whole Country of Germany, being the greatest part of Christendom, already either totally in his possession, or facilly might be at his command, having likewise the lower parts thereof, as the Countries of Artoys, Flanders, Zealand, Holland, Brabant, Henault and others; from the which also a direct passage lay unto the Duchy of Burgonie, Avernus and Bourbon, besides the Realms of Castille, Arragon, Granate, Galice, Asturia, Perpynyon, Russinian, and other parts of Spain; whereupon he with some other Princes complained, and sought the French Kings deliverance, which when it was gotten, King Frances acknowledged Henry next under God to be the only means: * Sleidan. come. l. 6 but was so slack in performance of Covenants, that when the Emperor sent to have them accomplished, he with unprincely terms returned the answer, with challenge of combat, which when the Emperor had accepted▪ he shrunk back▪ and made means of a league. (62) But howsoever the unconstancy of our king Henry hath been blanched forth for not holding himself in his leagues or covenants of amity with other Princes; yet the cause being so as some have observed, there were occasions given aswell as opportunity taken: for Charles the Emperor contrary Act. and Mon. p. 1239. Occasions of king Henry's displeasure. to covenant received Grancetor a taiterous rebel condemned by Parliament, whom he refused to deliver, though the King made earnest suit for the man. Moreover by his Ambassadors in a Treaty A. D. 1522. of perpetual peace▪ holden at Windsor castle, the nineteenth of june, and fourteenth of King Henry's reign; it was concluded that Charles the Emperor should contract the young Princess the Lady Mary, and take her to his wife, when she came to able years, which (as Holinshed saith) himself Holinsh. in An. 18 Hen. 8. sought, at his being in England, promising to remain unmarried, till that Princess had past her Marry styled Empress. Minority, and again before the battle of Pavia (she now grown unto six years of age) sent his Ambassadors to have her styled Empress, and to be made Governess of the low Countries; all this notwithstanding after that victory against the French King, he began to recall, and to make small account of that match, pretending the desire of his The emperors excuse for not taking Lady Mary to ●ife. subjects to have an heir of his body, which for long time he could not by Lady Mary; but rather as the English judged, the cause was the money received in loan from King Henry, whereby (as he thought) the greatest part of her portion was already paid; and the emperors wants being great, * The daughter of Emanuel, and sister to john, both of them Kings of Portugal. Isabel the sister of Portugal was much affected: with whom plenty of gold was expected, and great liberality offered by the Emperials in desire to have an Empress of their own Nation. (63) Besides, against this marriage with Mary, Acts and Mon. pag 1192. his Counsel of Spain also excepted, alleging her to be begot of his brother's wife▪ whereby her legitimation might be called in question, as also the issue Lady Mary's legitimation called in question. of her body, which they in their wisdom thought meet to prevent; these no doubt were the causes that the negotiation of these two Potentates grew daily more desperate. And for his falling off from the French King, these occasions may well be alleged. The occasions King Henry had against France. (64) That whereas it had been covenanted at the marriage of Lady Mary unto King Lewis departed this life, one hundred thousand Crowns should be paid to King Henry, and thirty two thousand Crowns yearly for her Dowry, during term of life; both which notwithstanding were retained and kept back unpaid. 2. That the said French King had liftned unto Cardinal Poole, who was sent to him from the Pope to stir wars against England. Act. and Mon. p. 1239. 3. That contrary to his Covenant he had entered alliance with the house of Medicis, and had married his daughter Magdalen unto james the fift King of Scotland, than an hostile enemy unto King Henry. 4. That he had made suit to match his second son Henry Duke of Orleans, with Lady Mary, the only then Heir apparent of England, which when it came to conclusion, was put in suspense by Anthony Vescie one of his French Commissioners, Objection of the French for Lady Maries legitimation. who then made doubt whether the marriage of her mother being wife to the Kings own brother, could be dispensed with, or the Children begot in this second bed legitimate, or by law allowed to succeed in the throne. (65) These considerations no doubt drew the King to be unconstant to them that were unconstant in themselves, and the question of Lady Mary's King Henry put in doubt of his marriage. legitimation served such doubts in his melting conscience, as never after could be made solid: whereof Doctor Longland his Confessor, is said to be the first man which told the King that his marriage was unlawful, unto whose opinion other great Clerks did likewise consent; whereupon a rumour ran that john Stow. the King would be divorced from the Queen, and the occasion thereof altogether cast upon the Cardinal of York, in displeasure taken against the Emperor, unto whom he had been suitor for the archbishopric of Toledo; whereof failing, he revenged Cardinal offended with the Emperor. his spleen upon his innocent Aunt Queen Katherine, in moving the King to cast her off, and to become Suitor unto the Duchess of Alenzon, sister Polyd. Verg. Io. Stow. unto the French King; these rumours King Henry himself forbade; but with no better success than was the report of Queen Anne's death, the wife of the Usurper; both events following before the Tho. Moore. mouths of those relaters could be stopped; unto which lamentable accident my pen must now enter. King Henry's marriage called in question. (66) King Henry overcome by the advise of his Council (jest so great a Dowry assigned should endamage England, if Lady Katherine of Spain married elsewhere) presently upon the death of his father, and not fully forty days after he had begun his reign (by the dispensation of Pope july the second) took her to wife, she having been wedded and bedded with Prince Arthur his elder brother, as we have said. (67) This match made by king Henry the seventh, and Ferdinando of Spain their parents, Prince Henry having then attained but to ten years of age, when he came to fourteen, proscribed against it, as by a deed under his own hand, I have here inserted, the tenor thereof faithfully translated out of Latin, is thus as followeth. In the name of God, Amen▪ In the presence of you reverend Father and Lord in Christ, Lord Richard Prince Henry disclaimed his contract. by the grace of God, and See apostolic, Bishop of Winchester. I Henry Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester do say affirm, and by these Write declare; That although in the time of my Minority, and when I was under years of marriage, I absolutely contracted matrimony with the most virtuous Lady Katherine, daughter of the King of Spain, and although also the said Contract by reason of my being under age, doth now appear of itself insufficient, weak, and of no force, vigour, or efficacy: yet forasmuch as that now I am come to perfect years, and that thereby the said Contract may peradventure be thought & seem, by silent consent, mutual abode in one house, by giving and receiving gifts and tokens, or by any other way whatsoever, to be apparently sufficient, and confirmed: Therefore I Henry Prince of Wales do here protest, and make known to all men that I intent not to approve, ratify, or confirm in any sort this pretended contract by any thing that I have said or shall say, have done, or shall do: but do at this present renounce the same, freely, and of mine own accord, unconstrained either by force, fraud, entreaty, or any way else: and I deny it, and wholly purpose and intent, quite to relinquish this pretended contract of Matrimony by the best ways and means that by law more fully, effectually, and sufficiently I may or shall be able to do: and expressly do disavow the same, according as by these presents I do disclaim it, and disavow it; and I protest that I neither will nor intent to consent unto the said Contract, or unto the said Lady Katherine as my espousal and wife, by any word, deed, act, or gesture to be spoken, done, performed, or acted by me, or in my name, by any whomsoever, whensoever, or howsoever for the time to come. In witness whereof I desire, require, entreat, and adjure you all to give testimony hereunto. By me Henry Prince of Wales. The above written Protestation was read and made by the aforesaid Noble Prince Lord Henry, in the presence of the reverend Father and Lord in Christ, the Lord Richard by divine permission Bishop of Winchester, sitting judiciously in his Court; and I the Notary under-written, at that time present, the writer of his Acts in this behalf appointed, and in the presence of the under-named witnesses: in the year of our Lord God, 1505. the eight Indiction of the most holy See, of our father and Lord in Christ, by divine providence Pope julius the second, in his second year, and 27. of the month of june, in which day the said worthy Prince was of perfect years of marriage, as than he did there affirm: in a certain outward Court within the royal Palace of Richmond, situate in the West-part of the said Palace: Concerning all and singular which things, the aforesaid most noble Prince instantly required and entreated me the aforesaid Notary to frame an instrument, and likewise the witnesses underwritten to give testimony. In justification of all and singular the premises, the aforesaid Noble Prince hath supper scribed his name; and the witnesses as aforesaid entreated and required have subscribed their names, with their own hands. So it is as above said which I john Read do witness by my hand and Seal. Miles Daubney. C. Somerset. Thomas Rowthale. Nicolas West. Harry meinie. The second protestation when he came to years of marriage. Notwithstanding this prescription four years after, and the first of his reign, he took the said Lady Katherine to wife; and without all exception enjoyed her nuptial society the space almost of twenty years; in which time she had borne him two sons, both of them in their infancy taken away by death, and one daughter Lady Mary grown now The King refuseth the Queen's bed. unto ten years of age. But the scruple of Conscience increasing more tender in the King's breast, he first refused the Queen's bed; and then moving the doubt unto his own Divines, sent for the opinions of the most Universities in Europe, as to Paris, Orleans, Bononie, Burges, Anjou, Milan, Tolouz, Vincentia, Vavia, Forobosco, july, and others, which howsoever they then stood for the Pope, and he allowing (by his Predecessors dispensation whose doing could not err) the Matrimony lawful, yet these Academics concluded against it, and signified the contrary under most of their common Seals as the relation of the King's Agent employed upon the same purpose for that of Milan doth import, which writing under his own hand I have seen, and here will insert his words, as followeth. Ex Manuscript. Pleaseth it your Highness to be advertised, that as this day I obtained the Common Seal of the university of Milan in substantial and good form; for all the Doctors were assembled upon Sunday, and the case was amongst them, solemnly and earnestly disputed all Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and this present Friday in the morning. And thereupon they concluded with your Highness, and desired a Notary to set his sign and hand unto an instrument by Leonicus and Simonecus devised in Corroboration of your cause, and thereby to testify that this instrument was their deed, devise, act and conclusion. And more credence to be given to the said instrument they caused the Chancellor of the Potesta●e here to set his hand and seal for the approbation of the Authority of the Notary: A Copy of all the which things I sand unto your Highness by this Bearer, in most humble wise besecching the same to be advertised that the General of the Black Friars hath given commandment that no Blackefrier dispute the Pope's Power: Notwithstanding Prior Thomas Omnibonus procureth daily new superscriptions, and will do till the brief of contrary commandment shall come unto his hands. My fidelity bindeth me to advertise The Lutherans against K. Henry's divorce. your Highness that all Lutherans be utterly against your Highness in this cause, and hath letted as much with their wretched poor malice without reason or authority, as they could and might, as well here as in Milan and Ferrara, where be no small company of them: I doubt not but all Christian Universities if they be well handled, will earnestly conclude with your Highness. And to obtain their assent as well through I talie, France, Almain, Ostrich, Hungary and Scotland, I think it marvelous expedient for the preferment of this your most honourable and high cause. At Venice the first of july at night, Anno 30. And in another letter dated from Venice the xiii. of july the said Agent thus writeth. I have procured unto your Highness as appeareth by the Originals being in my hand alone, the Subscriptions of an hundred Divines, beside the conclusion Collegij Theologorum Pacamnot. under their common Seal, whereof I have sent your Highness a Copy, etc. Now as touching their determinations, these are the abstractives taken out of larger discourses, whereof you may read, if you please more in Hollinshed. The decree of the Lawyers in the University of Paris. We the Dean and College of the University of Paris, after many disputations and reasons, made upon both sides, turning and searching of Books, both by the Law of God, the Pope's Law and the Civil Law, we say, that the Pope hath no Power to dispense in this case of Matrimony. Yeoven under the Seal of their faculty at Saint john Lateranense in Paris, May 2. 1530. The judgement of the Divines in the University of Paris. The Dean and the faculty of holy Divinity in the University of Paris to all them to whom this present writing shall come, wisheth safety in Christ; For the Question proposed we came together in the Church of Saint Martin, and there for the same cause had a solemn Mass of the Holy Ghost, and upon our oaths determine, that the foresaid Marriage with the Brother's wife departing without children is so forbidden by the Laws of God and Nature, that the Pope hath no power to dispense with such Marriages, whether they be contract or to be contracted; to which this our assertion we have caused the Seal of our faculty, with our Notary's sign to be put to this present writing. Dated in our General Congregation. july 2. Anno 1530. The determination of the Civilians of the University of Anjou. After we the Doctors and Rector had discussed and examined many places aswell of the Law of God as of man's Law, upon sufficient deliberation taken, we define and determine, that neither by the Law of God nor of Nature, it is permitted for any Christian man, not not with the authority of the See apostolic, or with any dispensation granted by the Pope to marry the wife that his brother hath left. In witness whereof we have commanded the Scribe of our University to sign this present public instrument with the great Seal of our said University Enacted in the Church of Saint Peter in Anjou. May 7▪ Anno 1530. The Determination of the University of Burges. We the Dean and faculty of Divinity, in the University of Burges, after the example of Saint Paul the Doctor of the Gentiles, begin with prayer to the quieting of the conscience, to whom this our writing shall come; the Question moved is whether the brother taking the wife of his dead brother, the marriage consummated, and perfect, be a thing lawful or no. We by much labour and turning of Books, every one of us a part by himself, free from corruption, the et● to obey the truth, find it forbidden by the levitical law which is Gods, and that such marriage is an abominable discovering of his brother's shame, which cannot be allowed by the authority of any man: which our determination we have caused to be signed with the seal of our faculty, the tenth day of june, and year of our Lord 1530. The opinions of the Divines in the University of Bonony. All we Doctors of Divinity in this University, unto whom this Question was propounded, whether it was forbidden only by the Ordinance of the Church, or else by the Law of God, that a man might not marry the left wife of his brother departed without children, and having examined the matter every one of us alone, lastly came altogether, and as it were line by line, and rule by rule, brought forth the reasons for the contrary part, with those of the most Reverend Father Cardinal Caietaine, yea and of the dispensation for raising up seed to his brother, spoken of in Deuteronomie; thus we determine, give judgement, and say, and confidently do hold and witness that such marriage is horrible, accursed, and to be cried out upon, and utterly abominable, not only for a Christian man, but for an Infidel unfaithful or heathen: and that it is prohibited under grievous pains and punishments by the Law of God, of Nature, and of man, and that the Pope, though he may do much, unto whom Christ gave the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, hath no power to a dispensation to any man to contract such marriage: In witness whereof we confirm this our judgement, both under the Seal of our University, as also with the Se●●e of our College of Doctors of Divinity, and have subscribed it in the Cathedral Church of Bonony this tenth of june, the year of our Lord 1530. The determination of the University of Milan. Seeing that certain great Orators and Ambassadors did humbly require of us, that we would vouchsafe to search out with all diligence this question following, whether to marry the wife of our brother departed without children is forbidden only by the Law of the Church, or by the Law of God also: and if forbidden by both the Laws, whether the Pope may dispense with any man for such Matrimony or no? which Question we have discussed and as far as we can, have made it clear, both private every man by himself and after all together openly, we say, judge, decree, witness, and for truth affirm, that such marriage is no marriage: yea and that it is abhorred and cursed of every Christian man, and to be abominate as a grievous sin, and that it is clearly forbidden under cruel penalty by the Laws of nature, of God, and of man, and that the Pope unto whom the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven are committed by Christ the Son of God hath no power to dispense by the right of Law for any cause, suggestion, or excuse, that any such Matrimony should be contracted. In witness whereof we have made this writing, 〈◊〉 have authorised it, with the accustomed Seal of 〈…〉 dated at Milan in the Church of the hermits of Saint Augustine the first of july, and year of our Lord 1530. The determination of the University of Tholouze. It was treated in our University of Tholouze: whether it were lawful for a brother to marry her which had been wife to his brother now departed, and without children: as also whether the Pope which hath the cure of Christ's flock allowing it by his dispensation, it be lawful: to resolve which, the best Doctors of Divinity, and the Laws, did swear that they would obey the sacred Counsels, and would follow the holy Decrees of the Fathers, and falling to conclusion stuck fast upon this point, that it is lawful for no man, neither by the Law of God, nor by the Law of nature, to take her to wife that his brother hath left: neither can the Pope dispense with this law of God: as touching the commandment in Deuteronomy that the brother should marry his wife to raise up seed unto him, that his name should not perish among the Tribes of Israel, we answer that that Law was but a shadow and figure of things to come, which vanished away as soon as the substance of the Gospel appeared. Thus have we given our sentence, which we have signed with our Authentical Seal of this University. Yeoven at Tholouze, the Calendss or first day of October, the year of our Lord, 1530. These and many more were read by the Lord Chancellor unto the lower house of Parliament that they might report in their countries, the King's just cause of divorce. To forwardly which (〈…〉 thought) Cardinal Wolsey the said Lord Chancellor Guicchard. Rich. Turpin. G. Caven. was sent Ambassador into France, laden with Crowns, as Guicchardine saith, and with surpassing Pomp as London beheld, who with 900. Horse passed the Bridge toward Dover, and so into France. A. D. 1528. But rumours in England still spreading of the good Queen's divorce, about a year after, K. Henry to satisfy all, sent for his Nobles, his counsellors, judges, The King's Oration to his Nobility. and many wise Commoners unto whom he made a most pithy Oration, showing them with what care he had ruled almost twenty years with honour and victory, which as he said, would shortly be clouded, if he should die and leave them a litigious Edward Hall. Heir, examples he showed of the woeful experience of Lancaster and York, in whose dissensions the Realm was like to have been utterly destroyed: and although (saith he) we have a daughter to the great comfort of her mother and me, yet it is told us by great clerk, our marriage is not lawful, but that she stands in case of illegitimation; The King's complaint. and we both, are said to live in abominable Adultery; think you (my Lords) that these words do not touch my very soul, the peril whereof we venture, as you do also your inheritance, for which cause I have asked counsel of the greatest clerk in Christendom, and have likewise heard the opinion of mine own. But as touching the Queen, if it be judged by the Law of God that she is my lawful wife, there shall be nothing more acceptable unto me, whose noble The commendation of Queen Katherin●. conditions, I assure you, (besides her great Parentage) is most gentle, loving and obedient, whereof I have had a true experience almost these twenty years and were I to choose a wife (if the marriage might stand with God's Law) my Choice should be of her, before any other woman in the world, and if it shall otherwise be proved, I shall not only be most sorrowful for parting with so loving a companion, but much more have occasion to lament my chance, and life in so foul a sin; these than are the sores that torments my mind, for the saving of my soul, and for which cause I have here assembled you, that you may declare to our loving Subjects this our true meaning, and to stay if it may be the rumours of unstaid reports: and this being said, he let them to departed, each man bewraying in countenance the affection of his mind, some pitying the King to see him so perplexed, some favouring the Queen sorrowed her case, and some sighed deeply at this strange speech and sudden alteration. George Coven. Learned men assembled to decide the King's marriage. (68) But the Cardinal of York fearful to wade too far alone in these troubled waters, desired the assistance of the learned in the Realm, and thereto got the King's licence, which with his Legatine authority, commanded many learned men both Divines & Lawyers, from Oxford and Cambridge, with the presence of many Bishops besides. These assembled at London, were showed the Instruments and Seals of many foreign universities, all of them disabling the marriage, and holding the dispensation The testimonies of many Universities sent unto Rome john Stow. pag. 911. (allowing it) unlawful: but because that string could not be touched without sound of reproach to the Pope, as also to clear the King from calumnious reports; it was thought fittest to sand the said instruments to Rome, whereunto these so appointed set their own seals, with an humble request to his Holiness, that an indifferent judge might be sent them, to determine this great and strange cause of the King; which was so followed by his Ambassadors in the Pope's Court, that Laurence Campeius a Cardinal Campeius cometh into England. Cardinal of great credit and wisdom, from their Consistory was sent into England, unto whom, wise Wolsey Cardinal of York was joined in commission, with power to erect a Court, to hear the cause pleaded, & to give sentence definitive, as they found the equity of law. (69) To that end therefore a place was ordained The King and Queen summoned to appear personally in the Court at Black Friars. at the Blackfriars in London, and the King with the Queen removed themselves unto his palace of Bridewell near adjoining, whence ere long they were summoned by Process personally to appear in Court, which accordingly they did, having several seats ordained under clotheses of estate, mounted somewhat higher than the two Cardinals, the Precedents, under whose feet sat the Scribes and other Officers; the Court being framed Consistory-wise, was furnished with Bishops, Doctors, Lawyers, and learned Counsellors, in most solemn wise: the Doctors for the King, were Simpson and Bell, and his Proctors Peter and Tregonell: for the Queen were Fisher, Standish, and Ridley, a very little man but a great Divine, the Court thus set, and Commission read, the Crier called the King, by the name of King Henry to come into the Court, who forthwith answered and said, Here. Then was the Queen called by the name of Queen Katherine to come into the Court, who made no answer at all, but presently rose up, and going about the Court to the King, fell down on her knees, before his feet▪ and in the hearing of the people spoke thus in effect. Queen Katherin●s speech to the King. Sir, I desire you to take some pity upon me, and do me justice and Right: I am a poor woman, a stranger borne out of your Dominions, having here no indifferent Council, and less assurance of friendship. Alas, wherein have I offended, or what cause of displeasure have I given, that you intent thus to put me away? I take God to my judge, I have been to you a true and humble wife, ever conformable to your will and pleasure, never gainsaying any thing wherein you took delight, without all grudge or discontented countenance; I have loved all them that loved you, howsoever their affections have been to me ward, I have borne you children, and been your wife now this twenty years, of my virginity and marriage bed, I make God and your own conscience the judge, and if it otherwise be proved, I am content to be put from you with shame. The King your Father in his time for wisdom was known to be a second Solomon, and Ferdinando of Spain my Father, accounted the wisest among their Kings; could they in this match be so far overseen, or are there now wiser and more learned men, then at that time were? surely, it seemeth wonderful to me that my marriage after twenty years should be thus called in question with new invention against me who never intended but honesty. Alas Sir, I see I am wronged, having no Counsel to speak for me, but such as are your Subjects, and cannot be indifferent upon my part. Therefore I most humbly beseech you, even in Charity to stay this course, until I may have advise and counsel from Queen Katherin● departed the Court. Spain; if not, your Grace's pleasure be done. And therewithal rising, and making lowly obeisance to the King, departed thence, leaning upon the Arm of her receiver, each man expecting she had returned to her seat, when as she took directly out of the place, which being perceived, the Crier again called her by the name of Queen Katherine to come into the Court; Madam quoth her guide, you are again called; on, on, said she, it maketh no matter, this is no indifferent Court for me; therefore go forward. The King's report of his Queen. (70) The King perceiving that she was departed, presently spoke thus unto the assembly. I will (quoth he) in her absence declare before you all, that she hath been to me a most true, obedient and comfortable wife, endued with all virtuous qualities and conditions, according to her birth; and in lowliness equals any of base estate. With that Cardinal Wolsey made unto the King an humble request, that his Majesty would be pleased to declare before that honourable audience, whether he had been the causer of this his intended divorce, wherewith he was charged in the opinions of the people. The King excuseth the Cardinal. My Lord Cardinal quoth the King, I can well excuse you in this, and rather affirm that you have been against me, in attempting it thus far: but the chiefest motive for this matter, was the scruple of conscience, conceived upon certain words spoken by the Bishop of Bayon, the French Ambassador, sent from the King to conclude a marriage betwixt Prince Henry his second son, Duke of Orleans, and our only daughter Lady Mary, which Bishop made doubt, and desired respite to be satisfied for the legitimation of our said daughter, in respect of our marriage with this woman, being my own brother's wife, which presently engendered such scruples and doubts in me, that my conscience hath been continually vexed, left by continuing in that sin after knowledge, I King Henry's conscience and care. draw God's indignation against me, which I fear we have already done in that he hath sent us no Issue male, and them that were begot in this nuptial bed, no sooner came into the world, but were taken again thence, and hopeless now of more issue by her, it behoveth me to consider the state of this Realm, and the danger that may follow for lack of a lawful Prince to succeed. This burden too weighty for my weak conscience (not in any dislike of the Queen's age, or person, with whom I desire only to continued, if our marriage may stand with the law of God) I have in this place assembled you our grave Prelates, and learned Divines, to determine of, and will God willing submit myself to your judgements. My doubts in this case I moved in confession to you my Lord of Lincoln, and ghostly father, whereof yourself being somewhat troubled, said you would ask counsel of you all my Lords. Then of you my Lord of Canterbury being Metropolitan, I got licence to put the matter in question, to which grant you all put your seals, as here in this Court the same is to be seen. True it is, said the Lord of Canterbury, and I doubt not but that all my brethren here present will acknowledge the same. Not so my Lord said the Bishop of Rochester, you never had my hand to that Instrument, nor never shall. Indeed said Canterbury you did it not yourself, but The Bishop of Rochester con●radicteth the Archbishop of Canterbury. admitted me to subscribe your name, and allowed me your Seal; under your correction said Rochester that is not so; Well, well, (quoth the King) you are but one man, against whom at this time we will not dispute, and so rose up, and the Court adjourned until another day. Which was upon the next following, The second sitting of the Court in Black Friars. and twenty of May; the two Cardinals being set, the Lawyers were ready upon either parts. Against the lawfulness of the marriage was alleged the other formerly solemnised with Prince Arthur, the King's elder brother, and the nuptial knowledge of Lady Katherine's body, which was vehemently prosecuted by the King's learned Council, by many reasons and likelihood of truth: one was, Fox Mar. p. 1194 that Prince Henry had been deferred from creation and title of Prince of Wales, the space of six months after Arthur's decease, as doubtful whether Lady Katherine had been by him conceived with Holin●●ed. p. 913. child; for which cause as was alleged the said Reasons to disprove the marriage. Lady had procured a second Bull from the Pope, with this toleration, vel for san congnitam, and peradventure carnally known: which Bull was only purchased to dispense with this marriage. That she was carnally known, was urged the report of his Chamberlain, upon certain words spoken by Prince Arthur the first morning that he rose from her bed. Edward Hall. (71) The Negatives denied all the presumptions, and this last, too far unbeseeming that reverent assembly and honourable Court. But by these Authentical Records which M. Fox had in his custody, the matter is passed all contradiction for her carnal knowledge, where it is affirmed that the Ambassadors of Ferdinando, being in England to see the same Great presumptions that Qu. Katherine had been carnally known by Prince Arthur. marriage consummated, returned their knowledge of their mutual conjunction, as that nothing was left unperformed of any nuptial right, and they being of years able to explete the Act, he above fifteen, and she above seventeen, laid both in one bed almost five months together, do assure us the certainty of that, which they made their Ex MS. by the King's Agent. greatest doubt, unless the Pope's dispensation was a Core to the cause. But that she was carnally The Emperor sought to revert the sentence of Milan. known the University of Milan had concluded in their sentence, whom the Emperor's Ambassadors earnestly solicited, either to retract their said grant, or to give forth a new sentence upon the case that the Queen was not carnaliter cognita ab illustrissimo Principe Arthuro, or to determine that this Matrimony was not dirimendum, which in no wise they could obtain though they offered very largely to have it done. Thus from day to day the pleas proceeded, but nothing concluded touching the divorce; whereupon the King sent the two Cardinals to persuade with the Queen to put the whole matter only to himself, which would be far better, and more honourable for her, then to stand to the trial of law. The two Cardinals persuade the Queen. (72) These Legates accordingly repaired to Bridewell, and in presence stayed for the Queen, who presently from among her maids at work came forth unto them, having a skein of white thread about her neck; at whose sight she said, alack my Lords, I am very sorry to make you attend upon me; what is your will? if it please your Grace (quoth Cardinal Wolsey) to go into your privy Chamber, we will deliver the cause of our coming: my Lord (quoth she) this place is most fit, I pray you therefore declare here your minds. With that he began his speech in Latin which she presently interrupted, saying, that she understood the English very well. (73) Madam (quoth the Cardinal) we are Wolseyes' speech to the Queen. come in goodwill, to know your Grace's mind, in this great matter of your marriage, and to give you our advise with the best service we can. My The Que●nes' answer. Lords (said she) I thank you, but for answer of my resolution, I cannot so suddenly make, the cause is great, and toucheth me very near; I am here a stranger, a poor woman lacking wit, not able to answer such noble and wise personages as ye be, I have need of counsel, and they be in Spain; for think you my Lords, that any English subjects, will be for me against the King? forsooth I know they will not, I pray your Lordships be good unto me, a foreigner and destitute of friends, and assist me with your Counsels, which I will be glad to hear. And thereupon taking them by the hands, led them into her Chamber, where they stayed somewhat long; which done they departed, and made relation of her answer unto the King. Who nothing pleased at the answer she made them, sent again certain Lords unto her, to show her the determinations of those Christian Universities, who had prescribed the marriage unlawful, and to wish her to remit the matter for the quieting of the king's conscience unto four Prelates, and four temporal Lords: unto whom she answered saying, the King my Father which concluded my marriage, I am sure was not so ignorant, but he asked counsel of Clerks and well learned men, before he married me the second time: for if he had had any doubt in my marriage, he would not have disbursed so great a treasure as he did, and then all the Doctors agreed my marriage to be good; insomuch that the Pope himself, which knew best what was to be done, did both dispense and ratify the second marriage, against whose doings I marvel that any person will speak or writ. But as touching the determinations of the Universities, I am a woman and lack wit and learning to answer to them, but to God I commit the judgement of that, whether they have done justly or partially: for this I am sure, that neither the King's father, nor my father would have condescended to our marriage, if it had been declared to be unlawful; and where you say, I should put the cause to eight persons of this Realm for quietness of the King's conscience; I pray God sand his Grace a quiet conscience: and this shall be your answer, that I say I am his lawful wife, and to him lawfully married, and by the order of the holy Church, I was to him espoused as his true wife (although I was so worthy) and in that point I will abide till the Court of Rome which was privy to the beginning, have made thereof a determination and final end. King Henry prosecuteth his divorce. (74) The King then hopeless of his Queen's consent hasted his Lawyers to forward their divorce, which daily they did, and the Consistory at Blackfriars daily frequented, all points in Law were opened to the full, so that nothing now remained but the sentence of the judges: for which a solemn day was assigned when the King in person came to hear it himself. His seat taken, and the Court set, after a cry for silence the proceed were openly read, and all doubts cleared, the learned Counsel at Bar called for judgement, whereunto Campeius the Pope's stout Champion, upon his stiff gouty legs stood up, all men expecting the sentence of Divorce, but the Cardinal now not to learn what he had formerly determined, said flatly, I will not give judgement Cardinal Ca●peius referreth the cause of Divorc● to the judgement of the Pope. in this matter, too high for us, considering the estates of the People, and the doubtfulness of the occasions alleged, until I have made a full relation to the Pope's holiness of all our proceed, whose counsel and commandment in this case I will observe and follow, under whose authority we sit and are commissioners, therefore I will adjourn the Court for this time according to the order of the Court of Rome from whence our semblable jurisdiction is derived. Which how it displeased the King, the Sequel will show, and how then taken the words of the Duke of Suffolk did well declare, who stepping forth with a stern countenance The saying of the Duke of Suffolk. used these words, It was never merry in England since we have had any Cardinals among us. The judgement thus stayed, the King sent his Secretary Stephen Gardiner to Rome, to follow that Court, whether Queen Katherine had made her appeal: and Cardinal Campeius admitted to departed, went away in no such estate, as was held fit for a man of his place, but rather as one suspected to carry with him more than his own, had all his The Cardinal's Chests searched. Chests searched at Calais, even to the Cloak-bags and Males. The cause of this stay (saith Sleidan) john Sleidan. Com. Lib. 9 was, that the French King, an entire friend unto Rome, had no better success in Naples, against the Emperor, whom the Pope durst not displease, the The cause why Campeius stayed sentence. Lady Katherine being his Aunt, for whom the Emperor was so earnest, as in her behalf he laboured Milan and many other places, that their learned men should not determine against the said Queen. But whatsoever the cause was, that Campeius denied his sentence for the Divorce, certain it is, that Cardinal Wolsey, fell likewise in great displeasure of the King, though he sought to excuse himself with want of sufficient authority: but now his Sun having passed the Meridian of his greatness, began by degrees again to decline, till lastly it set under the cloud of his fatal eclipse. Wols●is greatness. (75) Formerly we have spoken of the rising of this man, who now being swollen so big by the blasts of promotion, as the bladder not able to contain more greatness, suddenly burst, and vented forth the wind of all former favours. Vain gloririous he was, in state, in diet, and in rich furniture for house, and in prodigal entertainments, more like to a Prince than a Prelate, attended with so many officers, and servants as is almost incredible, were not Holinsh. pag. 848. his Check-roll yet to be seen. At his mass he was served by Dukes, and Earls, who took the assay of his wine on their knees, and held him his Basin at Ex Paralip. Abb. V●sper. the Lavatorie. And being Ambassador unto the Emperor at Brussels, was there waited upon by many noble men of England, and served at Table by his servitors upon their knees, to the great admiration of the Germans which beheld it: and indeed so much overtopped the Pomp of a spiritual function, Edmu. Campian. as he seemed to the more humble, to be mad for joy; and him doth Campian judge, rather to be a Bastard of some Prince, than the son of a Butcher, so moulded for the one, and so far mounting from Edw. Hal. the other: exceedingly wise he was and very well spoken, but full of revenge and vicious of body, thrall to affection, and lulled asleep with flattery, insatiable to get, but princely in bestowing, lofty to his enemies, and not easily reconciled, which hastened Complaints against Wolsey. his fall, when he first began for to slip. Queen Katherine in her cause, did grievously accuse him, the Counsel for their parts, did article against him, the Law found him in a praemunire unto the King, and Sir Thomas Moor in the high Court of Parliament inveighed bitterly against him. (76) The first step of his descent was his dislike Wolsy's declination. of the King's affection unto Anne Bullen, a Gentlewoman nothing favourable to his Pontifical Pomp, nor no great follower of the Rites of those times, which moved the Cardinal (the Pope having Sleidans Com. l. 9 assumed the sentence of Queen Katherine's cause unto himself) to writ unto his holiness to defer the judgement of Divorce, till he had wrought the King's mind in another mould. This was not done so secretly, but that it came to the King's ear, and lastly cost the proud Cardinal his life. For the broad Seal first taken from him, and his other Bishoprics elsewhere bestowed, his House and furniture seized Jo. Stow An●al. Nouémb. 6. upon, and himself removed into the North, at Cawood Castle seven miles from York, was suddenly arrested (for arrogant words importing a desire of revengement, saith Sleidan) by the Earl of Northumberland, whence he was conveyed toward London by the Lieutenantof the Tower, in which journey at Leicester Abbey he ended his life, whose death himself novemb. 18. Edw. Hall. had hastened bytaking an overmuch quantity of a confection to break wind from off his stomach, and in that Church was there interred. The causes of grudge against th● Cardinal. (77) The grudges against this Cardinal were many and great, not only for the especial favour he stood in with the King, and great stroke he bore at Counsel Board, (both which commonly breed emulation unto the man so estated) but for his intolerable pillings, who to patch up his pride in the raising of his new Colleges, erected at Oxford and Ipswich, by the licence of Pope Clement 7. suppressed Mr. Fox in Acts and Monuments. Forty Monasteries suppressed by Cardinal Wolsey. forrie Monasteries of good fame, and bountiful Hospitality, converting all their goods and movables into his own Coffers; which were so stuffed with treasure, that twelve Barrels full of gold and silver were laid aside, to serve the Pope in his wars. As also that he emptied the Land of twelve score thousand pound, enforced by him from the King. All which he converted to relieve, and ransom the Pope then in Prison, to the great impoverishing of his majesties Coffers. That his own revenues Edw. Hall. by his faculties, licences, and other legantine exactions did equalize the King's yearly Revenues, and lastly his pride so intolerable, as no less than twelve hundred horse for his retinue, fourscore Wagons for his carriage, and threescore Mules for sumpter horses attended him into France. But si● transit gloria mundi, and the highest flood is subject to an ebb. (78) But whilst the matter of the King's marriage hung thus in suspense the space of two years, and other Ambassadors intended to be sent unto Rome: it chanced Doctor Cranmer, Doctor Stephens, Doctor Cranmers' opinion of the controversy. and Doctor Fox to meet at Waltham at one Table, where the two later, great Agents for the King, fell in discourse of his cause by terms, and strength of the Civil Law. Well said Doctor Cranmer, if I might be heard, I think much better it might be tried by God's Law: whereby the King should be surer settled in the cause of his Conscience, than thus to be posted off with delays from year to year. This speech Doctor Fox made known Doctor Cranmer sent for to the King. to his Majesty, which sounded very tunably in his ear, then was Cranmer sent for, conferred with by the King, and commanded to writ his mind in the matter, but with this caution prefixed, not to respect the persons but the cause; who to him commended the virtuous perfections of his Queen, with whom above all others he most desired to continued, if their marriage could be made warrantable by God's Laws: to which end he commended the care of Books, and of his other Provisions unto the Earl of Wiltshire at Durham Place. The Doctor thus set on work, when he least looked to be so employed, proved by Scriptures, General Counsels, Ancient Writers, besides the present, and his own opinion, Cranmers' collections against the Pope. that the Bishop of Rome had no authority to dispense with the word of God, nor the Scriptures. (79) The treatise thus finished, he presented it to the King, which when he had well read, and weighed the substance therein contained; Will you (quoth he) Master Doctor abide by what you have writ? that will I by God's grace said Cranmer, even before the Pope himself, if your Majesty will so assign it; Mary quoth the King to him shall you go. Whereupon Thomas Bullen Earl of Wiltshire, Ambassadors sent unto th● Pope. Doctor Stokesley, Elect of London, Doctor Lee the King's Almoner, the Doctor's Crane, Bennet, and Cranmer, were sent to the Pope then at Bononie in Italy. The day approached for audience of their embassage, and the high Prelate set upon his Throne of Estate, the Doctor prepared to make his Oration in defence of what he had writ, when on the sudden he was interrupted by an unmannerly spaniel of the Fox Acts and Monuments, pag. 2034. Earls, who seeing the Pope put forth his foot to be kissed, caught in his teeth the Pontificals great Toe, so that these Ambassadors disdaining to kiss where the dog had taken an assay, let the Pope draw back his foot, and so fit that especial favour offered unto them. The Proposition then made, that no man iure divino could or aught to marry his brother's Answer to the proposition put off. wife, and that the Bishop of Rome by no means could dispense to the contrary, was replied unto, that it should be answered at more leisure, when his holiness returned to Rome; in the mean while, to grace Cranmer the more, he gratified him with the office of the Penitenciariship, and so dismissed the Ambassadors: who all, saving Cranmer returned to England; but he took his way towards the Emperor (to whom the cause somewhat appertained) being then at Vienna in his expedition against the Turk, unto whose learned men he offered disputation, Cornelius Agrippa yieldeth to the proposition. and in private conference so satisfied Cornelius Agrippa, the most respected for learning in the emperors Court, as he held the Proposition most true. Whereupon others learned were discouraged to dispute, and suffered Cranmer to departed without any further proceed. (80) The matter thus manifested in most parts of Christendom, this Gordians knot was lastly unloosed by King Henry himself, who now besides this his marriage, began to call in question, what authority the Pope had in his dominions, which being The Pope's usurpation forbidden by Parliament. afterwards debated in Parliament, an Act passed against his usurped Hierarchy, and all persons forbidden Ex Parl▪ 24 H. 8. K. Henry's marriage dissolved by Parliament. to appeal, or to make any payments unto Rome. The King's marriage with Lady Katherine, was by the same Parliament dissolved, and his separation from her, made by the Archbishop of Canterbury Fox Mart. 1197. to stand good, and effectual by Law, and that Queen Katherine from thenceforth should be called Katherine Dowager. Princess Dowager, which doings she took so to hart, as she procured the Pope's curse against King Henry, and his Realm, which curse was set up at Dunkirk in Flaunders, for that the bringer thereof Holinsh. pag 936. durst come no nearer. And the Pope in revenge of himself, being set in his Consistory accompanied Pope Clement 7. adjudgeth the marriage lawful. with his Cardinals, proceeded to the Censure of these great Prince's marriage, which he then adjudged to stand most firm and Canonical, and enjoined King Henry to hold matrimonial society with the said Katherine his lawful wife and Queen, and in that estate to account and maintain her as it become a King and loving husband to do, and if he refused to accomplish these premises, then to be compelled thereunto, and never after to be heard in any Court The thunderings of Pope Clement 7. as touching the invalidity of the said marriage, and to pay the expenses of the said traverse, as he the holy father should limit and think meet. This was done a year after that the King had married Queen Anne, and bore date from Rome, the 23. of March and year of Christ 1534. For in the mean while Sleidan. come. li. 9 King Henry had set his affection upon the Lady Anne Bullen, a Phoenix indeed in his Princely eye,, and another Hester for England's salvation, both in herself and royal Bud succeeding, as the heavens and world The descent of Anne Bullen. do witness to this day. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Bullen Viscount Rochfort, Earl of Wiltshire, and of Lady Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk. This Earl Thomas her father was the son of Sir William Bullen, whose wife was Lady Margaret, the second daughter and Coheir of Thomas Butler Earl of Ormond, Sir Godfrey Bullen Lord Mayor of London. Anno 1457. and the said▪ Sir William was the son of Sir Godfrey Bullen Lord Mayor of London, who lieth buried in Saint Laurence Church in the jewrie, pictured in his winding sheet upon a Plate of Brass, and about his Grave-stone upon a border of brass in many places these words are written, Now thus, Now thus, Now thus, whose Charity was extended upon the poor householders of that City, in distributing among them a thousand pounds. His Lady was Anne, eldest daughter and Coheir unto Thomas Lord Hoo and Hasting, and his descent out of the Sanders in Schis. Angl. house of the Bullens, an ancient Family in the County of Norfolk; accursed therefore be the pen, that slanderously bringeth this rose from a defiled Bed, whose Serpents mouth to uphold his God the Pope, hath spewed out his poison of untruths, and made his tongue a sharp sword against the Lords anointed; let him therefore receive his portion with the Serpent of deceit, and his reward with Satan the father of Lies. Anne Boulogne's religion. (81) This Lady's religion was different from all Papal indulgences, embracing the Gospel that then began in our vulgar language to be read, for which Sleid. come. lib. 9 cause saith Sleidan she was accounted a Lutheran, cause enough to be envied at, by the Bishops of that time. Anne Bullen created marchioness of Pembroake. (82) Hircius, the King invested marchioness of Pembroke with Mantle and Coronet, both in regard of her Nobility and many virtues (for so run the words of her Patent) which done, he took the seas, for France, accompanied with such a train of his A. D. 1532. Octob. 11. Nobles, as the like had not been seen, and among many Ladies Anne Bullen was one, where he complained to the French King of the great wrongs offered K. Henry complaineth of the dull Pope. him by the dull Pope as he called him, who would have Kings in person to attend his leisure at Rome, and contrary to their Kingly dignities, to expose themselves and affairs at his will there, to bondage and great danger; and therefore he earnestly requested that the Pope might be summoned to a Council, to answer the many abuses that he had offered unto most of the Princes in Christendom, King Henry allowed the Pope 60000. Angels monthly. and unto himself not the lest; who for his part had allowed him threescore thousand Angels monthly to maintain an Army for his deliverance out of the Castle of Angel; where the Emperials under the Prince of Orange kept him. Which his business being john Stow pa. 946 Anno Dom. 1533. Nou●mb. 14. Upon S. Erkenwalds' day, saith Hollinshed and Grafton. King Henry married Anne Bullen. ended in France, and the King again returned into England, he presently (though privily) married the said Lady marchioness in his Closet at Whitehall, in the presence of many; the Lady Anne Savage bearing her Train, and Doctor Lee doing the rites of their conjunction, who was afterwards consecrated Bishop of Chester, Conentree and Lichfield, and Precedent of Wales. (83) The Romanists much fearing that Babel would down, if Queen Anne might be heard against wicked * The Pope. Haman, sought to underprop the foundations thereof, with certain devices of their own; and that the same might pass without note of suspicion, they laid their forgery even upon Heaven itself; whose pretended Oracle Elizabeth Barton (commonly called, the holy maid of Elizabeth Barton the false Oracle of the Romanists. Kent) was made to be; and the pillars of this godless Fabric were Edward Bocking, a Monk by profession, and doctor of Divinity, Richard Masters, The assisters of this false Prophetess. Parson of Aldington, the Town wherein she dwelled, Richard Deering a Monk, Hugh Rich a Friar, john Adestone, and Thomas Abel, Priests, put to their helping hands, and Henry Gould Bachelor of Divinity, with john Fisher the Reverend father of Rochester, Read Statut. in Anno 25. of King H. 8. employed their pains to daub these downe-falling walls, with their untempered Mortar. The Scribes that set their pens for her Miracles, were Edward Thwaites Gentleman, and Thomas Lawrence Register, besides Haukherst a Monk who writ a letter that was forged to be sent her from Heaven; and Richard Risby and Thomas Gould, were the men which dispersed her Miracles abroad to the world. This holy maid Elizabeth made a Votarisse in Canterbury, was taught by Bocking her Ghostly Father, and suspected Paramour, to sergeant many feigned trances, The counterfeting of Elizabeth Barton. and in the same to utter many virtuous words for the rebuke of sin, under which, more freely she was heard against Luther's Doctrine, and the Scriptures translation, than desired of many: neither so only, but that she gave forth from God, Edward Hall. joh. Stow. Holinsh. and his Saints, by sundry suggestive Revelations, that if the King proceeded in his divorce, and second marriage, he should not reign in his Realm one month after, nor rest in God's favour the space of an hour. But the truth discovered by God's true Cranmer. Cromwell. Latimer. Ministers, this Oracle gave place as all other such did, when Christ by his death stopped their lying mouths: for herself and * Elizab. Barton. Edward Bocking. Richard Deering. Richard Risby. Richard Master. Henry Gould. Two Monks. seven of her Disciples were executed for Treason at Tyburn, and the other six put to their fines and imprisonment. With the like sergeant revelations and feigned predictions this Generation of Hypocrites had brought Edward Lord Stafford, Duke of Buckingham unto his unhappy end, when as by the working of john de la Court, his own Confessor, together with Nicolas Hopkins john Stow. a Monk of the Carthusian Order, in the Priory of Henton in Somersetshire, who by his visions from Edward Duke of Buckingham beheaded. heaven forsooth, heartened him for the Crown; but before his own Coronet could aspire to that top, he worthily lost both head and all upon Tower-hill for his treason, Ann. Dom. 1521. Unto such Holinshed. sins the world was then subject, and into such conceits their reputed holiness had brought them, not only among the simple and unlettered, but even with them that seemed to be learned indeed: The vain fear of Prior Bolton. for by certain predictions foreshowing a great deluge, Prior Bolton of Saint Bartholomew's in London was so fearful, that he built him a house upon the height of Harrow hill, storing it with provisions necessary, to keep himself from drowning, in A. D. 1524. The Pope inciteth James King of Scotland against England. (84) But the Pope's Holiness fearing the event of the game, if every man might set and cast at his Crown, thought it high time to lay hand on his own State, and to keep what was left, lestal would be go; to which end he solicited many Christian Princes to stand on his part, and among them sent john Lesly. his Brief unto james the fift king of scotland, desiring his assistance against King Henry of England, whom in his Consistory he had pronounced to be an Heretic, High treason a Schismatic, a manifest Adulterer, a public murderer, a committer of Sacrilege, a Rebel, and convict of Laesae Maiestatis, for that he had risen against him who was his Lord And therefore he had The Pope gives England to him that could get it. justly deprived him of his said Kingdom, and would dispose the same to him and other Princes: so as they would assist to recover the same, a very good provision, and very well foreseen; for notwithstanding these boisterous blasts from Rome, the King kept his Crown, and was rather feared of the Pope's best Abetters, than did fear any potent power that the world could afford, whose thoughts were now busied for the Coronation of his Queen. Queen Anne crowned. (85) For Queen Anne conceived, and perceived with Child, her royal Coronation was forthwith prepared, which with all royal observances upon the first of june, being Whitsunday was performed; and the seventh of September following, she bore Lady Elizabeth's birth. A. D. 1533. into the world that excellent Princess, which afterwards proved the mirror of the world, even Lady ELIZABETH, our late and most famous Queen. (86) True it is, that the zealous conversation of this godly Queen gave great encouragements unto many, more publicly with boldness to profess the Fox Martyr. 1366. Gospel; so that the Ministers formerly fled in case of Religion, returned again into England, where the new Testament (translated by Tyndall) was read, but with such dislikes to the Bishops, that they got it to be burnt. Notwithstanding, to tickle the King's ear, they preached against the Pope's supremacy, Statut. Parl. H. 28. cap. 10. and took the oath for the King themselves; abolished his authority by Act of Parliament, and suppressed many Monasteries; leaving their revenues to the Kings will; fair introductions indeed for what they intended, as the sequel of the six Articles by them procured, doth manifestly show: and those purposely made against the maintainers Queen Anne a great lover of the Gospel. of the Gospel, whereof Queen Anne was the chief, who first was most favourable to those learned Divines, that laid man's salvation upon the Rock Christ, next in procuring a toleration from the king for them, whose doctrine did daily undermine the Papal foundation: & lastly, she by no means would consent to marry the King, until a lawful divorce was had for his separation from Lady Katherine; his brother Arthur's wife, which thing this Pope greatly withstood: these were causes sufficient to move his Holiness to bend his brow, and by his Instruments in Court to cut off the principal mover, who foreslowing no time took the Ball before A. D. 1536. jan. 29. his rebound. (●7) For the Queen delivered of a dead Child, and the King's affection wandering elsewhere, gave them occasion to work on that Subject, which God in his wisdom would have down, jest his deliverance Queen Anne delivered of a dead Child. from the bondage of darkness should be attributed to any fleshly arm, or that she who then sat in the throne of the world's full felicity, should fix her senses on so fickle a Centre, who having had experience what it was to be a Prince, must henceforth practise the patience of a poor prisoner, which in the third year of her marriage, and second of May, to act the woeful Scene of her Tragedy, she came upon the Stage, being sent to the Tower of London, and charged with high Treason against the King: at whose first entrance she fell on Queen Ann● sent to the Tower. her knees before Thomas Audley Lord Chancellor, the Duke of Norfolk; and Thomas Cromwell Secretary her bringers, desiring God so to help her as she was guiltless of those things whereof she was accused, beseeching those Lords to be Petitioners unto his Majesty in her behalf, who lamenting her case, left her Prisoner with Sir William Kingston Constable of the place. (88) I will in no wise excuse her guilt, having had judgement and death by law, though others, and that upon just occasions before me have done, but will speak from them what they have said; and namely one, that wrote thereof unto a worthy and reverent person; in whose defence his words are these: It seemeth very plain, that the crimes supposed Much. Sands. The defence of Queen Ann●. against this Christian Queen Anne, were matters contrived by the devise of the Pope, and his Instruments her enemies. None of them all that were accused in the same Treason, confessing the Act even unto death, but have left direct Testimonies in writing to the contrary; one mean Groom excepted, namely Mark Smeton, made confession upon some promise of life belike, but had his head cut off before he was ware, or had time to recall what he had said. The like did Cromwell the Secretary Cromwel's letter to the King under his own hand signify to the King, after the prisoners had been thoroughly examined in the Tower by the Council, who wrote thus in his letter on the same day; many things have been objected, but nothing confessed, only some circumstances have been acknowledged by Mark. And so doth Cranmer Archbishop Archbishop Cranmers let or to the King. of Canterbury in his letter of comfort unto the King, who sore lamented that such a star was fallen, if her gilt could be proved, and willed his Highness to stand in defence of the Gospel as she had done, without any report of confessing or acknowledging any such Acts as were objected, which as Sleidon writeth, were Adultery, and incest, but unjustly (saith he) as it is supposed and proved since: With Sleidans Com. l. 10 her were executed certain Gentlemen of the King's Privy Chamber, namely, Norris, Weston, Brewton, and one Marks, which contrary to his conscience (as it is reported) ●. Rochfort. Norris. Weston Brewton & Marks beheaded. for hope of preferment subscribed to a bill, whereby he condemned both himself and all the rest. (89) For upon the seventh of May, her brother George Bullen Lord Rochfort, for his supposed offence with these four before named▪ were all of them beheaded upon the Tower hill, but none of them confessing the Action; I have heard it reported that Rochfort the Queen's brother coming to her bed side to solicit a suit, leaned thereupon to whisper her in the ear; which the Spials gave forth that he did so, to kiss the Queen, howsoever, they are dead, May 15. and the Queen must die, who two days before had been arraigned in the Tower, the Duke of Norfolk being her judge; to her indictment she answered so effectually, that she seemed to clear Queen Anne condemned and beheaded. all matters laid to her charge; yet was she found guilty, and upon the nineteenth day of May, was brought to a Scaffold erected on the Green within the said Tower, where, in presence of many noble men, the Lord Mayor of London, the sheriffs, and some principal commoners, she is said to have spoken these words in their presence. Robert Greene. (90) Good Christian people, I am come hither to die; for according to the Law, and by the Law Queen Anne▪ speech at her death. I am judged to death, and therefore I will speak nothing against it; I come hither to accuse no man, nor to speak any thing of that whereof I am accused and condemned; as for mine own offences God knoweth them, and unto God I remit them, beseeching him to have mercy upon my soul; and if any person will meddle in my cause, I desire them to judge the best; and so I take my leave of the world, and of you all, and hearty do beseech you to pray for me; and I beseech jesus save my Sovereign and Master the King, the most godliest, noblest, and gentlest Prince, that is, long to reign over you. These words she uttered with a smiling countenance, which done, she kneeled down, and with a fervent Spirit said, to jesus Christ I commend my soul, Lord jesus receive my soul and repeating those words very often, suddenly the stroke of the sword sealed the debt that she owed unto death; whose head and body was buried in the quire of the Chapel in the Tower. (91) Now that her death was rather sought for, King Henry married the day after Queen Anne's death. than any wise deserved, doth witness the sword, whose edge was not wiped from the blood of her death, before the marriage bed of the King was prepared for another wife, which was Lady jane Seimer in virtues her equal▪ who upon the next day following being the twentieth of May, was married unto john Stow. the King, and succeeded this unfortunate Lady in place of his Queen. (92) And albeit Queen Anne in her life time had Queen Anne thought to die guiltless. sinned as David; or by frailty fell, as who sinneth not; yet that it should be so licentious and unnatural, the quiet of her conscience at her death, did well witness the contrary, & her innocency so much more apparent, as her Christian modesty, in excusing her Sovereign, and yielding obedience to the law howsoever Poole and Paulus iovius from their Cardinal's spleens have filled their pens to blot her fair Fox Mar. p. 1234 name, whose death notwithstanding was so grievously taken among the German Protestant Princes, who were minded to have made K. Henry the head of their league, that thereupon they utterly broke off, and refused him, only for the cause and death Latimer to the Bishopric of Worcester. D. Shaxton to the Bishopric of Salisbury. of this most Christian Queen, whose religion and virtues daily showed forth the first-fruits of her life, both in preferring the best men of gifts unto the best benefices, and also retaining for her Chapleins them of good fame, whose godly exhortations she did not only follow, but would will them freely to tell her The godly life of Queen Anne. what they saw in her amiss. So merciful she was to the poor, that she spent almost her whole revenue for their relief, and in nine months space distributed among them to the value of fifteen thousand Act. and Mon. pounds, intending likewise to bestow a great stock into the four quarters of the Realm, to set I●mes 2. 18. poor Artificers on work. Now if the tree be known by the first-fruits, as truly it is, than these were her lights that shined before men, and the works that showed the fruits of her faith far from such sins, as the sway of those times charged her with. Out of the relation of a noble man. (93) And by the working of the same faith, her penancy was seen, in her sorrows conceived, and thirsting reconciliation unto them whom she had any wise offended, as by this worthy example is apparent; when the day before she suffered death, being attended upon with six Ladies in the Tower, she took the Lady Kingston into her Presence Chamber, and there locking the door upon them, willed her to sit down in the chair of Estate: whereunto she answered, that it was her duty to stand, and not to sit at all in her presence, much less upon the seat and state of her, her Queen. Ah Madam quoth she, that title is go, I am a condemned person, and by law have no estate left me in this life; but for clearing of my conscience I pray you sit down; well said the Lady Kingston, I have often played the fool in my youth, and to fulfil your command, I will do it once more in mine age, and thereupon sat down The example of Queen Anne's penancie. under the cloth of estate; which no sooner was done, but that the Queen most humbly fell upon her knees before her, and with tears, holding up her hands, charged her in the presence of God and his Angels, as she would answer her before them, when all should appear in judgement, that she should so fall down before the Lady Maries Grace her daughter in Law; and in her name in like manner, ask her forgiveness for the wrongs she had done her, for till that was accomplished (she said) her conscience could not be quiet: what her offence was to her ward, we know not, but may be supposed not to be capital, the Queen's case weighed, the time considered, and her enemies none of the meanest, only this I observe, that as she cleared her conscience of the lesser crimes, so undoubtedly would she have done of the greater, if any had been committed, and so as herself instantly desired, I count her case to be charitably spoken of, and leave her and them unto the Lord (94) But as one pillar for the Gospel's defence was fallen by the death of Queen Anne, so another was The rising of Cromwell. raised, by raising Cromwell from the base of his birth, no better indeed then a Blacke-smithes son, who serving great Wolsey in the office of his Solicitor, was employed by him for the suppression of forty Monasteries, to the erection of his Colleges at * S. Frideswide now Christ Church Oxford and Ipswich; by which he mounted those steps of estate, which set (but not kept) him in the high Chair of his authority; first by King Henry he was made Master of his jewell-house, than Baron of Okeham in Rutlandshire, than Knight of the Garter, ere long was created Earl of Essex, then was he made Lord great Chamberlain, and lastly ordained the King's Vicar General; and thus far fortune brought him from the forge for a fall. Statut in An. 31. H. 8. c. 13 (95) For King Henry unstaid in religious resolution (the Supremacy settled where he would have it, and the Revenues of all Monasteries given him by Parliament) sought no further to reform the Church's abuses, but only gave way that the Lords Prayer, the Creed, and Commandments might be read in English, which Cromwell procured The Lords Prayer, the Creed, and Commandments in the English tongue. to be enacted by Parliament. The Commons then misliking that their mumblings must downe, and the Monks sore troubled to mingle English in their Masses; the Lincolnshire men began a Commotion under the conduct of D. Mackerell a Monk, Commotions of Lincolnshire. who named himself Captain Cobbler, and his followers were grown well near unto twenty thousand. Against these, the King in person prepared, sending forth his command unto several Counties, to charge them with a taxation of furnished Soldiers to meet him at Amphell, as by * King Henry's letter dated at Windsor 8. of October, and 27 of his reign. one we have seen signed with the stamp of his hand, and sent unto the Bishop of Excester for four hundred able men, whereof sixscore to be Archers, which great preparation being known to the Rebels, they sent to his Majesty these Articles subscribed with many of their hands, the tenor whereof out of the Original itself was as followeth. To the King our Sovereign Lord The aggrevances of the Commons of Lincolnshire. Pleaseth it your Highness to be advertised, that your poor Commonalty, true and faithful Subjects, in your County of Lincoln, at this present time assembled, findeth ourselves grieved in these Articles hereafter following. Suppression of Monasteries. First, for the suppression of so many religious houses, as be at this instant time suppressed. Whereby the service of God is not only minished, but also the poorealty of your Realm be unrelieved, and many persons be put from their livings, and left at large, which we think is a great hindrance to the Commonwealth. Act of Uses. The second Article is, that we humbly beseech your Grace, that the Act of uses may be repealed, because we think that by the said Act we be clearly restrained of our liberties, in the declaration of our Wills, concerning our lands: aswell for the payment of our debts, for doing of your Grace service, as for helping and relieving of our children, which we have had by the sufferance of your laws by a long continuance, which as we think is great hurt and discommodity to the Commonwealth. Tax of quindecim. The third Article is, that where your Grace hath a tax, or quindecim granted unto you by Act of Parliament, payable the next year: which is, and ever hath been leveable of schepe and catal: And the schepe and catal of your Subjects within this said Shire, are now at this instant utterly decayed and go. Whereby yff your Grace will take the said tax, Your said Subjects should be constrained to pay iiij. d. for a beast, and xii. d. for xx. schepe: And that would be an importunate charge to them, considered the poverty that they be in already, and the loss which they have sustained these two years bypassed. Counsellors disliked. The fowrt Article is, that we your true & faithful Subjects, thinks that your Grace takes of your Council, and very nigh about you, such Personages as be of law birth, and small reputation, which have procured the premisses, most especial for their singler lucre and advantage: the which we suspect to be the Lord Cromwell, & Sir Richard Rich Chan cellar of the augmentations. tenths of spiritual livings. The fift Article is, your Grace to have the Xth. and first first-fruits of every spiritual promotion, of the value of xx. l. and above. And of all other under the said value which do not keep refidence and hospitality of their said Benefices. Dislike of Bishops. The sixt Article is, that we your true Subjects found them grieved, that there be divers Bishops of Yngland, of your Grace late promotion, that have subverted the faith of Crist, as we think, which is the archbishop of Canterbury, the bishop of Rochester, the bishop of Salesburie, the bishop of S. Daveys, and the Bishop of Develyn. And in especial as we think the beginning of all the trouble of this Realm, and the great exactions that hath been taken of your poor Communality, have risen by the occasion of the Bishop of Lincoln: by whose officers, and by other of the Lord Cromwel's servants, a great rumour & noise is risen, and the common voce is, that such jowellies, plate, and other anornaments of our Parish Churches, which we occupy in the service and honour of God, should be taken from us and spoiled in like manner and fashion, as the houses of Religion hath been. For a reformation of all and syngler the aforesaid abuses, We your poor and true subjects humble reguiries your grace and majesty, that it might please your highness to call unto you the Nobility of this your Realm, to see such Order and direction concerning all and singler the premises, as may stand with honour and sewerty of your grace, the wealth and prosperity of your Realm, and the contentation of us your poor Subjects, and other the whole Communality of this your Realm. Whereby we shall not only accept your Grace to be the Head and Sovereign of us your Subjects, but also accept and take your Grace to be Supreme head of the Church of Yngland, which we do knowledge your Grace true inheritance and right. Also your said true and faithful subjects, with the hole assent of all your Commonalty of the said Shire, most humble besechith your gracious The Commons request for the beare●. Majesty, to pardon this poor bearer in doing this his message to your Highness, who is your true and faithful subject, and hath taken this message upon him for the fervent love that he hath to your Grace most in especial, and for the staying of your Commonalty ever since this ruffull began, hath been as glad with all his diligence to stay the common people for the effusion of blood, as be all his power he might. The King with good words pacified these Commons, who laying aside weapons embraced their pardons. Commotions in Yorkshire. (96) But this cloud scarcely overblown, another more dangerous arose in the North, which threatened soarer storms by the Skies overcast: for forty thousand Rustics assembled in Yorkshire, furnished with Horse, Armour, Artillery and Habiliments for war, threatened to set the stay of Estate upon the props of their giddy inventions. Their pretence was Religion, and defence of holy Church, their Banners painted with the five wounds of our Lord, the Chalice, the Cake and other like inventions of Rome, and upon their sleeves was writ the name of the Lord: and so forward, and so fervent were they in their proceed, that this their attempt Holy Pilgrimage must be termed the holy Pilgrimage. Neither were the Rural only guilty in this rebellion, but others of greater place and degree were associates therein, namely, Edward Lord Archbishop of York, and the Lord Thomas Darcy, though both of them constrained by the Rebels as the said Archbishop testified under his own hand: but voluntary and most forward were the Clergy of those parts, the Ex MS. in Sir Robert Cottons Library. Lord Lumley, Sir Thomas and Sir William Percyes, Sir Robert Constable, Sir Francis Bigot, and Sir Robert Nevil all of them Knights, john Lacie, Richard Beamond and Robert Bows Esquires; the Bailiffs of Snaythe of Leeds, Kellam, and of Beverly. And for Captain General, was Robert Ask a mean Gentleman, and one Rudstone his Associate in the Field. Other Commanders they had out of the Commonsort, as james Diamond General of the Foot, and a poor Fisherman, styled by himself and others, the Earl of Poverty. What authority these bore, among these rude multitude may partly be perceived by their Mandates, and Commissions, sent forth in their names, and subscribed with their own hands, as from the Originals of some of them is here to be seen. The Captain of the Commotions letters. Lords, Knights, Masters, Kinsmen, and Friends, we perceive that ye be informed that this Assemble our Pilgrimage, which we by the favour and mercy of Almighty God intendyth to proceed in, is because the King our Sovereign Lord hath had much inpocessions of us, we doubt not but ye do known and remember that to our powers we have been always as ready in payments and services to his Highness as any his subjects: and further to acertaine you of the cause of our said assemble and pilgrimage is this, That for somuch that such simple and evil disposed persons being of the King's Council, hath not only incensed his Grace with many things which be contrary to the Faith of God, honour of the King's Majesty, and the Common wealth of this Realm: and thereby hath destroyed, and yet utterly intendeth to destroy the Church of England, and the Ministers of the same, as ye know so well as we: but also the said Council hath rob & spoiled, and further intendyth utterly to rob and spoil the whole body of the King's Realm, and that as well all you, as us, if God of his infinite mercy had not caused such as hath taken, and hereafter shall take this pilgrimage upon them to proceed in the same: and whether all these things be true or not, we put it to your conscience. And if ye think it be true, and fight against us, which intendeth the Comen wealth of this Realm, and nothing else, we trust ye shall have small speed: For this pilgrimage we have taken hit for the preservation of Crysts Church of this Realm of England, the King our Sovereign Lord the Nobility, Barony and Comens of the same, and to the intent to make petition to the King's Highness for reformation of that which is amiss within this his Realm. And for punishment of Heretics & subverters of Lawys; and neither for money, malice, nor displeasure to any person, but such as be not worthy to remain near the King our sovereign Lords person. And further we know if ye should obtain as we trust yn God ye shall natt, than ye put both us and you, your heirs and ours in bondage for ever; and further ye are sure of the interdiction of Crysts curse, and we clear, and out of the same: And if we overcome you, ye shall be in our wylls; wherefore for a conclusion, if you will not comen with us for a reformation of the Premises, we certify you by this our writing that we will fight and dye, both against you, and all those that shallbe about wards to stop us in the said pilgrimage: And God shall show his Grace and mercy therein: And then ye shall be judged hereafter to be shedars of some of Crystyn blood, and destroyers of your even christian. From Robart Ask chief Captain of the Comynalty assembled in pilgrimage, For the Barony and commonalty of the same. By me Robert Ask yn the name of all the Comynalty and Barony. Ex MS. Of such terror and haughty spirit was this Captain Ask, that when Lancaster an Herald at Arms, was sent to declare the King's message in Pomfret Castle (which the Rebels had got by surrender from the Lord Darcy) he so blustered out his answers, that the daunted man excusing himself to be but a messenger, fell before him on his knees; till the Archbishop of York took him up, saying, it was The audacious dealings of the Rebels. not beseeming the Coat he wore, to prostrate to any, but only to his Sovereign. Read likewise if you please this strange Mandate from some mean man among them; the false suggestion that they possessed the ignorant with, and the Oath whereunto these holy Pilgrims were sworn, as I find them recorded by themselves in these very▪ words. To the Commyns of Hawkeside parish Bailiffs, or Constables, with all the Hamlets of the same. Well-beloved we greet you well, and whereas our brother Poverty, and our brother Rogers, goith forward, is openly for the aid & assistance of your faith, and holy Church, and for the reformation of s●ch Abbeys and Monasteries, now dissolved and subpressed without any Just cause. Wherefore gudde brethers, Forasmuch as our said brederyn hath sand to us for aid and help, we do not only effectually desire you, but also under the pain of deadly sin we command you and every of you, to be at the stoke Green beside Hawkeside-kirke, the Saturday next being the xxviij. day of October by xi. of the Clokke, in your best array: as you will make answer before the heigh judge at the dreadful day of Dome, and in the pain of pulling down your Houses, and leasing of your gudds, and your bodies to be at the Capteyns will: For at the place aforesaid, then and there, ye and we, shall take further direction concerning our faith, so far decayed, And for gudde and laudable Customs of the Country, And such naughty inventions and strange Articles now accepted and admitted, so that our said brother he subdued, they are like to go furthwards to utter undoing of the common wealth. Slanderous untruths against the King. (97) And the more to draw forward the rude multitude which were forward enough of themselves, they set forth in writing these slanderous untruths against the King. 1 The first is that no infant shall receive the blessed Sacrament of Baptism, bott unless an trybett to be paid to the King. 2 The second is that no man under xx1. Lands shall eyte no breed made of Wheat, ner Capon, chicken, gois, ner pig, bott unless to pay a ●rybett to the King. 3 The third is that for every ploghe land the King will have en trybett, with other diverse extreme urgent causes, and heartily far ye well. The Oath of the holy Pilgrims. The oath of the Pilgrims. You shall nat enter into this our Pilgrimage of Grace for the common wealth, but only for the love that you do bear unto almighty god, his faith, and to holy Church militant, the maintenance thereof, to the preservation of the King's person, his issue, to the purifying of Nobility, and to expulse all vilayne blood, and evil counsellors against the common wealth, from his Grace and the privy Counsel of the same, and that ye shall nat enter into our said Pilgramege, for no particular profit to yourself, nor to do no displeasure to no priucy person, but by Council for the common wealth, ner slay, ner murder for no envy, but in your hertts put away all fear and dread, and take afore you the Cross of Criste, and in your hearts his faith, the restitution of the Church, the subpression of these Herytyks, and their opinions, by all the holle contents of this Book. And for the observation of this Oath, hear another command of the Commissioners, as we found it recorded. To the Bailiffs and Communes of the Town of Skarboro. Welbelovyd, we Francies Bygod knight, and john Halom yeoman, in the name of all the Communes, command and charred you, that ye assemble yourselves together mediately upon recepete hereof, and so take this oath wychies we here sand unto you, and then after in all haste possible to assist and hayde these ower brethren, wome we send to you to keep, and make sure the Castle, Town, and Port of Skarboro, that no man enter into the same Castle, that belongys' unto Ralph Euers the younger knight, nor any other whiches did not take full part with the Communes, at ower first and last assembling, in whoys name, aethority, or attorney soever they cume, unless they have licence of all the communes, in like manner, ye shall truly keep all sichies ordinance, and ship to the use of the Communes, with wyches we charred you at our late being here, and this not to fail, upon pain of your lives, ye shall refer credence unto this messyngeres, thus in haste: Far ye well, from Settrynton this monday Sancte Mawris day. Francis Bigott Knight in the name, and by Commandment of all the Communes. The Earl of Shrewsbury maketh against the Rebels. Against these rout of Rebels, George Earl of Shrewsbury, not staying for the King's commission mustered his men, misdeemed of many, that he meant to be a Pilgrim himself, unto which suspectors he made a loyal Oration, disclaiming all intention against their attempts, how colourable so ever they laid their pretence; which done he caused his Chaplain to minister him an Oath of his loyalty, before them in the Field. It was likewise reported that the Earl of Derby was set forward towards them, Ex MS. R. Cot. whom the Pilgrims well hoped would have sided with them, as by their mandate sent to the Brethren appears, where is forbidden that none of them should aid him, unless he took the Oath: which he never meant to assay or swear to. Thomas Duke of Norfolk Lord▪ Lieutenant of the North. (98) But true it is the King sent Thomas Duke of Norfolk, Lord General against them, accompanied with the marquess of Excester, the Earls of Huntingdon and Rutland; who joining their powers made towards Doncaster, where the Rebels than lay in their Randivou; in whose sight immediately they set up their Tents, and determined battle upon the next day; but on the night betwixt, such floods of water fell, that the river Dun overflowed his bank, and admitted no passage over the Bridge, which thing was taken as a token from God; and thereupon the Lord General offered them Conference, alleging Pardon and peace offered to the Rebels. that the King was tender of his subjects lives, and very unwilling to shed Christian blood: that their cause should be favourably heard, and just complaints redressed, if with submission and duty of Subjects, they would yield themselves & affairs to the King's mercy; that this their rebellious proceed, was not only the forerunning messenger of destruction to themselves and partakers, but gave also a great advantage unto the Scots, the dangerous enemy unto the Land, and them all: with these and the like persuasions the matter was so forwarded, that a conference was appointed at Doncaster, and four pledges were sent from the Lord General unto the Commons, for the safe returns of their assigned Commissioners, which were these by name. Lord Nevil. Lord Darcy. Lord Stressre. Lord Lumley. Lord Latimer. Sir Thomas Percy. Sir George Darcy. Robert Ask Captain. Sir Ralph Clayer, Seni. Sir Ralph Clayer jun. Sir Ralph Euers. Sir William Constable. Sir Ralph Constable. Sir Rich: Tempest. Sir Ra●fe Romemer. Sir William Eustan. Sir George Lawton. Sir Thomas Hylton. M. Robert Constable. M. Richard Banner. M. Wiseroppe. Ex Original MS. Whose Articles and demands were these, as followeth. The instruction for Sir Thomas Hilton and other Companions. 1 First to declare to the Duke of Norfolk, and The demands of the Commons other the lords, that th'intent of our meeting of our party, surely is meant and thought of assured troth, without any manner of disobeyed, or male engine. 2 The second is to receive the kings savecundyth, under the Broad Seal of england, and to deliver our savecundyth, and promise, under hour hands, for the lords there. 3 The third to entreat of hour general pardon, for all causes, and all persons, which be within the Realm, which in heart, word, or deed assented, edyter procured, the furtherance in this our quarrel, may be pardoned life, lands, goods; and that in the said pardon, nor other the King's records, we be not witon reputed, ne taken, as Rebylleous or tretors, nor rehearsed in the same. 4 The fourth that Thomas Cromwell, nor any of his band or serte, be not at hour meeting at Doncastre, but abcente themself from the Council. 5 The fift, to receive the King's answer by the declarations of the Lords, and to certify the vere etent thereof to us there. Also to know what authority the Lords have to etreate, in promise with us there, as well of hour promise of other things. Also to know what pledge the will deliver for our Capitans. Also if this pertyculars be concluded, then for to condyscend of other particulars. The whole drift was to down with the Gospel. 1 The first touching our faith, to have the heresies of Luther, Wyclyf, Hussee, Melancton, Ecolampadius, Busyrs, the Confession German, the Applege of Melanqton, the work of Tyndale, of Bernys, Fryth, of Marshal, Rastell, the Books of Scent German, and such other of any manner Heresy, without the Realm, not to be kept, but utterly to be dystryed. 2 The second to have the supreme of the church toching cure of sowlle to be reserved to the See of Rome, as before hyt whas accustomed for to be; and to have the consecration of Byshoppies from him without any first fruits, or pensions to him to be paid out of this Realm, or else a pension reasonable for the outward defence of our faith. Also we beseek humble our most drade Sovereign Lord that the Lady Mary may be legetymate, and the estatutes contrary to the same to be anulyd for the doom of the title that might incur to the Crown by Scotland, and that to be by Parliament. Also to have the Abbeys that be suppressed to be restored to their Lands, Howsys, and Goods. Also to have the Tents and first fruits clearly discharged, unless the Clergy will of theirselves grant a Rent or Charge to the augmentation of the Crown. Also to have the Freres obseruans restored to their houses again. Also to have the Heretics Bishoppies, and temporal men An uncharitable and unchristian motion. of their feet, to have condign ponysment by fire, or such other; or else to try their quarrel with us and our partakers in battle. Also to have the Lord Crumwell, the Lord chancellor, and Sir Ryc. Rich Knight to have condign ponysment, as subverters of the good laws of the Realm; and onetemers of the slese sect of this false heretics first inventor and brengers of them. Also that the Landys in Westmoreland, Comberland, Kendale, Dentsyd, Furnes, and the Abbeys lands in York, Worsaidyshire, Kerbyshire, Neverdale, main be Tenant Right, and the lord to have at every change two years rend, in the name of a agarsumme, and no more, according to a grant now made by the Lords to the Commons' under their Seals, and this to be done by Act of Parliament. Also the hand-gunnys and Crosse-boys, with the penalty of the same to be repelled, unless hyt be in the King's forests and Parks to kyllers of Dear. Also that Doctor Lee, and Doctor Leyton, may have condign punishment for their extortions in time of visitation, in bribes, of some religious houses, x. l. xx. l. and for other sums, beside horsies, vowsens, leases, under covent seallies, by them taken, and other abominable Acts by them committed and done. Also to see reformation for the election of Knights of shire, and the Burgys, and for the use among the Lords in the Perlament after the ancient custom. Also the Statute for enclosing Intackes to be put in execution, that all Intacks, Inclosys sith Anno quarto Henrici septimi be pulled down exceeding Forests, and Parkys to be dystrud of their qunition, and tax now granted by Parliament. Also to have the parliament in a convenient place as Nottingham or York, and the same to be so moved shortly. Also that it may be enacted by authority of Parliament, that all recognisans, statutes, penalties, newly forfeited during the time of the Commission may be pardoned & discharged, aswell against the King as stranger. Also the Privilege of the Right of the Church to be confirmed by Act of Parliament, and Prysts not to suffer unless they be degraded; a man to be saved by his Book; Sanctuary to save a man in all causes in extreme need, and the Church to save a man for forty days; and further according to the laws as they were used in the beginning of the Kyngys' days. Also the liberties of the Church to have their old Customs, as the County Palatine of Durham, Beverley, Reppon, S. Peter of York, and such other by Act of Parliament. Also to have the Statute that no man shall declare his will on his land to be repelled. Also the Statute of treason for Wurdys, made sigh Anno xxi. of our Sovereign that now is to be in like wise repelled. Also that the common Law may have place aswell as was used in the beginning of your gracious reign, and that all Injunctions be clearly denied, and not granted, unless the matter be heard in the Chancery, and there determined. Also that no man upon sub poena, or Privy Seal from Trent Northward, appear but at Yourke, or by Attorney unless it be directed upon pene of allegyance, or for like matter concerning the King. Also a remedy against Exchequer for fining of false Offices, and extortions in taking of Fees, for that which is not held of the King, and against the Promoters thereof. These were the Instructions given to their Commissioners to be conferred upon, all which as it should seem, were drawn into four Articles or heads, as by the minute of the Kings answer thereunto doth appear: which Original in many places with his own hand is interlined with so wise and learned additions, as do confirm his Kingly care, both for the Church and common weal: the true copy whereof to his great fame is as followeth: his corrections and additions is varied from the rest by a several Character. [Petitions] An Answer to the [demands] of the Rebels in Yorkshire, by the King's Highness. First, as touching the maintenance of the Faith, the terms be so general, that it would be very hard to make certain answer to the same; but if they mean the faith of Christ, to the which all Christian men be [wonly] bound: we declare and protest ourself to be that Prince, that doth intend, and hath always minded to live and die in the maintenance, [of the] defence, [and] observation [and] purity of the same. And that no man can or dare set his foot by us in proving of the contrary. marveling therefore much that ignorant people would go about to take upon them to instruct and teach us (which hath [something] been noted [to be] learned) what the faith should be: [And also that they being ignorant people be so presumtius (seeing that we and our hole Clergy in Convocation hath in Articles declared it) would take appon them to correct us all therein.] Or that they would be so ingrate and unnatural towards us their most rightful King, and natural Sovereign Lord, without any our desert, upon false reports or surmises to suspect us of the same, and give rather credence to forged light tales, then to the very truth by us these twenty eight years used, and by our deeds approved. To the second which toucheth the maintenance of the Church, and the liberties of the same; we say it is so general a proposition that without dictinctions no man with troth can answer it, neither by God's laws, nor by the laws of the Realm. For first, the Church which they mean must be known: Second, whether those things which they call liberties, and say they would maintain, be things lawful and beneficial to the [Princess] comen wealth, or otherwise. And these known we doubt not but they shall be answered according to God's law, equity and justice. Nevertheless for all their generality this we dare affirm, that (meaning what Church they list) We have done nothing that may not be abiden by, both by God's laws and man's laws, or that is prejudicial to our common wealth, if our proceed may be indifferently considered. And in our own Church of England, whereof we be the supreme head on Earth, we have done [onerous and chargeable to them,] nothing so [extremely and] as many of our Predecessors have done, upon much lesser grounds. Wherefore sithence this Article partaineth nothing to any of our Commons, nor that they bear any thing therein, we cannot but reckon a great unkindness and unnaturalness in them, which had lever a Chorle or twain should enjoy those profits of their Monasteries, for the supportation and maintenance of abominable life, then that we their Prince should receive the same towards our extreme charges, done, and daily sustained for their defence against foreign enemies. The third Article toucheth three things; the first is the laws, the second is the commonwealth, the third, the directors of the laws under us. Touching the Laws, as it becometh not blind men to judge any colours, ne to take upon them to beeiudges of the same: so we dare expressly and boldly affirm as a thing that may be easily and duly proved; that there were never in any One of our Predecessors days, so many wholesome, commodious and beneficial Acts made for the common wealth, as have been made in our time, & sithence some of them had [credit] [our affairs] [experience] & doing [in the world,] that would now [perchance] feign pick them thank without desert. For our Lord forbids that both we and our Council should have lost so much time, as not to know better now than we did in the beginning of our reign; what were a Commonwealth, and what were against the good and commodity of the same, seeing we have been a King these twenty eight years, and by experience learned the perfectness thereof: and although the folly and unkindness of some will not perchance let them so knowledge it, yet we trust and doubt no●, but the most part of our loving Subjects, specially those which be not seduced by false reports, do both think it, accept it, and find it so. Now touching the Common wealth, what King hath kept his Subjects so long in wealth and peace, so long without taking or doing wrong one to another; so indifferently ministered justice to all estates both high and low; so defended them from all outward enemies: so fortified the frontier of his Realm to his no little, and in manner inestimable charges, and all for their wealths and sureties? What King hath given among his Subjects more general or freer pardons? What King hath been loather to punish his Subjects, or showed more mercy among them? these things being so true, as no true man can deny them: It is an unnatural and an unkind demeanour of you our Subjects to believe or deem the contrary of it: by whose report soever it should be set forth against us. And the beginning of our reign, where it is said that so many Noblemen were Counsellors: we do not forget who were then Counsellors: for of the Temporalty there were but two worthy to be called Noble, the oon, the Treasurer of England, the other the high Steward of our household. Others, [mean] as the Lord Marney and Darcy but [scant well] born [nor] Gentlemen, [and] yet of no great lands, till they were promoted by us, and so made Knights and Lords; the rest were Lawyers and Priests, saving the two Bishops of Canterbury and Winchester: If these than be the great number of Noblemen, that is spoken off, and that our Subjects seemed then contented withal, why then be they not now much better contented with us, which have so many Nobles indeed, both of birth and condition of our Council. For first of the Temporalty in our Privy Council, we have the Duke of Norfolk, the Duke of Suffolk, the marquess of Excester, the Lord Steward (when he is present) the Earl of Oxford, the Earl of Sussex, the Lord Sands our Chamberlain, the Lord Admiral Treasurer of our house: Sir William Paulet controller of our house. And of the spirituality, the Bishops of [Canterbury,] Winchester, Hereford, and Chichester: [And for because it is more than necessary to have some in our privy Council learned in our Additions written with the King's hand. laws, and pacts of the world: we by the advise of our hole Council aforenamed, did elect and choose into our Preve Council, and also into their rooms our chancellor and Privy cell, thinking them men in all our opinion, most meetest for the same rooms; and we with our hole Council think it right strange, that ye, which be but bruts, and inexpert folk, do take upon you to appoint us, [Mark who be meet for our Counsel and who be not.] [Now therefore now how these seditious persons which how far be thus wrongfully have borne you thus in hand have these falsely abused you,] persons abused,] that reckon there were then more Noblemen in our Privy Council then be now: butyet though of our great clemency & princely goodness, we declare now the truth, to pull our subjects from that error and blindness they were led and trained into, by false and untrue surmise and report: We would again that every of them knew, that it appertaineth not to any subject, to presume to take upon him, th' appointment of his King and Sovereign Lords Council. Ne for our part we will take any such thing at any of our subjects hands. Wherefore we would that from henceforth they should better remember the duties of good Subjects towards their natural Liege Lord, and meddle no further of those or such like things, as they have nothing to do withal. To the fourth Article, where the Commons' do name certain of our Council to be subverters both of God's law, and the laws of this Realm: We do take and repute them as just and true Executors both of God's Laws, and as far as their Commissions under us do extend. And if any of our Subjects can duly prove the contrary we shall proceed against them and all other offenders therein, according to justice, as to our estate and dignity royal doth appertain. And in case it be but a false and an untrue reaport, as we verily think it is, than it were as meet and standeth aswell with justice, that they should have the self same punishment, which wrongfully hath objected this to them, that they should have had, if they had deserved it. And oon thing among others causeth us to think that this slander should be untrue, because it proceedeth from that place, which is both far distant from that where they inhabit, and also from those people which never heard them preach, nor yet knoweth any part of their conversation. Wherefore we exhort all You our Commons' to be no more so light of credit in the believing of evil things spoken of us your natural Prince and Sovereign Lord: Nor of any of our Prelates and Counsellors, but to think that your King having so long reigned over you with the advise off his Counsel hath as good discretion to elect and choose his Counsellors, as those who so ever they be that hath put this in your heads [or ye other being but ignorant people and aught of all experience of princes affairs.] here in this final point which ye our Comens of Yorkshire, Westmoreland, Cumberland, the bishopric of Durham, Richmondshire, Craven, Dent, Sedbarre, and all other places that have been seduced to this jusurrection do desire; and also in the matter of the whole discourse of your Petitions. We verily think that the rest of all our hole Commons' of many Cuntreys to whom you be in manner but an handful, will greatly disdain and not bear it, that you take upon you to set order to us and them, and specially to us [being] Sovereign Lord to you both: [you being rebels] And that [because you be rebels,] you would make them as bearers and partakers of your▪ mischief, willing them to take pardon for Insurrections which verily we think and doubt not they never minded: but like true Subjects to the contrary have both with heart and deed been ready at our call to defend both us and themselves: and now for our part as to your demands, we let you wit, that pardon of such things as you demand lieth only in the will and pleasure of the Prince: but it seemeth by your lewd proclamations and self conducts, that there be amongst you which take upon them both the parts of Kings and Counsellors. Which neither by us nor by the General consent of our Realm hath been admitted to any such room. What arrogancy is then in those wretches being also of none experience, to presume to raise you our Subjects without Commission or authority: ye and against us under a cloaked colour of your wealth and in our name, and as the success and end would declare if we should not be moremercifull unto you than you have deserved to your own utter confusions. Wherefore we late all you our said subjects again wit, that were it not that our Princely heart cannot reckon this your shameful insurrection and most ingrate and unnatural rebellion to be done of malice or rancour, but rather by a lightness given in manner by a naughty nature to a Comunalty, and a wondrous sudden surreption of Gentlemen: We must needs have executed an other manner of punishment, then if you will humbly knowledge your fault, and submit yourself to our mercy, we intend to do [as by our proclamations we dowght ye be informed.] Fynys. The effect that the Kings reply wrought, is manifest by his free perdons sent unto the offenders, by Proclamation divulged by his messenger at Arms and his trumpet throughout the North parts, the tenor whereof from the Original is, as followeth. King Henry's free pardon by Proclamation. All be it, that yowe the King's Subjects and Commons dwelling and inhabiting in the Shires of York, Cumberland, Westmoreland, Northumberland, the Bishopric of Durham, the City of York, and the Shire of the same, the Town of Kyngston upon Hull, and the Shire of the same, the Town of Newcastle upon Tyne, and the Shire of the same, and in other Shires, Towns, Dalis, Places privileged, the franchises and Liberties within the limits of the said Shires, Cities, and Towns, or any of them, or being reputed or taken for any part, parcel or number of any of them, and such other the Kings said Subjects, inhabited in the Town of Lancaster, or else where by North, in the Shire of Lancaster, have now of late attempted and committed manifest and open rebellion, against his most royal majesty, whereby was like to have ensewde, the utter rewin and destruction of these hole Cuntreis', to the great comfort and advancement of your ancient enemies the Scots, which as his H●●nes is credably informed, do with a great Readiness wache upon the same, and to the high displeasure of God, who streitely commandeth you to abay your Sovereign Lord and King, in all things, and not with violence to resist his will or Commandment, for any cause whatsoever it be: Nevertheless the King's royal majesty, perceiving as well by the Articles of their partners sent to his Hyenes: As also duly informed by credible reports, that their said offences proceeded of ignorance, and by occasion of sundry false talis, never minded or intended by his Hienes, or any of his Council, but most craftily contrived, and most spitefully set abroad amongst you, by certain malicious and seditious persons; and thereupon his Highness inclined to extend his most gracious mercy and pity towards you, having chief charge of you under God, both of your souls and bodies, and desiring rather the preservation of the same, and your reconciliation, by his merciful meyns, than by the order and rigour of justice to punish you according to your demeryts, of his inestimable goodness, benignity, mercy, and petty, and at your most humble petitions and submissions made unto his Highness, he is content & plaised to gife and grant, and by his present Proclamation doth gift & grant unto you all, and to all & every your confederates wheresoever they devil, of estate, degree, or what condition soever you or they be, or by what name or names soever they or you be, or may be called, his General and free pardon for all manner of treasons, rebellions, insurrections, misprisions of treasons, murders, robberies, felons, and of all accessaries of the same, and of every of them, unlawful assembles, unlawful Conventicles, unlawful speaking of words, confederacies, riots, routs: And all other trespasses, offencies and contempts, done and committed by you, or any of you against the King's majesty, his Crown or dignity royal, within and from the time of the beginning of the said Rebellion whensoever it was, unto the present day of proclaiming of this Proclamation, and of all pains, judgements, and executions of death, and all other penalties, forfeitures, fines, and forfeitures of Lands, Tenements, Hereditaments, Goods or Cattles by any of your forfeitures incurred by reason of the premises, or any of them; which Fines, Forfeitures, Lands, Tenements, Hereditaments, Goods, and Cattles, the Kings said Highness of his special grace, and mere motion by these presents, giveth to such of you, as have or should have forfeited, or lost the same, by occasion of the premises or any of them: And also his Highness is pleased, and contented, that you and every of you from time to time, shall and may have upon your sewtes to be made hereafter in his Chancery, his said and most gracious and free pardon under his great Seal concerning the premises, without any further Bill or Warrant to be obtained for the same, and without paying any thing for the great seal thereof: And that you and every of you from time to time, may freely and liberally sew for his said pardon, when and as often as it shall like you, without any trouble, vexation or impeachment for the premises, or any of them, by his heirs, or by any his Officiaries, Ministers, or Subjects, by any manner of means or in any manner of wise. Provided always, that you and every of you in token of a perfect declaration and knowledge, that ye do heartily lament and be sarrie for your said offencies, shall make your humbly submission unto his Highness, in the presence of his right trusty and right entirely beloved Cousins and Concellairs: the Duke of Norforlke, and the Earl of▪ Shrewsburie his Lieutenant's General, or any of them, or to their Deputy or Deputies of them, or any of them, or such other person, or persons as the King's Highness shall appoint for the same: Furthermore the Kings most royal majesty, streitely chargeth and commandeth, that you and every of you, shall from henceforth, like true and faithful Subjects use yourselves, in God's peace, and his, according to the duties of allegiance, and that you shall in no wise hereafter, attempt to make or procure, any such rebellion, intent, unlawful Assemblies, Riots, Routs, and Conspirations, nor at the Commandment, nor by the Authority of any person, of what estate or degree, or for what cause soever it be, shall arise in any forcible manner, and array, unless it be at the special commandment of the King's Highness, or his Lieutenant sufficiently authorised for the same. In witness whereof the Kings most royal majesty, hath caused this his Proclamation to be made Patent, and sealed with his great sail at Richemounte the IX. day of December in the XXVIII. year of his Reign. 1536. Pexsall. Notwithstanding this General pardon and merciful dealings of the King a new Insurrection was raised in the North, wherein many of the former were Holinsh. pag. 944. now again Actors, as by name Robert Ask whom the King had not only pardoned, but also highly rewarded, the Lord Dacres, Sir Robert Constable, Sir Ask executed. Francis Bygod, Pulmer, Percy, Hamilton, Tempest and Lumley, all of them put to death; as they well deserved. (99) In which Commotions those men whose profession was only the Book and their Beads, Luk. ●2. 36. Spiritual men Commotioners. mistaking Christ's meaning, who bade his Disciples to cell their coat, and to buy a sword, came armed among the Rebels into the Field, and with them were taken as Traitors against the Crown: for which offence many of them suffered death: namely, john Monks hanged for rebellion. Paslew Abbot of Whaley in Lincolnshire, john Castegate and William Haydocke Monks of the same house, Robert Hobbs Abbot of Woborne in Bedfordshire, Adam Sudbury Abbot of Geruaux with Astbeed a Monk of that house; the Abbot of Sawley in Lancashire and the Prior of the same place, William Wold Prior of Birlington, the Parson of Pudington, five Priests of Lincolnshire, and with them their chieftain, Captain Cobbler, and john Allen Priest. Idols and Monasteries suppressed by Parliament. (100) These stirs thus quieted and the Statesmen at leisure to prevent the like, a Commission came forth to purge the Churches of Idols; and to suppress the Monasteries to the King's use, granted unto him by Parliament: the one of them, the only working cause, through the gain that was got by ignorant devotion, and gadding on pilgrimage, and the other, the Nest and very receptacle of all traitorous attempters, against the peace of the Land A. D. 1538. and Supremacy of the Crown. The abuse of the first was solemnly showed at Paul's Cross in London, The Rood of Grace broken at Paul's Cross. upon Sunday the twenty four of February, by Doctor john Fisher Bishop of Rochester, where the Rood of Boxley in Kent, commonly called the Rood of Grace, made with divers vices to bow down and to Lamb. Peram. in Box●ley. lift up itself, to shake, and to stir both Heads, hands, and feet, to roll the eyes, move the lips and to bend the brows; was then broken and pulled Our Lady of Walsingham and other Images burnt. in pieces. So likewise the Images of our Lady of Walsingham and Ipswich, set and besprinkled with jewels, and Gems, with divers others both of England and Wales; were brought to London and burnt at Chelsey before the Lord Crumwell. Then the Axes of the hewers began to cast down the walls of all Monasteries, whose number (as Cambden doth accounted Cambd. Brit. 645. Monasteries in England. 90. Colleges. 110. Religious Hospitals. 2374. Chaunteries and free Chapels. them) were six hundred forty five, besides fourscore and ten Colleges, them of Oxford and Cambridge not accounted: of Hospitals one hundred and ten, and of Chaunteries and free Chapels two thousand, three hundred, seventy four, all of them almost were then borne down with the sudden deluge of those tempestuous times, whilst the world stood amazed▪ King Henry proceeded, and the Clergy men groaned under their own destructions; among these the Shrine of Thomas Becket was defaced, which did abound with more than Princely riches: whose meanest part was pure gold, garnished Eras. Dialogue. with many precious stones, as Erasmus that saw it, hath written, whereof the chiefest was a rich W. Lamb. Peram. Gem of France, offered by King Lewis, who asked and obtained (you may be sure, he buying it so dear) that no passenger betwixt Dover and Whitesand should perish by shipwreck; his bones by Stephen Langton had been laid in a golden Shrine, The state and opinion of Tho. Beckets Shrine. his name canonised, and the day of his death made annually holy, such concourse of Pilgrim, such pressing to touch him, and such creeping and kneeling to his Tomb, that the prints of their devotion in the Marble stones, remains to this day; every Pillar resounding the miracles of this reputed Martyr, and the Church itself dedicated to Christ, forced to give place to the name of Saint Thomas. john Stow. The Timber work of this Shrine was covered with plates of gold, damasked and embossed with wires of The great riches of Beckets Shrine. gold, garnished with broochs, images, angels, precious stones, and great Orient Pearls: all these defaced filled two Chests and were for price of an unestimable value. But in steed of these Dagons, the Bible in English was commanded to be read in all Churches, and Register Books of weddings, Christen and Burials in every of them to be kept. The great revenues of the Monasteries. (101) The yearly revenues of these, as they were valued by the Commissioners, at their subversions amounted to an unestimable sum, as appeareth by the Original Book itself presented to the King, whereof more shall be spoken in the end of this chapter, and yet most of them rated at Robin-hoods Supplication of Beggars. penny-worthes, what their rents were, a libel scattered abroad, and read to the king, by demonstration did prove, wherein was accounted, that unto the five Orders of Friars, (every householder paying them five pence the Quarter) the sum of forty The great revenues of the Friars. three thousand, three hundred, thirty three pound, six shillings and eight pence sterling, was paid them by year, besides the revenues of their own lands, which was not a little, so that not without cause many entered into a Monastical life, rather to live at full, and without cares of this world, then to feed the flock of Christ, or to win them, and not theirs, 2. Cor. 12. 14. after the example of the Apostle. For the Testament of Christ, was unto most of these, as a book sealed with seven seals, and their mouths unmuzled Deut. 25. 4. they did devour, but not tread out the Corn, so that the Sun by their doctrine seemed to be Apoca. 9. darkened, as with smoke, and themselves to be the Locusts that overspread the superficies of the Earth, whose faces were like men, pretending humanity, their hair like women in show of modesty, their Crowns of counterfeited gold▪ signifying their usurped authority, their teeth like Lions showing their Tyranny, their force like horses prepared for battle, their habergions of Iron betokening their strength, the sound of their wings, the thundering out their mandates like to the rumbling of Chariots in war, their Tails (the false Prophets) having stings like unto Scorpions, and their King the bad Abaddon, even the Angel of the Bottomless pit. All those allusions most aptly fitting these Cloistered Friars, who now grown to the height of their sins, Jere. 13 26. their skirts were discovered, that their shame might appear; being the only men then laid open to the world. (102) Against whose doctrine, (besides many others Many suffered death for the Gospel before that Martin Luther wrote. in other foreign parts) two in the days of K. Henry the fourth the first English King that put any to death for the doctrine of Rome; (omitting Sir john Oldcastle and others, that died for the Gospel's defence, in the days of King Henry the fift) four in the reign of innocent Henry the sixt. One in the days of King Edward the fourth; and ten in the time of King Henry the seventh, sealed the doctrine against the papal religion with their blood; all of them being martyred before that Martin Luther wrote. And in the reign of this King twenty six suffered the fire, before the flames thereof could be quenched, which a while was done by the means Queen Anne Bullen a favourer of the Gospel, stayed the rage against the Professors. of good Queen Anne, till afterwards they mounted higher, when the six Articles were made: but because this Ecclesiastic text is handled elsewhere, and seemeth unsociable to our begun Subject, we will refer the Reader for these matters unto the industrious pains of that worthy and ever venerable man M. Fox, taken in his Acts & Monuments of Ecclesiastical history. King Henry's doings displeased many Christian Princes. (103) The Monasteries thus dissolved, and the Revenues thereof converted to temporal uses, King Henry ran in great obloquy of many foreign Potentates, but most especially of the Pope; who with Cardinal Poole instigated divers Princes in Christendom to invade England thus fallen from his faith: Yea, & home-born subjects disliking the course for Papistical subversion, by secret working sought to deprive King Henry, and to raise up Reynold Pool unto the Regal dignity, as by their inditements appeareth. The persons convicted, were Lord Henry Courtney marquess of Excester▪ & Earl of Devonshire, the son of Lady Katherine, the seventh daughter of King Edward the fourth: Henry Poole Lord Montacute, with Sir Geffrey his brother, and Sir Edward Nevil brother to the Lord of Abergavenny. These Pools were the sons of Lady Margaret Countess of Salisbury, the only daughter of George Duke of Clarence: and of these Reinold Poole once Deane of Excester, and now Cardinal at Rome was accounted the only man. (104) And this foresaid Lord marquess had formerly been in such favour with King Henry, that at his going into France he ordained him his Heir Camb. Brit. apparent, though at his return upon grave deliberation, he saw it better policy to pluck him down then was used in setting him up, jest in acting his part upon that infective stage, he put the land to as much trouble as the arreared Duke Richard of York had done, after he was ordained heir apparent, which Title produced the Tragedy of his Lord marquess and others beheaded. A. D. 1539. jan. 9 raiser King Henry the sixt, and now having him and his Abetters upon the advantage, the better to secure his own Estate, he caused the heads of this Lord marquess with the Lord Montacute, and Sir Edward Nevil to be cut off upon Tower-hill. (105) The King than a Widower, since the death of Queen jane, who departed this life two years before, meant to maintain what he had done, maugre all opposites: which the better to effect, by the Counsel of Lord Cromwell, he sought and obtained the alliance of the Princes of Germany, Jo●. Sleidan. and heard the motion for marriage with the Lady Anne sister to William Duke of Cleve, whose other sister Frederick Duke of Saxony had espoused, a great favourer of the Gospel, and maintainer of Martin Luther the zealous Preacher and professor thereof. But whether for the death of Anne Bullen, or that he would have his wives sister bestowed nearer at home (which thing he pretended) a great hinderer King Henry married Anne of Cleve. jan. 6. An. 1540 he was of that match. But the Lady sent into England, and married unto King Henry, seemed nothing pleasing in his eye; which Stephen Gardiner then Bishop of Winchester perceiving, thought it a fit subject for him to work upon, against the Fox. Mart. 1296. Lord Cromwell the maker of the match; he therefore instigated jealousies daily into the King's ear, first exasperating the hatred of the Princes of Germany to himwards, and especially of Duke Frederick his compulsive brother in Law, the Emperor, French Kings, Scots and the Pope, all seeking at once to raise their powers against England. The civil tumults lately passed, and new commotions greatly to be feared, he letted not to remember, and all to nip The six Article● devised. the spring of the new spreading Gospel, whereby this wise Politician in the end got six such Articles against it, as the Consistory of Hell could devise no worse. Whose cruelties were such that not long after, and in the days of this King, some of those 32. H. 8. chap. 10. 35. H. 8. cap. 5. Acts were again repealed, and some of them qualified, as too sharp and searching into the blood of the King's best Subjects. (106) The fruit of these bloodthirsty instigators, the Lord Cromwell, and Lady Anne of Cleve soon Lord Cromwell imprisoned. tasted of, he by imprisonment and death, and she by disgrace and divorce; having been his wife from january to june▪ in all which time the King refrained the mutual knowledge of her body, for the dislike he had of her person, even at the first sight, as himself In a letter written by himself. Ex MS. Anno 32. H. 8. cap. 25. called to witness the Lord Cromwell then Prisoner in the Tower, for whose report he wrote a Letter with his own hand; and she good Lady no other cause alleged, was divorced by Parliament, Queen Anne divorced by Parliament. when also it was enacted that she should no longer be styled Queen. The Lord Cromwell was charged by the Lord Rich, and Sir George Throgmorton with speaking of certain general words, not excepting therein the kings person, which nevertheresse were thought so sleight and insufficient to take away his life, that his enemies feared to put it to the trial of his Peers, jest he should be acquitted by them, as the Lord Dacres of the Cromwell after his death attainted by Parliament. Ex MS. North not many years before had been; wherefore there was a Bill drawn to attaint him of heresy and Treason, in general words, rather than in particular proofs, which when he was dead, passed in both houses of Parliament with the kings assent: D. Sanders. (107) Howbeit Saunders that seldom speaks well of the Gospel's professors, will have him to die for the breach of a Law made by himself, which was, that one appeached of treason, should not come in the King's presence, till he had tried himself not guilty; but besides that we found no such Act by him made: his indictment doth not charge him with treason, but with setting at liberty certain persons committed for misprision of treason and heresy; No such things as Sanders supposeth against Cromwell. for favouring and maintaining the translation of heretical books into English; for bearing out Barnes and other heretical Preachers; that himself was an heretic, and had spoken words, great words for the upholding of his said religion, which were, that the King should not change it if he would: for these things he was attainted by Parliament of high Treason, and that grounded either upon a No act by Cromwell to 'cause his own death. Statute made in the five and twenty of Edward the third, or else by the explanation of that Act which referreth the exposition of Treasons to the Parliament, and so no way did Cromwell devise or make any law of treason, which himself first fell into, as that partial Romanist hath said. (108) But most sure it is, that the King's affection, altogether guided by the fairest object, found no other point in the Compass to fix his variable eye, besides that only, which by his seeming was touched by the Loadstone of nature, and the same Cromwel's dislike of the Lady Katherine the cause of his death. to be the Lady Katherine Howard, daughter to Edward the brother of Thomas Duke of Norfolk, against whom Cromwell standing in the defence of Queen Anne, and using words of dislike in the Lady Katherine, distasteful unto the King, was thereupon apprehended A. D. 1540 (his enemy so working) and upon the twenty eight of july suffered death with the stroke of the Axe upon Tower-hill, with whom was beheaded the Lord Hungerford of Heitesbery, neither so ●●ggery. Christianly suffering, nor so quietly dying for his offence committed against nature. A. D. 1541. May 27. (109) The sword thus unsheathed upon the necks of the Nobility; struck off the head of Margaret Countess of Salisbury, daughter and heir unto George Duke of Clarence, and mother unto Reynald Poole Cardinal, being neither arraigned nor tried, Margaret Countess of Salisbury beheaded. but condemned by Parliament as Cromwell had been. And the Lord Leonard Gray in this present year lost his head for treason, the twenty eight of june. And the next day following Thomas Fines Lord Dacres Lord Dacres hanged. of the South, died at Tyburn for kill a private man in a fray. Neither was it put up, until that the heads of Queen Katherine Howard, and the Lady jane Rochfort were stricken off, the one for Adultery, the other for concealment, as was alleged, the parties offending were Francis Dereham, and Thomas Culpepper, Dereham before she was Stat. in 33. of H. 8. cap. 21. Queen, and Culpepper after, who both were executed at Tyburn, the tenth of December, and the twelfth of February following, Mistress Katherine Howard (for so in the Act of her Attainture she is called) who had been styled and received Queen Since the eight of August proceeding. for the space of six months, and four days, with the Lady jane then widow, and late wife unto George Queen Katherine and the Lady jane Rochfort beheaded. Bullen, Lord Rochfort, were both of them brought unto a Scaffold raised upon the hill within the Tower, wherethey in lamentable passions suffered death. (110) Howsoever those times afforded such Queens to the King's bed, or himself unfortunate in making his choice: yet many of no mean judgement have rather accused King Henry for his changing and variable affections, then think them guilty in the breach of Matrimony. Of Anne we have seen what hath been said, and of this Queen let us hear what she protested after her condemnation to Doctor White Bishop of Winchester her last Confessor, and by him delivered to a noble young Lord of her name, and near alliance: Her words were these: As to the Act my reverend Lord for which I stand condemned, God and his holy Angels I take to witness upon my soul's salvation, that I die guiltless, never having so abused my Sovereign's bed: what other sins and follies of youth I have committed, I will not excuse; but am assured that for these, God hath brought this punishment upon me, and will in his mercy remit them, for which I pray you, pray with me, unto his son and my Saviour Christ. (111) As these then in case of Treasons either acted or intended, ended their lives; so others in The oath of supremacy enacted. case of conscience (though diversly affected) came to their deaths, and that by force of the Statutes enacted Stat. H. 8. 28. c. 10. under this King; whereof one was the abolishing of the Pope, and the oath of Supremacy, the refusers of either made offenders in state of high Treason, and the other in case of religion, when the six Articles enacted by Parliament, was made Stat. H. 8. 31. c. 4. Heresy and death, to such as held or taught the contrary, which Articles were thus concluded in both the houses of Parliament with consent of the King. The six bloody Articles enacted. 1 That after the words of consecration spoken by the Priest, the real and natural body and blood of Christ, as he was conceived and crucified, was in the Sacrament, and no other substance consisting, in the form of bread and wine, besides the substance of Christ God and man. 2 That the communion in both kinds was not necessary unto salvation, the flesh only in form of bread, sufficient for the Laity. 3 That Priests after they have received orders might not marry by the law of God. 4 That the vows of chastity either in man or woman, aught by God's law to be observed, and by which they are exempted from other liberties of Christian people. 5 That private Masses was necessary for the people, and agreeable to the law of God. 6 That auricular confession was expedient to be retained, and continued in the Church of God. These Statutes I say aswell the one as the other, brought many to their ends, which otherwise were very good Subjects, and worthy instruments in the common weal: for offending in the first, there died Bishop Fisher, and Sir Thomas Moore, besides john Fisher. Sir Thomas Moor beheaded. many Abbots, Priors, and Friars, and among them, in Smithfield the Welsh road set Friar Forrest on fire, according to the prophecy very rife in their mouths, that this holy road should set a whole forest on fire. For the other suffered in flames, many godly Christians, whereof Robert Barnes a reverend Doctor, and worthy minister of Christ, the first reducer (as M. Fox reporteth) of the University of Fox. Mart. pap. 1363. Cambridge from rudeness and barbarity, unto good literature and learning, was with the first: And Anne Askew a Gentlewoman of an incomparable dexterity one of the last, who, above the weakness of her sex most valiantly stood against the violence of the time. Anne Askew her story. Jo. Bale Cent. 8. fol. 669. (112) Her birth was worshipful, and education accordingly, bestowed in marriage, unto john Kyme a Gentleman in Lincolnshire, and commended by Bale for her rare wit, and elegant beauty; which her parts the pencil of N. D. with his uneven hand (ever overhard to shadow the truth,) hath slanderously blurred and measured those graces in her, by his own lose affections, and those want on Rom. 1. 26. Votaries, which in the height of sin have changed the natural use of women against nature. Three conversions by N. D. pag. 495. This young heifer (saith he) abiding no yoke, a coy dame, and of very evil fame, left the company of Master Kyme, to gad up and down a Gospelling and gossiping where she might, and aught not, but especially in London, and near the Court, now she being fair and Anne accused by no rule of Christianity. but twenty five years old at her death, doth easily show what may besuspected of her life, and the mystical speeches and demands of the King's Counsel touching her departure from her husband, were grounded upon somewhat, especially in that she called herself Anne Askew alias Kyme. Thus far this scandalising man hath accused this holy Anne by the outward appearance of her youth Anne and Ann● compared. and beauty: as holy Anna by Eli was accused of drunkenness when her heart was most fervent, in supplications to her God, and his partial pen made the fan to sift the wheat of her holy conversation to find out some chaff, whereof none is free, nor is she to be condemned upon the imagery of his suspicious head (who undoubtedly would have told all if any thing could have been found) whereas she in the vigour of beauty and weakness of her Sex, resisted the gainesaiers of the truth with her dearest blood: testifying from the Prisons her faith and constancy, and from the The Counter, Newgate and the Tower. Rack preached Christ, whereon most unhumanely and against kind, she was twice tormented; and lastly sealed her testimony in Smithfield through the Anne Askew burned in Smithfield. flames of fire: being borne to the place of herdeath in a Chair, her bones so disjointed by the Rack that she could not go. People as some suppose. Three conversions. pag. 493. (113) The irreverend* N. D. whose affection to Christ's Gospel and loyalty to the English Crown hath sufficiently showed itself, to make her no Martyr, and that her life did demerit the Rack, saith that the King himself commanded that torture to be inflicted, for infecting with her erroneous See Acts & Mon. doctrine, his Court, his Nieces, Suffolk's daughters, and his Queen. Whereas the truth tells us that the Lieutenant refusing to rack her the second time was threatened by Wriothesley Lord Chancellor (who did it himself) to be complained of to the King, who immediately took Boat and told the whole Tragedy; whereof King Henry seemed to be sore offended, for using a woman with such inhuman tortures. But such favours had the Pope's Chickens under the shroud of the Church and wing of this Monarch, that they feared not to follow the appeal of death, even upon her that slept in his own bosom, Queen Katherine's life laid for. which was Queen Katherine Parr, espoused unto him some three years before, and whom (as Ibid. con. p 494. this State's intelligencer doth confess) he meant to have burned had he longer lived. For the truth is (saith he) that the King's sickness and death shortly ensuing was the chief cause of her escape; and the error of the Lord Saunders three conversions. Chancellor Wriothesley, who let fall out of his bosom, the King's hand and commission for carrying her to the Tower The Lord Chancellor lost his commission. gave occasion (the paper found and brought her) to go and humble herself to the King; the principal occasion against her, was Heretical Books, found in her closet, both brought & sent her by Anne Askew, whereof thewitnesses were the Lady Herbert, Lady jane, Lady Tyawit, and others. Indeed it is true that by God's providence such papers were let fall out of the Lord Chancellor's bosom containing certain Articles against her, with a warrant to commit her to the Tower, whereunto the King's The Queen seethe the sentence of her death. hand was subscribed: which being found was presently brought unto the Queen, whereof the unexpected content so deeply touched her tender heart, that forthwith she fell into great fears, laments, and a most heavy melancholy, and was in such danger of death, that the King came to visit her, having not go forth of his Chamber of many days before; whereat she so rejoiced, as she began to amend: and to acknowledge her like love Queen Katherine visiteth the King, who falleth in conference with her about religion. and duty, the next night following, repaired to the King's Bedchamber, accompanied only with the Lady Herbert her sister, and the Lady jane the King's niece, carrying the Candle before her, of whose presence the King seemed to be most desirous; and presently falling in talk of Religion, began to debate some question thereof with the Queen, demanding to have her resolutions therein, but she knowing that his nature was not to be crossed, and the soreness of his leg to increase his choler, made him answer Act. and Mon. Queen Katherine's wise answer. that she was a woman, accompanied with many imperfections, but his Majesty wise and judicious, of whom she must learn as of her Lord and Head, for so God hath appointed you (said she) the Supreme Head of us all, of whom next unto him I will ever learn. Not so, by Saint Mary, said the King, you are become a Doctor Kate to instruct us, and not to be instructed by us as often heretofore we have seen. Indeed (said she) if your Majesty have so conceived, I have been mistaken in my meaning, who have ever held it preposterous for a woman to instruct her Lord And whereas I have heretofore held talk with your highness touching Religion, it was to learn of your Majesty some excellent point which myself stood in doubt of: and sometimes to the end that you might with less grief pass over this painful time of your infirmity, wherein if by my overmuch boldness I have failed in the latter, yet have I not done in the former, to my no small benefit and comfort. And is it even so sweet The Lord Chancellor's purpose to apprehended the Queen. heart? (quoth the King) why then, are we friends, and so kissing her, gave her leave to departed. But the day drawn on for her apprehension, and the King disposed to take the air, sent for the Queen to walk in the Garden, himself accompanied only with two Gentlemen, and she with the three foresaid Ladies. Whenas suddenly the Lord Chancellor with forty of the Guard, came into the Garden, with purpose to have apperhended and carried the Queen to the Tower; whose malapert approach the King greatly misliked, and sternly beholding him, stepped aside, saluting him with the names of knave, fool, and beast, bidding avaunt out of presence. The Queen seeing the King chafed, but knew not the cause, endeavoured by all means to pacify his Majesty, and entreated for the Lord Chancellor, whose fault as she thought and alleged, was rather through misimprision then will, and therefore, said she, I will become an humble suitor for him unto your Highness. Ah poor soul (quoth the King) thou little knowest Kate how evil he deserveth this grace at thy hauds: of my word (sweet heart) he hath been towards thee a very kna●e. But in following this tract of blood, flowed from the fountain of the six Articles, we have stepped over some other occurrences that happened somewhat before this time, unto which with thy patience, good Reader, we will return again. Henry assumeth the name of King of Ireland. A. 154● confirmed by Parl. 35. Hen. 〈◊〉 john Lisley (114) King Henry by order of Parliament having assumed the Style and Title of King of Ireland, with the submission of most of the Irish Nobility, james his Nephew, King of Scotland, took it not well, for that, as Lisley saith, a great part of Ireland, especially in the North, had been in possession of the Scotishmen for many hundred of years before. These discontents conceived, King Henry well perceived; and because he would have no ill will so near him, that had so many enviers abroad, he sent The Kings of England and Scotland appoint to meet at York. unto King james that it would please him to repair unto the City of York, where he would meet him, to confer for the wealth of both the Realms, which at first was granted, but upon better advise, vnaccomplished, his Counsellors moving the dangers; and his Clergy the fears, jest their Religion should be changed to the offence of his confederates the Pope, the Emperor, and the French King. A. D. 1542. (115) The unkindness growing from this small spark, was presently kindled into great flames▪ for Commissioners being sent from both Kings, to view the limits of either Kingdom, they fell at odds about a small piece of ground, and from that took occasion of emulations and wars: to prosecute which King Henry prepared an Army, and sent them into Scotland under the Conduct of the Duke of Norfolk, An expedition into Scotland. accompanied with the Earls of Shrewsbury, Derby, Cumberland, Surrey, Hertford, Angus and Rutland. These passing the English Marches, did much hurt in the Kingdom of Scotland. To withstand whom King james gathered a power, of five and thirty strong, and at Fallaw more meant to have bidden the Duke battle, which as that writer related, was not then minded to do, but made again into England, and passing the water Tweed, sustained great loss by the courageous pursuit of the Lord Huntly. King james upon a lusty courage meaning to repair the Scots losses with the English spoils, was very forward to follow the Duke into their Borders, but the Scotish Nobility wisely weighing the danger of The Scotish noblemen refuse to invade England. war, by no means would either assent, or assist him out of his own kingdom, affirming it honour sufficient, to have forced the English back with no little loss. (116) King james discontented at his Nobles denials, made towards the Borders him●elfe, where, moving the Lord Maxewell, Lord Warden of the West The Lord Warden of the West-Borders yield to the King's persuasions. Borders, with many other men of special favour and account, to invade England, whereunto they gave their consents. These passing the River Eske, did some small damage upon the Western Borderers, whereof Thomas bastard Dacres, and * William M●sgrave, saith Stow. jacke of Musgrave, as Hollinshed calls them, sent word to Thomas Wharton, Lord Warden for the King upon the West Marches: But the Scots coming forward, they were forced to prepare for fight before the Lord Wharton could come, and out of their small company left a stand upon the side of a hill. The mistaking of the Scots. (117) The Scots advanced forward with no little hope, were presently daunted with the sight of these men, and verily thought that the Lord Wharton had assembled his Charge, or that the Duke of Norfolk with a great Army were come to their rescue, whereupon they began to consult what was best to be done, and demanding who was deputed Lieutenant Oliver Sincler th● King's Lieutenant General. by the King, Oliver Sinclere of no great parts nor honourable parentage, being lifted up upon the Shoulders of two Soldiers, showed forth the King's Commission, wherein himself was appointed their General, and whereat howsoever it was written or The Scotish Nobili●y in disdain of their general lost the field. read, the Lords took no little disdain that so many more worthy, honourable, and approved Captains of the Field, should be lead by this his Minion, but no Servant of Mars. In whose contempt, and John Leslie. for the indiscretion of their King, they suffered themselves to be taken Prisoners, and willingly lost the day. (118) This victory was won upon the twenty Solem-mosse. fourth of November, at a place beyond Carliel, called Solem-mosse, where were taken Prisoners the Earls of Cassils' and Glencarne, the Lords Maxwell, Fleming, Grafton saith four and twenti●. Summerwell, Oliphant, and Grey, Sir Oliver Sinclere, and others, to the number of one and twenty men of account, who were conveyed to London, and committed to the Tower. For grief of which loss, and suspicion of his Nobility, King james fell into a melancholy Passion, which the birth of his new born Princess rather increased, then gave him any comfort, The death of K. james of Scotland. so as he deceased the fourteenth day of December following, foreshowing (saith Leslie) great troubles to follow in Scotland. (119) News brought near at one instant, of the death of King james, & birth of the Princess his A marriage intended betwixt Prince Edward, and the young Queen of Scotland. daughter, King Henry intended to do that by the match of a marriage, which long had been assayed by the sword of Mars: all things so consorting as it did, he having one only son, then above five years of age, and Scotland no heir beside this new borne daughter; their years suiting a consent for marriage, the whole Island offering both the jointer and dowry, and that which most moved, their chief Nobility in his own hands, to be moulded for this design, as if heaven itself had bid the banes. The Scotish prisoners honourably entertained. (120) Those Prisoners therefore which had remained in the Tower only two days, upon the twenty one of December, he sent for to Westminster, the Earls and Lords all suited in Gowns of black damask, furred with Coney, where after some words of friendly reproof, they were bestowed among the English Nobility, who used them according to their estates: and the third day in Christmas were invited to the Court at Greenwich, where they went before the King to his Chapel, were royally feasted, and the motion then made for the establishing of peace, The Scotish prisoners released without Ransom. by the Conjunction of the two Princes, whereunto the Scotish were as willing as the English, & proffered all forward assistance to have it accomplished. So that these Nobles were delivered without other ransom, and richly rewarded at their departure from Court. john Lesly. (121) These returned into Scotland, declared what they had done, and so effectually followed the business, that in a Parliament assembled of the three The marriage of Prince Edward and Queen Mar●, concluded by Parliament. Estates, the marriage was confirmed, and a peace proclaimed to continued betwixt the two Realms the space of ten years, which agreements were sent into England by honourable Ambassadors, and there interchangeably sealed betwixt these Potent Estate●. But Cardinal Beton Archbishop of Saint Andrew's, fearing lest Scotland would change the Cardinal Beton against the marriage with England. Church Orders, as England had done (the Bible already read in their own language, and the Pope's usurped power called in Question, as than it began to be, by the fervent preaching of Friar Guiliam, to the great liking of most of the Lords) made some exceptions against the Earl Arraine the new chosen Governor, and second person in the Land, being nearest in blood to the young Queen. And the French The French King sets faction: in Scotland. King not liking this union with England, sought by all means to break the same match: to effect which, he sent the Earl of Lennox to persuade with the Governor, with great proffers and promises of assistance, but finding him faithful unto King Henry, presently made faction for the French, wherein he drew the Queen mother, the Earls Huntly, Argile, Montrosse, Menteith, and many more Peers, the Cardinal amongst them ever the chief. (122) Earl Lennox thus grown into credit with the Queen mother, and made strong by her adherents that favoured the French, presently claimed to be Governor of Scotland, being the second The Queen, and Queen mother convey▪ to ed Striueling person of degree in the Realm, and withal to have the custody of the young Queen, who with her mother were forthwith taken from Linlithqw under the charge of the Governor Arraine, and brought unto Striueling strongly guarded, with the continual presence of the Lords, Levinston, Erskwin, Fleming, and Ruthwen, lest Queen Mary should be conveyed into England unto King Henry. These violent courses, caused great Emulations among the Scotish Nobility, each of them siding as their affections were settled, but lastly agreed to set the Crown on their young Queen's head: prepared for the solemnity, whereunto all the Lords came, excepting those Queen Marie of Scotland crowned. that stood for England, and from them the Governor with much ado was drawn to be present at the Coronation: but that accomplished, and the state affairs consulted upon, it was agreed that the French Kings suit should be favoured, and that the Earl Arran should be Governor still, whereat Earl Lennox The Earl of Lennox falleth from the Queen mother. conceived such displeasure, as he become wholly for King Henry, & joined himself with the Earls of Angus, Glencarne, and Cassils', the Lords, Maxwel, Summeruell Gray, and others that stood with the English for the match with Prince Edward. King Henry demandeth the young Scotish Queen. (123) King Henry then hearing what was done, and intended, sent presently into Scotland to demand the Custody of the young Queen, and that certain Scotish Noblemen might be appointed to guard her in England, until she came to years of consent, according to Covenants formerly concluded; which no ways would be granted, and thereupon he prepared an Army thetherward, under the Conduct of Lord Edward Seimer Earl of Hertford Lieutenant General by Land, accompanied with the Earl of An Army sent into Scotland. Shrewsbury, and a Fleet of two hundred sail by Sea, whereof Sir john Dudley, Viscount Lisle was Admiral. john Leslie. (124) To the aid of the Scots the Pope's holiness was very forward, who sent them the Patriarch of Venice as his Legate, & Orator, to persuade their john Leslie. The Pope and French King sand aid into Scotland. Resolutions, with whom the French King sent Monsieur la brooch, and Monsieur Menager, to lead them to fight, and fifty thousand Crowns of the Sun, to sustain the Charge; with munition worth ten thousand Crowns more. It seemeth by Lesly that part of this silver fell into the Earl Lennox his hand, and that therewith he made head against the Governor, but not able to match him, sent unto King Henry for aid, with proffer of his service against the French side, which so well was accepted of Henry, as he made Math. Earl of Lennox marrieth Lady Margaret. him his Nephew, by giving the Lady Margaret his sister's daughter to be his wife. (125) The English thus seconded with this unlooked for Alliance, Cardinal Beton thought good Earl Lennox proclaimed an enemy to the state. to bind all to the Governor, who with the Authority of the Queen Dowager proclaimed Lennox an Enemy to the State. But in the mean while the Admiral of England was entered the Frith, and at new Haven landed his men, where joining his, to the land Service, they altogether marched thence towards Lies, himself leading the Vanguard, Shrewsbury the The English enter Scotland. Rearward, and the Lord Lieutenant the main Battle. These coming to Lies, spoiled the Town, and thence to Edenbrough, burned the City, and wasted the Country for seven miles about, this done they set fire upon Haddington, and Dunbarre, and then the whole Army returned unto Berwick. A. D. 1544. (126) Whilst things thus passed in Scotland, and the main purpose resting in suspense, King Henry well knew where the greatest rub did lie in his way, which was the French King, the chiefest Abetter of the Scots, whom he ever upheld, to hold him tack at home, lest otherwise he should tug with France for his own right. And therefore having joined with the Emperor against the French, sent his Herald, Garter, King at Arms, to demand certain Def●ance sent into France. covenants, which if he refused, to proclaim defiance unto open wars, but he not suffered to do his message to the King, returned, and Henry prepared an expedition into France, wherein he employed the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, the Earls of Arundel, joh. Stow. Oxford and Surrey, the Lords, russel, Grey, Ferrer, Mountioy, and Sainct-Iohn, besides many other serviceable Knights, and Sir john Dudley appointed high Admiral for the Seas. Of these some joined with the Emperials, and showed their value in the siege of Mattrell. (127) The Duke of Suffolk in the mean while Bolloigne besieged. struck down his Standards on the East side of Bolloigne, and with many sharp skirmishes, entered the base Town, which siege King Henry himself in person seconded, who having passed the Seas from England, upon the six & twentieth of july, encamped before Bolloigne on the eastside, whence his Canons so rend the Walls and Bulwark, as their mounted tops lay upon the Ground▪ and his great mortar pieces were discharged with so skilful a Compass, that their bullets falling down right; beat all buildings Joh. Sleida●. Commons'. down upon the Enemy's heads. Whereby (saith Sleidane) in short time he got that, which neither his Father, nor the Kings in former times could never win. For thereupon the Town was surrendered and cleared of the French soldiers, women and children. (128) The King like a Conqueror with his Bolloigne won. sword borne before him entered the Gate, where the Duke of Suffolk presented him with the keys of the Town, the Trumpets still sounding, and nothing wanting that might applaud his fame. The Town thus won, the English meant still to keep; for the strengthening whereof, the King commanded the fair Church of Saint Maries to be taken down, and in the same place, a mount to be raised for the planting of Ordinance, to annoyed any siege. But being thus busied in Bolloignes affairs, the Emperor without his knowledge or consent, came to a R. Grafton. peace with the French King, whereat King Henry was sore displeased, and the sooner left France, leaving Sir john Dudley Lord Lisle, his deputy in Bolloigne, and landed at Dover the first day of October, to his great honour and joy of his Subjects. (129) The French King chafed with this late John Serres. and great loss, sought to try fortune in further attempts, and that not only for the recovery of Bolloigne (which with twenty thousand well appointed The French invade the I'll of Wight and the coasts of Sussex. he assayed) but also in assailing the English dominions, as the I'll of Wight and those parts of Sussex that lay upon the Seas, though with loss of many Captains and thousands of Soldiers, that never returned to tell him what entertainment they had; as likewise in sending aid unto Scotland, where Monsieur Mungumry of the Order of France, with 5000 A Roade made into Scotland. strong, entered to maintain the breach betwixt them and K. Henry, which was so followed on both parts, as the English making a Road towards Gedworth, got praise for their valour, but reproach for their spoils, and the Scots renown for kill the Lord Lord Ewer slain. Eure, Lord Warden of the East-Marches, with many other Captains in defence of their Country. (130) Hereupon an Army of twelve thousand strong was sent into Scotland, whereof the Earl of Hertford was General: with these he foraged the Borders before him, and burned many Towns in the Middle-Marches, with Kelsey & Coldingham Abbey, the French not hasty to stay the incursion, lay still, and let them (unfought with) departed for England. A. D. 1546. (131) But the wars removed again into France, the Reingrave with a great power came to victual a Fort built near unto Bolloigne; to impeach which, the Earl of Surrey, then Lieutenant of the Town made forth, but was discomfited in the enterprise, A great loss of English in France▪ and Sir Edward Poynings Captain of a Band slain, with fifteen other Captains, besides many Officers and Common Soldiers. These Princes wars in these violent proceed, become very fearful lest they would grow to the Common hurt of Christendom, and therefore many other potentates, whereof the Emperor was first, solicited these John Serres. Kings unto a peace, which the sooner was heard and embraced, for that they were both of them old, and King Henry diseased in body, Commissioners therefore appointed certain articles were agreed upon: john Sleidame. Com. lib. 7. the first thereof was, that the French King should pay unto King Henry, eight hundred thousand Crowns in eight years space, and then to re-enter upon Bolloigne, but in the mean time it to remain Peace concluded betwixt England and France. under the English; to accomplish which peace Mounsieur Danebalt high Admiral of France, was sent into England; and Sir Thomas Cheynie Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, to be the King's Agent at the Font, for the Baptism of the Dolphin's new borne daughter. (132) Notwithstanding these Compliments, the sight of Bolloigne was a great sore in the French Holinshed. men's eyes, insomuch that Monsieur Chatillon Captain Chastillon raiseth a fort near into Bolloigne. of Mountplaisier, began to make a new Bastilion near unto the Town, even in the very mouth of the River, which the Lord Grey of Wilton perceiving certified the King, what inconvenience would happen if that were made strong, and the same discussed at the Counsel-table, it passed with one voice that the Peace with France was not to be infringed, notwithstanding this French attempt: to which end a prohibition drawn, whereunto King Henry also set his hand, that no let should be made against Chatillon in his Fort. Howbeit the King commanded Sir Thomas Palmer (employed in this business) to bid the King Henry's command against his own writing. Lord Grey to impeach the new work, and to flat so much as was raised thereof unto the Earth. This commission read with the report of Command to the Contrary, the Counsel of State, thought it most meet to follow their instructions in writing, lest the words might either be mis-delivered or mistaken. But the Lord Grey causing the messengers words to be writ, and subscribed with all their hands that were present at the report, suddenly and unlooked for, came to the Fort, and in four hours The Lord Gre● flatteth Chatillans' fort. space cast down, what had been in raising three months before, which when the King heard off, he asked his Counsellors what they thought of this, that Chatillon-garden was cast down: amongst whom one of them answered, the doer thereof was worthy to lose his head, I had rather (said the King) lose a dozen of such heads as thine is, than his that had done the deed, and immediately sent the Lord Grey A. D. 1547. his pardon with many great thanks. King Henry sickneth. (133) But now the date of his time almost run▪ and he preparing towards the way of all flesh, the great and fair Church of the Grey Friars London, lately suppressed by himself, he caused again to be opened, and to be made a Parish Church, giving the revenues thereof unto the City of London towards the relief of their poor, whereunto he gave five hundred Marks yearly of Lands for ever to john Stow in Survey London. maintain Gods divine service and the said Churches reparations, within whose walls we find this often written, This is Christ's Church founded by King Henry the eight. (134) And his sickness increasing to the great danger of life he prepared himself to make his Will, Dated the 30. of December and 38. of his reign. wherein howsoever titles had been unhabled in Parliaments, he ordained his three children to succeed each after others, for want of other Issue; One thousand marks he commanded to be given to the poor, and to twelve poor Knights at Winsore each of them twelve pence a day for ever, every year a long Gown of white cloth, the Garter embroidered upon the breast, wherein was placed the Cross of Saint George, and a Mantle of read cloth to be worn thereupon, ordaining for his Executors in the minority of Prince Edward, these here under named. 1 Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury. 2 Thomas Wriothesley Lord Chancellor. 3 William Paulet Knight of the Order. 4 Lord Saint-Iohn Great Master of the Household 5 john russel Lord privy Seal. 6 Edward Seimor Earl of Hertford Lord great Chamberlain. 7 john Dudley Viscount Lisle Lord high Admiral 8 Cuthbert Tunstall B. of Durham. 9 Anthony Browne Knight Mr. of the Horse. 10 William Paget Knight of the Order. 11 Edmund Montacute Chief justice of the Common-pleas. 12 Thomas Bromley Lord Chief justice. 13 Anthony Deny Knight. 14 Edward North Knight. 15 Edward Wotton Knight. 16 Doctor Wotton Deane of Canterbury. And for their aid and assistance in Counsel he appointed these following. 1 Henry Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel. 2 William Parr Earl of Essex. 3 Thomas Cheney Knight, Treasurer of the Household. 4 john Gage Knight, controller of the Household. 5 Anthony Winkefield Knight, Vice-Chamberlaine. 6 William Peter Knight, principal Secretary. 7 Richard Rich Knight. 8 john Baker Knight. 9 Ralph Sadler Knight. 10 Thomas Seimer Knight. 11 Richard Southwell Knight. 12 Edmund Pecham Knight. King Henry's death. And in great penitency for his sins, died upon Thursday the twenty eight day of january, in the year of Christ jesus 1546. when he had reigned thirty seven year, nine months, and five days, & had lived fifty five years, five months, & five days, whose body with great solemnity was buried at Windsor under a most costly and stately Tomb begun in Copper and guilt, but never finished, in the enclosures of whose Grates is curiously cast this inscription. HENRICUS OCTAVUS REX ANGLIAE, FRANCIAE, DOMINUS HIBERNIAE, FIDEI DEFENSOR with what cost and state this his Monument was intended, is manifested by a Manuscript taken from the true model thereof, which I received from that industrious Herald, Master Nicholas Charles Lancaster, and for the great magnificence is worthy here to be inserted. The manner of the Tomb to be made for the King's Grace at Windsor. First, the pavement whereupon the Tomb shall stand, shall be of oriental stone: That is to say, of Alabaster, Porfido, Serpentines, and other stones of divers colours, as in the pattern showeth. Item, upon the same Pavement shall be two great steps under all the work of like oriental stones. Item, the Basement of the Pillars shall be of white Marble with Angels holding between them Crowns or Garlands guilt, and white Marble as more plainly showeth in the Pattern. Item, above the said Basement and Angels, shall be all the old Testament, that is to say, xiv. Images in the xiv. Casements of the same two Pillars of the Prophets, and all the Pillars which shall be xuj. shall be of stones Serpentine, Porfido and Alabaster, and other fine oriental stones, of such colours as is showed in the Pattern; and the foot of every pillar, and also the head shall be of Brass. And every Prophet shall have an Angel sit at his foot, with Scripture of the name of his Prophet, and above over the head of the same shall be the story of his Prophet: in every of which Story shall be at lest viij. or xi. figures. Item, above all the same Pillars shall be another Basement of white Marble, with a partition being made of such fine oriental stones as the Pillars be, wherein shall be written such Scripture as please you. Item, above the same Basement shall be the Story of the new Testament, that is to wit, with the Images of the Apostles, the Evangelists and the four Doctors of the Church, and every Image shall have sitting at his foot a little child with a Scripture of the name of his Image, and a little Basket full of read and white Roses, which they shall show to take in their hands, and cast them down off the Tomb and over the Pavement, and the Roses that they shall cast over the Tomb shall be enameled and guilt, and the roses that they cast over the Pavements shall be of fine oriental stones of white and read. Item, behind all the same Images of the new Testament round shall be made in brass and guilt all the life of jesus Christ from the nativity to his ascension, and it shall be so clearly and perfectly made, that the Mystery of Christ's life to his ascension shall plainly appear. Item, above the said new Testament and Images thereof, and above the said life of Christ, shall be a Choir of xx. Angels standing upon a Basement of white Marble▪ with great Candlesticks in their hands having lights in them showing to honour and reverence the same Tomb. Item, all these foresaid figures, stories and ornaments shall be made to garnish and ornate the two Pillars of the Church between which the Tomb shall be set. Item, between the said two great Pillars of the Church thus garnished, shall be a Basement of white Marble of the height of the Basement of the Pillars, and therein the Epitaph of the King and Queen, with letters of gold, of such Scriptures as ye devise. Item, upon the same Basement shall be made two Tombs of blacke-touch, that is to say, on either side one, and upon the said Tombs of black Touch shall be made the Image of the King and Queen on both sides, not as death, but as persons sleeping, because to show that famous Princes leaving behind them great fame, their names never do die, and shall lie in royal Apparels after the antic manner. Item, over the right hand, over both the sides of the same Tomb shall be an Angel which shall hold the King's Arms, with a great Candlestick, having as it were light on it as a Lamp, and in like manner shall be an other Angel holding the Queen's Arms on the left hand with a like Candlestick. Item, on the right hand and left hand on both the sides over the said Images of the King and Queen, shall be two Angels showing to the people the bodies of the King and Queen holding above their Heads veils of gold, and the Crowns of the King and Queen on their hands. Item, between the said two Tombs of black Touch and the said Angel over the King & Queen shall stand an high Basement like a Sepulchre, and on the sides whereof shallbe made the story of Saint George, and over height of the Basement shall be made an Image of the King on Horseback, lively in Armour like a King after the antic manner showing in countenance and looking on the said two Images lying on the said Tombs. Item on the right hand and left hand of the said two Tombs shall be four Pillars of the foresaid oriental stones, that is to say, on either side two Pillars, and upon every Pillar shall be a like Basement of white Marble with partitions for Scriptures as shall be above the other Pillars. And on the same four Basements of the said Pillars shall be made four Images, two of Saint john Baptist, and two of Saint George, with four little children by them casting roses, as is aforesaid. Item, over the said Image of the King on Horseback shall be made an Arch triumphal, of white Marble wrought within, and about it, and upon the same Arch, in manner of a Casement of white Marble garnished with like oriental Stones of divers colours, as the pattern showeth, and on the two sides of the said Casement shall be made and set of brass guilt, the story of the life of Saint john Baptist, and one height of the said Casement shall be made five steps, every one more than other downward, of like oriental stones, as the said Pillars shall show. Item, on the four corners of the said Casement shall be made the Images of the four Cardinal virtues having such Candlesticks in their hands as is above said. Item, on the top of the highest step of the said five steps on the one side shall be an Image of the Father, having in his left hand the Soul of the King and blessing with his right hand, with two Angels holding abroad the Mantle of the Father on either side. Item, in like wise shall be made on the other side the said Image of the Father, having the soul of the Queen in his left hand, blessing with his right hand with like Angels. The height of the same work from the Father unto the Pavement shall be xxviij. foot. Item the breadth and largeness of the said work shall be xv. foot, and the Pillars of the Church in greatness, u foot: and so the largeness of the said work, from the uttermost part of the two great Pillars shallbe xx. foot. Item, every of the Images of the xiv. Prophets, shall contain every Image V foot in length, and the Angels shall contain two foot and a half in length. Item, every of the xx. Pillars shall contain in length X. foot. Item, every of the Images of the Apostles, Evangelists and Doctors shall contain in length V foot and the Angels as is abovesaid. Item in likewise every of the xx. Angels of the choir shall contain in length two foot and a half, and in likewise the Images of the Children two foot and a half. Item, the four Images of St. john Baptist and St. George and all the figures of the father and Angels on the V steps shall be V foot. Item, the four Images of the King and the Queen shall be of the Stature of a man and woman, and the four Angels by them of the stature of a man every one. Iten, the Image of the King on Horseback with his Horse shall be of the whole stature of a goodly man and large Horse. Item, there shall be a Cxxxiiij. figures, Xliiij. Stories, and all of Brass guilt, as in the pattern appeareth. (135) This magnificent Monarch was of presence Majestical, and of parsonage more than ordinarily tall, fair of Complexion and Corpulent of body, very wise and very well learned, of a sudden and ready speech, in youth very prodigal, and in his age very liberal, pleasant and affable, but not to be dallied with, bold in attempting, and ever thirsty of potent glory: an expert Soldier, and favouring such as were active or serviceable, according to the then usual saying, King Henry loves a man: and indeed somewhat too well the delights with women, as by his many wives here ensuing, may well appear. His Wives. (136) Katherine the first wife to King Henry was the daughter of Ferdinando the sixt King of Spain, and widow dowager of Prince Arthur his elder brother, as hath been said: she was married unto this King the third of june: and first of his Reign, the year of salvation 1509. being solemnly crowned with him upon the twenty fourth day of the same, and was his wife above twenty years, and then divorced from him by the sentence of the Archbishop A. D. 1533 of Canterbury: lived three years after by the name of Katherine Dowager. She deceased at Kimbalton in the County of Huntingdon the eight of january, and year of Christ 1535. and lieth interred on the northside of the choir in the Cathedral Church of Peterborow under a hearse of Black Say, having a white Cross in the midst. (137) Anne, the second wife of King Henry, was the second daughter of Sir Thomas Bullen, Earl of Wiltshire and Ormond. She was solemnly at Windsor created marchioness of Pembroke, the first of A. D. 153●. September and twenty four of his Reign, having one thousand pound given her by year, to maintain her estate. She was married unto king Henry in his Closet at White-Hall, upon the twenty fift day of january, and year of Christ jesus, 1533. being the four and twentieth of his Reign, and was Crowned with all due observances, at Westminster upon Whitsunday the first of june, where the Crown of Saint Edward was set upon her head, the sceptre of Gould delivered into her right hand, and the ivory rod with the Dove into her left. She was his wife three years, three months and twenty five days, when being cut off by the sword the nineteenth of May, her body was buried in the Choir of the Chapel A. D. 1536. in the Tower, leaving her accused fame to be censured as affections best pleased the uncharitable minded, and her bed to be possessed of a virtuous Lady. (138) jane, the third wife of King Henry, was the daughter of john Seimer Knight, and sister to Lord Edward Seimer, Earl of Hertford, and Duke of Somerset. She was married unto him the twentieth of May, even the next day after the beheading of Queen Anne, and the twenty eight of his Reign. She was his wife one year, five months and twenty four days, and died in Childbed the fourteenth of October, to the great grief of the King, who not only removed from the place, but kept himself private, and wore the Garment of mourning even in the Festival time of Christmas, her body was solemnly conveyed to Windsor the eight of November following, where she was interred in the midst of the Choir of the Church within the Castle. (139) Anne the fourth wife of King Henry and sister to William Duke of Cleve was married unto him the sixth of january in the thirty one year of his Reign, the year of Grace, 1540 she was his wife A. D. 1540 six months, after which time certain Lords of the upper House of Parliament came into the neither, and alleged cause for which that marriage was unlawful, whereunpon she was divorced, and by Statute enacted, that she should no more be taken for Queen, but should be called the Lady Anne of Cleve. See remained in England long after the King's death, though small mention is made of her by any of our Writers, only we find that she accompanied the Lady Elizabeth through London at the solemnising of Queen Mary's Coronation. (140) Katherine the fifth wife of King Henry the eight, was the daughter of Edmund, and Niece unto Thomas Howard his brother, Duke of Norfolk▪ She was married unto him the eight of August and year of Grace 1540 being the thirty two of his Reign, at Hampton Court, and continued his Queen the space of one year, six months and four days, and for her unchaste life was attainted by Parliament, and for the same beheaded within the Tower of London the twelfth of February and her body buried in the Chancel of the Chapel by Queen Anne Bullen. (141) Katherine the sixth and last wife of King Henry was the daughter of Sir Thomas Parr of Kendal and sister to Lord William Parr marquess of Northampton, she was first married to john Nevil, Lord Latimer, and after his decease, upon the twelfth of july married unto the King at Hampton Court, the year of Salvation, 1543. and thirty five of his Reign: She was his wife three years, six months and five days, and surviving him, was again married unto Thomas Seimer Lord Admiral of England, unto whom she bore a daughter, but died in the same Childbed, the year of Grace, 1548. His Issue. (142) Henry the first son of King Henry by Queen Katherine his first wife, was borne at Richmund in Surrey upon the first of january, and the first of his father's Reign, whose Godfathers at Font were the Lord Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Earl of Surrey: his Godmother, Lady Katherine Countess of Devonshire, daughter to King Edward the fourth. This Prince lived not fully two months but died in the same place wherein he was borne, upon the two and twentieth of February, and his body with all due obsequies buried in Westminster. (143) A son not named was borne unto King Henry by Lady Katherine his first Queen in the month of November, and the sixth year of his Reign, who lived not long, and therefore no further mention of him can be made: the deaths of these Prince's King Henry took as a punishment from God, for so he alleged it in the public Court held in Blackfriar's London, they being begot on his own brother's wife. (144) Marry the third child and first daughter of King Henry by Queen Katherine his first wife, was born at Greenwich in Kent, the eighteenth of February in the year of Christ's humanity, 1518. and the eighth of his Reign. She was by the direction of her mother brought up in her Childhood by the Countess of Salisbury her near kinswoman, for that as some thought, the Queen wished a marriage betwixt some of her sons and the Princess, to strengthen her Title by that Alliance into York, if the King should die without issue Male. In her young years Holinsh. p. 883. she was sued to be married with the Emperor, the King of Scots, and the Duke of Orleans in France, but all these failing, and she succeeding her brother KING Edward in the Crown, at the age of thirty six years, matched with Philip King of Spain, to the great dislike of many, and small content to herself, he being employed for the most part beyond the Seas, for grief whereof and the loss of Calais, she lastly fell into a burning fever, that cost her her life. (145) Elizabeth the second daughter of King Henry, and first child by Queen Anne his second wife, was borne at Greenwich, upon Sunday the seventh of September, the year of Christ jesus, 1534 and twenty five of her Father's Reign, who with due solemnities was baptised the Wednesday following, Archbishop Cranmer, the old Duchess of Norfolk, and the old marchioness of Dorset being the witnesses at the Font, and the marchioness of Excester at the confirmation: She succeeded her sister Queen Marie in the Monarchy of England, and was for wisdom, virtue, piety, and justice, not only the Mirror of her Sex, but a pattern for Government to all the princes in Christendom: whose name I may not mention without all dutiful remembrance, and whose memory unto me is most dear, amongst the many thousands that received extraordinary favours at her gracious and most liberal hand. john Stow. (146) Another manchild Queen Anne bore unto King Henry, though without life upon the nine and twentieth of january, and twenty seven of his Reign, to the no little grief of the mother, some dislike of the King, as the sequel of her accusation and death did shortly confirm. (147) Edward the last child of King Henry, and first of Queen jane his third wife, was borne at Hampton Court, the twelfth of October, the year of Grace, 1537. and twenty nine of the King's Reign, being cut out of his mother's womb as is constantly affirmed, like as julius Caesar is said to have been: his Godfathers at the Font, was Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Duke of Norfolk, his sister Lady Mary being Godmother, saith Grafton: Six days after his birth he was created Prince of Wales, and at the death of his Father, succeeded him in all his Dominions, of whom more followeth hereafter. His Natural Issue. A. D. 1519. (148) Henry Fitzroie the natural son of King Henry the eight was begotten of the Lady Talboise called Elizabeth Blunt, and borne in the john Stow. Annal. Manor of Blackamoor in Essex about the tenth year of his Reign; at the age of six years he was created Earl of Nottingham and in the five and twentieth of his Father's Reign upon the eighteenth of june in the King's Palace of Bridewell was made Duke of Richmond and Somerset, Lord Warden of the East, West, and Middle-Marches against Scotland, and Lieutenant General of all the parts of England Northward, he was a Prince very forward in Marshal Activities, of Good literature and knowledge in the tongues, unto whom the learned Antiquary Leland dedicated a Book; He married Marie daughter of Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, Earl Martial and Lord high Treasurer of England, with whom he lived not long, but died at Saint james Thomas Milles. Holinshed saith at Thetford in Norfolk. p. 1237. by Westminster the two and twentieth of july in the year of Christ jesus, 1536. and was buried at Framingham in Suffolk. THe tempestuous storms in the Reign of this King Henry the eight, and the violent deluge raised against the Church-state of his times; bore down so many religious strong foundations, and were the destruction of so many beautiful Monasteries, as the only relation of their numbers and names, would have much interrupted the narration of his history▪ Wherefore to retain their memorial (though their walls are laid waste) aswell for the reverence we own unto venerable Antiquity, as for the example of their Founders holy zeal, we have inserted a Catalogue of their names, orders, and true valuations, as in the original Book thereof taken by Commission, and given unto the King, we find them set down, though at their dissolutions their values were favourably and far under rated. Some Founders, and times of foundations we want, the rest, Tablewise, to avoid prolixity we have set down in this present following CHAPTER. A catalogue OF THE RELIGIOUS HOUSES WITHIN THE REALM OF ENGLAND AND Wales, with many their Orders, Founders, and Values, most of them being sup pressed by King Henry the eight. Together with such other sacred places, as either then whereby him left standing, or since have been erected. BERKSHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. Reeding▪— Saint jacob— By Queen Alfrith. By King Henry the first. First Nuns, after Black Monks, Cluniacenses. 2116 03 09 00 cue Abingdon.— Saint Mary.— M Cissa, King of the Westsaxons.— Black Monks.— 2042 02 08 ob cue Bromha l in Windsor Forrest. S. Marry Magd.— N Edward the Black Prince.— Black Nuns.—           Bistlcham now Bisham. Christ jesus & our Lady M William Montacute the first Earl of Salisbury, A. 13. E. 3. Canons.— 0327 04 06 00 0 Donington.— — FLETCHER Richard de Abberbury Knight.— Ordinis Sanctae Crucis. 0020 16 06 00 0 Donington.— — H Richard de Abberbury Chevalier.— —           ham.— S. Marry Magd. N — Black Nnnnes.—           Hurley.— Saint Mary.— M — Black Monks, Westmonast. 0134 10 08 ob 0 Murresley.— — P — — 0014 03 01 00 0 Poghley.— — M The Predecessors or Ancestors of the Abbess of Almesburie. — 0071 10 07 00 0● Shottesbroke.— — C — — 0033 18 08 00 0 Wallingford.— Saint Trinity.— PEA Edmund son of Richard, King of the Romans, and Earl of Cornwall. Black Monks of Saint Alban.           Wallingford castle — C Edward the Black Prince.— —           Wallingford.— Saint john.— H — — 0006 00 00 00 0 BEDFORDSHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founders and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob cue Bedfor d.— — F. Lady Margaret de Patteshall.— Friars Minors, alij Grey friars. 0005 00 00 00 0 Bedford.— Saint john.— H — — 0021 00 08 00 0 Bedford.— Saint Leonard— H — — 0016 06 08 0 que Bigleswade.— Sanctae Trin. in Ecc. S●. Andreae C — — 0007 00 00 0 0 Bosco.— — M. — — 0143 18 03 0 0 Bushemede alias Bissemed — PEA Hugo de Bello Campo, and Roger his brother. Canon's Augustine's— 0081 13 05 ob 0 Caldewel.— S. john Baptist.— PEA The Lord Latimer. Alij john de Byddysley.— Black Canons.— 0148 15 10 0 0 Chicksand.— Saint Mary.— PEA Paine de Beauchamp.— White Canons. Nuns 0230 03 04 ob 0 Eaton▪— Corporis Christi— C — — 0007 16 00 0 0 Dunstable.— Saint Peter.— PEA King Henry the first.— Black Canons.— 0402 14 07 ob 0 Dunstable.— — FLETCHER — Friars Preachers.— 0004 18 04 0 0 Fraternitas ibidem. — — — 0009 08 07 0 0 Elnestowe alias Helenstow, now Elstow. — N juditha wife to Waltheof E. of Huntingdon.— Black Nuns.— 0325 02 01 ob cue Harwold alias Harewood. Saint Peter— PEA Samson surnamed Fortis.— Black Nuns— 0047 03 02 0 0 Markeyate.— Saint Giles— N Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester and Hertford. Anno 6. E. 1. Nuns.—           Newenham.— — P Roise the wife of Pain de Beauchampe.— Canons Augustine's.— 0343 15 05 0 0 Northyle— — C — — 0061 05 08 ob 0 Sanctingfield juxta Whitsand. — H King Henry the second.— —           Wardon.— Saint Marie— M King Henry the first, and Walter Espee.— White Monks.— 0442 11 11 0 0 Woburne.— Saint Mary— M Hugo de Bolbick Alij Robert de Vere Earl of Oxford by licence of King Richard. 2. White Monks.— 0430 13 11 ob 0 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE. Places Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. Ailesburie.— — FLETCHER Edith daughter of Frewald.— Friars Minors: alibi Grey friars. 0003 02 05 0 0 Ankerwicke.— — N — Nuns.— 0045 14 04 0 0 Asheridge.— Saint Augustine. C Edmund Earl of Cornwall son to Richard King of the Romans.— Bonorum virorum Eremits.— 0447 18 00 ob 0 Bordesley.— Saint Marie.— Maude the Empress.— Cistertians.—           Bradewell.— Saint Mary.— PEA Manefelmus.— Black Monks.—           Burnham.— — M —   0091 05 11 ob 0 Bytte●sden.— Saint Mary— M Arnald de Bosco, A. D. 1127— Cistertian white Monks. 0142 01 03 0   Eaton.— — C King Henry 6.— Praefectus: Socij 8. & Cantores Scolares. 60.—-           Laveden.— Saint Marie.— M john de Bedon.— White Canons.— 0091 08 03 ob   Luffeld.— Saint Mary.— PEA Robert Earl of Leicester.— White Canons.—           Medmenham. alias Mendham. — M The Ancestors of the Earls of Suffolk.— — 0023 17 02 0   Merlowe parva.— — M — Black Nuns.— 0037 06 11 0   Myssenden.— Saint Mary.— M D'Oiles five Doily.— Black Canons.— 0285 15 09 0   Newport painel— Saint Leonard— H john Peynton of Newport.— — 0006 06 08 0   Noteley.— Saint Marie.— M Walter Giffard Earl of Buckingham. A. 1112 Black Canons.— 0495 18 05 ob   Paretrendune.— — P — Black Canons.—           Raveneston.— — M Domini Regis Progenitor.— — 0066 13 04 0   Sandewell.— — M The Ancestors of Thomas Stanley of Safford.— — 0038 08 04 0   Snelshall.— — P — — 0024 00 00 0   Stoke-Pogeis.— — H Edward Baron Hastings of Loughborrow.— Poor people.—           Tekeford.— Saint Marie.— PEA Fulco Paganell, Alij, Domini Regis progenitor. Black Monks.— 0126 17 00 0   Wicombe, or high Wickham. — H — — 0007 15 03 ob     S. Margaret.— PEA — — 0022 06 07 0   CAMBRIDGESHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. Cambridge.— — FLETCHER K. Edward the first, and Sir Guy Mortimer. Thomas de Hertford a great Benefactor. White Friars.— —       — Cambridge.— — FLETCHER King Edward 1.— Friars Minors, alibi, Grey Friars. —       — Cambridge.— — FLETCHER — Friars Augustine's.— —       — Cambridge.— — FLETCHER — Black Friars.— —       — Cambridge.— Saint Radegund— N — Black Nuns.— —       — Cambridge.— — P — Canons.— —       — The Colleges in Cambridge.                 Peterhouse.— — Hugh Balsham Bishop of Ely. An. Dom. 1284.— — —       — Clare-hall.— — Rich. Badew and Eliz. Clara Countess of Ulster. Anno Dom. 1340. — —       — Pembroke-hall.— — Maria de Sto. Paulo Countess of Pembroch. A. 1347.— — —       — Corpus Christi or Bennet College — Societas fratrum Corporis Christi. A. D. 1346.— — —       — Trinity-hall.— — William Bateman Bishop of Norwich. 1353.— — —       — Gonuill and Caius College. — Edmund Gonevile and john Caius. A. 1348.— — —       — Kings-Colledge & Chapel. — King Henry the sixth, A. D. 1441.— — —       — Queen's College.— — Queen Margaret wife of H. 6. A. D. 1448. — —       — Katherine-hall.— — Robert Woodlarke. A. D. 1459. — —       — jesus-colledge.— — john Alcocke Bishop of Ely. A. D. 1497. — —       — Christs-Colledge St. johns-colledge — Lady Margaret Countess of Richmond mother to K. Henry the seventh. A. 1●06. — —       — Magdalen-Colledge.— — Thomas Awdley Chancellor of England. A. D. 1542. — —       — Christopher Wray Lord Chief justice of England. Trinity College.— — King Henry the eight. Anno Dom. 1546. Tho. Nevil Deane of Canterbury, the Mr. thereof hath most magnificently enlarged — —       — Emanuel-Colledge. — Sir Walter Mildmay Knight, a Councillor to Queen Elizabeth. — —       — Sydney-Sussex College.— — Lady Frances Countess of Sussex gave five thousand pound to build it. — —       — Ely.— St. Peter and S. Ethelred Eccles. Cath. M Audery wife to King Egfrid, placed Priests in it. Ethelwold Bishop of Winchester stored it with Monks: King Henry 1. made it a Bishops See: King Henry 8. in steed of the Monks placed a Dean, Prebends, and a Grammar School, with maintenance and teaching for 24. Scholars. Black Monks.— 1301 08 02 0   Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. Ely.— S. john & S. Mary Magd. H Thomas Bishop of Ely.— — 0025 05 03 ob cue Anglesey.— — P Richard de Clare.— — 0149 18 06 ob   Barnewell.— S. Andrew. S. Egidius. P Sir Paine Peverell, Standard-Bearer to Robert Duke of Normandy, in the Holy Wars against Infidels, in the time of Henry the first. Black Canons.— 0351 15 04 00 0 Chatters.— Saint Mary annexed by H. 1. to Ely. N Alfwena a devout woman, and her brother Ednothus Abbot of Ramsey. Black Nuns.— 0112 03 06 00 cue Denny.— Saint Clare.— N Maria de Sancto Paulo, wife of Adomar Earl of Pembroke. Anno Domini, 1341. Nuns.— 0218 00 01 ob 0 Saint Edmunds— — P King Canute.— White Canons.— 0016 16 00 00 0 Fordham.— — P Henry Den, or Dew.— De ordine Simplingham 0046 03 08 00 0 Ikelington.— — P — — 0080 01 10 ob 0 Marmound.— — P — Canons.—           Soffam Bulbecke▪— — N — Black Nuns.— 0046 10 08 00 0 Shengaye.— A Comendon & Praeceptoria to S. john of jerusalem. Sibyl daughter of Roger Mountgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury, and wife of l. de pains. A. D. 1130. Knight's Templars.— 0175 04 06 00 0 Swavesey.— — Alan lafoy Zouch brother to the Viscount Rohan in the lesser Britain. Black Canons.—           Thorney— Saint Mary and Saint Botulph. M Sexwulph a devout man for Eremites, Aethelwold B. of Winchester for Monks, and King Edgar. — 0508 02 05 00 0 CARLIOL Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob cue Apelby in Westmoreland. — FLETCHER Lord Vescy, Lord Percy, and Lord Clifford, A. D. 1281. White Friars.—           Armethwait in Cumberland. — N King William the Conqueror, Anno Regni, 2. Nuns.— 0018 18 08 00 0 Carliolin Cumberland. Saint Mary.— PEA Domini Regis Progenitor.— — 0482 08 01 00 0 Holm Coltreyn in Cumberland Saint Mary— M David King of Scots, and Henry Earl of Huntingdon his son.▪ — 0535 03 07 ob. q. Lanercost in Cumberland. Saint Mary Magd. P Robert de Vaulx, Lord of Gillesland.— — 0079 19 00 00 0 Sharp in Westmoreland — M Thomas the son of Gospatricke, son of Orms. — 0166 10 06 ob 0 CHESHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         pomell s. d. ob. q. Chester.— Saint john; Eccl Cath. King Henry the eight.— Secular Canons.—           Chester,— — FLETCHER Thomas Stadham Gentleman. A. D. 1279.— White Friars.—           Chester.— — FLETCHER King john.— Grey Friars.—           Chester.— — FLETCHER — Black Friars.—           Chester.— Saint Wereburg. M Hugh the first of the Norman blood that was Earl of Chester. Black Monks.— 1073 17 07 ob 0 Chester.— The virgin Mary M Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— Black Canons.— 0099 16 02 00 0 Chester.— Beatae Mariae.— N — Nuns.—           Chester.— Saint john C Baptist, alii H Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— — 0013 07 10 00 0 Birkehead.— saint James.— M Fundator Comitis Derbiae Antecessor.— Black Canons.— 0102 16 10 00 0 Bunbury, alias Boniface-bury — C Hugh Calueley and the Egertons.— Priests.—           Combermere.— — M William de Malbedeng. A. D. 1134.— White Monks.— 0258 06 06 00 0 Maclesfeild.— — C Thomas Savage first Bishop of London, and afterwards Archbishop of York. —           Norton.— Saint Mary— N William Fitz-Nigell a Norman.— — 0258 11 08 00 0 Stanlaw.— — john Lacie Const●●●e of Chester. A. D. 1173.— Monks.—           Val●e Regalis.— — M King Edward the 〈◊〉— — 0540 06 02 00 0 CORNWALL. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Valew.         l. s. d. ob. cue Saint Anthony.— — M — Black Monks of the Angels.           Bodmin.— Saint Peter.— M First by K. Adelstan, after William Warwast Bishop of Excester, & confirmed by king john. Black Canons after Grey Friars. 0289 11 11 00 0 Bonury.— Saint Petrorsi— M King Athelstan.— Black Canons.—           Places Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. cue Crantocke.— — C — — 0089 15 08 00 0 Saint Germane.— — M — — 0243 08 00 00 0 Glassoney.— Saint Thomas.— C Walter Brenescome B. of Oxford. A. D. 1288.— — 0205 10 06 00 0 Helston.— S. john Baptist.— PEA — — 0014 07 02 ob 0 Launceston.— Saint Stephen.— M Reginald Earl of Cornwall, A. D. 1150.— Black Canons, Aug.— 0392 11 2 00 cue Saint Mary de val. — M — Black Monks of the Angels.           Saint Michael de Monte. — M William Earl of Cornwall and Morton.— Black Monks of the Angels.           Saint Michael de magno monte — M — Black Monks.—           Sulli Icy.— Saint Nicholas— M — Black Monks.—           Saint Syriace.— — M — Black Monks.—           Talearn.— Saint Andrew. M — Black Monks of the Angels.           Trury.— — FLETCHER — Black Friars.—           Tywardreth.— Saint Andrew.— P — — 0151 16 01 00 0 DERBYSHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l▪ s. d. ob. q. Derby.— Omnium Sanctorum. Eccl. Collegiat. — — 0038 14 00 0 0 juxta Derby.— Beatae Mariae de Pratis. M — — 0018 06 02 0 0 Derby.— Saint james— Cella Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— Black Canons.—           Derby.— Saint Marie.— PEA   Black Monks.—           Derby.— Beatae Mariae— N Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— Nuns.—           Derby▪— — H The Countess of Shrewsbury.— Eight poor men, four women.           Bello-Capite.— Saint Thomas.— M Robert the son of Ranulph L. of Alfreton, a Canon there. — 0157 10 02 00 0 Bredsall or Brisol Park — M Fundator Antecessor johannis Diricke, alias Duthik Armigeri. — 0010 17 09 00 0 Brend in the Peake — M Sir Robert Duin Knight.— —           Chesterfeild.— Saint Cross Saint Mary C — — 0019 00 00 00 0 Dala.— Beatae Mariae or S. Mary. M William Fitz-Ralph Antecessor Geruasij Kingston. — 0144 12 00 0   Derelege or Darleigh. Beatae Mariae.— M — Black Canons.— 0258 14 05 00 0 ●averwell.— Saint Marie.— N — Black Nuns.—           Gresly.— Saint George.— M William de Lions called Fitz-Nigel of Gresley. — 0039 13 08 0   Pollewerke.— Saint Edith.— N — Black Nuns.—           Repingdon, alias Repton. Saint Marie.— M Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor. Alij Aimer de Valence & Randulph E of Chester Black Canons.— 0167 18 02 0   Yevelay or juelay and Barrow. — PEA — — 0107 03 08 00   Yevelay or juelay, and Barrow. Praeceptori●.— — — 0093 03 04 ob 0 DEVON-SHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Valew.         l. s. d. ob. cue Excester.— S. Peter, Episcop.— King Athelstan.— Secular Canons.—           Excester.— Saint James. M — Black Monks.—           Excester.— Saint Nicholas. P — Black Monks Benedict. 0154 12 00 00 0 Excester.— Saint john— PEA — Grey Friars.— 0102 12 09 0   Excester.— S. Nicholas.— H — — 0147 21 00 0   Barnstaple.— Saint Mary Magd. P johel, son of Ailred.— Black Monks Benedictines Cluniacens. 0129 15 03 00 cue Berdlest●n.— — P — Black Canons.—           Buckland.— Saint Mary. S. Benedict. M Amice Countess of Deu●nshire. Isabelde Fortibus, & Lady of the Isle a benefactor. Cistertians.— 0241 16 09 ob cue Buckfaster.— Saint Marie.— PEA — White Monks. Cistertians.           Canonleigh.— Beatae Mariae.— M — Nuns.— 02 2 15 03 0   Clive.— S. Marry Magd.— M Almar Earl of Cornwall.— Black Canons.—           Cornworthy.— — N — Nuns.— 0063 03 10     Cowyke.— Saint Andrew.— PEA Thomas Earl of Deu●nshire.— —           Crediton.— S. Crucis.— C — — 0140 14 5     Cuich.— Saint Andrew.— M — Black Monks.—           Dunkiswel.— — M — Cistertians.— 0298 11 10 00   Ford.— Saint Mary.— M Adelize daughter to Baldwine of Okehampton, A. D. 1140. White Monks.— 0381 10 6 ob   Frethelstoke.— Saint Gregory.— PEA — — 0127 03 04 00 cue Places Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. cue Hartland.— S. Nectan the Martyr. M Githa Earl Goodwins wife. Richard Pictavensis Archdiac: and Geffrey de Dynan Senior, & Oliver his brother benefactors. Black Canons.— 0306 13 02 00 cue Saint Michael de Monte. — PEA — Black Monks Malms.           Molery.— Saint Gregory.— M — Black Monks.—           Newham, alias Newenham. — M Reginald Mohun, Earl of Dunster, Anno Domini, 1246 — 0231 14 04 ●0 0 Othery.— Saint Marie.— C john Grandisen B. of Excester, tempore Ed. 3.— Black Monks.— 0303 02 09 0 0 Pilton.— Saint Mary the Virgin. P King Adelston.— Black Monks Benedictines. 0056 12 08 00 0 Plymouth.— — FLETCHER — Grey Friars.—           Plimpton.— Saint Peter Saint Paul. P Baldwyn de Reduers, Earl of Devonshire, & Dominus de Insula, in Henry 3. time. Black Canons Augustine's. 0912 12 08 ob cue Polsloo.— Saint Katherine. N — Black Nuns.— 0170 02 03 00 cue Zion.— — M — —           Tavystocke.— Saint Mary Saint Burion M Ordolph the son of Ordgare, Earl of Devonshire, Anno Dom. 961. Black Monks Augustine's. 0902 05 07 ob cue Torre.— Saint Saviour.— M William de Briewer.— White Canons Augustine's. 0396 00 11 00 0 Tottenes.— Saint Mary Aliens. P Roger Newman.— Black Monks Benedictines. 0124 10 02 ob 0 Twynham or Christ-Church Twynham. — M Isabel de Fortibus sometime Countess of Albemarle and Devonshire, and Lady of the Isle founded it for William de Fortibus Earl of Albemarle, and Richard de Reduers Earl of Devonshire. A. D. 1161 This is placed also in Hampshire.           DORSETSHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. Dorset.— — M The Ancestors of Sir john Chediok Knight.— Franciscane Friars.—           Shirburne.— Saint Peter.— M A Bishops See under Adelmus the first Bishop thereof, A. D. 704. Sunning, another See translated to it by Hermannus Bishop, tempore Ethelredi Regis. After that by the said Hermannus translated to Salisbury, left for a retiring place to them, tempore Gulielmi Conquestoris, the Church where the Bishop's seat was, become a Monastery Robert Nevil Bishop of Salisbury, a chief founder. Black Monks Benedictines. 0682 14 07 ob 0 Abbotesbury.— Saint Peter.— M Orking King of Denmark.— Black Monks.— 0485 03 05 ob cue Bindon.— Saint Mary.— M — White Monks. Cistertians. 0229 02 01 ob 0 Brydport, alias Birtport. — PEA — — 0006 00 00 00 0 Brydport, alias Birtport. Saint john Bap.— H — — 0008 06 01 00 0 Camestrum.— S. Marry Magd. N — White Nuns.—           Cerne. Saint Peter S. Adelwold. M M. Camden saith, Augustin the English Apostle. Others, Agelwaldus a rich man▪ Some say, Almarus E of Dorset, or rather of Cornwall Black Monks.— 0623 13 02 ob cue Cranborne.— — M Aelward a noble Gentleman. A. D. 930.— —           S. john Baptist.— — H — — 0051 10 04 00 cue Kalendarum.— — D — — 0●10 18 08 0   Beatae Mariae Magdalen. — D — — 0021 11 03 00 0 Saint Mark alias Lemot Gaunts. — H — — 0112 09 09 00 0 Melcombe.— — — Black Friars.—           Middleton alias Milton. Saint Mary. S. Saviour. M Athelstanus Rex.— Black Monks.— 0720 04 01 0   Shafton.— — — — 1329 01 03 0 0 Shaftesbury.— Saint Edward Martyr. N Elfgiva wife to Edmund King Aelfrids' nephews son. Black Nuns Benedictines.           Tarent.— — A Cel. Richard Poer Bishop of Sarisbury.— Virgins Votarics.— 0239 11 10 0   Warham.— S. Peter. S Adelwold — Black Monks—           Winburn Minster— — N Cuthburga sister to Ina King of the West Saxons, and husband to the King of Northumberland. A. D. 713. Nuns.—           DURHAM DIOCESE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Valew.         l. s. d. ob. cue Durham.— S. Cuthbert.— PEA Bishop Aldwin the first builder▪ William de Careleph B. gathered again the dispersed Monks. Ralph his Successor finished what he had begun. N. Fernham Bishop Thomas Melscombe Prior enlarged it. A. D 742. William Skirlaw Bishop builded that part called Galilee. Black Monk●.— 1615 14 10 ob 0 Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value▪         l. s. d. ob. q. Durham in Oxon●a. — C Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— — 0115 04 04 0 0 Chester in the Street. — C Anthony Be Bishop and Patriarch of jerusalem. A Deane and 7. Prebends.           Egleston.— — M Conan Earl of Britain, and Richmond, & after by Ralph de Molton. —           Finchcale.— — Cella R. brother unto that rich Bishop, Hugh Pudsey. — 0146 19 02 00   Gateshead.— Saint Edmund. H — — 0109 00 04 00 0 Gretham.— — H Robert Bishop of Durham.— — 0097 06 03 ob 0 Hartlepoole.— — M Hieu, a religious woman.— —           jarrow.— — Cella Abbot Ceolfrid, in the 16. year of K. Ecfrid Antecessor Episcop. Dunelm. — 0040 07 08 0 0 Keprey.— Saint Fgidius.— H — — 0167 02 11 00 0 Lanchester.— — C Anthony be Bishop of Durham.— Dean & Prebends.—           Letham.— — Cella. — — 0053 15 10 00 0 Monks Weremouth. Saint Peter.— M Benedictus Biscop.— —           Monks Weremouth. Saint Paul.— M Benedictus Biscop.— —           Nesseham.— — N Fundator Domini Dakers Antecessor.— Nuns.— 0026 09 09 0 0 Sherborne.— — H Hugh Pudsey. B▪ and E. of Northumberland.— — 0135 07 0 0 0 Stanedrop.— — C Fundator Domini Nevil Antecessor.— — 0126 05 10 0 0 Stampford or Sampford. — Cella — — 0036 17 0 0 0 Warmouth.— — Cella — — 0026 0 0 0   ESSEX. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob cue Colchester,— S. john Baptist— M Eudo Dapifer Henriciprimi.— Black Monks.— 0008 01 08 0 0 Colchester.— Saint Botulph.— PEA — — 0113 12 08 0 0 Colchester.— Sanctae Crucis.— FLETCHER — Fratres Sanctae Crucis— 0007 07 08 0 0 Colchester.— S. Marry Magd. H Eudo Dapifer.— Leprosi.—           Barking.— Saint Mary & S. Eadburg. M — Black Nuns.— 1084 06 02 ob cue Barking.— — H The Ancestors of Sibyl de Felton Abbess of Barking. —           Bierdon.— — P — — 0031 05 01 ob 0 Bileigh.— — M First by Robert Moruile, after by Heruey de Monte-Merencian●. — 0196 06 05 0 0 Blakamore.— Saint Laurence.— M jordan de Samford.— — 0085 04 07 0 0 Brendwood.— S. Thomas the martyr chapel. Isabel Countess of Bedford.— —           Chelmsford.— — Domus — friars Preachers.— 0009 06 05 0 0 Chich.— Saint Peter Saint Peter Saint Osith M Richard B. of London, Anno Dom. 1120.— Black Canons.— 0758 05 08 0 0 Coggeshall.— Saint Marie.— M K. Stephen, Nephew to William the Conqueror White Monks.— 0298 08 0 0 0 Dunmowe.— Saint Marie▪— P juga a Noble Lady, A. D. 1111.— Black Canons.— 0173 02 04 0 0 Earles-colne.— Saint Marie.— PEA Albericus de Vere.— Black Monks of Abingdon. 0175 14 08 ob 0 Ginge-attestone.— — P — Black Canons.—           Halstide siue Hasted. — C Robert Bourchier.— — 0023 16 05 ob   Hatfeild Regis.— — P Robert de Vere Earl of Oxford, tempore Henrici tertij. Black Monks.— 0157 03 02 ob 0 Heveninghan cas●el. — PEA john Haukewood Knight, john Oliver Esquire, and Thomas Newenton, Esquire. — 0029 12 10 0 0 Horkislegh.— — M The Ancestors of Sir Roger Wentworth, in the right of his Wife. — 0027 07 11 0 0 Ilford.— — H — — 0016 13 04 0 0 Lyghes.— — P — — 0141 14 08 0 0 Maldon. — FLETCHER Richard Gravesend, Bishop of London, and Richard Iselham Priest, Anno Dom. 1292. Carmelites or White Friars. 0026 00 08 0 0 Mercy This is also placed in Hertfordshire, because it is doubtful in which of these 2 it is. Saint Helen. P Alien. Roger Fitz-Ranulph.— —           Newport.— — H — — 0023 10 08 0 0 Saint Osithe.— — M Richard B. of London, A. D. 1520.— Regular Canons.— 0758 05 08 0 0 Pipewell or Pritwell. Saint Mary.— PEA — Black Monks.— 0194 14 03 ob 0 Plecy.— — C — — 0139 03 10 0 0 Stanesgate.— — P The Predecessors of the Prior of Lewis.— Black Monks.— 0043 08 06 0 0 Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob cue Stratford Langthorne. Saint Mary.— M Gulielmus Mountfitchet primus Fundator, & postea Richardus secundus Rex Angliae, regni 20. — 0573 15 06 ob cue Thoby,— — P Michael de Capra Knight: the ancestors of john Mounteny, Fitzherbert and jermin. — 0075 06 10 ob 0 Tiptree.— — M The Ancestors of Anthony Darcy.— — 0022 16 04 0 0 Tiltie.— Saint Marie.— M Maurice the son of Gilbert.— White Monks Cistertians. 0177 09 04 0 0 Tremhale, alias Trenchale. — PEA — — 0070 19 03 ob 0 Walden parva.— Saint jacob.— M Galfridus de Magnavilla.— Black Monks.— 0406 15 11 0 0 Waltham.— Sanctae Crucis.— M King Harold the last; after by King Henry the second. Black Canons.— 1079 12 01 0 0 GLOUCESTER-SHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         pomell s. d. ob. q. Gloucester.— Saint Peter.— M King Osrick of Northumberland first made it a Nunnery: afterward Aldred Archb. of York, and B. of Worcester, A. D. 6●2. Black Monks Benedictines. 1550 04 05 ob 0 juxta Gloucester— Saint Oswald.— PEA Egelfleda Daughter of King Elfred, first Foundress, Anno Domini, 910. Black Canons, alij friars Preachers. 0090 10 02 ob 0 Gloucester.— Saint Barth. H — — 0044 07 02 ob 0 Gloucester.— Saint Barth. H — — 0025 11 02 00 0 Gloucester.— — FLETCHER Queen Aeleanor wife to King Edward the first. Sir john Giffard, and Sir Thomas Barkley Knights. Carmelites or white Friars.           Gloucester.— — King Athelstan.— Canons Augustine's—           Barkley.— — N — Nuns.—           Bromfeild.— — P — Canons.— 0078 19 04 00 0 Cirencester.— S. john & S. Laurence. H The Abbot of Cirencester.— —           Cirencester.— Saint Marie. M First the Saxons, afterward King Henry the first. Black Canons.— 1051 07 01 ob 0 Dierherst sive Dereherst. — First by King Etheldred, after by Edward Confessor, after made a Cell to S. Dennys in France, by Edward king of England. Black Monks.—           Flaxeley in the forest of Dean. — M Roger Earl of Hereford in King Henry the seconds time. Cistertians.— 0112 03 01 0 0 hails.— — M Richard Earl of Cornwall, and King of Romans, A. D. 1246. — 0357 07 07 ob 0 Kingeswood.— Saint Marie M Barkleis of Duresley.— White Monks.— 0254 05 10 0 0 Lanthonie near Glouc. Saint Marie. P Milo Earl of Hereford.— Black Canons Augustine's 0748 19 11 ob 0 Lanthonie parva in the Marches of Wales. — PEA — — 0112 00 05 0 0 Minching-hampt● — N — Nuns.—           Niwetton.— — — Black Monks—           Quinington.— — H — — 0137 07 01 ob 0 Stanley.— Saint Leonard. M Mandevil Earl of Essex. King Henry the second. — 0126 0 08 0 0 Stow.— — H Almare Earl of Cornwall.— — 0025 14 08 0 0 Teuxbury.— Saint Mary. M Odo & Dodo, men of great power in Mercia founded it at Cranborne, afterward removed by Robert Fitzhamon to Teuxbury, A. D. 717. made first a Priory, after an Abbey, A. D. 1102. Black Monks Benedictines. 1598. 01 03 0 0 Westbury.— — C For Richard Duke of York, and Edmund Earl of Rntland: K. Edward gave them the Hospital of S. Laurence by Bristol. Deane and Canons.— ●232 14 0 0 0 Winche●combe.— Saint Mary. M Kenulph the Mercian King.— Black Monks.— 0756 11 09 00 0 HAMP-SHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. Winchester.— S. Swithin, S. Peter. M Lucius the first Christian King, after by Kenelwalch▪ King of the West Saxons, Aelfred and Edgar circa annum, 670. Black Monks▪— 1507 17 02 00 cue Winchester.— Saint Mary S. Edburg. N Aelfwida the wife of King Aelfred, after by King Edward the first. Black Nuns.— 0179 07 0● 0 0 Winchester.— — FLETCHER Peter of Winchester Parson of Saint Helen's in Winchester, A. D. 1278. Carmelites or White Friars.           Winchester.— — FLETCHER — Austin Friars.—           Winchester.— — FLETCHER K. Henry the third.— Greyfriars.—           Winchester.— — FLETCHER Peter of Rochis.— Black Friars.—           Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. juxta Winchester. Beatae Mariae.— C William Wickham Bishop of Winchester. — 0639 08 07 00   juxta Winchester. — H Henry Beauford Cardinal of Winchester founded it, and gave it lands to the value of 158. l. 13. s. 4. d. And S. john de Foderingbridge an Hospital was given to it Two Chaplains. 35 Poor Men. 3. Women.           juxta Southampton, ●e teley, alias Leto loco. S. Edward and S. Marry. M Henry the third, and Peter de Rupibus.— Augustine Eriers.— 0160 02 09 ob 0 juxta Southampton. Sancti Dionis. P K. Richard the first, called Corde-Lion, Anno Dom. 1179. Black Canons.— 0091 09 00 0   Southampton.— Beatae Mariae Magd. H Confirmed by Pope Alexander, Anno Dom. 1179. — 0016 16 02 ob 0 Apple-durwell, in the Isle of Wight. — PEA Nicholas Spenser, and Margery his wife.— —           Bad●i●ley.— Praeceptoria.— — — 0118 16 7 00   Bello-loco— — M. King john.— — 0428 06 08 00 0 Bromere.— S. Trinity. S. Marry. S. Michael. P Baldwin Earl of Rivers, and Devonshire.— Black Canons.— 0200 05 01 ob 0 Chritwynhams si we Christ▪ church of Twynham. — PEA Isabel de Fortibus, sometime Countess of Albemarle and Devonshire, and Lady of the Ifle founded it for William de Fortibus Earl of Albemarle, and Richard de Reduers Earl of Devonshire, A. D. 1161. This is placed also in Devonshire. 0544 06 00 00 0 Caresbroc in the Isle of Wight. S. Marry Magd.— PEA — Black Monks.—           Der●tford in the Isle of WIght. Sanctae Elizabethae. P King Edward the third.— —           Ham●le.— Saint Andrew.— PEA — Grey Monks.—           Hide.— Saint Peter. Saint Paul. S. Grimball. M First King Alfride, after performed by K. Edward Senior, and lastly the Monks themselves removed from the old, tempore Henrici primi. Black Monks.— 0865 01 06 ob cue Mottis●ount.— Sanctae Trinitatis. P Ranulph Flammard Bishop of Durham, Richard de Ripari●s Earl of Devonshire, and William de Bruere, tempore Gulielmi Rufi. Black Canons or Augustine's of Berton. 0167 15 08 ob 0 Portsmouth.— A Church and Hospital. Peter de Rupibus.— — 0033 19 05 ob 0 Quarrer in the Isle of Wight. S. Marry Magd.— M Baldwine Earl of Devonshire, and Richard his son. About the time of King Stephen. White Monks.— 0184 01 10 0 0 Redford or Redbridge. — M — —           Romsey.— — N King Edgar, and Earl Alwyn.— Nuns.— 0528 08 10 ob 0 Southwyke.— Saint Mary.— PEA William Pontlarge, siue Pontlearch, and William Danys Normans. Also William de Ponteys a Benefactor. Regular Canons.— 0314 17 10 ob 0 Tychefeild.— Saint Marie.— M Peter de Rupibus Bishop of Winchester.— — 0280 19 10 ob 0 Whorwell.— Sanctae Crucis Saint Peter N Queen Aelfrith.— Black Nuns.— 0403 12 10 0 0 Wyntney.— — P — — 0059 01 00 00 0 — Sanctae Elizabethae C — — 0112 17 04 ob 0 — Sanctae Crucis.— H Henry Blois brother to King Stephen.— — 0084 04 02 0 0 HEREFORD-SHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         pomell s. d. ob. q. Hereford.— S. Marry Epa S Ethelbert tus. Milfrid a petty King of the Country. Reinelm Bishop, tempore Henrici primi. Secular Canons.—           Hereford.— S. Guthlac.— FLETCHER Henry Penbrigge.— Grey Friars.— 0121 03 03 ob 0 Hereford.— S. Peter. S Paul.— PEA john Penbrigge.— Black Monks.—           Acornebury.— S. Katherine.— N — White Nuns.— 0075 07 05 ob 0 Barrone.— — — Black Monks—           Clyfford.— Saint Marie.— PEA — Black Monks.— 0065 11 11 00 0 Dore.— Saint Mary.— M Robert Lord of Ewias.— White Monks.— 0118 00 02 0 0 Flanesford.— — M Richard Talbot.— Regular Canons.— 0015 08 09 00 0 Kilpeke.— — P — —           Ledbury.— saint Katherine.— H john Bishop of Hereford.— — 0022 05 00 00 0 Leomenstre.— Saint jacob.— PEA Merewald a King of the Mercians, and K. Henry the first. Black Monks of Roding.           Lymbroke.— — N — White Nuns.— 0023 17 08 0   Wiggemore.— Sancto jacobo.— PEA — Black Canons.—           Wormesty.— — P — — 0083 10 02     Hertford, a Celestina to S. Alban. — PEA — Black Monks.— 0086 14 8     Saint Alban.— Saint Alban Martyr. M Offa King of the Mercians, Anno Dom. 795. Black Monks.— 2510 06 01 ob cue HERTFORD-SHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         pomell s. d. ob. q. Beluero, a Celestina to S. Alban. Saint Mary. S▪ joh. Baptist. P — Black Monks▪— 0135 05 10 00 0 Bosco, ne●re Flamsteed. S. Egidius.— N — Nuns.— 0046 16 01 ob 0 Burton.— Saint Marie.— PEA — Monks.—           Binham, in Com. Norff. A Celestina to S. Alban. — PEA — — 0160 01 00 00 0 Chesthunte.— — N Henr. Rex Angliae, Dominus Hiberniae, Dux Norm. Aquitan. & Comes Anged. confirmed Shestrehunt Moniales totam terram Dom. ten. cumpertin. suis quae Canonicis de Cathale, quos amoverifecimus. At Westm. 11. Aug. 24. Regni nostri. Nuns.— 0027 06 ●     Chille.— — N — Black Nuns.—           Chiltree.— — N — Black Nuns.—           Hatfeild Peverel, in Com. Essex, A Cell to Saint Alban. Saint Mary.— PEA Daughter of Ingelrick, and wife to Peverel, in K. William the Conqueror's time. Black Monks of Saint Alban. 0083 19 07 0 0 Hychin. — FLETCHER K. Edward the second; john Blomuil, and Adam Rouse, and john Cobham. Carmelites or White Friars. 0004 09 04     Langley Regis.— — FLETCHER Robert, son of Roger Helle Baron.— Preaching Friars.— 0150 14 08 0 0 Langley, vide Leicestershire. — N Fundator Antecessor uxoris Francisci Bigot Militis, & eiusdem uxoris Sororum. Nuns.—           Mersey.— S. Helen. P Alien Roger Fitz-Ran●lph.— —           Mirdiall.— Saint Mary.— PEA — Black Canons.—           Monketon, in Dioc. S. David's, A Celestina to S. Albans — PEA — — 0113 02 06 ob cue New-bigging infra villam de Huchyn. — PEA — — 0015 01 11 00 0 Royston, alias Cr●x Rohaysiae. S. john Baptist. S. Thom. Martyr. P Eustach de Mart Knight, Lord of Nucels, and Radulphus de Rancester, and o'th' ers renewed it. Canons.— 0106 03 01 00 0 Royston.— S. john. S. I●mes Apostles. H — — 0005 06 10 00 0 Roweney.— A Free Chapel or Hospital. — — 0013 10 09 0 0 Sopewell.— Saint Mary. N The Abbots of Saint Alban.— Black Nuns.— 0068 08 00 00 0 Thele.— — C William Bishop of London.— A Master, 4▪ chaplains.           Tynmouth, in come. Northb. a Celestina to S. Alban. — PEA Fundator Antecessor Ducis Norfolci●.— — 0511 04 01 ob 0 Ware.— — P The Progenitors of King Richard's mother.— —           Wymondley.— — P Richard Argenten.— Canons.— 0037 10 06 ob 0 HUNTINGDON-SHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. Huntingdon.— Saint Mary. P Eustachius Lovetot.— Black Canons Augustine's. 0232 0 00 ob   Huntingdon.— S. john Baptist— H Founded by David Earl of Huntingdon, Lord of Connington, temp●re H. 2. — 0006 07 08 00 0 Hinchingbroke.— — N William Conqueror, in place of Eltesty by him suppressed. Nuns.— 0019 09 02 00 0 S. Neot, A Cell to Becco in Normandy. — PEA E. Aelfric first: Roisia de Claraster. A. D. 1113.— Black Monks.— 0256 01 03 ob 0 Ramsey.— Saint Mary S. Benedict. M Earle Aylwin. Anno Dom. 969.— Black Monks Benedictines. 1983 15 03 00 cue Saltry.— Saint Mary.— M Simon 2. Earl of Huntingdon: Kings of Scots, and Lords of Connington, in the reign of King Stephen. White Monks Cistertians. 0199 11 08 00 0 Stoneley.— — P Mandevile Earl of Essex.— Black Canons Augustine's. 0046 00 05 ob 0 S. You, A Cell to Ramsey. — PEA Earl Adelmus in the reign of Edmund Ironside. Black Monks Benedictines.           KENT. Places Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. cue Canterbury. Christ-Church Saint Trinity—. P Faithful believing Romans, after Ethelred King of Kent. Black Monks— 2489 04 09 00 0 Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob cue juxta Canterbury. Saint Augustine. M King Ethelbert, and after King Edward the second. Black Monks.— 1412 04 07 ob cue juxta Canterbury. S. Gregory, or S. George. P Lowffran Archbishop there.— Black Canons.— 0166 04 05 ob 0 juxta Canterbury. Saint sepulchres. N — Black Nuns.— 0038 19 07 ob 0 Canterbury.— — FLETCHER King Henry the third.— Greyfriars.—           Canterbury.— — H — Poor Priests.— 0010 13 08 ob 0 juxta Canterbury. Saint Laurence.— H — — 0031 07 10 0 0 Canterbury extra Muros. Saint jacob.— H — — 0032 11 01 ob cue Ailesford.— — FLETCHER Richard Lord Grey of Codnor, in the time of King Henry the third, Anno Dom. 1240. Carmelites or white Friars.           Ashford.— — C Sir R. Fog Knight.— Priests.—           Beigham.— Saint Marie.— PEA The Ancestors of Thomas Sakuile, Alij Sir Robert Thornham. White Canons.— 0152 19 04 ob   Belsinton or Bilsington. Saint Mary.— PEA john Maunsell Praepositus Beverlacensis for King Henry the third, and Eleanor his wife. Black Canons.— 0081 01 06 0 0 Bradgare.— — C Robert de Bradgare, T. joselin Cleric. and john atVise. —           Bradesoke.— S. Rad●gundis— M Hugh the first Abbot— White Canons.— 0142 08 09 0 0 Boxley.— Saint Marie M William de Ipres a Fleming, Earl of Kent, tempore▪ Regis Stephani. White Monks.— 0218 19 10 0 0 Cobham.— — C john Baron Cobham.— — 0128 01 09 ob 0 Combewell.— S. Marry Magd. M — Black Canons.— 0080 17 5 0 cue Dar●ford.— — N King Edward the third, Anno Regni Angliae 30. Franciae vero 17. Nuns.— 0400 08 00 00 0 Daunton.— — N — Black Nuns.—           Dover.— Saint Marie, Saint Martin P King Henry the first.— Black Monks.— 0232 01 05 ob 0 Dover, Domus Dei. — H Henricus tertius Rex Angliae.— Knights Templars.— 0159 18 06 ob cue Eastbridge.— — H King Henry the first gave for William his Father, quicquid Robertus Brus dederat Ecclesiae de Esteburch, & fratribus ibidem Regularibus. — 0023 18 09 ob cue Elslet.— — N Domneva.— Nuns.—           Feversham.— S. saviours.— M King Stephen and Maud his wife.— Black Monks Cluniacenses. 0286 12 06 ob 0 Folkestone.— S. Eanswide.— N Eanswide daughter to Eadbald King of Kent: After Roger Segrave and julian his wife, and john Clinton Baron. Black Nuns.— 0063 00 0● 0 0 Greenwich.— — FLETCHER King Henry the seventh.— Observant Friars.—           Greenwich.— — C William Lambard.— Queen Elizabeth's poor people.           Greenwich.— FLETCHER Alien K. Edward the third, Anno Regni 55. john Norbury. Friar Minors.—           Harballdowne.— — H john Stratford, or Stafford, Archbishop of Canterbury. — 0109 07 02 00 0 Heyham.— — N — Black Nuns.—           Horton.— Saint john Evangelist. P — Black Monks Cluniacenses. 0111 16 07 ob 0 Langdon.— S. Thom. Martyr. M — White Canons.— 0056 06 09 0 0 Leedes.— Saint Nicholas. P Robert Crevequeur.— Black Canons Augustine's. 0362 07 07 0 0 Lesnes upon Thames. S. Augustin or S. Th. Martyr. P Richard de Lucy, Chief justice of England. Anno Dom. 1179. Black Canons.— 0186 09 00 0 0 Lewesham.— PEA Alien john Norburie.— Black Monks.—           Maidstone.— Omnium Sanctorun. C Boniface of Savoy.— — 0159 07 10 00 0 Malling.— Saint Marie.— N Gundulph Bishop of Rochester.— Black Nuns.— 0245 10 02 ob 0 Mottynden.— — M — — 0060 13 00 ob 0 Newenden.— — FLETCHER Built at the charges of Sir Thomas Al●uger Knight, A. D. 1241. Carmelites or White Friars.           Northgate.— Saint john's— H — — 0091 16 08 ob 0 West Peccam.— — Praeceptoria▪ johannes Culpepper, justice. de communi Banco, Anno 10. H. 4. — 0063 06 08 0 0 Reculuer.— — M Bassa an English Saxon.— —           Rochester.— Saint Andrew.— M Bishop Gundulph a Norman, A. D. 1080.— Black Canons.— 0486 11 05 0 0 Rochester.— saint Bartholomew,— H King Henry the third confirmed it, and Edward the third discharged them of all Taxes, Tallages, etc. Lepross.—           Rumney.— PEA Alien — —           Sandwich.— — FLETCHER Henry Cowfeild an Almane, Anno Dom. 1272. Carmelites or White Friars.           Sandwich.— Saint Thomas. H Thomas Raling Clerk, William Swan Clerk, john Goddard and Richard Long. —           Strode or Strowde▪ — H Robert Glanuile.— — 0052 19 10 ob 0 Swingfeild.— — Praeceptoria. — — 0087 03 03 ob 0 Shepey.— S. Sexburg. N Sexburga wife of Ercombert King of Kent or East-Angles, Anno Dom. 710. Nuns.— 0129 07 10 ob 0 Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob cue Shepey.— Saint Marie.— William delapoole marquess of Suffolk, by the name of William de-la— Pool Earl of Suffolk.             Tunbridge.— S. Marry Magd.— PEA Richard Clare Earl of Gloucester.— Black Canons.— 0169 10 03 0 0 Wingham.— — C Founded by Archbishop Pecham.— Canons.—           Wye.— — C john Kempe Archbishop of Canterbury. Priests.— 0093 02 0 ob 0 — Saint Mary S. Swythin. Sir john Segrave.— —           LANCASHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. Lancaster.— Saint Marie.— PEA john Earl of Morton, and confirmed by him afterward when he was King of England. Monks.—           Lancaster.— — A Cell Roger of Poitiers.— Monks Aliens.—           Burstough.— — P — Canons.— 0129 01 00 0 0 Calder.— — Fundator Antecessor Dominide Copeland.— —           Cartmele.— — P William Martial the elder, Earl of Pembroke for King Henry the second, Anno Dom 1188. — 0113 19 07 00 0 Cokersand.— — M Ranulph de Meschines.— Monks Cluniacks.— 0228 05 04 ob 0 Conyshed.— — P Fundator Antecessor Gulielmi Pennington.— — 0124 02 01 0 0 Furnes.— — M Stephen Earl of Bullen, afterward King of England. Monk's Cistertians.—           Holland.— — P Robert Holland and Maud his wife▪ Alij Antecessores Comitis Derbiae. — 0061 03 04 0 0 Horneby.— — Cella Fundator Antecessor Domini Mounteagle.— —           jeruaux.— — M — —           Manchester.— — C The Grelleyes Ancestors to Thomas West Lord L● Ware, tempore H. 5. —           Penwortham.— — M — — 0114 16 09 00 0 whaley.— — M The Ancestors of the Lacies Earls of Lincoln, Anno Dom. 1296. White Monks.— 0551 04 06 00 0 LEICESTER-SHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. Leicester.— Saint Mary.— M Robert de ●o ssu, Earl of Leicester.— Black Canons or Friars Preachers. 1062 00 04 ob cue juxta Leicester Castle. Saint Mary.— C Henry Duke of Lancaster.— — 0023 12 11 0 0 Bredon, A Cell to S. Oswald. — M Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor. Alij Almar Earl of Cornwall. Black Canons.— 0025 08 01 0 0 Bradley.— — P — — 0020 15 07 00 0 Burton.— — Mowbrayes and by a common contribution over all England. Leprosi.— 0265 10 02 0 cue Canwell.— — M. The Ancestors of the Lord Lizle.— — 0025 10 03 00 0 Croxton.— — M The Lord Barkleyes' Ancestors.— Praemonstratenses.— 0458 19 11 ob cue Castledonington.— S. john Baptist.— H — — 0003 13 04 0 0 Cumbe.— Saint Mary. M — White Monks.—           Cale.— — P — Black Canons.—           Dalby-Rothley Heyther. Praeceptoria.— — — 0231 07 10 00 0 Garradon.— — M Fundator Antecessor nunc Comitissae Oxford▪— — 0186 15 02 ob 0 Gracedew, near Donington. — N Roisia wife of Bertram de Verdon.— Nuns.— 0101 08 02 ob 0 Gerewerdon.— Saint Mary. M — White Monks.—           Hinkley.— — P Alien — —           Kirkby Bellers.— — P Roger Belers, and Advice his wife.— — 0178 07 10 00 cue Launda.— — M Richard Basset Dioc▪ Lincoln.— Black Canons.— 0510 16 05 ob cue Langley.— — Fundator Antecessor Vxoris Frane. Bigot Mil. & eiusdem Vxoris Sororum. Nuns.— 0034 06 02 00 0 Litterworth.— Saint john's. H — — 0●26 09 5 0 0 Novi-operis.— — C — — 0595 7 04 0 0 O●neston, or Oselneston. — M Robert Grimbald.— — 0173 18 09 00 cue Stave.— N — Black Nuns.—           Vlnescroft.— — P Roger Quincy Earl of Winton.— — 0101 03 10 ob 0 Werewerdon.— — M — Black Canons.—           — Saint Ursula.— H — — 0008 00 00 00 0 LINCOLN SHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob cue Lincoln Epantus.— Saint Marie.— M — Secular Canons.—           Lincoln.— — FLETCHER M. Odo de Kilkenny, a Scotish mam, A. D. 1269. Carmelites or White Friars▪           Lincoln.— Saint August.— FLETCHER — friars Eremites.—           Lincoln.— — FLETCHER john Pickering of Stampwike.— Friars Minors.—           juxta Lincoln.— S. Katherine.— PEA Robert de Caneto Bishop of Lincoln.— Gilbertines.— 0270 01 03 00 0 Aluingham.— Saint Mary.— PEA Anthony de Bec Bishop of Durham and Patriarch of jerusalem. White Canons and Nuns Gilbertines. 0141 15 00 00 0 Balwatus Aquilae. — — — 0124 02 00 00 0 Be●lo-vero, sive Beawoir. Saint Marie.— Ralph de Todeney.— Black Monks of S. Alban. 0129 17 06 0 0 Berling●ss.— — M Radul hus de Hay●.— — 0307 16 06 00 0     P             Bolyngton.— Saint Marie M — White Canons and Nuns Gilbertines. 0187 07 09 00 0 Boston.— — M S. Botolph in the Saxons time.— —           Boston.— — FLETCHER Sir Orby, A D. 1300.— Carmelites or white Friars.           Boston juxta Mare. Saint Mary.— PEA T. Morley Knight, john Bacon Esquire, john Hagon, Thomas Hoke de Shynham, and john Hyrd of Boston. —           Boston,— Beatae Mariae. C — — 0024 00 00 00 0 Boston.— Corporis Christi. C — — 0032 00 00 00 0 Boston.— Saint Peter.— C — — 0010 13 04 0   Bradney.— Saint Oswald. M Confirmed by William de Gaunt, son and heir of Gilbert de Gaunt, Anno Dom. 1115. — 429 07 00 00 0 Brunne.— Black Canons.— — —           Bryggerd.— — P — — 0101 11 00 ob 0 Cateley, or Catlin. Saint Marie.— M john Spawl Esquire.— Whit e Canons & Nuns Gilbertines. 0038 13 08 0 0 Croyland or Crowland. — M Aethelbald King of the Mercians, Anno Dom. 716. Black Monks.— 1●17 05 11 00 0 It was new built at the benevolence of the whole land, given upon pardon for their sins. Elsham▪— — P William Dyve.— Black Canons.— 0083 17 10 00 0 Eppworth in the Isle of Axholme. A Conuentual House. Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham & Martial of England. Carthus●anss.— 0290 14 07 ob cue Fosse.— — N — Nuns.— 0008 05 04 00 0 Frisetun.— — Mauritius de Creon Baron.— Black Monks.—           Glamfordbridge in Parochia de Wrawby. — H William Tirwhit.— —           Goykewell.— — N — Nuns.— 0019 18 06 00 0 Greenfeild.— Saint Mary.— N Dudon de Gr●uesby.— Black Nuns.— 0079 15 01 0 0 Grimmysby.— Saint Leonard— N Robert Grouted Bishop of Lincoln, and Thomas He●terton Knight. Black Nuns.— 0012 03 07 0   Grimmesby.— S. Augustine. & S. Toloss. Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— Black Canons.—           Hagneby.— — M Herbert of Orbea or Orreby.— — 0098 08 04 00 0 Haverholm.— Saint Mary. M Alexander Bishop of Lincoln.— White Canons, & Nuns Gilbertines. 0088 05 05 00 0 Hevings.— — N — — 0058 13 04 00 0 Hunston or Humberston. Our Lady & S. Peter. M Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— — 0042 11 03 00 0 Irford.— — M — — 014 13 04 ob 0 Kirksted.— Saint Marie.— M Hugh Britay.— White Monks.— 0338 13 11 ob cue Ky●e.— — M Philip de Valisby.— — 0138 04 09 00 0 Letherstoke.— — john Gifford Clerk.— —           Leyborne.— Our Lady M Robert Fitz▪ Gilbert.— — 0057 13 05 0 cue Louthparke.— Saint Marry.— M — White Monks.— 0169 05 06 ob 0 Markeby.— — P — — 0163 17 06 ob 0 Newebo.— — M — — 0115 11 08 0 0 Newhouse.— S. martial.— Peter de Gaulia.— White Canons the first house of the Order Premonstratenses in England.           Newnersby, or Nun-orm●sby. — PEA — White Canons & Nuns Gilbertines 0098 00 00 00 0 Newsom.— — M — — 0114 01 04 ob 0 Newsted near Stansford. — M — Gilbertines.— 0042 01 03 00   Newsted near Axholme. — PEA — — 0055 11 08 00 0 Noton, or Nocton-Parke. S. Marry Magd. M Robert D' Arcie.— Black Canons.— 0052 19 02 ob 0 Nun-Cotton.— Saint Mary. P — White Canons and Nuns. 0046 17 07 00 0 Oxeneyes.— — — Black Canons.—           Raveston.— Saint Augustin.— C — —           Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         pomell s. d. ob. q. Revesby, or Revyswy. — M William Romare.— Nuns.— 0349 04 10 00 0 Sempringham.— Saint Gilbert. M Saint Gilbert beginner of the said Order.— White Canons & Nuns Gilbertines. 0359 12 07 00 0 Sixle.— Saint Marie.— — Whit Canons & Nuns.           Spalding.— Saint Mary, and S. Nicholas. M Iuo Talbois comes Andegavensis, and William de Romara, and Lucy Countess of Chester and Lincoln. Audegavenses Monachi. 0878 18 03 00 0 juxta Stansford— Saint Michael. M — Black Monks.— 0072 18 10 ob 0 Stanford.— Saint Mary & Saint Nicholas — Black Monks.— 0065 19 09 0 0 Stanford.— — FLETCHER King Edward the third.— Carmelites or White Friars.           Stanford.— — H William Browne Citizen there.— —           Stanford.— — H The L. Burghley L. Trea surer of Engand.— —           Staynsfeld.— — P Confirmed by K. john for his Father Henry the second. Black Nuns.— 0112 05 00 00 0 Stixwold or Stixwell. Saint Marie.— M Lucy first Countess of Perch.— White Canons and Nuns. 0163 01 02 0 ob Swinshed in Holland. Saint Marie.— M Sir Robert Grisley.— White Monks.— 0175 19 10 00 0 Syxhill.— — P — Gilbertines.— 0170 08 09 0 0 Tatteshall.— — C Sir Ralph Cromwell Knight.— — 0348 05 11 ob cue Temple-Bruer.— Praeceptoria.— — — 0184 06 08 00 0 Thorneholme.— — P — — 0155 19 06 ob 0 Thornton.— — M — — 0730 17 02 ob 0 Torington.— Saint Marie.— William de Arundel.— Black Canons.—           Torkesey.— — P — Black Canons.— 0027 02 08 0 0 Tupholme.— Saint Mary. M Alain Nevil.— White Canons.— 0119 02 08 00 0 Valla Dei.— Saint Mary.— M Gilbert Gaunt Earl of Lincoln.— White Monks Cistertians. 0177 15 07 ob cue Wello.— — M — — 0152 07 04 00 0 Willoughton.— Praeceptoria.— — — 0174 11 01 ob 0 — Saint Peter. & Saint Paul M — — 0197 17 05 00 cue — Omnium Sanctorum H — — 0018 16 00 ob cue MIDDLESEX. London within the Walls. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. Eccles. Cath.— Saint Paul.— Ethelbert King of Kent, Anno Dom. 610.— Secular Canons.—           juxta Ludgate.— FLETCHER — K. Edward the first, and Aelionora his wife. Robert Kilwarby Archbishop of Canterbury, & the Citizens of London, A. D. 1276 Black Friars.— 0104 15 04 00 0 juxta Newgate. F — Queen Margaret second wife to K. Edward the first, and john of Britain, Earl of Richmond, with divers other Citizens of London, A. D. 1225. & 1306. friars Minor. or Grey Friars. 0032 19 10 00 0 juxta Aldersgate. C Saint Martins.— Ingelricus and Edward his brother, Anno Dom. 1056. Secular Clerks.—           Guildhall.— — Peter Stambarr, Adam Frances, Henry de and William Brampton chaplains, A. D. 1299. A Chapel and 4. Chaplains. 0012 18 09 00 0 In Cheapside.— H S. Thom. of Acon.— Thomas Fitz-the bald de Heily, & Agnes his wife, sister to Thomas Becket, in the reign of Henry the second. — 0277 03 04 00 0 In Candleweek street. C Corpus Christi.— john Poultney Mayor of London, Anno 20. Edward. 3. — 0079 17 11 00 0 S. Laurence Pountney.                 Whittingdon.— C — Richard Whitingdon a Citizen of London, An. 3. H. 6. — 0020 01 10 00 cue In Gay spur lane. Elsing Hospital. H — William Elsing Citizen of London. An. Dom. 1329. Anno 3. Ed. 3. Canon's Regular, A lij 100 blind men. 0239 13 11 ob 0 In Lothburie.— — Anno Dom. 1257.— Fratres de Sacra.—           In Broadstreet.— FLETCHER S. Augustin.— Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex, A. Dom. 1253. Austin Friars.— 0057 00 04 00 0 In 3. Needle street, A Celestina to S. Anthony of Vienna. H S. Anthony.— King Henry the third.— —           In Bishopsgate street. N Saint Helen's.— William Basin Deane of Paul's, in the second year of Edward the second. Black Nuns,— 0376 06 00 00 0 In Leaden-hall.— H S. Trinitatis.— William Rouse, john Risby, and Thomas Ashby Priests A. D. 1466. 60. Priests.—           juxta Aldgate Christ's Church P The holy Trinity— Queen Matilda wife to K. Henry the first Anno Dom. 1108. Black Canons or Canons Regular.           In Hartstreet.— — Ralph Hosiar, & William Sabernes. A. D. 1298. Fratres Sanctae Crucis. 0052 13 02 00 0 Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob cue Barking Chapel.— Our Lady.— john Earl of Worcester, made it a fraternity. King Richard the third made it a College of Priests, and re-edified it. —           London without the Walls, in the Suburbs. Westminster.— M Saint Peter.— Sebert King of the East-Saxons, Dunstan B. of London. KING Edward Confessor. Back Monks.— 3977 06 04 ob cue Westminster. C Saint Stephen.— King Stephen: after by King Edward the third. Secular Canons.— 1085 10 05 00 0 Westminster in Totehill street.▪ H — The Lady Anne Dacre.— — 0100 00 00 00 0 Westminster.— H Saint James.— The Citizens of London.— —           Westminster near Charing Cross, A Cell to our Lady of Rouncivall in Navarre. H Saint Marie.— Anno 15. Edward 4.— —           Westminster, S. Giles in the fields. H — Queen Matilde, wife to King H. 1. A. D. 1117 —           Westminster, The Savoy. H Saint john Bap.— King Henry the seventh. A. D. 1509.— — 0529 15 07 ob 0 In Fleetstreet New Temple. Our Lady.— Founded by themselves in the reign of Henry the second. Knight's Templars.—           In Flecstreet.— — Richard Grey of Codnor. A. D. 1241.— White Friars.— 0063 11 04 0 0 In Smithfield.— M S. Bartholomew.— Henricus Rex Angliae primus, fundavit Ecclesiam. After by Rahere first Prior of the same, Anno Dom. 1102. Black Canons or Canons Regular. 0757 08 04 ob cue In Smithfield. H S. Bartholomew.— Rahere a Prior, A. D. 1102.— — 0305 06 07 00 0 The Charterhouse in Saint john's street. — Sir Walter Many of Cambrey Knight, A. D. 1340. or 1371. Carthusians.— 0736 02 07 00 0 In Saint john's street. P Saint john of jerusalem. Iorden Brise's Baron, and Muriel his wife. A. D. 1100. — 2385 19 08 00 0 Clerken-well. N Saint Mary.— Iorden Briset Baron, the son of Ralph, Anno Domini 1100▪ and Muriel his wife. Black Nuns.— 0282 16 05 00 0 Exta Creplesgate, Corpus Christi. H Our Lady, Saint Giles. Matildis Regin●, Henrici seeundi Aui●. After by john Belan●er, 35. Edw. 3. —           In White Cross street. H Saint Giles.— King Henry the fift.— Of the French Order.           Halywell.— N S. john Baptist.— A Bishop of London.— Black Nuns.— 0347 01 03 00 0 Extra Bishops gate, New-Hospitall. P Beatae Mariae,— Walter Brunne and Roisia his wife, A. D. 1235. Canon's Regular.— 0557 14 10 ob   Extra Algate. N Saint Clare,— Blanch Queen of Navarre, and her husband Edmund E. of Lancaster, Leicester, & Derby, brother to K. E. 1. 1292. 21. E. 1. nuns Minors.— 0342 05 10 ob 0 In East Smithfield near the Tower. New Abbey. M S. Marry Graces. King Edward the third, Anno regni eius 25. A. D. 1359. White Monks Cistertians. 0602 11 10 ob 0 Near the Tower. H S Katherine.— Matilda wife to King Stephen, and after by Aelioner, wife to King Edward the first. A Custos. 3. chaplains. 3. Sisters. 18. poor women. 6. poor Clerks. 0315 14 02 0 0 Middlesex. juxta Brainford. F Ecclesia sanctorum Angelorun. john Somerset Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the King's Chaplain. —           Kylborne. N Saint Mary.— — Nuns.— 0086 07 6 0 0 Hownslow. Domus — — Captives.— 0080 15 00 ob 0 Langley.— — The Earl of Derby.— —           Okeburn.— P. Alien — — —           Stanes.— PEA — Ralph Stafford.— —           Stratford Bow.— M Sancti Leonards.— King Henry the second.— Nuns or white Monks. 0121 16 00 00 0 Zion.— M — King Henry the fift, Ann. 2. of his reign. Nuns & Priests Augustine's. 1944 11 08 0 cue Uxbridge.— M Saint Mary.— Hugh Rowse.— —           NORFOLK. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob cue Norwich produced from the Abbey of Feschamp in Normandy. Ecc▪ Cat. Saint Trinity.— Elbert de Losing. Bishop Herbert of Thetford, Anno Dom. 1096. in the reign of King William Rufus. Black Monks, Benedictines. 1061 14 03 ob 0 Norwich.— FLETCHER — Philip Cowgate Citizen & Mayor of Norwich, A. D. 1268. Carmelites or White Friars.           Norwich.— FLETCHER — john Hestynford.— Grey Friars.—           Norwich,— FLETCHER — — Black Friars.—           Norwich.— FLETCHER — Remigie, or the King.— Austin Friars.—           Norwich.— H Saint Egidius.— — — 0090 12 00 00 0 Linne.— FLETCHER — Lord Bardolf, Lord Scales, and Sir john Wignhall, Anno Dom. 1269. Carmelites or white Friars. 0001 15 08 00 0 Linne.— FLETCHER — Thomas Gedney.— Black Friars.—           Linne.— FLETCHER — T●de Feltsham.— White Friars.—           Linne.— H Saint john.— — — 0007 06 11 0 0 Attilburgh.— C Sanctae Crucis.— Robert Mortimer.— — 0021 16 00 ob 0 Beeston.— PEA — — — 0050 06 04 ob cue Blakburgh.— N — — Nuns.— 0076 03 09 ob 0 Blakeney.— FLETCHER — Lord Rosse, Sir Robert Bacon, and S. john Bret Knights, A. D. 1321. Carmelites or White Friars.           Bokenham, alias Bukkenham P Saint jacob.— — Black Canons.— 0131 11 00 00 0 Bromhall in Windsor Forrest. P — Edward the Black Prince.— —           Bromholme.— PEA S. sepulchres.— G. Glamuile.— Black Monks Cluniacenses 0144 19 00 ob cue Bromholme.— Saint Andrew.— William Glamuile.— Benedictines.—           Brunham.— — Sir Ralph Hempnall, and Sir William Calthrop, Anno Dom. 1241. Carmelites or white Friars. 0002 05 04 00 0 Budham.— Saint Mary.— — Black Canons.—           Carow.— N Saint Mary.— King Stephen.— Black Nuns.— 0084 12 01 ob cue Carbroke.— C S. john jerusalem.— — — 0065 02 09 ob 0 Castell-acre.— M Saint Marie.— — Black-will Monks Clunic.— 0324 17 05 ob cue Crobbehouse.— N — — Nuns.— 0031 16 07 00 0 Flytham, A Celestina to Walsingham. N — — Nuns.— 0062 10 06 ob 0 Hempton or Hompton. P Our Lady and Saint Stephen. Richard Ward Cannon here.— — 0039 00 09 00 0 Heringby. C — — — 0023 06 05 00 0 Hilderlands. H — — — 0000 14 00 0 0 Horsseham.— PEA Saint Fidis.— Robert Fitz-Walter.— Black Monks Benedictin●ss. 0193 02 03 ob 0 Hulme.— M Saint Benedict.— King Kanute the Dane. After K. Edward Confessor. Black Monks.— 0677 09 08 00 cue Hyckeling.— PEA — — — 0137 00 01 ob cue Kockesforth, or Cokesford. M — Sir William Cheyney Knight.— Black Canons.— 0153 07 01 00 0 Langley.— M — Fundator Antecessor uxoris Francisci Bigot Militis, & eiusdem uxoris Sororum. Vide Hertf. & Leicest. Nuns.— 0128 19 09 ob 0 Marmound. N — — White Nuns Gilbert.— 0013 06 01 ob 0 Markham Barbara. M — — — 0042 04 07 ob cue Pentney and Wormegay. M S. Mary Magd.— Reginald de Warenna.— Black Canons.— 0215 18 08 00 0 Rushworth. C — Sir Robert Wingfeild Knight.— — 0085 15 00 ob   Shuldeham.— PEA Sanctae Crucis & S. Marie. — White Nuns Gilbertines. 0171 06 08 00 0 Thetford.— FLETCHER Sanctae Trinitatis.— Bishop Arfast of Elmham, in the reign of King Edward Confessor, made it a Bishops See. After Henry Duke of Lancaster, made a Society of Preachers. friars Preachers.—           Thetford.— FLETCHER — john of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.— Augustine Friars.—           Thetford.— FLETCHER S. Sepultur.— The Earl of Warren.— Black Friars.—           Thetford.— PEA S. Marry, & S. john— Roger Bigod Earl of Norfolk.— Black Canons.— 0049 18 01 00 0 Thetford.— N Saint Gregory.— — Black Nuns.— 0050 09 08 0 0 Thetford.— M Saint Andrew.— Hugh Bigod Steward to King Henry.— Black Monks Clunicenses. 0418 06 0● ob 0 Thetford.— C Beatae Mariae.— — — 0109 00 07 00 0 Thetford.— S. Marry Magd, & S. john Bap. john Warren Earl of Surrey.— —           Tomeston.— C — Thomas de Shardelow, and john his brother A. 23. E. 3. 6. chaplains.— 0052 15 07 ob   Wabburne.— PEA — — — 0028 07 02 00 0 Walsingham.— M Saint Marie— Edmund Earl of March, and Elizabeth de Burgo. Black Canons friars Minors. 0446 14 04 ob cue Wendling.— FLETCHER — William de Wendling Priest.— Austin Friars.— 0055 18 04 ob cue Westacre. P S. Mary & all Saints — Black Canons.— 0308 19 11 ob cue Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob cue Westdereham. M — — White Canons.— 0252 12 11 ob 0 Weybridge or Wexbridge. P Saint Margaret.— Robert Oliver, Thomas Monday, john Palmar and john Barford. — 0007 13 04 00 0 Wi●ham.— PEA Winewald.— — Black Canons the martial           Wymondham.— Saint Marie— William D' Albiney, Butler to King Henry the first. Black Monks of S. Alban. 0072 05 04 00 0 Yarmouth.— FLETCHER — King Edward the first, Anno Domini, 1278 Carmelites or white Friars.           Yarmouth.— FLETCHER — Galfridus Pilgrim, and Thomas Fastolfe— Black Eriers.—           Yarmouth.— FLETCHER — Sir William Gerbrigge.— Grey Friars.—           juxta Yarmouth in Castretleg. C S. john Baptist.— First Robert de Castre, after by john Fastolfe Esquire, father to Sir john Fastolfe. —           Yngham. P Saint Marie▪— — Black Monks of Saint Alban. 0074 02 07 ob 0 — FLETCHER — — friars Preachers.— 0000 18 00 0 0 — FLETCHER — — Austin Friars.— 0001 04 06 00 0 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. Places Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. cue Northampton▪— M Saint jacob.— — Black Canons.— 0213 17 02 ob 0 Northampton. P Saint Andrew.— Simon de Sancto Licio, first E. of Northampton.— Black Monks.— 0334 13 07 00 0 juxtae Northampton. N S. Marry de pratis, or de la prey Simon de Sancto Licio second Earl of Northampton. Nuns.— 0119 09 07 00 cue Northampton.— FLETCHER — — friars Minors or Grey Friars. 0006 17 04 0 0 Northampton.— FLETCHER — — friars Preachers.— 0005 07 10 00 0 Northampton.— FLETCHER — Simon Mountfort, and Sir T. Chitwood Knights. A. D. 1271. Carmelites or white Friars. 0010 10 00 00 0 Northampton.— N Saint Mary.— — Black Nuns.—           Northampton▪— F — john de Glanuile.— Augustine Friars.—           Asheby.— PEA — — — 0127 19 00 00 0 Catesby.— N S. Tho. & S. Mary.— — Nuns of Sempringham. 0145 00 06 00 0 Chacum.— PEA S. Peter. S▪ Paul.— William Knowles. Sir Hugh Awresey.— Black Canons.— 0093 06 03 ob 0 Cotherstoke.— C — john Gifford Clerk, A. 22. E. 3.— —           Davintree.— PEA Saint Austin. Angl. Apost. Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— Black Monks Clunicenses. 0236 07 06 00 0 Fynneshed the Church of Saint Martes of the castle of Hyniell. M S. Mary the Virgin Richard Engaigne.— — 0062 16 00 00 0 Foderinghay. C — Edmund de Langley Duke of York. King H. 4 and Queen joan his wife, an. 13. lastly, H. 5. and Edward Duke of York. — 0419 11 10 ob 0 Gare.— N S. Mary Magd.— — Black Nuns.—           Higham-Ferrars. C — Henry Chicheley Archbishop of Canterbury.— — 0156 02 07 ob 0 Brackley. C — The L. Zouches.— —           Irtelingburgh. C — john Pool.— A Dean & 6. Clerks.— 0064 12 10 ob 0 juxa Kingesthorp H Saint David.— — — 0024 06 00 00 0 Peterborough. M Saint Peter.— Wolpherus. fill. Regis Restavi Etheldredus. fill. Regis Ethelwoldi. Black Monks.— 1972 07 00 ob cue Pipewell.— PEA Saint Mary.— William Botevillei, & Robert Botevillei, & Ranulph Earl of Chester. A. H. 2. White Monks Cistertians. 0347 08 00 ob 0 Rothewell.— N S. john Baptist.— — Nuns.— 0010 10 04 00 0 Sainct-davy. P Saint Trinity, & Saint Mary. — Black Canons.—           Sewesby or Sewardesley. N S. Mary Magd,— — Black Nuns.— 0018 11 02 00 0 Stanford.— N — — Nuns.—           Sulby.— M Saint Mary.— — Black Monks.— 0305 08 05 ob 0 Towceter.— C — — — 0019 06 08 00 0 Withorpe.— M — — Black Monks.—           H Saint Leonard.— — — 0010 00 00 00 0 H Saint john's.— — — 0025 06 02 ob cue C Omnium sanctorum — — 0001 19 04 00 0 PEA S. Michael.— — Black Monks.—           NOTTINGHAMSHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. Nottingham. F — Sir. Reginald Grey of Wilton, and I Shirley, Anno Dom. 1276. White Friars.—           Nottingham. F — King Henry the third.— Grey Friars.—           Nottingham. H — john Plomtree.— —           Bawtree. H — — — 0006 06 08 00 0 Bella vaila. P — john Cantelupe, and Nicholas de Cantelupe Confirmed by Edward the third, Anno 19 Angliae, & 6. Franciae. Carthusians Cistertians. 0227 08 00 00 0 Bingham. C Beatae Mariae.— — — 0040 11 00 00 0 Plythe. P Saint Mary.— Roger Busly, and Foulk de Lisieurs.— Black Monks.— 0126 08 02 ob 0 Blythe. H — — — 0008 14 00 0 0 Brodham. P — — — 0016 05 02 00 0 Clyfton. C — — — 0020 02 06 00 0 Felley. M Our Lady.— Fundator Antecessor johannis Chough Militis. Black Monks.— 0061 04 08 00 0 john Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury. Lenton P Sanctae Trinitatis.— William Peverell the base son of King William the Conqueror. Black Monks, Cluniacenses. 0417 19 03 00 0 In Marisco, apud capel. Sancti Thomae Ebor. Cella. — — — 0063 06 08 0 0 Mattersey▪— — Fundator Antecessor Edwardi Thirland.— — 0061 17 07 00 0 Newsteed, or Novoloco in Shirwood. Our Lady.— King Henry the second.— — 0219 18 08 ob 0 Rufford. M — Dominus Beaumount Antecessor Domini Norreys. White Monks.— 0254 06 08 00 0 Shelford. P — Ralph Hanselin: & H▪ Norris Antecessor.— — 0151 14 01 00 0 Southwell. C — Paulinus the first Archbishop of York.— — 0039 05 06 ob 0 Thurgarton. P Saint Peter.— Sir Ralph D'●incourt, and confirmed per Re●em. Black Canons.— 0359 15 10 00   Wallingwells. N — The Lord Fitz-Hugh, ancestor to the L. Dacres. Nuns.— 00087 11 06 0 0 Welbeck. M Saint James.— Fundator Antecessor Episcopi Eliensis. Tho. de Cukeney, or Cokeney. Black Canons.— 0298 04 08 00 0 Workesope. M Saint Mary of Radford. William Lovetot, and the Ancestors of the Earl of Shrewsbury. Black Canons.— 0302 06 10 00 0 NORTHUMBERLAND Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. cue Alba-Launda, or Blancheland. M — Fundator Antecess. Comitis Westmorlandiae. john de Torington a Benefactor. K. john confirmed it. Anno 16. Cistertians.— 0044 09 01 ob 0 Alnewicke or Holne. F — john Lord Vescy (Antecessor Comitis Northumbriae) brought this Order first into England. A. D. 1240. Carmelites or White Friars. 0194 07 00 00 0 Berwick. F — Sir john Grey, Anno Dom. 1270.— Carmelites or White Friars.           Brekenbourne. P — William Bartram the elder, father to Roger Bartram, tempore Regis johannis. — 0077 00 00 00 0 Frameland, Ferne-Eland, or Flaneland. Cella. — — — 0012 17 08 00 0 Hexham.— PEA — Fundator Antecessor Archiep. Eboracensis.— — 0138 01 09 00 0 Holiscombe. N — — Nuns.— 0015 10 08 0 0 Insula-sacra.— Cella — — — 0060 05 00 00 0 Lambley.— N — The Lucy's.— Nuns.—           Newcastle. F — — Grey Friars.—           Newcastle. N — — Nuns.— 0037 04 02 00 0 Newcastle. F — King Edward the first.— Carmelites or White Friars.           Newcastle. H S. Mary. Magd.— — — 0009 11 04 00 0 New-Monastery, alias New Minster. M — Fundator Antecessor Domini Dakers.— — 0140 10 04 00 0 Ouingham Cella de Hexam. — — — 0013 04 08 00 0 Tynmouth. a Cell to Saint Alban in Hertfordshire. N — Fundator Antecessor Ducis Norfolciae.— Nuns.— 0511 04 01 ob 0 OXFORD-SHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. cue Oxford, Ecclesia Cathedralis. — King Henry the eight.— —           Oxford. P S. Frideswid.— Frideswida filia Algari, Restau●ator Ethelredus Rex, & Dom. Regis Progenitores. Nuns, afterwards Black Canons. 0224 04 08 9   Oxford.— FLETCHER — Richard Cary.— Fratres Sanctae Crucis.—           Oxford.— FLETCHER — Henricus Rex.— Friars Minors, or Grey Friars.           Oxford.— FLETCHER — K. Edward the second, Anno 11. Edwardi 2. Carmelites or White Friars.           Oxford. F — — Black Friars.—           Oxford. F — King Henry the third.— Augustine Friars.—           Oxford. M S. Mary Osney.— Rob. the son of Niele, brother of Rob. D Oily a Norman, A. D. 1129. Black Canons.— 0755 18 06 0b   Oxford. M Locus Regalis, alias Rewley. Edmund Earl of Cornwall.— Monks Cistertians.— 0174 03 00 00 0 The Colleges in Oxford.                 University College. — First King Aelfred, after William Archdeacon of Durham.             Balliol College.— — john Balliol Father of john Balliol King of Scots, tempore H. 3.             Merton College.— — Walter Merton B. of Rochester. Anno D. 1274.             Exeter College.— — Walter Stapledon Bishop of Excester, tempore Edw. 2.             Harts Hall.— — Walter Stapledon Bishop of Excester, tempore Edw. 2.             Kings, now Oriall. College. — King Edward the second.—             S. Maries Hall.— — King Edward the second.—             Queens College.— — Queen Philip wife K. Edward the third.—             S. Edmunds Hall.— — Edmund Archb. of Canterbury, ut creditur.             Canterbury now Christ's Church College. — Simon Islip Archbishop of Canterbury. After Cardinal Wolsey, and K. Henry the eight.             S. Marry, alias New College. — William Wiccam Bishop of Winchester.             Gloucester College — Benedictine Monks.—             Durham, now Trinity College. — Thomas de Hatfeild, Bishop of Durham. After in our time, Sir Thomas Pope knight             Lincoln College.— — Richard Fleming Bishop of Lincoln.—             S. Alban Hall.— — —             Broadgate Hall.— — —             All-Soules College. — Henry Chichley Archbishop of Canterbury tempore H. 5.             New Inn.— — —             Bernard now S. john Baptist College. — Henry Chicheley, Archbishop of Canterbury, tempore H. 5. After in our time, Sir Thomas White L. Mayor of London.             Sancti johannis Hospitale, now Marry Magdalen College. — Fundator Henricus Rex, Afterwards William Wainflet B. of Winchester.             Magdalen Hal.— — William Patten, alias Wainflet.—             Brazen Nose College. — William Smith Bishop of Lincoln, tempore H. 7. Doctor N●well Dean of Paul's, Benefactor.             Corpus Christi College. — Richard Fox B. of Winchester, Hugh Oldam B. of Excester, Benefactor.             jesus College.— — Hugh Price Doctor of the Laws.—             Wadham College. — Wadham, an Esquire, and his wife.—             Banbury. H Saint john.— — — 0015 01 10 0b 0 Banbury. C Beatae Mariae.— — — 0048 06 00 00 0 Brackele. P Saint Mary.— — Black Canons.—           Bruern. M Saint Mary.— Nicholas Basset.— White Monks.— 0124 10 10 00 0 Burcester, vulgo Bisseter. Saint Eadburgh.— Gilbert Basset, and Egelina Courtney his wife, tempore Henrici Secundi. — 0167 02 10 00 0 Burford. P — — — 0013 06 06 00 0 Chiping Norton in Ecclesia. — — — 0007 14 00 00 0 Clattercote. M Sancti Leonardi.— — — 0034 19 11 00 0 Coges. P — — Black Monks.—           Dorchester. M Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Birinus the Apostle of the Westsaxons, and after by Nicholas Huntercombe, heir of William Huntercombe. Black Canons.— 0219 12 00 00 0 Ewelme, or New Elm. H — William de la Pole Duke of Suffolk. — 0020 0 0 0 0 Eynsham, M Saint Marie.— Athelmar a Nobleman. King Aethelred confirmed it. A. D. 1005. Black Monks Benedictines. 0421 16 01 00 0 Godstow by Oxf. N Saint Mary.— Dame Ida a rich Widow. Repaired by K. john. Black Nuns.— 0319 18 08 00 0 Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob cue Goring. N Saint Marie— — Black Nuns.— 0060 05 05 00 0 Lidmore, alias Littlemore. N — Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— Black Nuns.— 0033 06 08 00 0 Norton.— PEA — Domini Regis Progenitor. Reginald Earl of Boulogne gave 108½. Acres to it. Richard Sergeanx. Black Canons.—           Saucombe. P Saint Marie.— — Black Canons.—           Stodeley. N Saint Mary.— Peter Corbyzen, and William de Cantelop.— — 0102 06 07 00 0 Tame. M Saint Mary.— Alexander Bishop of Lincoln, the great builder of Castles. White Monks.— 0256 13 07 ob 0 Wroxton. P Saint Mary.— Master Michael Bylet, for Heruey Bylet his Father, and confirmed by K. john. Canons.— 0078 14 03 0 0 RICHMONDSHIRE. Places Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. cue Richmond. M Saint Agath.— Roaldus Constable of Richmond, and Gracian his wife. Fundator Antecessor. Dom. Scroop. A. D. 1152. — 0188 16 02 00 0 Richmond. H Saint Nicholas.— — — 0010 00 00 00 0 Coverham, alias Somerham M — First founded at Swaynsie by Halwisia daughter of Ralph Glamuill, wife to Ralph Lord of Midleham, but removed after to Coverham. A. D. 1182. canons Praemonstratenses. 0207 14 08 00 0 Cander. M — — — 0064 03 09 00 0 Ellerton. N Saint Mary.— William Fitz-Pier.— Nuns.— 0015 14 08 00 0 furnace. M Saint Mary.— First, Stephen Earl of boleyn. Anno Dom. 1127. After William de Mowbray gave lands to it, which lands he had of Richard Moruill, and Amie his wife. King Henry the 1. confirmed it. White Monks.— 0966 07 10 00 0 Fountains. M Saint Mary.— Thurstin Archbishop of York. A D. 1132. White Monks.— 1173 00 07 ob 0 Gilling. N — — Nuns.—           jeruall. M Saint Mary.— Stephen Earl of Britain and Richmond.— White Monks Cistertians. 0455 10 05 00 0 juxtae Kendal. H — — — 0006 04 03 00 0 Near Knaresbrough. F Saint Robert.— Richard King of Romans, Earl of Cornwall, A. D. 1218. Friars.— 0035 10 11 00 0 Maryke. N — Ask●s.— Nuns.— 0064 16 09 00 0 Middleham, or Barnard's Castle. — Richard Duke of York.— —           Nun-Munketon. N — Fundator Antecessor Gall. Gas●oign Militis. Nuns.— 0085 14 08 00 0 Rybleston. Commendary. — — — 0207 09 07 00 0 Rypon Eccles▪ Collegiat. — — — 0035 03 08 00 0 Rypon. H S. Mary Magd.— — — 0024 00 07 0 0 Rypon. H S. john Baptist.— — — 0010 14 04 00 0 Seton. N — Fundator Antecessor Henrici Kirkeby.— Nuns.— 0013 17 04 00 0 Welles. H S. Michael.— Ralph Lord Nevil. A. D. 1367.— — 0020 17 11 00 0 RUTLAND-SHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Valew.         l. s. d. ob. cue Occam, under the custody of a Prior of Saint Anne Carthusians by Coventree. Saint john Evangelist. H William Dalby of Exton.— 2 Chaplains, 12 poor, each 30. s. yearly.           Brooke.— S. Marry the Virg. P —   0043 13 04 00 0 SHROPSHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         pomell s. d. ob. q. Shrewsbury. M Saint Peter, Saint Paul. Saint Melb. Roger Earl of Mo●ntgomery. Anno Dom. 1081. Black Monks.— 0615 04 03 ob 0 Shrewsbury, Eccles-Collegiat. Saint Chadds.— — — 0014 14 04 00 0 Shrewsbury, Ecc. Colleg. Saint Mary.— — — 0013 01 08 00 00 Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. cue Shrewsbury. F — — Carmelites or white Friars.           Shrewsbury. F — — Black Friars.—           Shrewsbury. F — Geffrey Lord of Powis.— Grey Friars.—           Abberbury, given to Al-Soules in Oxford by the King. P Alien. — Fundator Domini Regis Progenitor.— —           Battlefield. C — King Henry the fourth.— — 0054 01 01 00 0 Bildewas. M Saint Marie.— Roger Bishop of Chester.— Black Monks Cistertians. 0129 06 10 00 0 Brewood. M — — — 0031 01 04 00 0 Bridgenorth. H F — john Earl of Shrewsbury, cozen and Heir to Ralph Strange Original Founder. Grey Friars,— 0004 00 00 00 0 Brumfeild.— — — Black Monks.—           Chirbury. P — — — 087 07 04 00 0 Halisowen. M — King john. — 0337 15 06 ob 0 Peter de Rupibus Bishop of Winchester. Haughmond. M Saint Mary, & S. john evang. William Fitz-Alane.— White Canons.— 0294 12 90 00 0 Ludlow. F — Sir Laurence Ludlow Knight, An. Dom. 1349. Carmelites or White Friars.           Ludlow. F — Edmundus de Pontibus, sive Briggman▪ Benefactor. Augustine Friars.—           Ludlow. H Saint john.— — — 0017 03 03 0 0 Lyleshull. M — Beaumeis Family.— Black Canons.— 0327 10 00 00 0 Stone. P Saint Michael.— — Black Monks.—           tongue. C Saint Bartholomew. Isabel wife of Fulke de Penbridge Chevalier. — 0022 08 01 00 0 Wenlocke. P Saint Milburg.— Earl Roger of Montgomerie. A. D. 1081. Black Monks.— 0434 00 01 00 0 Womebridge. P — — — 0072 15 08 00 0 Wygmore. M — Hugo de Mortuo-Mari, A. D. 1172.— White Canons. 0302 12 03 ob 0 STAFFORD▪ SHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. Lichefeild Eccles. Cath. — Oswy King of Northumberland made it a Bishops See. Pope Adrian made it an Archbishops See. Grey Friars, and lately Canons.           Lichefeild. P S. john Baptist.— Roger B. of Coventree and Lichefeild.— —           Lichefeild. H Saint ●ohn.— — — 0008 15 00 00 0 Stafford, P Say't. Thomas●artyr ●artyr. Ralph Earl of Stafford, and Richard Bishop of Chester. Black Canons & Augustine's. 0141 13 02 00 0 Stafford. C Saint M●rie.— — Grey Friars.— 0035 13 10 00 0 Brewood. N — — Black Nuns,— 0011 01 06 00 0 Briver●e. P Saint Marie.— — Black Monks.—           Briverne. N Saint Leonard.— — White Nuns.—           Burton upon Trent. P S. Mary, Saint Modwen. Vlfricke Sprot Earl of Mercia.— Black Monks.— 0356 16 03 ob 0 Catune. P — — Black Nuns.—           Chetwood. P — john Chetwood Chidlet. T. Conell, William Gardiner Parson of Somerton▪ john Parson of Godyngton. —           Croxden. P — Baron's Verdon.— — 0103 06 07 00 0 Delacresse. M — Ranulph the third of that name E. of Chester. White Monks.— 0243 03 06 00 0 Dudley. A Celestina to the Priory of Wenlocke. P — john the son and heir of john late Baron de Dudley. Black Monks.—           Faireweld. N Saint Mary.— — Black Nuns.—           Ferburge. H — — — 0050 00 00 00 0 Hulton. M — The Ancestors of the Lord Audley.— — 0076 14 10 ob 0 Lappele. P Saint Remigij.— — Black Monks.—           Merivall.— — — — 0199 14 10 00 0 Penchriche.— C — — —           Renton.— PEA — The Noels' Ancestors of Sir Simon Harecourt. — 0090 02 10 ob 0 Roceter.— M — — — 0111 13 07 00 0 Stone.— PEA Saint Wolphade.— Ralph Earl of Stafford.— Black Canons.— 0119 14 11 00 0 Tameworth.— N — Edith King Edgar's daughter.— Veiled virgins or Nuns.           Tameworth, Eccles. Colleg. — Marmions of Normandy.— —           ●uxta Tameworth. H Saint James.— — — 0003 06 08 00 0 Trentham.— PEA — Ralph Earl of Chester.— Canons.— 0106 03 10 00 0 Tricingham. M — Saint Werburg.— —           Tutbury.— PEA Saint Mary.— Henry de Ferrars a Nobleman of Normandy, in the reign of William Conqueror. Black Monks.— 0244 16 08 0 0 Woller-hampton C — Clement Luson Chaplain, and William Waterfall. —           SOMERSETSHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. Bristol. M Saint Augustine.— King Henry the second, and Lord Robert the son of Harding, the King of Denmark's son. In our time King Henry the 8. made it a Cathedral Church. Black Canons Victorines. 0767 15 03 00 0 Bristol. P Saint jacob or Saint James. Robert Earl of Gloucester, the base son of K. Henry the first. Black Monks Benedictines.           Bristol. F — King Edward the first. A. D. 1267.— White Friars.—           Bristol. Eccl. Colleg. now a Hospital. — The former by Sir Henry Gaunt knight. The other by Thomas Car a wealth Citizen. Orphans.—           Bath. M Saint Peter, and Saint Paul. King Edgar, Edwin, Ethelred and Wolstan. Afterwards john Bishop of Welles made it a Cathedral Church, tempore H. 1. Black Monks.— 0695 06 01 ob 0 Bath.— — Reginaldus Bishop of Bath.— — 0022 16 09 ob 0 Welles. M S. john Bap. or Saint Andrew. King Ina built the Church and College, King Kinewolph gave it great possessions, An. 766. King Edward senior made it a Bishops See. Robert and jocelinus Bishops▪ and Ralph of Shrewsbury. Secular Canons.— 004● 03 06 ob cue Welles. H — Nicholas Bubwith Bishop.— 24. Poor.—           Glastenbery. M Saint Marie.— joseph of Arimathea. Devi Bishop of S. David's. Twelve Northern men. King Ina. Dunstane changed these Monks into Benedictines: this Order continued 600. years. Black Monks.— 3508 13 04 ob cue Athelme. M Saint Peter, S. Athelwin. King Alfred.— Black Monks.— 0209 03 00 00 cue Barlynch. P — Fetyplaces.— — 0098 14 08 ob 0 B●arwe. N S. Mary. S. Edwin.— — Black Nuns.—           Bridgewater. P — — Grey Friars,— 0120 19 01 ob 0 Bridgewater. H Saint john.— William Briewer junior.— —           Buckland. P — Amice Countess of Devonshire.— — 0223 07 04 ob 0 Bruton. M Saint Mary.— The Mohuns there entombed.— Benedictines.— 0480 17 02 00 0 Cadbury, or North-Cadbury. C Saint Michael.— Elizabeth Botreaux, and her son William Botreaux. A Rector. 7 Chaplains. 4 Clerks.           Clive. M — — White Monks.— 0155 09 05 00 cue Conington. N Saint Marie.— William de Romara, cozen to the Earl of Lincoln. Black Nuns.— 0039 15 08 00 0 Dunkeswel. P — William Briewer junior.— —           Dunster. P — john de Mohun de Dunster.— — 0037 04 08 00 0 Fareley. P S. Mary. Magd.— Humphrey Bohun.— Black Monks—           Henton.— — Ela Countess of Salisbury.— Carthusians.— 0262 12 00 00 0 Keynsham. M Saint Mary.— William Earl of Gloucester.— Black Canons.— 0450 03 06 00 0 Montague. M Saint Peter & Saint Paul. Earl Moriton brother by the mother's side to K. W. Conqueror, confirmed by H. 1 Black Monks Cluniacenses. 0524 11 08 ob 0 Moundroy. C — — — 0011 18 08 00 0 Muchelney. M Saint Peter.— King Athelstane.— Black Monks.— 0498 16 03 00 cue Mynchinbarrow. P — — — 0029 06 08 ob 0 Stoke under Hamden. C Saint Andrew.— Gornays'.— Black Monks.—           Taunton. N Saint Peter and Saint Paul. William Giffard and Henry de Blois Bishop of Winchester. Black Nuns.— 0438 09 10 00 0 Temple-Combe Commendary. — — — 0107 16 11 ob 0 Westbury. C — William Canings Mayor of Bristol.— —           Worspring. P — — — 0110 18 04 ob cue Wytham.— Saint Mary. S. john Bapt. All-Saints. King Henry the third.— Carthusians.— 0227 01 08 00 0 — H Saint Katherine.— — — 0021 15 08 00 0 Yeveley, or jewel. — john Woborne Petty Canon of Paul's, and Richard Hewet. —           SUFFOLK. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. Ipswich. P Saint Trinity.— Norman and john de Oxenford.— Black Canons.— 0088 06 09 0 0 Ipswich. M Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Cardinal Wolsey, but before him Thomas de Lacie and Alice his wife. Black Canons.— 0088 06 10 00 0 Ipswich. F — Henry de Manesby, Henry Redred, and Henry de Londham. friars Preachers.—           Ipswich. F — The Lord Bardeley, Sir Geffrey Hadley, and Sir Rob. Norton knights. A. D. 1279. Carmelites or White Friars.           Ipswich. F — Robert Tilbot.— Grey Friars.—           ipswich. F — john Hares gave ground to build their house larger. Black Friars.—           Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob cue Blyburgh. P — King Henry the first. Black Canons.— 0048 0● 09 00   Richard Beluois, o● Beawo●s Bishop ●f London. Brisete.— PEA Saint Leonard.— — Black Canons.—           Bung●y N — Roger Glanuil and Gundreda his Wife, Alij, the Ancestors of Tho. Brotherton, Earl of Norfolk. Nuns.— 0062 02 01 00 0 Burs●yerd or Brusyed. M — — — 0056 02 01 0   Butley. P Saint Marie— Ralph de Glanuile.— Black Canons.— 0318 17 02 ob cue Campsey. M Beatae Mariae Virgins. — — 0182 09 05 00 0 Clara or Stoke. P Saint john. Bapt.— Henry Earl of Essex, and Isabel his wife. Black Monks or Austin Friars.           Cnob●rsburg, or Burgh-Castell. — Fursey a Scotish man. Also Sigebertus King of the East Angles. —           Denston. C — — — 0022 08 09 00 cue Dodnash. M Saint Mary.— The Ancestors of the Duke of Norfolk— — 0042 18 08 ob 0 Dunwich, Sedes Episcopalis. — Foelix the Burgundian, that reduced the East-Angles again unto the christian faith, Anno Domini, 630. —           S. Edmundsbury. M — King Canute.— Black Monks.— 2336 16 00 00 0 Saint Edward's place, sive Edwardsstow. M — Peter Bishop of Winchester.— —           Eye. M Sa in't Peeter.— Robert Malet Lord of Eye.— Black Monks.— 0184 09 07 ob cue Flyxton▪ M — — — 0023 04 01 ob cue Heringflete. M Saint Olaues.— Roger the son of Osbert.— Canons Regular.— 0049 11 07 00 0 Hoxon. M — — —           Leiston. N Saint Mary.— 1 Ralph Glanuile. 2 Sir Robert Vfford. White Canons Praemonstratenses 0181 17 01 ob 0 Letheringham. P — — — 0026 18 05 00 0 Liteburch. P Saint Mary.— — Black Canons.—           Mettingham. C Beatae Mariae Virgins. Sir john de Norwich, Lord of Mettingham. — 0202 07 05 ob 0 Rafford. M Our Lady.— Robert Bishop or Earl of Lincoln.— —           Ratisford. H Saint john.— — — 0053 10 00 00 0 Redlingfeild. M Saint Mary.— Manasses de Guies.— Black Nuns.— 0081 02 05 ob 0 Rumbuthe. P Saint Michael.— — Black Monks.—           Snapes. P Saint Marie.— William Martill, Alij, Domini Regis Progenitor. Black Monks Roffienses. 0099 01 00 11 ob Stock. C — — — 0324 04 01 ob 0 Suthbery. P Saint Bartholm.— Simon Sudbiry Archbishop of Canterbury and john Chartsey. Black Monks Westm, or friars Preachers. 0122 18 03 0 0 Sybbeton M Saint Mary.— William Cheiney, or de Caneto.— Black Monks Cistertians. 0250 15 07 ob 0 Walton. P S. Foelicis.— — Black Monks Rochester.           Wangsford. P Saint Marie.— Ansered of France.— Black Monks Cluniacenses. 0030 09 05 00 0 Wingefeild. C — — — 0069 14 05 00 0 Woodbridge. M Saint Mary.— — — 0050 03 05 ob 0 Wykes.— — Domini Regis Progenitor.— — 0092 12 03 ob 0 — M Saint Bennet.— — —           Ykesworth or Ixworth. P — Gilbert Blund.— — 0280 09 05 00 0 SURREY. Places Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. cue Barmondsey. M S. saviours.— Alwyn Child Citizen of London, Ann. D. 1081. Black Monks Cluniacenses. 0548 02 05 ob cue Monks introduced▪, A. D. 1087. Chartsey. M Saint Peter.— Frithwald a Petty Regent of Surry, Anno Dom. 666. — 0744 13 06 ob cue Guildford. F S. Crucis.— — Preaching Friars.—           Guildford. F — — Back Friars.—           Horsham. P S. Fidis.— Marry Saint Paul founded it. Alij Robert Fitz-walter and his sons. —           Lingfeild. C — Reginald Cobham Knight, William Croman, john Arderne, and john Bayhall. — 0075 00 00 00 0 Marton. P Saint Mary.— King Henry the first, An. D. 1117.— Black Canons.— 1039 05 03 00 0 Newarke, vel de N●uo Loco. P Saint Mary and S Thom. Martyr. — — 0258 11 11 ob 0 Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Valew.         l. s. d. ob. cue Reygate. P Sanctae Crucis.— William Warren first Earl of Surrey, and after john Mowbray. Augustine's.— 0078 16 08 00 0 Shene. P — King Henry the fifth.— Carthusian Monks.— 0962 11 06 00 0 Southwark, M Sanctae Mariae Virgins, de Ouerey. First by Swethen a noble Dame, after by a maiden called Mary, and after converted to a College of Priests, by William Pontlearch. Canon's first introduced. 1016. Black Canons.— 0656 10 00 ob 0 Southwark. H Saint Thomas.— Richard Prior of Bermondsey, Anno Dom. 1213. — 0266 17 11 00 0 Tanrigge. M — — — 0078 16 10 ob cue Waverley. N S. Mary.— William Gifford Bishop of Winchester.— White Monks.— 0174 08 03 ob 0 SUSSEX. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order▪ Value.         pomell s. d. ob. q. Chichester Epantus. Saint Trinity.— Radulphus Episcopus, primo suo ipsius sumptu, deinde munificentia Henrici primi, postea Seffridus secundus eius nominis Episcopus tempore Regis Richardi primi. Secular Canons.—           Chichester. M Saint Peter.— — Grey Friars.—           Chichester. F — — Black Friars.—           juxta Chichester. H Saint jacob. S. Marry Mag. — Leprosi.— 0004 03 09 00 0 Infra Chichester. H Saint Mary.— — Pauperes.— 0011 11 06 ob 0 Arundel. H Saint Trinity.— Thomas Earl of Arundel, & Beatrix his wife— Elemosinarij.— 0042 03 08 00 0 Arundel. P Saint Nicholas.— Richard Earl of Arundel.— Black Monks.— 0168 00 07 ob 0 Acce●eale.— Saint Peter.— — Black Monks.—           Battle. M Saint Martin.— King William the Conqueror. A. D. 1066.— Black Monks.— 0987 00 11 ob cue Bidlington. H S. Mary Magd.— — — 0001 00 00 00 0 Bosenham, or Boseham. M — Dicul a Scotish Monk.— —           Boxgrave.— Saint Mary.— john Saint john. Alij, Robert de la hay. Black Monks Benedictines. 0145 10 02 ob 0 Durfford. M S. john Baptist.— — White Canons Praemonstratenses. 0108 13 09 00 0 Eastborne. P — — — 0047 03 00 00 0 Hastings. P Saint Trinity.— Founded by john Pelham Knight, when their lands were devoured by inundation of the Sea. Black Canons.— 0057 19 00 0 0 Lewis. P Saint Pancras.— William de Warren, first Earl of Surrey. Black Monks, Cluniacenses. 1091 09 06 ob cue Lullmenster. N S. Mary Magd.— — Black Nuns.—           Michelham. P S. Mary Magd.— — Black Canons Aug.— 0191 19 03 00 0 Occeham. P S. Laurence.— — White Canons.—           Remsted. N S. Mary Magd.— — Black Nuns,—           Roberts Briggs. M Saint Mary.— Alnredus de Sancto Martino, tempore Hen rici secundi. White Monks Cistertians. 0232 09 08 00 0 Rupperar. N S. Mary Magd.— — Black Nuns.— 0039 13 07 00 0 Selsey. M & sedes Episcopal. — King Cedwall.— —           Shulbred. P — — — 0079 15 06 00 0 Southmalling. C — — — 0045 12 05 ob cue Stenings.— S. Marry Magd.— — Secular Canons.—           Shoreham. F — King Edward the second and the Lord Mowbray. Carmelites or white Friars.           Torting. P S. Mary Magd.— — Black Canons.— 0101 04 01 00 0 Winchelsea. F — King Edw. 2.— Friars Preachers.—           — M Our Lady.— William de Buckingham▪ confirmed by K. Edward 3 —           WARWICKSHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value▪         l. s. d. ob. cue Warwick. P Saint sepulchres.— Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick.— — 0049 13 06 00 0 Warwick. P — Peter de Mountford.— Black Canons.—           Warwick. F — — friars Preachers.— 0004 18 06 00 0 Warwick. Eccles. Colleg. — — — 0247 13 00 ob   Warwick. H Saint Michael.— — — 0010 01 10 00 0 Warwick. H Sanctae Baptistae.— — — 0019 03 07 00 0 Warwick.— Saint George.— Robert de Deneby, William russel, and Hugh Cook for the state of the King and Anne the Queen. Michael de la Poole, and all their Brethren, and Sisters, and for Enne Prince of Wales. A Fraternity.—           Warwick. Hongingate, Chantry. — Thomas Beauchampe Earl of Warwick.— —           Warwick. H Saint john.— Thomas Beauchampe.— —           Coventree. P Saint Anne.— Friar john of Northerbury a Carthusian Prior. Carthusians▪— 0251 05 09 0 0 Coventree. P Saint Mary.— King Canute and Leofricke Earl of Mercians, A. D. 1043. Black Monks.—           Coventree. F — Sir john Poultney Knight, Anno Domini 1332. Carmelites or White Friars. 0007 13 04 00 0 Coventree. H S. john Baptist.— — — 0083 03 03 00 0 Alcetter, or Alnecester. P S. john Baptist.— — Black Monks.— 0101 14 00 00 0 Asteley. C — Thomas Lord Astley.— Deane and Secular Canons. 0039 10 06 00 0 Atherston. F — — Augustine Friars,— 0001 10 02 00 0 Auecater A Cell to Maluerne Priory in Worcestershire. P — — — 0034 08 00 00 0 Babelacke. C — — — 0045 6 008 00 0 Berdeslege. M Beatae Mariae.— — White Monks.—           Cadbury.— — The Ancestors of Sir Ralph Botelar knight, Baron, and Lord of Sudley, Treasurer of England. —           Combe. M Saint Mary.— Camuils and Mowbraies.— White Monks.— 0343 00 05 00 0 Erneby, or Erdebury. P — — — 0122 08 06 00 0 Godscliffe. C — Richard Earl of Warwick.— —           Henwood. N Saint Margaret— Cethelbarne de la Land.— Nuns.— 0021 02 00 ob 0 Kenelworth. M — Geffrey Clinton Chamberlain unto King Henry the first. Black Canons.— 0643 14 09 ob 0 Kingeswood. N — — Black Nuns,—           Knolle. C — Elizabeth wife to john Lord Clinton.— — 0018 05 06 00 0 Maxstocke. P — — — 0129 11 08 ob 0 Merivall. M Saint Mary.— Robert Ferraers. A. 1. H. 2.— White Monks.— 0303 10 00 00 0 Nuneaton. N — Amice wife to Robert Bossu Earl of Leicester. Nuns.— 0290 15 00 ob 0 polesworth. N Saint Edith.— Modwena an Irish Virgin. Repaired by R. Marmion a Nobleman. Black Nuns.— 0023 08 06 00 0 Pynley. N — — Nuns.— 0027 14 07 00 0 Stoneley. M — K. Henry the second.— White Monks.— 0578 02 05 00 0 Stratford super avon. Eccles. Colleg. — john of Stratford Archbishop of Canterbury.— — 0123 11 09 00 0 Studeley. P — — Black Canons.— 0181 03 06 00 0 Thelford.— — The Lucy's Knights.— Poor folk and Pilgrims. 0023 10 00 00 0 Wroxhall. N God, and Saint Leonard. Hugh de Hatton.— Black Nuns.— 0078 10 01 ob 0 WESTMORLAND. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. cue Sharp. M — Thomas the son of Gospatricke, son of Ormes. — 0166 10 06 ob 0 WILT-SHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. Salisbury. Epantus. Saint Peter.— Osmond Bishop of Salisbury, temp. W. Rufi, Anno Dom. 1091. Secular Canons.—           Salisbury. C Saint Edith.— — —           Salisbury. F — King Edward the first, and Robert Kilward by Archbishop of Canterbury. Black Friars.—           Salisbury. F — — Grey Friars,—           juxta Salisbury. H Saint Michael.— Richard B. of Salisbury, A. D. 1382.— — 0025 02 02 00 0 Ambresbury. M — Alfritha King Edgar's wife.— White Monks.— 0558 10 02 00 0 Ambresbury. N — King Ethe●dred.— Holy Virgins.—           Austy. H — — — 0081 08 05 ob 0 Bradnestoke. P Saint Marie.— Walter the eldest son of Walter de Eureux, Earl of Rosmar in Normandy. Black Monks.— 0270 10 08 00 0 Bromhore, or Bromere. P Saint Mary & S. Michael. Bauldwin Earl of Rivers and Devonshire.— Black Canons.—           Brioptune. P S. Mary Magd.— — Black Canons.—           Calne. H — — — 0002 02 08 00 0 Crekelade. H — — — 0004 10 07 ob 0 Edoros'. P — King Henry the second, and after Henry the third. Black Canons.— 0133 00 07 ob 0 Edindon. P All-Saints.— William d● Edindon Bishop of Winchester.— Bonis hominibus.— 0521 12 05 ob 0 Eston. P Saint Trinity.— — — 0055 14 04 00 0 Farleigh Monachorun P S. Mary Magd.— The Earl of Hereford, or Hertford.— Black Monks Cluniacenses. 0217 00 04 ob 0 Fishhart. F — Marry Countess of Norfolk.— Friars Preachers▪—           Heitesbury, Eccles-Collegiat. — Robert Lord Hungerford and Margaret.— —           Henton. N — Dame Ela Countess of Salisbury.— Nuns.—           Kynton. P Saint Mary, & S. Michael. — Nuns.— 0038 03 10 00 0 Lacocke. M Saint Mary.— Dame Ela Countess of Salisbury, A●. D 1232 — 0203 12 03 ob 0 Malmesbury. M Saint Adelme.— Madulph an Irish Scot Adelme his Scholar. King Athelstan. Black Monks.— 0803 17 07 00 0 Middleton. P — King Athelstan.— —           Marleburgh. P Saint Margaret.— Edmund Earl of Cornwall.— Canons.— 0038 19 02 00 0 Marleburgh. F — john Goodwin & William Remsbich, A. D. 1316 Carmelites or White Friars.           juxta Marleburgh. H S. john Baptist.— — — 0006 18 04 00 0 Maiden-Bradley. P — Manaesses Bisset. Confirmed by King john.— — 0197 18 08 00 0 Maiden Bradeley— — One of the Inheritrices of Manasses Bisset▪— Leprosi.—           Stanley. M Saint Mary.— — White Monks.— 0222 19 04 00 0 Wilton. N Saint Mary and Saint Edith. Weolsthan Earl of Ellandanum or Wilton. Black Nuns.— 0652 11 05 00 cue Edith wife of S. Edward. juxta Wilton. H Sant Egidius.— — — 0005 13 04 00 0 Westchurch. P — — —           WORCESTERSHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. cue Worcester M now Eccl. Cath. Saint Marry, Saint Wolstan, Saint Katherine Sexwulph Bishop of the Mercians, Anno Domini 680. Oswald Bishop of Worcester. Wolstan Bishop there also Anno Domini, 1090. These continued, 500 years. K. Henry the eight, in stead of these placed in it a Dean & Prebends, & ordained to it a Grammar School. Black Monks.— 1386 12 10 ob cue Worcester. F — — Grey Friars.—           Worcester. F — William Beauchampe.— Black Friars.—           Worcester. H Saint Wolstan.— — — 0063 18 10 00 0 Alcetur. Cellula. — — — 0075 07 00 00 cue Bordelege. P Saint Mary.— K. Henry the second, and Maud the Empress. White Monks.—           Bredon. M — Offa king of the Mercians.— —           Brodesey. M Saint Mary.— — White Monks.— 0392 08 06 00 0 Cokehill. N — — White Nuns.— 0034 15 11 00 0 Elnecester. P — — Black Canons.—           Euesham. M S. Mary, & S. Aedburg. Egwin Bishop of Worcester, first Abbot there with king Kenred the son of Wolpher king of the Mercians and K. Offa, A. D. 700. Black Monks— 1268 09 09 00 0 Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Valew.         l. s. d. ob. cue Hale●o●en. M — Peter de Rupibus Bishop of Winchester▪ Alij, King john. — 0282 13 04 00 0 M●luerne maior.— PEA Saint Marie— Alwyn a Monk, first augmented by Edw. the first, A D. 1085. Black Monks Benedictines. 0375 00 06 ob cue Maluerne minor.— PEA Saint Egidius.— joceline and Edred, two brothers, both religious men there: augmented by William Bloys B. of Worcester, A. D. 1171. Black Monks.— 0102 10 09 00 0 Penwortham.— — Domini Regis Progenitor.— — 0099 05 03 00 0 Pers●ore. M Saint Mary, & saint Aedburg. Egelward Duke of Dorset in King Edgar's days: King Oswald. Black Monks.— 0666 13 00 00 0 Westwood. N — — Black Nuns.— 0078 08 00 00 0 Whiston juxta Worcester. P — — — 0056 03 07 00 0 Wotton-wavin. P — The Countess of Stafford.— —           — H Saint Oswald.— — — 0013 14 04 00 0 YORKSHIRE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         pomell s. d. ob. q. York. Ecclesia Cathedralis. Saint Peter.— Vlphus Toraldi filius. A Constantio Episcopali sede ornatum. Domini Regis Progenitor. —           York. M Saint Trinity.— A house of Canons destroyed by the Conqueror: repaired for Monks by Ralph Paynell. Black Monks.— 0196 17 02 00 0 York extra muros. M S. Maries.— William Rufus, and after Alan the third Earl of little Britain in Armorica, and of Richmond. Black Monks.— 2085 01 05 ob cue juxta York. P Saint Andrew the Apostle — — 0057 05 09 0 0 York. F — Lord Vescy, and Lord Percy, Anno Dom. 1255. Carmelites or White Friars.           York. F — The Lord Scroop.— Augustine Friars.—           York. H Saint Leonard.— King William the second.— A Master. 13. Brethren. 4. Secularr Piests. 8. Sisters. 30. Choristers. 2. Schoolmasters. 206. Beadmen. 6. Servitors. 0362 11 01 ob 0 Apulton, or Nunapleton, N — Antecessor Comitis Northumbriae.— Nuns— 0083 05 09 00 0 Arden. N — Domini Regis Progenitor.— Nuns.— 0013 07 04 00 0 A●thington. N — Antecessor Hen. Arthington.— Nuns.— 0019 00 00 00 0 Bamburgh, a Cell to Saint Oswald. — King Henry the first.— — 0124 15 07 00 0 Barton, or Burton. Saint Mary.— Adam Swaynson.— Black Monks—           Saint Bees in Cumberland. Cella. — Domini Regis Progenitor.— — 0149 19 06 00 0 Bella-launda, vulgo, Bilaund. M Saint Mary.— Acarius first, & Rob. Mowbray, & Gunnora his mother, founded the Church at Hode, & after removed it to Bella-launda. 1138. White Monks Cistertians. 0295 05 04 00 0 Beverley Praeceptoria. Saint john I●rusalem. — — 0164 10 00 00 0 Beverley, Eccl. Colleg. Saint john.— john Bishop of York, and restored by King Athelstan. A. D. 629. 1 Monks. 2 Canons. 0109 08 08 ob 0 Beverley. F — First, William Lyketon, & Henry Wighthon, and after restored by john Hothom Knight, Anno Dom. 1287. friars Augustine's.—           Beverley. F — john de Higthmede.— Friars Minors.—           Bolton in Craven. F Saint juice.— Lord Grey of Codnor.— Carmelites or White Friars. 0102 09 03 00 0 Bowthome. H — King Athelstan.— — 0009 06 08 00 0 Bridlington. M Saint Mary.— Walter de Gaunt, and jordan Paganel, about the Conqueror's time. Canon's Regular.— 0682 13 09 00 0 Das●dale. N — Antecessor Radulphi Euers militis.— Nuns.— 0021 19 04 00 0 Doncaster. F — john Duke of Lancaster, and I Nighbroder, A. D. 1350. Carmelites or White Friars.           Drax. P — Sir William Painel Ancestor of Marmaduke Constable. Canons.— 0121 18 03 ob 0 Ellerton. N Saint Mary.— William Fitz-Piers, and the Ancestors of William Aselby, William Thurresby and Ralph Spencer. Nuns.— 0078 00 10 00 0 Esseholt. N — The Ancestor of Christopher Ward.— Nuns.— 0019 00 00 00 0 Fereby, or North-Fereby. P — The Ancestors of the Earl of Cumberland.— — 0095 11 07 ob 0 Places Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob cue Fosse gate. H — — — 0006 13 04 00 0 Gromount, or Grosmount. P — Petrus de Malolacu, Ancestor of Francis Bigot, and George Saluayne. — 0014 02 08 00 0 Gysborne. M — Robert de Brus A. D. 1119.— — 0712 06 06 00 0 Haltemprice. M — Thomas Holland Earl of Kent. Alij The Ancestors of the Duke of Richmond. — 0178 00 10 00 0 Hampall, N — The Ancestor of Geruais Clifton.— Nuns.— 0085 06 11 00 0 Handale, or Grundale. N — The Ancestor of the Earl of Northumberland. Nuns.— 0020 07 08 00 0 Helagh-Parke. P — The ancestor of the Earl of Northumberland— — 0086 05 09 00 0 Henyngburgh: Eccles. Collegiat. — — — 0036 00 07 00 0 Hull. F — First, Edward the first, and after Sir Robert Oughtred, and Richard de la Poole, Ann. 13. Edw. primi. Carmelites or White Friars.           Hull. F — Galfride de Huthom. A. D. 1330.— Augustine Friars,—           Hul juxta. M Saint Michael.— William de la Poole, and Katherine his wife, A. D. 1377. Carthusian Monks— 0231 17 03 00 0 Hull. H Saint Trinity.— — — 0010 00 00 0   Hyrst, in the Isle of Axholme. — Mowbray Earl of Nottingham.— — 0007 11 08 00 0 Keldon. N — The Ancestors of the Earl of Westmoreland.— Nuns.— 0029 06 01 00 0 Keling, or Nunkeling. N — The King's Ancestors.— Nuns.— 0050 17 02 00 0 Kyrkeham.— — Walter Espec, A. D. 1122.— Augustine's.— 0300 15 06 00 0 Kyrkleys. N — — Nuns.— 0020 07 08 00 0 Kirkstall. M Saint Mary.— Henry Lacie the first, A. D. 1147.— White Monks.— 0512 13 04 00 0 juxta Lincoln. Cella. S. Marry Magd.— — — 0026 01 03 00 0 Melsa, or Meaux. M Saint Mary.— William le Gross Earl of Albemarle. Alij King Henry the first. A. D. 1150. White Monks Cistertians. 0445 10 05 00 0 Merton, or Marton. P — Katherine de Browmere.— — 0183 02 04 00 0 Mollesby, or Mowesby. N — The King's Ancestors. Alij, the Earl of Salisbury. Nuns.— 0032 06 02 00 0 Montegrace. M — Thomas Holland Duke of Surrey, Earl of Kent, and L. of Wake, and lo. Yngilby Esquire. 1401. — 0382 05 11 ob 0 Munckbretton, alias Burton. M S. Mary Magd.— Adam Fitz-Owen.— Monks.— 0323 08 02 00 0 Neder-Acaster, or Aulcaster. C Saint Mary. and S. john Bapt. Robert Earl of Leicester.— — 0027 13 04 00   Newburgh. P — Robert Mowbray, A. D. 1127.— Canons Augustine's.— 0457 13 05 00 0 Newland. Praeceptoria. — — — 0129 14 11 ob 0 Newton. H — — — 0021 00 02 00 0 Northallerton. F — King Edward the third, and Thomas Hatfield Bishop of Durham, A. D. 1354. Carmelites or White Friars.           Northaluerton. H Saint jacob.— — — 0056 02 02 00 0 Nostell. M Saint Oswald.— First founded by Robert Lacie Earl of Lincoln. Afterwards A. Confessor to King Henry the first re-edified it. Canons.— 0606 09 03 00 0 Nunuerholme. N — The Ancestors of the Lord Dacres.— Nuns.— 0010 03 03 00 0 Old-Malton. M — Eustach Fitz-Iohn-Monoculi, in the reign of king Stephen. — 0257 07 00 00 0 Pontefract. M S. john Evangelist— Robert Lacie Earl of Lineolne.— Black Monks Cluniacenses. 0472 16 10 ob 0 Pontefract. C Saint Trinity.— Sir Robert Knolles and Constance his wife.— For poor people.— 0182 13 07 00 0 juxta Richmond. Cella. Saint Martins.— The king's Ancestors.— — 0047 16 00 00 0 Rippon. M — Wilfride Bishop of York.— —           Rivans.— Saint Mary.— Walter Especk▪— White Monks.—           Rosedale. P — The king's Progenitors.— — 0041 13 08 00 0 Rotherham. C — Thomas Rotheram Archbishop of York.— Schools. Writing. Grammar. and Music. 0058 05 09 ob cue Rupe, alias Roche. M Our Lady.— The Ancestors of the Cliffords Earls of Cumberland. — 0271 19 04 0 0 Rythall, or rydal. M — — — 0351 14 06 00 0 Salley.— Saint Marie.— William the son of Henry de Percy.— White Monks.— 0221 15 08 00 0 Scarbrough. F — King Edward the second, A. D. 1319.— White Friars.—           Scarbrough. F — Sir Adam Sage.— Friars Preachers.—           Scarbrough. F — Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland.— Black Friars.—           Selby. M Saint Germane.— King William the first, A. D. 1078.— Black Monks Benedictines. 0819 02 06 00   Sempringham. M S. Gilbert and S. Mary Wotton. S. Gilbert the beginner of the Order, and Agnes de Chester. Gilbertines.— 0066 13 04 00 0 Smythywaite, or Senningthwaite. N — The Ancestors of the Earl of Northumberl.— Nuns.— 0062 06 ●0 00 0 Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. q. Stokekyrke. Cella — — — 0008 00 00 00   Sutt●n. Eccle●ia Colleg●ata. — — — 0013 18 08 00 0 Swinhey. N — The Ancestors of Sir john Melton knight.— Nuns.— 0134 06 ●9 ob 0 Thyrkehead or Thikenhead. N — The Ancestors of john Ask.— Nuns.— 0023 12 02 00 0 Tickhill. F — john Clarrel Deane of Paul's.— Friars Augustine's.—           Water. P Saint jacob.— Galfridus Trusb●t knight, and William Rosse de Hamela. About king Henry the firsts time. Black Canons Augustine's. 0221 03 10 00 0 Watton. M — Eustach the son of Fitz-Iohn with one eye, in the reign of King Stephen. White Canons and Nuns. 0453 07 08 00 0 Whitby. M Saint Peter & Saint Hilda. Saint Hilda: Enriched by Edelfleda, King Oswins' daughter, and himself: destroyed by the Danes, it was reedefied by William Perey, about the coming in of the Normans. Black Monks.— 0505 09 01 00 0 Woderhall, Cella Sanc●● Trinitatis. — — — 0128 05 03 ob 0 Woodkirke, A Cell to S. Oswald. — Earl Warren.— — 0047 00 04 00 0 Wycham. M — The kings Ancestors▪— White Canons and Nuns. 0025 17 06 00 0 Wylberfosse. M — The Ancestors of the Archbishop of York.— Nuns.— 0028 08 08 0 0 Yedingham. N — The Ancestors of the Lord Latimer.— Nuns.— 0026 06 08 00 0 — N Saint Clements.— — Nuns.— 0055 11 11 00 0 — H Saint Nicholas.— — — 0029 01 04 00 0 — M Sanctae Sepulturae.— — — 0011 18 04 00 0 Montis Sancti johannis. Chapel sepulchres. — — — 0102 13 10 00 0 Commendarie. — — — 0138 19 02 ob 0 S. ASAPH DIOCESE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Valew.         l. s. d. ob. cue Basingwerke in Flintshire▪ M — — — 0157 15 02 00 0 Conway, or Aberconway in Carnaruonshire. M Saint Marie— Kenelm son of Geruaise, once Prince of North-Wales. — 0179 10 10 00 0 Hawston Commendarie. — — — 0160 14 10 00 0 Lanllugen, or Wanligan, in Montgomereshire N — — Nuns.— 0022 13 08 00 0 Strata-Marcel la or Stratmarghill, in Montgomereshire. M — Owen the son of Gryffin, and confirmed by his son Wemmowen, Anno Dom. 1202. — 0073 07 06 00 0 Valla de Cruse in Denbighshire. M — — — 0214 03 05 00 0 BANGOR DIOCESE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         pomell s. d. ob. q. Bangor. F — — Black Friars.—           Bardesey in Carnaruonshire. M Saint Mary.— — — 0058 06 02 0 ob Beaumarys in Anglesey. F — — Grey Friars.—           Beth●ylhert. M — — — 0069 03 08 00 0 Castr. Cubij, Ecclesia Collegi●t. — — — 0024 00 00 00 0 Holyhead in Anglesey. C — — —           Kynner in Merionethshire. M Saint Mary.— Lewellyne the son of Geruai●▪— — 0058 15 04 00 0 Penmon. P — — — 0040 17 09 ob 0 Siriolis. M — — — 0047 15 03 00 0 S. DAVID'S DIOCESE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. cue Aberguylly. C — — — 0042 00 00 00 0 Alba-launda, in Carmardenshire. M — — — 0153 17 02 00 0 Brechon. P S. Evangelist.— — — 0134 11 04 00 0 Cardigan in Cardigansh. P — — — 0013 04 09 00 0 Carmarden, in Carmardensh. F — — Grey Friars,— 0174 00 08 00 0 Combehyre. M — — — 0024 19 04 00 0 juxta S. David's in Pembrokesh. C Saint Mary.— john Duke of Lancaster.— — 0106 03 06 00 0 Denbigh in Denbighsh. F — john Suinmore, Anno Domini, 1339.— Carmelites or White Friars.           Saint Dogmaells in Pembrokshire. M — Martinus de Turonibus Lord of Kemies: after by William Valence, tempore H. 3. — 0068 01 06 00 0 Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire. P — — — 0135 06 01 00 0 Places Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob cue Kydwelly in Curmardensh. Cella. — — — 0029 10 00 00 0 Llanleyre in Carmardensh. M — — — 0057 05 04 00 0 Newport. F — — Austin Friars.           Pulla. P — — — 0052 02 05 00 0 Slebach in Bembrockshire. Praeceptoria. — — — 0184 10 11 ob 0 Strataflorida or Stratflower in Cardiganshire. M — Griffith Rhese and Meredith.— — 0122 06 08 00 0 Swansey Gardianatus — — — 0020 00 00 00 0 Talleia. M Saint Mary. and S. john Bapt. Restus.— — 0153 01 04 00 0 Tyronense.— — Robert Martin, tempore Hen.— —           LANDAFFE DIOCESE. Places. Dedication. Founder and Time. Order. Value.         l. s. d. ob. cue Landaffe. Eccles. Cath. Saint Telean.— German and Lupus French Bishops.— —           Abergevenny in Monmouth shire. P — — — 0059 04 00 00 0 Brecknock a Cell to Battle Abbey. F S. john evang.— Barnard de Newmarch: Miles and Roger Earls of Hereford, in the reign of H. 1. Black Friars.—           Cardiff. F — — Grey Friars.—           Cardiff. F — — Black Friars.—           Chepstow, in Monmouthsh. M — — — 0032 04 00 00 0 Gods-grace or Gratiae Dei in Monmouth shire. M Beatae Mariae Virgins. — — 0019 04 04 00 0 Goldcliffe, in Monmouthsh. P — Chandos,— —           S. Kynmercy, with a Chapel. P — — — 0008 04 08 00 0 Lanterna in Monmouthsh. M — — — 0071 03 02 00 0 Malpas, by Newport near the ●iver of uske. Cella. — — — 0014 09 11 00 0 Monmouth in Monmouthsh. P S. Katherine & Saint Florence. — Black Monks.— 0056 01 11 00 0 Morgan in Glamorgansh. M — William Earl of Gloucester.— — 0188 14 00 00 0 Neth in Glamorgansh. M Beatae Mariae Virgins. Richard Granuils'.— — 0150 04 09 00 0 Tinterna in Monmouthsh. M — Walterus filius Richard●, Comitis de Ogi, frater Gilberti Comitis Pembrochiae. — 0256 11 06 ob 0 Vske in Monmouthsh. P — — — 0069 09 08 ob 0 The total Number and Value of these and all the Promotions Spiritual certified at the Taxation in King Henry the eight his time of the first Fruits and tenths, are by the Record, as followeth. Promotions. Number particular Number total. Value total. Archbishoprickes and bishoprics.— 21.       Deaneries.— 11.       Archdeaconries.— 60.       Dignities and Prebends in Cathedral Churches.— 394.   l. s. Benefices.— 8803. 12474. l. 320180. 10. Religious Houses.— 605.       Hospitals.— 110.       Colleges.— 96.       chantries and free Chapels.— 2374.       Taken from the possession of the Clergy by Henry the eight, and converted to temporal uses out of the former sum, 161100. l. 9 s. 7. d. q. Since in this precedent Table, we have laid to the Readers view a great part of this Kings ill, the waste of so much of God's revenue (howsoever abused) let him not hold it in curiosity, out of season, since it may in charity fall well in sequence by setting down the Churches either erected, or restored by him, or by him (which is the now state of our Clergy) continued, to redeem his memory blemished by the former error, from the vulgar aspersion of sacrilegious impiety. This King after the dissolution of the Religious houses, erected these fix bishoprics, to wit, Westminster, Chester, Peterborough, Oxford, Bristol, and Gloucester, whereof the five last are in esse, and at the same time he erected also these Cathedral Churches here after mentioned, wherein he founded a Dean, and the number of Prebends following. viz. Canterbury.— 12 Gloucester.— 6 Winchester.— 12 Bristol,— 6 Worcester.— 10 Carliol.— 4 Chester.— 6 Durham.— 12 Peterborough.— 6 Rochester.— 6 Oxford.— 6 Norwich.— 6 Ely.— 8   The yearly value of which Cathedral Churches so newly by him erected, with the Collegiates of Windsor, Westminster, and Woluerhampton, over and besides the Petti-Cannons, and other inferior Ministers amounteth by estimation to 5942. l. 8. s. 2. d. The Promotions Ecclesiastical, which for the most part, except a little pared, he preserved entire, are in a general estimate by the Shires, wherein they stand in the ensuing Table expressed. The present Number and Value of the Spiritual Promotions in England and Wales. Counties. Promotions. Value.     l. s. d. ob. q. Berkshire.— 139.— 2053 06 00 ob 0 Bedfordshire.— 116.— 1506 05 05 00 0 Buckinghamshire.— 172.— 2236 02 06 00 cue Cambridgeshire.— 151.— 1902 18 07 ob 0 The Town of Calais, and the Marches thereof.— 26.— 0590 06 10 00 0 Cheshire.— 68— 1776 12 00 ob 0 Cornwall.— 161.— 2706 16 02 00 0 Cumberland and Westmoreland.— 63.— 1022 06 06 ob cue Derby.— 106.— 1017 11 10 ob 0 Devonshire.— 394.— 7466 01 04 00 0 Dorsetshire.— 248.— 3077 05 08 ob cue The Bishopric of Durham in the County of Northumberland. 118.— 2332 07 05 ob 0 Essex.— 378.— 5347 06 11 00 cue Yorkshire.— 440.— 4974 00 00 ob 0 Glostershire.— 288.— 3296 06 04 ob cue The present Number and Value of the Spiritual promotions in England and Wales. Counties. Promotions. Value.     l. s. d. ob. q. Huntingtonshire.— 79.— 1097 02 06 00 cue Hartfordshire.— 120.— 1837 16 00 ob 0 Herefordshire.— 160— 1364 19 02 ob cue Kent.— 335.— 3974 13 00 ob cue Lancashire.— 30.— 0789 10 01 00 0 Leicestershire.— 199.— 2564 14 08 00 0 Lincolnshire.— 638.— 6129 01 04 ob 0 The City of London.— 96.— 3365 00 10 ob 0 Middlesex.— 58.— 1074 19 06 ob 0 Norfolk.— 668.— 6505 15 10 ob 0 Northamptonshire.— 271.— 3884 08 11 ob cue Nottinghamshire.— 168.— 1640 07 09 ob 0 Oxfordshire.— 164.— 1917 17 07 ob 0 Rutlandshire.— 52— 0548 00 10 00 0 The Archdeaconry of Richmond.— 105.— 1841 11 08 ob cue Shropshire.— 190.— 1530 05 10 ob 0 Staffordshire.— 134.— 0884 03 11 00 0 Southamptonshire.— 158— 3749 06 07 ob 0 Sommersetshire.— 385.— 4910 13 07 00 cue Suff●lke.— 428.— 4811 08 00 00 0 Surrey.— 113,— 1701 08 09 00 cue Sussex.— 322.— 3069 16 04 00 0 Warwickshire.— 158.— 1732 18 10 ob cue Worcestershire.— 153.— 2035 14 00 ob 0 Wiltshire.— 305.— 3505 02 09 ob cue   Number total of the Benefices in England, 8501. Value total of the Benefices in England, 16772. l. 5. s. 2. The several Diocese of Wales. Promotions. Value. The Bishopric of Saint Assaph.— 312— 1536 18 07 ob   The Bishopric of Bangor.— 104.— 1225 05 08 00 0 The Bishopric of Landaffe.— 166.— 1204 11 1● ob 0 The Bishopric of Saint David's.— 323.— 2531 12 09 00 0   Number total of the Benefices in Wales. 905. Value total of the Benefices in Wales. 6498. l. 8. s. 11.   Number total of all the Benefices both in England and Wales. 9407. Value total of all the Benefices both in England and Wales. 113 270. l. 14 s. 1. d. The value of these inferior Promotions in England which have cure of Souls, I have suited into several Proportions as they are rated in Record, and distinguished the Vicaradges from Parsonages in the Table following.   Personages.— livings under ten pound.— 4543 Vicarages.—   Personages.— 905. livings of ten pound, and under twenty Marks. 1445. Vicarages.— 540   Personages.— 1134. livings of twenty Marks, and under twenty pound. 1624. Vicarages.— 0490   Personages.— 0414. livings of twenty pound, and under twenty six pound. 0524. Vicarages.— 0179.   Personages.— 0163. livings of twenty six pound, and under thirty pound. 0206. Vicarages.— 0043   Personages.— 0188 livings of thirty pound, and under forty pound. 0248. Vicarages.— 0060   Personages.— 0115. livings of forty pound and upwards. 0144 Vicarages.— 0029 To prevent any mistaking in the Reader, I have thought it not unfit to conclude this Table with the discovery of my meaning by c●rtaine letters before used. viz. M. Monastery. F. Friary. C. College P. Priory. N. Nunnery H. Hospital. Edward VI. Monarch 59 EDWARD THE SIXT OF THAT NAME, KING OF ENGLAND, FRANCE AND IRELAND, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, etc. THE FIFTY NINTH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH, HIS LIFE, ACTS, AND DEATH. CHAPTER XXII. EDWARDUS. SEXTUS. DEL. GRA. ANGLIE. FRANCIE. ET. hiberny. REX. FIDEI. DEFĒSOR. ET. IN. TERA. ECCLESIA. ANGLICANE. ET. HIBERNICE▪ SUPREMU. CAPUT. honey. SOIT. QVI. MAL. Y. PENSE. honey. SOIT. QVI. MAL. Y. PENSE. E. 6. EDWARDUS. SEXTUS. D. G. ANGLIE. FRANCIE. ET. hiberny. REX. FIDEI. DEFENSOR. ET. IN. TERA. ECCLESIA. ANGLICANE. ET. HIBERNICE. SUPREMU. CAPUT. V EDW●RD▪ VI: D▪ G▪ ●GL▪ FR●▪ Z: ●IB●R▪ R●●. 4 SIL. POSVI D●V▪ ●D JUTORA M●UM▪ Y EDWARD the sixt of that A. D. 1547. Name, and only son living unto King Henry the eight, was borne at his Manor of Hampton-Court in Middlesex, the twelfth of October, and R. Grafton. year of salvation, 1537. and six days after being the eighteenth of the same Edward created Prince of Wales presently after his birth. month, he was created Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester: his birth was joyful unto the King and Commons; but the death of his mother, the virtuous Queen jane, brought immediate sorrow unto both, whose womb was cut (as some have affirmed) to the saving of his, but loss of her own life, upon whose death these elegant verses were writ; Phoenix jana jacet nato Phoenicia, dolendum Alluding to the Crest of her father a Phoenix in flames within a Crown. Saecula Phoenices nulla tulisse duas. Here lies the Phoenix Lady jane, whose death a Phoenix bore, OH grief, two Phenixes at one time, together never were. (2) Nine years and odd months he was virtuously trained up in the life of his father, and at his death appointed the first of his heirs, and for want By his will dated the 30. of December▪ A. D. 1546. of Issue (if it so chanced) Mary, and she failing, Elizabeth to succeed in his throne: for as Henry with Solomon was blameworthy for women, so left he but one son and two daughters, as the other in Solomon and Henry compared in their sins and in their Issue. Scripture is said to have done: Solomon had Rehoboam a fool and unfortunate, his daughters, but obscure, and both of them Subjects; but Henry was more happy in Edward his son, who proved another young Solomon himself, and his sisters both Sovereigns of an Imperial Crown. A. D. 1546. (3) He began his reign the twenty eight of january, in the year of Christ jesus 1546. and the last of that month was proclaimed King of England, France and Ireland, defender of the Faith; and supreme john Sto●. Governor of these Churches, with other his rightful Titles to his Imperial Styles belonging. And on the twentieth of February following being Shrove-sunday, was Crowned at Westminster The Duke of Hertford made Protector by Parliament. with all due Solemnities. (4) His Counsellors were appointed by his sick Father as we have said, and Protector over his Minority and Realms (by consent of the Nobles) was ordained his Uncle Edward Lord Seymer Earl of Hereford and Duke of Somerset, brother unto Queen jane, who thereupon gave the young King the Order of Knighthood, and the King immediately did the like unto the Lord Mayor of London. (5) His first business was to establish God's service, who had established him in the Throne, and as 2. Chron. 34. another josiah in godly zeal, destroyed Idolatry, by pulling down Images in England, as that King in juda● did the Altars of Baalim, sought the Salvation of josiah and King Edward compared. 2. Chron. 35. his Subjects, by sending forth Preachers to instruct the people, as josiah did the Levites the teachers of Israel unto their charges: brought the Bible in a known language to be read in the Church, as he did the Ark into the Temple of the Lord, commanded the ancient and true use of the Sacrament in Statutes Ed. 6. An. 1. both kinds, as josiah commanded the Passeover both to be killed and celebrated in jerusalem, and in all things proved another josiah indeed. (6) And as Edward was busied in setting forth God's glory, so the Protector and Council were careful for the State of the Realm, and especially john Leslie. B. R. for their King's marriage with Mary the young Queen of Scotland, unto which a Parliament at Edinburgh had consented in Anno 1543▪ and for confirmation thereof had sent into England, William Earl of Glancarn, Sir George Dowglas, Sir William Hamilton, and Sir james Leirmound, Scotish Knights, Ambassadors, unto King Henry deceased, betwixt whom the contracts were sealed interchangeably as we have said. Rich. Grafton (7) And now by the Counsel of England was thought most fit to be sought after, and consummated, The English desire the marriage with Scotland. for the wealth and peace of the whole Island: wherefore they published their desires to that end, in an Epistle sent to the Scotish Nobility, directed unto them by the Lord Protector; wherein they were remembered of the many incursions, roads, and spoils, committed and done, upon either Kingdom An Epistle sent unto the Nobility of Scotland. through their continual hostilities, and wars: showing likewise the nearness of language, lineaments, and conditions of the Nations; inhabiting the same Island, and therefore a most sure token (as they took it) to be descended from one and the same Original; urging God's providence, that had taken away all the Male-Princes of Scotland, leaving them only one daughter; and in England, only one son unto King Henry among his many wives. Their Princes themselves for years, qualities, and magnificence, fitly ordained to contract the union of Peace: alleging that England sought neither the pre-eminence nor the conquest of Scotland, but rather desired an equality both The ancient name Britain indifferent to English and Scotish. in state and government; and to that end offered to take the name of Britain's indifferent to both, though dishonourable to themselves, in bereaving their Nation of the glory achieved, in many of their victories. These notwithstanding, the Scotish persisted to bestow their young Queen another way. The Protector goeth into Scotland. (8) Whereupon the Protector in person, undertook an expedition into Scotland, accompanied with the Earl of Warwick, the Lords Dacres, and Grey of Wilton, many Knights, and a most warlike army of Soldiers. Edward Lord Clinton Admiral of the Fleet was appointed to Sea, and Sir William Woodhouse made his vice-admiral: these meeting at Berwicke set forth into Scotland, declaring by sound The English made Proclamation in Scotland. of Trumpet the cause of their coming, with proffers of peace to all such of that Nation, as would advance the marriage betwixt their two Princes, according to Covenants already concluded upon. (9) The Governor of Scotland hearing news of many Castles surrender and surprise, and fears daily increasing by augmented reports, commanded his Heralds with all possible diligence, to pass john Le●●ie. through all the parts of the Realm, and the fire Cross to be borne wheresoever they came, a Custom indeed The manner of the fire-crosse. anciently used in greatest extremity, and only then after this manner, two fire Brands set a Cross Wil Pat●●n. were carried upon the point of a spear, with Proclamation of the eminent danger, calling for aid, assigning the time and place, when and whither they were to resort: yet there be that say, It was a painted read Cross set up for certain days in the Field of that Barony, whereunto the aid should come: and those that refused, being above sixteen, and under sixty were accounted traitors, and their Land confiscated to the King. This ancient muster the Governor commanded, appointing them a day to be at The hosts mere at Muskleburgh▪ * Muskleburgh. Mussilbrut in defence of their liberties and young Prince's life: which presently struck such regard to their hearts, that thither they strove who should be first, and pitched their Standards even in the face of the Enemy. (10) Many warlike enterprises were attempted betwixt them, many prisoners taken, and stout Soldiers Enterprises done before the great battle was fought. slain, upon the Scots part the Lord Hume by a fall from his horse lost his life, & his son with one Maxwell and six other Gentlemen taken prisoners. Of the English were hurt Henry Vane, and Bartevill, a Frenchman: Bulmer, Gower, and Crouch, three Captains of the light horesemen were taken prisoners: all which so happened before the day of great Battle. (11) Whilst these things proceeded, and either part played upon the advantage, Earl Huntly of Scotland sent a Herald and Trumpet unto England's Ear H●ntly his stout challenge. Protector, with proffers of Combat, either twenty to twenty, ten to ten, or in single fight themselves man to man, which surely was honourable, the Scots having advantage for number, and Charitable for the saving of Christian blood: but their persons unequal in regard of his place; that demand was denied, and proffers made for the battle: which happened even the next day following, being the tenth of September and the last of the week. (12) The place where the English lay encamped, was upon the Banks of Edenbrough Frith, wherein their Ships floated to further the Land service, and those seeking the advantage of a hill called Pinkinclenche, Bishop Rosse. hasted thetherward betimes in the morning; the Scotish thinking they had fled to their Ships, made the like haste to impeach their March, their Army they divided into three Battles, the Vanguard The Scots mistake the English designs. whereof was led by the Earl of Angus, the rearguard by the valiant Earl Huntley, and in the great Battle, was the Governor with the Earl of Argile, and many other of the Scotish Nobility. (13) These eager of spoil, and filled with hope, hasted furiously forward, without all fear or any good Order, and breathless, almost passed over the River Eske, preventing thereby the expectation of the enemy, but being within danger of shot, the English Fleet from the Road let freely fly among a wing of the Irish-Archers, slaying many, with such terror A wing of the Irish sore galled from the fleet. to the rest, as hardly could they be gotten for to go forward, which endangered them more. The Scotish Army thereupon removed somewhat Southward, seeking to get the higher ground with advantage both of Sun and wind, the desire whereof caused Rich. Grafton. them little to regard the help of horse, but for haste drew their great Ordinance thetherward only by main strength of men. (14) The English Captains perceiving what the Scotish intended, and that now no skirmish but a Battle must be undergone fell to Consultation, being mounted in their saddles, where with such resolutions they departed asunder, that john Earl of Warwick, W. Patten. Lord Martial of the field, desired the Protector to be good unto his wife and Children, if on his The name of this field is not agreed upon, we call it Muskleburgh: the Scots Sexton-field. Fauxside, Brayfield: Vnreskkeld W●ll●ford field. etc. Master Patten. part things went not well with him. By this time the Armies were at point to join battle, in the place called Edmondstone-edge near unto Muskelborough, where the Master of the English Ordinance had mounted two Canons near unto the top of the hill. The Scotish came forward, faster than an ordinary March, their pikemen thick ranged together, bearing broad Bucklers in their left hands. (15) At the first encounter Captain Shelley Lieutenant of the band of Bulleners: Captain Ratliffe brother to the Lord Fitzwater, with many Gentlemen English captains slain and the Lord Grey hurt. of name and account, were slain, and the Lord Grey of Wilton General of the Horsemen, dangerously hurt in the mouth with a Pike: and indeed such was the fury of the Scots first encounter, that the English horsemen were forced back, and in retiring ran through, and bore down a part of their own The King's Standard in danger to be lost. footmen, to their great hurt: when their King's Standard (borne by Sir Andrew Flammoch) was laid fast hold on by the Scotish, and had not that Knight's strength been the more, and his horse the better, himself had been slain, and the Standard lost▪ which notwithstanding was grasped so fast, that the Scots bore away the neither end of the staff to the burrell. The battle of Muskleburgh. (16) The Canons from the hill, played sore upon the Scotish, and so did the Ordinance out of the English Fleet, whose terrible noise and smoke, filled the Armies with furious Cries, and darkened the day as with the Clouds of night: The retreat of the Protectors Horsemen, disordering their fellows (as is said) gave signs unto the Scots of a present victory, who now upon a forward Courage disranked themselves for haste, and fell upon the disbanded English, who presently by their leaders were brought into Array, and fiercely pressed forward upon the vanguard of the enemy▪ their advantage the more, for that the Scots wanted shot to answer their violence; which caused them in ha●t confusedly to retire The Scots discomfited. towards their great Battle; and those misdeeming the day had been lost, turned their backs and fled; the chase was followed almost five miles, wherein the Lord Fleming with sundry men of The number of Scots slain. note were slain: Bishop Leslie recordeth nine by name, besides ten thousand of their soldiers that therein lost their lives, and prisoners taken, about a thousand persons, the chief whereof was the Earl of Huntly, Chancellor of Scotland, the Lord Yester, Hobby, Hamilton Captain of Dunbarre, the Master of Sanpoole, the Lord Wimmes and a brother of the Earl of Cassils': such was the success of the English, and loss of the Scotish. ●olin●●ed p. 989. (17) Lies they sacked and set on fire, took the Island Saint Colmes, Broughti●rag, Rockesburgh, Humes Castle, and others: so that many Gentlemen in Tividall, and the Meres, came to the Protector and entered into terms and conditions of Peace. In the mean while by the working of the Governor, and Queen Dowager, the young Queen was suddenly conveyed from Striueling, unto the I'll, and Abbay of Michmahomo, as to a place of more security, and shortly after into France to be married unto Queen Mary conveyed into France. the Dolphin, she then being of age betwixt five and six: whereat the English so stormed, as they determined and threatened the Conquest of Scotland. But God who is the disposer of Kingdoms, and hath the hearts of Princes in his own hand, in his unsearchable decrees, saw it not time to unite as yet, the whole Island under one Crown, to which end he suffered the French to assist the Scots, and England to be burdened with her own civil broils. (18) For the Protector returned, and a Parliament at London assembled, all Colleges, Free-Chappels, and Chanteries, were given to the King, wherein was repealed the Statute formerly made, and The act of the six articles repealed. commonly called the six articles, which had been the cause of many Martyr's deaths, in the days of King Henry his Father, as also other enacted by King Richard the second, and Henry the fift, for the suppression of Scriptures in English, and other points held, in their days accounted heretical, at which time also injunctions went forth to cleanse the Images suppressed. Church of all Images, and Commissioners sent with authority to pull them down, who first began at the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul's in London, and thence proceeded casting down those Idols, in all the Churches throughout England and Wales. Whereof great stirs presently happened and in Cornwall the first. (19) For the King's Commission being put in practice, and these gay golden Images cast down, broken and burnt, their Priests accounted the Act sacrilegious, and one of them as Baal's for zeal, Body murdered by a Priest for pulling down Images. sought to make his sacrifice with blood, but sparing his own, sheathed his knife in the heart of Master Body a Commissioner, employed about the same business: which fact was so favoured among the rural Commons of Cornwall, and Devonshire (who ever gave voice for the papal continuance) that in a rebellious manner they combined together against the King. john Fox in Acts and Monuments (20) Their chief Captains were Humphrey Arundel, Governor of the Mount, with six other Gentlemen of name, neither were the Priests backward in so bad a work, whereof Robert Bocham, and seven others were the forwardest men; accompanied Commotion in Cornwall. with no less than ten thousand tall Soldiers, who all sought to undo those points of religion, which the King by law and act of Parliament had ordained to be observed: Whereupon they besieged the City of Excester, and with many sharp assaults sought the possession thereof, twice firing the Gates, and leaving nothing undone that either wit or war would afford to obtain: for they brought the Citizens to such distress that they forced them to mould up bran for their bread, working it in Excester in great distress by the rebels. clothes, for otherwise could they not bring it to incorporate together: their daintiest flesh was their own horses, and those slain were distributed aswell to the poor as rich; for which their loyalty and most faithful service King Edward did both highly esteem them, and richly reward them by confirmation of the City's Charters, enlarging the liberties, augmenting the re●eneweses and giving unto the Citizens King Edward's gift unto Excester. the manor of Exilond, as the signet of his love for their service to the Crown, to be had in remembrance of their loyalty for ever. Mean while the Rebels rob the Country, unto whom all things was common that came unto hand. (21) The Rebels thus pestering those parts with their riotous attempts, looked and well hoped that others would have joined to their aid, but therein deceived, they lastly fell to Consultation what was to be done, and in fine concluded for the best policy to article with the King, which how to be set down, bred likewise much trouble and disturbance with their confused cries: for these rude and unexperienced Counsellors made their own The confusions among the rubels. conceived opinions the fundamental matters for redress, some would have this, and other some that; but none would be gainsaid of his will or demand, holding his voice as worthy of hearing in this Court of assembly, as his body an aid to support the Action, so that long it was ere they could light on their own discontents, and longer ere they could agreed what they would have reform, only still constant in variable unconstancy, for some would have no justices, others no Gentlemen, parks must be Pastures, The Clergy for the Pope. and Enclosures must down, the Priests ever pulling the Bell rope to ring the Mass into England, and to towll Cardinal Pool from Rome, and with much ado, lastly to little purpose these Articles were agreed upon, and sent to the King, the Copy Articles of the Rebels. Sacrament of Baptism. whereof was thus. (22) Forasmuch as man, except he be borne of Water and the holy Ghost, cannot enter into the kingdom of God, and forasmuch as the gates of Heaven be not open without this blessed Sacrament of Baptism, therefore we will that our Curates shall minister this Sacrament at all times of need aswell in the week days, as on the holy days. Confirmation. Item, we will have our children confirmed of the Bishops whensoever we shall within the Diocese resort unto them. Consecration of the L●●dss body. Item forasmuch as we constantly believe that after the Priest hath spoken the words of Consecration being at Mass, there celebrating and consecrating the same, there Holinshed. is very really the Body and Blood of our Saviour jesus Christ God and Man, and that no substance of Bread and Wine remaineth after, but the very same Body that was borne of the Virgin Mary, and was given upon the Cross for our Redemption: therefore we will have Mass celebrated as it hath been in times past, without any man communicating with the Priests, forasmuch as many rudely presuming unworthily to receive the same put no difference between the Lord's body and other kind of meal; some saying that it is bread before and after: some saying that it is profitable to no man except he receive it, with many other abused terms. Reservation of the Lord▪ Body consecrated. Holy B●ead and Holy water. Item we will have in our Church's reservation. Item we will have holy bread, and holy water in the remembrance of Christ's precious Body an● Blood. Item we will that our Priests shall sing and say with an audible voice, God's service in the Quire of the Parish Churches, and not God's service to be set forth like a Christmas play. Item for as much as Priests be men dedicated to God, Priests not to be married. for ministering and celebrating the blessed Sacrament, and preaching of God's word, we will that they shall live chaste without marriage, as Saint Paul did, being the elect and chosen vessel of God: saying unto all honest Priests, beyee The six Articles. followers of me●. Item we will that the six Articles which our Sovereign Lord King Henry the eight set forth in his later days, shall be used, and so taken as they were at that time. Item we pray God save King Edward, for we be his both body and goods. (23) To these their Demands the King sent this The King's answer and general pardon. answer, therein pitying their ignorance, and blaming their folly, and therewithal his General pardon, to as many as would desist whiles it was time. First he reproved them, for their presumptions▪ thus contumeliously to rise against their dread Sovereign, to the disturbance of his loyal subjects peace; whose simplicity they had notoriously abused▪ in using his name to draw them into action of Rebellion: and no less likewise in the grounds of The first article answered. their demands. As in their first Article for Baptism, where it was well known the same was admitted as necessity required, or rather commanded by the Book of Common prayer, published by authority of Parliament, and as themselves knew in present The second article answered. practice. But touching the Sacrament in their second Article, how impudently they did bely the true receivers thereof, was manifest, who make so much difference in that holy administration, that they accounted no profit in Common bread, besides the nourishment of their natural Bodies: but this blessed bread to be the food of their souls unto eternal The third article answered. life. And as you are seduced in these (saith the admonition) so in confirmation also they carry your simplicities captive, for the truth teacheth no otherwise then themselves believe, namely, that a Child baptised, and dying before confirmation is nevertheless in state of Grace, else are themselves causers of their children's damnation: so the service of God Their other objections answered. brought from an unknown tongue, cannot surely offend any reasonable man, which is only to make him understand that, which before he knew not, and to give his consent to those prayers, whereof he hath most need, and giveth the nearest touch to his own feeling conscience▪ for God requireth the heart only which with an understanding service, we must sacrifice unto him. But most of all (saith this good King) we marvel at your demand, for the six Articles restored, Answer to the six articles. to have them in power as formerly hath been. Do you know what you ask, or in obtaining do you know what you get? They were laws indeed lately made, but quickly repent; too cruel for you, and too merciless for us; who would have our Reign written with milk, and not with blood, and because they were bloody, we took them King Edward's laws written in mi●ke and not in blood. away, with the same authority, by which they were made; lest retaining them, our sword should be too often drawn, and rigour extended upon our true and well-deserving subjects. We for our parts seek no longer to live, then to be a father unto our people, and as God hath made us your rightful King, so hath he commanded you unto obedience: by whose great Majesty we swear, you shall feel the power Spoken like a King. of the same God in our sword; which how mighty it is, no subject knoweth: how puissant it is no private man can judge, and how mortal no English heart can think: therefore embrace our mercy while it is offered, lest the blood spilled by your means cry vengeance from the Earth, and be heard in the ears of the Lord in Heaven. (24) All this notwithstanding, the Rebels persisted in their traitorous attempts: against whose seditions Sir john russel Lord Privy Seal, was appointed Forces sent against the rebels. General of the King's Army▪ unto whose assistance was joined the Lord Grey of Wilton, under whom served a band of Italians intended against Scotland, these lay at Bristol attending the coming of the Lord General: who now was marched Westward John Hooker in description of Excester. to Honiton, where daily looking for more supply, those which he had, began to shrink away, whereby the Rebels were emboldened to make towards him, and came as far as Fenington-bridge within The rebels make toward the Lord general. three Miles of Honiton, and in a fair Meadow there spread their Colours. The Lord russel though weak in comparison of them, holding it more honour to assail then to be assaulted, made forward even unto the Bridge: at whose sight the Enemies prepared themselves to fight, and with a strong guard maintained the Bridge, besides which there was passage over the River, that held his course betwixt the two Armies. The valiant attempt of the Lord russel. (25) Great were the attempts the Lord Lieutenant gave, and manful was the resistance that the Rebel made, yet lastly the way was won, and followed unto the battle of the disloyals: where presently began a most cruel fight, and a while was maintained to the loss of their blood, but the false hearts failing, and the true subjects courage increasing, the Cornish immediately gave back and fled, whereat the King's soldiers out of Order fell to the The rebels put to flight. spoil, minding nothing less than that which presently ensued, for the Cornishmen perceiving their disordered carriage, suddenly returned, and began a new fight, when the Lord russel likewise ordered a new his Army: these furiously joining▪ a sharp The rebels return and maintain the fight. and cruel encounter ensued, with the loss of much blood, and the lives of three hundred Rebels, who lastly took to their keels and left the field: the chase a while followed, and the soldiers scattered, a fearful cry suddenly arose, that all the Commons And again put to flight. were up, which caused the Lord General to return unto Honiton: whether shortly came the Lord Grey of Wilton, having in pay Spiniola an Italian Captain with three hundred shot. (26) The Lord Russels forces augmented, his greatest care was to relieve the City Excester, whither upon the third of August he hasted from Honiton being a thousand strong; and passing over the Downs toward Woodbury, lodged his Camp that night near to the Windmill▪ whereof the Rebels having intelligence, raised themselves from Saint Mary Clift, and made amain unto the Downs▪ thinking to surprise the Lord General before he The Rebels again overthrown. was ready; but he as vigilant as they were forward, encountered them again in battle, and again gave them the overthrow with the loss of the most of their lives, the rest escaping by flight, got unto the Town of Saint Mary Clift. M. Fox. in Act. and Mon. (27) The news whereof bruited, and the Papal side bruised by these three overthrows, the Commons in whole troops resorted to their aid, and to make all sure on their side (by the presence and The Crucifix brought in a cart into the field. help of their consecrated God) they brought into the field the Crucifix under a Canopy, which in stead of an Altar was set in a cart, accompanied with Crosses, and Candlesticks, Banners, Holy-Bread, and holy-water, both to drive away Devils, and to dull their enemy's swords; which notwithstanding they did not, neither could they deliver themselves in the day of destruction; for the The Rebels again overthrown. Town being fired, and the Armies met upon Clift heath, a most cruel and bloody battle was fought, wherein was slain the whole rout of the Rebels, & all these trinkets cast in the dirt. (28) The chief Captains were taken and sent The Captains of the Rebels executed. unto London, who were H●mfrey Arundel, Winsland, Holmes and Bury, who there paid the law with the loss of their lives. Many others were executed The Mayor of Bodmin hanged. without judgement, only by marshal Law, as was Boier Mayor of Bodmin in Cornwall, unto whom Sir Anthony Kingston, Provost Martial sent word he would visit him at dinner▪ but before he was set down, commanded the Mayor to 'cause a pair of Gallows to be set up; & the Table taken away, he willed the said Mayor to acompany him to the place, & there presently commanded Boier his Host to the halter, and saw him hanged before he departed. (29) At the same time, and near the same place dwelled a Miller, who had been a busy doer in the Rebellion, but he knowing the danger, willed his man to take the name of the master, if any inquired after him; whereupon the said Sir Anthony came to the mill, and calling for the master, the man in his name presented himself, who straight commanded A Miller's man hanged for his master. him unto the Gallows, the s●ruant then seeing the danger of death, confessed he was not the master, but the man: well, said the Knight▪ thou canst never do thy master better service then to hung for him, and thereupon trussed him up in the next tree. (30) As these things were in acting in the West▪ so other Commotions arose in other parts of the Commotions for Enclosures. Land, though broached under another pretence▪ namely the laying open of enclosures, which the king by Proclamation had commanded to be done, but many offenders bearing themselves out with greatness, slackened the execution, and the poorer presuming upon the King's pleasure, began to execute his commission themselves, and those in many places at once, as in Kent, Essex, Somerset, Buckingham, Northampton and Lincoln shires they did. A. D. 1549. Commotions in Norfolk. (31) But most dangerous was that in Norfolk, whose Inhabitants following the examples of the rest, held out much longer▪ and in more violent manner. Their first attempt was at Atilborough against Gr●●●. one Green that had taken away part of their commons, next at Wimo●ham, where by the instigation of john Flowerdew they cast down the fences of john Flowerdew and Robert Ket the cau●e●ss of the commotions. Enclosures, belonging to Robert Ket a Tanner in the same Town; who to be even with Flowerdew brought them to Hetherset, and set them on work to pull down both hedge and ditch of his pasture grounds enclosed: to which work he gave such Ket made Captain of the Commotion. desperate encouragements, that these unrulies presently chose him for their ringleader, who with them passed to Bowthrope, laying all level where they came. (32) Their number increasing, and doings outrageous, Sir Edmund Wind●m Knight, at that time high Sheriff of the Shire, made proclamation among them in the King's name to departed, which if they did not forthwith, he pronounced them Traitors, but Sir Edmund Wind●m in danger. had not his Horse been the swifter, he had been either taken or slain, thereupon their terror began to be fearful, & themselves to be furnished with weapons, Armour, and Artillery, daily brought them in abundance by the By-dwellers, besides store of victuals to maintain their Campe. (33) But now considering what dangers were open, if dispersedly scattered they should attend their bad work, they held it best policy to draw to one place: and to fortify themselves together with further strength; whereupon with full resolution, Monshold was thought fittest near unto Mount Surrey, Monshold the place of the rendezvous. a place built by these Earls of that County, and upon S. Leonards hill which hangeth over Norwich, they unkennelled themselves; besides these of Monshold, a lesser rabble of them lay at Rising-chase near Linne, which were roused thence by the Gentlemen of those parts: who first from Watton, then from Thetford, and next from Brandon▪ were forced to their litter at Monshold. (34) Their parts were rigorous, or rather inhuman even to their well-willers, for it is a known The inhumanities' of the Commotioners. truth, that Sir Roger Woodhouse in kind courtesy bringing them two Carts laden with Beer▪ and another with victuals▪ was recompensed with the loss of all his Horses, his own apparel, and his body tugged, and torn, cast into a ditch, whom lastly with others was imprisoned by them in the house of Mount Surrey, and yet would they seem very Religious, having one Coniers for their Chaplain, who devoutly said service unto them both morning and evening. (35) To these, the lewdly disposed of Suffolk assembled, as also the scum and dregss out of Norwich, Supplies of the commo●ionerss. adding still fuel to their own smoky flames by firing of Beacons, ringing of Bells▪ and what not, to set all in an uproar: some true and faithful subjects they violently led away, and made them of their counsel, namely Thomas Cod, Maior of Norwich, Robert Watson Preacher, and Thomas Alderiche Gentleman, Sergeant & Catlyn, Sergeant Gaudy, whom Many good subjects forced to attend upon the Rebels. they kept fettered, and compelled them to be attendant upon Kette; who now took upon him to be the King's Deputy, and to give out warrants in his majesties name, by virtue of which many of Worship and credit were fetched from their dwellings▪ brought before him, and violently cast into prison: their Rabble increased to the number of sixteen thousand men. (36) And that the show of justice and piety was only the mark whereat these lawless leveled, they ordained a tribunal seat in an old tree, whose Canopy The tree of Reformation. was the Cope of Heaven: In this sat the Tanner as Chancellor or chief judge, accompanied with his Counsellors, assisted by two chosen men out of every hundred among them, hither assembled the complaints of the Camp, and hence had they commission to fetch out of Ships both Ordinance, powder and shot, and out of gentlemen's houses all abileaments of war: and here such Rascals as had exceeded their commission had judgement of imprisonment, so that this tree was termed, the Oak of Reformation, whence likewise sometimes Sermons were delivered to the people▪ and once by the reverent Doctor Parker, which had almost cost him his life. The Kings pardon contemned. (37) To these the Kings general Pardon was publicly pronounced by an Herald at Arms, but so far off from embracing, as the Rebels from the height of the hill, shot at the City, which doing little harm, they removed their Ordinance to the Norwich won by the Rebels. lower ground, and thence began to batter the walls, and without great resistance entered the town, where they become Masters of all the munitions, and imprisoned the Mayor, and many other Citizens. (38) These times thus troublesome, the King sought to quiet, and to that end sent the L. William Parr, Marquis of Northampton, with fifteen hundred Aide sent unto Norwich. horsemen unto Norwich, accompanied with the Lords Sheffeild, and Wentworth, besides many Knights; who at his first coming thither, summoned the City to yield; the Magistrates whereof as willingly obeyed, and repairing to his Standard, yielded up their City's sword unto him; declaring themselves true Subjects to the King, though some Lord marquess enters Norwich. of the base sort had favoured Kets doing, and with them immediately the Lord marquess entered the City, which the same night was assaulted by the Rebels, whom he manfully resisted, and slew three hundred of their riotous rout. (39) The next day following these bloodhounds unkennelled by troops, and entering the City by the The L. Sheiffeild slain. Hospital, began a most cruell-fight, wherein the Lord Sheffield by the fall of his horse into a ditch was butcherly slain by a Butcher, as he sought to recover himself, and the rebels now fleshed with this their fortunate chance, followed the chase with such The L. marquess forced out of Norwich. slaughter and cry, that they forced the Lord marquess to forsake the City, and therein took Sir Thomas Cornwallis prisoner, whom they straightly kept in durance till their last overthrow. Norwich they ransacked and set on fire, whose ashes as yet fill up their ruins, and more had been made, had not God quenched these flames by showers from Heaven. (40) The Lord marquess returned, and the Rebels holding Norwich, it was more than time to look to the main chance; and therefore those forces that were gathered to invade others, were now The Lord Dudley made general against the Rebels of Norfolk. thought the fittest to secure ourselves, over whom was appointed the Lord john Dudley, the warlike Earl of Warwick: he coming to Cambridge prepared for the enemy, whither resorted the foresaid Lord marquess, the Lords Willoughby, Powes, and Gray, his sons Ambrose and Robert, with many of the Norfolk men, and the twenty three of August showed himself upon the plain before Norwich, whence to save the effusion of blood, he sent Norrey and a Trumpet to summon the City, and to offer a general pardon; which being again refused, he caused his Ordinance to be planted against S. Stevens gate, and his Pioners to break open the brazen gate, whereat many made entry, and divers were slain. (41) S. Stevens gate forced open by Canon shot, the Earl of Warwick entered the City, and with The Earl entereth the City Norwich, and executeth 60. rebel● by marshal law. small resistance came into the Market place, where threescore Rebels were incontinently executed by marshal law. But the Earl's carriages passing through the City, were surprised and taken by the enemy, wherein was great store of powder and shot, which with triumph they conveyed to their Camp, and took it a sign of further success, their want consisting most in those provisions, whereupon they manned the streets of that City, and slew very many of the King's friends; but the showers of arrows and shot from the kings Subjects so reigned amongst them, that they were forced back to take shelter in Monshold their hole of refuge. Alexander Nevil. (42) The Earl of Warwick thus mastering the City, shut all the Gates, them only excepted that gave way toward Monshold, and those he planted with his great Artillery. The Rebels perceiving what he went about, suddenly made down towards the Gate, and with great courage and confused cries, fell with such violence upon their attendants, that they gave back and fled, leaving their The great Ordinance won by the Rebels. Ordinance to the will of the Rebels, who presently disposed them amongst their own, so that the Earl stopped likewise those passages, and employed all his endeavour to defend the City, which notwithstanding he could not, the Rebels making incursions over the river from their well stored Camp: and setting the streets in many places on fire, whose attempts so continued and prospered to evil, as some despairing of any good, counseled the Earl to be go. But so far was he from such stain of honour, that drawing forth his own sword, commanded The noble resolution of the Earl of Warwick. other to do the like, and with an interchangeable kiss confirmed the resolution of his bold courage, a Custom indeed used in greatest danger of war. And thereupon determining another way to work, sought to stop the passage from all convoy of victual; which the Rebels perceiving, set fire on their Cabins, and with ensigns displayed, entrenched themselves at the foot of the Hill, in the valley called Dussin-dale, partly upon vain Prophecies pronounced among them by certain wizards, who gave forth that Hob, Dic, and Hic, (meaning the The vain prophesy of the Rebels. Rustics) with their Clubs should fill up the valley of Dussin-Dale with the bodies of the dead. (43) The next day being the seven and twentieth of August, the Lord General prepared for fight, having newly received a supply of fourteen hundred Lances. But before that Mars should try The L. General offered the rebels a general pardon his strength by sword, he sent unto them a General pardon for all things that were passed, which when they had again utterly rejected, he ranged his battles for fight▪ The Rebels likewise, set themselves in order, where in the fore-ranke all the Gentlemen whom they had taken Prisoners, were placed and coupled in Irons for starting away, so that their dangers were doubled, and themselves exposed to death aswell by their friends, as by their enemies. (44) But before the charge could be given, one Miles a most skilful Gunner amongst them made The King's Standard struck. shot at the King's Standard, and struck the Bearer thereof in the thigh, and his horse through the shoulder, which so moved the Earl that he caused a whole volley of Artillery to be discharged against them, when Captain Drury with his own band and the Almains, thrust sore upon them, and opened their Battle, whereby most of the Captive-gentlemen escaped away, upon which brunt the Earls light horsemen came so valiantly on, that the Rebels The Rebels discomfited and many slain. gave back and fled: and with the foremost Robert Ket their Captain, upon a swift horse galloped away, the Chase continued three miles and more, with the slaughter of three thousand and five hundred rebels. (45) Their battle thus broken, and the most part fled: those notwithstanding that kept about the Ordinance, determined to die like men, and enclosing themselves among the Carts and Carriages, had the advantage of a Trench and certain stakes stuck against the horsemen, whereby they stood more resolutely at defence. The Noble Earl pitying The compassion of the L. General. their case, and loathe to lose so many brave men, sent Norrey King at Arms unto them, with proffer of pardon if they would lay down Arms, and return to obedience, otherwise they well saw, there was no way but death: Their answer was, that they were free borne English men, who disdained all ignominious death, whereunto they said, they were appointed, and barrels of ropes brought into the field (as they were informed) to strangle them, so that if they must needs die, they chose the manly deaths of Soldiers, not trusting the sugared promises for surprise, and then to be trussed up like dogs. The noble act and love of the L. General. (46) Their answer returned, and compassion still working in the Lord General's breast, even when he had set his whole Army against them both of horse and foot; and the sign of battle ready to have been given, he sent to them once more, to know if they would believe and embrace their pardon, if he came in person to declare it to them himself; whereunto they answered, that they knew him to be honourable, and would from his mouth most thankfully receive it: thereupon he repaired unto them, and causing again their pardon to be read, The Rebels yield and receive the king's pardon. confirmed the same with such effectual words, as they all cast away their weapons, and with one voice cried, God save King Edward. (47) The day following, Ket the Captain of Robert Ket apprehended. this sedition, crept into a Barn of one M. Riches of Swanington, was by two of his servants apprehended, & with 20. horsemen conveyed to Norwich, where 9 of the chiefest Rebels had judgement of death, and were all of them hanged upon the Oak of Reformation▪ The oak of Reformation is made the ●ree of Reformation indeed. which not till then, had the true note of that name. Ket with his brother William were brought unto London, and thence back again into Norfolk, where William Ket the younger was hanged upon the high Steeple of Windmondham, and Robert Ket Ket and his brother executed. the Arch-rebel in chains upon the Castle of Norwich, whose Citizens annually solemnised the day of their delivery with no less joy, than the jews did Ester 9 17. when they had escaped the sword of wicked Haman. A. D. 1549. The Northerns move rebellion. (48) These hazards set in the South, West, and East, the North likewise among them would come in for a cast, as forwardly and able to undergo rebellion, Religion ever made the cause of Commotion. and their zeal as hot as any others, the occasion conceived, was▪ the Papal Religion abolished by Law, whose tottering top they meant to make steady by main strength of Arms, notwithstanding the very foundations were so shrewdly undermined. The place where this canker began was Seimer in the North-riding in Yorkshire spreading itself further into the East-riding also, & the first broachers of this giddy heady wine, were Wil Ombler. Th. Dale. persons no better than William Ombler a Yeoman, Thomas Dale a Parish Clerk, and one Steevenson the Post, employed to blanche forth these businesses betwixt them. (49) Their pretences were fair, as to restore the Church her right, and to disburden the land of all grievances imposed, this string ever sounding, that the Pope was the Man, that King Edward was an Intruder, if not a mere heretic, that the Church had the power of both the swords, which now upon Upon a blind prophesy the Northern Commotioners rely. a blind prophesy they presupposed should be drawn against the King & his Nobles, whose times (as they believed) should be no more, but that the land should be ruled by four governors, when the Commons should meet in a Parliament assembled from the four winds, which they interpreted from the four Coasts of England, whereof themselves now made the last. (50) First therefore to raise men, and to bring all into confusion, they fired their Beacons, whence the sparks of sedition were carried a main; for the The idle and rude ever the fittest to broach mischief. rudest always unwilling to labour, and the fittest fuel to break into flame, flocked together on heaps, each one having a Commonwealth in his head, and all of them disliking the reformation of religion that the King had commanded: Among these, the most seditious had ever a voice which drew consent to forward the Action, and especially to bear down the rich, whereof they made their Raph. Holinsh. Cbr. first assay upon White a Gentleman, Savage a Merchant, Clopton and Berry, whom they cruelly murdered, and dispoiling them of their apparel left their naked bodies on the Would before Seimer, thence passing forward from Town to Town, took many away that were unwilling to go, and all to fulfil their perfidious prophesy. (51) Their number now increased unto three The kings pardon dissolveth the Commotion. thousand, the Country began to grow in great fear, especially the Gentlemen, and the richer sort, seeing their lives and substance thus thirsted for and sought after: but presently down came the kings pardon with proffers of life, which so willingly was Ombler & others executed. embraced, that Ombler & Dale were quite forsaken, & almost left alone, who with Wright, peacock, Weatherell, and Buttery were worthily executed at York Exact is i●dicii, etc. upon the one and twenty of September following. (52) As the Commons by these tumultuous rebellions greatly disquieted the peace of the land, so the chiefest Lords did disturb the Court of the young King, where the greatest Counsellors through emulation and disdain, banded each against others, Emulationa among the privy Councillors. without respect of themselves, or regard of their Sovereign; whereof the King's uncles, the Protector and Admiral are noted for the first, and with The Protector and his brother the Admiral at▪ odds. the first paid their offences with their lives: they both were the brethren of Queen jane the King's mother deceased, the elder Lord Edward Duke of Somerset was Protector of his Person, Realms and Dominions. And Thomas Lord Seamer Baron of Sudley the younger, high Admiral of England, both worthy persons, had they known their own worths: for so long stood they in safety of life and true honour as the bounds of brotherhood and nature stood unviolated betwixt them, but that once broken, their lives lay open to dishonour and death. (53) The younger brother Lord Thomas had married Queen Katherine Parr, the last of the many wives of King Henry the eight, who undoubtedly bore himself no meaner by that match, neither she the state or name of a Dowager Queen: though Strife betwixt women caused the deaths of their husbands. of herself a woman complete with singular humility. And the Duchess of Somerset matched with the greatest Peer in the Land, held her State equal to her husband's degree: and for place and precedency, as report hath divulged, the lamentable tragedy of these two great Brethren began; which now in acting brought upon the Stage at once their own destructions, the lands rebellions, and the The hurt of dissensions. griefs of the good young King▪ into a fatal and unrecoverable sickness, whereof lastly followed his death. (54) So subtle is the old Serpent, and so ready ever to sow tars among wheat, that he disturbed religions proceed with all these calamities almost at one time; first, setting matters of discord betwixt M. Fox in Acts & Mon. them, by scandalising tongues, than jealousies of suspicions spiced with envy; and lastly hatred unto Lord Thomas Seimer attainted and beheaded. death. Insomuch that the Protector suffered his brother to be accused and condemned in Parliament of high Treason (whether true or false God only knoweth) and under his own hand writing, committed his head to the axe: whereby one of the 3 K. Edward. L. Protector. H. Admiral. Eccles. 4. 12. twisted cords of England's strength was cut asunder by that fatal and unhappy stroke, and his own now made lose in the Cable, proved too weak by far to hold fast the Anchor, whereby the shipwreck of his own life was shortly made. The L. Admiral's indictment. (55) The Lord Admiral's indictment was, that he had purposed to destroy the young King, and to translate the Crown unto himself, as standeth recorded in Statute made the third of this kings Ex Statu. Record. Reign, for which the twenty of March he suffered death upon the Tower-hill; which as many supposed that it was the Duchess of Sommersets doings; so the wiser sort feared, it would be the ruin of her husband the Duke, the experiment whereof had often been approved, and indeed was too fatally linked as it chanced in these two brethren. (56) For the Admiral being made away by order of law, the giddy Commons without either order, or law, rose up in their Insurrections as hath been said: And the Lords returned from their suppressions, began forthwith to envy and article against the Protector, which they published by Proclamation against him, wherein he was accused, 1. of evil government: 2. the loss of the king's Peers Articles against the L. Protector. in France: 3. to be ambitious in his buildings, 4. regardless of the Counsellors: 5. a sour of sedition amongst the Nobles: 6. dangerous to the King: 7. a scandalizer of the Council, 8. and lastly, that he was no less than a Traitor. Against whom they desired the aid of the Londoners to take from him the King; to all which seventeen Counsellors subscribe their names. (57) These Statists in consultation daily at London, and the Protector residing still with the King, intercourse of letters were interchangeably both sent Letters from both parties w●t unto the Londoners. and received, whereof two, from either part one, and even at one instant were sent unto the Lord Maior and Citizens of London, requiring their aid in these their opposite quarrels, and surely in their assembly the talk of the Lords by the Recorder was so well told, as had not a grave * George Stradlon. Citizen stepped up betimes, the common Council had granted aid against their King, whose wisdom and loyalty, in regard myself a Citizen, would have it recorded to his everlasting memory, and an example and motive for our obedient love and duty toward our Sovereigns, I will insert as I found them uttered and spoken. George Stradlon his Oration. (58) In this case (said he) good it is to think on things past, to avoid the danger of things to come; for I remember a story written by Fabian in his Chronicles of the wars betwixt the King and his Barons, who even then as our Lords do now, demanded aid of the Mayor and Commons of London, against their Soveraingne King Henry the third, and that in a cause rightful, and good for the Commonweal, which was the execution of certain wholesome laws, somewhat derogating from his princely prerogative, which he would not permit. The aid was granted, and quarrel came unto battle, wherein the Lords prevailed, and took the King and his son prisoners. But they again restored to liberty, among other conditions this was one, that the King should not only grant his free pardon to the Lords, but also unto the Citizens of London; which was done, yea and the same confirmed by Parliament. But what followed? was it forgotten? no surely, nor never forgiven during the King's life: for the liberties of the City were taken away, strangers appointed to be our heads and Governors, the Citizens given away both body and goods, and from one persecution to another, were most miserably afflicted: such it is to enter the wrath of a Prince, which (as Solomon saith) is death: Wherefore, forasmuch as this aid is required of the King's Majesty, whose voice (being our high Shepherd) we aught to obey, rather than to harken to the Lords, whom nevertheless I wish not to be utterly cast off; my counsel is, that they with us, and we with them, become humble Petitioners unto his Highness, that it would please him to hear such complaints against the Lord Protector, as may be justly alleged and proved, and I doubt not but this matter will be so pacified, that neither shall the King, nor yet the Lords have cause to seek for further aid, neither we to offend any of them both. (59) These words well weighed, and the Council dissolved, five hundred Londoners were prepared in a readiness: for Sir Philip Hobby being sent from the Lords to the King, so delivered their minds, that the Lord Protector was commanded out of presence, john Stow and the next day being the twelfth of October, the Lords of the Council resorted to Windsor, where they so wrought with the King, as his uncle was delivered into their hands, whom the same night they imprisoned in Beauchamps Tower in the same castle, and the next day strongly attended, brought him to London, whence the streets were guarded only by householders, the Aldermen taking the charge of the business, and so to the great grief and wondering of The L. Protector committed to the Tower. the people he was conveyed to the Tower, and there left. (60) Wither shortly after the Lords themselves M. Fox in Acts & M●●. repaired, and charged the Protector with these 20. Articles as followeth. Articles drawn against the Lord Protector. 1 That at his entry into that weighty office, he was expressly prohibited to do any thing in State without the assent of the last King's Executors. 2 That he had contrariwise upon his own authority both subverted laws, and stayed justice, as well by letters, as commandment. 3 That he had delivered divers persons arrested, and committed to prison for felony, manslaughter, murder and treason, contrary to the laws and statutes of the Realm. 4 That he had made Captains and Lieutenants over weighty affairs under his own Seal and Writing. 5 That he had alone communicated with foreign Ambassadors about most weighty State affairs. 6 That he had checked divers of the King's Privy Council, speaking for the good of the State, yea and threatened to displace them if they consented not to his mind. 7 That he had against law erected a Court of Requests in his own house, whither were enforced divers of the King's Subjects to answer for their Freeholds. 8 That he had for money disposed Offices in the kings gift, money, leases, and Wards, and given presentations of Benefices, and bishoprics, yea and meddled with sale of the kings lands, which by office he could not, without consent of the mayor voice of the Council. 9 That he had commanded multiplication by alchumistry to the abuse of the King's coin. 10 That against the King and Counsels will, he had set forth a Proclamation against enclosures, which had caused dangerous insurrections in the land, wherein divers of the King's liege Subjects have been spoiled, and many a worthy man therein slain. 11 That to the same end he had given commission with Articles annexed concerning enclosures of Commons, high ways, and decayed Cottages, giving the Commissioners authority to hear and determine the same causes, contrary to the laws and statutes of the Realm. 12 That he had suffered Rebels and traitors to assemble, and lie in Camp and Armour, against the King, his Nobles, & Gentlemen, without any speedy suppressing of them. 13 That by his gifts in money, with promises of Fees, rewards and services, he had encouraged many of the said rebels. 14 That in favour of them contrary to law he had caused a Proclamation to be made, that none of the said Rebels, or Traitors should be sued, or vexed for any of their offences committed in the said Rebellion. 15 That he had liked well of these rebellions, and had said that the covetousness of the Gentry gave the occasion, affirming that it was better for the Commons to die, then to perish for lack of living. 16 That he had reported the Lords of the Parliament were loathe to reform themselves for the reformation of Enclosures, and therefore the people had good cause to reform the things themselves. 17 That upon the report of the defaults and lacks of Boulogne nothing was there amended. 18 That the Forts of Newhaven and Blackness standing in want of men and victual, whereof he was informed, were suffered notwithstanding still to want, to the great encouragement of the French, and dishonour of the English. 19 That he had untruly published, that the Lords at London minded to destroy the King, which he instantly desired he would never forget, and to that end instigated many young Lords, whereby sedition and discord was made among the Nobles. 20 Lastly, that whereas the Lords assembled at London, only to consult upon a charitable communication to be had with the Protector for his misgovernment of the King and Realm, he contrariwise sent letters of credence to many places and persons, that the said Lords were no less than high Traitors to the King, and great disturbers of the whole realm. The Protector released from the Tower. All these accusations notwithstanding (the young King so labouring it) he was released from the Tower the sixt of February following unto his free liberty, though not unto his former authority, and so remained untouched for the space of two years and two days. (61) Whilst these his and other troubles were commencing in England, the Lord Grey of Wilton left Lieutenant of the North, remained in Scotland, where many feats of war were undergone, and many Forts fortified, and some taken, such were Lowd●n, Hadington, and Yester, at whose assault certain opprobrious speeches in most contemptuous manner were uttered by a Scotish man against King Edward of England, whereat the Lord Grey was so offended, Ulpian Fulwell. as upon composition for the delivery of the Castle, A combat fought between two Scottishmen before the Lord Grey. all were let go with life, only that person excepted, and his name known to be Newton, was appointed to die for the same; but he denying the words, imposed them upon one Hamilton, a man valorous enough, and wrongfully touched, who denied the accusation, and challenged Newton the combat, which he accepted, and in performance slew Hamilton, though more at disadvantage then for lack either of courage or strength: The victor was rewarded with a great chain of gold, and the gown that the Lord Grey ware at the present, though many maligned and accused him still to be the utterer of those base words. The English forced out of Scotland. (62) The English keeping foot still in Scotland, burnt Dawketh and Muskelburgh, and fortified Hadington both with munition and men, spoiling the Country, saith Bishop Lesly, all about Edinburgh, Lowthian and Mers: repairing of Forts, and placing of Garrisons, as if they meant there to remain and abide: but their young Queen being conveyed into France, and the Scots aided with the assistance of the French, so quit themselves, that they voided their land of the English, and recovered of them all they had lost. In which times of variable success, the King but a child, the Nobles at variances, and the combustuous Commons obedient to neither, the French sought to recover the holds that the English had in their Country, and first by stealth meant to surprise the fortress of Bulloignberg, unto which enterprise seven thousand were chosen, under the conduct of Monsieur Chatillon. (63) These secretly marching in the night with The French intent to surprise Bulloigneberge. ladders and furniture meet for the enterprise, approached within a quarter of a mile unto Bullingberg fort, amongst whom was an English Soldier discharged out of their pay, for that he had taken a French woman to wife. This Carter for so was his name got entertainment under Chatillon, and now understanding The good service of Carter an English soldier. whereabout they went, hastily made from his Company, and gave the Alarm to his Countrymen within the Fort; where Sir Nicholas Arnalt Captain of the piece, caused him to be drawn up betwixt two pikes to the height of the wall, unto whom he declared the attempt in hand, & among them stood so valiantly in defence of the fort, that he gave many a wound, and received some himself: A great slaughter of the French. by him and this means the Piece was quit from surprisal, and the slaughter of the French so great that fifteen Wagons went laden away with dead Corpse. (64) This loss sustained, and the English masters in those parts of their Main, the French sought to try fortune for their Isles in the Seas, namely Garnesey The French assault the Isles of Garnesey and jersie. and jersey, possessed and subject to King Edward's Crown, their preparations were great, and their Martialists many; which notwithstanding with such loss were beaten back from their banks, as a thousand men at Arms were slain in the attempt, & the success so unfortunate, as the French for fear of further discouragement forbade the report, and made an inhibition, not to mention the expedition of that journey. (65) Nevertheless the French King ceased not Bolloigne upon composition delivered to the French. his desired purposes, till he had got by surrender Hambletowne, Blackness, Bulloignberg, and the town of Boulogne itself, though bought at a dear rate, and delivered with great grief to the English; unto such a lamentable state, and dishonourable composition was the good King Edward brought, by the bandings of his great Counsellors, and insurrections john Cai●●. of his unruly Commons; after which calamities a great and mortal disease followed, namely the sweeting sickness, that raged extremely through the land, wherein died the two sons of Charles A. D. 1550. Brandon, both of them Dukes of Suffolk, besides an The sweeting sickness. infinite number of men in their best strengths, which followed only Englishmen in foreign Country, no other people infected therewith, whereby they were both feared and shunned in all places where they came. (66) And to fill up the dolours of these doleful times, the good Duke of Somerset was again apprehended, even when the lest suspicion was of any A feigned reconcilement. undirect workings: for upon his first releasement, to link a firm love betwixt him and the potent Earl of Warwick, his most malignant; a marriage was contracted betwixt the Lord Lisle his eldest son & heir, and the Lady the Earl's eldest daughter, which was solemnised with great joy at Sheen, in presence of the young King; this amity was outwardly john Stow. carried with all fair shows for a time, though inward hatred lay secretly hid, as by the sequel incontinently appeared: for after a solemn creation of many Estates, wherein the Earl of Warwick had his style raised to be Duke of Northnmberland, unto whose rays at that time most of the Courtiers cast their eyes: the sparks of emulation began presently to break forth; where the simplicity of the one gave advantage to the other, to compass that which long had been sought▪ The Duke of Somerset privily armed. (67) The Duke of Somerset not well advised, and yielding too much unto Sycophant flatteries, was put in fear of some sudden attempt intended against him, and therefore counseled to wear under his garment a coat of defence, which he accordingly did, and being so armed came unto the Council Table, supposing no man had known of any such thing; but his bosom being opened and the Armour perceived, he was forth with apprehended, as intending the death of some Counsellor, Rich. Grafton. and by Northumberland so vehemently taxed (who in Counsel was ever the principal man) that he The Duke of Somerset sent to the Tower. was forthwith attached, and sent to the Tower, upon the sixteenth of October with the Lord Grey of Wilton, Sir Michael Stanhop, Sir Thomas Arundel, Sir Stow. A. D. 1551. Ralph Vane, and Sir Miles Partridge, and the next day the Duchess his wife was likewise committed; all of them for suspicion of treason and felony; and he standing so indicted upon the * Stow saith the first. second of December following, was arraigned at Westminster, attended with the Axe of the Tower, Bills, Halberds, and Pole-axes a great number. The Duke of Sommersets indictment. (68) His indictment was for treason and felony, and the same urged unto extremity, with many amplifications, and bitter invectives, especially that he had sought and pretended the deaths of the Duke of Northumberland, the Lord marquess, and * Of Winchester William Herbert. Pembronke: where after many mild answers to these matters objected, he put himself to be tried by his Peers, who acquitted him of treason, but found The Duke condemned of felony. the indictment of felony: when presently the Axe was commanded away, whereat the shout of the people showed the great affection that was borne to the Duke: little mistrusting that the sentence of death was pronounced against him, or that the king's uncle should die as a felon; neither did the Statute intent any such thing as some are of opinion, but rather was purposely made for the suppression of rebellions, and unlawful assemblies, wherein such as should seek or procure the death of any Counsellor should be guilty as in case of felony. But such was the pleasure of the all ordering power, that he which knew no theft should die for that sin; so that neither himself, nor his wisest Counsellors demanded the benefit of his Clergy which would have saved his life if it had been required. (69) His sentence thus pronounced, he was again sent back to the Tower, wherein he kept a very Rich. Graf. john Stow. Holinsh. sad Christmas, yea and that in the Court, inclined to little mirth, the King lamenting the condemnation of his uncle, had not some witty disports broke off his passions, which how, and by whom they proceeded, let others report, and us continued the Tragedy of this Duke; who upon the two & twenty of February following being Friday was brought to the Scaffold upon Tower-hill, by eight in the morning, where turning himself towards the East, he spoke to the people, as followeth. (70) dearly beloved friends, I am brought hither The Duke of Sommersets speech at his death. to suffer death, albeit I never offended against the King, neither in word nor deed, and have always been as faithful and true unto this Realm, as any man hath been: but forsomuch as I am by law condemned to die, I do acknowledge myself as well as others to be subject thereunto: wherefore to testify mine obedience which I own to the laws, I am come hither to suffer death, whereunto I willingly offer myself with most hearty thanks unto God, that hath given me this time of repentance, who might through sudden death have taken away my life, that I neither should have acknowledged him nor myself. (71) These words uttered, besides others exhortatory, A great fear without any cause. that the people would continued constant in the Gospel, suddenly was heard a great noise, whereby the assembly was struck into great fear, some thinking that a storm or tempest descended from above, some supposed that the barrels of Gunpowder in the armory had taken fire, & were all blown up into the Air, others thought that they heard a noise of horses prepared to battle, some again affirmed confidently that it did thunder, and others thought verily it was an earthquake, and that the ground moved: unto such confusion and terror Joh. Stow in annal. were they presently brought, which (saith Stow) was none other, but that certain men from the Hamlets warned with weapon to guard the Tower-hill, came thither somewhat after the hour appointed, whose foremost seeing the Prisoner on the Scaffold, began to run forward themselves, and call to their fellows to come away: which word away sounding as an Echo in the people's ears▪ they thought that rescue had come to the Duke to take him away: and seeing the Billmen to make forward so fast, began themselves to shrink back from the hill, every man seeking to save one, and by this accident and confused cries, this fear among them fell and began: This stir scarce ended, another ensued by the running of the people towards the Scaffold, who seeing Sir Anthony Browne riding thitherward, supposed a The Duke entirely beloved of the Commons. pardon had come from the King, so that a sudden shout arose, a pardon, a pardon, God save the King; by which it only appeared in what love he was had, and how much his life was desired of the Commons. The Duke's second speech upon the Scaffold. (72) The Duke whose mind being altogether prepared for death, was little moved either to hope or fear, and thereupon addressed his second speech to the people, and with no dejected countenance spoke again and said: Beloved friends there is no such matter intended as you vainly hope and believe: It seemeth thus good to the Almighty, unto whose ordinance it is meet that we all be obedient, wherefore I pray you be quiet and without tumult, for I am quiet, and let us so join in prayer unto the Lord for the preservation of our Noble King, unto whose Majesty I wish continual health, with all felicity and abundance of prosperous success. Moreover, I wish to his Counsellors the grace and favour of God, whereby they may rule all things uprightly with justice, unto whom I exhort you all in the Lord, to show yourselves obedient, the which is also very necessary for you under pain of condemnation, and also most profitable for the preservation of the King's Majesty. And thereupon ask every man forgiveness, freely forgave every man against him, and desiring the people to be quiet, jest the flesh should be troubled, though his spirit was willing, he meekly laid down his head to the Axe, and received at one stroke his rest by death. Duke of Somerset soon missed, and sore lamented. (73) Howsoever this Duke's cause was balanced by law, and him taken away that stood betwixt some and their Sun; yet was his death heavily digested by the people, that spoke very bitterly against the Duke of Northumberland; but most especially the young King sore mourned, and soon miss the life of his Protector thus unexpectedly taken away, who now deprived of both his uncles, howsoever the times were passed with pastimes, plays and shows, to drive away dumps, yet ever the remembrances of them sat so near unto his heart, that lastly he fell sick of a Cough, which grievously increasing King Edward●alleth ●alleth sick. ended with a consumption of the lungs. Rich. Grafton. (74) His sickness continuing with great doubt of his life, upon purpose saith Grafton to altar the succession of the Crown, three marriages were in one day solemnised, whereof the first was betwixt the Lord Guildford Dudley, fourth son to the Duke of Northumberland, and the Lady jane, eldest daughter Three marriages intended to revert the succession. of Henry Duke of Suffolk: the second was betwixt the Lord Herbert, son and heir to William Earl of Pembroke, and the Lady Katherine the younger daughter of the said Duke of Suffolk, and the third was between Henry L. Hastings, son and heir of Frances Earl of Huntingdon, and Katherine the youngest daughter of the Duke of Northumberland, which tending (saith he) to the disherison of the rightful heirs, they proved nothing prosperous, for two of them were presently made frustrate, the one by death, and the other by divorce. (75) The policy established, and languishing sickness of the King gave way unto such, as sought the eversion of the State, & alienation of the Crown: In whose eye no head was seen fit for that fair Diadem, than was Guilford's Bride, jane the elder daughter Lady jane made successor by sick King Edward. of Suffolk▪ whose mother Lady Francis then living, was the daughter of Mary the French Queen, the younger sister to King Henry the eight, unto whom King Edward overwrought in his weakness, ordained his Crown by Will, at the suggestions of such Politics, as meant to disherit the two lawful Princes, Mary and Elizabeth, and to impugn the Statute, in case provided for the succession of K. Vide Stat. in An. 35. de R. H. 8. M. Fox. in Act. & Mon. Henry the eight his children: unto which Will (OH grief to hear) subscribed all the King's Council, most of the Nobility, the reverend Bishops, and all the judges of the land, one only excepted, even Sir james halls knight, a justice of the common Pleas, Sir James halls refused to subscribe to K. Edward's Will. upright in judgement, & a favourer of the Gospel, he, I say, never would writ or consent to the disheriting of the Lady Mary. (76) The King thus accomplishing what his Statists had wrought, lay languishing in his faintness: the end wherefore could not be expected but only by death, and now being worn almost to nothing (his last breath drawing to the limits of Nature) he lift up his eyes with a prepared heart, and prayed as followeth. K. Edward's prayer. Lord God deliver me out of this miserable and wretched life, and take me among thy Choose: howbeit not my will but thy will be done; Lord I commit my spirit to thee: OH Lord thou knowest how happy it were for me to be with thee: yet for thy chosen sake, if it be thy will sand, me life and health that I may truly serve thee: OH my Lord bless thy people and save thine inheritance: OH Lord God save thy chosen people of England: OH my Lord God defend this Realm from Papistry, and maintain thy true religion, that I and my people may praise thy holy name for thy son jesus Christ's sake. So turning his face, and seeing some by him said, I thought you had not been so nigh: yes, said Doctor Owen, we heard you speak to yourself; then said the King, I was praying to God: OH I am faint, Lord have mercy upon me, and receive my spirit: and in so saying, gave up the Ghost, to the great loss of England, in whom they had conceived most hopes. (77) His virtues were rare and many, exceeding The virtues of King Edward. most Princess, and vices so few, that none can be taxed with less; very learned (according to his years) The report of Hieronymus Cardanu●, ex F●x. he was in the Latin and Greek tongues, the French, Spanish, and Italian, yea (and saith Hieronymus Cardanus) he was adorned with the skill of Logic, natural Philosophy, and Music, and for Astronomy (saith he) myself had experience, whom he learnedly opposed of the cause and course of Comets: for Humanity, he is the very Image of Morality, and in princely grave His learning. Majesty best beseeming a King: briefly, he may well seem to be a miracle in Nature: nor do I speak thus Rhetorically to amplify things, or to make them more than truth is, for the truth is more than I do utter: and in this he was most admirable, that he could tell and recite His Memory. all the Ports, Havens, and Creeks, not within his own Realm only, but also in Scotland, and likewise in France, what coming in there was, how the tide served in every of them, what burden of Ship, and what wind best served the coming in into them. His Care. (78) Of all his Nobles, Gentry, justices, and Magistrates, he took special name of their Hospitality, and religious conversations, and that which is best accepted of a Prince, he was very liberal, loving▪ merciful▪ meek and gentles towards his people, and so far from blood, as he ever favoured and spared as much as might His Mercy. be the life of man, yea even of Rebels, as we have seen; neither was he willing to put Heretics to death, as in a certain dissertation had once with M. Cheek it appeared: insomuch that when joan Butcher should be burned for her heresy, all the Council could not move him to set his hand to the warrant of her execution, until D. Cranmer his Godfather, Archbishop of Canterbury laboured to induce him, unto whom he said, what my Lord? will you have me to sand her quick to hell, and taking the pen used this speech: I will lay all the charge hereof upon Cranmer before God. Then how his hand had been gotten for his uncles death is to be admired. (79) But his constancy unto Christ's Gospel, with the abandoning of all superstition, was very K. Edward's zeal to Christ's Gospel. admirable, one example among many we will not let to declare. Lady Marry his sister through the suit of Charles the Emperor, made great means to have Mass said in her house, and that to be done withoutall prejudice of law: the greatness of her Person being the immediate successor, and the might of the Emperor in amity with England, moved the Council to give their consent to the suit; to forward which Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury accompanied with Ridley Bishop of London were employed from them to the King, who hearing their message, gave the replication so grounded upon Scripture, as they gave over to urge more that way: but like Politicians alleged the danger in breach of amity with the Emperor, to which the King answered, he would rather adventure the hazard of his own life then to grant that which was not agreeable to the truth. The Bishops yet urged him with the bonds of nature, and submissively said, they would have no nay: the King seeing himself so importunated, burst into weeping, and sobbingly desired them to be content, whereat the tears so abundantly burst from their eyes, as they departed his presence not able to speak. And for a further testimony of this young King's zeal, read if you please a letter sent unto his sister the Princess Lady Mary, out of the original. (80) Right dear, and right entirely beloved sister we greet you well, and let you know that it grieveth us much K. Edward's letter to Lady Mary. to perceive no amendment in you of that, which we for good cause, your soul's health, our conscience, and common tranquillity of our Realm have so long desired; assuring you, that our sufferance hath more demonstration of natural love then contentation of our conscience, and foresight of our safety. Wherefore, although you give us occasion as much almost as in you is, to diminish our natural love; yet be we loathe to feel it decay, and mean not to be so careless of you as we be provoked. And therefore meaning your weal, and therewith joining a care not to be found guilty in our own conscience to God, having cause to require forgiveness that we have so long for respect ●f love towards you omitted our bound● duty we do sand at this present our right trusty, & right well-beloved Counsellor the L. Rich, our Chancellor of England, our trusty and right well beloved Counsellor Sir Anthony Wingfield Knight, controller of our Household, and Sir Will▪ Peter Knight, one of our two principal Secretaries in message to you touching the order of your house, willing you to give them firm credit in those things they shall say to you from us, & do there in our name. Yeoven under our Signet at the Castle of Windsor, the of in the fift year of our Reign, 1556. (81) The fruits of which Religion this godly King showed by his works of compassion towards the poor, & that especially upon the foundation of Christ's Hospital, the late suppressed place of the Grey Friars in London, and that upon occasion as followeth. It chanced the reverend Bishop Doctor Ridley D. Ridleies sermon before King Edward. to preach before his Majesty at Westminster, wherein he Christianlike exhorted the rich to be merciful unto the poor, and to that end amplified the words of the Text against the merciless rich, and the negligence of such as were in great place. The Sermon ended, and the King set to dinner, he sent to the Bishop, commanding him not to departed the Court, before he knew his further pleasure, and thereupon causing two Chairs to be set in the Gallery, all others avoided, he compelled the Bishop to sit down by his side, and in no wise would admit him to be uncovered. (82) Where entering conference, he first gave him hearty thanks for his Sermon, repeating unto him The conference betwixt the King and Bishop Ridley. the chief points thereof, and coming to his exhortation for the poor, he then told him that he thought himself first touched in the speech; for said he, my Lord you speak to them in authority, whereof under God I am the chief, and must first make answer to him if I be negligent, and therefore I think you principally meant me: God's commandment I know most expressly inioineth us to have compassion of his poor members, for whom we must make account; and truly my Lord I am most willing to travel that way, not doubting but that your long approved learning and wisdom▪ whose zeal is such as wisheth them help; but that also you had conference with others what is best herein to be done, which I am also desirous to know, and therefore I pray say freely your mind. (83) The mover unto these pious considerations little looking for such questions of the Prince, sat a while silent, ouerioyed at his words, and lastly unprepared of any present instructions, told the King that the Citizens of London were best able to direct the plot, whose great Charity, and well ordered government, besides their daily charges, being overburdened with poor, had sufficient experience, and if it would please his Majesty to direct his letters unto them himself, he would be very ready to further this godly resolution so far as his means might any wise extend: whereupon the King presently commanded his letters to be writ, and would not K. Edward's great care for the poor suffer the Bishop to departed before himself had thereto set his hand and signet, desiring him to deliver the same to the Lord Maior, and with him to confer about this business, which he wished might be accomplished with all expedition. (84) The Bishop as ready as the King was desirous, posted apace to the Lord Mayor of London, King Edward's letter delivered to the L. Maior. where delivering the letter, offered his assistance to forward the work, and they together with some Aldermen, and twenty four Commoners agreed upon three degrees of the poor, and them divided again into nine. (85) The Book thus drawn, and presented to the King, he thereupon desired to be accounted the chief Founder of their relief, and forthwith gave unto the City S. Bartholomew's Hospital by Smithfield, The King's great liberality for the poo●e in London. and the Greyfriars Church near adjoining, The King's great liberality for the poor in London. with all the revenues belonging thereto; his princely house of Bridewell, anciently the Mansion of many English Kings, wherein also their Courts of justice had been kept, & sumptuously new built by King Henry the eight for the receipt of the Emperor, he gave to the L. Maior and Citizens to be a house of correction for lewd and dissolute livers, and to set on work the idle and loitering vegabonds, whose maintenance with the new re-edified Hospital of S. Thomas in Southwark, he gave seven hundred Marks by year out of the rents of the Hospital of Saint john Baptist or Savoy, with all the beds, bedding, and other furniture thereto belonging, whereby the poor thus distinguished, were by his godly furtherance thus provided for. THE Poor by impotency, Fatherless Children Aged, Blind, Lame Diseased persons, Christ's hospital S. Thom. Hospital Poor by casualty, Wounded Sonldiers, Decayed householders, Visited & sick people, S. Thom. Hospital. Christ's hospital Poor thriftless, Riotous spenders, Vagabond loiterers, Idle Strumpets. Bridewell. Regi. 7. june 6. (86) The kings charitable gifts confirmed by Charter, and a Petition exhibited for liberty to take in Mortmain of lands to a yearly value without further licence, a place being left in the Patent to contain the sum, King Edward presently called for pen and ink, and with his own hand filled up the space with these words, four thousand Marks by year: which done, he burst forth and said; Lord God I yield thee most hearty thanks, that thou hast given me life thus long to finish this work to the glory of thy name. (87) Now as this godly King was careful in redeeming the time, so likewise to take as it were an account of himself, he kept a journal book or Record written with his own hand, how all things proceeded with him, and with the State, even from the first day of his reign unto his death: whose many virtues as they were inferior to none of his worthy Progenitors, and zeal little short to the best Kings of judah; so was he soon missed of all his loyal Subjects, when the bosom of God's Saints were opened to the persecutors swords. (89) He died at Greenwich upon Thursday the sixt day of july, the year of Christ jesus, one thousand five hundred fifty three, and the seventeenth of his age, when he had reigned six years five months, and nine days, and was buried upon the ninth of August following, in the Chapel of S. Peter's Church at Westminster, near unto his Grandfather King Henry the seventh. Q. Marry. Monarch 60 MARRY QUEEN OF ENGLAND, FRANCE AND IRELAND, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, etc. THE SIXTIETH MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH, HER REIGN, MARRIAGE, ACTS, AND DEATH. CHAPTER XXIII. PHILIPUS ET MARIA D G REX ET REGINA ANGL▪ HISPANIARUS FRANCE VTRIVSQUS SICILY JERUSALEM ET HIB▪ FIDEI DEF●SOR▪ ✚ ARCHIDUCES AUSTRIE DUCES BURGUNDY MEDIOLANI ET BRABANCIE COMITES HASPURGI FLANDRIE ET TIROLIS PHILIP. ET. MAR●A. D. G. R. ANG▪ FR. NEAP. PR. HISP. 15 54. 4 SIL. ▪ POSVIMUS. DEUM. ADIUTOREM. NOSTRUM. KING EDWARD'S life ended by his lingering disease, and the Statesmen intending to establish his will; for the space of two Consultation for the disposing of the Crown. days his death was kept secret, and much consultation among the Nobility had of the business; all of them affecting the election of jane, jest Mary should undo what Edward had done; to support which purpose, many projects were cast, and many opinions given how to London the surest stay in time of trouble. proceed, yet all jointly light in this point, that London was the hand which must reach jane the Crown: whose Citizens assistance if they might be got, the greatest difficulty (as they held it) was half undergone. And therefore to mould them for jane, and to mar them for Mary, the Council sent for the L. Maior of London, fix Aldermen, and twelve Commoners Merchants. (2) These coming to the Court, were secretly certified of King Edward his death, where his Will declared, and Letters Patents showed for the disinheriting of his two sisters, and the raising of Suffolk's daughter unto the Crown; whose religion was so zealous, and virtues so many (as in truth no Princess was possessed with more) were so well set forth The Lord Maior and Citizens sworn to Lady jane. by these grave Counsellors, that the Lord Maior and Citizens took their oaths for Lady jane, unto whose obedience they promised to secure the City. (3) Lady Marie at Hovesdon hearing these news, presently removed to her Manor of Keningall in Norfolk: from whence she wrote her letters unto Lady Marie writeth to the Lord. the Lords of the Council, wherein she marveleth that her brother's death should so long be kept fro● her: that she being the Princess next in blood, ordained by act of Parliament, and King Henry's Testament to succeed, her right enrolled in the Records, by the authority of her Father and brother, their own knowledge and prescription to her most rightful Titles, yet now in consultation to undo these provisions both against God and natural allegiance; she could not but marvel, and rather would construe for some politic consideration, and take them in the best part, then to possess the lest thought of any disloyalty in them; and therefore willed them upon the receit of her letters to proclaim her Queen, and governor of the Realm, in the City of London, and in other public places, as in such cause appertaineth, with all due observances, as they tendered her displeasure and their own safeties: this letter was signed at the Manor of Keningall under her Signet the ninth of july The Lords answer to Lady Mary's Letter. 1553. (4) Unto which letters the Lords forthwith made answer; first signifying that by good warrant of ancient Laws of the Land, besides the will of their last King, confirmed under his hand and broad Seal, in the presence of the most part of the Nobles, Counsellors, judges and other grave personages, assenting and subscribing to the same, that Lady jane daughter to Henry Duke of Suffolk should be invested and succeed him in the Imperial Crown: unto whom therefore, and unto none other, they must give their loyal subjection, where also they put her in mind of the unlawful marriage and divorce of her mother, her own illegitimation, uncapable of Crown, or rule of Dominions, willing her further to desist from any such claim, and to submit herself unto Queen jane now her Sovereign, so would they hold amity with her, else should she prove grievous unto them and herself, which letters were sent from the Tower of London the ninth of july 1553. and subscribed by the hands of such as follow. Thomas Canterbury Archbishop. Thomas Elie, Chancellor. William Winchester, marquess. john Bedford, Earl. Henry Suffolk Duke. Francis Shrewesbury, Earl. john Northumberland, Duke. William Pembroke, Earl. Thomas Darcie Lord Chamberlain. Cobham. Rich. Huntingdon. Darcie. Cheyney. john Gates. William Peter. William Cecil. john Clerk john Mason. Edward North. Robert Bowes. Marry removed to Framingham Castle. (5) These Letters received, and the Lords minds therein made known, she forthwith removed to Framingham Castle, standing more safe from M. Fox Act. invasion or easy access, unto whom the Suffolk men were the first that resorted, offering their service unto her rightful cause, with condition they The Suffolk men the first that came to aid Mary. might still embrace the Gospel in the same manner as King Edward had established it, to which she condescended, though afterwards wearing the Diadem, and petitioned unto for promise, she both punished the Writer and answered their expectations, that they should one day well know, they being but members should not direct her their Head. jane Proclaimed Queen. (6) The Lords at London to set their enterprise upon foot, by proclamation made known in most A. D. 1553. july 10. parts of the City, the death of King Edward, and that by Will, he had bequeathed his Crown and Dominions, to the virtuous great Princess, Lady jane, daughter to Henry Duke of Suffolk (as we have said) and so was she proclaimed by the name of Queen jane, though many of the Commons wished it had been Queen Mary; and for some words spoken to that purpose, one Gilbert Pot a servant Vintner, upon the Pillory lost both his ears. Unto the aid of Lady Marie came the Earls of Sussex, Grafton. Bath and Oxford the Lord Wentworth, Sir Thomas Cornwallis, Sir Henry jerningham, Sir William Walgrave, Many Noble men come to aid Mary. with divers others of Norfolk and Suffolk; yea and the Citizens of Norwich themselves, having certain knowledge of King Edward's death, forthwith proclaimed Marie for Queen, and presently sent her aid both of men and munition. The Lords then hearing of great preparations, meant by times Marry Proclaimed Queen first in Norwich. julie 12. to overmatch her in power, and thereupon agreed that Henry Duke of Suffolk their new Queen's Father should with an Army repair into Norfolk, which thing was so grievous unto Lody jane his daughter, that with floods of tears she obtained his stay. The Duke of Northumberland assigned Lord Lieutenant for Queen jane. (7) None then was held fit to undergo this great business, than was the Duke of Northumberland, young Gilford's Father, (who besides h●ss sons dignity unto whom this new Queen was wife) his valiant parts and sufficiency to marshal an Army in Field had been often experienced in Scotland, & but lately among these people with whom he was now to deal. The Duke thus appointed, began as it should seem, to mistrust the worst, and thereupon freely uttered his mind to the Lords; willing them to be careful at home, as he would be venturous abroad, for their cause was common, and all for the Queen. He with his (he said) went now to venture their bodies to the bloody strokes of war▪ their Families and Children left to the dispose of others, The fear of the Duke of North●berland. whom as he told them if they meant not fair play, he could not avoid as well as any: thus much and more spoken to the like purpose, one of the Lords replied, and said: Your Grace (as I judge) doth cast this doubt over far, for which of us all, can wash our hands clean of this business, therefore it behoveth us to be resolute, as much as it doth you, and among them Arundel wished that he might go with him. (8) All things in a readiness, and his commission confirmed under the broad Seal of England; upon the 14. of july the Duke with six hundred men, accompanied with the Lord Grey, and others, set forth of London, and took his way through Shoreditch Holinsh. where beholding the countenances of the people, Many press, but none pray for success. he spoke to the Lord Grey and said. The people, my Lord, press still to see us, but not one of them bids us God speed: the same day likewise Sir john Gates went after the Duke, both of them making for New market, whither further supplies were promised to be sent. The Lord Windsor Proclaimed Queen Mary. (9) In the mean time the Lord Windsor, Sir Edmund Peckham, Sir Robert Drury, and Sir Edward Hastings raised the Commons of Buckinghamshire, proclaiming Queen Marie ever as they went, the like did Sir john Williams of Tame, and Sir Leonard Chamberlain in Oxfordshire, and so did Sir Thomas Tresham in the County of Norhampton: these with many more made forward toward Norfolk, unto whom many more joined in the way: and as God and good hap brought it to pass, six tall Ships well manned that were appointed before Yarmouth to have taken Lady Marie if she had fled; were by foul weather dri●en into the Haven, where master Six Ships taken to serve Queen Marie. jermingham was raising for her, and taking a Boat to hall them, the Sea-soldiers demanded what he would have, his answer was their Captains, whereunto the Soldiers consented, threatening to throw them into the Sea, if they refused to serve Queen The Lords in the Tower in great fear. Marie: the Ships thus gotten and their number augmented, their terror grew fearful to the Lords in the Tower: whose Tenants began then likewise to draw back, and deny them their aid: so that john Stow. certain of them would feign have been go, if by any means they could have escaped the Tower, which the Lord Treasurer assayed, but was brought acke again about midnight. (10) The Duke of Northumberland in as great fear as any, took still his stations according to his Commission, sending still to the Lords for their promised supplies, betwixt whom were such posting Fox A●t. & Mon. of letters, such speeding to and fro▪ such outward fair promises, such inward privy practices, such talking of the Soldiers, and such heartburning of the people, as it was a world to see: and the rumonr of Great fears among the people. Soldiers from all quarters daily resorting unto Queen Marie, made the turmoil much the more. To leave therefore nothing unassaied that might support their new made Queen jane, the Council commanded Doctor Ridley Bishop of The Bishop of London defendeth janes' Title in a Sermon. Queen Mary Proclaimed in London. julie 19 London, to maintain her cause in his Sermon made at Paul's Cross, which he did upon Sunday the sixteenth of july, but that neither working, nor the people's affection drawn from the rightful Successor, the Lords fell from the Duke, who then was in Bury; and in London proclaimed Lady Mary Queen. (11) This sudden alteration brought many sudden fears into the Duke's breast, whose only way, as he well saw, was to follow the stream, and now The Duke of Northumberlands Soldiers forsake him. returning to Cambridge his Soldiers began to turn in affection, most of them forsaking his company, a f●w only excepted▪ whose perils were deeply engaged with his, where to show his forwardness for the advancement of Marie, wanting both Trumpet and Herald at hand, himself accompanied with The Duke himself Proclaims Queen Mary. the Mayor, and the marquess of Northampton, in the Market place proclaimed her Queen: which done in token of joy, he threw up his own Cap. And thus the right reverted to whom it belonged, we will now address our stile to her dreadful Reign, wherein the kingdoms story may seem to be writ rather with blood then with ink, and the nursing Isai. 49. 33. mother, (as Queens by the Prophet are termed and called) to forget the natural affection due to her Subjects which in some sort may be compared to the children of her womb. The mild beginnings of Queen Marie. (12) Yet were her beginnings both mild and gentle, pardoning all offenders in case of Lady jane; excepting the Duke of Northumberland, the only doer, and Sir john Gates, Captain of the Guard, who was in Arms against her▪ with some few others that worthily suffered for that offence. The Duke (as is said) laying down weapon▪ and himself Holinshed. proclaiming Queen Mary, was nevertheless arrested with Francis Earl of Huntingdon in the King's College at Cambrige by a Seargeant at Arms, but letters being then sent from the Counsel, that every man should be dismissed without further trouble, the Duke among them was also released. (13) The next morning Henry Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel, came into Cambridge from the Queen, who entering his Chamber, the Duke at his feet fell upon his knees, desiring him for God's love to considier his case, that had done nothing without warrant of him, and the Council; my Lord, said The Duke of Northumberland arrested. Arundel, I am sent hither from the Queen to arrest you, and I, said the Duke, obey your arrest, yet I beseech your Lordship to use mercy towards him whose Acts have been no more than was enjoined by commission, that sooner should you have sought for, said the Earl, and thereupon committed him to guard, and left him to the mercy of the Queen. R. Grafton. The Duke and others conveyed to the Tower. (14) The Duke then with his three sons john, Ambrose and Henry, the Earl of Huntingdon, Sir Andrew Dudley, the two Gates, john and Henry, Sir Thomas Palmer, and Doctor Sands were conveyed towards London, and brought to the Tower, where the Lord Gilford Dudley, and the Lady jane his wife, from the high Title of Sovereignty were made subject to dejected Prisoners miseries. Queen Mary cometh to London. (15) Queen Marie from Framingham repaired towards London, being all the way saluted without any mislikes, saving that many men feared the altering of Religion: at her entrance into the Tower were released Thomas Duke of Norfolk, who had Prisoners released the Tower. lain there from the last of King Henry the eight, Edward Lord Courtney whom she forthwith advanced Earl of Devonshire, Cuthbert Tunstall Bishop of Durham, and Stephen Gardiner late Bishop of Winchester, by her then made Lord Chancellor of England, From the Marshal-sea was freed Edmund Bonner Bishop Fox Acts and Monuments. of London, and now again restored by the deposing of Doctor Ridley, who for his Sermon lately made, was committed to the Tower; so likewise Doctor Scorie gave place unto day, in the Bishopric Bishops removed and others in their See● placed. of Chichester, Miles Coverdale unto Wesie, in the Bishopric of Excester, and john Hooper unto Heath, in the Bishopric of Worcester; who forthwith was committed to the Fleet, and Archbishop Cranmer, into the Tower; so roughly she began with the reformed Clergy, (how mild soever her other proceed were) in whose disgrace▪ Doctor Bourne A Dagger thrown at D. Bourne. August. 13. Chaplain to Bonner, made a Sermon at Paul's Cross which so offended his Hearers▪ that a Dagger was thrown at him, to his great danger, and such threats muttered by the people, as had not Master Bradford stepped up in his room, and persuaded the people Paul's Cross guarded in the time of the Sermon. unto quietness, surely it had cost the Preacher his life: which caused the Cross the next Sabath to be guarded by the Queen's Guard, whilst the Preacher spoke there to the people. (16) This moved Queen Marie to put forth a Proclamation against those Preachers, and printed books; which any wise pointed towards the disgrace of the Papal See, the teinture whereof had stuck in her own breast ever since her infancy; and so much was she devoted to that of Rome, as being often moved by King Edward▪ her brother, to embrace the Gospel according to Laws in his time established, with promise of her advancement, by matching her in Marriage with Don Lewis the brother Reported in a Letter of conference with her had by the Lord Chancellor and Secretary Peter. of Portugal, her answer was, she had rather to forego all earthly preferments, and to lose all her Lands, and other livings, then to change her received opinion of her sure settled Religion. (17) Her entrance thus standing, and State nothing safe (as she thought) whilst the Duke of Northumberland (a Protestant) and other his Complices (for the most p●●t in durance) were alive, their arraignment were hastened, and deaths not long after lingered, which they suffered upon the Scaffold The Duke of Northumberland beheaded. August 22. on Tower-hill, where the Duke having promise of life, if he would recant his profession, Dastard-like with Peter, forsook his master, and exhorted the people to the Romish profession: which his Sir john Gates beheaded. death Sermon afterwards by authority, came forth in Print. With him suffered Sir john Gates, and Sir Thomas Palmer much more constant as appeared by M▪ Fox Acts and Monuments. A. D. 1554. Queen Mary crowned. Tho. Cranmer Cant. Rob. Hol●ate York Holinshed. their speech. (18) The way (saith Master Fox) thus made by blood, Queen Marie passed through London unto Westminster to receive the Crown, which was solemnly set on her Head by Gardiner Bishop of Winchester, for that both the Archbishops were prisoners in the Tower: when a pardon was also published for many offences, which notwithstanding were so followed by them in Commission, as some were fined, some lost their Fees, some cast into Prison, and some deprived of all their estates. (19) The next that felt the calamities of those times, were the Lady jane and the Lord Gilford Dudley The virtues of Lady jane. her Husband, both innocent persons in that which their Fathers had done: She doubtless was Laurence Humf●ey. a Lady of admirable gifts both in learning, religion, and human knowledge, as by her conference with Fecknam, letters to an Apostata, exhortation to her Sister, and prayers by her made in most feeling manner, do evidently appear, and that she was constrained to consent to the things done is manifest by a letter sent to her father a little before her death: wherein, after a holy and dutiful exhortation unto Lady jane in ●er Letter sent to her Father. patience, she useth this Speech. My dear Father (if I may without offence rejoice in mine own missehaps) me seems in this I may accounted myself blessed, that washing my hands with the innocency of my fact, my guiltless blood may cry before the Lord, mercy, mercy, to the innocent. And yet though I must acknowledge, that being constrained, and as you wots well enough, continually assailed, in taking upon me, I seemed to consent, and therein offended the Queen and her Laws: yet do I assuredly trust that this mine offence towards God is much the less, in that being in so royal estate as I was, mine enforced honour never agreed with mine innocent heart. (20) Yet must the Law for so great an offence Lady jane and Lord Guildford condemned. take place, for trial whereof this late titled Queen, and now miserable Lady, was brought into Guildhall Fox Act. and Monuments. in London, where she with the Lord Guildford, Archbishop Cranmer, and the Lord Ambrose Dudley, were arraigned and condemned. But Cranmer (as Fox saith) was acquit of Treason, and stood only in the case of Doctrine, which then was accounted Heresy, and so again were returned to the Tower, for whom great lamentations were made, especially for the good Lady jane, whose state the Queen herself so pitied, as that she had the liberty john Stow. of the Tower to walk in the Queen's Garden, and on the Hill; and surely had not her Father after his first offence fallen into another, she had been (as was thought) pardoned of life. The Duke of Suffolk se●●eth himself against Queen Mary's marriage. (21) His second offence was, that whereas Queen Mary had a purpose to marry with the Spaniard, and to that end embraced the Suit of Philip, the son of Charles the Emperor, many aswell Nobles as others disliked the Match, fearing not only the change of Religion, whereunto many of them stood very well affected, but even of the Lands servitude unto strangers, as was likely to happen, both in the Husband and Issue. To prevent which this Henry Duke of Suffolk but lately pardoned of holinsh. life, secretly departed unto Leicester and Warwicke-shires, making Proclamations for the abandoning of Strangers, and instigated the People to withstand the Queen's marriage agreed upon with Philip. (22) These stirs thus abroach, the Earl of Huntingdon was sent into those parts, who taking Coventree (which City Suffolk thought himself sure of) forelaid the Country in such wise, as the Duke for his best refuge committed himself to the Fox in Acts and Monuments. trust and secret keeping of a servant of his, called Underwood, remaining in Asheley Park, who against the trust reposed treacherously betrayed him, and his Henry Duke of Suffolk and his brethren apprehended. brother john Lord Grey, unto the Earl; whence presently by him they were conveyed Prisoners unto the Tower of London, their other brother Lord Thomas escaping in the dead of the night, was presently apprehended in the borders of Wales, and from thence was brought Prisoner to London. (23) This (I say) seemed to hasten the death of those innocents, whom their Fathers had doubly brought into danger, for the Statists of those times, The Lord Guildford beheaded. Rich. Graf. knowing their Queen could have no quiet whilst these great opposites were reared against her, held it best policy to take them away, whereupon the twelfth of February and first day of the week, Lord Guildford Dudley was had to the Scaffold upon Tower Hill, and there with prayers and great pennancie ended his life: whose body all bloody laid in a Cart together with the Head wrapped in a cloth was brought into the Chapel within the Tower, even in the sight of this sorrowful Lady, a spectacle more deadly than was the Axe of her death. And now Lady ja●e beheaded. her own part next to be acted, the Stage of her Tragedy was raised upon the green, within the Tower, wherein being mounted with a cheerful countenance, and a patiented mind, these words with great constancy she spoke at that present. The speech of Lady jane at her death. (24) Good people, I am come to die, and by Law I am condemned to the same, my offence against the Queen's Highness was only in consent to the devise of others, which now is deemed Treason: yet it was never of my seeking, but by counsel of those who should seem to have further understanding of things than I, which knew little▪ of the Law, and much less of Titles to the Crown. But touching the procurement and desire thereof by me, or on my behalf, I do wash my hands in innocency thereof before God, and the face of you all this day: And therewith she wrung her hands wherein she had a Book. I pray you all good Christian people (said she) to bear me witness that I die a true Christian woman, and that I look to be saved by none other means but only by the mercy of God, in the blood of his only son jesus Christ, and I confess that when I did know the word of God, I neglected the same, and loved myself and the world, and therefore this plague and punishment is justly and worthily happened upon me for my sins, and yet I thank God of his goodness, that he hath given me a time and respite to repent. And now good people while I am alive, I pray you assist me with your prayers. (25) Then kneeled she down, and said in English the fifty one Psalm: and again standing up, gave her book to Master Bridges, than Lieutenant of the Tower: then untying her Gown, the executioner offered to help, whom she desired to forbear, and so turning to her two Gentlewomen was disrobed of that, and her other Attires. This done, the Headsman kneeled down and asked her forgiveness, unto whom she said, the Lord forgive thee, and I do; and I pray thee dispatch me quickly, and kneeling again, said will you take it off before I lie down? he answered, no Madam. Then she tied a Handkerchief over her eyes, and feeling for the block said, where is it, where is it? lastly laying her Neck upon the same stretched forth her body and said, Lord jesus into thy hands I commend my spirit; which was scarcely uttered before she received the fatal stroke of the Axe: and thus ended the life of this chaste, innocent, and most virtuous Lady: whose case through the severity of the Law adjudged accordingly, yet was her death much lamented of all, but most especially grievous unto him that gave the sentence of the same, even judge Morgan, who thereupon presently fell mad, and in his rave continually cried, take away the Lady jane from me, and in that horror shortly ended his life. Master Fox in Acts and Mon. pag. 2132. I will not avouch that she was with child at the day of her death, though it was so reported, but rather judge a more Christianlike proceeding against so great a person, though the time (as we well know) proved very bloody. Henry Duke of Suffolk and L▪ Thomas Grey beheaded. (26) Eleven days after her death, her Father Henry Duke of Suffolk, was executed upon the Tower hill, even the twenty three of February where he most Christianly made profession of his Faith, and with great repentance of his fact received the stroke of death; and the three and twenty of April following, his brother the Lord Thomas Grey suffered death in the same place. (27) That the intended marriage with Philip of Spain, was the cause of their last insurrection we have said; to persuade which, how eloquently soever had been delivered by Stephen Gardiner, Lord Chancellor, unto the Nobility in the Chamber of Presence, setting forth the honour, the riches, and Queen Mary's marriage distastive to many of t●e Nobles. augmentation of Titles to the Crown, and Kingdom of England: yet was it distastive to most of their stomachs, in so much that combinations were made against the process, and many in many places up in Arms: whereof Sir Thomas Wyatt of Kent, was the first, and that upon this occasion. Sir Thomas Wyat's story. (28) Among many dislikers of the Queen's marriage it chanced, one, for some other offence, to be committed to the Fleet by the Council, who being an inward acquaintance of Wyates, was supposed by him to have revealed the conspiracy; whereupon An. D. 1553. january 25. he put himself in action▪ before the enterprise was altogether ripe, and accompanied with Thomas Isleie, and others, at Maidstone in Kent, published a W●●t cometh to Rochester. Proclamation against the Queen's marriage, alleging the thraldo me whereunto the Land would become subject▪ by that Spanish match, and from Maidstone accompanied with Sir George Harper hasted to Rochester, where they forthwith broke down the Bridge. (29) In the meanwhile Sir Henry Isleie, Anthony and William Knevet, brethren, in East, and West Kent, persuaded the people (who were willing enough) to take part with Wyatt, for at Milton, Christopher Roper, in making Proclamation for the Queen, assisted by Master Tuck and Dorrell, both justices of Peace, were all three taken and conveyed unto Rochester, and there retained Prisoners by Sir Thomas Wyatt, whereupon Sir Robert Southwell high Sheriff of Kent, with the Lord Aburgavenny and others, upon the market day at Malling in a penned Oration exhorted the hearers from such seditious enterprises. janu. 27. On the other side Sir Henry Isleie at Tunbridge, proclaimed the said Lord, the Sheriff and their adhe Kent divided in faction. rents, Traitors to God and the Crown. Thus was Kent divided, and preparations made to maintain the faction, according as the Gentlemen stood diversly affected. (30) The Lord of Aburgavenny with the Sheriff, and others, hearing that Sir Henry Isleie, and the two Knevets, conductors of five hundred Welshmen, meant their March unto Rochester, to join with Wyatt The Duke of Norfolk general for the Queen. against the Duke of Norfolk, who was then come to Gravesend with five hundred Londoners in the quarrel of the Queen, to intercept that design early the next morning, they marched with many Kentish yeomen unto Barrow-greene, a place that lay directly in their passage to Rochester, where ordering their men stayed the approach of the Enemy: who seeing themselves thus forelaid, turned secretly aside into another by-way, and gotten unto Wrotham-hill supposing they had been quit of all danger, displayed their Ensigns. The seditious put to flight. (31) The Queen's friends thus defeated, were in a marvelous rage, & hasting forward overtook Sir Henry, & the two Knevets before they could ascend the height of the Hill, where presently began a most hot skirmish, many wounds given, & many Prisoners taken, till lastly the seditious were scattered, and fled; Sir Henry Isleie into Hampshire, and others into other parts, a few escaping to join with their Consorts. (32) The beginning thus unfortunate, made many to misdoubt of the end, among whom Sir George Harper got from Wyatt, and submitted himself to the Duke of Norfolk, who with Sir Henry jerningham Captain of the guard, Sir Edward Bray, Sir john Fog and others, upon Monday the twenty seven of january, came unto Stroud near Rochester, Treachery in the Queens Campe. and there being busied in planting of his Ordinance, was certainly told that the Londoners meant to betray him: whereat sore astonished and turning about, he saw Captain Bret, and the band of white Coats at his back, crying, we are all Englishmen, we are all Englishmen: which sudden conspiracy caused the Duke and the Captain of the Guard, to shifted for themselves, and left their unfaithful followers, to the dispose of their own affections unto Wyatt; among whom Sir George Harper lately received of Rich. Grafton. the Duke, lightly turned again unto Wyat. This Duke (saith Grafton) being an aged man, and fortunate before in all his wars, upon this distasture impressed such dolour of mind, that for very grief thereof he lived not long after. (33) Wyatt, and his associates greatly encouraged by this new supply, with eight brass Pieces taken of the Queens, besides other of their own, marched Job. Stow. Tuesday the 30. of januarie. the next morning unto Cowling Castle, where the Lord Cobham then lay, and bending these Ordinance against the Gate, broke it open with their shot, and Wyatt assaileth Cowling Castle. made entrance for their men. The Lord Cobham right valiantly resisted their doings, and bestowed freely such small munition as he had, against their breasts, even with his own hands: in which enterprise two of his men were slain, and Wyatt after some talk had with the said Lord departed unto Gravesend, where he with his men were lodged that night. Two privy Counsellors sent unto Wyat. (34) The next day he came unto Dartford, whither resorted Sir Edward Hastings Master of the Horse, and Sir Thomas Cornwallis Knights, both of them being privy Counsellors to the Queen. Their coming signified. Sir Thomas Wyatt with certain Gentlemen went forth to meet them, Wyatt somewhat marching before the rest with a partisan Sir Edward Hastings message to Wyat. holinsh. in his hand, at whose approach Sir Edward Hastings alighted, and spoke unto him as followeth. (35) The Queen's Majesty requireth to understand the true cause, wherefore you have gathered in Arms her liege people against her, which is the part of a Traitor, and yet in your Proclamations you call yourself a true Subject, both which cannot stand together. I am no Traitor (quoth Sir Thomas Wyat's answer. Wyatt) and the cause why I have assembled the people, is to defend the Realm from danger of being overrun by Strangers, which must needs follow, if the marriage take place. Why said the Counsellors, there is no stranger yet come, either for power or number whom you need to suspect, therefore if that thing only be the quarrel, will you that dislike the marriage, come to communication touching the cause, and the Queen is content you shall be heard. To that I yield said Sir Thomas Wyatt; but for my further surety, I will rather be trusted then trust, and thereupon demanded (as some have written saith Hollinshed) the Custody of the Tower and her Grace within it, as also the displacing of some Counsellors about her, and to place other in their Rooms: To which the Master of the Horse replied: Wyatt, before thou shalt have thy traitorous demand granted, thou shalt die and twenty thousand with thee, February 1 and so these Agents departed to the Court, and Wyatt forthwith came unto Deepeford by Greenwich. (36) At whose approach so near London, such fears were possessed, that besides those in the Court (who instigated the Queen to remove into the Great fears among the people. Tower) the Lord Maior, Aldermen, and most of the Citizens were in Armour, and the Sergeants and Lawyers at Westminster Hall pleaded their causes in Harness, at which time it was no need to bid the Spanish Ambassadors be go, who no more standing to woe for their master, made away by water as fast as they could: and yet some comfort was conceived by the certain news of the discomfiture of the Carews and Gibs, that were making head in the West wholly defeated, and fled: which was proclaimed in London upon▪ Candlemas Eve: upon the day of that The seditious in Cornwall discomfited. feast Queen Mary to make the City sure on her side, came unto the guildhall, accompanied with many Courtiers, whither likewise were assembled the Lord Maior, the Aldermen, and the chief Citizens in their Liveries: the Queen being placed and all men attending her pleasure, with very good grace, and words well uttered, she spoke in effect as here ensueth. Queen Mary's Oration. (28) In my own person I am come unto you to tell you that, which yourselves already do see and know, I mean the traitorous and seditious number of the Kentish Rebels, that are assembled against us and you. Their pretence (as they say) is to resist a marriage between us ●nd the Prince of Spain, of all their plots, pretended quarrels, and evil contrived Articles, you have been made privy. Since which time, our Council have resorted to the Rebels, demanding the cause of their continued enterprise, by whose answers the marriage is found to be the lest of their quarrel: or rather a cloak to cover their pretenced purposes M. Fox. against our Religion; for, swerving from their former Articles, they now manifestly bewray the inward Treason of their hearts, most arrogantly demanding the possession of our person, the keeping of our Tower, and not only the placing and displacing of our Counsellors: but also to use them and us at their pleasures: what I am loving Subjects, you right well know, your Queen, to whom at my Coronation, when I was wedded to the Realm, and to the Laws of the same (the spousal ring whereof I have on my finger, which never hitherto was, nor hereafter shallbe left off) ye promised your allegiance, and obedience unto me. And that I am the right, and true inheritor to the English Crown, I not only take all Christendom to witness, but also your Acts of parliaments confirming the same. My Father (as you all know) possessed the regal estate by right of inheritance, which now by the same right is descended unto me: to him you always showed yourselves both faithful and loving Subjects, as to your liege Lord and King, and therefore I doubt not but you will show yourselves so to me his daughter; which if you do, then may you not suffer any rebel to usurp the Government of our Person, or interpose our estate, especially so presumptuous a traitor as this Wyatt hath showed himself to be: who most certainly, as he hath abused our ignorant Subjects, to be adherents to his traitorous quarrel; so doth he intent by the colour of the same▪ to subdue the laws to his will, and to give scope to the rascal and forlorn persons, to make general havoc and spoil of your goods. And this I say further unto you in the word of a Prince, I cannot tell how naturally a mother loveth her children, for I was never the mother of any; but certainly if a Prince and Governor may as naturally love the Subjects, as the mother doth her child, then assure yourselves that I being your Sovereign, Lady, and Queen, do as earnestly and tenderly love and favour you. And I thus loving you, cannot but think, that you as heartily & faithfully love me again: & so this love bound together in the knot of concord, we shall be able I doubt not, to give these rebels a short and speedy overthrow. Now as concerning my intended marriage, you shall understand that I entered not into the treaty thereof, without the advice of our privy Council, yea and by assent of those, to whom my father committed his trust, who have so considered the great commodities that may thereof ensue, as they not only have thought it very honourable, but also expedient, both for the Wealth of our Realm, and also of our loving Subjects. But as touching myself (I assure you) I am not so desirous of wedding, neither am so precisely wedded to my will, that either for mine own pleasure I will choose where I lust, or else so amorous, as needs I must have one: for I thank God (to whom be the praise) I have hitherto lived a Virgin, and doubt not but with God's grace to be able to live so still. But if (as my Progenitors have done before,) it might please God that I might leave some fruit of my body to be your Governor, I trust you would not only rejoice thereat, but also I know it would be to your great comfort: and certainly if I either did know or think, that this marriage should either turn to the danger or loss of any of you my loving Subjects, or to the detriment of any part of the royal Estate of this English Realm, I would never consent thereunto, neither would I ever marry whilst I lived. And in the word of a Queen, I promise' and assure you, that if it shall not probably appear before the Nobility and Commons in the high Court of Parliament, that this marriage shallbe for the singular benefit and commodity of the whole Realm, that then I will abstain not only from this marriage, but also from any other. Wherefore good Subjects pluck up your hearts, and like true men stand fast with your lawful Prince against these Rebels, both ours and yours, and fear them not, for (I assure you) I do not: and will leave with you my Lord Howard, and my Lord Treasurer to be Assistant with my Lord Mayor for the safeguard of the City from spoil & sackage, which is the only scope of this rebellious Company. The Earl of Pembroke made Lord General. R. Grafton. (37) The Oration ended, and the Citizens well pleased, Queen Marie with good content returned to the Court, where conferring with her Council, she ordained the Lord William Herbert Earl of Pembroke general of the Field, and gave forth by Proclamation, that whosoever could bring Wyatt either quick or dead, should be rewarded with an hundredth pound Lands by year, to him and his posterity for ever. Stow hath but five Ensigns & two thousand soldiers. (38) Wyatt in Depford, and knowing what was done, with fourteen Ensigns, and four thousand strong, upon Saturday the third of February marched towards London, at whose approach, the white Tower having him in danger shot off her Ordinance, but did miss their mark, some leveling too far over, and some as much too short. His entrance into Wyatt cometh into Southwark. Southwark was peaceable and without all resistance, though many Country men were therein bestowed to withstand his coming, who contrary to trust, joined with the Kentish, and then to win the hearts of the people, he presently made Proclamation that no Soldier should take away any thing without due payment, and the party's consent: notwithstanding Winchester house soon felt the contrary, The rebels spoil Winchester house. whose goods were ransacked, the Books in the Library cut and defaced, and not a lock left upon the doors: such spoils insurrections ever aim at, how fair soever they foil the glass to the sight. (39) The Suburbs thus his; he assured himself the City likewise shortly would be, but coming to the Bridge, he found the Gates fast shut, neither any in haste to open them for him, therefore making a trench at the Bridge-foot, planted two pieces of Wyatt fortifieth Southwark. john Stow. Ordinance against the Gate: At Saint George's Church he mounted another, the fourth at the entrance into Barmondsey street, and the fift towards the Bishop of Winchester's house. (40) Within the City the Lord Maior, and Lord William Howard, caused the draw bridge to be cut down, and making fortifications for their defence, placed great Ordinance against the entrance. Wyatt still thirsting to know the City's intent, got with some few followers through the Porter's lodge unto London fortified against Wyat. the draw bridge, where being unseen himself, saw the passage too difficult to have friendly access, and thereupon said to his consorts, this place is too hot forus. Besides the Tower began to be topped with Ordinance, seven Culuerings and Demie Cannons, leveled against the Bridgefoote, the Steples of Saint Olives, and Saint Mary Oueries▪ all the Stow. White Tower laden with her pieces, three fauconets The Tower fortified against Wyatt. over the water-Gate, and a double Culvering upon Divelling Tower: and all these were turned and fearfully charged upon the Borough of Southwark, which seen, the Inhabitants with great lamentations came unto Wyatt, and complained, that for his cause they were like to be utterly undone; who strucken with pity and remorse of so many, presently removed his Army towards Kingston upon Thames, Febr. 6. being Shrovetuseday. where finding the Bridge broken down, with Ladders and Planks he soon repaired it, and so passing Wyatt passeth the Thames at Kingston. the river the same night, came to Brainford before he was described by the Queen's- Scouts, the news whereof sore troubled the Court. Wyat's hopes were to have surprised the City upon the sudden, and therefore made such haste as he did, but being Richard Grafton. hindered by a Piece of great Ordinance that was dismounted from the carriage, came not unto Knight's bridge before it was day. February 7. The Queen's army in Saint james field. (41) In the same morning the Earl of Pembroke Lord General had taken Saint james Fields, whither Wyatt and his in good order marched, but seeing the way forelaid both with foot and horsemen, turned down the old lane directly towards Saint james, whence Captain Vaughan with two Ensigns took towards Westminster, and Wyatt along the causey leading to Charingcross, the Lord General's Horsemen, hitherto stood hovering aloof, until the enemy was passed, all but the tail, upon which they violently set, and severed from the rest, the main never looking back to relieve their distress. (42) From the higher ground, and along the john Stow. high way the great Ordinance played, and Wyat's again answered the like, though with small hurt to either, only one from the Hill slew three of Wyat's men in a rank, and stracke through the Brickewall into the Park. Wyatt passing forward by the battle of footmen without any impeachement, came to Charingcross, where the Lord Chamberlain and Sir john Gage, stood ready to resist him: but Kentish Soldiers rushing violently into the streets, forced them into the gates of Whitehall which presently were shut, and a report in the Court that the Lord General was revolted to Wyatt, all so distracted that none durst trust others, and no other voice therein Wyatt cometh to Ludgate. heard, but Treason, Treason. Mean while Wyatt with such small company as he had, hasted through Fleetstreet, and came unto Ludgate, where he knocked to have entrance, and well hoped of further assistance, but was far deceived, the gate being guarded against him, with a number of true Citizens and bands of the Queen's friends. (43) But those stragglers that had taken into Westminster, whereof Knevet was Captain, seeking to recover their companions, came before the Court gates, and there made their stand, which being shut against them shot many of their arrows into the Garden, yea and into the windows of Whitehall, though without any hurt: from the Court thus guarded against them, they forthwith departed, meaning to follow Wyatt their Leader into London, and marching forward, were met with at Charingcross, by Sir Henry jerningham, Captain of the Guard, Sir Edward Bray Master of the Ordinance, and Sir Philip Paris Knights, sent thither by order of the Lord General, with a band of Archers, and certain Field pieces to secure the Court, their Artillery discharged, they presently join fight with the The conflict at Charingcross. Rebels at push of the Pike, who a while stuck to it manfully; in which conflict was the trial of the day: but as their quarrel was traitorous, so their hearts were soon quelled, each one saving himself by flight, wherein about twenty of those bemired Soldiers were slain, and no other cry heard, but down with the Daggletailes. (44) Wyatt returned from Ludgate, sat down Wyatt returneth from Ludgate. upon a stall against the common Inn called Belsavage, where he began (as it should seem) to expostulate what his heady rashness had done, and the vain hopes he had conceived of the Citizen's abetments, who seldom took part against the Crown: he then despairing of further success, retired back towards the Court, and was not stayed until he came to Temple-bar, where certain Horsemen coming from the field, met him full in the face, betwixt whom began some bickering, till lastly Clarentius King at Arms came to him and said; Master Wyatt you see the day is go against you; and in resisting you can do no good, but hazard the death of your Soldiers, and yourself, to the great peril of your soul. My counsel is, that you were best to yield, and perchance you may find the Queen merciful, if you stay from further bloodshed. (45) Wyatt hereat somewhat astonished, seeing Wyatt yieldeth himself. now his whole designs defeated (though his few Soldiers were bend still to fight) answered the Herald, Well then, If I must needs yield, I will yield to a Gentleman: to whom Sir Maurice Barkley came presently and bade him mount his Horse behind, in like manner another took up Sir Thomas Cobham, and the third Thomas Knevet, and so carried them unto the Court, whence in the afternoon, they with the two Mantles, and Alexander Bret, were committed to the Tower, Sir Thomas Wyatt wearing a shirt of Male under a velvet Cassock, and the windlass of his Dag hanging about his neck. The next Febr. ●. day eleven Gentlemen more of name and account, were likewise committed to the Tower. In London about fifty persons were hanged for Wyat's conspiracy, and four hundred more led through the City 400 persons pardoned by the Queen. with halters about their necks to Westminster, where in the Tiltyard they were all pardoned by the Queen, pronouncing her mercy from the Gallery above. Holinshed. March ●5. (46) But the Capital offender Sir Thomas Wyatt arraigned at Westminster upon case of high Treason, confessed the indictment and had judgement of Sir Tho. Wyatt beheaded. death accordingly, which he suffered upon the Scaffold on Tower-hill the eleventh of April following; his words to the people were these, Good people I am come hither presently to die, being thereto lawfully and worthily condemned, for I have Wyat's words at his death. sore offended against God and the Queen's Majesty; I trust God hath forgiven me, and will take mercy upon me; I beseech the Queen's majesty also of forgiveness (she hath forgiven you quoth Doctor Weston) let every man beware how he taketh any thing in hand against the higher powers▪ unless God be prosperable to his purpose, it will never take good effect or success, whereof you may now learn by me, and I pray God I may be the last example in this place. But where it is said and noised abroad, that I should accuse the Lady Elizabeth and the Lord Courtney, it is not so, good people▪ For I assure you, neither they, nor any other now yonder in hold was privy to my rising before I began, as I have declared no less to the Queen's Council, and that is most true. Then said Doctor Weston, mark here my masters, he saith that, that which he hath showed to the Council in writing of them, is most true. Whereupon Wyatt put off his Gown, his doublet, and waistcoat, and knitting a kercheife over his eyes with most fervent prayers, received the stroke of the Axe. (47) Alexander Bret, and twenty two Kentish persons besides, were executed in divers parts of that County: others were likewise arraigned for the same Sir Nich. Throckmorton and Sir james Croft arraigned. Conspiracy, as Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, and Sir james Croft, the one quit by his Inquest, the other pardoned of life by the Queen. Many others were suspected as aiders unto Wyatt, and his enterprise, among whom the Lord Courtney, and the Princess Elizabeth, Lady Elizabeth's troubles. sister to the Queen, were not the lest, and therefore both of them committed to the Tower: of which Ladies troubles, innocency, and truth, thus we found related. (48) These Virgin Princes were not so nearly linked in blood and nature, as they were separated asunder in affecting Religion, and that being the prime cause for which these commotions were raised, Queen Mary much suspected her sister to be a principal mover therein. The jealousy whereof, Lady Elizabeth sore sick is sent for. Gardiner of Winchester did further inflame, by blowing Conjectures into her care: so that needs the Princess must be sent for, then lying sick at her Manor of Ashridge, even the next day after that Wyatt rose. The messengers were, Sir john Williams, M. Fox Acts and Monuments. 2288. Sir Edward Hastings, and Sir Thomas Cornwalles, all three Privy Counsellors, with a troup of Horsemen in number two hundred and fifty. (49) These coming to Ashridge at ten in the night, suddenly ascended into her Privy Chamber, and making it known they came from the Queen, had present access into her Bedchamber; where The conference of the 3. Counsellors with Lady Elizabeth. the said Lady lay very sore sick: their first salutations were, that they were sorry to see her in that estate, and I am not glad said she, to see you here at this time of the night; Madame, quoth they, our Message requires haste, and the Queen's pleasure is, that you shall be at London the seventh of this month. No Creature gladder to come to her Majesty than I (said Lady Elizabeth) being right sorry that I am not in case at this time to attend her Grace, as yourselves here see. Indeed (said they) for that we see, we are hearty sorry, but our commission is, that we bring you to London either quick or dead, whereat she being greatly amazed, sorrowfully said, she well hoped their commission was nothing so straight, but they calling for two Doctors of Physic demanded whether she might be removed with life, and that being resolved, bade her prepare against the next morning and so left this innocent Princess very sore perplexed the rest of the night. (50) The next morning approached▪ and she in no better plight, notwithstanding was led forth more like a Prisoner then a Prince, which the people in Lady Elizabeth as a prisoner conveyed to the Court. every place as she passed, did much lament, and strongly guarded, was so conveyed unto the Court, where for fourteen days space, she comfortless continued without sight of friend, the Queen or any Lords, those only excepted that attended the doors, which were the Lord Chamberlain, and Sir john Gage. (51) Upon Friday before Palm Sunday, Gardiner Princes Elizabeth examined of treason. of Winchester, and nine more of the Council, came into her presence, and there charged her both with Wyat's Conspiracy, and the stirs lately made in the West parts by Sir Peter Carew and others, which she most constantly denied: but in conclusion they told her it was the Queen's pleasure, that she should forthwith go to the Tower, the name of which doleful prison struck deep to her heart. I trust (said she) her Majesty will be far more gracious then to commit to that place a true and most innocent woman, that never had offended her in thought, word nor deed. And thereupon instantly desired those Lords to be a mean for her unto the Queen: which some of them promised, and much pitied her case. But about an hour after, came four of these Lords again, namely, Winchester, the Treasurer, the Steward and Sussex: with a charge to discharge her of all attendants, saving only her Gentleman Usher, three Gentlewomen, and two Grooms of her Chamber, the Guard was set to ward in the next rooms; two Lords with bands of men to watch in the Hall, and two hundred Northern white Coats in the Garden, thus all was made sure, and she kept from starting. (52) The next day came unto her two Lords of the Council with commandment from the Queen to have her to the Tower, they roundly told her, her Barge was prepared, and that the tide would tarry for no body: this heavy news increased this distressed Ladies pensiveness, who in most humble wise become Petitioner unto their Lordships, that she might stay until the next tide, which as she well hoped, would prove more comfortable; but the one of them being more forward in his Commission then the other, flatly told her that neither tide nor time should be delayed. Whereupon her Grace desired she might writ to the Queen: he again answered, that he durst not suffer it, neither in his The honourable parts of the Earl of Sussex. judgement was it convenient: but the other more milder (which was the Earl of Sussex) kneeling down told her that her Grace should have liberty to writ her mind: swearing as he was a true man, himself would deliver it into the Queen's hand, and bring her the answer, whatsoever came of it: which honourable permission was then most thankfully taken, and afterward most highly esteemed in her Princely favours towards that honourable man; but in writing this letter or petition to the Queen, the Tide was turned, and served not to shoot the bridge with a Barge; therefore it was privily determined to take the advantage of the next, which with better advisement was again deferred, for that it fell about midnight, whence rose a fear that she might be forcibly taken from them before she came to the Tower: and so with great providence was that danger prevented. (53) The next day being Palm Sunday, served well for their purpose, when as under pretext of Lady Elizabeth carried prisoner unto the Tower. devotion, the Citizens of London were commanded to carry their Palms to the Church, whilst her Barge might be passed by without sight or any suspect. And to that purpose the foresaid two Noble men about nine of the Clock repaired unto her, showing that the time was now come, that her Grace must go to the Tower; to which she answered, the Lords will be done I am contented: seeing it is the Queen's mind: and coming into the Garden to take Barge, she cast her eyes towards every Window, hoping to see some that would pity her case, but that also failing, she sighed and said, I marvel what the Nobility mean to suffer me a Prince to be led into Captivity, the Lord knows whither, for myself do not. (54) Great haste was made to the barge, and as much to get by London unseen: but the tide young and not fully come in, the fall of the water at the Bridge was so great, as the Bargemen themselves feared to pass thereunder, and motioned a stay till the stream were more level, which in no wise would be heard: whereupon they passed the Arch with such danger, as the stern of the boat struck against The severe and hard dealings against the Princes Elizabeth. the ground; and come to the stairs, could not take land without stepping into the water, which this tender, and newly recovered Princess was forced to do, in which passage she uttered these words▪ I speak before thee OH God, having none other friend but thee only; here landeth as true a subject, being prisoner, as ever landed at these stairs; to which the several Lords answered, if it were so, it was the better for her. She come into the gate, a great number of Servants and Warders of the Tower stood to guard her, through whom as she passed, the poor men kneeling down with one voice, desired God to preserve her Grace▪ whereof some were rebuked, and others put from their Ordinary the next day. The constant patience of Lady Elizabeth. (55) Then passing somewhat further both faint and uncomfortable, she rested herself upon a cold stone, to whom M. Bridges the Lieutenant then being said: Madam, you were best to come out of the rain, for you sit unwholesomely; to whom she replied, better sit here then in a worse place, for God knoweth, and not I, whither you will bring me: at which her sorrowful and dejected answer, her Gentleman Usher, aseruant most loyal and loving to his Mistress, among many others broke forth into floods of tears, the witnesses commonly of all inward grief, which the Princes perceiving▪ reproved, demanding what he meant so to discourage her, seeing she took him to he her Comforter, & especially knowing her truth to besuch, as that no man should have any cause to weep for her▪ (56) She safely bestowed, and the doors made fast with locks and bolts, was there comfortless left in the doleful prison, where calling for her book and her few servants about her, she fell unto prayers, desiring God to prospero her work, that she might build upon the rock Christ: whereby these blustering tempests thus suddenly risen might not prevail against her foundation. Meanwhile the Lords were as circumspect, how she might be kept sure; many among them propounded, that it was most needful she should be close prisoner, and a strong guard set to watch her door; against which The Earl of Sussex most firm for Lady Elizabeth. the Lord Sussex replied and said: My Lords let us take heed we go not beyond our Commission, she was our King's Daughter, and is we know the Prince next in blood, therefore let us so deal with her now, that if it so happen, we may answer our doings unto her another day. Lady Elizabeth commanded to have Mass in her lodgings. (57) Two days spent thus in the Tower, and Gods divine service celebrated in English, it was commanded to have Mass in her lodgings; and to that end two of her yeomen were appointed to answer the Priest, which was as unwillingly done▪ as the devotion was small. Then were the favourites examined; yea and * Edmund Tremaine. some of them with torture, & all to find a fit knife to cut her innocent throat, that so Winchester might wash his white Rochet in her purple blood; who being Lord Chancellor and Ruler of the rest, came into the Tower to examine her himself, with some others of the Queen's Council: She then brought before them, was demanded of the talk she had with Sir james Croft (a prisoner in the Tower, and then brought to her presence) concerning her removing from Ashridge unto Dunnington castle: My Lords (said she) me thinks you do me wrong to examine every mean Prisoner against me, if they have done evil let them Lady Elizabeth again examined of Treason. answer for it, I pray you join me not with such offenders; as touching my remove to Dunnington, mine officers, and you Sir james Croft can tell; but what is this to the purpose, might I not, my Lords, go to mine own houses at all times? whereunto the Lord of Arundel kneeling down, answered that her Grace said truth, and that himself was sorry to see her troubled about such vain matters: well my Lords (said she) you sift me narrowly, but you can do no more than God hath appointed, unto whom I pray to forgive you all. (58) No fault appearing, nor offence found, yet was she still retained in that close and sorrowful prison, and for want of fresh air, her health began to be impaired, whereupon the Lord Shandoys one of her Keepers, obtained that she might walk into the Queen's lodgings, the windows being shut only in presence of himself▪ the Lord Chamberlain, and three of the Queen's Gentlewomen sent her for the same purpose; which favour was further Liberty obtained to walk in the Garden. there increased by liberty to walk into the Garden, the other prisoners commanded not so much as to look into the place while her Grace▪ remained therein. (59) During which time there usually repaired unto her a little boy, about four years of age (a man's son of the Tower) in whose pretty prattling she took great pleasure; his use was to bring her flowers, and to receive at her hands such things as A child suspected and forbidden to visit Lady Elizabeth. commonly please Children: which lastly brought a great suspicion into the Lord Chamberlains working head, that by this Child letters were brought betwixt the Princes Elizabeth, and the L. Courtney, whereupon the boy wasthreatned, and his father commanded not to suffer him any more to resort to her Grace: which notwithstanding, the next day he did, but the door being shut, and he peeping through a hole, cried unto her, Mistress I can bring you no more flowers now. M. Fox. Act. and Mon. 2294. (60) It was reported (saith Fox) if the relation be true, that a writ subscribed under certain Councillors hands, was directed for the present death of the Lady Elizabeth, which he doth wholly A Warrant figned to execute Lady Elizabeth. impute unto Winchester's working: This sudden charge given for her present execution, sore grieved M. Bridges then Lieutenant of the Tower, who forthwith repaired unto the Queen, to know her further pleasure therein: but she being altogether ignorant of any such warrant, blamed the doers and gave a contrary command, whereby was preserved the life of her sister: which howsoever (to the distasture of her enemies) it was prolonged, yet Sir Henry Benifeild his severities and Story. her State of lives security seemed little better, and her fears presently conceived, were nothing the less: for the Constable discharged, Sir Henry Bennifield a more severe jailor was placed in his room, who with an hundred Soldiers in blue coats entered upon his charge: at sight whereof the fearful Princes demanded, whether the Scaffold whereon Lady jane suffered was still standing: or whether Sir Henry (a man to her altogether unknown) made any conscience of murder, if hers was committed unto his charge. (61) The nineteenth of May her Grace was removed from the Tower towards Woodstock, Sir Henry Benifield being her conductor, unto whom Sir john William's Lord Tame was joined in Commission. Lady Elizabeth is removed to Woodstock. The first night she was brought unto Richmond, where all her own servants were removed from her presence, and the rascal Soldiers set to attend her person; by which severe beginnings she much doubted that her days were near spent, and in that place her life must take end: whereupon calling together her servants desired them to pray for her, for this night (said she) I think I must The great fears of Lady Elizabeth die; which lamentable words drew fountains of tears out of their eyes; and thereupon her Gentleman Usher went down unto the Lord Tame in the Court, desiring him unfeignedly to show, whether his Lady and Mistress that night were in danger of death▪ whereby himself and fellows might take such part as God would appoint. Mary God forbidden quoth the Lord Tame, that any such wickedness should be intended, which rather than it should be wrought, I and my men will die at her foot. (62) With no greater comfort proceeded she towards▪ Woodstock: Sir Henry her jailor (as she termed him) ever carrying so hard an hand in his Commission; for the people that with tears pressed to meet her in the passage, and with prayers saluted her in most loving manner, he both threatened, & drove back, calling them Traitors and Rebels against the The joy that the people conceived of Lady Elizabethes' deliverance. Queen and her Laws, and whereas in certain villages bells were rung as she passed for joy as they conceived it of her deliverance, Sir Henry Benifielde took the matter so distasteful, that he commanded the bells to surcease, and set the ringers thereof in the stocks; so that not without cause this loving Lady sent this word unto her poor servants, and well wishing friends, Tanquam ovis, as a sheep to the slaughter, so am I lead: And surely had not the L. Tame been more comfortable in his place unto this distressed Princess, her spirit of hopes had been spent before the conduction of her person had been accomplished. (63) Neither in Woodstock was her liberty much enlarged, nor fears any less▪ she being enclosed in Lady Elizabeth prisoner in Woodstock. none of the best lodgings, guarded with Soldiers both day and night, and although she had leave into some Gardens, yet were five or six locks betwixt her walk and her lodgings, and all made faft after her entrance. It was also suspected that the Keeper of Woodstock a notorious Ruffian was instigated to kill this innocent Princes, as also that one Basset a Darling of Bishop Gardiners came to Bladenbridge Lady Elizabeth in danger to be murdered. a mile from Woodstock, accompanied with twenty men in privy Coats, earnestly desiring to speak with Lady Elizabeth, pretending secret and importunate business: but Sir Henry her Keeper go to the Court had given straight charge to his brother, that none should have access unto her before his return, though they came from the Council or Queen herself. Whereby that design was happily lost. What his errand was I will not determine, but others have conceived it was for no good. Elizabeth's lodgings on fire. (64) Another accident also happened, whether of purpose, or otherwise I cannot say, but surely it was to the danger of her life: for on the sudden her lodgings were on fire, which began to kindle betwixt the boards and ceiling under the Chamber where she lay, and was vehemently mistrusted to be purposely done. These and the like fears daily happening, drew the distressed Princes into many passions, whereof one is reported, that she sitting solitary at her Prison-window, chanced to see a Maid of Woodstock in the Park milking of Cows, and as she sat, merrily to sing over her Pale, which struck this sad pensive Prisoner into a deep meditation, preferring the maids fortunes far above her own, A poor liberty preferred above a princely captivity. and hearty wished that herself were a Milkmaid, into such distress was her princely birth brought, in which comfortless thraldom, we will a while leave her, & return to speak of matters in the Court. A. D. 1553. (65) Queen Mary being now chief Pilot herself, and set at the helm of all Sovereign power, steered the stern of her zealous affections, according to her own liking; when presently upon her Octob. 18. Coronation began a Parliament at Westminster, & a Convocation in the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul's in London, where she commanded a free disputation for Religion, without any danger of offence. The Questions to be controversed, were concerning a Catechism set forth in King Edward's days, and the presence of Christ in the Sacrament of his Supper. For Popish Transubstantiation stood Disputers Doctor Moreman, Doctor Watson, Doctor A disputation for Religion. Chedsey, Master Harpsfield, and Master Morgan, D. Weston Dean of Westminster appointed for Prolocutor: For Christ's spiritual presence were M. Haddon, M. Elmar, M. Cheyney, M. Philpot, and Master Perne, these meeting 6 several days disputed only upon the last question: but with such disagreement, as lastly Q. Mary commanded Boner to dissolve the assembly, Decemb. 13. without any Subscriptions to the assertions premised. (66) And not long after Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, Nicholas Ridley Bishop of London, and Hugh Latimer sometimes Bishop of Cranmer, Ridley and Latimer sent unto Oxford. Worcester, were sent from the Tower of London unto Oxford, to dispute upon the said Argument against Doctor Tresham, Doctor Cole, Doctor, Oglethorpe Doctor Pie, Master Harpsfeild, and Master Fecknam, all Oxford men, unto whom from Cambridge were joined Doctor young, Doctor Glinne, Doctor Seton, Doctor Watson, Doctor Sedgewicke, and Doctor Atkinson, Doctor Weston again being Prolocutor: the A. D. 1554. disputation began upon the sixteenth of April, and ended the twentieth of the same month, with the sentence of those three Bishops deaths, which through fire gave testimony of their faiths, a year They are burned. and six months after in the Town Ditch of Oxford: whose disputations, letters, and last ends, are largely set down by M. john Fox in his Acts and Monuments of the Church, unto whom I refer the desirous Reader, jest by enlarging of them, the course of our temporal Story should be overmuch interrupted with matters Ecclesiastical of those sorrowful times. (67) Queen Mary intending her marriage with Spain, great fears were conceived that many calamities would follow, aswell to the Church, reform from abuses, as for the politic proceed Fox Act. & Mon. p. 1637. of the kingdoms affairs; which as some took was prognosticated even from heaven itself, by a Rainbow reversed, the bow turned downward, & the two ends standing upward, as also by two Suns shining at one time, and a good distance asunder in the Skies, both which sights appeared in London the fifteenth of February. (68) In which City a Parliament to that purpose was assembled, wherein by Statute the marriage was confirmed, though with no less liking of An Act in the 2. of Queen Mary, cap. 2. those times observers, than was the marriage desired which is feigned of the Sun: to hinder whose purpose, the world is said to have made suit unto jupiter, jest having more Suns than one, the whole frame of the Globe should be set on fire. These distastive stomachs Queen Mary well perceived, In her letters sent them signed with her hand. therefore to give them content, she wrote her letters into the West, and to Wales, charging the Lord Precedent, the Bishops of Oxford and Salisbury, to intimate the benefit thereof to the whole land, as much as might be; neither was London forgotten, whose Lord Maior and Commons were sent for to the Court, and there by the Lord Chancellor told how by this match all the Realm would be enriched, but especially London by their trade and traffic with Spain. (69) Unto Spain were sent the Earl of Bedford, and the L. Fitzwater's to conduct K. Philip into England; the Lord Admiral with twenty eight ships securing the seas the space of three months before: all things thus ordered, and Philip in a readiness took Bark at Corone in Galizia, and with a Navy of an hundred and fifty sail directed his course for his Queen. (70) Upon Friday the twentieth of july, he arrived at Southampton, and was the first man of that King Philip arriveth in England. Fleet that set foot on the shore, which no sooner done, but he drew his Sword, and so bore it naked in his hand as he went. The Earl of Arundel L. Steward of the Queen's house, presented to his Highness the George and Garter; and the Mayor of Southampton the Keys of the Town: thither was sent the Lord Chancellor from the Queen, and he again sent of his Nobles unto her, who was on the way unto Winchester, to welcome him herself: towards which City upon Monday following, he set forth, being accompanied with the marquess of Winchester, the Earls of Arundel, Derby, Worcester, The honourable trains of the two Princes. Bedford, Rutland, Pembroke, and Surrey, the Lords Clinton, Cobham, Willoughby, Darcy, Matrevers, Talbot, Strange, Fitzwaren, and North: besides many Knights and gallant Gentlemen. His Spanish train were the Dukes of Alva, and Medina coeli, the Admiral of Castilia, the Marquesses of Bergues, Piscara, Saria, Valli, aguilar, the Earls of Egmund, Horn, Feria, Chinchon, Olivares, Saldana, Modica, Euentesalida, Landriano, Castellar, the Bishop of Cuenca, and others: so that more honourable attendants had seldom been seen. (71) And surely the Covenants were as honourable for England that were agreed upon betwixt them, which were branched into ten Propositions. Holinsh. p. ●118. 1 First was, that Philip should be styled King of England during the Matrimony, and should assist his Queen in government, but not dispose of any Lands, Offices, Benefices, or Revenues in the Realm. 2 That Mary by virtue of this marriage, should be admitted Queen of the Realms and Dominions of Spain already possessed, as of all others, that were appropriated unto the same, during the Matrimony. 3 That for Dowry she should receive yearly threescore thousand pound Flemish, if in case she overlived King Philip her husband. 4 That the Issue proceeding of this marriage either male or female in the right of their mother's inheritance, in the Kingdoms either of England, or other Dominions depending, should succeed in them according to the laws, statutes, and customs of the same. 5 That if it chanced Charles Duke of Ostrich, the Infant of Spain to die without Issue, than the eldest son of this Matrimony should succeed in all the Dukedoms, Earldoms, Dominions and Patrimonial lands, belonging unto Charles the Emperor, father to the Prince of Spain, aswell in Burgoign as in the low Countries, in the Dukedoms of Brabant, Luxenburgh, Gelderland, Zutphane, Friesland, in the Countries of Flanders, Artois, Holland, Zealand, Namure, and the land beyond the Iles. 6 That the Dominions of the low Country, and of Burgundy should be excluded from the Patrimonial descent of the said Lord Charles, notwithstanding his issue remained, and should be enjoyed by the eldest borne of this marriage without further claim to any other Dominions belonging unto Spain: and the rest of the Children thereof proceeding to have convenient portions and Dowry assigned them aswell out of those Countries, as out of England and the others adjoined. 7 That if no issue male were borne of this marriage than the Elder female should possess those Dominions, provided that she should marry a nobleman, either of the Low Country or of the Realm of England, otherwise the right of the Succession should remain in the Lord Charles, yet not so cut off, but that she with the other daughters begot in this marriage should be endowed of their father's Lands and possessions, aswell in Spain as in the Low Countries. 8 That for want of Issue by the Lord Charles, and of heir male procreated by this Marriage in that case the Elder daughter of K. Philip and Q. Marry should succeed both, in the Territories of the Low Countries, as also in the Realms of England, Spain, and the rest, after the nature, laws and customs of the same. 9 That who so succeeded, either he or she, yet should the several Dominions be governed by the Natives borne in the Realms, wholly and entirely after the privileges, rites and accustomed manner formerly used. 10 That a sincere fraternity, unity and peace; should be confirmed for ever betwixt these Nations, so as they should mutually aid each other in all things according to the strength, form and effect treated of at Westminster, and subscribed unto at Vtericke. (72) As these were agreed upon for the General, so other particulars were articuled with the King himself, which were as followeth. 1 That he should not bestow the administration of offices or benefices in the Realm of England, to any stranger or person not borne unto the English subjection. 2 That his Court should be replenished with Gentlemen and Yeomen the Natives of the Landlord 3 That he should make no invasion of state against the Laws and Customs of the Realm, neither violate the Privileges thereto belonging. 4 That he should not carry the Queen out of her own Dominions, without her special desire, nor none of her Children without consent of her Nobility. 5 That if she should die issueless he should Challenge no right in the Kingdom, but should suffer the succession to come to her next. 6 That he should not carry or suffer to be carried out of the Realm, either jewels, or other things of especial estimation, but should faithfully keep them for the profit of the English Crown. 7 That he should not suffer any ships, guns, Ordinance and other munition of war to be conveyed out of the Realm, but should see all the Forts and Frontiers of the Land kept, and the same sufficiently stored for their defence. 8 That neither directly nor indirectly, the Realm of England should be entangled with the wars of his father, and the French King, neither that himself should give any cause for the breach of peace betwixt the two Realms. Philip and Mary married a● Winchester. Ann. 1554. (73) Things thus ordered, with consent of all parties, the marriage with great state was solemnised at Winchester, upon Wednesday being the 25. of july and Saint james day, where the emperors Ambassadors presently pronounced, that in consideration of this marriage, their master had given unto his son Philip, the Kingdoms of Naples and jerusalem, where upon their Titles by Garter King at Arms, was solemnly proclaimed with these styles as followeth. Philip and Marie by the Grace of God, King and The large stile of King Philip and Queen Mary. Queen of England, France, Naples, jerusalem, and Ireland, defender of the Faith, Princes of Spain and Sicily, Archdukes of Ostrich, Dukes of Milan, Burgundy and Brabant, Counties of Haspurge, Flanders and tyrol. (74) And according to the styles, so was the Majesty of their proceed, having two Swords Philip and Mary in great estate pass through London. borne before them as they went from the Church; with other Imperial Ensigns of their great Magnificence; which nothing was lessened in their passage through London; where English eyes beheld Philip, after the affections of their own hearts, some rejoicing as Israel, that jeroboams golden calves should be again erected, and some sorrowing as judah, that the Brazen Serpent was not broken, all of them assured, that this Solomon's sufferance and his 1. King. 〈◊〉. wives zeal, would build again the Altars that had been cast down. (75) The experience whereof Queen Marie herself had given, even before she was crowned, in causing the Latin Service again to be said, in displacing the reformed Bishops, and in publishing a most strait prohibition against preaching, and printed English Books: to all which some time-seruing Churchmen gave their consents, scandalising not only the lives of the ministers, but also the Scriptures translation, and the just proceed of King Edward's time; against all which, Master August. 13. Ann. 1553. Bourne in a public Sermon made at Pauls-Crosse (in the presence of the Lord Maior and Bonner his Master) so liberally inveighed, as that one of his Auditors with more distaste than discretion, and A dagger thrown at the Preacher. more zeal than Religion, threw a Dagger at him to his great danger, and no less fear. june 10. Ann. 1554. (76) And again the like offence was conceived against Doctor Pendleton, who in the next year after, and in the same place had a gun desperately discharged against him: unto such hatred A gun discharged against the Preacher. their Doctrine did drive them, and unto such sin the over-feruent affectioned lay many times exposed: And no less was that Diabolical devise of certain giddy reformers, who had taught a Maid so to speak in a wall, as her hearers The Spirit in the wal●e. believed it was the voice of an Angel, being none other, but most seditious speeches, against the Queen's proceed, the Prince of Spain, the Mass, and Confession. In mockage whereof also a Cat was A Cat hanged in Cheap. hanged on a gallows near unto the Cross in Cheap, her head shorn and wearing a vesture fashioned like unto a Cope, her forefeet tied with around paper betwixt, like unto the papistical consecrated bread; and in that manner the eight of April was showed by the Preacher at Pauls-Crosse both to the offence and content of the Spectators; and to deride the ridiculous March. 25. Idolatries of the time then in use, upon Easter day the same year, and in the same Cheap, as the Priest of Saint Pancrasse came to celebrated the resurrection, and after the accustomed manner put his hand into the Sepulchre for the Crucifix (therein purposely bestowed) when he used the words of the Evangelist very devoutly: Surrexit non est hic, He is risen and not here: found it so indeed, for that his God was gotten away and could never after be found. Acts and Mon●. (77) These things (saith Fox) caused both the Queen, and bishops, to conceive an evil opinion of the Londoners; as too much savouring of King Edward's reformation, for which cause Bonner commanded all Scriptures printings upon their Church's walls, to be blotted out; and many other injunctions to be inquired after. But from these vain trifles let us return to more serious matters in the ensuing History. (78) Queen Marie erecting the Mass, and leaving the title of Supremacy to the Pope, sent for her kinsman Cardinal Poole to be her director in those great businesses, who had been a long time in foreign parts, and ever a favourite unto the See of Rome, whose life until this time, we will briefly run over, so many dependences of story relying upon him. The life and story of Cardinal Poole. (79) He was the son of Margaret Countess of Salisbury, the second child, and only daughter of George Duke of Clarence, second brother unto King Edward the fourth: whose youth was spent in literature at Magdalen College in Oxford; and state increased by King Henry his kinsman, in bestowing upon him the Deanery of Excester. Then traveled he into Italy, and at Milan studied seven years, in which time the King having abolished the Pope, he was sent for into England, but refusing to return, was proclaimed Traitor, and his Deanery given to another: which his loss was presently repaid by Poole made Cardinal. his holy Father, in making him Cardinal, & employing him in many Ambassages, both to the Emperor & French King, with whom he ever dealt against K. Henry, and solicited others by letters to forsake his friendship and obedience, which his doing brought many into danger, and for which lastly his own mother lost her Head. (78) Then was he made Legate of Viterbion, where he determined to have led a more quiet life: but Pope Paul the third summoning the obtruded Council of Trent, appointed Pool with two others to be his Vicegerents: Though indeed this Cardinal was none of the forwardest in the matter of justification, unto whose opinion therein he drew one Morrell a learned Spaniard, who of purpose was sent Poole elected Pope▪ Goodwin lives of Bishops. to dispute the Pope's Doctrine in that Council. (79) But this Holy father leaving his Chair empty by death, a faction fell among the Electors, some for the French, and some for the Emperor, which last light upon Poole, & choose him for Pope. He altogether Imperial, desired a more orderly election supposing himself so gracious in the eyes of most that the same would be continued to his greater praise. (80) But the French faction working upon the advantage, put the rest in mind▪ of the Emperials sacking of Rome, the imprisonment and jests that were made of the Pope, the absence of many Cardinal's Electors, whose voices they knew not, yea and Cardinal Caraffa, alleged particular exception against Poole the elected, charging him (as Pasquil likewise did) with incontinency of body, as also of Heresy, for arguing upon a justifying faith in the Council of Trent, for frequenting the company Poole accused by Cardinal Caraffa. with Anthony Flaminius a known Protestant, and since he was Legate, that he never had punished that doctrine with death. (81) But these accusations, were rather to shrub of his fair top, that Caraffa himself might more eminently be seen, who thought if Poole failed▪ to be their fairest mark; wherein his politic expectation was far overseen. For the English Cardinal so cleared himself, that the French Caraffa received disgrace, and all their voices went for Pool even the Poole again choose Pope. same night, which he again seemed to dislike of, saying, that his election should not be a work of darkness, and therefore willed them orderly to proceed upon the next day; such assurance had his hopes conceived, that he thought destiny had been enforced to set the Papal Crown upon his Head. (82) But whether it were his double delay, or his neglecting to strike when the iron was hot, the Electors change their determination, and choose the Cardinal of de Monte for Pope, who named himself julius the third, and he to congratulate Pool for his Backwardness, enforced Caraffa to ask him forgiveness before they departed the Conclave: Poole thus disappointed of the Papal Chair, retired himself unto Verona, where in a Monastery of S. Bennets (which order he had assumed and was the Patron) he made his Residence, as desirous to lead a more contemplative life. (83) But scarcely was he settled before he heard of King Edward's death, and a message sent from Queen Marie (who had been brought up under the Countess his Mother) for his return into England. Her affection towards him, he knew was very great Cardinal Poole sent for by Queen Mary. both for his person, his learning and religion, and himself relied much upon the old familiarity betwixt them, as also of his birth being of the blood royal; for which causes he sore longed homeward, not doubting but if things stood as he thought, to get a dispensation, to lay off the Hat, and to put on a Crown. (84) But the Emperor mistrusting what this Prelate intended, found devices to hold him beyond Seas, until the match was concluded between Queen Mary and his Son. And hitherto Cardinal Poole applauded by the Pope, began now to enter into his frown, for being in England, and Archbishop of Canterbury: his old acuser, the foresaid Caraffa, had in the mean while obtained the Papacy under the name of Paul the fourth: when as presently he sent Friar Peto, whom he consecrated Bishop of Sarum, and discharged Pool of his legative power, which doings the Queen took so ill, that she forbade Peto to enter the land, until a reconciliation was made betwixt the Pope and Cardinal Poole her kinsman. Which man as hath been said, for soliciting Potent Princes against King Henry, in the quarrel of Rome, had run in great displeasure with the English, whereby some Acts of Parliament were made against him: all which were now repealed, and Lord Reinold Poole received as an Angel of God, unto whom that honourable house presented a Petition, to be received again into the bosom of A. D. 1553. Rome. (85) The suit easily granted, and absolution given, all things proceeded at the devotion of the Romanists. Images were commanded to be erected The rites of Rome restored in England. again in the Churches: Holywater, Pax, and Censures, employed at the Celebration of their Masses and Matins: Oil, Cream, and Hospital, used in the Administration of the Sacrament of Baptism. Altars furnished with Pictures, Costly coverings, & the Crucifix thereon solemnly placed: unto whom Lights, Candles, and Tapers, with great adoration were offered, and all to captivate the senses of the zealous Beholder, in which zeal Queen Marie herself gave a full testimonial, in restoring again all Ecclesiastical livings assumed to the Crown, saying, that she set more by the salvation of her own Hollinshed. p. 1127. b. soul, than she did by ten Kingdoms▪ A worthy speech verily, and good example of a Prince, but slowly followed of many mean subjects, who in this case do rather mussel the mouth of the Ox, that treadeth out their Corn, then suffer such as serve at the Altar, to live by the Altar. (86) And surely so well inclined was Mary of herself, that had not the zeal of her religion, and Queen Marry commendable in her own dispositions. the authority of Churchmen over▪ swayed her own disposition, the flames of their consuming fires had not mounted so high. But woe to the procurer of those six Articles, (for which many had died) enacted by King Henry the eight, whose rigour in some Stat. H▪ 8. An. 35. cap. 5. sort himself had both qualified and repealed, which were again put in practise, especially two, the one of them touching life, and the other loss of goods; which last was the separation of man and wife, the greatest offence to mutual society, and natural affection, as can be committed; & that of life so tyrannically followed, as the Law itself may seem with Draco's to be writ in blood, for within the compass The bloody laws of Queen Mary. of less than four years continuance, there died no less, for the testimonial of their conscience in this case, than two hundred seventy and seven persons without regard of degree, sex or age. John Hooper B. of Glo. Ro. Farrar. B. of S. Da. Nich. Ridley. B. of Lon. Hugh Latim●r B. of Wor. Tho. Cranmer. Archb. of Canterbury. (87) In the heat of whose flames were consumed five Bishops, one and twenty Divines, eight Gentlemen, eighty four Artificers, one hundred husbandmen servants and labourers, twenty six wives, twenty widows, nine Virgins, two boys, and two Infants, one of them whipped to death by B. Bonner, & the other springing out of his mother's womb from the stake as she burned, was by the Sergeants thrown again into the fire: Which barbarous cruelty, howsoever the Author of England's three Conversions, would excuse, as worthy of Three conversions. death; depraving the sufferers, of learning, religion, civil manners, and honesty of life; yet the more charitable of his own rank, and profession, do pity the spilling of so much Christian blood: the greatest point of no greater sin, then to believe Christ's spiritual body, to be spiritually received in the blessed Sacrament of his supper. Doctor Story in Colour. Holling. p. 1180. (86) The rigour therefore that fell from his mouth, who wished many more had so suffered, when the sword was so drawn, is far from the Math. 13. 29. precept and sufferance of Christ, that would have even tars grow unplucked, till his harvest were in, john 10. 3. and yet if those be his sheep that follow his voice, 2. Tim. 3. 17. and his word sufficient to make the man of God perfect as himself, and Apostle hath taught, then Rich. Grafton. R. Hollinshed. Joh. Fox. Mart. were these excusable by their adversaries testimonies, whose Prolocutor in a Convocation assembled▪ publicly confessed that these dejected Ministers had the word, but the Prelates in place the possession of the sword; which how they then made it drunk with the blood of God's Saints, let him that hath the two edged sword in his mouth, at the great day of trial declare, to whose judgement and mercy I leave them. (87) Sixty four more were persecuted for their profession and faith, whereof seven were whipped, sixteen perished in prison, and were buried in dunghills, many lay in captivity condemned, but were released, and saved by the happy entrance of peaceable Elizabeth; and many fled the Land in those The story of Katherine Duchess of Suffolk. days of distress, amongst whom most memorable is that of Katherine Duchess of Suffolk, with her husband Richard Bartie Esquire, whose Story and troubles happened as followeth. (88) This Lady Katherine was the only daughter, and sole heir of Lord William Baron of Willoughby, and of Eresby; and the last wife of Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk lately deceased, in whose time how she affected the Papal Profession, in massing, and maskings, was made known by clothing a dog in a Rochet, and calling him Gardener, and again, The Duchess no favourer of the Popish religion. in the days of King Edward, Gardiner saluting her from his prison window in the Tower, she told him it was well with the Lambs now the wolf was shut up. These stuck sore upon the Bishop's stomach, who being now risen to be Lord Chancellor of England, and she in disgrace with the Queen for her match in marrying Master Barty a man too inferior for her high estate, he thought it a fit time and occasion to requited, and to that end sent for Master Bartie her husband, charging him to be indebted four thousand pound to the Queen, which was owing her by his Ladies late husband the Duke of Suffolk, unto whom she was Executrix, but this was only the train of a false fire, and the Duchess religion, the mark he aimed at, for whom Master Bartie so wisely wrought, as himself was appointed to be her persuader, and so inwardly grew with the Lord Chancellor, that by his means he obtained licence to travel beyond Seas, for a debt owing to his Duchess by the Emperor. The Duchess of Suffolk fleeth the Landlord (89) Bartie being go, and Lady Katherine secretly to follow, upon the first of januarie with four men, two women, and her young daughter, herself appareled like a Merchant's wife, from Lion Key in London departed, the morning very misty, and her heart fraught with fear; for no sooner was she go▪ than news thereof came to the Court, and search made after her, as far as to Leigh, before her Bark could attain to the place: where being shrouded by a Merchant under the name of his daughter, she escaped to Sea; but twice her ship with contrary winds was driven to the same shore, to her great danger and no little grief: yet lastly, she arrived in Brabant where she met with her husband: whence (being clad like a fro) they came into Cleveland, and at Santon seated themselves, till further provision could be made. (90) But the Townsmen suspecting they were not the People they went for, and the Bishop of Arras hearing that they were Protestants, purposed with the Magistrate to impeach their liberties, which Bartie hearing of, with his Froe and daughter, attended only with two servants suddenly made away unto weasel, a Town privileged with the Stillyard in London. In travel they were overtaken by night, the weather was rainy, and the thaw upon a great frost, made the way more deep, in which distress his two servants he sent to seek some relief, whilst himself (the surer on foot) bore the child; and the Duchess to ease him carried his Rapier and Cloak. (91) Thus passing thorough mire, dirt▪ and dark night, about seven of the Clock, all wet and weary, they got unto weasel, where, he being suspected to be a Launceknight, and she his woman no better than nought, could get no entertainment, the The great distress of the Duchess. language they had not▪ the child cried pitifully, the mother wept bitterly, the cold was extreme, and the rain powered down as the clouds had been broken. In this distress the Church-porch was thought upon to shroud them from rain, and to that end Master Barty sent his two servants to buy Coals and straw: but repairing towards this his cold Inn, he met with two boys that understood Latin, of whom he demanded for the Minister's house, who presently brought him to the place, where he supped. His name was Pernsell and had been in England, where, of the Duchess he had received kind courtesy, and now at weasel employed his Ministry among certain Walloons, who hearing that the Duchess was fled out of England, and that at Santon she lived nothing safe, had procured for their abode in weasel, without making known who these English were save only unto the chief Magistrate. (92) Master Barty desiring to speak with the Minister, he presently came down, who seeing the Duchess so disguised in apparel, and bemired in dirt, could not speak unto her for tears, and bringing them in with glad hearts no doubt, Master Barty changed apparel with the good man, the Duchess with his wife, and their child, with the child of the house: and thus were they comforted by this good Preachers means. The Duchess sought after to be impeached. (93) here they seated not long, but that a sudden watchword was sent them from Sir john Mason, Queen Mary's Ambassador in Netherlands, that the Lord Paget had feigned an arrant to the Spa, and that the Duke of Brunswick with ten Ancients, would pass by weasel for the service of Austricke, against the French King, by whom the Duchess and her husband should be intercepted and delivered unto the Lord Paget. (94) From hence therefore in haste they removed to the Town Wincheim in high Germany, which was seated in the Palsgraves' Dominions, where by his Protection they continued till their maintenance began to scant, and they also almost fainting under so heavy a burden, began to fail of all hope. At which very instant (God so moving the hearts of God doth help when man doth fa●le. his Princes) the Palatine of Vilua, and the King of Pole hearing of their distress, sent them a safe conduct, under the Palatines seal with assurance of maintenance, if they would come unto those parts. (95) From Wincheim therefore they forthwith departed, and in Wagon took towards Frankford, but by the Langraves Captain were intercepted and set upon in the high way, so that Master Barty was forced to stand at defence, wherein the Captain's Horse was slain under him, and the cry maintained that he was slain himself, whereupon Barty by the counsel of the Duchess, and swiftness of his horse fled amain, but was so eagerly followed upon opinion of murder, that he hardly escaped with life, yet lastly they got into Poland, where they were honourably entertained until the death of Queen Mary, whose life in the mean while let us return to relate. A. D. 1554. Queen Mary bruited to be with Child. (96) The November next following her marriage, the Queen was reported to have been conceived with child, for joy whereof To Deum was commanded solemnly to be sung, and Processions, and Prayers, made for her safe deliverance. The Queen took her Chamber, the Court was full of Midwives, and Gentlewomen attendants, Rockers were provided, So called by Sir Rich. Southwell a Knight of the house An. 1. &. 2. Philip. & Mariae. the Cradle prepared, and all made so certain, that some were punished for making doubt of the contrary. Insomuch that it passed in Parliament, that if God should take away Queen Marie, this their young Master coming into the world, should found himself provided for; where it was by Act ordained, that King Philip should be Protector of her Issue, and Governor of the Realms, until their Prince or Princess should come to able years. Act. & Mon. p. 1643. b. (97) How beit as it should seem this Spanish King had little confidence in the English, for, at his first entrance, he had the hall door of his Court continually kept shut, neither any suffered to enter, unless his business was first made known: the Lords The fears of K. Philip. having leave to departed London, had straight commandment to sand all their harness and Artillery to the Tower; which was done, in regard of the maligners of this marriage: yea and somewhat doubtful he was also of those, who in show bore him a fair face; the rather for that * Lord Paget. a Noble man in consultation, had given his counsel to cut off Lady Elizabethes' head, assuring himself, that those so bad minded to their natural Princess, could not be better unto him a stranger: who contrariwise upon this ground so laid the foundation of his true honour, K. Philip a great friend unto Lady Elizabeth. as it gained him love of all true English hearts: for from that day he never left to solicit his Queen for the delivery of that innocent Princess her sister, who still remained a solitary Prisoner in Woodstock, though no proofs could be brought for any offence. (98) At last his suit was obtained, and Lady Elizabeth brought unto Hampton Court, having not Lady Elizabeth brought in presence of the Queen. seen the Queen for two years before, here she was locked up, and laid at by Gardiner to submit herself, till some fourteen days after, she was sent for into the Queen's Chamber about ten of the Clock in the night: which she no sooner had entered, but falling upon her knees, she prayed God to preserve her Sovereign Majesty; protesting her loyalty and truth to her person, whatsoever had been spoken or instigated to the contrary. Unto whom the Queen somewhat sharply said, than you will not confess your offence, I see; but rather stand stoutly upon your truth; I pray God your truth The conference of the Queen and Lady Elizabeth. may so fall out; If not (quoth the Princess) I request neither favour nor pardon at your majesties hand: well▪ then said the Queen, you stand so stiffly upon your own loyalty, belike you suppose to have been wrongfully punished: I must not say so to your Majesty said Lady Elizabeth: but you will then so report to others it seemeth, said Queen Mary: not, and it please your Majesty said the Lady, I have borne, and must bear the burden myself, I most humbly beseech your Grace's good opinion of me, and to think me your true Subject, which from the beginning hitherto I have ever been, and will be for ever so long as my life lasteth. The Queen replying in Spanish, said, God knoweth, and so they departed; K. Philip as is thought standing behind the Arras heard what was said. (99) Some seven days after, her Grace was discharged Lady Elizabeth discharged of imprisonment. of Benefeild her jailor, and had leave of liberty, yet so, that Sir Thomas Pope a Privy Counsellor, and M. Gage the Queen's Gentleman Usher, were still her Attendants all Queen Maries time: her Gentlewoman Mistress Ashley was sent to the Fleet, and three other waiting maids unto the Tower; but the death of Gardiner immediately following, these storms grew more calmer, and Lady Elizabeth every day more affectionately respected. (100) About this time, William Constable, alias A page to Sir Peter Mewtas. Fetherston, a Miller's son in the North, bruited himself to be King Edward the sixt, but was seconded by none of any esteem, and therefore the less dangerous or likely to be believed. Notwithstanding all diligent search was laid for the Counterfeit; and William Fetherston a sergeant king Edward. he lastly taken at Eltham in Kent, from whence to Hampton Court he was presently conveyed, where his answers were so simple, that he was esteemed as a frantic, and sent to the Marshall-See for a Lunatic fool: and from thence in a Cart this counterfeit king▪ (whose Crown was a paper inscribed with his fault) was brought unto Westminster, and from thence whippped unto Smithfield, whence he was banished into the North, and without further Fetherston executed. punishment was so released: But this Fetherston the next year (as a dog returning to his vomit) Mar. 10. gave it forth that K. Edward was alive, whereupon he was again apprehended, condemned of Treason▪ and hanged at Tyburn. Reports of the Queen's deliverance. (101) Now the expected time of Queen Mary's deliverance being fully approached, a rumour ran in London and elsewhere; that a Prince was borne; for joy whereof the Bells were rung, the Bonfires flamed, Processions made, and some in their Sermons The Parson of S. Anne within Aldersgate. Holi●sh. Greattriumphes for QUEEN▪ Maries supposed deliverance. described the beauty of that goodly boy, and great Prince. At Antwerp also the like triumphs were made by the English Merchants, the Mariners shooting off their Ordinance; for which an hundred Pistolets were sent them from the Lady Regent: but these flying reports proved but wind, which turned the Vane shortly into another point; for the truth Rich. Grafton. bursting forth, told for a certain, that the Queen had never been conceived, neither indeed was ever like to be: which raised as many doubts, as had been tales of her deliverance: some affirming that she was with Child, but miscarried, some, that she was deceived by a Tympany: and some that this rumour was spread for a policy: but what the truth was saith Grafton, I refer unto others that know more. (102) King Philip thus frustrate of his hope for his Heir, upon the fourth of September went over A. D. 1555. the Seas to visit his Father the Emperor, and to take possession of the Low-countrieses, where he stayed one year and six months, to the great grief King Philip absent from the Queen a year and six months. A. D. 1557. March 18. of Queen Mary his wife, whom as some thought he little affected, and this his long stay made the suspicion no less. But now returning to Dover, he was by his Queen met on the way, and brought through London, accompanied with many Peers of the Realm, as in triumph against a Coronation. (103) In whose absence many Conspiracies had been intended, but their foggy smokes were utterly extinguished before the fire could burst into flame: for certain persons plotting to rob the Queen's Exchequer at Westminster, meant with the money to raise war in the Land; the Leaders into this attempt were Henry Peckham, john Daniel, Richard Udall, john Throckmorton, john Dethicke, William Stanton, William Rossey, john beadel and White, the revealer of the same intendments. These all excepting White, were at sundry times executed, and Sir Anthony Kingston apprehended for the same, died on the way unto London. (104) The like stirs were attempted by one Cleber a Schoolmaster, sometime at Dys in Norfolk, who in the Parish Church of Yarle, among a great assembly Conspiracies in Norfolk. at the celebration of a marriage, stood up and read a penned, but traitorous proclamation against the Queen, persuading the people to take Arms, and to free the land of wrongs done by strangers. (105) So likewise Thomas Stafford, second son to the Lord Stafford, with other Conspirators against Thomas Stafford stirreth rebellion the King and Queen, fearing the just punishments for their deserts, had fled the land into parts beyond the Seas; from whence attempting still to broach their Rebellions, they sent certain books and letters written and printed, full of most slanderous untruths: and now following King Philip into England, assisted by some English and strangers, took by stealth the Castle of Skarborough in Yorkshire, where he published a most shameful proclamation against the Queen, traitorously affirming that she was neither rightful, nor worthy of reign, and that the King had given unto his Spaniards the greatest and strongest holds of the land. But by the prowess of Thomas Pearsey (presently created Earl Thomas Stafford beheaded. of Northumberland) he was surprised, sent to London, and there made shorter by the head. All these stirs quieted, new troubles were rather sought for then ministered, and more loss followed to England's dishonour, than glory had been gained by this Spanish great Match. (106) For the Emperor overworn with the affairs of the world, and wearied with the troubles of turmoiling wars, or rather touched with remorse of conscience for the infinite miseries brought by Grimston in the French History. him upon Florence, Naples, Sicily, Tuscan, Elbe, and Calabria, being persuaded that these mournful jars of Christian Princes had given to the Turk pag. 568. advantage upon divers parts of Europe, he called Charles the Emperor resigneth all his Dominions to his son K. ●hilip. his son King Philip of England unto Brussels (as is said) where, by authentic letters bearing date the five and twentieth of October, he resigned all his Realms unto him, commanding all his estates and subjects to acknowledge and hold him their lawful King; and among many other instructions and most wise exhortations, gave him charge chief to hold amity with the French, jest otherwise the wars of those Puissant Nations might oppress all Christendom. (107) King Philip indeed was much inclined to peace, and Queen Mary his wife at that time much more, both to hold him with her at home, & to support the Religion which she had raised, by restoring the Clergy their wont possessions, whereof much was then held in the noblemen's hands, from whose hard-hold, hardly could any thing be wrested; but those in her own, she freely resigned by Parliament, with this most Christian resolution, and princely saying: that she set more by the salvation of her own Soul, than she did by the revenues of ten Kingdoms, and so committed the restoration and dispose thereof unto the Pope and Cardinal Poole his Legate, to the great wealth of the Church, and empouerishing of the Crown. (108) King Philip following his father's advise, made peace with France to continued for five years, which no sooner was made, then was again broken, but most of all to the loss of the English: for the Kings did not love, though their weapons were laid down, and ancient hatred bred daily new discontents: one principal was ministered by Pope Paul the fourth, than an enemy unto the Spaniard, whom The Pope besieged, sendeth to France for help. Duke Alva had mewed up within the walls of Rome. His hope of help was in Henry the French King, unto whom he sent a triumphant hat, with a john Sleidon. stately Sword, and thereupon had succour by the guise, who by force made his way open into Rome: But the French decreasing for want of pay, and the Spaniard still raising their Trophies of victory, the Pope thought it surest to hold with the strongest, & so made frustrate his amity with the French. (109) Queen Mary of England, now the Pope was for Spain, and Philip her husband preparing for France, to show her great love and obedience to both, rather sought an occasion against King Henry, than any ministered by him for the breach of peace. Her pretences were many, as that the French King had john Stow Annals instigated one Dudley and Ashton, unto a new conspiracy, which they consulted upon in his Ambassador's house in London, and being revealed, fled into France, where they were maintained by an annual pension. The like she alleged against King Henry for succouring of Stafford, and his rebellious complices, for suffering his Pirates to molest her Seas, & for want of more, renewed the remembrances of Northumberland and Wyat's rebellions, who as was alleged, were supported by him. june 7. (110) These things premised, a defiance was sent into France, and was pronounced unto Henry at Rheims by Clarenceaux King at Arms. The French A defiance sent into France. King loath to hear of these wars made his answer and preparations accordingly: and Queen Mary contrary to promise', entangling her subjects with the quarrels of the Spaniards, with sound of Trumpet in London proclaimed wars against France. To prosecute which, King Philip her husband passed over to Calais, and thence into Flanders, where he july 6. made provision to enter the field: after whom the Queen sent a thousand horsemen, four thousand An Army sent into France. footmen, and two thousand Pioners, and the Earl of Pembroke was appointed Captain General, under whom in several places served Viscount * Lieutenant. Montacute, the L. Grey of Wilton, the Earl of * Lord Martial Rutland, the Earl of * Colonel of foot. Lincoln, the Earl of Bedford, the Earl of * M. of the Ordinance. Leicester, and the Earl of Warwick, the Lords Howard, De la Ware, Windsor, Bray, Shandoys, and Dudley, with many other Knights of approved valiancy. (111) These passing the Seas, joined with King Philip, whilst the Dukes of Savoy and Brunswick, the Earls of Egmond, Horn, and Mansfeild, had invaded the French confines, and planted a strong siege before Saint Quintin's; to whos● rescue Monsieur Mountmorancy Constable of France came with nine hundred men at Arms, as many light horsemen, seven hundred Roisters, twenty two Ensigns of Lancequenets, and sixteen Ensigns of the French: and thus furnished, he meant to put more Soldiers into the Town, but in the assay so miscarried, that himself was both hurt & taken prisoner with eight Noblemen more, all of them Knights of the Order, and not many days after, King Philip with his English came to the siege, by whose manly prowess Saint Quintin's was taken, for joy whereof great S. Quintin's taken by the English. August, 20. triumphs were made in England, which long lasted not, through the loss of Calais. (112) For this great victory made the English both negligent and careless, so that the Town of Calais, and the Forts thereabout for defence, were unrespectivelie regarded, and besides the neglect of The English negligent after Saint Quintins●as ●as won. supply to those pieces, the Soldiers thinking all out of danger, stood gazing at the shadow till the substance was lost: for the French being nettled, that S. Quintin's was Philips, let slip no occasion wherein was advantage: and the Duke of Guise employing the Constable's place, determined to put in proof an enterprise for Calais, which long and many times had been purposed upon. (113) This danger foreseen, intelligence thereof was sent into England, but no supply heard of, first the Master of the Ordinance posted to the john Hie●ield. Council, and secondly followed the Captain of Sir R●ph Chamberlain. the Castle himself, but either by wilful negligence or lack of credit with the Queen and Council, those businesses in France were slenderly regarded, until the supply was altogether too late. For the Duke of Guise with a marvelous celerity approached The English Forts lost to the Guise. january 1. the English Frontier, under a colour to victual Boulogne and Ard, and upon a little sorry plat of ground, entrenched at Sandgate, and thence dividing his Army into two parts, sent the one unto Ricebancke, whilst the other laid battery to two Forts at once, both which he wan within the space of Newnambridge lost. twelve hours, the Captain and Soldiers secretly departing to Calais. The like success had the French against Ricebanke, being abandoned by the English Soldiers, and left to the Guise and his dispose. (114) Then were Canons mounted against Calais itself, and with continual battery for three days together, a breach made in the wall, not far from the Water-gate, but yet unassaultable, the English within so maintained the defence: this then a Calais besieged by the Duke of Guise. train of false fire (for the French never meant their access that way) whilst all attended to make good the breach, the Duke had planted fifteen double Canons against the Castle, which once perceived, the Callizians knowing their resistance to weak, stored Barrels of Gun▪ powder within the Keep, meaning to blow up the French if they there entered, but that devise failed▪ having waded through the ditch their clotheses dropping wet, disabled the train of powder to take fire, so that the French got the Castle with the death of Sir Anthony Ager Marshal of the Town, his son and heir and fourscore English besides. Calais surrendered to the French. (117) The Lord Wentworth then Deputy of the Town seeing all in like danger if means were delayed, sent unto the Castle to have a Parley for composition, which the French forthwith accepted, and sent out two Gentlemen for pledges whilst john Heifield Master of the Ordinance, and Edward Hall Constable of the Castle, concluded upon these dishonourable Articles, as followeth: Unhonourable Articles. 1 That the Town, the great Artillery, Victuals and munition should be yielded freely to the French. 2 That the lives of all the inhabitants should be saved, and have their safe conduct to departed. 3 That the Lord Deputy with fifty others whom the Duke would appoint, should remain prisoners and be put to their ransom. The hard usage of the English. (116) Things thus ordered, the English were commanded into the Churches of our Lady, and Saint Nicholas, where they remained that whole day, the night following, and until the next day in the afternoon, without either meat or drink, in which time the Duke of Guise commanded by Proclamation that all jewels, Plate and Money to the value of a groat should be laid upon the Altar, and that upon pain of death, a sorrowful offertory towards the English, and a great enrichment unto the French. Then was the Town voided of five hundred ordinary Soldiers (a small Garrison indeed to man such a place) of Townsmen, women and children, four thousand two hundred; the Lord Wentworth Deputy, Sir Ralphe Chamberlain Captain of Ricebancke, Nicholas Alexander Captain of Newnambridge, Edward Grimston, john Rogers, and Edward the eleventh from William the Conqueror, wan it: and Marry the eleventh from Edward, lost it. others, to the number of fifty were sent prisoners into France until ransom were paid: And thus the Town & Forts that were won by the victorious K. Edward the third, & that by no less than eleven months siege, having now been possessed by the English the space of two hundred and eleven years, was in the compass of eight days besieged, surprised and won in the depth of Winter to the world's wonder, and great suspicion of treachery, which happened the seventeenth day of january, and in the same month were surrendered the strong forts of Guizes, and Hames, whereby all the English footing was lost in the Continent of France. (117) This winning of Calais & the other strong holds as they were joyous to the French, and with Te Deum & Bonfires celebrated with no less solemnity, than was that for the recovery of the County Oye, & the fort won from the English in An. 1347. so was it grievous unto the English Nobility, and most of all unto Queen Marie herself. Insomuch as she ceased not to travel with the King and Council how to cover the dishonour of her Reign, by this loss of Calais; and albeit some assays were made against Breest, and Mounsieur Thermes the new Captain of Calais taken prisoner by County Egmont General for King Philip in the Low Countries, yet the main was neglected, and could not be recovered for any composition, which stroke so deep a melancholy Queen Mary's sayings for the loss of Calais. into Queen Mary's mind, as she letted not to say, that the loss of Calais was written in her heart, and might therein be read when her body should be opened. In which passions she continued the rest of her Reign, which never had been very prosperous, nor greatly pleasurable unto herself, after she had abolished the Gospel, restored the Pope's Supremacy, and married a stranger, who was unto her a stranger indeed. (118) Of all since the Conquest her Reign was the shortest, only excepting that of Richard the Tyrant, but much more bloody than was his, and more blood spilled in that short time of her Reign, than had Queen Mary's Reign most bloody. been shed for case of Christianity, in any King's time since Lucius the first establisher of the Gospel in this Realm. Her conceptions failing, extreme dearths raging, hurt done by thunders from heaven, and by fire in the royal Navy, foreign losses, Calais surrendered, and King Philip's keeping from Court, daily augmented Queen Mary's melancholy, which lastly increasing to a burning fever made an end of her life, at her Manor of S. james near Westminster, the 7. of Novem▪ and year of Christ's incarnation 1558. when she had reigned five years four months, & eleven days, and lived forty two years nine months and six days, whose body lieth interred in a Chapel in the Minster of Saint Peter at Westminster, without any monument or other remembrance. Q. Elizabeth. Monarch 61 ELIZABETH QUEEN OF ENGLAND, FRANCE AND IRELAND, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, etc. THE SIXTY ONE MONARCH OF THE ENGLISH CROWN SINCE HINGIST THE FIRST SAXON, AND THE LAST BEFORE THE UNION OF THE WHOLE ISLAND. HER GLORIOUS REIGN, LIFE AND ACTS, WITH THE TREASONS AND INVASIONS ATTEMPTED AGAINST HER PERSON AND STATE. CHAPTER XXIIII. ELIZABETHA DEI GRACIA ANGLIE FRANCIE ET hiberny REGINA FIDEI DEFENSOR ELIZABETHA DEI GRACIA ANGLIE FRANCIE ET hiberny REGINA FIDEI DEFENSOR ELIZABETH. D▪ G▪ AN ●. FRA. &. HIB. REGINA* 3 SIL. * POS VI DEV▪ AD●V. ●OREM MEV▪. 1575. An. D. 1558 THE Cloud thus set, that threatened more storms, and a quiet calm happening when the rage was at highest, that wished Sun than ascended our Horizon, whose rays (as had been hoped) presently dispelled all foggy Mists from England's fair Sky; which was, the most mild Princess Lady Elizabeth, another Deborah, and nursing mother of God's Saints, who being then at Hatfield in Hertfordshire, was there first saluted Queen, and the same day, with gre●t joy and full consent of both the Houses of Parliament (at that time assembled) was solemnly proclaimed Queen of England, with all other styles rightly belonging to that Imperial Title▪ (2) She entered her Government upon Thursday the seventeenth of November, the same day Q. Elizabeth's age. that her sister Queen Mary died, the year of Christ's assuming our flesh, 1558. and of her own age, twenty four years, two months and ten days. From Hatfeild * novemb. 19 she removed unto Charter house in London; * novemb. 28. from whence she was royally attended unto the The first proclamation touching Religion. Tower, and all compliments prepared for her Coronation. In which time Proclamations came forth, forbidding any man to preach but by appointment, or to altar any Ceremonies, but according to the rites in her own Chapel, as also that the Litany, the Epistles and Gospels should be read in all Churches in the English tongue. (3) All things in a readiness upon the fourteenth Her passage through London. of january, with great triumphs and sumptuous shows, she passed through London towards Westminster to receive the Imperial Crown; but before she entered her Chariot in the Tower, acknowledging that the seat was Gods into which she was to enter, Queen Elizabet●s' zealous devotion. and she his Vicegerent to wield the English Sceptre; in that royal assembly with eyes and hands elevated to heaven upon her knees, she prayed for his assistance, as Solomon did for wisdom when he took the like charge; with a thankful remembrance unto God for his continued preservation, who had brought her through great dangers unto that present dignity. In which triumphal State as she The Bible presented to Queen Elizabeth. passed through the streets of London, when the Book of God was presented unto her at the little Conduit in Cheap, she received the same with both her The religious care of Queen Elizabeth. hands, and kissing it, laid it to her breast saying, that the same had ever been her chiefest delight, and should be the rule by which she meant to frame her government. And to testify her benign acceptance of the Lord Maior, and Citizens approved loves, she assured them that she lacked no will, nor (as she hoped) power to be to them as gracious a Prince as ever reigned in the Land, and that for the public good, if occasion were ministered she would spend her dearest blood. Her Coronation (4) The fifteenth of january (being Sunday) the Coronation was solemnly performed, and the Imperial Crown set on her head by▪ Doctor Owen ●glethorpe Bishop of Carlisle, the Archiepiscopal Cardinal Poole and Q. Mary died both in one day. See of Canterbury being vacant ever since her entrance, by the death of Cardinal Poole, who died the same day that Queen Mary did. Stat. prim. Eliza. cap. 1. The Regal Supremacy. Chap. 2. (5) Presently there followed a Parliament, wherein the Title of Supremacy was again restored to the Crown, with the first first-fruits, and Tenths of all Ecclesiastical livings, and the Book of Common Prayer ratified for an uniform celebration of God's divine service Queen Maries Acts repealed. in the English Churches; as also those Acts repealed, that were enacted by Queen Marie, in favour of the Romish Religion. Things thus established, and liberty given to the Gospel, many that had fled the Realm in case of conscience, returned, and were provided for according to their worths, and that God's Truth might be established, (which thing her princely Conference at Westminster touching Religion heart chief sought after) a conference was commanded and begun at Westminster the last of March, concerning certain Articles to be discussed amongst the Divines. The Propositions were three. The Propositions to be discussed. Joh. Stow p. 1084 1 It is against the word of God, and custom of the ancient Church, to use a tongue unknown to the people, in common Prayer, and the Administration of the Sacraments. 2 Every Church hath authority to appoint, take away, and change Ceremonies, and Ecclesiastical rites, so the same be to edification. 3 It cannot be proved by the word of God, that there is in the Mass offered up a sacrifice propitiatory for the quick and the dead. The Impugners of these Assertions were, The Disputants on both parts. The Bishop of Winchester, The Bishop of Lichfield, The Bishop of Chester. The Bishop of Carlisle, The Bishop of Lincoln, D. Cole. D. Harpsfeild. D. Langdall, D. Chedsey. The defenders of those Assertions were, D. Scorie, D. Cox, D. Sands, M. Whitehead, M. grindal, M. Horn, M. Gest. M. Elmer, The Conference ended almost as soon as begun. M. jewel. These being solemnly set with many Honourable Counsellors among them, before the Conference could well begin, it was finally ended, and all through the default of the Bishops (as Stow hath alleged) who, first pleaded a mistaking of their directions, and in the next sitting, utterly refused either to writ their own, or to read the others reasons, whereby all was undone that was intended, and whereof a part was * By Rich jug and John Cawood imprinted as is yet to be seen. (6) During the time of this Parliament a Petition was made unto her Majesty for the hope of royal Issue, to move her unto marriage; unto which eloquent Oration delivered by the Speaker, she replied Alexander Euesham. with great thanks for their loving care for her, and their own Country: but as touching Q. Elizabeth her reply touching marriage. their request, she answered, that from the time, when first she considered herself to be borne a servitor of God, she happily did choose, and in truth best liked a Virgin's life, from which, neither Ambition of high marriages, which had been formerly offered her by her Prince, nor the grievances sustained by her, whiles she lived among those enemies, whose indignation was death, had hitherto been able to divert her: but whether her years and answer could concord together in their judicious minds; she certainly knew not; yet this she assured them, that as then she stood so affected, and if that affection changed, her choice should be only of such a one, as should be as careful, she would not say, as herself, (because she knew herself best) but as any of them for the realms good, and yet withal she considered, that although herself, for their welfare (if need were) would not shun death, yet might her Issue, (as often happeneth to the best parents) grow out of kind, and prove ungracious. And therefore to leave behind her a more lasting and grateful Q. Elizabethes' sayings in the Parliament. remembrance, she held it sufficient, that a Marblestone should declare to posterities, that she a Queen had reigned, lived, and died a Virgin: and so with many thanks dismissed the assembly. How the first was accomplished, we that lived under her reign have seen; but how insufficient that one stone is to contain, & continuate the remembrance of her virtuous, pious, and glorious government, the whole world doth at this day, and shall to all succeeding ages witness, whilst the Earth rests in the Centre, and the Heavens have restless movings. Her first actions with foreign Princes. (7) For the cause of Religion she sent into Germany touching a league defensive, the Pope troubling the waters of that clear fountain, and disabling her Title with the calumny of illegitimation. Ex Manuscript. Henr. Killigrew. In the mean while a peace being on foot betwixt the Kings of France and Spain, Queen Elizabeth also She claimeth restitution of Calais from the French. interposed for England▪ wherein the restoring of Calais was a main point, whereupon her Highness stood, which was thus. (8) For the Earl of Arundel, the Bishop of Ely, and Doctor Wotton Deane of Canterbury remaining Commissioners in France at the death of Queen Ex MS. The instructions of Q. Elizabeth sent to the Commissioners. Mary, upon composition for the regaining of Calais, & other pieces lost in the cause of K. Philip: her Majesty sent them instructions to continued their demands, and certain sure grounds whereon they might work. The first was that the quarrel of war was not England's, but Philip's of Spain, in whose favour Queen Mary his wife against the will of her Council, sent him aid of her Subjects. And if in case the French should challenge Calais as inhereditaty unto the Crown of France, to that they should answer, Proofs that Calais was England's. that there were many Signiories and places in France, whereunto the English might make their just claim, and some in possession since Calais was English, which Town was not only Lawfully granted, and assured from the French themselves unto the Crown of England, but was also allowed by Articles of all treatises of peace, for the space of two hundred years and more, this evermore specially provided, that Calais should remain in the quiet possession of the English. And the better to impress the delivery of Calais, in the mould of the French, they were to demand certain arrearages, wherein their King and Realm had Great sums of Money owed by France. fallen for great sums of monies and debts accrueing to the English Crown: aswell by the acknowledgement of the mother of King Francis then being Regent of France, and judgement thereupon given; as also by the treaty of Moore, de Dato, 1525. The treaty of perpetual peace, de Dato, 1527. and the late treaty between King Henry the eight, and King Francis, for the delivery of Bullein, de dato, 1546. by all which appeareth, that there was two Million of Crowns due, and very little thereof yet paid, the copies of which treatises and confession, the said Commissioners have with them. Also another debt of an hundred thousand crowns, as appeareth by a Bill of King Francis hand. And where also there is one perpetual pension of fifty thousand crowns due, as appeareth by the treaty of perpetual peace, and one other pension of Salt, as appeareth by the same treaty. All which notwithstanding, rather than the French should retain Calais, her majesty was contented to remit the whole debt and arrearages: but without that in no wise she held it convenient to conclude peace with France, and that obtained, she remitted the other Articles to the discretion of the Commissioners. But the English Queen was no more desirous to have Calais, than the French King unwilling to let it go. Whereupon lastly it was thus concluded, That Calais should remain French, the term of eight years, and those expired, should return to the English upon forfeiture of five hundred thousand crowns; the branch of which agreement, from the Latin, and that from the original, is thus translated. (9) It is covenanted, agreed, and concluded, that the said most noble Lady Queen of England, shall suffer and permit the foresaid most Christian King of France, his heirs and successors, to hold, possess, and peaceably enjoy, from the day of the date of this present treaty, until the term of eight years following, the Town of Calais, with the appertinances and appendices belonging to the same; and also the port or haven of the said Town, with the Tower of Ruysbank, and also the Towers, Lordships, villages, and places of Newnainbridge, Merke, Oye, Hams, Sandgate, the Tower and Town of Guisnes, and all the rest of that County taken in this last war, and all other Towns, Castles, Villages, Lands, Dominions, Territories, Waters, Rivers, Havens, Defences, Forts and Shores, and generally all places whatsoever situate unto them by the sea, which the said most Christian King hath gotten in this last war, and taken by force of Arms, in the reign of the most noble Lady Mary, late Queen of England. And the said most Christian King, hath promised, and doth promise aswell in his own name, as in the name of the King Dauphin his son, his heirs, and successors, for which Dauphin, the said most Christian King hath made himself, and doth make himself answerable, promising that he will take care of, and effect that the said King Dauphin shall approve this treaty, and ratify it, within two months after the date of this treaty, which said term of eight years being complete and ended, the said most Christian King his heirs and successors shall presently without delay, relinquish, deliver, and restore, or cause to be delivered, and restored to the said most noble Prince Elizabeth, Queen of England, her heirs, and successors, or to those that should be thereunto deputed by her, or her heirs and successors, the said town of Calais, ●ith the appertinances and appendices aforesaid, and all other and singular places aforesaid, and also the Towers, Castles, and fortresses whatsoever in the aforesaid parts, and also the places now of late builded, fortified▪ or re-edified during the said term of eight years; and the said most Christian King his heirs and successors shall leave the possession of all the said places, and departed from it, and wholly for sake the same. So that the most noble Lady Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors may peaceably enjoy, and quietly hold the possession of them, with all the rights, privileges, pre-eminences, superiorities▪ recognition●, and all other authorities in the like manner, state, condition and nature, in which the Kings of England have held them, and possessed them before the beginning of this last war. Provided notwithstanding, and expressly covenanted, that the said most Christian King, his heirs and successors shall not be bound to restore or deliver the Towns and Fortresses, and places aforesaid, otherwise then in the same state, manner, and condition, in which now at this present they are, and hereafter shall be strengthened and fortified by them, during the said term, yet so notwithstanding as neither in the time of such restitution nor before, that there be not any thing done of set purpose, whereby the former state of the strengths, and fortifications which now it is in, or which hereafter added, by them, be in any wise minished, broken, or overthrown, but that all things without fraud, be restored entire and unimpaired, in manner aforesaid. Also it is covenanted and agreed, that during the term of the said eight years, it shall neither be lawful for the said Christian King, nor for the said most fortunate King and Queen of Scots, nor for the said most happy Queen of England to innovate, attempt, or enterprise by war any thing against each other, or for any one of them against the other, or against the Kingdoms, proper dominions, and Subjects of each other, either directly or indirectly, to the prejudice of this present treatise, etc. And likewise if any thing shall be so innovated and attempted by the said most Christian King, and most happy King and Queen of Scots, or the subjects of them, by the authority, commandment, and approbation of them, or any of them. Then the said most Christian King, and King Dauphin, their heirs and successors, by such kind of innovation attempted, upon the deed done, shall be bound and obliged to leave and departed from the possession and occupation of the said Town of Calais, and of all other places aforesaid on this side the sea, taken of late from the English, by the said most Christian King. And all those things they shall deliver and restore without any delay to the said most worthy Queen of England, in the same manner and form, in which at the said term of eight years, they were promised and covenanted to be restored: which restitution if it shall not be so made, the said Merchants and pledges shall be bound to pay the said penalty of five hundred thousand Crowns to the said most worthy Queen of England, and the covenant notwithstanding of restoring the said Town shall nevertheless remain in force. Moreover if any of the Subjects of any of the Princes aforesaid, of their own authority, shall endeavour or attempt any thing against the subjects of either of the said Princes in prejudice of this Treatise, he shall be punished as an infringer of the peace, according to the quality of the fact. These covenants notwithstanding they were sealed and sworn unto, yet were never performed at the years of expiration, though Merchants were bound, and hostages assigned to remain in England till the money were paid. (9) So suspiciously had this Town of Calais been recovered from the English, that the Lord Wentworth (the Deputy) was indicted in Queen Mary's days, and now arraigned at Westminster; the marquess of Northampton being his judge, and Lord Chief Steward of England for that day; but that Nobleman so nobly defended himself, that he was acquitted by his Peers, and won a most hovourable opinion for his many and faithful services. (10) Her Highness having thus cleared the English air from all Papal infection, and established Peace, the greatest benefit for the Subject; on Divine service celebrated in the English tongue. the fourteenth of May, being Whitsunday, Divine Service began to be celebrated in the English tongue, whereby God's Trumpet might be heard in a perfect sound, and the prayers of the Congregation uttered 1. Cor. 14. with an understanding heart. To the end therefore that the Clergy, the Teachers of others, should The oath of Supremacy offered, and by some refused. not be infected themselves, the Oath of Supremacy, with other Articles, was offered unto them, the refusers whereof were forthwith deprived, and others surrogated that were more loially affected. In place of Poole deceased, Doctor Parker was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury, and of York, Doctor Young in stead of Heth, who refused the Oath; and so of some others: then went forth Commissioners to suppress those Monasteries restored by Queen Superstitious Images cast out of Churches. Mart, and to cast out those Images set up in Churches, whose sight having heated the blind zeal of many poor ignorant people in places of Oratory, were now themselves in the streets consumed in the fire, at whose flames might be said, as in Isaiah touching pieces of like stuff, had been said: I am Isaiah 44. 16. warm, I have been at the fire. (11) After the reducing of this purer worship into God's Church, the next care the Good Queen Purer Coin brought in. took, was to enrich her Realm, by reducing her Coins into fine and pure Sterling, and debasing of Copper monies: causing likewise great store of Martial provisions. Munition, Armour and Powder to be brought into the Land, and laid up in a readiness as occasion should serve, that nothing might be wanting either for the wealth or safety of the subject. The French King maligneth Queen Elizabeth's quiet. john Lesly Bishop of Rosse. But these her blessed beginnings in England were little as it seemeth to the liking of the French King, Whose hope (saith Leslie) by certain acts of Parliament made by Queen Marie against her sister the Lady Elizabeth to debar her from the succession of the Crown, was to establish Queen Marie of Scotland, who had Queen Marie of Scotland her descent. lately married Prince Dolphin his son, laying her title from Margaret the eldest daughter of King Henry the seventh, linked in Marriage with james the fourth King Her claim to the English Crown. The Title and Arms of England given to her by the French. The first seeds of heartburning betwixt those two great Queens of England and Scotland. of that name, she being the daughter of King james the fifth his son. And therefore as the nearest in blood, and lawful heir to the Crown of England, he caused by Proclamation in Paris her Style to be published under the name of Mary Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and caused the Arms of England to be joined with Scotland and France, which the Dolphin and she did empale, both in their S●aleses, Plate, tapistry, and other adornments; which caused great troubles (saith he) betwixt the Kingdoms of England, France, and Scotland. The Progress of Religion in Scotland. Bishop of Rosse. (13) In Scotland Religion (a En●land had embraced it) began to be practised; Preachers spoke boldly, and books were daily brought thither, which nothing at all commended the Pope, and by them (saith the Bishop) the people were moved to a sedition, which to prevent, the * Marry daughter to the Duke of Guise. Queen Regent caused an assembly of the Bishops and Barons, unto whom the Ministers presented these Articles. Articles propounded to Scotish Bishops and Peers. 1 That their divine prayer and public administration of the Sacraments should be in the English tongue. 2 That bishoprics and other Ecclesiastical benefices should be bestowed upon qualified men. 3 That such persons enjoying the profits, should perform their duties and preach the word to the people. 4 That none should be admitted in time to come, into the Ministry, unless his life and learning were answerable to that excellent calling. The Scotish Bishops answers. (14) To the two first, the Bishops alleging the customs of the Roman Church, would in no wise consent, leaving every man at liberty privately to pray in what language he best liked; and the election of their Bishops to the prescription of the Canon Law, and to the appointment of their Queen. For the two latter, they affirmed, no better order could be prescribed then that of their Common Law, which imposeth upon them, as much as was required; and thereupon they began to put the same in execution, commanding all that had charge of souls to fit themselves to their functions, otherwise to look for no favour from deprivation, after the term of six Many Scotish Abbots, Priors, etc. advance true Religion. months. Which was (saith the same Author) the principal cause, that a great number of young Abbots, Priors, Deacons, and beneficed men, did assist the enterprise, and practised devices for the overthrow of the Catholic Religion. Stirs in Scotland raised by some heady proceed. (15) True it is, that at the preaching of john Knox, and other Ministers affecting reformation, not only the Images, Altars, and other like things of abuse, were cast down and burnt, but also the Charterhouse of the Friars at Perth destroyed, which was the fairest Abbey in the Realm of Scotland; then followed the overthrow of the Monasteries of Saint Andrew's, of Stone, of Striueling, and of Linlithaw; which overheady proceed caused such The French sand forces into Scotland. stirs in the Land, that the Lords of the Combination encamped at Cowper, to abide battle against the French (who came into Scotland to impeach their purposes) had not the travels of some Noblemen prevailed on either part. Isabel his daughter married unto Philip 2. King of Spain, Margaret his sister married unto Emanuel Phillebert Duke of Savoy. june 30. 1559. john Serres. (16) The French King, thus overbusy about Scotland's state, was overcarlesse of his own, when (at solennizing the marriages of his daughter and sister) he would needs be a Challenger at Tilt, seconded by the Duke of Guise & Ferrara, which triumphant joy, was suddenly clouded with a sad Catastrophe. For to run his last (and indeed his last) course in favour of his Queen, he sent a Lance to the Earl of Montgomery, with a command to have him enter the Tilt; but he excusing himself from running against this Majesty, alleged, that fortune the day before, afforded him not to break one staff, and that now (as he feared) she would put him to a second shame; but the King, destiny so enforcing, and his date fully King Henry of France killed in Tilting. run, sent him a second command, which Montgomery very unwillingly obeyed, and breaking his Lance upon the King's Cuirasse, a splinter thereof, his Beaver being somewhat open, struck him so deep in the eye, that thereupon shortly he ended his life. (17) After whose death, Francis his son, and second of that name, at the age of sixteen years Francis the second King of France. succeeded him in the Crown of France; having by the marriage of Queen Mary, the Title of Scotland annexed to his others. He hearing of the troubles He sends forces to Scotland. raised there, in case of Religion, sent Mounsieur de la brooch to strengthen the Field, and the Bishop of Ameans to assist the Queen Regent, with his far reaching and inseeing counsel. Surely the preparation to withstand them was great, and the combinators many that stood for Reformation, as namely, one Duke, fourteen Earls, and eleven Lords, besides other of name and account; but knowing their adversaries forces, and seeing those strangers to possess divers of their Towns and Forts, to the The Scotish Nobles crave Queen Elizabeth's assistance. Holinshed. oppressing of the Kingdom under foreign subjection, they were enforced to become Petitioners unto Queen Elizabeth, for aid to expel the French, who sought the subversion of the realms state. Queen Elizabeth assisteth the Scotish Lords. (18) The Magnanimous Queen, nothing fearing the threats of that potent Nation, nor liking such neighbours as formerly professed to rob her of her right, and now under pretence of suppressing the Scots, were not unlikely to attempt an invasion upon her Realm; (for so the Almains hired by the French were told they should do) gave them assistance john Lesley. upon Articles assured; whereof one was, that they should hold faithful concurrence with England during the life of the French King, and one year after. For the performance whereof, five young Gentlemen were sent into England; and the Duke of Norfolk into the North, who from Berwick dispatched The Lord Gray General of the English. the Lord Gray of Wilton for General into Scotland, accompanied with many worthy Captains, six thousand foot, and one thousand two hundred and fifty horsemen; these coming to Salt-Preston were joyfully received of the Scotish Lords, who there in Council decreed what was to be done. The Queen Regent desires conference. (19) From thence they marched toward Lesterike, where a Trumpet from the Queen Regent met them with a safe conduct for Sir james Croft, and for Sir George Howard, with six other Gentlemen to accompany them unto her presence in the Castle of Edinburgh; unto which the General and the Scotish Lords agreed, with an abstinence from The French disturb the intended parley. Arms during the conference. But the French (the mean while) under the command of Monsieur Doisell issued forth of Leith, and in good array took the field, which when the Lord Gray perceived, he sent an Harold unto them, willing them to departed till the English were returned, according to the order betwixt their Regent and him; but they returned him answer, they were on their Mistress' ground, which they meant to make good, and thereupon discharged a whole volley of shot upon the English Army. The French and English encounter. (20) The alarum thus given when lest it was expected, a cruel skirmish began, wherein died of the French about seavenscore persons, the rest were enforced back into Leith, and many of the English both hurt and slain. Whereupon they entrenched the Crag, and planted their Ordinance against Leith, upon whose Steeples the French had mounted their great Canons, whence their Bullets The French assail the English flew amain; and ere long a bold attempt was undertaken by them, who with fifty horsemen and five hundred arquebusiers issued out of Leith, and assailed the English new trenches with such valour, as they entered, & a while possessed the same; where they took Maurice Barkeley prisoner, won his ensign, cloyed the touch-holes of three great pieces, and slew no small numbers of their resisters. (21) The English by this time had armed themselves (for this assault was unexpectedly given) and The English recover their Trenches. Captain Vaughan with his, bravely entered the Trench, who being seconded by Captain Somerset, read, and Arthur Grey, recovered the same with some slaughter of men, the Ordinance from Leith discharging upon them to the great annoyance of their honourable service; and now being Masters of what was late lost, they cleared the great Ordinance which the French had stopped, and cast a new Trench along by the old Chapel, whence with their great Pieces they beat down the Steeples of Saint Anthony and Saint Nicholas in Leith, and dismounted the Pieces that therein lay leveled against them. (22) In the full course of which dissensions, the Paul. Aemyl. The Queen Regent dieth. Queen mother, Regent of Scotland (a Lady of excellent endowmentes of mind) consumed with thoughts, displeasures and Melancholy, departed this life in Edenbrough castle: the Lords waxing stronger, and Leith much weaker through extremity of famine, and the French King, (the only pillar on whom their strength did consist) not able to assist them. Who being brought daily into fears The French King yields over his Dominions to the Pope's protection. Lesly li. 10. p. 568. through new tumults arising, and increased in his own Country of Amboise, was forced (saith Leslie) to yield up all the Dominions, both of France, and of Scotland, unto Pope Pius the fourth, to be at his command and defence; but his Holiness fearing Holinsh. Hist. p. 373. his own tottering estate, like a wise man, that meant to warp no more than he could well weave, suffered king Francis to seek for other redress, which The Pope unable to assist the French king. he did from her▪ that was more willing and better able to give him content. (23) For sending his Ambassadors unto Queen Elizabeth, whose noble spirit himself had first provoked, desired her peace to be had with Scotland, The French king seeks for peace with Q. Elizabeth & that Commissioners might be appointed to meet with his in that Realm; alleging that it was unfitting to a Sovereign to sue to his Subjects, as he was over them by his marriage with their only Queen. Her princely mind ever forward to assist the afflicted, and now desirous to save Christian blood, dispatched into Scotland, Sir William Cecil her Principal Secretary, with Doctor Wotton Deane of Canterbury, one of her sacred Council, eminent Commissioners of England and France meet in Scotland. for his singular prudence, and formerly employed upon like affairs in France. Articles of accord (24) These falling in conference concluded finally upon certain Articles, whereof those that concerned England were these: That neither the King of France nor his Queen of Scotland, should thenceforth use the Arms or titles of England or Ireland, and that all letters sealed with those Arms should be called in within six months space▪ that both the English and French should departed Scotland, some few excepted, employed upon occasions, and that a general pardon should be enacted by Parliament concerning all such as had been in these stirs. Which Parliament was assembled at Edenbrough in August following. These things accomplished, An embassage of thanks to Q. Elizabeth. an embassage of thanks was solemnly addressed unto Queen Elizabeth by the Earls of Morton, Glencarne, and the young Laird of Lethington, with proffer that the Earl of Arran, the greatest Lord in account among them, should be at her dispose for marriage, which (as they well hoped) would be to herself. (25) With the like conceived hope the year before, john Duke of Finland, second son to Gustabus Ericus son to the King of Sweden seeks marriage with Queen Elizabeth. johannes I evenclaii. Comment. de bell●● Moscorum. King of Sweden, was sent to her by his father, to treat a marriage for his elder brother Ericus, who was most honourably entertained, but dismissed without all hope of his suit. Notwithstanding, Gustabus being dead, Ericus now reigning King of Sweden, having imprisoned his brother john, solicited her Majesty the second time, but to his dishonour as it fell out, for his suit rejected in the English Court, he attempted to match with the youngest daughter of Philip Landgrave of Hassia, who hearing that he had twice received denial in England, denied him also with some disgrace, giving his daughter unto Adolfe Duke of Holst, uncle unto Frederick King of Denmark, at that time enemy to Ericus. (26) The Peace scarcely was concluded betwixt England and France, when Francis the young King An. D. 1560 An Reg. 2 Francis the young French King dieth. Charles the 9 succeeded his brother. was taken away by death, and another pupil King crowned▪ even Charles his younger brother, and ninth of that name, who was guided altogether by the Regency of the Queen mother, and molested with the civil dissensions betwixt those Princes of Guise and Conde. For whose reconciliation Queen Elizabeth sent Sir Henry Sidney Lord Precedent of Q Elizabeth laboureth to settle peace in France. The French seize on English Merchants. Wales; unto which her endeavours, howsoever the French gave countenance in Court, yet on the Seas they took her Merchant's ships, imprisoned the men, and seized their goods, no other cause alleged but that they were Huguenots. (27) These misdemeanours, England's great Queen took not well; yet did she not so much blame, as pity the young and overruled King, brought to such a strait, that he was neither able to defend the authority of his own laws, nor to uphold the leagues made with other Princes. But most especially The French grievances towards the English. the cause of Religion (the only pretended motive of all these disturbances) together with the solicitations of the French themselves (as from Rouen, Deip and Newhaven) moved her Majesty first to set The English support Religion in France. forth her grievances publicly in print, and next to sand aid unto Monsieur Vidame Captain of Newhaven, against such as sought to subvert both religion and the Estate. An. D. 1562 in Septemb. (28) These landing in Normandy were with great joy received into the Towns of Newhaven, ●oan, and Deip, which were willingly surrendered into the English Queen's possession (the only Cloud-pillar that stood betwixt Gods chosen Israel, & the bloud-seeking Amalekites in this wilderness of Sin,) with this reservation by the Queen herself inserted, no way to prejudice the King's Sovereign authority, nor the joh. de Serres. estate of the Realm; so upright was she, notwithstanding their late unjust intruding upon her right and title; and her own just and ancient title to those foreign parts, and especially to Normandy. Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick General of the English. (29) The General of these English so sent, was the Lord Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick, who following his charge before go to Seas, arrived at Newhaven the nine and twentieth of October, where his Commission was proclaimed, and oath taken, unto whom strengths of Scotish men were sent him from deep, whereof Monsieur Montgomery was presently The King of Navarre slain at Rouen. made Governor, having lost Rouen unto the King of Navarre; though the unfortunate King bought the victory with his own death, as he viewed the weaker parts of the City. (30) To withstand the English thus settled in Normandy, the Conte Reingrave was sent, and in familiar conference told the Earl of Warwick, that he was come to be his neighbour; but proved indeed so covetous an encrocher, as lastly he dispossessed the Earl of the Town. For albeit that many manly feats were therein performed by the English, and the place stored with prizals of wines▪ yet wanting fresh victual, but especially fresh water, which the enemy had cut off, the calamities were great, and much more augmented by a contagious pestilence that slew many more than did either famine or sword; Newhaven surrendered. so that the English having possessed the Town for eleven months space, now were constrained to surrender The plague brought into England from Newhaven. it upon composition; bringing thence many sick soldiers that dangerously infected England with a long continuing plague. (31) Times motion in England now moved only with the benefit of peace, and no act memorable to commit unto history; let us supply this Interim with looking a little into the state of Religion in France; as we have seen, and somewhat touched the proceed thereof both in England and Scotland. The State of Religion in France. The Gospel spreading far in that fair Continent, the impugners took occasions to raise many stirs, and all in show to race out new heresies as they accused & called the reformed doctrine. For which cause the French Towns burning in the flames of seditions, the Protestants blood was thought fittest to quench them, & the rapines committed upon chaste wives and virgins, was pretended to be canceled by a marriage wrought and contracted betwixt two Princes of the blood: which The Spousals of Henry of Bourbon and Margaret de Valois solemnised with blood. were Henry of Bourbon, Prince of Navarre, a favourer of the Gospel, and Margaret of Valois the third daughter of King Henry the second, and sister unto King Charles now reigning, a Princess much devoted to the Romish Religion. These must be the Birds to bring others to the Net, and one of them laid for, to be caught in the same snare. (32) This match was plotted by the Marshal of Cosse, and the Master of Requests, with the devise no The plotters and pretences of the marriage. doubt of some in higher place, who wrought the Queen of Navarre, under the pretence of great affection, that the French King bore unto her; and the Chastellon Admiral (a most zealous Protestant) under an intent of employment for the defence of the Low Countries, against the King of Spain. This match indeed seemed to confirm a public concord, only the Pope's dispensation must be had by reason of pretended consanguinity of the parties, the one being petty Nephew, the other grandchild of Francis the first King of France. And the Queen of Navarre made some scruple of the Ceremonies for the celebration, place and Church; but civil reason overswaying The scruples of the Queen of Navarre. all difficulties, the Theatre must be Paris, as the Capital City, and the marriage acted without any change of Ceremony, or of royal form. (33) Chastillon the Admiral was foremost at The fair show made to Chsstillon to beguile him and the Protestants. Court, where the Papales gave him place, and to take from him all jealousy or mistrust, the King countenanced him so much, that he repaid his losses sustained in the war, grants him the revenues of his brother the Cardinal Chastillon, that lately fled and died in England, treats with him familiarly, gives him a place in his Privy Council, and ever honours him with the plausible name of Father; insomuch as the people began to murmur that King Charles not only favoured the Huguenots, but was now become a Huguenot himself. And the Admiral for his part thinking all upright, to that end joh. Serres. moveth the King to treat a peace with the Queen of England to the prejudice of the Spaniards: with these motives among others; that Elizabeth was unmarried, A march wished betwixt Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Anjou. and Henry Duke of Anjou had no wife, the dignity of so high an alliance was honourable for the Duke, and the quality of a King's brother was not to be contemned by the Queen; he having in his young years purchased great honour and reputation. An embassage for peace with QUEEN Elizabeth. (34) The charge of this message was committed to Marshal Mountmoreney, both to have his absence at Court, the better to work what was intended, & to stay her Majesty by virtue of that peace, from attempting any thing against France, in favour of the Protestants. The ford thus sounded by the well meaning Admiral, seemed the more safely passable: for the two Queens of England and Navarre; the first of them granting the Peace so desired, and the other The Queen of Navarre dieth. without all jealousy repaired to the French Court; where eighteen days after her arrival, of a quotidian fever she died, though others said not without suspicion of poison by the perfume of a pair of Gloves presented unto her. The marriage of Bourbon and Lady Margaret solemnised. (35) Soon after, the marriage was solemnised upon a high Scaffold, built before the Church door of our Lady in Paris; and four days spent in plays, feasts, dancing and Masks: all which were but trains and introductions unto what was intended: for the Admiral departing the King's presence with all compliments of amity, as he passed from the Lowre, and in reading a Petition, was with a Arquebus The Admiral wounded with shot. leveled out of a window, shot into the left arm, and dangerously hurt. At which traitorous attempt the King and Queen-mother seemed to be greatly perplexed, visiting him with all expedition, and for his further safety commanded all his favourers (the Protestants) to be lodged, near about The Admiral barbarously murdered. him. But the night now approached, Cosseines broke into his Base-Court, and three of his Company entering his Bedchamber, with their weapons barbarously murdered him, whose gored body at Guizes command, they cast out of the Window, Guise himself wiping the blood from his face, acknowledged A grateful present sent to the Pope by the Queen mother. him to be the man. His head they cut off, and presented to the Queen-mother, and she balming it, sent it to her Holy Father for an assurance of the death of his most capital enemy. (36) The Palace Clock strikes (the Watchword unto the Alarm) when the other armed The Massacre of the French Protestants. troops fly to the Admiral's lodging, cut off his hands, drag his martyred Carcase through the streets, and lastly hung it up by the feet at Montfaucon. And with the like hellish fury the bloody faction oppressed the Protestants, both in the City & Suburbs, sparing neither sex, condition, nor age through whose streets nothing was heard but ghastly horror, arms, horses and death, with the pitiful shriek of the Innocents, crying (but alas in vain) for mercy. On the other side, the shouts of the murderers prevailed, saying, that this one day should end the quarrel, which neither pen, paper, decrees of justice, nor open war for twelve years together could ever do. Lamentable was the spectacle of those sacred and massacred carcases strewed in the streets, the pavements, market-places and rivers died with their blood, and that Saboth made direful, and to the Papists infamous, with the bloody pollution of ten thousand Innocents, in the stain whereof we will leave them, and return our stile again for England. Irish Rebellion under Shan (that is,) john O-Neale (37) As these civil seditions were on foot in other parts, so Ireland too too rebellious, sought under the shelter of Shan OH Neale, to shroud themselves from the obedience of Queen Elizabethes' government; a man cruel by nature, and claiming an inheritary right of the Province of Ulster, as the O-Neales formerly had done of all Ireland. For in the troublesome times of Robert Brus, when his brother Edward named himself King of Ireland, Dovenald O-Neale, roused out of his lurking holes, in his missive letters Scot Chron. lib. 12. cap. 26. unto the Pope, styleth himself King of Ulster, and in right of inheritance the undoubted heir of all Ireland. But his glorious show being clouded before it was seen, his posterity pulled in their horns like snails, Domestic factions strengthen foreign rebellions. until the firebrands of Civil dissensions betwixt the Houses of Lancaster and York, gave light to their footing, whilst the English left Ulster unto their custody, and followed in England the faction which they best favoured. The raising of O-Neales Family. (38) At which time, Henry O-Neale, began to be great by marrying the daughter of Thomas Earl of Kildare; as afterward also his son * That is, The great Con. Con-More O-Neale, married the daughter of Girald Kildare (his mother's brother) both of those Kildares being Deputies of Ireland. From the bed of these Cosen-germanes, issued Con O-Neale, surnamed Bacco, because Con O-Neale a right Irish. he halted; who was so right Irish, that he cursed all his posterity, in case they either learned the English language, sowed wheat, or built them houses, lest the first should breed conversation, the second Commerce of sustenance, and with the last they should speed as the Crow that buildeth her nest to be beaten out by the Hawk. (29) But King Henry the eight, with whom was King Henry the eight crushed O-Neale. no dallying, setting his tallant fast on Kildare, in whose rebellions O-Neale had engaged himself deep, so over-dares this envying Irish bird, that he flies into England, sues to the Eagle, renounceth the name of O-Neale, and puts his whole estate into the King's hand. Whose humble submission so satisfied this crowned bird, that his life was delivered out of his claw, and letters Patents granted under the Great Seal of England, to hold his revenues in The Title of Tir-Oen first granted. Cambden in Hibernia▪ de O-Nealis. Fee of King, together with the Title of Earl of Tir-Oen, to him and to Matthew his false reputed son, and to the heirs of their bodies lawfully begotten, at what time the said Matthew was created Baron of Dungannon. Shan O-Neales cause of rebellion. (40) Shan O-Neale (with whom we began) the eldest legitimate unto this Con-Bacco, seeing himself disherited, and a bastard preferred before him, suddenly set his heart against his father, as also against Matthew his high honoured and halfe-reputed brother, whom he never left till he had murdered, and pursued his father with such irreconcilable hatred, as he stripped him out of house and all, and never left, till for want and grief, the old man pined away. (41) Shan then chosen proclaimed, and inaugured O-Neale, by an old shoe cast over his head, seized upon his father's inheritance, and with all diligence sought after the sons of Matthew, to secure himself of that which he had got. Brian the eldest he caused to be slain by Mac Donnel Totan, one of the Onealss race, but Hugh and Cormack by means of the English escaped his hands. Thus seated in Ulster he began to tyrannize over the great men of that province, accounting them his Subjects, as in his answers unto the English justiciar, expostulating with him upon that point, he laid his Title. (42) That he was the undoubted son and Shan O-Neales title to Ulster. heir of Con-Oneale, borne of his lawful wife; and that Matthew his supposed brother, was the son of a Blacke-smith borne in Dundalke, and unto the age of fifteen years had been so reputed and taken; that then he was obtruded upon Con, by the said Smith's wife, whom he had formerly kept for his Concubine, with an intent to interuert the inheritance and honour of the O-Neale another way. That his surrender unto King Henry of England, was of no validity, considering that Con had no longer therein than his own life, neither could that lawfully be done without the consent of the Nobles of Ulster, by whom he had been elected O-Neale. That himself was by Law both of God and man, the only true heir, being the first begotten son of his father, lawfully borne in Wedlock, chosen, declared and proclaimed O-Neale, by the general consent of the Peers and People of Ulster, and that according to the ancient law Tanistry, whereby a man at his full The Law Taenistry in Ireland what it is. years is to be preferred before a boy, and an uncle before a nephew, whose Grandfather survived the father, and lastly, that he had done nothing, but what he had sufficient authority to do, and which his ancestors had not used before him to do. Shan O Neales' outrages. (43) His title thus pleaded and passed without opposition, h● presently fell into other outrages; for O-Raylie he overthrew in the Field, took Cailoigh O-Donel Lord of Tirconel captive, cast him and his children in prison, carried away his wife, and in adultery begat bastards upon her, seizing upon lands and goods at his pleasure, and bore himself as absolute King of Ulster. Thomas Earl of Sussex daunts O-Neale▪ (44) These his doings Thomas Earl of Sussex (the Lord Deputy) sought to redress, whose preparations so strangely terrified him, that by the counsel of Girald Earl of Kildare, he came into England, and cast himself prostrate at Queen Elizabeth's feet, O-Neales submission to the Queen. and upon his submissive behaviour and promised allegiance, with her gracious favour returned home; where for a while in his diet and apparel, he conformed himself to all kind of civility, yea and did some office of service in driving the Scots out of Ulster, OH Neale doth some good Offices. slaying their leader Mac-Conel, and in protecting the poorer sort from the violence and oppressions of the Nobles. In which his doings he drew upon O-Neale again falleth off. himself their hatreds and complaints; and he whose nature could digest neither, fell furious for revenge upon Mac-Guir, Lord of Fermanagh, fired Armach the Metropolitan City, laid siege unto Dundalke, and harried the Country o● every side. A. D. 1565. Sir Henry Sidney L. Deputy of Jreland. (45) Against whom Sir Henry Sidney, than Deputy of Ireland, came in person himself into the Field: and Edward Randolph, a renowned Colonel, with seven Ensigns of Foot, and a Cornet of Horsemen, encamped at Derry by Logh Foil, that so he might charge the back of the Rebel; which O-Neale well perceiving, hasted with his forces to remove: where Randolph in a pitched field entered battle, and there manfully fight with honour, lost his life, but gave the O-Neale so great an overthrow, OH Neales' power broken. as never after he was able to make Head against his Sovereign, and in many other Skirmishes was so foiled, as he evidently saw his own dreadful downfall. Wherefore he minded once more to sue for the He thinks of submission. Queen's mercy, and with a halter about his neck, intended to humble himself to the Lord Deputy, for his favour and mediation unto her Majesty. OH Neale diverted from submission by his Secretary. (46) But making Neale Mackever (his Secretary) secret to these his designs, was by him counseled to try fortunes favour yet another way; the occasion well fitting, and the persons of great hope (if he could fasten amity with them) which were the wild Scots, who held their standing Summer-Campe in Claneboy, under the conduct of two Brethren, Alexander * That is, Alexander the younger. Oge, and Mac Gillaspic, whose father and brother this Shan O-Neale had lately slain, in an overthrow given to the Scots. For the surer gaining of whose favour, he sent before hand Surley-boy, Alexander's brother, whom he had taken and retained prisoner a long time, and soon after, himself with the wife of O-Donel (whom adulterously he kept) repairing unto them was kindly welcomed and entertained in a Tent; where after their Cups, they fell to a brawl about james Mac-Conell, (Alexander's brother) whom Shan had slain, as also about the honesty of his sister, whom he had married and cast off, for the love he bore unto Odonels wife. Whereupon after a signal given, in heat of revenge, Alexander and his brother Shan OH Neale slain. with many wounds hacked Shan O-Neale to death, a few of his followers escaping their swords by flight; by whose death Ulster recovered their wished peace, after a grievous distasture of oppression and wars, in which let us a while leave them, and return to the affairs of England. A. D. 1567. (47) The time now expired for retention of Calais so sore thirsted after, and so thirstingly kept; Calais demanded of the French King. April 28. 1567. Queen Elizabeth presently sent unto Charles the French King, to demand the delivery according to covenants. He set in estate, accompanied with the Queen mother and others, the English Ambassadors had audience, and the Title controversed among them as followeth. The Queen's Letters read and attendance given what would more be said: Sir Thomas Smith (for he was the man) demanded in her Maiestes' name, the Town of Calais, the Forts, and other the appurtenances, the Castle and Town of Guise, and generally all such Castles, Towns, and places as had been taken by his Father Henry, the late French King in his last wars, from Marry late Queen of England, her majesties sister: which in a Treaty of peace made at Casteau in Cambresis the year of Christ, 1559. was agreed upon, that his Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth should permit the said French King and his successors to possess, and peaceably to enjoy the said Towns, Castles, and places, the space of 8. years, and those expired the said K. Henry covenanted for himself and Successors to deliver the same entirely unto the English, which being complete and ended the second of that present month April, himself with Sir Henry Norris her majesties Ambassadors The Towns Governors would not be spoken with. upon the third day of the same month demanded in her name the possession thereof accordingly, but could not attain or get speech, either with Lieutenant or Governor. Whereupon they were enforced to make repair to his majesty, whom he doubted not but would accomplish the performance, and likewise keep perpetual amity with his Sovereign Lady and Mistress. (48) King Charles but young, and altogether governed by the Queen-mother, having well learned King Charles speech to the Ambassadors. his lesson, made present answer, That Calais was his, and that none had right thereunto but himself, neither should any deliver it to any other, and that the Treaty, named by the English Ambassador, did wholly give it him. Whereunto Sir Thomas replied, That neither her Majesty nor Counsel did so take it, nor indeed could, the words of the Treaty being so plain Objections against the Q. of England. and manifest. Why, Master Smith, quoth the Queen-mother, I marvel the Queen your Mistress would now sand for such a purpose, and especially you, who knoweth none better, how all things have passed: you know that your Queen hath forfeited Calais, and all her rights in those places divers ways. As first, by invading the King's Subjects in Scotland, then most manifestly at New-haven, where the King, my son, was feign with an whole Army to recover it; and in the said Treaty was an Article as hath been disputed; that if the Queen of England should invade any part of my sons Dominions, she should forthwith loose her right in Calais. Answers to the French objections. (49) Madame, said Sir Thomas: King Henry and his successors were bound to loose Calais, if they invaded England, and yet did King Francis brother to the King here, do it by the way of Scotland, as is most manifest, after the said Treaty at Casteau, not only in assuming the Arms and Title of England and Ireland, but contrary to the Article of Peace, which concluded that both English and French should departed Scotland: which incontinently her Majesty performed, in revoking thence her Lieutenant, Captains, and Soldiers: whereas contrariwise Monsieur D'oisell their Chieftain abode therein still, and the French power daily augmented under the conduct of Monsieur de Martigues, and de▪ la-Brosse▪ and also by an other great Commander, whose Navy was dispersed by tempest, and whose strength his shipwreck did testify, in Holland, Zealand, Norway and Denmark, by the loss of Armour, Men and Munition: to let pass * An Addition taken out of a former treatile written by Sir Thomas Smith. Britain and Normandy, then in preparing to invade England; and Lantzknights likewise hired in Saxony, and the Land of Lunenburge to assist the French in that enterprise, when these Almains according to their nature loath to take Seas, and desirous to know whither their service intended, were told, they should no further than Scotland, and to the Land adjoining, which was plentiful of gold, silver, and all kind of wealth, and where no Almane Soldier had made spoil for the space of an hundred years before, and to some of them in plain terms it was told, that they should into England; which was likewise signified unto her Majesty, both from her neighbour Princes, warning her highness to take good heed unto herself, as also by letters intercepted, that declared their intents; whereof she did not only admonish Mounsieur de Seure then The French charged with hard dealings. Ambassador in England for France; but also by her Ambassador to the French King, praying him to desist from such attempts so prejudicial to her Highness, and so directly against the treaty of Peace. To colour which matter the said de Seure made a Protestation in print, the answer whereunto is likewise printed in English, French, Italian, and Latin, wherein may appear the History of that time. And since her Majesty hath had a more manifest proof by men which are yet alive. For when the most part of the French power was arrived in Scotland, the Queen Mother, Monsieur de Oisell, and Monsieur de Martigues called the Scotish Lords with their Forces unto Aimouth besides Berwick; where they declared that their mind was to invade England; and to give to the King and Queen the possession of the English Crown; of which they now had the Titles and Armouries. But the Lords of Scotland upon consultation, The Scotish Lords too wise to be led by the French. made answer, That they had often attempted to invade England, but they never got any good thereby; further affirming, it was against the peace newly concluded and sworn: so near was it to execution. Upon this there followed a treaty of peace at Edinburgh, wherein the numbers of French Soldiers were to be lessened; the Style and Arms of England left down, and the treaty of Casteau renewed and confirmed: all which may appear by the hands of them which were Commissioners, authorised by the French King under his Great Seal: which treaty when it was signed with all the Commissioners hands, the Queen my Sovereign for the love of peace being contented to seal and swear; the said King Francis did refuse them both, sith which The French King refused to swear to the peace. refusal her Majesty doth, and hath always taken that the right of Calais both propriety and possession was devolved unto her by reason of the attempt, and hath demanded it divers times, yet was content to stay the time of composition; which now being clearly expired, it must needs be hers, and cannot justly be denied. Queen-mother. (50) Why (said the Queen) all this while you have said nothing against the King my son, why he should forfeit it; he hath done nothing: and is the bearing of your Arms so great a matter with you? you bear the Arms and stile of ours, and so do many, bear others Arms also. Sir Thomas Smith No Madam said Sir Thomas Smith, the bearing of the Arms is not so great a matter, but that with other things do declare the intent, and the attempt maketh the right forfeited by the treaty. And though the King your son did not forfeit it, yet the right being once lost from France, and accrued to the Queen of England, how should it go from her again? All this while (said the Queen Mother) you speak but Queen mother of the King of Scotland, who did it in his wives right, and there you must ask your amendss, and not here, you hear what my son saith, and every man seethe the rightis his, your Queen hath forfeited it, and therefore I marvel my good sister will stand in it, or sand to demand it. This is the answer said Sir Thomas which Sir Thomas. I shall carry to the Queen my Sovereign. That? Nay, King Charles. said the King, I will talk with my Council, and then shall you have a resolute answer. Then were the English Ambassadors desired to absent themselves a while, and within an hour after weresent for again. The cause for Calais debated before the French King and his Counsel. (51) The King set in Council with the Queen Mother, the Dukes of Anjou, Alencon, Monpencier, Aumale, and Nevers, the Cardinals of Bourbon and Chastillon, the Bishops of Orleans and Lymoges, Monsieur de Valence and others, the Ambassadors of England were placed in the midst: unto whom the Queen spoke and said, Monsieur L' Ambassador I pray you say your mind before the King and his Council here assembled: which Sir Thomas Smith presently did in the same form as he had done before, adding with all, that this demand was grounded upon the lapse of the time, by which without all controversy after eight years Calais was due to the Queen of England, and that by right, both the propriety, and the possession Calais forfeited by Covenant. thereof was invested unto her long ago, by the forfeiture made by the attempt in Scotland, by the commandment and consent of Francis the second to invade England, seeing the King did not ratify the treaty made at Edinburgh. (52) Monsieur de Val●●ce said the Queen Mother, Monsieur de Valence. I pray you answer that, whereupon he standing up said, myself was sent to that treaty of peace, and am glad to hear Monsieur L' Ambassador confess that the bearing of the English Armouries was but a small matter, & yet was that the chiefest thing imputed by their ●ide, as for the men of war, they were not above five thousand at the most, sent indeed because of a rebellion (for so must I term it in plain terms) then risen there. But the English men were above fifteen thousand that came against them at Petty-Lith. There was sent thither also The Roman religion a chief cause of these stirs. the Bishop of Amiens with the Pope's Bulls, to reduce them again to the Religion Roman. And as touching these matters I spoke with your Queen as I came through England, and offered her as much at the first as was done in that Treaty, if she would break the League betwixt her and the Scotish Lords, which were Rebels. But she said she could not. Now for the ratification and confirmation of that Treaty which was signed with my hand and others: there should have come into France certain Scotish Lords to have agreed and sworn to certain Articles, which did defer to come till the King was sore sick, and could not attend them, who shortly after died, and so the Treaty was not ratified. And he being dead the King that now is, had nothing to do to ratify it: for the matters therein touched Scotland, and their Queen's doings and titles, which appertained nothing at all unto him. (53) To whom Sir Thomas replied and said, I Sir Tho. Smith. am not ignorant that the Article saith, Armis innovare, attentare aut moliri, and do not take Armis to signify Armouries. But the Arms that I meant to weigh the most, and the attempt with them done was the Armed men, and the good Captains whom I named D'Oisel, Brosse, Martigues, and others, their Ensigns and Companies, marry the Armouries and Titles did disclose the intent and meaning. And if there had been none other but them which the Bishop brought, and none other munition but the Pope's Bulls; Queen Elizabeth should not have needed to have armed so many Ships, nor sent so many Soldiers to have let their enterprise, nor would ever have complained of it: but it was far otherwise The Scotish Lords scandalised. as I have declared. As for the league you speak of with the Rebels of Scotland, I think there was none, and the event did show what Rebels they were. But this I think they were as weary to have so many of you there, as we were▪ weary to have you so near us. And therein I think the Queen's Majesty and they did agreed. And to excuse the refuse of the ratification, by the not coming in of the Scotish Lords, hath small reason to bear it: for the Treaty made betwixt the French King then, and the Queen of England might have been ratified notwithstanding, whatsoever was betwixt him and the Scotish Lords his Subjects: for our fact and peace did not stand upon their doings; which Treaty because it was not ratified, I say, the Queen my Sovereign's title to the possession of Calais, by reason of that attempt standeth whole and entire unto her. But sir said he (speaking to the King) to say the truth No Commission to argue the title but to demand Calais. I have no commission, nor any commandment or authority to dispute or answer in these matters, but only to demand Calais and the other fortresses, and places according to the Treaty, which is so plain, that to mine opinion there need be no controversy. And if there be any doubt, now the time expired doth put it out of all doubt. But because you and the Queen have charged me that I know so much of the matter, as I cannot deny somewhat I do, as having been at the doing of a great deal & the dispute; Somewhat I must, and may say for myself, jest it should be thought that there were nothing to be said. Mary as I said, as Commissioner from the Queen my Sovereign, I have nothing to say, but the demands only, the matter being plain and in right judgement, without controversy, and The Constable. also that I see no person here but such as be parties, and no competent person to be judge of the controversy. Whereunto the Constable replied and said▪ Who should be judge of that which is the Kings but himself? it is his, and none could take or give it to any other but himself: with that the Queen mother asked Monsieur Chancelier, why he did not speak. Queen Mother. (54) Who after some pause began a long and well composed oration, the sum whereof was this; Monsieur Chancell●er. That the present Kings right to Calais was long before any claim could be made thereunto by the English, which was not much above two hundred years, and then was it got by the fortune of war; but more anciently, that it had been the inheritance of France none can deny, as being upon the Continent thereof, and not upon any English ground. King Edward (quoth he) we grant K. Ed. 3. the first that won Calais. wan it, and your father noble King rewanne it to his Crown. But the English will say they have possessed and enjoyed it many years: Why so they did Aquitaine, Gascoigne, and Guienne, and other dominions besides, which they claimed by our Elioner, the repudiate of the King of France, who was inheritrix unto it: indeed some titles they had, yet so as they held them of the Crown of France: for the whole which is Gallia appertaineth to you sir our King: and so doth Calais which is of no great antiquity that I can read of: for County Boulogne was What Calais had been. the first that did enclose it, being afore but a Burgard, as the most part of the Towns of France then were. At the battle of Cressy, dolorous to us, King Edward of England after nine months siege by composition had it surrendered, the poor inhabitants pardoned of life at the great suit of his good Queen, else had they died every mother's son, and so with white wands in their hands were expelled the town: To whom the King of France was so merciful, that he commanded of every thing vacant, they should be the first provided for. And I think The French Kings compassion upon the expulsed of Calais. when your Father King Henry took it, the English were likewise so served. These claim two hundred years possession, the others before them, above five hundred years: thus God doth to punish, or to essay his servants. And although the English claimed Gascoigne, and Guienne, by succession of Elioner, although Normandy by one William; and Poutieur by a Dowry of their mother, daughter of Philip de Bel. Yet to Calais they had no right, but only by Arms, and by Arms your Father again recovered it. But some will say, by the peace at Bretigny, they have right; I say no; for every man knows what exceptions were taken at that peace: and some, that so long a Among Prince's Prescription availeth not. possession makes a prescription; I say no, for Prescription is among private men, but among Prince's prescription cannot stand, and yet theirs was not much above two hundred, ours above eight hundred years. But to you Monsieur L' Ambassador, I will say, that at the peace of Troes in Champaign, were yourself and Monsieur Throgmorton, both of you most able in such affarrs, and nothing therein done I doubt not without the Queen and Counsels consent: no one word was spoken of Calais, which chief was the cause of the war; so that all standeth clear for all which was then talked upon, and is a plain A pretty devise to deoar right. confession, that they did acquit their right thereunto. This Article I say is translatiws in the peace of Casteau in Cambresis, and is no more but such as forgetfulness, or because all small things cannot be mentioned in conference. But Calais was the chief point, which being omitted, I say by meaning it was acquitted. But now to your reasons Monsieur L' Ambassador, the Article for the loss of Calais at that treaty was forced in by you the English, who of all nations be the most wary and circumspect in making their pieces. Whereupon the Queen of England layeth to us a suspicion, a jealousy, a conjecture, a guess, that a King of France would have invaded England. But every suspicion must not make a break: for so whensoever any Prince should arm his men upon ●ust occasion, his neighbours might say it was The French had rather make faults than see faults. against him: And so do you English lay guesses against the late King Francis the second. But the Queen of England with open face invaded the King's Realm, with a goodly pretence to keep the towns to the King's use, yet when always reduced into their due obedience, she would keep the town of Newhaven as a pledge for Calais, by which deed she hath lost all her right in Calais, God indeed hath made a natural separation betwixt you and us, a sure wall of defence, Et penitus toto divisos orb Britannos. So that naturally you aught to have nothing but peace and amity with ours. But do not think Monsieur L' A fair show to ska● the English. Ambassador that I say this as fearing what you can do: for there was never any King of France since Charlemagne so great as the King is now, had so many men of war, so ready, and so good Soldiers: and yet his Highness doth desire the amity of the Queen of England, and the love of that nation: of which there is the more hope if all these pretences and demands were canceled, and Calais a continual picke-quarrell. Calais forgotten, which hath been the continual picke-quarrell betwixt these two Realms. You never read Monsieur Smith, that the French ever invaded England, I speak it not to your dispraise which are English, but to your praise; yet this I think, had there not been so easy a descent, so convenient a place, and so ready, for you to make war here, ye would not (as I suppose) have come hither so often, and troubled our Country, nor the amity betwixt you and us; And I dare boldly affirm and gauge any thing, that the Queen of England shall gain more by continual peace with us, than she shall do by Calais, & therefore your Queen must leave off these demands and quarrels, and come to a perfect peace with us, which shallbe more profitable for both the Realms, and this I dare assure you, here is no Councillor among us, that dare once open his mouth to tender you Calais, for my part I will not The Constable. be one to move or assent thereunto. Nor I said the Constable, and so all the rest. (55) Then quoth Sir Thomas Smith, Monsieur Sir Tho. Smith. Chancelier, me thinks you fetch your Title very far to have Calais, and howsoever the possession was comeby, by and by the right is his in possession, then by your reason all our disputation is in vain, and it maketh no matter, bonáne an mala fide possideat, the King once in possession as a thing returning to his premier estate postliminio or gotten The French all for themselves whatsoever they said. of the enemy, ye admit no contract, or latter treaty, so as it doth appear, ye open that which was thought of some men, and always spoken, that what promise soever was made, the French would never tender Calais again to the English, but keep it still, per ius, nefasque: this reasoning passeth all answer, for whatsoever the Queen of England had done quàm sanctè so ever she had kept her treaty of this eight years, though ye could object nothing against her, yet she should never have had Calais restored; to this kind of reasoning and to that, that no man dare move the King to tender it being due, I cannot answer; but to this that toucheth my fact in the making of the Peace in champaign, where I must confess, and am not ashamed, that I was a Minister, I do not yet acknowledge that either I am worthy to be accounted so wise as you would make me, nor our Nations always so circumspect in making Treatises with you, your own Writers averring otherwise, and give you the praise therein against Philip Co●in. us. But for the point wherein you touch us, that the peace at Troes should be novatio contractus, and we should thereby acquit our right of Calais, it is Antistrophon, and turneth a great deal better upon you. For if because our talk was of our right to Calais, by reason of the attempt in Scotland, you of the forfeiture of it by reason of the descent to Newhaven, neither condescending to other, and not concluding thereupon, we did agreed upon that Peace. And if that Peace doth make novationem, than the forfeiture of our right by keeping Newhaven, which you impute to us is wiped away, novated and cleansed by this Peace, and our right which was not yet in esse, & cuius dies nondum venit, remaineth still. So as it toucheth you rather than us; and by this means have you nothing to say against us, but we still our right against you. But the truth is, as Monsieur Le Connestable here can tell, who was part the occasion that we came to it; for when this was contended, that Calais was already due unto us, you, that The French the cause that Calais was not mentioned in the peace we had forfeited it, so that we could enter into no other Article of peace; why said you, have not we the wit to make a peace, ●nd make no mention of Calais? neither to speak of it one way, nor other: your time is not yet come to ask it, let us live in peace in the mean while, and let each Prince have right such as it is, reserved; whereupon you Monsieur L' Ambespine were one of the first that came with us, and you know what passed. (56) Yea (saith he) but we would never grant that it should be put in, that you should have Calais: you say true (said Sir Thomas) nor we that the Queen's Majesty should acquit it, nor the hostages neither. But in the end when it came to the Conclusion, as the Bishop of Orleans, and Monsieur Bourdin can tell, it was agreed that expressly the right be reserved, aswell to that, as to any other thing, not expressly The conditions reserved. there mentioned. Omnes aliae petitiones & demandae & similiter exceptiones & defensiones as appeareth by the Treaty. And as touching Newhaven, Monsieur Chancelier, note in it two things. The one, the first entry, the other, the keeping after the peace agreed upon amongst yourselves. As for the first entry, I deny that our men of war made any invasion Not hostile attempt in entering New●aven. or came by force. But being requested and desired aid of a great number of Noblemen, and other who were in peril and danger. And whether did they like invaders (I ask for all the time that they were not assailed) spoil any, or rob any? no, they took not an hen or an egg, but they paid for it: I, if any complain I offer to pay it: This is no invasion, nor no hostility: but the act of a friend, and at their requests and pursuits: whose doings sir, aswell for matter of Arms, as for other things done in that tumult, you have declared by Edict to have been done à bon ●in et pour vostre service, which may truly be said, for by their means and defence a great number of your good Subjects, aswell men as women, aswell Captains as Soldiers, The benefit accrueing unto the French by the aid of the English. of whom Monsieur le Chaneellier did now boast, as of other not Soldiers, are saved now to do you service: which else should have been a prey and spoil to them which sought but the ruin of half or third part at the lest of your Realm. For the conservation of whom, ye in part may thank the Queen my Mistress. And this for the first descent of our men. Now where Monsieur Chancellier saith that the Queen my Mistress changed her pretence, I still do say she kept her first protestation. That she would appropriate no Land, Town, nor Fortress of the Kings to her, nor she did ne●er claim Newhaven as hers, but coming peaceably into it, having been at great charge and cost, it was both wisdom and reason all other being satisfied and content, she should at the lest have some reason offered her in her right to Calais. And otherwise she did not hold Newhaven, which thing was manifestly declared at Gallion, where Articles were drawn not unreasonable, and the matter so far forward that they were signed with my hand, and tarried but for power and Commission to affirm them. But the mortality and pestilence growing so great in Newhaven, gave too much advantage, which was taken; and the reasonable dealings in this matter broke off, other meaning her Majesty had none. (57) No said the Constable, what meant such preparation, and provision? I cannot skill of things; but in that art wherein I have been brought up and exercised all my life, I can skill a little. There was such a number of Horse harness for the cart: such a number of Artillery, such provisions of Gamons of Bacon, Cheese and other things, and above five thousand men, that am I sure went out of it, besides all those that were dead: can you make me believe that all this was for Newhaven alone? No Monsieur (said he) I know what belongeth to a Town of War. Yea, said another, and the Ships also that came: Nay said the Constable they came too late. Why, said the Queen-mother smiling, will you make us believe that all that preparation was for Newhaven alone? (58) Wisdom would, Madam, quoth Sir Thomas Smith, because the sea and wind do not serve at all times, that there should be good store of all manner of provision. Not, not (said she) there was a further meaning, but as you have quitted Newhaven, so must you quit Calais, and let us be friends; ne●er talk more of these demands, nor of the sums of money for which ye had Hostages. All is go from you quite. Your Queen in coming to Newhaven hath quitted all. She must forget that matter clean, and let us be friends still. The King my son doth offer as much friendship as need to be, but as for Calais ye must never speak of it. It is hard, Madame, said Sir Thomas Smith, for a man to forget his right, or not to remember a wrong offered. Nay; no wrong, said she, you have heard what Monsieur Le Chancellier hath said, and what all these of my sons Counsel do say. Madame (quoth he) it is for the most part seen that men be partial in their own causes, I do assure you, that the Queen my Sovereign doth think that she hath as good right to Calais as to any Town in England: and so do all her Counsel: and whatsoever ye have heard, I am able to say for her right even out of hand, but they a great deal more. But Sir, quoth Sir Thomas, is this the final answer I shall have? Yea, said the King. That ye will not tender Calais unto her Majesty, according to the Treaty, nor pay the five hundred thousand Crowns whi●h is for the pain. (59) No said the King, I will keep them both according to the Treaty: well than said Sir Thomas I have no more to say, but to bring this report to her Majesty, which I shall be sorry to do: and thereupon himself, and Sir Henry Norris, rose up to departed, doing their obeisance. But you take not your leave, Monsieur L'ambassadors for altogether said the Queen. Yes forsooth said Sir Thomas. Do you intent to come no more at Court? No Madame, except the King's Majesty do command me. But I am sorry to carry this answer so precise; and that there is so little regard of the Queen my Sovereign's right. Not right, said the Queen, for if there were any, the King my son, would be loath to offer her any wrong: ye have heard all the reasons, I marvel that you will take upon you, you that are learned, to defend so unjust a cause. Ah Madame (said he) I see well, it is true on your part, that men be blind in their own causes and advantages. Surely (quoth she) the Queen (my good sister) shall have more advantage thus as it is, then to demand Calais. And I pray you persuade her. I Madame, against her right? You must not say so, I pray you commend me heartily to the Queen, my good sister, and desire her to keep the amity and love which is betwixt her and my son, and ● shall be ready to do her what service or pleasure I can quoth the Queen and so said the King. Thus this conference ended, and Calais kept still by the French. (60) Now as these distastures fell betwixt England and France, and these broken Covenants ministered occasions to set each against others: So at the same time, the affairs of Scotland was carried with so violent a motion as set the Lords at dissensions, and the land in civil sedition; so as not only outrages were committed upon the best Subjects, but even upon the virtuous King and Queen themselves, The King of Sco●● barbarously murdered. The Queen of Scotland oppressed by her own● Subjects. him they shamefully murdered in a most barbarous manner, and her they took prisoner, forced her to resign government, and lastly to fly into foreign parts for succour. But knowing that this Subject is to be writ with a far more noble pen, and our extant relations from uncertain and suspected reports; we will surcease to intermeddle in the particulars of that Queen's affairs, excepting only in such intercourses of State, as are woven in ours, and cannot otherwise be avoided without maim of History; this only in general. Queen Mary of Scotland arrives in England. (61) Marry Queen of Scotland having embarked herself for France, where she well hoped to find many friends; by contrary winds (accompanied with sixteen persons) landed at Werkinton in Cumberland, and from thence was conveyed to Carlisle, to Bolton Castle, and lastly to the custody of the Earl of Shrewesburie. Whose troubles and misfortune, Q. Elizabeth Queen Elizabeth soliciteth the Scots in her behalf. B●cha. lib. 19 both pitied and sought to redress; writing in her behalf unto the Regent of Scotland, and blaming the Lords of the many wrongs done to their Queen, which indeed were intolerable to royal authority, and such, as other Princes could not but seek to redress, and revenge; notwithstanding such was the distasture of those distempered Lords, or the frowns of those fatal times, that in England she remained ever after during her life. (62) As the jealousies grew great betwixt these two great Queens, Elizabeth and Mary, by the working instruments of the Pope and foreign Princes; so by the like means, were the like discontents bred The Pope's instruments nourished discontents in the English towards their Sovereign. The Earls of Northumberland and Westmoreland in Rebellion. and nourished in some of the greatest English Peers, towards their Sovereign, whose Peace, under pretext of Religion, they irreligiously disturbed. Among these, the first in rank, time and disloyalty▪ were the two Earls of Northumberland and Westmoreland, who with Leonard Dacres, Nevil, No●ton, Tempest, Danby, and others, purposed on the sudden to have surprised the Earl of Sussex, the Queen's Lieutenant of the North, in his house at Cawood; but therein prevented, they were enforced to keep secret their intents, till some fit occasion should chance to be ministered. They had in readiness against their rising, certain English Priests, Morton, and others, Morton a Popish Priest advanceth the Rebellion with Papal Bulls. with Bulls and instruments of absolution, reconciliation, and taking of Oaths to the Pope and his doctrine, which was not so secretly done, but that Queen Elizabeth's vigilant Counsellors had an inkling thereof. An. D. 1569 The Earl of Northumberland sent for to the Court, strengtheneth himself. novem. 14. (63) Thomas Percy, (so was Northumberlands Earl named) lying at his Castle of Topclife in Yorkshire, had go so far in his intended purposes, as he could not return; who being sent for unto the Court, struck a great amazement and sudden fear into the other conspirators hearts: and his own guilty mind was much more distracted, upon notice that some forces were approaching for his apprehension; whereupon all affrighted, he rose from his bed, and caused the Bells to be rung in a most confused manner, so that the Townsmen raised, all sought to defend and follow him their chief Lord (64) The nest thus broken before the birds could well fly, he departed to Branspeth, where he met with Charles Nevil Earl of Westmoreland, and his following consorts; who joining in Counsel, made no conscience to undo many true subjects, and innocent men: For abusing the Queen's name in their Proclamations and Commissions, they commanded the Country to follow them in Arms; The pretences of the Rebels. sometimes pretending the safety of her majesties person, in danger (they said) by Treasons in working; and sometimes in case of Conscience for restoring their former Religion, which if themselves should neglect▪ other foreign Princes (said they) would do, to the no little peril of the Realm. (65) In this zeal they hasted to Durham, with as forward an intent as jeroboam did to Bethel, to set ●. King. 12. 33. The outrages of tho●e rebels. I●r. 36. up his golden Calves, where they rend and tare the Bible, in as great a contempt, as joachim did the roll that jeremy wrote▪ at Darington they besprinkled their Host with holy water, for fear of spirits, and at Rippon heard Mass, to forward their Treason, with the assistance of that Propitiatory Sacrifice. Whence, with Banners displayed, they entered Borowbrigge, old Norton being their Ancient, whose Ensign was the Cross, and five wounds of our Lord The strength of the Popish Rebels. (66) From thence they went to Tadcaster, Wetherby, and Bramham Moor, where they mustered sixteen hundred Horsemen, and four thousand footmen, intending therewith to march unto York. But their minds altering, they fell upon Barnard's Castle, which after eleven days resistance, was yielded unto them: which fortunate entrance did so animate their rebellious conceits, as that in their letters The Rebel's sauciness towards their Sovereign. M. S. of Parliament. sent to their favourers, they deigned their Sovereign no better stile, than Elizabeth the late Queen, pretended Queen, and no Queen indeed: as likewise did the Countess of Northumberland in her Letter sent unto Stuckley, and * The Duchess of Ferrara, etc. others of the faction, in far worse terms. They are proclaimed Traitors. (67) These things divulged, and their rebellions still going on, Proclamations came forth denouncing them Traitors to their Queen and Country; and the Lord Scroop Warden of the West-Marches, with the assistance of the Earl of Cumberland, and other Gentlemen of the Country, kept the Castle of Carlisle, while Sir john Foster warden of the Middle-Marches, accompanied with Sir Henry Percy, exercised their manly resistance against these proud Rebels. The Earl of Sussex leads against the Rebels. (68) To withstand their still-growing outrage, Thomas Earl of Sussex (her majesties Lieutenant General of the North) gathered some forces; whose Lieutenant for the footmen was Edward Earl of Rutland, and for the Horsemen, was Henry Lord Hunsdon, Lord Warden of the East-Marches, William Lord Ewer leading the rearward. These followed the enemy to North-Allerton, Croftbridge, Akle, Durham, Newcastle and Hexam, even close at His Holiness promiseth treasure to advance the Rebellion. their heels; whose power was so weak, and purse so empty, (being defrauded of an hundred thousand Crowns, promised them by the Pope, to maintain the Rebellion) as that those Rebellious heads entered The Rebels desperate estate. conference with Edward Dacres at N●●orth, of their desperate estate, being both moneyless and powerless to withstand the puissance of the Lord General, now on their backs, as also the Earls of Warwick, and Lincoln, the Lords Ferrer, Willoughby, and Howard, approaching very near them, even at The chief Rebels fly into Scotland. Borrow-briggs. No other succour their consultations could pitch on, then by flight into Scotland, unto those Lords that there stood out for the Romish. (69) So the Night following they put it in practice, not bidding their entrapped train once farewell, which as Sheep without a Shepherd, stood gazing at their own destructions, whilst Sussex surprised The remaining ringleaders executed. them without any resistance. Upon whose ringleaders, justice so seized, that at Durham died, by marshal Law, an Alderman, a Priest, and sixty six Constables; and in the Country for a great Circuit, a great number of such as were forwardest in the Action. Leonard Dacres reaveth the Rebellion. (70) Not warned by these successes (which usually prove unhappy, in such disloyal attempts) Leonard Dacres of Harlesey began together head again; whose aiders were the more resolute, in revenge of their friends executed; and women also become stout Soldiers in quarrel of their husbands, all forward enough, and too forward to mischief. These An. D. 1570 Februar. 22. The Rebels embat●ell themselves. upon a Moore near unto Naworth, to impeach the Lord Hunsdon that made thitherward, had set down their battle in a triangle form, where they continued a long and most desperate conflict, but in the end were forced to give back, and Dacres to fly from his slain, wounde●, and scattered people, towards Scotland, the then-Refuge of Traitorous transfugers. (71) Scotland thus harbouring those disloyal English, and their own Lords divided into several factions, some of them sought to conceal, and some to apprehended these guilty Earls; so that Westmoreland, Northumberland sent into England and beheaded. Tho. Randol. was shifted away into Flaunders, but Northumberland, taken by the Regent, and committed to Custody, was afterwards sent into England, where having been attainted by Parliament, upon the twenty two of August was beheaded at York: using liberty A. D. 1570. of speeches, in avowing the Pope's Supremacy, denying subjection unto his Sovereign Queen, affirming the Realm to be in a Schism, and her obedient Subjects no better than Heretics. Charles Westmorland his consort, a person utterly wasted by Execution of justice, etc. looseness of life, even by God's just judgement, in the time of his Rebellion, was bereaved of children, Westmorlands end. and afterwards wandering in foreign parts, had his body eaten with ulcers of lewd causes, as is most constantly reported. But from these temporal proceed (being the Domestic effects of a foreign cause) let us a while behold the spiritual flourish of the Pope's leaden Sword, unsheathed at Rome, to enspirit and inflame such traitorous dispositions against England's Queen. The Pope's instruments & endeavours to ruinated Queen Elizabeth. (72) Nicholas Mooreton an Englishman, made Bishop by Pius Quintus, that Pontifical and surly Pope of Rome, who now having turned the key of his Consistory, and set wide open the doors unto the complaints of his Clergy, against those Christian Princes, that urged subjection to their positive Morton commenceth suit against Queen Elizabeth before Pope impius Quintus. Laws (a Note indeed ill sounding in the ears of his sons) amongst others, this puppet Bishop, commenced a feigned suit and plea against Queen Elizabeth, whom thereupon Pius (like a transcendent judge) deprived from all Princely authority, as one uncapable either of Crown, or Government, and with the curse of his impious mouth, sent forth his Bull Psalm. 22. 12. to gore her Majesty like to those of Bashan, that encompassed David; the tenor whereof (if the words corrupt not the air, and the ink the eyes of the beholders) shall stand for ever as a Pillar of Salt, and Monument The Bull of Pius Quintus to dethrone Queen Elizabeth. of shame to that Man of sin; the transcript whereof, taken from the original itself, is as followeth. Pij Papae 5. Pontificis Maximi Sententia declaratoria contra Elizabetham, praetensam Angliae Reginam, & ei adhaerentes Haereticos. Quâ etiam declarantur absoluti omnes subditi à turamento fidelitatis, & quocunque alio debito, & deinceps obedientes Anathemate illaqueantur. Tibi dabo claves Herein was Saint Peter pictured out with a key in his right hand, with his left hand he pointeth to a City, and hath a long garment, & is bore footed. Regni Coelorum. Herein the Pope's cross keys, cast into a knot, & a Canopy set upon a staff, bravely set out, etc. Vasques Electionis. Herein is Saint Paul set out, in his right hand two swords, in his left a Bo●ke, with a long garment, and bore footed, and a pillar set before him, etc. Paulus Doctor Gentium Pius Episcopus servus servorum Dei, ad futuram rei memoriam. (73) Regnans in Excelsis, cui data est omnis in caelo & in terra potestas, unam sanctam Catholicam & Apostolicam Ecclesiam, extra quam nulla ●●t salus, uni soli in terris, videlicet, Apostolorum Principi Petro, Petrique successori Romano Pontifici, in potestatis plenitudine tradidit gubernandam. Hunc unum super omnes gentes & omnia regna principem constituit, qui evellat, destruat, dis●ipet, disperdat, plantet, & aedificet, ut fidelem populum mutuae charitatis nexu constrictum, in unitate spiritûs contineat, saluumque & incolumem suo exhibeat Salua●ori. Quo quidem in munere obeundo, nos ad pradictae Ecclesiae gubernacula De● ben●gnitate u●cati, nullum laborem intermittimus, omni operâ contendentes, ut ips● unitas & Catholica Religio (quam illius Author▪ ad probandam suorum fidem & correctionem nostram, tantis procellis conflictari permisit) integra conserue●ur. Sed impiorum numerus tantum potenti●inualuit, ut nullus ●am in orb locus sit relictus, quem illi pessima doctrina corrumpere non tentari●t, adnitente (inter caeteros) flagitiorum Seruâ Elizabeth●, pretens● Angl●● Reginâ, ad quam veluti ad Asylum omnium infestissimi profugium invenerunt. Haec eadem, Regno occupato, Supremi Ecclesiae capitis locum in omni Anglia, eiusque praecip●am authoritatem atque i●risdictionem monstrousè sibi usurpans, Regnunipsum, iam tunc ad fidem Catholicam & bonam f●ugem reductum, rursus in miserum exitium revocavit. Vsu namque verae Religionis, quam ab illius desertore Henrico octavo olim eversam, clarae memoriae Maria Regina legitima huius sedis praesidio reparaverat, potent● manu inhibito, secutisque & amplexis haereticorum erroribus, Regium Concili●m ex Anlgicâ Nobilitate confectum diremit, illudque obscuris hominibus haereticis complevit, Catholicae fide● cultores oppressit, improbos concionatores atque impietatum administros reposuit. Missaeque sacrificium, preces, jejunia, ciborum delectum, caelibatum, ritus C●tholicos abolevit. Libros manifestam haeresim continentes toto Regno proponi, impia misteria & ins●ituta ad calvini praescriptum à suscepta & obseruata, etiam à subditis servari mandavit. Episcopos Ecclesiarum, Rectores, & alios Sacerdotes Catholicos, suis Ecclesijs & Beneficijs cijcere, ac de illis & alijs rebus Ecclesiasticis, in haereti●os homines disponere, deque Ecclesiae causis decernere ausa, Praelatis, Clero & Populo, ne Romanam Ecclesiam agnoscerent, neve eius praeceptis sanctionibusque canonicis obtemperarent, inter dixit; plerosque in nefarias suas leges venire, & Romani Pontificis authoritatem atque obedentiam abiurare, seque solam in temporalibus & spiritualibus Dominam agnoscere jure iurando coegit; poenas & supplicia in ●os qui dicto non essent audientes imposuit, ●aesdem ab ijs qui in unitate fidei & praedicta obedientia perseverarunt, exegit; Catholicos Antistites & Eccle●iarum Rectores in vincula coniecit, ubi multi diuturno languore & tristitia confecti, extremum vitae diem miserè fin●erunt. Qu● omni● cum apud omnes nationes perspicua & notoria sint, & gravissimo quamplurmorum testimonio ita comprobata, ut nullus omninò locus excusationis▪ defensionis, aut tergiuer sationis relinquatur; Nos, multiplicantibus alijs atque alijs super alias impietatibus & facinoribus, & praeterea fidelium persecutione, Religionisque afflictione, impulsu & operâ dictae Elizabethae quoti●iè magis ingravescente, quoniam illius animum it● obfirmatum atque induratum intelligimus, ut non modò pias Catholicorum Principum de sanitate & c●nuersione preces, monitionesque contempserit, sed ne huius quidem sedis ad ipsam hac de causâ Nun●ios, in Anglia● traijcer● permiserit, ad arma justitiaecontra ●am de necessitate conu●rsi, dolorem lenire non possumus, quod adducamur in unam animadner tere cuius maiores de Republica Christiana tantop●rè meruêre. Illius itaque authoritate suffulti, qui nos in hoc supremo justitiae Throno, licet tanto oneri impares, voluit collocare, de Apostolicae potestatis plenitudine declaramus praedictam Elizabetham haereticam, & haereticorum fautricem, eique adhaerentes in predictis, Anathematis sententiam incurrisse, esseque à Christi corporis unitate praecisos. Quinetiam ipsam praetenso Regni praedicti iure, nec non omni & quocunque Dominio, dignitate privilegioque privatam, & item Proceres, subditos & populos dictiregni, ac caeteros omnes, qui illi quomodocunque iuraverunt, à juramento huiusmodi, ac omni prorsus Dominij, fidelitatis & obsequij debito perpetuo absolutos, prout nos illos praesentium authoritate absoluimus, & privamus; eandem Elizabetham praetenso iure Regni, alijsque omnibus supradictis. Praeci●imusque & interdicimus universis & singulis proceribus, subditis, populis, & alijs praedict is, ne illi eiusue monitis, mandatis, & legibus audeant obedire. Qui secus egerint, eos simili anathematis sententia innodamus. Quia verò difficile nimis esset praesentes quocunque illis opus erit perf●rre, volumus ut carum exempla, Notarij pub●ici manu, & Praelati Ecclesiastici, eiusue Curiae sigillo obsignata, eandem illam prorsus fidem in judicio, & ex tra illud, ubique gentium faciant, quam ipsae praesentes facerent▪ siessent exhibitae vel ostensae. Datum Rome apud S. Petrum. Anno incarnation● Domini, 1569. Quinto Calend. Martij, Pontificatus nostri Anno quinto. The same in English. The declaratory sentence of the Universal Bishop, Pope Pius the fift, against Elizabeth the pretended Queen of England, and against the Heretics that take her part. Wherein also all her subjects are declared to be absolved from the Oath of Allegiance and any other duty whatsoever, and besides they that do obey her are pronounced accursed. Pius the servant of the servants of God for remembrance hereof in time to come. (74) He that reigneth above, to whom is given all power in Heaven and Earth, hath committed in fullness of power to be governed, one holy Catholic and apostolic Church (whereout is no salvation) to one only in Earth, namely, Peter the Prince of the apostles, and to the Roman Bishop the Successor of Peter. And him alone hath he made Chief over all Nations and Kingdoms, who may root out; destroy, scatter▪ waste, plant and build: that the faithful people knit together with the band of mutual Charity, might be kept in the unity of the Spirit, and presented in health and safety unto their Saviour. For the undergoing of which office we being called by the goodness of God to the government of the said Church, do refuse and omit no pains, labouring by all means that this unity and Catholic Religion (which the Author thereof for the trial of the Faith of those that be his and for our correction and amendment, hath suffered to be tossed with so great afflictions) might be preserved whole and entire▪ But the number of the wicked hath so much increased in power, that now there is no place in the world left, which they have not attempted to corrupt by most wicked doctrine▪ among the rest, Elizabeth the servant of sinfulness, the pretenced and unlawful Queen of England, with whom, as in a Sanctuary the most wicked persons of all do find a refuge. This Queen, ruling the Kingdom, and monstrously usurping to herself the place of the Supreme Head of the Church throughout all England, and the chief authority & jurisdiction of the same, hath revoked again to miserable ruin this very Kingdom which was in a manner recovered again to the Catholic faith and good devotion. For the use of the true Religion (which the most lawful Queen, Mary of famous memory by the help of this Seat, had repaired, being before by the Apostata, Henry the eight, overthrown) now by strong hand restrained, and the errors of heretics embraced and followed; she hath removed the Council of State that consisted of the English Nobility, and filled the same with obscure heretical fellows; she hath oppressed the Professors of the Catholic faith, and hath set up wicked Preachers and Ministers of impieties. She hath abolished the Sacrifice of the Mass, Prayers, Alms, difference of meat, single life, and Catholic rites. She hath commanded books to be set forth containing manifest Heresy, and herself using and observing wicked Rites and Institutions, according to Caluins' prescription; hath also commanded them to be observed by her subjects. She hath presumed to cast ou●, Bishops of Churches, Rectors, and other Catholic Priests, from their Churches and Benefices, and to dispose of them and other Ecclesiastical livings among Heretical men; presuming also to judge of Church matters; she hath forbidden the Prelates, the Church and people, that they should not acknowledge the Roman Church, nor that they obey his Precepts and Canonical Injunctions; she hath compelled many to yield to her wicked laws, and to forswear and abjure the authority and obedience of the Roman Bishop, and to acknowledge her by their Oath the only Governor in temporal and spiritual matters; she hath imposed penalties and punishments upon those which were not obedient to her command, and hath exacted the like upon them which persevered in the unity of the Faith, and in the aforesaid obedience; she hath cast into prison the Catholic Governors and Rectors of Churches, where many, laden with daily languish and sorrow, have woefully ended their lives. All which things forasmuch as they are notorious and manifest to all Nations, and so approved by the most grave testimony of very many, that no way is left them, for excuse, defence, or evasion; We moved by the impieties and mischiefs that more and more multiply, besides the grievances of the faithful, the affliction of Religion which groweth daily more intolerable by the means and working of the said Elizabeth, whose mind is so hardened and indurate, that she hath not only contemned the godly prayers and admonitions of Catholic Princes for her health and conversion, but also hath not suffered the messengers of this See to come into England to her about this business; We, I say, moved by these causes, have of necessity betaken ourselves to the weapons of justice against her, not being able to refrain from grief and sorrow, that we must needs punish such a one, whose Ancestors have so well deserved of the Common weal, and of all Christendom. Being therefore strengthened with his authority, who hath pleased to set us in this supreme Throne of justice, though unfit for so great a burden, we by the fullness of our apostolic power, do declare the foresaid Elizabeth an Heretic, and a maintainer of Heretics, and those that take her part in the things aforesaid, to have incurred the sentence of Anathema, and to be cut off from the unity of Christ's body. And moreover that she is deprived of the pretenced right of her said Kingdom, and also from all Rule, dignity, and pre-eminence whatsoever, and also her Nobility, Subjects and People of the said Realm, and all other which have sworn unto her, by any manner of means are absolved forever from such Oath, and from all duty of Empire, fidelity and obedience, in such sort as we do absolve them by the authority of these presents, and deprive the said Elizabeth of the pretenced right of the Kingdom, and of all other things aforesaid. And we do command and forbidden all and singular of the Nobility, Subjects, People, and other aforesaid, that they presume not to obey her admonitions, commands, nor laws. Whosoever shall do otherwise, we do enwrap them in the like curse▪ And because it were too difficult a matter to bear these presents to every place where there is need, we will that the Copies of them being signed with the hand of the public Notary, and the Ecclesiastical Prelate, or with the Seal of his Court, have the same credit and authority in Court, and without it with all Nations every where, that the presents themselves should have if they were exhibited. Given at Rome at Saint Peter in the year of the Incarnation of our Lord 1569. the fifth of the Calendss of March, and of our Papacy the fifth. (75) The web thus woven by these Spiders Isaiah 59 5. of Rome, and the Cockatrice's Egg hatched into a The first-fruits and effects of the Pope's Bull. Serpent, many were employed to patch up this garment of iniquity, and Spirits sent abroad to corrupt England's sweet air; the one sort, plotters of invasions to lay the Land waste, and the other, conspirators against her anointed person. The chief of them both in this place, (omitting the order of annal) that they may rank together without interruption of better narrations, & not infect the paper in more places than one, I will here lay down; assuring myself, that many more attempts were plotted then ever were displayed. For the thunderbolt of curses thrown from that jupiter of Rome, denouncing her Majesty uncapable either of Crown or Kingdom, took such roots in the hearts of these Locusts, that they both armed themselves openly to Apoca. battle, and secretly sought to imbrue their barbarous hands in their Prince's blood. The Pope's Bu ● hang● up at the Bishop of London his gate. (76) For this Brutish Bull, calued in the Pope's Consistory (or rather Cowhouse) and now able to travel from Rome; in London, and at the West end of Paul's, first put forth his horns, being there hung upon the Bishop's Palace gate, by a lewd person employed as an Herald from the Pope. Moreton an Patrons and abettors of the Bull. Sand. de Visibil. Monarch. Bristol Motive 6. old English fugitive (as hath been said) had procured it: brazenfaced Sanders in his writings maintaineth it, Bristol in his Motives approved it, Northumberland & Nevil had put it in practice, john Felton had divulged it, the two Nortons supported it, and many after-followers assayed to execute it; all which, like Serpents bite the bosoms, wherein themselves lay, but never could hurt her, the Lords beloved, and holy Anointed, who in peace & glory came to her grave, job 5. 26. and in a full age, as a rick of Corn into the Barn in due season. (77) The Marshalists, besides them in the North, were john Throckmorton, Thomas Brooke and George An. D. 1570 Redman with others, who intended with sound of Trumpet and Drum, to proclaim their devilish design at Harleston Fair in the County of Norfolk; their show being for the suppression of Execution of certain Traitors. Strangers, but their main end, to make a strange alteration in the State; whereby they hastened their own ends, suffering a death due to Traitors. (78) But more dangerous were those Conspirators, which secretly plotted to bring in foreign Secret instruments to draw in foreign enemies into the Landlord powers, or publicly by their writings animated men thereunto, defaming the fair face of England's Religion, and deforming the body of Elizabeth's Government; 2. Tim. 3. 8. in which kind Sanders and Bristol two English fugitives, were the jannes' and jambres that withstood Moses; men of corrupt minds, and enemies to the Faith; Traitors, heady and high minded, having a show of godliness▪ but denying the power thereof, as the Apostle prophesied, that in the last days such should arise: both of them approving Pius Quintus his proceeding about her majesties deprivation, and justifying the wicked in their rebellions, contrary to 1▪ Pet. 2. 13. the doctrine of that Apostle, whose Chair they pretend to uphold. From which sink of iniquity, Apoc. 8. 11. issued those corrupt streams, that become bitter as wormwood, the taste whereof brought many to their untimely, but wel-deserued, deaths: among whom, first was Felton, the two Nortons, Kenelm justice executed upon certain Traitors. Barn, and Edmund Mather; not long after whom, followed Doctor Story, who may not be forgotten in our Story. Doctor Storis. (79)▪ This man by birth was English, though an Alien in heart, by profession a Civilian, and Doctor of the Canon Law, a persecuter of God's Saints in the days of the last Queen, and in this Queen's reign, a turbulent inveigher against the Religion established in the English Church. For which being apprehended His imprisonment and flight. and committed to prison, he found means of escape, and in Antwerp received Commission under Duke D'Alua, to search all Ships coming thither, for English books; not forgetting his tyranny wherein His employments beyond the Sea. he had been trained, nor to further traitorously many and great attempts to bring in foreign powers, for England's overthrow. But the pit that he digged, he fell into himself, and the destruction prepared for others, light on his own pate; for one Parker, an English Merchant, loially affected to his Prince, trading to Antwerp, laid his snare fair to catch this foul bird; causing secret notice to be given unto Story, that in his Ship were store of Heretical books, with other intelligences, which might stand him in steed. (80) The Canonist conceiving that all was Cocksure, hasted to execute his Commission himself, where with looks very big upon the poor Story taken in his own gin. Mariners, each Cabin, Chest and Corner, above board were searched, & some things found to draw him further on; so that the hatches must be opened, which seemed to be unwillingly done, and great signs of fear was showed by their faces. This His arraignment and execution. drew on the Doctor to descend into the hold; where now in the trap, the mouse might well gnaw, but could not get out; for the hatches went down, and the sails hoist up, which with a merry gale were blown into England, where ere long he was arraigned and condemned of high Treasou▪ and accordingly A. D. 1571. was executed at Tyburn, as he had well deserved. Sherwin, Campion etc. (81) To the like end came Sherwin, Campion, Kirby, with others seditious trumpeters of this infamous Sanders his miserable end. Bull, and Sanders the Irish Legate, and greatest maintainer of his goring authority, though he escaped the Bar of justice, yet was found out by a raving Frenzy, as he wandered succourless in the waste mountains of Ireland, wherein lastly he miserably died. But to leave these poisonous tongue-men and libellous penmen to register their▪ own shame, and sear their consciences with the brand of sin; let us discover those other daring and swording Monsters, who actually employed themselves, to lay, either violent hands upon her majesties person, or the Land open to foreign invasions. Someruils Treasons. A. D. 1583. Execution of justice. (82) The first of them (or first manifested) was john Sommeruile of Elstowe in Warwickshire, a furious young man, who like a tempest that threatened destruction, came ragingly forward towards the Court, with intent to murder the Queen; the The progress of his attempt. progress of which attempt summarily was thus. Keeping his Whitsontid with Arden (his wives father) Hall a Seminary prepareth Someruile. he was there so wrought by Hall a Seminary Priest, as he conceived a desperate rage against her Majesty, holding it a matter (seeing there was no hope of alteration during the life of the Queen) meritorious to make her away; to which bloody resolution, he was further instigated by his wicked wife. Whereupon Someruils conflicts of mind. returning home, he grew much perplexed, having many fears and conflicts in himself, which caused his wife to writ unto Hall, to come and strengthen the man with firmer resolutions. But halls animating of him. he, busied elsewhere with the like purposes, by letter excused his not coming, yet therein advised him to go● forward, promising he would assist him with his prayers to God for his good success. (83) This letter received, he grew fully resolved to actuate the design, and hasted his journey amain towards London; who no sooner departed, but that his wife sent halls letter unto her mother, and she presently made it known to Arden her husband, which letter he caused to be burnt as soon as himself was called in question. But Someruile Someruile and the rest condemned of Treason. discovered by the way, was indicted in Warwick, and those his Associates condemned of high Treason in London; somervile confessing his intent said, that he had been moved thereunto by his wicked spirit, and by the enticements of certain seditious persons, his Kinsmen and Allies, together with the often reading of pernicious books, published Someruile strangleth himself. Decem. 19 against her Majesty. This desperate Ruffian committed to Newgate after his condemnation, most desperately strangled himself to death; an example of God's severity against such sons of disobedience. The number of jesuits & Priests in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth▪ (84) Of which litter in the days of this blessed Deborah▪ not so few as one hundred and twenty of known Jesuits and Seminaries scrawled like frogs, through her fair soil, croaking, and spawning their doctrine to recall obedience to the Pope, and dissuading the Subjects from the allegiance unto their Queen: Of this number fifty three with pardon of life were banished the land, and the rest as Traitors died for conspiracy against her person, and breach of the law in that case enacted for the indemnity of the State. To shroud themselves and E. Reg. 27. their Disciples from that danger of law, at the suit of Campion, People, Haywood, and Hart, a A dispensation obtained from the rigour of the Bull. dispensation was given to the Chameleon Catholics, from the rigororus extent of the foresaid Bull: so that most of these Seminaries employed for England, cast off their Serpentine Skins, and showed themselves abroad in the attire of Gallants, the more safely to vent their envenomed drugs, and to keep their Cowls from preaching at the Gallows. (85) To which end faculties were granted to Robert People and Edmund Campion, until they could Faculties granted by the Pope to his adherents. make their party strong in England; which faculties were engrossed on this wise; The Romanists suit to the Pope Petatur à Summo Domino nostro, explicatio, etc. Let there be desired of our most high Lord an explication or meaning of the Bull declaratory, made by Pius the fifth against Elizabeth, and such as do adhere or obey her: Which Bull the Catholics desire to be understood in this manner, that the same Bull shall always bind her and the Heretics, but the Catholics it shall by no means bind, as matters do now stand or be, till hereafter, when the public execution of that Bull may be had or made. And in the Conclusion thus, The highest pontiff The Pope's grant to his Agents. granted these foresaid Graces to Father Robert People, and Edmund Campion, who are now to take their way into England the fourteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord 1580. being present, the Father Oliverius, Manarke assistant. And though the one of these Spiders spun his Web so in corners, as he could not be found, yet was the other swept down by the hand of justice, and drew his last thread in the Triangle of Tyburn. After whom others, as some likewise before them, ploughing with the same Heifer, and sowing the furrows with the same seed, reaped their harvest with no better increase than tars or darnel could yield, as was seen by their successes. A. D. 1577. Cuthbert Maynes▪ Treasons. (●6) Wherein Cuthbert Main in Cornwall had (before this time) borne a part, who armed with an Agnus Dei, and an old Copy for a new jubilee, with some other Write, maintaining the authority of Rome, dissuaded the natural subjects from their due obedience, delivering divers holy Grains (as he termed The virtue of holy Grains. them) by which, he that had such should be known to be sure of that side, and thereby to be defended in the bloody day, as by his indictment standeth upon Record, and confessed under his own hand. Nelson and other instruments of Rebellion. (87) Nelson, Hanse, Lacy's, Briant, Cotam, and a great number of others, were all of them employed, to draw the hearts of the Subjects from their Sovereign, and to prepare way to an intended invasion. And left massing Priests should be wanting to make easy the screws of their winding devices, when their Cobwebs were woven, Thompson brought Holy Oil to besmear their shaven Thompson. Crowns; Hemford a dispensation of Pius Hemford. Quintus his Bull, not to extend to the Catholics, until opportunity served; and Haydocke was doubly Haydock. employed, both to prepare aides to assist the enterprise, and to note the fittest landing places, for foreign forces, which himself sent word to Doctor Allen he had done. pain. (88) But john Pain a Priest stepped yet somewhat further, in practising the death of her Majesty, who with fifty Resolutes, furnished at the Pope's charge, was appointed violently to assail her, being slenderly guarded as she took her recreation abroad. The Pope's holy Martyrs. These and such others are the men that are made Martyrs in the Pope's Bead-rolle, as chosen vessels to suffer for the Romish cause, of which number Sanders was not worthy to be, as himself Doctor-like signified in his letter unto Allen, which here I insert, according to the Original, to show what honest hearts he & his Mates did bear towards their Native Country. To the Right Worshipful M. Doctor Allen jesus, S. P. in Domino. A Letter of Sanders unto M. Allen. (89) Yours of the seventh of june came to my hands to greater comfort, than the success that followed could maintain. OH pitiful change of things, the more need of peace within, to withstand such troublesome persecutions as you there have suffered. I am not worthy to partake them: they are for more chosen vessels. God grant you all there to know your own blessing, and to thank God of it. I had as much before my eyes long before, Secret Characters. and still think that we shall have no steady comfort but from God: a x A A, not oh x. Therefore I beseech you to take hold of the Pope, for the King of Spain is as fearful of war, as a Child of fire: and all his endeavours is to avoid all such occasions. * A. Seems to signify the Pope. A will give two thousand when you there shall be content with them. If they do not serve to go to England, at the lest they will serve to go into Ireland. I thank you heartily for the favour you have showed to Gibbons brother, it seemeth to be a blessed brood, for God's sake continued your favour still that way, albeit I fear me your Seminary will again fall to dispersion. I have none other thing in this world so at the heart as to be with you: nor can I get leave to departed hence. Therefore if it so fall that it be no hindrance for you to come hither, lose not the occasion. Vale in Christo jesu viscera mea, ego te fruar in Domino, qui te in aeternum tueatur. From Madrid the 6. of November, 1577. (90) By this we see, what plots were intended for the subversion of England, and what first-fruits Luke 6. 43. Matth. 7. 16. those Italianate Fugitives brought forth; but as men cannot gather grapes from the Thorns, neither do find the figs on the Thistle; so let these brambles bring forth their own berries, and let their bands The long consultation about an Invasion draweth towards an issue. Throgmortons' Treasons. be pricked that seek to pluck them; as indeed they did theirs, of whom we are to writ; whereof Francis Throgmorton a Gentleman well educated and of a good wit was one; who weary of longer delay, after so many years plotting and consulting of an Invasion, resolved to be the man himself, to bring the matter to an issue. A. D. 1583. See the Discou. of Treasons. (91) This man solicited by Barnardine Mendoza, the Spanish Leager-Ambassador lying in London, undertook a most dangerous design against his dread Sovereign, and native Country, which His design and prosecution of it. was, to bring in a foreign Army, and to altar Religion, with alienation of the Crown and State. His employment was to found the havens for entrance, and to collect a Catalogue of the names of such Charles Paget. great men in every County of England, as stood for the Papal cause, unto whom Charles Paget (masked Sir Fr. Englefield. under the names of Mope and Spring) was joined for an assistant. Sir Francis Englefeild in the Low-countrieses, and others elsewhere had vehemently solicited the King of Spain to attempt England's Invasion, and the Duke of Guise, undertook to be the principal leader, conditionally that Rome and Spain, would bear the charge of the war. (92) For compassing this plot, Throgmorton (for his part) had plotted a chard of the havens and harbours of England, and gathered his Catalogue of Catholic aiders, which he presented unto Mendoza. In this his Survey no place was held fit Arundel the harbour appointed for landing. to landlord these foreign powers, than was Arundel in Sussex, both for the near cut from those parts of France, where the Guise meant to muster his men, as also for the opportunity of assured persons, to give them assistance, as they did presume. The want was only Money; for which, messengers were employed unto Rome and to Spain, whose return was daily expected with bags and Bills of Exchange, as they wished and well hoped, which Bernardine Mendoza. confidently was assured by Barnardine Mendoza, promising that the King his Master would bear half the charge of the enterprise. (93) The treason thus forwarded and ready for execution, the Watchman of Israel, who ever waked for the defence of his Anointed, and walled her Vineyard with his own protection, shook out the fruit of this ill-conceived seed from the husk, before Throgmorton apprehended. it was ripe. For Throgmorton suddenly apprehended, and his study searched, the Catalogue of Romanized Gentlemen of every Shire, and the havens for landing of foreign power, were therein found: with certain Petigrees touching the title to the English Crown, and some infamous libels published beyond seas against her majesties person. But a certain Casket covered with green velvet, was cunningly conveyed from under a bed, and carried to the Spanish Ambassador, wherein many things lay hid that never after came to light; as also a letter which himself was then writing in Ciphers, he Throgmorton confesseth the whole conspiracy. conveyed from the sight of the searchers: all which himself confessed, and with his own pen wrote the whole Conspiracy, for which, after judgement he most worthily died. A. D. 1584. Parries Treason. (94) Not warned by these, William Parry (as he named himself) a man of a profuse wastfulnesse, riot, and prodigality, having consumed two widows M▪ Hugh Hare in the Temple. wealths, and wounded his Creditor, by committing Burglary, was for the fact condemned to die, but sued and obtained his pardon of life by the compassioned mercy of Queen Elizabeth, which he, Parry formerly had his life by the Queen's pardon. ungrateful man, sought to requited, by vowing her death, that saved him from his. For traveling into foreign parts, and there obtaining the title of a Civilian Doctor, he fell from his natural allegiance (as riotous Malcontents usually do) and reconciled himself unto the See of Rome, then having frequent acquaintance and conference with certain jesuitical Priests, was finally inspired with a hellish resolution to kill her who had given him life. (95) Whereunto he was further instigated by Benedicto Palmio a father jesuite, Christofero de Salazar, The instigaters of his devilish attempt. Secretary to the Catholic King, and Thomas Morgan an English Fugitive, Hannibal a Codreto his Confessor, approving the devilish design; and Ragazzoni the Pope's Nuntio, promising that this Catholic service should be remembered at their Altar. Two things were yet wanting, to strike up this Catastrophe, which were the Pope's approbation, and his Absolution from all his sins: to procure Cardinal Como soliciteth the Pope for the exploit. which, Cardinal Como was employed, who so effectually followed the business, that both were shortly procured, and sent him into England with a warrant to proceed in his Holiness name. (96) Thus armed from Rome, his promises on earth, and his vows in heaven, the work seems meritorious, and the Queen must die: to effect which, no fit way could be found, then to fain himself a false Traitor indeed. For having private Parry treacherously confesseth himself a Traitor. access to her presence, was heard at large, that he was the man who had undertaken her death, which to sound the deep waters, and to bear sail with the fairest he promised to do, with no intent, as he constantly affirmed, to act that imposed charge, but only to discover those who laid for her life. Her Highness (whose piercing understanding was not easily blinded or beguiled with words) seemed so doubtfully to interpret his confessed fact (which yet she kept secret from her nearest Counsellors) that he in great fear departed; as how can a conscience Parry showeth the Queen Cardinal Comoes' Letter. Parry incensed with denial of his suit for Saint Katherine's. so clogged but fear? Whereupon his late letter from Como he showed; which seeming also to be little esteemed, and his suit to be Mr. of St. Katherine's, utterly rejected, confirmed more desperately his resolution to kill her: and often having weapon, presence, place & opportunity, purposely thought to perform The majesty of Queen Elizabeth's presence often dashed Parries attempt. it, but ever was daunted when he beheld the glory of her presence, and Majesty in her face, wherein to his seeming the Image of God, in her his Vicegerent, was portrayed, commanding him obedience, and threatening destruction to those who intent violence against his holy anointed. (97) This Sinon's part thus failing, he sought to undermine the walls yet another way; his vows resting in heaven were holy motives (forsooth) to this hellish act, and Allens book redoubling his former Parrie animated by Allens book. resolutions (wherein every word was a warrant for his prepared mind, and every line taught, that Kings might be deprived, excommunicated, and violently deposed, in case of the religion of Rome) upon these spurs he posted to a worthy Gentleman, M. Edmund Nevil whom he supposed as discontented as himself, opening his Treasons for the bringing in of foreign invaders soliciting his assistance, and threatening with dag or dagger to kill the Queen. (98) The Gentleman, loathing this horrible Parries Treason descried. intent, revealed the Treason unto two principal Privy Counsellors, and they unto her Majesty, who Sir Francis Walsinghan the prime man of that age for intelligences of State. Parries' Treasons confessed under his own hand. committed his examination unto Sir Francis Walsingham her principal Secretary, a man of exquisite judgement, integrity and industry in all state affairs and intelligences; the Treasons then found out, and confessed by himself, were divulged by his voluntary pen, and subscribed unto, with his own hand, with many other circumstances unknown before, and again were seconded by another letter, written to the Lords of the Counsel, which here out of the Original, I have inserted. Parries letter to the Lords of the Council. (99) My Lords, now that the conspiracy is discovered, the fault confessed, my conscience cleared, and mind prepared patiently to suffer pains due for so heinous a crime: I hope it shall not offend you, if crying, Miserere, with the poor Publican, I leave to despair with cursed Caine. My case is rare, and strange, and for any thing I can remember singular: a natural Subject solemnly to vow the death of his natural Queen, (so borne, so known, and so taken by all men) for the relief of the afflicted Catholic, and restitution of Religion. The matter first conceived in Venice, the service (in general words) presented to the Pope, continued and undertaken in Paris, and lastly, commended and warranted by his holiness; digested and resolved in England, if it had not been prevented by accusation, or by her majesties greater lenity and more gracious usage of her Catholic Subjects. This is my first and last offence conceived against my Prince, or Country, and doth (I cannot deny) contain all other faults whatsoever. It is now to be punished by death, or most graciously (beyond all common expectation) to be pardoned. Death I do confess to have deserved: life I do (with all humility) crave, if it may stand with the Queen's Honour, and policy of the time. To leave so great a Treason unpunished, were strange; to draw it by my death, in example, were dangerous. A sworn servant to take upon him such an enterprise, upon such a ground and by such a warrant, hath not been seen in England. To indite him, arraign him, bring him to the Saffold, and to publish his offence, can do no good. To hope that he hath more to discover then is confessed, or that at his execution he will unsay any thing he hath written, is in vain. To conclude, that it is imposssble for him in time to make some part of amendss, were very hard and against former experiences. The question than is, whether it be better to kill him, or (jest the matter be mistaken) upon hope of his amendment to pardon him. For mine own opinion (though partial) I will deliver you my conscience. The case is good Queen Elizabeth's; the offence is committed against her sacred person; and she may (of her mercy) pardon it without prejudice to any. Then this I say, in few words, as a man more desirous to discharge his troubled conscience, then to live. Pardon poor Parrie, and relieve him: for life without living is not fit for him. If this may not be, or be thought dangerous or dishonourable to the Queen's Majesty (as by your favours I think it full of honour and mercy) than I beseech your Lordships (and no other) once to hear me before I be indicted, and afterwards, if I must die, humbly to entreat the Queen's Majesty to hasten my trial and execution: which I pray God, with all my heart, may prove as honourable to her, as I hope, it shall be happy to me. Who will, while I live (as I have done always) pray to jesus Christ for her majesties long and prosperous reign. From the Tower the 18. of February. 1584. W. Parry. Febru. 25. (100) And according to this his last request, his indictment was framed, and arraignment performed at Westminster, where he pleaded himself guilty and had judgement of a Traitor. Which accordingly was executed in the Palace at Westminster, upon the W. Parrie executed. second of March following; where (whether for fear of prejudicing and discrediting the Romanists Denieth his own confessions. cause, or by whatsoever other persuasion) he impudently denied, that he ever had an intent to kill the Queen, notwithstanding all his own former confessions, witness of the fact, and other clear evidences of truth; amongst which, the letter received from Cardinal Como is not unworthy to be here annexed, whose translation from the original, written in the Italian tongue, is as followeth. Cardinal Como his letter to Parrie. (101) Sir, his Holiness hath seen your letter of the first, with the assurance included, and cannot but commend the good disposition and resolution, which you writ to hold towards the service and benefit public: wherein his Holiness doth exhort you to persevere, with causing to be brought to effect that which you promise'. And to the end you may be so much the more helped by that good spirit which hath moved you thereunto, his holiness doth grant you plenary indulgence, and remission of all your sins, according to your request. Assuring you that besides the merit that you shall receive therefore in heaven, his Holiness will further make himself debtor to acknowledge and requited your deservings, by all the best means he may. And that so much the more in that you use the more modesty in not pretending any thing. Put therefore to effect your holy and honourable determinations, and attend your health. And to conclude, I offer myself unto you heartily, and wish all good and happy success. From Rome, the thirty. of january, 1584. At your disposing N. Card. of Como. Ex Parla. in An. 1585. The hazards and troubles that attend Crowns. (102) Had not then her Majesty just cause to complain, as she did? when in the honourable assembly of Parliament, she openly professed, that she knew no creature breathing, whose life stood hourly in more peril than her own; and that even at the first entrance into her estate, she entered into infinite dangers of life, as one that had to wrestle with many and mighty enemies. And yet, in confidence of her celestial Protector, Queen Elizabeth her undaunted confidence. and of her own innocency, she often seemed somewhat too remiss and neglective in the care of herself and life as appeared manifestly by her proceed with this last Traitor, in keeping his conference of that importance, from the knowledge of her Counsellors, and often admitting privately his access, though he had told her, he was the man appointed to work her death. And indeed such was this Princess Magnanimity, that in an apparent danger, as great, though not so traitorous as this, she showed a resolution of courage far above her sex; when being in her Barge upon Thames to take the air, accompanied with the French Ambassador, the Earl of Lincoln, and others, a Servingman in the Thomas Appletree shot the Queen's Bargeman. 157●. july 17. Court with his Caliver discharged a Bullet, and shot the Waterman, within six foot of her seat, (the second to her Bales) through both the arms; whereat all other being amazed, and the man abundantly bleeding, she threw him her scarf, and with words of comfort bade him be of good cheer, he should not want, for the bullet was aimed at her, though it hit him; and with such resolute courage bore it out, as all present, admired. Neither so only, but knowing The Queen pardons the offender. afterwards that it was done casually at random, she both pardoned the party of his life, when he was to die, and commanded his Master to retain him again into his service. Her singular clemency towards offenders. (103) And indeed, of so singular clemency, and inbread lenity was this Lady, that she never heard mention of the capital (though never so deserved) punishment of offenders, even of such as had sought her own death, but it bred a kind of horror and sorrow in her; whereby, had not her Counsellors earnestly inculcated the necessity of such exemplary justice, many dangerous attempters had escaped their due punishment. Which moved her to say, being once questioning with a * D R of C. C. C. in Oxford. great Divine of Oxford, about books meetest for Princes to study on, that her Reading of Seneca de Clementia, had done her much good, but some would persuade her, it had done her State as much harm. But for her love to her people in general, and tender care over the poorer sort, or any ways oppressed, it was incomparable; whose ears Her gracious love to her people i● general. were not only open at all times to their complaints, and her hands ready to receive their petitions; but her manner was also to commend their cause unto her Counsel and judges, giving these and the like Her earnest commands▪ to her Counsellors and judges. earnest charges; Have care of my people, you have my place: do you to them that which I aught to do; they are my people, yet every man oppresseth and spoileth them without mercy. Themselves can neither help themselves nor revenge their quarrel: See unto them, I pray you, see unto them, for they are my charge, them therefore I charge you with, even as God hath committed them unto me. I care not for myself, my life is not dear unto me, my care is for my people; I pray God my Successor be as careful for them; and surely they which might know my cares for my people, may likewise conceive, that I take no great joy in wearing the Crown. (104) What heart then could conceive so great mischief, or hand could be so barbarously violent, as to work the destruction of so loving a nursing Mother, but only those obdurate and venomous Vipers, which eat forth the way from the womb of their own conceptions? Or rather those sting-tailed Apoc. 9 2. Locusts, arising with foggy smoke from the bottomless pit, who to rear up their Dagon or great King Abaddon, cast down Princes with the wings of their war, and execute their damnable doctrine in the murders of the Lords anointed; whereas David durst not touch Saul, though he was abjected by God. A. D. 1585. Henry Percy E. of Northumberland. (105) Those Proselytes so uncessantly, year by year, prosecuted the Roman cause, that many of them thereby deservedly came to their deaths; amongst whom was Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, go so far in such disloyal enterprises, as being upon suspicion of Treason committed to the Tower of London, he laid violent hands upon his own His violent death. life, by discharging a Dag, charged with three bullets, under his left pap, wherewith he pierced his heart, and presently dying, was by a jury found guilty of his own death. The Treason laid against Out of the Record. him (besides the former of the insurrection in the North, by himself confessed, and by the Court fined at five thousand Marks) was, that he had been privy to the Plots of Throgmorton, for the bringing in of Foreign powers, to the destruction of the Queen and Realm; which truth being revealed by other conspirators, he so deeply apprehended, as in that desperate manner he prevented his further judgement. (106) In the same place (though after the Spanish attempt for Invasion Anno 1588. which purposely Philip Earl of Arundle dieth in the Tower. Sir john Perat dieth. we yet pass over, to avoid interrupting of particular men's Treasons and designs) Philip Earl of Arundel, and Sir john Perat late Lord Deputy of Ireland, both of them condemned of high Treason, by course of nature ended their lives; the one, seeking to escape the Land, was first fined at ten thousand pounds, and afterwards found guilty of a An. D. 1589 higher offence, had sentence of death: the other likewise, for plotting with Spain, to open their way into A. D. 1592. Ireland, gave way to the Law to take hold on his life. (107) Neither were these great ones drawn alone into the confederacy of Rome's irreligious purposes, but others also, thirsting for England's destruction, of less quality or place, had parts appointed to A. D. 1586. Babington and his fellows Treasons. be actors in the Scene: which parties themselves shall now enter the Stage, even fourteen in number; whereof Anthony Babington Esquire, was the principal, the others were Chi●ioke Tichborne, Charles Tilney, Edward Abington, Thomas Salisbury, and Edward jones Esquires, john Savage, Robert Barnewell, Henry Dun, john Traverse, john Charnocke, and Richard Gage, Gentlemen, and john Ballard a Seminary Priest; for can there be any conspiracies hatched Babingtons' letter. without them? The plot was the more dangerous, by how much the more secretly carried, and the parties resolute to venture therein unto death, whereof six undertook to murder the Queen, and Savage bound himself for her death. Their pretences. 108 The show must be against the precise Puritans, whose chief or * Earl of Leicester. head in the Low Country, not only threatened (as was pretended) the destruction of all Romish Catholics, but also to usurp the Crown from the Queen; and therefore for the security of both, they were thus enforced to make ready for arms. Their aiders in England were The false imaginations which Traitors have of Abetters and friends. many, as Babington believed, who wrote that the West parts, the North parts, all Wales, the Counties of Lancaster, Derby, and Stafford, were in great forwardness, and had given fidelity to give aid to the enterprise. That Lord Percy could do much in the North, Arundel in the South, and the Lord Paget in the heart of the Land, though two of them were then in Prison, and Paget in Spain; their only want was of a Nobleman to lead them, whereof they were destitute, as Rabington complained, unless it were Westmoreland, and he out of the Realm. Their foreign assisters. (109) Their foreign assisters were many and strong, especially Spain, as Mendoza assured them. The Ports were appointed where the Invaders should landlord; and once landed, should be seconded from all parts by the Italianated English, as they vainly hoped; the Statists surprised which held not for Rome; the faith restored that had been abandoned; and the usurping Competitor (for so they termed the true anointed Sovereign) dispatched by murder; themselves the only men marked (if ever) now to redeem the Land, from the servitude and bondage, which Heresy had brought, with the loss of thousands of Souls. These were their glozes upon Pius Quintus his alleged Text, and the fair visards that hide their foul faces; whom God himself unmasked to their following shame. Ballard a Seminary. (110) For Ballard being sent to Mendoza, to signify all things now in a readiness, and ready to embark himself for France, was suddenly apprehended; and part of the conspiracy discovered. Whereupon Babingtons' devilish resolution. Babington, with Charnock and Savage, enters a new resolution, which was immediately to kill the Queen, whereas of their bounty it had been ordered before, that she should live until the Invasion, which was appointed to be in September following. But being intercepted before he well witted, he was committed to Custody, yet so as he went abroad july. with his Keeper, from whom he shortly made his escape: and thinking to recover the Seas, disguised himself like a Labouring man, staining with walnut-tree leaves his hands and face, which shadowed neither his shame nor sin, neither yet could hide him from the eye that called him to accounted; for being descried and brought back to London, he was with curses of the people committed to the Tower, whence he could not so easily start. (111) The other conspirators, hearing of these their confederates success, dispersed themselves and played lest in sight, yet w●●● they found out, indicted and brought to their trials, all of them confessing their treasons without any torture. Yet at their arraignment (persuading themselves belike, that what they did by papal warrant, could not be called Treason,) they pleaded not guilty, which the jury upon manifest proofs finding otherwise▪ they worthily received judgement of death, and died accordingly The Traitors executed. in Lincoln's Inn fields, even in the place where they had often conferred for the execution of their Treasons. (112) The nest of conspirators thus broken in England, and their snares still failing though never so craftily laid, was a sore corsive to the English fugitives in other foreign parts; especially to the jesuits, Apoc. 9 5. jaques Francis. whose griefs were as great, as is the pain of a Scorpion when he hath stung a man. Among whom Proceeding against Traitors. jaques Frances a perfidious Traitor, and base Laundress son▪ seeing the Catholics thus cast down and their case desperate, if treasons were thus prevented and punished, pronounced this maxim out of his unwashed mouth, that the State of England then was, and would be so settled, as unless Mistress Elizabeth (for so he termed his dread Sovereign) were suddenly Stanley. taken away, all the Devils in Hell would not be able to prevail against, or shake it. And Stanley that transfugous Champion for Spain and Rome, so impatient was of these unprospered proceed, Patrick Cullen. A. D. 1592. that he hired Patrick Cullen, an Irish Fencer and Ruffian, to undertake the death of the Queen; which he did for the sum of thirty pounds, but had no more for his money then the report of a Traitor's Creswels Philopater. death, which deservedly he suffered at Tyburn. (113) To accompany and second these treasons of Cullen, Cressewell the Legier jesuite in Spain, writ his traitorous book under the name of Philopater, as after him Cowback alias Parsons, another jesuite, A. D. 1594. Ro●. Parsons. and Rector at Rome, did the like▪ under the name of Doleman, concerning titles of the Crown, both so full of falsehood, treason, and impudence, as, (though the Authors be unnamed,) whosoever looketh on the brats, will easily know their Fathers by the resemblance. A. D. 1594. (114) This desperate design failing, another as devilish was assayed to be practised, wherein, no Lopez his treason. English man was yet known to have had any hand, the Actors being only Spaniards and Portugals, the one soliciting by promises of great rewards, the other undertaking to work the death of the Queen; which was contrived, that poison should be given her in Physic a design indeed most fezible and inevitable, had not that hellish hand been stayed by a heavenly. Roderick Lopez was the Physician, a Doctor of that profession and a Portugal by birth, in especial trust and practise for the state of her health. (115) He a fit instrument to act without suspect, His first bait. His instigators. Christopher de Moro. received for an earnest, a jewel of gold, of good value, garnished with a great Diamond, and a large Ruby, from Christopher de Moro, a special Counsellor of the King of Spain, whose lustre so dazzled his eyes, as the practice of treason possessed his heart, and upon farther payment of fifty thousand Crowns, he covenanted to take away her majesties life, in a potion given her upon pretence of health. Manuel Andrada Conde de Fuentes. For the assurance of which money, Manuel Andrada, the bringer of the jewel, conferred with the Conde de Fuentes at Calais, and Stephano Ferrera, a Portugal also, dealt likewise by letters with Stephano Ibarra the King's Secretary at Brussels, to make the same ready: Lopez himself assuring them the deed should be done, when the money was paid, which daily was promised and daily expected; the only stay pretended was, that King Philip did not well like, that so base a person as Andrada was, should be employed in so Stephano Ferrara weighty a cause. (116) Whereupon Ferrara of better repute with the King, received bills of exchange for the money, delivered by the Count Fuentes, and from the said Count, Manuel Lewis another Portugal, was presently sent into England to confer with Ferrara, and they both with Lopez, who faithfully promised upon the payment of the money to perform the villainy. At which very instant God's mercy did Queen Elizabeth's most choice Counsellors. bring to light the conspiracy, through the continual vigilancy of some Lords of the Counsel, in which number never any Prince had more, Sapient, Sedulous, Provident, and experienced Sages, than She had. Lopez put to trial. (117) And to make experiment of his intendments, Lopez was appointed to give the Queen Physic; who made ready the potion, and brought it to her presence. But her Majesty knowing what he least suspected, told him, he must go minister to the Lord Treasurer, Cicill, who at that present had more need of Physic than herself; whereupon Lopez with double diligence repaired unto him, signifying his coming was to minister his Lordship Physic, so commanded him by the Queen: yea marry said the old man but what is your Physic? a purge and it please your honour said Lopez: a purge Master Doctor said the Lord Treasurer, I think I must become a Physician to purge you, and thereupon he apprehended him for a Traitor, who stood so perplexed Lopez apprehended of treason. with fear, that his presence was scarce tolerable for the smell. Then other Doctors of Physic were called, for to examine the ingredients, who easily found that the potion was poison, for which he was indicted and arraigned at Bar, where he pleaded Febru. 28. not guilty, and his two Consorts by long circumstances sought to save their lives, yet their former confessions subscribed with their own hands, gave sufficient testimony of their guilts, for which at Tyburn upon the seventh of june they suffered death. Stephano Ibarra. (118) Stephano Ibarra thus failing of his purpose, by these Portugal falls▪ sought yet to raise the fabric of his wicked intents, upon the resolutions of some English fugitives; among whom none were held more fit than Edmund York, and Richard Williams, York and Williams Treason. soldiers by profession, and two desperate Champions for the quarrel of Rome; unto whom Owen. Hugh Owen an English Rebel, and Spanish Pensioner, showed an assignation, under that Secretary's hand, of four thousand Crowns to be given them for to murder their Queen; and for assurance that the same should be forth coming, the assignation was Confessed by themselves. Holt the jesuite. delivered in Deposi●o, to Holt an English jesuite, who producing the Sacrament and kissing it, took solemn Oath to pay the money assoon as the fact was done. (119) To forward this enterprise, three several consultations were held at Brussels, wherein Holt sat as Precedent, and William Stanley Proctor for this devilish design, animating York by his uncles example, to be constantly resolved, as a man ordained for his Country's good, and though many had miscarried in attempting the Act, yet that it was meritorious Consulters about furthering the Treason. and easy to be done. Thomas Throgmorton, Michael moody, Charles Paget, Henry Owen, Edmund Garret, and the two divine Doctors, Gifford and Worthington, were principal speakers in this impious Parliament, all of them eager to egg on the two undertakers, and Young. to join to them a third man, named Young, whose task should be to kill the greatest Counsellors, as soon as the Queen should be dead. The last that spoke was Holt the Precedent, who after he had ministered these Traitors their Oaths, in threatening wise, menaced to take from the English this high and acceptable service, and to employ therein Strangers, who were far more worthy: and so sent the two former into England with his blessing, which nevertheless could not save them from the Gallows: their purposes were to get entertainment of some great Courtier, the better to effect what they intended, and to seem men of some note for intelligence, sent from Calais to procure their passport, but the vigilant eye of the English state had found out their treasons before▪ & bringing them afterwards to their trials, they were found guilty, judged, & died liketraitors. Edward Squire●▪ Treasons. (120) The last public attempter, that assayed the Queen's death, was Edward Squire, a Scrivener of Greenwich, who by deputation had employment of a Purveyor in the Stable, but being in wit above his vocation, and carrying his sails above his fortunes, put himself in action for Sea in the last voyage of Sir Francis Drake made into the Indies. Embarked he was in a small ship, called the Frances, who losing the Fleet about Guadalupe, was taken by five Spanish Frigates, and with other brought Prisoners into Spain: where falling in acquaintance A. D. 1597. Walpoole the jesuite. with Richard Walpoole an English fugitive by order a jesuite, in great credit, and vicar General to Parsons, in his absence, was by him observed to be of more capacity then commonly was found in a man of his quality or education; for years, mature, and passed his middle age; for carriage well advised, and resolute enough, if not too much, in not apprehending his eminent danger. (121) Upon him Walpoole therefore meant to work, conceiving for his purpose two special advantages: squire a fit subject to work upon. the one, that coming into Spain a Prisoner, and not a fugitive, his return into England would be without suspect; the other, that Squire had been employed in the Queen's Stable, and therefore had liberty of free access: But the more to involve what he intended, he subtly caused Squire to be apprehended by the Inquisition, and put prisoner into the holy House: where mollified by distress, he got his heart into his hands, so that of a Neuter he become a fixed Romanist. (122) This first assay proving effectual, for an introduction to his further intendments, he fell into the old song; whose burden was the tyrannies used, and the persecutions exercised in England against the poor Catholics; upon how few persons the English State did stand, and how easily those props were to be removed, if any devoted would put to their hands. Squire who wanted no wit to perceive whereat he aimed; first, gave some slight signification, and after a more serious protestation, that he was the man, that would sacrifice himself and his service in the cause. Walpoole projects the kill of the Earl of Essex. (123) The good Father having thus got him into the circle, began then the charm: It were (said he) no doubt a work meritorious to kill the Earl of Essex; but unum necessarium, one thing is necessary: And then told him plainly, that he meant to put a service upon him of great worth, and reward; which he might accomplish without any evident peril of life, because it was to be done not immediately upon her person, nor in her presence, neither yet in doing it (though he were seen) should be endangered, being acted as he would prescribe; and that He teacheth how to poison the Queen's Saddle. was, to empoison the pommel of the Queen's saddle, at such time as she should ride abroad, the Pommel being the place, whereon she would rest her hand, and her hand not unlikely to touch her mouth or nostrils, would give access to the forcible poison. This, said he, might easily be performed, he having familiar acquaintance in the Equerry, yea and Walpooles heavenly consolations. that very safely; but if otherwise, and immediate death happened, he should be assured, that for the exchange of this present and transitory life, to enjoy the state of a Glorious Saint in Heaven. (124) Which Siren's song ended, and Squire inveigled; confessions, vows, promises, receit of the Sacrament, and all, confirmed the resolution of the devilish attempt; and to prevent varying from this Centre, Walpoole told him, that now he stood in the state of damnation, if he did not his uttermost endeavour to perform his vow, bidding him remember, how that His ghostly Counsels. the sin of backsliding did seldom obtain pardon; and if he did but once make doubt of the lawfulness or merit of the act, it was enough to cast him headlong down into hell; and if he did conceive any difficulties, he wished him to consider what it availed a man, to win the whole world, and to lose his own soul. (125) squire thus armed (though not with that complete Armour of the Apostle) fell down in confession before this Jesuits feet; whom he lifted up, hugged him about the neck, with his left arm (such were Squires own words) and crossing him with his other hand, mumbled a few words in His fatherly Benediction. Latin, and then distinctly in English spoke thus; God bless thee, and give thee strength my son; be of good courage, I pawn my soul for thine, and thou shalt have my prayers dead and alive. Thereupon delivering unto him the poison, directed how it should be The use & force of the poison. used, and showed him the nature of the confection; which was, to be put into a double bladder, and when it was to be employed, to be pricked full of holes, and so pressed out upon the pommel of the Queen's saddle; the operation whereof was such, that upon his hand he must have a thick double glove, lest the poison thereof should infect himself; whose vigour also was such, as neither continuance of time, nor subtlety of air could check or un-vertuate the strength: And that the matter might be carried without all suspect, an exchange was accepted of two Spanish prisoners in England, for Rowles and Squire, to be released from Spain. Squires arriving in England. (126) Thus himself poisoned in heart, and minding to poison others, being moneyed by the jesuite, arrived in England, not long before the expedition for Cadiz; which action (as he thought) fitted him well, and thereupon made suit and obtained it, to attend the Earl of Essex in his own ship; aswell to be absent when the poison should work on her Majesty (which he meant to bestow before his departure) as to have opportunity thereby, to poison the Earl himself. Occasion being given by the Queen's riding abroad, and her Horse made ready and attending in the Stable-yard, thither squire repaired, full of evil spirits; and laying his hand upon the pommel of her Saddle, bruised out the poison squire prayeth for the Queen's salfty, when he attempts to poison her. 2. Sam. 20. 9 in the bladder, saying cheerfully, God save the Queen; with no better affection than joab bore to Amasa, when with his hand he took him to kiss him, but with his sword struck him to the heart. His part thus played, God's wont and wonderful protection began, who under his Canopy or wings of mercy had ever shadowed her from the stroke of danger; for albeit the * In july. season was hot, and the veins open to receive any malign tainture, yet her body felt no distemperature, nor her hand felt no more hurt, Act. 25. 1. than Paul's did, when he shook of the Viper into the fire. (127) The deed thus done, without all mistrust, squire taking the remain of the poison, within six days after departed to the Sea, and had his entertainment in the Earl of Essex his own Ship, where seeking to finish his devilish design betwixt Faial and squires endeavour to poison the Earl of Essex going to Cadiz. Saint Michaels bestowed his confection, upon the pommels of a wooden chair, wherein the Earl usually sat at meals: which in like manner (the Lord so working) took not effect, to the no little admiration of squire, though very well satissied, that the default was not his, but rather in the poison itself; and his vow now discharged (as he thought) he slept the more quiet. Squires Treasons successeles. (128) Walpoole the jesuite over-tickled with joy of his hoped success, and not able longer to keep secrecy, imparted his treasons to his companions in Spain, who together with him daily expected the issue thereof, but all things silent, and no news of the Catastrophe, they changed their opinions, and Squire mistrusted to be a false brother. held Squire for a fals-brother, when as also their longing hearts began to fear, lest the main cause would be marred, being cast into so bad a mould. Whereupon a consultation was called, and the Sycophant condemned in the highest degree, whose end must be speedily wrought, or else those Catholic proceed would surely come to wrack; for that he knowing much, would (as was feared) reveal much more; and therefore it was politicly concluded, that one should be let slip from them into England, to give information of Squires treasons. A sergeant messenger sent▪ from the jesuits. (129) This man to have the more credit brought two letters in his budget, the one he affirmed, himself had stolen out of a jesuits study, & the other brought from another person, both which indeed were found to be sergeant, and Squire for the present reputed an honest man. Yet because the matter was tender, and touched near the quick, Squire was sent for, and examined; at first he denies all, but coming to circumstances, something was found, hold taken, and the Traitor committed to Prison; who left alone, began to bethink him how far Squire voluntarily confesseth his treason. his Confessors Confession might extend, and therefore by good Counsel (the truth withal working) he disclosed the Treason, and how far he had therein gone▪ which indeed no man had knowledge of but himself, and this confessed at the Tower, without torture, and at the Bar with remorse of conscience, he had his sentence of death, which he accordingly suffered. The just motive to the state to make sharp Laws to prevent Treasons. (130) Had not then the wise Statists of the Land, cause to enact such Laws as they did; to set the shaking sword in the entrance of this fair Eden, and to stop out the wild Boar that would lay the vineyard waste? their Queen and lamp of Glory, having thus often and narrowly escaped extinguishing, by as many hands of murdering Priests and Jesuits, as 1. Sa●. 20. 3. David had pursuers of his life, when to jonathan he complained that there was but a step betwixt him and death? So that justly in a conference of Parliament, for means to be had against the many conspirators, daily leveling at her royal heart, one of good repute, having experience of their desperate designs, in the open assembly, with a feeling affection, So many and so continually were the conspiracies. thus uttered his mind: that every night when he awaked, he feared to hear some news of desperate mischief, and protested before God, he never saw the light of the day, but that he feared, before the Sunset, to hear of some strange attempt. (131) For as the Pope had denounced under his Bulls, an absolution to him that would dethroan Elizabeth England's fair Queen so were there many foul minded Proselytes, that reputed her blood as an acceptable sacrifice, which many times they sought to offer unto their God: but hers and our God, the Watchman of Israel, neither slumbered nor slept in protecting her Person as the apple of his eye; whose just defence, her innocency, and their bloody guilts, have often divulged to the whole world; never any Prince escaping so many dangers, as this most mild and maiden Queen in her days had done, and many more no doubt were put in practice, which lay groveling in darkness, and never came to light, and as the works Many more conspiracies than ever came to light. of darkness, so let them lie, and let us hasten to our former, and far more pleasing Subject. Having therefore from the year 1570. made our digression, for the closer relation of all those treacheries together; let us thence pursue the ensuing occurrents of her reign and life. The affairs of Scotland. (132) The troubles of Scotland were about that time, great and many, and much the more by the Fra▪ Thi●. death of the new Regent, who was slain by the hand of Treason, with the shot of an Harquebusse, as he road through Lithquo, mistrusting no danger, at Sussex General of forces into Scotland. which time a Road was made into England, by such as little regarded the peace. Whereupon Sussex the Earl General, accompanied with the Lord Hunsdon, Governor of Berwick, in Hostile manner entered that kingdom; and in Tividale did much hurt to the Inhabitants. (133) New troubles then arising for the death of the Regent, and the Land full of factions, threatening civil broils, the English Queen's aid was sent for, by some of the Lords, who with their helps, prevailed in winning and demolishing many strong The Earl of Lennox Regent of Scotland. and fair Castles. And the Earl of Lennox sent into Scotland by her Majesty, was first made Lord Governor, and after L. Regent, by the election of their three estates, who afterwards was as traitorously murdered, as the other before him had been, which caused He is murdered great troubles in Scotland; yea and some Nobles of England were not exempted from the same. The Duke of Norfolk's troubles. (134) For Lord Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, intending some favours for the Scottish cause, proceeded so far therein, as the letter of the Law took advantage of his life, to the great sorrow and laments The good esteem of the Duke. of very many. For being a man filled with favour, both of his Prince, and of the People, fortune at length made him a Ball for her banding; who first from Burnam besides Windsor was brought to Westminster, and thence by water was left prisoner in the Tower, where he remained from the eleventh of October, unto the fourth of August following, and then was removed to the Charterhouse Released out of the Tower. near Smithfield, where he abode thirteen months space; till lastly he was sent back again into the The Duke's end. june 2. A. D. 1572. Tower, where, upon the hill and Ordinary Scaffold, he penitently suffered death; being the first unfortunate English Noble that for offence lost life since Queen Elizabeth came to the Crown. Duel or combat for title of Lands. (135) About which time, a strange case (which we will insert, rather to show the course of justice and mercy of the Queen, then for any other great use in Story) happened at the Common-law bar: where Simon low, and john Kyme were Plaintiffs, for a certain Manor and domains in the Isle of hearty, adjoining to that of Sheppey in Kent, wrongfully possessed (as they alleged) by Thomas Paramour, against whom they brought a writ of right: the defendant offered to maintain his title by Combat, which the Plaintiffs accepted, and brought their Champions before the judges to the Bar. For Paramour was The two Champions. George Thorn, of a big and broad set, who cast down his Gauntlet as Challenger, to justify Paramours right, which was taken up by Henry Nailor Master of defence, a man proper and slender, and not very tall, who appeared for low and Kyme, to make good their claim. The place of Combat. (136) The place appointed for Combat was in Tuttle-fields, where a plot of ground of one and twenty yards square, was doubly railed, and without the West-square a stage set for the judges, representing the Court of Common Pleas, behind the which two Tents were pitched, the one for Thorn, and the other for Nailor, the field with Scaffolds on every side for people to see: All things thus ready and the day drawing on, her Majesty, (who ever abhorred all bloodshead,) took the matter into her own hands, and gave command and directions for the party's agreement, with a surcease from all further suit, which could not well be, unless the Champions appeared in field; who altogether ignorant of june 18. A. D. 1571. what was determined, upon the day assigned appeared in place. thorn was there first who was brought The manner of their entering lists. to his Tent by Sir Jerome Bowes; then came Nailor, having the Gauntletborne before him upon a sword's point, a truncheon (taper-wise) tipped with horn, about an elle long, and a shield of hard leather carried after him; and so was conveyed to his Tent by Sir Henry Cheiney. (137) The Court set, and the Combatters called, Naylor entered the lists, being led by the hand by Sir Jerome Bowes, where making his obeisance, he came to the bar, and there held up his Shield. Then was thorn brought into the lists by Sir Henry Cheiney and with like reverence he held up his Shield. Whereupon an oath was ministered to the approver, the tenor whereof he spoke as followeth. Hear this The oath ministered to the Challenger. you judges, that I have this day neither eat, drunk, nor have upon me either bone, stone, ne grass, or any enchantment, sorcery, or witchcraft, wherethrough the power of the word of God might be inleased or diminished, and the devils power increased: and that my appeal is true, so help me God and his Saints, and by this Book. The Law and manner of a combat. (138) Then was Proclamation made in her majesties name, that no person of whatsoever estate, degree, or condition there present, be so hardy to give any token or sign, by countenance, speech, or language, either to the prover, or to the defender, whereby the one of them may take advantage of the other: and no person to remove, but keep still his place: and every person to keep their staves and their weapons to themselves; and suffer neither the said prover, nor defender to take any of their weapons, or any other thing that may stand either to the said prover or defender any avail, upon pain of forfeiture of Lands, Tenements, Goods, Chattels, and imprisonment of their bodies, and making fine and ransom at the Queen's pleasure. But when all these Ceremonies were ended, the The Combat ended before begun. Lord Chief justice stood up, and forbade the proceed, alotting Paramour the Lands with the satisfying of the plaintiffs, and thereupon commanded Nailor to give Thorn again his Gauntlet, which he unwillingly did; and so the Combat being ended▪ we may have leave to proceed. AD. 157●. (139) Peace flourishing in England, to no great liking of the Seminary, that often sought to disturb it: the Regent of Scotland craved aid of her Majesty, for the defence of the young King, and the Country, endangered at that time with civil broils. She The Queen sends aid to the Regent of Scotland. as tender in her affection, as he dutiful in his allea▪ geance, sent him fifteen hundred men, whereof Sir William Drury Knight Marshal of Berwicke was General. These coming to Edinburgh laid battery to the Castle, with no less than thirty Canons, and were as valiantly resisted by the Scotish within, but for want of fresh water, and no aid to be expected, Edinburgh Castle surrendered. the soldiers sick, hurt, overwearied, and divided in opinion, Lord Pe●eroe being let down from the wall, by composition the Castle was surrendered, to the use of the young King, whereupon the English returned to Berwick. (140) This time of Elizabeth's, like unto that of Augustus, when the Temple of janus stood (for the most part) continually shut, made London like Rome, to be most magnificently repaired, and with many stately edifices adorned; among which for beauty and The Royal Exchange built. commodious use, none is more famous than the Royal Exchange (so named by her Highness) whose Founder was Sir Thomas Gresham Knight, Agent to her Majesty, built for the confluence and commerce of Merchants, whose Traficks were great, and in these times of peace, extended their Navigations into the farthest (and till then, unsearched) parts of the world. English renowned navigations. (141) For the searching and unsatisfied spirits of the English to the great glory of our Nation, could not be contained within the banks of the Mediterranean or Levant Seas, but that they passed far, towards both the Arctic and Antarctic Poles, enlarging S●r Martin Furbishers navigations. A. D. 1576. Queen Elizabeth's foreland. their trades into the West and East Indies: to the search of whose passage, that worthy Sea-captain Sir Martin Furbusher, made Sail into the North-East-Seas, far further than any man before him had ever done, giving to these parts the name of Queen Elizabeth's foreland. (142) The next year he attempted thirty leagues further, when finding gold over (as was thought) and taking a man, woman, and Child, of the Savage Catay●eses, he returned into England; but as his gold proved dross, so these lived not long, neither turned that discovery to any great profit, though it was again the third time assayed by himself, and since by other most famous Navigators; the Northwest by Englishmen being lately descried, to be Seas more safe, and the passage of far better hope. S●r Francis Dra●es voyage. A. D. 1577. ●ich. Hakl●y● in English voyages. (143) Among these Sea-worthies our famous Ulysses, Sir Fra●cis Drake is the first in the rank, who the year of Christ jesus 1577 and fifteenth of November set sail from Plymouth in a Fleet of five ships, and one hundred, sixty four men, who having put of Cape de Verd, in the beginning of February, he saw no land, till the fifth of April following, being past the line, thirty three degrees of latitude, in the 〈…〉 Drak● 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉. 36. degree entered the River Plate; whence he fell with the strait of Magellan the one and twenty of August, which with three of his ships he passed, having castoff the other two as impediments unto him, and the Mariegold tossed from her General after passage, was no more scene; but the other whereof Master john Winter was Captain, shaken also off by tempest, returned through the straitss, and recovered The 13 of February they came to Lima, in the degree 11. 50. minutes. A. D. 1578. England; only the Pelican whereof himself was Admiral, held on her course to Chily, Coqui●bo, Cinnano, Palma, Lima, upon the West of America, where he passed the line the first day of March, and so forth till he came to the Latitude 47. thinking by those North▪ Seas to have found passage to England. But fogs, frosts and cold winds forced him to turn his Course southwest from thence, and came to anchor 38. degrees from the line, where the King of that Country presented unto him his network Crown of many coloured feathers, and resigneth therewith his Sceptre of government unto his devotion, his people so admiring our men that they sacrificed unto them, as to their Gods. This place for the glory of England, he named Nova Albion according to her ancient name; and at his departure areared a Monument to witness what there had been done, which was a plate of brass fixed in an eminent place, wherein was engraven her majesties name, and her right to that province, as freely given unto her deputy both by King and people. Wherein also was 〈…〉 the year and day of their entrance, and of the lands deliverance; under which plate he put her majesties picture and arms in a piece of Silver to retain the memory of this service unto posterity. From thence the fourteenth of November he fell with Ternate one of the Isles of Mol●co, being cu●teoufly entertained of the King, and from thence he came unto the Isles of Celebees, to java Maior, to the Cape Bu●na Speranze, and fell with the Coasts of Guinea, whence crossing again the line, he came to the height of the Azores, and thence into England upon the third of November and year of Salvation 1580. after he had been at Sea with such fortunate success the space of three years lacking twelve days. The small vessel wherein this admirable Sir Fra. Drakes Ship kept as a Monument. voyage was performed, was, at her majesties commandment, laid up in the dock besides Deepeford, where it remaineth as a monument of England's great fame, unto this day; and the worthy General honoured with Knighthood, being the first that by travel encompassed the Earth, and saw the wondrous works of God in those great deeps. Trade with Turks and Muscovites. (144) The Seas thus known, our Merchants began to trade with the Moscovites, and Turks, whose privilege for Traffic the Great Sultan sent them, confirmed under his Regal Seal, and at their Ambassador's request (without direction from her Majesty) made peace with the King of Poland, as by his own letters sent unto our Queen is apparent; the Copy whereof being delivered unto me by him who had been Deputy Ambassador in Constantinople, Mr. I Sa. I have here inserted, translated word for word, as followeth. The Sultan Muraht his letters to her Majesty. (145) Most glorious, and in brightness most splendent woman, and of women the chiefest Prince of the mighty followers of jesus. Queen of the most famous Kingdom of England, most excellent Elizabeth, most sapient Governess of all the affairs of thy people▪ and family of the Nazarites, the most pleasant Spring of brightness and glory, the most acceptable cloud sweet showers, the heir and Lady of perpetual happiness, and blessedness▪ of the most famous Kingdom of England, to whom all distressed suitors do flock for relief. We wishing from God the mighty Creator a most fortunate increase of all the affairs of your excellency and happy success; and offering eternal vows and praises worthy of our mutual and perpetual familiarity and league, and declaring the premises, and that which followeth with singular decentness: We give you to understand most friendly, that certain years passed we had continual wars with Casul●as' Prince of Persia, in right of our people, by reason whereof we would not make war upon other parts, whereby certain theenes in the parts of Polonia, called Casakes, and other wicked persons lurking in those confines, daily troubled and grieved our Subjects: now the Persian being vanquished, and by the power of the Almighty Creator, matters in those parts being compounded, We determined to pu●nish the said persons lurking in Poland, and other parts; and by the Belgerby of Greece our Army being joined, and sent with our charge by a Prince of Tartary, in the year last passed, a part of the Kingdom of Polonia, was on our behalf troubled, and wasted, and the said Casakes, and other wicked persons were punished accordingly to their deserts, which the King of Poland seeing, and sending two messengers to our blessed Port, to inquire, find out, and punish in full punishment, signified so much unto us, and required our acceptation of his present; but we would not allow his petition, but had fully determined again to sand our Army against the said King of Poland; but the Ambassador of your Majesty remaining in our blessed Port, interposing himself, and signifying that he did assist your excellency, with Corn, Gunpowder, Masts, and other things, necessary for war, out of the confines of Polonia; now when as the Kingdom of Polonia by our means was troubled, and your Ambassador declared unto us your singular and peculiar pleasure, the same his declaration and intercession was unto us grateful and acceptable, and your excellency to whom we own all favours and honour. We wrote our letters to the King of Polonia on this manner; that the said factious wicked persons and Casakes should be found out and fully punished, but if on the behalf of your Majesty, a loving league of peace had not been solicited for the King of Poland, we would not by any means have entered League with him, but only at your request we have showed this grace to the said King and his subjects, and sith our familiarity is mutual and perpetual, we think it convenient that your Majesty joining yourself with the Kingdom of Polonia, do not leave to conti●ue war with the King of Spain, who so long time hath kept war against you; and if your Majesty be not grieved to writ unto us by some trusty man, we vow, by the aid of the Omnipotent Creator, that all necessary things shall be on our part finished and ordered, that a speedy dispatch may be made into Spain wherein for our parts no assistance shall be wanting, whereof you may nothing doubt. Given in our Royal Seat at Constantinople in the year of jesus, 1590. and of our Prophet Mahomet, 998. in Sader. the month called Sadele, the xij. But from these far travels, long, and chargeable adventures, let us return to our nearer home proceed under the Government of our prudent Queen Sheba. A. D. 1583. (146) Gregory of that name the thirteenth, and stout stirring man of Rome: seeing Pope Pius his thunderbolts fall short of the mark whereunto they were aimed, thought it necessary to raise that begun foundation (though with ill burnt brick, and bad tempered mortar) as that his mounted Canons from the height, might reach and command where the other Pope Gregory incites the King of Spain against England. had left: To which purpose he solicited Philip King of Spain, after his fortunes had set him in Portugal Anno 1582 to undertake war against Queen Elizabeth either directly or underhand, in favour of the Irish Rebels, unto which charge he offered not only his holy blessing, and spiritual treasure, Spanish History. but also to acquit him of the fruits of the archbishopric of Toledo, long retained in his hands, whilst the Archbishop remained suspended, and the King received some millions of Crowns, which the Pope claimed to belong unto the See of Rome. But Philip not yet ready to attempt upon England, joined with him for the Conquest of Ireland; the one, sending The Pope and King of Spain sent supply unto the Irish rebels. six hundred men under the command of Thomas Stukley, whom he had lately styled marquess of Ireland, (a profuse and defamed person throughout all Christendom, flying out of England, for his many Th●. Stukley and a hand of Spain attempt Ireland. Piracies, and now employed to follow the consecrated Standard of the Church;) the other, bearing all the charge with an addition of three hundred Spaniards; sending money with them to wage four thousand men more; and the more to kindle the flames of Rebellions, Doctor Sanders (the Arch-rebel and English Fugitive) was sent from the Pope's holy side. (147) These landing in Ireland and County of Kerry, upon a Promontory shooting itself into the The Spaniards fortify in Ireland West Sea, raised their consecrated standard, built their Fort Del-Ore, and with many threats gave forth that the Country should shortly know wherefore they were come: and Desmond, a man desperate to evil▪ D●smond well ●oped to be ●o●e King of Ireland▪ put in action by papal authority, had laid his hopes no lower (by these aides now arrived) then presently to become the sole King of Ireland, as Benhadad 1. King 20. 1●. boasted over Israel before his harness was put on. (148) To salute this puppet King, and to welcome these papals with such entertainment as his martial sword would allow, Arthur Lord Grey Baron The Lord Gray Deputy of Ireland. of Wilton, than Deputy of Ireland, hasted to Dingle, and so to Del-Ore, where he bade them to so sharp a banquet, that all the Spaniards, Italians, and Biscayes, notwithstanding their bragging bravadoes yielded their weapons at the first brunt, and upon the points of The Sp●nia●d● slain by the Lord Gray. the adversaries died without mercy, the Captains, Colonel, Secretary and few more reserved for ransom. The Fort they had stored with money, Biscuit, Bacon, Oil and wine, sufficient to hold out the space of six months, and furnished with powder, shot, and armour sufficiently for two thousand men: with them all the Irish as well women as men died; All the Irish aswell women as men slain at De●▪ Ore. and Desmond driven into extreme want, fearing the prick of every thorn, and the shadow of every bush, notwithstanding he was armed with an Agnus Dei, and an enchanted ring sent from the Popes own finger hung about his neck, yet could he not keep his traitorous head upon his shoulders; when like a wolf wandering in the woods for his prey, was in a poor Cottage wounded by a soldier rushing in upon him, and being known was presently cut shorter james Desmond slain by a common Soldier. by the head. But with his end, ended not the troubles of Ireland, especially those parts of Ulster, that lay most remote from England. A. D. 1573▪ Walter Earl of Essex, in Ireland. (149) And whereunto, Walter Earl of Essex, accompanied with the Lord Rich, and others, had formerly made an expedition, aswell to reduce those wild Irish unto a more civil life and respective obedience unto the English Crown, as to win them to the knowledge of Christ, whom they most ignorantly worshipped. But the death of this Noble man happening before his intendments could be accomplished, left that to be followed by others which himself had begun. (150) The troubles of which Province we have partly touched unto the death of Shan O-Neale, whose segnories by Parliament were invested into the Queen's hands, and a Law enacted, that from thence forth no man should assume the name or title The name or title of OH Neale forbidden. of O-Neale. After which some small blasts of peace breathed upon those parts; till shortly Turlogh Leinigh, a brother's son of Con-More the Grandfather of this Shan, by a popular election took that stile upon him, a man stepped far in years which made him more quiet, and much the rather for fear of Shan O-Neales sons, but especially of Hugh Baron of Dungannon the son of bastard Matthew, unto whom he had given his daughter in Marriage, and the said Baron had lately repudiated and cast off. Turlogh a ●y●anss against his neighbours. (151) This Turlogh was most obsequious and serviceable to Queen Elizabeth, stirring no troubles to the English, though to his neighbours the Irish he proved most stern: For, O-Donell he disquieted, the Scots of the Islands he molested, and in an encounter slew Alexander Oge the slayer of Shan O-Neale▪ and indeed become so fearful, that his son in law Hugh, lay hid from him in his own Country, and lastly escaped his hands into England: where to raise himself from his obscure estate and Baron Dungannon got employment of the Queen. condition he got command of a troop of Horse, with a pension of a thousand marks by year from the Queen. Whose service against the Rebellious Desmond, was so well performed and accepted, that he obtained the place and title of Earl of Tir-Oen, pleading the Letters patent of King Henry the He is made Earl of Tir O●n. eight granted to his Grandfather, and his heirs males, whereof himself was the son of Matthew created Baron of Dungannon by the same King. Thus grown unto greatness, old Turlogh upon certain conditions resigned unto him the Government of Ulster where shortly combining himself with the men of most might, they together associated their strengths to defend the Romish religion, for that was the mantle that ever covered their hatched rebellions. Mac Guyre. (152) The first Champion that sounded the Alarm was Mac-Guyre a man of a turbulent spirit, thrust forward by Guaran a Priest, whom Pope Vrbane the second had ordained Primate of Ireland, Guaran bought his primacy at a dear rate. commanding him in the name of God to fight there the Lords Battle, assuring him by his Apostolical warrant, of most fortunate proceed and happy success. But see how this great Prophet was deceived; for by the valour of Sr. Richard Bingham, Mac-Guyre was discomfited, and the primate Priest slain in the field. (153) The Confederacy thus broken, Mac-Guyre Tir-Oens good service against Mac-Guyre. set himself for open rebellion; whom Tir-Oen in show of his dutiful obedience pursueth, and was so forward in service, that he received a wound in his thigh to his no little honour. Whereupon he become of greater respect in the English Court, Tir-Oen grown very bold. and more enhanced in his own esteem; so that he feared not to exhibit Complaints against the Lord Deputy Sr. William Fitz-Williams, the Marshal whose sister he had married, and the Garrisons soldiers that guarded those parts. But the Deputy Sir W. Russel L. Deputy. recalled, and Sr. William Russel appointed in his place; as if all quarrels had been quite forgotten, he came unto the new Lord Deputy, and exhibited an humble submission upon his knees, wherein he Tir-Oens dissimulations. dolefully expressed his inward grief, in that her Majesty had conceived some indignation against him. His absenting himself from the State, he confessed was disagreeable to his obedience, albeit to be somewhat excused by the hard measure (as he alleged) of the late Deputy, and Marshal that were combined for his destruction. He acknowledged that the Queen's Majesty had advanced him in title, dignity and great livings, and himself unworthy of any, but rather dishonour and ruin, if he should become ungrateful unto so▪ good a Prince. With these and the like compliment of his true heart and meaning, he possessed the Counsel of Ireland, that albeit Sr. Henry Bagnall the Marshal was present, and charged him with many subornations of Mac-Guyre▪ the Primate, the besiege of Iniskellin and others, he was by them dismissed and sent home, to the great discontent of the Queen and disquietness of the Land, as afterward followed, and in course of time and story shall be declared. Edward Grimston in hist.. neither▪ lib. 10 (154) Long before these last Irish troubles, (as you may observe in the relation of some former attempts against the Queen) the brands of dissension were blown unto flames, betwixt Queen Elizabeth The Spanish hostility with England. of England and Philip the Second of that name King of Spain; whose first breaking-faith was in the Netherlanders cause, the one persecuting, and the other defending the religion that those people professed; and thus it began in the year of Grace▪ 1575. Don Lewis sent to h●ue the Netherlanders banished out of England. Don Lewis, governor of those Low Countries for the said King, sent his Agent unto Queen Elizabeth, desiring her to banish such of them as repaired to England, only their flight, and their religion all the cause alleged against them. (155) Her answer was short and nothing acceptable, that she held it unworthy the Majesty of a Prince to chase away those poor exiled and scattered Netherlanders, that were fled into her Dominions, for the safety of their lives, and to avoid the Spanish tyranny, exercised only in case of their consciences. And yet she forbade some men of special note, as also such as bore Arms, to enter England, upon condition that Westmoreland should be banished the Low Countries with such other Rebels Conference among the States how to withstand the Spanish Inquisition. as had fled to the Spaniard. But the Clergy intending to bring their Spanish Inquisition into those parts, the Prince of Orange entered conference with the States of Holland and Zealand, touching the defence of their professed religion, and the preservation of their distressed Countries, unable of themselves (as was alleged) long to defend themselves, and therefore it was thought fittest to choose them a Protector. The Emperor the French King the Queen of England in election for defence. (156) This passing for currant among the Counsellors of estate, three were in name, the Emperor, the French King, and the Queen of England; for they were past all hope of any assurance with Spain. Yea of these in choice, some excepted against, as neither safe nor convenient to be yielded unto. Against Objections against the Emperor. the Empire was alleged the diversities of religion, the small union of those german Princes, and having their hands full to keep their own at home, would be the less able to assist with help abroad. The French (they feared) had wasted their money Objection against the French King. the only means for war) with their own civil dissensions; if not, yet might they hardly be trusted, as witnessed the cruel massacre lately committed. England then was the Pillar to which they must lean; their Queen the greatest of all Christian Princes, Queen Elizabeth chosen to be the defender. their Navy the Commandress of the Seas, and their people professing the same Religion with them, the surest band of Christian society: further it was alleged that the Realms of Denmark and Sweden desired it, the County of Emdem and the The reasons alleged to have Elizabeth their governor. Hanse Towns in the East entreated for it, Brabant and Flanders sought it; yea and the rightful Title of the Princes Elizabeth, issued from the Earls of Holland and Zealand by the Lady Philip, daughter to William the third of that name, Earl of Henault and Holland, did warrant it. The States of the Low Countries sent to the English Queen. (157) Thus then concluded, the States were sent unto England, and made the end of their coming known to the Queen; who wisely weighing into what a Labyrinth she should enter, sought rather the safety of her own, then to consent to their motion; for Spain she well knew would storm at the Union, and France be in great jealousy to have such a neighbour; she therefore promising to be a mediator unto the King of Spain for their peace; and after some compliments of Princely entertainments with thanks for their offer, and sufferance to carry with them many voluntary English soldiers, let them departed: whose denial made known, was nothing welcome to those distressed Provinces. Don john made governor of ●he Low Country's. (158) Long after this▪ Lewis the Governor lived not, whom Don john of Austria (base brother to King Philip) succeeded; who at first made show of most favourable affection▪ yet so, as urging their subjection to Spain; and obedience to the Apostolical See of Rome. Neither would he come to their Counsel, without Hostages delivered, and most of their troops to guard his suspecting person, esteeming them Lutherans and Heretics, in whom was no trust. The States sue against to the Queen. (159) These moved the States once more to sue unto her Majesty, that by her means, with peace they might enjoy the ancient Privileges of their Provinces, and the freedom of their own consciences against the Inquisition and Tyranny of Spain; and indeed so lamentably deplored their The Queen soli●iteth the Spanish King for the States. Ed● Grimston lib. 10▪ pag. 611. case, that the pitiful Queen sent into Spain, to desire the King in commiseration to withdraw these extremities from the distressed. But Philip deaf on that ●are, and john planting his Garrisons with susspicious intents, Elizabeth began to look to the main, sending the King word, she liked not that his Soldiers should be her bad neighbours, and the Governor notice that she would not suffer the Christian Netherlanders to be tyrannised by his Spaniards. And thereupon caused the value of forty thousand Angels in Bullion, unminted (in part of an hundred thousand pound sterling promised) to be sent unto Brusels, receiving the State's obligations for the same: p. 612. where also were confirme● certain conditions betwixt her and them. Ed: Grim. lib. 10▪ pag 619. (160) This moved Don john to such conceits, that he intended to do wonders in England, by interposing himself in the Scotish affairs, yea, and by the destruction of Queen Elizabeth, whereto he is said to have got the Pope's good furtherance. But whether by poison or discontents this great conceited Monarch left the Crown of England where it gloriously stood, and laid his own head in the grave of death. john de Serres. page. 685. (161) And indeed so glorious was Elizabeth's fame, grown now more potent by the Low Country's engagements, that the wise Statists of France, feared their own Star would be dimmed at the presence of her bright Sun. For Henry their King, though he made great shows to do much, both in the Church and Counsel of State; in feasts, in masks, and in treading the measures of dances, dallied out both day and night in unmeasurable delights: And yet the Clergy to hold in their own hands the rains of Church-government, with Bells, Books, and Beads, sounded forth the zeal of his religious piety in the ears of their auditories: And to manage all temporal affairs at their own dispose, the Queen Mother, and the Guise laid The States of France somewhat daunted at Q. Eli. greatness. lose the bridle in his own neck, not abridging his pleasures with their graver advices. But jest the English maiden Queen should be a maul to the Churchman's Massing, or disturb these State-guiders by claim (as she had done) of her own right in France; the marriage motioned nine years before, betwixt their King's brother Francis Valois A marriage solicited. Duke of Anjou, and Elizabeth▪ England's fair Queen, was again solicited in hope by this match to make A. D. 1581. Anno Reg. 24. her wholly theirs▪ the better to establish their peace: & so effectually was the suit moved, and so acceptably heard of her Majesty, that the Monsieur came over in person to woo her himself: though to the Francis Valois comes into England about a marriage with the Queen. little liking of many Nobles, and great discontent to the Commons, as (amongst other appearances) was made known by a book written against it▪ for which (by reason of some personal and over-lavish passages) the * Wil Stubs. Inditor lost his hand. But whether her Majesty affected not marriage, or disliked the man, or else out of her tender care not to give the lest grief▪ or distaste to her Subjects, after most His departure. Princely and magnificent entertainment she let him departed without any promise of a nuptial knot. (162) The fame of this Duke was very renowned, and much the more by the English Queen's favours; in so much, that the distressed united Provinces, Ed: Grimston pag. 726. K. Philip adjudged enemy to the States. Mo●●sieur chosen Protector of the States. page 779. Ser●es page 793. See the History of Fance and Netherlands. page 813. after they had declared Philip of Austria (than King of Spain) by his too violent Government against their privileges (whereunto he had sworn) to be an enemy unto their state and peace, and therefore upon breach of covenants to have fallen from his interest among them, chose this hopeful Monsieur to be their Protector, as a Prince most powerful to defend their cause; of whose triumphs and French treacheries there, let Serres and Petit report for me. The Prince of Orange murdered. (193) He dying in France (penitent and sorrowful for what he had done) and William of Nassau Prince of Orange (by an Edict from Spain proclaimed a Traitor, his Lands and goods given to them Ed: Grim. Hist. neither. p. 764 that could bring him either dead or alive, with a further reward of twenty five thousand Crowns annual) was first dangerously wounded in the face with a Pistol, and at last murdered with the like shot by the base hand of an odious traitor at his Court in Delfe in Holland: whereupon the oppressed Provinces The Provinces again sue for help once more sued for relief, both to her Majesty of England, as also unto Henry the French King. (164) She much disliking the cruelties of Spain, whose hands were thus dipped in the blood of this Prince, commended their cause unto King Henry by an honourable * Earl of Derby Ambassador into France. embassage. But he, finding himself overmastered at home, and in danger of the Guise and the league; himself without forces, and theirs grown very strong; recommended their distresses unto Queen Elizabeth by his own Ambassador, promising her by the faith of a King, assistance for those Netherlanders relief: and the like A. D. 1585. request he made unto the King of Navarre in their behalfs. Hereupon their Procurators were sent into England, with full Commission to dispose of their Provinces at the Queen's pleasure. (165) Her Council then assembled to confer of the business, many weighty considerations amongst them were moved, and lastly concluded, that her Majesty aught to accept of the offer. The defence of God's Gospel was the first motive she being Considerations why it behoved to assist the Low Countries. the nursing mother of Christ's distressed Saints: The Spanish Inquisition, that without respect had persecuted her Subjects contrary to right, was too cruel to be tolerated: Philip's Army with flying colours sent lately into Ireland upon gift made unto him by the Pope, with a purpose of the like enterprise for England, bewrayed their intents; and lastly the hard Sanders and Creygh●onss letters. measure that was to be expected for England, if the Spaniards seated in these near Netherlands Provinces was to be prevented. These important reasons for her own State, and pity of theirs, moved he● Majesty to become their defender, but would in no Elizabeth taketh upon her the defence of the Low Countries. wise take the Title of Sovereign Lady thereof, which they would have conferred upon Her and her heirs. Sir john Norris General. (166) And thereupon Articles being drawn, (to the number of thirty) Sir john Norris (a renowned Marshal man) was appointed General of five thousand foot, and a thousand Horsemen English, all retained at her majesties pay during the said wars; which monthly amounted to twelve thousand five hundred, twenty six pound sterling, accounting 56. days to the month, according to the Contract. Great sums of monies disbursed, for which certain holds were delivered. For which monies so disbursed, the Towns of Flushing and Brill, with two Sconces, and the castle of Ramekins in Holland, were delivered to her majesties use in pledge, until the money were repaid: these Covenants were dated at nonesuch the tenth of August in Anno 1585. (167) This Protection▪ undertaken by the Queen of England, was very ill taken by King Philip of Spain; neither better digested by the Pope his holy Father, as was showed in two lying libels published against her: where amongst other things, she Loüde-lying libels against her Highness. was taxed with Ingratitude towards King Philip, who in the reign of her sister, was said to have saved her life, and that treacherously she had sought the death of the Prince of Parma the present Governor in those parts under the said King: unto which impudent slanders she made answer in a book printed Printed by Christopher Barker. A. D. 1585. Anno Reg. 27. both in English and French, showing the shameful untruth of those imposturous liars, and the reasons that led her to assist those poor distressed States▪ whereof these were a part. (168) The natural situation of those Countries, lying directly opposite to England; the nearness, commodious havens, and commerce of these people with the English, even when they were several, and not yet united together, as of late years they have been, by intermarriages, and reduced under the Governments of the Lords that succeeded in the Dukedom of Burgundy, betwixt whom and the English Kings▪ hath been a continual league, as also betwixt the natural Subjects of both Countries▪ both of commerce for Merchants, as all other special bonds of mutual amity. For testimony of which, there are extant sundry Aughentique treatises and transactions for mutual commerce, intercourse and strait amity of ancient times; as betwixt King Henry the sixth▪ and Philip the Second Duke of Burgundy; which was revived by Duke Charles his son (Father to the King of Spain's Grandmother, and husband to the Lady Margaret, sister to King Edward the Fourth) and again confirmed by King Henry the Seventh and the Archduke Philip, Grandfather to the King of Spain. And of later years betwixt King Henry the Eight, and Charles the Fifth, Emperor of Almane, Father to Philip now King of Spain. In all which treatises it was at all times specially contained in express words, that the natural people and Subjects of either side should show mutual favours and duties one to the other: But now Philip of Spain departing the Low-countrieses, and appointing Spaniards, Foreigners and Strangers, men exercised in war, and delighted in blood to be chief Governors of all the said Low-countrieses, contrary to their ancient laws & customs, who upon ambition, and for private lucre have violently broken the Liberties, as the people allege; and in a tyrannous sort have banished, killed and destroyed within the space of a few months many of the most ancient and principal persons, of the natural Nobility, have brought in intestine wars, made the Country in a manner desolate by famine, sword, and other exactions. So that the people are forced for the safety of their lives to seek the protection of other foreign Lords, or rather to yield themselves wholly to the sovereignty of some mighty Monarch, as not only by the ancient laws of their Countries they may, but even by special privileges granted to the people by some of the Lords and Dukes of the Provinces as they do affirm, whereby they are free from their former homages, and at liberty to make choice of any other to be their Prince and head. (169) Besides these reasons concerning them, the practices of Ber●ardin de Mendoza (Lieger Ambassador Bernardyn Mendoza the Spanish Lieger Ambassador practiseth an invasion. in England for Philip King of Spain) who by the directions of Francis Throgmorton, contrived to bring in a foreign power to the destruction of England's estate, it was not only held a work of piety to defend these distressed Christians, but also a necessary policy to aid the Low-countrieses Protestant's with England's supply, the better to impeach these dangerous assigns. And how joyous her The joy conceived at Elizabeth's protection. protection was to these Provinces, the delivery of Flushing with the Castle of Ramekins unto Sir Philip Sidney, and the Brill unto Sir Thomas Cecil, appointed by her Majesty the Governors thereof, is witnessed by the letters of Prince Maurice himself, wherein he signified the great joy and hopes that he conceived, and his willing surrender of the same town Flushing, being his patrimonial inheritance. (170) Things ordered thus among these great Potentates, Robert Dudley Baron of Denbigh, was The Earl of Leicester sent into the Low Countries. the man, whom the Queen appointed to be her Deputy General, honourable by birth, being the Duke of Northumberlands son, by creation Earl of Leicester, and of the Order of the Gartar, gracious in the eye of his Sovereign, and sufficiently sorted with all courtly compliments, who being accompanied with a gallant train of Earls, Barons, and other great Personages of England, landed in Zealand the nineteenth of December, and thence was honourably conveyed unto Dunhage in Holland, A. D. 1587. where he was installed, and the States took their oath to the Queen, which no sooner was accomplished, but that a suspicion began to arise; upon this occasion. (171) The States having drawn instructions of Counsel for their Country's affairs, presented the same to their new made Governor, whose answer was, that such instructions would prove limitations, which his authority now being absolute, Ed. Grimst. hist. Netherl. Pag. 911. The States mistrust, & Leicester's pride. could no ways endure: they greatly mistrusting whereat he did aim, bewailed the miseries whereunto their Country seemed to be brought, and suffered him to choose his Counsellors of Estate, and to stamp his own Arms both in their great and Counter-Seale: which when the Queen their assister understood, she was offended both with them and him, supposing herself to be drawn further than ever she intended, or that she had yielded unto in the Declaration, where herself had granted to be their Aider, but never would grant to be the Sovereign of those Countries. Troubles in traffic upon the seas. (172) Things thus passing betwixt England and the United Provinces, the English Merchants, Ships and goods were arrested in Spain, which caused many to leave the trade of merchandizing, and to become men of War on the Seas, where always the Spaniard, whosoever wan, went to the worst. But on the land, the Prince of Parma held Plea; for whose further safety Pope Sixtus the fift A consecrated Sword sent to Prince Parma. sent him a consecrated sword with a hat, and to his men of War the Apostolical blessing, with eternal life for them that should die in the Catholic Romish faith. (173) Another fear was blown into the Netherlanders ears, which sore troubled them, though without all cause; for it was divulged by sinister The fears of the distressed Netherlanders. reports, that Queen Elizabeth meant to make peace with the King of Spain, without either mention or regard for the safety of her united Confederates. She touched in honour, whereof she was ever jealous, wrote her letters to Prince Parma in answer of his, that had mentioned the same, and to these doubtful Netherlanders, to assure them the contrary, both which were dated from Richmond upon one and the same day. (174) Now Leicester not liking to lie still, and do nothing, made his preparation for Zutphen, july 19 A. D. 1586. which being in want of victuals, the Prince of Parma sought to supply, to intercept which, Sir john Norris was sent, and to the said service came the Earl of Essex, the Lord Willoughby, Sir Philip Sidney, Sir William Stanley, and Sir William russel, in all two hundred horse, and fifteen hundred Musketeers and Pikes: the Parma having seven hundred horse, and two thousand foot, appointed with the like defence. (175) The day being dark through great foggy mists, the Spaniard whilst their Wagons made forward, stayed in a place of advantage near unto Zutphen, upon whom the English were entered before A conflict at Zutphen. they were ware, and were entertained with a furious charge of shot, which notwithstanding they abode, and so valiantly followed the skirmish, that they overthrew a cornet of horse, and took Cressier the Captain thereof prisoner, and after him Count Hannibal Gonzaga, another Cornet also they put back and slew. But in this, the day was made Sir Philip Sidney shot with a musket, whereof he died. unfortunate, that the worthy Sir Philip Sidney as he changed his horse, was shot by a Musket above the left knee, which so shivered the thighbone, that the Bullet could not be recovered, of which wound he died five and twenty days after, to the no little grief of her Majesty, and many others, for the great hopes they had of that worthy Gentleman; in whom were complete all virtues and valours that could be required or residing in man. (176) Good service done upon the Sconces near Zutphen, so that the Town seemed to be blocked up; his Excellency (so did they now enstile the Earl) made Rowland York the Governor thereof, and over Deventer Sir William Stanley, to the great discontents York and Stanley made governors of towns. of the Estates, for that York had been a double Traitor in service, and Stanley before time had served the Spaniard. Other grievances also they then began to complain of, and by Petition to his Excellency sought the redress; but he minding for England, with fair words held them in expectance until such time as he should return again. Grudges and grievances at Leicester's doings. (177) The State-Souldiers found themselves aggrieved, that they were not dealt with according to custom, degrees or desert, (as that the Sergeant should be advanced to be Ensign, the Ensign Sergeant Mayor, and so upward) they venturing their lives to win reputation. And the Earl of Holocke held himself much wronged, in that Sir Edward Noris upon words spoken at Table, sent him a letter of challenge to fight with him body to body; the Earl then lying sick of a wound received at Zutphen, which he disdainfully took, as being his Stanley and York traitorously cell their Towns. unequal, and partly imputed it to the sufferance of his Excellency. But more nearly touched the loss of Deventer and Sconce at Zutphen, traitorously sold unto the Spaniard by Sir William Stanley, and Rowland York Englishmen, whom Leicester had left there at his departure. These things drove the Counsel of State into many jealousies, that the English intended as the French had done. An. D. 1587. (178) The occasion that moved the Lord General to return into England, was for his presence in Parliament, wherein was handled the weighty cause of that great Princess Mary Queen of Scotland, February 8. whose untimely death and unfortunate end was finished at Fotheringhay Castle in the County of Northampton, to the great discontent of her Majesty, as was manifestly seen * Yet Sanders (in his Schisma Anglic.) impudently forgeth that the Queen thereupon was triumphantly drawn with her white Coach horses. to all her people, by the grief she conceived, and high displeasure she took against the forward * Secretary Davison. Actor, both in casting him into the Tower of London, and never admitting him after into her presence, or his place. The body of the deplored Queen was solemnly interred in the Cathedral Church of Peterborow, where it yet remaineth under a hearse of black velvet. (179) In this absence of Leicester every several Captain took upon him the place of a General whereby many desperate services were attempted, and great Robbery by their Soldiers committed, so that it was feared all would come to ruin. To Maurice Nassau chosen governor of the Low-countrieses. prevent which, a Counsel for State was assembled at Dunhage, where Maurice Nassau, the younger son of William Prince of Orange was elected their Governor, and the Provinces sworn unto him, with a reservation had unto her Majesty; when also a great complaint was sent into England, which to examine, the Lord Buckhurst was sent into Holland; at whose doings Leicester took offence, but especially against Sir john Noris (that renowned Leader) whom Sir john Noris sent into Ireland. to the great dislike of the States, he caused to be recalled, and sent into Ireland. july 6. (180) Leicester the Lord General hoping to recover his well nigh lost reputation, landed in Zealand, gallantly accompanied, where he made a forward show of great service; but such was the success, that Sluice surrendered. Sluice was surrendered, and the occasion thereof partly imputed to him; when also began many factious abetting betwixt the Estates and his Excellency, Edelbert Gri m. hist. Netherl. so that some Towns utterly rejected his government, and he again sought to seize upon some other. Pag. 979. (181) The care of preventing further mischiefs, moved her Majesty hereupon to recall the Earl of Leicester into England, well knowing that a Kingdom Leicester discharged of his government in the Low-countrieses. divided could not long stand: who on his return, she commanded to resign his government of the Netherlanders into the hands of the General Estates, which was performed by act, signed under his hand, and sent unto them: which resignation received, was presently proclaimed through all the Provinces, to the end that every man might know himself discharged of his oath to the Earl of Leicester. (182) Now Philip King of Spain espying these Spain contrives war under the false proffers of peace. dissensions, thought it a fit advantage for him to work upon, having a long time projected an attempt for England, and at that time preparing a mighty Navy upon the seas. To cast therefore a mist over her majesties eyes, and to drive all jealousies out of her head, he importuned by all means the Realms unto peace. She measuring other princes by her own true-meaning, and peaceful dispositions, Q. Elizabeth desirous of peace. gave ear to his guileful lullaby without suspicion of any snake to be hid in so floury a garden; and therefore sent to the Estates to understand their resolution for an universal peace, protesting that if they stood out, she would withdraw her would forces from thence. The Low Country States fear to have peace with Spain. (183) They, like themselves answered with a bold denial, neither thought they that she could have any peace with him that was head of the holy League, and persecuted the exercise of the reformed Religion, whose policy (as they feared) was but to detract time, till his sea provisions were better ripened, as indeed the sequel soon proved, the terror of this prepared, and Invincible Navy (as the Spaniards termed it) spreading itself wide, and menacing fearful storms both unto the English and Flemish; insomuch that the Estates like provident respecters of themselves, and thankful men to their The Dutch prepare against the Spaniard. Protectress, prepared their ships of war to assist her Majesty, and pressed a thousand sailors of the Netherlanders for her service on seas. (184) During this brute of the Spanish proceed; Commissioners were sent out of England to A. D. 1588. Feb. 24. confer upon conditions of the pretended peace with the Duke Parma, Lieutenant for the King of Spain, who for that purpose came to Ostend. For her Commissioners for the pretended peace. Majesty were assigned Henry Earl of Derby, William Lord Cobham Warden of the Cinque-ports, with Sir james Croft, and others. For King Philip were Maximilian Earl of Aremberg, Governor of Antwerp, Monsieur Richardot Precedent of Arthois▪ and Counsellor of State, besides other Civillians. These Variance for precedency. stayed at Bruges, and by messages too and fro much time was spent for precedency of place, where they should meet, and what hostages should be given for security of sides; yet lastly, the English had the priority, and the place was Ostend. The Queen's demands. (185) The demand of the Queen was, to have a surcease of Arms, with a present and undelayed truce, mistrusting the kings preparation at Sea; the sending away of foreign Soldiers out of the Low-countrieses for England's safety, a restitution of such sums of money as the Queen had lent unto the Estates, which the King had promised by his Edict made at Brusels, that the Netherlanders might enjoy their ancient liberties and privileges; nor be governed by a stranger, but by a Native Prince; that the Religion might be permitted for two years at lest; and lastly, that the Articles of Pacification of Gant, and other like Treaties might be observed: and these being concluded, the The reasonable offers of the English Queen. Towns she possessed should be delivered upon such reasonable conditions, as all the world should witness she took them not to her own use, or commodity, but only upon a necessary defence and assurance. The Spanish shifts and answers. (186) To these the Spaniards replied, that touching their preparation for Sea, they did assure them it nothing concerned England; to sand away their Soldiers, their King could not resolve▪ until that the Netherlanders had submitted themselves unto him; concerning their privileges, it appertained nothing to the Queen, neither should she prescribe to the King a law; and so far was he from tolerating Religion, that he would not hear thereof, otherwise than he had allowed unto other Towns that had submitted unto his obedience: and the like answer made they for the pacification of Gant. The Pope's Bull sent forth against England. (187) The propositions further urged, and answered with dilatory delays, Pope Sixtus the fourth (who being prime in the intended Tragedy) observing well the time, among other beasts sent forth his Bull to thunder out bolts against England's Queen, confirming the Excommunications of his two predecessors, and depriving her Majesty from all princely dignity; for whose final dispossession, he then ordained his Catholic son Philip of Spain, commanding all her Subjects, upon pain of his curse, (o fearful bugbear) to aid and assist the great, noble, and Invincible Army, prepared to that end under the command of the Duke of Parma. And Allen an Englishman, an eager Trumpeter to this exploit, now purposely made Cardinal by the Cardinal Allens traitorous libel. Pope (to show his Holiness affection to the English Nation) would not lie idle, but set himself on work to writ a Book exhortatory to the Nobility of England and Ireland, to rouse them up to the execution of the Pope's sentence against their Sovereign, in assisting K. Philip, who was made the whip in his Holiness hand, & the Duke of Parma appointed the chief Commander in that action, which Book (fraught with all impudence of devilish slanders against her sacred person) was printed at Antwerp in Anno 1588. The Queen sent to Prince Parma. (188) This Bull and Book coming to the Queen's knowledge; she sent unto Parma (who had Parma denieth his authority. gained the reputation of some Princely virtues) to deal plainly with her; if so, then meant she no longer to continued the treaty of peace: but he with many Courtlike compliments denied his authority, neither had seen (as he said) any such prescripts. Moreover the English Commissioners pressed the conditions, purposely to find some footsteps of The Spanish purpose made known by themselves. this close-carried design, when at last it burst forth in these terms, that the King of Spain had kept fifty thousand men in pay almost a whole year to lie still and do nothing; to his great charge by the means of that treaty. At which very instant, these their hidden traps and toils apparently showed themselves, when the Seas were turretted with such a Navy of ships; as her swelling waves could hardly be seen, and the Flags, Streamers, and Ensigns, so spread in the wind, that they seemed to darken even the Sun, which put the English Commissioners in some suspicion and fear, having no hostages for their safe return. (189) This Invincible Navy long in preparing, and now in a readiness, was furnished with all provisions of wars, and with many bravadoes spread their sails for England's invasion, guided by the Provincial Generals, whose names, the numbers of Vessels, Ordinances, Sailors, Soldiers, and Slaves, as I find them recorded, in this ensuing Table are inserted. A Table containing the provisions of the Spanish Armado. Leaders. Provinces. Galliasers & Galleons. Ships, & Hulks Pinases & Caruals Great Ordinance. Sailors▪ Soldiers. Galley Slaves. Duke Medina Sidonia. Portugal. 10. 2.   300. 1300. 3300.   Diego de Mandrana. Portugal. 4.     20. 360.   888. john Martinez de Richald. Biscai. 10.   4. 250. 700. 2000   Michael de Oquendo. Guypusco. 10.   4. 310. 700. 2000   Rich Hakluyt. Pedro de Valdez. Andolozia. 10.   1 280. 800. 2400.   Martin de Vertendona. Italy. 10.     310. 800. 2000   Diego Floris de Valdez. Castil. 14.   2. 380. 1700. 2400.   john Lopez de Medina. Medina.   23▪   400. 700. 3200.   Hugo de Moncado. Naples. 4.     200. 460. 870. 1200. Antonio Buccado. Mendoza.   22.   193. 574. 488.   (190) Admirable (as ye see) was the provision of this mighty Armado, and so confident was the Spaniard that England should pay the whole shot, that The wonderful and great provisions in the Spanish Armado. no cost of any thing was at all spared; of bullets for great shot were two hundred and twenty thousand; of powder four thousand and two hundred kintals, every kintal containing a hundred weight of lead for bullets one thousand kintals; and one thousand and two hundred kintals of match; seven thousand muskets and calivers; ten thousand partisans and halberds; with murdering pieces, double Canons, and field pieces for camp; with store of furniture for carriages, Mules and Horses, so that they were sufficiently provided both for sea and land. Bread and biscuit was baked and wine laid aboard for six months provision; six thousand and five hundred kintals of bacon; three thousand of cheese, besides flesh, rice, beans, pease, oil and vinegar, with twelve thousand pipes of fresh water, store they had of torches, lanterns, and lamps, canvas, hides and lead to stop leaks, whips, and butcherly knives; for what use we may imagine. In a word by the report of Don Diego Piementell, the army was two and thirty thousand strong and cost the King of Spain thirty thousand ducats every day. Their Regiments. (191) In this army were five regiments of old Spanish soldiers, of the Tertios, of Naples, Sicily, and the Terceraes, commanded by five Masters Deal Campo; the first was Don Diego de Piementel a Knight of the order of St. john, brother to the marquess of Taveras, and cousin to the Earl of Beneuent and Their great strength in men. Calui: the second Colonel was Don Francisco de Toledo brother to the Earl of Orgas: the third, Don Alonzo de Luzon: the fourth Don Nicholas de Isla or Patritio Anselmo: and the fifth was Augustin Mexia brother to the marquess de la Garda who was afterwards made Governor of Antwerp; each company having in his regiment two and thirty companies, besides the Castilians and Portugals bands, each of them having their peculiar governors, captains, officers, colours and weapons. Their General. (192) The General of this mighty army was Don Lodovicus Perez Duke of Medina Sidonia, Baron of Saint Lucas, of the Order of the Golden Fleece. The The Admiral Martial and Counsellors. Admiral was Don john Martinez de Richald, the marshal Don Francisco Bovadille: and the chief Counsellors for the war were Diego Piementell, Floris de Valdea, Pedro de Valdez, Michael Oquendo, Don Alanzo de Lieva, Don Diego Maldonado, and Don Georgio Manriquez. Don Martin Alorcon was ordained Vicar General of the Inquisition. Vicar General for the holy Inquisition, in whose train were a hundred Monks and jesuits: and Cardinal Allen was appointed the superintendant of all Cardinal Allen. Ecclesiastical matters throughout England; who fearing to be overtaken with time, translated Pope Sixtus his Bull into English, that it might be the sooner published upon the arrival of the Spanish Fleet into that Kingdom. Of voluntary adventurers were an hundred twenty four Noble men, and Gentlemen of great account; all of them furnished at their own charges: among whom was The voluntaries in this voyage. the Prince of Ascoli, Alonzo de Leiva, the marquess of Pennafiel, the marquess de Ganes, the marquess de Barlango, the Count de Paredes, the Count de Yel●as, and divers other Marquesses and Earls of Honourable Families of Mendoza, Toledo; Pachieco, Cordovas', Guzma▪ and Manricques, neither was there any Noble house of Spain, but had a son, brother or Nephew in the voyage, in hope of revenues The Duke of Parma his preparation. and riches in England. (193) Neither was the Duke of Parma slack in the business; who lying in readiness to join his forces with this Navy, set many thousands on work to build ships, to dig and deepen rivers for sail from Antwerp to Gaunt, and to Bruges, lading three hundred small boats with munition and victuals; as also prepared seventy others flat bottomde, every one able to bear thirty horses for transportation, with Bridges ready made to ship and unshippe them. Two hundred more were made of the like fashion, though not so big, and lay ready in the Haven of Newport; at Dunkirk lay thirty seven ships of war, wherein store of piles were bestowed, sharpened at the end with iron pikes, to pile up the mouths of rivers; and at graveling he Ed. Grimston in history of Holland. Pa. 1000 had provided twenty thousand empty Casks, with Cords and other furniture fit to make floating Bridges to stop up the Havens. He likewise had shipped great abundance of Saddles▪ Bridles, with all other furniture for horse; and horses also for carriage, with Ordinance, and other provisions of war. (194) Near unto Newport he had lying under the command of Camillo, thirty Companies of Italians, Duke Parma his Forces. two of Walloons, and eight of Burguinois, every Company being an hundred men. At Dyxmew he mustered fourscore Companies of Netherlanders, threescore of Spaniards, threescore of high Dutch, and seven of rebellious fugitive English, whereof Sir William Stanley was General; at Corricke also were four thousand lodged, and at Watene nine hundred horse, over whom the marquess of Guast The Noblemen employed in this Armado. was Commander. And to this land-service came the Duke of Pastrana, supposed to be the Spanish King's base-sonne: the marquess of Bourgon, one of the Archduke Ferdinand's sons, Don Vespasian Gonsagua of the house of Mantua, a great Soldier, who had been Viceroy of Spain, Don john de Medici's Bastard of Florence, Don Amedeus bastard of Savoy, with many others of the like estate. The Pope's Crusado. (195) Neither must you think that Sixtus Quintus the Pope of Rome, did in any wise neglect his diligence and devotion to this intended invasion; whose helping hand was showed in sending forth his Crusado (as hath been used against the Turks) and publishing a safe passport for his Philippians to enter into England. Who also for the furtherance His contribution of the enterprise, undertook to contribute a million of gold, the half presently, and the other when any notable Haven in that land should be won▪ with this proviso notwithstanding (most wisely inserted) that he should hold the English Crown as feudatorie unto the See of Rome; in earnest whereof, he bestowed upon him his Apostolical benediction, and the Title of the defender of the Faith, so liberal was he, both in his temporal and spiritual largesses, and so forward was Philip to catch at Elizabeth's still flourishing Crown: but her undaunted heart in this present danger, as another Ezekiah, sought unto the Lord, whose anointed servant she was, and who ever had been her only defendant. And for preventing those long threatened storms, she sent Charles Howard Lord Baron of▪ Effingham, high Admiral of England, unto the seas, where the Lord Henry Seymer kept betwixt Calais and Dover, seconded by the Ships of the united Provinces, in league with the Queen. The French king gives notice to the Queen of the preparation. (196) The French King who ever honoured & admired Queen Elizabeth's great and gracious virtues▪ having more particular intelligences that this great preparation was made against England, gave speedy & secret notice thereof to her Majesty, whereupon she commanded the general forces of the Realm in their several shires to be mustered, trained, and put in readiness▪ for the defence of the whole; which accordingly was done, and whereof the Lord Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester, and Steward of her Household was appointed Lieutenant. The Queen's Forces at Tilbury. Tilbury in Essex was the place for the Camp, whereunto were appointed 1500. horsemen▪ and twenty two thousand of foot, and to guard her majesties person, out of the several Counties▪ of the West, East, and South parts of England, were selected two thousand, three hundred, fifty two horsemen, and thirty four thousand and fifty of foot, herself in courage far surmounting her sex▪ as another Zenobia, or rather Deborah, lead forth the lords host against this great Sisera, and her soldiers valiant for war, and apt for battle, men skilful to handle spear and shield, both for courage and quick dispatch, might well be compared 1 Chr. 1●. 12. unto those Gadites that came to aid David, whose faces were like to the faces of Lions, and were compared to Roes in the mountains for swiftness. (197) The Invincible Navy, and terror of Europe, as the Papals both termed, and took it to be, having all things prepared, loosed Anchor A. D. 1588. from Lisbon upon the nineteenth of May, and made unto the Groin in Gallicia, it being the nearest Haven to England, whence hoisting sails with great hope and pride, bend their course thitherward: but suddenly the heavens hating such hostile actions, powered down revenge, by a ●ore and unexpected tempest, which drove the Duke of Medin●, the chief A tempest afflicteth the invincible Navy. General back again into the Groin; eight other of their ships being dispersed on seas, their masts broken and blown overboard; besides three Portugal Galleys which fell upon the Coast of Bayon in France, and were set upon by their own slaves, whereof David Gwyn an Englishman was the first, who with his fellows both French and Turks freed themselves by the slaughter of many Spaniards, among whom Don Diego de Mandrana was one. Sir Frencis Drake Vice-admiral of the English. (198) Charles Howard Lord Admiral hearing for certain that their Fleet was ready to hoist up their sails, had sent the worthy Sir Francis Drake, who was constituted his Vice-admiral, unto the West parts, with fifty six ships well appointed, whither himself also following with speed, and joining his Fleet, their number amounted to one hundred ships, whereof fifteen were Victuallers, and nine Voluntaries of Devonshire Gentlemen; many a serviceable man returning back for lack of employment or place. These from Plymouth resolving and * May 30. assaying to put forth to seas, were so met with the wind, that past the Syllieses they could not attain, and thence also were forced by tempest into the Haven, june 6. from whence they launched to refresh their ships and companies; where lying at Anchor, the scouts at Sea had descried some sails of the Spaniards, which had been likewise distressed by the storms; but before these could be haled, the wind came about, and brought them to the Groin, where the rest lay in harbour. (199) Intelligence spreading that the Spaniards were in want; their great ships dispersed, the rest storme-shaken, and their men by multitudes slain with the plague; the Lord Admiral meant to use the advantage upon the first North wind, which july 8. came about the eight day of july, and bore his sail almost within sight of Spain, when suddenly it changing into the South, and he wisely foreseeing, that the enemy might pass without his discovery, that the Seas might be stormy, and his Fleet wind-bound, and that whilst they thus lay abroad, their service much better might be employed at home, he therefore presently returned, and ankered his Fleet in the Haven of Plymouth, suffering his men to relieve themselves on land. (200) But the Spaniards ships new rigged, and The Spaniards again set forth. their wants supplied, their King still hot on his former resolutions, instantly urged and hastened his Chieftains to put again to Sea, which accordingly was done upon the eleventh of july, weighing their Ankers at the Groin, where with brave shows and full sails they came into the Channels of the narrow Seas, where they cast anchor, and dispatched certain small pinnasses unto the Duke of Parma, to signify their arrival and readiness, and to command him in the name of the King to forward his charge for that service. The English have notice of their approach. (201) The English Fleet being in harbour, and many men on shore, Captain Thomas Fleming (some say a Pirate) descried the Spaniard upon the point of the Lizard, the wind being then South and by West: He hastening to Plymouth, made relation thereof unto the Lord Admiral, the news was more fearful, for that it was sudden, the Queen having received intelligence for certain, that this great Armado would not come forth that year, their bulks being so dispersed and bruised, and their wants and sickness so great, upon which rash reports (a dangerous matter in State-affairs,) so confident she was, that she sent for four of her tallest royal ships, to be brought again unto Chattam; but Flemings They set forth from Plymouth. unexpected discovery hindered that purpose, and all hands were set on work to warp out the Ships, the wind blowing hard, and hindering the same. july 20. (202) The next day about noon, this terrible Fleet was descried by the English, who with a South west wind came forward amain, and (as seemed) they made for Plymouth. But whether their Commission were otherwise, or for that they saw the English ships out of the harbour, they passed by, towards Calais, well hoping about those coasts to meet with Prince Parma, by whose waffing that way the The English assail the Spanish. English got the wind, and eftsoons gave them chase, and encounter, where fire, smoke and echoing Canons began the parley, and bullets most freely interchanged betwixt them, were messengers of each others mind. july 21. (203) The next day the two Fleets fought within Musket shot, where the English Admiral fell most hotly on the Vice-admiral of Spain, at which present they well perceived their own oversights; their great ships (like Castles) powerful to defend, but not offend, to stand but not to move; and therefore far unfit for fight in those narrow seas: their enemies nimble, and ready at all sides to annoyed them, and as apt to escape harm themselves, by being low built, and easily shot over. Therefore they gathered themselves close in form of a half Moon, and slackened their sails, that their whole Fleet might keep together. Notwithstanding, A Gallion distressed. one of their great Galleons, wherein was Don Pedro de Valdez, Vasques de silva, Alonzo de Sayas, and other Noblemen, was sore battered by the English shot▪ in avoiding whereof she fell fowl upon an other ship, and ere she could be cleared, had her foremast broken off, which so hindered her sail, that she was unable to keep way with the Fleet, nor they of courage to secure these Lords, but left both ship and them, in this sudden and unlooked for distress. But night coming on, and she lagging behind, the Lord Admiral supposing neither men nor Mariners to be left within board, and fearing to lose sight of the Spaniards, passed by, and followed the Lantern, which he took to be borne by Sir Francis Drake, but that renowned Knight, busied upon five great hulks▪ pursued them amain, which being haled, were found to be Easterlings, & thereupon freed from his further harms. july 22. (204) The next day following, Sir Francis Drake espying this lagging Gallion, sent forth a Pinnace to command them to yield, otherwise his Bullets should force them without further favour; but Valdez to seem valorous answered, that they were four hundred and fifty strong, that himself was Don Pedro, and stood on his honour, thereupon propounding certain conditions. But the Knight sent his reply, that he had not leisure to parley, if he would yield, presently do it, if not he should well prove that Drake was no dastard; whereupon Don Pedro yieldeth himself. Pedro hearing that it was the fiery Drake (ever terrible to the Spaniards) who had him in chase with forty of his followers came on board Sir Francis his ship; where first giving him the Congee, he protested, that he and all his were resolved to die in defence, had they not fallen under his power, whose valour and felicity was so great, that Mars and Neptune seemed to attend him in his attempts, & whose generous mind towards the vanquished, had often been experienced, even of his greatest foes. Sir Francis requiting his Spanish compliments with honourable English courtesies, placed him at his own Table, and lodged him in his own Cabin. The residue of that company were sent unto Plymouth, where they remained eighteen months, till their ransoms were paid; but Sir Francis his soldiers had well paid themselves with the spoil of the ship, wherein were fifty five thousand Ducats in gold, which they shared merrily among them. The same day Michael de Oquendo Admiral to the Quadron Guypusco, and Vice-admiral to the whole Fleet, suffered no less disaster, whose ship being one of the greatest Galleons, fell suddenly on fire, all the upper part of the ship, and most of the persons therein consumed, howbeit the Gunpowder in the hold was all saved, and the rest of the scorched Spaniards with the hulk brought into Plymouth, to the great joy of the beholders. july 23. (205) Upon Tuesday the twenty third of july, the Spaniards approaching right against Portland, the wind came about into the North, as fit as could be wished to further their designs; but the English agile, and foreseeing all harms, recovered the advantage thereof from the Spaniards, and continued that day from morning till night, in battering those vast wooden Castles with shot both great and small; which forced them for their further safety, to gather themselves close into a roundel, their best and greatest ships standing without, & securing the battered and less. On this day the soarest fight was performed: wherein, besides other remarkable harms, a great Venetian ship with some other smaller, were surprised, and taken by the English. july 24. (206) The four and twenty day of this present month, the fight was only between the four great Galliass, and the English ships, the Spaniards having the advantage, theirs being rowed, and our sails unfilled, by reason of the calm, which notwithstanding they sore galled the enemy with chain shot, therewith cutting a sunder their tackle, cables, and cordage to their no little annoyance. But wanting powder, which so freely they had spent, they sent men on land for a further supply, which ministered dislikes (if not suspicions) to many, that we should thus want upon our own coasts. In which Interim, a Council was called, wherein it was decreed that the English Fleet should be divided into four squadrons, and those committed to four worthy Captains, and most skilful Navigators, whereof the Admiral in the Ark Royal was chief, Sir Francis Drake in the Revenge led the second, Captain Hawkins the third, and Captain Frobisher the fourth. Other most valiant Captains there were in her majesties Ships, as the Honourable Lord Thomas Howard in the Lion, the Lord Sheffield in the Bear, Sir Robert Southwell in the Elizabeth jonas, Captain Baker in the Victory, and Captain George Fenner in the galleon Leicester. july 25. (207) The five and twenty of july, the Spaniards were arrived against the Isle of Wight, where was a terrible encounter, each shooting off their whole sides, and not above six score yards the one from the other; till at length the English so battered the Spanish high Turrets, that they were forced once more to secure themselves in a roundel, and the foresaid Generals so worthily bore themselves in this conflict, that the Lord Admiral bestowed the Order of Knight▪ hood upon the Lords Howard and Sheiffeld, Master john Hawkins, Martin Frobisher, and others. And yet (by the Spanish brags) a false rumour was spread in France, that England was wholly conquered by the Spaniard. july 27. (208) Their Fleet making forward about Sunset, the 27. of the same month, came against Dover, and ankered within sight of Calais, intending for Dunkirk, there to join with the Duke of Parma his forces, without which, they well saw, they could do nothing. The English Fleet flollowing up hard upon them cast anchor so near, that they lay within Culvering shot. Where the Lord Henry Seymer united his to the Lord Admiral's ships. Meanwhile the Duke of Medina sent unto Parma, to bid him make ready his long expected forces; with which messengers many Noblemen of the Spaniards went on Land, among whom was the Prince of Ascoli the King's base son, who so well liked his shipping, that he made no great haste again from shore: wherein he was only fortunate; for that his Gallion was cast away upon the Irish coast, and never returned to salute Spain. (209) Duke Parma hearing the best of this voyage, makes all things ready that lay in his charge; whose hopes were so fixed for England's Conquest, that the glittering Diadem upon Queen Elizabeth's head, dazzled his ambitious eye, being assured by Cardinal Allen, that he was the man designed to be crowned therewith, and who, from the Pope and Spain should hold that Kingdom himself. Wherefore thinking his Coronet of the Low Country's Government, would but trouble the English Crown, and both too weighty to be worn upon one head, he committed that charge unto Count Mansfeild the Elder, and making his vows unto Saint Mary of Hall in Henault, was already in conceit no less than a King. But soon the date of his reign was expired, and his swelling tide fallen into a Low shallow ebb; for the day following in his match towards Dunkirk he heard the thundering Ordinance ring the passing peal of his stile and title, and the same evening had news of the hard success of the Spaniards, the hoped advancers of his dreamt fortunes. The fleet disanchored from Calais by stratagem. (210) They lying them at anchor near Calais, to join their powers with Parmaes, were forced thence by a politic stratagem thus: Their Ships, as Castles pitched in the seas, had their bulks so plancked with great beams, that bullets might strike and stick, but never pass through, so that little availed the English Canon, except only in playing on their masts and tackling; whereupon, by her majesties advise and appointment, eight of the English ships were discharged of men, and filled with gunpowder, pitch, brimstone, and other combustible matter; their Ordinance charged with bullets, july 28. stones, chains, and the like; which upon Sunday, the eight and twenty of july, at two of the clock after midnight, were let drive with wind and tide among the Spanish Fleet, whose Pilots returning, and their trains taking fire, such a sudden thunderclap was given, that the Spaniards, affrighted in the dead of the night, were stricken into a horrible fear, lest all their ships should be fired by these; which present mischief to avoid, in great perplexity, they hasted to cut their own Cables, the time being too short to weigh up their anchors; and hoising their sails did drive at random into the Seas, in which haste and confusion the greatest of their Galliass fell foul upon another ship, and lost her Rudder, so that guideless she drove with the tide upon a shelue in the shore of Calais, where she was assaulted by the English. A Galliasse taken (211) This Galliasse was of Naples; her General, Hugh de Moneado, who fought the more valiantly in hope of present rescue of the Prince of Parma; but Sir Amias Preston gave so fierce an assault, that Moncado was shot dead with a bullet, and the Galliasse boarded, wherein was many a Spaniard slain, and a number of the rest leaping into the Sea, were drowned; yet Don Antonio de Matiques, a principal Officer, had the hap to escape▪ and was the first man that brought into Spain the welcomes of this now vincible Navy. This huge Bottom, manned with four hundred soldiers, and three hundred slaves, had in her also fifty thousand Ducats of the Spanish King's treasure, a booty well fitting the English soldiers affections; who, having ransacked all, and freed the slaves from their miserable fetters, went about to set that vessel of Emptiness on fire; but Monsieur Guordon, the governor of Calais, fearing some danger to the Town or Haven, would not permit them, but discharged his ordnance against such as assayed it. (212) The morning after this their miserable hap, ranging themselves again into order, they approached over against Greveling, where once again the English getting the wind, the Spanish were july 29. thereby deprived of the Conveniency of Calais road, and kept from supply out of Dunkirk; in which port had rested their full hope of support. Notwithstanding they were forced to pass by, and so followed by the English, that their ships discharged upon them from morning till night, the conflict proving dismal to the invincible Armado; for therein a great Gallion of Biscay perished, the Captains thereof to avoid ignominy, or to be accounted A Gallion taken. valorous, desperately slew each others, in which distress also two other great ships presently sunk. The Saint Philip, and Saint Matthew, two Portugal Galleons, were so torn with shot, their tackle spent, and their bulks rend, that the water entered in on all sides; in the former of which, was Francis de Toledo, being Colonel over two and thirty-bands, who taking his course for the Coast of Flanders, the leak was so great, that he with others, committing themselves to the skiff, arrived at Ostend, and the Ship, with the Residue, were taken by the Vlishingers. (213) In the Saint Matthew was embarked Don Diego Pimentelli, Campemaister, and Colonel also of thirty two bands; whose Ship, though very strong, was so pierced with shot, that her Leaks could not be stopped, which known, the Duke of Medina sent his skiff for him; and some others, to save themselves from their imminent danger. But he, upon a Spanish brave, refused so to do, assaying each way to free himself like a soldier; but not able to keep sail with the Fleet, he forthwith made toward the coast of Flanders, where being espied by five men of war, was met with, and required to yield, which lastly he did unto Captain Peter Banderduesse; who carried him into Zealand, where, for a trophy of Victory▪ his Banner was hung up in the Church of Leiden in Holland, whose length reached from the very roof unto the ground▪ and another Ship of less burden coasting also for Flanders, was cast away on the sands. 214) The Spaniards now finding their BVEN-VENIDA unto England far other then they expected, were content to couch their fleet close together, not seeking to assail but to defend; and the wind coming to the southwest, in the same order passed by Dunkirk, whom the English still followed. But lest Parma should play upon advantage, the Lord Admiral dispatched the Lord Henry Seymer, with his Squadron of small ships, unto the coast of Flanders, to second those Hollanders which there kept watch under the conduct of 〈◊〉 Hollanders Aides. justin Nassau their Admiral: whose Navy consisted of thirty five ships, furnished with most skilful Mariners and old experienced soldiers, whereof twelve hundred were Musketeers, whom the States had culled out of the Garrisons. Their charge was, to stop all entrance into their Havens, or intercourse with Dunkirk, whither Duke Parm● intended; though his men were unwilling, hearing how their friends were welcome at the sea, only English fugitives prove the most desperate enemies. the English fugitives, about seven hundred, under the command of that treacherous Knight Sir William Stanley, were very forward to be the first that should assault England. (215) But the Armado, being now passed the place of their expected supply, and having gotten more Sea-room for their huge bodied bulks, * july 30. spread their main saines, and made away as fast as wind and water would give them leave, more fearing the small Fleet and forces of the English, (though nothing in number like unto them) then standing upon terms of honour, either of their chieftains or Invincible Navy. But surely, if they had known the want of powder that ours sustained, (a fault unexcusable upon our own coasts,) they no doubt would have stood longer to their tackle; but God in this, as the rest, would have us to acknowledge, that we were only delivered by his own gracious providence and Arm, and not by any policy or power of our own. (216) The Vincible Armado holding on their way, the English Admiral followed, lest they should assay to put into Scotland; but the wind coming fair, and fear of more encounters, with all their The Spanish Armado flieth. sails spread they betook themselves to flight, leaving Scotland on the West, and bending toward Norway; il advised (but that necessity urged, & God had infatuated their counsels) to put their shaken and battered bottoms into those black and dangerous Seas; neither was the Climate healthful for the crazed bodies of the Spaniards, over-beaten and tired with wants, being now entered the degree of Latitude. August 2. 57 from whence the Lord Admiral returned, leaving some Scouts to descry their success. The Spanish consultation. (217) The Spaniards now cleared from those their haunting spirits, consulted most seriously what was to be done: the Pope's credit was to be respected, who had predicted this voyage to fortunate success; the wrath of King Philip was to be feared, his great expenses thus lost; the adventurors losers if the voyage should be left; the glory of the Spaniards laid in the suds, the Invincible Navy in the ebb of her fame: and England still England, not lorded by the Spaniard, if they thus without further attempt should return into Spain. But withal, five thousand of their soldiers were slain; multitudes of sick and maimed lay on their hands; twelve of their greatest ships were sunk, lost, and taken; their Cables, Masts and Sails, cut, rend, and broken, with the English shot, their anchors left, where the fired Hulks forced them, their victuals failing, and freshwater all spent, their enemies no less fierce and undauntable, then fortunate: and their long expected friend, the Duke of Parma, though ever preparing, yet still forestalled by the Dutch, most firm Allies unto the Queen: these circumstances wisely balanced, the voice went currant for speeding into Spain. (218) But knowing that Scotland (whose Religious King was fast-knit in affection, and blood unto The Spaniards cast their horses into the sea. Queen Elizabeth) would yield them no comfort, and hopeless also that Norway would give them any supply, they cast all their Mules and Horses over▪ board for sparing of their freshwater: then framing their course to sail about Cathenes and the coasts of Ireland, so proceeded between the Orcadeses and Isles of far unto the 61. degree Northward; whence the Duke of Medina, with his best stored ships took Westward over the main Ocean towards Biscay, and so arrived safely in Spain, where for his Welcome, he was deposed from all his authority, The Duke of Medina disgraced for his successesse service. forbidden to come at the Court, and commanded to be private. Neither could he thus give satisfaction for his bad successes, albeit he imputed it to the treachery of his mariners, their ignorance, and small experience of those Northern Seas, the want of succours from the Prince of Parma, the tempests, shipwrecks, and ill fortune, but not a word of the judgements of God upon this Giantlike attempt john Serres hist. France. to enslave all England to the mountains of Grenada, or to the mines of Peru. The success of some ships on the Irish coasts. (219) The residue of his ships, about forty in number, fell nearer with the coast of Ireland, intending for Cape Clare, where they well hoped to water; but the winds contrary, and tempests storming upon those dangerous Seas, many of their ships perished upon the shores of Ireland, and among other a great Galliasse, wherein Michael de Oquendo was a commander, and two other of Venice, both ships of great burden, besides thirty eight more, together with most of the Spaniards contained within them. Those that got clear of the danger, put forth to Sea, whereof some with a strong ●est wind▪ were driven into the channel of England, where part of them were taken by the English, others by men of Rochel in France, and some arrived at Newhaven in Normandy. In so much, that of one The sum of the Spaniards loss. hundred thirty four ships, which had set sail out of Lisbon, only fifty three returned to Spain: of the four Galliass of Naples, but one: of the four Galleys of Portugal, but one: and of the ninety one Galleons, and great Hulks from divers Provinces, only thirty three returned, fifty eight being lost: in brief, there were missing of their whole fleet fourscore and one vessels, and of the thirty thousand soldiers, thirteen thousand, five hundred and odd. Of prisoners taken in England, Ireland and the Low-countrieses were two thousand and more. In England, Don Pedro de Valdez, Don Vasquez de Sylva, and Don Alonzo de Says and others were kept for their ransom, in Zealand, Don Diego de Piemente●●, and in Ireland, Don Alonzo de Lucon, Roderigo de Lasso and others of great account: to conclude, there was no famous or worthy family in all Spain, which in this expedition lost not a son, a brother, or a kinsman. (220) Thus were these Sea-seruices effected: as for the Land, preparations were made throughout the Kingdom, but the main forces lying encamped at Tilbury under the command of the Earl of Leicester, thither her Majesty in person upon the ninth of August repaired, full of Princely resolution, and more than feminine courage, whose lovely presence and imperial speeches, as she passed like some Amazonian Empress through all her Army, were so acceptable and gracious, that Her soldiers, full-fraught with manly spirit, yet received an access of hardiness from so alacrious a pattern in their Maiden Queen: and both they perceived so well the love of their Prince, and she saw what it was to have the love of her subjects, that the harmony of both their affections was admirable, both of them professing resolution, and willing to sacrifice their lives in that most rightful quarrel. But the God of Hosts having now prevented their forwardness, without loss of English blood, eftsoones the Camp was dissolved: and not long after Leicester ended his Earl of Leicester's death. days, having been a Peer of great estate, but liable to the common destiny of most Great-ones, whom all men magnify in their life time, but few speak well of after their death. (221) The Land thus delivered by the arm of the Omnipotent, and the Boar put back that sought to lay England's fair vineyard waste, Queen Elizabeth (who ever held ingratitude a Capital sin, but especially towards her Almighty protector) Queen Elizabeth's thankfulness to God. commanded solemn Thanksgiving to be celebrated unto the Lord God of Hosts, at the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul's in Her chief City of London, which accordingly was done upon Sunday the eight of September, where eleven of the Spanish Ensigns (the once badges of their bravery, but now of their vanity) were hung upon the lower battlements of that Church, as palms of praise for England's deliverance; a show no doubt more acceptable to God, then when their spread colours did set out the pride of their ships, threatening the blood of so many innocent and faithful Christians. (222) The next day, the Fair being kept in Southwark, these fair flags were spread upon London-Bridge to the great joy of the beholders; and eternal memory of Spanish purposes, as irreligious as unprosperous. But the solemn day assigned to be kept holy throughout the land, was the nineteenth of November being Tuesday, which accordingly was then done▪ and would to God had so continued still, being no less for our deliverance, than was that Ester. 9 26. Purim for the jews▪ which they instituted to be kept holy throughout their generations. (223) Queen Elizabeth therefore, to be herself an example unto others, upon the Sunday following, being the four and twentieth of November▪ repaired from the Palace of White-Hall in Westminster, through the streets of London in great Estate: and came accompanied with her Nobility unto the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, where Q. Elizabeth cometh to Paul's Church. dismounting from her Chariot at the West-door, she humbled herself upon her knees▪ and with great devotion audibly praised God, acknowledging him her only defender, who had thus delivered the land from the rage of the enemy. And after the Sermon ended, wherein none other Argument was handled, but only of praise and glory to be rendered unto God; her Majesty herself with most princely and Christian speeches exhorted all the people to their due performance of those religious services of thankfulness unto God, like unto another josuah, David, and josias. The Zelanders also The Zelanders thankfulness to God. to leave a Memorial of their no less gratitude to God, than faithfulness to the Queen, caused a new Coin of silver to be stamped, having on the one side the Arms of their Country engraven, with this Inscription, Glory to God alone, and on the other side, the portracts of great ships▪ under-stiled, The Spanish Fleet, and in the circumference, It came, went, and was Anno 1588. Wherein they alluded to that quick work of Caesar, * I came, I saw, I conquered. Veni, vidi, vici, which we have seen also excellently described in devise, where on the one side, the Spanish Fleet had inscribed veni, the Sun (the eye of the whole world) vidi, and the English Navy, vici. In other coins also were stamped ships fleeting, & sinking, and in the reverse, Supplicants upon their knees, with this Motto▪ Man proposeth, God disposeth. 1588. To the like effect also the Hollanders stamped the remembrance of this Armado in their monies, after the example of the Ancient▪ whose use was to inscribe their victories upon their Coins, of which kind were those with Spanish Ships, having this Word, Impius fugit nemine sequent. (225) Neither did the Dutch alone participate the triumph of this glorious success, but all other Nations also congratulated the same; which universal joy being excellently expressed in this ensuing Ode, by a * Theodorus Eeza An. 1588. and in his Epistle before his Comment on job. A. D. 1589. Stranger of eminent Piety and Learning, and translated into all the chief Languages of Christendom; we will here annex the same, as the Close and Epilogue of this Tragico-Comedy, to be perpetuated unto all ensuing posterities. Straverat innumeris Hispanus Classibus aequor, Regnis iuncturus S●eptra Britanna suis. Tanti huius rogitas qu● Motûs causa? Superbos Impulit Ambitio, vexit avaritia. Quam bené te, Ambitio, mersit vaniss●ma ventus: Et tumidae tumidos vos superastis aquae! Quàm bené Raptores Orbis totius Iberos Mersit inexhausti justa vorago Maris! At Tu; ●ui venti, cui totum militat A●quor▪ Regin●, OH Mundi totius una decus: Sic regnare Deo perge, Ambitione remote, Prodiga sic opibus p●rge iware Pios; Vt te Angli longùm, longum Anglis ipsa fruaris▪ Quàm dilect a Bonis, tam metuenda Malis. Spain's King with Navies huge the Seas bestrewde, To▪ augment with English Crown his Spanish sway. Ask ye, what caused this proud attempt? 'twas lewd Ambition drove, and Avarice led the way. It's well; Ambitions windy puff lies drowned By winds, and swelling hearts, by swelling waves. It's well; those Spaniards who the World's vast Round Devourde, devouring sea most justly craves. But Thou▪ OH Queen, for whom Winds, Seas, do war, OH Thou, S●le Glory of this World's wide Mass: So reign to God still, from Ambition far, So still with bounteous aides the Good embrace; That Thou▪, England long, long may' England Thee enjoy Thou▪ Terror of all Bad, thou Good men's joy. (226) The thunderclappe of this Spanish Armado thus past, and the invincible vanquished, as the attempt & Issue was open to the eyes of the world, so the due consideration thereof was rooted in all true English hearts; whereupon the Nobles and Commonalty Consultations for attempts on Spain. being then assembled for Parliament, this course was at length thought fittest, that the proud Castilian should be requi●ed upon his own coasts. And first it was determined to aid Don Antonio the expulsed King of Portugal, whose title was apparently Don Antonio king of Portugal flieth to Queen Elizabeth's protection. far more just, than either Philipss for England, or Stukeleys for Ireland; both which Kingdoms they had in hostile manner invaded: and this the rather was resolved on, for that the Spanish king was endeavouring Philip prepareth for a new expedition. to repair his dishonour by repairing his Fleet and Forces for a new expedition against England. (227) This Don Antonio among other Competitors claimed the Crown of Portugal after the decease Don Antonio his Title. of King Henry, as sprung from King Emanuel by his son Don Lewis the Infant; but alleged by the Philippians to have been his Bastard. Against which accusation Don Antonio had sentence for his legitimation by the Bishop of Angra, and every way sought to rub off that scandalous imputation. His conditions were such as well be fitted a Crown, he His conditions. being a Prince of greater spirit than person, and yet of rare modesty and humility, seasoned with a disposition very devout and religious, whereby he came to be in far better favour and esteem then Philip of Spain; for which cause he was first made Defender of the Realm by the Governors, and afterwards accepted King by the people▪ whereto he was in a manner enforced, seeing himself environed with many drawn swords in midst of a furious multitude. (228) But Philip as more ambitious, so more strong in men and munition, made war into Portugal, and by his General, Duke Alba, put this new King unto flight; after which fortune, himself enters K. Philip attempts the Crown of Portugal. Portugal, where he proclaimed eight hundred thousand Crowns to him that could bring him Don Antonio either alive or dead. But such was their love unto this unfortunate Prince, that eight months he kept in Portugal disguised, and had conversation and conference with many, yet was never betrayed; but not able to hold up his side, the Governors (as is the fashion of the world) daily falling to his Portugal possessed by the Spaniard. stronger, after many conflicts, and much lamenting their miserable estate, left the Spaniard (who then gaped for nothing but Kingdoms) to possess the Government of Portugal (229) Antonio's kingly stile thus ended, before it was thoroughly begun; Philip had subjections offered him avie, and in such sort, as some that seemed Competitors, yielded him their rights, among whom Katherine Duchess of Bragansa was one: yea and Pope Gregory himself, who had hitherto sided with Don Antonio, the Prior of Crato, knowing it was surest to hold with the strongest, sent Philip his Apostolical allowance, the better to put on his New-gotten Crown; exhorting him to thankfulness, for these his prosperities, and moving him earnestly to make war against England, with proffers ofassistance as we have said. (230) Don Antonio thus driven out of his Kingdom, King Antonio seeks aid from France. for secure repaired unto the Court of France; where, of the Queen Mother, a pretended Competitor for the Portugal Crown, he was both His losses at sea. favoured and aided at Seas for the Isles of Terceres: but such was his deftiny in his Sea-fights also (the Peruan gold being no less powerful than the Spanish Canons) that eight of the tallest French Ships were lost, & two thousand men slain; among whom was the Lord Philip Trossy the General, whose death was so taken, and the expedition so censured, as the Portugal Captains were reputed for Cowards, imprisoned in France, and many of them charged with corruption and treason; so that all his hopes were now in the wane, and no further assistance could be expected of the French. K. Antonio repairs for aid to Q. Elizabeth. (231) The poor Prince thus dejected in France, knowing the universal report of Queen Elizabeth's great fame, obtained leave of her Majesty for access unto her sacred presence, whose Court had ever been a famoused Sanctuary to all oppressed Princes, or distressed Estates: where showing his right to the Portugal Crown, and clearing the objections touching his Bastardy (which imputation in sundry languages he refuted in Print to the public view of the world) received now comfort to be set in his Kingdom, England having so just an occasion to Succours are afforded him. war against Spain. Among whom once more he assayed to try the favour of Fortune; his Petition to the Queen being only this, that she would but landlord him safe in his Country, and amongst his own People, of whose assured love and readiness to receive him as their King, and thence forward to defend him and his just Title, he nothing doubted. So honest and reasonable a suit could not but find favour with so gracious a Queen: whereupon provision being made for the Portugal voyage, he embarked A. D. 1589 The Portugal voyage. at Plymouth in April, whence six of the Queen's ships, and twenty more of war (besides many other ordained for transportation) spreadtheir Sails under the conduct of the ever-feared Sir Francis Drake, and the most valorous Sir john Norris Ant. Winkfeild. General for the land service, with eleven thousand soldiers, and twenty five hundred Mariners. These * April 20. landing in a Bay of Galicia, near unto the Groin, in their March were met and encountered within half a mile of the Town, but their enemies were soon forced to retire unto their Gates. (232) The next day General Noris having viewed the advantage, resolved to attempt the place by a scalado, and to landlord some Artillery, to beat the ships and Galleys which did play upon their troops, which was effectually performed; and the Galleys forced to abandon the Road, the Base-Town was surprised, and in three several places entered, where the Inhabitants with a great cry took into the high Town, but some prevented, escaping the fury of the sword fled to the Rocks, where they were found and slain to the number of five hundred. Among these so hid, Don ivan de Luna, a man of great command, was one, who the next morning came forth, and yielded himself to the General's devotion; ivan de Vera, a Commissary of victuals, was likewise taken, who confessed that there was in the Town three hundred thousand Ducats of silver, and order given for the baking of three hundred thousand of Biscuit, that the Town was stored with two thousand Pipes of wine, a thousand jars of Oil, three thousand Kintals of Beef, a great quantity of beans, Pease, Wheat and Fish, and of Match and Harqueboizes three Barks were brought thither not long before. All which (he confessed) were for a new voyage against England. And indeed such store of wines was there found, as the English Soldiers using little moderation in drinking, did not only lay themselves open to danger The Groin surprised. Infection through intemperate drinking of wine. from the upper Town, but by distemperature so inflamed and infected their blood, that it caused a great mortality and infection in the whole Army. (233) The Base-Towne thus gotten, a sudden rescue of two thousand men so resolutely came to the very Gates, as though no contraty power could The Enemy put to flight. possibly keep them from entrance, but in the first brunt of resistance, they were content to make their heels the safe-guardians of their heads, of whom yet many were cut short by the English pursuers. With the like fear the ships in the Road were fraught, whose Soldiers overcharging the great Ordinance of a great Gallion, abandoned her board▪ and set her on fire, which for the space of two days burned in most terrible wise, so that of fifty great pieces but sixteen were found whole, the rest broken and melted, and so brought away by the English; but the higher town strong both by situation and sufficiency for resistance, resolutely held out, only entreated by Parley to have fair Wars. And being built for the most part on a hard rock, one place was found mineable, where the General the fourth day of this siege set men on work, who bedded their powder somewhat too short of the wall, whereby that design took not the supposed effect. But this error reduced, another as great was committed, for the Miners again set on work, came right under the Wall, but somewhat wide of a great Tower thereupon built, so that when the blast of powder broke forth, it overthrew but a part of the same, and left the other standing tottering and shaken, which being not regarded▪ in the heat of assault, fell suddenly upon the English, and slew Captain Sydenham with thirty Soldiers besides, to the great astonishment of the rest there employed, not knowing the cause whereof it came, but rather suspecting it a Strategeme of the Town; and the rest of the rubbish lay so lose under foot, that the Assaulters could have no sure standing to make their fight. (234) While these things were in doing, the General had certain notice that the Conde de Andrada had assembled an Army of eight thousand strong, which was but the beginning of another more strong, levied under the Conde de Altemira; the former, not passing six miles off, and both of The enemy encountered. them intending the rescue of the Groin: To prevent which, Sir john Norris with nine Regiments * May 6 met them, and presently fell to a hot skirmish, whose brunt the enemy not able to endure, took over a Bridge, built upon a creak of the Sea, at the further foot whereof their Camp lay very strongly entrenched. Sir Edward Norris, Colonel Sidney▪ the Captains Hinder, Fulford, and Barton entered the Bridge, whose further end was barricaded with Barrels, where coming to push of pike and sword, Sir Edward was grievously hurt in the head, Captain Hinder received five wounds in the head and face by the Sword; Captain Fulford hurt in the left arm with a shot, and Captain Barton hurt in the eye. Notwithstanding, the General so seconded the encounter as the Guard was overthrown, and the whole Army put into rout, of The English are victorious. whom our men had the Chase fully three miles in four sundry ways. What the slaughter was, is uncertain, but supposed to be great; besides others that were found hid in Vineyeards and hedges, and two hundred put to sword that had taken into a Cloister. In this service the King's Standard was taken, some pla●e and rich apparel found in their Camp, and the Country for three Miles compass set on flaming fire; the General making his retreat with the King's Colours and Arms displayed before him, to the great honour of the English. (235) Thus returning unto the Groin, and wanting Cannons to batter the walls, the English May 8. fired the Base-Towne, embarked from thence, and put again to Sea. But the winds being contrary, many assays were made before the Fleet could recover the Burling▪ in which passage Robert Earl of The Earl of Essex cometh to the Fleet. Essex with M. Walter Devereux his brother, accompanied with others, * May 13. came to the Fleet; which Earl having put himself into the journey against the opinion of the world, or well-liking of the Queen, seemed unto the Sager sort to hazard his fortunes; but Corn. Tacitus. other more stirring spirits, held it the great advancement of his reputation; whereof I think I may say, as Tacitus said of Vespasians employment in Britain, That there was laid the first foundation of his future esteem. (236) The Fleet thus increased, they landed in Portugal, even under shot of the Castle of Peniche, where the Sea growing high, many were in peril of drowning; for most of them waded to the waste for the Shore. Of this Town and Piece, Conde de Fuentes had the command; who with five Companies of Spaniards sallied out against the English, and made their approach close to the Seaside; whereupon the Earl of Essex with Sir Roger Williams divided their men into two Troops, the one keeping the Sands along the Shore, and the other over the sand-hilles made towards the inland. Which the enemy seeing, hasted to the encounter, and came The enemy put to flight. unto fight, even within push of Pike; but were so entertained, as they had no great liking, but presently turned their backs, and fled further than the English had reason to follow. The Town they Peniche in Portugal taken. left undefended, so that it was entered without any resistance, and the Castle summoned the same night; the Captain whereof was Antonio de Aurid, a Portugal, who demanding, and being satisfied, that Don Antonio was present, gave up the piece, with the munition therein. Unto this place some Friars & other poor of the Country, came to welcome their King, promising him (in the name of the rest) a sufficient supply both of horse and foot, which notwithstanding was never performed. (237) Here it was thought fit that the wounded and sick should remain, with sufficient provision, The attempt for Lisbon. and seven companies of foot to guard the ships and Castle; and the main Army to march over Spanish history. land unto Lisbon, the Metropolitan of Portugal, accounted the strongest Fort in the World, and whosoever held that, might (in their esteem) make head against the mightiest Monarch in the Earth; whither likewise Sir Francis Drake (General of the sea-service) promised to come, if the injury of weather did not hinder him. The March undertaken, Tarres Vedras made some show of resistance, but presently upon the approach of the English, that Castle was abandoned, and left to the possession of Don Antonio; whose hopes hereupon began to enlarge, thinking the whole would stand for his claim; but therein was not a little deceived; for victuals growing scarce in the Army, the Country did not supply them according to expectation, neither came in any of strength. Notwithstanding the English Army from Vedras marched to San Sebastian, thence to Lores, and lodged the fift day at Aluelana, three miles from Lisbon, where many of their Soldiers perished by drinking in two places of poisoned standing waters, as also in eating of honey, purposely left in the houses, and spiced with poison, as it was thought. The English approach Lisbon. (238) The five and twentieth of May, the English Army came unto Lisbon, whose Suburbs were found abandoned, houses of provision for corn & victuals fired, and none left to defend but a sort of old folks and beggars, crying in the streets, Viva el Rey Don Antonio; and abont midnight they within the Town set fire on their houses that stood within upon the wall. The English wearied with the six days march, want of victual, the last night's watch, and many of them weak, were desirous of rest; whereof the enemy having advertisement, in the dead of the night sallied out of the Town, and made their assault in three several streets, but chief upon Colonel Brets' Quarters, who being at rest (as A Sally on the English. most of the Army were) with what haste was possible, put himself, and his in Arms, & so thoroughly made head▪ that he was slain in the place▪ Captain Car with the like resistance and valour ended his life; Captain Carsey wounded to death; Captain Cave hurt, but not mortally. The others found not their attempts so easy, but were put to a sudden and foul retreat; insomuch as the Earl Essex pursueth the enemy to the very Gates. of Essex (full of high spirit, and hot youthly blood) had them in chase to the very gates of the high town: and (as it was truly reported) the enemy's loss did triple the English, aswell in quantity, as in men of quality. Drake surpriseth Cascais. (239) Mean while General Drake with his whole Fleet was come to Cascais, and possessed the towns without any resistance, for the inhabitants at the discovery of his Navy, fled with bag and baggage into the mountains, which the General perceiving, sent unto them a Portugal Pilot, to offer them all peaceable kindness, so as they would accept of their rightful King, and minister necessaries to the Army which he had brought. Which offer they joyfully embraced, and presently sent two chief men of the Town, to signify their loyalty to Don Antonio, and their honest affection to his Army, whereupon Sir Francis immediately landed his Companies, but not without peril of the Castle, which being guarded by the Spaniards, held out against him for their King. (240) At Lisbon the Portugals had promised to aid Antonio with three thousand horse, besides other supplies from the Duke of Bragansa, Don Francisco de Toledo, and others, at a day prefixed, and now altogether past, by reason (as it seemeth) that the Spaniards having chief command in all places, they were unable by any means to make head. Whereupon the unfortunate Antonio seeing the time expired, & but forty horse come, not of foot sufficient to furnish two Ensigns, grew almost hopeless, yet assayed he to persuade a stay before Lisbon for 9 days more: but the Town being strong, and the English declining (for there was the first apparent show of sickness among them) the Portugals backward, and of base resolutions, ready to obey any so themselves may be rich: and the General having already done more than was promised, left they should hazard the honour which hitherto had been got, denied his request, and gave present order to return to Cascais▪ himself, the Earl of Essex, and Sir Roger Williams remaining with the stand, that was made in the high street▪ till the whole Army was drawn into the field: at which time, the King (even herein of kingly disposition towards his Natives) made request Don Antonio his princely compassion. to save the Suburbs from spoil, which if the English had ransacked, they had been the richest Army that ever returned to England. But now ready to departed Lisbon, the noble Essex in the courage of his Martial blood, ran his spear and broke it against the Gates of that City: demanding aloud, if any Spaniard mewed therein, durst adventure forth in favour of his Mistress to break a staff with him. But those Gallants thought it safer to court their Ladies with amorous discourses, then to have their loves written on their breasts with the point of his English Spear. (241) Being now come to Cascais, intelligence was brought by a Friar, that the enemy was marched unto Saint julian with a strong power to encounter the English, unto whose General, the General Norris sent a Trumpet, promising to meet him the next morning if he durst abide his coming, and withal gave him the lie: the Earl of Essex also sent him a particular cartel, offering himself against any of theirs, if they had any of his quality, or else six, eight or ten, to try single combat, whereat this Spaniards comb was so cut, as in the night, before battle, in great fear and perturbation he dislodged, and returned to Lisbon, not answering the Challenge, but threatening to hung the Messenger, The Castle of Cascais rendered. who followed him even to the very Gate. Then was the Castle of Cascais rendered upon condition, that the men of Arms should departed with bag and baggage; which Piece in part, by the Order of the General, was blown up by mine. During which Sixty Spanish Hulks taken. time threescore Hulks laden with Corn, Masts, Cables, Copper, and Wax, being the Spanish King's provision were taken going to Lisbon. (242) The English having thus far proceeded, put again to Sea, when, unlooked for, and in a great calm, nine Galleys fell in the wind of their Fleet, and so played upon a straggling Bark of Plymouth, that Captain Caluerley, his Lieutenant, the Master, and some of the Mariners, abandoning the vessel, betook them to their Boats, whereof one, (in which the Captain and Master were) was overrun by the Galleys, and they both drowned. Two other Hulks also straggling from the Fleet, were set upon by the Spaniards; in one of which, Captain Minshaw fought to the last, and very valiantly after his ship was on fire; but whether fired by himself or the enemy, could not be judged; the calm being so still, as no succour could be sent from the fleet, to their great grief. (243) Thus continuing seventeen days on board, many of the dead Soldiers were cast into the Sea; and the whole now consisted of two thousand men, who coming to Vigo, found every street fencod with a strong Barricadoe, and but only one man in the Town, the Inhabitants making toward Bayon as fast as they could drive; then was both the Town The English arrived at Plymouth. and all the Country for seven mile's compass set on a flame. Which service thus performed, Sir Francis Drake with the Queen's ships safely * june 21. arrived at Plymouth, and upon the second of july following arrived Sir john Noris, having both of them performed the parts of worthy Generals. john Serres. The State of France. (244) Whilst these Realms were at variance each against others, the French were not quiet among themselves, the King somewhat voluptuous, but excessively prodigal towards his favourites; the Nobility ambitious, mistrustful, and disloyal; the Clergy turbulent, and undutiful, bending all their force and thoughts against the plantation of the truth. To unite friendship therefore some league had been made, for confirmation whereof the three Estates An. D. 1588. Octob. 17. were assembled at Bloys. For the Clergy appeared one hundred thirty four deputies▪ among whom were four Archbishops, one and twenty Bishops, and two Generals of Orders; for the Nobility came one hundred and four score gentlemen; and for the third Estate an hundred four score and eleven Deputies, all of them Lawyers and Merchants. Upon the first sitting, and before these best wits of France, King * Henry 3 Henry made a solemn Oration to persuade union, full of lively affection, true magnanimity, and pregnant reasons, delivered with such an admirable eloquence and grace, as it ravished the ears of all present, besides the opening of the propositions; the which, Mantelon, the keeper of the Seal, for him further prosecuted; after him Reynauld de Beaulme, Archbishop of Bourges, Patriarch and primate of Aquitaine, spoke in the same argument; and lastly, Michael Marteau, Provost and Precedent for the third Estate, confirmed, and consented to all that had An oath of Union in France. been said. Whereupon an oath of Union was taken, to bind the King, them, and all their posterities, the fundamental Laws and liberties of France only reserved. The Guizians practices. (245) This notwithstanding, the Leaguers, to hit the mark whereat they aimed, daily divulged and buzzed the French Kings disgraces, and all to install the Guise in his Throne; the Papists wrongs were grievously expostulated, their Churches burnt, and Altars profaned; the people oppressed with impositions and subsidies; places of judgement set to sale; and spiritual benefices to him that would give most; the offices at Court, they alleged, were managed by men of mean rank; the noblemen's services neglected and unrewarded. All these, and more, were complained of, and all to make the King base in the people's eye, the Guise himself the while temporising with both, as dissuading the King to subject his authority unto their complaints, and at the same present persuading the other, to be vehement in their pursuits. A. D. 1588. novemb. 4. (246) Among their other practices one was against the King of Navarre; whom the Clergy condemned for an Heretic, the chief (as they termed him) of the relapse, excommunicated and deprived him of the Government of Guienne, and of all other dignities, as being unworthy of successions of Crowns or Realms. But Henry, with Festus Acts 25. thought it unreasonable, to condemn this Prince without hearing, and therefore desired to have him again summoned, and again to be sworn to the Union. (247) To this motion was answered, that the Cardinal of Bourbon his uncle had once obtained absolution for him; that the Queen mother had many times assayed to win him; many learned doctors had been sent to reclaim him: but all in vain. For, from the Cradle (said they) he hath been brought up in this new Heresy, hath been condemned by the Council of Trent, received again into grace by the Consistory, is again fallen into the error which he abjured, and is now an Heretic, relapsed, unworthy of obedience, unworthy of respect, and unworthy to be prayed for: for the holy See of Rome hath declared him a Schismatic, excommunicated him as incapable of succession, and therefore must the Estates of France ratify the Pope's sentence; and King Henry must thereunto subscribe; if not, the Duke of Guise, who was Master of the Castle; and carried the keys at his own girdle, would dissolve the assembly and lay all the blame upon his Majesty. (248) Thus then (by the purpose of man) the first Prince of the blood, and the only remainder, after so many sisters and cousins of Antou, Alencon, Eureux, Berry, Bourgoyne, Angolesme and Orleans, and Henry King of Navarre pronounced incapable of the Crown of France. which only succeeded that of Valois, was now deprived of the succession which Nature gave him, without calling, or hearing of his justifications. (249) To further this Guizian enterprise, his followers buzzed into the heads of the multitude, that it was the King's Climacterical year, and so many presumptions were observed, as it was told the King in plain terms that the Duke of Guise would surprise him. Whereupon, having remained long in suspense, betwixt the rigour of revenge, and the mildness of his own disposition, at last, by the lightning, supposing a thunderclap would follow, he sought timely to prevent the danger, by taking away his life, that intended the blow. Which was not so secretly carried, but that the design was discovered, and a scroll laid under Guise his Napkin as he sat at dinner, wherein it was written, that his life was in danger: but he, as one confident in his own power, wrote in the same scroll, these words, they dare not; and threw it from him under the Table. Other advertisements he had (if we may believe the additions of Serres) from Rome, Spain, Lorraine, and Savoy, that a bloody Catastrophe should dissolve this assembly, their Almanaches had observed it, and it was generally predicted for Saint Thomas day. (250) But the Duke bearing himself bold upon his own greatness, neglected all motives, and very presumptuously spoke to the King, complaining that the affairs of France inclined from bad unto worse, uncurable, and almost grown desperate, wherefore, the charge he had received, he would again give up, and retired in the Country, lest other men's sins should be reputed his. (251) The King, who had resolved on his death, gave him good words, with promise of amendment what in him lay, and held him with familiar discourses, and favourable countenance, until a fit time should be offered; which was the three and twentieth of December, when the Lords sitting in Council, and entering consolation, the Guise was called for unto the King, who as he lifted up the Tapestry into his Cabinet, was charged upon by the Guard, and with their swords and partisans presently slain; the King avouching, that thenceforth joh. Serres. he would rule alone. And not long after the Cardinal of Guise, the Duke drank of the same cup at the commandment of the King. (252) This death of the Guise & Cardinal, caused the King to be exceedingly hated of the Papals, whose Preachers banded his reproaches in their Pulpits, incensing the people to open rebellion, and as Furies of hell heaped an Iliad of curses upon the head of the Executioners. In Paris the King's furniture, and in the Lower his pictures were broken, his Arms beaten down, his Images dragged through the streets, his great Scale defaced, and his royal name blurred with many opprobrious terms. Yea and the College of Sorbon as forward as any, concluded * Dated jan. 7. by a public Act, That the people of France were free from the Oath of Obedience and Fealty which they stood engaged in unto Henry of Valois, that lawfully, and with a good conscience they might arm themselves against him, receive his revenues, and employ it in their wars for his overthrow. (253) Contrariwise the Duke of Guise was extolled The praises attributed to the Guise. to heaven, Orations made of his commendable exploits in Hungary against the Turks, at jarnac against the Protestants, at Poitiers, at Montcontour, at Vimorry, and at other places; in a word, such were the intestine troubles of France, as the king sent for Henry King of Navarre to help quench the flames of civil sedition, which were mounted so high, as that the Leaguers prevailed against the Lords of Parliament, profaned Churches, violated Virgins, and defiled their Christian profession with streams of blood. And to fill up the measure of their impious iniquity, a jacobin Friar, by A jacobine friar undertaketh to kill the King. name james Clement, when the King had besieged Paris (the head City of this rebellion) made vows to kill the Tyrant (as he termed him) to free that holy City from Senacheribs siege; with which resolution he went to Doctor Bourgoine Prior of his Covent, and imparted this damnable project to him, to Father Comolet, to other Jesuits, and to the heads of the League, all of them encouraging him to this Devilish design, with promise of Abbeys and bishoprics if he escaped, and if he died in the action to be made a Martyr, and have place in heaven above the Apostles. A. D. 1589. (254) Thus furnished with blessings for this cursed act, upon the first of August the Monk went to Paris, and had▪ private access to the King to deliver a letter, pretending some matter of importance; but as the King read it, the Diabolical Instrument with a knife from his sleeve, wounded him in the bottom of his belly, and there left the knife, which the King drew forth, and with the same struck this jacobine above the eye: their struggling being heard, many hastily came in, who seeing the King wounded, and all in gore blood, in their rage stabbed the Monster to death, and not many days after, K. Henry died of the wound. (255) Whereupon Charles Cardinal of Bourbon a younger brother to Anthony King of Navarre, and uncle unto Henry then the present King, was proclaimed Lieutenant Governor, yea and gold and silver coined with his picture and stile of Charles the tenth King of France. Howbeit Henry King of Navarre was proclaimed of the Army, whose right was before that Papal Prelates, and whom the last Henry by his last will ordained to be his Successor. Notwithstanding only in respect of his Religion; being a professed Protestant, the Leaguers made such head against him that he was enforced to sue unto that General Sanctuary of Princes, Queen Elizabeth for her aid, who ever favouring the progress of the Gospel, and knowing Navarres claim to be above all other (of that Nation) for the French Crown, and that the Spaniard was setting foot into France: first, sent him twenty thousand pound sterling, with powder, munition for war, and certain ships also to serve at his command; and causing a general muster to be taken in most of the Shires in England▪ sent four thousand soldiers furnished, from every of them into France; to which service the Citizens of London set forth a thousand very well appointed and serviceable men: the General of all which forces, was the noble Peregrine Barteu Lord Willoughby: L. Willoughby General of the aides for France. whose want she again supplied with three thousand foot, which were sent into Britain, under the conduction of Sir john Norris, that son of Mars: Septemb. 21. these joining with the Prince Dombes Lord General A. D. 1591.. of that Province, performed many worthy exploits for the French King. (256) But Parma being entered France, and the * Gregory 14. Pope with his Cardinals fulminating his Excommunication against Henry and his adherents: Queen Elizabeth (who never was daunted with such Earl of Essex General of aid● for France. flashes) sent into France Robert Earl of Essex, for her Lieutenant General over four thousand footmen, and two hundred horse, (besides many Pioners) all of them to bandy for the King against his enemies the Leaguers. The Earl, though young, yet full of valour, was followed with many voluntary Gentlemen, whose countenances well showed the courage of their hearts: These landing in Normandy, laid siege unto the strong Rouen, in assault whereof his brother Walter Devereux was slain with a small shot, to the excessive grief of the Earl, and Walter Devereu● slain before Rouen. others, being a Gentleman trained up, both by Academical and marshal education, unto very great hopes and expectation. (257) But King Henry finding many rubs in his way, the Leaguers still increasing their strengths Spanish history. Henry K. of France forsaketh his Religion. from Rome and Spain, and the Crown of France laid at stake for him that threw most, thought it good policy (though proved to him in the end disastrous and fatal) to temporize with the predominating faction; and therefore leaving the Religion wherein he had been bred, fell to that of Rome which ever till then he had resisted, and after great suit made to the Pope, was lastly absolved by the A. D. 1593.▪ july 25. Holy Father, who heaped whole streams of blessings upon his sacred head, himself swearing to defend the Romish faith against all impugners: so that now all sides satisfied, without contradiction; Henry of Navarre was crowned King of France. Only the Spaniards were unwilling to leave that fair Country; fortified in Britain upon the River, over against Breast; whence after much slaughter, General Norris forced them, though with the loss of some English, & life of Captain Furbisher commander of the Fleet. (258) The Leaguers not liking Navarres abvancement, mistrusting that his conversion was feigned, and temporary, as being but a step, the easier to mount the royal throne: by treason laid wait for his life, and crossed what they could his countenance at Rome; whilst the Spaniards employed all their wits for the worrying of France, and so far persisted in their designs, as King Henry by proclamation denounced war against Spain, and Philip in like manner proclaims war against France; in which Wars proclaimed betwixt France and Spain. state they stood, during the life of Ernestus Archduke of Austria, brother in law and Nephew unto King Philip, whose Governor he then was in the Low-countrieses. (259) After whom succeeded his brother Albertus the Military Cardinal, and Archduke of Austria, who no sooner was made Governor in place of his Brother, but that he prepared against Calais surprised. the French and United Estates; and to make his assays, he first began with Calais, a thing long before projected by others in his place; that Town being a Seaport of great importance, as the English found it whilst it was theirs, and the loss thereof great, as Queen Mary and her wise Statists both took it, and felt it. (260) At this time the Garrison was small, and the Governor negligent, undiscreet, and unfortunate, though having notice from Netherlands that the Spaniard meant her siege; so that Richbanke left vnmanned, and in great ruin, was entered upon by the Cardinal, and such as resisted driven into the A. D. 1596. Town; where, with the Inhabitants he grew to a composition for the surrender, Vysdossein the Governor never interposing therein. Queen Elizabeth offereth aid to recover Calais. (261) Calais thus turning Spanish, and the Spaniards still intending for England, Elizabeth solicited the French king, & proffered her aid for recovery of that Piece; but he impoverished by war, sought to regain his losses rather by some fair conditions of peace, then to depend upon the dependencies & hazard of Armies; at which resolution our Noble Senobia was nothing well pleased, and therefore to prevent the practices of Spain, began to make good against them, and prepared another expedition to Sea. But dealing more princelike than Philip had done by her (who made fairest pretence of peace, when he was hottest in preparing war) she caused to be published and printed a Declaration of the just causes moving her to set forth her Navy for the defence of her Realm, the Tenor whereof we think not unfit to be here inserted. (262) To all Christian people to whom this Declaration The Declaration touching the setting forth of a Navy. shall come to be read or heard, greeting; We Robert Earl of Essex, and Ewe, Viscount Hereford, Lord Ferrer of Chartley, Bourchier, and Louvain, etc. and Charles Lord Howard, Baron of Effingham, Lord High Admiral of England, etc. having the charge of a Royal Navy of Ships, prepared and sent to the Seas, by the most Excellent Princess the 〈◊〉 elizabeth, Queen of England, France and Irelan●●●c ●c. do give all men knowledge that the said Navy 〈◊〉 our charge is by her Majesty prepared, and sent to 〈◊〉 the Seas, for defence of her majesties Realms, D●●●●ionss, and Subjects, against such mighty Forces as 〈◊〉 are advertised from all parts of Christendom, to 〈…〉 prepared by the King of Spain, and by further provisions of men and ships daily sent for, are to be mightily increased, to invade her majesties Realms, as heretofore in the year of our Lord, 1588. was attempted (even when there was a Treaty continued by both their Commissioners for a Peace) with a greater Army than ever before in his time was set to Seas: though by God's goodness and the valiance and wisdom of her Noble and faithful Subjects, the same was notably made frustrate. And because her Majesty hath good intelligence of perfect amity with all Kings and Princes of Christendom, saving with the King of Spain, who hath this many years most unjustly professed openly great enmity by divers actions, both against her royal person and her people, and countries, without any just cause first given on her majesties part: Therefore we the said Earl, and Lord Admiral do ascertain all persons, that we are most straightly commanded by her excellent Majesty, to forbear from offending in this our voyage of any manner of persons of what Nation soever, except the said Kings Natural Subjects, or such other borne Strangers, as shall give to the said King manifest aid with men, ships, artillery, victual, and other warlike provisions for invasion of her Majesty. Which her majesties commandment we mean dutifully to observe, and do therefore give straight charge to all persons, that shall serve in this Navy underneath us, upon pain of extreme punishment to observe the ●ame; yet to avoid all occasions that may breed question, who they are, being not the King of Spain's Subjects, that shall be charged by us, to be manifest aiders for the furnishing and strengthening of the said King's Forces, provided either by land or sea, to attempt any invasion of her majesties countries: We do for the liquidation of this doubt, earnestly in God's name, require and charge all persons, that are not the said Kings natural Subjects, and yet that have given him aid with their ships, victual and munition as is above said, to withdraw all their said ships prepared for the war, and all their provisions of hostility out of any havens of Spain or Portugal, or from the company and service of the King's ships against our Navy; and therewith to return either to their own Countries, or if they shall like to come to our Navy, to whom, in the reverend name of our Sovereign Lady the Queen's Majesty, we do promise' all security, both for their persons and goods, to be used and defended as friends, and to suffer all their Ships and provisions, that were taken by the King of Spain, or intended for his service, or that shall be by the Owners withdrawn from his aid, to remain in their free dispositions, so as the same be used in all sorts as friends▪ and not as en●mies to the Queen's Majesty, and to us her Generals: and if any shall upon knowledge of this her majesties most honourable Order, and of our promise (to observe the same as favourably as we may) willingly and manifestly refuse to accept this our offer, and shall not endeavour themselves to perform this reasonable request, tending to their good and liberty; we shall then be justly moved, as by the law of Arms we may, to take and use all such so refusing this our offer, as manifest aiders of the King of Spain with forces to invade her majesties Dominions, and so manifest enemies: and in such case of that refusal, if any harm shall happen by any attempt against their People, Ships and goods, by any our Navy, for the aiding of the said King: there shall be no just cause for them hereafter to complain, or to procure their Natnrall Princes and Lords to solicit restitutions or amendss for the fame. And for the more notification hereof, we have thought good to have the Original hereof to be signed with our hands, and with our Seals, to be sent by any that will require to read or see the same: And likewise we have put the same in Print, in French, Italian, Dutch and Spanish, and have also caused the same to be distributed into as many Ports of Spain and Portugal as conveniently might be, for the better knowledge to be had in the said Ports, as also in all other Ports under his subjection. R, ESSEX. C. HOWARD. (263) These things premised, seventeen of her majesties Ships Royal, three of the Lord Admirals, A. D. 1●96. four and twenty of the State's ships, Merchants, Men of War, and Victuallers above one hundred, in all to the number of one hundred and fifty Sail, in the beginning of May met at Plymouth, where such Laws ordained for the Army. laws were ordained for the true service of God, and justice in the Army, as it seemed rather a Regiment of Civil Academians, than a Rendevou of Soldiers: and her Majesty likewise in the Court, as Hezekiah 2. King. 19 15. in the Temple, opened her heart unto the Lord in this wise. Most omnipotent Maker, and Guider of the World's Mass, that only searchest and fadomest the bottom of A Prayer made by Q. Elizabeth for the prospering of her Navy our hearts conceits, and in them seest the true Originals of all our actions intended: thou that by thy foresight dost truly discern, how no maliceof revenge, nor quittance of injury, nor desire of bloodshed, nor greediness of lucre; hath bred the resolution of our now-set out Army, but a heedful care and wary watch, that no neglect of foes, nor over-surety of haven might breed either danger to us, or glory to them: these being the grounds wherewith thou dost inspire the mind; we humbly beseech thee with bended knees, prospero the work, and with best forewinds guide the journey, speed the victory, and make the return the advancement of thy glory, the triumph of their fame, and surety to ●●e Realm, with the lest loss of the English blood. To these devout petitions Lord give thou thy blessed Grant. (264) The whole Fleet was commanded by Charles Lord Howard, High Admiral, shipped in the The English Commanders in the Fleet. Arke-Royall, and Lord Robert Devereux Earl of Essex and Ewe in the Du-Repulse; both of them jointly her majesties Lieutenants General for this service, by Sea and by land. The Vice-admiral was the Lord Thomas Howard, shipped in the Miranore; and the Rear-admiral▪ Sir Walter Raleigh, in the Warre-Spite; The Dutch Commander. and for the States was Admiral, jon Van Dwewoord, who served in the Neptune, a Ship of four hundred Tons, and accordingly the whole Fleet was divided into five squadrons, with a commandment that every squadron should attend his Admiral, & The Vice-admirals' every one of these had his Vice-admiral assigned. Of the first was Sir Robert Southwell in the Lion; of the second, Sir Francis Vere, in the Rainbow; the third Sir Robert Dudley attending the Lord Thomas Howard, in the Non-Pareile; the fourth, Robert Cross following Sir Walter Raleigh in the Swift-sure; and the last was, jon Gerbrantson, Vice-admiral of the Hollanders. OH fficers for Land services. (265) For the land-service besides the Generals, were Sir Francis Vere, Lord Martial: Sir john Wingfield Campe-master General: Sir Coniers Clifford, Sergeant Maior, Sir George Carew, Master▪ of the Ordinance: john Bucke Provost Martial: Oliver Lambert, Quartermaster, and Roger Astley, Secretary. The Colonels of the Army were the Earl of Sussex, Sir Christopher Blunt, Sir Thomas Gerrat, Sir Richard Winkfeild, and Sir Edward Winkfeild of the Voluntaries, and for the Dutch, was the Count Lodowicke, in all about ten thousand men. The private Counsel for this expedition being selected, certain instructions were sent sealed to every ship, with a commandment to the Captain, not to break them open, till such time as they came to the South-Cape, unless they happened to be severed from the Fleet by storm or mischance; but if taken by an enemy, then to cast them overboard. The voyage to Cadiz. (266) Thus ready for Seas, upon the first of june a warning Piece being shot off, all weighed Anehors, and with a gallant show, and full sails followed the Lord Admiral; but the wind scanting before they passed Cornwall, they were enforced back into the Sound, where staying two days, upon the third the wind came about, and with a prosperous Gale brought them to Cape Saint Vincent, where an Irish june 18. Bark was met with from Cadiz, which signified the strength of the Town, and the shipping that lay in the Bay, to wit, twenty Galleys, ninety Sails of Ships, whereof five were of those great The King of Spain's twelve Apostles, but far unlike Christ's. Galleons, which are called the Kings twelve Apostles, (all doubtless the sons of Thunder) two great Galliass, three Frigates, three Argosies, twenty Biskaines; the rest were Merchant's ships, rich, and of The rich ladings of the Spanish Ships. great burden, whose ladings were munition, coin, oil, wine, wax, silk, cloth of gold, and quicksilver; some bound for the Indians, some for Britain, some for Lisbon, and some for other places▪ News most acceptable unto the Generals, who hasting thitherwards, upon Sunday the twentieth of june, assayed at the Friary of Saint Sebastian, on the west side of Cadiz to landlord their men, but the place strong, and the Seas going high, their purpose was hindered. (267) May I relate with hope of credit what others have reported upon their own eyesight? At the first approach of this Royal Navy before Cadiz; A fortunate presage. a fair Dove (a fortunate Presager) betimes in the morning, is said to have lighted upon the Mayneyard of the Lord Admiral's ship, and there to have sat quietly the space of three hours, every man gazing, but no man suffered to harm her: as also the last day of their departure thence, another Dove presented herself in the same Order, and in the same ship, growing wonderfully tame and familiar with the men, and so continued with them till they came into England. (268) The day following their approach, being the first of the week, the Spanish ships in the road, in number fifty nine, attended with twenty Galleys, by the advise of their * Dieg● S●●●. Admiral, shot with the tide within the point of Maine-land, unto Castle Puntall; and in the straitss of the Bay, sorted themselves in good order, and of a reasonable distance, aswell to offend the enemy, as to relieve each others interchangeably. (269) The Bay was narrow whereunto they had entered, full of Rocks▪ shelves, & sands, all which notwithstanding, it was in Council determined, that the Lord Thomas Howard, Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir The Naval fight at Cadiz. Francis Vere, Sir George Carew, and Sir Robert Southwell, with some Londoners, and a Squadron of the Low-Country ships, should begin the fight; which was most valiantly attempted, maintained, & continued, the thundering shot battering their bulks, and renting their shrouds. (270) In the heat whereof, the Earl of Essex, (in Counsel appointed to keep the Main battle) upon the sudden from Port Saint Mary's side, thrust himself foremost in this Sea-fight, which the other Charles Howard L. Admiral. General perceiving, and the Arke-Royall too unwieldy for that narrow water, took into his Pinnace, and forwarded the fight to the end: Mean while the Galleys were assailed by Sir john Winkfeild, who with his small ships so hanselled their sides, as they were forced to creep by the Shore, and so got passage at the Bridge, contrary to the expectation of the English, whose eyes were ever aiming at the fairest Mark, which indeed was the Philip, The Spanish Admiral set on fire. so battered with Bullets that he began to stagger, and give over fight; whose soldiers seeking to save themselves by water, and swimming, set this Apostle (their Admiral) on fire, by whose example, the Saint Thomas, another of Spain's Apostles did the like, lest the English should lead them in triumph of their victory. The rest of the Spanish Fleet ran themselves on ground in the Bay of Port Real, to gain some breathing time from their still following pursuers. (271) These services thus forwarded, the Earl of Essex forthwith landed his men under the Block house The English go● on land. Puntall, about a mile westward from Cadiz, whence it was thought expedient to sand some Regiments to the Bridge on the West of the Island, to impeach all succours that should come from the Main: To which service were sent Sir Christopher Blunt, Sir Thomas Gerrard (now Lord Gerrard) and Sir Coniers Clifford with a power of twelve hundred strong. Meanwhile the General Essex with the Earl of Sussex, Count Lodowicke, Lord Harbert, Lord Burk, Sir George Carew (now Lord Carew) and others took towards Cadiz. The assault on Cadiz. (272) The side of their entrance was fortified with a Wall through the neck of the Promontory from sea to sea, and a Counterskarpe raised some distance, where were built two Bulwarks, and a Curtain for the stronger defence of the Town, the enemy having also an advantage from the higher ascent, played sore upon the English to their great annoyance, insomuch that the foremost began to give back from the Gate, which the Earl of Essex perceiving, to engage his souldiersresolutions, caught his own Colours and cast them over the Wall into the Town, giving withal a most hot assault unto the Gate, where to save the honour of their Ensign, happy was he that could first leap down from the Wall, and with shot and sword make Cadiz surpril●d. way through the thickest press of the enemy. The Town thus surprised, the Lord Admiral hasted to second the charge, when a hot encounter ensued; for the streets were very narrow, so as but two could march on breast, and from their flat roofed houses, heaps of stones were tumbled down, to the great hurt of many of the English, who nethlesse drove the enemy before them into the Market place, where the worthy Sir john Winkfeild, sore wounded at the Gate in his thigh, was shot with a Musket from a Sir john Winkfeild slain. loop-hole of the Castle into the head, and presently died. (273) But the Town and Castle surrendered, a The Christian usage of the English towards the conquered. Pr●clamatic● was made to stay the fury of the Soldier, and the slaughter of the Spaniard, with commandment upon pain of death, that no man should offer violence or harm to any religious person, woman or child. And such honourable care had the LL. Generals for the Inhabitants, that they sent them in their own Pinnaces unto Porto Sancta Maria; the Ladies and Gentlewomen first, who were suffered to departed in their costliest apparel, and richest jewels: and to save them from the spoils or any the lest wrong of the ruder Soldiers or Seamen, the Generals themselves in persons stood at the Water sides, to see them shipped without hurt or violence. (274) The rich Bishop of Cusco being taken Prisoner, without any ransom was released, and all other of sacred Orders or Habit suffered without touch to departed; such was the heroical Clemency of these most noble and truly-English Generals, to the great glory of our Nation, as the Spaniards themselves were forced to confess. The Town thus won, the spoil thereof was given to the English Captains and Soldiers, the wearing clotheses of the inhabitants The Citizen's ransom. only excepted, and the Citizens compounding with the Lords General, to pay an hundred and twenty joh. Stow. in Annal. thousand Ducats for their ransom, were suffered to departed: for payment whereof, forty of the chiefest Citizens, Cavaleroes, Clergymen, and Merchants, were brought pledges into England till the money was paid. The Ships make offer for their redemption. (275) The like accord was attempted by the Ships which had run themselves on ground, whose number was about fifty two, many of them Merchants, and all most richly laden, as might seem by the offers they made; for no less than two millions and a half of Ducats were offered by them for the redemption: but the LL. Generals more minding honour and the service they came for, would hear of no composition but for the Merchant's ships only, which whilst it was in travise too and fro, the Duke of Medina Sidonia, Admiral of Spain, commanded them all together to be set on fire, which was suddenly done: and the flames terribly mounting, forced the pitchy smoke, as thick clouds to darken the Air. Among these were two of the Spanish Apostles, the Matthew and the Andrew; the first of which was saved by the Lord Admiral's directions, & the second was quenched by Sir Thomas Gerrard, in whose bottom himself returned for England. (276) Thus in an instant, a Fleet, full of men, merchandise, victual, armour, & twelve hundred pieces The value of the loss in the Spanish ships. of Ordinance, all valued by themselves, at twelve Million of Ducats, was suddenly sunk, consumed or taken; the Town also ransacked, every Soldier bringing some portion of her rich spoils into England, to show the service he performed at Cadiz. The Town they burned, saving the Churches only: the Walls they battered, and Towers demolished, the Island itself they burned, razed and spoiled, laying june 30. all waste before them, and leaving the rubbish to declare the ruins which the English had made. ▪ 277) Upon the fift of july the Earl of Essex with The English depart from Cadiz. his, abandoned Cadiz, the Lord Admiral being go on board some six days before; and the next day the whole Fleet set sail Westward towards Faro a Town in Algarua; where the Earl desirous to do some further exploit upon the terrafirma of The attempt on the firme-land. Spain, landed his men (the Lord Admiral on board securing the seas) and marching to Faro he found it empty of men, the Inhabitants being fled with much of their substance, and the Town left destitute of victual: yet in the Nunnery and in the bishops Palace, some goods were found, and in the Library Books valued at a thousand Marks; and among other prizes of note, the fairest Culverin the King of Spain had, was there found, and seized upon; the English foraged the Country for 3. leagues about, and burned the town Lotha without any resistance. The English re●u●n●. (278) Thence the first of August the LL. Generals fell before the Groin, where seeing no ships stirring, and the Seas altogether cleared; upon the seventh of the same month they safely and very richly arrived at Plymouth, to the great honour of England, glory of their Queen, and renown of their own valours and famous adventures. another vo●age at Sea. (279) But as the wrongs offered by the Spaniards, seemed to the English far greater than was yet the revenge: so also the most prudent Queen held it still fit to find King Philip more work at home, and therefore a third voyage was undertaken the The Earl of Essex both admiral and General of the Forces. year following, whereof Robert Earl of Essex was made as well Lord General for the Land, as Admiral for the sea; having for the one service, his Vice-admiral, the Lord Thomas Howard, Knight of the Order, and his Rear-admiral, Sir Walter Raleigh, Captain of the Guard; for the other, his Lieutenant General was Charles Lord Mountioy Knight of the Order; his Marshal, Sir Francis Vere Colonel General of the Low-countrieses Forces; Sir George Carew Lord Precedent of Munster, Master of his Ordinance; and Sir Ferdinando Gorge, Sergeant Mayor of the field. The whole number consisted of six thousand men, besides Mariners, for which an hundred and twenty ships were furnished, whereof seventeen were her Majesties, sixty men of War, the rest for victual and transportation. These upon A. D. 1597. the ninth of july were embarked at Plymouth for the islands of Azores, and having cleared sixty Leagues fell fowl by a Tempest, and were driven back again to Plymouth, and again thence set sail upon the 17. of August next following. (280) Upon the fifteenth of September they fell with the Isles Flores, Euernes, fayal, and Pike; all which submitted themselves to the Lord General's devotion; whence weighing their Anchors, they made sail for Saint Michaels, and there before the Town cast them again, where it was determined that Sir Walter Raleigh should keep the sea, whiles the Lord General with two thousand should landlord elsewhere in the Island; which they did, and sacked the rich town Villa Franca: but the seas going high, and the Winter's Villa Franca sacked. storms approaching, after the spoil of those places, the destruction of a Carrack richly laden with Sugars, fired by her own men, the taking of a Brasile man, and the surprise of three prizes which they brought into England, valued at four hundred thousand Ducats, they returned, the Spaniard every where having the worst. (281) These stirs on the seas brought yet further mischiefs on the Spaniard, by hindering the traffic of Merchandise, as well for their own trade & commerce with others, as for others trading into Spain; among whom Sigismond, the young and new elected Sigismo●d K. of Polonia his embassage to the Queen. King of Polonia, found himself most aggrieved: whose Ambassador for that business unto the Queen, was one Paulus de jaline, a Polone Gentleman, learned, eloquent, and very audacious, (if not overmuch) who bringing * Dated 19 of May. letters of credence from his King, had audience at Greenwich, her Majesty sitting under her cloth of Estate, and with her Nobles, attending the sum of his message, which the Polonian began july 25. with more than an ordinary Grace. (282) Whose tenor was filled with blasts of discontent, conceived by his potent Master the King The sum of the Ambassadors Oration. of Polonia, and caused by the grievances of his Merchants, who not only were deprived of some privileges in England, but the sea which is made free by the Omnipotent stopped, and the trades of his Merchants into Spain by her highness Edicts debarred, contrary to the law both of Nature & of Nations: that his Master as he could not be moved to diminish any part of his love towards her Majesty, so yet could he not but relieve his own subjects; and the rather for that it touched all his Nobility, whose revenues consisted chief upon the Trade of merchandizing. That he had hitherto forborn all means of requited, though her Majesty well knew, of means he had no want; and now had sent to advertise her Highness in a loving manner by him his Ambassador, seeing that his letters to that purpose heretofore sent, had not been regarded, in whose name he now required, that the seas might be open, a restitution made, and the Trade West ward to Spain be free, according to equity; otherwise his Master would no longer neglect his subjects losses, but would take in hand a means of redress. As for her majesties wars with Spain, that aught not to hinder Navigation by the common Law of Nature (as he avouched) nor, for her respect should the ancient friendship betwixt the potent Polonian and the mighty King of Spain be broken, nor with the house of Austria, whose daughter his Prince had now married, which bond him in a double band of love. But he trusted (his Master's request bearing such equity) her Majesty would regard it, and command satisfaction of these things forthwith to be made, to the content of his Prince, and safety of herself; which thing he wished, & thereof warned her Majesty. And with other like words ended as peremptorily as he began. Queen Elizabethes' answer to the Polonian. (283) Unto which confident Oration, the Queen herself not brooking to be braved by any Prince in the World, presently made answer, preventing the Lord Chancellor therein who was about to do it, and both roundly and learnedly in the Latin (the same language wherein the message was delivered) replied: the very words as near as could be taken from her mouth were these. (284) Heu quàm decepta fui. Expect●u● Nuncium: tu verò querelam mihi adduxisti; per litter as te accepi esse Legatum, te verò Heraldum inveni●. Nunquam in vita talem Orationem audivi. Miror, sanè miror, tantam & tam insolutam in publico audaciam; neque puto si Rex tuus adesset, talia verba protulisset: Sin aliquid tale tibs in mandatis commisit (quod quidem valdé dubito) ie tribuendum, quòd cùm Rex sit juvenis, & non tam iure S●nguinis quàm Electionis, atque etiam novitèr electus, non tam bene percipiat quid inter Reges convenit, quàm Maiores sui nobiscum obseruarunt, & alij fortasse deinceps obser●abunt. Quod at te attinet, videris multos libros perlegisse, libros tamen Principum non attigisse, neque intelligere quid inter Reges convenit. Cum vero Ius Naturae & Gentium commemoras, Hoc scito esse ius naturae & Gentium, ut cum bellum inter Reges intercedat, liceat alteri alterius undique allata Praesidia inter cipere, & ne in damnum suum convertantur, praevidere: Hoc scito esse Ius Naturae, & Gentium; Vbi itidem Domum Austriae narr as (quam iam tanti facis) non te lateat ex eadem Domo non defuisse qui Regnum Poloniae regi tuo intercipere voluissent. De reliquis quae cum multa sunt, & singulatim deliberanda, non sunt huius loci ac temporis, accipies quod à quibusdam Consiliarijs huic rei designatis deliberandum fuerit. Interim valeas & quiescas. (285) O how was I deceived I looked for an Embassage, but thou hast brought me complaints; I understood by thy letters that thou wert a Legate▪ but I find thee an Herald; never since I drew breath heard I such an Oration. I marvel, truly, I marvel at so great and such unaccustomed boldness in so public an assembly; neither do I think if the King thy Master were present, that he would say so much: but if peradventure he hath committed any such thing to thy charge (which surely I do much doubt) it is to be imputed unto him, that where the King is of years unripe, and not by blood, but by election (yea and but newly advanced) he doth not so perfectly understand the course of negotiating these kind of affairs with other Princes, which either his Ancestors have observed with us, or perhaps others will observe, who afterwards shall succeed him. As touching thyself, indeed thou seemest to me to have read many Books, but not to have perused the Books of Princes affairs, but utterly to be ignorant what is convenient amongst Kings. And whereas thou makest mention of the Law of Nature and Nations; know, that this is the Law both Natural and national, that when War is waged among Princes, it is lawful for one of them to intercept the military helps of the other, brought from what place soever, so to prevent the harms which might otherwise redound on himself: And this again I avow to be the Law of Nature and Nations. Whereas likewise thou mentionest a new affinity with the house of Austria, which now thou makest so famous, and of so dear esteem, forget not Sir, that there have been of that house that would have bereft the Kingdom of Polonia from thy King. As for other points which be not to be spoken off at this place, and time, because they are many and severally to be considered of one after another: thou shalt wait for such further answer as shall be resolved on by some of my Council, to whom I will assign the consideration of this matter: In the mean time farewell and be quiet. And thus Lion-like rising, daunted the ma●epert Orator no less with her stately port and majestical departure, then with the tartness of her princely checks: and turning to the Train of her Attendants, thus said; God's death my Lords (for that was her oath ever in anger) I have been enforced this day to scour up my old Latin, that hath lain long in rusting. An Ambassador from the King of Denmark. (286) To entreat a Peace betwixt these Christian Princes of England and Spain, the King of Denmark likewise did sand an Embassage unto Queen Elizabeth, as also to deliver the Gartar worn by his Sept. 7. Predecessor lately departed this world, with an earnest entreaty to continued the amity betwixt their two Realms. The man was Arnald Whitfield Chancellor of Denmark, judicious, learned, and wise, who with far better temper and terms well couched, delivered his oration; which ended, he most humbly propounded certain requests (whereunto her Majesty presently replied) which in effect were these. (287) 1. That the League of peace confirmed The Danish Ambassadors requests. betwixt the Crowns of England & Denmark might be continued as formerly it had been in the late deceased Kings days, & other his Predecessors, which now the present King his Master did instantly desire: To which she answered: that she was most willing thereunto, wishing that▪ the now-King would preserve the same amity no worse than his Predecessors had done. 2 That whereas much Christian blood was spilled in these continual wars betwixt England & Spain, it would please her Majesty to give her consent, that the King his Master might make a motion of Peace; and as he found the occasion, so to proceed. Whereunto she replied, that she thought his King was too young, and unexperienced, to conceive thoroughly the cause of breach betwixt her and Spain; and as the League had not been broken on her part, or with her royal consent, so an accord should not be sought after by her, nor by any in her behalf, for (quoth she) I would have the King of Denmark, & An heroic answer of an undaunted Queen. all Princes Christian and Heathen to know, that England hath no need to crave Peace; nor myself endured one hours fear since I attained the Crown thereof, being guarded with so valiant and f aithfull Subjects. 3 His third request was, if it stood with her majesties good liking, to permit open traffic, that the Merchants of Denmark might transport their goods into Spain without danger on the narrow seas as heretofore some of them had sustained to their great loss. Her majesties answer was, that it was to her unknown, that any of his Masters good Subjects were in any wise molested, or their goods stayed, and that upon just proof thereof made, a redress shall be ordained, to the full satisfaction of the King, and content of his Subjects. 4 Lastly, he was to return the Gartar, (wherewith her Majesty had honoured the late deceased King) as the manner is of foreign Princes to do, which he with great reverence there delivered; Which her Majesty accepting; yet told him, she was right sorry to receive it, for thereby she was put in mind of the loss of a most Noble Brother, & a most loving friend. But howsoever the Danish Merchants now complained of loss, the English Merchandise were arrested in the Sound, for release whereof, Ambassadors were sent into Denmark, where a restitution was made by the King, with such honour and bounty, as well satisfied her Majesty, Tir-Oens rebellion in Jreland. and contented her Merchants. (288) But a more dangerous Agent, working for Spain, was the Irish Tir-Oen, who serpentlike lay lurking upon his advantage to raise the Standard of Rome, and to divert subjection from the English Crown. This man's fortunes we have formerly declared, how being the son of a Bastard, or a banished fugitive, he was raised by her majesties * See Cambdens Brit. in Ireland. mere bounty to the dignity of an Earl, and stood in authority ranked with the best; nor so only; but being twice in danger of the capital crimes (once for a murder, next for usurping the Title of O-Neale) upon better hopes, of her princely clemency, twice got pardon for his life. The times now dangerous, and Sir john Norris sent into Ireland. Ireland too ready to receive foreign powers, it was thought convenient to employ Sir john Norris (that famous Warrior) into those parts, with thirteen hundied of the Netherlands old Soldiers, newly retired from the wars in Britain. Tiroens' first flying out. (289) Hngh Baron of Dungannon, now Earl of Tir-Oen, fearing lest the English would make their nests, where himself meant to build, namely in some Castle, at the mouth of Lough-Earne, suddenly assailed the fort of Blackewater, by which the entry lay Tiroen gets the fort of Blackewater. into his Country, and got it by surrender. Which done, he wrote to Kildare, to side with him against his wrongs received of the Lord Deputy; yea and at the same instant, to Sir john Norris (appointed Lord General) that he might be mildly dealt with, and not be driven headlong upon the dangerous rocks of disloyalty. (290) But how his loyalty stood affected unto her Majesty (his raiser) was well perceived by the powers which he retained about him, being always guarded with a thousand horsemen, and six thousand two hundred and fourscore foot of Ulster, besides two thousand three hundred of Conaught, which ever lay ready at his command; whereupon all of He and his adherents proclaimed Traitors. them being proclaimed Traitors; the flames of rebellion began more violently to burst forth, which for a long time, and not without loss of much blood could hardly be quenched: for though the Lord General were not inferior in strength of men, yet the advantages of the enemy were such, that the time was rather spent in taking of booties, and frivolous Parleys, then in any memorable exploit; the one part waiting for fit opportunities, and the other looking every day for his promised succours from Spain. (291) But to spare the effusion of Christian blood Queen Elizabeth who ever minded Mercy more than Sir Henry Wallop. Sir Rob. Gardener justice, caused her Treasurer & Chief justiciar of that Kingdom, as her Commissioners to confer with this discontented Earl, and others his adherents, before whom, Tir-Oen complained of wrongs offered him by Sir Henry Bagnall marshal, aswell to the prejudice of his estate, as of his esteem with the Queen, the Lord Deputy, Lord General, and others, and thereupon exhibited a Petition in humble manner containing these requests. That himself and all his followers might be pardoned of their crimes, and be restored to their former estates; that they might freely exercise their Romish Religion without molestation; that no Garrison Soldiers, Sheriff, or other Officer should interdeale within the jurisdiction of his Earldom; that the Company of fifty horsemen with the Queen's pay might be restored to him, in the same State as formerly he had lead them; that the spoils of his Country, and people might be punished, and that Sir Henry Bagnall should pay him a thousand pound promised in Dowry with his sister, whom Tir-Oen had married, and who was now deceased. Others likewise laid out their grievances conceived; such were O-Donell, Brian Mac-Hugh-Oge, Mac Mahun, and Ever Mac-Conley, who received most reasonable answers to all their demands. (292) But unto them the Commissioners likewise proposed certain Articles: as, That they should Propositions made to the Rebels. forthwith lay down their Arms, disperse their Forces, acknowledge submissively their disloialties, admit the Queen's officers in their Governments, re-edify the Forts they had defaced, suffer the Garrisons to live without disturbance, make restitutions of spoils taken, confess upon their oath how far they had dealt with foreign Princes, and finally to renounce all foreign aid. But these propositions not pleasing the palate of those Rebels, they departed with a resolution to maintain their own demands. Which moved Norris the General aided with the Lord Deputy to march with his Preparations against Tyreen. Army unto Armagh; whose approach (ever dreadful to his enemies) when Tir-Oen heard of, in great perplexity he forsook the Fort of Blackewater, set on fire the villages about, and plucked down the Town of Dunganon, with part of his own house, bewailing his estate to be past recovery; & was so much dejected in mind, as he sought nothing else but where to hide his rebellious head. (293) The Country now wasted, and no victuals to be had, Norris set a Garrison in the Church of Armagh, strengthened Monahan, and proclaimed Tir-Oen▪ Traitor in his own territories. Which done, he stayed in Ulster without any great deeds of martial importance, only Tir-Oen to gain time presented unto him a feigned submission, signed with his own hand, cast himself down (a rare and uncouth ceremony) at the Queen's pictures feet, ungirt his sword, and craved pardon upon his knees: and yet in the mean time dealt he for aides out of Spain, and so far prevailed, as that Messengers were sent from King Philip, with capitulations that the King of Spain at a time prefixed should sand them a competent Army to join with the Irish, that all conditions of peace with the English should be rejected, and that the Rebels should be furnished with munition from Spain. (294) Hereupon (though there was a cessation from Arms) he fell to harry and waste the Country, to burn villages, to drive away booties, and having done what he could or would, as it were pricked in conscience, he once again put on the vizard of simulation, and sued for pardon and peace: which the better to effect, he sent the letters of king Philip's promises unto the L. Deputy with the causes of his own discontents, which moved him to do what he did. And surely such was his dexterity, or his Destiny, or the English no less dangerous, then frequent security, negligence and confidence, or the sparing of money by the grand disbursers, or the inbred lenity of the too-clement Queen, that his fair words were ever believed, and his foul offences pardoned: but whose fault soever, most of Connaught was now revolted, all Ulster rebellious, only seven Castles kept for the Queen. (295) In which desperate estate, Thomas Lord Burrough, a man full of courage, was sent Lord Deputy into Ireland; who no sooner arrived, but Norris either crossed by some higher-swaying Powers, or by his fortune in these his proceed (the services there being far different from those his others, in other parts employed) through grief & discontent, (the too usual guerdon of many a Noble Servitor) as was thought ended his life. (296) The Lord Deputy no sooner had received the sword, and taken the charge of the Kingdom of Ireland, but he made▪ forward to meet with the Rebels, holding it good policy to cut off delays, which commonly increase the abilities of the enemy. Tiroen on the other side▪ as boldly made his resistance, and in a dangerous service encountered him at the Moiry, where the Lord Burrough by his valour made the way, and most valiantly wan the Fort of Blackewater, (repaired and reenforced by the Rebels) the only strength (besides Woods) that the Tiroen had. To rescue this Piece, immediately the enemy showed himself: against whom Henry Earl of Kildare presently marching with a Coronet of horse, and certain voluntaries, (gentlemen of the better sort) where he discomfited the enemy, though with loss of some men of note; as of Francis Vaughan, brother to the Lord Deputies wife, Robert Turner Sergeant Mayor, and the two Foster-brethrens of the Earl Kildare, whose deaths he so took, as within few days after himself died for very grief. (297) The Fort reenforced with men and munition, and the Lord Deputy upon service in other Blackwater again besieged. parts; Tiroen now wavering between hope, fear, and shame, thought best to assay it by siege, as the place of greatest importance to further his designs; for that lost, he saw his fortunes must down, and thereupon with his strongest power, he beleaguered it. The Lord Deputy hearing thereof, prepared straightway to rescue the place, and marching with full pace and assurance of victory, whether through too forward a mind, distemperature The Lord Burrough dieth in Ireland. of body, air, or of bogs, arrested he was with sickness, and violently cut off, by untimely death, leaving to her Majesty a miss in her Irish Estate, and a further security to the ranging rebels. A. D. 1598. (298) The government of Ireland was then committed to the Earl of Ormond under the Title The Earl of Ormond Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. of Lieutenant General of the Army, and unto the Lord chancellor Sir Robert Gardiner; unto whom Tiroen (after his accustomed manner) in a long letter recapitulated his great grievances, leaving not out the lest offence of the Soldiers, or actions of the Sheriffs; his breach of covenants with Sir john Norris he coldly excuseth, and laid his complaints against his enemies (the English) who had intercepted and suppressed his submission to the Queen, that they had raised intolerable impositions upon the Nobles, and Commons; and that the revenues of Ireland was shared among Counsellors, Lawyers, Soldiers, and Notaries: by which and other like overtures, it was manifest that he intended to extirpate the English quite out of Ireland. (299) All this while his Siege lay before the Fort of Blackewater; for the raising whereof, Sir Henry Bagnall (the bitterest enemy that Tiroen ever had) with fourteen Ensigns of the choicest troops were sent, whom the Earl met near unto Armagh, and being egged on with a fretful desire of revenge, The English foiled at Blackwater bend all his force against the Marshal, where began a bloody conflict, and was continued with the death of that worthy Soldier (fight amongst the thickest) whereby Tiroen obtained not only a joyous triumph over his private enemy, but withal went away with a glorious victory over the English, who never since they first set footing in Ireland received so great an overthrow: for therein thirteen valiant Captains lost their lives, fifteen hundred common Soldiers were routed and put to shameful flight, disparkled and cut in pieces. Upon this disaster the Garrison Soldiers (having with loyal hearts and weapons in hand, unto extreme famine and exceeding distress, held out to the last) lastly surrendered the Piece of Blackwater unto the Rebels; by which overthrow and surrender, the Irish become furnished with armour and munition to maintain their wars, and Tiroen renowned all the Realm over, as their only Horatius, and founder of their freedom. (300) Himself overjoyed with these got victories, swelled above measure with an haughty arrogancy, commanding all things as sole Monarch of Ireland. Into Monster he sent Ouny Mac-Rory-Og-O-More with four thousand preying rogues, to forage the Country, and the rabble that daily resorted unto them, burned the houses of the English, ransacked their substance and killed very many; james Fitz-Thomas one of the family of the Desmonds they set up as Earl of Desmond, yet so, that he should hold as Tenant in Fee of the O-Neale, (the Earl of Tiroen) and thus after a month, when they had kindled this fire and set Monster in a flame, they returned laden with rich booties and spoil. Tiroen in the mean time had sent his letters to King Philip of Spain, wherein he sounded his victories with a full trump, assuring him that he would hear of no peace with the English, were the conditions never so indifferent, and would for his part inviolately keep his promises with the Spanish King. (301) In this desperate estate stood Ireland when Queen Elizabeth chose Robert Earl of Essex, to Robert Earl of Essex Lieutenant of Ireland. be Lord Lieutenant and Governor General thereof, a Peer in regard of his approved wisdom, fortitude, and fidelity, thought fittest to repair the detriments and losses therein sustained, and in such dear esteem with his Sovereign, and entire love of the people, as the heavens seemed to have framed him for the delight of man. In whom shined all sparkles of true Nobility and Martial honour, had not fortune marred all that the other graces had made. His commission was large, and authority, and led no less than twenty thousand complete Soldiers, whereof sixteen thousand were foot, and the rest horsemen, so well furnished and provided, as the like had never been seen before in Ireland. (302) Thus honourably accompanied with the flower of English Gallants, and well-wishing acclamations of the people, with a strange thunderclap in a clear Sunshine day, he set forward from London, and arriving in Ireland received the Sword; where (toward the end of March) falling in counsel touching his affairs, it was thought fittest by wise Statists, that Monster should be The Earl of Essex enters Monster. cleared of those petty Rebels lying nearer, and of more validity than the remote Ulster, of small wealth and less account. Whereupon, contrary to his own opinion formerly delivered (whiles he was in England) and his directions from her Majesty, in Ireland he made first into Monster, and become terrible unto the Rebels of those parts, chase them before him into the woods, and so cleared that Province, with more expense of time, and loss of men, than was here well liked by the State. (303) Hence he made into Leinster, against the O-Conors and O-Moiles, who had gathered head and taken Arms against their obedience; whom in light skirmishes he fortunately vanquished; whence he sent Sir Conyers Clifford Governor of Conaught Sir Conyers Clifford encountered with and slain. one way 〈…〉 whilst he himself took an other way, 〈…〉 the force of Tiroen. Sir Conyers with a power of fifteen hundred strong, marched over the Mountains of Curlew, where O-Roirke and his Rebels suddenly assailed them, being outwearied with travel, and their powder near spent; in which conflict, amongst many other slain, Sir Conyers Clifford himself, as also Sir Alexander Ratcliff, sealed the testimony of their valours with the loss of their lives. He enters Ulster. (304) The Lord General hearing of this overthrow, made towards Ulster, and came into the Septem. 13. frontiers as far as Louth, where Tiroen, on the other side of the River, from the Hills made his Bravado. But falling into his wont vain of dissimulation, desired a parley with the Lord Lieutenant, Tiroen sueth for Parley but is rejected. which he altogether rejecting, answered, that if the Earl would confer with him▪ he should found him the next morning in the head of his troops: on which day, when after a light skirmish, a horseman of Tir-oens troops, with a loud voice cried, that the Earl was not willing to fight, but to parley upon peace with the Lord General; it was again denied him. But the next day, as the Lord Lieutenant was in his March forward, one Hagan sent from Tiroen, met him, and declared that the Earl most humbly desired to have the Queen's mercy and peace, and withal besought, that his Lordship would be pleased to afford him audience, which if he would grant, than would he with all reverence attend him at the Ford of the River not far from Louth. Essex and Tiroen meet in Parley. (305) To this lastly the Lord Lieutenant assented; and sent to discover the place, and bestowing a troup of horse upon the next Hill, came down alone unto the River; Tiroen attending on the other side, no sooner saw his approach, but forthwith road his horse into the River up to the saddle, and with all semblances of a dutiful respect, most reverently saluted his Lordship: where, having had A further conference. conference the space of an hour, they both returned unto their companies. There followed the Earl of Essex, Con, a base son of Tiroen, instantly entreating in his father's name, that certain principal men might be admitted to a conference, whereunto his honour condescended. (306) And taking with him the Earl of Southampton, Sir George Bourchier, Sir Warham St-Leger, Sir Henry Danvers, Sir Edward Wingfield, and Sir William Constable, went to the Ford, where Tiroen with his brother Cormoc, Mac Gennys, Mac Guir, Ever mac Cowley, Henry Ouington, and O-Quin, attended their coming. And falling in conference, it was concluded that certain Commissioners should the next day meet for a treaty of peace, and in the Septemb. 8. mean time there should be a cessation of wars, from six weeks to six weeks, until the first of An. D. 1599 May: yet so, as it might be free on both sides, after fourteen days warning given, to resume hostility a fresh. And if any of Tir-oens confederates would not thereto consent, to be prosecuted at the Lord Lieutenants pleasure. Exceptions against Essex his services. (307) But howsoever these his proceed pleased the Marshalists, yet was her Majesty highly incensed, that such expeditions had been made without her directions, being informed that the Spring, Summer, and Autumn, were spent without service upon the Arch-rebel, that her men were diminished, and large sums of money consumed, without doing that for which he was sent; that by this means the Rebels were encouraged, and the Kingdom of Ireland laid at hazard to be lost: Which his defaults (for so they were apprehended) were (as he conceived) much aggravated, by some that were hard against him, in her attentive care; upon which surmise Her majesties sharp letters received (though he had excused his service by others whom himself sent at the same season) so overpressed his troubled thoughts, as leaving his charge to be managed by others, 〈…〉 into England, well hoping to pacify his 〈…〉 displeasure A. D. 1599 Septem. 28. with satisfaction from his own mouth, and at Noneuch had access to her presence, where after a short welcome, he was commanded to his chamber; and October 2. soon after was committed to the custody of the Lord Keeper. (308) Not sooner almost was the Lord General departed Ireland, but that Tiroen (notwithstanding the cessation from war) drawing his forces together, addressed himself for the Field, unto whom Sir William Warren was sent, to charge him Tiroen again falls off. with breach of promise; but he swelling in pride, peremptorily answered, that his doings were according to covenants, having given warning before, and his cause just, for that the Lord Lieutenaut was committed in England, upon whose honour he reposed his whole estate; neither would he have any thing to do with the Counsellors of Ireland, in whom (as he said) he never found either safety or truth. And thereupon presuming upon Spain, and giving it forth that there would be shortly an alteration in England; he sends O-Donell into Conaught, receiveth tumultuous persons, strengtheneth the weak, and comforteth the distrustful, glorying every where that he would restore again the ancient Religion, and liberty of Ireland, and expel the English from thence; to which end, some money and munition were sent him from Spain, with Indulgences from Rome; and (for an especial favour) the Pope sent him a plume of The Pope's present bestowed on Tiroen. Phoenix feathers, for a trophy of his victories, as Vrban long before him sent a Coronet of Peacock's tails unto King john▪ when he was first invested Lord of Ireland. (309) Tiroen thus feathered for a higher flight, Peacock like to show his own pride and greatness by his personal presence, under a religious pretext to worship a piece of the wooden Cross of Christ, reputed to be kept in the Monastery of the holy Cross in Tipperary, in the midwinter would thither on Pilgrimage; whence he sent out Mac-Guir with a number of rifeling robbers, to despoil and pray on the peaceable subjects; with whom Sir Warham St. Leger met, and at the first race with his Lance ran Mac-Guir through the body, and was by him run through himself. Whereupon Tiroen fearing more blows, made ready to return from Monster sooner then was expected, or himself meant. The Lord Montioy Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. (310) At this time Charles Blunt Lord Montioy (afterwards created Earl of Devon-shire) was sent Lord Lieutenant General into Ireland, who with small port and little solemnity, entered upon A. D. 1600. In February. the Government, the state of that Country lying desperately diseased, and almost past recovery. At his first coming, hearing that Tiroen was to departed Monster, he hastened to stop his passage in Fereal, and there to give him Battle, which the Earl prevented by taking another way, having intelligence of the Lord General's designs; but the Spring drawing on, the Deputy put himself on his March In May. towards Ulster, with purpose to drive the Earl to a stand, whiles Sir Henry Docwra at Loughfoile, and Sir Matthew Morgan at Baloshanon planted the Garrisons, which they with small ado effected, and suppressed the Rebels in divers overthrows. (311) The Lord General likewise held Tiroen very hard, and with light skirmishes ever put him to the worse, so that he now perceiving his fortune to go bake, withdrew himself back into his old corners. The Lord Lieutenant then entered into Lease, the place of refuge and receipt of all the Rebels in Leinster, where he slew Ony-Mac-Rory-Og, chief of the family of the Omores, a bloody, bold, and desperate young man: and so chased out the rest of those his rakehells, as that never since they were seen in those parts. And although in the commencing of these affairs the Equinox was past, and the winter weather begun in that climate, yet marched he forward to the entrance of Moyery three miles beyond Dondalke. (312) The passage into Ulster is every where naturally cumbersome, and this way made more by the Rebels, who had fortified and blocked up the entrance with fences of stakes stuck in the ground, with hurdles joined together, and stones in the midst, with turfs of earth laid betwixt hills, woods, and bogs, and manned the place with a number of Soldiers: notwithstanding, the English brake through those palisadoes, and beating the enemies back, the Lord Deputy placed a Garrison eight miles from Armagh, where in memory of Sir john Norris, he named the Fort Mount-Norris: but to omit many other skirmishes in his return, that at Carlingford was most famous, where the enemies assembled to stop his way, were all of them discomfited, and put to fearful flight. (313) In the midst of Winter he entered the The Glinnes cleared of Rebels. glinnes, that is, the valleys of Leinster, a secure receptacle of the Rebels, where he brought into subjection Donel Spanioh, Phelim Mac-Feogh▪ and the Otooles, of whom he took hostages. Then went he to Fereall, and drove Tirell, the most approved warrior of all the Rebels, from his fastness, (that is his bogs and bushes,) into Ulster; the Territory of Fernes he laid waste, spoiled Fues, and in Breany placed a Garrison, receiving such into mercy as delivered up hostages. Which done, and the Spring approaching, he marched to Ulster, fortified Armagh, and went so far forward, that he removed Tiroen from the Fort of Blackewater, who had very artificially encamped himself there. (314) As the Lord General was thus busied to reduce Ireland to obedience, so the Pope and Spain studied to hold up Tiroen, and to maintain the rebellions; their Agents were a Spaniard, The Pope and Spain busied to hold up Tiroen. elected by the Pope, Archbishop of Dublin, the Bishop of Cloufort, the Bishop of Killaloe, and Archer a jesuite. These by prayer, and promises of heavenly rewards, won Philip to sand succours into Ireland, which forthwith he did, under his Don john De Aquila sent into Ireland. General Don john D'Aquila, a man of a conceited hope that all would be his, as confident of much aid from the titular Earl Desmond, and from Florence Mac-Carty, a rebel of great might; wherein he was deceived; for Sir George Carew, Lord Precedent of Monster, had prevented that design, and sent them prisoners to England, where they were kept sure. (315) Don D'Aquila with two thousand Spaniards, October Vlt. all of them old trained Soldiers, with certain Irish Fugitives, landed at Kinsale in Monster, the last of October, and straightways published a writing, wherein he gloriously styled himself with Don john's Title. this Title, Master General, and Captain of the Catholic King in the wars of God, for holding and keeping the faith in Ireland; endeavouring to make the world believe, that Queen Elizabeth, by the definitive sentences of the Popes, was deprived of her Kingdoms, and her subjects absolved and freed from their Oath of allegiance, and that he was come to deliver them out of the devils jaws, and the English tyranny, upon which suggestions many distempered and wicked persons began to bandy on his side. (316) The Lord Deputy gathering his Companies, hasted to Kinsale and encamped near unto the Town on the Land side, whiles Sir Richard Levison with two of the Queen's Ships enclosed the Haven, to forbid all access to the Spaniard; when from both sides, the thundering Canon played upon the Town; but news being brought that two thousand Spaniards more were arrived at Berehaven, Baltimore, and Castle-haven, Sir Richard was employed upon them, in which service he sunk five of their Ships. (317) Unto these new landed Spaniards, whose A new supply of Spaniards under Alphonso OH Campo Leader was Alphonso-O-Campo, O-Donell over the ice, by speedy journeys and unknown byways repaired; unseen of the English; and a few days after Tiroen himself, with O-Roicke, Raimund Burke, Mac-Mahun, randal Mac-Surley, Tirrell the Baron of Lixnaw, and the most selected choice of all the Rebels came unto them, who mustered together made six thousand foot, and five hundred horse; all confident of victory, as being fresh, strong, and exceeding in number, where, the English were outwearied through winter siege, with scarcity of victual, and their horse weak with sore travel. (318) In this hope, Tiroen, upon an Hill not Tir-oens bravadoes. a mile from the English Camp, made a Bravado two days together, intending to have put these new supplies of Spaniards, with eight hundred Irish, by night into Kinsale, as by letters intercepted from Don D'Aquila did appear. Which to prevent▪ the Lord Deputy appointed eight Ensigns to keep watch, and himself with the Precedent of Monster, and the Marshal, at the foot of the Hill, chose out a convenient plot to give the Earl battle, who the next morning seeing the English so forward, by his bagpipers sounded the retreat, whom the Lord General followed, and forced them to stand in the brink of a bog, where there horsemen were The rebels ro●ted. disordered and routed by the Earl of Clanricard. (319) The main battle then wavering in fear, was violently charged by the Lord Deputy himself, who in his directions discharged the part of a worthy Commander, and in fight, the office of a valiant Soldier; for the Rebels not able to withstand his fury, broke their arrays, and in disorder confusedly fled, in whose pursuit many of them felt the revenging edge of the English sword. Tiroen, O-Donell, and the rest fling away their weapons, and saved their lives by flight; but Alphonso O-Campo, Don Alphonso taken prisoner. with three other Spanish Captains, and six▪ Ensigne-bearers, were taken prisoners, nine of their Ensigns borne away by the English, and twelve hundred of his Spaniards slain; such welcome found these new guests in Ireland. This victory obtained, ●oth quelled the pride of the intruding Spaniards, and exceedingly daunted the hearts of the disloyal Irish; so that Tiroen was forced into his starting holes in Ulster, O-Donell driven into Spain, and the The rebels disparkled. rest of that rebellious rabble scattered into obscure places, where their best succour was to play lest in sight. (320) The Lord General, returning to the siege of Kinsale, began to raise rampires, and to mount his Canons nearer the Town, wherein six days were spent without any impeach from the Spaniard, whose courage being cut by the loss of their fellows, sought rather how to get clear and be go, then to adventure resistance against such a warlike opposer. D'Aquila hereupon, sent his letters by his Drum Mayor, to the Lord Deputy, The Spaniards sue for peace. wherein he craved, that some Gentleman of credit might be sent into the Town, with whom he might Parley for a peace. Whereunto his Lordship inclined, and to that end sent thither Sir William Godolphin. (321) Unto whom D'Aquila signified, that he had found the Lord Deputy, though his eager enemy, yet an honourable person; the Irish of no valour, rude and uncivil, yea and (that which he sore feared) perfidious and false; That he was sent from the King of Spain his Master to aid two Earls, and now he much doubted whether there were any such in Rerum natura, considering that one tempestuous puff of war had blown the one of them into Spain, and the other into the North, so as they were no more to be seen: willing therefore he was to treat about a Peace, that might be good for the English, and not hurtful to the Spaniards: albeit he wanted nothing requisite to the holding out of the Siege, and expected every day out of Spain fresh supplies to find the English work and trouble enough. (322) The matter thus proposed, and the English weak and weary through a long Winter's siege, the Lord Deputy consented to an agreement, the january 2. Articles whereof were these. 1 That john D'Aquila should quit the places which he held in the Kingdom of Ireland, aswell in the Town of Kinsale, as the Forts and Castle of john Stow. Baltimore, Berehaven, and Castle-haven; and should Conclusions of peace. deliver them unto the Lord Deputy, or to whom he should appoint. 2 That Don D'Aquila and his Spaniards should departed with arms, money, munition, and banners displayed; the Soldiers notwithstanding to bear no arms against the Queen of England, till such time as they were unshipped in some part of Spain. 3 That Ships and victuals should be granted unto them in their departure, for their money, and at such reasonable prizes as the Country could afford. 4 That if contrary winds enforced them into any other Port of Ireland, or else into England, they might be entreated as friends with safety of harbour, and provisions necessary for their money to further their departure. 5 That a cessation should be from war, a security from injuries, and victual granted at reasonable rates, whiles they remained in preparing for Spain. 6 That the Ships in which they should be embarked might freely pass by other English Ships without molestation; and the Ships arrived in Spain, might safely return back without any impeachment of the Spaniards: for security whereof, the said D' Aquila should deliver for hostages, such three of their Captains as the Lord Deputy would choose. Unto these Articles Don john solemnly swore on the behalf of the Catholic King his Master, and with his hand subscribed his name, Don john D Aquila. (323) The troublesome cloud of most likely dangers, thus dissolved in Mounsters' fair Air, the coasts of Ireland were shortly cleared of those foreign intruders, who notwithstanding their former great brags, with shame and dishonour embarked themselves for home, their companies being much impaired, and proud spirits brought 1. King. 20. down. And now the Benhadad Tiroen, who had boasted all Ireland was his, with fearful flights and byways recovered his lurking holes in Ulster: after he had lost most of his men, whom the swelling and violently-running Rivers, by reason of Winter floods, had swallowed up; where his The guilt and fears of Tiroen. traitor's head, burdened with the dreads of his own deserts, could take no rest, not not so much as to breathe without fear, distrusting every shadow that he saw, and shifting out of one by-corner before he well knew where to found another. (324) Mean while, the Lord Deputy refreshed his weary and winter beaten Soldiers, repaired the decay, and renewed the Garrisons in Monster; which done, he departed for Dublin, where wearing out the winter storms, towards the spring, by a gentle and easy march, well appointed, he returned into Ulster, meaning to belay the Rebel on every side, by planting his Forts, so to take him in his toil. Thus being approached unto Blackewater, he transported his Army over the Ford upon floats, upon whose bank, beneath the old Fort, he erected a * Charles Mount. new, to such terror of the Arch-rebel, as he set on fire his own house at Dunganon, and got himself further from danger; whether the Lord Deputy immediately marched, Great spoils made in Ulster. and made spoil without any spare; the corn fields were destroyed, the Villages fired, and booties brought in on every side. The Forts in Logh, Crew, Lough▪ Reogh, and Mogher Lecowd, were yielded up, and Garrisons placed in Lough Eaugh or Sidney, and in Monaghan, whence with their continual sallies, they so crossed the enemies, that seeing themselves environed about, and no way open for escape, like wild beasts they hide their heads in the thickets, forests, and woods, muttering complaints against their late magnified Tiroen; exclaiming he The Rebels exclaim against the Arch-rebel. had engaged the ruin of the whole Nation, for his own private discontents, and that these wars, howsoever beneficial to him, yet were they most pernicious unto them, whereupon changing their minds with their fortunes, began a vie, who should be first in showing their alteration, by coming in to the Deputy. (325) The Earl not ignorant how their affections declined, his own forces shaken, and the fidelity of his followers more and more suspected, he once more determined to prevent the worst, by his submission, which in humble letters he sent to the Queen, wherein with prayers and tears he craved pardon of his faults: to such an ebb was the swelling tides of his rebellious heart brought. Her Majesty (whose Nature was Mercy) ever distastive of blood, gave the Lord Deputy authority to pardon his life, though hardly drawn to remit his offences, they being so many and great: His friends that affected him, and Mac Baron his brother, daily solicited the Deputy for his peace, which lastly, upon an absolute promise, to put his life and revenues, without any condition, to the will of the Queen, was granted; and at Mellifont, accompanied with two persons and no more, had access into the Chamber of Presence, where the Lord Deputy sat in a Chair of Estate, most of his Martialists standing about him. (326) Tiroen, in base and poor array, with a dejected countenance, at the very entrance fell down upon his knees, and so rested till he was commanded to arise, and come nearer; when stepping forward a few paces, he fell again prostrate, and like a most humble Supplicant, in words well couched (as cunning he was both in speech and action) acknowledged his sins against God, and fault unto her Majesty; and thus began his submission to the Lord General. In the royal clemency of my dread Sovereign and most gracious Queen, I do only lay the hope and rest of my now remaining estate; unto whose pleasure I absolutely remit my life, and whole revenues; and do most submissively deplore mine own misery, beseeching again her mercy, whose bountiful favours I have heretofore, and mighty powers now of late both felt and found, and well hope, that the fountain of her ever-flowing graces are not drawn dry. Let me (I pray) be the subject, whereon her mercy may work, and an example for ever of her mild clemency, both to divulge her Princely lenity, and to redeem in some part the honour I have lost. For age I am not so unserviceable, nor of body so unable, neither in courage so dejected, but that my faithful service in her behalf, may expiate and make some measure of satisfaction, for these my many and most disloyal rebellions. And yet I may justly complain, that through the malicious envy of some, I have been hardly and unfriendly dealt with, which may somewhat extenuate my crime and offence; for— But as he was enforcing this point further, the Lord Deputy interrupted his speech, and with a few words delivered with great authority, (which in a Martialist stands in stead of Eloquence) told him, that there was no excuse to be heard, his crimes were too great; and thereupon commanded him to departed the Presence: which he did with a countenance seeming very heavy and sad. The next day departing for Dublin, he took Tiroen thither, meaning to transport him for England, had not the death of the Queen hindered his design. These things premised, and Ireland thus recovered that was in hazard to be lost, let us return to our English affairs, from whence these Irish bogs have detained us too long. (327) On what terms the Earl of Essex left Ireland we have already heard, and to what lamentable success the height of his rise brought him, is now to be related; wherein he may be the example of fortune's dalliance, and of the unstaid felicity had in this life; a man indeed filled with the affection of his Prince & the people, & fraught with honourable abilities to purchase both, until by his own unadvisedness (for so it must needs be censured) he clouded his honour, wisdom, and loyalty, with the shadows of his own discontents. Whether his Sovereign's favours were the wings of his ambitions, or the dependencies of men of war, the pillars of his high hopes, I do not censure; but that some secret under-workings gave fire to his passionate discontents, I doubt not, having seen his own letters penned in that behalf. Howsoever, sure it is, the Eye of jealousy now lastly attended him, and his doings were more noted, then was made show of: wherefore, being yet in Ireland with an eminent authority, followed with the flower and chiefest men of war, and suspected to be too well respected by the Arch-rebel Tiroen, it was held good policy (upon another pretended occasion) to muster forces, and to make a Lord Lieutenant General of all England, which was; the right honourable Charles Howard Earl of Nottingham Lord high Admiral. (328) The show of this preparation was a preventing providence (as was pretended) against a Spanish Navy in new rigging for the Seas; and indeed such preparation in that Summer was made, as the like had not been in England since Queen Elizabeth came to the Crown. For London was allotted to furnish sixteen Ships to the Seas, and six thousand Soldiers for the Land service, whereof three thousand were to rest ever in a readiness, and the other three thousand (all of them householders) to attend and guard her majesties royal Person. And out of many Countries adjoining, such numbers of brave horse and horsemen were gathered, as never till then had been seen; the fame whereof was so far spread, as neither Spain, nor any other, could have any heart to make attempt this way. (329) But the Earl of Essex arriving in England not only peaceably, but also very privately and unaccompanied (as hath been said) and now remaining in the Lord Keeper's custody, was often and seriously dealt with, by that truly honourable and provident Statist (of whom he was entirely affected) somewhat to decline his lofty soaring, jest in mounting too high, he should melt his waxed wings against the hot Sun, and not to suffer the sore to fester till it were past cure; to which purpose also he afterward wrote him a letter of pithy and sapient persuasions, out of the abundance of his well-wishing heart; the copy whereof we held worthy to be here presented. The Lord Keeper to the Earl of ESSEX julie 18. An. 1598. (330) My very good Lord It is often seen, that a slander by seethe more than he that playeth the game; and for the most part every man in his own cause, standeth in his own light, and seethe not so clearly as he should. Your Lordship hath dealt in other men's causes, and in great and weighty affairs with great wisdom and judgement; now your own is in hand, you are not to contemn or refuse the advise of any that loveth you, how simple soever. In this order I range myself; of those that love you none more simple, and none that loveth you with more true and honest affection: which shall plead mine excuse, if you shall either mistake, or misconstrue▪ my words or meaning; But in your Lordship's honourable wisdom I neither doubt nor suspect the one or other. I will not presume to advise you, but I will shoot my bolt, and tell you what I think. The beginning and toolong continuing of this unseasonable discontent you have seen and proved, by which you may aim at the end. If you hold still this course (which hitherto you find to be worse and worse, and the longer you go, the farther out of the way) there is little hope or likelihood that the end will be better. You are not yet so far go, but you may well return; the return is safe, the progress dangerous and desperate. In this course you hold, if you have any enemies, you do that for them which they could never do for themselves. Your friends you leave open to scorn and contempt; you forsake yourself, and overthrow your fortunes, and ruinated your honour and reputation. You give that courage and comfort to the foreign enemies, as greater they cannot have. For what can be more welcome, or more pleasing news unto them, then to hear that her Majesty and the Realm are maimed of so worthy a member, who hath so often and so valiantly quailed and daunted them. You forsake your Country, when it hath most need of your counsel or help. And lastly, you fail in that indissoluble duty which you own to your most gracious Sovereign. A duty imposed upon you, not by nature or policy only, but by that religious and sacred band, wherein the divine Majesty of almighty God hath by the rule of Christianity obliged you. For the four first, your constant resolution may perhaps move you to esteem them as light; but being well weighed they are not light, nor lightly to be regarded. And for the two last, it may be that the clearness of your inward conscience▪ may seem to content yourself. But that is not enough; these duties stand not only in contemplation, or in inward meditation: their effects be external action, and when that faileth, the substance faileth. This being your present state and condition, what is to be done? what is the remedy? My good Lord I lack wisdom and judgement to advise you; but I will never lack an honest true heart to wish well, nor (being warranted by a good conscience) will fear to speak what I think. I have begun plainly, be not offended if I proceed so. Bene cedit, qui cedit tempori. Seneca saith well, Lex si nocentem punit, cedendum est justitiae; si innocentem, cedendum est fortunae. The medicine and remedy is, not to contend and strive, but humbly to yield and submit. Have you given a cause, and yet take a scandal unto you? then all you can do, is too little to make satisfaction. Is cause of scandal given unto you? yet policy, duty, and religion, enforce you to sue, yield, and submit, to your Sovereign, between whom and you there can be no proportion of duty. When God requires it as a principal duty and service to himself; and when it is evident, that great good may ensue of it to your friends, yourself, your Country, and your Sovereign, and extreme harm by the contrary: there can be no dishonour or hurt to yield, but in not doing of it, is dishonour and impiety. The difficulty (my good Lord) is to conquer yourself, which is the height of true valour and fortitude; whereunto all your honourable actions have intended. Do it in this, and God will be pleased, her Majesty (I doubt not) well satisfied: your Country will take good, and your friends take comfort by it; and yourself (I mention you last, for I know that of all these, you esteem yourself lest) shall receive honour, and your enemies (if you have any) shall be disappointed of their bitter-sweet hopes. I have delivered what I think, simply and truly; and leave you to determine according to your wisdom. If I have erred, it is Error amoris, not, Amor erroris. Construe and accept it (I beseech you) as I mean it; not as an advise, but as an opinion, to be allowed or canceled at your pleasure. If I might conveniently have conferred with yourself in person, I would not have troubled you with so many idle blots. Whatsoever you judge of this mine opinion, yet be assured my desire is to further all good means that may tend to your good, and so wishing you all honourable happiness, I rest your Lordships most ready and faithful, though unable, poor friend. The Earls Answer. (331) My very good Lord Though there is not the man this day living, whom I would sooner make a judge of any question that did concern me, than yourself: yet you must give me leave to tell you, that in some cases I must appeal from all earthly judges; and if in any, then surely in this, when the highest judge on earth hath imposed upon me the heaviest punishment, without trial or hearing. Since than I must either answer your Lordship's arguments, or forsake mine own just defence, I will force mine aching head to do me service for an hour. I must first deny my discouragement, which was forced, to be an humorous discontentment, and in that it was unseasonable, and is too long continuing, your Lordship should rather condole with me, then expostulate. Natural seasons are expected here below, but violent and unseasonable storms come from above: there is no tempest to the passionate indignation of a Prince, nor that at any time so unseasonable, as when it lighteth on these that might expect an harvest of their painful and careful labours. He that is once wounded must feel smart till his hurt is cured, or the part senseless; but cure I expect none, her majesties heart being obdurate; and be without sense I cannot. But then (you say) I may aim at the end. I do more than aim, for I see an end of all my fortunes, and have set an end to all my desires. In this course do I any thing for mine enemies? when I was present, I found them absolute, and therefore I had rather they should triumph alone, then have me attendant upon their Chariot. Or do I leave my friends? when I was a Courtier, I could yield them no fruit of my love to them; now I am an Eremite, they shall bear no envy for their love to me. Or do I forsake myself, because I do enjoy myself? Or do I overthrow my fortunes, because I build not a fortune of paper walls, which every puff of wind blows down? Or do I ruinated mine honour because I leave following the pursuit, or wearing the false mark of the shadow of honour? Do I give courage or comfort to the foreign enemies, because I reserve myself to encounter them, or because I keep mine heart from baseness, though I cannot keep my fortune from declining? Not, not, I give every one of these considerations his due right, and the more I weigh them, the more I find myself justified from offending in any of them. As for the two last objections, that I for sake my Country when it hath most need of me, and fail in that indissoluble duty which I own to my Sovereign: I answer, that if my Country had at this time need of my public service, her Majesty that governs it would not have driven me to a private life. I am tied to my Country by two bands; one public, to discharge carefully, faithfully, and industriously, that trust that is committed unto me; and the other private, to sacrifice for it my life and carcase which have been nourished in it. Of the first I am free, being dismissed or disabled by her Majesty. Of the other, nothing can free me but death, and therefore no occasion of performance shall offer itself, but I will meet it half way. The indissoluble duty which I own to her Majesty, is the duty of allegiance which I will never, nor can fail in; the duty of attendance is no indissoluble duty. I own her Majesty service of an Earl, and of a Marshal of England. I have been contented to do her the service of a Clerk, but can never serve her as a villain, as a slave. But yet (you say) I must give way to time: so I do, for now I see the storm come, I have put myself into the harbour. Seneca saith, we must give way to fortune. I know that fortune is blind and strong, and therefore I go as far out of the way as I can. You say the remedy is not to strive, I neither strive nor seek for remedy, but I must yield and submit: I can never yield myself to be guilty, or this imposition lately laid upon me, to be just: I own so much to the Author of truth, as I can never yield truth to be falsehood, or falsehood to be truth. Have I given cause (you ●ske) and take a scandal? Not, I gave not cause to take up so much as Fimbrius his complaint, for I did totum telum corpore accipere. I patiently bear all, and sensibly feel all that I then received. When this scandal was given me, nay, when the vilest of all indignities are done unto me, doth Religion enforce me to serve? doth God require it? is it impiety not to do it? why? cannot Princes err? cannot subjects receive wrong? is an earthly power or authority infinite? Pardon me, pardon me my Lord, I can never subscribe to these principles: but Salomons fool laughs when he is stricken: Let these that mean to make their profit by Prince's faults▪ show to have no fear of Prince's injuries. Let them acknowledge an infinite absoluteness in earth, that do not believe in an absolute infiniteness in heaven. As for me, I have received wrong, I feel it, my cause is good I know it. And whatsoever come, all the powers on earth can never show more strength and constancy in oppressing, than I can show in suffering, whatsoever shall be imposed upon me. Your Lordship in the beginning of your letter made yourself a looker on, and me a player of mine own game; so you may see more than I: but you must give me leave to tell you in the end of mine, that since you but see and I suffer, I must of necessity feel more than you. I must crave your Lordship's patience, to give him that hath a crabbed fortune leave to use a crabbed stile. But whatsoever my stile is, there is no heart more humble, nor more affected towards your Lordship, then that of your Lordship's poor friend R. ESSEX. (332) The distempered humour discovering itself in this letter; argueth both the depth of his settled discontent, and the danger of giving way to violent passions, which not only deprive the wisest of the use of their own understanding, but also blind their eyes that they cannot see, nor apprehended the benefit of other men's faithful counsels. Notwithstanding, it pleased her gracious Highness (whom he so censureth as wronging him, for lending a more attentive ear to his enemy's suggestions, then to Essex commanded to his own house. his own satisfactions) first, to remit his durance to his own house, and then loath to look into his faults but with her princely eye of favour to proceed unto some moderate censure of his actions, to the end he might see his own errors, and she so limit his power as her own might be secured. (333) To which end she assigned certain of her Privy Council to convent him concerning the breaking of his former instructions for the North-Irish prosecution, and the manner of his treating with Tir-Oen, his coming from Ireland, and leaving that Kingdom contrary to her majesties express commandment, signed under the Royal Hand and Signet. Whereunto his answer was, that the State of War held it a Maxim, to make good the Stand before the Remove, and that it was one thing at Table to direct, but another thing in field to effect, especially in Ireland, whose war was with Boggs and Woods, aswell as with Men. And to the rest of the objections he answered with such obedient discretion, and loyal submission, as he well satisfied the Honourable presence, only a suspension Essex suspended from the exercise of his offices. from the exercise of some of his Offices was decreed, until her majesties pleasure should otherwise order it. Shortly after he was set at full liberty; the Queen sending him word that she well hoped his surest guard would now be his own discretion. (334) But seeing his wont greatness restrained, though the scope of his liberty was thus far enlarged, he presently mounted higher with the wings of discontent: for deprived of Offices, neglected in Court, and all his foreign services powered into her majesties lap, was now (as he imagined) there wrapped up, and laid in oblivion▪ Neither were these his grievances lessened by his m●●●ta●y followers, who daily watered these ill set plants with their exasperated complaints, till they were sprung to some height, and still to nourish their sap, many projects were cast, and conferences held how to lordship off other branches, which as they feared would hinder The conference at Drury house. their growth, till lastly, at Drury house they agreed on the manner (OH had it withered before it had blowmed, or died in the graffing before it took sap) which was by violent hand to bring the Earl into her majesties presence, and to remove from her such as they deemed his opposites. (335) The frequent assembly unto Essex house by Noblemen, Knights, Captains, and others, was presently observed by the Statists in Court, to stop the current of which confluence before it grew to a flood, Secretary Herbert was sent from her Majesty to require him to repair before the Lords of her Council, then assembled at Salisbury Court, which he excusing with sickness, neglected to do, and the same night upon some sinister reports set a double watch about him, pretending some Febr ●. danger to be meant to his person. For whose defence the next morning (being Sunday) many repaired unto his house, among whom, as chief were the Earls of Rutland and Southampton, the Lord Sands and Monteagle, accompanied with a Troop of gallant Gentlemen their followers. The Queen sent four of her Council unto▪ the Earl of Essex. (336) Her Majesty hearing of these disorderly proceed, in her princely wisdom thought to cast water upon this begun fire, before it broke forth into flame, and thereupon sent four men of much honour unto his place, to offer him justice for any griefs, and to command the assembly to departed. The persons sent were the L. Keeper of the great Seal, the Earl of Worcester, Sir Francis Knowles his uncle, and the Lord Chief justice of England, all of them in high honour and favour with the Earl himself. (337) These coming to his house without Temple-bar, were received in themselves, but scarce any of their servants suffered to follow, excepting the Bearer of the Purse and Seal, where finding the Court full of those his followers, the Lord Keeper putting off his hat, told them that they were sent by her Majesty to understand the cause of this their assembly, and to let them know, that if they had any particular cause of grief against any person whatsoever, they should have hearing and justice. The Earl of The Earls answer. Essex answered that his life was sought after, and that he had been perfidiously dealt withal. To which the Lord Chief justice replied, that if any such matter was attempted, it was fit for him to declare it, assuring him of a faithful relation, and that her Majesty would do him justice. Which promises the Lord Keeper seconded, and desired the Earl to declare his griefs, if not openly, yet in private, and he doubted not but to procure him full satisfaction, & then turning towards the multitude, with a louder voice said; I do command you all upon your allegiance to lay down your Weapons, and to departed. Whereupon the Earl himself went into his Booke-chamber, these four Councillors following him in hope of private conference; but so far off was he from hearing them further, or answering to their demands, that leaving them there under sure custody, he returned to his other attendants. A. D. 1600. Sunday, Feb. 8. Essex entereth into London. (338) With whom in tumultuous manner, he made into London, his followers crying, that the Earl of Essex should have been murdered by Cobham, Cecil and Rawley, all men amazed what this did mean. Thus passed he from Ludgate through Cheapside, into Fan-church street, where he entered the house of a * Thom. Smith. supposed friend (than one of the sheriffs) who seeing the multitude, avoided himself out at a backdoor, when presently in divers parts of the City Essex was proclaimed a Traitor, to the no less grief of the Citizens, then fears of his followers, and thence returning with a Halberd in his hand, and a Table-napkin about his neck, came into Gracious street, where a while he made his stand, (the Lord Maior and others being assembled at the upper end towards Leaden-hall) no one Citizen or servant showing him any sign of assistance. The case F. G. so desperate, one of the principal offenders contrived how by redeeming 〈…〉 to save his own life; who hastening into the Strand to Essex-house, and coming to Sir john davis, as being sent from the Earl, got release of the four Counsellors, under whose guard they had been hitherto kept. (339) Essex now despairing of all succours in London, saw it was bootless there to make his abode, & He returneth, & is forced from Ludgate. therefore retired again towards Paul's, meaning to pass Ludgate the way that he came, but being resisted by a company of Pikemen, and other forces, made by that stout and noble Prelate, the then Lord Bishop of London, he was put back, Sir Christopher Blunt sore hurt, and young Tracy slain; besides some others on the Queen's part, himself narrowly escaping, being thrust through the hat with a pike. So hence again returning, at Queen Hive he took boat, bidding the City and his fortunes adieu. Takes boat and for●●fi●th his house in Strand. (340) His enterprise thus frustrate, with a mind distracted he rowed up the river, and landed at the Water-gate of his own house, which he presently fortified; and the Lord Admiral assaulted, suffering notwithstanding the Countess of Essex, the Lady Rich and their Gentlewomen to departed, which done, he forced the Garden even to the wal●eses of the house. Some resistance was made, and some persons slain upon either part, which the Earl perceiving, presently yielded, desiring only that he might be civilly used, and that he might have an honourable trial; and so being first brought to Lambeth-house, where an hour or two he remained with the Lord Archbishop (his ever most loving, but then most mournful friend) was thence with some other Lords and Gentlemen conveyed by water to the Tower, about ten of the clock the same night: having then experience, that vain is the love of the Commons to a Subject (how great soever) when it is counterballanced with the dutiful obedience unto their Prince. (341) Upon the nineteenth of the same month, the Earl of Essex and Southampton were arraigned Essex arraigned and condemned. at Westminster, the Lord Buckhurst Lord high Treasurer of England being made Lord Steward for the day, where the great resolution of the one, contemning death, and the sweet temper of the other well deserving life, did breed most compassionate affections in all men, hearing the sentence of law to pass upon them. The one of them remained prisoner in the Tower during the reign of the Queen, and by the gracious clemency of our Sovereign Lord King james at his coming to the Crown, had pardon of life, and restoration of blood, the other (Essex) the five and twentieth of February being Is executed. Ash-wednesday, suffered upon the Green within the Tower, rendering his soul to God with a most penitent and Christian constancy, whose last speeches were to this effect. His speech at death. (342) My Lords and Christian brethren, who are present witnesses of my just punishment, I confess (to God's glory) myself a most wretched sinner, and that my sins in number exceed the hairs of my head; that good which I would have done, that did I not, and the evil which I would not, that did I For all which I beseech my Saviour Christ to be a Mediator to his Father my God, especially for this my last sin, this great, this crying, this bloody, this infectious sin, wherein, through love of me, so many have been drawn to offend God, their Sovereign, and the world. I beseech God, her Majesty, and the State, to forgive us; and I beseech him to bless her with a prosperous reign, with a wise and understanding heart, to bless the Nobles and Ministers of the Church and State. I likewise beseech you, and all the world, to hold a charitable opinion of me, for my intention towards her Majesty, whose death (I protest) I never meant, nor any violence towards her Person. I thank God, I never was Atheist, in not believing the Scriptures: neither Papist, trusting in my own merits; but am assured to be saved by the mercies and merits of Christ jesus my Saviour. This faith I was brought up in, and herein I am now ready to die; beseeching you all to join your souls with me in prayer, that my soul may be lifted up by faith, above all earthly things; and first I desire forgiveness of all the world, even as freely, as from my heart I forgive all the world. (343) And then kneeling down said, I have been divers times in places of danger, where death was neither so present nor so certain, and yet even then I felt the weakness of my flesh, and therefore now in this last and great conflict, I desire God's assistance by his preserving Spirit. And so with * See this his prayer and other his speeches at large in 〈◊〉 Annals p. 1406. a most heavenly prayer, and faithful constancy, (as if his soul were then already in heavenly fruition) he humbled himself to the block, and spreading abroad his arms (the sign that he had given to his headsman) his head was with three strokes of the Axe severed from his body, the great heaviness of all men, appearing as well by their countenances, as spleen against his Executioner, who was in danger of his life at his return, had not the Sheriffs assisted him to his home. (344) For accessaries and chief Counsellors in Others executed this offence, died at Tyburn, Sir Gilliam Merricke Knight, and Henry cuff (for his exquisite learning much bewailed of all men) and five days after them, upon the Scaffold on Tower Hill, were beheaded Sir Charles Davers and Sir Christopher Blunt Knights. And before any of these, Thomas Lee a Captain was executed, for words spoken touching the Earl of Essex his deliverance, to move, or rather to enforce the Queen thereunto, as his words were construed, who nevertheless confidently took his death, that he never had thought of any violent attempt. The grief conceived for the Earl of Essex his death. (345) As the death of this Nobleman was much lamented by the subjects, (whose love towards him was so engrafted, as I think, I may well say, never subject had more,) so her Majesty likewise, having such a Star fallen from her firmament, was inwardly moved, and outwardly oftentimes would show passions of her grief, even till the time of her approaching end, when two years after she laid down her Head in the Grave, as the most resplendent Sun setteth at last in a Western cloud. (346) The state of which Great Queen throughout the whole course of her most flourishing reign, A briefs shadow of Queen Elizabeth's due praises. was (as in part you have seen shadowed already) so beautified and strengthened with all honourable perfections, both of Peace, and War, as never any Monarch reigned with greater observance of her own, nor ruled with a more observed magnanimity toward foreign Nations: insomuch, as if her incomparable virtues and praises were truly and exactly described (a work worthy some noble spirit and pen) we are verily persuaded, that future ages will somewhat stagger and doubt, whether such celebration of her, were not rather affectionately Poetical, then faithfully Historical. (347) For, the great affairs of Europe mainly depended upon her directions, who sitting at the Helm of the Ship (as Fronto spoke of Antoninus Her sway and esteemation in foreign Countries. the Emperor) arbitrated and guided their Estates both in peace and war: Spain, seeking to overflow all, was beaten back, and scarcely able to maintain her own banks: In France, the house of Valois under-propped by her counsel; that of Bourbons, advanced by her countenance, forces, and treasure; Scotland relieved by her love; Neatherlands by her power; Portugeses King by her bounty; Poland by her commiseration; likewise Germany, Denmark, Sueveland, often took up and laid down Arms at her beck and dispose. Neither could the utmost bounds of Europe, (the Russians and Tartars) contain the limits and extent of her great fame; but that the same pierced further into the remoter parts of Asia, Africa, America, among the Turks, (whose great Emperor, in honour of so great a Mediatresse, granted peace unto the Polomans outworn with wars,) among the Persians, Barbarians, Indians, and where not? In most of whose Dominions to the great enriching of her Kingdom, she settled commerce for increase of merchandise, and got large privileges for encouragement of her Merchants, whom she cherished as a most necessary and important part of her Weal Public. Her Princely qualities. (348) Who, for her royal actions and Princely qualities of Mind (seated also in such a Body as for state, stature, beauty, and Majesty, best befitted an Empress,) may be singled out for an Idea of an absolute Prince, her Sex only excepted, which yet made her virtues more remarkable, as being (and so reputed by Strangers) of all the Princes of her time, the most exact observer (both for Action and Ceremony,) of true Regal deportment and magnificence. For her enterprises as fortunate as Caesar, for life, love, wisdom, and magnanimity, another Augustus; by her peaceable reign shutting the Temple of War in England (whiles all Nations round about her felt the miseries of war) as he did the doors of janus in Rome. And yet had she Warriors like unto the Worthies of David; her foreign Her Military providence. employments, Navigations, and Discoveries, having bred such numbers of most renowned Captains, both for Sea and Land, as none of our former Princes hath seen the like. With which necessary kind of noble Servitors, that her own Kingdom might be always munified (as foreseeing the uncertainties and sudden changes in the Peace-pretending amities of foreign Princes,) she ever employed many of her Gentry and others, in the wars of Princes abroad, so to perfect them for all occurrents of their Country at home; which also induced her (some Statists have thought) to suffer that long lingering protraction of her Irish wars, the rather, to keep in ure and exercise, the skill and valour of her English. By which means, the spreading fame and * Virgin●a made an English Colony 1585. Guiana, etc. extent of her Empire was such, that she might seem a second Traian, who laid the circuit of the Romans the largest; having not only so powerful a Navy still in readiness, as whereby she attained the Sovereignty of the Sea, but so famous Seamen also, as that, under her auspicious Reign, * By Drake and Cand●s●. twice was the whole Globe of the Terrestrial World sailed round about. Her virtues peaceable. (349) Neither less was her renown for those other virtues which are the attendants of Peace; her Clemency, justice, and * King Edward the Sixt used to call her, his Lady Temperance. Temperance: touching the last of which, as in one kind (of her diet and private life,) King Edward her brother usually called her, his Lady Temper: so of another kind of temperance in this learnedest of Queens, the * King james in a speech to the Parliament. learnedst of Kings hath given this memorable testimony, that when as France (part of her Royal Title) was in civil wars, Spain (her mortal Enemy) enfeebled both in power and purse, Netherlands ambitious of her government, and Scotland ruled by an Infant, yet in such abundance both of means, opportunities, and provocations, so superabundant was her moderation and temper, that she ever religiously abstained from all ambitious desire of encrochment, on the rights or territories of any her neighbour Princes. Being in this, and those other her virtuous actions, such, as of whom that which was spoken of Antoninus Pius may more truly be verified, that scarcely, in youth she did any thing rashly, or in her age indiscreetly; scarcely, I say: for as a Creature, we cannot exempt her from all frailties, as a Woman, from passions, or as a Prince, from all errors, whereinto, even against her own natural inclination, she might be drawn, either on misinformation, Her Court. or on opinion of necessity in the State. For her Court, it was not only a frequent Academy, of as Honourable Councillors, Illustrious Peers, Gallant Courtiers, Learned Pro●●●●orss, Intelligent Statists, as ever attended any Christian Prince; but also a Nursery, where yongue Nobles and others might be trained up to the managing of greatest affairs, and a Her Council. Sanctuary where the meanest might find relief against the mightiest; because as the Wisest in her Counsel were content to learn wisdom from her directions, so the Greatest were drawn to practise Equity, both by her example and command. Yea, which is more admirable in her Sex, so reserved was she from giving any man toomuch interest, or being lead and overswaied by any of her Great-ones about her, that they all stood in a reverent awe of her Her awe. very presence and aspect; but much more of her least frown or check, wherewith some of them, who thought they might best presume of her favour, have been so suddenly daunted and Planet-stricken, that they could not lay down their grief thereof Her Meekness. but in their graves. A thing so much the stranger, considering otherwise her incomparable meekness and gracious countenance and demeanours towards her people, who never satiated with her sight and Her love amongst her subjects. presence, were no otherwise affected with joy and wondering thereat, (though they beheld her never so often) then if they had beheld some Angelical creature. (350) These Sovereign Arts of Majestical rule, Her Learning. were marvelously polished and perfected by her exquisite learning, and insight in the Arts Liberal: for which if the Emperor Hadrian be so highly commended, Regina in liberali●us omnibus Disciplinis, rarissimo omnibus seculis ex emp●o, erudita; veterum Scriptorum tum Graecorum, tum Latinorum libros ●onsuetivolutare, etc. Bez● Ep. praefix. Comment in job. much more must this learned Empress, who further to perfect her solid knowledge, read every Author in his own Original, and answered most Nations Ambassadors in their own languages. Yea, so far was she devoted to learning and the professors thereof, that in honour of it, and them, she purposely went to the University of Oxford twice, and once to Cambridge, at each time there spending many whole days together, at the Academical Her Languages. Her favour to the Learned. Exercises, and disputations of their chiefest learned men in all faculties. In both which noble Academies, she left not only the dear remembrances of her gracious love, delivered to them publicly in her Princely and Eloquent Orations, but much more testified in her Princely bounty, by enacting a law for the doubling (almost) of the yearly revenues of all their noble foundations. Thus spent she her time & cares in cherishing wisdom in others, and like Sabaes' Queen seeking to increase it in herself, esteeming a day spent otherwise Her studiousnes. (as Titus was wont to say of himself) quite lost. For which purpose every day all other affairs laid away, she set apart some hours, either to read, or hear her learned Readers; one of which number, (a * Sir Henry Savill in orat. ●abit. coram Regina Oxo●●●. man of excellent learning) professed, that her instructors as often as they came to her presence about such employments, received such admirable documents from her, that they seemed rather to learn of her, then to bring learning to her; and that the learnedest Authors, as Divine Plato, and the like, were made more divine by the learned Commentaries which she wrote upon them. In which respects, both of noble actions and arts, well may she be paralelled with that ever-renowned Zenobia, who having both perfectly read the Roman Story in Greek, and also herself abridged the Alexandrian, and all the oriental history, thereby attained to so high a pitch of wisdom and authority, that she not only insulted upon the Romans, but held the Arabians, Saracens, Armenians, and other fierce and intractable people in such obedience, that they never durst stir against her. (351) But amongst her volumes (which were very Her Piety. many and choicest) the Book of God was first in her esteem, nor last in her readings: the pious fruits whereof shined brightly throughout the whole course aswell of her private life, as public actions. 〈…〉. In her Private; Piety, Sobriety, Purity, Charity, and Chastity (maugre the venomous tongues of all Hellborn Slanderers) were her unseparable Companions, never suffering any Lady to approach her sacred presence, of whose stain she had but the lest suspicion. Public. For the Public, the distressed she relieved, the oppressed she succoured, the over-borne Princes she aided, the proud she amated, and always overmastered to her lasting memory, and England's glory. But most especially shined her zeal to God (on whose only Providence and reflex of her own unstained Conscience, she reposed against all affronts of the world) in preserving his true Church and worship, both from the pollutions of Idolatry, and frenzies of Novelists; her Kingdom being a receptacle, and Court a Sanctuary for the banished Protestants as was the Palace of Constantius (the husband of our Helena) for the persecuted Christians, when he sat Emperor of the West in this Island of Britain. Whereby as in her life time she attained to be * styled S●z● in Ep. praefix Comm●●t. in job. by foreign Churches; so at her death was she by them generally lamented, as the Nursing mother of the French, Dutch, Italian, Exiles for Christ's name, & the unconquered Defenderesse of the whole true Christian Religion. (352) Thus she lived, reigned, and died, in Peace, and full of glory, celebrated by the tongues and pens of the rarest spirits of all Nations (yea even enemies) of her time: till lastly the God of Peace called her to a far higher glory, by his unpartial messenger death, who seized on her at her Manor of Richmond. Her sickness was accompanied with a deep melancholy, wherein, as she Her disease. gave signs of death unto the learned Physicians, so great assurance of her eternal life, unto all the worthy Prelates employed about her: manifesting L. Whitgift Archbishop of Cant. L. Bancroft▪ Bishop of London. L. Watson Bishop of Chichester. D. Parry now Bishop of Worcester and others. (even when silence oppressed her tongue) by lively signs at their prayers and speeches, how she rejoiced with the Apostle, that she had fought a good fight, finished her course, and kept the faith, hoping for the Crown of righteousness, that the Lord the righteous judge had laid up for her against that great day. And so her Soul departed this flesh (the earthen vessel wherein so many heavenly endowments had been treasured) being borne up by the Angels unto the fruitions of endless bliss, the twenty fourth of Her Age. March, the year of Salvation 1602. of her own Her Reign. age, sixty nine, ●ixe months, and seventeen days, and of her glorious Reign the forty fourth year, four months, and seventh day; as well beloved and as much lamented as ever was Prince; admired▪ favoured, and feared, as the world's wonder and heavens darling: being the last in order of those Monarches who had long reigned over the South-part of this Island, and the greatest in fame that ever ruled before her, as if all their virtues had made a confluence in her, that so glorious a Monarchy might not have end but with so glorious a period. Her Funerals. (353) Her body was embalmed, wrapped in lead, and brought unto White-Hall, from whence (her Statue being made according to life, in her Parliament Robes with a Crown on the Head▪ and Sceptre in the Hand) it was upon Thursday the twenty eight of April, carried in a Chariot (drawn by four Horses) covered with Purple Velvet, attended upon by the Nobility, and with solemnities befitting so great a Prince, brought into the Collegiate Church of St. Peter's at Westminster, was there interred in the Vault of her Grandfather Henry the Seventh, in his most magnificent and beautiful Chapel; where our renowned Sovereign, King james, in admiration of Her rare virtues and excellencies, hath built Her (near the place of her Sister Queen Mary's Burials) a Princely Monument, inscribed with these ensuing▪ Epitaphs of her Greatness, and the Actions of her Reign, to the propagating of her renown unto all succeeding ages. Memoriae Sacrum. RELIGIONE AD PRIMAEVAM SINCERITATEM RESTAURATA, PACE FUNDATA, MONETA AD JUSTUM VALOREM REDUCTA, REBELLIONE DOMESTICA VINDICATA; GALLIA MALIS INTESTINIS PRAECIPITI SUBLEVATA, BELGIO SVSTENTATO, HISPANICA class PROFLIGATA, HIBERNIA PULSIS HISPANIS, ET REBELLIBUS AD DEDITIONEM COACTIS PACATA, REDITIBUS VTRIUS QVE ACADEMIAE LEGE ANNONARIA PLURIMUM ADAUCTIS, TOTA DENIQVE ANGLIA DITATA, PRUDENTISSIME QVE ANNOS XLV. ADMINISTRATA ELIZABETHA REGINA VICTRIX, TRIUMPHATRIX, PIETATIS STUDIOSISSIMA, FOELICISSIMA, PLACIDA MORTE SEPTVAGENARIA SOLUTA, MORTALES RELIQVIAS DUM CHRISTO JUBENTE RESVRGANT IMMORTALES, IN HAC ECCLESIA CELEBERRIMA AB IPSA CONSERVATA, ET DENVO FUNDATA, DEPOSVIT. Obijt xxiv. Martij, Anno salutis MDCII. Regni XLV. Aetatis LXX. Memoriae Aeternae. ELIZABETHAE ANGLIAE, FRANCIAE, ET HIBERNIAE REGINAE, R. HENRICI VIII. FILIAE, R. HEN. VII. NEPTI, R. ED. four PRONEPTI, PATRIAE PARENTI, RELIGIONIS ET BONARUM ARTIUM ALTRICI, PLURIMARUM LINGVARUM PERITIA, PRAECLARIS TUM ANIMI TUM CORPORIS DOTIBUS REGIIS QVE VIRTUTIBUS SUPRA SEXUM PRINCIPI INCOMPARABILI JACOBUS MAGNAE BRITANNIAE, FRANCIAE, ET HIBERNIAE REX, VIRTUTUM, ET REGNORUM HAERES, BENE MERENTI PIE POSVIT. REGNO CONSORTES ET VRNA, HIC OBDORMIMUS, ELIZABETHA ET MARIA SORORES, IN SPE RESURRECTIONIS. Sacred unto Memory. RELIGION TO ITS PRIMITIVE SINCERITY RESTORED; PEACE THOROUGHLY SETTLED; COIN TO THE TRUE VALVE REFINED; REBELLION AT HOME EXTINGVISHED; FRANCE, NEAR RVINE BY INTESTINE MISCHIEFS, RELIEVED; NETHERLANDS SUPPORTED; SPAIN'S ARMADA VNQVISHED; IRELAND, WITH SPANIARD'S EXPULSION AND TRAITORS COERCION, QVIETED; BOTH UNIVERSITIES REVENUES, BY A LAW OF PROVISION, EXCEEDINGLY AUGMENTED; FINALLY, ALL ENGLAND ENRICHED, AND XLV. YEARS MOST PRUDENTLY GOVERNED: ELIZABETH, A QUEEN, A CONQVERESSE, A TRIUMPHER, THE MOST DEVOTED TO PIETY, THE MOST HAPPY, AFTER LXX. YEARS OF HER LIFE, QVIETLY BY DEATH DEPARTING, HATH LEFT HERE (IN THIS MOST FAMOUS COLLEGIATE CHURCH, WHICH BY HER WAS ESTABLISHED AND REFOUNDED) THESE REMAINS OF HER MORTALITY, UNTIL AT CHRIST'S CALL THEY SHALL AGAIN RISE IMMORTAL. She died xxiv. of March, the year of Salvation MDCII. of her Reign XLV. of her Age LXX. For an Eternal Memorial. UNTO ELIZABETH, QUEEN OF ENGLAND, FRANCE, AND IRELAND; DAUGHTER OF KING HENRY THE VIII. GRANDCHILD TO K. HEN. THE VII. GREAT-GRANDCHILD TO K. ED. THE four THE MOTHER OF THIS HER COUNTRY; THE NURSE OF RELIGION, AND LEARNING; FOR PERFECT SKILL OF VERY MANY LANGVAGES, FOR GLORIOUS ENDOWMENTS AS WELL OF MIND AS BODY, AND FOR REGAL virtues BEYOND HER SEX, A PRINCE INCOMPARABLE: JAMES OF GREAT BRITAIN, FRANCE, AND IRELAND KING, INHERITOR BOTH OF HER virtues AND KINGDOMS, TO HER SO WELL DESERVING, PIOUSLY HATH THIS ERECTED. CONSORTS BOTH IN THRONE, AND IN GRAVE, HERE REST WE TWO SISTERS, ELIZABETH AND MARRY, IN HOPE OF OUR RESURRECTION. King James. Monarch I. JAMES, OF THAT NAME THE FIRST, AND FIRST MONARCH OF THE WHOLE ISLAND OF GREAT BRITAIN, UNITING UNDER ONE, AND THE SAME HIS MOST GLORIOUS CROWN, THE KINGDOMS OF ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, FRANCE, AND IRELAND, GOD'S IMMEDIATE VICEGERENT, SUPREME HEAD OF ALL PEOPLE, AND DEFENDER OF THE ANCIENT AND TRUE CHRISTIAN FAITH IN THESE HIS EMPIRE AND DOMINIONS. HIS PEACEABLE ENTRANCE, AND MOST HAPPY BEGUN REIGN. The Tenth Book. CHAPTER I JACOBUS DEI GRACIA ANGLIAE SCOTIAE FRANCIAE ET HIBERNIAE REX FIDEI DE●ENSOR ⁂ JACOBUS DEI GRACIA ANGLIAE SCOTIAE FRANCIAE ET HIBERNIAE REX FIDEI DEFENSOR ⁂ ●. JACOBUS▪ D: G: MAG: BRI: ●RA: ETH●▪ REX. ● GOL. ●. FACIAM. ●OS. IN. GENT●. M. unam▪ A. D. 1602. BEfore the conceived sorrows, for the death of the late renowned Queen could fully be dissolved into tears, or those get passage from the heart to the eyes, the conduit was stopped with a sudden joy, and all faces cleared, before that sad pensiveness had therein set her full print. The state of England standing that day, like unto that of judah, wherein the foundation of the second Ezra. 3. 12. Temple was laid, whose ancient men mourned, as doubting the glory thereof could not be answerable to that of Salomons; but as they were comforted by a Prophet from God, THAT THE GLORY Hag. 2. 4. The joy of the English for the Scotish Kings entrance. OF THE LATER SHOULD SURMOUNT THE FORMER, so all English hearts by a divine blessing from God were presently chered, when they saw their morning star arise in the North, whose Pole with His attractive power, long before had drawn the Needle of the Southern Compass unto that One point. March 24. (2) Immediately upon the death of the Queen, the Lords of the Land gave full satisfaction unto the people, in proclaiming JAMES THE SIXT, King of Scotland, by the name of JAMES THE FIRST KING OF ENGLAND, FRANCE AND IRELAND, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH etc. to the unspeakable comfort of all true English, King james proclaimed. aswell for his unquestionable claim, as for that he professed the same true Religion (whose preservation was their tender care) as also for his singular learning and experience, whereby he was accomplished to undergo the managing of so great an Empire, having now attained to thirty six years, nine months, and five days, exercised altogether in the practice of Kingly government, from the very first days of his infancy. King james his just title to the Crown of England. (3) That his Title was most just, no man can deny, being sprung from the united Roses of Lancaster and York, King Henry the seventh, and Queen Elizabeth his wife: whose Issue by the Male failing in the late deceased Queen Elizabeth of glorious memory, the offspring of Margaret their eldest daughter, was the next heir, which Lady married unto james the fourth King of Scotland; by him had issue King james the fift, whose only Daughter Queen Mary was Mother of this our mighty Monarch. Let Doleman therefore dote upon his own dreams, and other like Traitors fashion their bars upon the Pope's King james appointed by God to unite the two kingdoms. forge; yet hath God & his right set him on the throne of his most lawful inheritance, so to unite the two Crowns into one: Gods omnipotent arm bringing at last that to pass, which had often been assayed, but could not be effected by any power of man. For, did not Edward our first, the terror of Syria▪ and Edward the sixt our godly josias, both of them distress Scotland with their wars, only to have made an union by the marriages of the next heir, and of their Queen? But the time being not come, and all other preceding Princes failing of their purposes, the peaceable union of those two Kingdoms, England and Scotland, as also of two other, France and Ireland was reserved for Him, who is a pattern of all princely Learning and Piety, unto all other monarchs upon the surface of the Earth. The Romanists hopes for a toleration in Religion. (4) But these calm proceed without any oppugnancy, as they were most joyful to the English, so were they admirable unto other foreign Nations, yea, and envied at of some, especially, such as hoped for an alteration, or at leastwise a toleration of Religion. And so much the rather, for that Ex Libr● Inscript. Proceed against Traitors. Pope Clement the eight, had sent the year before unto Henry Garnet, Superior of the Jesuits in England, two Bulls to the contrary; one to the Clergy, and the other to the laity. The title of the former was, Dilectis filijs Archipresbytero, & reliquo Clero The Pope's ●ulss sent to Garnet to probibite succession, unless he were a Catholic. Anglicano, etc. the later, Dilectis filijs, Principibus, & Nobilibus, Catholicis Anglicanis, salutem & Apostolicam Benedictionem: the sum of both thus. To our beloved sons, the Archpriest and the Clergy, the Peers and Nobles, Catholics of England, greeting, and Apostolical Benediction, etc. The tenor was, that after the death of her Majesty, whether by course of Christ would not be judge of the inheritance betwixt Brethren: his Vicar will against all right. Nature, or otherwise: Whosoever should lay claim or title to the Crown of England, though never so directly, and nearly interessed by descent, should not be admitted unto the throne; unless he would first tolerate the Romish Religion, and by all his best endeavours promote the Catholic cause, unto which, by a solemn and sacred Oath, he should religiously subscribe, after the death of that Miserable woman, for so it pleased his Holiness to term Elizabeth, that most great and happy Queen. By virtue of which Bulls, (if virtue may be in any such vicious Libels) the Jesuits dissuaded the Romish-minded Subjects from yielding (in any wise) obedience unto King james, as being not an obedient Catholic son; but this not working to then wished effect, and He now solemnly proclaimed with an universal applause, love and peace, their hopes began to grow cold, and no succours from Spain being now to be expected, Garnet▪ the Superior to avoid further dangers, sacrificed these hunger-starved Bulls to Vulcan the fiery God. A. D. 1603. King james cometh to London. (5) King james in Scotland receiving intelligence of the most plausible passages to this enlargement of his Style and Dominions, prepared himself hitherward, and upon the fixed of April came to Berwick, His progress and places of entertainment. thence to Wytherington, Newcastle, Durham, York, Dancaster, Newarke, Burleigh, Roiston, Theobalds', and thence to London upon the seventh of May. In all which places he was most royally and joyously received, with all demonstrations of truest loyalty, love and obedience, which was no less benignly accepted of by his Majesty, who the better to manifest his royal disposition, in all such places as he His mercy extended to the prisoners. came, where Gaioles for offenders were kept, out of his clemency most graciously set free the Prisoners, (those only excepted, who lay for treason, murder, or Romish disloyalty) disbursing also large sums of money for release of many others from their creditors. (6) In all which progress, admirable was the confluence of people, which with haste to meet The joy that was conceived at the fight of his Majesty. him, seemed rather to fly then to run, and such were their shouts of joy, that the hills resounded the Echo thereof, even up to the heavens, which had been so propitious, as to bestow on them so good a King, which most abundantly appeared the day that his Majesty removed from Theobalds' to London, when at Stanford-hill, near unto Totnam-high Cross in Middlesex, the City of London (represented in the Lord Maior, the Aldermen, with five hundred choice Citizens, all in chains of gold▪ & very well mounted) met his Majesty, and with all solemn observance attended Him unto the Charterhouse His majesties coming to London. near Smithfield, which was most sumptuously furnished for his royal entertainment. On which very day, a Proclamation came forth against His majesties first proceed to maintain law and commerce. all griping Monopolies that hindered commerce, and Protections that stopped the due proceed of law, as also against other abuses in other inferior carriages. All which were so acceptable to the People and Commonwealth (which had been too much eaten-out with such Locusts & Caterpillars) as never any King wan himself more love: these being accepted as the auspicious beginnings, promising most happy sequels. So that His entrance was as another Constantine, whose person every man prayed for, and desired to see: and for Peace another Octavius, having ruled peaceably a stout stirring Nation▪ even from his younger years, and lived in peace with all the Princes and Kings of the earth: in which peace now lastly he brought the Crown and Kingdom of Scotland to augment the glory, circuit and strength of this Realm of England, in whose united body, as a fair branched tree, even at the first he began to engraffed the Syences of his princely virtues, which by the sap and Sunshine of his just government still spread more and more, like unto the Cedars that grow upon Lebanon. (7) The English Empire thus peaceably established, both by, and unto, this peaceable Monarch: from sundry foreign Princes were sent Ambassadors, divers Ambassadors came into England to congratulate his entrance. to congratulate his entrance; as namely, from the Palgrave of the Rhine, one of the Prince's Electors for the Emperor of the Romans: from the French King, Mounsier de Ros●y, Great Treasurer of France: from the Spanish King, Don john de Tassis: from the States of Holland and Zealand: from the Archduke of Austria: from the Seignory of Venice: from the Duke of Florence, and from others. Tirone brought into England. (8) But among all new-comers, none was more admired nor gazed on, then was Hugh Oneal, Earl of Tiroen, that perfidious, (but very valiant) subtle, and smooth-tongued Traitor, and Boutefeu Much g●●●d at of Ireland, that had been the death of many a worthy man; who having (as we have showed) yielded himself to the Lord General Mountioy in the sickness of the late Queen, was now by him brought unto England's Court, to the General's great honour, and Tir-oens great good, if he could have had grace to contain himself. For not only was he taken upon his lowly submission into favour with his dread Sovereign, and restored to his former estate and dignity, (a very great favour to so great an offender) but a Proclamation was also made in his behalf, and for his security, that he should of all men be honourably used (a grace, seldom showed a Traitor) because as it seemed, his guilty conscience surcharged with blood, feared the hand of every man that beheld his face; and indeed many And hated. a woman, enraged for loss of their husbands or sons, furiously desired and assayed to quench their hatred with his blood: in which perplexity we will leave him for a restless Rebel, who lastly like a fugitive left again both his loyalty and his own Country. Trophies set up in London stood long unfinished (9) In the mean while the solemnities for the Coronation were prepared, and many stately Trophies (not less due to the conservation of Peace, then to the atchieving of War) in London streets set up, which by reason of the great sickness in that City then cruelly raging, stood a long time rather like the ruins of some old decay, than the Princely Pageants of a new Triumph. For before the appointed day of Coronation (which was the twenty fifth of july being the feast day of Saint james the Apostle) a Proclamation came forth, that no Londoner should presume to approach to the Court, the City having buried that week above a thousand Conspiracies intended and revealed. of the plague. But yet a greater plague to the Land then this, was intended some weeks before, had not the providence of a good God prevented the designs of merciless men. For, certain Italianated Priests, boiling in revengeful rancour, because their plots and hopes (which they vainly promised themselves for advancement of their Religion) were now past all appearance of possibility or success, and combining with some other of better Rank and Note, whom private discontents had whetted on to a public mischief; contrived together a desperate design, for surprise of the King's Person and Prince Henry his son. Of forces to effect it, they made no doubt, meaning to retain john Stow. them prisoners in the Tower, and with the Treasures therein to maintain their intent, or, if the Tower were impugnable, then to carry them to The intents of the Conspirators Dover Castle, and there by violence either to obtain their own pardons, a toleration in Religion, and a remoovall of some Counsellors of the State, or else to put some further project in execution. To conceal this Treason, Watson the Priest devised Oaths for secrecy, and himself with Clerk (another Priest also) taught, that the act was lawful, being done A Doctrine well fitting such Doctors. before the Coronation, for that the King was no King, before he was anointed, and the Crown solemnly set on his head. (10) The other persons whose loyalty was likewise called into question, as involved in the attempt, were Henry Brooke Lord Cobham and Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Thomas Lord Gray of Wilton, Sir Walter Raughley Lord Warden of the Stanneries, Sir Griffin Markham, and Sir Edward Parham knights, George Brooke, and Bartholomew Brooksby Esquires, and Anthony Copley a Gentleman; all which parties being apprehended, were committed some The Coronation of the King and Queen. to the Gatehouse at Westminster, others to the Tower of London. Mean while (notwithstanding the raging sickness) the day for the Coronation (being the feast of Saint james) was celebriously kept, with july 25. all solemn performance and ancient Rites of the English Kings, in the Collegiate Church of St. Peter in Westminster. Where, the antic Regal Chair of inthronization, did blessedly receive, with the person of his Majesty, the full accomplishment also The Regal Chair brought out of Scotland, wherein is a stone called Saxum jacob●, said to be of high esteem with the Scots. of that Prophetical prediction of this His coming to the Crown, which Antiquity hath recorded to have been therein inscribed thus. Ni fallat Fatum Scoti hunc quocunque locat●m Inuenient Lapidem, regnare tenentur ibidem. If Fates go right, this Stone, where e'er 'tis pight, The Scot shall found, and there his Reign assigned. For even there now the sacred Oil was powered upon the royal People of King james and Queen Anne▪ by the most reverend Prelate, john Whitgift Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, the Princess and Peers wearing their Robes and Coronets, the Officers giving attendance in their places, and the Lord Mayor of London in a Gown of Crimson Velvet, with the Aldermen in Scarlet: twelve principal Citizens were admitted to attend them, all other forbidden because of the plague. (11) As the great solitude of the City of London by reason of this infection, and the retiredness both of his Majesty and all his Nobles, gave some hopes to the forementioned Priests and their Abettors, for the easier accomplishing their plots: so was it also some occasion of the delay of justice on them after their treasonous designs were now fully brought to light. Wherefore, London continuing The conspirators conveyed to Winchester. still unfit for such a trial, and requisite concourse of Peers and people, Winchester, the Term being there kept, was the place designed for their arraignment, whither they were all conveyed under strong guard. The first who there * novem. 15 came to their trial, were George Brooke, brother to the Lord Cobham, Sir Griffith Markham, and Sir Edward Parham, Bro●ksby, Copley▪ Watson, and Clerk; whose indictment was, that they had conspired; first, to destroy the King▪ secondly, to raise Rebellion; thirdly, to altar Religion; fourthly, to subvert the State; and lastly, to procure foreign Invasion. That these their intents they had made known unto the Lord Gray, Their Inditements and condemnations. whom they meant should have been Earl Marshal of England, Watson Lord Chancellor, George Brooke Lord Treasurer, and Sir Griffin Markham Secretary. That with the King, the Lords also should be surprised in their chambers at Greenwich, and the Lord Maior and Aldermen of London should be sent for, and so be shut up in the Tower. Mr. George Brook condemned. (12) George Brooke hereunto answered (with a colour and pretext as lewd as the attempt,) that he had Commission from the King to do what he did, only to try faithful Subjects; which commission he could not produce. Sir Griffin Markham (excepting only the imputation of blood) confessed his offence very penitently, alleging it was through a discontented mind, and desired the Lords to be a mean to the King for mercy. Watson and Clark (the former of which confessed he had drawn all those Gentlemen into these plots) did vainly and ignorantly aver, that they held the King no King, until he was Crowned, and that therefore it 1. Sam. 9. could not be Treason: alleging, that Saul was not King until he was chosen in Mizpeh, though he had been anointed in Ramah by Samuel the Prophet; neither jeroboam, who in the days of Solomon, had been confirmed by the Prophet to reign over Israel, until the people made him King upon the foolish answers of Rehoboam. Thus these great Rabbis Watson and Clark apply Scriptures to maintain Treason. made no difference betwixt the mediate and ordinary succession of lawful Princes, ordained by God to be his Vicegerents in fully-established Commonweals, and those Kings which himself extraordinarily advanced, and erected to be the whips in his hand; as the first manifestly proved, when they had cast off Samuel, and the latter allotted to no other end, as by the Prophet is apparent, where God in him saith, I gave them a King in mine anger, and I Hos●a 13. 11. took him away in my wrath; but the more learned informed them, that in England is no interregnum, because the King never dieth, and that the Coronation is but a Ceremony to show the King to the people. November 17. (13) Too days after was Sir Walter Raughley Sir Walter Raughley arraigned and condemned. brought to the Bar, being indicted for combining with the Lord Cobham (his accuser) in the foresaid designs. Whereunto he pleaded not guilty, and so stood for his purgation, as he held argument from morning till night, to the hearers no little admiration, that a man of so exquisite understanding and experience should give consent unto such a plot, no less soul, then foolish. Yet in fine he was found guilty, and had sentence of death. The Lords Cobham and Gray arraigned and condemned. (14) The like judgement, a few days after, passed upon the Lords, Cobham and Gray, arraigned on two several days. The former being indicted, for combining with Sir Walter Raughley and George Brooke, to procure forces from the King of Spain and the Archduke, for an Invasion, etc. The other for joining with the foresaid Priests, Knights, and Gentlemen, in their forementioned conspiracies. The Lord Chancellor of England, being Lord Steward for that service, sat under a Cloth of Estate in the upper end of the Hall, the Nobles sitting (as their Peers and judges) on benches upon both sides. Those at the Bar he willed to be bold, and to answer without fear: the King's learned Counsel he entreated not to confounded the memory of the prisoners with unnecessary matters: and the Peers, though unsworne, he advised to try indifferently betwixt the King and the arraigned; who both pleading not guilty, were yet found otherwise by the Court, and received judgement of death. Watson and Clark upon the 29. of November. (15) Of all these arraigned, Sir Edward Parham only was acquitted by the jury, and of all the rest only three died, which were Watson, Clarke, Mr. George Brook upon the 5. of December being Tuesday. and Master George Brooke: the former of which, having at large laid open in Print, the Treasons and unsufferable machinations of the jesuitical Order, left this suspicion on them at his death, that they, in john Stow. revenge, had cunningly and covertly drawn him into this Action, which brought him to this shameful end. After whose death, his Majesty then at Wilton, (having commanded his Lords, to deliver the true narration unto him of the whole proceeding in the arraignements and answers of all the rest) signed also a warrant for the execution of the Lords Cobham and Gray, as also Markham, to be performed the Friday following before ten of the clock in the morning. Notwithstanding his Majesty more moved to mild mercy, than the high strain of justice, of his Princely and free clemency, gave life unto those persons, expecting present death, and thus with his own hand wrote to countercheck his former Warrant. The King's Letters for stay of the Execution. (16) Althouch it be true, that all well governid and flourishing Kingdoms and Common vealthiss air establishid by justice, and that these tu● Noblemen by birth, that air now upon the point of execution, air for their treasonable practices condemnid by the Law, and adiudgit voorthy of the execution thaireof, to the exemple and terror of otheris: The one of thaim having filthily practised the overthrow of the quhole Kingdom, and the other for the surprise of our owin person: yet in regaird that this is the first year of our Reign in this Kingdom, and that never King was so far obleishid to his People as ve have been to this, by our entry here with so hairty and general an applause of all sorts. Among quhom all the kin, freindis, and allies of the saidis condemnid personis, vaire as forduart and dutiful as any other our good Subiectis, as also that at the very time of their Arraignment none did more freely and readily give their assent to their conviction, and to deliver thaim into the handis of justice, than so many of their nearest Kinsmen and Allies (as being Peeris) vaiere upon their jury; as likevaise in regard that justice hath in some sort gottin course already, by the execution of the tuo priests, and George Brooke, that vaire the principal plotteries and intisairs of all the rest, to the embracing of the saidis treasonabill Machinations, vee therefore (being resoluid to mix Clemency with justice) air contented, and by these Presentis command you, our present Sheriff of Hampshire to superseid the Execution of the saidis tuo Noble men and to take thaim back to their prison again, quhile our further pleasure be knowing. And since ve vill not have our Lawis to have respect to personis in sparing the great, and strikking the meaner sort; It is our pleasure, that the like course be also taken with Marckham, being sorry from our hairt, that such is, not only the heinous nature of the saidis condemnid personis crime, but even the corruption is so great of their natural disposition, as the care ve have for the safety and quiet of our State, and good Subiectis, vill not permit us to use that Clemency towardis thaim, quhich in our owin natural inclination, vee micht very easily be persuadit unto. The King's merciful, reprieve of the Prisoners ready to die. (17) This Letter thus framed, the delivery thereof his Majesty committed unto one john Gibb a Scottish Gentleman, a discreet person, and free from dependency of any Noble man or Counsellor, neither was he of any extraordinary rank, as well that the bystanders should not observe any alteration for the execution, as the delinquents themselves take any apprehension by his presence, to the end that each of them severally should prepare to breath out their last breath, with a true confession of their secret consciences. The time approaching, Sir Griffin Markham brought to the Scaffold, (to that end erected on the Castle green) made himself ready for the stroke of the Axe, when secretly Master Gibb delivered unto the high * Sir B● Ticbborn. Sheriff of the Shire the Kings Warrant to the contrary, who soon perceiving his majesties intent took back the prisoner, (as if he were first to confront the two Lords in the Hall upon some service to the King,) from the Scaffold, Sir Griffin Markham returned from the Scaffold and brought him into the Castle Hall. Then was the Lord Gray brought forth, who having powered out his prayers unto God, at length kneeling down for the stroke of death, the Sheriff bade stay, telling the Lord that some further service was expected of him, and thereupon likewise lead him again into the Castle. The Lord Cobham then was brought The Lord Cobham Lord Gray and Sir Griffin Markham reprieved. to the Scaffold, who being in prayers and preparation for death, the Lord Gray and Sir Griffin were brought back again, where the prisoners all three appearing together on the Scaffold, the Sheriff notified his majesties Warrant for the stay of their Executions, and that as than they should not die. Upon which rare Clemency, unexpected both of prisoners and spectators, arose such shouts of the people, as was wonderful, crying God save the King, and the condemned overcome with his Clemency, wished they might sacrifice their lives to redeem their own faults and to repurchase so merciful a Prince's love. The Minister's petition to the King against the book of Common Prayer. (18) This business thus transacted, for the safety of the King's Person and whole Kingdom; his Majesty, (who well considered, that the quiet of a Weal-public cannot possibly subsist long, without the peace and well managed government of the Church,) having among many other Petitions which were presented to Him at his first entrance, received one from certain persons of unquiet spirits, against the established Government and Liturgy in the English Church, resolved now by his Princely judgement, as another Hezekiah to break the Brazenserpent, 2. King. 18. 2. King. 24. if Idolatry were thereunto committed, and like a second josiah, to read the law of the Lord himself: whereupon by Proclamation he commanded A Proclamation for a conference to be held at Hampton Court. an assembly of selected Divines, such as could best deliver the minds of both parts, to appear in his Royal presence, at his Manor of Hampton-Court: * On Thursday january 12. whither the summoned accordingly repaired. For the maintained Church-state, were the Lord Archbishop The persons summoned. of Canterbury, the Bishops of London, Durham, Winchester, Worcester, Saint David's, Chichester Carliol and Peterborow: the Deans of the Chapel, Christ-Church, Worcester, Westminster, Paul's▪ Chester▪ and Windsor, with Doctor Field, & Doctor King, the now Lord Bishop of London. To deliver the Plaintiffs desires, were summoned, and appeared Doctor Reynolds and Doctor sparks of Oxford, M. Knewstubs, and M. Chaderton of Cambridge. (19) The first sitting was upon Saturday, the fourteenth of january, in his majesties Privy-chamber at Hampton-Court, whereinto the Church-governors only being admitted (by his majesties command) in the presence of his Privy Council, he made a most godly and princely declaration of his intent, His majesties Oration unto the Clergy. in summoning this Assembly, in effect, thus; That this his proceeding was no novel devise, but according to the example of all Christian Princes; who in the commencement of their reigns, usually take the first course for the establishing of the Church both for doctrine and policy, to which the very Heathen themselves had relation in this their Proverb à jove Principtum. And particularly Many alterations in the church since K. Henry 8. in this land, King Henry the eight, towards the end of his reign; after him King Edward the sixt, who altered more; after him Queen Mary, who reversed all; and the last Queen of famous memory, who settled the Church state as now it standeth. Wherein yet his Majesty deemed himself happier than they, in that they were feign to altar those things which they found established, whereas himself saw yet no cause, so much to change any thing, as to confirm that which He found so well settled already. Which State so affected his Royal heart, that it pleased him, both to enter into a gratulation to almighty God, (at which words he put off his hat) for bringing him into the land of Promise, where Religion was purely professed, where he sat among grave, learned, and reverend Divines, who better knew what belonged to the State of a King, to the honour and order of a kingdom, than some other Nations did, and withal to assure the Prelacy there present, that He intended not any Innovation, acknowledging the Government Ecclesiastical to have been approved by manifold blessings from God himself, both for the increase of the Gospel, and with a most happy No State without corruption. and glorious peace. Yet, because nothing could be so absolutely ordered, but that somewhat might be added, and in any State as in the body of man, Corruptions like i'll humours might insensibly grow either through time or persons; his purpose was, after the example of a good Physician, to make search into the supposed diseases, and to examine the complaints, so to remove the occasions thereof, if they prove scandalous, or to cure them, if they were dangerous, or if but frivolous, yet to take knowledge of them, thereby at once both to cast a sop into the mouth of Cerberus, and of all factious spirits, and withal to give satisfaction to all quiet and sober minded men. (20) His Majesty concluding this his general advertisement, His majesties demands touching some supposed abuses. entered more particular discourse with the Bishops (for his own private information) concerning the Book of Common Prayer, Excommunication in the Ecclesiastical Courts, and the provision of fit and able Ministers for Ireland. Touching matters in the said Book, he desired satisfaction; Confirmation. First, for Confirmation, which if it were held and so called, as if the Sacrament of Baptism were thereby confirmed, & were invalidous without it, than was it in his judgement blasphemous: but if it were only that Children, who at their Baptism made profession of their faith by the mouths of others, might before the Bishops profess it in their own persons, and so receive Episcopal Benediction by prayer, and imposition of hands, than was it of very sacred use in God's Church. Secondly, for Absolution, which his Absolution. Majesty had heard compared to the Pope's pardons. Private Baptism Thirdly, for Private Baptism, which he utterly disliked to be administered, but by a lawful Minister. Excommunication His second point was Excommunication, wherein he moved two especial considerations; the one of the Matter, that the sentence being so weighty▪ was not to be pronounced upon every sleight cause: the other of the People, why Laymen as Chancellors & Commissaries, and not rather the Dean and Chapter, or other grave Ministers and Chaplains should be assumed by the Bishops for their assistants therein. The last which was touching a sufficient ministery in Ireland, his Majesty referred to another day. The Prelate's satisfaction to his majesties demands. Of Confirmation (21) But his Majesty received full satisfaction & contentment by the several answers to all his demands. Touching Confirmation, that the Church of England held it no essential part of the Sacrament of Baptism, but a * Cyprian Ep. 73. Hieron. adverse. Luciferian. practice of the Primitive Church, yea of the * Heb. 6. u 2. Apostles, (as * Calvin in Heb. 6. 2. & Fulk▪ in Act. c 8. u 27. Calvin himself expounds their meaning, who also wished the restitution thereof in such Churches where it had been abolished,) and for Imposition of hands on children, warranted by * Mat. 19 13 Christ himself, a Custom still retained in our Church, as very godly and necessary for those very reasons and uses, which his Majesty had mentioned, and truly observed. Touching Absolution, it Of Absolution. was answered, that as Christ desired not the death of sinners, so he hath given power and commandment to his Ministers, to pronounce his mercy with remission of sins unto all Penitents, that the practice hereof in the English Church, is so far from Popery, as that the Reform Churches of Augusta, Boheme, and Saxony, do both allow it, and retain it, yea, and Calvin himself approves it. Of Private Baptism it was answered, that though the words seemed Of Private Baptism. somewhat doubtful, yet the practice of the English Church did contradict all administration of it by laics and Women, in censuring them in that case: whereupon it was concluded, that a lawful Minister only should be employed in times of necessity, when the Infant was in danger of life; yet so understood▪ that the person was in no wise to be reputed of the Essence of the Sacrament. And finally, for Excommunication, it was there resolved, that the Of Excommunication. abuses (if any such there were) being removed and amended, that sacred censure should retain its necessary vigour in the Church; and so for that day his Majesty dismissed the Assemby of his Prelates. The other Doctors appear before his Majesty. (22) Upon Monday following, being the sixteenth of january, those other Doctors, who were to relate the dislikes of the Opposites, were called likewise into the Privy Chamber, where in presence of his Prelates and Peers his Majesty delivered unto them, a pithy & princely declaration of his mind, That He intended not to innovate the government The King's Religious speech unto them. now established, which by long experience he had found accomplished with so singular blessings of God forty five years, as that no Church upon the face of the earth hath more flourished than this of England. But rather his meaning▪ and earnest desire was, first to settle uniformity through the whole, for the more quiet and flourishing estate thereof: secondly, to plant unity for the suppression of Papists, and enemies of Religion: thirdly to amend, abuses as incident to Bodies politic, as the shadow to the body Natural; which once getting entrance, hold on as a Wheel doth his motion, when it is once set on going. Among the complaints therefore of many grievances made since his entrance into England, none was more weighty, nor himself more willing to hear and His Majesty most willing to amend abuses. amend, than such as might concern the state of the Church, if the same did in any wise decline from the ancient and Apostolical rule. For which cause he had sent for them, whom he understood to be grave, learned, & modest Divines, to hear by them those grievances, and several objections at large, and desired them boldly to declare the same. (23) Whereupon Doctor Reinolds, a very learned man, after a preamble gratulatory (upon his knees) D. Reynold the Speaker for the Complaina●●ss. with acknowledgement of God's mercy in giving us so godly, so learned, so careful a King, reduced all matters, either desired or disliked amongst the weak Brethren (whose Spokesman he protested he would not have been, but only upon his majesties mandatory Summons) unto those four heads. 1. for preservation of true doctrine. 2. for placing of good Pastors, 3. for sincere administration of the church government; 4. for explanation of some clauses in the Common-prayer Book. It would be here too impertinent, to farce an historical Narration with those Theological particulars, which upon those several points were then produced, and are * The Conference at Hampton Court, printed 1604. elsewhere to be found exactly related. Yet as we cannot but commend the judgement of these four Divines (as touching the third point) in that, finding no just exception to the Episcopal Hierarchy of our Church, in no one word they impugned or disapproved the same; so much more must we celebrated the admirable dexterity, judgement and learning of his sacred Majesty, joined with so rare industry and patience, whose own accurate search and exquisite expositions of Scriptures, Fathers, and primitive practices, did there both breed wonder & astonishment in that noble and learned audience, and also give singular satisfaction (even to the * They all promised obedience, and Doctor Spark writ a book to persuade unto conformity. agents for the Opposites) touching all the exceptions taken to the Church-state; which his Majesty now found to be no other than the phantasms of a scrupulous indiscretion. (24) The Wednesday following, being the 18▪ The conclusion of the Conference. of january (appointed for the next meeting) his Majesty again, with most of the Lords of his Privy Council, entered the Chamber; where the Reverend Prelates with such others only as the L. archbishop appointed, (for so his Majesty commanded) being admitted to his Royal presence, after some conference about the High Commission court, Subscription, Oath ex officio and the like, his Majesty (causing the other four Divines to be then called in) was pleased to declare what formerly had passed; and for a conclusion, shut up all with a godly exhortation, like another Constantine, persuading every man to unity, and to a diligent discharge of their duties, their in several places▪ the superiors to govern without violence, the inferiors to obey without murmuring, and all of them to build God's Temple without sound of discord; desiring and commanding all present, not only themselves to labour that way, but to be a means to draw on all others unto a peaceable conformity, the matters being no other (as now he saw plainly) but of mere weakness: wherein persons discreet would doubtless be easily henceforward reclaimed, and for the undiscreet & reluctant, their rooms were more behoveful than their services: by their fruits therefore He should discern and judge them; Obedience and Humility being the marks of honest and good men, which thenceforth he would expect from as many as would be held well affected to his Majesty and his State. Which princely exhortation (delivered with much more feeling words, and moving earnestness) was so piercing as it fetched tears from some of both sides, and all unanimously protested their most dutiful obedience to those his Royal commands. (25) Besides this main fruit of this famous conference, the settling of the Church-peace, sundry other important matters (not here to be pretermitted, because necessarily tending to that noble end) were therein also projected, and by his Majesties ever provident care had then their conception, though aftertimes brought the births to perfection. The first (both in due rank and use) was his sacred Decree The translation of the Bible intended and commanded. for a new Translation of the holy Scriptures, upon a princely and pious care of God's eternal Truth according to the Originals, as also for an uniform reading thereof in the Churches. To which end three selected Companies from Oxford, Cambridge and in London, most judicious in the languages and learning being employed, after long conference, much reading, and▪ diligent comparing of all translations with the ancient originals, it is now most exactly and happily published, as a witness to the world both of God's constant promise, that Heaven and Earth should perish, but his word should never: and also of the Religious care of this his Vicegerent, in seeking even at the first, the first thing that man is commanded to seek after, whose praise shall stand for ever in the Record of that godly work, and the work shall justify itself against all gainsayers to God's eternal glory, and many souls great comfort. (26) His second sacred project was, that as now in England, so also in Ireland, Wales, and the Northern The Kings second religious project at the Conference. parts, true Religion (which He there avowed to be the only band of true obedience) might be thoroughly planted. Which religious purpose He so zealously prosecuted, especially for the North and all Scotland, as that He held it not sufficient to have joined these two Kingdoms into one Temporal Monarchy, unless He might see them both united also in the Doctrine, Regiment and Rites of one spiritual Hierarchy. Neither was his princely wisdom for the means less conspicuous than his zeal in the intendment, in making so heedful choice of such English Divines, aswere (not long after) in this employment sent into Scotland; the very first, in which apostolic embassage for establishing those Neighbour-Churches was he, whose eminency both for Place and Piety, is now worthily foremost The now Lord Archbishop of Canterbury (D. George Abbot) the first preacher sent into Scotland. in guiding our own; and whose blessed travels in that service, as they were acceptable to God, his Majesty, and that Nation; so are they a document to others, how powerful & admirably successful true Learning is, where it is guided with true Prudence, and where Piety and love of God's glory is linked with Charity, and zeal of man's good. (27) This great business and conference so royally accomplished, his majesties next care was (herein also as another Constantine) to perpetuate the maintenance of this flourishing Church (whose peaceable A Parliament held March 19 The Church lands not to be alienated. estate he had thus provided for) with the revenues of her ancient foundations; as also to establish salutary laws for the peaceable government of his people; to which purpose a Parliament was assembled at Westminster, the 19 of March, wherein, for the Church it was enacted, that neither Archbishop Ex Parliament. jacob▪ primi. nor Bishop should alienate, assure, give, grant, demise, or in any sort convey, not, not to the King himself, his Heirs or Successors, any of the Honours, Castles, Manors, Lands, Tenements or Hereditaments, being parcel of the possessions of his archbishopric or Bishopric; and if any so were, to be utterly void and of none effect, notwithstanding any former law, statute, act, or ordinance to the contrary. (28) Four days before this Parliament commenced, it pleased his Majesty, with the most noble March 15. The King's triumphant passage through London. Queen Anne, and the most illustrious Prince Henry, attended with glorious troops of great Peers, Prelates, and Courtiers, to ride in triumph through the City of London to Westminster, the houses beautified with rich hangings, the streets adorned with goodly Trophies and Pageantes, of several nations inhabiting, the rails on both sides covered with blue cloth, the several Companies honourably addressed, and ranked under the displayed Ensigns and Arms of their several Trades and Sciences; the one showing the wealth and state of the City; the other, the body of the Citizens and government, and all making manifest the unsp eakeable joy they conceived to receive their great Sovereign into this His City and Imperial Chamber. In pledge of which their excessive joy, unfeigned Sir Henry Montague. love, and vowed fidelity, the Recorder at the Cross in Cheap, both gratulated his Majesty with a * See john Stows Annals. pithy speech in the name of the City, and wishing him a golden reign, presented his Greatness with a cup of gold; delivering another likewise to the Queen, and a third to the Prince, which were all no less graciously accepted, than most lovingly presented. (29) Neitherlesse was his majesties desire to retaliate the Citizens and other his Subjects true affections, when recounting the great hindrances of merchandizing and Navigations of traffic, by reason of the long continued breach betwixt England and Spain, his royal heart tendering his subjects tranquility, endeavoured to salve again those Psal. 141. v 6 wounds of discord with the * prince balm of Peace; which was solemnly proclaimed in London, August 19 the sea being made open to Merchants for their free commerce. The two kingdoms united under the name of Great Britain. (30) Both Domestic and foreign affairs thus plausibly composed, as his Majesty was the first, who in this last age of the world held the Sceptre of the whole Island in his royal hand, so to unite the two styles under the name of one entire Empire, and the two Nations into a joint blessed unity; He caused himself by Proclamation to be enstiled King of Great Britain; according to the ancient name of this Isle before the Saxons Conquest; the restoring of which name again, many foredooming spirits had anciently presaged, as now we see effected. Unto which Imperial stile, are rightly annexed the kingdoms of France and Ireland, rightfully belonging by birth and Conquest unto the Crown of England. Jesuits and Seminary priests banished. (31) Too other Proclamations afterwards came forth; the one for the Banishment of all Jesuits & Seminary Priests, out of the land; and the other to confirm the Ecclesiastical government, and Book of Common Prayer, in the same form and estate, as Queen Elizabeth left them; to the no little grief of the workers for Rome, whose designs began now to suck in such poison, as in the venting whereof, not only the earth might have trembled under the weight of such monsters, but even the heavens be astonished and confounded, to give those Serpents the jer. 2, 12. The treason conceived against the State. breath or benefit of air. Unto which bloody, horrible and odious act to God and man my Style must now turn: a matter indeed so distastive for me to remember, or to writ of, that it abhors my very soul to fill the pen with ink, or to blot the paper with these far blacker spots of darkness, and deformers of England's fair face. (32) The plot was to undermine the Parliament Th● heathenish cruelty of the Gunpowder Treason. house, and with Gunpowder to blow up the King, the Prince, Clergy, Nobles, Knights and Burgesses, the very confluence of all the flower of Glory, Piety, Learning, Prudence, Authority in the land▪ fathers, sons, brothers, allies, friends, foes, Papists, and Protestants, all at one blast. A stratagem invented by him that blows the bellows of destruction, fashioned in the forge of the bottomless pit, put in practice in a vault of darkness, and forwarded by him that is the father of darkness, and in darkness I could wish it might ever devil, whose like was never revealed to the The Traitor's intents: light of the Sun. Their intent, when that religious achievement had been performed, was to surprise the remainder of the King's Issue, to altar religion and the State, and to bring in foreign power. Proceed against Traitors. pag. 19 Baynam appointed the Post. pag 133. Sir Edmund Baynam an attainted person (who styled himself Prince of the damned Crew) was sent unto the Pope, as he was a temporal Prince, to acquaint him with the Gunpowder-treason; a fit Post indeed to be employed betwixt the Pope and the Devil. Winter sent into Spain. (33) This treason was first set on foot in the last year of the late Queen's reign, when Henry Garnet the Superior of the Jesuits, Catesby and others sent Thomas Winter into Spain to negotiate with King Philip in the name of the English Catholics; first, to sand an army unto them, who now were in a readiness to join their Forces with his; secondly, to grant some pensions unto sundry persons devoted to his service in England: and thirdly, to give advertisement of the discontents that the young Gentlemen and Soldiers had conceived upon the death of Essex, whereby a most fit occasion was then offered to forward the common cause. To prosecute which business, he made for his means father Creswell the Leaguer jesuite in Spain, Don Petro Francesa second Secretary to the State, and the Duke of Lerma, a great Counsellor to the king; all of them being said to have assured this ill commissioned Ambassador, that the office of his employment would be very grateful to their master. The plots determined for the invasion of England. (34) The place for landing concluded upon by these wise Statists, was Kent or Essex, if the King's Army were great; if otherwise, than Milford Haven in Wales was held fittest: with these and other like complots, Winter all that summer followed the King in his Progress, and lastly had answer by the Count Miranda, that his King would bestow a hundred King Philip's answer and offer. thousand Crowns towards the expedition, half thereof to be paid that present year, and the rest in the next Spring, when (at the farthest) he meant to set foot in England; on whose behalf he willed the English Catholics to maintain their promise, whom he respected (as was avowed) as his own proper Castilians: And further desired their continual advertisements, if in the mean time it chanced the old Queen to die. The hopes of the English Catholics. (35) Winter thus laden with hopes, returneth from Spain, and emptieth his male into the bosoms of Garnet, Catesby, and Tresham, and they unto others, all of them tickled to hear the news, rested fully, satisfied, expecting the day. But before the Springtime was fully approached, that Morning Star, and Mirror of her Sex, did set in our West, the thrice glorious Elizabeth, who had now judged Israel full forty four years in admirable tranquillity, as in her reign we have sufficiently seen. To signify whose death Christopher Wright was from Christopher Wright sent into Spain to signify the death of th● Queen. Catesby and others sent into Spain, and Guy Fawkes likewise was posted thither from Brussels by Sir William Stanley, both of them to prosecute the former negotiation, assuring the Spanish King, that King james meant to run the same course, and to proceed as rigorously against the Catholics, as the late Queen had done: for whose defence they instantly desired that some Spaniards might be transported unto Milford-haven, where the Romish-minded would be forward to assist them, having in a readiness two thousand horse furnished for the Proceed against Traitors. pag. 72. enterprise. But King Philip aswell poizing his honour, as his zeal for Religion, and observing a great difference betwixt States in hostility, and of King Philip refuseth all hostile attempts against England. Kings reigning in friendship, in no wise would listen to invade England, or further to proceed in any forcible enterprise. (36) In the mean while the Jesuits had been tampering to dissuade the acceptance of King james into England, urging it for a Maxim, that death was to be endured, rather than to admit an heretic (so it pleased them to term the Lords anointed) and those that gave him consent they held liable to Excommunication by the censure of Pope Clement the eight, who had liberally bestowed upon his sacred person the names of a Puritan, an Heretic, a Caluinist, a Persecutor of Protestants, and another julian Apostata. (37) The Romanists thus loosened from their Ankor-hold of Spain, and left by that Pilot to shifted for themselves, now perceived their own error in their long expectation, That change of State would change Religion: but she now go, whose life they had often laid for, and her godly Successor no whit inferior to her for advancing the Gospel: their hopes grew desperate (as these desperates alleged) and no other means now left them but The desperate attempts of the Papists. only to kill the King, whom they falsely calumniated to have broken his promise for a toleration in Religion, as Watson and Percy had divulged among them; yea, and a fraudulent message was sent to the King james scandalised by the Papists. Pope by the Scotish Secretary, that K. james would become his obedient son. But how far his religious heart was from these aspersions, appeared both by Watson himself, who, condemned to die, took it upon the salvation of his soul, that he could not draw the smallest comfort from the King for a toleration of the Catholics, but that himself had imparted his words in a milder tune than his Majesty meant them, only to keep (as he excused the matter) the Catholics in love and duty unto the King: and since by the Lord of Balmerinoth (Secretary to the King in Scotland) who acknowledging his offence, hath been arraigned Bishop of Lincoln page 194. Letters signed by the King against the King's knowledge. and found guiltieof death, for devising letters, and sending them to Rome, which himself cunningly got signed in shuffling them amongst others, his Majesty being utterly ignorant of the Contents. (38) Upon which false suggestions, the Atheistical position of Catesby was grounded, who held it for an Axiom as father Parsons had taught: That the whole School both of Divines and Lawyers make it a position certain, and to be undoubtedly believed, That if any Christian In his Book Philopater, Sect. 2 prince whatsoever, shall manifestly turn from the Catholic Religion, and desire or seek to reclaim other men from the same, he presently falleth from all princely power and dignity, and that also by virtue and power of the Law itself both divine and human, even before any sentence pronounced against him by the supreme Pastor and judge. And that his Subjects of what estate or condition soever are freed from all bond of oath of Allegiance which at any time they had made unto him as to their lawful Prince. Nay, that they both may and aught (provided they have competent strength and force) cast out such a man from bearing rule among Christians, as an Apostata, an Heretic, a Backeslider, and Reuolter from our Lord jesus Christ, and an enemy to his own State and Commonwealth, jest perhaps he might infect others, or by his example or command turn them De of●icio Princip●s Christiani. Chap. 5. from the faith. Yea; one step further elsewhere is stood upon, that if any Prince shall but favour or show countenance to an Heretic, he presently looseth his Kingdom. And thus they conclude, that for Heresy a Prince is to be deposed, and his kingdom to be bestowed at the pleasure of the Pope, for whom the People upon pain of damnation are to take part and fight: out of which detestable conclusions arose the first smoke of the Gunpowder Treason. (39) For the Parliament dissolved the seventh of july, and prorogued until the seventh of February Thomas Winter's Confession. following, Catesby being at Lambeth, sent for Thomas Winter, who before had been employed into Spain, and broke with him then for blowing up of the Parliament house: who readily apprehending it, said, that (indeed) strake at the root: only these helps were wanting, a house for residence, and a man of skill to carry the Mine; but the first Catesby assured him was easily to be got, and for the man he commended Guy Fawkes, a sufficient soldier, and a most forward Catholic. But first (quoth he) Thomas Winter sent into the Low Countries. See the Book entitled. A discourse of the intended Treason's. because no peaceable way shall be untrod, you shall over to the Constable, and entreat him to solicit his Majesty at his coming into England, that the penal laws may here be repealed, and the Catholics tolerated and ranked with his other Subjects. (40) Winter thus posted to negotiate with the Constable, found him at Bergen near Dunkirk, and by, the means of Owen the fugitive Traitor, delivered See Winter's Concessions. his message; whose answer was, that he had a strict command from his Master to do all good offices The Constable dissembleth. for the Catholics, and for his own part he found himself bound in conscience not to omit any good occasion The great desire the Spaniards had of Peace. that might forward their cause: although indeed he did but temporize as Sir William Stanley told Winter, for the great desire which the Spaniards had that the Peace might proceed with England. Whereupon Winter (hopeless that way) returned for England, bringing with him the foresaid Fawkes, a fit instrument for so devilish a design; and coming to Lambeth, told Catesby that the Constable was not the man whatsoever were his words, and that all now in those parts were bend for a conclusion of Peace; which sounded so harshly in his ill-tuned ears, that his brains become more busied about his impious Project, and his mind in continual travel to bring forth that sin, which he had most unnaturally conceived. (41) Robert Catesby, john Wright, Thomas Winter, and Guy Fawkes holding a community in their Percies speech to the Conspirators mischiefs still about London; about the midst of Easter-Terme, Thomas Percy as hot as the Hotspur himself to forward Rebellion, came puffing to Catesbies' lodging in Lambeth, and the first word he spoke was this: What Gentlemen shall we always be talking, and never do any thing? you perceive (I know) how things do proceed. To whom Catesby answered, that something was resolved upon, but first an Oath for secrecy was to be ministered. For which purpose they appointed to meet some three days after behind S. The conference of the Conspirarors behind S. Clement's Church Clement's Church without Temble-barre, where being met, and falling in Conference, Catesby alleged that this last Parliament had left the Catholics in as much danger as they stood before, & that now the peace with Spain was rather a mean for harder laws to proceed, than those in force against them to be abrogated; so that the ancient Romish Religion, & the Catholic professors thereof must now be enforced to bid England adieu, if Gentlemen of power and repute should thus give way to the contrary proceed, or thus make nice how to help, or where to begin: at which speech Percy made present answer, himself was the man that would undergo the Catholic cause, were it with the slaughter Percyes' resolute and devilish answer. of the King, which he was there ready to undertake and do. The Gunpowder plot revealed among the Conspirators. (42) No Tom (said Catesby) thou shalt not adventure thyself to so small purpose, if thou wilt be a Traitor, there is a plot to greater advantage, and such a one as can never be discovered: and thereupon all of them taking the Oath of secrecy, hearing the Mass and receiving the Sacrament, Catesby told them his devilish devise, which was by Mine and Gunpowder to blow up the Parliament house, and at one stroke with the destruction of many, effect that at once, which had been many years in attempting. A matter easily performed (as he urged) if men of resolution would thereunto bestow their purse and their pains; and most sure from suspicion of discovery, the design being so estranged from the conceit of man: wherein he also observed that Catesbies' observations for justice. religious justice was thirsty of revenge, even upon the same persons, and in the same place, whence she first received the unjust laws enacted against her. For case of conscience to kill the Innocent with the nocent, he told them it was warrantable by the authority of Garnet himself, the Superior of the English Jesuits, and of Gerrard, and Tesmond (jesuitical Priests likewise) who by their Apostolical power did absolve and commend the fact, which for the advantage of the Catholics was to be executed (they said) though with the death of some Innocents, rather Proceed against Traitors. than the service should quail, the necessity of time and occasion so requiring it. The Oath was given them by the said Gerrard (the devils Attorney in this business) the form whereof was as followeth. You shall swear by the blessed Trinity, and by the Sacrament you now purpose to receive, never to The Oath of secrecy ministered to the Traitors. disclose directly nor indirectly, by word or circumstance, the matter that shall be proposed to you to keep secret, nor desist from the execution thereof, until the rest shall give you leave. (43) The project thus far passed, the practice was to proceed; and the first thing sought after was The provision how and where to begin the horrible treason. for a house wherein they might begin their work, to which purpose, no place was held fit than a certain edifice adjoining to the wall of the Parliament house, which served for withdrawing rooms for the assembled Lords; and out of Parliament was at the dispose of the Keeper of the place and Wardrobe thereunto belonging. These did Percy hire for his lodgings, entertaining Fawkes (as most unknown Fawkes changed his name into johnson. by face) for his man, who changing his name into johnson, had the Keys and keeping of the rooms. Neither was this enough, but a house must be also had to supply Percies lodgings for provision of Powder, & to frame and fit wood for the carriage of the Mine, which Catesby provided at Lambeth, & swore Robert Keys into their Conspiracies, making him the Keeper of those his provisions, who in the night as occasion served, conveyed the same unto the custody of Fawkes. (44) The appointed day for the Parliament being the 7 of February, in October before it was thought Percyes' house employed by the Scotish Lords. fit to begin the work, whereupon Fawkes returning forth of the Country, found Percies rooms appointed for the Scotish Lords to meet in, there to confer touching the unton of the two Kingdoms: so that they feared (for that present) to iniate their attempt. But that honourable assembly dissolved, upon the eleventh of December late in the night, they entered into their Work of Darkness, and begun their Mine; having tools prepared, and baked meats provided, the better to avoid suspicion by sending abroad. Robert Catesby Thomas Percy. Thomas Winter. john Wright. Guy Fawkes. Thomas Bates. (45) The Moles that first underwent these under-minings, were Robert Catesby Esquire, the moving Arch-traitor, and ruin of his name, Thomas Percy Esquire, kinsman and attendant upon the Earl of Northumberland, Thomas Winter, john Wright and Guy Fawkes Gentlemen, and Thomas Bates, Catesbyes' man, all of them grounded scholars of the Romish School, and such earnest labourers in this their Vault of Villainy, that by Christmas Eve (which very day might have remembered them of more Christian works) they had brought the work under an entry, unto the wall of the Parliamenthouse, underpropping still as they went the earth with their framed Timber, nor till that day were they seen abroad of any man. (46) During this undermining, much consultation The Traitor's conference how to proceed after their treasons. was had how to fashion the rest of the business, after the deed should be accomplished, and many questions propounded and argued at full, before they could pitch on a settled resolution. The first was how to surprise the next heir to the Crown; for though they doubted not, but Prince Henry would accompany his Father, & take his lot with him, yet they feared jest D. Charles (being absent, as too young to attend at Parliament) would escape their train, and perchance be so carefully guarded, and attended upon at Court, that he would hardly be gotten into their hands. Of which first rub in their way, Percy offered himself to be the first remover, and showed his means, which was, that with some other Duke Charles intended to be surprised. Gentlemen, he would enter the Duke's Chamber, which by reason of his acquaintance he very well might do without any suspicion: and others of his like acquaintance should be placed at several doors in the Court: so that when the blow was given, and all men in a maze; then would he carry away the Duke, which he presumed would be easily done, the most of the Court being then absent, & the present altogether unprovided for to make resistance. (47) For the surprise of the Lady Elizabeth, it The Lady Eliza▪ beth intended to be taken from the L. Harrington was held a matter of far less difficulty, she remaining at the Lord Haringtons, and Ashby (Catesbies' house) near unto her, whether under a show of Hunting; divers Catholics should be gathered, who having the advantage in knowing for what purpose they were assembled, had the full liberty of that distracted time, to provide money, horses, armour and other habiliments of war, under pretence of strength to guard and secure the heir apparent. (48) Then it was discussed, what Lords they should save from the Parliament; where it was agreed, that they should keep thence as many as they could that were Catholics, or that way favouring▪ all others to feel the smart, and the imputation of the Treason to be cast upon the Puritans, to make them more odious to the world. The fears conceived to open the treasons to foreign Princes. (49) Next it was controversed what foreign princes should be made privy to these their purposes; for to enjoin them to secrecy, or to oblige them by oath, was not in their power: & to assay their likes or dislikes, would prove dangerous. For if any of them approved the design, their preparation might beget suspicion: if not then the fears of discovery would extinguish the enterprise, no man daring to proceed further therein. Spain was held the fittest to second their attempts, but he was too slow in his preparations, & France too near and too dangerous to be dealt with, and how Holland stood affected to England they all very well knew. But in the midst The Parliament again prorogued. of these turmoils and minings underground, the Parliament was again adjourned till the fift o● October ensuing. Upon which Proclamation they broke off both discourse and work till the feast of Saint Mary's Purification. At which time they laid in powder and other provisions, and then began again to work, having taken into their company Christopher Wright and Robert Winter, both of them Robert Winter, Christopher Wright taken into consort. The work again begun. sworn, and receiving the Sacrament for secrecy. The wall (which was very hard, & nine foot thick) with great labour they wrought half through, Fawkes being their Sentinel to give warning when any came near, that the noise in digging might not be heard. The fear of the Traitors. (50) The labourers thus working into the wall, were suddenly surprised with a great fear, and casting from them their digging tools, took to their weapons, having sufficient of shot and powder in the house, being fully resolved, rather to die in the place, then to yield or be taken. The cause of their fear was a noise they heard in a room under the Parliament house, under which they meant to have mined, directly under the Chair of Estate. But all now at a stand, & their countenance cast each upon other, as doubtful what would be the issue of this their enterprise: Fawkes scowted forth to descry (if he could) what was done abroad; and finding all safe and free from suspect, returned and told them, the noise was only a removal of coals there now upon sale, and that the Cellar was to be let, which would be more commodious to their purpose, and would also spare the labour in the Mine. Whereupon Thomas Percy under pretence for stowage of his winter provision of wood and coals, went and hired the Cellar, which done, a new conference was had. (51) Wherein Catesby found the weight of the whole too heavy for himself alone to support; for besides the maintenance of so many persons, and the several houses for several uses, hired and paid for by him, the Gunpowder and other provisions would rise to a very great sum, and indeed too much for one man's purse. Therefore he desired that himself, Percy, and some one more might call in such others as they thought fit to help to maintain the charge, alleging that they knew men of worth and wealth, that would willingly assist, but were not willing their names should be known to the rest. This his request they approved as necessary, and withal surceasing further to dig in the Vault, knowing the Cellar would be of better use for their designs, they removed twenty Barrels of Gunpowder into that room, which they covered with a thousand of Billets, and five hundred of faggots, so that now the lodging rooms were cleared of all suspicious provisions, and freely might be entered without danger of descry. (52) But the Parliament being again prorogued until the fift of November following, these foresaid underminers of our State and happiness thought fit they should again (for a while) disperse themselves (matters being already in so good forwardness) and that Guy Fawkes should go over to acquaint Sir William Stanley, & M. Hugh Owen with these their proceed, yet so as the oath of secrecy should be taken of them. For their policy was to have Sir William Stanleys' presence so soon as the dismal blow should be given, to be a leader to their intended stratagems, whereof (as they thought) they should have great need, & that Owen should remain where he was, to hold correspondency with foreign Princes, to alloy (as much as he might) the odiousness of the fact, or to impute the Treason to the Puritans discontents. (53) Fawkes coming into Flanders found Owen, unto whom, after the oath, he declared the plot, which he very well approved. But Sir William Stanley (at that time in Spain) Owen said would be hardly drawn into the business, for that he had suits in the English Court himself, yet he promised to forward him in all that he could, and to sand him into England with the first, when their project had taken effect. Whereupon Fawkes to avoid further suspicion, kept still in Flanders until the beginning of September, and then returning, received the keys of the Cellar, and laid in more powder, billets and faggots; which done, he retired into the Country, and there kept till the end of October. (54) In the mean while Catesby and Percy meeting at the Bath, it was there concluded, because their number were but few, that Catesby himself should have power to call in whom he would to aid their design: by which authority he took in Sir Euerard Digby of Rutlandshire knight, and Francis Tresham of Northamptonshire Esquire, both of them of sufficient estate and wealth, had they not abused both to their own destruction: for Sir Euerard offered fifteen hundred pounds to forward the action, and Tresham two thousand. But Percy disdaining that any should outrun him in evil, promised four thousand pounds out of the Earl of Northumberlands rents, and ten horses of speed to steed them when the blow was passed. Against which time to provide munition, Catesby likewise took in Ambrose Rookewood and john Grant two Recusant Gentlemen, and undoubtedly others were written in the same Roll, had these two grand Electors been apprehended alive, whose own tongues only could unfold their Catalogues Record. (55) The business thus forwarded by their complices abroad, their Inmates did not neglect the supplies at home. For Percy, Winter and Fawkes had stored the Cellar with thirty six Barrels of Gunpowder, and upon them bestowed (in steed of shot) Bars of Iron, logs of timber, massy stones, Iron Crows, Picke-axes, and all their working tools▪, and (to cover all) great store of Billets and faggots, so that nothing was wanting but all in a readiness, attending that great and terrible day. Neither were the jesuitical Priest's slack on their parts, who usually concluded their Masses and oblatory Sacrifices, with their prayers for the good success of their expected hopes, as by these verses, made and used by Garnet is to be seen. Gentem auferte perfidam credentium de finibus, Vt Christ● laudes debitas persoluamus alacriter. And others thus, Prospero Lord their pains that labour in thy cause day and night, let Heresy vanish away like smoke, let their memory perish with a crack, like the ruin and fall of a broken house: Allusions doubtless to the labours in the Vault, the mounting smoke of powder, and the fall of the Parliament house, which if it had happened, they might have said to have been Prophetically foretold by their high Priests for that year. (56) But the Lord that never slipped the deliverance of his elect, kept this his Israel as the Apple of his own eye, & this pit digged for the destruction Psal. 124 of others, they fell into themselves: so that we may well say, If the Lord had not been on our sides when men rose up against us, they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us; but praised be the Lord which hath not given us a prey unto their teeth: our soul is escaped even as a bird out of the snare of the fowler, the snare is broken, and we are delivered. For this Cockatrice egg hatched by themselves proved a Serpent only to themselves, and themselves (by God's hand) made the only Instruments to break the shel● of their own treason. (57) For upon Thursday in the evening, ten days before the intended Parliament, a letter directed to the Lord Mounteagle was delivered by an unknown per●on unto his footman in the street, with a strait charge given, to give it into his Lords own hand, which accordingly he did. The letter was without date and subscription, and somewhat unlegible, so as the Nobleman called for one of his servants to assist him therein, the strange contents whereof much perplexed the true construction, as whether writ by some Pasquil to scar him from attendance, or as matter of consequence f●om advise of some friend. Howsoever, though it were supper time, and the night as dark as the purport of the letter; yet to discharge his loyal duty, he forthwith repaired to the King's Palace at Whitehal, where he imparted the letter to the Earl of Salisbury, Principal Secretary, and they both presently acquainted the L. Chamberlain therewith, who deemed the matter not a little to concern himself, the charge of his office being to oversee all places whether his Majesty was to repair▪ these two Counsellors showed the same letter to the Earls of Worcester and Northampton, who together concluded (how sleight soever the contents seemed to appear, as proceeding from some surmises of an idle and light brain) to acquaint the King himself with the same, which accordingly was done, and was as followeth. The letter sent to the Lord Mon●●g●e. My Lord, out of the love I bear to some of your friends, I have a care of your preservation. Therefore I would advise you, as you tender your life, to devise some excuse to shifted off your attendance at this Parliament. For God and man have concurred to punish the wickedness of this time. And think not slightly of this advertisement, but retire yourself into your Country, where you may expect the event in safety. For though there ●ee ●o appearance of any stir, yet I say, they shall receive a terrible blow this Parliament, and yet they shall not see who hurts them. This counsel is not to be contemned, because it may do you good, and can do you no harm, for the danger is passed so soon as you have burnt the letter. And I hope God will give you the grace to make good use of it: to whose holy protection I commend you. (58) His Majesty a while pausing, & then rereading the letter, delivered his judgement, that the stile thereof was too quick and pithy to be a libel bred from the superfluities of an idle brain, and on the instant did apprehended by these words; that they should receive a terrible blow at this Parliament, & yet should not see who hurt them, that a sudden danger by blast of Gunpowder should be intended by some base villain in a corner, no insurrection, rebellion, or desperate attempt appearing. And therefore wished that the under rooms of the Parliament house might be thoroughly searched, before himself, or Peers should sit therein. To which purpose it was then concluded, that the L. Chamberlain should (according to his office and place) view all the rooms above and below: but aswell to stay idle rumours, as to let things ripen to reveal their own mysteries, this his search should be deferred until Monday, the day immediately before ●he Parliament, & then to be with a seeming slight eye, to avoid suspect. (59) The Earl of Suffolk, Lord Chamberlain, according to the conclusion, upon Monday in the November 4 afternoon (being accompanied with the L. Montegle, who still thirsted to see the issue) repaired unto those under-roomes, and finding the Cellar so sufficiently stored with wood and coals, demanded of Fawkes (the sergeant johnson, who stood there attending as a servant of small repute) who owed the place; his answer was, that the lodgings belonged to M. Thomas Percy, and the Cellar likewise, to lay in his winter provision, himself being the Keeper and M. Percies servant. Whereunto the Earl as voided of any other suspicion, presently replied, that his Master was well provided against Winter's blasts: but being come forth, the Lord Montegle told him, that he did much suspect Percy to be the inditer of the letter, knowing his affection in religion, and the friendship betwixt them professed, so as his heart gave him (he said) when he heard Percy named, that his hand was in the act. (60) The Lord Chamberlain returning, related to the King in presence of some Counsellors, what he had seen: and the suspicion that the Lord Montegle had of P●rcy, and himself of johnson his man; which presently increased his majesties apprehension and jealousy, whereupon he insisted, that a narrow search should be made, and those billets and coals should be turned to the bottom, which as he confidently supposed was the covering of some notable intended treason. But some moved the doubt how this search should be made: for albeit no caution could be too much in so great a danger, yet the inducement thereunto, being no more than a nameless inscript, shuffled no man knew whence, and might well be the evaporation of an idle brain, would seem (if nothing were found) some scandal unto the State, to be over suspicious of so frivolous a toy, and withal might leave some sad imputation on a great counsellor of the land. Notwithstanding, his Majesty still persisting in his former opinion, willed that the search should be thoroughly made, and no possibility of danger left unexamined, unless they meant to go to the Parliament, and leave the hazard to the event, which he thought they in conscience were loath to do. Whereupon it was concluded, that the search should be made; but under colour of searching for certain hangings belonging to the house which were missing, and conva●ed away. (61) Sir Thomas Knevet, (now Lord Knevet, than a Gentleman of his majesties Privy-chamber) was employed herein, and about midnight (before the very morning when the Parliament was to begin) went unto the place with a small but well affected company. At the door of entrance into the Cellar, finding one (which was Guy Fawkes) at so unseasonable a time, cloaked and booted, he thought fit to apprehended him, and entering the place, overturned the billets and coals, when presently he found the Serpent's nest, stored with thirty six barrels (small and great) of gunpowder, then searching the villain that should have hatched these eggs, found about him a dark lantern, three matches and other instruments for blowing up the powder: who no whit daunted, instantly confessed his guiltiness, and was so far from contrition or repentance, as he vowed, that had he been found within the house (as indeed he was then but immediately come forth from his worke●) he certainly would have blown up the house with himself, and them all: & was so obdurate in his Romish resolution, that being brought before the Lords of the Council, he lamented nothing so much, as that the deed had not been done, saying, that the Devil and not God was the discoverer of the plot. (62) As desperate were Catesby, Percy, and the rest, who having notice that the L. Montegles letter did give some overture of suspicion, yet would they stay to see the success, and forsook not London until the same day wherein the deed should have been done: Catesby, Percy, Rookewood, both the Wrights, and Thomas Winter, posted all into Warwickshire, where Grant and his associates had taken certain great horses out of a stable, to forwardly their hoped great day. These meeting at Dunchurch, where Sir E●erard Digby had made a match for a set hunting, not with hounds for the hare (which was only the colour) but with Nimrod for blood▪ and surprise of the most virtuous young Princess Lady Elizabeth, were told (by the escaped) of their certain discovery, and presently scared with report of pursuit; when struck with terror, not knowing where to make stay, or whither to stir, they desperately began an open rebellion, pretending the cause was Religion, and affirming for truth, that all the Catholics throats were appointed to be cut. And so trouping together, wandered through Warwickshire, the edges of Worcester, and borders of Stafford shires, their servants and aiders being about fourscore men, & those ever ready to steal away from them, more care was in keeping, then trust reposed either in their faith or defence. Yet thus ranging, and finding no resistance, they rifled the Lord Windsor's house of all the Armour, shot, powder, and other warlike provisions, but the weather rainy, and the waters somewhat high, the powder in carriage took wet, and thereby become more unserviceable, God in his justice so ordering the successes, that the element of water, and accident of fire fought against judge. 5. 20. them, as the stars in their courses did against Sisera. (63) For their last fort of refuge, being Ho●bach in Staffordshire (the house of Stephen Littleton) whither Sir Richard Walsh (high Sheriff of Worcestershire) pursued them, who thinking the stir no greater (though so great enough) than some fray or riot, sent his Trumpet unto them, commanding to tender themselves unto him his majesties Minister, with promise of his best means (if they so did) to alloy the offence. But their own consciences witnessing what the Sheriff knew not, told them the fault was too weighty to leave them any hope of favour: and thereupon returned answer, that he had need of greater assistance then of those few numbers that were with him, before he could be able to command or control them. So preparing for resistance, they made ready their weapons, and having laid two pound of the said powder in a platter to dry in the chimney, one (a Miller) coming to amend the fire, threw in a Fire-working Traitors punished by fi●●. billet, wherewith a spark flying out, chanced to fall on the powder, whose sudden blast was so violent, that (though being of so small a quantity) it blew up the roof of the house, and scorched the bodies and faces of Catesb●, Rookewood and Grant, with ●ome others, whose consciences then strucken with the guilt of their sin, made them see Gods searching justice in punishing like with like. Thus being dejected with the accident, and now knowing that all was lost, like desperate men, they there resolved to die together, set open the gate, suffered the sheriffs followers to rush in among them, and by valour (as they termed it) fought for their own destruction; for both the Wrights were therein shot down dead, Ambrose Rookwood, & Thomas Winter were very ●ore wounded; and lastly, Catesby and Percy resolutely fight, back to back, were both of them slain with one bullet of musket-shot. (64) Thus these high aspiring spirits, deceived with the spirit of illusion, under opinion of religion, and dreaming of no less than destruction of King▪ Princes' and people, with alterations of kingdoms, Church and State, were miserably defeated, not by human providence, but divine mercy. Some presently slain in heat of Rebellion, others deadly wounded were taken alive, the rest either whole or but lightly hurt, were led prisoners to London, and to other places, all the way gazed at, reviled and dete●●ed by the common people, as some strange Monsters of the world, for this their hellish and horrible Treason; and lastly condemned & executed as they most worthily deserved; whose inditements, arra●gnmentss and confessions, I refer to be read in the true Relations already printed thereof, with sundry other weighty matters thereto incident, in that learned discourse, written by the most honourable Lord Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton, now Lord Privy Seal. An. D. 1605. (65) In memory of which great deliverance, the fifth of November (the day appointed for merciless destruction) was by authority of the same Parliament enacted to be for ever celebrated with thanksgiving, praise and prayers unto our heavenly Preserver, and to be kept holy unto the Lord through our generations, which we wish may be observed, with no less acknowledgement of God's infinite mercies to us-ward, than was among the jews, the Hest. 9 institution of their Purim, for their deliverance from the practice of wicked Haman, that so our Temples 1. Maccab. 4. being thus freed from their profane idolatry, we may ever make this day as the feast of our dedication, like to the Maccabees, who in the same month did institute theirs, by cleansing God's Temple of heathenish pollutions. So shall Christ with his spiritual approach beautify this Church of ours, as john 10. 22 with his human presence in the Temple at jerusalem he celebrated that Winter's feast of theirs: wherein he taught that himself was the true son of God, and the only door by which all must enter. Through jer. 29. 7. which therefore let us with jeremy approach his Altar to make supplications for the King's peace: and Baruch▪ 1. 11 with Baruch to pray for the King's life, and life of his son, that their days may be upon the earth as the days of heaven, their branches as the beauteous Olive, ●o●a. 14 6 & their roots fastened as the Cedars of Lebanon. (67) In offering of which Sacrifice myself (his majesties loyal servant) hold up my hands towards Heaven, for His continual preservation, His noble Queen's felicity, their Royal Issues prosperity, our Church's Peace, and Great Britain's ever flourishing State: and do at this place (as of most note & eminency) end my many years travels, hitherto purposely continued, that this last foul blot of infamy, though it cannot utterly be wiped away, yet may it be somewhat veiled, and lie obscured in this hindermost frame of our now finished Theatre▪ that so, when any more noble, and more enabled spirit and pen, shall attempt to continued and enlarge the life and reign of this mighty Monarch, our learned and wise Solomon, he may adorn the frontispiece of so glorious a work, with some porch and entrance of more pleasing aspect. For my part, I have here only pointed at His majesties first entrance and acts, rather to show a liberty of writing the kingdoms affairs, which never is permitted, saving under good Princes, then by my unable performance to enter into that which requires the pen of some judicious Tacitus, or eloquent Zenophon, and conclude with the advise of Ammianus Marcellinus Amm●a▪ lib. 31. cap. 17 the famous Historian: Let other men for experience more sufficient, and for learning better known writ the rest, whom, if it shall please them to enter thereupon, I advise to frame their pennes● unto an higher Style. The Circumferences of these ancient Monies being divers and different, we have in this Sculpture observed, by showing three Diameters, whose Circles import the bigness of their Mintage and their figures compared with these, direct their proportions to be of the same as thou seest. A summary Conclusion of the whole. ALL FOR THE BEST▪ BY the assistance of the All-Sufficient (the only defence and Preserver of man) my insufficient abilities, have attained the end of this work, and my weak unable Person brought to a Period this large Edifice of GREAT BRITAIN'S THEATRE. How acceptable to others, I know not; but with what pains and travail to myself, my decayed strength too manifestly hath felt, and with what care of truth, the Authorities alleged through the whole Process, are my witnesses; whose lines have been the measures, and Antiquities the matter, that hath raised the Fabric unto this height. The attempt was great, and far unfit (I must confess) for me to undergo; which, even at the first entrance was so censured by the judicious, and in the continuance hath so proved: that now it being finished, as the Silkworm endeth her life in her long wrought clew, so I in this Theatre have built my own Grave; whose Architecture howsoever defective it may be said to be, yet the project is good: and the cost great, though myself have freely bestowed this pains to the Press, without pressing a penny from any man's purse. For me to show the utility of History, were to light a dim candle before the bright Sun; or to prescribe a method for their uses, were, with Phormio to read a Lecture of Chivalry unto great Hannibal, wars experienced Conductor: But, as our own concerneth us nearest (wherein my pen hath taken the freest access) so let me abridge the whole in a small Circle, and encompass that briefly, which hath been related in a far wider circumference. The first Inhabitants. (2) Our Land, peopled from japhet the first son of Noah, fell unto those sons of Gomer, who inhabited these parts of Europe, whose issue were most famously known by the name of Britain's. At first, naked, rude, and ignorant of the true God; yet no sooner were frequented with the civil Romans, but that they covered their Cut-painted bodies with Garments; and shortly imitated them even in their Their civility. most civilized actions; yea, scarcely was Christ taken down from his Cross but they become Christians Christianity. (the greatest glory of any Nation) and among them the Gospel had her first progress by established authority. Their Government was under Kings, and Governme●●. those of as honourable a respect, as were any other in these West-parts of the World, both in training their Subjects unto due obedience, and ministering of Laws for the maintenance of estate. Their wars Wars. domestic and foreign were so managed with Policy and valour, as in the one they valiantly defended themselves against their assaults, and in the other steeded the Romans in most of their Conquests: which cost them lastly their own subversions, when their warriors and virgins were consumed and transported into other parts, whilst their native Land lay exposed to the will of Invaders. Their first Conqueror's. (3) The glory-thirsting Romans (from a crew of lawless Shepherds now lately become Lords of the World) were the fi●st that set foot, with displayed Ensign, for the Conquest of Britain, and the same first assayed by julius Caesar from the Coasts of Gallia. Which his attempt was so honourable in esteem of their Emperors, that Claudius (the fifth in succession) Their Triumphs. holding the Triumph but base, that attends upon authority without action of Price, made choice of Britain to adorn his triumphant Chariot, that this Island (sited, as was thought, in another World, and but part thereof showed by Caesar to the Romans) might add remembrance of name to his forgetful Person: and to that end, having made hither himself, stamped his Conquest upon his Coins thus, DE BRITANN: and upon his aged knees Their esteem. crept up the steps of the Capitol, to give thanks of victory unto his gods on the day of his Triumph; which, though for a small part of this islands subjection, was yet accomplished with more than ordinary magnificence, and the shows greater than usually had been seen, for the Conquests of far larger and better known Kingdoms. And with as great a care was it kept, whilst the Romans kept their own greatness. But when their high-mounted Their ruin. Pillar overswayed her own Base, and the farre-spread boughs were grown too weighty for the stem, many hands at once grasped at the Imperial Crown, and all of them together tare the Branches from the Body of that fair Tree. By whom also the fair and flourishing Cedars of Britain were shaken, and left naked both of fruit, and leaf. So that now the glory of the one declined, and the beauty of the other utterly defaced, and neither of them able any longer to support their own standings, gave place unto destiny that would now have both down; whereby the jewel so much desired, Abandoned by the Romans. and which had been kept with such care, was now laid at stake to them that could win it, and Britain abandoned by the Romans, without further claim, after they had been Lords thereof the space of five hundred years. Invaded by Saxons. (4) The next Actors upon Britain's fair Stage, were the Saxons, a people of Germany, fierce, bold and irreligious, as, for the most part, the rest of Nations in those days were. These infesting with Piracies the Coasts of Britain and Gallia, grew both fearful and famous in profession of military services. In France they seized upon the Country of Baic●x. Baiocasses; in Germany by intrusion they unseated the Suevians; in Holland and Friesland, they encroached upon the Batavians, and Cimbrica Chersonessus (now a continent of Denmark) they made the place of their abode. From whence they often assailed the Coasts of this Island, even whilst the Romans held it for theirs, and were often put back by Stilicho and others, whose praises the Poet Claudian chanted aloud. But the Romans departed, and Britain left bore of men, their land wasted by famine, tumultuous uproars, and by bandings of Great-ones who By Picts & Scots. should be greatest; the Scots and Picts (ancient Enemies to their Peace) took the advantage, and continually made bloody incursions into their Landlord And albeit a stone-wall was raised athwart the whole Continent, to impeach their inroads, yet that availed The occasion of Saxons coming. little, their assaults were so great. Whereupon the Saxons were sent for, and in their first service freed the Britain's from those raging Picts; The Lands defence than they undertook, and the Inhabitants consented to maintain the charge; which whilst it was in giving was thankfully received, but once received was ungratefully forgot. And they (like the Ravens of Arabia, who so long as they are full, yield a pleasant noise, but being empty make a horrible cry) emptied faster than the Britain's could Their usurping on the Landlord fill, and ever complained they had not enough, till lastly by surprise they got all into their own claws. Their dividing the Land into an Heptarchy. Then divided they among themselves the best of the Land, and drove their Receivers into the worst and waste mountains of Wales, every of their Captains sharing a part to himself, and of one Imperial Crown made seven Diadems to adorn their own heads; which long were not worn, without intestine wars, each of them striving to enlarge his own, upon his next, till God and destiny again The Heptarchy again revolved to a Monarchy. brought all unto One, even to great Egbert, who forbade the islands old Name, and commanded these now united Provinces to be called Anglia. Yet no Britain first named England. sooner was this accomplished, with assured hopes conceived, that the Saxons glory should thence forward ascend and spread forth with peace, but that a savage nation, as fierce as the Scythians, cast their eyes of desire upon that beautiful Crown, and presently attempted, but never intermitted any bloody cruelties that could forward the same, till they had set it on their own Helmets; and these Saxons worn The Saxons confusion. out with resistance, gave place to the Danes, when time had worn out five hundred sixty three years of their Government. The Danes intrusion. (5) These Danes thus succeeding (though with no better right to enjoy) were a stout sturdy Nation whose many Piracies both France and Bretaigne had many times felt, before they attained the end of this their Goal. For these, multiplying like Bees in the Hive, the land of their own nativity was too little for each to have a part: upon which occasion a custom The occasion thereof. was practised to banish some that the rest might have room. These Exiles therefore (chiefly consisting of their youth) fell upon other Lands with no less danger, than the falling of a sword out of the sheath, and grievously wounded wheresoever they fell; but nowhere more deadly then in England. Which for two hundred and eighteen years continuance, Their continuance here. they uncessantly assaulted; sometimes harrowing the Country before them, and carrying away great Booties to their Ships: sometimes impoverishing the People, by exacting great sums of Their devastations here. money for composition of Peace: sometimes expelling the Inhabitants, and seating themselves in their places: and sometimes sharing the Country with their Kings, and taking unto themselves none of the worst; but not as other Conquerors to build, sow, and plant, but to lay waist, cast down, and destroy, sparing neither Erections for civil use, nor places of Oratory dedicated to divine. Yet the Garland once gotten by their King Canut, was worn with great glory, and by three of those Danish Kings, England's Their three Kings. Crown was enjoyed. The first of them Potent, religious, wise and just. The second, illegitimate, an usurper very agile, but idle: And the third a Tyrant, a Taxe-raiser, lascivious and a glutton, in which excess Their end. at Lambeth he suddenly ended his life, when the Land become cleared of the Danes sore oppressions, after they had a long time attempted, and their Kings for five and twenty years space worn the royal diadem of this Realm. The Normans. (6) These four Nations fulfilling their times by heavens assignment, in gaining, keeping, and again losing, the rich Garland of GREAT BRITAIN'S government: a fift, inferior to none, made thereunto a double claim, and by a Their title to England. third (more sure then both) which was, their conquering sword, got it. These last (which I pray may be last) were the Normans, a people fierce and valorous, whose many Sea-aduentures were so great, in the days of Charles the Great, as that he wept to foresee the harms they would do to his in France, which proved so many that Charles the Bald (his Grandchild) Their attempts and seating in France. was forced to part with the Earldom of Charters unto Hasting a Norman; Charles the Gross with the County Newstria, unto Godfrey their Chieftain: and Charles the Simple with all the Countries which lay betwixt the River Seine and Loire, unto Rollo their Leader, whereof he become Duke, and that Duchy from him named Normandy. Whence William the Bastard the seventh in descent, in a bloody William the Conqueror's victory. field at Battle in Sussex, won the English Crown from King Harold that held it; when, by changing of Laws, disheriting of Nobles, and bestowing the Lands Revenues upon his, he laid the foundation The succession of the Crown unduly swa●ed. of a glorious Monarchy. At first, somewhat bloody, (as Conquests commonly prove) and the Crown banded for, among brethren and kindred (as what will not the desire of a Diadem do?) the two younger brethren successively wearing it, to the prejudice of their Robert Curthcose. Elder, and Stephen having no right, but such as Intruders pretend. But Henry The Plantagenets succession. Plantagenet placed on the Throne, and three hundred thirty one years taken up in the Reigns of fourteen Kings of his line, their Acts afford Their large inheritance. matter of more Princely consequence, their Dominions spread wider, themselves being the lawful Inheritors to the third part of France, and to the Whole by the Title of their third Edward, and by the Conquest of their fifth Henry. And surely had not the civil dissensions of Lancaster and York spent their weapons in the wounds of themselves, those Kings and their Successors undoubtedly had been double Their civil dissensions. crowned even to this day. But these Roses plucked off by dissentious hands, and their Branches torn down in homebred broils, their royal roots lay The Tueders succession. as it were dead in the Earth, till Teuder of Lancaster with Plantagenet of York, gave them vigour and sap, by binding both together in wedlocks golden band. Whereby also the long dead stem of the ancient British Kings began again to bud forth, Five Princes of that surname. and five renowned Princes of that Surname succeeded in- England's Throne. The first of them, the richest, and wisest King, of this Westerne-World; The Second, the sorest wonder of the Papal authority; The third, the forwardest in all pious actions. The fourth the feruentest for the Religion of Rome; And the fifth a Mayden-Queene, the most famously renowned among the World's monarch, under whose reigns one hundred and sixteen years were fully Coming. lib. 4 cap. 10. complete and run. And were it not that the English are taxed to be overmuch addicted unto vain Prophecies, and that Merlin's was prohibited by decree The Crown returned to the old Britaine●'s and Britain to her old Name. of Counsel, I might allege his, and that of Aquila at Shaftesbury, both of them foreshowing that the British Empire after the Saxons and Normans, should return again to her ancient Stock and Name. Notwithstanding Truth bids us acknowledge, how far God hath accomplished both these in the royal The Union of the ●hole Island in the person of our Sovereign. Person of our now- Sovereign, the one by his descent from the loins of that Royal Tuder King Henry the Seventh; and the other, by his Edict, in restoring to the Island her ancient Name, Britannia: himself being the first Monarch of the two kingdoms Union, and the greatest of Command, since Canutus the Dane. The cords of whose Royal Tents, we pray, may be further extended, that those naked Virginians may be covered under the Curtains of his most Christian Government; and that the Sceptre of his Peace may bud, as Aaron's Rod in his hand, and in the hand of his Son, and Son Sons, so long as the Sun and Moon endureth. (7) These then (worthy Reader) are the Heads, whence have issued such plentiful Springs, that now met together in one Body the Stream is grown very big, which thing I ever feared, but could never prevent; offending rather with the Niggard who thinketh every mite toomuch, then sinning with the Prodigal in superfluous excess; so plenteous is our Story, and so largely requires it to be writ. Through all which my weak body with many years labour hath alone traveled, aswell in the reviewing of the Geographical parts of the Land, as in the compiling of the succeeding History, though far unable to perfect either, according to their own worths. But jest the weight of the whole should rest upon so slender a prop as myself: I have laid my buildings upon far stronger arches, as by the many alleged authorities may appear. For first, the Chards L. Har. Christ. Saxton. john Norden. Wil White. for the most part traced by others, and most of them divulged unto view, were the foundations of my begun pains; in supplying their wants with my many additions, and dimensions of the Shire-townes, and Cities true platforms. The further descriptions of sundry provinces, I have gleaned from the famous works of the most worthy and learned Cambden, whose often sowed seeds in that Soil hath lastly brought forth a most plenteous harvest. For the body of the History, many were the manuscripts, notes, and Records, wherewith my honoured and learned friends supplied me; but none more (or so many) as did the worthy repairer of eating times ruins, the learned Sir Robert Cotten Knight Baronet, another Philadelphus in preserving old Monuments, and ancient Records: whose Cabinets were unlocked, and Library continually set open to my free access: & from whence the chiefest garnishments of this work have been enlarged and brought: such as are the antic altars, & Trophies in Stone, by him preserved from perishing oblivion; The Coins of gold, silver, alchemy, and copper, of the Britain's, Romans, Saxons, Danes, and English, with the Broad Seals of those Kings since the same were in use: all of them so followed from the original moddles, and moneys, by the most exquisite and curious hand of our age, as any eye may witness they are Christ. Swister. the true prints from those stamps. The like most acceptable helps, both of Books and Collections, (especially in matters remoter from our times) I continually received from that worthy Divine, Master john Barkham, a gentleman composed of Learning, Virtue, & Courtesy, as being no less ingenuously willing, then learnedly able, to advance and forward all virtuous endeavours. Besides these, some other supply I have had: for my disease grown dangerous, and life held in suspense; it behoved him who had towards the publishing bestowed so great cost, to forward the finshing; and to that end he procured me to his further charges an M. Ed. ●ol. assistant in the lives of our middle English Kings: whose Stories and reigns (by the judicious) may by their styles be known to be writ with another pen. Lastly for the matters of Heraldry, the willing and ready pains of Master William Smith, Rough Dragon, (an Officer at arms) was ever at hand: and by these hands this building is mounted to such an height as thou seest: which thus now finished, this scanted Epitome, may well serve thy footsteps, as stairs to ascend these five national Stories already finished, and lead thee into the sixth now most happily begun. Where from those mounted heights, thou mayst behold, how Time hath squared the Stones of these buildings: how Fortune hath varied in contriving the Work: and how the Fates have erected, polished, and pulled down, the supporting Pillars of GREAT BRITAIN'S THEATRE. From whose Terrace with David cast not thy lusting eye upon unlawful delights: Nor with Babel's King boast, that this was built by thy Deu. 26. own might: But with Moses confess that from a small stock (as a graft of the Lords planting) thou art now grown into a great Nation, mighty, and full of people. And with Solomon make supplication 2. Chro. 6. unto thy great jehovah, that the Ark of his strength may ever rest in this House, & his eyes be ever open thereon day and night. With the Prophet pray that Isaiah 54. 11. this building may be as beauteous as his, the Foundations laid with sapphires, her Windows with the Emerauds, and her Gates with the Carbuncles. That the deserts of this chosen Zion may be as Eden, and her Isaiah 51. 3. wilderness like the Garden of God. Her Government Peace, her People the Saints of Salvation, & her Kings Hag. 2. the Signets on Gods right hand, successively to sit on this Royal Throne, till Christ the King of Kings shall come in the Clouds, and from the Rainbow the Throne of his Majesty pronounce us blessed, and make us heirs with himself of that Kingdom which never shall have end. Unto which CHRIST, with his FATHER, and HOLY SPIRIT, three in People but ONE GOD eternal, undivideable in Deity, be ascribed all Praise, Honour, Glory, Wisdom, Power and Might for evermore. Amen. FINJS. ❧ IMPRINTED AT LONDON BY WILLIAM HALL. AND JOHN BEALE, FOR John Sudbury and George Humble, and are to be sold at the sign of the White Horse in Popes-head Alley, near the ROYAL EXCHANGE. CUM PRIVILEGIO. ❧ THE SECOND INDEX, OR ALPHABETICAL TABLE CONTAINING THE PRINCIPAL MATTERS IN THJS HISTORY. The first Number noting the Page, the second the Section. A AAron, A Martyr in Britain, Fol. Sect. 206. 19 From Abraham to the law, what time. 278. 2 Abbey of Saint Alban gelded by King William Conqueror. 419. 25 Abbot of S. Alban his answer to Lewis of France demanding homage. 509. 4 Abbot of Hales hanged. 620, 46 George Abbot (after Archbishop of Canterbury) the first Preacher sent into Scotland, for an union in the Hierarchy. 888. 26 Abbot of Lewis with others taken prisoners by the French. 593. 4 Absolution by the Minister, how allowable. 887. 11 Academies or Universities in Britain. 168 8. Acon or Acres, the same that Ptolemais. 475. 30. 542. 3 Besieged by Christian Princes. 476. 31 Rendered unto the Christians, and sacked. 476. 32 Delivered from the siege of the Sultan of Babylon. 542. 3 Adam d' Orlton or Torleton Bishop of Hereford, sideth with Queen Isabel against the Spensers. 561. 6 His aequiuocating writ for the death of King Edward the 2. 566. 7 Adda King of Bernicia. 302. 2 Adela, Adelicia, Adeliza, or Alice, third daughter of William Conqueror. 445 1 Adela, Adelicia, Adeliza, or Alice, daughter of jeffrey Duke of Louvain, second wife to K. Henry the first. 440. 42 Remarried to William Daubeney Earl of Arundel. 442 61 Adelme a rebel, vanquished by King Cuthred. 299. 13 His victory and restoring to favour. ibidem. Adminius a King of the Britan's his coin. 175. a Being banished flieth to Caligula Caesar. 192. 3 AElianus an usurper of the Roman Empire. 246. 3 L. AElius Caesar to Adrianus. 119. 8 His Coin. ibidem Aelphegus Archbishop of Canterbury martyred by the Danes. 392. 16 AEmilianus Maurus defeateth the Goths. 243. 5 Is made Emperor. ibidem. His descent 243. 1 Murdered by his soldiers. 243. 3 His short reign. Ibidem C. julius Aemilianus his coin. 243. AEquinoctium what it is. 185. 16 AEsar, left in the name of Caesar, what it signified. 749. 70 AEthelgida King Seberts' wife where entombed. 301. 3 AEthelmere, elect Bishop of Winchester. 529. 76 AEtius Governor in France, under Valentinian the third, 279. 5 Scent unto from the▪ britain's, 281. 12 Agatha wife to Edward the Outlaw, both parents to Edgar Etheling. 384. 21 Agincourt, See Azincourt. Agreement between King Stephen, and Henry Fitz-Empresse. 453. 47 Agreement between Richard 1 King of England, and Philip King of France, at the setting forth to the Holy-land. 474. 14 Agreement between King Richard the first, and King ●ancred of Sicily. 474. 19 jul. Agricola made Britain a Province. 172 5 Found it to be an Island, ibid. jul. Agricola Lieutenant under the Romans in Britain. 211. 10 He vanquisheth the Ordovices ibidem. Not vainglorious. 211. 12 Good to the poor. ibid. Cureth blind and lame miraculously. 211. 14 jul. Agricola enlarged the Roman Empire. 212. 5 His opinion of Ireland. 213. 4 He searcheth out the limits of Britain. 213. 6 Winneth the field against Galgacus. 215. 12 receiveth triumphal ornaments. 215. 16 Agrippina wife to Claudius Caesar, worketh his death. 196.2 A monster of the female sex, 199. 19 Aidan a Christian Bishop in Scotland. 336. 4 Aimerie de Valence putteth king Robert Bru●e to flight. 550. 51 Alane D. of Britain in France sideth with K. Stephen. 449.25 His description. ibid. Alaricus a valiant Goth the scourge of Rome. 276. 4 Alban Martyr in Britain. 206. 19 Beheaded. 255. 11 Canonised a Saint. 345. 11 Saint Alban Monastery built. ibidem. Founded by king Offa. 307. 12 Battle at S. Alban, the first. 667. 64 Battle at S. Alban the second. 672. 93 Duke of Albany offereth battle to the Earl of Surrey with all courtesy. 760. 49 His answer to the Scotish Nobility, dissuading offensive war. 761. 51 Albemarle Earl sideth with K. Stephen. 249. 25 Albertus' Cardinal, and Archduke of Austria, Governor in the Low-countrieses. 367. 258 Albigenses what manner of Heretics. 514. 21 Warred upon by King Lewis of France. ibid. Albina the beautiful daughter of Dioclesian. 158. 4 Clod. Albinus Lieutenant in Britain. 225. 8 Entitled Caesar. ib. 227. 3. His Coins. 279. 8. 227. 3 Made successor in the Empire. 228.2 His death plotted. 228. 2 Proclaimed Traitor. ibid. Vanquished by Septim. Severus. 228. 3 A valiant Captain. ibid. Saint Albins' battle in France. 734. 24 Albinus the Abbot an Historiographer. 163. 15 Albion a name of Britain, imposed by the Grecians. 158. 4 Whereof so called. ibid. A name of long continuance. 158. 4 Albion a Giant. ibid. Albion whence derived. ibidem Koran of Mahomet. 323 Alcibiades, fair, being old. 204. 7 Alcuinus borne in York, instructor to Charles the Great. 388. 10 Aldred Archbishop of York, 416. 5 Aldulfe King of the East-Angles. 310. 10 His Coin. ibid. His reign. ibid. Alectus his treachery. 255. 8 His Coin. ibid. Slain. ibidem. 9 allen Cardinal his traitorous libel. 857. 187 Alexander Abbot of the Benedictines, heartneth King john against Pope Innocentius. 497 40 Deprived by the Pope. ibid. Alexander Bishop of Chester cleareth himself of disloyalty, 520. 45 K. Alexander the Great, whither he came into Britain. 168. 9 His picture in Gades. 183. 1 Alexander K. of Scots a peacemaker betwixt Henry the 3. King of England, and his LL. 523. 57 Alexander the third, King of Scots, espouseth Margaret, daughter of Henry the third, King of England. 530 79 His witty insinuation to K. Henry the third, in the behalf of Philip Lovel. 530 79 He with his Queen highly entertained in England. 533 86 Alexander Severus made Emperor of Rome. 235. 1 His parentage and breeding ibid. A lover of Liberal Sciences, and a favourer of christians ib. His justice. ibidem 3 His martial prowess. ibidem His bounty. ibidem His Coin. 235. 1 Murdered, 236. 4 His reign and age. ibidem Alexander King of Scots dieth of a fall from his horse. 345. 18 Alexander King of Scots marrieth the Lady joan, sister to Henry the third. 511. 12 Alexander Nevil Archbishop of York, removed from king Richard the second, 604. 77 Alexander the 5. Pope, chosen in am of the 2. Antipapes. 620. 47 Alexander Prince of Scotland knighted by john King of England. 498. 45 Alexander Seton slain by Edward Bailiol 568. 24 Alexianus, Caesar to Heliogabalus▪ 235. CITIZEN Named afterwards Alexander Severus. ibidem Alfonsus or Alphonsus, son of King Edward the first, his death and burial. 52. 60 Alfonse King of Spain claimeth Gascoigne. 531. 82 He quitteth his claim. ibid. 83 His good advise to K. Henry the third. 531. 83 Alfwald King of Northumberland murdered. 305. 21 His reign and Issue ibidem Algitha the wife of King Edmund Ironside 383. 20 Alfgiva wife of King Canutus barren, yet seemed fruitful. 392. 19 Prince Alfred, King Canute his son, right heir to the Crown of England, entrapped by fraud, bereft of his eyes, and cruelly tormented 395. 6. 7 Algar; Leofriks' son banished 403. 3 Algith, widow of Gruffith Ap-Lhewelin, King of North-Wales, King Harold's wife. 408. 53 After Harold was slain, lived in Westchester private. ibidem Alice, See Adela. Alice daughter to King William the Conqueror 426. 74 Her Issue. ibidem At last a professed Nun, ib. Alice daughter of Lewis King of France, married to Richard King Henry the second his son 467. 85 Alice sister to Philip King of France, contracted to Richard the first, King of England. 475. 22 Supposed to have had a child by his Father King Henry the second ibidem 22 Restored to her brother. 480. 62 Married to john Earl of pontiff, or Ponthiew. 48● Alice daughter of King Edward the first 552. 66 Dame Alice Piers, abuseth the old age of King Edward the third, as his Concubine. 588. 148 A most insolent woman. ib. 149 Alice Piers banished. 591. 1 Alipius Lieutenant under the Romans in Britain. 265. 4 Interrupted by fearful fires in re-edifying of jerusalem, 265. 4 Alkfrid King of Northumberland an excellent Philosopher. 304. 12 His life, reign, death, and Issue. ibidem. Alphon what it signifieth. 158. 4 Alphonso K. of Galicia first founder of Portugal much renowned. 426. 77 Alphonso, OH- Campo leader of Spaniards to invade Ireland. 875. 317 Taken prisoner, ibid. 319 Alpion. 158. 4 Alricke King of Kent, the last in lineal succession. 294. 14 His reign and death. 295. 14 An Altar stone portrayed. 239 Altar to the Goddess Suria. 222. 5 To Goddess Fortuna. 222. 4 Alured, alias Alfred converteth the Danes to Christianity. 205. 17 Alured, murdereth his Sovereign, and becometh king of Northumberland. 305. 20 His descent and issue, ibidem Expelled out of his Kingdom. ibid. Ambition and emulation of the ancient States of Britain, 172. 3 Ambresbury Abbey founded, 372. 17 Ambresbury, whence it took the name. 315 Saint Ambrose Bishop of Milan excommunicateth and absolveth Theodosius the Emperor. 275. 8 America first discovered, 746 62 Amity solemnly made between William King of the Scots, and john King of England. 488. 14 The same renewed by two cross marriages, 497. 41 Amity, between King Philip of France, and King john of England. 488. 14 Amity between Henry the 5 King of England, and Charles the 6. King of France, upon what conditions. 641. 52 Amond a King of the Danes. 356. 4 Amphibalus a Martyr, Saint Alban teacher. 206. 19 255. 11 Anarchy in France. 583. 20 Ancalites where seated. 173. 4 An Anchorites counsel to the British Bishops and Doctors touching Austin the Monk, 330. 11 Andates Goddess of victory. 167. 8 Andragathis a murderer drow ●neth himself. 273. 7 S. Andrew's Church in Welles founded. 299. 15 Androgorius, is Mandrubacius, 173. 5 Angiers won by a stratagem. 493. 28 Ruined. 484 4 Angle-lond. 1. England, whence the name is derived, imposed first by Egbert. 160. 9 Angles, what nation. 284. 6 Anglesey invaded, and the inhabitants cruelly used. 431. 29 Anglia, whence it took name. 285. 10. 11 Old Anglia. 285. 10 Anlafe, son of Danish Gurmo baptised. 366. 3 Anlafe Sithricks son chased into Ireland. 364 5 Called by Writers King of the Irish. 364 7 His stratagem. ibid. His soldiers fidelity. ibidem His Coin. 364, 9 Called out of Ireland, to be King of the Danes in Northumberland, 365. 2 Baptized. 366. 3 Scent back again into Ireland. 367. 3 Anlafe King of Norway baptised. 376. 9 Anlafe a leader of the Danes, 378. 23 Arm Duchess of Britain married by Proxy, with what Ceremonies. 736. 28 Queen Anne wife to King Richard the second dieth, with many other great Ladies. 605. 60 Buried in Westminster. 610. 19 Queen Anne, King Richard the 3. his wife dieth, 722. 42 726. 61 Her burial ibidem Her patentage, and double marriage. 726 61 Anne Askew burned in Smithfield for Religion. 780. 112 Put on the rack. ibib. Her tormenting displeased King Henry the 8. 780. 113 Her commendable parts. 780. 11. 12. Scandalised, and slandered by a Romanist Writer. 780. 112 Anne Bullen second wife to K. Henry the eight, her descent. 770. 80. 785, 137 Her Religion. 770, 81 Invested marchioness of Pembroch. 770. 82. 785. 137 Married to King Henry the eight. ibidem Crowned Queen of England 771. 85 A great lover of the Gospel. 771. 86 Delivered of a dead child. 771, 67 Charged with high Treason, and sent to the Tower. 771. 87 Defended. 771. 88 Condemned for adultery, & incest, and beheaded. 771. 89 Thought to die guiltless of the crime. 772. 92 Her penancy 772. 93 Her godlv life. ibid. Where interred. 785. 137 Anne of Cleve married to King Henry the eight 779. 105 Anne of Cleve upon dislike only divorced from King Henry the eight. 779. 21. 785. 139 Her parentage. 785. 139 The fourth wife of K. Henry the eight. ibidem No more to be styled Queen Anne. 779. 108 Anniballianus his Coin. 262 Anselme Archbishop of Canterbury. 430. 19 Held guilty of high Treason 432. 33 Recalled home. 435. 5 He standeth against married Priests. 436, 13 Anselme Archbishop of Canterbury goeth to Rome. 436, 13 His death. 438. 29 Anna King of the East Angles, slain in battle by Penda, 310. 7 His reign, issue and burial. ibidem Anthun a Duke of the South- Saxons 296. 4 Antioches Primacy before Rome's 524. 60 Antona a river in Britain 194. 12 M. Antony his government, over what Provinces. 188. 2 Proclaimed enemy to the State. 188. 2 Discomfited. ibid. Don Antonio the expulsed King of Portugal, seeketh Queen Elizabeth's protection, 863 226. 864, 232 His title to Portugal, 863. 227 Antoninus a gracious name among the Romans. 231. 1 The name abolished. 235. 6 Antoninus Caracalla, the same that Bassianus the Emperor, 213. 1 He seeketh to Astrologers, 232. 7 Is murdered. ibid. His coin together with his brother Geta 231. 1 His natural properties 232. 5 His incest with julia his father's wife, 232. 6 His time of reign 232. 8 Slain 232. 7. 8 Antoninus Pius Emperor 220, 1 His Coin ibid. His birth and commendation ibidem A great defender of the christians ibid. 4 His Edict for their protection ibid. 5 His apothegm 221, 5 His parsonage, & commendable parts ibidem 6 His death, age and reign. ib. Anzazim an Assasine traiteterously woundeth Prince Edward, after King Edward the first 542. 5 Ap-Arthur a fabulous Writer 317 Twelve Apostles of the King of Spain 269. 266 Apprentice of the Law, what he is 615. 21 Apulder Castle built by the Danes 358. 20 Don john D' Aquila sent out of Spain into Ireland 875, 314 Aquitane how large a Duchy 666. 60 Revolteth from the English, 588, 147 L. Arbella her parentage. 756, 75 Arbogastes a traitorous murderer of Valentinian the younger Emperor. 273. 10 He killeth himself. 274, 5 Arcadius and Honorius Emperors. Their Coins 275 Arcadius fellow Emperor with his father Theodosius 272. 4 Arcadius Emperor in the East 274, 6 His death and reign. 277, 11 Arch of victory on a Coin, 193 Archers English how forcible in times past 616, 28 Aristides a Philosopher of Athens, favoureth Christianity. 219. 8 Arletta, the mother of K. William the Conqueror, meanly descended 413, 26 Arms of King Arthur. 648 85 317 Arms of the Dukes of Brunswick 289, 6, 470, 108 Arms of Brutus and the KK. of Troy 163, 13 Arms of England set before those of France at first. 572. 52 Arms of Hengist, and Horsa, 289, 6 Arms of the Princes & Dukes of Savoy, 228, 2, 290. 6 Armenia the fountain Region of all Nations. 162, 6 Armorica, i Little Britaign in France 159, 6 Given to British Soldiers, 279, 8, 9 Conquered, ibidem Armorica, a Province described 279, 9 The Division thereof ibidem It retaineth the British Dialect 280, 9 Earl of Arraine, Lord Governor of Scotland, 782, 121 Arrianisnic impugned by Christian Bishops 206, 19 Arrius Aper murdereth Numerianus, 253, 4 Executed ibid. james or jaques d' Artevile, a Burger of Gaunt, supporteth King Edward the third his quarrel in France. 570. 41 See more in jaques. Arthur King of the Britain's, begotten of dame Igrem, by Uter Pendragon. 316 His battles against the Saxons. ibidem His Acts. 291, 16 A benefactor to Glastenbury Abbey, ibidem. 207. 21 Of Roman blood ibidem Slain by Mordred. 317 His reign. ibid. His burial ibid. His body found interred. ib. His Monument 318 His Ensign or Arms. 206 20. 207. 21. 316. 1 Arthur son of Geffrey, fourth son of King Henry the second, heir apparent to king Richard 1. 470. 105 Supposed to be made away by King john his uncle. 470. 105 Arthur Nephew to King Richard the first, Duke of Britain, 478 44 Arthur Duke of Britain, and john competitors for the Crown of England 484, 2 Arthur his adherents. ibid. 3 Committed by his mother▪ to the protection of Philip King of France. 484. 3 Reconciled to King john, 485. 7 He slieth fro m him for fear. ibid. Committed to straight custody in the Castle of Rouen, 490 18 His death. 490. 19 20 Arthur Earl of Richmond, made Constable of France, 653. 10 Arthur Lord Lisle, Base son to King Edward the fourth. 692. 150 Dieth of an excessive joy. ibidem Arthur eldest son of King Henry the seventh, Prince of Wales, weddeth Katherine of Spain. 747. 63 A Prince of great towardness. Ibid. His death, books and learning. ibid. Whether he did consummate actually the marriage with his wife Katherine. 447. 63 Duke Also of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester. 751 His birth. 731. 11 Life, death and place of burial. 751. 72 Articles of atonement betwixt john K. of England, and Philip King of Fran●e. 486. 8 Articles of peaee between K. Edward the third, and Lewis of France. 510. 8 Articles agreed upon by the Rebels in Cornwall, sent unto King Edward the sixt: 806. 22 Answer of the King to them. 806 23 Sir Robert D' Art●is soliciteth K. Edward the third to claim the crown of France. 570. 37 arviragus a famous British King. 177. 14 He weddeth Claudius the Emperor his daughter. 177. 14 His coin. ib. 216 King arviragus in the time of Domitian. 194. 12 His Coin. 216 He resisteth the Romans proceed. ibid. Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury persecuteth Wicklifians. 625. 12 His strange death. 626. 14 Thomas Arundel Bishop of Ely, stoutly maintaineth Bishop's temporalties. 600. 57 Earl of Arundel slain. 657. 22 Ashdon field in Essex lost by the English against the Danes. 382. 13 Robert Ask General in the Yorkshire Insurrection. 773. 96 His letters. 774. 96 His haughty spirit ibid. Executed with others upon a second insurrection of his. 778. 98 Assasines a sect of Saracens in the East. 477. 43. 542. 5 Assendon field won against the Danes. 355. 8 Aspar a Captain under Valentinian the third Emperor. 279. 5 He slew john the usurper. ib. Astrologers what kind of people. 202. 5 Thomas Astwood executed. 346. 60 Athanasius Bishop banished by Constantius. 264. 9 Recalled from exile by jovianus. 268. 4 King Athelstan his stile. 157. 13 Athelstan, See Gormond. Athens kingdom of what continuance. 278. 2. Atrius a Governor under julius Caesar. 186. 3 Aualon. 1. Glastenbury. 202. 2 Audentius refuseth to be Emperor. 233. 2 Augusta. 1. London. 270. 4 Augustus Caesar his reign. 190. 7. His virtues. ibidem. His fault. ibidem. His devotion even towards Christ. ibidem. His stature and endowments of body. ibidem. His death. ibidem. See more in Octavian. August the month why so called. 190. 7 Augustus a name sacred. 190. 7 S. Augustine's Arm at Coventree at an high price. 392. 14. Augustine's or Austin's Oak. 330. 11. 206. 20. See more in Austen. Auitall customs maintained. 460. 36 Aumbelliers a Castle in Normandy won. 636. 42 Sir john Aunsley Knight, entereth combat with Katrington, and is victor. 598. 44 M. Aurelius Emperor. 221. 1 His Coin. ibidem. See more in Marcus. Aurelius Ambrose a valiant captain of the Britan's. 291. 15. 314. 3. Dieth of poison. 314 3 His reign. 315. 3 Interred in stonehenge. ibid. Aurelius Conanus King of the Britan's. 319. 7 Reproved by Gildas. ibidem. Aurelius Victorinus and his son usurpers. 246. 3. Murdered. ibidem. Marcus Aurelius Emperor, his Coin. 220. Aurelianus Emperor. 248. 1 His parentage. ibidem His rising. ibidem Named Sword-bearer. ibid. His employments. ibidem. His valour. ibidem. His coin. 249. 6 His indulgence to Christians. ibidem. 8 Becomes a persecutor of christians. ibidem Scared with a thunderbolt. 249. 8 His person & severity. 249. 9 Aureolus usurpeth in Illyria 245. 1 Austin or Augustine the Monk 207. 20 sent into England 320 Saint Augustine's Church and Monastery in Canterbury. 330 His questions to the Pope, 330 See more in Augustine. An Aid granted for marriage of Mawde to Henry the 4. Emperor. 438. 33 Azincourt, alias Agincourt battle. 633. 60 B B. Not first radical letter in any British word. 158. 6 Babel-Tower the cause of sundry languages, and dispersion of people, 161. 2 Babila Martyr. 266. 5 Anthony Babington, principal of a traitorous conspiracy, with others executed. 848. 111 Rob. Bacon a Preacher. 518. 37 His frank sermons & speech to King Henry the third. ib. Roger Bacon his error as touching julius Caesar his perspective glasses 183. 2 Roger Bacon his witty apothegm. 518. 37 Badge of the Earl of Warwick 682, 55 Badge of Richard Duke of Gloucester, the white Boar. 725. 59 Lord Baddlesmere executed at Canterbnry. 559. 41 Sir Henry Bagnall Marshal in Ireland slain valiantly fight. 873. 299 john Bailiol crowned King of Scotland, 546. 23 Doth homage to Edward the first, King of England for the Kingdom of Scotland, ibidem Disloyal to King Edward the first. 546. 25 He renounceth his homage, 547. 27 Resigneth the Crown of Scotland to King Edward the first. 547. 30 Scent to the Tower of London 547. 31 Delivered to the Pope's nuncios. 548. 38 Edward Bailiol son of john Bailiol and his heir, claimeth the Crown of Scotland against David, 2. son to Robert Bruce 568, 24 Edward Bailiol invadeth Scotland. 568. 24 His two victories against David 2 King of Scots. 568 24 Crowned King of Scotland at Scone. 568. 26 Established in the Kingdom of Scotland 569. 31 He submitteth to Edward the third King of England 569. 32 He conveyeth his Title to the Crown of Scotland unto King Edward the third, 581. 113 john Ball a Priest, Chaplain to Wat Tiler, and jacke Straw. 595. 20 Balbinus See Clod. Balbinus Roger Baldock Bishop of Norwich, and L Chancellor, with Spensers rule all, 361. 51 562. 58 Walter Baldock Prior of Land drawn and hanged. 616. 26 Roger alias Robert Baldock, L. Chancellor put into Newgate where he died. 363. 68 Baldred last King of Kent, 295 17 Forced out of his kingdom ibidem Baldwin first Earl of Flanders, 352 Slain. 439. 38 Baldwine de Reduers resisteth King Stephen. 446. 6 Disherited and expulsed the land. ibid. Baldwine Fitz-Gilbert his speech before battle, 450 27 Baldwin son of King Stephen, his birth, death, and burial, 454. 51 Baldwine Archbishop of Canterbury crowneth King Richard the first. 473. 5 Dieth in Palestine, in the holy voyage. 473. 8 john Ballard a Seminary priest executed for treason. 848. 111 Lord of Balmerinoth found guilty of death, for devising letters in King james his name, and sending them to Rome. 89●. 38 Bambrough Castle built 302 Ban, alias Bag & Bun, a place in Ireland, what it signifieth 463, 54 Banner of Constantine against Maxentius, etc. 260, 5 Banner with a golden Dragon, lost by Ethelbald. 342. 2 Banchor, alias Bangor in Wales, the first Monastery in the world. 206. 20 Founded by King Lucius, 207, 20. 303. 7 The mother of all other, 303. 7 Bangor or Banchor Monastery, and the Monks there described. ibidem Humphrey Banister betrayeth his Lord and Master, Henry D. of Buckingham. 720. 35 How he was rewarded for his treachery. ibidem Banocksburne battle in Scotland. 558, 25. 735, 27 Baptism private how allowable. 887. 20 L. Bardolfe wounded to death. 620. 46 Monsieur de Barbason, or Brabason sentenced to death, escapeth by a quirk of Heraldry. 645. 62 Robert Barnes burnt for Religion 780. 111 His Prayer. ibid. Barnet field won by K. Edward the fourth, by what error. 683. 64 Barons forsake King john, and deny their help. 500 51. 501. 52 Their disloyalty to K. john, 503, 55 They come into the field in arms against King john. 503 55. 515. 24 Show themselves in open rebellion. 503. 56 Cursed and excommunicated from the Pope. 504 57 They rail on the Pope. 504 5, They plot to betray the Crown of England to Lewis Dolphin of Fran●e. 50 4. 58 They demand their liberties of King Henry the third. 512 15 Their rebellious message to King Henry the third, 515 24 They contemn King Henry the third his summons to Parliament. 518. 37 Their▪ traitorous errand to him. 518. 38 Barons and Bishops capitulate with King Henry the 3. in Parliament at Oxford, 533 93 Their conjuration or mutual oath. ibidem Come armed to the Parliament. 535. 93 Barons sand twice to king Henry the third for a Pacification. 537. 99 100 Barons hanged, drawn and quartered. 559 41 What Barons at once perished by hatchet and halter, under King Edward the second. 560. 43 Barrham Down, the place of julius Caesar's Campe. 184, 6 Andrew Barton a Scot slain, maketh quarrel between King james the fourth, and King Henry the eight. 754. 6 Gilbert Lord Basset rebelleth, 519. 39 Received into favour. 520. 48 Bassianus son of Severus governeth the south part of Britain. 229. 6 His disloyalty. 229. 10 Surnamed Antonius, and made Emperor. 229. 14 Styled Brittanicus Maximus. 231. 1 Surnamed Caracalla. 231. 1 His Coin. 231 Bassianus the younger, surnamed Heliogabalus Emperor, 234. 11 Battle at Basin on the Danes side, 355. 9 Battle, or Battle field between King Harold & William the Bastard, Duke of Normandy. 407. 38. 39 415. 1 Battle Abbey founded. 424. 63 A Sanctuary or privilege place. 424. 64 Battle between Lewis King of France, and Henry the first King of England. 439. 38 Battle between King Stephen and his Barons. 450. 28 Battle of Bovines, 503, 55 Battle at Crescy. 577. 87 etc. Battle of Poitiers. 582 116 Battle at Blore, where the Lancastrians lost the day. 668. 72 Battle of Shrewsbury▪ 617. 36 Battle of Spurs. 754. 8 Sir Henry de Bath, a bribing justiciar. 530. 78 Sir Henry de Bath proscribed by King Henry the third his own mouth. 530. 78 Beati Pacifici, the Mot of james King of Great Britain, etc. 161. 11 Beatrice or Beatrix Countess of Province, landeth at Dover. 526. 67. Mother to 5. Queens. ibid. Beatrice daughter to K. Edward the first 552. 69 Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, his valour & death 586. 139 Richard Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, Regent of France 660. 36 His death ibid. Henry Beauford son of Edmund Duke of Somerset, standeth for K. Henry the sixt, 667. 66 Beaufort a surname, who imposed first. 606 94 Whence it came. 590 Thomas Beaufort, half brother to King Henry the fourth, L. Chancellor. 620. 47 Henry Beaufort Bishop of Winchester, his dignities and Titles. 623, 3 He persuadeth war against France. 636. 39 He taketh the Crown to pawn of King Henry the fifth 645. 65. 636. 39 The rich Cardinal 645, 65 Henry Beaufort Duke of Somerset taken and beheaded. 676, 15 Beaulieu Abbey built. 487. 11 A Sanctuary. ibidem Bishop of Beavois taken prisoner in fight, all armed, 480. 60 What answer he had from the Pope, ibidem. Beaumont King Henry the first his palace at Oxford. 442. 59 john L. Beaumond, high Constable of England. ●62. 41 Thomas Becket Chancellor of England. 456, 3 His birth, profession, rising, and advancement 457, 11 Reputed a Martyr. ibidem Archbishop of Canterbury upon the death of Theobald ibid. Debate between Thomas Becket, and King Henry the second, upon what occasions. 457. 12 He opposeth and contesteth with the King, and claimeth regalities. 457. 13 What points he would not yield unto, 457, 15 Promises to observe the King's laws, bona fide, &c, 458, 19 He relapseth from his promises, 458, 20 He swears in verbo Sacerdotali, to keep constitutiones avitas 458.21 He would not subscribe, ib. Called to account, and sundry ways molested, 458, 23 Adjudged of perjury and treason 458, 459, 23 He disguiseth himself under the name of Dereman, and goeth into Flanders ibidem All his kindred banished the Realm, 459, 26 He excommunicateth Gilbert Bishop of London. 406 32 An accord treated betwixt the King and Thomas Becket 461, 34 Thomas Becket publisheth the Pope's letters of suspension, against Roger Archbishop of York, and Hugh Bishop of Durham. 461 40 Murdered in the Church of Canterbury by four knights 461.41 Censured after his death diversly. 461. 42. 43 His murderers fly. 461. 44 Thomas Becket canonised a Saint by Pope Alexander. 464. 63 His rich shrine defaced. 778. 100 Beda his history 163. 15 What he was 305. 16 His story dedicated to king Ceolnulph ibidem Beda a Saxon Monk writeth partially. 322 Sir Simon de Bedford hanged with Roger Mortimer, 568. 23 Bedford Castle forced by siege, and demolished. 513. 18 Beech trees grow plentifully in Britain. 160. 7 Beleos Cimbros. 161, 7 Beleus the King his habergeon. ibidem Belga 1 Welles. 207. 21 Robert Beliasme against King Henry the first. 436. 12 He and his associates abjure the land. ibidem A bloody and unnatural wretch. 438. 30 Taken and imprisoned. ibid. Robert Belknap his saying when he subscribed to humour king Richard the second, against the popular and reforming Lords. 603. 72 Robert Belknap with other judges and chief Lawyers arrested upon the Bench, and sent to the Tower. 604 78 Sir Walter de Bendley his fortunate service in little Britain. 581. 11 Saint Bennets Abbey in Norfolk. 392, 14 Sir Henry Bennifield Lieutenant of the Tower, a strait jailer to Lady Elizabeth. 823 60 Beorn King of the East-Angles 311. 12 Beorn Bocadors wife, in the case of Lucretia 387. 34 Himself allied unto the Danish royal blood. 386, 6 Berengaria daughter of Sanches the fourth King of Navarre, her descent. 482 Married to King Richard the first. 475. 25 Her love to him, and her other virtues. 479. 54 Berengaria daughter to King Edward the first 552. 65 Berenice the beautiful Queen of jewry 212. 4 Bericus a British fugitive. 193. 3 Bericke his murder & falsehood to his Prince. 388. 7. 8 Saint Berin, an Italian Divine, 297. 7 Bishop of Do●chester. ibid. Berking Abbey built. 310. 7. Bernardus Andreas of toulouse a Poet Laureate. 728. 4 Instructor to Prince Arthur, King Henry the seventh his eldest son. ibidem. Bernicia a Province in the Kingdom of Northumberland. 302 1 Bernulph King of Mercia by usurpation 308. 16 His coin. ibidem Slain in skirmish. ib. 348. 7 Berosus a Writer late comforth suspected and rejected. 158. 3 A forged Author 162. 9 Berta a virtuous Christian Lady espoused to King Ethelbert 329, 3 Where buried 332. 15 Bertfrid a son of King Edred 368, 7 Berthulfe King of Mercia, as tributary. 308. 19 His Coin ibidem Berthun a Duke of the South-Saxons slain 296. 4 Bertram de Glequin, or Glesquin a brave warrior 585, 133 Faileth the English. 587. 140 Made Constable of France, 587. 143 Marshal of France taken prisoner by Sir john Chandois 584. 128 Bertram de Gurdon, killeth▪ King Richard the first 481, 69 flayed quick and hanged, ibidem Peregrine Bertu, L. Willoughby, General of the aids for Henry king of Navarre in France 867. 255 Berwick won by the English, 546 26 Recovered by the Scots. 559 3▪ Lost, and regained by Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland. 598. 45 Surprised and regained by the Scots 581. 113 Burned and dismanteled, ibid. Delivered up to the English 689. 111 Surprised by the Scots, and recovered within 9 days, 594 9 Bethlem a Monastery erected, 648. 83 Beton Archbishop of S Andrews 782, 121 john of Beverley a godly preacher of Wicklifs doctrine, 626, 15 Executed as an Heretic, ib, Bible in English commanded to be read in Churches, 778 101 Bible presented to Queen Elizabeth, and graciously received. 832. ● Bible torn by the Rebels of the North. 842, 65 New translation of the Bible in English intended, and commanded by james King of Great Britain, etc. 888. 25 The same published. 888. 25 Bibroces what inhabitants. 173. 2 Hugh Bigot or Bigod Earl of Norfolk sideth with King Henry the younger, against King Henry the second his father. 465. 73 Hugh Bigod, or Bigot chief justiciar of England 535. 63 Hugh Bigot or Bigod holdeth the Castle of Norwich against all but King Stephen. 446. 8 Sideth with King Stephen, & is described 449. 25 Francis Bigot in the Yorkshire Commotion, or holy Pilgrimage. 774. 97 Hugh Bigod or Bigot Duke of Norfolk, rendereth up his Castle to King Henry the 2. 456. 7 Bishops and Archbishops erected in England. 206. 18 Archbishop of Bourges his proud speech in Ambasse to King Henry the 5. 628. 27 Bishops removed, and others in their Seas placed. 817. 15 Bishops how they were buried 487. 11 Bishops temporalities restored. 600. 57 Bishop an additament of honour in the Roman Emperors style 251. 1 Bithrike or Brithicke, King of Westsaxons his Coin. 299 16 Poisoned unwittingly by his own wife. ibid. Black● Cross of Scotland, a jewel. 567. 13 Black Prince, See in Edward. Blacke● Heath-field. 742. 47 Blackelow a place where Piers Gaveston lost his head. 556 14 Blanch Queen mother of France her policy to hinder the English designs. 514. 23 Blanch daughter to King Edward the first 552, 70 Blach Taque a fourd in the river of Some. 575. 85 Blazing star. 373, 2 Walter Blewet executed, 746, 6 Blore battle. 668. 72 Bloudy-toure in the Tower of London, why so called. 691. 119 Charleses Blunt Lord Montioy Lord Lieutenant General of Ireland. 874. 310 His exploits in Ulster, and Lease. 874. 311 In the Glinues. ●75. 313 See more in Montioy. Sir Christopher Blunt beheaded on Tower-hill. 889. 244 Boadicea, or Boudicea, Queen of the Icenians. 170, 2 Body a Commissioner for pulling down Images, killed. 805, 19 Boduo, i Boadicea Queen of the Iceni. 176. 13 Wife to Prasulagus, King of of the Iceni, 198. 9, 176. 13 Choose leader of the Iceni. 198. 13 Surpriseth the Colony, Camalodunum. 198. 14 Putteth Petilius Cerealis to flight. 198, 15 Slay seventy thousand Roman Citizens, and Provincial confederates together 198. 16. 176. 13 surveyeth in person the troops of her Army, 199 18 Queen Boadicea or Boduo her attire. ibidem Her speech to her Army. 199 19 Her victory of the Romans, 176. 13 Poisoneth herself. 177, 200, 21 Her Coin. ibidem. Bodotria, 1. Edinburgh Frith. 212. 6 Boduni yield to Plautius. 193. 5 Bohemians lament the death of john Hus, and Jerome of prague. 630. 36 Humphrey de Boh●n Earl of Hereford taken prisoner, and recovered by exchange. 558 25 Slain by a Welshman. 559. 39 Boier Mayor of Bodmin hanged by Martial law. 807. 28 Bologne or Bullen, besieged by King Henry the seventh. 737 31 Sir Thomas Boleine or Bullen, Viscount Rochfort, Earl of of Wiltshire, etc. his descent. 770. 80 Si● Godfrey Boleine or Bullen, Lord Mayor of London, 770 80 His grave-stone ibid. Boleins or Bul●●ns, an ancient family in Norfolk. ibidem His charity ibidem Sir Godfrey Bolein ancestor to Queen Anne Bolein, and to Queen Elizabeth of famous memory. 667, 69 He keepeth London quiet, notwithstanding the great troops of Yorkists, and Lancastrians, ibidem George Bolein or Bullen Lord Rochfort beheaded 771. 89 Bolton Prior of Saint Bartholomew's in London, buildeth on the top of Harrow hill, Wherefore 771, 83 Bonifacius Archbishop of Canterbury. 525. 62 Bononia, 1. Buloigne, 263, 6 Bonosus rebelleth against Probus. 252. 6 His birth. ibidem A mighty drinker ibidem He hangeth himself, ibidem Doctor Born assaulted with a dagger at Pa●les' Cross, 817, 15. 825. 75 Bosworth field, 725, 58 Bovines battle. 503. 55 Bradney monastery in Lincolnshire founded. 341. 3 Sir Robert Brakenbury Lieutenant of the Tower, denieth to murder King Edward the fifth, and his brother Richard 715, 16 Sir Nicholas Brambre late L. Maior of London plotteth to destroy Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester, 602. 68 Duke of New Troy executed 604, 78 Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk marrieth Queen Mary, widow to King Lewis the 12. of France 756. 22 His two ●onness died of the English sweat 811. 605 See more in Charles Brandon Sir William Brandon Standard-bearer to Henry Earl of Richmond, slain by King Richard the third, 725, 57 Rainold Bray, employed about the marriage of Henry Earl of Richmond, with Elizabeth daughter to King Edward the fourth. 718, 28 He maketh a faction against King Richard the third. 719. 31. Henry de Braybr●oke, justiciar Itinerant, imprisoned in Bedford Castle. 513. 18 Nicholas Breinbre, alias Brambre, Alderman of London, Knighted, and endowed with lands. 596. 25 Brennus a Britain or Cimbrian 162. 5 Falcasius, alias Foulke de Brent, usurpeth Earldoms, and holdeth Castles., 511. 11 His outrage and rebellion. 513, 18 A Norman, his birth and rising 513. 18 Upon submission pardoned & banished, ibidem, Lieutenant of Bedford Castle. ibidem Taken and hanged. ibid. Bretta a Spanish word. 159. 6 William de Bruse, disloyal to K. john, flieth into France. 497 42. His wife raileth upon King john ibid. Her strange present to the Queen, King john's wife, ibidem Bridania. 159▪ 6 Bridewell an house of correction, given to the City of London 814. 85 Bridgenorth, more truly Bruge-North▪ 456, 4 M. Bridges Lieutenant of the Tower, his favour to the Lady Elizabeth 823. 60 Brigants what people 220. 3 They make an Insurrection, ibidem Subdued by Petilius Cerealis 211. 8 Brightened slain by the Danes, 570. 7 Brightwold, Monk of Glastenbury his vision. 398. 2 Brigit an holy maid, canonised a Saint. 630, 35 Bridget or Brigit a Monastery erected. 648. 83 Bristol a fugitive maintaineth Pius Quintus his Bull against Queen Elizabeth. 844. 76 Brit or Birth 159. 7 the original radix, or primitive of Britani●. ibid. What it signifieth. ibid. Britain Admiral of the seas, 155, 1 A Garden of pleasure, ibid. Storehouse of profit, ibid. Lady of all other islands, ib. Another world 155. 2 The great Island. ibid., Compared to a dish, or two headed axe, 155. 3 Discovered to be an Island ibidem Thought to have been one continent with France. 155. 4 The bounds thereof. 155. 5 The length. ibidem The breadth. 156. 5 The site of Britain, 156. 6 The air and soil. 156, 6, 7, British seas war●e. 156. ● British sea-winds. ibid●● British seas fit for traffic, ibidem The commodities thereof, ibidem Britain aboundeth with all sorts of grain. 156. 9 The seat of Queen Ceres ibidem Well stored with timber, ib. A Paradise of pleasure, ibid. Britaine●irst ●irst discovered to be an Island. 172. 5 In Britain the nights not void of light. 156. 10 Britain full of metal mines ibidem Taken from the fortunate islands. 156. 11 Sustained eleven Kings, 157 12. British Empire limited with the Orcadeses and Pyrenean mountains. 157▪ 13 Britaines first names and inhabitants not discovered, 157. 1 How anciently stamped. 158 4 First peopled from the Galls or Gaul. 162. 6 Britain so named, first by the Grecians 158. 5 Why so named. ib. Britain first mentioned, by what Greek Writers. 160▪ 7 Peopled before Noah's flood 161, 1 Divided into three kingdoms. 160. 9 Britain Sea coasts peopled out of Belgia and Gallia. 162 6. Conquered by the Romans and reduced to a Monarchy 177. 15 Without foreign garrison, and government in Tiberius Caesar's days. 191. 4 Britain eaten by her own vipers 199. 20 Britain the fairest plume in the Roman Diadem, 280. 13 Exhausted of her Natives, & very flower. 280. 11 Britain or Britain in France, annexed to the Crown of France. 735. 25 Britain or Bretaign in France, defended by King Henry the seventh against the French. 735. 25 Britain's downfall▪ 281 Britain abandoned of Roman Garrisons. 281. 1 Converted her Conquerors to the faith of Christ. 205. 14 The first Province that by public ordinance received the faith. 205. 18. 222. 6 Wholly discovered by julius Agricola. 215. 15 Britannus the father of Celtice, 159. 6 Britanes assisted the Galls against Caesar 162. 8 Their multiplicity, and communion of wives. 167. 6 Moore given to war then to husbandry. 200. 22 Their Diet 167. 7 Slain to the number of 80. thousand men 200. 20 Professed Christianity, before it came from Rome. 207. 22 Their ba●ley drink. 167. 7 Converted many Countries and by what preachers. 207. 2 22. Unskilful in making cheese, 167. 7 Civilized by jul. Agricola. 211. 13 Their persons. 166 Britan's the first Converts, 204 9 Their customs and manners in old time. 166. 167 Britan's sore infested by Scots and Picts 279. 6 Forsaken quite of the Romans ibidem Britain's f● e into Wales, and there remain. 321. 10 Transported out of the islands to the Roman wars. 279. 8 Their Religion and Learning 167▪ 8 Scent into Armorica. 280. 9 Fly into Armorica. 280▪ 10 Fly divers ways, and are oppressed with famine 282. 3. 4 Their commerce and traffic 169. 10 Trus●ing in God, vanquish Irish and Picts. 282. 4 Their shipping. 169. 11 In time of plenty, multiply sins. 282. 4. 5 Their manner of war. 169. 13 Britan's debarred passing over Offaes' Ditch. 349. 17 Britan's lived long 167. 4 Their conditions and dispositions. ibidem Their domestic matters, 167. 5 Britan's driven into the West-Angle of the Isle. 298. 9 Their towns and manner of building. 167, 5 Their embassage and speech to the Saxons 283. 7 Abandon the land. 290. 12 They died, and painted their bore bodies, and wore no garments. 167. 2 Britan's and Galls like in many respects. 162. 8 They coloured themselves with Woad 159. 7 The offspring of Gomer. 162. 6 Their ornaments. 167. 2 Some Britan's clad in leather. ibidem Britan's submission to Caesar, generally pretended by a second embassage. 184, 7 Their hair. 167, 3 They waver in performance, 184. 9 They revolt. ibid. Their complexio ns 167, 3 Their manner of fight. 185. 13 Their wit 167. 3 They assemble a great power 185. 15 Their horses; footmen and armour. 169. 13 Leave the field, and retire into their several province, 186. 8 They swear fealty to Augustus Caesar, and become subject to the Romans. 189. 5 Pay tolls and customs to the Roman state. ibidem Detain tribute and revolt, 189. 3 Take heart again ibidem▪ Rebel in Nero's time. 198. 9 Britan's wall, the Sea. 195. 15 Britain house in Holland, 192. 3 Brithicke or Bithricke King of the West Saxons his coin, 299 Brithin a drink. 159. 6 British government in old time. 170. CITIZEN Not mere Monarchical, somewhat Aristocratical. 170. 1 British States submit to Caesar, 183. 3 186. 9 British women valorous in fight. 169. 1 British Nobility massacred, 285, 8 British women fair, & of good feature, 167. 3 British Writers vary from Caesar's reports. 187. 12 British companies serving Caesar in the wars. 280, 11 British Princes that withstood the Saxons from V●rtigern, to Cadwallader 312 Ralph Briton Treasurer of the King's Chamber displaced. 517. 31 Briton 159. 6 Britona a Nymph 159. 7 Britons in France, came from the Britain's 159. 6 Britons dislike of the French kings government. 594. 9 George Brooke executed for treason. 886. 15 Sir George Browne beheaded. 720. 36 Robert Bruce or Bruse, maketh head against King Edward 2. 557. 21 Purposeth to make himself King of Scots 550. 49 His escape and stratagem. ibidem He killeth Cumin. 550. 49 Crowned King of Scotland, ibidem Put to flight 550. 5 His misery ibidem 51 His magnanimity, 551. 51 He maketh head again▪ ibid. 53 His modest and devout carriage against the battle, 557. 21 He invadeth Northumberland. 557. 18 He dieth of the lepry. 567. 12 His worthy praise ibidem William de Bruse, or Brausia intercepted by the Welsh, 515. 25 Hanged by lewelin, and wherefore ibid. Thomas Broughton an abettor to Lambert against K. Henry the seventh. 732. 18 Slain in battle at Stoke. 733 22 Bruno supposed to be the first progenitor of those in Brunswick. 284. 1 Brutus after some, gave name to Britain. 158. 6 Brutus descended from jupiter. 163. 11 Brutus the imaginary Stockefather of the Britain's, never reigned in this world. 164 18 His conquest of Britain confuted. 165. 20 He with his Troyans' supposed to have conquered Britain. 162, 11 Brutij, a roving people in Italy. 159. 6 Henry Duke of Buckingham refuseth to come to K. Richard the 3 719. 32 His forward affection to Richard Duke of Gloucester. 716. 21 Falls in dislike of him being King 716. 21 The occasions thereof. 716 21. 22 Prepareth war against king Richard third 719. 33 He is beheaded. 720. 35 Henry Duke of Buckingham his Oration in the Guild hall to the Come mons of London 706 56 the only Daedalus and raiser of King Richard the 3. 710 Boulogne besieged and won by King Henry the eight himself in person. 783. 128 Boulogne with other towns surrendered to the French. 811. 65 Charles Duke of Bourbon his desperate attempt. 761. 53 Slain before Rome. ibid. Bastard of Bourbon taken prisoner. 635. 37 At Bordeaux a stratagem against the French 573. 55 Bordeaux delivered to the English 666. 60 Thomas Burdet Esquire beheaded for words wrested. 688, 103. 706. 56 Burdred the last Mercian King. 308. 20 He flieth the land, and lieth buried at Rome, ibid. His Coin. 308 Burgenhild King Kenwolfes' daughter. 347. 8 Hubert de Burgh, the mirror of constant loyalty 509. 3 Governor of K. Henry the third his person, and chief justiciar of England 511. 11 He weddeth Margaret sister to Alexander King of Scots 511. 12 Hubert de Burgo, or Burgh, Earl of Kent, incurreth the envy of the Barons. 515. 24 In the King's displeasure, 515 27 His fall 516, 30 He taketh a Church, is rescued by his friends, & conveyed into Wales. 519. 39 Reconciled to the King. 520 48 Hubert de Burgh Earl, put from his place of chief justiciar, 517. 31 Called to a strict account. ib, Articled against in points of treason, etc. 517. 32, 33 He taketh Sanctuary. 517. 33. 34 Haled out of Sanctuary, restored to Sanctuary. 518. 35 yieldeth himself prisoner, and is committed to the Tower. 518. 35 His treasure delivered to K. Henry the third 518. 35 In free prison, at the Castle of Devises. ibidem Duke of Burgundy sends for aid to King Henry the 4. against the Duke of Orleans. 620. 48 Duke of Burgoigne or Burgundy doth homage to Sigismond the Emperor for Flanders, and Arthois. 635. 39 He taketh truce with King Henry the 5. 635. 39 He maketh a league with France contrary to his oath. 636. 39 Charles Duke of Burgundy solicited by King Edward the 4. for aid. 681. 56 Dissuaded by the Duke of Somerset. ibidem. Charles Duke of Burgun●● temporizeth with King Edward the fourth, and with Edmond Duke of Somerset 682 57 Underhand he helpeth King Edward the fourth ibidem Burgundians sent to inhabit Britain 252. 8 Burial first allowed within the walls of Cities. 299. 13 Thomas Lord Burrough, Lord Deputy of Ireland. 872. 295 His death. 873. 297 Henry Burwash Bishop of Lincoln joineth with QUEEN▪ Isabel against the Spensers▪ 561 51 Peers Butler, L. of Osory, made L. Deputy of Ireland. 762. 55 Elinor Butler supposed to have been contracted to King Edward the fourth. 712. 3. C CStrucken out of Caesar's name by lightning, what it portended 749. 70 jacke Cade rebelleth 664. 50 Styled john Amend-all, by the contrary, i Marre-all, also Captain of Kent. ibid. His demands. ibid. He entereth London. 664. 52 His behaviour there. ibidem, Proscribed and killedby Alexander Eden 664. 53 Cadiz voyage. 864. 266 Cadiz assaulted and surprised. 869. 272 Cadwallader last King of the Britan's. 723 His Arms. ibidem Dieth at Rome in religious habit. 723 There buried. ibidem Cadwallador a valiant and victorious Prince. 323 His reign. ibidem Cadwallador Prince of Wales, when he reigned. 164. 6 His story doubtful, ibidem. Cadwallo or Cadwallin King of the Britan's, 322 joined in amity with Penda King of the Mercians. 323 A most wicked Prince, ibid. Slain in battle. 322 Buried in London. ibidem His cast-image of brass upon Ludgate, ibidem Thrown down by Egbert 348, 6. Cadwan King or Ruler of the Britan's in Wales. 322 His reign ibid. Caen in Normandy won by King Henry the 5. 636. 43 Celestine the Pope dashed the emperors Crown to the ground. 474. 24 Caelestius scholar to Pelagiu● 277. 10 Caesar a glorious name. 190. 7 julius Caesar first enterer, but not conqueror of Britain, 172. 3 See more in julius. Calabria sometimes named Prytania. 159, 6 Calais besieged by K. Edward the third. 579. 102 In Calais a Colony of English planted. 580. 108 Yielded to King Edward 3, 580. 108 Besieged by Philip Duke of Burgundy. 659. 30 The siege raised by Humphrey Duke of Gloucester. 659. 30 Calais harboureth the Yorkists 664. 76 Calais besieged by the Duke of Guise. 829. 114 Surrendered to the French with great dishonour of the English. 830. 117 See more in calais or Calais Calamities in England during William Conqueror his reign 421 47 Caledonians a Germane descent. 162. 7 Caledonians crave peace. 299. 7 Rebel, and are massacred by Severus 229. 11 Caledonians in Britain most puissant 213. 5 C. Caligula Caesar his parents, 191. 1 His Coins. ibid. His ridiculous expedition & letters 175, 7 His prodigality 191. 1 His contrary conditions. ib. He was cruel and libidinous ibid. His vile actions ibidem His glorious vanity, 192. 3 He deludeth the Senate. ibid. He intended to invade Britain 192. 2 His war with the Sea▪ 192. 3. His ridiculous victory, ibid. His ambition and cruelty, 192. 5 His death how complotted, ibid. Hated after death. 192, 6 Calpur●ius or Calphurnius Agricola his inscription upon the Picts wall 222. 5 Lieutenant in Britain. 221. 5 Callis●laimed ●laimed by Queen Elizabeth 832. 7 calais surprised & turns Spanish. 868. 260 See more in Calais. Camalodunum. i. Maldon in Essex. 174 Surprised by Claudius Caesar 194, 10 Made a Colony of Roman Citizens. ibidem Cambria, i Wales 160. 9 the partition thereof. ibidem Cambridge University supposed to be founded by Sige●ert King of the East Angles 310. 5 Goes beyond all other Schools. ibidem Laurence Campeius Cardinal, in Commission with Cardinal Wolsey, about the divorce between King Henry the 8 and Katherine of Spain. 767. 69 He stayeth sentence of divorce and departeth 768. 74 Suspected of thievery and searched 768. 74 Cardinal Campeius sent into England as Legate from Pope Leo the tenth. 757. 31 His honourable receiving, and stately riding to London 758. 31 His treasures showed with shame in Cheapside 758. 32 Campobachi Earls in the Kingdom of Naples, whence descended, 507. 70 C●ngi a people in Britain. 195, 12 First Canons Regular in England 454. 52 Canterbury given to Austen the Monk 330. 8 Canutus King of Denmark and England. 379. 32 Winneth the ●love of the English. 379. 34 Dismembreth the English hostages 374. 34 Canutus with Harold, invade England, and compound for a tribute. 379. 35. 36 Espouseth Queen Emma 390. 4 He refuseth to wear the Regal Crown 456. 9 His Pilgrimage to Rome. 391 11 His letters from Rome to the Bishops and Nobles of England 391. 12 Complaineth of the Pope's extortions 391. 12 His apothegm to convince his flatterers 392. 15 His humility. 392. 15. 16 Canutus his care of justice and Religion. 391. 12 His Munificence, 392. 13 His buildings. 392. 13. 14 His bounty to Monasteries, ibidem His descent and pedigree, 392. 17. His reign, death and sepulture. 392. 17 He crowneth the Crucifix with the Crown that he wore. 205. 17 Canutus the Dane, Monarch of England. 390. 1 His Arms and coin, ibid. Crowned at London▪ 390. 2 His good laws. 391. 7 His expedition into Scotland against King Malcolme 391. 11 Sir William capel Alderman of London, commanded to the Tower of London, by Edmund Dudley a Promoter 750. 70 Caractacus a renowned Prince of the Silureses, his Coin, 195 13. 176 His manner of encamping, ib. His resolution, and animating of his Soldiers. 195. 13 Put to flight. 195. 14 His wife, daughter and brethren taken prisoners, 194. 14. Resisted the Romans nine years. ibidem Betrayed by Queen Cartismandua. ibidem. 176 Led in triumph. ibid. His habit and attire, ibidem His undaunted spirit, ibid. His oration to Claudius Caesar. 195. 15 Pardoned by Claudius Caesar, 195. 16 Caraffa Cardinal accuseth Cardinal Poole, and asketh him forgiveness. 826. 80. 83 Pope by the name of Paul the fourth 826. 84 Carausius a Britain rebelleth. 254. 4 His coin. ib. 255. 8 His parentage. 254. 5 His policy to become rich, ib. Usurpeth and enjoyeth the Empire 7. years 255. 7 Makes peace with Maximianus. 255, 8 His good government in Britain. ibidem. Murdered perfidiously by A. lectus, 255. 8 Cardigan field lost by the English against the Welsh. 446. 6 Cardinals 2. sent from Pope Benedict the 12. to treat about a peace between France and England, but in vain. 571. 45 Cardinals Hat delivered to Cardinal Wolsey in great pomp 757. 26 Cardinals not well learned. 440 43 Carentine in Normandy burnt to ashes by king Edward the third 577. 73 Carinus, Caesar and Augustus with his father Carus. 253. 2 Slain ibidem Carle●l re-edified. 429. 18 Endowed with privileges. ibidem. Carlisle in the Scots hand. 446, 7 Carlingford skismish disastrous to the Irish Rebels. 874 312 Carrucage what it is, 526. 68 Carter his good service at Bulloigneberg. 811. 63 Carthage when built by Dido, 165. 21 Cartismandua Queen of the brigants. 170. 2 Falls in love with Vellocatus 196. 20 Her adultery, disloyalty and treachery 176. 12 Caruil a King in Kent. 173. 3 Carus Emperor with Carinus, and Numerianus. 253, 2 His birth. ibidem Their Coins. ibidem Killed with a thunderbolt. 253. 3 Cascais Castle in Portugal surprised by Sir Francis Drake 865. 239 Cassan king of Tartars givesthe Turks a great overthrow. and is baptised. 549. 41 Cassians what Country they inhabited 173. 2 Cassibelan a British Prince, 173. 3 His signory and Coin, ib. 186. 5, 183 Brother to King Lud. ibid. 6 General of the war against julius Caesar 186. 6 Cassibelan besieged in Verolam. 186. 9 He repulsed Caesar twice. 187. 12 His Coin. 186. 5 Cassius Posthumus an usurper in the Roman Empire. 146. 3 His death and his sons, ib. Lord of castle a Briton, burnt Plymouth, and is slain by the people of Devonshire. 618. 40 Castles razed by King Henry 2. 456, 3 Castles cast down, 467, 83 Castles generally both raised, and razed in England▪ 446. 5 Castra Exploratorum. i old Carlisle. 238. 2 Catacratus, the son of Kimbeline, or Cunobeline, taken prisoner. 193, 5 Led Captive in Rome. 175. 8 A Catalogue of pecuniary aids in 28. years space of K. Henry th● third. 526. 68 Sir William Catesby a Counseilor to King Richard the 3. beheaded. 725, 58 Catesby a deep Lawyer and dissembler, to William L. Hastings Lord Chamberlain. 702. 41 Set to sound the L▪ Hastings. ibidem False to the Lord Hastings his founder. ibidem. Catesby a Conspirator & chief plotter of the Gunpowder treason. 890. 41 Catharine, See Katherine. Cathari what heretics. 206, 19 Cattis in Germany from whence the Sax●●ss should come. 285 8 Catus See D●cianus. Caursini, certain Roman Usurers in England 521. 52 Causeys or highways in Britain made by Traianns. 218 7 Cautionary towns and forts in the Low-countrieses delivered into Queen Elizabeth's hands. 855. 166 Ceadwall, or Ceadwald, a glorious King of the Westsaxons 298. 10 His descent and exploits. ib. His vow to God. ibid. His bloodshed in Kent. 298. 10, Ceadwal his repentance, baptism death, burial and Epitaph. ibidem He killeth Edilwach 293▪ 6 Cearlick or Ceorlick king of the Westsaxons his reign. 297. 5 Ceaulin or Cheaulin King of the Westsaxons dispossessed, and slain. 297, 4 Ceaulin or Cheulin Monarch of the English. 328. His Arms ibidem His victories. ibidem Flieth out of the field ibidem His reign and death in exile. 329. His issue. ibidem. Cecilio daughter of William Conqueror, a veiled Nun, and Abbess of Caen Nunnery. 426. 72 Celts and Gauls our fathers, 162. 8 Celtae whence so called, 159, 6 Cenimagnes, a people where they dwelled. 173. 2 Ceolnothus Archbishop of Canterbury his Coin, 365. 14 Ceolnulph King of Northumberland, a peaceable and victorious Prince. 305. 16 Become a Monk in Lindesfern Isle, or holy Island. ibid. Ceolwolph the last lineal King of the Mercians 308. 15 Expelled out of his kingdom ibid. Ceorl King of the Mercians, 306. 3 Chaeremon Bishop of Nilus. 242, 3 Chair of ma●ble translated out of Scotland unto Westminster 547. 31 The prophecy of it now fulfilled. ibidem. 885. 10 Chaluz castle won by King Richard the first. 481. 69 Cham his offspring seated in Africa. 161. 2 His posterity untruly supposed to have conquered & inhabited Britain. 162. 10 Sir john Chandois an expert Captain slain. 587. 143 Ch●rdford a Town why so called. 326. 2 Chariot fight used b● Britan's, 169. 13 Charity to the poor regarded of God by a miraculous example 521. 50 Charles the great his Spear sent unto Ethelstane or Athelstane. 364, 12 Charles Prince of Achaia redeemed out of Captivity by king Edward the first. 545 16 Charles K. of Sicily, perisheth at Sea. 542. 3 Charles de Blois taken Prisoner 580. 106 Charles Earl of Blois, a titler for the Dukedom of Bretaigne Armorica, slain. 584 128 His claim unto that Duchy 574. 69 Charles the Dauphin, Regent of France whiles King john his Father, was prisoner in England 583. 122 Charles the Dauphin, disabled for succession to the crown of France 643. 54. 644, 56 645. 52 His complots to uphold himself ibid. Enstiled King of Berry. 651. 2 Charles, a third son of Matthew Earl of Lennox, by Margaret daughter of Archib●ld Douglas, and father of the Lady Arbella. 752. 75 Charles Duke of Bourbon, king Henry the eight his Champion and Captain general, against Francis the French King 758. 35 Condemned in France of treason 761. 54 Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, entereth France in hostility, and winneth divers places 760. 48 See more in Brandon. Charles the son of Philip duke of Burgundy promiseth to side with King Henry the sixth 682. 55 His hot speech unto K. Edward the fourth. 687. 94 Slain at the battle of Maury 689. 105 Charles Duke of Burgundy, weddeth Magaret sister to Edward the fourth King of England 678, 27 Bends himself against Richard Nevil Ea. of Warwick. 680. 42 See more in Burgundy at the letter B. Charles Duke of Orleans long time prisoner in England 660. 37 Set at liberty for a ransom. ibid. His enlargement opposed by Humphrey Duke of Glocest▪ ibid. Charles the fifth, Emperor, his greatness and many Dominions 764. 61 He pretendeth marriage with the Lady Mary K. Henry 8. his Daughter. 764▪ 62 He with the Queen of Arragon cometh into England, to break peace with France. 758. 33 He cometh into England again & affianceth Lady Mary K. Henry the 8. his daughter 758. 37 He departeth out of England & saileth for Spain. 760, 42 Sore aggrieved at the Pope's Captivity. 761. 54 Charles the fifth K. of Fance, surnamed the wise, his cunning practices against the English. 585. 135 He quarreleth with Edward the second K. of England 561. 49 He summonerh Edward the black Prince to Paris 586. 136 Charles the sixth K. of France a young, foolish, and vain glorious prince, intendeth the invasion of England. 599 48 Frantic 612. 9 Strike into a Lunacy. 617. 25 Upon what occasion and how 640. 44, 45 etc. He seethe a spectre in forest of Meaux. 640. 46 His Death 651. 2 Charles the seventh crowned King of France 655. 17 His dishonourable association with Philip duke of Burgundy. 657. 24 Charles the eighth K. of France practiseth to join Britain Armorica to his Crown. 734. 24 He pretendeth marriage with Margaret daughter of Maximilian the Emperor, but intendeth to marry Anne Duchess and heir of Britain 736. 28 He marrieth Anne duchess of Britain and annexeth it to the Crown of France 736. 29 Charles Cardinal of Bourbon proclaimed Lieutenant governor of France and styled Charles the tenth 867. 255 Charles-Mount, a Fort erected in Vister, by Charles Blount, Lord Montioy 876. 324 Magna Charta confirmed. 572 54 Confirmed twelve times by King Edward 3. 584 126 Chartade foresta confirmed. ib. Charter of William Conqueror to Norman hunter 424. 59 Charter of London by K. William Conqueror 424. 6 Charters and Liberties granted by King Henry the third 513. 13 Revoked and canceled, 514 23 Chastilion Admiral of France, wounded 836 35 Treacherously & barbarously murdered ibib. Mounsieur chastilion raiseth a bastilion before Boulogne 783 132 Repelled with loss from Bulloignberg 811 62 Sir Geffrey Chaucer, our Laureate Poet 589, 154, 590▪ When he lived 589 154 Chedwal or Ceadwal the most famous King of the Westsaxons 297 7 Cheirbrugh in Normandy mortgaged to King Richard the second 593. 6 Chelred K. of Mercia and Monarch of the English. 341 6 307 9 342 2 His arms 342 His wife, reign, and death 307 9 ibid. His burial ibid. He fighteth a battle with In as ibid. Chelwolf King of the Westsaxons, his reign and death 297 6 Cherdick entereth Britain 326 327 His Arms 326 The first King of the Westsaxons ibid. 296 1 His reign, issue, and death. ib. His Genealogy. 326 Cherdick shore 296 2 Cherdickford now Chardford ibid. Cheuline King of Westsaxons & Monarch of the English. 328 His Arms ibid. Henry Chicheley Archbishop of Canterbury, a stout Champion against Wickliff doctrine 626 17 His policy to divert the King and state from looking into the Clergy 626. 19 Chichester built by King Cissa 326. 7 296. 2 Children, Martyrs 242. 37 Chilham Castle in Kent, by whom built 507. 74 Chinon besieged and surprised 494. 33 Chisbury a fort, founded 296. 2 Christ suffered death in Tiberius Caesar's time 191. 5 Christian Bishops 206. 19 Christians sins, cause of their miseries 256. 16 Christianissimus, the French King his title sent unto King Lewis the 12. from Pope ●ulius the second 756. 20 Christian King of Denmark with his Queen come into England 760. 47 A sergeant Christ or pseudo Christ detected and executed by immuration 512. 13 Christiana, daughter of Edward the outlaw, a Nun in Ramsey in Hampshire 584. 21 Christian and Turkish captives beheaded 476 35 Christian Religion groweth up at Rome in Nero's court 197 4 Christians persecuted by Nero ibid. Chistians obtain rain by prayer 221 3 Chrysanthus, Lieutenant of Britain, made Bishop of Constantinople 277. 10 Chrysanthus a Christian British professor. 206 19 Church lands withheld bring a curse to the withholders 528 71 Church-lands not to be alienated 888 27 Cimbrica Chersonesus 161 6 The original of the English and British ibid. The womb that brought forth Nations that conquered us 411 3 Cimbri or Combri, a Colony led into Italy 161 Cimbri or Cumeri, a name common to Britan's and their neighbours 159 Cincia, Cynthia, or Scientia, sister to king Henry the third, his wife 526 67 Married most sumptuously to Richard Earl of Cornwall. 526. 67. Cingetorix a king in Kent 173 Taken prisoner 186 A. Ci●na murdered by Titus Emperor 212 4 Cissa king of the South▪ Saxons 295 2 His reign 296 2 Cistertian Abbots den●e aid to King john 487 11 Cits-Cotihouse, C●tigerne his monument 290 9 Civilis Lieutenant of Britain 270 5 Civil war between York and Lancaster, revived by occasion of a fray 668 70 john Clapham his stratagem 679 34 Clarendon Council in Wil●shire 458 18 Clarence and Clarentieux, titles whence they come 589. 158 Duke of Clarence slain in fight by the Scots 646 67 Richard Claringdon, reputed base son of Edward the black Prince 616 26 Hanged for his affection to his brother king Richrad the second ibid. Duchess of Clarence, delivered of child upon shipboard Clarke a Priest condemned for Treason, executed 886. 15 Classicianus the Receiver, and Suetonius the General at odds in Britain 200 23 Claudius Drusus Caesar 193 His parentage and right to the Empire ibidem 1 His Coins ibid. 194, 5 Entereth Britain in person, with a great Army 175 194 10 His clemency to Britan's 194 10 Honoured of the Britanes as a God ibid. Entereth Rome in triumph of Britain ibid. 11 Claudius Caesar his words, occasion of his death 196. 22 He dieth of poison 196 23 His endowment of Body. ibid. His imperfections ibid. First Conqueror of the Britanes 196 24 His triumph for the Conquest of Britanes ibid. Claudius' Emperor. See Tacitus. Claudia R●fina, a Lady that embraced the Faith. 203 7 The same that Saint Paul, and the Poet Martial do speak of 205. 15 Cleber a Schoolmaster, raiseth rebellion in Norfollke. 828 104 Clemens Maximus rebelleth & is styled Emperor 273 5 His coin ibid. H● is beheaded ibid. 7 Clement the Pope with his Cardinals, besieged in the Castle of S. Ange●●o 760. 54 Pope Clement the eighth his Bulls to prohibit succession in the Crown of England, to any after the death of Queen Elizabeth, unless he were a Catholic 844. 4 Burned by Garnet ibid. Saint Clemen●s'▪ Danes, a Church without Temple bar why so called 396 3 Cle●patra Queen of Egypt 199. 19 Clergy untrue to King Edmund and swear fealty to Canutus. 381 1 Clergymen Comotioners executed 778. 99 Clergy mens dissolute life and impunity, in king Henry the second his time. 457. 12. 13. Clergy men degenerate, as well as tame foul become wild in William Conqueror his time. 421. 47 Clergies excess complained of in Parliament. 626. 18 Clergy given to fleshly delights. 432. 35 Lord Clifford slain with an headless arrow 675, 6 Wal●er Clifford for●eth an officer to eat his Writ, etc. 529, 75 Sir Roger Clifford beheaded for attempting against King Richard the third. 720. 36 Robert de Clifford slain at Bannocksburne. 558. 25 Sir Robert Clifford joineth with the Duchess of B●rgundie, in setting up P●rkin Warbeck. 743. 50 Clito, an Addition proper to the King's sons of England. 553. 6 Clodius Balbinus Emperor with Pupienus Max. 237 His descent. ibidem. 2 Cl. Balbinus his Coin. 237 Clothworkers, and Cloth-mamaking in England, much esteemed of by King Edward the 3. 571. 43 Lord Cobham assailed by Wyatt in Cowling Castle. 819. 33 Henry Brooke Lord Cobham, arraigned and condemned for treason. 886, 4 reprieved ibidem, 17 Captain Cobbler a Priest executed. 718. 99 Cochricus a King of the Danes slain. 350. 4 Coggeshall Abbey founded. 454 49 Cogidunus, a British King. 175 He reigned over certain Cities in Britain, ibid. 194. 4 Coify a Bishop destroyeth idols Altars, etc. 334. 7 Coilus a British King. 217. 3 Coins of Britain's. 169 By what form known. 280. 12 Coiners of false money how punished. 435, 4 Coins made purer. 834. 11 Coins first stamped in Britain, 189. 6 William Collingbourne cruelly executed for making a Rhyme. 720. 37 Colman his speech as touching the celebration of Easter. 331 12 Colony English the first in Ireland. 463. 55 Colonies of Romans the seedeplots of all our Cities. 232. 7 Christopher Columbus discovereth America. 746. 62 Columns or pillars set upon the Causeis in Britain, 218. 7. Combat between john Vpton and john Down in Smithfield. 655. 19 john Cumbert●n, alias Cumber-towne. See john Northampton. 598. 43 Combri, See Cimbri. A Comet or blazing star for thirty days in England. 571. 44. A Comet or blazing star. 667 64 Comets prodigious. 294. 1 A Comet in King Harold's time 404, 18 john Coming Lord of strabogy, submitteth to King Edward the first 547. 30 Philip Comines sent from Charles Duke of Burgundy unto Calais to sound Vauclere. 682. 55 Comius of Arras his Coin. 172. 1 The first in Britain, ib. 18●. 3 King of the Atrebatij in Britain. ibidem Commodus Emperor, 224. 1 His Coin. ibidem His qualities 224. 2 His death plotted. ibidem, 3 Murdered by his wife and others. 225. 8 His reign and age ibidem His portrait. ibid. 9 Styled Hostis humani generis ibidem. Commons spared in the Subsidy. 594. 10 Commotion in Cornwall for maintenance of Popery. 805 20 Commotions for Enclosures, 807. 30 Commotion in Norfolk for Enclosures under Ket. ib. 31 Cardinal Com● his letter to Parry, confirming him in his intended treason. 849. 101 Competitors for the Crown of Scotland 547. 27 They submit to the award of King Edward the 1. 546 20 Composition between Saxons and Britan's. 289. 2 Between Robert Curthois, & King Henry the first his brother. 435. 9 Composition treated of at Arras, between French, English, and Burgognians. 657 23 Computation of years by the Scripture, most certain. 166 23 Computation of years much different in Writers. 165. 23 Con-Oneal a right Irish. 837. 38 Submitteth to King Henry the eight 837. 39 Surnamed Bacca, wherefore, 837. 38 King of Conaught rebelleth, & is taked prisoner. 516. 28 Conference of Divines about government of the Church, and the Liturgy. 876. 18 Conference as touching points of Religion. 832. 5 Confirmation of children how allowable 887. 20 Sir Coniers Clifford Governor of Conaught, slain in fight. 873. 303 Coniers a Chaplain in Kets rebellion. 807. 34 Sir john Coniers rebelleth against King Edward the 4. 679 Conan planteth Armorica with Britons. 280. 9 Conquest a Castle in Normandy won. 635. 42 Conrade a marquess murdered at tire, wherefore. 477 43 Conspiracy against K. james of ● Great Britain revealed. 885. 9 Conspiracy for the delivery of King Richard the second deposed begun. 613. 12 Chief Conspirators who they were. ibid. 13 Discovered by whom. ibid. Conspirators against K. james who they were. 885. 10 indited and condemned. 875. 11 Constance wife to Geffrey, son to King henry the second, 470. 105 Constance daughter of William Conqueror. 426. 73 Wife to Ranulph Earl of Chester, leaves her husband▪ and is married to one Guido 485. 5 Constans the son of one Constantine, of a Monk become Emperor. 276 6 Slain ibidem. 7 Constans his part of the Empire. 262. 2 Constantine son of Cador, K. of the Britan's. 318 His wicked life described by Gildas. 319 Slain. ibidem Constantine the Great, Emperor 259. 1 The first Christian Emperor, a Britain. 295. 13 Constantine the Great, Caesar to his father Constantius Chlorus. 257. 3 His birth and parentage, 249. 9 259. 2 His Attributes▪ 260. 8 His affairs in Britain. 260. 9 His sword. 364. 12 His Coin. 259 He altereth the form of government. 260. 11 He drew the Provinces forces to Consta●tinople. 261. 14 He established Christianity 261. 15 His Baptism. 261. 18 His death and sepulture. 261 17 His 3. sons, successors 261, 18 Their Coins. 262 Constantinople built by Constantine the Great. 261. 12 Lost by a Constantine. 261. 13 Constantine the younger his son, what part he had in the Empire. 262. 1 Slain. ibidem Constantine of a common soldier for names sake made Emperor. 276, 6 Allowed by Honorius▪ ibid. 7 Beheaded ibidem Constantius son of Constantine the Great, what part he had in the Empire. 262. 1 Slain ibidem. 2 Sole Emperor. 263. 4 Disquieted with an apparition 263. 2 His death, age & reign. 264 9 He favoureth Arrians. ibidem▪ His virtues and vices, ibid. His parsonage 264. 11 The place of his burial. ibid. Constantine the younger. Constans. Constantius the younger Their Co●neses. 262 Constantius Chlorus, Caesar to Max●mianus Emperor. 254 4 His Coin. 257 Emperor with Galerius, 257. 1 Why called Chlorus 257. 3 His virtues ibid. His small port and frugality. 257. 5 His policy to try true Christians. 258. 6 His speech at Yo●ke upon his death bed. 258. 11 His reign and death. ibidem He permitted the profession of the Gospel in Britain. 205, 15 House of Converts, now the Rolls in Chancery lane in London founded. 519. 42 Converts what they were. ibid. john Copland Esquire, taketh prisoner David the 2. king of Scots 580. 104 Made Knight Baneret. 580. 105 He rendereth his prisoner K. David to Queen Philip, wife to King Edward the third, 580. 105 Cornelius Agrippa a great learned man. 770. 79 Cornelius Bishop of Rome Martyr. 242. 3 Cornish men rebel under L. Audley. 741. 44 Under Perkin Warbeck▪ 743, 50 Cornwall Dukedom invested upon the King's eldest son at his Nativity. 673. 95 Richard de Cornwall slain in Berwicke. 546 Sir Thomas Cornwallis taken prisoner by Ket, etc. 808. 39 Coronation of King Richard the second, with all the compliments and circumstances thereof. 591. 2 Corporation of Cities, if not first instituted, yet set forward by King john, 506. 63 Corpus Christi College in Oxford founded 721. 40 Corraghs' a kind of ships. 169 11 Sir Robert Cotton of Cunington a storer of Antiquities. 169 At Coventree a Parliament 66 9 75 The Council sit in the Tower about Edward the fifth his Coronation. 702. 42 Council of the States of England held at Oxford 448. 17 Council at Ariminum in favour of the Arrians. 264. 9 Council at Sardica against Arrians. 262. 2 Courts of justice removed back from York to London. 550. 46 john Co●●tney Earl of Devonshire slain in the battle at Tewksbury. 684 71 William de Courtney Archbishop of Canterbury and the Clergy, give voluntary to the King a Tenth. 600. 59 Edw▪ Lord Courtney made Earl of Devonshire. 817. 15 Henry Courtney marquess of Excester, and Earl of Devonshire with others beheaded, 779. 104 Ordained heir apparent by King Henry the 8. ibid. William Courtney Earl of Denonshire troubled for Edmond de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk. 748. 67 Court factions in England. 653 Appeased at Leicester 653. 11 911 Cowre-few▪ called Curfew, first instituted. 417. 13 Cow-backe▪ alias Parsons. 849, 113 Cowilfus a Danish King slain, 361. 6 Thomas▪ Cranmer Archb▪ of Canterbury burnt in Oxford, 824.66 Thomas Cranmer disableth the Bishop of Rome's authority, against the word of God. 769 78 Graced by the Pope with the office of Penitentiarship. 769. 79 Cranmere Castle erected by King Stephen. 453. 43 Petie-Craon King Charles the sixth his Minion, makes debate between the Duke of Orleans and his Duchess. 640. 44 Dismissed the Court, flieth into Bretaigne. ibidem. Credington, alias Cridington, a Bishops See removed to Excester. 401. 25 Cardinal Cremensis the Pope's Legate restraineth Priests of marriage. 440. 46 Himself taken with a whore, ibidem Returns homewith shame ibidem Crescy battle 577.87▪ etc. Creswell a jesuite his traitorous Book 849. 113 Crida first King of the Mercians his descent, reign and Issue. 306 Crispus, Constantine the Great his base son put to death, 260. 8 His Coin. ibidem Sir james Croft arraigned for Wiat's conspiracy, and pardoned 821. 47 Cromer, high Sheriff beheaded by Essex Rebels. 664. 53 Thomas-Lord Cromwell his rising. 772. 94 A Blacke-Smithes son. lib. Thomas Cromwell maketh the marriage between K. Henry the eight, and Anne of Cleve. 775. 105 Lord Cromwell imprisoned, 779. 106. After his death attainted in Parliament. 779. 166 Himself made an act, occasion of his own death. 779 107 Beheaded. ibid. 108 Cause of his death, his dislike of Katherine Howard, and defence of Anne of Cleve. 779 107 Crosses of sundry colours, badges of Christ his Soldiers. 469. 95 The Cross in Decentius his time 263, 3 The Cross what form it had. 259. 4 Crosses erected in honour of Queen Elinor, King Edward the 1. his wife. 545. 16 Cross, the first erected in England. 336. 3 The Cross at Winchester of great value 392. 19 Crossebacke, or Croleshed, whence it came. 285. 8. 539. 107 Crouched or Crossed Friars, why so called 285. 8 Crowland Monastery founded. 307. 10. 343. 4 Crowne-lands in the possession of the Barons, how K. Henry the third recovered. 512. 16 Crowns of England and Ireland entailed by Parliament upon King Henry the 6. his heirs males lawfully begotten. 681. 53 In remainder upon the heirs of George Duke of Cl●rence, 682. 53 Crucifixion forbidden by Constantine the Great, 512. 13 Henry cuff executed at Tiborn 880, 344 Thomas Culpepper hanged at Tyburn for adultery with Queen Katherine Howard. 780. 109 Cumbra a faithful Counsellor to King Sigebert, murdered by him 299. 14 Cumbri, i Welshmen. 161 Rob. Cumin with his Normans slain in Durham. 417, 15 john Cumin Earl of Bucquhan, Governor of Scotland under King Edward the second 557. 18 Vanquished, ibidem. Choose▪ of the Scots their Governor. 549. 42 Cuneglasius a Prince of the Britan's. 321 Described by Gildas, ibidem Cunobelin or Kimbeline King of the Trinobantes. 189. 6 His Coins. 174 In his time jesus Christ our Saviour borne. 174 john Curcy Earl of Ulster, his rough and rnde speech to K. john of England. 492. 28 A mighty strong Champion. 492. 26 After long imprisonment set at liberty by King john. 492, 26 He never could recover 〈◊〉 though often attempted. 492. 26 Cursat, alias Isacius Emperor of the Griffons, a Tyrant, spoileth King Richard the first of his ships. 475. 26 His inhuman demeanour to Queen Berengaria and other Ladies. ibidem Put into fetters of silver & gold, with his only daughter, and led into Captivity by King Richard the first, ibidem. 27 Scent to Tripoli in Syria, ib. 29 His Imperial Standard offered up by K. Richard the first, at the Abbey of Saint Edmunds. 479. 55 Sir Robert Curson Captain of the Castle of Hams near Calais, like a Sinon betrayeth Edmond de la Pole Earl of Suffolk. 748. 67 Customs called Auitae. 458. 18 Cuth a valiant warrior. 297, 4 Slain ibidem. Cuthburga King Ofricks' wife becometh a Nun. 299, 11 Cuthburga King Osreds' wife, a Nun 304. 13 Cuthred King of Westsaxons. 299. 13 His Coin. ibid. His reign, death and Issue. ibidem Cuthred King of Kent. 295. 16 Cuthwin son of Cheaulin. 329 Cymbertus 163 Cyprus the Isle, with some provinces of Syria, subdued by King Richard the first. 157. 475. 20. Cyprus' committed in haste to Richard de Camuile, and Robert de Turnham, K. Richard his Viceroys. 475. 30 D SIr Thomas Dagworth his valiant exploits in Little Bretaigne 580. 106 Slain by Richard Raoul de Cahors. 580. 106 Damianus, alias Divianus, a great Clerk. 206. 18 Danes compound with the English. 357. 8 Sue to Elfred for peace. 357 15 stir FLETCHER arrival in Britain. 300 16 Baptized 357.16 Invade and infested this Island, 308. 19 311. 15 Arrived upon the coast of Kent in King Ethelred his days. 375. 3 They do much harm in Devonshire. ibidem Discomfit the English. 349 12 Invade sundry parts of England at once. 376. 7 Scent out of the land by King Canutus 391. 5 Have money paid at divers times 378 Massacred. 377. 16 Vanquished by King Egbert. 349. 13 They take and fire divers Cities and Towns. 378. 24 25 The Danes fifth Invasion. 350 2 They take Elphegus Archbishop of Canterbury, and slay 900. Monks. 378 26 Their manner of Tithing men to slaughter. ibidem. Destroy Monasteries, and murder all in them. 354. 5 Possessed of the Crown of England. 384. 23 Discomfited in sundry places 350. 4. 5 From whence descended. 385. 4 Danegilt. 378. 30. 389. 13 To what sum it arose. 389. 13 Remitted. 399. 7 Danes whence derived. 386. 6 Given to Piracies from the first. 386. 8 Therefore called Wiccingi. ibidem Named also pagan, Deniscan, and Heathen men. ibid. Their ancient Religion, or superstition 386. 9 Danes first arrived at Teigne-mouth in Devonshire. 387. 1 Danes, upon what motives first they attempted England 388. 5, 6 Their murderous facts at sundry times 389. 12 Casneered and disabled from reigning any more. 399, 3 A Dane of great valour. 405 22 Danes converted first to Christianity here in Britain 205. 17 Danes with English fugitives invade England in William Conquerors days 417. 16 Put to flight 418. 17 Daniel Bishop of Westsaxons 163 Daniels Prophesy fulfilled. 256 13 William Daubeney beheaded for Perkin Warbeck his conspiracy 739. 37 Dauciones, supposed ancestors of the Danes 385. 4 Sir Philip d' Arcy alias Darcy appeacheth Sr. Henry de Bath a bribing judge, of Treason 530.78 Sir Charles Davers beheaded on Tower hill 880. 344 David King of Scots invadeth England 446. 7 Winneth Carlisle and Newcastle ibid. Reinuadeth Northumberland 447. 11. 4▪ His Soldiers inhuman cruelty ibid. David brother to the King of Scots taketh part against K. Henry the 2. 465. 65 David Prince of Wales, invadeth the English Marches 526 67 Seeks to draw his head out of the yoke, from the King of England 526. 67 David Prince Llewelins' brother surpriseth Hawardin Castle 544. 13 Hanged, headed, and quartered 545. 15 David Bruse King of Scotland, while he was Prince, married joan, daughter to King Edward the second 367. 13 King David the second with his Queen fly into France 568. 25 They return into England 570. 38 He invadeth England, whiles Calais is besieged by the English 580. 162 Vanquished and taken prisoner. ibidem Lodged under sure guard in the Tower of London 580. 105 Set at liberty upon a ransom 582. 119 From King David unto Zedechiah what time. 278. 2 Earl of Deane taken prisoner and freed by leaving his son hostage 593. 7 Earl of Deans son his rare fidelity and honesty. 594. 11 Dearth and Death in C●dwalladerss time 323 Dearth and mortality. 376. 5 Debate between Simon Montford Earl of Leicester, and Richard Earl of Gloucester 538 112 Decentius Caesar hangeth himself 262. 3 Decimus his oppression in Britain 198. 9 Flieth into Gallia ibid. 15 Decius murdereth Philip's Father and son 241. 3 His birth 241 2 Persecuteth Christians ibidem Decius enforced to be Emperor 241. 5 His ignoble death 242. 4 Defender of the Church, a title given to Charles the fifth Emperor, upon what occasion 759. 39 Defender of the Faith, a title given to King Henry the 8 wherefore 759. 39 Deification of Roman Emperors 231 4 Deira, a Province in the kingdom of Northumberland 30 21 Michael De la Pole, Lord Chancellor disgraced, and the Seal taken from him. 602. 67 Dieth in exile at Paris. 604 82 Bynamed in scorn, Michael at the Pole 603. 74 See more in letter P. Delmatius, alias Dalmatius Annibalianus his coin. 256. 262 Delphi spoiled by Brennus. 161. 5. Saint Denis Abbey at Wilton, founded 372. 21 Denmarc▪ whence it took the name and original 385. 5 Deposition of K. john of England decreed by Pope Innocentius 499 46 Francis Dereham dieth at Tyburn for adultery with Katherine Howard before she was Queen. 780. 109 Dermot Mac-Murrgh King of Leinster secretly stole away king Rothericks' wife 462 47 Pursued by Rothericke. ibid. 50 Flieth for succour to K. Hen.ry the 2. ibid. His persuasive oration to Richard Strongbow, for to aid him 462. 53 He dieth at Fernis 464. 58 Earl of Desmond well hoped to be King of Ireland 853 147 Beheaded ibid. 148 De●calidones, Western Picts, 269. 4 Deventer traitorously sold to the Spaniard. 857. 177 john Deverel Esquire executed with Roger Mortimer. 568 23 Walter Devereux slain before Rouen 867 256 Robert Devereux Earl of Essex Commander in a Fleet against Spain. 868. 264 Robert Devereux Earl of Essex, Lord Lieutenant and governor General of Ireland 873. 301 He entereth Monster & cleareth it of Rebels. ibid. 362 He vanquisheth O-Coners & O-Moiles in Leinster ibid. 303 He entereth Ulster ibid. 304 He and Tir-Oen meet in Parley. 874. 305 His proceed in Ireland, distasted at home in England ibidem 307 He returneth into England ibidem Committed to the custody of Sir Thomas Egerton L. Keeper ibid. His discontent bewrayed in a letter to the Lord Keeper 877. 331 Suspended from exercise of his offices ibid. 333. He detaineth 4. of the Council under sure Custody in own house 879 337 He entereth tumultuously into London 879. 338 Proclaimed Traitor in London ibid. Resisted by Richard Bancroft the stout Bishop of London ibid. 339 Fortifieth his house in the Strand. ibid. 340 Conveyed to the Tower of London ibid. Arraigned at Westminster and condemned to death ibi. 341 Beheaded ibid. His speech at his death ibid. 342 Denil appearing in the habit of a Friar Minorite. 616. 12 Divises Castle, fortified against king Stephen 448 17 By whom built ibid. Accounted the goodliest Castle in Europe 448. 18 Devonshire men & women behave themselves valiantly against the French at Dortmouth 618. 4 Diadumenus Caesar son to Macrinus proclaimed Emperor 233. 5 Put to death ibid. Dictator Perpetuus the highest title of honour in Rome. 189 11 A. Didius Lieutenant in Britain 196. 19 Didius julianus buyeth the Empire 227. 2 His Coin 226 Slain by his Soldiers. 227. 5 john Dighton one of the murderers of King Edward the 5. and his brother 715. 18 Sir Thomas Dimocke beheaded 680. 39 Diocletian, Emperor. 253. 5. 254 His Coin. ibid. His parentage. ibid. Killeth Arrius Aper with his own hands ibid. His tyrannical edicts. 256. 15 Resigneth up the Empire. ibid. 18 Poisoneth himself ibid. 19 Dissembling between Richard L. Protector and the Duke of Buckingham 708. 59 Divine Service in the English tongue 834 10 Divitiacus governed part of Gaul and of Britain. 162. 7 Dobuni yield to the Romans 175. 8 Robert D'oily father of Henry D'oily by Edith widow of Robert the fourth natural son of King Henry the first 443. 69 Doleman, alias Parsons. 649 113 doomsday, or Domus Dei Book 421. 42 Domitian Emperor his youth 213.1 Escapeth murdering ibid. Dedicateth a Temple to jupiter ibidem His ambition 213 2 His vain misspending of time ibidem 3 Envieth Agricola his Victories 215. 16 His vainglory and other vices 215. 17 By whom murdered. 216. 19 His parsonage ibid. 20 His age and reign, ibid. His Coin. 213 Domneva, Dompneva, or Domnew foundress of Minster Abbay in Thanet 332. 19 First Abbess of Minster 294. 8 Doryphorus a youth Nero his wife 201. 2 A Dove presaging good success in the Admiral's ship at Cadiz voyage 869. 267 Dover Castle shut against king Henry the third, and his brother Richard by the Barons. 536. 96 Archimbald or Archibald Douglas with other Nobles of Scotland slain at Hallydon-hill 509. 28 Raiseth spoils in England. ibi. Taken prisoner. ibid.▪ Archibald Douglas prisoner without ransom, hath Berwicke allotted unto him after a conceited victory. 617. 3 Sir james Douglas his resolute attempt upon K. Edward the third his pavilion in the night. 566. 11 William Douglas taken prisoner by the English. 568. 26 Sir William Douglasse slain by Henry Piercy alias Hotspurre 604. 79 Dragon-Gules the Standard of king Edward the third at the battle of Crescy, 578. 92. Dragon in Standards against Infidels 316 Sir Francis Drake his voyage 852. 143 His ship kept as a monument ibid. Sir Francis Drake Vice-admiral of the English against the Invincible Armado of the Spaniard 859. 198 Dreams presaging King Henry the first his death 441. 53 A Dromond. i. a great Argosy of Saracens conquered by K. Richard the first. 475. 30 Druids in Britain the only learned Clergy and instructors of Britain's 168. 8 Privileged in Britain. 168. 8 Allowed no Images nor visible form of the Godhead 204. 10 Edmond Dudley Esquire, an instrument for King Henry the seventh his avarice. 750. 70 His descent and quality. 754. 3 See more in Empson. john Dudley Earl of Warwick entereth Norwich against Ket and the Rebels of Norfolk, 808. 41 His noble heart and love. 808. 45. 46 Created Duke of Northumberland. 811. 66 Appointed L. Lieutenant for Queen jane against Lady Marie. 816. 7 Arrested in Cambridge by a Sergeant at Arms 817. 12 Arrested by Henry Fitz-Alen Earl of Arundel. 817. 13 He with others committed to the Tower. 817. 14 He recanted, and was beheaded 817. 17 Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick, General of the English at Newhaven 836. 29 Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester, Deputy General in the Low-countrieses installed at Dunhage, 856. 170 His proud carriage mistrusted by the States. 856. 171 His doings move grudges & grievances in the States. 856. 177 He returneth into England for what cause 857. 178 Discharged of his government of the Low Countries 857. 181 Lieutenant of the English forces at Tilbury Campe. 859. 196 His death. 862, 220 Duel or combat intended between Paramour Defendant, and Low and Kyme Plaintiffs. 851. 135 Duel or single fight offered by a French man, who would not stand to it. 492. 26 Between Newton and Hamilton about words. 81 61 Duel or combat between john Welsh Esquire, English, and Martiles a Gentleman Navarrois. 598. 44 Dukes place in London within Algate. See Priory of the Trinity. Dulcitius a renowned Captain 270. 5 Dunbar Castle yielded to King Edward the first. 547. 28 Dunmaile King of Cumberland. 366. 4 Dunstan Abbot of Glastenbury had a great hand over King Endred. 367. 5 Banished by King Edwy. 368 2 His juggling miracles and delusions. 374. 4 His prophesy. 375. 3 Dussin-Dale, a valley where Ket and his rebels entrenched themselves. 804. 42 E EAdred Monarch of England 367 His Arms and Coin. ibid. His lenity and justice▪ ibid. 5. His works. 368. 6 His death and sepulture. ib. His Issue. ibid. 7 Eagle the Romans main Ensign. 184. 5 Eanfled King Edwins daughter 335. 17 First baptised in Northumberland. 334. 5 Eanfrith or Eanfrid King of Bernicia 303. 9 An Apostata. 322. Slain ib. 304 Earthquakes 421. 46. 432, 39 Easter when it should be celebrated, breedeth a long dissension. 331. 11. 12. etc. The question argued to and fro. ibidem. East Angel's kingdom with the circuit 309. 1 The Arms of it. ibid. East-Saxons kingdom and circuit. 300. 1 East-Saxons neither affected, nor attained to the Monarchy. 293, 2 Eaton College founded. 685 82 Ebb, Abbess of Coldingham dissigured herself, wherefore 389, 13 Ebissa a Saxon Captain sent for by Hengist. 290, 7 Eclipse of the sun. 238. 6 Eclipses strange of Sun and Moon 305. 17 Eclipse of the Sun a little before King Henry the first his death. 442. 55 Edanaden King of Scots envieth Ethelfred. 302. 7 Is oucrthrowne ibidem Edbald King of Kent 293, 6 Refuseth Christianity, and marrieth his father's wife. ibidem Often plagued. 244. 6 Converted. ibidem Liberal to the Church. ib. His Issue, reign, death and burial. ibibem Edburga Abbess of Minster in the Isle of Thanet. 332. 19 Edburga daughter of King Edward the elder, loveth good books, and leadeth a Monastical life. 863. 26 Edelingsey Monastery built. 359. 25 Edelingsey Isle where King Elfred abode. 357. 11 Edinburgh burnt by the English 782. 123 Edinburgh Castle surrendered to the English for K. james the sixth his use. 852. 139 Edinburgh rendered to king Edward the first. 547. 29 Edfrid King Edwins son murdered by Penda. 335. 14 Edgar Monarch of England his Arms and his Coin. 369. Son of King Edmund. ib. His Style, 157 Surnamed the peaceable. 370. 3 Favourable to Monkish profession. 370, 3 An enemy to married Clerks. ibidem To Drunkenness 370. 4 Favourable to Danes▪ ibidem His Navy Royal, and scouring of the seas. ibid. 6 His gists in Winter, and circuits through the Country for execution of justice. 370, 7 He bindeth divers Princes to his Allegiance. 370. 8 His Magnanimity and Devotion. 370. 9 10 How many Monasteries he built and repaired ibid. His cruelty & incontinency. 370, 10 Deceived with a maidservant brought into his bed. 371. 13 His person, reign and burial. 372. 15 Edgar a 6. son of King Etheldred 380. 57 Edgar Atheling, or Etheling leaveth England. 417. 11 Set up against William Conqueror. 418. 2 Courteously used by King William the Conqueror. 419. 33 Heir apparent to the crown of England 339. 10 Edgar Etheling England's darling. 415. 2 He with the Bishops and others, yield to William of Normandy 415. 23 Edgar Etheling his parentage. 384, 21 Edgith a daughter of Algar, wife to King Harold. 404, 10 Edgith a daughter of King Ethelred the unready, married to Edrick a Traitor. 380. 49 Edgith the natural or base daughter of King Edgar. 372. 21 A veiled Nun, beautiful and chaste. ibid. Her answer to Bishop Ethelwold ibidem. Her burial. ibidem Edgith a daughter to King Edward the elder. 362. 21 Edgith alias Edith King Egberts' daughter died, and buried at polesworth, 349, 20 Saint Edgithes or Edithes of polesworth ibidem Edgiva the 11. daughter of K. Edward the elder, 363, 27 Edgiva wife to King Edward the elder 361, 1 Her death ibidem Edhild daughter to King Edward the elder 362, 21 Edilwach, See Ethelwolfe, Edilwald or Mollo King of Northumberland slain, 305 19 Edith Swanshalse, or Swans-necke, king Harold his sweet heart before he was King. 408. 52 Editha o● Egitha wife to King Edward Confessor, Earl Goodwins daughter, 402. 25 Her burial ibidem Saint Edith the chaste, begotten by King Edgar. 370, 11 Edith, alias Beatrice daughter of King Edward the elder. 362, 15 Foundeth a Nunnery at Tamworth. ibidem Edmund son of King Edward the elder, King of the Westsaxons, and Monarch of England, his Arms and Coin. 365 Edmond a third son of Etheldred the unready 380, 44 Commonly called Ironside, his Arms and Coin. 381 Edmond son of Edmond Ironside liveth private in Exile. 384, 22 Edmund or Edmond King of the East-Angles, 311, 15 Most cruelly put to death by the Danes ibidem▪ 354, 6 His Reign, ibid. Edmund son of King Edward the elder, Monarch of England 362, 24, 365 He vanquisheth the rebellious Danes, and joineth Northumberland to his Dominions, 366. 3 His laws translated into Latin by Lambert 366, 4 Saint Edmondsbury given by him to the Monks there. 366, 4 His untimely and unfortunate death 366, 5 His Issue, ibid. Saint Edmondsbury why so called 311. 15 S. Edmondsbury Church built ibid. Burned by the Danes ibidem Re-edified and enriched by K. Canutus ibib. Saint Edmond Dicth 360. 4 Edmond second son of King Edgar 372. 19 Edmond, second son of King Edward the first: his marriage and issue. 553. 72 Earl of Kent ibid. Beheaded ibid. Edmund Crouchbacke Earl of Lancaster 284, 8 Edmund Crouchbacke why so termed ibid. 539. 107 Titular King of Sicilia and Apulia ibid. His other honours▪ ibid. His wives and issue ibid. Henry the third his second son 532. 85 His broad Seal ibid. Deluded by the Pope ibid. 86 Edmund the 2. son of K. Henry the 3. commended to the Parliament from his Father 534. 91 Edmund Crouchbacke, the original of the contention between York and Lancaster 539. 107 His death and burial. ibid. Not deformed 534. 91 Edmund Earl of Arunde●, beheaded with others to satisfy Roger Mortimer. 563. 66 Edmund Earl of Kent, half uncle to King Edward the third, opposing the Queen Dowager and Mortimer, beheaded. 567.19 Edmond of Langley created Earl of Cambridge, & Duke of York. 590, 600. 56 Scent with an Army into Portugal. 594. 17 Edmond Archbishop of Canterbury dealeth with King Henry the third, about redressing of the State. 520 45 A Saint, and dieth in voluntary exile 525. 62 Edmund Earl of March detecteth a conspiracy of Richard Earl of Cambridge & others. 629. 30 Edmond Beaufort Duke of Somerset taken forth of Sanctuary at Tewksbury, 684. 72 Edmond Beaufort Duke of Somerset arrested of high Treason, and sent to the Tower. 666. 61 Edmond Beaufort Duke of Somerset, a vigilant Counsellor to king Henry the 6. and true to his Country. 665. 54 Regent of English and France, 661. 39 Commanded prisoner to his own house. 665. 57 Accuseth Richard Duke of York of treason. ibid. Flieth from Barnet field into Wales, 683. 65 Slain at the battle of Saint Alban 667. 64 Edmond Ironside Monarch of England, his Coin. 381 He proffereth king Canute single fight 382. 2 He putteth Danes to flight, 384. 3 Edmund and Canute at single fight. 383. 16 Murdered by Edricke. 383. 17 His reign and burial. 383, 18 His parsonage and valour, ib. 19 Edmond Earl of Kent wounded to death at the siege of Briant in Little Bretaigne. 620. 46 Edmund son of King Harold from out of Ireland invadeth England. 417. 13 Edmond Prince, King Etheldreds' son, punisheth Revolters 380. 37 Edmund de la Pole, Earl or Duke of Suffolk, excommunicate by a Bull from Pope Alexander the 6. 749. 69 Delivered up to the Tower of London. 749, 70 See more in P. at de la Pole Edmond third son of King Henry the seventh, Duke of Somerset, his birth, death and place of burial 751. 74 Edred a fourth son of King Etheldred the unready. 380, 45 Edred son to King Edward the elder. 362. 25 Edred another son, his Arms and Come 367 Edrick King of Kent. 294.10. Slain. ibidem Edrick the Dane murdered. 361, 9 Edrick Syl●ati●us taketh Arms with the Welshmen, against King William Conqueror. 416. 9 Edrick the King's son, revolteth to the Danes. 379. 36 E●●le Edrich, surnamed Streton for his avarice 377. 17 His traitorous stratagem. 38●. 6 His wicked counsel. ibidem 11 Surnamed also Streona. 416. 9 Beheaded as a traitor, and his head set on the highest gate in London 383, 18 An untrusty Counsellor to his Sovereign. 377 20 His treachery ibidem 25 He goeth to the enemy. 382 13 Edsine Archbishop of Canterbury. 399, 6 Edward the elder, Monarch of the English 360 His Arms and Coin. ibidem His Humility, 361.7 Takes a Votaress to wife, ibidem 3 His death and Issue 361. 10 King Edward the Confessor his death, burial and reign. 401, 25. 402. 25 His parsonage ibidem Called Saint Edward. 399. 6 Monarch of England 398 His Seal, Coin, and Arms. 398 Vain predictions of his reign 398. 2 His laws the fountain of our common laws in England. 399. 7 His laws revived. 435▪ 4 His troubles by foreigners, & domestic enemies. 399, 11 12 His reign troubled with calamities of the land. 400. 20 He refraineth from the bed of his virtuous wife. 400. 21 Unkind and cruel to his wife and mother. 401. 22▪ 24 Edward Outlaw dieth. 399. 10 Son of Edmond Ironside liveth private in exile. 384▪ 22 Edward the seventh son of KING Ethelred the unready. 381. 52 King Edward the Martyr Monarch of England. 373 His Arms and Coin. ibidem Murdered by his stepmother Elfrida 374. 8 His burial. ibidem King Edward the first his birth. 526. 65 Edward Prince, after K. Edward the first, marrieth Elinor, Alphonsus the King of Spain his sister 532. 84 His estate which the King gave him presently, ibidem He holdeth with the Barons against his father 536. 98 Prince Edward revenged of the Londoners for abuse to the Queen his mother. 537. 101 Prince Edward, after King Edward the first, taken prisoner by Simon Montfort, and imprisoned in Dover. 538. 102 Removed to Hereford Castle 538. 102 Escapeth out of prison, and raiseth a power against Simon Montfort 538. 103 He with his brother Edmond and others take the Cross for the Holy Land, 539. 105 He killeth an Assasine. 542. 5 Wounded and healed by his wives tongue. 542. 5 King Edward the first his Arms, Broad▪ seal and Coin. 541. Why named Longshank. 439. 106 His valour and resolution, 542. 3. 4 His single fight being Prince with Sir Adam Gourdon. 442, 4 He sorroweth more for his father's death then his sons, 543. 6 His wonderful strength of body 543. 7 His honourable passage homeward from the Holy-Land. 543. 7 Homager to Philip King of France▪ for territories in France. 543, 8 Crowned King at Westminster 543. 9 Discomfited by the Welsh, 544. 14 Edward of Caernaruon borne. 545. 15 King Edward the 1. claimeth Sovereignty over Scotland. 545. 19 Dispossessed of Gascoigne, 446, 24 Intends the Conquest of Scotland. 546. 25 Purposeth to unite Scotland to the Crown of England 547. 31 Takes truce with France, 548, 33 Weddeth Margaret the French Kings Sister. 548, 36 He granteth Charters and Liberties to his subjects. 548. 36 Renounceth his grant, 551 52 Edward of Caernaruon made Prince of Wales, and Earl of Chester 549, 40 First Prince of royal race. 552, 61 King Edward the first cast from his horse had two ribs broken 548. 34 One of our greatest English monarchs 550. 48 Wholly possessed of Scotland, ibidem Duke of Aquitaine ibidem His last speeches on his death bed to Prince Edward, 551 54 Sick of a desenterie, or bloody flux, whereof he died, 551, 55 His commendation, ibid. His wives and Issue, ibidem. King Edward the second, his Arms, Broad-S●ale, and Coin. 554 He taketh revenge of Walter Langton Bishop of Chester 555, 3 Weddeth Isabel daughter of Philip the Fair, King of France ibidem He with his Queen crowned, ibid. 6 Edward of Windsor, after King Edward the third, borne, 556. 16 Made high Keeper or Warden of England in his father's days, 562. 63 Duke of Aquitane, and Earl of Pontieu 561, 52 Insured by the Queen to Philip daughter to john Ea. of Henault 561, 57 Crowned King by the name of Edward the third 564, 78 K. Edward the second entereth Scotland with a puissant Army 557. 19 The dissolute behaviour in his Campe. ibid. 21 He and his power defeated by Rob. Br●ce 557. 22. 23 He upbraideth bitterly the death of Thomas Earl of Lancaster. 560. 46 Flieth into Wales unto the Abbey of Neath. 562. 61 Recalled by Proclamation. 562. 63 King Edward the second deposed, and committed to 2. merciless Knights 566, 5 Murdered by his two Keepers. 566. 6 His murderers outlawed, and brought to confusion. 566, 8 His murdered Corpse laid to view. ●bi●▪ 9 His repentance and reformation of life after his deposing ibidem King Edward the second prisoner at Kenelworth Castle. 563, 69 Solicited to r●●●gne up the Crown unto his son Edward 563. 73 He resigneth it, ibid. His Issue. 564. 78 Edward the third, his Arms Broad-Seale and Coin. 565 Crowned by Walter Archb. of Canterbury 566. 3 Provideth for the public peace of the Realm. 566. 2 For wars with Scotland. 566, 3 He besiegeth Berwicke. 568 27 He reputeth the Acts and releases to the Scots at Northampton in his Minority to be voided. 569. 27 Warreth upon Scotland on what ground. ibidem Edward the Black Prince born at Woodstock 507. 19 Why bynamed Black Prince 567. 20 Created Prince of Wales. 574 75 His commendation ibid. The first Duke of Cornwall created 673. 95 In great danger at the battle of Cresci 578. 94 Saileth into France to take possession of the Dukedom of Aquitaine 581▪ 112 His high atchivements in France 581. 114 His commendable behaviour upon the victory at the battle of Poitiers. 582. 117 Returns into England in triumph ibid. 118 He doth homage to his Father f●r the Dukedom of Aquitaine. 584. 125 He passeth with an Army into Spain, in the quarrel of Peter King of Castille dizseized of his kingdom 285. 134 Poisoned in his journey of Spain. 585. 134 He demandeth a fowage at a Parliament in Gascoign●. 586 136 His death and commendation 585. 150. Interred, with a Monument in Canterbury ibidem His Issue 589. 156 Edward the third doth Homage to Philip de V●lois for the Duchy of Gascoigne. 567 20 His overture for the holy Land 569. 33 Entereth with an Army into Scotland to aid KING Edward Bailiol 569. 34. 35 Createth sundry great States 570. 36 He supporteth the Bailiols' possession of Scotland against the Bruce ibid. 38 His claim to the crown of France justified 570. 40 How he fortified himself, for the conquest of France▪ 570 41 His manner of doing homage for the Duchy of Aquitane 571. 47 Saileth to Anwerp for France 572. 48 Constituted Vicegerent unto Lewis the Emperor ibid. Why he refused to kiss the Pope's foot 572. 49 His broad Seal 572. 50 He publisheth his title to France. ibidem 53 His victory at Sea, against the French 573. 57 His puissant Army ibid. 57 His challenge sent to Philip de Valois ibid. 59 He is at a default for want of Treasure 574. 63 He punisheth officers about his treasure ibid. 64 His answer to Lewis of Bavarre the Emperor his revocatory lines ibid. 67 Saileth again into France for the conquest thereof 576. 83 King Edward the third his resolute valour at the fourd Blanch Taque 577. 85 His answer, when the Black Prince was in danger, 578. 95 His victory at the battle of Crescy 579. 97 His Charity to the poor of Calais by him besieged. 570 102 His devout thanksgiving to God for victory 582. 118 He invadeth France again 583. 121 K. Edward 3. lieth with a puissant Army before Paris 593. 122 His Host much hurt by tempest. 583 122 His cruelty in France ibid. He yieldeth to a peace ibid. His death. 589. 154 His Epitaph. ibid. His works of devotion. ibid. His issue. 589▪ etc. His reign and age 589. 154 Edward Earl of March and Duke of York showeth his right to the Crown. 674. 1 King Edward the fourth, his Arms, seal, and Coin 674 Proclaimed King 675. 2 He denieth repayment of money borrowed of the Staplers Merchants 675. 4 Crowned King in Westminster 676. 11 Sitteth personnally in the King's Bench court. ibid. 17. His projects for a marriage 676. 18. 19 Enamoured upon Da●e Elizab●th Grey. 677, 21 Dissawded by his mother, Duchess of York, but in vain, from that marriage with Elizabeth Grey 677. 23 He marrieth Dame Elizabeth Grey 678. 24 Taken prisoner by Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick 679, ●6 Committed prisoner to George Neu●ll Archbishop of York ibid. He esapeth from his keepers ibid. 37 Leaveth England and setteth sail toward Burgundy. 681 56 King Edward the fourth, in Parliament declared Traitor to his country, and an Usurper: and his goods to be confiscate 681. 53 He landeth with a power at Ravenspur in Yorkshire. 682 57 Sweareth to be true to King Henry the sixth. ibidem Encampeth near to Coventree against Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick, and challengeth him to battle. 682. 59 encountereth George Duke of Clarence his brother, and are both reconciled 682. 60 Marches towards Barnet, to Gladmore-Heath with King Henry the sixth in his train, 683. 62 His victory and triumph for Barnet field. 683. 66 Offereth his Banner in Saint Paul's Church. 683. 66 His reply to Charles Duke of Burgundy who married his sister 687, 95 He sendeth into Br●taigne for jasper Earl of Pembroch, & Henry Earl of Richmont. 686 89 His expedition into France against Lewis the French King. 689, 91 Sends defiance to Lewis king of France ibidem He loveth his Subjects, and is beloved again. 688. 101 Sends for the Lord Maior, and Aldermen of London to his hunt. ibidem wanton given. ibidem. 102 His sickness and speeches at his death 690. 113. 114 His apothegm of his 3. Concubines 688. 102 His death, reign and state of burial 690. 115 King Edward the fourth his parsonage, feature and other parts. 691. 116 His issue by Elizabeth his wife 691. 18. etc. His concubines 161. 129 His natural issue 150 His care to set peace between his own kindred and the Queen's 699. 9 His children made bastards by Richard his brother, Lord Protector, and Doctor Shaa his Chaplain, upon what colour 705. 53 Himself with his brother George Duke of Clarence made bastards by their brother Richard, Lord Protector 705. 54 His issue held Bastardy 712. 3 King Edward the fourth accused to have been contracted to Dame Butler before his marriage with Elizabeth ●rey 712. 3 Edward Bruce crowneth himself King of Scotland, and is s●aine in battle 558. 33 King Edward the fifth, his arms and seal 693 Attended by his mother's friends repaireth towards London upon his father's death 695. 10 Met by the Citizens of London and accompanied into the City 697. 24 Smothered to death with his brother in the tour 709. 65 His short reign, without Crown, Sceptre or Ball, 709 65. 714. 715. 19 What he said when he heard that his uncle was crowned King 715. 18 His body and his brothers where first buried. 715. 19 King Edward the fifth his body with his brothers, taken up and buried again no man knoweth where. 715. 19 Edward the last child of King Henry the eight, when borne 786. 147 Created Prince of Wales ibid. He is King of England under the name of King Edward the sixth 803 His Arms, broad Seal, and Coin. ibid. The beginning of his reign and Coronation. 804. 3 Compared to King josiah in godly zeal 804. 5 His marriage with Queen Mary of Scotland desired of the English. 804. 7 Falls sick of a cough and consumption of the lungs 812. 73 His prayer at the point of death. 812. 76 His death. ibid. His virtues 812. 77. 813 His learning and memory 313. 77 His care and mercy ibid. 78 His zeal to the Gospel ibid. 79 His letter to the Lady Mary his sister. 813 80 His works of mercy. ibidem 81 His liberality to the poor of London 813. 85 His age, reign and place of burial 814. 8 Prince Edward first son of King Henry the sixth, born, 666. 60 Prince Edward, King Henry the sixt his son apprehended after Tewksbury field. 684. 73. Prince of Wales. 672. 95 His stout answer to K. Edward the fourth. ibidem Shamefully slain by Richard Duke of Gloucester. 684. 73 673. 95 A Prince of great hope. 672 95 He had been contracted to Lady Anne, daughter to Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick 673. 95. 680. 44 His Corpse meanly buried at Tewksbury 673. 59 Edward Earl of Warwick, son to George Duke of Clarence beheaded. 689. 107 Edward Earl of Warwick in the Tower, as a new Titler to the Crown 745. 59 Edward Duke of Buckingham plotteth with Richard Duke of Gloucester to remove from King Edward the fifth, the Queene-mothers' friends. 695. 12 Edward Plantagenet Earl of March, after King Edward the fourth his victory at Mortimer's Cross. 672. 92 He with Richard Nevil the stout Earl of Warwick hasten to London 674. 1 Edward, son to King Richard the third, made heir apparent by Parliament. 712. 4 Created Earl of Salisbury & Prince of Wales 726. 62 Edward Duke of York slain at the battle of Agincourt. 633. 61 Interred in the College at F●thring▪ hay 634. 30 Edward Seymer Earl of Hertford, and Duke of Somerset ordained Lord Protector, during the Minority of King Edward the 6. 804. 4 His expedition into Scotland 804. 8 He and his brother Thomas Seimer Lord Admiral ●at odds. 809. 52 See more in Seimer Edward Lord Stafford Duke of Buckingham beheaded for treason. 771. 83 Seduced by a Monk. 771. 83 Edwin King Edward the elder his son casteth himself into the sea for sorrow. 362. 17 Edwin the valiant Prince of Deira King of Northumberland 303. 7 Of his preservation a strange story ibidem His death and reign. ibidem Edwin King of Churls, son of King Ethelred banished and murdered. 390. 2 Edwin the great Monarch of Englishmen. 333 His Arms. ibidem. He renounceth his Edicts. 334. 5 His magnificent Port. 334, 8 Slain in Hethfield battle 335, 10 His reign, burial, wives and Issue. 335 Edwin and Morcar Rebels resist the Normans. 417. 11 They affect the Crown of England 407. 44 Edwin Earl of Yorkshire slain by his own Soldiers. 419. 274 Edwy Monarch of England his Arms and his Coin 368 Son to King Edmund. ibid. An enemy to Monkish orders therefore by them noted for vicious life. 368. 2 His reign, death and burial. 369. 3 Edwy a fifth son of Ethelred the unready 380 46 Murdered ibidem Egbert King of Kent. 294. 8 Murdereth his Nephews. ib. His reign, death and Issue. ibidem Egbert son of Withered King of Kent, his reign and death. 294. 12 Egbert King of Northumberland 305. 17 Become a Monk. ibidem His Issue. ibid. From Egbert the first Monarch unto King Edward the Confessor what time, 278. 2 Egbert King of the Westsaxons, his Arms and Coin, 348 The first absolute Monarch of England. 305. 24 His Arms and Coin. 248 His exploits 348 His descent, parsonage, reign, sepulture, Epitaph, and Issue 349 Egbert Archbishop of York erecteth a Library. 305. 17 Egbert son of Ethelbert the unready 380. 43 Egelwine Bishop of Durham hungersterued 419. 29 Egfride King of Northumberland, 304. 11 invadeth the Irish. ibidem Slain by the Picts, or Redshankeses. ibidem Egfride King of Mercia, and Monarch of the English, 307. 12 His Arms 346 His short reign and burial, ibidem Egfride King Offa his only son, Monarch of England. 345 346 His short reign and burial. 346. 2 Egitha the virtuous wife of K. Edward the Confessor. 401 24. Her praise ibidem Eglesine a Politic and stout Abbot of Saint Austin in Canterbury. 416. 6 Sir john Egremond rebelleth, 735. 26 Flieth to the Duchess of Burgundy. 735. 26 Egricke king of the East Angles slain in battle. 310. 6 Eguina daughter of King Edward the elder wife to Charles the simple King of France, 362. 19 Her Issue ibidem Eguina wife to King Edward the elder. 361 Ela daughter of William Conqueror contracted to Harold, after King of England, 426.76 Elappea King of Bernicia. 302, 3 Eldol Duke of Gloucester his valour 290. 12 Eleazar a jew of an huge height. 236. 1 Eleonor or Eleanor, or Elinor King Edward the first his wife, while he was Prince, delivered of her daughter joan at Acon. 542. 5 She landeth at Dover. 532 85 Her rare affection to her husband ibid., Dieth at Lincoln 545, 18 Her Corpse how conducted to Westminster. ibidem Her death and Tomb. 551 56 Eleanor the second daughter of King john, her marriage, Issue, death and burial, 507. 70 Eleanor daughter to King Edward the first, and Elinor his wife, her marriages, and issue 552. 62 68 Her death and burial. 532. 68 Eleanor, daughter to K. Edward the first, and Margaret his wife, her burial 553. 73 Eleanor or Elinor divorced from Lodowicke's King of France. 453. 42 Elinor King Henry the second his wife, conspireth against the King 465. 65 With her two younger sons taketh part with Henry▪ the young King against the husband and father. ibid. In safe custody 466. 77 Her descent. 470. 101 She is the cause of wars and troubles betwixt France & England ibidem Kept in long Captivity by her husband, and released by King Richard her son. 472. 2 Elinor called the Damsel of Bretaigne, daughter to Geffrey King Henry the second his son 470. 105 Elinor second daughter of K. Henry the second married to Alphonse the good King of Castille and Spain. 470. 109 Her Issue. 471. 109 Queen Eleanor or Elinor King john's mother, a wise Princess 490. 19 Her death ibidem Eleanor, Alphonso the King of Spain his sister. 532. 85 Eleanor Cobham, Duchess of Gloucester arraigned of sorcery and treason. 661. 40 Put to public penance, and in perpetual prison 662. 41 Elinor daughter to K. Edward the second, wedded to Reinald second Earl of Gelder, and after Duke of Gelder. 564. 81 Eleanor wife of King Henry 3. her death and burial. 539 105 Election of the Emperor in Probus his time 251. 1 Elephants first brought into England 194. 9 Their late found bones. ibid. Eleutherius Bishop of Rome his original Epistle to King Lucius. 222. 8 This Epistle averred against Papists objections ibib. 9 Elfgiva alias Elfleda first wife to King E●helred the unready 380. 40 Elfgive King Edmond wife, a virtuous Lady, and reputed a Saint. 366. 6 Elfgive the wife of King Edwy separated from him. 369. 4 Elfgive daughter of King Ethelred the unready, married to Vired the Bold 381, 50 Elfgiva or Elgiva a daughter of King Edward the elder▪ 362 24 Elfleda King Elfred or Alfred his daughter, Duchess or Governess of Mercia. 359 Another Zenobia. 361.8 Elfleda winneth Brecknock and Derby 361. 8 Her death and burial. ibidem Elfleda wife of King Edward the elder 361. 10. 11 Elfleda daughter of King Edward the elder, Abbess of Ramsey in the County of Southampton 362. 18 Elfleda Abbess of Streanshall. 338. 12 Elfleda King Offa his daughter 345. 17 Elfred son of Ethelwolfe alias Alfred Monarch of England, his Arms and Coin, 356 His noble virtues. 356. 2. 358. 25 Styled first absolute Monarch. 356, 2 How he employed the hours of the day Natural, ibidem How he divided his Kingdom ibibem. Hardly distressed and almost turned out of all by the Danes. 357. 10 His care of justice. ibidem His good studies. ibidem He disguiseth himself in Edelingsey Isle. 357. 12 His care of the Clergy, Orphans, &▪ widows, ibidem His stratagems against the Danes 357. 12 His love to learning. ibibem. Surpriseth the Danes Campe. 357. 13 His buildings. 359.25 His Kingdom how confined ib. 16 His issue. 359.28 His death, reign and virtues 358 Elfred, son of King Eadred 368. 7 Elfred son of King Edward the elder, crowned in his father's time. 362. 14 Elfred a Nobleman, but a perjured traitor, fell suddenly down and so died. 363, 2 Elfred the 8. son of King Ethelred the unready, betrayed by King Harold, harefoot, and deprived of his eyesight. His burial. 381 53 Elfride a beautiful Lady espoused to Ethelbert, voweth chastity 311. 14 Elfrida Duke Ordgars' daughter 371. 14 Her disloyalty to her husband Ethelwold ibid. Second wife to King Edgar 372. 17 Elfride daughter of king Offa, sorroweth for the death of her spouse King Ethelbert 345. 18 Elfrida stepmother to king Edward the Martyr mudereth him. 374. 8 She repenteth of her fact. ibi. Her burial. ibid. Elfrike Earl of Mercia, a traitor 376▪ 8 Elfride daughter of King Elfride 359 Elfride Abbess of Stranshalch 338. 9 Eligiva. See Elgiva. Elie Abbey founded 304. 11 Elie Isle besieged 538. 104 Elie Monks sue for mercy to William Conqueror and betray the Isle 419. 29 Hardly entreated by William Conqueror ibidem 30 Sir Thomas Eliot a learned Knight 159 Elizabeth the seventh natural daughter of King Henry the first, her descent by the Mother's fide. 444. 79 Elizabeth Barton, the holy maid of Kent. 770. 83 A sergeant oracle. ibid. Detected by Cranmer, Cromwell and Latimer ibid. Elizabeth Queen of Spain, wife to Ferdinando troubled by a counterfeit Inheretrix 743. 49 Lady Elizabeth Grey, widow to Sir john Grey, her behaviour to King Edward the 4. 677. 21 Her descent, and her kindred highly advanced 678. 25 Crowned Queen at Westminster ibid. Queen Dowager to King Edward the fourth, escapeth out of the Tower, and taketh Sanctuary at Westminster with her Son the Duke of York 681.51. 696. 19 Delivered of Prince Edward in Sanctuary 681. 51 Condemned to forfeit all her lands and goods 7●1. 15 She and her mother slandered of witchcraft 711. 3 Confined to a Monastery 731 16 Her parentage 691.117 Her mean life in Bermondsey Monastery, her death and place of burial ibid. Elizabeth Lucy concubine to King Edward the fourth. 691 149 Dame Elizabeth Lucy, supposed to be wife to king Edward the fourth 706. 54 Elizabeth eldest daughter to king Edward the fourth, her commendable parts 729. 8 Her chaste meditation about Marriage 729. 8 Wife to K. Henry the seventh, Crowned Queen. 734. 23 751, 71 Her death and burial 747. 65 751. 71 Elizabeth daughter to king Edward the fourth, upon a contract with the Daulpin of France, called Madame the Dauphin. 689. 108 Lady ELIZABETH, after Queen and Monarch of England, borne 771. 85 786. 145 The wonder of her Sex. 170 The second daughter of king Henry the eight. 786. 145 succeedeth Queen after her sister Queen Mary ibid. Lady Elizabeth sent to the Tower 821. 47 822. 52 Conveyed as a prisoner to the Court 822. 50 Her manifold fears 823 In danger to be murdered at Woodstock 823. 60 Brought in presence of Qu. Marry her sister 826. 98 Discharged of imprisonment 826▪ 99 Lady Elizabeth proclaimed Queen and Monarch of Enland 831 1 Her Arms, broad S●ale, and Coin. ibid. The beginning of her reign 831. 2 Her zealous devotion 832. 3 Her coronation ibid. 4 Moved in Parliament, to marriage, by way of Petition ibid. 6 Her reply delivered unto it ibid. Claimeth restitution of Calais ibid. 8 Assisteth the Scotish Lords against the French 834. 18 Laboureth for peace in France between Guise and Conde 835. 26 She demandeth Calais of Charles the 9 the French King according to covenants 383. 47 She soliciteth the Scots in behalf of Mary their Queen, fled, and landed in England 845. 61 The Majesty of Queen Elizabeth's presence, often dashed Parries attempt to kill her 846. 96 Her undaunted confidence 847. 102 Her singular clemency to offenders 847. 103 Her gracious love to her people in general 848. 103 Qu. Elizab. foreland 852. 141 She moveth Philip 2 King of Spain for the Low Countries 854. 159 She undertaketh the protection of the Low-countrieses. 855. 165 The motives and reasons of her Protection. 855▪ 68 Her answer to printed libels against he● 855. 168 Her magnanimity and courage at Tilbury Camp 862. 220 Her solemn thanksgiving for defeating the Spanish invincible Armado 862. 221 Her prayer for prospering her Fleet set forth against Spain 868. 263 Her answer in Latin to the Polonian Ambassadors message 871. 284 Her usual oath in anger 871 285 In passion for the death of Robert Devereux Earl of Essex 880.3 45 Her praises in brief ibidem 446, etc. Her ●way in foreign parts ibid. 347 Her Princely qualities ibid. 348 Her feature and lineaments of body ibid. 348 Her Military providence. ibid. Her Navy, and maintenance of Navigation ibid. Her peaceable virtues ibidem 349 Named Lady Temperance, or Temper, by her brother king Edward the 6. ibid. Her moderation ibid. Her Court 880. 349 Her Council ibid. Her awe over her Courtiers. ibid. Her meekness 881. 349 Her love among her Subjects. ibid. Her learning ibid. 350 Her languages ibid. Her favour to the learned ibid. Her studiousness ibid. Paralleled with Queen Zenobia ibidem Her godliness and piety. ibid.▪ 351 Her private and politic virtues ibid. Her maitenance of true Religion. ibidem How styled by foreign Churches ibid. Her sickness and death, ibid. 352 Her funerals ibid. 353 Her Monument ibidem Her Epitaphs. 881. etc. Ella Monarch of Englishmen, 325 His descent, issue and reign ibid. His arms ibid. Ella the first King of the South-Saxons 295. 1 His arms ibid. His reign and death ibidem Ella the first King of Deira or Northumberland 302. 1 His arms ibidem His reign and issue ibidem Elle-croft why so called 305. 24 Elnothus Archbishop of Canterbury 396. 2 Elphegus Archbishop of Canterbury stoned to death by the Danes 378. 26 Elswine slain in battle 338 Elswith wife to King Elfred 395. 28 Elswolfe King of the East-Angles 310 Eluanus Analon●us. i. of Glastenbury a learned Divine 207. 21 206. 18 Elward alias Ethelward, a diligent searcher of Antiquities 163. 16 When he lived ibidem Elsward the son of King Edward the elder 362. 16 Embassage out of France, how answered by Chicheley Archbishop of Canterbury 628. 26 From King john to Philip king of France 492. 25 To james the third King of Scotland, for settling of Peace 733. 23 Out of Denmark unto Queen Elizabeth 871, 286 Out of Scotland demanding the Lady Margaret King Henry the seventh his daughter for james the fourth 74, 64 Emerita Martyr 206, 18 Queen Emma tried for adultery 287. 6. 401. 23 A very prudent Lady 391. 4, Wife to Ethelred the unready and king Canutus 393, 20 Emma called also Elfgive 393 20 Also the flower of Normandy 380, 41 Encomium Emmae a Book in praise of Queen Emma, 391, 4 Banished the Realm 395▪ 8 Emperors of Rome many die violent deaths 256. 14 divers at one time chosen 227. 3 Emperors of Rome, how elected after Nero 201. 1 Empire of Rome declineth, 273. 9 In Port Sale 227. 2 Richard Empson an Instrument for king Henry the 7. his avarice 750. 70 His descent and quality 754. 3 Empson and Dudley, their wicked courses & practices to impoverish the people 750. 70 Scent to the tour and attainted of Treason 754. 2 Beheaded 754. 3 Eneon rebelleth against Rees ap Tewdor 429. 15 England whence it took name 285. 10 When first so named 349. 10 Reduced to the name of Britain 161. 11 In woeful plight during the reign of Henry the 6▪ 657. 21 The mother Monastery of Europe 207. 22 Full of sin in King Edward the Confessors days 400. 21 Twice School▪ Mistress to France 207. 22 Changes not name upon Conquests 161. 11 England the South of Britain 349. 10 Continueth the name 783 years 161. 11 Forced to abjure Pope Alexander and Thomas Becket 460. 35 A prey to the Danes 376. 14 In a combustion 504▪ 56 Between King Henry the 3. and the Barons 437. 98 At the point to be invaded by the French 601. 64 Divided between Canute and Edmond Ironside 383. 16 A nation in rank before Spain 630▪ 35 To be shared, between Edmond Mortimer, Henry Percy, and Owen Glendowr 617. 32 Englishmen obtain a victory at Sea of the Normans 546 22 Converted to Christianity and had baptised ten thousand in one day 330. 8 Converted 8. Nations to Christ 157. 13 Their Lands given to Normans 416. 10 English Monarches of Wales 430. 23 Englishmen expelled out of Scotland 811. 62 Enthralled to the Danes 377, 15 All English footing lost in France in a short space 830 116 Englishmens Christian and honourable deportement at the winning of Cadiz 870 273 Englishmen of old, expert warriors 360. 5 The●r modest and devout behaviour after their victory at Crescy 579. 98 English-Pale in France how limited 536. 97 Scriptures read by Authority in English 343. 4 Englishmen proceed from Cimbrica Chersonesus 161. 4 They fashion themselves like to strangers 416. 10 English voluntaries their valour in foreign parts 584. 129 Sir Francis Englefield an Engglish fugitive and Traitor 846. 91 Engloen a part of Denmark 160. 9 Interview between Philip King of France and K. john 485▪ 6 Endeth in discord ibidem Entrails of beasts and men peered into by Britain's. 168. 8 Eoster, a Goddess of the Saxons 288. 7 Eoster Mon●th▪ i April ibidem Erchenwine or Erkenwine king 〈◊〉 of the East-Saxons his shield of Arms 205 8 First King of East-Saxons as feodary to the Kings of Kent 300. 1 His descent ibidem 2 Ercombert K. of Kent a religious Prince. 299. 7 His issue, reign and death, ibid. Ericus Prince, and after King of Sweden, seeketh twice for marriage with Queen Elizabeth 835. 35 Erkenwald Abbot of Chertside and Bishop of London 310. 7 Earl of Poverty 779. 96 Erminheld king Wolfehers wife 340. 5 Become a Nun in Ely 307. 6 An Eremites prophesy of king john 499. 45 Ernestus Archduke of Austria, Governor in the Low-countrieses 367, 258 Erpenwald King of the East-Angles 309. 4 His Arms ibid. 1 The first of this Province that publicly professed Christianity ibid. Murdered therefore. ibid. Escuage, what it is 526. 68 Esk the son of Hengist reigneth second king of Kent. 291. 16 Esk and Ocla Saxons slain by Pendragon in battle 316 Esk his reign and death. 293. 2 Esketel, a King of the Danes 356. 4 Eskings who they are 293. 2 Eskwin King of the Westsaxons 298. 8 Essex Rebels 664. 51 Encamped on Mile'end by London ibid. Henry de Essex, leaveth King Henry the second his standard 456. 8 Vanquished in combat. ibid. shorn a Monk, and dieth. ibid. Essius an Abbot. 163. 15 Estates and Monarchies within what time they have their periods 278. 2 Ostrich or Ostrich feather, livery of Prince Edward king Henry the sixth his son 682. 58 Ethelard king of the West▪ Saxons, his Coin and descent 299. 12 Terrified with two blazing stars ibid. Ethelbald Monarch of Englishmen 343 His arms ibidem His lose life, remorse, and reign 343 Murdered at Secondon 343. 5 His burial ibidem Ethelbald the son of Ethelwolfe rebelleth, and reigneth with his father 351. 7 His wives 351. 9 10 His Issue ibidem 11. 12 Ethelbald King of the Mercians and Monarch of England. 307. 10 Vicious ibib. Repentance ibid. Slain in battle ibid. His ragne and burial ibid. Ethelbert king of the East-Angles murdered by Ossa the Mercian 311. 14 Buried at Merden and translated to Hereford ibid. Ethelbert, Monarch of the Englishmen 329. 353. 1 His Arms and Coin ibid. Maintaineth Austin the monk and his company 330. 7 Ethelberts Tower in Canterbury yet standing ibid. 9 A great furtherer of Christianity 332. 4 Assistant to king Sebert in the building of S. Paul's Church in London and S. Peter's in Westminster ibid. 13 His reign death and burial 353. 4 His issue ibid. 353. 5. etc. Ethelbert king of Kent enlargeth his kingdom. 293. 5 294. 1 The first Christian Saxon king ibid. His wives and issue ibid. His rain, death, burial and Epitaph ibid. His vices 332 Ethilbert Pre● king of Kent by usurpation 295. 15 Taken Prisoner and is deposed ibid. Ethelbert murdered by Egbert and reputed a Martyr. 294. 9 Ethelburga wife to King Ina, Abbess of Berking 299. 11 King Anaes' daughter 310. 7 Ethelburga King Offaes' daughter wife to K. Bithricke poisoneth her husband unwittingly 299. 16 345. 16 Committeth adultery in the habit of a Nun. 299. 16 Dieth in misery. ibid. Ethelburga Tace wife to Edwin king of Northumberland 332. 18 Dieth in a Nunnery. 335. 12 A Christian and virtuous Lady 334. 303 Ethildred Muchel. i great Earl of the Mercians 359. 28 Etheldred Monarch of the Englishmen 340 His Arms ibid. His remorse and good works 341. 4 Resigneth up his Crown to Kenred 341. 4 Becomes a Monk 341. 4 Etheldred or Ethilred King of the East-Angles his long reign. 311. 13 Etheldreda, wife to Egfrid yet continued a virgin. 304. 11 310. 7 Professed a Nun in Coldingham Abbey ibidem Abbess of Ely Monastery, ib. 310. 7 Entombed there ibid. Commonly called Saint Audre 310. 7 Queen Etheldred, o● Audrees tomb 310 5 Etheldred or Etheldrid K. Edwins daughter. 335. 17 Ethelfleda the White, abused by King Edgar. 370. 12 Daughter of Odmar, Duke of the East-Angles. 372. 15 King Edgar's first wife. ibidem Ethelfrid king of Northumberland 302. 7 Thirsty of fame ibidem Surnamed the Wild. 303. 7 Makes slaughter of Britan's at Caer-legion, & of Monks at Bangor ibidem Slain ibidem His reign and issue. ibidem Ethelgeda King Elfrids' daughter, a votary in Shaftsbury Nunnery her burial. ibidem 359. 29 Ethelherd King of the East Angles slain worthily. 310. 8 Ethelhild daughter of king Edward the elder 362. 20 Ethelme, son of King Edwin. 335. 15 Ethelred 3. son of King Edgar. 372. 20 Monarch of England, 375 His Coin. ibidem Surnamed unready ibid. 2 His life maliciously taxed by Dunstan and the Monks▪ ibidem He compoundeth with the Danes. 376. 9 His Oration to the English, 378. 30 Forsakes his Nation▪ 379. 3 Returns into England. ibid. His death, reign and tomb. ibid. His parsonage & good qualities 380. 39 Ethelred murdered by Egbert, reputed a Martyr. 294. 9 Ethelred the unready, K. Edgar's son, his Arms and Coin 375. 11 Ethelred son of Mollo, K. of Northumberla●d. 305. 21 Fled his Country. ibidem Restored to his Crown, ibid. 23 Putteth away his wife Elfleda without cause. 305. 23 Slain by his Subjects. ibibem Ethelred King of the East Angles his long reign. 311, 13, Ethelred son of Penda, King of the Mercians. 307. 7 His Arms, 341 Become a Monk in Bradney Monastery. ibidem. His wife, death and Issue, ib Ethelred son of King Ethels wolph Monarch of England. 354▪ 1 Slain by the Danes. 355. 12. His Arms. 354 His battles against the Danes. 355. 11 His Tomb, Epitaph, Arms and Issue ibid. 12 Ethelricke King of Northumberland. 302 6 Slain. ibidem His reign and Issue. ibidem Ethelstan son of King Ethelred the unready. 380. 42 Ethelstan, that married one of King Ethelreds' daughters, slain. 380, 48 Ethelstane alias Aedelstan, Monarch of England, crowned with great solemnity, his Arms and Coin. 363. 1 Makes Wales tributary, 364 11. Confineth the Britain's, ib. 12 His dominion large, and fame great with foreign Princes. 364. 12 Ethelstane, alias Aedelstane consenteth to the death of his brother Edwin, ibid. 3 His repentance ibidem His Cupbearer worthily by him put to death. 364, 3 Constraineth Anlafe and Godfrey Sithricks son to submit, and restoreth them. ibidem 5 His apothegm. ibid. Hardly escapeth kill. ib. 8 joineth Northumberland to his own Monarchy. ibid. 10. He receiveth presents from sundry princes. 364▪ 12 Ethelstan King Edward the elder his son Knighted by his father 361. 13 His Arms and Coin. 363 King Ethelstan his beneficence to the Church and to Cities. 365. 15 His parsonage and virtues, ib. 15 His reign, death and burial. ibid. Ethelstane son of King Egbert repelleth the Danes. 349. 19 Ethelwald King Oswalds' son 337. 9 Ethelwald Clito slain. 353. 6 Ethelwald rebelleth against K. Edward the elder. 360. 3 Created the Danes King. 360 4 Ethelward King Elfrids' son a great Philosopher. 359. 28 Slain. ibidem Ethelwold dealeth double in wooing Elfrida Ordgars' daughter, for King Edgar, 371. 14 His speech to her, his own wife. ibidem Slain by King Edgar. ibidem Ethelwolfe, alias Edilwach, or Athelwold king of the South Saxons 296. 3 First Christian King of that name. ibid. Slain. 296. 3 His raign●. ibidem Ethelwolfe or Edelwolfe Monarch of England. 350 His Arms and Coin. ibidem Ethelw●lfe a Deacon first elected, & consecrated Bishop of Winchester. 350. 1 King of the Westsaxons, ibidem. 2 His Arms and Coin. ibidem He goeth to Rome. 351. 6 He weddeth judith the Fair, daughter of Charles the Bald King of France. 351. 7 His reign and death. ibidem. 8 Ethelswith, K. Burthred his wife in her latter days a Nun. 351. 15. 308. 20 Euesham battle. 538. 103 Eufeme or Eupheme, daughter of King Henry the first. 443 65 Eugenius a Grammarian, one that murdered Valentinian the younger 273, 10 Usurpeth the Empire. 274. 2 His Coin. ibidem. Beheaded 274. 5 L. Ewer, Lord Warden of the East Marches, slain by the Scots. 783. 129 Eurgain●, sister of joseph of Arimathia wedded to a Britain. 203. 4 Eustace King Stephen's second son, Duke of Normandy, 447. 9 Suddenly frantic dieth 453. 46 His wife and burial. 454. 52 Eustace Earl of Mortaigne, and Boulogne maketh a frey in Canterbury. 399, 12 Eustace the Ruffianly Apostata defeated at sea, and beheaded. 510. 8 Excester a great part razed by the Danes 377. 17 Excester besieged by William Conqueror yieldeth. 417. 14 Besieged by Cornish Rebels, 805. 20 Loyal to the king, and therefore highly esteemed. ibid. Excester holdeth out against Perkin Warbeck 743. 50 Exchequer of Queen Mary in danger to be rob, 828 103 Excommunication, how far forth allowable. 88711 Executions for Edmond de la Pole, the Earl of Suffolk's cause. 748, 61 Excommunication among the ancient Britons. 168 F FAbianus Bishop of Rome converteth Ill. Philip Emperor 240. 2 Suffers Martyrdom▪ ibid. 3 Factions between the Dukes of Burgundy and Orleans, how they arose 620. 48 Factions in Scotland raised by the French King 782, 121 Faganus alias Fagatius, or Fugatius a great Clerk. 206, 18 Falco conspireth the death of Pertinax 226. 5 Fallais-towne in Normandy besieged by King Henry the fifth 637, 50 Upon what conditions to be surrendered ibidem Delivered up 638. 50 Fallais Castle upon what conditions rendered up to king Henry the 5. 638, 51 Famine 296, 3 Famine in England 558, 27, 29 Famine in king Henry the third his time, 521, 50 Famine at Castle Galliard. 491 32 Fastidius a learned British Bishop 206. 19, 277, 10 Lord Fauconbridge his stratagem at the battle of Towton 675. 8 Earl of Kent a great supporter of king Edward the fourth his Crown 684. 7● Bastard Fauconbridge proclaimeth Henry the sixth, king in the West. 681, 49 Bastard Fauconbridge, Thomas Nevil, Admiral to the Earl of Warwick, Richard Nevil Captain of the Lancastrians, roveth at sea, 684 75 He assaileth London, and is withstood 685, 76 He fireth London, and is forced to his ships 687, 77 Knighted by Edward the 4. and made Vice-admiral, 686, 85 Fausta wife to Constantine the great, a good Lady 259, 7 Put to death 260. 8 Faustus the son of Vortiger by his own daughter. 313 His virtuous and devout life. ibid. Felons above 12. years of age, and Felony stealing above twelve pence 364, 4 Ferdinand Earl of Flanders, against king Philip's intrusion for the Crown of England 500 50. A true confederate to king john ibidem Ferdinando king of Spain● his parentage and noble acts. 746. 62 Surnamed the Catholic king ibidem Fernham battle lost by the Danes. 358. 20 Robert Ferrer Earl of Derby sideth with yo●ng King henry against his father. 466. 73 Burneth and sacketh Nottingham, and killeth the townsmen ibidem William Fetherston alias Constable, a sergeant Edward the sixth. 828. 100 Hanged at Tyburn ibidem Feversham Monastery founded. 459. 43 Fight at sea between the Spanish invincible Navy, and the English 860 Thomas Fines Lord Dacres executed at Tyburn, for kill of a man in a fray. 780. 109 Fiorentinus the Popes Legate in England nicknamed Ferentinus 495. 35 fir-tree for Masts, grow plentifully in the Northwest of Scotland 160. 7 Fish not eaten by Britan's. 167. 7 john Fisher Bishop of Rochester agreeth not to the divorce of King Henry the 8. from Queen Katherine of Spain 767. 70 Executed 780. 111 Constantine Fitz-Arnulph his seditious proclamation and rebellion 512. 14 He with others hanged. 512 14 Fitz Geralds or Giralds whence descended 493. 72 Maurice Fitz Gerald with others sail into Ireland. 463 54 Robert Fitz Hamon assisteth Eneon against Rees ap Tewdor, 429, 15 Obtaineth to himself, and his followers possessions in Wales 429. 15 His followers names ibidem William Fitz Petre agent for king john created Earl of Essex 485. 5 Fitz-Stephens whence descended 443. 72 Robert Fitzstephen or Stephanides, joineth with Dermot Mac-Murgh. 462. 52 He with a power saileth into Ireland 463. 54 james Fitz-Thomas is set up Earl of Desmond by the Rebels under Tir-Oen. 873. 300 Robert Fitzwalter a stout Rebel and Marshal of God's Army. 505. 58. 503 56 He claimeth the custody of Hereford Castle, howanswered by Lewis of France. 509. 4 Lord Fitzwalter a conspirator about Perkin Warbeck beheaded. 739. 37 The Lord Fitzwalter sla●ne. 675. 5 Flamens and Archflamins put down in Britain. 206. 18 Converted into Bishops and Archbishops 223. 10 Thomas Flamocke a Captain of Cornish Rebels. 741. 44 Executed. 742. 47 Sir Andrew Flamock the King's Standard-bearer at Muskle●brough field his valour. 805 15 Flavius Claudius' Emperor. 247. 2 His descent ibidem His virtues ibidem His letter to the Senate ibid. 5 H●s' victory over the Galls. ibid. 6 He dieth a natural death, ibid. His parsonage and qualities. ibidem. 7 His honour after death. ibidem Flaunders under interdict by Pope Benedict the 12. 574. 64 Flanders offered to king Richard the second 598. 46 Flemings planted in Wales. 437 25 They do King Henry the first good service ibidem. Flemings mercenary Soldiers driven out of the Realm, 456. 3 Attempt by treacherle to surprise Henry Fitz-Empresse. 454. 48 Flemings in league with King Edward the third against France. 571. 42 Flemish Navy vanquished at sea by the English. 587. 145 Flodden field 755. 13 florentines of Worcester an Historiographer, when he lived 163. 16 Florianus usurpeth the Empire of Rome 2●1. 1 His death ibidem. His Coin. ibidem Flowers de-lis, or Lilies of Franc● how borne in King Edward the third his time, 572. 51 Fog reconciled to K. Richard the third. 713. 16 Friar Forest burned 780. 111 Miles Forest one of the murderers of Edward the fift, and the Duke of York his brother 715. 18 He dieth miserably 716. 20 Fort-dil-Ore in Ireland. 853. 147 William de Fortibus Earl of Aumarle manneth the Castle of Biham, and entereth rebelliously into Rotots 511. 11 He with his complices pardoned ibidem Foulke Earl of Anjou, King of jerusalem 441. 49 Fowage what imposition it was 586. 136 Foway in Devonshire burnt by the French 667. 67 Richard Fox Doctor of Divinity in great favour with king Henry the 7 721. 40 Advanced by him ibidem Founder of Corpus Christi College in Oxford. ibidem A great preserver of Antiquities. 721. 40 L. Privy Seal & of the Privy Council. 729. 10 Richard Fox Bishop of Durham agent for a marriage between james the fourth King of Scotland, and Lady Margaret eldest daughter of King Henry the seventh. 747. 64 France in a combustion upon the death of the Duke of Guise and the Cardinal. 867 253 France annexed to the kingdom of England 157. 13 France, whence, and when it took that name. 279. 5 France with the Crown thereof, how devolved upon king Edward the third. 467. 15 etc. France alloweth the right of that Kingdom, derived from heirs foemall. 627. 19 France in a miserable state. 656. 21 France deeply indebted to England. 833. 8 France revolteth from the English 678. 29 Francis Duke of Britain dieth 735. 25 Francis 1. the French kingtaken prisoner before Pavia. 631▪ 53 Imprisoned in Madril. 763, ●60 Francis 2, King of France sendeth forces into Scotland against the Protestants. 834, 17 yieldeth up his Dominions to the Pope 835. 22 His death ibid. 26 Saint Francis for his 5 wounds canonised a Saint at Rome, 512. 13 Franciscan Fri●● their 4 orders pernicious to the Clergy of England 583. 120 How mighty they were elsewhere 583. 121 Frankners vanquished by Constantine the Great 260. 5 Frea the wife of wooden. 285. 12 Freemen in the state of Rome, what they were 200, 23 Frederick Emperor deposed from his Empire by the Pope 516. 29 Fremond his death and burial. 346, 19 French Armoury first quartered with the English. 572, 50 The French prepare to invade England. 599. 48 The French assail the Isle of Wight, and the Coasts of Sussex 783. 129 The French commanded out of England 628. 29 Frethericke Abbot of Saint Alban a stout and politic Prelate. 416. 4 His descent. ibidem His good speeches to William Conqueror ill taken. 418, 25 ●rethulfe King of Bernicia. 302, 5 Friday whence it took name, 288. 7 Friars distasted and odious throughout all England in King Richard the second his days 610. 117 Friars of the 5. Orders, their great Revenues in England 778. 101 A Friar Carmelite for accusing john of Gaunt Duke os Lancaster, committed and murdered 597, 40 A Friar Minor drawn and hanged for a frank speech, in the behalf of K. Richard the second. 616. 26 Friars Minorits, or Franciscans in number 8, hanged and headed for favouring the cause of King Richard the second, 616, 26 Fresco an Idol of the Saxons, how portrayed 288. 8 Fresco the supposed Author of the Frislanders 284, 1 Saint Friswids' Church in Oxford, a Sanctuary, burnt with Danes in it, by the English 377. 16 Repaired by K. Ethelred. ibid. Sir Martin Frobisher, or Furbisher his Navigations into the North-East-Seas. 852 141 jul. Frontinus subdueth the Silureses in Britain. 211. 9 Fulco a French Priest how he reproveth King Richard the first, 482. 71 Ralph de Fulgiers having taken part against Henry the second, compoundeth for his ransom. 467. 79 Furnish Abbey founded 454 49 Dreadful Fire in Southwarcke and upon London-bridge 500 49 The Fire-Crosse in Scotland what it was. 804. 9 G GAlba proclaimed Emperor by Vindex. 200. 25 His coin. 201 He got the Empire before he looked for it 201. 1 His policy to make Nero more odious ibid. His oration to his Soldiers 201.2 He purposeth to resign up the Imperial Diadem 201. 3 He is murdered 202. 5 His person described. 202. 6 His vices, age and reign. ibid. Galerius Maximinus to Caesar Dioclesian. 254. 4 Galerius Emperor with Constantius Chlorus 257. 1 His Coin. 257 Galgacus, general of the Britaines against Agricola. 214. 7 His oration to the Britain's 214. 8 His Coin 216 A valiant Prince of the Caledonians 177. a His supposed coins ibid. 6 A Galliasse of Naples taken. 861 211. Galienus chosen Emperor in Rome 245. 1 An unkind son ibid. His vanities ibid. His own, his wives, and sons Coins. ibid. He stayeth the persecution of Christians 245. 3 His troublesome times foreshowed by Saint john in the Apocalypse 246. 4 He is murdered. 246. 5 A Gallion of Biscay taken 861. 212 Gallio sent to aid the Britain's against Scots & Picts. 279. 6 Galis or Gauls why so called 158. 5 Named before time Cimbri as descended from the Gomerians 161. 9 Long unknown to Historiographers 161 4 Galloglasses in Ireland, why so called. 285. 8 Trebonianus Gallus by treason becometh Emperor. 242. 1 His birth 242▪ 2 His careless and cruel government 242. 3 His Coin 242 He banisheth christians 243. 4 Gallus and his so●slaine. 243. 5 His life and reign ibid. Gallus, Caesar to Const. 263. 7 Licentious and cruel ibid. Executed ibid. Stephen Gardiner setteth foreign Princes against King Henry the eight 779. 105 Bishop of Winchester & Lord Chancellor examineth Lady Elizabeth in the Tower 823. 57 Henry Garnet superior of the jesuits in England 884 Order of the Garter founded 576. 79 The Motives and occasion thereof ibid. Ceremonies belonging to this Order 576. 81 The first 26 founders of this Order who they were: Map of Berkshire Garter principal King at Arms first instituted 648. 83 Garter King at A●meses sent from King Henry the 8. with defiance into France 782. 126 Gascoigne lost by the English 662 45 Gascoigne showeth hope to be recovered. 666. 60 Gascoignes become good subjects to K. Henry the third 532. 83 Sir john Gates executed. 817 17 Gaveshed. See Blacklow. Robert de Gaugi defendeth the Castle of Newarke against K. Henry the third his Army 511. 10 Geffrey ap Arthur 163. 12 Geoffrey of Monmouth when he lived 163. 13 Geffrey, a younger son of K. Henry the second riseth against his father 465. 65 He is Duke of Bretaine. 468 86 Called a child of perdition ibid. His miserable end. 469. 93 Geffrey the fourth son of king Henry the 2. by his wife, is Duke of Britain 470 His death, burial, and issue 470. 105 Gessrey a base son of King Henry the second by Rosamund his Concubine. 471. 112 His rising, advancement, burial and issue 471 112 Geffrey Archbishop of York difloiall unto his brother King john 486. 9 Geoffrey Archdeacon of Norwich leaveth king john and obeyeth the Pope 407. 41 His punishment ibid. Geffrey Fitz-Roy, base son of King john 507. 73 Genissa the daughter of Claudius Caesar 194 12 The Gentlemen murdered by Rebels in the North 809. 50 George-Owen-Harry, his book of Pedigrees. 164. 19 Saint George's Chapel in Windsor Castle 576. 81 George Duke of Clarence inclineth to his brother, king Edward the 4. 681. 46 Attaint of high Treason and committed to the Tower 689. 104 He endeavoureth to reconcile Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick to his brother K. Edelbert▪ the fourth. 683. 60 Imprisoned by his brother K. Edward the fourth 689, 106 George the good Duke of Clarence, a suitor unto Mary daughter to the Duke of Burgundy 689. 105 Convict and attaint, of high Treason, and so hi●mself and his issue disabled for inheriting the Crown 712. 4 Drowned in a But of Malmsey 689. 107 His issue. ibid. Germane, pagan, take their names from beasts. 289. 5 Saint Germans in Cornewal, a Bishops See annexed to that of Excester 368. 6 Saint Germane, assisteth the Britain's against Pelagian Scots and Picts. 281. 1 Germanus and Lupus, two Bishops assist the Britanes against Pelagians and Saxons 290. 13 Gervase, a natural son of K. Stephen, Abbot of Westminster 454. 57 He lieth there within the Cloister ibid. Gessoriacum, is Boulogne or Bullein in Picardy 254 6 Septimius Geta ruleth part of Britain 229. 9 Emperor with his brother Bassianus Caracalla 221. 1 Slain by his brother Caracalla even in his mother's arms 232. 3 Giants progeny in Britain is ridiculous 158. 4 Gilbert the 5. base son of K. Henry the first 443. 70 Gilbert, brother to Richard Earl Martial, hath his brother's lands and possessions 520. 48 Gilbert Earl of Gloucester slain in fight 557. 25 Gildis the British Historiographer 163. 15 When he lived and died. ibid. He declareth the Britanes woeful calamities 281, 2 Gildo or Gildus Governor of Africa 274. 6▪ Rebelleth and is beheaded 275. 2 Saint Giles brotherhood without Creplegate in London erected 648. 83 Gilla the wife of Rollo, her descent 413. 19 Gillamare King of Ireland 313. 4 Girald Fitz-Girald Earl of Kildare at variance with Piers Butler Earl of Osorie, 762 55 Lord Deputy of Ireland. ibid. Accused by the Earl of Osorie of many misdemeanours ibidem. His answer to Cardinal Wolsey his accusations, in the behalf of Piers Butler Earl of Osorie 762. 57, 58 Committed to prison by Cardinal Wolsey 763. 58 Scent to the Tower 763. 59 In danger of being beheaded. ibidem His noble Courage 763. 59 Received into Dublin with procession ibidem Girth brother to King Harold, dissuadeth him from the field 466. 32 At Guysors a famous victory achieved by King Richard the first 481. 65 Githa mother of Harold the 2. 403 8 glaze in British is blue. 159. 7 Glastenbury Abbey built. 298, 11 Sumptuously endowed with rich ornaments, ibidem. Glastenbury first receiveth the Gospel 202. 2 Burned 207. 21 Rebuilt ibidem Glastenbury Abbey poorly built at first, by what Princes raised to great glory 207. 21 With what Titles termed▪ ibid. Gl●stun is Woad 159. 7 Gloucester built by Claudius Caesar 194. 12 A title, fatal to the Dukes thereof 710. 1 Countess of Gloucester taken prisoner in Tunbridge Castle, 537. 99 Set at large by King Henry the third ibidem Glory from the people, a bubble 201. 3 Glota, 1. Dunbritton Frith. 212. 6 Goda resisteth the Danes, and is slain 376. 6 Goda daughter to King Ethelred the unready 381. 51 Doctor Goddard at Paul's Cros●e declareth King Henry the 6. true heir to the English Crown 681. 49 Godfrey de Bolein refuseth to wear his Crown of gold in jer●salem 456. 9 He recovereth jer●salem. 469 94 Godfrey Duke of Lorraine with other Captains in the Holy voyage 431. 30 Godfrey the Norman, seized of part of Neustria. 411. 4 Godfrey, Sithricks' son chased into Scotland 364. 5 Assisted by Constantine King of Scotland, and Howel, alias Ludwal King of Wales▪ ibidem Sir Godfrey de Crancomb knight apprehendeth Hubert de Burgh, and barbarously entreateth him 517. 34 Godstone Nunnery by Oxford founded 506. 63 Gog and Magog 256. 13 Gold threescore thousand ounces given by Tancred King of Sicily to Richard the first, K. of England 274. 19 Gomer gave name to the Gomerians and Cimbri. 161. 4 Goodwin Earl of Kent, putteth the Vandals to flight▪ 391. 9 Affects the Crown of England 397. 6 His devilish policy 397. 7 His gifts to the King, ibidem He and his sons molest K. Edward the Confessor in his reign 399. 12 He seeketh to be popular. ●bidem He bandeth against the King 400. 13. 14 He and his five sons banished 400. 15 Proclaimed Outlaws ibidem They become Pirates. 400. 16 He returneth into the kings favour 400 19 Di●th suddenly at Winchester ibidem Goodwin King Harold's son, from out of Ireland invadeth England 417. 14 Goodwins sands why so called▪ 432. 39 Gordianus elected Emperor, and his son Caesar 236, 4 Gordianus the father strangleth himself 237. 5 Gordianus the younger slain. 237. 5 His Coin 237. 4 Gordianus the third son to old Gordianus his daughter Caesar to Pupienus and Ba●binus 238. 1 Elected Emperor. ibidem His speech to the Soldiers. 239. 5 Deposed 240. 6 Becometh a Captain under Philip his Praefect ibid. Is slain ibidem Gordianus the third, Emperor, his monument 240, 6 His virtues 240. 7 Gorlois Duke of Cornwall. 315. Goths invade Roman provinces 241, 4 They invade the Empire. 247. 4. 272. 3 Gothred claiming the Crown of Scotland, vanquished and hanged by K. john. 498. 45 Gotmund in Gaham 3●4. 7 Matthew Gough a worthy Warrior, slain in conflict with jacke Cade 664. 53 Hugh Gournay his valo●r in defence of the Castle Galliard. 491. 22 His ingratitude and infidelity otherwise ibidem Grecians inhabited all the coasts well near of the world 100L. 7 Granada City described & rendered to Ferdinando King of Spain 746. 62 Granada Kingdom recovered from the Moors 746. 62 Grantcester an ancient City decayed 310. 5 Gratianus General in Britain, 263. 4 His strength ibidem Surnamed Funarius ibidem Flanius Gratianus Emperor with his father Valentinian, 272. 1 His Coin ibid. Colleague with his brother Valentinian in the Empire. ibidem. Defeated by Clemens Maximus, and treacherously murdered. 276. 5 Gratian a Britain made Emperor and murdered. ibidem Sir Henry Green Counsellor to king Ri●hard the second, beheaded at Bristol 608. 108 Gregory afterwards Pope, taketh a liking to the Angles at Rome 329. 5 Pope Gregory, otherwise named Hildebrand, his impiety 422▪ 49 Pope Gregory the 11. laboureth to unite King Edward the 3. and the French King against the common enemy of Christendom 587. 141 Pope Gregory the 13. inciteth Philip the second King of Spain against England. 853. 146 Sir Thomas Gresham founder of the Royal Exchange in London 852. 140 john Grey Bishop of Norwich, enthronised Archbishop of Canterbury. 494. 31 Deputed Governor of Ireland by King john 497▪ 43 Walter Grey Archbishop of York. 504. 57 Lord Grey of Ruthen, quit his place at the Battle of Northampton, and s●edde to the Yorkists 670. 79 Sir Ralph Grey Knight, in what manner degraded, and then beheaded, 676. 15 Sir Thomas Grey marquess D●rset, seeketh to escape from Henry Earl of Richmont in France 722. 45 Lord Leonard Grey beheaded for treason 780▪ 109 Lord Grey raseth Chast●llon guard a Bastillon near to Boulogne, a prohibition to the contrary, under King Henry the 8. his hand notwithstanding 783. 132 Pardoned therefore with many thanks 783. 132 Lord Grey of Wilton Lieutenant of the North, winneth and fortifieth many holds in Scotland 811. 61 Henry Lord Grey Duke of Suffolk pardoned. 818. 22 His second offence, for which he after died 818. 21 Apprehended and sent to the Tower 818. 22 Beheaded 818. 23, 26 Thomas Lord Grey suffereth death 818. 26 Arthur Lord Grey of Wilton, General of the English forces sent into Scotland to expel the French 834. 18 Deputy of Ireland 853, 148 Vanquisheth and killeth both Spanish and Irish in the Fort Del-Ore 853, 148 Thomas Lord Grey of Wilton, arraigned and condemned of treason 886. 14 reprieved 886. 17 Lady jane Grey her commendable parts 817. 19 Her letter sent to her father, ibidem Condemned 818. 20 Her speech upon the Scaffold at her death 818. 24. Greyfriars Church in London lately suppressed, made a parish Church 783. 132 Endowed and maintained with five hundred Marks yearly of lands 783. 133 Griffith alias Gruffith King of South-wales infesteth England 399. 11 Griffith or Gruffith ap-L●hewelin, Prince of North-wales spoileth Hereford, &c, 403. 3 Beheaded 403. 5 Griffith or Gruffith elder brother to David Prince of Wales, breaketh prison, and sticketh by the neck▪ 526. 67 The Groin surprised by the English 864. 233 Robert Grosthead the Maule of Rome, his ●etter to the Pope, 532. 83 His death and prophesy, ibidem. Groats and half Groats of silver coined by King Edward the third 581. 110 Guaran a Priest, ordained Primate of Ireland, by Pope Vrbane the second 854. 152 Slain in the field ibidem Guard of the King's person first instituted 729 9 Guardians appointed for the government of London. 605. 89 Guasco de Biern rebelleth, and upon his appeal condemned in Law, set at liberty by K. Edward the first 543. 8 Guido King of jerusalem taken prisoner 468. 90 Guido de Lusignian late King of jerusalem, possessed of Cypr●ss for resignation of jerusalem 477. 40 Guido husband to Constantine, and mother to Arthur king john's brother, in league with king john and the English. 494. 33 Lord Guildford Dudley wed●eth jane Grey eldest daughter to Henry Lord Grey Duke of Suffolk 812. 74 Condemned 818, 20 Beheaded ibid. 23 Guliam a Friar in Scotland preacheth fervently against the Pope 782. 121 Guillomar King of Ireland tributary to Arthur Duke of Britain 468. 9 Guimundus his pretty reproof of King Henry the first 438. 31 Preferred therefore ibidem. Queen Guin●uers' body found interred with her husband king Arthur 317, 318 Guns when first used in England 619. 44 Gundred daughter to king William Conqueror, her Issue and burial 426. 73 Lady Gunhil●a with her husband both Christians slain, 377. 16 Gunhilda daughter of king Canute, wife to the Emperor Henry the third, of surpassing beauty, suspected of incontinency, & cleared by combat.▪ 393. 24 Gunpowder treason plotted, to what intent. 889, 32 Guorong Earl of Kent dispossessed by Hengist. 290. 8 Guymo or Gurmund how entirely he loved his son Canute 392. 7 Gurthrum, alias Gurmund▪ a king of the Danes. 356 4 Baptized 357. 16 Named at the Font, Athelstan by Elfre● ibid. Made Governor of the East Angles 358. 19 His death and burial. ibidem. Guta, See jutes. Gut●urn king of the Danes converted to the faith of Christ here in Britain 205. 17 Guy de Bea●champe Earl of Warwick surpriseth Piers Gaveston 556. 14 Died▪ not without suspicion of poison 557. 17 Guy the bastard of Flaunders overthrown, and slain by the English 571. 4● Guido or Guy hawks sent into Spain to negotiate the invasion of Great Britain. 889. 35 Duke of Guise aimeth at the Crown of France▪ 866. 245 The Guizians practices, ib. The Duke of Guise being forewarned of his own death, neglecteth it 866. 249 Duke of Guise and the Cardinal slain by the French king Henry the third, his commandment. 867. 251 Praised after his death publicly by the Papists. ib. 253. H HAdrian de Castello learned and eloquent, advanced by Henry the 7. 535. 26 Made a Cardinal, seeketh to be Pope 735. 27 Hadrian his wall 219. 5 Fortified 220. 2 His politic government 218. 3 He came in person into Britain 218. 5 He favoureth Christians. 219, 8 His birth and descent 218. 1 He forbiddeth persecution of Christians. ibidem▪ His wonderful memory▪ 218. 2 His death 219. 9 His skill and knowledge, 218. 2 His parsonage, reign and age ibidem His Coins 218. 219. 5 Hadrian the sixth Pope. 735 27 Hair worn long by men, answerable to that of women. 442, 59 Sir james Hales, alias halls, refused to subscribe unto K. Edward's disheriting of the Ladies Mary and Elizabeth his sisters. 812. 75 Sir Robert Hales Prior of St. john's, etc. beheaded by Rebels 595. 19 Hall a Seminary Priest, animateth Someruile to kill Queen Elizabeth 845. 82 Halden a king of the Danes 356. 5 Hallidowne Hill battle, and victory on the English side 616. 28 Hamilton slain by Newton in combat 811. 61 Hams besieged by the garrison of Calais 732. 44 Hamshire purged of thieves by King Henry the third. 529 74 Hannibal whether he warred in Britain 168. 9 Harflew besieged and assaulted by King Henry the fifth. 630. 39 Delivered up to him. 630. 40 Peopled with the English. 630 43 Harflew besieged by the French 635. 35 Harflew recovered from the French by the Duke of Somerset 660. 35 Harald or Herald the first King of Norway sacrificeth his Children 288▪ 8 Harald son of Radulph, ancestor to the Barons of Sudley 381. 51 Hardi-Canute son of Canute Monarch of England. 393 23 Hardi-Canute King of England his Coin 396 Abuseth the dead Corpse of Harold Harefoot his half brother 396, 3 His respective care of his mother Emma, and brother prince Edward 396. 4 Hardi-Canute an Epicure. 396. 5 His death and reign. 377. 10. 11 Sir john de Harleston Captain of Cheirburgh a valiant Warrior 599. 9 Harold Harefoot base son of Canutus why so called. 393 1. 2 His Coin ibidem Monarch of England. ibidem His reign and death. 395, 10 Harold Harfager King of Norway entereth league with K. Edward the Confessor, 399. 9 Harold Harfager King of Denmark claimeth the Crown of England 405. 19 Why so called 405. 20 He together with Tosto invade England ibidem B slain 405. 23 Harold the second, Earl Goodwins son, Monarch of England 403. 1 His Coin 402 His virtues 403. 1 He taketh part with his father against the King 403. 2 His marshal exploits before he was King 403. 3. 4. 5 Taken prisoner in France, & presented to William the Duke of Normandy. 403. 6 Affianceth Adeliza Duke William's daughter ibid. Reserveth the Crown of England for Duke William upon a condition ibidem. His lineal descent 403. 8 He crowneth himself King, 104. 11 His Answer to Duke William's embassage. 404. 15 K. Harold the second slain in battle. 407. 39 His dead corpse discovered by Edith Swanshalse 408. 50 King Harold the second his burial and Epitaph. 408. 50 Interred in Waltham in Essex. 415. 1 His commendation 408. 51 His Issue 408. 54 haps and Harlots the Subject of Nero's exercises. 197 5. Hastings a town burnt by the French 593. 3 Hasting a Norman Arch-pyrat obtaineth the Earldom of Chartiers at the French kings hands 411. 4 Hasting of Norway entereth England 358 Perjured▪ and joineth with the Danes ibid. William Lord Hastings, Lord Chamberlain, held in jealousy by Queen Elizabeth wife to King Edward the fourth. 694. 9 Arrested in the Council chamber within the Tower. 703 44 Hastily beheaded within the Tower ibid. Familiar with Shore's wife in King Edward the 4. his days, and after 703. 46 His description 704. 46 Sir Edward Hastings his message to Wyatt 819. 35 Hatwaker Ancestor to the Dukes of Saxony, 324. 3 Robert Hawlee a valiant Esquire murdered in Sanctuary by the means of john Duke of Lancaster 593. 7 Interred in Westminster Abbey Church ibidem. john Hawcut Hawkwood, alias Harescrobd a famous warrior in Italy 584. 129 Sir john Hawkwood dieth in Florence. 605. 90 His Statue ibidem. Healadine a Danish King slain. 361. 6 Hebrides islands annexed to the Crown of Northumberland by king Edwin 334. 2 Hegeley-Moore skirmish 676 14 Helena mother of Constantine the great, a British Lady 205. 13. 258. 8 Her coin 258 The la wfull wife of Constantius Chlorus the Emperor 258. 8 Her birth and virtues ibid. She built a Church in the place where Christ suffered ibidem. Why called Stabul●ria. ibid. Hele●a Queen of Adiabena, a convert and virtuous Lady 258. 9 Her sepulchre. ibidem Helias de Brantfield alloweth not the election of Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury 496, 37 Helias Consul of Cenomania, his courageous answer to King William Rufus. 431. 32 Put to death by King Henry the first 438. 30 Heliogabalus or Elagabalus what it signifieth 233. 4, 234, 1 Heliogabalus the Emperor his Coin and superscription. 234. 1 His excessive wickedness, ibidem 2 His exceeding sumptuousness 234. 3. 4. 5. His troubled conscience. ibid. His age and reign 235. 7 Hengist and Horsa brethren, when and with what power they entered Britain 289. 1 What their names signify, 289, 5 Hengist possessed of Kent. 289 3 He feasteth King Vortiger, ibidem. 4 His Country and parentage, 290. 7 First King of Kent 293. 1 Hengist the first Monarch of the English Nation. 324 Hengist his Arms. 324 Hengist slain 291. 16 His death otherwise related, 293 1 His reign. ibidem. 324 Henning a leader of the Danes 378. 23 Henry son to Robert Curtois hanged in New-Forrest. 421. 46 Henry son to William Conqueror his education. 425. 71 Surnamed Beauclerke 426. 71 Oppugned by both his brethren, William Rufus, and Rob. Curtoise 429. 13 Henry the first, king of England why called Beanc●●rke. 434. 1. 2. His Arms, Broad-Seale, and Coin, ibid. His coronation 435. ●. He reformeth the Court first. 435. 4 He marrieth Maud, and so into the English blood, 435▪ 5 He allureth the Normans to side with him 436. 17 He taketh Cane in Normandy 436. 17 His smooth Oration to his Nobles for to win them. 437. 20 Breaketh promise to his Peers 438. 27 Goes to secure Normandy. 439. 17 Wounded in battle, & bravely acquitteth himself. 439, 38 Marching against the Welsh, strucken with an arrow, and his Company fore assailed, & hurt 440. 43 He invadeth France 441, 51 Useth means to disturb Flan▪ dear against his Nephew William 441. 51 His death in Nor●andy. 442. 57 King Henry the first his corpse wrapped in a Bulls hide to avoid extraordinary stinch, 442. 57 Interred at Reading ibid. His praeheminence and vices. 442, 58 His parsonage ibidem, 59 His institution and learning. ibidem His virtues ibidem His works of devotion, ibidem His Issue legitimate 442. 62 His Natural or illegitimate Issue 443. 66. etc. He had three Natural daughters (beside the rest) not named. 444 Henry the son of Geffrey Plantagenet, and Maud the Empress 441, 53. Henry Fitz-Empresse, arriveth and cometh to his mother into England 452. 39 He goeth into Normandy, ib. Returns into England with an Army 453. 41 Goes again into Normandy ibidem Marrieth Eleanor Duchess of Guien and Aquitaine. 453, 42. Duke of Normandy, Anjou, Aquitaine and Guien, 453 42 Returns into England. 453 43, Adopted by King Stephen, as his Son and Successor, 453 47. Henry the second, king of England, his Arms, Broad Seal and Coin 455 His entrance and Coronation 455. 2 His grave and wise Council of State 456. 3 King Henry the second as●ureth the succession to the Crown upon his two sons. 456, 4 Doth homage to King Lewis of France for his Dukedoms in France ibidem. 5 He entereth amity with Malcolme King of Scots 456. 7 His Standard against the Welsh abandoned by Henry d' Essex 456. 8 Crowned in three several places. 456, 9 He and his Queen Eleanor refuse to wear their regal Crowns 456. 9 His Mortification and Piety, 456 9 His affairs in Normandy after he was King. 456. 10 At variance with Lewis the French King, but reconciled ibidem Henry eldest son to K. Henry the second, marrieth Margaret, Lewis the French Kings daughter ibidem. King Henry the second his wisdom, constancy and zeal 457. 13 Willing to have justice indifferently executed. 457. 13 He aimeth at a free Empire or absolute Monarchy. 458. 17 Sends an Embassage to Rome against Thomas Becket. 459. 25 He goeth about to forsake the Pope, and join with the Antipape. 460 His Edict to match the Popes Interdict 460. 35 The loss of his best ship with his friends and followers. 460, 37 He sorroweth for the murder of Thom. Becket▪ 461. 44 King Henry the 2. his projects for the Conquest of Ireland. 462. 46 His motives and inducements for the Conquest of Ireland, 462. 48 He is jealous of Richard Strongbow and other Captains seated in Ireland▪ 464 59 His Edict for recalling home the English ibidem. Pacified with Strongbow and other Conquerors in Ireland upon terms ibidem. He arriveth with his forces at Waterford 464, 60 He keepeth a royal Christmas in Dublin 464. 40 His purgation and absolution for the death of Thomas Becket 464. 63 His penances ibid. 466. 75 His rebellious enemies in England overcome in his absence 465, 70 His partakers against K. Henry the younger his son. 465, 70 He embarketh from Normandy for England 466. 74 His saying and prayer when he taketh the sea ibidem His felicity 466. 78 He is compared with Solomon. ibidem. How many Ambassadors in his palace at once. 466. 78 He mourneth for his son, 468 He meeteth William King of Scots at York 467. 83 He refuseth the Kingdom of jerusal●m 468. 88 His resolution for the holy war 469, 96 How he left it of. 469. 97 The place of his Nativity. 469. 99 He curseth his sons. ibid. King Henry the second accepteth unequal conditions of Philip King of France. 46●. 98 His death ibidem His reign and age 469. 100 His Issue. 470. 102 etc. Henry eldest son to K. Henry the second crowned King of England in his Father's time. 460. 36. 479. 103 His unnatural behaviour and speech to his father 460. 37 He conspireth against his father 465. 65 His Seal. 467. 79 His maintenance increased 467. 85 His death. 468, 86 470. 103 His repentance at his death for his disobedience etc. 468. 87 Henry the third, eldest son of King john: his seal, stile, and coin. 508 His childhood, how succoured. 508. 1 His first coronation. 509. 3 His second coronation 511. 11 His inducements and motives for war with France. 514. 22 He raiseth money of his Subjects and loseth their hearts 514. 23 He transporteth into Bretaign wi●h a full Army. 516. 27 His humility and charity. ibid. He returneth without effect ibid. His wants how repaired. 516 31 He sitteth personally in judgement upon Peter de Rivallis and others etc. 521. 49 He marrieth Eleanor daughter to Raimund Earl of Province 522. 53 The stately solemnity of this marriage. ibid. He is much addicted to the Pope 523. 57 Reproved therefore by Richard Earl of Cornwall ibid. In danger of being murdered 524. 59 He attempteth the recovery of Poictou 525. 63 Much favouring those of Poictou and Pro●ince 529. 77 Burdenous to his Subjects, & to the jews especially. 526. Driven for want to cell his jewels 529. 75 His base parsimony. 529. 77 He sitteth in the Covent of Winchester and preacheth unto them 529. 76 His hope to recover Normandy, frustrate 531. 80 In small credit with his own Subjects, for wasting the Treasure of the Realm. ibid. Thought to have no valour, & therefore less regarded ibid. He solemnly sweareth to maintain all liberties, and to rule by law 531. 82 His clemency to Traitors strangers, and rigour to the English 531▪ 83 His great debts 532. 84 Honourably entertained in France ibid. His charity to the poor. 532 84 His magnificent port and feasting in France ibid. He with the Pope grind the people 532. 86 He sitteth personally in the Exchequer against Sheriffs and Bailiffs of Towns incorporate 533. 87 His excellent memory 534. 90 His lavish expenses 534. 92 Another Proteus 535. 92 He feareth Simon Montfort Earl of Leicester more than thunder and lightning. 535 94 He saileth into France to demand Normandy 536. 97 He quitteth his claim to Normandy, Anjou, and other parts, to the French King. He abridgeth his stile and changeth his broad Seal 536. 97 He disclaimeth his former oath at Oxford▪ 536. 98 He taketh the Tower of London and standeth upon his guard. 556. 98 He seizeth the ancient stock of the Crown ibid. Taken prisoner by Simon Montfort, Earl of Leicester and led about with him 537 101. 538. 102 Like to have been slain at the battle of Eueshan. 538. 103 His death. 539. 105 His long reign ibidem His burial ibidem His wife & issue 539. 106. etc. Henry of Bolingbroke, Earl of Derby, seeks adventures in foreign parts 605. 87 Created first Duke of Lancaster 581. 111 Earl of Derby and of Lancaster his fortunate service in Gascoigne & Guien 580. 107 His honourable and liberal usage of a Soldier under him. ibid. Henry of Bolingbroke, created Duke of Hereford 607. 112 Banished first, for ten years: afterward for 6. 608. 103 He enreth again into England 608. 108 He challengeth the Crown & Realm of England. 609. 114 Elected King of England in the Parliament house 609 109 Crowned King, by the name of King Henry the fourth 611 His Arms, broad Seal, and Coin. ibid. His Ambassages into foreign parts, for justifying his actions in taking the Crown of England 612. 8 His death, and of the Prince his son complotted. 613. 14 He entereth North-wales with an Army against Owen Glendowre 615. 22 In danger to be slain, and is sore wounded in his head 615. 24 He taketh to wife ●ane of Navarre, widow of john Montford Duke of Bretaigne 616 30 His victory at Shrewsbury. 618 37 His wi●e and Christian answer to the Duke of B●●gundi●s' request 620, 48 He forsaketh the Duke of Burgundy and aideth the Duke of Orleans 621. 49 He falleth sick and dieth 621. 50 King Henry the 4. his charge unto Prince Henry his son at his death. 621. 51 His wives and issue. 621 53. etc. Henry of Munmouth eldest son to Henry the fourth, Prince of Wales, after King of England 612. 6 King Henry the fifth compared to the Emperor Titus Vespasianus 623. 1 His Arms, broad Seal and Coin. 623 His birth and mother. 623. 2 While he was Prince, wounded at the battle of Shrewsbury 624 4 Prince Henry his youthful Pranks. 624 5. 6 Removed from being precedent of the King's Counsel 624. 7 His behaviour at the King's Bench to the Lord Chief justi●e 924. 6 His demeanour to the King his father 625. 10 King Henry the fifth his Coronation ibid. 11 His choice of good Counsellors 625▪ 11 His devotion and zeal to Religion ibidem His justice ibidem His passionate and tender affection to the dead corpse of King Richard the second 625. 11 How he clait●eth his title for France. 627. 20. 21. He demandeth the duchies of Normandy, Aquitane, etc. 628▪ 25 What means were presented unto him for the wars of France 628. 26 He●●mbarketh for France. 629. 33 His care that Churches should not be spoiled 631. 4 His noble victory at Again▪ Court field 133. 58. etc. He returneth into England 634. 29 Received into London. ibid. His three advantages for the Conquest of France 636. His second expedition into France for Conquest 636 He sollicitetl● Pope Martin to confirm him KING of France 641. 5 He goeth in person to Troy in campaign, to affiance the Lady Katharin of France 641▪ 52 Styled and proclaimed Regent of France, during the life of Charles the sixth, and declared successor in the Kingdom 643 He marrieth the Lady Katherine of France 643. 53 His oration to the States of France 643. 54 Taxed for cruelty. 644. 56 His single fight with Barbason 644. 57 His prophesy of Prince Henry his son, after King of England 646. 74 He with his Queen Katherine, sit Crowned in their royal Robes in Paris. 647. 77 King Henry the fifth his last speech on his deathbedde unto his Nobleses 687. 31 His death 648▪ 82 His works of devotion. 648. 83 His virtues and commendation ibidem His dead Corpse in what manner brought into England. 648. 84 When interred ibid.▪ 85 His Epitaph. 649. 85 His wife and Issue. 649. 86. 87 Henry of Windsor crowned by the name of King Henry the 6. with two Crowns. 648. 87 His Arms, Broad▪ seal and Coin 650 Born at Windsor. 646. 74 He contracteth marriage with Margaret daughter to Renate titulary King of Sicily, etc. 661. 29 H●e breaketh promise made to the Earl of Armenacks daughter 661. 39 His reign interrupted, and himself with his Queen retireth into the North. 672. 93 Being disguised, he returneth into England, is apprehended, and committed prisoner to the Tower of London 676, 16 His wife and Issue, 672. 94 95 Proclaimed King of England, and of France 651. 4 He receiveth Knighthood, 653 Crowned in Paris King of France 655. 20 Henry the 6, with his Queen fly to Kenelworth 664. 51 Wounded and taken in battle by Richard Duke of York, and the Yorkists 667. 64 His pious affection to compose factions in his Realm, 667 Taken prisoner at Northampton 670. 80 His and the Lancastrians title how maintained against that of York 671. 87 He with his son Prince Edward disherited by Parliament 676, 11 By the States he is taken out of the Tower, and goeth solemnly crowned to Paul's Church, 679. 52 Taken prisoner again by K. Edward the fourth, and sent to the Tower. 683. 61 Murdered in the Tower by Crookebacke Richard Duke of Gloucester 685. 78 His laws abrogated in Parliament 686. 90 His body carried barefaced through the streets of London, twice bled fresh again 685. 79 Interred in the Abbey of Chertsey ibidem, Translated to Windsor▪ ibidem His Saintlike virtues, and feature of body. 685. 80 Henry the sixth like to have been canonised a Saint. 685. 80 His read hat supposed to heal the headache 685. 80 His remembrance honoured by King Henry the seventh. 751. 70 Henry Earl of Richmond flieth into Bretaigne 687. 84 Sought after by King Edward the fourth 688. 99 He taketh Sanctuary at Saint Malos, ibidem Heir to the house of Lancaster. 718. 27 Attainted by Parliament. 720. 37 He hardly escapeth apprehension▪ 721. 39 Arriveth at Milford haven, 722. 46 His order of battle 724. 55 His oration to his Soldiers. 724. 56 Proclaimed and crowned in the field King Henry the 7. 725. 59 King Henry the seventh his Arms, Broad-Seale & Coin 727 His parentage. 659. 32 By the fcmall line descended from the Beaufort's, uncapable of succession to the crown by law 727, 1 The description of his mind and qualities, 720. 3 The portrait of his body. 728 4 His avarice ibidem His entrance into London, 729. 5 His Coronation ibidem He marrieth Elizabeth eldest daughter of King Edward the fourth 729. 6 The marriage solemnised. 729. 11 He prepareth against Lambert Symnel and his Complices. 732. 19 What Nobles and Captains repaired unto him at Nottingham 732. 19 His speech unto his Nobles before the battle of Stoke, 735. 31 He entereth into London triumphantly. 734. 23 He aideth the Duke of Bretaigne with men and money against Charles King of France 734. 25. Drawn perforce to War. 736. 29 Winneth Londoners by popularity ibidem. Entered their brother in the Marchant-Tailors Company ibidem His voyage with an Army into France 736. 29 He returns into England. 737. 31 His devotion. 748. 66 His delight in building. ibid. The two last scenes of his life. ibidem His courses taken with his wives kindred, branches of the family of York, and the Plantagenets 748. 66 Given overmuch to gather money 748. 66, 70 He falleth sick of a pining disease 750. 70 His compunction of heart & remorse for his avarice, and polling the people. 750. 7 His death 751. 70 His fair buildings and foundations ibidem His age and reign ibid. His good parts ibidem Saluted defender of Christ's Church by three Popes. 751. 70 His will taketh order for restitution of monies, unjustly levied by his officers. 751. 70 His wife 751. 71 His Issue ibidem. 72. etc. His burial 751. 71 Henry son to King Henry the seventh, afterward King Henry the eight, Created Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester, and of Flint 747. 65 He spouseth Lady Katherine wife to his brother Arthur, 747. 65 Henry the eighth king of England, his Arms, broad Seal and Coin 753 His birth, education, and Coronation with his wife Katherine of Spain ibid. 1 What Council he chose, 754. 2 His justice and Charity. ibid. 4 His goodly shape of body & strength 754. 4 He by an Herald demandeth France and the Crown thereof, of Lewis the twelfth, 754. 6 Elected Caput foederis Italici, 754. 5 He entereth league with many Princes, and Pope julius the second 754. 6 He entereth France ibid. His meeting with Francis the French King 758. 34 His Ambassadors unto foreign States, relating wrongs done by the French unto the English ibidem. 36 His book against Martin Luther 759. 39 He falleth from the Emperor Charles the fifth 761 53 Likewise from Francis the French King 762. 64 Upon what causes ibidem His marriage with Katherine of Spain called in question 764. 66 He disclaimeth contract with Katherine of Spain, whiles he was Prince ibidem 67 He refuseth Queen Katharins' bed 765 His marriage with her condemned under the Seals of divers Universities 76●▪ 766 His divorce from Katherine of Spain wrought by Cardinal Wolsey 766 His speech to the Nobles and judges, as touching his wife Katherine of Spain ibidem His marriage with her debated of here in England. 767. 68 69. 70 King Henry the 8. and Queen Katherine summoned to appear personally in the Court at the Black Friars 767 His marriage with Lady Katherine of Spain dissolved by Act of Parliament 770. 80 He weddeth Lady Anne Bullen 770. 82 His complaint of the Pope to the French King. ibidem. He marrieth jane Seimor the morrow after Queen Annes beheading 772. 91 His answer to the demands of the Yorkists Rebels 776 His free pardon of the Northern Rebels by proclamation 777 He marrieth Anne of Cleve. 779. 105 He divorceth her ib. 106 He marrieth the Lady Katherine Howard 779. 108 He espoused Katherine Parr 780. 113 His conference with his Q. Katherine Parr about religion 781. 113 He assumeth the name of king of Ireland. 781. 14 His expedition into Scotland 781. 115 He sickneth 783 133 His Will ibid. 134 His three children ordained to succeed in the holding of the Crown 783. 134 He dieth penitent 784 Buried at Windsor ibidem His Tomb unfinished, how sumptuous it should have been ibd 'em His d escription for parsonage and qualities 783. 135 His wives 785. 136 etc. His legitimate Issue 785 142 His natural Issue. 786. 148 King Henry the eight, and K. Solomon in some points compared 803. 2 The first King that quailed, & uncrowned the Pope. 205. 13 Henry of Huntingdon when he wrote 163. 12 Henry a seventh natural son of King Henry the first. 443. 72 Slain in battle ibidem His Issue ibidem Henry Bishop of Winchester, agent for his brother Stephen Earl of Mortaigne, to attain the Crown of England 445. 2 He entrappeth the Nobles, 448. 22 He curseth the opposite of Maud the Empress, 451. 30 He recalleth his curse. 451. 34. He aequiuocateth with Maud the Empress ibid. 35 Henry Bishop of Winchester fireth Winchester upon Maud the Empress 452. 35 He entrappeth the Empress, 452. 36 Henry of Newburgh first Earl of Warwick since the Conquest 434 2 Henry Prince of Scotland abandoneth the field against the English 448. 14 Created Earl of Huntingdon. 448. 16 In danger at the siege of the Castle of Ludlow, and recovered by King Stephen. ibid. Henry the fourth Emperor, supposed to have been an Eremite in his latter days. 441. 48 And to change his name into Godscall ibid. Buried at Spire ibidem Henry the Emperor, and his Empress Constantia receive the Imperial Crown from the Pope's feet 475. 24 Punished for the wrongs done to King Richard the first, K. of England 479, 53 He dieth at Messana, excommunicated for King Richard's cause 474. 53 His body lieth above ground unburied ibidem, Henry Archbishop of Dublin alloweth not King john's submission to the Pope. 500 48 L. Henry son to Richard King of Romans, imprisoned in Dover by Simon Montford 538. 102 Henry second son to KING Edward the first, his death and burial 551. 561. 59 Henry Hotspurre his fortunes against the Scots 616. 28 His dangerous rebellion. 617 31 The causes pretended of his rebellion, published 617 32 He is slain at the battle of Shrewsbury 618. 37 His dead corpse first buried, afterwards, drawn beheaded and quartered. 618. 38 Henry bastard brother to Peter King of Castille, chosen and Crowned King of Spain 585. 131 He murdereth his brother Peter with his own hands 585. 134 Henry Le Spenser, the stout Bishop of Norwich, his good service against john Littestar a Rebel, King of the Commons 596. 27 He leadeth forces into Flanders for Pope Vrban, against Clement the Antipape 597 36 Henry Lord Darley or Darnley eldest son to Matthew Earl of Lenn ox by Margaret daughter of Archibald Duglasse and Margaret eldest daughter to Henry the 7. 751. 75 His grave and Epitaph. ibidem Henry L. Darley or Darnley their second son, his parsonage, and marriage with Mary Queen of Scots, 752 75 Henry Fitz-roy natural son of King Henry the eighth 786. 148 His Mother, time and place of Nativity ibid. His dignities his death, and burial ibid. Henry 2. the French King quarreled with by Queen Marie 829. 109 Defiance sent unto him ibid. 110 Wounded to death in tilting 834. 16 Henry the third King of France his eloquent and pithy Oration for union in France 866. 244 He giveth notice to Queen Elizabeth of the Spanish Invincible Armada 859. 196 Henry king of Scots shamefully murdered 841. 60 Henry of Bourbon Prince of Navarre, marrieth the Lady Margaret de valois, Charles the 9 king of France his sister. 836. 35 Being King of Navarre, disabled by the Leagues and Guizians for the Crown of France 866. 242 Henry King of Navarre, proclaimed King of France by the Army against Charles Cadinall of Bourbon. 867. 255 Sueth to Elizabeth Queen of England for aid ibid. Forsakes his religion, and is crowned King of France, by the name of Henry the 4. 876. 257 Heptarchy of the Saxons 157 291. 18 Hiraclianus Lieutenant general in Britain 228. 3 Heraclius Patriarch of jerusalem 468. 88 Soliciteth King Henry the second to accept the Kingdom of jerusalem ibid. He departeth home discontented. 468. 90 jasper Herbert Earl of Pembroch created Duke of Bedford 729. 5 Lord Herbert Earl of Pembroch, marcheth against Sir john Coniers, and the Rebels in the North 679. 32 He with his brother Sir Richard Herbert valiantly fight, taken by the Rebels and beheaded 679. 34 Lord William Herbert Earl of Pembroch Lord General in the field against Wiat. 820 37 Andrew de Herckley Captain of Carlisle taketh Thomas Earl of Lancaster prisoner 559. 39 Created Earl of Carlisle ibid. 40 Degraded, hanged, drawn, and quartered for Treason 560. 48 Hercules supposed to have been in Britain 162. 10 Hereford Cathedral Church built in memorial of Ethelbir●h murdered 311. 14 Hereswith wife to Ethelbers King of the East Saxons 335. 14 Hereward, his hallowed▪ sword 419. 28 Hereward a Castle in the Isle of Ely ibid. Hericus King of the Northumbrians 367. 3 Herthum. i. the Mother Earth worshipped 284. 6 Herthus a Goddess of the heathen Saxons 287. 7 Herueius de Monte Marisco, Mediator to King Henry the second in the behalf of Earl Strongbow etc. 464. 59 Hethfield or Heathenfield battle 322 Hexam field 676. 15 Hide Monastery which had been before at Winchester 362. 14 Jerome or Jerome of prague, Martyr burnt 613. 30 Hilda, the famous, learned, & virtuous Abbess of Streanshale 310. 8 335. 14 Hisdigerdus, Tutor to young Theodosius 277. 11 Histories of the first time, mere conjectural. 161. 3 Hoctide or Hoxtide what it is and how it came up. 397. 11 Holy maid of Kent 770. 83 Executed with 7. of her disciples for treason. ibid. Hollanders new Coin upon occasion of the Invincible Navy defeated. 863. 224 Henry Holland Duke of Excester and Earl of Huntingdon his high descent, alliance, & miserable state. 686. 86 Unkindly used by his Lady Anne, sister to King Edward the 4. 686. 87 His body found dead on the shore of Kent ibid. Lord john Holland killeth the L. Stafford and taketh Sanctuary 599. 50 Earl of Huntingdon, taken and brought to Playsie or Pleshy in Essex and beheaded 614 17 john Holland being also Duke of Excester, drawn out of Sanctuary and conveyed to Pomfret Castle by the Yorkists 667. 65 Suspected for the murder of Humphrey Duke of Gloucester 614. 17 66349. john Holland Duke of Excester left for dead at Barnet field, recovereth, and taketh Sanctuary at Westminster. 68366 Thomas Holland Earl of Kent beheaded at Circester by the Townsmen 614. 17 Homer's Ilias written in a Dragon's guts 261. 13 Honorius Emperor in the West his reign and death 74. 6 7. 12 Horesh. i. 〈…〉 215. 14 Robet Horn, a worthy Alderman of London persuadeth resistance of jacke Cade. 664 51 Horsa and Catigerne, Slain in single fight 290. 9 Horsemen well appointed 40000. showed at Blackeheath field before King Richard the second. 596. 28 Horstead the place of Horsa his Monument 290. 9 Knights Hospitaliers of the Rhods or S. john of jerusalem, advanced by the fall of the Templars. 556. 12 Hotspurre. See Percy Howards Dukes of Norfolk, whence descended. 553, 71 Lord Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey invadeth Scotland, 743 48 Lord Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey, and high Admiral of England winneth Morleiss in France 760. 42 He invadeth and spoileth France 760. 44 Made Lieutenant of the North, 760. 46 His rough answer to the Duke of Albany 761. 49 He is made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland 762. 55 He vanquisheth the Rebels there ibidem Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, Lieutenant General against the Rebels in Yorkshire 774. 98 L. Thomas Howard late Duke of Norfolk his troubles and death. 851. 134 Philip Lord Howard Earl of Arundel condemned of high treason 848. 106 Charles Lord Howard Baron of Effingham, high Admiral against the invincible Navy of Spain 859. 195 Commander of a Fleet set out against Spain 868. 264 Made L. Lieutenant General of all England 877. 327 john Lord Howard Duke of Norfolk slain 725, 58 Thomas Howard D. of Norfolk with other prisoners released out of the Tower. 817. 15 Lord General for Queen Marie against Wyatt 819 He dieth for dolour of heart, 819. 32 Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey prisoner in the Tower, 725, 58 Hubba and Hungar leaders of the Danes invade England▪ 354. 2. 311. 15 Hubba and Inguar Lothbrooks' sons leaders of the Danes invade England 388.9 Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent in a general defection of the Nobles adhereth to King Henry the third 523. 58 Troubled by the King upon an action of trespass in the King's Bench. 52●. 61 Hubert de Burgh, or Burgo L. Chamberlain of England. 488. 14 Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury meeteth King Richard the first most joyfully. 478 53 Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury his Sophistical oration against the Coronation of King john 484. 5 His forecast to bridle KING john. 485. 5 Made Lord high Chancellor ibidem Hubert Walteri Arehbishop of Canterbury his hollow heart to King john 487. 12. 488 18 He outbraves King john. 487. 12 Hubert Archbishop of York his death 493, 31 Hubert de S, Clare saveth King Henry the second his life by his own death 456. 4 Hubblestone, who so called, 357 14 Hugh or Hugo Bishop of Coventrie for default of appearance adjudged punishable 479. 55 Hugh Bishop of Lincoln royally buried. 48. 11 Hugh Le Brun, Earl of March conspireth against King john 488. 15 Hugo de Nevile slew a Lion in the holy Land 482. 71 Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester taketh part with Henry the young King, against King Henry the second, the father 465. 65 Taken prisoner 466 Hugh Baron of Dungannon, 853. 151 Flieth from his wives Father Turlogh, into England 853 151 Employed by Queen Elizabeth ibid. His service against the Earl of Desmond a Rebel ibid. Made Earl of Tir-Oen. ibid. Complaineth of Sir William Fitz William the Lord Deputy, and others 854. 153 His dissimulations ibid. Hugh. Baron of Dungannon & Earl of Tir-Oen, getteth the fort of Blackwater 872 289 He and his adherents proclaimed Traitors 872. 290 His Victory over the English in Ireland, near to Armagh 873. 300 Sueth for Parley and is rejected 873. 304 receiveth a Plume of Phoenix Feathers as a present from the Pope 874. 308 He goeth on Pilgrimage to the Cross at Tipperaray. 874 309 He with the Irish Rebels and auxiliary Spaniards put to slight 875. 319 He sueth to the Lord Lieutenant or Deputy for pardon & peace 876 325 Brought into England by Charles Blunt Lord Montioy 885. 8 A valiant Warrior, but a perfidious, subtle, and smooth-tongued Traitor. ibid. Robert Huldern Captain of a Commotion about York 678▪ ●0 Beheaded. ibid. Humphrey the Duke of Gloucester his stile 622. 58 His commendable virtues & patrona ge of learning. ibid. His wives ibid. Murdered at B●ry ibid. Buried at Saint Alban ibid. His reasons against the Duke of Orleans his enlagement 660. 38 Arrested of high Treason. 662 41 Found dead ibidem. His praises ibid. 42 Protector of England marrieth jaqueline, during john Duke of Brabant her husband's life 652. 9 He challengeth combat of Philip Duke of Burgundy taking part against him with john Duke of Brabant. 653. 9 He marrieth Eleanor daughter to Reginald Lord Cobham 653. 9 He accuseth Henry Beaufort Bishop of Winchester, 653. 9 Declared to have been a true Subject 667. 64 Humphrey Lhuyd a learned searcher of Antiquities. 158. 4. Hungar. See Hubba Lord Hungerford beheaded for his offence in abusing Nature 779. 108 Hunstanton tour 311. 14 Huntingdon Earldom bestowed upon Alexander King of Scots 533. 86 Held by Henry Prince of Scocland 446. 7 Hurling times 597. 34 john Husse Martyr burned, 630. 35 Peter Hyalus Ambassador from Spain procureth a truce between England and Scotland 743. 49 I IAcke Straw, his rebellion, his execution and confession 595. 20 jacke Cade. See Cade jacke Sharp of Wigmors-land an Arch-rebel headed and quartered. 656. 20 james the first King of Scots prisoner in England, and enlarged, marrieth jane daughter to john Beaufort Earl of Somerset 652. 8 Murdered by the Scots 659 34 He intended Hostility to England ibid. Crowned with a Crown of read hot iron. 660. 34 james the 2. King of Scots besiegeth Roxborough against the Yorkists 670. 83 Slain there with the shiver of a great piece of Ordinance ibidem james the third K. of Scots banisheth Alexander King of Albany his second brother. 689. 110 james the third King of Scotland causeth john Earl of Marre his brother to bleed to death ibid. Slain in battle by his own Subjects 735. 27 james the fourth King of Scots contracteth marriage with Margaret eldest daughter to King Henry the seventh 747. 64 He entertaineth Perkin Warbeck 741. 43 He together with Perkin Warbeck invade Northumberland 741. 43 Slain at Floden Field 755. 16 His valour in fight 755. 16 His body supposed to have been Embalmed and interred in Shine or Shene. 756 17 He is yet imagined to have escaped out of the field and fled to jerusalem ibid. james the fifth King of Scots dieth of a Melancholic passion 782. 119 james Clement a jacobin Friar killeth the French King Henry the 3. 866. 254 Himself stabbed to death. ibid. james the sixth King of Scots, after Monarch of great Britain, the first King that by his pen depeincted Antichrist. 205. 13 His lineal descent, from King Henry the seventh King of England, & james the fourth King of Scotland 748. 65 JAMES the first Monarch of Great Britain beginneth his reign 883 Proclaimed King of England, France, and Ireland. etc. 884 2 His just title to the Crown of England, 884. 3 He cometh to London ibidem 5 His mercy to Prisoners. ibid. Paralleled with Constantine the great and Octa●ian Augustus ibid. 6 His entrance to the Crown of England congratulated by foreign Ambassadors ibid. 7 His Coronation and Queen Annes his wife. 885. 10 His gracious Letter for stay of execution of Traitors condemned 886. 16 His speech to the Prelates and Church-governors before Conference about matter of Liturgy, and Government of Church. 887. 19 His demands unto the Prelacy, as touching Confirmation of Children Baptized, etc. ibid. 20 His speech unto Divines assembled for the said conference ibid. 22 His triumphant passage thorough London to Westminster with Queen▪ A●ne, Prince Henry, etc. 888. 28 Enstiled solemnly King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland 889. 30 Scandalised and slandered by Papists 690. 37 james Lord Audley his valour and bounty at the battle of Poitiers. 582. 116 james alias jaques d' Artevile, a potent man in Flanders. 570. 41 Confedered with Edward the third against France, ibidem, See Artevile. jane or joan base daughter to King john, married to Lewin Prince of Wales 507. 72 Her loving kindness to her Father ibidem jane de Valois entreateth for a truce between King Edward the third, and Philip de Valois the French King. 573. 62. jane alias joan wife to David the second King of Scots dieth in England 584. 127 jane the third wife of K. Henry the 8. 785. 138 Her parentage, when married her death and burial. ibidem Her womb ripped for King Edward the sixth his birth. 803. 1 Queen jane dieth. 779. 105 jane Grey made Successor to the Crown of England by King Edward the sixth in his will 812. 75 Proclaimed Queen of England 816, 16 Her parentage 812. 75 Beheaded with the L. Guildford 818. 23 Her speech at her death. ibidem 24 janus Temple in Rome opened. 239 The same shut 189 japhets Progeny peopled Europe, 161. 2 jaques Van Artevile slain in a mutiny 577. 78 See more in james D' Artevile in Artevile. jaques Francis a perfidioustraitor 849. 112 jaquet Duchess of Bedford, mother to Elizabeth, Edward the fourth his wife slandered for Witchcraft. 711, 3 jasper Earl of Pembroch flieth into Bretaigne, 687. 84 Iccius Portus thought to be Calais 185. 1 Ic●nians withstand Ostorius 194 12 Overthrown 195. 12 Oppressed by Roman officers rebel 198. 11 Ida first King of B●rnicia. 301 1 His reign ibidem Ide daughter of the Lady Mary King Stephen's daughter, married 459. 55 Idols, See Images, Idols worshipped by Britain's, 167, 168 Idols 1. Counterfeit Princes erected to dethrone the right an old stratagem. 736▪ 13 jeffrey Chaucer, See in Chaucer. jeffrey Plantagenet Son of Foulke, Earl of Anjou. 441 49 He marrieth Maude the Empress ibidem. He dieth 453, 42 jeffrey brother to King Henry the second put to a yearly pension 456, 6 His death jerusalem lost 469, 94. 468. 99 jerusalem won by Titus, 212. 3 Razed to the ground. 219. 7 New built, and named Aelia. ibidem Not recoverable by war. 757. 30 Won by Godfrey of Lorain and his confederates. 437. 30. jestin Lord of Glamorgan▪ sideth against Rhees ap Theodor Prince of South-Wales. 429. 15 Slain ibidem jesuits by proclamation banished 889 jesus Christ our Saviour inwhose reign borne 189. 6 jews revolt upon a prophesy 210. 4. They war upon the Gentiles 217. 3 Slaughtered by Traian. 217. 3 Rebel in Hadrians time. 218 4 jews Clippers of the Kings Coin 529, 75 Not permitted to look toward jerusalem 219. 7 jews banished the Realm. 545. 17 jews slain at King Richard the first his Coronation. 473, 6 jevaff alias jago, Prince of North-wales payeth tribute in Wolves. 370. 5 Ignatius suffereth martyrdom. 217. 2 Igren Duke Gorlois Wife. 315. islands separated from the main by the great deluge. 155, 4 They be ornaments and of use to the Main. ibid., islands belonging to Britain had their several Kings, 157. 13 islands or Isles of the Gentiles, are those of Europe. 161. 2 Images in Churches to be adored 342. 3 Images or Idols suppressed by Parliament 778. 100 Abolished 805. 18 Images superstitious cast out of Churches and burnt. 834, 16 Imericke fourth King of Kent. 391. 4 His Issue and reign ibidem Immanuentius slain by Cassibilan 173. 186 Immuration a kind of Death, 512. 13 Indies not heard of by the Romans before king Ine his time 217. 2 Ine king of the West Saxons, 298. 11. His victories ibidem, His Laws translated into English. ibidem His zeal to Religion: ibidem. His voluntary poverty. 299 11. Ingilram de Cowcy died a threefold death 527. 69 Inguar the Dane, Lothbrokes' son sendeth defiance to king Edmund 388. 9 He with his brother Hubba put king Edmond to death. ibidem Ingulphus when he lived and died 163. 16 Inis-we● a name of Britain, 1584. Inis Witrin, 1, Glastenburie, 202. Pope Innocent the fourth, maketh suit to see England. 157 11 Pope Innocentius being Vmpier, playeth false 495. 36 His present and letter to King john 495. 3● His three strange laws. 499. 38. He interdicteth England for many years. 496. 40 He interposeth between king john & Philip king of France 491. 34. Pope Innocentius his curse denounced upon King john. 498. 44 He absolveth King john's people from Allegiance. ibidem Insula Florum, 1. Britain. 160. 8 Insula Caeruli, a name of Britain ibidem. Insurrection at Abingdon in Oxfordshire 656. 20 Insurrection of the Nobles, against King Stephen. 447. 12 The pretended reasons thereof ibidem. 14. Interdict of the Pope what it is 560. 35 Interdiction of England for many years. 496. 40 Interdiction of England in K. john his time released. 503. 55 Interregnum in the Empire for eight years 450. 1 Interregnum not allowed in government of England, 473. 3 Interview of john king of England, and William K. of Scots. 486. 10 Interview between john King of England, and K. Philip of France ibid. 16 Invasion of England plotted by the Catholics. 489. 34 investiture of Prelates in what manner it was 436. 13 Claimed by the King and by the Pope ibid. 14 In vincible Navy of Spain prepared against England. 857. 183 The furniture and provision thereof 858. 189. etc. Flieth before the English. 862. 216 joachine an Abbot avoucheth the Pope to be Antichrist. 475. 24 joan daughter of King Edward the first ●552. 6● Her marriages; Issue, death & burial ibidem. joan widow of Lord Thomas Holland, remarried to Edward the Black Prince. 589. 156. She dieth for sorrow and grief, being denied a pardon for her son john Holland 599. 50 She was named the fair maid of Kent, and was married to Sir Thomas Holland Earl 〈◊〉 Kent, and mother to Thoma and john Holland Duke of Surrey, and Earl of Huntingdon 553. 72 Mother by Edward of Woodstock the Black Prince, to King Richard the second. 553. 72 joan daughter to King Edward the second, wedded to David, Prince, and after King of Scotland, by the name of David the second. 564. 80 Her death and burial. ibidem Called by the Scots in scorn joan or jone Make-peace. 567 joan eldest daughter to King john, married to Alexander the second, King of Scots 507. 67 joan daughter to King john married to Lewelin Prince of North-Wales 498 Queen joan committed unto prison f or sorcery. 637. 49 joan of Lorraine a marshal maiden 654. 14 Her letter to William de la Pole Earl of Suffolk. 654. 15 She is called joanla Pucelle de Dieu 654. 16 Betrayed and taken prisoner 655. 18 Burned for a Witch at Rouen. 655. 18 joan third daughter of K. Henry the second by Queen Eleanor his wife. 471. 110 Her husband and Issue. joan daughter of King Henry the second, married to William King of Sicily. 474. 19 joan Butcher an Heretic. 813. 78 Saint john the Evangelist banished by the Emperor Domitian 215. 17 His Revelation in the Isle Patmos ibidem Compared with Daniels visions. 215. 17 Returns from exile out of Pathmos●217 ●217. 4 john an usurper of the Roman Empire, slain. 275. 5 His Coin ibidem. john of Oxford a great Clerk 458. 22 He writeth a Book against Thomas Becket 459. 27 He was Bishop of Norwich. 467. 82 john Sans-Terre, after K. john, King Henry the second his son 468. 91 Why so named 470. 107 Entitled King of Ireland. 468. 91. john the last son of K. Henry the second, knighted, and sent into Ireland. 469. 92 His stile in the Seal of Ireland ibidem First styled Lord of Ireland, 470. 107▪ 483 What Earldoms and Seignories he held in King Richard the first his brother's time 473. 9 His attempts during his brother King Richard's captivity 478 44 For want of appearance, adjudged to forfeit all his Estate in England. 479. 55 He is reconciled to King Richard the first his brother. 480. 59 〈◊〉 becometh most faithful un to him ibidem His challenge sent to the French Court, in defence of his loyalty to king Richard the first his brother. 481. 67 john king of England his Arms, Broad Seal, and Coin. 483 His tragical reign, and the principal actions therein, 483. 1. His means and title to the Kingdom 484▪ 〈◊〉, His Agents in England. ibidem King john of England crowned Duke of Normandy. 484. 4 He pursues king Philip of France from place to place. 485. 7 He divorceth Hawisia his wife and espouseth Isabel Heritrice of Ailmar, Earl of Angolisme 486. 8 Crowned again at Queen Isabella's Coronation 486. 9 He offereth a golden Chalice in Lincoln Cathedral church on Saint john's Altar. 486 10 He arriveth in Normandy, 488. 14 Summoned by Philip the French king to appear personally at Paris 489. 16 His victory at Mirabeau. ibidem. & 17 His clemency to his Nephew Arthur 489. 18 Cleared of his death, 490. 20. Cited by king Philip upon treason for Arthur's death. ibidem Condemned and adjudged an enemy to the French State, etc. ibidem. He looseth many Seignories beyond sea, through his own negligence, & his captain's treachery 490. 22 Enchanted with the love of his wife Isabel 491, 23 How much he was distressed. ib. 24 His letter to Pope Innocentius 496. 38 Forsaken of his Nobles, and debarred or inhibited his voyage into Normandy by Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury. 493. 29 What wrongs were offered to him 496. 38 He entereth France with a great Army 494, 33 King john winneth Mont Alban, and recovereth Angiers 495. 34 He commandeth divine service to be celebrated in S. Alban, notwithstanding the Pope's interdiction 496. 40 Excommunicated and accursed by name from Rome. 497. 41 He settleth the State in Ireland ibid. 42 His Broad Seal for Ireland before he was king. 498. 43. He subdueth Wales ibid. He offereth well to the Clergy but his offers are rejected. ibidem Informed of a great conspiracy, and treason of his Nobleses ibid. 45, In danger to be uncrowned, 499. 45 His preparation against Philip king of France. ibid. 48. He yieldeth up his Crown etc. to the Pope, and sweareth unto him homage and fealty. 500 48 He is absolved by Stephen Langton 501, 51 Entrapped by a guileful oath 501. 52 By a new Charter subjecteth to the Pope 503. 54. He is become a petty king among his Barons. 503. 56 He looseth his treasure and carriages on the sands by Lincolnshire 505. 59 His deadly sickness. 505. 61 His death and repentance. 506. 61 His burial 506. 61 The occasion of his sickness and death 506. 62 King john poisoned at Swensted Abbey 506. 62 King john his works of devotion 506. 63 His orders for government, and Weal-public 506. 63 Compared to Marius. 507. 61 His wives. 507▪ 64. 65. 66 His Issue 507. 67 His children extraordinarily advanced. 521. 51 john the French King taken prisoner, after a year set at liberty 583. 122 john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster governeth England, under his father K. Edward the third 588. 150 A protector of john Wickliff. ibidem 152 His Armouries reversed by the Londoners ibidem He procureth the Mayor and Aldermen of London to be thrust from their places. 589, 152. His wives and issue. 589. 590 His death and Tomb. 590 He claimeth the Crown of Castille and Leon 594. 17 Accused by a Carmelite friar of highest treason. 597. 39 Withdraweth himself upon his guard, and is reconciled to King Richard the second, by means of Princes joan the King's mother 599▪ 47 He marrieth Constance eldest daughter of Peter K. of Castille 585. 132. He with Dame Alice Peers, & others removed from King Edward the third his person 588. 149 Suspected of King Richard 2. 599. 51 His noble Army for the conquest of Spain 600. 59 He arriveth at the Port Corone or Groin 601. 61 His proceed and success about the kingdoms of Castille and Leon. 604. 83. 84. etc. He invadeth France. 586. 139 He calleth upon God in his distress, and is heard. 605. 84 He returneth into England, & doth good offices. 605. 86 Made Duke of Aqnitaine, 605. 87 Enstileths himself King of Castille and of Leon, in right of Constance. 587, 145 He marrieth Katherine Swinford his old love. 606. 94 His children begotten of her before marriage made legitimate 607. 94 He departeth this life. 608 106 His goods seized by the king ibidem. john son of King Edward the first his death and tomb. 551. 58 Lord john of Eltham second son to King Edward the first, proclaimed Custos of London 562. 60 He is Earl of Cornwall. 564. 79. His death ibidem. john the French King taken prisoner by Edward the Black Prince 582. 115 He dieth in England 584, 127 Entombed at Saint Denis. ibidem john de Montfort accepted Duke of Britain Armoricke 584.128 john Earl of Pembroke taken prisoner by Ambrose Bacca Nigra, and the Spanish Armado 587. 145 john Duke of Bedford overthroweth the French Navy, and Genoa at sea▪ 635 37 Protector of England in King Henry the fifth his absence 636. 41 Lieutenant General, and Regent of France, under his brother King Henry the 5. 646. 69 He espouseth Anne sister of Philip Duke of Burgundy, 651. 6 He marrieth Lady jaquet daughter to Peter of Lutzenburg, Earl of Saint Paul, 656. 20 He dieth in Paris. 659. 25 His commendation, stile and tomb 658. 25 King Lewis princely testimony of him 658. 26 john Duke of Burgoigne suspected to affect the Crown of France 640. 48 Slain as he kneeled before Charles the Dauphin. 641. 49 His death revenged 644. 56. 60 His body honourably interred in Dijon 644, 56 Sir john Mortimer arraigned for treasonable speeches. 652. 8 Drawn hanged and headed for treason 652. 8 john Duke of Bretagin Armoricke, forsaketh the English, and turneth to Charles the French King, 573. 10 john a Chamber, raiseth a tumult in the North, against the Duke of Northumberland 735. 26 Taken prisoner and executed. ibidem john de Vere Earl of Oxford, flieth from Barnet field into Wales 683. 65 Don john of Austria base brother to Philip the second K. of Spain, Governor of the Low-countrieses 854. 158 His death 855. 160 Saint john's Hospital in Oxford founded 519. 142 jones come from javan 162. 6 joseph of Arimathia brought the Christian faith first into Britain 202. 2 Buried in Glastenbury ibidem Michael joseph the Blacke-Smith his rebellion & death. 741. 44. 742. 147 jovianus nominated Emperor. 267. 1 His piety and Christian Religion 268. 2 Makes peace with the Persians ibidem. His death ibidem. His parsonage, reign, virtues, and vices. ibidem. 6 His Coin 267 jovianus a Roman Ensign-bearer his treason 268. 3 jovinus usurpeth the Empire. 277. 11. His Coin ibidem. Is Slain ibidem 12 Ireland had 5. Kings in it at one time 157. 13 By▪ whom it first received English laws and officers. 506. 63 Ireland's sins forerunners of a change. 462. 48. Ireland by whom annexed to the Crown of England. 506 63. By what right & title it came to King Edward the second, 468. 91 Ireland in civil dissension. 462. 46 Irish voluntaries aid against Scotland 547. 29 Irish Anthropophagis. 1. feeders upon man's flesh 167. 7. The Irish enter Severne. 399 11 Irish petty Kings do homage to King Henry the second. 464. 60 Irish Rebels in King Henry the third his days 516. 28 Ireneus martyred 230. 15 Isabel alias Hawisia, or avis, second wife to King john divorced 507. 65 Remarried to jeffrey Mandevill Earl of Essex, also to Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent ibidem Isabel third wife to King john, her parentage, second marriage and Issue 507. 66 Isabel daughter to King john married to Frederick the second Emperor 507. 71 Her Issue and death ibidem. Isabel Queen Dowager of England, married to the Earl of March in France 511. 12 Practiseth for her son King Henry the third against the French. 515. 26 Falsely charged to have sought by poison to make away K. Lewis of France ibid. Isabel a base daughter of King Richard the first 482 Isabel King Henry the third his sister, married to Frederick the Emperor 521. 50 The marriage consummate by calculation of stars. 521. 51 Isabel Queen Dowager, King Henry the third his mother, another jezabel 526. 66 Isabel Countess of Arundel, a widow, her bold reproof of King Henry the third. 531 81 Queen Isabel a mediatrix for peace between her husband king Edward the second, and the Lords 549. 39 Denied one nights lodging at Leedes Castle ibidem. Sets her heart against the Lords, and seeketh revenge. ibidem, Her discontentment with the Spensers 561. 50 Negotiateth the King her husband's affairs in France. ibid. 52 She and Prince Edward of Windsor proclaimed enemies to the State 561. 51 She with the Prince and Roger Mortimer go into Henault 561. 56 With foreign forces and others she entereth England, 562. 57 Her forces increase against the King her husband. 562. 61 Her parentage, widowhood, years, death and burial. 564. 77 She forbeareth to company with King Edward the second her husband. 566. 5 Isabel Queen mother supposed to be with child by Mortimer 568. 21 Her great dower abated to a small rate ibidem, Isabel Queen Dowager, mother to King Edward the third dieth. 582. 120 Queen Isabel of France rob of her jewels and plate by the Dauphin. 639. 60 Committed to prison. 639. 61 Queen Isabel of France escapeth out of prison by the means of the Duke of Burgoigne. 640. 41 Made Regent of France, ibidem Her parentage and disposition. 640. 42 She inciteth the King to disherit the Dauphin and adopt Henry the fifth King of England 641. 50 Isabel Countess of Warwick, dieth of poison 689. 107 Isabel Queen of Spain, her descent 746. 62 Her virtue and devotion. 747 62 Queen Isabel daughter to Charles the 6. K. of France, affianced to Richard the second King of England, and remaineth a virgin during his reign 610. 120 Scent after a princely manner home into France a virgin as she came 615. 23 Married to Charles Duke of Orleanee. 615. 23 Isacius, See Cursac Isis a Goddess of the Saxons. 288. 7 From Israel's departure out of Egypt unto Salomons temple, what time 278. 2 Italy compared to an oaken leaf 155 Italy took name from Italus 157. 2 Itun, i Solwey Frith. 229. 8 jubilee of King Edward the 3. 584. 126 judith wife to Father and son, ravished by Baldwine, Forrester of Arden in France, 352. 5. julia the Empress how she reproved a British woman, and how she was answered 167. 6 julia the incestuous wife and mother in law of Caracalla 232. 7 juliana a third natural daughter of Henry the first, King of England 443. 75 Didius julianus buyeth the Empire of the Soldiers 277. 2 His employments and rising ibid. 3 His Coin. ibid. 1 julianus Caesar 263. 6. 7 Elected Emperor and consort with Constantius ibidem 264. 1 His parentage ibid. His proportion and feature of body. ibid. His education ibid. 2 He become a Deacon, and professed holy life 265. 3 His temperance and chastity ibid. Vainglorious, unconstant, and full of words ibid. His justice 265. 4 His clemency and charity ibid. His popularity ibid. A great secret persecutor of Christians 265. 4 His worldly policy ibid. Over severe and unthankful ibid. He goeth about to re-edify jerusalem ibid. His open persecution of the Christians 265. 5 His skoffing at Christians 265. 5 His prudence and learning. ibidem julian the Emperor his superstitio●s' Religion 266. 5 His Coin 264 His fortitude 265. 6 His exploits and victories. ib. His apparitions and presages of Sovereignty ibid. Deluded by a Pythonist. 267 7 He proiecteth the conquest of Persia ibidem His excessive sacrifices. ibid. His huge Army into Persia ibid. Strike with a Dart. ibid. His death and burial ibid. His age and reign. 267. 8 His virtues and vices ibid. julie the month, whence it took name 190. 7 julius a Martyr in Britain 206 19 julius Caesar, the first Roman attempter of Britain 183. 2 His coin 185 Upon what occasion he attempted it. ibid. He complotteth to attain the Empire ibid. 1 The first Roman that assailed Germany ibid. He governeth Gallia ten years ibid. Upon what causes and pretences he invaded Britain 183. 2 He cometh in person against Britain 184. 4 His first landing in Britain ibid. He putteth the Britanes to flight. ibid. 5 His fleet dispersed ibid. 8. His Fleet in harbour distressed ibidem. Suddenly assailed by the Britanes ibid. Honoured with the grant of a supplication or procession for 20. days 185. 16 His second landing in Britain 186. 2 His Navy impaired by tempest 186. 4 He draweth his ships on land ibid. He imposeth a tribute upon Cassibelan 187 11 He would be styled and ranged among the gods. 187, 13 He seeketh to be King 187. 11 He got nothing in Britain but the sight of the Country ibid. 12 His death ibid. 11 The first that had his own image in Coin. 169 julius Caesar, forewarned of his death by Prodigies 187. 13 By Spurina the Divinor 187. 14 By a brazen table in Capua ibid. By Dreams. ibid. By Beasts entrails and Birds ibid. His parsonage 187. 14 He wore always the Laurel garland to cover his baldness 188. 14 His qualities ibidem easy to be reconciled unto his enemies ibid. His moderate carriage. ibid. His military virtues ibid. His fortunate succession in wars, ibid. His offices of state ibid. His triumphs ibid. jul-laber a place 186. 6 justiciars Itintrant first instituted in England. 467. 83 For corruption punished. 545 17 justina mother to Valentinian the younger, Emperor 272. 2 Of incomparable feature and beauty. ibid. jutae, or jutes, a Tribe of the Saxons 284. 6 jutae, called also Gutes. i. Goths or Vites. 285 9 KING WIlliam de Kahames, alias Kains taketh king Step●en prisoner. 450. 28 Lady Katherine's picture sent to Henry the fifth lying before Rouen 638. 54 Queen Katherine, wife to king Henry the fifth, Crowned at Westminster 645. 64 Queen Katherine late wife of King Henry the fifth, and now Queen Dowager passeth royally through London with K. Henry the sixth her son an Infant in her lap. 651. 3 Remarried to Owen Theudor of Wales 649. 86. 659. 32 Her Issue by him ibid. Her death ibid. Her Coffin never buried. ibid. Lady Katherine or Katherine Gordon the unfortunate wife of Perkin Warbeck 743. 49 Her beauty and amiable presence 744. 51 Honourably used by K. Henry the seventh 744. 51 Katherine or Katherine of Spain daughter of Ferdinando and Isabel, alias Elizabeth, King and Queen of Spain, ●irst wife to K. Henry the eight. 745. 60. 785. 136 Her speech about the death of the young Earl of Warwick in King Henry the seventh his days ibid. She arriveth at Plymouth 746. 62 Her marriage, Coronation, divorce, decease and burial 785. 136 Her commendation delivered by her husband King Henry the eight 766 Her speech to the King her husband in open Court 767 69 She departeth the Court. ibid. Hard at work with her maidens 768. 72 Called Princess Dowager. 770. 80 Katherine or Katherine Howard wedded to King Henry the eighth 779. 108 Beheaded for Adultery 780 169 After condemnation she protesteth to her Confessor, her unguiltinesse of the Crime for which she died 780 110 Her parentage, marriage, beheading and burial. 785 140 Katherine or Katherine Parr the 6. of wife K. Henry the eight 780. 113. 785. 141 Her Parentage ibid. Thrice married ibid. Her death ibid. In danger to be apprehended & committed to the Tower for supposed heresy. 781 115 Her life laid for 780 113 Fallen sick, visited by King Henry the eight her husband 781. 114 Katherine or Katherine Duchess of Suffolk, with her husband Richard Bartue flieth the Land 827. 87. 89 Her descent ibid. 88 Not favourer of Popish Religion ibid. Her dangerous escapes, arrival and travel beyond Seas 827. 90 Her abode and her husbands in Poland 827. 95 Katrington, alias Carton Esquire, defendant, in Combat vanquished, dieth frantic 598. 44 Lord Keeper's Letter to Robert Devereux Earl of Essex. 877 330 Kenelm King of Mercia, Murdered by the means of Quendrid his sister 307. 14 How his corpse was found. 308 14 His body afterwards translated 347. 6 Kenelworth Castle besieged and yielded. 538. 104 Kenred killeth Osred his Sovereign, and is King of Northumberland 304. 17 Kenred Wulfheres son King of the Mercians, and Monarch of England, become a Monk of Rome 307. 8 His reign and death. ibid. Kenred Monarch of the Englishmen, his Arms, ibidem. 341. 1 Resigneth up his regal crown for a Monks Cowl 342. 2 Kenrich King of the Westsaxons. 297. 3 His battles. ibidem. His reign and issue, ibidem Kenricke son of Cuthred slain 299. 13 Kenricke son of Cherdicke, Monarch of the Englishmen 327 His Arms ibidem His reign and Issue. ibidem. Kent divided into Parishes. 294. 7 Kent kingdom 293 The Circuit of it. ibidem. The beginning, continuance, and end thereof. 295. 17 Kent invaded during the Anarchy of 6. years. 294. 10 Kent divided into factions about Queen Mary's marriage with K. Philip the 2. of Spain 81929 Kentish Britain's most Civil 167. 4 Four Kentish kings resist Caesar 186. 9 Kentish men's policy against King William Conqueror. 416. 7 Kentishmen true to K. Stephen, in his captivity 450. 29 Kentish Rebels under the conduct of Wat Tiler, and jacke Straw embattle on Blackeheath. 965. 19 Their outrages about London ibid. Kentish Rebels led by jacke Cade 664. 50 Kentish commotions in time of Anarchy, do much hurt about London 681. 51 Kenwald King of the West Saxons 297. 8 Driven out of his Kingdom, ibidem Wone to Christianity, 298. 8 Restored to his kingdom. ibidem His reign and death. ibidem. Kenwin king of the Westsaxons 298. 8 A scourge of the Britain's, ibidem. His reign, ibidem Kenulph of Mercia taketh Ethelbert Prens prisoner. 295. 15 Kenwulph king of Westsaxons his descent and victories. 299. Slain ibidem His reign ibidem Kenwulph king of Mercia, 307, 13 His descent, reign and burial ibidem 347. 3, Kenwulfe Monarch of the Englishmen 347. 1 His Arms and his Coin, ibidem His virtues ibidem He taketh prisoner Prenne king of Kent 347, 2 He setteth him freme 347, 3 Kenwulph king of the East-Angles his reign. 311, 14 Robert Ket his commotion and Rebellion in Norffolk●● 807 31 He and his Rebels put to flight 808. 44 Apprehended 809. 47 He with his brother William Ket hanged, one upon Wimundham high Steeple: the other upon Norwich Castle, in Chains 809. 47 Henry Earl of Kildare dieth of grief, for the death of his two Fosterbrethrens, slain 873. 296. Kilkenny in Ireland, a City late erected. 520. 47 Kimbeline. See Cunobeline Kineburge wife to King Alfrith an Abbess 301. 13 Kin●burge wife to King Oswald a virtuous Lady 337. 8 Kineswith, King Offa his wife a Nun 301. 12 Kings College in Cambridge founded. 685. 82 Kingdoms period not much above 600. years. 178 Kings become Monks 305 17 Three Kings at once visit King Edward the third 584. 127 The King's-evil cured by king Edward the Confessor and his successors 401. 25 Kingils King of the Westsaxons 297. 7 The first Christian King of the Westsaxons ibid. His reign and issue. ibid. Kingston upon Thames, the ordinary place for Coronation of Saxon Kings 368. etc. Kinsale held by the Spaniards, 875. 315 Knights 400. at one time made by King Edward the third 583. 122 Twelve poor Knights at Windsor instituted. 783. 134 Sir Robert Knolles sent into France with an Army. ●87. 140 Accused by Sir john Mesterworth 587. 140 A fit Parallel to Bertram de Glesquin ibidem 146 A brave Captain 620. 45 He built Rochester Stonebridge 620. 45 john Knox a hot Minister, & overheady reformer in Scotland 834. 15 Kyrton in Deu●nshire a Bishops See, annexed to Excester. 368. 6 L Queen Laberius slain by the Britain's 186. 6 T, ●●bienus under Governor of Gaul 185. 1 Labyrinth at W●●dstocke built by Henry the second for Rosamond 471. 11. Lacedæmonians state from Lycurgu●'s to Alexander the Great, of what continuance 278. 2 Robert de Lacey Constable of Chester, his fidelity, and valorous service at Castle Rock Audeley 491. 32 Taken prisoner. ibidem Robert Lacey surprised in Chinon 494. 33 Walter and Hugh Lacey the son of Hugh, fly out of Ireland, into France, and are reconciled again to King john, 497. 42 Laelianus Lieutenant General in Britain, murdered. 452. 8 A●l. Laetus, one that conspired Commodus his death 226. 2 Laetus a traitor to Septimus Severus put to the sword 228. 3 Laity of England seek to disseise the Clergy of their temporalties 600. 55 Lanfranke Archbishop of Canterbury 418. 21 Governor of England whiles William Conqueror was in Normandy 4●0 35 Stephen Langton commended by Pope Innocentius to be Archbishop of Canterbury 496. 37 Elected and consecrated at Viterbium ibidem He with others solicit the Pope for deposition of King john 499. 46 He arriveth in England with other exiled persons. 501. 51 A very English Pope 501. 52 Walter de Langton Bishop of Chester, arrested and imprisoned 555. 3 His fault ibidem. Stephen Langton Archbishop of Canterbury appeals against King john's subjection to the Pope 503, 54. Suspended from Episcopal authority 504. 57 Simon Langton elect Archbishop of York made by the Pope incapable of Episcopal dignity 504. 57 Hugh Latimer Bishop of Worcester burnt in Oxford. 824. 66 Lavatrae, Bowes under Stanemor in Richmondshire. 228. 4. Saint Laurence broiled on a Gredyron 242, 3 Laurence Archbishop of Canterbury 294. 6 English laws abroged by William Conqueror 418. 20 Laws for the English written in the Norman tongue. 416. 20 Lawyers sent for to make treasons 602. 71 Rob. Land knighted and endowed with lands by king Richard the second 596. 25 Lea river divided and made navigable by King Elfred. 358. 23 Learned and lewd. i wicked 619. 42 Learning by heart 168. 8 Thomas Lee a Captain executed for words. 880, 344 Doctor Lee Bishop of Chester, Coventree and Lichfield. 770. 82 The Lightning Legion of the Christians. 221. 4 Legionary Soldiers called Milites gravis armaturae. 187 12 Their Armour. ibidem Leiden Castle in Holland begun by Hengist 296. 11 Leides Castle won by King Edward the second 559. 36 The Captain and all within put to shameful death. 559 36 Leids Castle in Scotland won 448. 16 Earl of L●nnox Regent of Scotland traitorously murdered 851 Leo King of Armenia bountifully sent away ●y King Richard the second. 600. 58 Pope Leo the tenth his Bull sent unto King Henry the eighth 759. 41 Leofricke Earl of Chester. 399 5. Freeth Coventree of Impositions 400, 15 Leofrun wife to Ethelred the 13. King of East-Angles. 311. 13 Leolin alias lewelin Prince of Wales doth homage to King Edward the elder 361. 7 Leoline or lewelin Prince of Wales his speech of King Henry the third his Almsdeeds 599. 42 He doth voluntary homage to the king of England. 523 56 His outrage and excommunication 516. 28 Leolin or lewelin ap Gruffith, leader of the Welsh discomfited Prince Edward and the English 538. 88 Confedered with the Barons, wasteth Prince Edward's seignories in the Marches. 537 98 Reconciled for a sum of money 539. 104 Refuseth to come unto King Edward the first his Coronation and to the Parliament. 543. 10 Unfortunately slain 544. 14 Leolin or lewelin Prince of Wales maketh hispeace with King Edward the first upon what conditions 544. 11 His head set upon London-bridge 544. 14 Leolin or lewelin Bren and his two sons taken prisoners. 558. 28 Leonard Dacres of Harlesey giveth battle to Henry Lord Hunsdon 842. 70 Flieth toward Scotland ibidem Leoneve supposed daughter of King Ethelstan, wife to Reinburne Earl of Warwick. 305 16. Leopold or Limpold, Archduke of Ostrich, his cause of malice to King Richard the first. 477. 42 The reason of his detaining King Richard ibid. 43 Punished grievously for his wrongs done to King Richard the first 478 51 Dieth upon an hurt excommunicate 479. 52 479. 52 Lepidus ruleth Africa 188. 2 Leather tanned, serveth for Armour 730. 12 Sir Richard Levison his good service at Sea about▪ Kinsale 875. 316 john Lewis reformer of the British history 164. 19 Lewis king of France taken prisoner by the Normans. 413 2. Bond to hard conditions, ibidem He entereth Normandy with an Army 439. 38 Lewis Dauphin of France, prepareth for the Crown of England 505. 59 He entereth London, and bestoweth offices of State. ibid., 509. 3 He besiegeth Dover Castle, ibidem His followers and abetters pronounced every Sunday and holiday accursed and excommunicate 509. 4. Lewis Dauphin of France gaineth Hertford Castle 509. 4 He stuffeth many Castles in England with French Garrisons ibidem. Lewisians that were English, return to their true obedience 509, 5 Lewis goeth into France, and looseth many English men's affections ibidem His Army of French rascals. ibidem He and his followers accursed a second time by Wallo 510. 6 Lewisians defeated 510, 7 Lewis the fair why so called. ibidem Lewis absolved, and driven out of England 510. 8 He had no money at his departure given for composition ibidem. Lewis King of France denieth restitution of Normandy, etc. 513. 17 He invadeth Poictou and Xaintoing against King Henry the third 513, 17 Taking the Cross, and warring upon the Albigenses at Auinion, was crossed by sundry plagues 514 21 Poisoned ibidem Lewis the French King offereth fair unto King Henry the third, but is not accepted. 525. 63 A most Christian, just and valiant Prince 525. 6● Magnanimous & bounteous, 526. 65 Of a tender conscience. 530. 80 King Lewis of France dieth at the siege of Tunis 541. 2 Lewis King of France dealeth with Gartar King at Arms, about peace with King Edward the fourth 687. 92 Don Lewis Governor of the Low Countries, desireth to have the Netherlanders banished out of England. 854. 154. Lewis the 12. King of France, marrieth the Lady Mary K. Henry the eight his sister. 756. 21 His death ibidem Lewis of Bavaria Emperor, revoketh the Vicarship of the Empire, granted to Edward the third King of England. 574. 66 Lewis of Luxenburgh King of Bohemia, his Apothegm of the English, at the battle of Crescy 578. 92 His high resolution & death. 578. 94 Lewis a Physician, employed about the marriage of Henry Earl of Richmont, and the Lady Elizabeth 719. 29 Lewis battle 537. 101 Lhoyger or Lhoegria what part of Britain 323. 13 Under the Archbishop of London 206. 18 Liberties granted by K. Henry the first. 435, 4 Library in Constantinople. 261 13 Lichfield why so called. 206. 19 Lichfields arms ibidem. 255. 12 Another Golgotha ibidem Lichfield Cathedral Church founded 338. 7 Licinius Priscus Lieutenant of Britain. 219. 6 Licinius Caesar to Constantine 259. 3 His usurpation of sovereignty 260. 6 Their Coins ibidem He persecuteth the Christians. ibidem He and his son L●cinianus put to death 260, 7 john Lidgate Monk of Bury deviseth speeches gratulatory at King Henry the sixth his wives entrance into London 661, 37 Leith in Scotland won & spoiled by the English. 782. 125. Light forbidden by William Conqueror called Cours●w restored by his son King Henry. 435 Lightning doing much harm, 432. 39 Lilla a faithful servant to Edwin King of Northumberland 334. 4 Lymoges in Limosin won by force, burnt and put to the sword 587. 142 Linne for faithful service enfranchised largely and graced by King john, 505. 59 john Lincoln executed for ill May-day's work. 757, 28 Lincolnshire Commons rise 772. 95 Their aggreevances. ibidem Lincoln besieged by King Stephen 449. 23 Lincoln never entered by King, before King Stephen 452. 40 Lionel Duke of Clarence borne. 572. 53 Why so entitled, 589. 658 His marriages & Issue ibidem. Sir William de Lisle Knight pardoned 533. 86 Literatorum juramentum what oath 513. 19 john Littistar a Dier in Norwich, styled himself King of the Commons 595. 20 Hanged drawn and headed as an Arch-rebel, 596. 27 Livingus Elstan Archbishop of Canterbury 390, 2 Lyvingus Bishop of Winchester 399. 5 Locusta a woman skilful in poisoning 196. 22 Lodowicke alias Lewis King of France, casteth the Pope's Bull into the fire 453. 43 He invadeth Normandy, because his daughter Margaret was not crowned with her husband 460. 38 Besiegeth Vernoile in person, & raiseth his siege for fear of King Henry the second. 465 67. Lodcuicus Perez Duke of Medina Sidonia, General of the Army in the invincible Armado of Spain. 858. 192 In disgrace at home for his ill success 862. 218 Lolards why so termed. 588. 152 Lolards, i Wiclivists increase, & by law to be burned as heretics 615. 23 Lollius Vrbicus Lieutenant in Britain 220. 2 Surnamed Britanicus. 220. 3 His Coin or portraiture, ibidem. 1 London a famous City in Nero the Emperor his days. 198. 17. Recovered from the Danes, and restored to Liberty. 358. 19 Much defaced by fire. 375. 5 Besieged by Swain, or Sueno King of the Danes 375. 5 The beauty thereof from Ludgate westward. ibidem Besieged by Swain King of Denmark 378. 27 Submitteth to the Danes. 379 31 Faithful to K. Ethelred, 379 True to Edmond Ironside. 381. 1 Besieged by K. Canute. 381. 2 Londoners sue to Maud the Empress, for easement of hard laws, & that king Edward's laws might be revived, and in force, 451. 33 Londoners conspire against Maud the Empress. 451. 33 London interdicted by the Pope for disloyalty to king john. 504, 58 Londoners in disgrace with King Richard the second, 605. 89 They lose their liberties and proper government. ibidem They deny him loan of one thousand pounds, ibidem London sailing with the fairer wind, receiveth king Edward the fourth again. 683 61 London Armouries augmented with the weapon in the Dexter Canton, and whereupon. 596. 25 Londoners large contributions to king Henry the seventh, for his wars in France. 736 29 London besieged by William marshal Earl of Pembroch 510. 8 Londoners Engross Corn in time of Dearth 534. 92 London upon her guard 535. 93 joineth with the Barons to redress the state of the kingdom ibid. They villainously abuse the Queen, king Henry the third his wife. 537. 98 London Charters, seized into k. Henry the third his hands 538. 103 Taken by the Earl of Gloucester 539. 104 London fortified against Wyatt 820. 40 Lord Mayor of London, and Citizens sworn to Lady jane Grey. 815. 3 Doctor Longland Bishop of Lincoln, first toucheth the conscience of Henry the 8. about marriage with Katherine of Spain 765. 65. 767 70. john Longstrother Prior of St. john's, beheaded at Tewksbury 684. 73. Loos-coate field at Stanford 680. 40 Roderick Lopez a Physician, hired to poison Queen Elizabeth 849. 14 Found guilty, and at Tyburn with his consorts executed 849. 117 Lord-Danes 377. 15 Lothair usurpeth the Kingdom of Kent 294. 9 Slain ibid. His reign and sepulture. ibid. Lothbrooke, alias Letherbreech a noble Dane 357. 14 Murdered by Berricke King Edmund's Falconer 388. 7 A Love-day solemnly celebrated between the Yorkists and Lancastrians 668. 69 Philip Lovel King Henry the third his Treasurer reconciled unto him. 530. 79 He with many other Officers of the Exchequer removed by the Barons for abuses. 535. 95 Lord Lovel rebelleth against King Henry the seventh 730. 12 Flieth. ibid. Lovers, a Castle in Normandy won 636 42 Francis Lord Viscount Lovel a favourite of King Richard the third, taketh Sanctuary. 725. 58 Slain at Stoke-field 733. 22 Lucius a Britain first Christian King in the world 205 222. 6 Apostle to the Ba●arians 206. 18 Lucius Lever Maur King of Britain, the same. 222. 6 His reign and place of burial 223. 11 Dame Elizabeth Lucy instigated to claim marriage of K. Edward the fourth 677. 24 Luderan King of the Mercians 308. 17 His reign and death ibid. Ludlow Castle won by King Stephen 448. 16 Ludlow the rendezvous of ●he Yorkists 668. 73 Spoilt to the bore walls for harbouring the Yorkists. 669. 75 Luke Archbishop of Dublin, a true friend to Hubert de Burgh in his troubles 517 33 LL. Lumleis a noble family whence descended 692. 151 Lundinium, the old name of London 263. 6 Lupicinus, Deputy in Britain 263. 6 Martin Luther outlawed by Charles the fifth Emperor 759. 39 Lutherans against King Henry the 8. his divorce 765 Lymming Nunnery built. 335 12 M MAc-Guier in Ireland raiseth rebellion in defence of the Romish Religion 854. 151 Slain by Sir Warham Saint-Leger. 874. 309 Macrianus, and his two sons elected Emperors by the Soldiers 245. 1 Subdued and slain. ibid. Macrinus with Martial, murder Antonine Caracalla. 232. 7 Is elected Emperor. 233. 2 Put to death 233. 5 His reign ibid. Marry Magdalen a counterfeit, immured to death 512. 13 Magic highly honoured among the Britanes 168. 8 Magna Charta confirmed and established 534. 91 Procureth King Henry the 3. money from his Subjects 531. 82 Magnetius murdereth Constans the Emperor 262. 2 Why called Taporus ibid. He usurpeth the Empire. 262. 3 His Coin. 263. 3 He killeth himself. ibid. Magnus' an Anchorite, his Epitaph 458. 56 Magnus' King of Norway meaneth to invade England. 399. 8 Mahomet his doctrine, his beginning and rising. 322 His heresies 323. His death ibid. A Maiden, ambassador to George Duke of Clarence. 680. 46 King of Maiorica slain at the battle of Crescy. 579. 100 Doctor Makarell a Monk, author of an insurrection in Lincolnshire 772. 95 Names himself Captain Cobbler ibid. Malcolme Can Moore king of Scots weddeth Margaret sister to Edgar Etheling 417 11 He invadeth England 427. 44 He with his son Prince Edward slain 430. 21. 23 Malgerius Archbishop of Rouen degraded by William Conqueror 444. 62 Malgo Canous or Conanus king of the Britan's, his person, and sinful life. 320 Malmesbury Abbey founded 298. 8. 365. 13 Malmesbury Castle besieged by king Stephen 448. 22 Mamm●a mother of Alexander Severus a good woman 235. 2 Murdered with her son ibid. 4 Geoffrey de Mandevil, keepeth the Tower of London under Maude the Empress 450 29 Surrendreth it to king Stephen 450. 29 Mandubrace or Mandrubace, a Prince of the Trinobantes 173. 4 Craveth jul. Caesar's assistance 186. 5 Manethon the Historian. 165. 22 Manlius Valens encountereth the Britanes with ill success 196. 19 Sir john Mansell, a discreet Counsellor. 530. 78 mantel executed in Queen Elizabeth's days, for assuming the person of king Edward the sixth 730. 13 Mants in main yieldeth to the English upon conditions 652 7 Earl of March in France betrayeth king Henry the third 525. 65 Appealed of treason, and challenged to Combat. 525 66 Vulp. Marcellus a man of great virtues 224. 3 Lieutenant in Britain. 224. 4 Marcus Lieutenant in Britain elected Emperor by the Armies there 276. 5 Murdered. ibidem. Marcus Aurelius the Emperor his parentage, and honourable titles 223. 12 His death, age and praise. 224 12 Unhappy in his son. ibid. See more in Aurelius. Saint Margaret King Malcolmes wife, dieth of grief for her husband's death. 430 23 Margaret, the daughter of Lewis the younger K. of France wife to King Henry the younger of England, remarried to Bela King of Hungary 470 103 Margaret, second wife to king Edward the first, her death and burial 551. 57 Margaret, daughter to king Edward the first, her marriage and issue. 352 64 Margaret daughter of Renate alias Reiner king of Si●ilie etc. married to king Henry the sixth 601. 37 Her quality ibid. Queen Margaret, wife to king Henry the sixth, obtaineth victory at the battle of Wakefield 671. 89 Her victory at Saint Alban, where she recovereth the king out of the hands of the Yorkists 672. 93 Her parentage 672. 92 Taken prisoner out of a Religious house, and ransomed by her father duke Rainer 672. 99 685. 82 She with Prince Edward her son hindered by tempest for coming into England 682 54 She landeth at Weimouth, and withdraweth herself to Cerne Abbey 683. 67 Taken forth of Sanctuary & kept straightly in Worcester 684. 74 Lady Magaret sister to james the third king of Scots, promised in marriage to Prince Edward, son of king Henry the sixth 675. 10 Margaret Duchess of Burgun die an implacable enemy to king Henry the seventh. 734 23 For what cause. 737. 33 Margaret Countess of Salisbury the only Daughter of George Duke of Clarence. 779. 103. 689. 107 Beheaded. 689. 780. 107. 109 Margaret Countess of Richmund sole-Heire to john D. of Somerset 718. 26 Margaret Countess of Oxford not permitted to come to her husband 686 85 Put to shifted for her living ibid. Margaret eldest daughter of K. Henry the seventh contracted to james the fourth K. of Scots 747. 64 Accompanied royally into Scotland 747. 65 Married to king james the 4. in Edinburgh 748. 65 The happy effects and consequence of this marriage 748. 65 Hircius two marriages and issue 751. 75 Margar●t daughter of Archibald Douglas, espoused unto Matthew Earl of Lennox 751. 75 Margaret daughter to Edward the Outlaw, sole heir to the Saxon Monarchy, married to Malcolme Can Moore king of Scotland: whence KING james of Great Britain is lineally descended 384 21 Margaret daughter of William Conqueror by his wife Maude 426. 77 Married Priests placed by King Edwy in Malmesbury and Glastenbury. 368. 2 Marriages three in one day, tending all to altar the succession of the Crown. 812. 73 Marriage of King Henry the 8. with Katherine of Spain, whether lawful or no? debated in Court by Lawyers 768. 70. 71 Marriage commended between Prince Edward and Queen Mary of Scotland. 782. 121 Saint Mary Oterie in Devonshire founded 401. 25 Marie the mother of Christ, a counterfeit, immured to death 512. 13 Marry daughter of King Stephen, Abbess of Rumsey nunnery in Hampshire 454. 55 Become a wife, divorced, returneth to her Monastery, her Issue ibidem Mary daughter to King Edward the first, made a Nun. 552. 67 Maria de Padilla concubine to Peter king of Castille, practiseth Magic. 584. 131 She persecuteth Queen Blanch to death, she becometh King Peter's wife. 585. 132 Her Issue ibidem. 132 Marry younger daughter of K. Henry the seventh, assured by Contract unto Charles King of Spain 750. 71 Marry third daughter of King Henry the seventh, married to Lewis the 12. K. of France and to Charles Brandon D. of Suffolk. 1752. 77. 756. 21 She falleth in love with Charles Duke of Suffolk 757. 28 Marry Queen o● Scots borne. 782. 122 Crowned 782. 122 Demanded by King Henry 8. in marriage with Prince Edward 782. 123 Conveyed into France to be married unto the Dauphin 805. 17 Married unto the Prince Dauphin 834. 12. Her claim to the English Crown ibidem Taken prisoner by her own subjects, and forced to resign her regal government, and to fly 841. 60 By contrary winds driven to land in England. 841. 61 Her unfortunate end at Fotheringhay Castle 857. 178 Her body interred at Peterborough 857. 178 Marry Queen mother and Regent of Scotland, dieth of grief & Melancholy. 835. 22 Queen Marie of England her birth, marriage with King Philip the 2. of Spain, her death. 786 Her Arms, Broad-Seale and Coin 815 She removeth to Keningall in Norfolk 815. 3 Her letters to the Council, and their answer. 806. 3. 4 She removeth to Framingham Castle 806. 5 Her answer to Suffolk men, requiring her promise to be performed 816. 5 Proclaimed Queen of England in Buckinghamshire, and elsewhere 816. 9 Proclaimed Queen in London 817. 10 Proclaimed in Cambridge by john Duke of Northumberland 817. 11 Devoted to Popish Religion, 817. 18 She meeteth with King Philip 824. 70 Her marriage concluded with King Philip upon what covenants 824. 71 Married to King Philip. 823. 73 Crowned Queen 817. 18 Her Oration in Guildhall in London 819. 28 Restoreth Ecclesiastical livings assumed to the crown 826. 85 Her worthy apothegm ibid. Thought to be conceived with child. 827. 96 Reported to be delivered of child 828. 101 Her melancholy for the loss of Calaic and other pieces in France 830. 117 Her saying for the loss of Calais ibidem She sickened of a burning fever, and dieth ibidem. 118 Her body interred without monument or remembrance ibidem Her acts in favour of the Romish Religion repealed▪ 832. 5 Marinus proclaimeth himself Emperor 241. 4 William de Marisco sendeth one to murder King Henry the third 524. 59 He and his complices put to death ibidem, Marius the Roman killed by a Cimbrian, i a Gall 161. Marius a British King 217. 3 Choose Emperor 2. 5 Markadey Captain of the Brabanters Rutters 480. 62 How he executed Bertram de Gourdon 481. 69 Sir Griffin Markham condemned of high Treason, reprieved 886. 17 Marlborough Statutes enacted 539. 105 Marl, for manuring of ground 167. 7 Marmodius a Welsh King. 344 5. He breaketh down Offa●s Ditch, or Clawdh Offa. 345. 7. Vanquished by Offa 345. 8 Marshals 5. Earls of Pembrock die successively issueless. 528 71. William Marshal Earl of Pembroke his piety and wisdom 511. 10 His death, issue, monument & Epitaph ibidem. His loyalty and prudent care for King and Country. 508. 2. His speech to the Lords for a reunion 509. 2 Guardian of King Henry the third his person, and Vice-Regent▪ of the Kingdom. 509. 3 William Martial Agent for King john, created Earl of Pembroke 485. 5 Martia the concubine of Commodus the Emperor. 2●4. 2 Favourable to the Christians doctrine 224. 3 Marshals Epigrams sent into Britain 204. 7 Martial murdereth Caracalla, 232. 7 Martian a British professor, 206. 19 Martilet a Gentleman Navarrois, foiled in Combat, afterwards drawn and hanged 598. 44 Martinus Deputy in Britain. 263. 4 Stabbeth himself ibidem Saint Martins in Canterbury an ancient Church built by Christian Romans. 330. 8 Saint Martins le grand in London privileged 425. 65 Pope Martin the fifth how elected 630. 35 Martyrs how many suffered death in Queen Mary's reign. 826. 86 Martyrs in England before Martin Luther's time 779. ●02 Massacre of the French Protestants in Paris 836. 36 Mastelzerius beheadeth his brother Gildus the Traitor. 275. 2 He is beheaded himself, ibidem Matthew Earl of Boulogne against king Henry the second in the behalf of the young King his son 465. 65 Matthew Paris honoured by King Henry the third. 534 90 Matthew Earl of Lenox claimeth to be Lord Governor of Scotland 782. 122 Falls from Queen mother. ibidem Marrieth Lady Margaret King Henry the eighth his sister's daughter 782. 124 Proclaimed Traitor to the state of Scotland 782. ●25 Maud wife of William Conqueror her death and burial. 425. 67 Maude daughter to Mary king Stephen's daughter, wedded to Henry Duke of Lorraine. 454. 55 Maud daughter to King Henry the second, married to Henry surnamed the Lion, Duke of Saxony, her Issue. 470. 108 Maud the wife of King Henry the first, before a Votary. 442. 60. 435 Her descent, virtues, death & burial 442. 60. 443. 63 Her death and commendation 439. 37 Maud King Henry the first his daughter, espoused to Henry the fourth, Emperor. 438. 28. Married to him at Mentz, ibidem, 33 Whence descended 352, 5. Maud the Empress upon the Emperor's death, ordained Heir apparent (for want of King Henry the first his heirs Males) of the Crown of England 441. 48 Maud the Empress of good repute and esteem 441. 48 Her Issue 443▪ 63 Being wedded to Geffrey Plantagenet she departeth from him 441 53 Reconciled again ibidem. She bore him a son named Henry 441. 53 She arrives in England against King Stephen 448. 18. 19 Her politic excuse to avoid danger 448. 20 Maud and her brother besieged in Wallingford Castle, ibidem. 22 Maud the Empress absolute Governess of England. 450 29 Her Broad Seal 451. 29 She had the regal Crown of England delivered to her. ibidem. 30 Received with state into London ibidem Carried in a Coffin as a dead Corpse 452, 36 Besieged in Oxford. ibidem. 38 Her shift to escape out of Oxford unto Wallingford Castle. ibidem. She goeth into Normandy to her husband 452. 40 Her Epitaph 470. 101 Maud a natural daughter of King Henry the first, Countess of Perth 443. 73 Her Issue ibidem. Drowned in the sea with her brethren ibidem. Maude a second base daughter of King Henry the first, her Issue 443. 74 Maude Abbess of Quedlingburg 355, 12 Maude the wife of K. Stephen sueth for her husband's liberty 431. 32 Her descent, death and burial 454. 50 Maude daughter of K. Stephen, her death and burial ibidem 54. john Maudler, alias Maudlin, a sergeant King Richard 2. 614. 14 Drawn, hanged and quartered at London 614. 16 Maundy Thursdays solemnity instituted first by King Edward the third, in his year of jubilee 584. 126 Maunz taken and sacked by King john 484. 3 Saint Maurice his banner. 364. 12 Maurice Fitz-Thomas slain at the battle of Stoke. 733. 22 Richard de Saint Maurice a deformed elf, challengeth and obtaineth the wife of Thomas the great Earl of Lancaster 558. 30. Maxentius an usurper and Romulus his son their Coins 259. 3 He trusteth to Sorcerers 260, 5 His overthrow, and the memorial thereof ibidem Maximianus consort in the Empire with Dioclesian▪ 254. CITIZEN He resigneth it in a madmood 256. 18 He hangeth himself. 556. 19 Maximianus Emperor, and Romulus his Caesar their Coins 259. 23 Put to death by Constantius. 259. 3 Maximilian Emperor serveth under King Henry the eight, wearing the Cross of Saint George, and the Rose King Henry's badge 754. 8 Maximinus Emperor 236. 1 His rising up of nothing. 236 2 His Giantlike stature. 236. 1 237. 7 He persecuteth Christians. 236. 3 His sundry names and titles. ibidem. His death attempted. 236. 4 His intemperate Diet. 237, 7. He and his son ●●aine. 237. 6 Their Coins 236 Maximinus the Emperor his age and reign 237. 7 Cuthbert Main● in Cornwall dissuadeth fubiects from their obedience to Queen Elizabeth 652. 145 Meats prohibited 166.7 Meaux straightly besieged by K. Henry the sixth, and delivered upon hard conditions. 647. 75 Medes come from Madai. 162. 6. Medeshamsteed, now Peterborough 307, 5 Meduinus de Belga, i. of Welles a learned Divine. 206. 18 ibidem. 19 Meeting of two Kings, Lewis of France, and Edward the fourth of England, in what manner at Picquigni. 688. 98, Robert Mellent sideth with king Stephen 499. 25 His description ibidem At Melun a treaty of peace between Charles the French King, and King Henry the 5, 639. 58 Melun besieged and assaulted, 644. 57 Rendered upon composition. ibidem Bernardine Mèndoza the Spanish Ambassador in England practiseth to bring in a foreign Army, and to altar Religion 846. 91. 856. 169 Sir john Mensterworth a Traitor put to death 587, 140 Men●z set on fire 469. 99 Mercian Kingdom the circuit thereof 306. 1 Merkham Lord Chief justiciar left his office rather th' en assent to the judgement of Burdet, beheaded for a word misconstrued 706. 56 Merlin a Wizard 164 His books inhibited 164 Whether begotten of an Incubus or no 315 His prophecies verified in K. john 506. 63 His prophecies of the Mould-warpe, Dragon and Wolf, 617. 33 Sir Gilliam Mericke executed. 880. 344 Merton Field won by the Danes 355. 10 Merton Abbey in Surrey. 522. 53 Merton Statutes why so called, ibidem Messalina a monster of the foemall sex 199. 19 Messana in Sicily the Rendezuow of King Richard the first, and King Philip of France 474. 16 Mevian Islands, See Hebrides. Mich Abbey at Abington built first, and repaired by whom. 368. 6 Michael de la Pole made Earl of Suffolk 600. 56 Slain at the battle of Agin● court 633. 61 Where interred. 634. 30 Michelnesse Monastery founded 364. 3 Middleham College founded. 726. 60 Middleton Abbey founded. 362. 17 Mildred or Mildrith Abbess of Minster 332. 394. 8 Miles a skilful Gunner in Kets Camp 808. 44 Miletus Bishop of London. 301 4. A Milners man hanged for his Master, by Sir Anthony Kingston 807. 29 Milo alias Miles high Constable to King Stephen revolteth from him 447. 12 Created Earl of Hereford, maintaineth the Empress at his own charges 451. 34 Minster Abbey in Kent founded 294. 8 Mintage allowed in divers towns 365. 14 Mirabeau won by Arthur, & recovered by King john his uncle 489. 18 Misitheus Tutor and Counsellor to Gordianus the third, dieth, 239. 4 Misopogen or Antiochensis, an invective of julianus Apostata 266. 5 Mi●oxenie, or hatred to strangers, a quality appropriate to English, even of old. 523. 57 Modewine an holy Lady in Ireland 349. 20 Adam Molins' Bishop of Chichester, Lord▪ Privy Seal, murdered by the procurement of Richard Duke of York 663. 46 Nicholas de Molis giveth the King of Navarre an overthrow 527. 69 Mollo invadeth Kent, and is burn to death. 294, 10. Mona is Anglesey 197. 7. Invaded ibidem. 8 Conquered ibidem. Brought under subjection by julius Agricola 211. 11 Monarchies periods not much above five hundred years. 278. 2 monarchs successively ingreat Britain in the Romans time. 183. etc. Monasteries dissolved causeth King Henry the eighth to run into obloquy. 779. 103 Hugh de Moncado a commander in the Invincible Armadoslaine 862. 211 Monks live profanely. 430. 19 Monks of Bangor lived by the labour of their own hands. 303. 7 Massacred by Ethelfride the wild ibidem. Monk Chester 421. 44 Monks of Canterbury in King john's time, seedmen of England's troubles, 493. 31. Monkish slanders of King john. 506. 63 Monopolies by Proclamation prohibited. 884▪ 6 Monsieur Valois Duke of Anjou cometh into England about marriage with Queen Elizabeth 855. 161 Choose Protector of the Low Countries ibid. 162 He dieth penitent ibid. 163 Mo●streau town and Castle surrendered to King Henry the fifth upon composition. 644. 60 Mont Alban assaulted by king john, and won 495. 34 marquess Montacute revolteth from King Edward the 4. & cleaveth to King Henry the 6 681. 49 Vic. Montacute whence descended 552. 63 Montacute raised by King Edward the third to be Earl of Salisbury for what desert. 568, 22 William Montacute Earl of Salisbury taken prisoner by the French 573. 5 King of Man his death. 575. 76 Thomas Monta●ute Earl of Salisbury his valiant service in France 651. 5 Slain in Orleans 654. 13 Sir Henry Montague Recorder of London, his pithy and gratulatory speech in the name of the City unto King james King of Great Britain etc. 888. 28 Montforts Castle betrayed to the French 491. 32 Montforts Family in France. whence descended ●07. 70 Montforts in Tuskane whence descended ibid. Guy Mont-fort excommunicate. 543. 7 He murdereth Henry of Almain, son to Richard king of Romans ibid. Taken and slain ibid. Henry de Montfort slain. 507 70 john de Mont-fort claimeth the Duchy of Bretaigne. 573. 66 He returns into his Duchy of Bretaigne with the aides of the English 594. 12. 13 Robert de Mont-fort vanquisheth Henry d'Essex in Combat. 456. 8 Simon Montfort Earl of Leicester his parentage and Issue 507. 70 He with Henry his son slain at Euesham ibid. Simon de Montford weddeth Eleanor widow of Will. Martial Earl of Kent 523. 58 Simon Montfort Earl of Leicester another Sinon to the Gascoignes 530. 80 He with other Barons combine against King Henry the third 534. 92 They seek to exclude and expel strangers. 535. 92 They contemn the Pope's excommunication. 538. 102 Sir Simon Montford beheaded for Perkin Warbecks' conspiracy 739. 37 Simon Monfort falleth at debate with the Earl of Gloucester 538. 102 Slain at Euesham 538. 103 Simon Montfort the yo nger liveth in exile. 538. 104 Hugh Montgomery cruelly mangleth the Welsh and is killed in the eye. 431. 29 Montsorel in Leicestershire besieged 509. 6 Morcar Earl of Chester released out of prison 427. 1 Morcar and Edwin brethren of Queen Egitha affect the Crown of England 407. 44 Earl Morcar imprisoned wrongfully, released 423. 55 Mordred incountreth K. Arthur, is slain. 317 Thomas de la More Knight, an author cited in this work 570. 36 Sir Thomas Moore beheaded 780. 111 Moore Maiorum what it was 226. 26 Morgan a natural son of K. Henry the second 471. 113 He refuseth the Bishopric of Durham rather than he will renounce his father. 471 113 Morins yield obedience to Caesar 181. 3 Who they were. 184 In the margin. Morley in Bretaigne Armorica won by the English. 760 43 Mortality & Murrain universally throughout the world 381. 109 Mortality in England 558. 27 Hugh Mortimer rebeiliously fortifieth against king Henry the second. 456. 4 Roger Mortimer E. of March lieutenant of Ireland, slain by Obrin. 608. 105 Rogers, the Mortimers, apprehended and committed to the Tower of London. 559. 38 Roger Mortimer the younger escapeth out of the Tower into France. 561. 54 Roger Mortimer grown over-familiar with Queen Isabel 561. 54 Edmond Mortimer Earl of March true heir to the Crown of England, after King Richard the second. 616. 29 His Birth-night noted for a strange prodigy ibid. Entitled to the Crown of England 652. 8 His name used by jacke Cade 664. 50. 53 Taken prisoner by Owen Glendour 616. 27. Mortimer's cross battle 672. 92. 94 Roger Mortimer with other Lords make head against Simon Montfort and the Rebels 538. 102 Roger Mortimer of Wigmore overruleth all and worketh the deposition of King Edward the second 564. 76 He keepeth the Queen in adultery 566. 5 Roger Mortimer with Geffrey his son and others, surprised by King Edward the third and sent to the Tower of London 568. 21 How he was surprised at Nottingham ibid. 22 Mortimer's hole. ibid. Roger Mortimer condemned in Parliament at Westminster upon what causes ibid. 23 Hanged ignominiously at Tyburn gallows called the Elms. 568. 23 Statutes of Mortmain first enacted 543. 10 john Morton Bishop of Eli imprisoned in the Tower, for not consenting to disherit King Edward the fourth his Issue 713. 8 His place of birth and rising ibid. His release sued for by the university of Oxford. 713. 8 Released out of the Tower, & committed to the keeping of Henry Duke of Buckingham 714. 10 His Story 716. 23 A fast friend unto the Lancastrians 716. 23 Wooed unto King Edward the fourth his side. ibid. He first devised the union of York and Lancaster. ibid. john Morton Bishop of Ely made Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Chancellor and Cardinal 716 23 His wisdom and deep policy ibid. 24 Conference between him & Henry Duke of Buckingham 717. 24. 25 etc. He persuadeth the Duke to take upon him the Crown ibid. He escapeth from Brecknock disguised and saileth into Flaunders. 718. 28 Made of the Privy counsel 729. 10 Nicholas Morton a Popish priest advanceth the rebellion of Northumberland and Westmoreland Earls 841. 62 Commenceth suit against Qu. Elizabeth 845. 86 Mountmorancy Ea. in France, whence descended. 443. 78 Rob. Mowbray Earl of Northumberland committed to prison 430. 22 He there dieth. 430. 23 Roger Mowbray against King Henry the second, in the behalf of King Henry the younger 465. 65 Mowbrays Dukes of Norfolk whence descended. 553. 71 Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham created Duke of Norfolk 607. 102 Banished for ever 608. 103 Mowbray Earl Martial, conspireth against King Henry the fourth, is betrayed by the Earl of Westmoreland and loseth his head. 619. 43 Mount-Norris a fort in Ireland in memorial of Sir john Norris 874 312 Moushold the strength or place where Ket and the Rebels with him encamped. 807. 33 808. 42 Murraght or Amurath the Great Sultan his letter to Queen Elizabeth 852. 145 Muskleborough field won by the English 805 Mutterel besieged by the Enlish 783. 126 N HEnry Nailor a Champion for Simon Low and john Kyme 851. 135. Names of Ancient Inhabitants and their Countries in Britain according to Ptolomee 171 Will. of Nassau, Prince of Orange proclaimed Traitor by an Edict from Spain, murdered. 855. 163 Maurice de Nassau chosen governor of the Low Countries 857. 179 Natanleod a British Prince slain. 297. 2. 326 Nations had ●he first names of their own. 159. 7 Nations peopled from Nations near bordering 162. 6 Natural son, a term in old time, bearing no stain of Bastardy, as since it hath done. 509. 2 Naval fight at Cadiz 869. 269 Navarre Kings whence descended 443. 73 King of Navarre slain at Rouen 836. 29 Queen of Navarre dieth. 836 34 A Navy English set forth by Queen Elizabeth against Spain 86●. 263 Nectaridius slain 296. 3 Nenion Cassibilans' brother, winneth Caesar's sword in single fight 187. 12 Neot a great Clerk and one of the first Readers of Divinity in Oxford. 351. 16 Saint Neods or Saint Needs, a town, before time An●lphesbury 352. 16 Neot-Stoke a Monastery in Cornwall 352. 16 Nero assumeth the Empire. 197. 1 His parents ibid. 2 Irreligious ibid. Bloody and libidinous. ibid. 3 He fireth Rome. ibid. 4 Odious to God and man. 200 24 Seeks to fly into Egypt 200. 25 Hideth himself and is apprehended 200. 26 He killeth himself ibid. His skill in Music ibid. 27 His lineaments of body. ibid. His love of Horse-riding. ibid. His lavish expense in apparel and building. ibid. His reign and age. ibid. The last of Caesar's progeny & race 201. 1 His wicked life laid open. ibidem. 2 Nerua the Emperor, a prudent Prince 217. 2 Nerua favoured the Britanes & Christian Religion 217. 4 His death, age, and reign. ibidem. His Coin. 216 Ralph Nevil Chancellor to K. Henry the third, elected Archbishop of Canterbury by the Monks 516. 29 john Nevil Lord Montacute, his victory at the battle of Hexham 676. 15 Having been Earl of Northumberland, is created marquess 678. 26 Taken into Edward the fourth his favour 680. 45 Slain at Barnet field. 683. 65 Richard Nevil Earl of Salisbury, in right of Alice his wife 666. 61 Made Lord Chancellor. 667 65 Deprived of it. ibidem 66 He seeketh to revenge the wrongs done to his son Richard Earl of Warwick 668. 72 Wounded and taken prisoner at Wakefield. 672. 90 Beheaded by the Common people, and his head set upon a Gate in York, together with Richards, duke of York 672. 90 Richard Nevil the Great, Earl of Warwick in right of his wife Anne heir to Henry Beauchamp Duke of Warwick. 666. 61 Captain of Calais 667. 65 Assailed by the King's servants hardly escapeth to Calais 668. 71 Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick robbeth Merchants ships at Sea ibid. Relieved by King Lewis of France 680. 43. He saileth into Ireland 669 76 He taketh into Coventree 682 69 His stout answer and resolution to George Duke of Clarence his messengers, for reconciliation with King Edward the fourth. 683. 60 His housekeeping ●77. 19 He soliciteth a marriage between the Lady Bona daughter to Lewis Duke of Savoy, and King Edward the fourth 679. 19 20, etc. Discontented with King Edward the fourth, he affecteth the cause of King Henry the sixth, upon what occasion 678. 26 He plotteth the deposition of King Edward the fourth. 678 27 He complotteth and conspireth with George Duke of Clarence, against King Edward the fourth 678. 28 Affinity contracted by a marriage between George Duke of Clarence and the Lady Isabel eldest daughter to Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick ibid. 29 Slain at Barnet field. 683. 65 George Nevil Bishop of Exc●ster deprived, for being Lord Chancellor 678. 26 Sir Henry Nevil Knight cruelly slain after he had yielded himself prisoner 679. 33 George Nevil Archbishop of York his goods and lands seized upon unkindly by K. Edward the 4. 686. 88 Imprisoned at Hames in Normandy ibidem. Charles Nevil Earl of Westmoreland, in rebellion. 841 64 Flieth into Scotland 842. 68 wandereth in foreign parts unto his miserable end. 842 71 Newcastle upon Tine founded 421. 44 New-forrest made by William Conqueror, fatal to his two sons and nephew. 421. 46 New-haven with other pieces surrendered into Queen Elibeths' hands 835. 28 Lost by the English. 836. 30 Newton a victor in Combat rewarded 811. 61 Nicene Council 261. 16 Nicene Council the second. 345. 9 Written against by Alc●ine or Albine 345. 9 Saint Nicholas Priory in Excester founded 425. 65 Nicholas the Pope's Legate cometh into England. 502 53 Niding, a word of reproach. 428. 8 Nigridianus his Coin 263. 8 Ninianus converted the Picts to Christian Religion. 204. 9 Ninus a Writer. 163. 15 Nitocris Empress of Babylon 199. 19 Noah's flood 161. 2 Noah's Ark landed at the haven of Mount Ararat. ibid. Nobles of England fortify Castles against king Stephen 447. 13 Non obstante, a detestable Clause 529. 77 Nonnius Philippus Lieutenant general in Britain 238. 2 Normans, whence they took name, and first came. 411. 2 Great Pirates 411. 4 Prayed▪ publicly against by the French, in Charles the Great his time ibid. Normanny or Normandy what Country, and why so called ibid. Won to the Crown of England 437. 22 Normandy Dukes, the King's eldest sons of England. 438. 84 Normandy lost 493. 28 Normandy & other signiories in France demanded of king Lewis, by king Henry the third. 512. 15 Normans their outrages and villainies at Winchelsea. 583 121 In Normandy, the Commons rebel against the English. 657. 22 In Normandy many Towns & Castles won by the English 639. 57 60 Normandy lost by occasion of breaking truce 662, 44 From Normans Conquest to the death of Queen Elizabeth what time. 278. 2 Sir john Norris Lord General in the Low-countrieses under Queen Elizabeth. 855. 166 Sir john Norris recalled out of the Netherlands and sent into Ireland 857. 179 His valiant service in Galicia at the Groin 864. 231. 232 etc. His valour and victory over the Spaniards. 864. 234. Lord General of the Forces in Ireland against the Earl of Tir-Oen and other Traitors 872. 290 His death 872. 295 Northampton taken by K. Henry the 3. 537. 99 Northampton battle 670. 79 john Northampton, alias Cumberton, sometime Mayor of London, arraigned, confined and confiscated 598. 43 See more in john Combreton Northumberland Kingdom & the circuit thereof. 302. 1 Divided into two Provinces ibidem. Their King's descent. ibidem, The continuance thereof. 305 24 Norway Pirates infested & annoyed Cheshire 375. 4 Norwich taken and spoiled by Hugh Bigot and others. 465 73 Norwich Priory Church set on fire in a tumult. 539. 105 Norwich won by Ket and the Rebels. 807. 37 Fired by them 808. 39 Nottingham won by the Danes 354 4 Novatian Heretics. See Cathari 206. 19 Numerianus Caesar and Augustus with his father Carus. 253. 4 Murdered ibidem. nuns incontinent 343. 3 Nuns of Coldingham disfigure and deform themselves to avoid the Danes pollutions 354. 5 OH OConor-Dun. See Roth●ricke the Gre●t Octa, a Saxon Captain, sent for into England by Hengist 290. 7 Octa, the son of Eske third King of Kent, his reign. 293. 3 Octavian the Emperor against julius Caesar's murderers and Anthony 188. 1. Governeth the West parts of Europe 188. 2 He prepareth for Britain 3. times. 188. 3, 4 See more in Augustus Octavius or Octavian a Governor in Britain 262. 3. Slain ibidem. Odenatus usurpeth the Empire in the East 245. 1 Odin-Char a Philosopher and a Dane, converteth foreign Countries to the faith. 391. 8 Odo King William the Conqueror's brother, an Earl, affecteth the Papacy 422. 49 His oppressions of the English taxed by William the Conqueror 422. 50 His treacheries 422, 51. His wealth ibidem His imprisonment ibidem Released 428. 4 His emulation against Lanfranke ibidem. Conspireth against King William Rufus ibidem Odo Bishop of Baieux banished England 428. 8 Imprisoned by King Willia● Rufus ibidem. Offa King of the East-Saxons. 301, 12 His parsonage and Coin. ib. shorn a Monk, and so died, ibidem Offa, Monarch of Englishmen. 344 His Coin ibidem. His parents and former name. 344. 2 A Prince of an high stomach, 344. 1 Conquered Kent, & with his own hand slew King Alricke 344. 4 He discomfiteth King Kenwolfe and the Westsaxons. 344. 5 Offaes' Ditch 344. 6 He had intercourse for state and Church, with Charles the Great King of France. 345. 10 He putteth the Danes to flight ibidem. He went to Rome 345. 11. His Arms ibidem His repentance and bounty to Church and poor. 345 12 Of-Church why so called. ibid. Ofley a town taketh Offa his name. 345, 13 Offa his Issue 345. 15, etc. Offa King of the Mercians, & Monarch of the English. 307. 11 His descent, reign, wife, Issue and burial ibidem. Offa Heir to the Kingdom of East-Angles adopteth Edmund son of Askmund. 311. 14 offer slain with his father Edwin King of Northumberland 335. 3 Offride wife of King Ethelred, killed 341, 5 Alexander Oge killeth Shan O-Neale 853. 151. Slain by Tarlogh Leinogh. 853. 151. Bastard Ogle overcometh Q▪ Margaret's French Forces. 676. 12 Oilyflame what banner. 578. 92 The Oak or Tree of Reformation 807. 36 Olafe martyr, King of Norway 383. 21 Olanus King of Sweiden slain, 391, 10 Sir john Oldcastle, Lord Cobham persecuted by Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury for Wickliff's doctrine. 625. 13. 14 Pronounced an Heretic. 626 14 Accused of treason ibid. 15 He defaceth the faces of saints 637. 46 Taken and sore wounded by the Lord Powis in Wales, 637 47 Hanged and burnt hangging ibidem What crimes were devised against him. ibidem Olinaca is Hekeley in Yorkshire 228. 3 William Ombler a yeoman with others, make rebellion in the North for Papal Religion 809. 48 Executed with other Rebels at York ibid. 51 O-Neals family in Ireland how raised 837. 38 O-Neale a title forbidden in Ireland, 853. 150 Oppression by Poictovins and other petty Tyrants in England, inquired after by Commissioners 535. 94 Ordalium what kind of trial. 401. 23 Order of Burgundy, the golden Fleece 68●. 56 Ordgar Duke of Devonshire, father of fair Elfrida. 371. 14 Ordovices, i North-Wales. 195. 13 Saint Orduffes Abbey. 376. 11, Oriflame, See Oilyflame Origen converteth Philip the Emperor 240. 2 Suffers Martyrdom. 242. 3 Original names of Countries assumed first from their possessors 157. 2 Orleans besieged by Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury and the English. 653, 13 Duke of Orleans sendeth to King Henry the fourth for aid 620. 49 Offereth the Duchy of Aquitaine unto him ibid. Osbright slain by the Danes, 354. 3 Osbright a Northumbrian Vice Roy forceth Beor-Bocador his Lady 387. 3 Slain by Inguar and Hubba, 388. 9 Osburg wife to king Ethelwolfe 351, 9 Osred King of Northumberland. a wicked Prince 304. 13 Slain ibid. Osred son of King Alured, or Alefride King of Northumberland deposed. 305. 23 Osric murdereth his Sovereign, and is King of Northumberland 304. 15 His reign and death ibidem Osrick King of Deira or Northumberland 303, 9 An Apostata 304. 9 Slain ibidem Ostorius Scapula succeeded Plautius as Lord Deputy in Britain 194. 12 Adorned with triumphant honours 196. 16 His fortunes decline ibidem. His death 166. 18 Oswald King of Northumberland 304. 9 Slain by Penda the Mercian ibidem His reign and burial. ibid. Oswald the second King of Northumberland 28. days. 305. 24 Oswald monarch of the Englishmen 336 A religious Prince 336. 3 He vanquished & slew Cadwallo in battle ibidem. His right hand never consumed, and therefore worshipped 337. 6 He is merciful to the poor ibidem Oswaldstre a town, before time Naserfield 337, 6 Oswald where slain, and barbarously torn in pieces. 337. 6 His monument in Gloucester Cathedral Church 337. 7 Oswin King of Deira murdered by Oswy 304. 9 Oswin King of Deira 337. 2 Betrayed into the hands of Oswy 338. 3 His virtues and humility especially ibidem Oswald King of Northumberland murdered by his own servants. 305. 18 Oswy King of Bernicia first, 304, 9 Afterwards of all Northumberland 304 10 His reign and death, ibidem Oswy King of Northumberland holdeth a Synod as touching Easter 331, 12 Oswy monarch of the Englishmen 337, 1 Obtaineth victory against Penda 338. 6 His Issue 338, 10 His death and reign 338. 8 Saint Oswyth Queen, Abbess of Berking 301. 8 Oath of secrecy ministered to the Conspirators in the Gunpowder treason 890. 42 Oath of Supremacy offered. 834 11 Othinus See wooden Saluins Otho conspireth Galba his death 202. 5 His original 208,2 Concurrent with Vitellius for the Empire 208. 4 Seeks to Vitellius for a c●position ibidem His Oration to his Soldiers. 208. 5 He killeth himself 208. 6 His age and reign. ibidem His person and habit ibidem Otho the Emperor sendeth a present to King Ethelstan. 364. 12 Otho the forth son of Henry Duke of Saxony, & Maud daughter of King Henry the first 486. 8 Otho the fourth Emperor is at variance with K. Philip of France, and thereby incurreth the malice between King Philip and King john. ibidem Royally entertained by King john in London 495. 35 Defeated by King Philip of France in the battle at Bovines 503. 55 Otho or Otto the Pope's Legate in England, his good offices that he did 523. 57 Commanded to departed out of England 525. 61 He calleth a National Council 523. 57 For a large contribution departeth out of England with out effect 513. 20 In danger to be murdered at Oxford 524. 59 Overthrow of Scots at Fawkirke 548. 35 Owen Ap-Theodor, or Teder marrieth Katherine Queen Dowager, widow of King Henry the fifth 659. 32 His commendation and descent ibidem. Their Issue ibidem Owen Glendower his open rebellion and hostility. 615. 21 His beginning and rising. ibid. The occasion of his breaking forth ibidem. He taketh the Lord Grey of Ruthen prisoner ibidem. He with his Welsh waste the Marches 618. 40 Aided with a Fleet of French ships 619. 44 Oxen 600. eaten at one meal. 530. 79 Oxford University founded by King Elfred 359. 25 The second University in Christendom 527. 59 Interdicted by Otho or Otto the Pope's Legate ibidem. Oxford Students absolved upon penance ibidem. Discharged of 15000. Students at King Henry the 3. his coming thither 537. 99 Oxford Students take part with the Barons at Northampton, and arm against the King ibidem Oxford stored with 30000. Students. 583. 120 Oxford City chief ruled by the Chancellor of the University 589. 154 Oxford yieldeth to King Stephen 452. 39 Oxford masters complain to King Henry the third of the Bishop of Lincoln 534, 90. P PAcatian●s Vicegerent in Britain 260. 11 Paenius posthumus Campmaster killeth himself 200. 21 Charles Paget a traitor. 846. 91 Ralph Painel burneth Nottingham 448. 22 Palace of Westminster founded 431. 31 Sir Thomas Palmer executed. 817. 17. Palm Sunday bloody battle. 675. 9 Palmyra a great City. 249. 5 Pandulph the pope's Legate landeth at Dover 499 46. His persuasion to King john. ibidem Legate in England after walo 511. 11 A Panic fear at the execution of Edward Seimor Duke of Somerset, and Lord Protector 812. 71. Papinianus the famous Lawyer seated in York 229, 6 Slain for not defending a murder 232. 4 Lord William Parr entereth Norwich 808. 38 Forced out of Norwich by Ket and the Rebels. 808. 39 A Parallelization of the English and French States in K. Richard the 2. his reign. 601. 62 Pardom of life forfeited for treason, strangely tendered. 662 41 Sir Edward Parham indited of treason and acquit. 886. 15 Paris yielded up to K. Henry the 5. 644. 59 Lost from the English. 658. 28 Parisians conspire to dispossess the English ibidem Parisians practise with Charles the seventh to deliver Paris into his hands 651. 6 Woodstock● Park made by king Henry the first 442. 59 Of Courts of Parliament the foundation laid 439. 35 Parliament at Northampton, 467. 83 Parliament at Oxford. 535. 92 Parliament at Coventree called Lacke-Learning Parliament 619. 42 The Great Parliament. 607, 102 The Good Parliament, 588. 150 Parley betwixt King Stephen & Hen. Fitz Empress. 453. 44, 45 A Parley intended between the Queen mother Regent of Scotland, and Queen Elizabeth's Agents. 835, 19 The same disturbed by the French ibidem William Parry his treason, 846 94 He woundeth Hugh Hare his Creditor 846. 94 Confesses his treason. 846 96. 98 His Letter to the Lords of the Council 847. 99 Arraigned, condemned, and executed 847, 100 Prince of Parma opposeth against England 759, 193 Prince of Parma hath a consecrated sword and hat sent unto him from Pope Sixtus 856, 172 He aspireth to be King of England 861. 209 Parsons alias Dolman a jesuite, 849, 113 Parthians give the Romans a great overthrow 197. 6 Pascentius Vortigern his son, contriveth the poisoning of Aurelius Ambrose, 314 Passeline detected of plotting the ruin of Richard Earl of Pembroke, taketh Sanctuary 521. 49 Patrick Cullen undertaketh to kill Queen Elizabeth. 849. 112, Executed at Tyburn ibidem Patrick the Irish Apostle preacheth in Wales 204. 9 Saint Paul the apostle preached in Britain 203. 6 Beheaded 197, 5 Pope Paul the fourth besieged in Rome 829. 108 Saint Paul's Church in London built 300. 3 Aforetime, the Temple of Diana ibidem Paul's Cross guarded in Sermon time 817. 15 Sir Amias, alias james Paulet setteth Thomas Wolsey in the Stocks, and repenteth it afterwards 757, Paulinus converteth Edwin K. of Northumberland. 334. 7 Archbishop of York ibidem Paulinus, See Suetonius Paulus a Notary, subtle, and cruel 263. 5 Called Catena, wherefore, ibidem. Henry de Pay a brave Warrior at Sea discomfiteth the French Fleet 620. 45 john pain a Priest with other Resolutes appointed to kill Queen Elizabeth. 845. 88 Peace concluded between Don john D' Aquila, and Charles Lord Montioy, Lieutenant General of Ireland. 875. 322 Peace throughout the World. 174▪ 188, 6 Peace between David King of Scots and King Stephen. 448 16. Peace concluded between England and Scotland. 782 121 Peace between England and France 758. 33. Peace for a time concluded between Charles the 6. king of France, Henry the 8. King of England, and Philip Duke of Burgoigne 641. 50 Peace treated of near Amiens, between Lewis K. of France and Edward the fourth King of England by their Commissioners 687. 96 Peace concluded with great joy of the French ibidem. Peace between French & English, costly to the French. 737. 31 Peace concluded between England and France. 783. 131 Peace between King Edward the first and France 548, 36 Peace dishonourable with the Scots at the Parliament of Northampton 567. 13 Peace concluded between the King of Spain, and john D. of Lancaster 605. 85 Peace between Great Britain and Spain proclaimed in London 889. 29 Peace settled in England between King Henry the 3. and his Barons 539. 105 A Peace pretended and treated upon between Spain, England and the Low-countrieses 857. 182 Peacocks feathers Crown sent from the Pope to King john Lord of Ireland 497. 43 Penda first Christian king of the Mercians 306. 5. 307, 5 His End ibidem Pearls in the British Seas. 156 183 Don Petro de Valdez yieldeth to Sir Francis Drake, 860. 204 Pelagius the Heretic a Britain 277. 10 Condemned by Innocentius, ibidem His Opinions and Doctrines, ibidem. Pelagianisme brought into Britain by Agricola, 200 13 Penda King of the Mercians. 306. 4 His reign and Issue. ibidem His nature and manners. ibidem, Slain by Oswy ibidem Doctor Pendleton preaching at Paul's Cross had a Gun discharged at him. 825. 76 Pentarchy in Ireland 462. 47 Sir john Perat condemned of high Treason 848. 106 Earl of Perch the French General under Prince Lewis Slain 510. 7 Thomas Percy a Conspirator drawn into the Gunpowder treason 890. 41 Percies whence they had the name 430. 23 Henry Lord Percy surnamed Hotspurre sent to Calais. 601. 61 Taken prisoner. 604, 84 Redemeth himself, and is made Lord Warden of the Marches against Scotland. 605. 88 Pursued by King Henry the 4. flieth into Scotland. 619. 44. Earl of Northumberland pardoned of life, abridged of liberty, etc. 618, 38 fully restored 618. 40 Slain by the Sheriff of Yorkshire, and his head set on London Bridge 620. 46 Henry L. Percy Earl of Northumberland in Queen Elizabethes' days, committed to the Tower upon suspicion of Treason 848.105 He killeth himself. ibidem Sir Ralph Percy a valiant, and faithful Knight slain. 676. 14 His saying at his death. ibidem Thomas Lord Percy Earl of Worcester, cause of the battle at Shrewsbury. 617. 35 Taken prisoner and beheaded 618. 38 Thomas Lord Percy Earl of Northumberland rebelleth, 841. 62 Flieth into Scotland. 842. 68 Scent back again into England, and is beheaded. 844 76. Perennius a great man under the Emperor Commodus. 224. 6. Delivered to the British Soldiers to be put to death. 225. 6 William de Perepound a great ginger 514. 21 Perkin Warbeck a counterfeit Richard Plantagenet Duke of York, suborned against King Henry the seventh by Margaret Duchess Dowager of Burgundy 737. 32 Upon the Coast of Kent. 740 39 He saileth into Ireland. 740. 14 He saileth into Scotland, ibid. He marrieth into the blood-royal of Scotland 741. 43 His parentage 737. 32 Reputed the younger son of K. Edward the fourth. 714. 14 Perkin Warbeck his Proclamation 741. 45 He flieth and taketh Sanctuary at Beau●●ew 744 51. He yieldeth himself to K. Henry the seventh 744. 52 Conveyed through Loudon on horseback with shame. 744. 51 He maketh an escape. 744. 52 Set in a pair of Stocks, all a day upon a Scaffold before Westm. Hall gate. 745. 53 Also in Cheapside ibidem. He readeth openly his confession 745. 53 His place of birth, parentage and education. 745. 54. etc. Committed to the Tower, ib. Condemned upon a New Conspiracy, and executed. 746. 60 Persecution of Christians the second 215. 17 Persecution of Christians the third. 217 2 Persecution the fourth of Christians 221. 2 Persecution of Christians the fifth 230. 15 Persecution of Christians the sixth 236. 3 Persecution of Christians the seventh 241. 2 Persecution of Christians the eighth 244. 2 Persecution of Christians the ninth 249, 8 Persecution of Christians the tenth 254. 12. Persian and Saxon tongues agreed in many words, 284. 3 Heluius Pertinax Lieutenant in Britain 225. 7. Surnamed Britanicus. ibidem. Opposed by the Praetorian Soldiers 226. 4▪ Heluius Pertinax Emperor his Coin. ibid. His mean parentage. ibid. His rising from low degree 225. 2 His speech to his Soldiers about to kill him. 226. 2 Murdered by them ibid. 7 His reign and age ibid. His parsonage and qualities ibid. 8 Pescentius Niger chosen Emperor in Syria 227 His Coin. ibid. His Coin to good hope. ibid. Why surnamed Niger ibid. His feature and complexion. ib. Put down and killed by Septimus Severus ibid. Pestilence in England through scarcity of food. 535. 82 Pestilence universal throughout the world. 243. 4 Pestilence in Rome 245. 2 Pestilence in London 746. 61 Peter-pences 299. 11 Called Eleemosyne. i Alms 432. 34 Peter-pences promised by King Henry the second out of Ireland to the Pope 462. 48 Peter-pences, alias Romescot. 345. 11 Saint Peter the Apostle crucified 197. 5 He preached the Gospel in Britain 203. 6 Saint Peter's Church in Cornhill founded by King Lucius 223. 11 Saint Peter's Church in Thorney built 300. 3 Sometimes the Temple of Apollo 301. 3 Saint Peter's Church in Westmins●er built by K. Edward the Confessor, and endowed by him. 401. 2 Peter Basilij. See Bartram de Gordon. Peter an Eremite, leader of an Army to the Holy-Land, is slain. 431. 30 Peter of Pomfreit an Eremite and Prophet 499. 45 Peter de Rupibus Bishop of Winchester, predominant in K. Henry the third his days. 517. 31 518. 36 Peter, Bishop of Winchester governor of King Henry the third. 511. 11 He with others removed from his Counsel 520. 46 Peter de Rupibus Bishop of Winchester his plot detected against Richard Earl of Pembroke, and Earl Martial 521. 49 He taketh Sanctuary ibid. His commendation 522 Peter Duke of Bretaigne, wherefore bynamed Mauclerke or Malduit. i Male doctus 515. 23 Peter de Rivallis, detected of a practice against Rich. Earl of Pembroch and Earl Martial, taketh Sanctuary. 522 49 Taken into the King's favour again 522. 54 Peter de Rivallis Treasurer to King Henry the third, in disgrace. 520. 46 Peter King of Castille and of Leon, driven out of his kingdom 584. 130 His bloody tyranny. 584. 131 Set in the throne of Spain by Edward the black Prince. 585. 133 His ingratitude to the Prince ibid. Peter de la Mare, speaker in the good Parliament, condemned to perpetual prison, at the suit of Dame Alice Piers 588. 150 Set at Liberty. ibidem Peter Warbeck. See Perkin Warbeck. Peterborough Church, founded by Penda. 307. 5 Peterborough Monastery founded by Wulfheire 307. 6 Finished also by him. 339. 3 Petilius Cerealis L. Deputy in Britain 211. 8 Friar Pate, alias Peito or Paito, consecrated by Pope Paul the fourth Bishop of Sarum 326. 84 Forbidden to enter England. ibid. A Petition exhibited to Richard Duke of Gloucester Lord protector to accept of the Crown of Engand 711. 2 Petronus Turpilianus Lieutenant General in Britain 200. 24 His disposition. ibid. Slain ibid. Philip Earl of Flanders sideth with Henry the young king against his father King Henry the second 465, 65 Philip, the fifth son of Henry the second King of England 470. 106 Philip King of France, upon envy leaveth King Richard the first, and the voyage to the Holy Land 466. 33 Defeated sundry times by K. Richard the first 480. 481 In danger to be drowned in his flight from King Richard the first. 481. 64 Philip K. of France, marrieth the King of Denmark's sister, and presently putteth her away 480▪ 62 He breaketh amity with King john, and useth hostility. 489. 16 Pleased with Treason, but hateth Traitors. 491. 22 His demands implying his desire to the Crown of England 492. 25 Choose by the Pope, King of England, upon the deposition of King john 499. 46 He prepareth a mighty army against England. ibid. He setteth forth with his navy against Fernando Earl of Flanders 450. 50 His navy defeated by the English. 501. 50 He dieth 512▪ 15 Philip de Valois how he claimed the Crown of France 567. 17 His motives to resist King Edward the third claiming the Crown of France. 571. 46 The justification of his resistance 571. 47 His mighty Army against K. Edward the third. 57●. 58 Philip de Valois the French king tyranniseth over his Nobleses ibid. 77 His horse slain under him at the battle of Crescy, and his flight. 578. 96 Philip de Valois the French king dieth 581. 110 Philip of France, son to john the French King, surnamed the Hardy. 582. 115 Queen Philip wife to king Edward the 3. her Princely demeanour in her husband's absence 580. 105 Her praises, death and tomb 589. 155 Philip a base son of King Richard the first 482 Philip the first King of Spain, cast upon the coast of England 749. 69 Kindly entertained by direction from King Henry the seventh 749. 70 Philip the second king of Spain arriveth at Southampton. 824 70 His Style joined with Queen Mary's 827. 73 A great friend to the Lady Elizabeth 828. 97 He passeth the seas, & is absent from Queen Mary a year and six months. 828. 102 He returneth to Dover, and meeteth with Queen Mary, ibidem. Declared enemy to the State of the Low-countrieses, 855 162 He contrives war against the English, under the false proffers of peace 857, 182 Philip Duke of Burgoigne or Burgundy a friend to the English Sovereignty in France. 651. 4 Philip Duke of Burgundy breaketh amity with the English, and cleaveth to Charles the seventh and the French, 657. 23 julius Philippus Praefect to Gordianus the third, his treachery to Gordianus 239. 4 His parentage 240, 1 Slay his liege Lord Gordianus 240. 6 Made Emperor 240. 2 Philip the son his Caesar. ibidem. His Coin 240 julius Philippus the Emperor repentant, and is baptised with his son and Wife, 240, 3 Philip both father and son murdered for their Christian profession. 241. 3 Philip the son Caesar, never seen to laugh 241. 5 julius Philippus his reign▪ 241. 6 Philopater a jesuite, See Creswell john Philpot knighted, and endowed with lands by King Richard the second. 596. 25. Sir john Philpot man's out a Fleet to scour the seas. 593. 5 His fortunate service. ibidem Phoenix feathers in a plume sent from the Pope to Hugh Earl of Tir-Oen 874. 308. Henry Picard Lord Mayor of London feasted 4. Kings at once. 582. 118 Picards whence they took name 285. 8 Picts a Nation in Britain why so called 167 Picts divided into two Nations. 269. 4 Peers alias Peter de Gaveston, banished 551, 54▪ 555. 4 Reentertained 555. 4 His description 555. 5 His scoffing misbehavior toward the great poeres of the land 556. 6 Earl of Cornwall banished for ever 555. 8 Above measure powerful with King Edward the second 555. 7 He misleadeth the King. 556 10 Revoked out of exile. 556 9 Made Principal Secretary, ibidem 10 Taken by Guy Earl of Warwick, and beheaded. 556. 14 His funerals celebrated. 558. 28. Pontius Pilate being banished, killeth himself 192. 4 The holy Pilgrimage, or Rebellion of Yorkshire. 773 96. Their demands 775 Pinker a Friar provincial, and a flattering preacher. 705. 53 Piso Licinianus chosen by Galba his Caesar and Successor. 202. 4 Slain 202. 5 Pius Quintus the pope his Bull to dethrone Queen Elizabeth 842. 72, 73 His Bull hanged up at the Bishop of London's gate. 844. 76, Placidia taken prisoner by Alaricus, and married to Athaulphus King of the Goths 279▪ 4 Plague in London. 581. 109. 885. 9 Plague in Newhaven spreadeth from thence into Engla●d, 836. 30 Plaisie College in Essex founded 590 Richard Plantagenet Duke of York weddeth Anne Mortimer his uncles daughter, 590 Edward the last Male Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick arraigned, condemned and beheaded 746. 61 Heir to George Duke of Clarence, imprisoned 729. 6 Ruined by Perkin Warbeckes Conspiracy, ●46. 61 Plautius or Plotius sent by Claudius Caesar against the Britan's 193. 3 His Soldiers first unwilling, were encouraged by a sign from heaven 193. 4 The first Lord Deputy in Britain 194. 12 A fortunate Conqueror in Britain 175 Pleas in law made in English. 584. 126 Plinius secundus, Traian's Tutor entreateth for the Christians 217. 2 Plotting between Richard Duke of Gloucester, Lord Protector, and the Duke of Buckingham 702. 40 Boictiers battle 582. 116 Boictou lost 513. 17 Boictou recovered by K. john. 503. 55 Poictovins commanded to departed the Realm of England 520. 46 Untrue to King Henry the 3. 526. 66 They fly out of the land. 535. 93 Sir Edward Boinings with many other slain near Bulloign 783. 131 De la Pole family how it was first raised, 600, 56 William de la Pole of a Merchant made Knight Baneret. ibid. William de la Pole marquess of Suffolk made Duke. 662. 43 Committed prisoner to the Tower & enlarged. 663. 46 Accused by the Commons in Parliament 663. 47 Going into banishment is wickedly murdered 663. 49 Michael de Pole, See in de la Pole William de la Pole his noble and great deserts 663. 49 john de la Pole Earl of Lincoln proclaimed Heir apparent to the Crown. 720. 38 He flieth into Flanders to the Duchess of Burgundy. 732 17. His Title to the Crown. ibidem. He with Lambert the Idol, advanceth in battle array against King Henry the seventh 733. 20 Slain at the battle of Stoke, ibid., 22 William de la Pole in trouble for his brother Edmund. 748 66, 67. etc. Edmund de la Pole, Earl or Duke of Suffolk, his wilful kill of a man 748. 66 Pardoned, yet flieth out of England twice 748. 66 He bringeth many into troubles and to confusion. 748. 67 Putteth himself into the protection of Philip the 1. king of Spain 749. 69 See more in Edmund. P●llesworth Nunnery before time at Tamworth. 362. 15 Polybius an ancient Greek hystorian 160. 7. 157. 1. Polycletus sent to reconcile Glassicianus and Su●tonius, in Britain 200. 23 Polydore Vergil taxed for partial writing. 486. 9 Pomponia Gracina, the wife of A. Plautius, first L. Lieutenant in Britain become a Christian 204. 8 Ponthieu revolted from the English 586. 136 The reason why ibid. 136 Pontois besieged by Charles the seventh King of France, 660. 37 Won by him at a second siege 660. 36. Pontois or Ponthois surprised and won by the English. 639. 59 Pools in England, a family of what descent 779. 103 Henry Poole Lord Montacute with others beheaded. 779. 104 Reginald Poole Cardinal about to be set up King of England. ibid. 103. His death the same day that Q. Mary died 832. 4 Reginald Poole sent for home, by Queen Mary 826. 83. Made Archbishop of Canterbury 826. 84 See more in Reginald. Poor of three sorts. 814. 85 The Pope's absurd collections out of the Scripture 223. 9 The Pope disposeth of Crowns 315. 3 Popes of Rome two at once. 431. 33 Pope to be Antichrist, no new opinion. 475. 24 The Pope denied entrance into England and France, 527. 70. Denied any more contributions in England 528. 72 Flieth from Rome for fear of Frederick Emperonr. 529. 76 The Pope's exactions and extortions repelled in England 550. 50 Popes of Rome three at once, 629. 34 Pope curseth King Henry the eighth and his Realm. 770 80 The Pope's authority called in question ibidem. Port or Porth a Saxon. 292. 2 Portsmouth how it took name. ibid. Port- Trutulensis i Richborow. 215. 15 Portugal voyage 864. 231 Gilbert Port looseth his ears for words 816. 6 Pottier his words upon King Edward the fourth his death. 694. 7 D. powel a British Writer. 164 Poisoning suspected against the Barons 535. 94. Precedency of place in women the overthrow of their husbands. 809. 53 Predictions and signs of the Lord Hastings death, 703, 45. 46 Predictions fantastical inhibited by Act of Parliament. 164. 18 Prelates of England ready to submit to Duke William of Normandy 415. 2 Prelates against their prince detested even by Monks, 535, 93 A presage to King Stephen. 453. 44 Presages of King William Rufus his death 433. 39 Praetors in provinces their jurisdiction 218. 6 Prayers and intercessions public for King Edward the third his good success in the wars of France. 574. 68 Prasutagus King of the Iceni. 176 13 His Testament 198. 10 Maurice de Prendergest entereth Ireland 463. 55 Whence he took name. ib. His Coat of Arms. ibidem. A Priest of Ware drawn and hanged for practising against King Henry the fourth 616. 26 Priests married favoured by the Nobles 373. 2 Priests marriages move debate 373. 4 Referred to the answer of a Rood 374. 4 Priests marriage inhibited by Pope Gregory. 422. 48 Primate of the Druids, 168. 8 Principality of Wales downe-falling from the Welsh line. 544. 11 Priory of the Trinity within Aldgate in London founded. 454. 51 Prior thereof, is Alderman of London 454. 51 Priory of S. Martin's in Dover founded 294. 1 Priory of Saint john's without Smithfield butnt by the Rebels under jacke Cade, and Wat Tyler 595. 19 Probus elected Emperor. 251. 1 His descent ibidem, 2 Compared with Annibal and julius Caesar ibidem. His single fights and Ensigns of victory 252. 2 His exploits 252. 2, 3. etc. He slayeth in one battle, 400000. Germane. ibidem Murdered 252. 9 His Sepulchre ibidem. Proclamation made to publish William the Lord Hastings treasons 704. 48 Procopius an usurper beheaded. 269. 2 His Coin ibidem. Proculus a Rebel against Probus 252. 6 A vassal to Venus 252. 7 His death ibidem Prodigious and presaging apparitions of war between Bedford and Bickleswade, 616 31 Prodigies preceding julian the Emperor his death. 267 7 Prodigies before jovianus the Emperor his death. 268, 5. Prodigies foregoing the Danes invasion 388. 10 Prodigies in king Brithicke, or Bithricke his time 300. 16 Prodigious portents in England 608. 104 Prodigies in Valentinian the Emperor his time 271, 11 Prodigies daily seen 198. 1 Prodigies strange and hideous 245, 2 An old prophesy in all the East parts. 210. 4 prophesy of E. G. deceiveth George Duke of Clarence. 689. 105 Provinces of Rome revolt. 198. 11 Statute of Provisors enacted, upon what occasion. 575. 75 Prutenic 159. 6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 159. 6 Prytania whence derived. 159. 6. Pride▪ Cain, or Prydain, the original name of Britain, 158. 6 A Pseudo Richard in K. Henry the fourth his time. 730. 13 A Pseudo Nero among the Parthians ibidem. Papi●nus Maximus Emperor with Clodius Albinus. 237. 6 His parentage 238. 3 They envy one the other. 238. 4 Both slain by the Praetorian Cohorts 238. 5 Their reign 238. 6 Putta Bishop of Rochester, 341. 2. Q QVadratus a Disciple of the Apostles 219. 8 Saxon Queens debarred by law from all Royalty. 300. 16. Queen's College in Cambridg● founded 731. 16 Endowed with lands by king Richard the third 726. 60 Queens College in Oxford founded 731. 16 Queen of Scots wife to K. Malcolme the third, dissuadeth William King of Scots to invade England. 486. 9 Queenburg King Edwins wife, 303. 8. 335. 11. Quendred murdereth her innocent brother K. Kenelm 308 14 Dieth for sorrow 347. 7 Procureth the murder of king Ethelbert her son in Law, ●11. 14 Quendred alias Petronilla, wife to King Offa 345, 14 Her Coin ibidem. Her treachery ibidem. Quendred as one would say, Queen Drida 345. 14 Quinchelinus associate with his father in the West-Saxon Kingdom 297. 7 Quin●helme or Quincseline, K. of the Westsaxons, plotteth the murder of King Edwin King of Northumberland. 334. 4 Quintilius chosen Emperor 248. 1 He letteth himself blood to death 248. 2 His short reign ibidem. Saint Quintin's taken by King Philip and the English. 829. 111 R RAdagosius King of the Goths maketh havoc of the Roman Empire. 276 4 Ragman roll, an evidence delivered up to the Scots, 567. 3 Raimund Earl of Tholouz, married joan King Richard the first his sister, Queen of Cicilie 480. 62 Raimundle Gross leader of forces into Ireland 463. 56 Raimund Earl of Pronince his four daughters all Queens 522. 53 A Rainbow reversed seen at London 824. 67 Rainold a third natural son of Henry the first, Earl of Cornwall etc. his issue. 443 68 Ralph Bishop of Durham, General of the field against the Scots, winneth the day. 448 14 Imprisoned 434. 2 Breaketh prison. 435. 7 Ralph Archbishop of Canterbury a paralyticke, but choleric Prelate. 240. 42 Edward Randolph a brave warrior slain in fight against Shan O-Neale 837. 45 Friar Randolph Confessor to Q. joan, wounded to death. 637. 49 Ranulph alias Randal, Earl of Chester against king Stephen 449. 42 He joineth with Earl Robert, and both of them encamp near Lincoln against King Stephen ibid. 23 His Oration unto his confederates before the battle. ib. 24 Surprised by King Stephen 452 40 Saveth Hubert de Burgh his life. 516. 27 Sir Richard Ratcliff, the Protector of Richard Duke of Gloucester, his Instrument to do villainy 705. 51 Robert Ratcliff beheaded about Perkin Warbeck. 739 37 Sir Walter Raleigh condemned for treason 886: 13. Reading Abbey founded. 492, 57 Reafan the Danes Banner taken 357. 14 Rebels executed to the number of 1500. upon the Commotion of Wat Tyler and others 596. 29 Rebels of Cornwall put to flight & overthrown thrice. 806. 25. 807. 27 Their last & utter overthrow at Saint Mary-Clift. 807. 27 Rebels of Norfolk, under the conduct of Ket, yield and receive the King's pardon. 808. 46 Rebellion in the North for maintenance of Papal religion 809 48 Rebellió breaking out at Harlstone fair in Norfolk. 844, 77 Rebellious traitors executed. ibidem Reconciliation between three Brethren, William Conquerors sons. 4●9. 14 Redburg the wife of K. Egbert 349. 17 Redwald king of the East-Angles, and Monarch of Kent, assisteth Edwin 303. 7. 309. 3. Redwald Monarch of the Englishmen 332 His Coin ibidem His reign and issue 333. 5. 7 Redmore, alias Bosworth field. 725. 58 Rees alias Rhees ap Tewdor prince of South-Wales slain. 429. 15 Regency of the English in France how far it extended. 655. 5 Regent of Scotland slain by shot, as he road in Lithquo. 851. 132 Reginald alias Reiner installed Metropolitan by the Monks of Canterbury at Midnight. 493. 31 He foregoeth his new dignity 494. 31 Reginald Earl of Boulogne adhereth to King john▪ 501. 50. Reginald Poole his life & story 825. 79 Dean of Excester ibid. Cardinal 826. 77 Legate of Viterbium. ibid. 78 Choose Pope twice ib. 79 See more in Poole. Register books of christenings and burials kept in Churches 778. 100 Reinhere king Redwalds' son slain 333. 4 Rei●burne Earl of Warwick his Combat with Colbrand the Dane 365. 16 Reinold son of the Danish Gurmo baptised 366. 3 Reinold Earl of Cornwall assisteth Maude the Empress. 452. 36 Doctor Reinold speaker before King james for the complainants, about Reformation in the Church and Liturgy. 887. 23 Religion Christian when first planted in Britain 202. 1 About Religion a free disputation in Paul's Church. 824. 65 In Oxford also 824. 66 Religion proceedeth and is advanced in Scotland. 834. 13 14 Religious houses what a number in England now suppressed 778. 100 Religious houses overthrown in Scotland 834. 15 Renate Duke of Lorraine, and of Bar taken prisoner. 656. 21 Renwald K●ng of the Westsaxons 339. 2 Reese alias Rhese the Welshman slain and beheaded ibidem. 11 Restitutus Bishop of London. 206. 19 Reth a Soldier his moderate behaviour in the battle of Brigerac 580. 107 Reuley Abbey founded. 507. 68 Rhese alias Rees ap Gruffith, Prince of South-Wales, refuseth to visit King Richard the first for want of some complemental service on his part 473. 12 Rhutupi i Ribchester or Richborow 263. 6 Ricebanke abandoned by the English for fear of the Duke of Guise and the French. 829. 113 Rice alias Rhees ap Thomas, sideth with Henry Earl of Richmont 722. 46 Richard the Hardy, third Duke of Normandy 413. 22 His wives and Issue ibidem Richard the second, or the good fourth Duke of Normandy, 413. 23 His wives and Issue ibid. 24. Richard the third, fifth Duke of Normandy thought to be poisoned 413. 25. Richard a legitimate son of King Henry the first. 443. 64 Richard a second son to King Henry the second, contracted to Alice the French Kings daughter. 457. 10. 475 22 Richard a younger son o●king Henry the second sideth against his Father 465. 65 Humbleth himself, and is received into favour 466. 79 Richard a second Natural or base son of King Henry the first, thought to be drowned with his brother William near Barbfleet 443. 67 Richard a younger son of K. Henry the second, fortifieth against his father 469 93 cometh in ibidem He hath remorse for his unnatural behaviour to his father 470. 100 Richard a third son of King Henry the second, afterward King Richard the first, surnamed Cueur de Lion, wherefore 470. 104. 482. 70 He is styled King Richard the first, and is wholly devoted ●o recover Christianity, 472. 1. 2 His Broad Seal, Arms and Coin ibidem. His choice of friends and servants 473. 4 His Coronation and oath at Westminster. 473. 5 He puruaieth treasure for his pilgrimage or voyage to the holy land 473. 7 How he settled the state of his Kingdom during the pilgrimage 473. 9 King Richard the first and king Philip of France set forward to the Holy-Land 474. 15 He refuseth to visit the Pope's Holiness ibid. 16 His mighty power and forces at Messana. ibidem. His voluntary and serious repentance 475. 23. He conferreth with joachim a learned Abbot 475. 24 Hemarieth Berengaria daughter to Sanctius King of Navarre. 475. 25. 28. His Navy royal towards the Holy-Land 475. 26 King Richard the first and K. Philip of France competitors of glory at the siege of Acon. 476. 31 He winneth the rich Convoy or Caravan of the Saladine, 477. 38 His exploits in Palestine. ibidem. 39 Forsaken by the Duke of Burgundi● ibid. Travailing● disguised like a Merchant in Germany, he is discovered, & yieldeth to Lepold or Limpold Archduke of Ostrich ibidem 43 Imprisonedby Henry the Emperor ibidem His liberty procured upon what Articles 478 46 Crowned King of Province 478, 47 Set at liberty by the Archbishop of Mentz and Coleine 478 48 He iandeth in England. ibidem 50 Crowned again at Winchester, 479, 56 His new Broad Seal. ibidem His regal Arms 479. 57 He forgives his brother john. 480. 59 His victories against Philip King of France, ibid. 60 His amendment of life and daily exercises 480 His pleasant question to the Pope ibid. 63 His noble valour performed in his own person 481. 65 His covetousness and want of mercy punished by God. 481. 68 Wounded to death at the Castle of Chaluz or Galliard ibidem He forgives the author of his death. ibid. 69 His last Will and Testament. ibid. 70 His death 482. 70 How he bequeathed or bestowed his body 481. 70 His present resolution like to that of William Rufus. 479. 58 K. Richard the first his wives and Issue 482 His 3. Metaphorical daughters ibidem. How he bestoweth them. ibidem Richard William Conqueror his son, gored by a Deer. 421. 46 His Monument in Winchester 425, 69. Richard second son of King john, crowned king of Romans and of Almain, his death and burial 507. 68 His wives and Issue ibidem. Richard a natural son of K. john 507. 74 Richard Earl of Cornwall sent with a power into Gascoign. 513, 19 Author of the Baron's rebellion in K. Henry the third his time 515. 24 Appeased and satisfied by the King ibid. He with the Barons revolt from King Henry the third. 523. 58 Richard Earl of Cornwall elected King of Romans accepted thereof 533. 89 How rich he was in Coin 534. 89 Crowned King of Romans in Aquisgrave 534 89 His Broad-Seale ibidem He dareth not come strong in to England 536. 96 Sweareth to assist the Barons for reformation of the State ibidem. Richard King of Romans taken prisoner by Simon Montfort at the battle of Lewis, and imprisoned in the Tower of London 537. 101 Richard E. of Gloucester thought to be poisoned 535. 94 Richard of Bordeaux afterward King Richard the second borne 584. 130, Made Prince of Wales, & the Nobles sworn to his succession 588. 151 Made Knight of the Garter. 589. 153 Richard the second his Coronation, his Arms, Broade-Seale and Coin 591 Takes to wife, Anne the daughter of Charles the 4. Emperor 597. 33 By enriching Bohemians, and strangers, grown distasteful to the State 597. 37. He assembleth an Army of 300000 English to overrun Scotland 599. 49 A friend to the Clergy. 600. 55 Declareth himself to be of age, and taketh the government upon him 604. 81 A great spender in hope to be Emperor 607. 96. K. Richard the second creates himself Earl of Chester 607 102 He addeth to his escutcheon Royal, the Armouries of S. Edward K. and Confessor ibid. His deposition from the crown 609. 113 His government universally hated 608. 105 He offereth to resign his crown upon conditions 609. 110 His journey to Ireland with a navy of 200. sail 608. 107 His resignation of the crown 609. 111 His friends disenabled after his deposition 612. 7 Articles published against him. 609. 112 His death at Pomfrait Castle 614. 18 Thought to be starved to death for hunger ibid. His dead corpse showed openly at London ibid. Conveyed to Langley, and translated afterwards to Westminster 614. 19 His Epitaph ibid. Being dead oftentimes voiced alive 619. 41 revived again by the Scots 636. 44 K. Richard the second a counterfeit, flieth to Robert K. of Scotland 614. 18 Died and is buried in Stri●eling. ibidem Richard Earl of Pembroke and marshal, with English Peers confederate against the Poictovins and Britons strangers 518. 37 In arms against K. Henry the third 519. 39 Confederate with lewelin Prince of Wales ibid. His great valour and agility 519. 41 Richard Earl Martial and of Pembroke, discomfiteth K. Henry the third and the Poictovins 519. 41 He is disseised of his possessions in Ireland 520. 44. Taken and wounded to death 520. 47 His burial ibidem His arms in Kilkenny ibid. Richard Earl of Arundel with others, take an hundred sail at sea 602. 69 Their victory depraved by K. Richard the second his favourites ibid. Malignant construction made of his service and theirs 602 69 He is arraigned, condemned and beheaded 607. 101 Richard Plantage●et Earl of Cambridge his conspiracy with other detected 629. 31 32 The conspirators beheaded ibidem His title to the Crown from Edmund Mortimer Earl of March. 652. 8 Richard Earl of Cambridge knighted and created Duke of York 653. 11 Made Constable of England 655. 19 Made regent of France 658. 28 Employed in Ireland 662. 45 He goeth with an army into France 659. 29 Takes arms openly upon pretence to reform, but indeed to gain the Crown 665. 55 Made Regent again 660. 37 His pedigree & claim thereby to the Crown 670. 671 Richard Duke of York practiseth and reacheth at the Crown of England 662. 43 His solemn oath to be true to K. Henry the sixth 605. 58 He causeth Edmund Duke of Somerset to be arrested and practiseth his overthrow 665. 55. 9 666. 61 Createth himself Protector of the Realm 667. 65 Discharged from it ibid. 66 He pursueth Q. Margaret and the Prince into the North 671 Richard Duke of York returneth out of Ireland, & openly in Parliament claimeth the Crown of England 670. 84 Richard Duke of York slain at the battle of Wakefield 671 89 His head crowned with a paper, sent to Queen Margaret 672. 90 His younger son Earl of Rutland a child slain by the Lord Clifford 672. 89 Richard Duke of York second son to K. Edward the fourth, conveyed with his brother Edward to the tour 701. 39 Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick, with George Duke of Clarence, proclaim Henry the sixt King again 681. 47 48 He is made governor of the Realm during civil troubles, with George Duke of Clarence●682 ●682. 53 Richard Duke of Gloucester invadeth Scotland 689. 111 His description for person & qualities 694. 5. 6 He killeth K. Henry the sixth with his own hands ibid. Causeth the death of George Duke of Clarence his brother 694. 7 He forecasteth to be King in his brother K. Edward the fourth his time ibid. His deep policy to attain the Crown 694. 7 He with the Duke of Buckingham imprisoneth the Lord Rivers, at Northampton 696 16 Made protector of K. Edward the fifth and of the Realm 697. 24 Entreated to accept of the Crown 709. 60 Says, Nay, and would have it 709. 63 Richard Duke of Glo●ester accepteth of the Crown 709 63 Richard the third beginneth his reign 710 His arms and broad seal ib. Compared to Galba the Emperor 713. 5 A bad subject, but a good Prince ibidem His Clemency and affability in the beginning of his reign 713. 6 His coronation in great State 714. 12 His progress towards Gloucester 714. 15 He plotteth the death of his Nephews Edward and Richard, K. Edward the fourth his sons 715. 15 He maketh peace with Scotland 720. 38 His unquiet conscience for murdering his Nephews 716 He refraineth Queen Ann his wife's bed 621. 42 He courteth the Lady Elizabeth, daughter to King Edward the fourth his brother 722. 43 Marches in order of battle to Leicester 723. 48 His manner of embattailing in the field 723. 23, 53 His Oration to his Soldiers 723. 24 Slain in battle valiantly fight 725. 57 Being dead attainted in Parliament 729. 9 His dead body how used and interred 725. 59 His stone coffin made a drinking trough for horses 725 59 His description 725. 60 His works of devotion 726 60 His issue 726. 62 Richard a name ominous to the Kings of England 710. 1 Richard de Saint Albain● renounceth Christianity, and turneth to the Sultan of Babylon Saladine 469. 93 Richmond Earldom first erected 426. 73 Richmond the King's house built out of the ashes of Shene, or Shine 746. 61. 751 72 Nicholas Ridley Bishop of London burnt in Oxford 824. 66 Nicholas Ridley Bishop of London defendeth Queen janes' title in a Sermon 817. 10 Rye Town fired and rifled by the French 593. 3 Lord Rivers King Edward the fifth his uncle, with others sent to Pomfrait Castle, with the Lord Richard Grey Edward the fift his half brother 705. 51 Beheaded there without order of Law, at the very instant when the Lord Hastings was beheaded in the tour of London 696. 19 705. 51 Rouen true to King Richard the first 478 45 Ever true to the English crown 492. 27 Besieged by the French King Philip 492. 27 Lost 493. 27 Rouen dismanteled of her walls 493. 28 Besieged and assaulted by the English. 638. 5 Upon what Articles to be rendered to the English 638. 56 Wone by them 639 57 Robert surnamed Curtoise William conquerors son, claimeth Normandy and warreth against his father 420. 39 421. 44 Why so surnamed 425. 68 Imprisoned and bereft of his sight, by his brother Henry, 425. 68 Possessed of Normandy. 427. 3 His gentle disposition 428. 3. He relieveth his brother Henry an enemy 429. 14 He mortgageth land for supply of money, to gain the kingdom of England. 428. 5 Constrained to make peace with his brother William Rufu● 429. 12 Mortgageth Normandy to his brother 430. 26 He goeth to jerusalem, to the holy war ibid. Returns into Normandy 435. 7 Attempteth the Crown of England ibid. Robert▪ Curtoise remitteth his yearly pay out of England 436. 15 Sueth submissively to his brother King Henry for peace 436. 18 Not regarded of him ibid. Prepareth for war 437. 21 Taken prisoner by his brother Henry 437. 22 His valour & rashness. 43732 Escapeth out of prison, is taken again and bereft of his eie-fight 437. 24 dieth in prison upon sorrow 442. 56 Buried in Gloucester ibid. Robert the sixt Duke of Normandy, magnanimous and liberal 413. 2● Marrieth Arletta ibid. His death in pilgrimage ibid. Robert Earl of Mellent attempteth to make William, Robert Curtoise his son, Duke of Norusandie 440. 44 Both taken prisoners by tankerville 440. 45 Robert, the third base son of King Henry the first, his Issue, death and burial. 443. 66 Robert the fourth base son of King Henry ibid. 69 Robert Earl of Gloucester half brother to Maude the Empress riseth against king Stephen 447. 12 He flieth into France, 448. 15 He denounceth Stephen an open▪ enemy to the state, and foresworn. 447. 12. Robert Earl of▪ Gloucester his bold attempt for the crown of England 484. 19 He spoileth Worcester. 448. 22 His speech before battle. 449 25 True to Maude the Empress, taken prisoner 452. 36 He and King Stephen redeem one another. 452. 37 Robert Earl of Gloucester dieth. ibid. 40 Robert Earl of Leicester sideth with young king Henry against his father 465. 65 He affronteth his sovereign disloially 465. 69 Vanquished in fight and taken Prisoner. 465. 68 70 Robert de Artois, Earl of Richmond slain 575. 74 Sir Robert Rous, a brave warrior his exploits 594. 9 Robert of Riddisdale Captain of Northern Rebels. 679. 35 Robin of Ridisdale the leader of Northern Soldiers against the Coronation of Richard the third 713. 7 Robert Devere●x Earl of Essex sent into France to aid Henry the fourth King of France. 867. 256. His answer to the Lord Keeper's letter 877. 231 Robert Deureux Earl of Essex his vaiiant service at Lisbon 865. 238. 240 See more in Deureux. Rochel besieged by the French. 587. 145 Manfully defended, continueth English. ibid. Rochel remaineth true to the English 494. 33 Rochel in Xantoig● taken from the English by Lewis the French King 513. 17 Rochester Cathedral Church built 332. 13 ja●● Rochfort, widow to George Bullen Lord Rochfort beheaded for concealing adultery 780. 109 Roderick king of the Picts conquered by Marus a British King. 217. 3 Roger Bishop of Salisb●ry and other prelate's come to a Council armed. 428. 17 He with the rest refuse to yield up their Castles to King Stephen 428. 18 He with Alexander Bishop of Lincoln apprehended. ibid. Roger yieldeth up Devizes and Sherburn● Castles, with a great sum of money to King Stephen. ibid. Roger Mortimer opposeth Simon Montford and the rebellious Barons 538. 102 Roicrosse, a Mere mark between England and Scotland. 419. 32 Rollo the Dane discomfited in England, passeth into France 357. 10 His adventures and descent 411. 5. 6 His dream 412. 7 The same expounded. ibid. 8 He sendeth an Embassage to Alstan alias Athelstane king of England 412. 9 He cometh to King Alstans Court. 412. 10 He entereth into league with King Alstane ibid. 13 His faith to King Alstane. ibid. Rollo the first Duke of Normandy how he did homage to King Charles the Simple. 413. 19 Romania. i. Britain. 160. 8 Roman Writers best directors for the Antiquity of Britain, and the Britanes. 157. 1 Romans downfall cause of many kingdoms rising, 160. 9 Romans never descended of the Troyans' 166. 25. Romans long unknown to Historiographers 169. 9 The Romans base Original 170 13 Romans second possessors of Britain. 183. 1 Roman Soldiers die of sickness in Britain 229. 6 Roman Empire divided 257. 1 Roman Monarchy of what continuance 272. 2 Romans state from Tarqvinius unto jui. Caesar of what continuance. 278. 2 Roman Empires dissipation. 278. 2 Romans unable to defend their own. 279, 8 Romans give Britain a final farewell. ibid. 7 Roman Empire overgreat. 188. 3 King of Romans, a title aequivalent to Caesar, in the time of the late Emperors of Rome 534. 89 Rome's birthday solemnised 240. 2 Rome sacked by Goths and Vandals 277. 9 Rome taken and sacked again. 761. 54 New Rome built. 261. 12 Romans the Original of the Old Romans 166. 25 Romanists insolency and oppression in England, causeth insurrection 516. 29 Roman strangers or Popelings, in England, infested the Realm much in King Henry the 3. his days. 523. 57 Romish rites, and Idolatrous relics restored in England. 826. 85 Romescot. See Peterpence Rood of Grace, or of Boxley in Kent, broken in pieces. 778 100 Rosamund, daughter of Walter Lord Clifford, Paramore to King Henry the second. 471 111. Her Tomb and Epitaph. ibid. Red-Ros●, badge of the Lancastrian house 682. 59 White-Rose, badge of York Family ibid. Rotheram Archbishop of Canterbury. 721. 42 Rothericke the great Prince of Conaught styleth himself King and Monarch of Ireland 462. 46 He doth homage to K. Henry the second, 464. 60 Received into king Henry the second his protection, becometh Tributary, 467. 83 Round Table erected at Windsor 575. 76 Round Table erected in France, ibidem. Rowena alias Roxena, Hengists' daughter 289, 4. 225 Roxburgh or Roxborough Castle won. 547. 29 Roxborough razed by the Queen of Scotland in revenge of her husband's death. 670. 83 Fired by the Scots 593. 3 Royal exchange in London built. 852. 140 Ruffinus fellow martyr with Wulfald 340. 8 Ruffinus Governor of Constantinople 274. 1 His Ambition 275. 3 Slain and beheaded 276. 3 Rufus marrieth Claudia the British Lady. 203. 7 He is surnamed Pudens. ibid. Runingmead Council and Charters 503. 56 Sir john russel Lord Privy Seal his valiant service against the Cornish Rebels. 806. 25 Rustandus the Popes Agent in England, his fetch to gather money 535. 86 Ruthlan Castle in North-wales recovered by King Henry the second. 456. 8 Rutters or Routs what they be 480. 93 saint SAbrina. i. Severne, a River in Britain. 194. 12 Sacae, a people in Asia thought to give name unto the Saxons. 284. 2 Sir Warham Saint Leger killeth Mac-Guer, and is killed by him. 874. 309 Saisen, Seaxen and Seaxes what persons 285. 8 Saladine Sultan of Babylon subdueth the Christians. 469. 96 Winneth jerusalem from the Christians 468. 90 Put to flight by King Richard the first 476. 35 Salic Law 567. 17. 571. 47 Salic Law for the Kingdom of France, impugned Chicheley Archbishop of Canterbury 626. 19 How far it extendeth. 626. 19 Claim of the Crown in France by the Law Salic, how badly it sped, and what success the Usurpers had. 627. 22. 23 Earl of Salisbury deprived of his Lord Chauncellourship 667. 66 Bishop of Salisbury murdered by his own tenants, 663. 48 Salustius Lucullus succeedeth Agricola in Britain. 275. 17 Put to death by Domitian for what offence. 216. 18 Salutes a Coin of king Henry the fifth in France. 643. 63 Paulus Samosatenus the Heretic banished 649. 8 Samothea, the first name of Britain. 158. 3 Samothes, alias Mesech, the first inhabitor of Britain. 157. 3. Sanctuary privileges, debated in Council 698 Sanctuaries devised the second time 749. 69 Sanders maintaineth Queen Elizabeth's deprivation. 844 78 His letter to Doctor Allen 845. 89 Sanders the Irish Legate his miserable end 843. 81 Sandwich taken by the French 667. 67. Sanguelac, alias Senlac, the place where William of Normandy fought with K. Harold 423. 54. 424. 63 Sapor or Sapores the bloody K. or Tyrant of Persia. 244. 5 Submitteth to Theodosius the Emperor 272. 4 Saracens whence they came. 323 Sasones a people where seated 280. 2 Sat●rninus elected Emperor against his will 252. 3 His speech to the Electors ibid. 4 His death. ibid. 5 Savary de Malleon deputed Lieutenant in Aquitaine under King Henry the third. 511. 12 Overthrown in battle by K. Lewis of France 513. 17 He turneth French ibid. Savoy an Hospital founded. 751. 70 Burned by Rebels 595. 29 Saxon, the supposed Stockfather of the Saxons 284. 2 Saxons, the word whence derived ibid. Saxons enter into Germany 284. 4 Their original ibid. The Saxons Prophecy, to possess Britain 300. years 283. 8 They pick quarrels with the Britain's 289 Saxons in old time valiant and adventurous. 285. 8 Fearful to the Romans. 284. 5 Saxons Heptarchy of what continuance 278. 2 Saxons Monarchy of what continuance. ibid. Saxons called into Britain for friends, prove enemies. 281. 1 Great warriors and fortunate 283. 7 The Saxons Tribes. 284. 6 The Saxons answer to the Britain Ambassadors. 283. 7 They do good service at their first coming. ibid. Their first arrival 283. 8 Saxons in Britain conceal all victories against themselves 313 Saxons superstitious 288. 8 Their names and customs. 286. 2 Saxons described. 286 Become Christians first, in Britain 205. 16 Famous for Piracies. 276 Saxons apparel 286. 3 Great punishers of adultery & incontinency 287. 6 Their manner of Government and jurisdiction 288. 10 Valorous. 287. 5 Their weapons 287. 5 Saxons of Germany thirsted after the Conquest of Britain 178, Their manner of war and battle 287. 5 Their resolute courage, ibidem Saxons Empire in England endeth 408. 51 Saxons vanquished in battle, and driven out of Thanet. 290. 10. Saxons and Britan's treaty and agreement upon Salisbury plain 290. 12 They murder the Britain's. ibidem Saxony Dukes their descent. 507. 64. 325 Saxony Dukedom whence it came. 285. 8 Saxum jacobi a stone of high esteem among the Scots. 885. 10 Lord Say beheaded at the commandment of jacke Cade. 663. 48 Scaena a bold Britain and fugitive 184. 5 Lord Scales murdered by the side of the Earl of Warwick. 670. 8. Schism upholden by Frederick Emperor against Pope Alexander the third 458. 18 Sluice surrendered 857. 180 Scotia and Scotland whence they took name 160. 9 The partition thereof, ibidem. Scotish men more Ancient Christians than any other Britan's 204. 9 Scots in derision rhyme upon King Edward the first. 546. 26 They invade the Borders of England 547. 28 Scotland under Interdict. 560 48 Absolved ibidem, Scots invade the North parts of England. 594 Environed by King Edward the third, escape by the treason of Roger Mortimer. 566 10. They invade England in king Henry the fifth his absence. 636. 44 Discomfited. 637. 45 Invade Northumberland. 667 67 Scotish Noblemen taken at Solem-Moss-fielde, delivered without ransom, and richly rewarded at their departure. 782, 120 Scotland and England united by King james the sixth of Scotland, and first of Great Britain 884. 3 Screeg and Halden leaders of Danes▪ entrench at Reading 355. 7 Sir Richard Scroop Chancellor of England surrendreth up his Broad-Seale to king Richard the second. 597. 35. Richard le Scroop Archbishop of Canterbury, for a conspiracy looseth his head. 619. 43 Sir William Scroop knight Earl of Wiltshire beheaded at Bristol 612. 6 Henry Scroop Lord Treasurer 620. 47 Sir john Scudamore his two sons beheaded by the Earl of March, upon the battle, and victory at Mortimer's Cross 672. 92 Scythians whence they took name. 285. 8 Scythian Empire of a poor beginning 170. 14 The Sea by low ebbs gives place to the sands. 438. 34 Seeds of civil wars sown in King Richard the second his days 601, 64 The six Seals in the Apocalypse opened 256. 14 Broad Seal first used. 401. 25 Great Seal delivered unto Elizabeth mother of King Edward the 5. 697. 72 Seven Sleepers 242. 3 Sebba King of the East-Saxons. 301. 9 giveth over his royal robes, and becometh professed. ibidem His death and tomb ibidem The miracle of his coffin or tomb ibidem Sebby or Sebba King of the East-Saxons entombed. 380, 36 Sebert King of the East-Saxons 300. 3 Converted to Christianity. ibidem His reign, issue and burial. 301. 3 Sebred King of the East-Saxons 301. 13 His reign ibidem Segburga King Kenwalds' widow ruleth over the Westsaxons 298. 8 Abbess of Ely. ibid. Segfrid King of East-Saxons 301. 11 Segonax a King in Kent. 173. 3 Segontians where seated. 173. 5 Stephen de Segrave Lord chief justiciar, taketh Sanctuary for practising against Richard Earl Martial. 521 49 Received again into favour. 522. 54 john Lord Segrave Custos of Scotland 549. 42 Thomas Seimer Lord Admiral marrieth Queen Katherine Parr Dowager 809. 53 Thomas Seimer Lord Admiral beheaded 809. 54. 55 His en●itement ibidem. Edward Seimer Lord Protector articled against by the Lords 809. 56 In what points 809. 60 Imprisoned in Beauchampes Tower at Windsor, & thence sent to the Tower of London 810. 59 Released out of the Tower. ibid. 60 Privily armed, cometh to the Council-table. 811. 67 Scent to the Tower ibidem Arraigned of treason, and of felony 811. 67 Condemned of felony. ibid. 68 His speech upon the Scaffold. 812. 70 Beheaded ibidem Selbey Abbey, or Saint Germane Abbey founded 425, 65 Sems progeny planted in Asia. 261. 2 Semiamyra mother of Heliogabalus 232. 8 Slain and dragged with him, 234. 6 Seminary Priests banished by Proclamation out of Great Britain●'s 889. 31 Semiramis Monarch of the Assyrians 199, 19 Sens in France rendered upon composition to King Henry the fifth. 644. 56 Sir Thomas Sentleger King Richard the third his brother in law put to death. 720. 56 Senwalch, see Kenwald 297. 8 Sered, Seward & Sigbert, joint●ly Kings of the East-Saxons. 301. 4 Slain ibidem Sergeants at Law, and Lawyers pled in Westminster-Hall armed 819. 36 Sergius a Monk instructeth Mahomet 322 Serlo a favourite of King Richard the second, spreadeth the Imposture of his being alive. 619. 41 Drawn from Pomfrait and hanged at London 619. 40 Services at Coronation according to sundry Tenors. 591. 592 julius Severus sent to suppress Commotions in Britain. 218. 4 Lord General of the forces in Britain 225. 8 Septim. Severus Caesar to Galerius 257. 2 Septim. Se●erus chosen Emperor in Germany 227. 3 He wageth war for the Empire ibid. 5 He banisheth the soldiers for betraying P●rtinax 227. 1 His description 230. 17 cometh into Britain in person with his sons Bassianus and Geta 228. 4 His good parts 230. 17 Desirous of glory 228. 6 Consecrated to God. 231. 2 Surnamed Britannicus Maximus 229. 8 His Coins. 227. 229. 9 Falls sick in York 229, 13 His speech to his Counsel & Captains. 230. 14 His death, ibidem. His birth 230. 16 His virtues and vicesaequally composed ibidem His reign and age. 230. 17 Severus his porch 332. 2 Sexburga Abbess of Elie. 310. 7 Edmond Shaa Lord Mayor of London of Counsel to Richard Duke of Gloucester, & Lord Protector 705. 53 john Shaa Clerk (brother to the foresaid Edmond Shaa) Doctor of Divinity, a flattering preacher, made for Richard Lord Protector. 705. 52 He dierh for very shame of a sermon 705. 53. 706. 55 His shameless assertions at Paul's Cross 706. 54 Shan-O-Neal his forces broken. 837. 45 Slain by Alexander Oge and his brother 837. 46 Shan-O-Neal raiseth rebellion in Ireland 836. 37 His parentage; and unnatural cruelty 837. 40 His title to Ulster. 837. 42 He tyrannizeth in Ulster. 837. 40 His outrages 837. 43 His manner how he was inaugurated OH Neal 872. 41 Submitteth to Queen Elizabeth 837. 44 Doth good service in Ireland ibidem. He falleth off again ibidem Sheep of Cotteswold transported into Spain, hurtful to England 676. 17 Lord Sheffeild slain at Norwich 808. 39 Shene or Shine, now Richmond, burned 746. 61 sheriffs of Shires, their extortions and practices looked into by the Barons 535. 95 Shipwreck of Prince William his brethren, sister, and other Gallants 439▪ 40. 41 Ships of Britain 169. 11 Shirburne an Episcopal See. 352, 4 Pride in Shoes reform, 626 17 (jane) Shore's wife, spoiled of all that she had by the sheriffs of London 704. 49. She doth penance ibidem. Her description ibid. 50. Her qualities 705. 50 When she died 704. 50 Her poor estate 705. 51 Shoreham in Sussex why so called 326, 5, Shrewsbury battle 617. 36 Siarclos a Britain marrieth Eurgaine sister to joseph of Arimathia 203. 4 Sicily one Continent with Italy 155. 4. Caius Sidi●s Geta his valour. 194. 3 Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy of Ireland 837. 45 Sir Philip Sidney slain near to Zutphen 856. 175 Sigebert a devout and learned King of the East-Angles. 309 5. He promoteth Religion and learning 310. 5 Becometh a Monk, ibidem Slain ibidem His reign ibidem Sigebert King of Westsaxons. 299. 14 Given to viciousness, and oppression ibidem. Killed ibidem His reign ibidem Sigebert King of East-Saxons, 301. 5 Sigibert King of East-Saxons. 301. 6. Restored the Christian faith, & was baptised ibidem He is murdered ibidem His Reign and issue ibidem Sigeferth and Morcar brethren murdered by Edrick, 383. 20. Sigeherd King of East-Saxons. 301 His Coin. ibidem Siger de Courtney sideth with K. Edward the third against France 570. 41 Sighere King of the East-Saxons becometh an Apostata 301. 8 Reclaimed again ibidem Sigismond King of Polonia his Ambassador to Queen Elizabeth 870. 281 His message ibidem Sigismond Emperor traveleth into England for to make peace between France and England 634. 31 Honourably entertained and stalled▪ Knight of the Garter 634. 33 He entereth a league with England upon articles 635. 35. 36 Signs presaging the end of K. Henry the sixth his reign and translation of the Crown. 671. 88 Silureses descended from Spain. 162. 7 Silureses. i. those of Southwales withstand the Romans. 195. 13 They become the more resolute upon Claud. Caesar's threats 196. 18 Simon zealots martyred in Britain 202. ●3 Simon Earl of Hampton taketh part with King Stephen 449. 25 His description ibid. Simon a Monk of Swinstead Abbey poisoneth King john. 506. 62 Is poisoned himself therewith. 506. 62 Richard Simo● Architect of Lambert Symnel, the Idol● conspiracy 730. 13 Another Sinon taken prisoner at Stokefield 733. 23 Condemned to a Dungeon and perpetual shackles 733. 23 Simon Tibald Archbishop of Canterbury beheaded by Rebels. 595. 19 Simony loss of patronage for ever 467. 82 Simony in the Popes. 474. 16 Simon Montfort Earl of Leicester refuseth great honour in France, to avoid suspicion of disloyalty. 531, 82 Reconciled to king Henry the third. ibid. 83 Possessed of King Henry the third, Richard King of Romans, and their two eldest sons 538. 101 See more in Montfort Olivere Sinclere Lieutenant General of james the fourth king of Scotland his forces, invadeth England 781. 117 Disdained of the Nobles, looseth the Field. ibid. Siricius Archbishop of Canterbury persuadeth composition with the Danes. 376. 7 Sithricke a Danish King of Northumberland. 364. 4 His son Godfrey and Anlaf disquiet the English. 364. 5 Pope Sixtus the fourth his Bull against Elizabeth Queen of England 857. 187 Sixtus Quintus the Pope, his Crusado 856. 195 His contribution to the invading of England. 856. 195 Six Articles devised by Stephen Gardiner 779. 105 Enacted. 780. 111 What they were. ibidem Repealed 805. 18 In some sort repealed in king Henry the eighth his time: revived and executed by Q. Mary 826. 86 Slaughter of the Scots at Dupline or the water of Erne. 568 24. 25 Slidda king of the East-Saxons his marriage, death and issue 300. 2 Mark Smeton confesseth against Queen Anne Bullen, and his own consciencce, yet was executed. 771. 88 A Smiths frank speech in the behalf of Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent 517. 34 Sir Thomas Smith Ambassador into France to demand Calais according to covenants. 838. 47 His pleading for Calais before King Charles the ninth, the Queen mother etc. sitting in state. 838. 839. 840. 841 social wars, what it is, and the Law or right thereof. 468 61 Solem-Mosse Field, 782. 118 john Lord Somerset slain at Tewksbury Field, 684. 71 john somervile a Traitor strangleth himself in Newgate. 845. 83 Sophes termed Sennothoes 162. 9 A Sophistical equivocation devi●ed for the kill of K. Edward the second 568. 7 Souls immortal. 168. 8 Southampton burnt by the French. 571. 44 South-Saxons kingdom the circuit of it. 295. 1 The end thereof. 296. 4 Spain so named of Hispalus. 157. 2 Compared to an Oxhide. 155. 3 Spalding a Traitor betrayeth Berwicke to King Robert Bruce and by him was put to death. 559. 34 Spaniards long unknown to Historiographers 169. 9 Spaniards in Ireland discomfited and slain 875. 319 Spaniards rather die then yield 581. 110 Spanish fleet vanquished by K. Edward the third. 581. 110 Hugh de Spenser both father & Son in high favour with King Edward the 2. banished. 559. 35. Both revoked out of exile. 559. 37 Hugh Spenser the elder cruelly cut up alive and quartered 562. 62 Hugh de Spencer the younger another Piers Gaveston 559 35 Hanged on a Gallows fifty foot high, headed & quartered 503. 67 Hugh Spenser the elder created Earl of Winchester 560. 47 Spensers cell the King's favour and pardon at a high rate 561. 51 A Spirit speaking in the Wall 825. 76 Sporus a youth, Nero's wife. 201. 2 Edward Squire his treason and execution. 849. 120 Sir Humfey Stafford slain by jacke Caede, 664. 51 Thomas Stafford with others stir rebellion 828. 105 Beheaded. 829. 105 Sir Humphrey Stafford rebelleth against King Henry the 7. 730. 12 He taketh Sanctuary, and is executed at Tyburn. ibid. Humphrey Lord Stafford Earl of Devonshire repelled by Sir john Coniers & the rebels of the North 679. 32 He and the L. Herbert Earl of Pembroke fall out for their Inn in Bambury. 679 33 He leaveth with▪ his archers the Earl of Pembrock. 679. 33 Beheaded at Bridgewater. ibid. 35 Stamboli, sometime Constantinople 475. 29 A Standard or Measure first ordained, 435. 4 Lord Stanley wounded at the Council Table 703. 44 His fearful dream ibid. 45 Lord Stanley set at liberty out of the Tower 713. 7 Thomas Stanley Earl of Derby husband to Margaret Countess of Richmond suspected of Richard the third. 722 He refuseth to come unto K. Richard the third and his answer unto him 723. 52 Sir William Stanley Lord Chamberlain to King Henry the seventh accused for conspiracy with Perkin Warbeck 739. 37 Beheaded. 740. 38 Stanley a fugitive, plotteth Q. Elizabeth's death 849. 112 Sir Willam Stanley made Captain of Devent●r 856. 176 Traitorously selleth it to the Spaniards 857. 177 Staple of wool translated out of Flaunders into England. 581. 112 Walter Stapleton Bishop of Excester beheaded 562. 60 Strange Stars appearing 432. 39 The Star badge of the E. of Oxford at Barnet field. 683. 64 Stephano Ibarra the King of Spain his secretary complotteth the death of Queen Elizabeth 849. 115. 118 Stephen Earl of Mortaigne and of Boulogne King of England his Arms broad Seal and Coin. 445 King Stephen his descent ibid. His Princely parts ibid. Fealty sworn unto him 446. 2 His parsonage and good endowments 446. 3 Free from all exactions of his subjects ibidem His perjury ibidem Crowned 446, 4 His Charter at his first entrance ibidem Recovered of a lethargy. 447. 9 He entereth Normandy ibidem Makes league with Lewis the seventh King of France ibidem. He buyeth his elder brother Theobald his title to Normandy and England for money 447. 10 He compoundeth also with Geffrey Earl of Anio● for money 447. 10 He returneth out of Normandy into England and winneth the Castle of Bedford 447. 11 His usual oath 447. 13 He subdueth Scotland 448. 16 His great valour in fight. 450 28 Taken prisoner in battle 450. 28 He desires liberty and not the Crown 451. 32 He protesteth that he would be a Monk or Pilgrim ibid. Laden with irons etc. 451. 33 King Stephen his death 454. 49 His commendation ibid. His deeds of devotion. ibidem His wife, his honours and death 454. 54 Sterling money who first coined 506. 63 Sternwold a valiant captain under Earl Goda 376. 6 Robert Stewart son of Marioric Bruce daughter to King Robert Bruce, maketh head against Edw. Balliol, in claim of the Crown of Scotland. 569. 33 Stigand Archbishop of Canterbury his counsel to the Kentish 416. 6 Degraded 418. 19 He and other Prelates deprived, in favour of the Normans ibidem Stilich● governor of Italy after he had been employed in Britain 274. 7 He hazardeth the whole Empire 276. 4 Doctor Stivington sent in Embassage to Francis Duke of Britain for to have away Henry Earl of Richmond but ●●●ecteth naught 688. 99 Stoke battle 733. 22. 23 Stonar, Vortimers' monument 314 A precious Stone having virtue to make one invincible. 517 32 Stones Church in Staffordshire why so called 339. 3 Stoneheng erected by Aurelius Ambrose 314. 3 The description of it. 315 Doctor Story his story 844. 79 How he was taken in his own grin and executed 845. 80 Stour● a water in Britain. 186. 3 George Stradlon, a grave Citizen of London his oration in the common Council 810. 58 George L. Strange pledge with King Richard the 2. for his father Thomas Stanley. 722 How he escapeth 753. 21 Strangers advanced by King Henry the third 518. 36 Discontenteth his Nobles thereby ibidem Strangers commanded to departed the Realm 513. 18 Striueling taken 547. 29 Richard Strongbow, Earl of Pembroch of Chepstow or Shigil, solicited by Dermot Mac, Murgh for Ireland 462. 52 Entereth Ireland with his forces 463. 56 Marrieth Lady Eva, Dermots daughter 464. 67 He winneth Dublin 464. 58 Gilbert Strongbow Earl of Strygul 438. 32 Tho. Stukley styled marquess of Ireland 853 Subsidy granted by the Poll of both Sex's occasion of mischief 594. 16 Subsidy denied to King Henry the third 527. 69 Subsidy denied to be paid. 761 52 Succession of the Crown to a brother in what case 553. 5 Suetonius Paulinus governeth Britain 197. 7 His Acts 197. 8. etc. He prepareth against Boudicea 199. 17 Suetonius Beatus a noble Britain become a Christian. 204 9 The Sun in his brightness badge of Edward Earl of March upon what occasion. 672 92 Suffolkemen the first that aid Queen Mary 816. 5 Sumac a Town in Poictou and name of a Family 48● Two Suns seen at once in the Sky 824. 67 Five Suns or Parhelians appear at once in the Sky in April 518. 37 Oath of Supremacy enacted. 780. 111 A Surcoate of British Pearls 187. 11 Suria a Goddess. 222 Earl of Sussex his honourable carriage toward Lady Elizabeth 822. 51. 52 S●thred K. of East-Saxons. 301 14 Expulsed by Egb●rt ibid. Silver Swans the Badge of Prince Edward son to Henry the sixth 668. 72 Sweeting sickness. 811. 65 Whence caused. 158 Swain Earle Goodwins son for the slaughter of his brother Beorn goeth in Pilgrimage to jerusalem 400. 18 Colonel Swart slain in the battle at Stoke 733. 22 Sweyne or swain son of Canutus King of Norway conquered from Saint Olaffe. 293. 21 Sweyne King of Denmark his descent 399. 9 Sweyne or swain King of Denmark enuadeth England. 377 17. 18. 19 Put to flight 377. 28 Suddenly strucken, whereof he dieth 379. 32 A Swine set upon the gate of jerusalem 219, 7 Swithelme King of East Saxons baptised 301. 7 Saint Swithune 296. 3 Saint Swythune Bishop of Winchester 350. 2 Sylvester Giraldu● Cambrensis when he flourished 164 Lambert Symnel erected as an Idol against King Henry the seventh 730. 13. Proclaimed and crowned K. of England at Dublin, as heir to George Duke of Clarence 731. 13. 14. 332. 17 Lambert Symnel erected as son to King Edward the fourth. 732. 18 He with an Army landeth at Fowdrey Pile in Lancashire. ibidem. He with Richard Simon taken prisoner at Stokefield. 733. 23 Lambert symnel condemned to the King's kitchen, and become one of the King's Falconers. ibidem A Synod at London in the presence of the two kings, Henry's, Father and son. 467. 82 The Canons thereof. ibidem. A Synod provincial holden at Oxford by Stephen Langton Archbishop of Canterbury. 512. 13 A Synod at Castille for reformation of the Irish Church. 464. 61 A Synod about celebration of Easter 331 T Claudius' Tacitus elected Emperor 250. 3 After much ibidem His virtues. 250. 5 A great favourer of learning, and learned men ibidem, His reign and death 250. 6 Cornelius Tacitus his books carefully preserved 250. 5 john Lord Talbot first Earl of Shrewsbury sent into Gascoign 666. 60 john Lord Talbot slain with his son Viscount Lisle. 666 60 His commendation, ibidem A famous warrior 653. 12 His sword ibidem Sir Gilbert Talbot joineth with Henry Earl of Richmond. 722 47 Taliesin a Briton Poet 163. 12 Tancred King of Sicily 474. 18 Tamia an addition to Countries 159. 7 Given by the Greeks. ibidem Tanned leather serveth for armour 730. 12 Tanistry law in Ireland what it is. 837. 42 Taporus See Magnetius Tavestoke Abbey founded. 372 17 Taus Frith thought to be Tweed. 512. 5. Taximagul a King in Kent. 173 3 Temples of Mercy. i Sanctuaries. 487. 11 Temple Church in London dedicated 468. 89 The Inscription over the door ibidem. Templars abolished throughout Christendom 556. 12 Templars 54 with their great master burnt at Paris. 556. 12 Temporising between King Edward the fourth, and Richard the fourth, & Richard Nevil the stout Earl of Warwick 678. 26. Terah the first Recorded Idolater 166. 24 Terwin besieged by King Henry the eighth 754. 7 Won by the English. ibidem Tetricus Emperor 246. 4 He cometh in under Aurelius his protection 249. 7 Tewksbury field 684. 71 Thames River fortified with stakes sharpened, etc. 186. 8 Thanet the Island inhabited by Hengist and Horsa 289. 1 Th. Thanie Bluebeard executed for treason 663. 46 Thaodiceus' Bishop of London driven into the● deserts of Cornwall and Wales 207. 20 jasper Theodor Earl of Pembroch, son to Sir Owen Theodor 672. 92 Sir Owen Theodor taken and beheaded ibidem Theobald Earl of Blessis in Arms against Lewis the Frenh King 439. 36 Aided by King Henry the first ibid. Theobald Earl● of Bloys layeth claim to Normandy 447. 8 He claimeth England also. 447. 10 Theobald Earl of Blois holdeth with King Henry the son against King Henry the father 465. 65 Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury refuseth to consecrated Prince Eustace the son of K. Stephen for King 453. 42 Theodora the Christian Virgin 242. 3. Theodosius entereth into Britain and London 270. 5 Highly commended and beloved 270. 10. Theodosius fellow Emperor with Valentinian the younger 272. 3 Vanquished by the Goths, 272. 4 After fasting and prayer miraculously obtaineth victory 274. 5 His death 274. 6. 275. 9 Theodosius Emperor with Valentinian the younger, his virtues 275. 8 He submitteth to the Church ibidem How he suppressed choler, ibid. His progeny, reign and age. 275. 9 Theodosius the second, Emperor in the East 278 Governed under the Persian King 278. 3 Theodoricke King of Bernicia. 302. 6 Theodwald King of Bernicia. 302. 4 Theonus Bishop of York, driven into the deserts of Cornwall and Wales. 207. 20 Thira wife to Earl Goodwin, her avarice and base merchandizing 403. 9 Killed with a thunderbolt. ibidem Thirty usurping tyrants or Emperors at once against Galienus 245. 5 Earl of Tholouz and his people hold of the Albigenses 514. 21 Thomas the Holy an English School in Rome rebuilt. 351 6 Thomas of Brotherton son to King Edward the first. 552. 71 His wives and issue 553. 71 Thomas Earl of Lancaster the greatest subject of England in King Edward the second his days 556. 11 His wife stolen away, confesseth her incontinency. 558 30 Thomas Earl of Lancaster and King Edward the second at peace 558. 32 Censured 559. 42 Called in seorne King Arthur, and whereupon 560. 42 Thomas of Woodstock his honours and virtues 590. Wilful and obstinate. ibid. Murdered at Calis ibidem Entombed in Westminster. ibidem His Issue ibidem Thomas of Woodstock created Duke of Gloucester 600. 56 His death conspired 602. 69 Overbold in checking his sovereign 606. 96 Surprised and imprisoned, 607. 99 Thom. Earl of Lancaster taken prisoner 559. 39 Condemned of high treason, and beheaded. 559. 40 Thomas Ratcliff Earl of Sussex leadeth against the Earls of Northumberland and Westm●rland being in open rebellion 842. 68 S. Thomas Hospital in Southwark given to the City of London with revenues. 814 16 Thor an Idol of the Saxons, 288. 8 Thored an English Duke did good service against the Danes 380. 40 George thorn a Champion for Thomas Paramour 851. 135 Thracians come from Tyras. 162. 6 Sir Nicholas Throgmorton arraigned for Kets conspiracy, and quit 821. 47 Francis Throgmorton his treasons. 847. 90. 91 Apprehended, confesseth his conspiracy 846. 93 Thule what Island 160. 7 Thunder in a clear sky. 469 98. Ominous to Robert Devereux when he set forward to Ireland 873. 302 Thursday whence it seemeth to be named 288. 8 Thurstan Archbishop of York consecrated by Pope Calixt, against King Henry the first his command 440. 42 Installed without subjection to Canterbury ibidem Banished 440. 43 Thurstan & Feader Collectors of Tribute slain 397. 7 There King Ethelreds' daughter wife to Gormon King of Danes 355, 12 Tiberi●s' Caesar his parents. 190 1. He murdereth Agrippa. ibid. His tyranny 190. 2 He fought to convert the nobility ibidem. His Hypocrisy 190. 3 His libidinousnesse, ibidem His Epicurism ibidem Termed Biberius Nero. ibidem Careless in state government ibidem. His reign and death. 191. 6 His person & bodily endowments ibidem. Time's motions of three several parts. 163. 4 Timothy his heresy 277, 10 Tin plentiful in Britain. 168. 9 john Tiptoft Earl of Worcester Lieutenant of King Edward the fourth in Ireland, beheaded 681. 53 Tirell killeth King William Rufus in New-forrest 433. 40 james Tirel King Richard the third his instrument to murder King Edward the fourth his sons 715. 16 His parts 715. 17 Knighted for seeing King Edward the fifth and his brother murdered 715. 19 Executed at Towre-hill for treason 716. 20 Titulus king of the East-Angles his reign 309. 2 Titus Vespasian made Emperor without all contradiction. 212. 1 The darling and delight of Mankind ibid. His heroical virtues ibidem His youth how employed 212. 2 His Coin 213. 2 His faults 212. 4 His repentance at his death. ibid. His government. 212. 7 His virtues ibidem. His age reign and death by poison ibidem Togodumnus a British Prince slain in a bloody battle 175. 9 194. 8 Tomyris the valiant Scythian Queen 249. 199. 19 Tosto deprived of the Earldom of Northumberland. 403. 7 Cruel to his brother Harold's servants 403. 7 He assaileth the coasts of England 405. 19 james Touchet Lord Audley slain 668. 72 james Touchet alias Tuichet L. Awdley Captain of the Cornish in rebellion. 742. 46 Executed 742. 47 Tower of London founded. 420 41 Walled about 431. 31 The battle at Towton on Palmsonday 675. 7 Traian Emperor. 217 His Coin ibidem. His descent and praise. 271 1 He raised the Romans Empire to the highest glory. 217. 2 Persecuteth Christians ibidem Massacreth the jews 217. 3 His death 217. 4 His portraiture and description 217. 5 Trail●-Baston justiciars what they were 550. 46 Translation of the New Testament into English by Tindal 771. 86 Traitors executed 844. 78 Cn. Trebelius Lieutenant in Britain 218. 3 Trebellius Maximus Lieutenant General in Britain 200. 24 He sideth with Vitellius, 208. 3 Trinobantes submit to Caesar, 186. 8 Robert Trisilian Lord Chief justiciar of England. 598. 47 Executed at Tyburn. 604. 78 Triumph in London, and about for defeating the Spanish invincible Armado 863. 222. etc. triumvirate erected between M. Antonius, Aemilius Lepidus and Octavianus. 188. 2 Triumuirs of England three Richards, York, Warwick and Salisbury 668. 72 Andrew Trolope a valiant captain drawn to be a Yorkist 668 73 He abandoneth the Yorkists 669. 74. Trophies in London erected, stood long unfinished, by reason of the plague. 885. 9 Truce between England and Scotland upon what points. 783. 43 Truce for 18. months between England and France 601. 29 Truce between the Kings of England and of Scotland. 559. 35 Truce between Philip de Valois King Edward the third, in the question of little Britain 575. 70 Truce between King Stephen and Prince Henry Fitz-Empresse. 453. 45 Truce or peace between Lewis the French King, and the two KK Henry's of England, father and son 466 Articles thereof 467. 79 Truce between King Richard the first and the Saladine for three years. 477. 39 Truce be●●●ene Philip the French king and Henry the third King of England. 511 12 Truce for three years between England & France in K. Henry the third his time 516. 29 Truce between England and France concluded at Burges, prejudicial to the English 588. 148 Trumpeter commanded to sound before King Offa and his successors 345. 8 Sir William Trussel a judge, in behalf of the Realm renounceth all homage and allegiance to King Edward the second 564. 74 Tufa what it is 263. 8 Tufa or Thuuf the Roman Standard 334. 8 james Tuich●t. See Touchet. A Tun of Tennis balls sent from the Dolphin of France to Henry the fifth King of England 628. 25 How it was promised to be repaid. ibid. Tunis in Africa built out of of the ruins of Carthage 541. 2 Besieged by King Lewis of France ibid. The siege raised upo● Capitulations 542. 3 The Turkish Ensign. 479. 57 Turks come from Togorma. 162. 6 Turkish Empire of a mean beginning 170. 14 Turkil a leader of the Danes. 378. 26 Protecteth the English for pay 379. 31, 32 Torlogh Leinigh usurpeth the title of O-Neale 853. 150 A tyrant to his neighbours the Irish 853. 151 Turney besieged by King Henry the eight 755. 10 Won by the English. ibid. The strength of Turney. ibid. Yielded to King Henry the eight ibid. Delivered upon composition to the French 757. 29 Tydders or Tiders after three descents English, and five Princes, now vanished. 746. 61 FIVE VAldenses. See Albigenses. Vaelens' partner in the Empire with Valentinian 271 His death 271. 14 Valentia the name of Britain. 160. 8. 270. 9 Valentine rebelleth against Theodosius 270. 7 Put to death ibid. Valentinian elected Emperor. 269. 1 His death age and reign 271 12 His birth and parentage. 269 2 A Christian. ibid. His personage and virtues 271. 13 His defects. ibid. 12 Valentinian the elder marrieth Faustine during the life of Severa his own wife. 272 2 Valentinian the younger, Emperor with his brother Gratian ibidem 1 Strangled in his bed. 273. 10 His reign and age. ibid. Valentinian the third Emperor in the West 279. 3 His descent ibid. 4 Valerianus Emperor. 244. 1 His descent. ibid. 2 A protector of Christians at first ibid. Taken prisoner by Sapores King of Persia ibid. 3 His miserable servitude. ibid. Cruelly tortured and murdered by Sapores. ibidem 4 etc. His reign and age 244. 5 Vandals sent to inhabit Britain 255. 2 Vandals infested Denmarck in the absence of King Canutu●. 391 9 Variance between England and France 758. 35 Varronianus a very infant declared Caesar 268. 5 L. Vauclere Deputy of calais under Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick impeacheth his landing 680. 41 Taxed for playing with both hands. ibid. Bastard of Vaurus hanged on a tree which himself had named Vaurus 647. 76 Vbsola the Saxons Temple all of gold 288. 8 Vectius Bolanus Deputy in Britain 209. 7 Vecturiones Eastern Picts. 269 4 Vellocatus Paramour to Cartismandua. 196. 20 Venutius a famous King of the brigants rebelleth in Britain 196. 20 His Coin ibid. john de Vere Earl of Oxford, surprised St. Michael's Mount against K. Edward the fourth 686. 85 straightly imprisoned in Normandy ibid. john de Vere Earl of Oxford joineth with Henry Earl of Richmond, and in great favour with him now King 721. 40 Robert de Vere marquess of Dublin and the first in England 600. 56 Duke of Ireland 604. 65 Dieth in Brabant exiled. ibid. 82 Buried in Coln Priory. 606. 92 Robert Vere Earl of Oxford etc. forsaketh his wife Philippe, and marrieth Lancerona. 602. 590 His banishment and death in penury ibid. Veruoil battle in Perth. 653. 7. Verulamium, or Verolamium a famous City near the place where St. Alban standeth. 178. Sacked by the Iceni. 198 L. Verus associate to M. Aurelius in the Empire 221. 2 His Coin ibid. He persecuteth the Christians ibidem. Vespasian his rising and by what Abettors 209. 3 Succeedeth Vitellius in the Roman Empire. 210. 1 His worth. ibid. His original ibid. 2 His employment in youth ibid. 3 Choose Emperor by the Maesian Soldiers 210 5 Proclaimed Emperor at Caesaria and Alexandria 211. 6 A great scourge of God against the jews ibid. 15 His peaceable death. ibid. His endowments of body, ibidem 16 His virtues ibidem His valiant service in Britain 194. 6 Rescued by his son Titus ibid. 7 Vetranio Proclaimed Emperor 262. 2 Vffa first King of the East-Angles 309. 2 Vffines who they were ibid. Robert ufford Ealre of Suffolk taken prisoner by the French 573. 55 Viscount de Melun bewrayeth the Frenchmens' intended treachery 505 Victory at Sea against the French 573. 56 Victorinus. See Aurelius. Victorinus a Moor his Stratagem 252. 8 Victorinus Lieutenant in Britain 276. 8 Villa Franca sacked by the English 870. 280 julius Vindex opposeth Nero 200. 24 Virgil the Poet alludeth to the universal peace when Christ was borne 189. 6 He alludeth to the birth of Christ ibidem Virgins eleven thousand sent with Ursula into Armorica, cast away at Sea, & perished 280. 9 In Virginea a Colony of Britain's seated 157. 13 Virius Lupus Precedent in Britain 228. 3 Hil-Vites. i. Heluetians. 285. 9 Vitellius how he came to be Emperor 208. 3 Glad of Otho his death 209. 1 His magnificent entrance into Rome, ibidem. 2 His descent diversly reported ibid. 3 His father in great favour with former Emperors ibid. His excessive gluttony & expenses 209. 4 His reign and ignominious death. 209, 8 His age 210. 9 His person. ibid. 10 Libelled against by Ast●ologerss. ibid. 8 Ulster spoilt 876. 324 Ulysseses his Altar in Caledonia 160. 7. 168. 9 Whether he visited Britain 168. 9 Sir Robert Vmfrevil discomfiteth the Scots. 638. 26 Underwood betrayeth his Master the Duke of Suffolk in Astley Park 818. 22 Union treated of at Bloys for the French State 866. 244 Union of England and Scotland before time attempted but effected by King james 884. 3 V●abdelis King of Granada looseth it. 746. 62 Vodine Archbishop of London reproveth King Vortigern 290 8. It cost him his life ibid. Vologeses a Persian Prince 197 6. Volusenus jul. Caesar's spy in Britain 183. 2 Volusianus Emperor with his father Treb. Gallus 242. 4 His Coin ibid. Vortigerne King of Britain. 281. 1 His reign full of troubles. ibid. Choose King by the Britain's to repel the common Enemy 282. 6 His descent ibid. 313 Sends for the Saxons. ibid. Why he sent for the Saxons 313. giveth himself to sensuality. 289. 3 Enamoured of Row●na and weddeth her 289. 4 He marrieth his own daughter by Rowena 313. Deposed by the Britaines his own subjects. 290. 8 Deposed and imprisoned 313 Restored to the Crown 290. 314. 11 Taken prisoner 290. 12 He flieth into Wales 291. 14 His Castle in Wales ibidem Burntwith his incestuous wife in his Castle 313. 291. 15 His issue 313 Vortimer chosen King by the Britaines in am of his father Vortigerne 290. 9 313. 2 Poisoned by Rowena 290. 10. 314. A valiant Prince. 313. 2 Vortimers battles in what places fought 313. 2 Vortimers monument. 314 Vortiporus King of the Britain's 320 Gildas his censure of him. ibid. Vrbane the Pope raiseth war for the Holy land. 430. 26 Pope Vrbane the fifth laboureth to unite the Kings of England and France against the common Enemy of Christendom 587. 41 Vskfren King Edwins son. 335. 16 Usurers called Caursini here in England 522. 52 Usurers not known in London 522. 53 Usurpers of the West Empire. 6. With their monies. 245. 246. 3. Uter Pendragon King of Britain 315 His victory. ibid. In love with Lady Igren, ibid. How he obtained her. 316 Poisoned & buried in St●neheng ibid. Why surnamed Pendragon. ibid. A valiant Captain of the Britain's 291. 15 Vtred forsaketh Prince Edmund and submitteth to Canutus. 380. 37 Vulfere Monarch of the English. 333 W Battle of Wakefield 677. 89 A Wall in Britain from Tine to Carlisle. 220▪ 〈◊〉 A Wall made by Severus from Sea to Sea. 229. 8 A Wall devised by the French for the invasion of England. 601. 61 Walbrook in London whence it took name. 255. 9 Wales ruled by English Laws and Officers. 545. 15 Wales Princes do homage unto William Conqueror. 420. 37. Wales by whom first fastened to the Crown of England. 506. 63 Let out to farm. 530. 78 Walker a Citizen and Grocer of London beheaded for words bearing a double construction. 675. 4 William Wallace alias Wallais executed 550. 47 Wallingford Castle besieged by King Stephen 453. 43 walo the Pope's Legate his good service for expulsion of Lewis and the French 508. 2 Our Lady of Walsingham and of Ypswieh with other Images burnt 778. 100 Waltham in Essex named Holy-Crosse by King Harold. 409 12. Waltheof Earl of Northampton discovereth a conspiracy and looseth his head. 420. 34 36. His great estate. ibid. Walter Deureux Earl of Essex his expedition unto Ulster, and his untimely death. 853. 149 Walther Bishop of Coventry, only allowed King Edward the second his affection to Piers de Gaveston. 556. 11 William Walworth Mayor of London killeth Wat Tyler 595. 22. Knighted and endowed with Lands by King Richard the second. 595. 25 Wannes dyke how called before time. 328. 6 Wark Castle razed by the Q. of Scots. 670. 83 Wark Castle besieged by the Scots. 761. 49 john de Warren Earl, C●stos of Scotland 548. 33 john de Warren Earl of Surrey killeth Alan le Zouch Lord Chief justiciar in Westminster Hall. 539. 105 Warren Earl taketh part with Stephen against the Nobles. 450▪ 26 Warhaems speech to the Duke of Burgundy to overthrow Perkin Warbeck▪ his feigned title. 739, 36 Wars in all parts of the Empire. 269. 2 Earl of Warwick condemned of high treason and banished 607. 100 Counterfeit-Earle of Warwick in King Henry the seventh his time hanged. 745. 59 Earl of Warwick designed to die. 745. 60 See more in Edward Plantagenet last male of that house 746 61 William Wallace a leader of Outlaws in Scotland driveth William Ormesby King Edward the first his justiciar in Scotland, out of Scotland. 547. 32 He putteth to flight john Warren Earl of Surrey, and the English forces. 548. 33 Wat Tyler his rebellion 595. 20 The Idol of Clowns. ibid. Slain in Smithfield 595. 21 Watches of the night four. 184 Waters or bourn bursting out of the earth 886. 85 Waterford alias Porthlago won by Richard Strongbow. 464. 56 Watson a Priest condemned for treason and executed. 886. 15 Wear or Ware fortress built by the Danes 338▪ 23 john Weathamsted Abbot of Saint Alban when he wrote. 164 He disproveth the discourse or narration of Brutus. ibidem Weights & measures who first ordained and settled. 506. 63 Wells Cathedral Church founded 298. 11 A Well of blood in Berkshire. 431. 30. Sir Robert Wells, son to the Lord Wells raiseth a Commotion in Lincolnshire 680. 39 Taken and beheaded. 680. 40 Wellesbourne a family in England whence descended. 507. 70 Lord Wells beheaded 680. 34 Welshmen come from Cimbrica Chersonesus. 161, Welshmen resist King Stephen 446. 6 Welsh hostages hanged at Nottingham for their father's disloyalty to King john. 498. 45 Welsh Lords in Arms soon repelled by King Henry the third 511. 11 Welsh in Arms again in K. Henry the third his days. 515. 25. Welsh rise in Arms for oppression 533. 88 Their resolution in defence of liberties ibidem. Welsh voluntary aid against Scotland 547. 29 Welshmen in Arms against King Henry the first subdued. 438. 32 Welsh tumults 448. 4● Lord Wenlock● slain by Edmund Duke of Somerset for not following him at the battle of Tewksbury. 684. 7 William de Warren first Earl of Surrey 426. 75 Lord Wentworth late Deputy of Calais arraigned for the loss of Calais 833. 9 Wereburg a Nun in Ely. 307 6 A professed virgin 340 9 Saint Wereburgs the Cathedral Church in Westchester built 340. 9 Robert Westbrome an Arch-rebel in Suffolk styled King of the Commons there. 595. 20 Westminster Abbey Church newly founded by K. Henry the third 511. 11 Westminster Church enlarged and enriched 431. 1 Westminster Hall built, 431. 31 301. 12, The East part of it rebuilt. 428. 71 Westminster Statutes first enacted 543. 10 Westminster Chapel built, 751. 3 First by King Edward the 3. and enlarged by King Henry the 7 589. 154 West Saxons Kingdom, 296 The circuit thereof 297, 2 Weathercock or Eagle of Paul's Church blown down by tempest 749. 70 White-rose a title given to Katherine Gordon Perkin Warbeckes wife 744. 41 Thomas Weyland Lord Chief justice severely punished 545. 17 Weysford in Ireland rendered & given to Robert Fitz-Stephen 463. 56 It retaineth still English attire and language. 463. 55 Weysford speech. ibid. Whorwell Abbey founded. 372. 17 Sir Thomas Wyatt his conspiracy and rebellion 818. 28 His proclamation against Q. Mary's marriage with Philip the▪ 2. King of Spain. 819. 28 His demands 819. 35. How answered by Sir Edward Hastings 819. 35 He marcheth toward London 820. 38 He and his company spoil Winchester house ibid. He removeth from Southwark to Kingston upon Thames 820. 40 He passeth the Thames, ibidem. cometh to Ludg●e. 821. 42 yieldeth to Clarentieux. 821. 45. Beheaded on Tower-Hill. 821. 46 Wibba King of the Mercians, his Issue, reign and death. 306. 2 Wiccingi a Company of Danes 357. 17 William Wickham Bishop of Winchester hath the Broad Seal given unto him. 604. 81 john Wickliff of Oxford the lamp to many noble Divines. 207. 22 His doctrine spreadeth, and is embraced in England in King Richard the second his time 610. 117 Approved especially by the Vuiversity of Oxford ibidem Opposeth the church of Rome at Oxford 588. 152 His followers called Lolards▪ ib john Wickliff calumniated & defended 610. 118 He dieth of a palsy ibidem His slanderous Epitaph devised by a Monk ibidem. The principal points of his doctrine ibidem His books condemned as heretical 630. 35. Wicklivians burnt and strangled 626 15 Widomare Viscount of Lymoges findeth an hoard of gold and silver 481. 68 Part thereof sent by him to King Richard the first, is not well accepted 481. 68 Wight Isle surprised by the French 593. 3 Wight Isle why so named. 285. 9 Wigtred or Withered king of Kent his reign and death. 294. 11 Blacke-Will alias Will. Slaughter, appointed to serve princ e Edward the 5. and his brother 715. 18 Ralph Wilford a counterfeit Earl of Warwick in King Henry the seventh his time hanged 745. 59 William de Wilford a valiant Sea-captain his exploits and prizes 618. 39 William a promoting calumniator of great men to the king hanged 524. 60 Wilfride Bishop of Selste. 296 3. His speech as touching celebration of Easter 331 William of Malmsbury when he wrote ●63. 13. William of Newborough when he lived 163. 16 He enueigheth against Geffrey Ap-Arthur. 164. 18 With what devise it is put by ibidem William Longespee, 2. Duke of Normandy his parentage. 213. 21 After Baptism named Robert ibidem. Murdered through the practice of Lewis the French King. ibidem William Longespee first natural son of Henry the second by Rosamond 471. 111 His marriage, Issue, death and burial ibidem. William Alberle cruelly whipped and hanged guiltless. 430 23 William of Anco for conspiring William Rufus his death bereft of eyesight and virility 430. 23 William Earl of Mortaigne taken prisoner 437. 21 William Ypres created Earl of Kent 451, 35 He and his Flemings favoured of King Stephen 447. 13 Embattelleth against his peers 450. 26 William de Ypres true to King Stephen 450. 29 William Longchampe Chancellor of England for his infinite Tyranny thrust out of the Realm by john Sans terre 476. 36 Bishop of Ely viceroy or Prince and Priest in England, in King Richard the first his absence 473. 10 William eldest son to King Henry the first, created D. of Normandy 438. 34 His death and burial. 470. 302 William son of Robert Curtuoise to be possessed of Normandy 439. 36 He weddeth sybil daughter of Foulke Earl of Anio●. 440. 44 Possessed of the Earldom of Flanders. 441. 50 His great valour. 441. 52 He dieth of a small wound. ibidem William de Tracie a sixth base son of King Henry the 1. 443. 71. William a third son of King Stephen conspireth against Henry Fitz Empress. 454 48 He breaketh his leg. ibid. His wife, honours and death. 454. 53 William a natural son of K. Stephen 454. 56 Prince William king Henry the first his son▪ weddeth the daughter of Foulke Earl of Anjou. 439. 39 Doth homage to King Lewis of France for Normandy. 443. 62 Drowned in the sea with his brethren, his sister, and many Gallants 439. 40443. 62 His pity to his sister costeth him his lise 439. 40 William the son of Robert Duke of Normandy, afterwards the Conqueror, committed to the tuition of Earl Gilbert and protection of Henry the first, K. of France, during his minority. 413. 27 His stratagem to escape from Henry the French King. 414 31. He enjoyeth the Dukedom of Normandy 414. 31 His Embassage to King Harold for the Crown of England 404. 14 His claim thereto 404. 16 He prepareth for England. 406. 29 He is Conqueror and Monarch of England 415. His Arms, Broad Seal and Coin. ibidem Crowned at Westminst●r. 416. 5. His Seals inscription. 418. 20. He fortifieth against invasions 416. 5 Saileth over into Normandy. 416. 9 His policy to weaken the English 417. 17 His rigorous dealing with the English his Subjects 418. 18 He putteth down learning. 416 Sworn to keep K. Edward the Confessors laws 418. 23 Wounded in fight and unhorsed by his own son Robert▪ Curtoise 420. 40 He oppresseth the English, & maketh their name reproachful 427. 43 His depopulations. 421. 46 He invadeth France and burneth Meux, or Mauntz. 422. 52 His last Will and Testament. 422. 53 His last speeches at the point of death 423. 54 The whole race of his life, portrayed by himself. ibidem King William the Conqueror his works of Devotion. ibidem His counsel to his children. ibidem The dispose of his States. ibidem His Legacy to Henry his son 423. 55 His death 424. 56 His dead Corpse forsaken of all ibidem His Hearse abandoned of all 424. 57 Burial place denied him until it was bought ibidem. Interred with a foul stench. ibidem His description for lineamets and qualities 424. 59 He nameth himself in a charter Bastardus 424. 61 King William Rufus son to King William the Conqueror why so called 425. 7. Pleasing to his father ibidem His Broad-Seale, Arms and Coin 423 Crowned King of England 427. 2 His policy to win the people's hearts against Robert Curtoise his brother 428. 7 Compoundeth with his bi●o●ther Robert for the crown of England 428. 9 A cunning Time server 428. 10. His lose government and covetous grasping. 428. 11 He invadeth Normandy. 428 12 Overthrown in a Sally. 429 13 He preferreth the Knight that overthrew him. ibidem. He and Malcolme King of Scots enter leagne 429. 16 In sickness, he repenteth, and voweth newness of life. 430 19 He soon repenteth of his repentance 430. 20 His exactions 430. 26. etc. 26 His magnanimity 431. 31 King William Rufus his valorous resolutions in war. 431. 33 His son killed in New-forest 421 Opposeth against the Pope's authority in England. 431. 33. Denieth allegiance to the Pope. 432. 34 Denieth the Pope's power Ligandi & soluendi. 432. 35 Against praying to Saints. ib. His pride and covetousness untruly taxed by some Writers 432. 36. 37 His incontinency. 432. 38 In his time strange Accidents. 432. 39 Slain in New-forest. 433. 40 Interred in Winchester. ibidem His reign. ibid. His person. 433. 41 Why named Rufus. ibid. His works of devotion. ibid. William King of Scotland a fast friend to King Richard the first. 473. 13, 478 44 He invadeth and wasteth Northumberland. 466. 73 Taken prisoner. 466. 76 Compoundeth for his ransom 467. 79. 80 Sir john William's Lord Tame, joined with Sir ●enrie Benifield in commission for the keeping of Lady Elizabeth after Queen of England 823. 61 His dutiful love to her. ibidem Richard Williams a Traitor executed. 849. 119 Wilmot a notorious rover. 377. 22. Wilnoth King Harold's son released out of Prison 427. 1 Wilton battle won by Danes. 356. 3 Wilton fired. 452. 39 Winburne Nunnery built. 304 13 Winchcomb Monastery founded 307. 13 Winchcomb● Abbay Church built. 347. 3 In Winchester, the term kept. 885. 11 Winchester Cathedral Church founded 298. 8 Winchester house in Southwark spoiled by Wyat. 820. 39 Winchester sacked by Danes. 353. 2 Winds in London 432. 39 Wine made in Britain. 252 8 Sir john Wingfield or Winkfield slain in Cadiz. 869. 272 Thomas Winter sent into Spain to negotiate with King Philip the second to sand an army for the English Catholics 889. 33 Wipha●dun alias Wimbledon field 293. 5 Wisbech Castle built 419. 28 Withgarbirg in the I'll of Wight 297. 2 Withgith, daughter of King Anna, a mention or minchin in Ely Abbey 310. 7 Withlafe by intrusion King of Mercia. 308. 18 His issue. ibidem Witihindu● a writer of the British History 282. 7 wooden a Prince, esteemed by the Saxons a God, 285. 12 Wodens five sons their names and seignories 285. 13 wooden worshipped by the Saxons for Mercury 288. 7 wooden an Idol of the Saxons how portrayed ibid. 8 W●densday or Wedensday why so termed, ibid. 8 Wolfhild a Nun carnally abused by King Edgar 370. 11 Thomas Wolsey King Henry the eight his Almoner made Bishop of Turney 755. 10 His birth and rising etc. 756 23. Entertained in Court. 757, 25. Cardinal and Legate a later. ibid. 26 Lord Chancellor of England ibid. 27 Bishop of seven bishoprics ibid. His accusatory speech against Girald Fitz-Girald Earl of Kildaro 762. 56 His pompous Embassage into France 766 Excused by King Henry the eight for suing divorce with Katherine of Spain. 767. 70 His speech to Queen Katherine. 768. 7● Thomas Wolsey Cardinal, beginneth to decline. 769. 74 The cause thereof. ibid. 76 His greatness and state, ibid. 75 Found in a Praemunire. ibid. Arrested by the Earl of Northumberland ibid. 76 His death and burial ibid. He suppresseth forty Monasteries for his Colleges 769. 77 Wolstan a Sainted Bishop of Worcester true to King William Rufus 506 Wolves paid for tribute out of Wales and so destroyed. 370. 5. Women employed in wars. 170. 2 Women govern and lead armies in Britain and elsewhere. 199. 19 Women inherit their father's possessions by the Law of God 527. 19 Sir Roger Woodhouse inhumanly dealt with by Ket and his Rebels 807. 34 Lord Wooduile assisteth Francis Duke of Britain against Charles the French King & is slain 734. 24 Richard Wooduile Earl of Rivers espouseth the Duchess Dowager of Bedford, sister to the Earl of S. Paul. 659. 33 Richard Wooduile Earl of Rivers with his son Anthony Wooduile taken prisoners at Sandwich by the Yorkists. 669. 76 Both of them surprised by Northern Rebels and beheaded 679. 35 Wool reigned from heaven, 271. 11 Wools●ane Archbishop of York sowing sedition is imprisoned, and released by King Eadred 367. 5 Worcester burned 397. 7 World compared to a Cloak. 155. 3 john Wraw a lewd priest, a bellows in time of Wat Tiler, and jacke Straws rebellion 595. 20 Christopher Wright sent in to Spain to signify the death of Queen Elizabeth, and to prosecute invasion of England 889. 35 Wriothesley Lord Chancellor forward enough to persecute Gospelers. 780. 114 Saint Wulfald his College in Stone 340. 7 Wulfald Martyr, a Christian young Gentleman slain by his father Wulfhere. 340. 7. 3 Wulfere or Wulphere King of Mercia a Noble Prince. 306. 2 His reign, wife, and Issue. ibidem Wulfhere Monarch of the Englishmen 339 Killeth his two sons, whiles they were in divine contemplation 339. 3 Wulfhere Monarch of the English, his repentance and conversion. 339. 3 Taxed for Simony 340. 3 His reign 340. 4 Wuller Hampton, alias Vlfrun-Hampton why so called. 392. 19 Wulpher Edilwalch his Godfather 296. 3 Saint Wys●an a Martyr. 308. 19 X XAincts in Xaintoing, revolteth from the English. 525. 65 Xenophon a Physician of a large conscience 196. 22 Y YEomen of the Guard first instituted. 729. 9 York Cathedral Church built 334. 7. York burnt by the Danes 354. 3 Burned by her own soldiers 417. 16 Edmund York a Traitor executed. 849. 119 Rowland York made Governor of Zutphen 856. 174 He selleth it traitorously to the Spaniards. 857. 177 Yorkshire summotion. 773. 96 Yorkistes repair to King Henry the 6. with strong troops 667. 68 Ely before the Lancastrians. 669. 74 divers Yorkists attaint in Parliament of high treason. 669. 75 Yorkists sand plausible Articles into Kent to seduce the people ibidem 77 Ytene. See Newforrest. Z ZElanders thankfulness to God for defeating the Spanish inviucible Armado 863. 223 Their new Coin and impress upon what occasion. ibid. Zenobia a famous Lady. 246. 4 Her warlike exploits 249. 4 Her letter to Aurelius the Emperor 249. 5 Vanquished and taken prisoner 249. 6 Her beauty, feature and virtues ibidem Her studies of good literature. 881. 350 Her high authority and repute ibidem Zisca the scourge of Papacy. 630. 36 Lost both his eiesyet his name terrible to his enemies. ibid. Alan de Zouch, Lord Chief justiciar slain in Westminster Hall. 539. 105 Zutphen sold by Rowland York to the Spaniards 857. 177 FINIS. Faults escaped. Page Colum Lin. Read Page Colum Lin. Read Page Colum. Lin. Read 7 a 67 Metropolitan 207 b 44 Jerome of prague 561 a 62 Robert 9 b 34 Boseham 208 a 28 Trebellius 570 b 41 ●n their rif●●gss ibid. b 39 ●emesey 209 b 7 (5) 571 a 15 D▪ Artevile 13 a 42 Plautius 210 a 30 Domitia 571 b 34 Gynoeocratie ib. a 46 Ringwood 210 a 55 he, (or one) that 577 b 46 Treaty ib. a 53 ●nforested. 218 a 42 Siu●l 584 a 5● a thousand 15 a 17 S●c●lie 218 b 3 Galen 588 b 45 Pyrenaean 19 b 51 Explore 223 b 47 Damianus 586 a 38 Plots on foot 21 a 45 Narbone 223 b 52 Caerleon 599 a 6 Who aspired 23 b 73 Glastenbury 227 a 14 Milan 598 a 46 Sir Nicholas Brambe● 27     Page 27. for 25 228 b 12 Lavatrae 601 a 47 belay 31 a 37 ra●●ed a new 228 b 13 Thracians 606 b 30 Beaufort 33 a 58 Floriacensis 229 a 28 These miseries not with standing, 607 a 4 Casks ib. b 44 Audrey 240 b 10 not of the Philipps 608 b 43 at Ravenspurre ib. b 76 Geldable 244 b 29 commanded by Sapores 612 b 67 William Heron▪ To Spain 47 a 45 Hygra 244 b 40 Iberians 615 b 3 Palaeologus 47 b 26 Vrbs 246 a 13 confusion. 618 a 17 Kinderton 49 a 21 Colchis and Egypt 25● a 12 Palmerines' 629 b 46 Her grievances were now 53 b 67 eighteen 253 a 29 Narbone       grown intolerable 53 b 79 five 255 a 25 between the mouths 633 a 38 five thousand, & eight hundred 5● b 88 decision 260 b 24 Constantine's. 634 a 18 who, as he lay 59 a 64 Berkley 260 b 56 Constantinus 6●4 a 21 omit (was) 61 b 51 At Redmore 261 a 4 the Duke 636 b 71 Beaufort 63 b 48 Swynstead 261 b 75 Constans 642 b 43 Praeclarissimus 75 b 72 whaley 261 b 77 Anibalianus 643 b 75 Turn the dice● 75 b 77 thirty six 262 a 30 Fitmicus 648 ● 3 in London 77 a 29 neither the relation 262 b 18 Constans 651 a 19 Armies full of veteran soldiers 78 a 52 porphyrite stone. 264 a 51 ruin 660 b 26 needed quiet▪ Commissioners 79 a 23 sloping 265 a 60 Ecquis nocens esse poterit, etc. 667 b 33 hostily 81 a 43 Island fish 265 a 62 Accusasse sufficit? 676 a 55 Sir Ralph Percy 83 b 60 Binovium 265 b 29 Constantius, 678 a 24 that the wanton King 89 a 42 Lithanthraces' 266 a 1 but he opened 686 a 43 King Edward 89 a 62 Gabrosentum. 266 a 39 damned 686 a 46 Until the end of king Richard's 89   64 266 a 58 Babylaes       reign 94 b 51 Furz 267 ● 14 Pythonist   a 58 Richard Earl of Warwick 101 a 23 Dimetae 268 a 12 jovianus 695 a 28 Might from youth 101 a 25 as in those countries shallbe said 269 b 30 Vecturiones 704 a 22 brigandines such as no man 103 a 24 Dimetae 270 a 17 Batavians 714 a 63 grey Amices 103 b 19 Alanus 280 b 37 Artoys, [or rather Aras] 723 a 12 in great pomp entered 117 b 7 Harlech 283 a 29 was sent 737 a 1 Zouch 123 a 60 reckoned of, than 287 a 8 purfled 748 b 58 of a great subject 139 a 17 promontories 290 b 56 seventy 750 b 22 hours 139 b 51 ●hurlheadss 291 a 19 hath by way 756 a 36 john Lesley 141 a 52 Barrow 291 a 58 Earl Eldol. 757 a 23 who posted back again 141 a 70 S. Patrick 294 a 64 Dompneva 761 a 55 and will not 145 a 69 tell 296 b 53 Cherdicke-Shore 761 b 42 The b●seegerss 145 a 83 Isle 299 a 3 Palls 768 b 39 I was not so worthy 151 a ●7 in the Portrait 299 a 40 Egbert 777 b 52 felonies 153 a 26 Non alias alij●u●que res 300 Marg.   Thorny 781 b 33 five and thirty thousand strong       ce●inere P●etae? 305 b 20 Alured 781 b 48 when he moved 154 a 31 is so far s●rewed 313 a 19 And Abbey of Amphibilus 282 a 76 Linlithquo 156 a 27 and stars. 315 a 41 UTER-PENDRAGON 783 a 1.2 There valours in the siege 157 b mar. 10 A Colonio 316 b 18 Countries       Mutterell 158 a 40 Cliffs 324 b 38 Eldol 783 a 4 Stuck down 158 a 46 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 330 b 59 to leave 784 a 50 of white Marble. 158 a 49 Cliffs. 339 a 43 Kenwald 784 b 33 not as dead. 158 a 50 Antoninus 342 a 42 the younger, Emperor 784 b 37 Item on the right hand 158 a 59 Alpion 360 a 40 Votaress 804 a 17 of Hertford 159 a 41 Prytani● 366 a 15 as Hydra's 804 b 43 Seargeant Catlin, and 159 b ●4 is yet 366 b 18 at Glastenbury 812 b 4 and he taken away 159 b 74 Bastit●nia ●71S a 7 who as well pleased 8●4 a 8 for whose maintenance 161 b mar. 74 Beleus habergeon. 405 a 6 Baldwine 816 b 47 through Shoreditch, Wher● 162 b 7 Afer 413 b 6 the fift Duke 816 b 67 jerningham 163 a 43 Britain 416 b 79 in raiment 816 b 79 back again e 164 b 66 Gordianus 416 b 79 altogether 817 b 64 by commission, That, 'zounds 166 b 37 Ericthonius, Tros, Ilus 419 b 51 Meremarke 818 a 47 Astley park 167 a 30 growth is 428 a 37 of Constance 823 a 73 fearful Princess 167 b 48 plenteously 429 b 8 jestyn 823 a 7● if hers were 168 a 47 Carnutes 431 b 39 Cenomannia 833 b 43 and Dauphin 168 b 22 Surget 435 b 8 imposed upon her 841 a 76 were carried 170 b 20 (16) 441 b 14 Eatledome 851 a 29 Proselytes 186 b 74 were both taken 448 a 49 Devises 854 a 57 breaking forth 189 a 62 more respected. 456 a 71 Elixir 854 b 17 omit (for) 194 a 65 medal 456 b 22 de Montfort 854 b 67 suspicious intents 194 b 78 Antona, or Aufona 467 a 15 Sterling 855 b 37 in zealand 196 a 39 Silures 468 a 20 Lymoges. 857 a 53 whom upon his return 196 a 42 Sicambri 468 b 49 Sans-terr● 867 a 13 after the Duke of Guise, the 196 b 69 Britain 474 b 14 pieced       Cardinal also 198 a Mar.   Quintilius Varus 475 b 4 Elinor 868 a 24 Our Zenobia 198 b 32 Decianus 481 a marg 49 A. D. 1199. 871 a 37 tam insolitam 204 b 7 Ethelbert 487 a 69 Coffers 871 a 39 ei tribuendam 205 b 74 Antonius Pius 488 b 1 To screw himself 876 b 17 Martialist 206 a 9 Gentle gods 504 b 72 ground. 876 b 50 in a Martialist 206 b 61 Bangot 539 a 36 Alan de Zouc● 878 a 62 Fimbria his complaint. 207 a 3 Ezekiel 551 b 5 Dysentery 887 a 50 Physician